GB2135088A - Pocket computers and housings therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A pocket computer is contained within a rugged rigid housing having a base 2 and a lid 3, which are interconnected by hinges 4. A cushion 15 of waterproof, resilient material is contained in the base 2, and co-operates with a cushion 20 of similar material in the lid 3 to form a seal between the base and the lid when the lid is closed. The computer is provided with a cover 16 of a flexible waterproof material which fits closely over the keyboard and has a substantially flat upper surface. The computer is thus protected against the ingress of moisture, both by the keyboard cover 16 and the cushion 15 in the base. The hinges are provided with resilient detent arrangements such that the lid may be held in a partly open position. The lid may incorporate a light to illuminate the upper face of the computer. The invention may be used with particular advantage where it is desired to use pocket computers in relatively hostile environments, where the computer must be protected against dust, moisture and mechanical shock. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Pocket computers and housings therefor This invention relates to pocket computers, and is concerned particularly although not exclusively with housings therefor. The term "pocket computer means, in this specification, a portable electronic device for calculating and/or data processing, which is adapted for hand-held operation.

Pocket calculators have become very familiar over recent years, and are of ever decreasing size and ever increasing sophistication.

Some such ''calculators'' are programmable and are capable of general data processing, such that they are, in effect, microcomputers.

Thus the term "pocket calculator" is better replaced by "pocket computer", which in this specification embraces both sophisticated computing devices and simple calculating devices.

Despite their size, some pocket computers are very powerful and versatile. The Hewlett Packard HP-4le is one such example. It has been adapted, by way of programming, to various dedicated uses. However, a disadvantage of most pocket computers is that they have housings which, although satisfactory for office use, do not afford adequate protection against more hostile environments-e.g. dust, moisture, mechanical shock. Thus, the use of pocket computers hitherto has been restricted to relatively clean and safe environments.

The present invention seeks to meet this disadvantage.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pocket computer removably mounted in a housing which has a base, a lid, and sealing means which provides a seal between the base of the lid to make the housing substantially fluid tight when the lid is closed.

The seal may include a first resilient cushion in said base, which cushion retains the computer in the base and preferably fits closely around the computer. The seal may further include a second resilient cushion in the lid, which co-operates with the first cushion to provide the seal, and preferably cooperates also with the computer to hold the computer within the housing when the lid is closed. The second cushion preferably comprises at least one resilient chock which bears against the computer when the lid is closed.

Preferably, the base and the lid are hinged together. They may be so hinged together by hinge parts which project from the housing.

The housing preferably includes a resilient catch which both secures and resiliently urges together the base and lid.

Preferably, the computer is surrounded by waterproof material in the housing, when the lid is open. A dessicant may be provided adjacent the computer, within said material.

The housing is preferably rigid, to protect the computer from mechanical impact.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pocket computer having a keyboard and a cover of a flexible waterproof material which fits closely over the keyboard to protect the keyboard against ingress of moisture, the cover having sufficient flexibility to permit operation of the keys through the cover.

Preferably, the cover has an upper surface which is substantially flat over at least the major part of the keyboard. Alternatively, the cover may have an upper surface which, over at least the major part of the keyboard, is flat relative to the contours of the keyboard, but nevertheless has some raised portions over at least some of the keys.

The cover is preferably provided with at least one portion which is raised relative to the remainder of the cover and is disposed above one of the keys of the keyboard, to afford prominence to that key.

The cover may have a window which is disposed over a display of the computer. The window may be provided by a cut-out portion of the cover, or a portion of transparent material (which need not be of said flexible waterproof material).

The cover may be attached to the computer by means of an adhesive along all edges of the cover. Alternatively, the cover may be attached to the computer by a resilient frame (e.g. of plastics) which engages the computer.

Preferably, the underside of the cover has a plurality of recesses separated by ribs, each recess receiving a respective key of the keyboard.

If desired, at least one rigid cover may be placed over a respective one of the keys and under the cover, to inhibit operation of that key.

The cover may be substantially opaque. It may be imprinted with a plurality of symbols, each above a respective one of the keys, the symbols corresponding to data and/or operations pertaining to a program to which the computer is dedicated.

The cover may with advantage cover the whole top face of the computer, and preferably extends at least partially down the sides thereof.

The cover may co-operate with a further cover of waterproof material, substantially to encase the computer in said waterproof material. Alternatively, the first-mentioned cover itself may substantially encase the computer in said waterproof material, being provided with a suitable opening for the insertion and removal of the computer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pocket computer removably mounted in a rigid housing which protects the computer from mechanical impact and/or shock and completely encloses the computer but has -a lid to access the computer controls.

