Free Letter - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

Case 1:04-cv-00343-JJF

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United States Patent
Kim et al.

Patent NO.: US 6,501,641 ~1 Date of Patent: Dec. 31,2002

(54) PORTABLE COMPUTER HAVING A FLAT PANEL DISPLAY DEVICE (75) Inventors: Jong Hwan Kim; Young Woo Cho, both of Kyunggi-Do (KR) (73) Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co. Ltd., Seoul (KR)

( * ) Notice:

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. OTHER PUBLICATIONS Korean Office Action dated Jan. 31, 2001 (with English translation). Japanese Office Action dated Feb. 13, 2002 (with English translation). GB Office Action dated May 31, 2000.

(21) Appl. No.: 091285,338 (22) Filed: (30)

Apr. 2, 1999

Oct. 23, 1998 Oct. 27, 1998

Foreign Application Priority Data (KR) ........................................ 98-44475 (KR) ........................................ 98-44973

* cited by examiner
Primary Exarniner4arren Schuberg Assistant Examiner-Yean-Hsi Chang (74) Attorney, Agent, or F i r m 4 c K e n n a Long & Aldridge LLP (57)

(51) Int. CL7 .................................................. H05K 7/16 (52) U.S. C1. ....................... 3611681; 3611681; 3611683; 3611729; 349158 (58) Field of Search ................................. 3611679-681, 3611683, 686; 349158 (56)
5,268,816 5,379,182 5,423,605 5,835,139 5,946,061 A A A A A

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

ABSTRACT

* 1211993 Abell, Jr. et al. ........... 3611729 111995 Fujimori et al. ............ 3611681 * 611995 Liu ......................... 3121265.6 * 1111998 Yun et al. ..................... 349158 * 811999 Kurihara et al. .............. 349158

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

A portable computer including a housing having first and second sections, the first section having an information input device and the second section having a case having a first fastening element; a display panel including a second fastening element at a rear surface of the panel, the case and the display panel being attached through the first and second fastening elements; a hinge coupling the first and the second sections to each other; and a display panel support member having a third fastening element, the display panel support member being attached to the display panel through the third fastening

56 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets

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( PR I OR ART)

FIG. 1

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(PRIOR ART)

