IE20080794A1 - A portable communications apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable communications apparatus (1) comprises a case (2) having a lower shell (5) and an upper shell (6) hingedly coupled to the lower shell (5), which together define a main hollow interior region (10). A chassis (35) onto which a laptop computer (45) is secured is removably located in the lower shell (5). A mobile phone is located in the upper shell (6) and a satellite aerial (94) is located in an aerial compartment (89) in the upper shell (6), the mobile phone and aerial compartments (90,89) are closed by first and second closure plates (89,104). An encryption board is located within the chassis (35) for encrypting and decrypting data to be transmitted and received via the apparatus (1), and a plurality of communication ports (116) ar accessible through an access opening (115) which is closed by a third closure plate (117). The mobile phone is coupleable to the apparatus (1) by a telephone port (84) in a component housing (48) which is pivotally mounted on the chassis (35), and the satellite aerial (94) is coubleable to the apparatus through one of the communications ports (116). Sealing gaskets (30, 135) are provided for sealing the lower and upper shells (5,6) when secured in the closed state and for sealing the third closure plate (117) to the lower shell (5) when in the closed state in order to prevent the ingress of moisture to the main hollow interior region (10). First and second routers in the chassis 35 route data through the apparatus (1). <Figures 1,2 & 12>

Description

The present invention relates to a portable communications apparatus, and in particular, to a portable communications apparatus for facilitating the remote transmission and reception of data.

The ability to transmit and receive data in remote locations, and in particular, the ability to securely transmit and receive data in remote locations is a requirement many people working away from their home or office require. It is well known for people working away from home or from their office to carry a laptop computer which can be used in, for example, an hotel bedroom by connecting the laptop computer into a suitable internet port, for example, a broadband port. However, where one wishes to secure the data being transmitted or received, such an arrangement of a laptop computer connected to a broadband port in a hotel bedroom or the like is unsatisfactory. A further problem arises if the transmission or reception of data is to be carried out in a remote location where broadband or other suitable connections to the internet are unavailable. In such cases, in general, it is not possible to receive or transmit data satisfactorily, and the ability to securely transmit and receive data is not available. Accordingly, this is unsatisfactory, and there is a need for apparatus which addresses these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing a portable communications apparatus which addresses the problems.

According to the invention there is provided a portable communications apparatus comprising a case defining a main hollow interior region, and having a lower shell forming a lower portion of the main hollow interior region, and an upper shell forming an upper portion of the main hollow interior region, the upper shell being hingedly coupled to the lower shell, and being hingeable between a closed state forming the main hollow interior region and an open state providing access to the main hollow interior region, a primary latching means being provided for releasably securing the lower and upper shells of the case in the closed state, a chassis located in the lower shell in the lower portion of the main hollow interior region, a laptop computer mounted on the chassis and accessible when the upper shell is in the open state, a component housing mounted on the chassis, and defining with the chassis a secondary hollow interior region within which a first housing and a second housing are located, the component housing being pivotal between a closed state forming the secondary hollow interior region and an open state providing access to the first and second housings, a plurality of coupling components being located in the first housing, and a battery being located in the second housing, a mobile phone compartment being located in the upper shell in the upper portion of the main hollow interior region, the mobile phone compartment being closed by a first closure means, the first closure means being operable between a closed state forming with the upper shell the mobile phone compartment, and an open state providing access to the mobile phone compartment, an aerial compartment being located in the upper shell in the upper portion of the main hollow interior region, and being closed by a second closure means, the second closure means being operable between a closed state forming with the upper shell the aerial compartment and an open state providing access to the aerial compartment, an encryption means being provided for encrypting data being transmitted by the apparatus, a routing means being located in the chassis for routing signals between the laptop computer and other components in the case, a plurality of communication ports being located in the chassis for coupling components in the case to the routing means, an access opening in the lower shell providing access to the communicating ports located in the chassis, and a third closure means closing the access opening, the third closure means being operable between an open state providing access to the communication ports, and a closed state preventing access to the communication ports.

In one embodiment of the invention the component housing is of shell type construction comprising a housing shell defining with the chassis the secondary hollow interior region, and defining a downwardly facing open mouth for providing access to the secondary hollow interior region, the downwardly facing open mouth being closed by the chassis when the housing shell is in the closed state.

In another embodiment of the invention the first housing is mounted on the chassis.

In a further embodiment of the invention the second housing is mounted in the component housing.

Preferably, the component housing defines with the chassis and the first and second housings a storage compartment, the storage compartment being accessible when the component housing is in the open state.

