Abstract: A hinge assembly for providing variable angular dependant torque is provided. The hinge includes a band having at least one bearing segment and at least one variable torque segment. A shaft, rotatable within the band, has at least one bearing portion and at least one variable torque portion. The variable torque portion has a torque reducing surface and a torque producing surface. As the shaft rotates relative to the band, a resilient spring member on the band contacts the shaft along the torque producing surface to provide frictional torque and disengages from the shaft along the torque reducing surface in order to reduce frictional torque.

Abstract: A hinge assembly rotationally connecting two components includes at least a shaft coupled to one of the components and a tubular member connected to the other component and a defining an annular space around said shaft. A viscous damping fluid is disposed in said space and provides a damping force resisting relative rotation between the two components. A second tubular member is also provided that is connected to the shaft and is arranged axially around the first tubular member. In this latter configuration, static and dynamic frictional forces are generated between the tubular members that resist rotation between the components as well.

Abstract: An improved friction hinge assembly is provided. The friction hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft and a band having a circular spring portion for defining an opening in which the shaft is rotatably inserted in order to provide frictional torque between the shaft and the band spring portion. The band also includes a substantially flat tail portion having at least one edge. A reinforcing rib is disposed against at least one edge of said band tail portion in response to the shaft being inserted within the spring portion opening. The rib prevents flexing of said tail portion when said spring portion of said band rotates relative said shaft. Such flexing is prevented even if said shaft is at least partially retracted from within the spring portion opening by locking the reinforcing rib in position.

Abstract: A friction hinge comprising a shaft and a band including a spring portion which is rotatable relative to the shaft and wrapped tightly about the shaft for providing frictional torque between the shaft and spring portion is provided. The shaft includes a contact member for engaging the spring portion when the spring portion is rotated in one of two rotational directions and reaches a selected rotational position with respect to the shaft. Further rotation of the shaft in that direction causes the spring portion to loosen about the shaft.

Abstract: A hinge for notebook computers is disclosed which includes a cam mechanism to keep the lid closed when the computer is not in use and a cooperatively operating friction mechanism to maintain the lid's position when in use. The friction mechanism operates in conjunction with the cam mechanism to enhance the operational characteristics thereof. Previous attempts at cam hinges for laptops demanded that the cam mechanism, which provides torque in opposition to the frictional torque as the lid nears the closed position, be capable of overwhelming the friction mechanism in order to perform its intended function. This placed a strain on the cam mechanism, resulting in the need for a stronger heavier hinge, and stronger heavier attachment points in the laptop. By controlling the magnitude of the friction by substantially reducing it at the moment of cam engagement, the cam hinge becomes a far more practical device.

Abstract: The invention is a friction hinge assembly for a laptop computer which has a high thermal conductivity. The assembly includes a base element, a base element fixed to the base of the computer and to which an axially aligned base heat pipe is coupled. The assembly also includes a lid element fixed to the lid of the computer. The lid element has a body portion and a rotatable sleeve attached to the lid and which receives a lid heat pipe. The base and lid elements are pre-assembled selectively fastenable to one another for ease of assembly of the lid to the base, and in order to control the frictional torque produced by the hinge during operation.

Abstract: A friction hinge is provided, comprising a shaft and a band frictionally wrapped about the shaft, wherein the band is formed with a pair of annular slits for defining a pair of outside annular members and an inside annular finger disposed between the slits, the finger being circularly wrapped about the shaft such that the finger is matingly received within an annular undercut formed along the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small, cylindrical hinge, or pivoting pin, which can be configured to produce various profiles of torque versus angle. The desired profile of torque versus angle is achieved by the shapes of the hinge shaft and the spring plates of the hinge. Detents at one or more angular positions can be achieved, with or without frictional damping torque at other angles. The friction of our hinge is produced symmetrically about the hinge axis, eliminating the problems associated with asymmetric construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pivoting joint that has two stable positions. The pivoting joint is comprised of two housing elements that can rotate co-axially with respect to one another. A spring, generally in the shape of a modified hairpin, is contained within the two housing elements. The two ends of the spring fit into holes in one housing element, and the closed end of the spring is held, substantially irrotatably, in the other housing element. The spring urges the two housing elements to one or the other rotational extreme with respect to one another.

Abstract: A hinge that provides equilibration and variable friction for a display screen or a laptop lid. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion rod provides a restoring force which increases as the lid is moved either direction from its vertical position. A friction hinge, of well know design, uses a spring band about a shaft. One end of the torsion rod is coupled to the end of the band of the friction hinge, so that the moment in the torsion rod increases or decreases the moment in the spring band of the hinge, modifying the frictional torque accordingly. This allows the frictional torque to be low as the lid is first opened, and larger as the display reaches the useful range of its motion.