FIG. 2

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FIG. 3A

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126 ----

881

Ill

II

11

FIG. 36

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F I G . 4B

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FIG. 5

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FIG. 6

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FIG. 8

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FIG. 9

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FIG. 10

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FIG. 11

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FIG. 13

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FIG. 15

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PORTABLE COMPUTER HAVING A FLAT PANEL DISPLAY DEVICE

2

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a conventional LCD device assembly 110 includes an LCD panel 112 and a backlight device (not shown) for the LCD panel 112, and display case 122 supporting the LCD device 111. The LCD This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 98-44475, filed on Oct. 23, 1998 and s panel 112 and the backlight device are assembled by a supporting frame 114 along the edges. 98-44973, filed on Oct. 27, 1998, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The display case 122 is coupled to a body 120 via a hinge mechanism 124, which may extend from the body 120. The BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION display case 122 and the hinge mechanism 124 are 10 assembled through a hinge arm 126, allowing the flat panel 1. Field of the Invention display device assembly 110 to pivotally move with respect The present invention relates generally to a flat panel to the body 120. display device, and more specifically, to a flat panel display TWOopposite sides of the supporting frame 114 include device mounting structure and a method of mounting the flat flanges 114a for assembling the LCD device 111 to the panel display device to a computer. display case 122, and corners include flanges 114b for 2. Description of the Related Art assembling the LCD device 111 to the hinge arm 126. Flat panel display devices include liquid crystal display Hereinafter, the former is referred as a fixing flange and the devices (LCD) which are being used widely, plasma display latter is referred as a mounting flange in this specification for panels (PDP), and field emission displays (FED) which have distinction purposes. As shown in FIG. 3B,the fixing flanges been studied recently and may be applied to computers in the 20 114a have a protruding width d2 and the mounting flanges near future. For convenience of explanation, the present 114b have a protruding width d l . A screw hole is formed in invention will be discussed with respect to the LCD as an each of the flanges. 114a and 114b. On the inner surface of example of the flat screen type display devices and a the display case 122, ribs 122a are formed corresponding to portable computer mounted with the LCD. the holes of the fixing flange 114a. Referring to a genera' portable 'Omputer such as 2s To mount the LCD device 111, the hinge arm 126 and the a laptop or notebook computer typically includes a body mounting flanges 114b are screwed together, and the fixing 100, a flat panel display device assembly 110 coupled to the flanges 1 1 4 ~ the ribs 1 2 2 ~ screwed together by bolts and are body 100 via a hinge mechanism 124. The flat panel type 128. display device assembly 110 has a flat panel display device 3B3 the 111 and a display case 122 supporting the flat panel display 30 . In the mounting structure shown in lng frame requires side 'paces for the flanges and device 111, The body 100 has an input device 102 such as Therefore, the side 'pace in a a keyboard, As a flat panel type display device 111, the LCD reduction of the display area of the LCD panel 112 relative is widely used in portable computers and flat screen monito the display case 122. Moreover, as the display size tors. increases, the display case becomes undesirably large, espeReferring to FIG. 2 which shows conventional assembly 35 cially for a portable computer such as a laptop computer. structure of the LCD device applied to a conventional the above problem and to provide a large portable computer, the display case 122 has a rear case 123 area with minimal display case size, a new mounting strucand a front case or frame 121 for mounting the LCD device hreis needed for the LCD device. 130. The rear case or frame 123 has an outer surface and an inner surface and connecting ribs 123a are formed at the 40 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION corners. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a porThe LCD device 130 has an LCD panel 132, a backlight table computer and method for mounting a flat panel display device 134 fixed the back the LCD panel and a device thereon that substantially obviates one or more of the supporting frame 136 for assembling the LCD panel 132 and problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related the backlight device 134 along the edge. 45 art. At the corners of the supporting frame 136, corresponding A, object of the present invention is to minimize the to the positions of the ribs 123a of the rear case 123, a non-display area of the LCD device, plurality of protrusions 136a having holes are formed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a For mounting the LCD device 130 to the display case 122, computer having a flat panel display device with a maximum the LCD device 130 is placed on the rear case 123 and the display area and a minimal display case size. holes of the supporting frame 136 and the ribs 123a are Additional features and advantages of the invention will fastened together preferably by screws 138. The front case be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will 121 is coupled to the rear case 123. be apparent from the description, or may be learned by Hereinafter, the way in which the LCD device is mounted ss practice of the invention. The objectives and other advanto the case from the front toward the rear direction is defined tages of the invention will be realized and attained by the as the front mounting method, and the assembled structure structure particularly pointed out in the written description of the LCD device and the case formed through the front and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. mounting method is defined as the front mounting structure. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance In the front mounting structure of the LCD device, since 60 with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and the protrusions 136a require additional space corresponding broadly described, a portable computer includes a body to the protruded width d, the display area of the LCD device having an information input device; a case coupled to the is reduced in comparison to the fixed size of the display case body and having inner and outer surfaces; and a flat panel 122. display device having a display surface and a rear surface, The front mounting structure may also include an addi- 65 the rear surface being fixed to the inner surface of the case. tional feature to further support the LCD device panel, as According to another aspect of the present invention, a shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. portable computer includes a body having an information
' 3 1323

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input device; a flat panel display case coupled to the body; a flat panel display device having a display surface and a rear surface; and a hinge mechanism having a hinge mount and a hinge arm fixed the rear surface the device. According to another aspect of the present invention, a a flat panel device a hinge mechanism having a hinge mount, a hinge arm, and a pin portion rotating in the hinge mount, the flat pane' device having a display surface and a rear surface, the method including a step of fixing the rear surface of the flat pane' device to the hinge arm' The fixing step is preferably carried Out attaching the hinge arm and the rear surface of the flat display device using a screw. a further aspect the present an LCD device coupled to an outer case includes an LCD panel having a display surface and a rear surface; a backlight device having a first surface facing the rear surface the LCD panel and a second surface attached to the outer case; and a frame for the LCD panel and the backlight device. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

