USOO6295.

038B1

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,295,038 B1

Rebeske (45) Date of Patent: *Sep. 25, 2001

(54) LAPTOP COMPUTER 5.537,127 7/1996 Jingu ........................................ 345/1

5,539,658 7/1996 McCullough .................... 364/514 A
(76) Inventor: Carlton S. Rebeske, 1646 N. Jones 5,568,603 10/1996 Chen et al. .......................... 395/155
Cir., Mesa, AZ (US) 85203 5,590,021 12/1996 Register ... . . 361/681
s s 5,659,361 8/1997 Jin ......... ... 348/75
(*) Notice: This patent issued on a continued pros- 5,856,819 1/1999 Vossler ................................. 34.5/102
ecution application filed under 37 CFR FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
patent term provisions of 35 U.S.C. 8-54962 * 2/1996 (JP) .................................. GO6F/1/16
154(a)(2). * cited by examiner
Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Primary Examiner Steven Saras
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 Assistant Examiner William C. Spencer
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts
(21) Appl. No.: 09/061,116 (57) ABSTRACT
(22) Filed: Apr. 16, 1998 A laptop computer is constructed having a case including a
7 keyboard and containing traditional computer components.
(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... G09G. 3700 A display Screen is hingedly Secured to the computer CSC
(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................. 345/1; 361/681 and may be pivoted about the hinge to an operative position
(58) Field of Search .................................... 345/1, 5, 102; wherein an operator can observe the information displayed
361/681 on the display Screen. A Second display Screen is hingedly
Secured to the first display Screen and is also connected to
(56) References Cited the computer components within the computer case. The
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS second display screen, when hinged to its operative position
displays the same information displayed on the first display
4,243,986 1/1981 Nixon ................................... 340/756 Screen, but is directed in an opposite direction to permit
4,749,364 6/1988 Arney et al. ... 439/372 operator and an observer to observe the same information
5,038,301 8/1991 Thoma, III. ... 364/521 viewable on the first and Second display Screens, respec
5,115,229 5/1992 Shalit ......... r 347 tively.
5,307,055 4/1994 Baskin et al. ............................ 345/1
5,335,192 8/1994 Oshiba ........... ... 364/708
5,384.579 1/1995 Nakasuji et al. ..................... 345/123 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Sep. 25, 2001 Sheet 1 of 4 US 6,295,038 B1
 Sep. 25, 2001 Sheet 2 of 4 US 6,295,038 B

