Hinged Or Folding Display; E.g., Laptop Computer Display Patents (Class 361/679.27)
  • Patent number: 8520379
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a first case, a second case, a first hinge which has a first fixing portion fixed to the first case and a second fixing portion fixed to the second case and rotatably connects the first case and the second case, and a first reinforcing plate configured to be fixed to the first fixing portion and spaced apart from an inner surface of a first cover and an inner surface of a second cover inside the first case. The first case includes a first storing portion storing electronic parts and a second storing portion projecting from the first storing portion and storing the first fixing portion. The first reinforcing plate extends over both the first storing portion and the second storing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuichi Hirai, Ryosuke Saito
  • Patent number: 8520377
    Abstract: An electronic device, comprising a hinge arm having a display member rotatably coupled to one end thereof, the hinge arm rotatably coupled at an opposite end thereof to a base member, and a locking system configured to prevent rotation of the hinge arm relative to the base member based on an angular location of the display member relative to the hinge arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark David Senatori
  • Patent number: 8520378
    Abstract: A swing-type portable communication apparatus includes a body housing having a first display part, a swing housing having a second display part and capable of being obliquely slid and juxtaposed with the body housing at the same angle without a height difference after being swung from the body housing. A hinge mechanism is provided at one end of the body housing for obliquely sliding the swing housing after the swing housing is swung from the body housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seneka Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Tae Kim, Sung-Ho Ahn, Pil-Je Cho
  • Patent number: 8520374
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first board structure, a second board structure and a pivoting mechanism. A fixing hole is formed on the first board structure. Two ends of the pivoting mechanism respectively pivot to the first board structure and the second board structure. The electronic device further includes a fixing mechanism installed on the pivoting mechanism. The fixing mechanism includes a base fixed inside the pivoting mechanism, a pin disposed on the base in a slidable manner for inserting into the fixing hole on the first board structure so as to constrain rotation of the first board structure relative to the pivoting mechanism, and a latch disposed on the base in a slidable manner and contacting against the pin for sliding the pin relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Winstron Corporation
    Inventors: Tung-Hsien Lin, Chia-Lian Yen, Tsai-Yun Sun
  • Publication number: 20130215567
    Abstract: An information processor includes an enclosure and a wireless communication module. The enclosure includes a first face, a second face, a plurality of corner portions and a center portion. The first face includes an input region and a surrounding region that extends around the input region. The second face is opposite to the first face. The center portion is distant from the corner portions. The wireless communication module has a side extending along the first face or the second face in which at least part of the side is closer to the corner portion overlapping with the surrounding region, the wireless communication module is configured to communicate through at least the second face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
  • Patent number: 8515504
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable terminal including a first enclosure having a display unit; a second enclosure having an operation unit; a first connection unit foldably connecting the first enclosure to the second enclosure by being rotated around a first center axis; and a second connection unit connecting the first enclosure to the second enclosure and allowing the first enclosure to be rotated between a first position and a second position and around a second center axis perpendicular to the first center axis, the second center axis located in a position shifted by a predetermined amount from a center of the first enclosure. The first enclosure is displaced from the second enclosure corresponding to the second center axis when the enclosures are folded via the first connection unit in a state where the first enclosure is rotated to the second position in the second connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Takefumi Masuda
  • Patent number: 8514558
    Abstract: A portable device includes a first body element, a second body element, and a hinge assembly to allow the second body element to slide and rotate, and to vary the vertical arrangement between the first body element and the second body element while remaining parallel to each other. The hinge assembly has a first end rotatably coupled to the first body element and a second end rotatably and slidably coupled to the second body element to allow the first body element and the second body element to slide and vary the vertical arrangement therebetween while staying parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Pantech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Jin Song
  • Patent number: 8508920
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus comprising a flexible display 12 cooperating with a housing 15 and conceived to be alternated between an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially extended state, said housing 15 comprising a substantially rigid portion 16a , 16b , 16c conceived to at least partially support an outer region of a surface of the flexible display in the extended state, wherein said rigid portion 16a , 16b , 16c is arranged for at least partially receiving a functional module 18a, 18b, 18c of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Creator Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Hjalmar Edzer Ayco Huitema, Rik Kruidhof, Johannes Cornelis Adriaan Hamers