4
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, The present invention provides a back mounting method and a back mounting structure for a panel display device in a portable computer, Moreover, the rear surface of the display panel device may be coupled to a hinge arm for further support of the display panel device,

5

10

FIGS, 4 A 4 C show a first embodiment of the present invention, Referring to FIGS, 4Aand 4B, the LCD device 10 has an LCD panel 12, a backlight unit 14, and a supporting frame 16. FIG. 4C shows an example of a detailed structure of the LCD device 10 shown in FIGS, 4A and 4B. ~ ~ to FIG, 4 ~ the LCD device 10 has a first frame 14g, , preferably made of plastic, a reflector 14f on the frame 14g, a light guide film a diffuser or protecting film 14d, a first 20 prism sheet 14c, a second prism sheet 14b, another diffuser or protecting film 14a, and the LCD panel 12. The first frame 14g is coupled to a second frame or supporting frame 16. At each corner of the first frame 14g a screw hole 15 is preferably formed. Although FIG. 4C shows the first frame 25 14g as part of the backlight unit 14, the first frame 14g can act as the supporting frame 16. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To mount the LCD device 10 to the display case 30 (FIG. The drawings, which are to proa), the LCD device 10 is placed on the inner surface of the vide a further understanding of the invention and are incordisplay case 30, m e n , the case 30 and the LCD device 10 porated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate are attached to one another by bolts 18 (which may be embodiments of the invention and together with the descrip- O referred to as fastening elements, fastening parts, or a similar ' tion serve to explain the principles of the invention. conveniently descriptive term) into the screw hole 15 (which In the drawings: may be referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveFIG. 1is a perspective view showing a general portable niently descriptive term, and which together with the matecomputer; 35 rial defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) from the back of the display case FIG. 2 shows a conventional mounting structure of the 30. LCD device for a portable computer; As explained above, the structure shown in FIGS. 4 A 4 C FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a front view, has an advantage in that the side space such as width d2 for respectively, showing a mounting structure of the LCD 40 fixing flange 114a of FIG. 3B is not needed and the size ratio device for a portable computer; between the display area and the display case is improved. FIGS, 4 ~ show the LCD device according to a first ~ 4 ~ FIG. 5 shows the assembly of the LCD device 10 to the embodiment of the present invention; display case 2 1 of a portable computer according to a first FIG. 5 shows a mounting structure in accordance with a embodiment of the Present invention. The computer first embodiment in accordance with the present invention; FIG, 6 shows a mounting structure in accordance with a 45 includes a body 20 or first section having an information input device and a second section including the case 21. The second embodiment in accordance with the present invencase 2 1 may cover the body 20 and is coupled to the body tion; through a hinge mechanism. Together, the case 21 and the FIG, 7 is a partial sectional view showing the body 20 may be referred to as a housing, or a similar state of the structure in FIG. 6; so conveniently descriptive term. Preferably at each corner of FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a back mounting the case 21 a through-hole 21a (which may be referred to as structure of the LCD device according to a third embodia fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, ment in accordance with the present invention; and which together with the material defining the hole may is a perspective view a back be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) is structure of the LCD device according to a fourth embodi- 55 formed, ment in accordance with the present invention; To mount the LCD device 10 to the case 21, the LCD FIG. 10 is a front view showing the structure of FIG. 9; device 10 is placed on the inner surface of the case 21 such l1 is a fifth embodiment in accordance with the that the positions of the holes 2 1 a and the holes 15 coincide present invention which is an alternate embodiment to FIG. with each other, and screws 18 (fastening elements or lowhere the hinge is fixed the case; 60 fastening parts) are inserted into the holes 21a and 15 (which FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are sixth, seventh, and eighth may be referred to as fastening holes or a similar conveembodiments in accordance with the present invention; niently descriptive term, and which together with the mateFIG. 15 is a side view showing a back mounting structure rial defining the holes each may be referred to as a fastening of the LCD device according to a ninth embodiment of the element or fastening part) from the back of the case 21. The present invention; and 65 through-hole 21a is preferably a stepped hole so that the FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view showing the assembled head of the screw 18 will not protrude from the outer surface state of the structure in FIG. 15. of the case 21.

