Mobile phone with elastic hinge
AssigneeNokia Corporation
InventorsRicky William Barnett, Simon Wilson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A foldable mobile phone hardset includes a first part and a second part which are pivotably connected by an elastic sheet. The sheet has a first end fixed in a curved slot in the first part and a second end fixed in a curved slot in the second part. The curvature of the sheet adds to the spring loading of the parts toward a stable open position of the phone, wherein the sheet has a uniform curvature along its length. The electronic components of the two parts are connected by an electronic element which is laid against the elastic sheet, the electronic element and the sheet being encased in an elastomeric sheath.
Claims16
A foldable electronic apparatus comprising
- a first part;
- a second part;
- and
- an elastic sheet having a first end fixed to said first part, a second end fixed to said second part, and a longitudinal axis extending from said first end to said second end, said elastic sheet being foldable transversely of said longitudinal axis so that said first part is pivotable with respect to said second part, said elastic sheet, when folded transversely of said centerline, loading said first part away from said second part toward a longitudinally unloaded position of said sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.