Patent · US Expired

Pen-based computer with handle/prop having ratchet locking mechanism

US5235495A · kind A · utility

103Cited by
11References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 21, 1992
Grant dateAug 10, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 21, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/20642
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An improved handle/prop is provided for a pen-based computer wherein the handle/prop is pivotally mounted to opposite side edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and locked into a plurality of different positions. In particular, these positions are selected to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting the computer on a flat surface in one or more inclined positions for writing and/or viewing, and holding the computer during writing. A ratchet locking mechanism is provided for locking the handle/prop into the plurality of different positions. This ratchet locking mechanism includes first and second release buttons located at points where the handle/prop pivotally connects at opposite side edges of the computer. In addition, the ratchet locking mechanism includes a handle-tie piece extending through the interior of the computer to spring bias the release button into a locked position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.