Portable computer with tiltable keyboard structure

Abstract

A keyboard structure is recessed within an open-topped base housing portion of a compact portable computer such as a notebook or laptop computer. Front corner portions of the keyboard structure are secured to the base housing in a manner permitting the keyboard structure to be pivoted relative to the base housing between a storage/transport orientation in which the top side of the keyboard structure is generally parallel to the bottom side of the base housing, and an ergonomically improved tilted use orientation in which the top side of the keyboard structure slopes forwardly and downwardly toward the user of the computer. With the computer opened, the keyboard may also be used in its storage/transport orientation. Compact spring biased latch assemblies are disposed within interior side surface recesses of the base housing and are operable to releasably lock the keyboard structure in a selected one of its storage/transport and tilted use orientations. With the keyboard structure initially locked in its storage/transport orientation, manual movement and subsequent release of a pair of latch buttons causes the keyboard structure to automatically pop up to and become latched in its tilted use orientation. The keyboard structure may be subsequently returned to and locked in its storage/transport orientation by simply moving the latch buttons, pivoting the keyboard structure back to its storage/transport orientation, and then releasing the latch buttons.