S.
U.S. Patent Sep. 25, 2001 Sheet 3 of 4 US 6,295,038 B1

FIG. 4
U.S. Patent Sep. 25, 2001 Sheet 4 of 4 US 6,295,038 B1

CN
N

S'OIH
 US 6,295,038 B1
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LAPTOP COMPUTER FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the laptop computer of FIGS.
1 and 2 shown in its collapsed carrying position.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
The present invention relates to laptop computers, and of a laptop computer constructed in accordance with the
more particularly to portable computers for use in the teachings of the present invention.
presentation of information to Selected observers in addition FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the laptop computer of
to the operator of the computer. FIG. 4 showing the Second display Screen hinged to its
operative position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
Computers, particularly laptop computers, in combination PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
with Selected peripheral equipment have been designed in
the past for utilization by the computer operators to make Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of a
presentations to groups of observerS Such as pupils and the laptop computer constructed in accordance with the teach
like. The techniques utilized when operating Such computers 15 ings of the present invention is shown. The computer
are intended for the presentation of Selected materials, includes a case 10 enclosing the usual portable computer
Viewable by the operator on the computer display Screen, to components Such as processors, memories, including RAM,
Several individuals or groups on Secondary or Supplemental and hard disk, floppy disk drives, modem cards and Similar
display Screens that are large enough for the entire group to components presently available in conventional laptop com
observe. Such techniques are common for the presentation puters. Laptop computers are portable, usually Self
of materials in Seminars, Sales meetings, or Similar gather powerable computers, having usual desktop computer
ings wherein it is the intention of the computer operator to functions, but in lightweight compact form to facilitate
display the information available to him on the display carrying.
Screen to a group. The laptop computer of FIG. 1 includes a keyboard 12
Such computers, and the implementing Software together 25 providing the usual alpha-numeric and command data entry
with the necessary peripheral equipment are usually rela keys 14 as well as function keys 16 and provision for a
tively bulky and very expensive. Further, Such apparatus and mouse or its equivalent Such as an "eraser pointer” 18 with
presentation techniques are inappropriate when the presen the right 20 and left mouse 22 button keys. In the conven
tation is to be made to only one or two observers in addition tional prior art laptop computer, a display Screen is hinged
to the operator. For example, when an operator wishes to to the computer case and may be folded into a Storage
display the contents of his computer display Screen to position Such that the display covers the keyboard to thus
another perSon or observer Seated at the same table, it is close the laptop computer to protect both the display and the
necessary for the observer to either look over the operator's keyboard for transport. In the present invention, a similar
shoulder or to sit adjacent to the operator So that both display Screen 30 is hinged to the case of the laptop and is
individuals may share the same view of the display Screen 35 connected to the computer components within the case to
This situation is not entirely acceptable in most Sales-type provide a means for displaying information to the operator.
presentations wherein the operator and the observer are not The display screen 30 may form any of the well known
working together or are in an relationship of SalesperSon/ monitor or display types but is usually of the liquid crystal
prospective purchaser. type in View of the compact construction provided by Such
40 Structure. The display Screen 30 is rectangular and includes
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION a bottom edge and a top edge 31 and 32, respectively,
connected by Side edges 34.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide In the laptop of the present invention a Second display
a laptop computer System for use in the presentation of Screen 35 is hinged to the first display along the top edges
information to observers in addition to the operator of the 45 thereof. That is, the first display is hinged along its bottom
computer. edge 31 to the computer case 10 while the first display's top
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a edge 32 is hingedly Secured to the top edge 40 of the Second
laptop computer having a duplicate display positioned to display screen 35. When the laptop of the present invention
permit both an operator and an observer to Simultaneously is opened for use and is in its operative position as shown in
View the same information while Seated in a conventional 50 FIGS. 1 and 2, the operator faces the first display screen 30
opposing position at a common table or desk. in the conventional manner and operates the keyboards in
It is still another object of the present invention to provide accordance with the usual techniques for entering and
a laptop computer incorporating a duplicate display con retrieving information to and from the computer. The infor
Structed to permit the positioning of the displays in opposite mation displayed on the display Screen 30 is readily avail
directions to thereby permit Simultaneous viewing of the 55 able to the operator; however, Since the display Screen is
displayed information by the operator and observer. usually Small to provide the necessary lightweight and
These and other objects of the present invention will portability of the laptop, it is difficult when making a
become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description presentation to be discussing the contents of the display
Screen information with an observer if the observer or
thereof proceeds. 60 observers have to look over the shoulder or crowd next to the
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS operator to view the display Screen. Thus, the Second display
Screen 35 is connected to the computer components within
FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a laptop computer con the computer case 10 in a manner Similar to the first display
Structed in accordance with the teachings of the present Screen wherein the information on the Second display Screen
