GB2276312A

GB2276312A - Housing unit for computer with printer

Info

Publication number: GB2276312A
Application number: GB9306283A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond John Webster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-03-26
Filing date: 1993-03-26
Publication date: 1994-09-28
Also published as: GB9306283D0

Abstract

A housing unit for a computer with a printer comprises a computer housing 1, and a printer housing 2, which housings may be separable to facilitate servicing. The housing has a bi-folding lid 6 which includes a paper storage container, and a paper support/feeder chute 14. A pivoting housing accommodates a view screen 15. A retractable side attachment 24 on which printer controls can be located may be included. <IMAGE>

Description

HOUSING UNIT FOR COMPUTER WITH PRINTER This invention relates to a housing unit which houses both a Personal Computer and a Printer without the requirement for an external computer - to - printer data interface cable.

Personal Computers and separate printers are widely used together and transported by users as separate portable items. When setup for use (for the creation and printing of documents) the computer and printer require electrically connecting to each other via separate trailing cables; comprising: 1. A computer - to - printer data interface cable.

2. Power supply cables to both computer and printer.

Separate computer and printer components therefore require setting-up and electrical connection to each other each time they are transported between workplaces: Then disconnection and repacking when transported again. A separate computer and printer therefore, do not provide a system in a ready-to-use configuration.

According to the present invention there is provided a combined housing unit to accommodate both a computer and a printer: the printer housing is optionally releasably secured to the computer for servicing purposes, or forms a permanent fixture. Enclosed within the housing the electrical data interface and internal power connections are provided between computer and printer.

Covering the housing is a bi-folding lid, forming an enclosure.

The lid fulfils the functions of carry-case lid with in-built carry-handle, dust cover, paper storage container (by the provision of space in the underside), and when open forms a paper support/sheet feeder chute. The lid and housing have retractable carry-handles forming a single handle. Side extensions to the lid provide structural integrity and cover to disc ports to prevent ingress of dust. The housing is provided with printer controls located so as not to be obscured by a computer screen.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows in perspective the housing fitted with a full lid in the operational position; Figure 2 shows in perspective the housing closed ready for transportation; and Figure 3 shows the separated housing in perspective, configured with a printer cover instead of a full sized lid, and showing the electrical data/internal power connectors.

Referring to the drawings, the housing unit comprises a plastic injection moulded housing which forms an enclosure for a computer 1 (with keyboard and view screen) and printer 2. The printer is optionally detachable from the computer section and is stably attached by moulded-in rebates 3, locators, catches or similar means.

Electrical power and data interface connection is automatically achieved by the provision of self-locating contacts or connectors 4 at the mating faces of the computer and printer components: There is therefore no separate external computer - to - printer data interface cable.

When the printer or computer require servicing they can then be detached from each other at 5. The electrical data interface and power connections are automatically separated via the selflocating contacts or connectors attached to the housing.

There is provided an opening and closing lid 6 detachably hinged at the rear 7, which covers the housing. The lid is secured by a catch or catches at the front or sides or both. A retractable carry-handle 8 is located at the front of the lid 9; being integral to it, as well as a retractable handle 10 located in juxtaposition on the body of the housing: When raised, the two handles form a single combination-handle 11. The handles can be concealed in recesses 12 when not in use. The lid has a second hinge 13 and is bi-folding; positioned transversely to enable the lid to be folded back or forwards on itself to reduce its opened height and forming a paper support/sheet feeder chute 14 to which adjustable paper width guides 22 are affixed. The lid is supported when folded open to the rear of the housing by a back-stop: so as not to obstruct the power supply or other cables.

A hinged lift-up housing 15 for a screen is provided, as is an area to accommodate a keyboard 16 in front of the screen.

In operation, paper is loaded and ejected behind the screen so as to prevent obscuration of the screen.

Obscuration of the function controls for the printer (power, on line, print mode) which would otherwise be obscured by a raised view screen 15 is prevented by locating the printers controls on either a project-through moulding 17 below or in front of the screen, or located on a retractable side attachment 24 to the housing; the controls would thus be removed along with the printer should it require detachment. Alternatively the printer function controls may be specifically in-built into the section housing the computer 1.

Where a full lid is not installed, the lid 18 is detachably hinged 20 and is produced to a size to fully or partly cover the printer housing component 2 or additionally extending up to the screen hinge 21. In this configuration, the lid, when raised still comprises the paper support/sheet feeder chute 14 with adjustable guides 22 but is provided with an extendable or swing-up paper support 23. The lid is secured by a catch or catches when closed.

Claims

1. A combined housing unit to accommodate both a computer and a printer: the printer housing is optionally releasably secured to the computer for servicing purposes, or forms a permanent fixture. Enclosed within the housing the electrical data interface and internal power connections are provided between computer and printer. Covering the housing is a bi-folding lid, forming an enclosure. The lid fulfils the functions of carry-case lid with in-built carry-handle, dust cover, paper storage container , and when open forms a paper support/sheet feeder chute. The lid and housing have retractable carry-handles forming a single handle.

Side extensions to the lid provide structural integrity and cover to disc ports to prevent ingress of dust. The housing is provided with printer controls located so as not to be obscured by a computer screen.

2. A combined housing unit as claimed in claim 1. wherein the combined unit comprises a single housing for a computer and a printer.

3. A combined housing unit as claimed in claim 1. wherein a computer and printer installed in the unit are detachable from each other by separation of the housing: for the purposes of servicing or substitution of computer or printer or for individual usages.

4. A combined housing unit as claimed in claim 3. wherein selfdisconnection and self-connection of data interface and internal power connection between computer and printer is achieved when the computer and printer housing is separated or reconnected.

5. A combined housing unit as claimed in claim 1. or claim 2.

or claim 3. is provided with a bi-folding carry-case lid incorporating; an integral retractable carry-handle, paper storage and disc container, and paper support/sheet feeder chute. The lid forming a dust cover for the printer, the computer and its disc drives or other ports.

6. (Alternatively to claim 5.) A combined housing unit, where a full lid is not installed, the lid covers that part of the housing up-to the folded-down screen hinges, and is provided with a means of securing in the closed position.

7. A combined housing unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the open lid is provided with a means of catchment to retain it at a suitable angle as a paper support and to prevent the lid fouling any external cabling interfacing with the housing.

8. A combined housing unit as claimed in any preceding claim is provided with controls for the printer which are not obscured by a raised view screen of an installed computer.

9. A combined housing unit as claimed in any preceding claim is provided with a detachable lid.

10. A combined housing unit substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawings.