Abstract: A transport tray includes a carrier, a base plate, and a fixing member. The carrier is used to hold products. The base plate is provided with a groove. The carrier is received in the groove. The base plate and the fixing member are magnetic. At least a portion of the carrier is located between the base plate and the fixing member.

Abstract: A damping or return device for sliding door leaves or drawers, particularly for furniture, is provided. The device has a first trolley, which is associated with a door leaf and is slideable with respect to an item of furniture, by a diametrically differently-polarized magnet, which is associated with the first trolley or with the item of furniture, and by at least one steel plate, which is associated with the item of furniture or with the first trolley. The first trolley interacts selectively with at least one elastically compressible element which abuts, in opening and in closing, with an abutment element which is associated with and protrudes from the item of furniture.

Abstract: A system can include a housing that defines a first plane; a base that defines a second plane; and an adjustable hinge assembly that rotatably couples the base and the housing about an axis, where the hinge assembly includes permanent magnets that generate a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field orientable with respect to each other via rotation of the housing with respect to the base, where the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field include an aligned orientation, generate a clockwise restoring torque responsive to rotation of the housing in a first rotational direction from the aligned orientation, and generate a counterclockwise restoring torque responsive to rotation of the housing in a second, opposite rotational direction from the aligned orientation, and where the aligned orientation is adjustable to correspond to a selected angle between the first plane and the second plane.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having a safety system that includes an electronic controller controlling an electronically controlled mechanism in response to inputs from a number of rear parking sensors to prevent movement of a rear closure of the motor vehicle in a closing direction when more than one object is sensed to be within a rear protection zone and the rear closure member is in a fully open position.

Abstract: A mobile frame includes an upper frame and a lower frame. The upper frame includes an upper outside frame and an upper inside frame. A first coupling portion, of the upper frame, includes a first continuous slot module, a second continuous slot module and a first magnetic coupling device. The lower frame includes a lower outside frame and a lower inside frame, and the lower inside frame is coupled to the lower outside frame. A second coupling portion of the lower frame includes a second magnetic coupling device. A plurality of magnetic elements are positioned between the first and the second continuous slot modules.

Abstract: A device comprising a base having a first top surface and a first bottom surface, a first magnetic component, and a first attachment component; a cover having a second top surface and a second bottom surface, a first magnetic component, and a second attachment component, the second bottom surface configured to mate with the first top surface; wherein the first and second magnetic components are placed so as to hold the cover onto the base and to act as a swivel hinge, and wherein the first and second attachment components are configured to engage the base to the cover when the device is in an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a web handling system that includes a spindle having a spindle magnetic coupling portion and a roll core configured for receiving the spindle for mounting thereon and having a roll magnetic coupling portion, wherein the spindle and roll magnetic coupling portions are configured for magnetically attracting each other to hold the roll on the spindle.

Abstract: A damping or return device for sliding door leaves, particularly for furniture, or for drawers, which is constituted by a pin the shank of which is constituted by a diametrically differently-polarized magnet that slideably and axially interacts with a steel plate or a complementarily-shaped collar, which is made of steel and polygonal.

Abstract: An electronic device and accessory device are disclosed. The devices may be designed to magnetically couple together. Accordingly, each device may include one or more magnets that magnetically couple. In order to maintain the magnetic coupling and resist some at least some force or forces acting on, for example, the accessory device, the magnets may include a shape designed to increase the amount of force required to move the magnets in the accessory device relative to the magnets in the electronic device. The shape of the magnets may include polygonal shapes such as a trapezoid or a triangle. Magnets, having a trapezoidal or a triangular shape, magnetically couple with one another, may provide a stronger counterforce to lateral forces acting on the magnets.

Abstract: A system and method for inhibiting inadvertent movement of a window sash out of a fully open position. Brake shoes travel in the guide tracks as the window sash is moved between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A stop is mounted within the guide tracks. The brake shoe and the stop contact and interconnect when the window sash is moved to its fully open position. The brake shoe is separable from the stop when a closing force is manually applied to the window sash that acts to move the window sash away from its fully open position. The force applied must exceed a threshold level. In this manner, the window sash will remain in its fully open position and will not inadvertently drift closed due to gravity, vibrations or contact with another window sash.

