US20010009500A1 - Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case - Google Patents
Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case Download PDFInfo
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- US20010009500A1 US20010009500A1 US09/797,042 US79704201A US2001009500A1 US 20010009500 A1 US20010009500 A1 US 20010009500A1 US 79704201 A US79704201 A US 79704201A US 2001009500 A1 US2001009500 A1 US 2001009500A1
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- case
- notebook computer
- computer
- keyboard
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/039—Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
- G06F3/0395—Mouse pads
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1628—Carrying enclosures containing additional elements, e.g. case for a laptop and a printer
Definitions
- the invention relates to the field of information processing systems, and more specifically to a notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case.
- the invention has particular application to the IBM® ThinkPad® line of notebook computers (IBM and ThinkPad are registered trademarks of the International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.).
- portfolio-type notebook computers see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,054 and 5,887,723 and the references cited therein.
- a general problem is that portfolio type cases generally provide protection but the computer is often removed from the case during use such that the case must be stored in a location away from the computer.
- the present invention solves this problem by making the portfolio case a permanent part of the notebook computer.
- the case not only protects the computer but provides structural support for its elements.
- the invention provides a rugged, attractive folio-type case folded along a line to form opposed halves.
- a slide fastener is attached around the periphery to provide secure closure.
- a large flat-panel display module is built into one opposed half, while a processor-keyboard module is built into the opposite half.
- the modules are interconnected using inexpensive flex cable routed between the units along the fold.
- the processor-keyboard includes a large wrist rest area below the keyboard providing operating buttons for a built-in pointing device.
- An external pointing device is attachable via a PS/2 type connector.
- the angle between the display and the keyboard is adjustable by user positioning of the slide fastener slider near the fold region. To increase the angle, the slider is moved closer to the fold; to decrease the angle, the slider is moved a small amount in the opposite direction.
- a protective lip and crushable corners formed by an extension of the protective cover beyond the edges of the keyboard and display provides added protection against mechanical shock.
- a removable, multipurpose writing pad is attachable at either end of the computer case to accommodate the needs of both left- and right-handed users.
- the writing pad folds under the case when not used. It is attached by snap button to the bottom of the computer for transport, and is foldable over the keyboard for protection in the open position such as while being used at a desk or table top. When removed and inserted between the display and the keyboard during transport, the writing pad protects both the display and the keyboard from damage.
- Advantages of the invention are the simple adjustment of the angle of display, the use of an inexpensive flex cable to interconnect the functional modules, the crushable corners and protective extending lips, the possibility of using a very large flat panel display because of increased room within the case, the removable, multipurpose writing pad, the fact that the carrying case doesn't have to be stored during use and so is impossible to lose, and an attractive, rugged case that has an estimated life of 2-3 years.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case and shown in an open position.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a resilient, portfolio-type case, including structural support members such as used in the notebook computer illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 shown in a nearly closed position.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the notebook computer of FIGS. 1 - 3 shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the notebook compute of FIGS. 1 - 4 shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 6 is a partial end view of the notebook computer of FIGS. 1 - 5 showing details of the slider used to adjust an angle between the display and the keyboard.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bottom of the notebook computer showing the details of a detachable, multipurpose writing pad.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the notebook computer showing the use of the writing pad of FIG. 7 to protect the keyboard when the case is in an open position.
- FIG. 1 With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a front perspective view of a notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case displayed in an open position.
- the notebook computer is designated, generally, by the reference numeral 100 and includes a portfolio-type case 102 , a processor-keyboard assembly 104 , a flat display assembly 106 , an interconnecting cable assembly 108 , a wrist rest area 110 , and a slide fastener 112 .
- the portfolio-type case 102 is preferably made of a resilient, protective material folded along a line to form opposed halves.
- the folded protective material defines an open position (shown) in which the opposed halves of the portfolio-type case support the flat display assembly 106 and the processor-keyboard assembly 104 in a notebook computer relationship with respect to one another.
- the phrase “notebook computer relationship” means that the display 106 is located above the processor-keyboard assembly 104 so that a person using the notebook computer is able to look directly into the display while using the keyboard for typing and commanding the computer.
- the folded protective material also defines a closed position (illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 ) in which the two assemblies 104 , 106 are enclosed within the protective portfolio-type case 102 .
