Redundant hinge element for a notebook computer
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorEric Andrew Knopf
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A redundant hinge element and a hinge assembly made from the redundant hinge element that are adapted to provide pivotal connection between casings of a notebook computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, palmtop computer, or other appliance.
Claims21
A hinge device for pivotally connecting first and second parts of a casing, comprising:
- (a) a plurality of interlocking, redundant hinge elements that are assembled together to create a hinge assembly;
- and
- (b) each of the redundant hinge elements comprised of a cylindrical portion and a cylindrical slot portion that is partially open to accept the cylindrical portion of an adjacent, interlocking, redundant hinge element, wherein the cylindrical slot portion includes one or mote retention wings;
- (c) wherein each end of the hinge assembly is adapted for connection to one of the first and second parts of the casing such that rotation of the hinge assembly causes pivotal motion between the first and second parts of the casing.
A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a base and lid of a casing, wherein the hinge assembly is comprised of interlocking hinge elements, each of the hinge elements comprising of a cylindrical portion and a cylindrical slot portion that is partially open to accept the cylindrical portion of another hinge element, wherein the cylindrical slot portion of each of the interlocking hinge elements includes means for retaining the cylindrical portion of another hinge element, and the hinge assembly connects the base to the lid in a manner that permits pivotal rotation of the base and lid relative to each other.
A hinge element for a hinge assembly comprising a cylindrical portion and a cylindrical slot portion that is partially open to accept the cylindrical portion of another hinge element, wherein the cylindrical slot portion includes one or more retention wings for retaining the accepted cylindrical portion of another hinge element within the cylindrical slot portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.