Abstract: A door system suitable for installation in data centers to limit airflow to and from aisles between rows of equipment cabinets has a door assembly with a door panel and a plurality of vertically spaced hinge assemblies having powerful permanent magnets manually movable between connected and disconnected positions, enabling the door assembly to be aligned and positioned on the side wall panel of an equipment cabinet and then removably mounted in place by engagement of the magnets. Each magnet can be mounted in a rotatable threaded magnet carriers received in a threaded recesses in the hinge assembly and rotation of the magnet carrier is operable to move the magnet into the connected and disconnected positions. The hinge assemblies also include registration tabs that engage slots in the cabinet for proper alignment and orientation of the door system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fixing mechanism includes a mounted component, a rotating component, a locating module, a fixing module, an electromagnetic component and a control unit. The locating module is for locating the rotating component on at least one fixing position while the rotating component pivots relative to the mounted component. The fixing module is installed on an end of the mounted component and used for fixing the rotating component while the rotating component is located on the at least one fixing position. The electromagnetic component is installed on the mounted component. The control unit is electrically connected to a touch display module and the electromagnetic component. The control unit is used for controlling the electromagnetic component to provide a magnetic attraction force to attract the fixing module for fixing the rotating component while the touch display module is activated.

Abstract: A magnetic hinge (24) having a magnet (68) that is rotatably connected to frame front (14) or temples (18, 19) of eyewear (10). Magnet (68) has a contact surface that cooperates with a magnetically reactive body (76) and can be secured in a housing (34) that is rotatably connected to eyewear (10) by protrusions (60, 62).

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a supporting arm, at least one first hinge, a first coupling member and at least one second coupling member. The first hinge is connected between the first body and the supporting arm. The supporting arm can rotate relatively to the first body through the first hinge. The first coupling member is disposed in the first body. The second coupling member is disposed in the supporting arm. When the second coupling member moves to at least one predetermined position, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are attracted by each other.

Abstract: A hinge includes a pivot, two connection members pivotally connected by the pivot, a first magnetic part connected to one of the connection members, a second magnetic part moveably disposed relative to the first magnetic part and kinetically connected to the other one of the connection members, and an adjustment part kinetically connected to the other connection member and urging against the adjustment part. The magnetic moment of the second magnetic part is opposite to that of the first magnetic part. When the two connection members rotate relatively, the other connection member drives the adjustment part and the second magnetic part to rotate relative to the first magnetic part, so as to produce a repulsive moment resisting the rotation and varies with the rotation. A foldable electronic apparatus has the hinge.

Abstract: A device for checking the door of a vehicle that includes a fixing member that is attached to a vehicle body; a checker arm, an edge of which is hinge combined with the fixing member to be rotated and is located between a door and the vehicle body; and a door checker that is attached to the door to maintain the door in a stop-state at a position on a moving path of the door while sliding in a length direction of the checker arm by accommodating the checker arm therein, wherein the door checker includes: a housing in which an accommodation space is formed; a transformation element that is accommodated in the housing and transforms a straight line motion of the checker arm into a rotational motion by being engaged with the checker arm; a rotation element that is disposed within the housing, rotates by being engaged with the transformation element, and includes a friction plate; a fixing element that is fixedly installed in the housing and restricts the rotation member by attracting the friction plate of the rot

Abstract: The apparatus comprises: a case (100), in particular a case that can be integrated into a motor vehicle dashboard; a front panel element (200), removably mounted on the case; and means for the reversible assembly and fixation of the front panel element to the case. Such means include: at a first end of the front panel element and of the case, a dismountable magnetic hinge comprising a first pair of magnetic elements (124, 224), arranged on the case and on the front panel element, respectively, opposite to each other and in mutual attraction; and at an opposed, second end of the front panel element and of the case, means for locking the front panel element to the case, comprising a lock (212) and a second pair of magnetic elements (126, 226), arranged on the case and on the front panel element, respectively, opposite to each other and in mutual repulsion.

Abstract: A hinge module is disposed between a first body and a second body. A first bracket is fixed on the first body to fix a shaft. A second bracket is fixed on the second body and passed through by the shaft, so that the second bracket can be rotated relative to the first bracket. An electromagnet is installed on the shaft. A magnetic element is installed on the shaft, and capable of being attracted or repelled with the electromagnet. At least one of the electromagnet and the magnetic element is capable of being moved along the shaft axially but substantially incapable of being rotated with the shaft as an axis. When the electromagnet is activated, at least one of the electromagnet and the magnetic element is axially moved to press the second bracket to increase a torque of a rotation of the second bracket relative to the first bracket.

Abstract: A hinge includes a pivot, two connection members pivotally connected by the pivot, a first magnetic part connected to one of the connection members, a second magnetic part moveably disposed relative to the first magnetic part and kinetically connected to the other one of the connection members, and an adjustment part kinetically connected to the other connection member and urging against the adjustment part. The magnetic moment of the second magnetic part is opposite to that of the first magnetic part. When the two connection members rotate relatively, the other connection member drives the adjustment part and the second magnetic part to rotate relative to the first magnetic part, so as to produce a repulsive moment resisting the rotation and varies with the rotation. A foldable electronic apparatus has the hinge.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic hinge device including a rotor having an elongated body with a rotor surface at least one permanent rotor magnet coupled to the rotor surface. A stator including an inner surface that defines a cavity to receive the rotor, the rotor is positioned within the stator along a common axis of rotation. The inner surface of the stator is generally radially continuous having a first edge portion and a second edge portion such that the first edge portion is attached to the second edge portion at an offset. The stator having at least one permanent stator magnet coupled to the inner surface. The rotor includes a radial position that is configured to rotate to a neutral position within the stator. The neutral position along the common axis of rotation is in approximate alignment with the offset.

Abstract: Provided is a door opening/closing structure in which the attachment/detachment of the door is easy in the rotatably opening/closing door. In the door opening/closing structure, an axial member attached to a door and an axial member attached to an object to which the door is attached are arranged to oppose each other in at least one position of the rotatably fixed door, wherein one of the two axial members comprises a magnet and the other comprises a magnetic body or a magnet which attracts each other with the magnet.

Abstract: In one embodiment a locking mechanism for a hinge, comprises a housing defining a chamber which is to contain a magnetorheological (MR) fluid, a bias mechanism which disposed at a first end of the chamber, a piston disposed at a second end of the chamber, the piston to be coupled to a hinge rotatable about a first axis, wherein rotation of the hinge about the first axis translates the piston laterally in the housing on a first side of the chamber, and a magnet positioned proximate the housing to change the MR fluid from a first state in which the MR fluid exhibits a low viscosity to a second state in which the MR exhibits a high viscosity. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: An eyewear hinge having a lens mount and a hinge support, wherein a post from the hinge support engages a hinge receiver on the lens mount. The lens mount has a security slot that is configured to receive and engage a security ledge on the hinge support. Engagement of the security ledge by the security slot provides for secure retention of the hinge support by the lens mount without the use of screws or tight, friction fit pins. The security ledge and the security slot may include mating ridges and/or grooves on their top and/or bottom surfaces which act as threads to provide a threaded engagement of the ledge with the slot. The eyewear hinge may also include magnets configured to snap the hinge support into particular angles of rotation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fixing mechanism includes a mounted component, a rotating component, a locating module, a fixing module, an electromagnetic component and a control unit. The locating module is for locating the rotating component on at least one fixing position while the rotating component pivots relative to the mounted component. The fixing module is installed on an end of the mounted component and used for fixing the rotating component while the rotating component is located on the at least one fixing position. The electromagnetic component is installed on the mounted component. The control unit is electrically connected to a touch display module and the electromagnetic component. The control unit is used for controlling the electromagnetic component to provide a magnetic attraction force to attract the fixing module for fixing the rotating component while the touch display module is activated.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between open and closed positions and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. A hinge pin assembly cooperates with the hinge members and has aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position the hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions. The locking components may include a mechanical override device to prevent damage.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a clamshell device thereof are disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a base, an axial portion, and a magnetic ring. The base is a metal material and has a pivot portion. The axial portion is pivoted to the pivot portion and can rotate with respect to the base, wherein the axial portion has at least one guiding groove. The magnetic ring is connected to the axial portion and adjacent to the base. The magnetic ring has at least one guiding portion used for sliding along the least one guiding groove. When the axial portion is rotating with respect to the base, the magnetic ring separates from the base and moving along the least one guiding groove by the at least one guiding portion. When the axial portion stops rotating, the magnetic ring attracts to connect to the base by a magnetic force.

Abstract: Flux fountain techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a cover configured to be disposed over at least a portion of a display device of a computing device that is configured as a tablet and a connection portion attached to the cover using a flexible hinge. The connection portion is configured to be physically coupled to the computing device using a magnetic coupling device. The magnetic coupling device includes a first magnet that is disposed in the connection portion such that a magnetic field is aligned along an axis and second and third magnets are disposed in the connection portion at opposing sides of the first magnet from each other. The second and third magnets have respective magnetic fields that are aligned along a respective axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field of the first magnet.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. The first and second body portions have aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the first and second hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the hinge members' internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions.