In one embodiment of the invention a releasable securing means is provided for releasably securing the component housing in the closed state. Preferably, the securing means is co-operable with the component housing and the chassis.

In one embodiment of the invention the first housing houses a dongle. Preferably, the first housing houses at least one USB connecting means. Advantageously, the first housing houses an SMC adaptor. Preferably, the first housing houses a USB cable connector for connecting to an internal USB hub. Advantageously, the first housing houses a USB connector for connecting a USB cable to the encryption means.

In one embodiment of the invention a USB port is provided in the component housing for facilitating coupling of a USB device to at least one of the USB connectors.

In another embodiment of the invention a partition located in the upper shell in the upper portion of the main hollow interior region divides the upper portion of the main hollow interior region to form the respective mobile phone and aerial compartments. Preferably, the first closure means comprises a first closure plate hingedly coupled to the upper shell and hingeable between the open state and the closed state. Advantageously, a first latching means is provided for releasably securing the first closure plate in the closed state. Preferably, the second closure means comprises a second closure plate hingedly coupled to the upper shell and hingeable between the open and the closed state. Advantageously, a second latching means is provided for releasably securing the second closure plate in the closed state. 110 80784 In one embodiment of the invention a primary sealing means is provided co-operable with the upper and lower shells for providing a watertight seal between the upper and lower shells when the upper shell is in the closed state to prevent the ingress of moisture to the main hollow interior region.

In another embodiment of the invention the third closure means comprises a third closure plate hingedly coupled to the lower shell and hingeable between the open and the closed state. Preferably, the third closure plate is resiliently urged into the closed state. Advantageously, the third closure plate is resiliently urged into the closed state by a torsion spring.

In one embodiment of the invention a third latching means is provided for releasably securing the third closure plate in the closed state. Preferably, the third latching means comprises a third latch member slideable between a latched state and an unlatched state, and a retaining means for retaining the third latch member in the latched state. Advantageously, the retaining means comprises a resiliently mounted retaining pin slideable between a retaining position engaging the third latch member in the latched state, and a disengaged position disengaged from the third latch member. Ideally, the retaining pin is releasably slideably engageable with a retaining bore in the third latch member in the retaining position.

Preferably, the retaining pin is manually disengageable from the retaining bore in the third latch plate by manually depressing the retaining pin against the resilient biasing. Advantageously, the retaining pin is spring urged into the retaining position.

In one embodiment of the invention the third closure plate is sealably engageable with the lower shell in the closed state. Preferably, a secondary sealing means is provided co-operable with the lower shell and the third closure means for sealing the third closure means against the lower shell for preventing the ingress of moisture to the main hollow interior region.

In another embodiment of the invention the primary latching means comprises a pair of pivotally mounted primary latches pivotally mounted on the upper shell and engageable with corresponding receivers located on the lower shell.

Preferably, a means is provided in the lower and upper shells of the case for accommodating a padlock for releasably locking the upper shell in the closed state.

In one embodiment of the invention a power distribution board is located in the chassis. Preferably, an AC to DC power supply is located in the chassis.

In another embodiment of the invention the apparatus is adapted to be powered by one of an AC mains power supply and a DC power supply. Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to be powered by an AC power supply over a range of AC voltages. Advantageously, the apparatus is adapted to be powered by a DC power supply over a range of DC voltages.

In another embodiment of the invention a battery back-up power supply is provided in the main hollow interior regions.

Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to select power from the AC power supply the DC power supply and the battery back-up power supply in a hierarchical order with the AC power supply being the preferred power supply and the DC power supply being the next preferred power supply.

Advantageously, the encryption means is located in the chassis.

In one embodiment of the invention the chassis is removable from the casing.

In another embodiment of the invention a portable satellite communications aerial is located in the aerial compartment. Preferably, the portable satellite communications aerial is removable from the aerial compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention a mobile telephone is located in the mobile phone compartment.

In another embodiment of the invention the mobile phone is removably located in the mobile phone compartment.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the portable communications apparatus according to the invention is that it permits secure transmission and reception of data in remote locations irrespective of the availability of a connection to the internet, be it a broadband connection or otherwise. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the portable communications apparatus comprises a laptop computer located in the casing, data communication can be made directly via the laptop computer. By virtue of the fact that an encryption means is located in the chassis, all data being transmitted can be readily easily encrypted, thereby providing secure transmission of data, and where the apparatus also facilitates decryption of data, data being received can be readily easily decrypted in order to facilitate secure reception of data.

By providing the aerial to be suitable for satellite communication, transmission and reception of data via satellite communication can be achieved, thereby facilitating communication from a wide range of remote locations.