f

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Although not shown in FIG. 5, a front case such as shown be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) may be formed. Moreover, although hole 30a may be formed at in FIG. 2 is preferably assembled with the display case 21 for covering the edges of the LCD device 10. the corresponding position of the through-hole 24c of the flat portion 24b, alternatively, the flat portion may be in an FIG. 6 shows a back mounting structure of the LCD device according to a second embodiment of the present 5 inverted ''U' shape. invention, and FIG. 7 is a detailed partial sectional view To mount the LCD device 10, the body 20 (first portion) and the display case 30 (second portion) (collectively showing the assembled state of the LCD device 10 and the referred to as a housing) are connected by the pin portion case 21 in accordance with the second embodiment. 24a on the hinge mount 22. The display case 30, the hinge At the rear surface of the backlight device 14 of the LCD arm 24 (referred to as a display device support member), and device 10, fasteners 17 (fastening elements or fastening the LCD device 10 are preferably attached together by parts) such as hooks made of plastic are formed, and the case Screws 18 (fastening elements or fastening parts) through the 21 has corresponding ribs 23 (also fastening elements or mounting hole of the Pegs 15a and the screw hole 2 4 ~ . fastening parts). Preferably, the ribs 23 do not protrude over Alternatively, nails or other similar known fastening elethe width of the supporting frame 16, A rib 23 has a stepped ments or fastening Parts can be adopted for this Purpose. hole 21b. The fastener 17 is supported and latched by the stepped portion of the hole 21b. To facilitate the disassembly Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 which show a fourth embodior release of the fastener 17 from the hole 21b, the hole is ment of the hinge arm 24, the flat portion 24b of the hinge preferably a through-hole extending all the way to the outer arm 24 is extended upwards and preferably extended to surface of the case 21. The hole 21b may be covered by a almost the entire height of the LCD device 10. In the flat 20 portion 24b according to this embodiment, it is preferable to cover 21c. form a mounting hole 2 4 and the through-hole 30a at the ~ The fastener 17 has a compressible head which cornsame position. It is also possible to form the holes 24c and presses into a small diameter to allow the fastener to enter 30a at different positions relative to the display case. Thus, and slide through the hole 21b. Once the head reaches the additional mounting hole 1% may not be necessary for this stepped portion, the head returns to its original diameter and snaps or latches onto the stepped portion of the rib 23. In 25 embodiment. The mounting structure of this embodiment order to dissemble or release the LCD device 10 from the may be Stronger than that of the second embodiment. The case 21, a pair of tweezers or similar tool can be adapted for LCD device 10, the elongated hinge arm 24, and the display compressing the head of the fastener 17 from the back of the case 30 are fastened together by screws 18, for example. case 21 through the hole 21b. The fastener 17 is unlatched 30 , FIG. 11 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where the hinge mount 22 is preferably fixed to and can freely slide out of the hole 21b. As an alternative the display case 30, but a fixed flange 26 is secured to the embodiment, the fastener 17 can be formed on the case 21 and the stepped hole can be formed at the rear face of the body 20. The structure of the hinge arm 24 and other elements are similar to those shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. LCD device 10 to achieve similar results. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure 35 FIGS. 12-14 show three alternative embodiments of the of the LCD device according to a third embodiment of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. In FIG. 12, the sixth present invention. There may be one or more hinge mechaembodiment of the present invention, the hinge arm 24 has nisms for the LCD device; however, for convenience of a shape of the letter "E." In FIG. 13, the seventh embodiment explanation, only one hinge mechanism will be explained. of the present invention, the hinge arm 24 has the shape of Referring to FIG. 8, a body 20 includes a hinge mount 22, 40 the letter "C." In FIG. 14, the eighth embodiment of the Present invention, the hinge arm 24 has the shape of the where a hinge arm 24 is connected. The hinge arm 24 has a letter "H." The fastening holes may be formed at various pin portion 24a and a flat or extended portion 24b. The positions on the hinge arm 24 as desired to secure the hinge former is for being mounted to the hinge mount 22, and the arm to the display case 30. Combinations and other varialatter is for being coupled to the rear surface of the LCD device 10. The various hinge components may be separate 45 tions of these different embodiments are contemplated in the pieces of attached members or a single structure. present invention with the purpose of supporting the LCD panel, preferably through the back of the LCD panel and the The flat portion 24b can be elongated in various directions case. the seventh and eighth may and by various methods. FIG. 8 shows one example of the be combined to provide a stronger support of the LCD panel. flat portion 24b which is in the shape of an inverted "F" may be fixed the 20 having a first support member extending in one direction and so Moreover, the hinge lo)Or the case 30 11) in these embOdia second support member extending in a second direction ments. substantially perpendicular to the first direction. At each end The present invention contemplates the use of fastening of the flat portion 24b, a hole such as a through-hole 24c devices other than screws. One such alternative embodiment (which may be referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which together with the ss is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. material defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening FIGS. 15 and 16 show the mounting structure according element or fastening part) is preferably formed. At the back to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. At the rear surface of the LCD device 10, at least one fastener (fastening surface of the LCD device 10, pegs 15a having mounting holes formed therein are formed corresponding to the posielement or fastening part) such as a hook 19, preferably tions of the through-holes 24c. The pegs 15a together with 60 made of plastic or other suitable material, is formed. As can the mounting holes formed therein may be referred to as a be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16, the hook 19 protrudes away fastening element or fastening part and as shown in FIG. 8 from the LCD device 10 and includes a first part and a second part where the first part is larger than the second part. protrude away from the LCD device 10. The through-holes 24c are preferably screw holes. In the display case 30, a hole In the flat portion 24b of the hinge arm 24 (referred to as a such as a through-hole 30 (which may be referred to as a 65 display device support member), at least one corresponding fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, through-hole (which may be referred to as a fastening hole and which together with the material defining the hole may or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which