Abstract: A door opener assembly having a rotatable arm-bar for hands-free use by individuals in high-traffic pedestrian conditions. The rotatable arm-bar has a distal knobbed end and allows users to easily position a wrist or forearm within the hook and to move laterally, as the person moves, as the door is opened and thereafter provides a slide-release of the forearm or wrist. The smooth surface and design of the arm-bar allows users to disengage from contact without risk of injury occurring such as from the unexpected opening of the door from the opposite direction.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a clamshell device thereof are disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a base, an axis portion, and a magnetic ring. The base is a metal material and has a pivot portion. The axis portion is pivoted to the pivot portion and can rotate with respect to the base, wherein the axis portion has at least one guiding groove. The magnetic ring is connected to the axis portion and adjacent to the base. The magnetic ring has at least one guiding portion used for sliding along the least one guiding groove. When the axis portion is rotating with respect to the base, the magnetic ring separates from the base and moving along the least one guiding groove by the at least one guiding portion. When the axis portion stops rotating, the magnetic ring attracts to connect to the base by a magnetic force.

Abstract: Various embodiments for magnetic detent assemblies provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. In one embodiment, magnetic detent assemblies provide for custom detent positions and custom force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. In an embodiment, the changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the custom detent positions and custom force profiles. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the start wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles. In other embodiments, devices such as laptop computers and docking stations for handheld electronic devices can implement multi-position detent hinges with the magnetic detent assemblies.

Abstract: The invention broadly contemplates an apparatus that makes it possible to easily lift up and open a notebook type computer cover irrespective of a weight of the cover and stop the cover at a predetermined opened/closed position. A portable electronic apparatus includes: a main body provided with an input operating portion, a cover provided with a display unit, a hinge mechanism including a rotary shaft fixed to the cover and a support member fixed to the main body. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic mechanism having a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, in which the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are disposed with respect to the rotary shaft so that when the current is applied or not applied to the electromagnet, a repulsive or attractive force is generated which allows the rotary shaft to be in a rotatable state, and thereby allow an opening/closing torque to act on the cover.

Abstract: A hinge is provided for pivotably mounting a first attachment member to a second attachment member. A first member is attached to the first attachment member. A second member pivotably engages the first member and is disposed within the first member. The second member is configured for attachment to the second attachment member. An annular cavity is disposed between the first member and the second member. The annular cavity maintains a spaced relationship between the first member and the second member. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed within the annular cavity. A magnetic field generating member is configured to produce a change in a shear strength of the magnetorheological fluid within the annular cavity. The magnetorheological fluid applies a variable resistance torque between the first member and the second member for controlling a pivoting motion between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a first fixing member, and a second fixing member. The first fixing member can extend through the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first fixing member includes a first magnet. The second fixing member can extend through the second connecting member and be received in the first connecting member. The second fixing member includes a second magnet. The first fixing member is engaged with the second fixing member under the magnet force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

Abstract: A computing device that includes a housing, an accessory interface, and a self-closing enclosure mechanism for the accessory interface. The self-closing enclosure mechanism is positioned over the accessory interface and is pivotable to move between a closed and open position.

Abstract: A support system includes a frame member and a cover magnetically coupled to one another proximate an edge of the cover and in an aligned state. The cover is rotatable with respect to the frame member without any structural coupling therebetween while the frame member and cover remain substantially in the aligned state. A method of supporting a cover with respect to a frame includes magnetically attracting the cover and frame to each other proximate an edge of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic doorstop, which is attached to the multidirectional joint of the existing sectional shelf. The doorstep includes a block type main part, which is of block type and has an mounting end and a holder; a clamp mouth, which is concave on the mounting end of the main part and displays a v-shape; and a magnetic part set on the holder of the main part. The magnetic doorstop can clamp the edge of corner recess of a multidirectional joint by the clamp mouth, and when the flexible door piece pivots to close, the magnetic part on the holder of the holding magnetic doorstop attracts the magnet at one corner of the frame bar of the flexible door piece and holds it. Thus, the flexible door piece can be held close.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a fixing module, a rotatable module, and a fixing member. The pivot shaft includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The fixing module is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft adjacent to the first end and includes a first magnet. The rotatable module is rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft adjacent to the second end and includes a second magnet. A polarity of the second magnet faces an opposite polarity of the first magnet such that the first and second magnets creating an attracting force. The rotatable module is pushed to tightly contact the fixing module by the attracting force such that a friction is created between the rotatable module and the fixing module to hold the rotatable module. The fixing member is fixed at the second end of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A portable terminal including a pair of housings and a hinge apparatus for coupling the housings in such a way that the housings pivot with respect to each other are provided. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge bracket fixed to a first housing of the pair of housings, a pivot member connected to a second housing of the pair of housings and pivotably coupled to the hinge bracket to pivot with respect to a hinge axis, a cam surface provided on the pivot member around the hinge axis, the cam surface comprising at least a pair of recess portions, and a cam member received to protrude and retreat in perpendicular to the hinge axis on the hinge bracket. When the pivot member pivots, the cam member slides and contacts the cam surface and is engaged with one of the recess portions on the cam surface, such that at least the housings are folded to each other or are kept stationary in a position where the housings are inclined with respect to each other at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A support mechanism includes a connecting portion and a support member. The support member includes a main body rotatably connected to the connecting portion and a support portion extending from one end of the main body. A first magnet is positioned on the connecting portion. A second magnet is positioned on the support member. The magnetic force generated between the first magnet and the second magnet rotates the support member relative to the connecting portion. An electronic device using the same is also provided.