A further advantage of the portable communications apparatus according to the invention is that it provides a single compact system to allow two-way secure communication via telephone or computer from a remote location.

Additionally, the apparatus according to the invention being provided in a single case is portable, and relatively lightweight, and can be carried by hand without difficulty.

A further advantage of the invention is that it permits powering of the device via many power supplies, as well as providing battery back-up. The apparatus may be powered by an AC power supply or a DC power supply over a relatively wide range of AC and DC voltages. This, thus, facilitates use of the apparatus in many locations, for example, in a motor vehicle where 12 volts supply DC is provided, in a house, hotel, office premises or the like where an AC power supply is available, irrespective of the voltage of the power supply, and in other locations where AC or DC power supplies are available of varying voltage levels. The apparatus according to the invention also facilitates safe communication over the internet, as well as voice over internet protocol formats.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of communications apparatus according to the invention, Fig. 2 is another front perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the portion of Fig. 4 of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is another front perspective view of the portion of Fig. 4 of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is an underneath perspective view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the detail of Fig. 8 of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of the portion of Fig, 10 of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 12 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 13 is a partly exploded rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig, 1, Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the detail of Fig. 14 of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 16 is a rear end elevational view of a detail of the portion of Fig. 12 of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 17 is a block representation of circuitry of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 18 is a block representation of circuitry also of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 1, and Fig, 20 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 19 of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with a portion of the apparatus illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 19.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a portable communications apparatus according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The apparatus 1 comprises a case 2 of shell type construction of plastics material, which in this embodiment of the invention is ABS plastics material, and comprises a lower shell 5 and an upper shell 6. The upper and lower shells 5 and 6 are hingedly coupled by a pair of hinges 8, and the upper shell 6 is hingeable relative to the lower shell 5 between a closed state illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20 defining with the lower shell 5 a main hollow interior region 10, and an open state illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 and 13 providing access to the main hollow interior region 10.

The lower shell 5 comprises a base 11, spaced apart front and rear walls 12 and 14 extending upwardly from the base 11, and a pair of spaced apart side walls 15 also extending upwardly from the base 11 and joining the front and rear walls 12 and 14. The base 11, front and rear walls 12 and 14, and the side walls 15 define a lower portion 16 of the main hollow interior region 10, and the front and rear walls 12 and 14 and the side walls 15 define a periphery 17 which defines an open mouth 18 to the lower portion of the hollow interior region 16.

The upper shell 6 comprises a top wall 19 and a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart front and rear walls 20 and 21 extending downwardly from the top wall 19 joined by a pair of spaced apart side walls 22 also extending downwardly from the top wall 19. The top wall 19, the front and rear walls 20 and 21 and the side walls 22 define an upper portion 23 of the main hollow interior region 10. The front and rear walls 20 and 21 and the side walls 22 define a periphery 24, which in turn defines an open mouth 25 to the upper portion of the hollow interior region 23.

The peripheries 17 and 24 of the lower shell 5 and the upper shell 6 co-operate with each other when the upper shell 6 is in the closed state for closing the main hollow interior region 10. A primary latching means comprising a pair of primary latches 28 are pivotally carried on the front wall 20 of the upper shell 6 and releasably engage corresponding receivers 29 on the front wall 12 of the lower shell 5 for releasably securing the upper shell 6 to the lower shell 5 in the closed state. A primary sealing means comprising a primary sealing gasket 30 is located in a recess 31 extending around the periphery 24 of the upper shell 6, and is engageable with an upwardly extending rim 32 extending around the periphery 17 of the lower shell 5 for forming a watertight seal between the lower and upper shells 5 and 6 when the upper shell 6 is in the closed state for preventing the ingress of moisture to the main hollow interior region 10.

A chassis 35 of sheet metal material is removably located in the lower shell 5 in the lower portion 16 of the main hollow interior region 10. The chassis 35 comprises a base 36 and a top wall 37 joined by a pair of spaced apart front and rear walls 38 and 39, respectively, and a pair of spaced apart side walls 40. The base and top walls 36 and 37, the front and rear walls 38 and 39, and the side wall 40 define a primary hollow interior region 41 within which components as will be described below are located. In this embodiment of the invention the chassis 35 is formed of two pieces of channel shape construction, one piece forming the base 36 and the front and rear walls 37 and 38, and the other piece forming the top wall 37 and the side walls 40. A pair of flexible side straps 43 are secured to the side walls 40 of the chassis 35 for facilitating removal of the chassis 35 from the lower shell 5.