- the interconnecting cable assembly 108 connects the two computer assemblies together to form a fully functional notebook computer.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the folder resilient, protective material used to form the case for the notebook computer illustrated in FIG. 1.
- the folded material is designated generally by the reference numeral 200 .
- the material 200 is folded about a fold line 202 to form two opposed halves 204 , 206 respectively.
- a plurality of structural supports 208 - 218 and 220 - 230 are disposed on the two opposed halves of the folded, protective material 200 .
- the structural supports 208 - 218 are formed of molded plastic and include a support base 232 .
- the structural supports 220 - 230 are formed of molded plastic and include a support base 234 .
- Each support base 232 , 234 is bonded to an opposed half, 204 , 206 respectively, of the folded material 200 .
- the structural supports 208 - 218 ( 220 - 230 ) and included support base 232 ( 234 ) are formed of machined metal such as aluminum.
- each structural support 208 - 230 includes a threaded bore for easily attaching other structural elements using screws.
- each structural support 208 - 230 includes a bore-like recess suitable for use with self-tapping screws and the like. The bore-like recess is molded into a structural support to reduce the manufacturing cost.
- the resilient, protective portfolio-type case 102 provides a framework upon which the notebook computer is assembled. This framework is distinguished from a typical portfolio carrying case used for some notebook computers. In such devices (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,054 and 5,887,723) a notebook computer having its own plastic or metal case is stored inside a protective, portfolio-type cover. In the present invention, however, the computer is actually built into the portfolio-type case, just as a notebook computer is normally built into its plastic or metal protective case.
- the protective case provides structural support for a display assembly and a processor-keyboard assembly which are interconnected by cable. The case retains the two assemblies in the typical “notebook computer relationship” with each other.
- the same purpose is served by the portfolio-type case and the structural support members.
- Specific advantages of the present invention in addition to its durability and attractive appearance—are that when the computer is in use, its case does not have to be stored in another location and, as a result, is not forgotten or misplaced.
- FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 shown in a nearly closed position.
- the computer is designated generally by the reference numeral 300 , and includes a folded protective case 302 , a slide fastener 304 , display module 306 , and processor-keyboard module 308 .
- the attachment of the slide fastener 304 to an outer edge of the cover 302 creates a protective lip 310 extending outwardly along the entire slide fastener.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the notebook computer of FIGS. 1 - 3 shown in a closed position.
- the computer is designated generally by the numeral 400 , and includes an outer, protective cover of a resilient material 402 having protective lips 404 along three edges, and a fold 406 along a fourth edge.
- the configuration creates crushable corners 408 .
- the protective lips 404 , fold 406 , and crushable corners 408 provide additional protection to the functional modules within the computer case.
- the dashed line 410 represents attachment of the slide fastener to the cover material, while the long-short dashed line 412 represents an outline of the functional modules within the computer case.
- the protective lips, fold and crushable corners are seen to extend significantly beyond the periphery of the functional modules, providing increased protection to the two modules.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the notebook compute of FIGS. 1 - 4 shown in a closed position.
- the computer is designated generally by the numeral 500 , and includes a slide fastener 502 and a slider 504 .
- FIG. 6 is a partial end view of the notebook computer of FIGS. 1 - 5 showing details of the slider used to adjust an angle between the display and the keyboard.
- the portion of the computer shown is designated generally by the numeral 600 , and includes a folded cover 602 shown in an open position, a slide fastener 604 , a slider 606 adjacent a fold 608 .
- a portion of a processor-keyboard module 610 is visible.
- a portion of a display module is represented by a dashed line 612 .
- the slider 606 , the material of the slide fastener 604 , and the resilient material of the folded cover 602 all cooperate to maintain the angle 614 between the display and the keyboard in a relatively fixed relation. To decrease the angle, the slider 606 is moved farther away from the fold 608 , while to increase the angle, the slider is moved closer to the fold.
- a strap 616 of fixed length is used to limit a backward travel of the display with respect to the keyboard for a predetermined viewing angle. The strap is attached at opposed ends to the display module 612 and the processor-keyboard module 610 , respectively, and folds when the case is in the closed position.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bottom of the notebook computer showing details of a detachable, multipurpose writing pad.
