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.