A laptop computer 45 for controlling transmission and reception of data through the apparatus 1 is secured to the top wall 37 of the chassis 35. A screen 46 of the laptop computer 45 is pivotally coupled in conventional fashion to a keyboard housing 47 of the laptop computer 45.

A component housing 48 is hingedly coupled to the top wall 37 of the chassis 35 and forms with a portion of the top wall 37 of the chassis 35 a secondary hollow interior region 49 within which a first housing 50 and a second housing 51 are located. The component housing 48 comprises a top wall 53 and a pair of spaced apart downwardly extending side walls 54 extending downwardly from the top wall 53, which are joined by front and rear walls 55 and 56, respectively, which also extend downwardly from the top wall 53. The top wall 53, side walls 54 and front and rear walls 55 and 56 define the secondary hollow interior region 49, and the side walls and front and rear walls 54, 55 and 56 define an open mouth 57 to the secondary hollow interior region 49. A hinge 58 hingedly couples the rear wall 56 to the top wall 37 of the chassis 35 for facilitating hinging of the component housing 48 between the closed state illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 with the top wall 37 of the chassis 35 closing the open mouth 57 and forming with the top wall 53, the side walls 54 and the front and rear walls 55 and 56 the secondary hollow interior region 49, and the open state illustrated in Fig. 6 providing access to the first and second housings 50 and 51.

The first housing 50 comprises a top wall 59 and a pair of spaced apart downwardly extending front and rear walls 60 and 61 which are joined by a downwardly extending side wall 62, see Fig 8. The first housing 50 is secured to the top wall 37 of the chassis 35 by screws (not shown) through bores 67 in the top wall 59.

Brackets 65 and 66 secured to the top wall 59 are provided for mounting components within the first housing 50. In this embodiment of the invention the first housing houses a VPOINT dongle 68 which is mounted in the bracket 65 for coupling to a USB cable to an internal USB hub connector 69. An SMC adaptor 70 for providing USB to Ethernet connection is located in the bracket 66, and terminates in a port 71 for receiving a USB cable to Talon connector 72. The dongle 68 is coupled to a corresponding port in the laptop computer 45 by a cable (not shown) through the connector 69, which extends through an open side 74 of the first housing 50.

The second housing 51 comprises a base wall 75, a side wall 76 and walls 77 extending upwardly from the base wall 75, see Fig. 7. The base wall 75 and the side wall 76 and the end walls 77 define with one of the side walls 54 of the component housing 48 a battery compartment 78 within which a power supply battery 79 is located. The component housing 48 defines with the first and second housings 50 and 51 and the top wall 37 of the chassis 35 a storage compartment 80 for storing cables and other connectors for use with the apparatus 1.

A pair of USB ports 82 and 83 coupled to corresponding USB ports (not shown) in the laptop computer 45 are located in the component housing 48, and are accessible through openings 63 and 64, respectively, in the top wall 53 to facilitate coupling of a USB stick to the laptop computer 45. A telephone port 84 in the component housing 48 facilitates coupling of a mobile or other telephone, neither of which are shown into the apparatus 1. An on/off switch 85 located in the component housing 48 facilitates powering up and powering down of the apparatus 1. The on/off switch 85 is accessible through an opening 52 in the top wall 53. Eight spaced apart light emitting diodes 86 also located in the component housing 48 and projecting through openings 73 in the top wall 53 indicate the percentage of energy remaining in the battery 79. When the battery is fully charged, all eight light emitting diodes are powered up. The light emitting diodes are progressively switched off as the charge in the battery falls below respective pre-determined levels.

A framework 88 secured to the upper shell 6 within the upper portion 23 of the main hollow interior region 10 divides the upper portion 23 of the main hollow interior region 10 into an aerial compartment 89 and a mobile phone compartment 90. The mobile phone (not shown) is stored in the mobile phone compartment 90 and a satellite communications aerial 94 is removably located in the aerial compartment 89. The framework 88 comprises a base member 91 and a pair of spaced apart side io members 92 and 93 extending from the base member 91, which are joined by front and rear members 96 and 97 also extending from the base member 91. A partition member 95 extends from the base member 91 intermediate the side members 92 and 93 and between the front and rear members 96 and 97, and defines with the front and rear members 96 and 97 and the side members 92 and 93, the telephone compartment 90 and the aerial compartment 89. The base member 91 is secured to the top wall 19 of the upper shell 6 by screws (not shown).

