Abstract: A foldable electronic device comprising a first housing element, a second housing element and a knuckle assembly. The proximal end of the second housing element includes a knuckle receiving slot. A pivot assembly extends about opposing sides of the knuckle receiving slot. The first housing element is pivotably coupled to the second housing element. The knuckle assembly includes a base member, a knuckle and opposing spigot members. The base member is attached to the second housing element. The knuckle is positioned in the knuckle receiving slot of the second housing element. The opposing spigot members extend away from the opposing side surfaces of the knuckle and into the pivot assembly of the second housing element on opposing sides of the knuckle receiving slot. As a result, the first housing element pivots relative to the second housing element about an axis extending through the opposing spigot members.

Abstract: A foldable electronic device comprising a first housing element, a second housing element and a knuckle assembly. The proximal end of the second housing element includes a knuckle receiving slot. A pivot assembly extends about opposing sides of the knuckle receiving slot. The first housing element is pivotably coupled to the second housing element. The knuckle assembly includes a base member, a knuckle and opposing spigot members. The base member is attached to the second housing element. The knuckle is positioned in the knuckle receiving slot of the second housing element. The opposing spigot members extend away from the opposing side surfaces of the knuckle and into the pivot assembly of the second housing element on opposing sides of the knuckle receiving slot. As a result, the first housing element pivots relative to the second housing element about an axis extending through the opposing spigot members.

Abstract: A device (100) having a first housing (101) and a second housing (102) may be selectively opened with a multi-axis coupling mechanism (500). The multi-axis coupling mechanism (500) works as an opening mechanism that is configured to cause the first housing (101) and the second housing (102) to rotate angularly about an opening axis (105) due to a preloaded tensioning device (401). The first housing (101) and second housing (102) are held in a closed position by retaining devices. The multi-axis coupling mechanism (500) is actuated when the first housing (101) is rotated about an actuation axis (106) that, in one embodiment, is substantially perpendicular to the opening axis (105). Opposing members may be employed to assist the multi-axis opening mechanism (500) during initial actuation.