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together with the material defining the hole may be referred a display device support member having a third fastening element, the display device support member being to as a fastening element or fastening part) is formed. In the attached to the rear mountable display device through display case, at least one stepped hole 30b (which may be the third fastening element. referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently 2 . The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein descriptive term, and which together with the material s the display device support member is attached to the rear defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element mountable display device through the first and third fastenor fastening part) corresponding to the through-hole in the ing elements. hinge arm 24 is formed to support andlor latch the fastener 3 . The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein 19. To facilitate the disassembly or release of the fastener 19 from the hole 30b through the rear of the case 30, the hole 10 the display device support member includes: a first support element extending in one direction; and 30b is preferably a through-hole. a second support element extending in a second direction. To assemble the LCD device to the hinge arm 24 and 4. The portable computer according to claim 3, wherein at display case 30, the hinge arm 24 is mounted to the hinge least one of the first and second support elements includes a mount 22 (as shown in FIGS, 10 and 11) and the throughhole 24c (see FIGS. 12-14) of the hinge arm 24 and the hole 15 fastening hole. 5 . The portable computer according to claim 3, wherein 30b (see FIGS. 15-16) are coincidentally placed. Then, the the display device support member has a shape of letter "F". LCD device 10 with at least one fastener 19 is pressed into 6 . The portable computer according to claim 3, wherein the hole 30b and latched onto the display case 30, as shown the first support element is substantially perpendicular to the in detail in FIG. 16. Here, the fastener 19 will slide through the hole 30b and snap into place by the protruding or wing 20 second support element. 7 . The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein portions of the head of the fastener 19. To dissemble the the display device support member includes an arm extendLCD device 10 from the display case 30, a device such as ing upward. tweezers or other suitable tool can be adapted for squeezing 8 . The portable computer according to claim 7 , wherein the head or top portion of the fastener 19 from the back of the case 30 through the hole 30b. The fastener 19 is 25 the arm extends at adjacent edge portions of the second section. unlatched and can freely slide out of the hole 30b. The hole 9. The portable computer according to claim 7 , wherein 30b can be covered by a cover 30c. Alternatively, the fastener 19 can be formed on the case the arm extends a portion the 30 and the stepped hole can be formed at the rear face of the 30 10. The portable computer according to claim 7 , wherein LCD device 10 to achieve similar results. the arm includes a fastening hole a portion of the arm, the As explained above, the mounting method according to rear mountable display device being attached to the arm the present invention does not require unnecessary side through the fastening hole of the arm. space for mounting the LCD device on the computer. Thus, The portable 'Omputer according to 7 , wherein the ratio of the display area of the LCD device to the display 35 the arm has an "L" shape. case can be improved and maximized. 12. The portable computer according to claim 7 , wherein In the above embodiments of the present invention, the arm has a ''C"shape, although the LCD device has been used as one type of flat 13, ~h~ portable computer according to claim 7 , wherein panel display device, other flat panel display devices such as the arm has an ' E shape, '" plasma panels (PDP) and emission 40 14, The portable computer according to claim 7 , wherein (FED) may be used in accordance with the present inventhe arm has three sections forming an ' H shape, '" tion. Moreover, in the above embodiments, other hinge 15, The computer according to claim 1, wherein mechanisms may be used such as a gear hinge as disclosed, the hinge is in the first section of the housing, for example, in application Ser. No. 081937,801 filed on 16, ~h~ portable computer according to claim 1, wherein Sep. 252 1997 GEAR TYPE 45 the hinge is in the second section of the housing. HINGE," which is incorporated herein by reference. 17. The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various the first fastening element includes a fastening hole, modifications and variation can be made in the portable 18, ~h~ portable computer according to claim 1, wherein and for a flat panel the second fastening element includes a fastening hole. device thereon of the present invention without departing 19, ~h~ portable computer according to claim 1, further from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended comprising a screw attaching the rear mountable display that the present invention cover the modifications and variadevice to the second section through the first and second tions of this invention provided they come within the scope fastening elements, of the appended claims and their equivalents. 20. The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein What is claimed is: ss the first and second fastening elements include first and 1. A portable computer comprising: second fastening holes, respectively, and further comprising a housing including first and second sections, the first a screw, the screw attaching the rear mountable display section having an inf~rmationinput device and the device to the case through the first and second fastening second section having a case having a first fastening elements, element; 60 21. The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein a rear mountable display device including a second fasthe display device support member is coupled to the hinge. tening element at a rear surface of the rear mountable 22. The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein display device, the case and the rear mountable display the first fastening element includes at least one fastening device being attached through the first and second hole located at a corner of the second section. fastening elements; 65 23. The portable computer according to claim 22, wherein a hinge coupling the first and the second sections to each the first fastening element includes at least two fastening other; and holes at two corners of the second section.