A first closure means, namely, a first closure plate 98 is hingedly coupled to the rear member 97 of the framework 88 by a hinge 103, and is hingeable between a closed state illustrated in Fig. 1 closing the mobile phone compartment 90, and an open state illustrated in Fig. 2 providing access to the mobile phone compartment 90. A first latching means, namely, a first latch 100 is slideably mounted on the first closure plate 98 and is releasably engageable with a first receiver slot 101 formed in the partition member 95.

A second closure means, namely, a second closure plate 104 is hingedly coupled to the rear member 97 by a pair of hinges 106, and is hingeable between a closed state illustrated in Fig. 1 closing the aerial compartment 89 and an open state illustrated in Fig. 2 providing access to the aerial compartment 89. A second latching means, namely, a second latch 108 slideably mounted in the second closure plate 104 is releasably engageable with a second receiver slot (not shown) formed in the front member 96 of the framework 88. The second receiver slot is similar to the first receiver slot 101.

A communicating opening 115 formed in the rear wall 14 of the lower shell 5 provides access to a plurality of communicating ports 116 located in the chassis 35 and accessible through the rear wall 39 thereof, as will be described below. The communicating opening 115 is closed by a third closure means, namely, a third closure plate 117 which is hingedly coupled to a mounting frame 118. The mounting frame 118 is secured to the rear wall 14 of the lower shell 5 by screws 119 and extends around the communicating opening 115. A pair of hinges 120 hingedly couple the third closure plate 117 to the mounting frame 118, and the closure plate io 117 is hingeable between an open state illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, and a closed state illustrated in Fig. 3. Torsion springs 121 located in the hinges 120 spring urge the third closure plate 117 into the closed state.

A third latching means comprising a latch plate 122 having a latching slot 123 therein is slideably mounted on the third closure plate 117 and is slideable between a latched state with the latching slot 123 engaging a latch pin 124 extending from the mounting frame 118, and an unlatched state with the latching slot 123 disengaged from the latch pin 124. A mounting plate 125 secured to the third closure plate 117 by screws 126 slideably secures the latch plate 122 to the third closure plate 117. A pair of elongated slots 127 extending in the latch plate 122 slideably engage the screws 126 for guiding the latch plate 122 between the latched state and the unlatched state, and for limiting the travel of the latch plate 122 between the latched state and the unlatched state.

A retaining means, namely, a retaining pin 128 which is slideably mounted in a bore 130 in a mounting housing 131 is engageable with a retaining bore 132 in the latch plate 122 for retaining the latch plate 122 in the latched state engaged with the latch pin 124. The mounting housing 131 is secured to the third closure plate 117, and a compression spring (not shown) located within the mounting housing 131 urges the retaining pin 128 outwardly of the mounting housing 131 into a retaining state for engaging the retaining bore 132 in the latch plate 122. The retaining pin 128 is disengaged from the retaining bore 132 by depressing the retaining pin 128 into the mounting housing 131 against the spring urging action of the spring (not shown) within the mounting housing 131.

A secondary sealing means comprising a secondary sealing gasket 135 which is located in a recess 136 extending around the mounting frame 118 is engageable with a corresponding ridge 139 extending around the third closure plate 117 adjacent the peripheral edge 138 thereof for sealing the third closure plate 117 against the mounting frame 118 for preventing the ingress of moisture into the main hollow interior region 10. l o A stabilising means for stabilising the lower shell 5 on a desk or other such surface when the upper shell 6 is in the open state and the screen 46 of the laptop computer 45 is also in the operative state comprises a U-shaped stabilising frame 140. The stabilising frame 140 is pivotally coupled to the rear wall 14 of the lower shell 5 by screws 141. The stabilising frame 140 is pivotal between an inoperative state illustrated in Figs. 3, 12 and 13 and an operative state (not shown) extending at an angle of approximately 30° from the rear wall 14 for stabilising the case 2.

Returning now to the chassis 35, within the primary hollow interior region 41 formed by the chassis 35, an intermediate plate 145 is mounted on the base 36, and carries a router assembly 146, which is described below with reference to Figs. 17 and 18 for routing data within the apparatus 1. A lower printed circuit board 148 is mounted beneath the intermediate plate 145 on shock absorber mountings 149, which extend downwardly from the intermediate plate 145. An upper printed circuit board 150 is mounted above the intermediate plate 145 on shock absorber mountings 151 extending upwardly from the intermediate plate 145. The electronic components of the routing assembly 146, including microcontrollers, microprocessors, memory and switching circuits are provided on the upper and lower printed circuit boards 148 and 150. An AC to DC power converter board 152 is mounted on shock absorber mountings 153 on the base 36 of the chassis 35.

