Multistage hinge
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorDaniel C. Park
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multistage hinge is described. In at least some embodiments, the described hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. According to various embodiments, a hinge mechanism includes different activity stages where movement of the hinge is based on different activity mechanisms. For instance, the hinge mechanism includes a spring-activated mechanism that controls movement of the hinge over a particular range of angles. Further, the hinge mechanism includes a friction mechanism (e.g., a “friction engine”) that controls movement of the hinge over a different range of angles.
Claims20
A device comprising:
- a support movably attached to a rear portion of the device;
- and
- a hinge that moveably attaches a portion of the support to the device, the hinge including:
- a cam rotatably mounted within a hinge frame and attached to the support;
- a first activity stage wherein movement of the cam is controlled based on a spring;
- and
- a second activity stage wherein movement of the cam is controlled based on frictional force, the first activity stage being disengaged from the cam when the second activity stage is engaged.
A hinge comprising:
- a cam rotatably mounted within a hinge frame;
- a first activity stage wherein movement of the cam is based on a spring of the hinge;
- and
- a second activity stage wherein the spring is disengaged from the cam and movement of the cam is based on frictional force provided by a friction mechanism of the hinge.
An apparatus comprising:
- a chassis;
- a moveable component moveably attached to the chassis;
- and
- a multistage hinge that moveably attaches the moveable component to the chassis and that is positionable in multiple preset open positions, the multistage hinge including:
- a hinge frame;
- a cam rotatably mounted within the hinge frame and attached to the moveable component;
- a first activity stage wherein movement of the cam is controlled based on a spring;
- and
- a second activity stage wherein the spring is disengaged and movement of the cam is controlled based on frictional force provided by a friction mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.