Abstract: A self-contained hinge is disclosed for use in a flip-style device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). A can receives a spring that provides a compressive force to maintain a cam pressed against a follower. Additionally, the spring applies a torsional force to the cam to facilitate rotation of the follower relative to the cam and automatically open the hinge.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a portable device hinge having an elastomer urging element that is used to supply the necessary force for controlled rotation of a main part and a flip part. Embodiments of the invention include low part count hinges. Embodiments of the invention also include hinges that permit pass-through of wiring between a flip part and a main part. A handset of the invention includes a flip part and a main part with one or more hinges of the invention controlling rotation between the flip part and the main part. Preferred embodiment handsets have wiring that passes though the can and the elastomer urging element of a hinge of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual axis hinge for handheld devices. A preferred embodiment is a self-contained hinge that provides controlled rotation about two axes, e.g., perpendicular x- and y-axes. Controlled rotation about an x-axis includes fully open and closed biased positions, and also preferably provides self-open and/or self-close assistance when predetermined rotational points about the x-axis are reached. Controlled rotation about a y-axis provides a bias position, e.g., 0°. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment both negative and positive rotation about the y-axis are permitted, and hard stops are defined at limits of negative and positive rotation. In a preferred embodiment hinge, a unitary main body supports x-axis and y-axis rotational control sub-assemblies. The main body is preferably substantially hollow, with bores that provide a path through which wiring, e.g., flex circuit, may be routed through. Embodiments of the invention also provide hinges with low part counts, e.g.

Abstract: A push-button hinge for a handheld device. The hinge comprises an axially movable button having a push surface and a helical portion for converting axial movement of the button to rotation, a helical follower engaged with the helical portion for rotating in response to the axial movement of the button, a cam rotatably movable with a flip part of the handheld device, a cam follower engaged with a cam profile of the cam and rotatably movable with the helical follower, and a biasing member for urging the cam against the cam follower. The cam profile includes an area initially resisting opening of the handheld device that is overcome by rotation of the cam follower in response to the axial movement of the button. The cam profile further includes a slope for causing rotation of the cam with respect to the cam follower due to the biasing member, thus rotating the flip part and opening the handheld device.

Abstract: A self-contained hinge is disclosed for use in a flip-style device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The spring provides a compressive force to maintain the cam pressed against the follower. Additionally, the spring applies a torsional force to the cam to facilitate rotation of the follower relative to the cam and automatically open the hinge.

Abstract: A self-contained hinge assembly for use in a flip device of the type having a main part and a flip part that are joined to permit opening and closing of the flip part, wherein the hinge assembly includes a cam having a biasing surface, a cam follower operationally associated the biasing surface, a biasing member for urging the cam and cam follower together and having a longitudinal axis oriented in a first direction extending from underneath the cam follower surface, a housing for closely holding at least the cam and the cam follower, and a rotatable key member operably associated with and extending from an end portion of the cam and out of the housing in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction, the key member configured to engage the flip part of the flip device.

Abstract: A wireless mobile communication device enclosure of the invention includes a main part and flip part joined to permit opening and closing of said flip part. A hinged connection joins the main part and the flip part to permit said opening and closing of said flip part. The hinged connection includes a shaft accommodated within a housing. Rotation of the shaft relative to the housing deflects a leaf spring in the housing at a first relative rotational position of the shaft and said housing, and allows the leaf spring to relax, preferably to a completely undeflected state, at two additional relative rotational positions of the shaft relative to the housing.