Preferably stay means is provided for retaining the lid partly open, to allow access to the computer controls, whilst partly shielding the computer. The stay means may comprise resilient detent means. The resilient detent means may comprise interengaging detent and projection means on projecting hinge parts of the housing.

The housing is preferably provided with at least one loop permitting attachment of the housing to a belt.

According to a fourth aspe#ct of the present invention, there is provided a pocket computer mounted in a housing which completely encloses the computer but has a lid to access the computer controls, there being provided a light source to illuminate the computer controls and display.

Preferably, said light source is provided with its own energy supply indepe#ndent of that of the computer.

The light source may be mounted in the lid such that, when the lid is partly open, light from the light source falls on an upper face of the computer. Then, there is preferably provided stay means for retaining the lid partly open.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing, the single figure of which is a perspective view of a pocket computer embodying the invention.

The illustrated pocket computer 1 is contained within a rugged rigid housing, comprising a base 2 and a lid 3, interconnected by hinges 4. The housing is made of a strong, impact resistant, fire resistant, chemical and oil resistant plastics material. It has an easy clean, scratch resistant finish. It is of a compact size to fit in a pocket or pouch. In fact, the illustrated arrangement is based upon the Hewlett Packard HP-41c computer, but it will be appreciated that the arrangement may be adapted to fit around other pocket computers, with corresponding variations in detail.

Each of the two hinges 4 comprises a pair of spaced lugs 5 formed integrally on the base 2, and a pair of spaced lugs 6 formed integrally on the lid 3. The lugs 6 fit around the lugs 5, and a pivot pin 7 passes through the lugs 5 and 6. Each of the lugs 5 is formed with a recess, and each of the lugs 6 is formed with a corresponding projection, the projections being arranged to engage the recesses in a resilient manner to form a detent which holds the lid 3 at an intermediate position#e.g. at a position over the base 2 and at approximately 80" thereto.

The base 2 is formed at each of its sides with a pair of integrally moulded loops 8, which may, for example, serve for mounting the housing on a belt. A further loop 9 is provided at the top of the base 2, and serves to suspend the housing from a suitable point, if desired.

A catch 10 comprises a claw 11 and a lever 12, each formed of spring metal. The claw 11 is pivotally mounted on the lever 12, which in turn is pivotally mounted on the lid 3. The lever 12 is arranged to engage under a lip 13 provided on the base 2, and when the lever 12 is subsequently closed, to a position in which it is substantially parallel with the lid 3, the resilient nature of the catch 10 serves both to secure and resiliently urge together the base 2 and lid 3. The top surface of the lid 3 (not shown) is preferably provided with a recess to accommodate the lever 12, when the catch 10 is enclosed. Such a recess is not visible in the figure, but its location can be seen from the corresponding depression 14 formed in the underside of the lid 3.

The pocket computer within the housing is of a conventional shape, having a keyboard and a display-on its upper surface. However, the computer as such cannot be seen in the drawing, because it is encased within water proof material. To this end, the base 2 contains a cushion 1 5 of waterproof, resilient material (e.g. natural rubber, or any other suitable material), which fits closely within the base 2 to form a seal between the cushion 15 and the base 2. The cushion 15 extends over the bottom and up the sides of the base 2, and has an upwardly opening oblong aperture, to receive the computer body, as a close fit.

The computer body has a top cover 16, also of waterproof resilient material, which fits closely over the entire top surface of the computer body, and extends partially down the sides thereof. The cover 16 is provided with an aperture 17, through which the display of the computer is visible. The cover 16 is secured to the computer body by means of adhesive, which is applied around every edge of the cover 16, including the edges around the aperture 17.

Much of the top surface of the cover 16 comprises a flat keyboard cover 18, which fits over the keys of the computer keyboard. The underside of the keyboard cover is formed with a plurality of recesses, each separated by ribs. Each recess fits over a respective one of the keys of the computer keyboard. Thus, the keyboard cover 18 provides a convenient flat surface, with an array of discrete areas designated by a grid, each of the areas being above a respective computer key. If desired, a rigid cover (e.g. of rigid plastics material) rhåy be placed over any desired key, and underneath the cover 16, to- inhibit operation of that key.

To fit the computer body into the base 2, the top cover 16 is first applied and secured in place, and then the computer body is introduced into the aperture in the cushion 15, which accepts the computer body with the top cover 16, as a snug fit. The joint line between the top cover 16 and the cushion 15 is indicated in the figure by the reference numeral 19. The cushion 15 containing the computer body is then eased into the base 2, again as a snug fit. Preferably, the base portion of the cushion 15 is provided with a recess to accommodate a sachet of a dessicant (for example, silica gel).