invention. 65 35 is identical to that contained in the first display screen 30.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the laptop computer of FIG. Thus, when certain information is entered on the keyboard
1. or is called up from memory to be displayed on the first
 US 6,295,038 B1
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display Screen 30, that Same information is also Simulta first display Screen 64, either by directly displaying the
neously displayed on the Second display Screen 35. entered information or calling information from memory
Similarly, when a pointer or cursor (not shown) on the first facilities located within the case 60 or through a removable
display Screen is moved, Such as by the use of a mouse or disk that may be inserted in slot 68 provided therefor in the
the "eraser pointer 18, to point to a particular portion of the 5 side of the case 60.
information on the first display Screen 30, that same pointer
is viewed on the second display screen 35 for the observer. A Second display Screen 64 is mounted for pivotal move
This duplicate information on the Second display Screen ment about axis 72. The hinge axis 72 extends from the axis
permits the operator and the observer to sit acroSS a table or of small rollers 73 attached to the second display screen 70;
desk and discuss the information presented on the display the rollers 73 are guided by channels 75 provided in the sides
Screens while the presentation is being controlled by the of the first display screen 64. The rollers, attached to the
operator. It is a relatively easy matter to provide Software second display screen 70, may thus follow the channels 75
programming that may permit the operator to exclude cer to permit the second display screen 70 to slide relative to the
tain non-essential display matters on the Second display first display screen 64 in a direction indicated by the arrow
Screen while leaving those display matters on the first 15
77. Thus, the second display screen may be extended in the
display Screen. For example, when describing a document direction indicated by arrow 77 Such that it assumes the
that is being displayed on the display Screen, the operator position shown in FIG. 4; the second display screen 70 may
may not want to permit Such non-essential information as then be pivoted about the axis 72 to thereby assume the
toolbars, display options, or program information to be position shown in FIG. 5 wherein the second display screen
displayed on the Second display Screen that would confuse 70 faces away from the operator of the computer and faces
the observer when reading or interpreting the information on toward an observer positioned facing the operator.
the document being disclosed or displayed on the Second In a manner Similar to that described in connection with
display Screen. It is also advantageous when using the laptop FIGS. 1 through 3, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and
of the present invention for the operator to emphasize a 5 provides a means for an operator to enter and present
particular portion of the information or document being 25 information to himself on a first display Screen while Simul
displayed to the observer by Simply highlighting or under taneously displaying that information to an observer on the
lining that information as the observer is watching on his Second display Screen. The duplicate information on the
display Screen; the underlined or highlighted information Second display Screen 70 permits the operator and the
occurring on the first Screen as a result of the operator's observer to Sit acroSS a table or desk and review and discuss
actions is therefore automatically presented to the observer the information presented on the display Screens while the
by the Second Screen. This feature enables the operator to information being displayed (and perhaps being emphasized
Simultaneously emphasize certain portions of the informa by underlining or highlighting) is being controlled by the
tion or document to the observer while discussing the matter operator.
with the observer.
When the presentation is completed, the laptop computer
When the presentation has concluded, the first display 35 is turned off in the conventional manner and the Second
screen 30 is folded or pivoted about a hinge axis 45 as display Screen pivoted about the axis 72 to align it in a
indicated by arrow 46 in a manner identical to that of a parallel plane with the first display screen 64. The second
conventional laptop; however, the Second display Screen 35 display screen 70 is then moved downwardly in a direction
is folded back-to-back about a hinge axis 47 as indicated by opposite to that shown by the arrow 77 to thereby “stack” the
arrow 48 connecting the two display Screens along the top 40
two Screens one on top of the other with the Second display
edges thereof. A protective top 42 is hinged to the case that screen 70 facing the back of the first display screen 64. The
can then be pivoted about its own hinge axis 49 as indicated two screens may then be pivoted about the axis 80 to close
by arrow 50 to a closed position such as shown in FIG. 3 the laptop computer with both display Screens covered and
wherein both Screens or displays are protected and the laptop protected.
is ready to be transported. 45
With the laptop construction of the present invention, the The laptop computer of the present invention may easily
information on the display Screen presented to the observer be provided with a control Switch, either through the utili
by the operator is the Same as the operator's display Screen; Zation of a hardware Switch or through Software
however, although the information is Substantially the same, programming, wherein the Second display Screen can be
the information can be highlighted, restricted, or otherwise 50 turned off to permit the laptop computer of the present
modified to assist the operator in making the presentation to invention to be used in the conventional manner Similar to
the observer. The Second display Screen is hinged to the first prior art laptop computerS having Single Screens. The Second
display Screen, although it may be connected in another display Screen may be provided with a disconnectable hinge
manner or detachable; however, the Second display Screen is or connection to the first display Screen Such that the Second
Substantially the same size or Smaller than the first display 55 display Screen may be positioned more conveniently for an
Screen and is connected to the computer components con observer; however, it is important that the electrical con