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24. The portable computer according to claim 22, wherein the first fastening element includes four fastening holes at four corners of the second section. 25. The portable computer according to claim 6, wherein the second fastening element includes at least one fastening hole located at a corner of the rear mountable display device corresponding to the fastening hole of the first fastening element. 26. The portable computer according to claim 9, wherein the second fastening element includes at least two fastening holes at two corners of the rear mountable disvlav device. 27. The portable computer according to clai; wherein the second fastening element includes four fastening holes at four corners of the rear mountable display device. 28. The portable computer according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element include a screw hole, and a screw is inserted from the rear of the case to fasten the case to the rear mountable display device. 29. The portable computer according to claim 28, wherein the screw hole of the case is located at a position corresponding to a display area of the rear mountable display device. 30. A portable computer comprising: a housing including first and second sections, the first section having an information input device and the second section having a case having a first fastening element; a rear mountable display device including a second fastening element at a rear surface of the rear mountable display device, the case and the rear mountable display device being attached through the first and second fastening elements; a hinge coupling the first and the second sections to each other; a display device support member including an arm and a third fastening element, the extending display device support member being attached to the rear mountable display device through the first and third fastening elements; wherein the arm includes a fastening hole at a portion of the arm, the rear mountable display device being attached to the arm through the fastening hole of the arm; wherein the first and second fastening elements include first and second fastening holes, respectively, and the rear mountable display device is attached to the case through the first and second fastening elementsusing a screw; and wherein the display device support member is coupled to the hinge. 31, The portable computer according to claim 30, wherein the second fastening element is not visible from a viewing direction of the rear mountable display device. 32. The portable computer according to claim 30, wherein no fastening element is visible when viewed from the viewing direction of the rear mountable display device. 33. The portable computer according to claim 30, wherein the second fastening element includes protruding portions protruding away from the rear mountable display device. 34. The portable computer according to claim 33, wherein the protruding portion includes a peg having a fastening hole. 35. Arear mountable flat panel display device capable of being mounted to a data processing device, the flat panel display device comprising: a backlight unit including a first frame having a fastening part at a rear surface of the first frame, a flat display panel adjacent to the backlight unit; and

