Hewlett-packard Company

Sergey Gary Podwalny

Michael D Derocher

Jan Hippen

Scott N Hickman

Tom B Lindberg

A display cover is coupled to a portable computer by one of a variety of double-pivot hinges. Such arrangements permit the cover to be folded flush against the back of the computer, providing the screen protection benefits of a cover without the usually-attendant increase in computer 'footprint. ' The preferred cover includes a window that permits a portion of the display to be viewed even when the cover is closed. By such an arrangement, alert or status messages can be conveyed to the user without requiring that the cover be opened. In some embodiments, the user can respond to visual or other alert messages, again without opening the cover.

Portable computer with hinged cover having a window

A display cover is coupled to a portable computer by one of a variety of double-pivot hinges. Such arrangements permit the cover to be folded flush against the back of the computer, providing the screen protection benefits of a cover without the usually-attendant increase in computer 'footprint.' The preferred cover includes a window that permits a portion of the display to be viewed even when the cover is closed. By such an arrangement, alert or status messages can be conveyed to the user without requiring that the cover be opened. In some embodiments, the user can respond to visual or other alert messages, again without opening the cover.

Portable computer

A retaining apparatus includes a first compartment for removably receiving a portable computing device and a second compartment for removably retaining a peripheral device. A bulkhead between the two compartments includes electrical connectors for interconnecting such devices when mounted within their respective compartments. The compartments are preferably formed from a single enclosure to provide rigidity to the retaining apparatus. The bulkhead connectors are sized and shaped to connect to complementary connectors on the devices when the devices are slidably inserted into their compartments. Various openings and other connectors are also provided within the retaining apparatus to allow access to connectors, slots and other features of the devices while they are mounted therein. In addition, another electrical connector is provided in the bulkhead for enabling a peripheral device outside the apparatus to be connected to the computing device.

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Corvallis, OR, United States of America

Sergey Gary Podwalny