IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,023,262
Granted Patent B2
US 8,023,262 · App. 12/233,525 · Granted Sep 20, 2011

Lid-closed detector

Assignee: Apple Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,023,262
App. No.
12/233,525
Granted
Sep 20, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computer having a display assembly coupled to a base assembly to alternate between a closed position and an open position. An input device disposed on the base assembly senses a contact with a portion of the display assembly to detect the display assembly in the closed position.

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a display assembly having a display screen framed by a bezel; and

a base assembly hingedly coupled to said display assembly to alternate between a closed position and an open position, said base assembly having a touchpad input device comprising a sensor region responsive to the bezel while in close proximity, wherein in said closed position, a portion of said bezel is in close proximity to said sensor region to indicate that said display assembly is in said closed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said bezel comprises a substantially metallic material.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said bezel is made of an aluminum alloy.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said touchpad comprises a capacitive touch-sensor pad.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said touchpad comprises an optical sensor pad.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said touchpad comprises a thermal sensor pad.

7. An apparatus, comprising:

a display assembly having a display screen framed by a bezel; and

a base assembly hingedly coupled to said display assembly to alternate between a closed position and an open position, said base assembly having a touchpad input device, the touch pad input device having a portion overlapping a portion of the bezel in said close position, wherein in said closed position, the portion of said bezel is in close proximity to said touchpad to indicate that said display assembly is in said closed position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said bezel comprises a substantially metallic material.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said touchpad comprises a capacitive touch-sensor pad.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said touchpad comprises an optical sensor pad.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said touchpad comprises a thermal sensor pad.

Continuity (2)
Continuation 10927576 · Aug 25, 2004
Related Publication 20090016003A1 · Jan 15, 2009