Foldable computer with partially visible display when closed
View Patent ↗A portable computer has a base supporting a keyboard and a cover with a display screen, with the cover being foldable away from the base to an open configuration to view the entire screen and operate the keyboard. The cover can also be folded flush against the base to a closed configuration. A portion of the screen remains viewable in the closed configuration, either by virtue of a window formed in the base or by virtue of the portion of the cover extending past the base.
1. A portable computer, comprising:
a base supporting a key entry device; and
a cover supporting a visual display screen and foldably engaged with the base between an open configuration, wherein the key entry device on the base is exposed for user manipulation and the entire screen is exposed for viewing by a user, and a closed configuration, wherein the cover is folded flush against the base and a portion of the screen can be seen when the computer is oriented with the base closest to a viewing person, a transparent magnifying pane being disposed over the portion of the screen in the closed configuration.
2. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the base defines a periphery and is formed with a window entirely inside the periphery, the portion of the screen being viewable through the window when the computer is in the closed configuration.
3. The computer of claim 2 , comprising a transparent pane disposed in the window.
4. The computer of claim 3 , wherein the pane is a magnifying pane.
5. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the base defines a periphery and the portion of the screen is viewable in the closed configuration by virtue of extending beyond the periphery.
6. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the base defines a periphery and is formed with a window partially defined by a corner of the periphery, the portion of the screen being viewable through the window when the computer is in the closed configuration.
7. A portable computer, comprising:
a base supporting an input device;
a cover supporting a screen and pivotably engaged with the base between an open configuration, wherein the input device on the base is exposed for user manipulation and the entire screen is exposed for viewing by a user, and a closed configuration, wherein the cover is folded flush against the base; and
means for exposing a portion of the screen for viewing when the computer is in the closed configuration, wherein the base defines a periphery and is formed with a window partially defined by a corner of the periphery, the portion of the screen being viewable through the window when the computer is in the closed configuration.
8. The computer of claim 7 , wherein the base defines a periphery and the means for exposing includes a window formed entirely inside the periphery, the portion of the screen being viewable through the window when the computer is in the closed configuration.
9. The computer of claim 8 , wherein the pane is a magnifying pane.
10. The computer of claim 7 , comprising a transparent pane disposed in the window.
11. The computer of claim 7 , wherein the base defines a periphery and the means for exposing a portion of the screen for viewing when the computer is in the closed configuration includes the portion extending beyond the periphery.