Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for rotatably mounting a display unit to a surface for movement between a first angular position adjacent the surface, a second angular position spaced from the surface and a range of third angular positions spaced from the second angular position. A first pintle secured to a first hinge mount is rotatably connected to a first hinge bracket. A first friction element secured to the first hinge bracket imparts a first resistive friction to the first pintle. A first detent mechanism secured to the first hinge bracket releasably secures the first pintle in the second angular position and imparts a second resistive friction to the first pintle when the first pintle is rotated through the range of third angular positions. The display unit rotates in a controlled manner from the first angular position to the second angular position due to a gravitational force.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member. A cylindrical pintle is secured to the second member. A friction element secured to the first member includes first and second cylindrical walls that wrap at least substantially circumferentially around the pintle in opposing first and second directions, respectively, providing equal resistance to relative rotation therebetween in both directions. A protuberance extends radially from the pintle, into a corresponding slot in at least one of the cylindrical walls, and engages an end of the slot when the first member and second member achieve a first predefined angular relationship, the friction element storing energy from relative movement between the friction element and pintle when the protuberance is engaged at the slot end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for rotatably mounting a display unit to a surface for movement between a first angular position adjacent the surface, a second angular position spaced from the surface and a range of third angular positions spaced from the second angular position. A first pintle secured to a first hinge mount is rotatably connected to a first hinge bracket. A first friction element secured to the first hinge bracket imparts a first resistive friction to the first pintle. A first detent mechanism secured to the first hinge bracket releasably secures the first pintle in the second angular position and imparts a second resistive friction to the first pintle when the first pintle is rotated through the range of third angular positions. The display unit rotates in a controlled manner from the first angular position to the second angular position due to a gravitational force.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a friction element for being secured to a first member. The friction element has a generally cylindrical wall including a generally longitudinally extending face and an internal surface. A generally cylindrical pintle for being secured to the second member is positioned rotatably within the friction element and includes an external surface, the external surface and internal surface being configured to provide an interference fit therebetween such that the friction element applies a generally radially directed compressive force to the pintle. A protuberance extends generally radially outwardly from the pintle and engages the generally longitudinally extending face when the pintle and friction element achieve a first predefined angular relationship.

Abstract: A hinge connects a first member to a second member. The hinge includes a connector constructed of a polymeric material secured to the first member. The connector is constructed from a polymeric material and has a generally flat connector surface, and a first axis. A support is rotatably connected to the connector about the first axis. The support is constructed of a metallic material and has first and second opposing generally flat support surfaces. The first generally flat support surface is biased against the connector surface. A friction piece constructed of a polymeric material is rotatably connected to the support about the first axis and is rotatably fixed to the connector. The friction piece is biased against the second generally flat support surface. A torque element has a first end including an open portion and a closed portion. The torque element has an elongated second end extending from the closed portion. The second end of the torque element is fixedly connected to the support.

Abstract: A self-latching hinge for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member is provided. The hinge comprises a hinge housing connected to one of the first and second members. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the hinge housing, with the shaft being connected to the other of the first and second members. A cam is located on the shaft. A rotatable roller is located in the housing adjacent to the cam such that as the shaft is rotated, the cam contacts and rotates the roller. 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. A portable computer is also provided having a self-latching hinge located between the display housing and the processor housing.

Abstract: A hinge adapted to pivotably connect a hinged member to a device housing is provided. The hinge is adapted to maintain the hinged member in one of an open position and a closed position relative to the device housing. The hinge includes a first hinge part having an axis and a cam follower. The first hinge part is adapted to be connected to one of the hinged member and the device housing. A second hinge part is provided which is aligned with and rotatable about the axis of the first hinge part. The second hinge part has a cam surface. The cam follower on the first hinge part contacts the cam surface. The cam surface has a first position and a second position. The second hinge part is adapted to be connected to the other of the hinged member and the device housing. A spring is provided which urges the cam follower against the cam surface with a spring force. The first and second hinge parts each have an axial bore defined therethrough.

Abstract: A rotatable heat transfer coupling for rotatably connecting a first object to a second object for transfer of heat from the first object to the second object is provided. The rotatable heat transfer coupling includes a first heat transfer housing for attachment to one of the first and second objects. The housing has an outside surface and an inside surface defining a generally cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal axis. A slot is provided through the housing between the surface and the generally cylindrical cavity. A cylindrical heat transfer component which is connected to the other of the first and second objects is located within the generally cylindrical cavity. A clamp is positioned on the outside surface of the housing to apply an additional force on the housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member which includes a friction element for being secured to the first member. The friction element has an internal surface defining a generally cylindrical cavity. The friction element is geometrically configured to have substantially uniform strength. A generally cylindrical pintle for being secured to the second member includes an external surface and is positioned within the cavity with the external surface of the pintle being in facing frictional engagement with the internal surface of the friction element. As such, substantially uniform forces are created between the external surface of the pintle and the internal surface of the friction element to provide torque transfer and angular positional control of the pintle with respect to the friction element.

Abstract: A lockable hinge assembly for selectively rotatably locking a first hinge member to a second hinge member includes a first generally cylindrical member and a second member rotatably coupled to the first member. A wrap spring is interconnected between the first and second members. The wrap spring is movable with respect to the first member to control an amount of frictional torque applied between the wrap spring and the first member. An actuator member is in operative engagement with the wrap spring.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member which includes a friction element for being secured to the first member. The friction element has an internal surface defining a generally cylindrical cavity. The friction element is geometrically configured to have substantially uniform strength. A generally cylindrical pintle for being secured to the second member includes an external surface and is positioned within the cavity with the external surface of the pintle being in facing frictional engagement with the internal surface of the friction element. As such, substantially uniform forces are created between the external surface of the pintle and the internal surface of the friction element to provide torque transfer and angular positional control of the pintle with respect to the friction element.