  • Patent number: 8508925
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body and a linkage. The first body has a first upper surface, and the second body has a second upper surface. An end of the linkage is coupled to the first body through a first pivot shaft and another end of the linkage is coupled to the second body through a second pivot shaft, in which the second body is suitable to be stacked on the first upper surface of the first body to make the portable electronic device in a retracted state. The linkage is suitable to rotate relatively to the first body so that the first body and the second body of the portable electronic device are side by side in an expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Lin Cheng, Han-Ping Kuo
  • Patent number: 8508948
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes first and second housings connected to each other by a hinge mechanism. The first housing includes a first substrate having electronic components electrically connected to an antenna, a first hinge portion configuring a portion of the hinge mechanism, and a first conductive member provided in the first hinge portion. The second housing includes a second substrate having electronic components, a waterproofing partition wall surrounding the second substrate, a second hinge portion configuring a portion of the hinge mechanism, a second conductive member provided in the second hinge portion to be capacitively-coupled with the first conductive member, and a third conductive member insertion-molded therein. The third conductive member includes an inner portion positioned on an inner side of the partition wall, and an outer portion extending from the inner portion toward an outer side of the partition wall and capacitively-coupled with the second conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Naohiro Katou
  • Publication number: 20130201620
    Abstract: An electronic device may contain components such as flexible printed circuits and rigid printed circuits. Electrical contact pads on a flexible printed circuit may be coupled electrical contact pads on a rigid printed circuit using a coupling member. The coupling member may be configured to electrically couple contact pads on a top surface of the flexible circuit to contact pads on a top surface of the rigid circuit. The coupling member may be configured to bear against a top surface of the flexible circuit so that pads on a bottom surface of the flexible circuit rest against pads on a top surface of the rigid circuit. The coupling member may bear against the top surface of the flexible circuit. The coupling member may include protrusions that extend into openings in the rigid printed circuit. The protrusions may be engaged with engagement members in the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel
  • Publication number: 20130201621
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a body and a display panel installed at a front side of the body to display an image. The body includes a first member to form a portion of the body and allowing the display panel to be installed thereon, and a second member to form a remaining portion of the body and rotatably installed at the first member. As the second member serves as a support, the electronic apparatus may be disposed in a second mode for a user to conveniently use the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130194739
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a main body, a display module, a pair of arm portions configured to couple a first axis and a second axis and including an elbow portion at a predetermined point, each of the arm portions being rotatable about the first axis between a first position in which the second axis is positioned in the vicinity of a first end portion and a second position in which the second axis is positioned in the vicinity of a second end portion, and a component provided in the vicinity of a first side surface of the main body in a position bypassed by the elbow portion when the arm portion is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
  • Patent number: 8498102
    Abstract: A rotatable coupling mechanism includes an annular base member and a first annular member. A second annular member is mechanically coupled to the annular base member. A resilient member is disposed between the first annular member and the second annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Martin Earl Holman, IV, Bruce Alan Ivanik, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 8498101
    Abstract: A support frame is adapted to provide support to a display device, and includes a pivot seat module, a first support module and a second support module. The pivot seat module is adapted to be mounted to the display device for rotation relative to the display device about a first axis passing through the display device. The first support module is coupled to the pivot seat module, and is disposed to form an angle with a backside of the display device for supporting the display device at a substantially upright position. The second support module is coupled to the pivot seat module, is pivotable relative to the pivot seat module about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, and cooperates with the first support module to support the display device at a lying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: I-Ting Chiang, Sung-Yu Hsieh, Kuo-Hsing Wang, Chun-Chieh Chen, An-Ting Wang, Hsiu-Wei Yeh, Wei-Fan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130188305
    Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8493726