Abstract: A hinge including a first hinge member including a first magnetic element; and a second hinge member including a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second hinge members are hingedly mounted to each other. The first and second hinge members are substantially maintained in a retained position via magnetic force between the first and second magnetic elements.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a rotatable leaf rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, a fixing leaf non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, a first magnet fixed to the rotatable leaf, a second magnet fixed to the fixing leaf, and a fixing member. A polarity of the second magnet faces an opposite polarity of the first magnet in a predetermined position such that the first and second magnets experience attraction. The attraction is changeable when the rotatable leaf is rotated relative to the fixing leaf. The fixing member is fixed at an end of pivot shaft to prevent the rotatable leaf and the fixing leaf from detaching from the pivot shaft.

Abstract: Various embodiments for magnetic detent assemblies provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. In one embodiment, magnetic detent assemblies provide for custom detent positions and custom force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. In an embodiment, the changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the custom detent positions and custom force profiles. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the start wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles. In other embodiments, devices such as laptop computers and docking stations for handheld electronic devices can implement multi-position detent hinges with the magnetic detent assemblies.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (20) including a first magnetic member (21) and a second magnetic member (22) is described. The polarities of opposing end surfaces of the first magnetic member and the second member are different. The second magnetic member is configured for rotating relative to the first magnetic member to generate a magnetic moment. In addition, an exemplary portable electronic device (100) equipped with the hinge assembly is also described.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises an assembly adapted to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing, said assembly adapted to rotate said first housing and said second housing with respect to each other between a closed configuration and at least one open configuration, said assembly comprising an inner ring coupled with said first housing and an outer ring coupled with said second housing, said inner ring slidably coupled with said outer ring in a circumferential direction, said outer ring movable through a first opening in said first housing, said inner ring movable through a second opening in said second housing when said first housing and said second housing rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic doorstop, which is attached to the multidirectional joint of the existing sectional shelf. The doorstep includes a block type main part, which is of block type and has an mounting end and a holder; a clamp mouth, which is concave on the mounting end of the main part and displays a v-shape; and a magnetic part set on the holder of the main part. The magnetic doorstop can clamp the edge of corner recess of a multidirectional joint by the clamp mouth, and when the flexible door piece pivots to close, the magnetic part on the holder of the holding magnetic doorstop attracts the magnet at one corner of the frame bar of the flexible door piece and holds it. Thus, the flexible door piece can be held close.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a fixing module, a rotatable module, and a fixing member. The pivot shaft includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The fixing module is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft adjacent to the first end and includes a first magnet. The rotatable module is rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft adjacent to the second end and includes a second magnet. A polarity of the second magnet faces an opposite polarity of the first magnet such that the first and second magnets creating an attracting force. The rotatable module is pushed to tightly contact the fixing module by the attracting force such that a friction is created between the rotatable module and the fixing module to hold the rotatable module. The fixing member is fixed at the second end of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A support system includes a frame member and a cover magnetically coupled to one another proximate an edge of the cover and in an aligned state. The cover is rotatable with respect to the frame member without any structural coupling therebetween while the frame member and cover remain substantially in the aligned state. A method of supporting a cover with respect to a frame includes magnetically attracting the cover and frame to each other proximate an edge of the cover.

Abstract: The invention broadly contemplates an apparatus that makes it possible to easily lift up and open a notebook type computer cover irrespective of a weight of the cover and stop the cover at a predetermined opened/closed position. A portable electronic apparatus includes: a main body provided with an input operating portion, a cover provided with a display unit, a hinge mechanism including a rotary shaft fixed to the cover and a support member fixed to the main body. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic mechanism having a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, in which the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are disposed with respect to the rotary shaft so that when the current is applied or not applied to the electromagnet, a repulsive or attractive force is generated which allows the rotary shaft to be in a rotatable state, and thereby allow an opening/closing torque to act on the cover.

Abstract: A magnetic or virtual hinge defining a virtual hinge axis includes first and second plates of non-magnetic material, and first and second magnets disposed in the respective plates adjacent the hinge axis for movement therewith. The first and second members are movable about the hinge axis between closed and open orientations.