- the computer is designated generally by the reference numeral 700 , and includes a bottom portion of a protective portfolio-type case 702 , a detachable multipurpose writing pad 704 , snap buttons 706 , mating snaps 708 , retaining flaps 710 , magnets 712 , and covered magnetic material 714 .
- the writing pad 704 is approximately the size of the bottom 702 of the computer 700 .
- Four snap buttons 706 are located near the corners of the writing pad 704 .
- Four mating snaps 708 are located near the corners of the bottom 702 of the computer.
- the writing pad 704 is connectable to the bottom of the computer by attaching all four snap buttons 706 to mating buttons 708 .
- the writing pad is also attachable to either end of the computer for use by both left- and right-handed persons. When attached at one end, two of the snap buttons 706 engage two of the mating buttons 708 , as illustrated, permitting the pad 704 to extend from one end to one side of the computer for use as a writing surface and for using an external pointing device (not shown).
- Two retaining flaps 710 extend from opposed sides of the multipurpose writing pad 704 .
- the retaining flaps are made of a flexible material and are foldable over the writing pad for retaining papers.
- Magnets 712 located within each retaining flap and covered magnetic material 714 located within the writing pad 704 hold each retaining flap in a retaining position during use in retaining writing materials on the pad 704 .
- the retaining flaps are usable for retaining paper placed on either surface of the multipurpose writing pad 704 .
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the notebook computer showing the use of the writing pad of FIG. 7 to protect the keyboard when the case is in an open position.
- the notebook computer is designated generally by the numeral 800 , and includes a processor-keyboard module 802 , a protective cover 804 , a detachable, multipurpose writing pad 806 , opposed retaining flaps 808 , concealed magnets 810 , and concealed magnetic material 812 .
- the writing pad 806 is shown in a writing/working position extending from one end of the computer.
- the writing pad 806 is folded (arc 814 ) across the keyboard to form a protective cover 816 .
- the retaining flaps 808 are first folded under the writing pad 806 , and then the writing pad is folded under the computer (arc 818 ) for storage.
- the writing pad is retained in a position under the computer by the snap buttons located at its corners (FIG. 7).
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to the field of information processing systems, and more specifically to a notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case. The invention has particular application to the IBM® ThinkPad® line of notebook computers (IBM and ThinkPad are registered trademarks of the International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.).
- There are a number of portfolio-type notebook computers (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,054 and 5,887,723 and the references cited therein). A general problem is that portfolio type cases generally provide protection but the computer is often removed from the case during use such that the case must be stored in a location away from the computer.
- The present invention solves this problem by making the portfolio case a permanent part of the notebook computer. The case not only protects the computer but provides structural support for its elements.
- The invention provides a rugged, attractive folio-type case folded along a line to form opposed halves. A slide fastener is attached around the periphery to provide secure closure. A large flat-panel display module is built into one opposed half, while a processor-keyboard module is built into the opposite half. The modules are interconnected using inexpensive flex cable routed between the units along the fold.
- The processor-keyboard includes a large wrist rest area below the keyboard providing operating buttons for a built-in pointing device. An external pointing device is attachable via a PS/2 type connector. The angle between the display and the keyboard is adjustable by user positioning of the slide fastener slider near the fold region. To increase the angle, the slider is moved closer to the fold; to decrease the angle, the slider is moved a small amount in the opposite direction.
- A protective lip and crushable corners formed by an extension of the protective cover beyond the edges of the keyboard and display provides added protection against mechanical shock.
- A removable, multipurpose writing pad is attachable at either end of the computer case to accommodate the needs of both left- and right-handed users. The writing pad folds under the case when not used. It is attached by snap button to the bottom of the computer for transport, and is foldable over the keyboard for protection in the open position such as while being used at a desk or table top. When removed and inserted between the display and the keyboard during transport, the writing pad protects both the display and the keyboard from damage.
- Advantages of the invention are the simple adjustment of the angle of display, the use of an inexpensive flex cable to interconnect the functional modules, the crushable corners and protective extending lips, the possibility of using a very large flat panel display because of increased room within the case, the removable, multipurpose writing pad, the fact that the carrying case doesn't have to be stored during use and so is impossible to lose, and an attractive, rugged case that has an estimated life of 2-3 years.
- For a further understanding of the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, reference should be taken to the following description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case and shown in an open position.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a resilient, portfolio-type case, including structural support members such as used in the notebook computer illustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 shown in a nearly closed position.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the notebook computer of FIGS.1-3 shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the notebook compute of FIGS.1-4 shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 6 is a partial end view of the notebook computer of FIGS.1-5 showing details of the slider used to adjust an angle between the display and the keyboard.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bottom of the notebook computer showing the details of a detachable, multipurpose writing pad.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the notebook computer showing the use of the writing pad of FIG. 7 to protect the keyboard when the case is in an open position.
- With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a front perspective view of a notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case displayed in an open position. The notebook computer is designated, generally, by the
reference numeral 100 and includes a portfolio-type case 102, a processor-keyboard assembly 104, aflat display assembly 106, aninterconnecting cable assembly 108, awrist rest area 110, and aslide fastener 112. - The portfolio-
type case 102 is preferably made of a resilient, protective material folded along a line to form opposed halves. The folded protective material defines an open position (shown) in which the opposed halves of the portfolio-type case support theflat display assembly 106 and the processor-keyboard assembly 104 in a notebook computer relationship with respect to one another. As used here, the phrase “notebook computer relationship” means that thedisplay 106 is located above the processor-keyboard assembly 104 so that a person using the notebook computer is able to look directly into the display while using the keyboard for typing and commanding the computer. The folded protective material also defines a closed position (illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) in which the twoassemblies type case 102. The interconnectingcable assembly 108 connects the two computer assemblies together to form a fully functional notebook computer. - FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the folder resilient, protective material used to form the case for the notebook computer illustrated in FIG. 1. The folded material is designated generally by the
reference numeral 200. Thematerial 200 is folded about afold line 202 to form twoopposed halves - A plurality of structural supports208-218 and 220-230 are disposed on the two opposed halves of the folded,
protective material 200. In a specific embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the structural supports 208-218 are formed of molded plastic and include a support base 232. In similar manner, the structural supports 220-230 are formed of molded plastic and include a support base 234. Each support base 232, 234 is bonded to an opposed half, 204, 206 respectively, of the foldedmaterial 200. In another specific embodiment, the structural supports 208-218 (220-230) and included support base 232 (234) are formed of machined metal such as aluminum. In a specific embodiment, each structural support 208-230 includes a threaded bore for easily attaching other structural elements using screws. In yet another embodiment, each structural support 208-230 includes a bore-like recess suitable for use with self-tapping screws and the like. The bore-like recess is molded into a structural support to reduce the manufacturing cost. - The resilient, protective portfolio-type case102 (FIG. 1) provides a framework upon which the notebook computer is assembled. This framework is distinguished from a typical portfolio carrying case used for some notebook computers. In such devices (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,054 and 5,887,723) a notebook computer having its own plastic or metal case is stored inside a protective, portfolio-type cover. In the present invention, however, the computer is actually built into the portfolio-type case, just as a notebook computer is normally built into its plastic or metal protective case. In the usual notebook computer, the protective case provides structural support for a display assembly and a processor-keyboard assembly which are interconnected by cable. The case retains the two assemblies in the typical “notebook computer relationship” with each other. In the present invention, the same purpose is served by the portfolio-type case and the structural support members. Specific advantages of the present invention—in addition to its durability and attractive appearance—are that when the computer is in use, its case does not have to be stored in another location and, as a result, is not forgotten or misplaced.
- FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 shown in a nearly closed position. The computer is designated generally by the
reference numeral 300, and includes a foldedprotective case 302, aslide fastener 304,display module 306, and processor-keyboard module 308. The attachment of theslide fastener 304 to an outer edge of thecover 302 creates aprotective lip 310 extending outwardly along the entire slide fastener. - FIG. 4 is a top view of the notebook computer of FIGS.1-3 shown in a closed position. The computer is designated generally by the numeral 400, and includes an outer, protective cover of a
resilient material 402 havingprotective lips 404 along three edges, and afold 406 along a fourth edge. The configuration createscrushable corners 408. Theprotective lips 404, fold 406, andcrushable corners 408 provide additional protection to the functional modules within the computer case. The dashedline 410 represents attachment of the slide fastener to the cover material, while the long-short dashedline 412 represents an outline of the functional modules within the computer case. The protective lips, fold and crushable corners are seen to extend significantly beyond the periphery of the functional modules, providing increased protection to the two modules. - FIG. 5 is an end view of the notebook compute of FIGS.1-4 shown in a closed position. The computer is designated generally by the numeral 500, and includes a
slide fastener 502 and aslider 504. - FIG. 6 is a partial end view of the notebook computer of FIGS.1-5 showing details of the slider used to adjust an angle between the display and the keyboard. The portion of the computer shown is designated generally by the numeral 600, and includes a folded
cover 602 shown in an open position, aslide fastener 604, a slider 606 adjacent afold 608. A portion of a processor-keyboard module 610 is visible. A portion of a display module is represented by a dashedline 612. - The slider606, the material of the
slide fastener 604, and the resilient material of the foldedcover 602 all cooperate to maintain theangle 614 between the display and the keyboard in a relatively fixed relation. To decrease the angle, the slider 606 is moved farther away from thefold 608, while to increase the angle, the slider is moved closer to the fold. In an alternative embodiment, astrap 616 of fixed length is used to limit a backward travel of the display with respect to the keyboard for a predetermined viewing angle. The strap is attached at opposed ends to thedisplay module 612 and the processor-keyboard module 610, respectively, and folds when the case is in the closed position. - FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bottom of the notebook computer showing details of a detachable, multipurpose writing pad. The computer is designated generally by the
reference numeral 700, and includes a bottom portion of a protective portfolio-type case 702, a detachablemultipurpose writing pad 704,snap buttons 706, mating snaps 708, retainingflaps 710,magnets 712, and coveredmagnetic material 714. - The
writing pad 704 is approximately the size of the bottom 702 of thecomputer 700. Foursnap buttons 706 are located near the corners of thewriting pad 704. Four mating snaps 708 are located near the corners of the bottom 702 of the computer. Thewriting pad 704 is connectable to the bottom of the computer by attaching all foursnap buttons 706 tomating buttons 708. The writing pad is also attachable to either end of the computer for use by both left- and right-handed persons. When attached at one end, two of thesnap buttons 706 engage two of themating buttons 708, as illustrated, permitting thepad 704 to extend from one end to one side of the computer for use as a writing surface and for using an external pointing device (not shown). - Two retaining
flaps 710 extend from opposed sides of themultipurpose writing pad 704. The retaining flaps are made of a flexible material and are foldable over the writing pad for retaining papers.Magnets 712 located within each retaining flap and coveredmagnetic material 714 located within thewriting pad 704 hold each retaining flap in a retaining position during use in retaining writing materials on thepad 704. The retaining flaps are usable for retaining paper placed on either surface of themultipurpose writing pad 704. - FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the notebook computer showing the use of the writing pad of FIG. 7 to protect the keyboard when the case is in an open position. The notebook computer is designated generally by the numeral800, and includes a processor-
keyboard module 802, aprotective cover 804, a detachable,multipurpose writing pad 806, opposed retainingflaps 808,concealed magnets 810, and concealedmagnetic material 812. - The
writing pad 806 is shown in a writing/working position extending from one end of the computer. When the computer is being used on a desktop, thewriting pad 806 is folded (arc 814) across the keyboard to form aprotective cover 816. When the writing pad is not being used, the retainingflaps 808 are first folded under thewriting pad 806, and then the writing pad is folded under the computer (arc 818) for storage. The writing pad is retained in a position under the computer by the snap buttons located at its corners (FIG. 7). - While the invention has been described in relation to the embodiments shown in the accompanying Drawing figures, other embodiments, alternatives and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the Specification be exemplary only, and that the true scope and spirit of the invention be indicated by the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
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US09/797,042 US6356440B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2001-02-28 | Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/414,077 US6229697B1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case |
US09/797,042 US6356440B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2001-02-28 | Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case |
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US09/414,077 Continuation US6229697B1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case |
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US20010009500A1 true US20010009500A1 (en) | 2001-07-26 |
US6356440B2 US6356440B2 (en) | 2002-03-12 |
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US09/797,042 Expired - Fee Related US6356440B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2001-02-28 | Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case |
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US09/414,077 Expired - Fee Related US6229697B1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | Notebook computer having a resilient, portfolio-type case |
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