The lid 3 of the housing also incorporates a cushion 20 of waterproof resilient material (e.g. natural rubber or any other suitable material), which extends around the inner perimeter of the lid 3, and has two chocks 21.

In use, the computer body is introduced into the base 2, surrounded by the top cover 16 and the cushion 15, as has been outlined above. It will be appreciated that the computer body is then encased within waterproof material, to prevent to a significant degree the ingress of moisture into the computer body, in the event of water or other liquid falling onto the top cover 16. When the base 2 and lid 3 are closed together, and secured by means of the catch 10, the cushion 20 bears against the cushion 15 to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal.

It will therefore be appreciated that the illustrated pocket computer 1 is adapted for use in extremely rugged and hostile conditions. The tough housing provides substantial protection for the computer body against mechanical shock and/or impact, particularly when the lid 3 is closed, and the computer body is cushioned between the substantial cushions 15 and 20 with the chocks 21 of the cushion 20 bearing firmly against the top of the computer body. With the lid 3 closed firmly to the base 2, by means of the catch 10, the computer body is extremely well protected against the ingress of contaminants.

For example, it may be safely immersed in water, and is extremely well protected against dust. Thus, it may be safely transported in the most rigorous outdoor conditions.

When it is desired to use the computer, the lid 3 can be opened right back to give clear access to the keyboard cover 18. However, more usually, the lid 3 will be retained at its intermediate position, partially open over the base 2, such that it affords some protection from the elements---e.g. by shielding the top surface of the computer from rain, or shielding the computer display from excessive sunlight. Even with the lid 3 open, the computer body is still well protected from comtaminants, and therefore can be happily operated in the rain, and/or in a dirty environment.

The computer keys are well identified to an operator, by means of appropriate designations on the keyboard cover 18, and the keys are both easy to depress, and isolated to some degree from one another, by the ribs on the underside of the keyboard cover 18, between the recesses for the respective computer keys.

Thus, it is very difficult for an operator-to press two keys at once, in error. Of course, the keyboard cover 18 also helps to protect the computer keys from unduly heavy operation. It is preferable that the material actually over the computer keys is relatively thin, so as to retain the "feel" of the keys.

As and when the top cover 16 becomes dirty, it can simply be wiped clean, at which point the flat surface of the keyboard cover 18 is a great help.

It will be appreciated that the keyboard cover 18 may be imprinted with symbols as desired, pertaining to a program to which the computer 1 is dedicated. Thus, as and when the computer 1 is re-programmed for a different dedicated use, an alternative keyboard cover 18 having different appropriate symbols may be employed.

One particular advantageous use of the illustrated computer 1 is in the military environment. For example, the computer 1 may be dedicated to provide firing information for a mortar or other weapon, upon the input of appropriate data. The design of the illustrated computer 1 and the choice of the materials for the housing and cushions is preferably such as to accommodate a wide ambient temperature range, for useage of the computer.

An advantage of the arrangement of the 'hinges 4 is that the actual hinge pins 7 are positioned away from the main body of the base 2 and the lid 3, so as to minimize the relative angle at which the lid 3 and base 2 first meet.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated computer 1 provides a pocket computer which is capable for use in the most rigorous conditions, but which allows relatively ready access to the computer#.g. for the changing of batteries, re-programming etc. The features of the computer 1 may be modified, in accordance with requirements. For example, if it is required to transport the computer body in a very safe manner, yet to use it in a less hostile environment, then the top cover 16 may be dispensed with, and the computer used in the normal way.Alternatively, if sealing against ingress of contaminants is required, but protection against mechanical shock or impact is not so important, then the housing may be dispensed with, and the computer body may be used with the top cover 16, and an additional lower cover which fits around the lower half of the computer body, and engages with the top cover 16 to encase the computer body. Instead of securing the top cover 16 to the computer body by means of adhesive, there may be provided a resilient frame (for example, of plastics), which engages around the computer body to hold the top cover 16 in place. Such a frame may also hold a lower cover in place, if such is provided.

Instead of being formed absolutely flat, the keyboard cover 18 may be formed with a slightly raised portion, each over a respective one of the keys of the computer keyboard.

Thus, the keyboard cover 18 is still generally flat relative to the contours of the computer keyboard itself, but nevertheless has some undulations, corresponding to the positions of the keys. If desired, the keyboard cover 18 may be provided with such raised portions over only certain of the keys, such that those keys may be emphasized relative to the other keys. Indeed, this may be taken one stage further such that the keyboard cover 18 is provided with at least one portion which is raised in a prominent manner relative to the remainder of the cover (whether absolutely flat or slight undulating), such that particular prominence is afforded to that key over which the raised portion is disposed.