tained within the case of the laptop computer. nection be maintained to the computer components within
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternative embodi the computer case.
ment of the laptop computer of the present invention is The present invention has been described in terms of a
shown. A computer case 60 is shown and incorporates the 60 Specific embodiment incorporating details to facilitate the
usual keyboard 62 in a manner Similar to that described in understanding of the principles of construction and opera
connection with FIGS. 1 through 3. The case 60 encloses the tion of the invention. Such reference to the described
usual portable computer components which are appropri embodiment and details thereof is not intended to limit the
ately connected to a first display Screen 64 which is hingedly Scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to
Secured to the case through hinges 65 in a manner well 65 those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the
known in the art. Entries made through the utilization of the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from
keyboard 62 may result in the display of information on the the Spirit and Scope of the invention.
 US 6,295,038 B1
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What is claimed is: operator, may simultaneously view Said Second display
1. A laptop computer comprising: Screen, Said first and Second display Screens displaying
(a) a computer case including a keyboard and containing Substantially the same information.
computer components, 4. The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein said first
(b) a first display Screen hingedly Secured to said case and 5 display Screen includes channels extending along its side
connected to Said computer components for displaying edges and including means connected to Said Second display
information, when in an operative position, to an opera Screen for movably extending along Said channels to thereby
tor positioned at Said keyboard; and permit the first and Second display Screens to be moved
(c) a second display Screen, Substantially the same size as relative to each other.
Said first display Screen, connected to Said computer 5. A laptop computer comprising:
components for displaying Said information, when in (a) a case including a keyboard and at least partially
an operative position, Said Second display Screen being containing computer components;
slidably and rotatably connected to Said first display (b) a first display Screen hingedly Secured to said case at
Screen Such that Said Second display Screen is adjust 15 a first edge of Said first display Screen, operably
able between a first position in which Said Second coupled to Said computer components, and configured
display Screen is behind Said first display Screen and to display information when in an operative position,
facing Substantially in Said first direction, and a Second the first display Screen having:
position in which Said Second display Screen is facing 1) a Second edge Substantially parallel to said first edge
in a second direction between 90 and 180 from said
and joined thereto by first and Second Sides having
first direction Such that in Said Second position an lengths, and
operator at Said keyboard may view Said first display 2) a channel extending a majority of Said length of each
Screen and an observer, facing Said operator, may of Said first and Second Sides,
Simultaneously view said Second display Screen.
2. The combination Set forth in claim 1 including a single (c) a Second display Screen operably coupled to said
protective cover hingedly Secured to Said computer case for
25 computer components and configured to display at least
enclosing and protecting Said first and Second display a portion of Said information displayed on Said first
Screens when not in use. display Screen when in an operative position, the Sec
3. A laptop computer comprising: ond display Screen having:
(a) a computer case including a keyboard and containing 1) a display Surface;
computer components, 2) first a second roller each extending adjacent said first
edge from Said first and Second Sides, respectively,
(b) a first display Screen facing a first direction, Said first Said first and Second rollers each being Slidably and
display Screen having a rectangular shape and having a rotatably associated with an operatively associated
bottom and tope edge joined by Side edges, Said first channel of Said first display Screen Such that Said
display Screen hingedly Secured to Said case along Said 35 Second display Screen is adjustable between a first
bottom edge and connected to Said computer compo position with an angle of approximately 180
nents for displaying information to an operator posi between the first and Second display Screens, and a
tioned at Said keyboard; Second position with an angle of between approxi
(c) a Second display Screen having a rectangular shape mately 225 and 360° between the first and second
with bottom and top edges joined by Side edges, Said 40 display Screens Such that in Said Second position an
Second display Screen hingedly Secured to Said first operator at Said keyboard may view Said first display
display Screen at the top edges of Said display Screens Screen and an observer, facing Said operator, may
and movably Secured to Said first display Screen Such Simultaneously view said Second display Screen.
that Said Second display Screen is adjustable between a 6. The laptop computer of claim 5, further including a
first position wherein Said top edge of Said Second 45 Single protective cover hingedly Secured to Said case enclos
display Screen is adjacent Said bottom edge of Said first ing and protecting Said first and Second display Screens when
display Screen and Said Second display Screen is behind not in use.
Said first display Screen and facing Substantially in Said 7. The laptop computer of claim 5, wherein said second
first direction, and a Second position in which said top display Screen is configured to display less than all of Said
edge of Said Second display Screen is adjacent Said top 50 information displayed on Said first display Screen.
edge of Said first display Screen and Said Second display 8. The laptop computer of claim 5, wherein said second
Screen is facing in a second direction between 90 and display Screen is configured to display only information
180 from said first direction such that in said second Selected by an operator of Said laptop computer.
position an operator at Said keyboard may view Said
first display Screen and an observer, facing Said k k k k k