Magnetic closure mechanism for a portable computer
US6366440B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05C19/166
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A magnetic closure mechanism is adapted for use with a portable computer. The portable computer has a first housing part and a second housing part connected pivotally to the first housing part. The first housing part has a first major surface. The second housing part has a second major surface that confronts the first major surface when the second housing part is in a closed position. The magnetic closure mechanism includes a first magnet unit adapted to be provided on the first major surface, a second magnet unit adapted to be provided on the second major surface at a position corresponding to the first magnet unit, and a control unit adapted to provided be on the second housing part. The control unit is connected to the second magnet unit and is operable selectively so as to enable the second magnet unit to attract with the first magnet unit, thereby retaining the second housing part in the closed position, and so as to enable the second magnet unit to repel from the first magnet unit, thereby facilitating movement of the second housing part to an open position away from the first housing part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.