A rear panel 154 which is secured to the rear wall 39 of the chassis 35 carries the communicating ports 116, which are accessible through the communicating port 115 formed in the rear wall 14 of the lower shell 5. An AC power supply port 155 is located in the rear panel 154 for receiving an AC mains supply. The AC power supply port 155 is coupled to the AC to DC power converter board 152 for providing the AC main supply to the AC to DC power converter board 152. Four of the communicating ports 116 in the rear panel 154, namely, the communicating ports 157 are provided for coupling four additional computers into the apparatus 1. Two of the communicating ports 116 in the rear panel 154, namely, the communicating ports 158 are provided for receiving voice over internet protocol signal. A DC power supply input port 159 located in the rear panel 154 is provided for receiving a DC power supply of voltage in the range of 10 volts to 36 volts. Two of the io communicating ports 116, namely, the ports 160 and 161 are provided in the rear panel 154 for broadband global access network (BGAN) communications. A BGAN power supply port 187 in the rear panel 154 is provided for a 12V DC output. An earth port 162 also located in the rear panel 154 is provided for grounding the apparatus 1.

A plurality of light emitting diodes, namely, groups of light emitting diodes 156 are located in the front wall 38 of the chassis 35 for indicating the status of operation of the electronic components on the upper and lower printed circuit boards 148 and 150. A pair of serial ports 168 and 169 are located in the front wall 38 of the chassis for inputting and outputting data via the upper and lower printed circuit boards 148 and 150.

A housing 171 houses the AC to DC power converter board 152. A cooling fan 170 which is powered by an electric motor (not shown) is mounted on the base 36 of the chassis 35 for cooling the electronic components on the lower and upper printed circuit boards 148 and 150, and in particular, the AC to DC power converter board 152. An inlet grill 174 located in one of the side walls 40 of the chassis 35 accommodates air into the fan 170. A filter 175 is secured over the inlet grill 174 by a perforated cover 176 for filtering air being drawn into the primary hollow interior region 41 by the fan 170.

Referring now to Figs. 17 and 18, a block representation of the electronic circuitry of the apparatus 1 which is provided on the upper and lower printed circuit boards 148 and 150 will now be described. The AC to DC power converter board 152 is supplied with an AC power supply through the AC power supply support 155, and is coupled to ground through the earth port 162. The AC to DC power converter board 152 produces DC regulated supplies at 12 volts DC and 15 volts DC. The voltage and ground outputs are provided to a power distribution board 190 which controls the distribution of power to the components of the apparatus. The power distribution 190 also receives a DC power supply through the DC port 159. Power is supplied through the BGAN power supply port 187 by the power distribution board 190 and to the laptop also through the power distribution board 190.

The power distribution board 190 also supplies power to a router battery and regulatory module 191, which produces regulated power supplies at the appropriate voltage value for the various components in the apparatus 1, The router battery and regulatory model 191 also provide DC power for charging the battery 79. A DC supply from the battery 79 is also supplied to the power distribution board 190.

The power distribution board 190 also determines the hierarchical order in which power supply is derived from the various power sources for powering the apparatus 1. Where an AC power supply is provided to the AC power supply port 155 the power distribution board 190 derives power from the AC supply port 155. In the event of an interruption of the AC power supply, the power distribution board derives the power supply from a DC supply provided through the DC power supply input port 159. In the absence of an AC supply or a DC supply being provided to the AC and DC ports 155 and 159 respectively, the power distribution board derives power from the battery 79. On either AC or DC power being provided through the AC power supply port 155 and the DC power supply port 159, the power distribution board 190 selects power preferably from the AC power supply port 155 if a power supply is provided to the AC power supply port 155, and in the absence of AC power being supplied to the AC power supply port 155, power is derived from the DC power supply port 159, assuming DC power supply is being supplied to the DC power supply port 159. In other words, the hierarchical order in which power is drive by the power distribution board 190 is as follows: An AC power supply from the AC power supply port 155, a DC power supply from the DC power supply port 159 and a DC power supply from the battery 79.

The power distribution board 190 also comprises a high frequency filter for producing a filtered 12 volt DC supply output to the electric motor of the cooling fan 170. The AC to DC power converter board 152 and the power distribution board 190 both include voltage sensing circuits for sensing the voltage level of the AC and DC power supplies which are applied to the AC power supply port 155 and the DC power supply port 159. A regulating circuit in response to the voltages of the AC and DC input supplies switches the power supplies to circuits of the appropriate voltages in the AC to DC power converter board 152. Additionally, both the AC and DC power converter circuit 152 and the power distribution board 190 are both capable of operating with AC power supply voltages of frequency in the range of 47 Hz to 63 Hz and also of 400 Hz.

