Catherine B Crosby

US Patent:

20020145847, Oct 10, 2002

Filed:

Apr 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/824718

Inventors:

Catherine Crosby - Alexandria VA, US

International Classification:

G06F001/16
H05K005/00

US Classification:

361/683000

Abstract:

A portable, lightweight, robust computer composed of a monitor/keyboard module and a CPU module which can be separated from each other and selectively recombined is presented. Both modules individually and jointly can fit into most overhead compartments on today's major airlines, and the combined unit can easily be secured in and removed from a standard bay in a nineteen inch rack-mount cabinet. A dual track system allows the portable computer to be compact yet able to provide for the uncomplicated insertion and removal of six standard commercial off-the-shelf computer data storage devices. The monitor/keyboard module includes a detachable keyboard and touchpad mouse which can be repositioned as the user desires, and it includes a monitor which is manually rotatable from an upright position to a compact position in which it covers the keyboard. The monitor can be locked in its compact position to ensure safe transport of the monitor/keyboard module and to prevent anyone from easily typing or from viewing the monitor while the user is absent. Power and data communications cables are removably attached to a connector panel located on one side of the CPU module so that common computer data storage devices may be connected and disconnected exteriorly to the CPU module.