To facilitate use of the computer 1 in darkened conditions, a light source may be provided. By way of example, such a light source may be mounted in the lid 3 of the housing such that, with the lid 3 retained in its partly open position, light falls onto the keyboard cover and the computer display. Such a light source could be powered from the same source as the computer, but it is preferred that the light source is provided with its own energy source, to avoid the danger of the light source draining the energy of the computer.

Claims (42)

1. A pocket computer removably mounted in a housing which has a base, a lid, and sealing means which provides a seal between the base and the lid to make the housing substantially fluid tight when the lid is closed.

2. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sealing means comprises a first resilient cushion in the base, which cushion retains the computer in the base.

3. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the cushion fits closely around the computer.

4. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing means comprises a second resilient cushion in the lid, which cooperates with the first cushion to provide said seal.

5. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 4, wheren the second cushion co-operates with the computer to hold the computer within the housing when the lid is closed.

6. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the second cushion comprises at least one resilient chock which bears against the computer when the lid is closed.

7. A pocket computer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and lid are hinged together.

8. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the base and lid are hinged together by hinge parts which project from the housing.

9. A pocket computer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing is provided with a resilient catch which both secures and resiliently urges together the base and lid.

10. A pocket computer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the computer is surrounded by waterproof material in the housing, when the lid is open.

11. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 10, wherein a dessicant is provided within said waterproof material.

1 2. A pocket computer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing is rigid, to protect the computer against mechanical impact.

1 3. A pocket computer having a keyboard and a cover of a flexible waterproof material which fits closely over the keyboard to protect the keyboard against ingress of moisture, the cover having sufficient flexibility to permit operation of the keys through the cover.

14. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the cover has an upper surface which is substantially flat over at least the major part of the keyboard.

15. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 1 3r wherein the cover has an upper surface which, over at least the major part of the keyboard, is flat relative to the contours of the keyboard, but nevertheless has some raised portions over at least some of the keys.

16. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the cover is provided with at least one portion which is raised relative to the remainder of the cover and is disposed above one of the keys of the keyboard, to afford prominence to that key.

1 7. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the cover has a window which is disposed over a display of the computer.

18. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said window is provided by a cut-out portion of the cover.

19. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said window is provided by a portion of transparent material in the cover.

20. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 19, wherein the cover is attached to the computer by means of an adhesive along all edges of the cover.

21. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 19, wherein the cover is attached to the computer by a resilient frame which engages the computer.

22. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 21, wherein the underside of the cover has a plurality of recesses separated by ribs, each recess receiving a respective key of the keyboard.

23. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 22, wherein at least one rigid cover is placed over a respective one of the keys and under the cover, to inhibit operation of that key.

24. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 23, wherein the cover is substantially opaque.

25. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 24, wherein the cover is imprinted with a plurality of symbols, each above a respective one of the keys, the symbols corresponding to data and/or operations pertaining to a program to which the computer is dedicated.

26. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 25, wherein the cover covers the whole top face of the computer.

27. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 26, wherein the cover extends at least partially down the sides of the computer.

28. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 27, wherein the cover cooperates with a further cover of waterproof material, substantially to encase the computer in said waterproof material.

29. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the cover substantially encases the computer in said waterproof material, being provided with a suitable opening for the insertion and removal of the computer.

30. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12 and as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 29.

31. A pocket computer removably mounted in a rigid housing which protects the computer from mechanical impact and/or shock and completely encloses the computer but has a lid to access the computer controls.

32. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 31, wherein stay means is provided for retaining the lid partly open, to allow access to the computer controls, whilst partly shielding the computer.

33. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 32, wherein said stay means comprises resilient detent means.

34. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 33, wherein said resilient detent means comprises interengaging detent and projection means on projecting hinge parts of the housing.

35. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 31 to 34, wherein the housing is provided with at least one loop permitting attachment of the housing to a belt.

36. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 31 to 35 and as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 30.

37. A pocket computer mounted in a housing which completely encloses the com puter but has a lid to access the computer controls, there being provided a light source to illuminate the computer controls and display.

38. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 37, wherein the light source is provided with its own energy supply independent of that of the computer.

39. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 37 or 38, wherein the light source is mounted in the lid such that, when the lid is partly open, light from the light source falls on an upper face of the computer.

40. A pocket computer as claimed in Claim 39, wherein stay means is provided for retaining the lid partly open.

41. A pocket computer as claimed in any one of Claims 37 to 40 and as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 36.

42. A pocket computer in a housing, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.