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a second frame; wherein the flat display panel is between the first frame and the second frame, the first frame of the backlight unit capable of being fixed to a housing of the data processing device through the fastening part at the rear surface of the first frame. 36. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 35, wherein the fastening part includes a fastening hole. 37. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 36, further comprising a screw attaching the first frame of the backlight unit to the second frame through the fastening hole. 38. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 36, wherein the fastening part includes at least two fastening holes at two corners of the first frame. 39. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 36, wherein the fastening part includes four fastening holes at four corners of the first frame. 40. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 35, wherein the backlight unit comprises: a reflector unit adjacent the first frame; a light source unit adjacent the reflector unit; and a light guide unit adjacent the light source unit. 41, ~h~ rear mountable flat panel display device accord. ing to claim 40, further comprising a diffuser unit and a prism unit. 42. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 35, wherein the fastening part is not visible from pane'. a viewing direction of the flat 43. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 35, wherein the flat panel display device only shows the flat pane' and the second frame when viewed from a viewing direction of the display panel. 44. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 35, wherein the fastening part includes a protruding portion protruding away from the flat display panel. 45. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 44, wherein the protruding portion includes a peg having a fastening hole. 46. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 44, wherein the protruding portion includes a first part and a second part, the first part being larger than the second part. 47. A rear mountable flat panel display device capable of being mounted to a housing, the rear mountable flat panel display device comprising: a backlight unit including: a first frame having a fastening part at a rear surface the first frame; a reflector unit adjacent the first frame; and a light guide unit adjacent the light source unit; a flat panel display adjacent to the backlight unit; a second frame; and a screw attaching the first frame of the backlight unit to the second frame through the fastening part; wherein the flat panel display is between the first frame and the second frame, the first frame of the backlight unit capable of being fixed to the housing through the fastening part at the rear surface of the first frame. 48. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 47, further comprising a diffuser unit and a prism unit. 49. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 47, wherein the fastening part is not visible from a viewing direction of the flat display panel.

Case 1:04-cv-00343-JJF

Document 545-2

Filed 03/07/2007

Page 24 of 24

US 6,501,641 B1

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50. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 47, wherein the flat panel display device only shows the flat panel display and the second frame when viewed from a viewing direction of the display panel. 51. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 47, wherein the fastening part includes a protruding portion protruding away from the flat display panel. 52. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 51, wherein the protruding portion includes a peg having a fastening hole. 53. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 51, the protruding portion includes a first part and a second part, the first part being larger than the second part. 54. The rear mountable flat panel display device according to claim 47, wherein the fastening part includes a fastening hole.

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55. Arear mountable flat panel display device comprising: a first frame having a fastening part at a rear surface of the first frame; a second frame; and a flat display panel between the first and second frames; wherein the first frame is capable of being fixed to a housing of a data processing device through the fastening part at the rear surface of the first frame. 56. Arear mountable flat panel display device comprising: a first frame having a fastening part at a rear surface of the first frame; a second frame; and a flat display panel between the first and second frames; wherein the first frame is capable of being fixed to a housing of a data processing device through the fastening part at the rear surface of the first frame and the flat display panel is rear mounted.

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