The laptop computer 45 comprises a PCMCIA port through which data to be encrypted is outputted to an encryption means, namely, an encryption board 180. Encrypted data from the encryption board 180 is applied to a first Ethernet USB adaptor 181, and in turn to a first router unit 182 which is carried on the upper printed circuit board 150. A USB port of the laptop computer 45 provides data output to a second Ethernet to USB adaptor 183 without encryption, and the data is in turn applied from the Ethernet to USB adaptor 183 to a second router 185. A local area network port of the laptop computer 45 is also coupled directly to a wide area network (WAN) port of the second router 185. Data from the first router 182 is outputted through the SMC adapter 70. Outputs from the second router 185 are provided through one of the BGAN ports 160 and 161.

In use, the primary latches 28 are disengaged from the corresponding receivers 29 and the upper shell 6 is hinged into the open state. The apparatus 1 may be used with the chassis 35 and the laptop computer 45 located within the case 2 or removed from the case 2. Irrespective of whether the apparatus is used with the chassis 35 and the laptop computer 45 located within or removed from the case 2, in order to establish communication for the transmission and reception of data, the mobile phone (not shown) is removed from the mobile phone compartment 90 and is coupled by a suitable coupling lead to the telephone port 84 in the top wall 53 of the component housing 48. If desired, a USB stick may be coupled into an appropriate one of the USB ports 82 and 83. The on/off switch 85 is operated for powering up the apparatus 1, and with the laptop computer 45 booted up and the appropriate software called up, communication is then established through the mobile phone. If a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi point is provided adjacent the apparatus 1, communication can proceed through the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi point. Otherwise, the satellite aerial 94 is removed from the aerial compartment 89, and is appropriately set up and coupled into the appropriate one of the first and second routing devices 182 and 185 through io one of the BGAN ports 160 and 161 of the communicating ports 116.

With the apparatus so set up, secure transmission and reception of data can be carried out. Data to be transmitted from the laptop computer 45 is passed through the encryption board 180 for encryption therein prior to being transmitted via the mobile phone (not shown). Data received is received via the mobile phone through the encryption board 180, where it is decrypted prior to relaying to the laptop computer 45. Where it is desired to establish voice connection using voice-overinternet protocol, the appropriate software is called up on the laptop computer 45 to establish a suitable voice-over-internet link via the mobile phone. Thereafter, voice communication continues through the mobile phone.

When communication has been completed, the apparatus 1 is powered down and if the apparatus had been operated with the chassis 35 and the laptop computer 45 removed from the case 2, the chassis 35 and the laptop computer 45 are returned to the lower shell 5 to the lower portion 16 of the main hollow interior region 10 of the case 2, and the upper shell 6 is hinged into the closed state and the primary latches 28 are engaged with the receivers 29. lio 8 0 794

Claims (46)

1. A portable communications apparatus comprising a case defining a main hollow interior region, and having a lower shell forming a lower portion of the main hollow interior region, and an upper shell forming an upper portion of the main hollow interior region, the upper shell being hingedly coupled to the lower shell, and being hingeable between a closed state forming the main hollow interior region and an open state providing access to the main hollow interior region, a primary latching means being provided for releasably securing the lower and upper shells of the case in the closed state, a chassis located in the lower shell in the lower portion of the main hollow interior region, a laptop computer mounted on the chassis and accessible when the upper shell is in the open state, a component housing mounted on the chassis, and defining with the chassis a secondary hollow interior region within which a first housing and a second housing are located, the component housing being pivotal between a closed state forming the secondary hollow interior region and an open state providing access to the first and second housings, a plurality of coupling components being located in the first housing, and a battery being located in the second housing, a mobile phone compartment being located in the upper shell in the upper portion of the main hollow interior region, the mobile phone compartment being closed by a first closure means, the first closure means being operable between a closed state forming with the upper shell the mobile phone compartment, and an open state providing access to the mobile phone compartment, an aerial compartment being located in the upper shell in the upper portion of the main hollow interior region, and being closed by a second closure means, the second closure means being operable between a closed state forming with the upper shell the aerial compartment and an open state providing access to the aerial compartment, an encryption means being provided for encrypting data being transmitted by the apparatus, a routing means being located in the chassis for routing signals between the laptop computer and other components in the case, a plurality of communication ports being located in the chassis for coupling components in the case to the routing means, an access opening in the lower shell providing access to the communicating ports located in the chassis, and a third closure means closing the access opening, the third closure means being operable between an open state providing access to the communication ports, and a closed state preventing access to the communication ports.

2. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the component housing is of shell type construction comprising a housing shell defining with the chassis the secondary hollow interior region, and defining a downwardly facing open mouth for providing access to the secondary hollow interior region, the downwardly facing open mouth being closed by the chassis when the housing shell is in the closed state.

3. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the first housing is mounted on the chassis.

4. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second housing is mounted in the component housing.

5. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the component housing defines with the chassis and the first and second housings a storage compartment, the storage compartment being accessible when the component housing is in the open state.

6. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a releasable securing means is provided for releasably securing the component housing in the closed state.

7. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which the securing means is co-operable with the component housing and the chassis.

8. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first housing houses a dongle.

9. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first housing houses at least one USB connecting means.

10. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the first housing houses an SMC adaptor.

11. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the first housing houses a USB cable connector for connecting to an internal USB hub.

12. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 in which the first housing houses a USB connector for connecting a USB cable to the encryption means.

13. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 or 12 in which a USB port is provided in the component housing for facilitating coupling of a USB device to at least one of the USB connectors.

14. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a partition located in the upper shell in the upper portion of the main hollow interior region divides the upper portion of the main hollow interior region to form the respective mobile phone and aerial compartments.

15. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first closure means comprises a first closure plate hingedly coupled to the upper shell and hingeable between the open state and the closed state.

16. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 in which a first latching means is provided for releasably securing the first closure plate in the closed state.

17. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second closure means comprises a second closure plate hingedly coupled to the upper shell and hingeable between the open and the closed state.

18. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 in which a second latching means is provided for releasably securing the second closure plate in the closed state.

19. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a primary sealing means is provided co-operable with the upper and lower shells for providing a watertight seal between the upper and lower shells when the upper shell is in the closed state to prevent the ingress of moisture to the main hollow interior region.

20. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the third closure means comprises a third closure plate hingedly coupled to the lower shell and hingeable between the open and the closed state.

21. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 20 in which the third closure plate is resiliently urged into the closed state.

22. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 in which the third closure plate is resiliently urged into the closed state by a torsion spring.

23. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 22 in which a third latching means is provided for releasably securing the third closure plate in the closed state.

24. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 in which the third latching means comprises a third latch member slideable between a latched state and an unlatched state, and a retaining means for retaining the third latch member in the latched state.

25. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 24 in which the retaining means comprises a resiliently mounted retaining pin slideable between a retaining position engaging the third latch member in the latched state, and a disengaged position disengaged from the third latch member.

26. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 25 in which the retaining pin is releasably slideably engageable with a retaining bore in the third latch member in the retaining position.

27. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 26 in which the retaining pin is manually disengageable from the retaining bore in the third latch plate by manually depressing the retaining pin against the resilient biasing.

28. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 27 in which the retaining pin is spring urged into the retaining position.

29. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 28 in which the third closure plate is sealably engageable with the lower shell in the closed state.

30. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a secondary sealing means is provided co-operable with the lower shell and the third closure means for sealing the third closure means against the lower shell for preventing the ingress of moisture to the main hollow interior region.

31. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the primary latching means comprises a pair of pivotally mounted primary latches pivotally mounted on the upper shell and engageable with corresponding receivers located on the lower shell.

32. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a means is provided in the lower and upper shells of the case for accommodating a padlock for releasably locking the upper shell in the closed state.

33. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a power distribution board is located in the chassis.

34. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which an AC to DC power supply is located in the chassis.

35. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the apparatus is adapted to be powered by one of an AC mains power supply and a DC power supply.

36. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 35 in which the apparatus is adapted to be powered by an AC power supply over a range of AC voltages.

37. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 35 or 36 in which the apparatus is adapted to be powered by a DC power supply over a range of DC voltages.

38. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 37 in which a battery back-up power supply is provided in the main hollow interior regions.

39. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 in which the apparatus is adapted to select power from the AC power supply the DC power supply and the battery back-up power supply in a hierarchical order with the AC power supply being the preferred power supply and the DC power supply being the next preferred power supply.

40. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the encryption means is located in the chassis.

41. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the chassis is removable from the casing.

42. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a portable satellite communications aerial is located in the aerial compartment.

43. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 42 in which the portable satellite communications aerial is removable from the aerial compartment.

44. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a mobile telephone is located in the mobile phone compartment. 5

45. A portable communications apparatus as claimed in Claim 44 in which the mobile phone is removably located in the mobile phone compartment.

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