Self-latching hinge

A self-latching hinge for rotatable coupling a first member to a second member, said hinge comprising:

• a hinge housing for being connected to one of the first and second members;
• a shaft rotatably disposed in the hinge housing, the shaft for being connected to the other of the first and second members;
• a cam located on the shaft;
• a rotatable roller located adjacent to the cam which contacts the cam such that as the shaft is rotated, the cam contacts and rotates the roller, and contact between the roller and the cam at a specified angle of rotation causes interference between the roller and the cam to create an increased latching torque which must be overcome for movement of the shaft;
• and
• a frictional torque applying element located in the hinge housing which applies a frictional torque to the shaft as it is rotated.

A self-latching hinge for rotatable coupling a first member to a second member, said hinge comprising:

• a hinge housing for being connected to one of the first and second members;
• a shaft rotatable disposed in the hinge housing, the shaft for being connected to the other of the first and second members;
• a cam located on the shaft;
• and
• a rotatable roller located adjacent to the cam which contacts the cam such that as the shaft is rotated, the cam contacts and rotates the roller, and contact between the roller and the cam at a specified angle of rotation causes interference between the roller and the cam to create an increased latching torque which must be overcome for movement of the shaft;
• wherein the cam is generally cylindrical and has an outer surface defined by radii which vary circumferentially to a point of maximum outer surface displacement from the axis, the point of maximum outer surface displacement being located at the specified angle of rotation between the first and second members such that the first and second members are forced to a closed position.

A self-latching hinge for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member, said hinge comprising:

• a hinge housing for being connected to the first member;
• a shaft rotatably disposed in the hinge housing, the shaft for being connected to the second member;
• a cam located on the shaft, the cam includes an outer surface having a plurality of projections;
• and
• a rotatable roller having at least one recess, said roller located in the hinge housing such that as the shaft is rotated, the cam contacts and rotates the roller and contact between the roller and the cam at a specified angle of rotation causes interference between the roller and at least one of the plurality of projections on the cam by engagement of the projection into one of the at least one recesses to create an increased latching torque which must be overcome for movement of the shaft.

A portable computer comprising:

• a screen housing;
• a processor housing;
• a hinge pivotally connecting the screen housing to the processor housing, the hinge includes,
• a hinge housing connected to one of the processor housing and the screen housing;
• a shaft rotatably disposed in the hinge housing, the shaft being connected to the other of the processor housing and the screen housing;
• a frictional torque applying element located in the hinge housing for applying frictional torque to the shaft as it is rotated;
• a cam located on the shaft, the cam having a projection;
• and
• a rotatable roller having a recess, said roller located in the housing such that as the shaft is rotated, the cam contacts and rotates the roller, and contact between the roller and the cam at a specified angle of rotation causes interference between the roller and the cam by engagement of the projection into the recess to create an increased latching torque which must be overcome for movement of the shaft.