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device 60 comprising a flexible display arranged to be alternated between a collapsed state and an extended state, said flexible display comprising edge portions, the flexible display being further provided with an edge protector cooperating with the edge portions, wherein the edge protector is conceived to be alternated between a collapsed state and an extended state. In the electronic device 60a the flexible display 65 is conceived to be wound about a roller 61. The edge protector comprises rigid segments 63a, 63b, 63c, 62a, 62b, 62c, 62c interconnected by suitable means 64a, 64b, 64c. Wiring, pins, bars may be used for interconnecting means 64a, 64b, 64c. In the embodiment 60a an extended position of the edge protector is shown. In the embodiment 60b a collapsed state of the edge protector is shown comprising aggregations of segments 62?, 62?. The bars 64a, 64b, 64c partly protect the back surface of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Creator Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Dirk Visser, Johannes Cornelis Adriaan Hamers, Michael Johannes Anna Maria Walters, David Johannes Elisabeth Bemelmans
  • Patent number: 8490247
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a follower member, a rotary member, two swing rods, a resilient member and a main shaft. The follower member includes a cam surface. The rotary member includes a latching cam surface. The two swing rods engage with the rotary second member. Each swing rod includes a contact area engaging the cam surface, and each swing rod is rotated to allow the follower member to automatically rotate relative to the latching cam surface. The resilient member provides an elastic force for the follower member abutting against the rotary member. The main shaft, the follower member, the rotary member, the resilient member are placed around the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yi-De Luo, Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8490248
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a body of an electronic device and has an eccentric sleeve and a resisting assembly abutting against each other. When the cover is pivoted, the eccentric sleeve is rotated as well. Because the eccentric sleeve has sectors with varied radiuses, the resisting assembly is compressed to conduct various resisting forces when the eccentric sleeve is rotated. When the cover is opened to a normal visual angle, the hinge provides a constant largest torque. Therefore, the cover is held at the normal visual angle even though the user hits the touch panel on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuan-Chih Chen, Chaio-Liang Tseng, Tzung-Yang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8493724
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for securing to the body of an electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes a fixing plate. A holding member and two latching members project from the base of the electronic device. An end of the holding member opposite to the base bends toward the at least one latching member to form a latching portion. Each latching member includes a connecting portion projecting from the base, a supporting portion bending from an end of the connecting portion opposite to the base, and a hook arranged at a side of the supporting portion opposite to the connecting portion. The holding member cooperates with the supporting portion to define a clearance for holding the fixing plate, the hooks cooperate with the holding member to secure the fixing plate to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Ting Zhao, Min-Li Li, He-Li Wang, Chin-Sung Yang
  • Patent number: 8493714
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed comprising a housing (1) and a retractable display (3) conceived to be alternated between an at least partially extended state and a retracted state, the device comprising a cleaning unit (6) integrated in the housing and being arranged for removing contamination from at least a front surface of the display. The flexible display (3) can be retracted by sliding the side members (4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c) into the housing using, for example, a grip (7). Preferably, in the electronic device 10 the display is provided with edge members 8a, 8b for guiding the bar (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Creator Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Dirk Visser, Johannes Cornelis Adriaan Hamers, Gijs Peters, Hjalmar Edzer Ayco Huitema
  • Patent number: 8493725
    Abstract: A sliding module includes a first section, a second section, a hinge module, a sliding member and a pivot plate. The first section includes a connecting member. The hinge module is positioned on the second section. The sliding member is slidably engaged with the second section, and is rotatably connected to the connecting member of the first section. Two ends of the pivot plate are respectively connected to the first section and the hinge module. When the sliding member slides relative to the second section, the pivot plate brings the first section to move and rotate relative to the second section in a tilted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Ke-Long Wu, Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8488306
    Abstract: A secondary computing device display system includes a removable attachment mechanism operable to removably attach a secondary computing device display to a primary computing device display. The removable attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment member, operable to slideably attach to the secondary computing device display, and a second attachment member, comprising a clamping trench and a clamp locking lever. The second attachment member is operable to removably clamp the primary computing device display by inserting a clamping ridge of the primary computing device display in the clamping trench and engaging a notched surface of the clamping ridge with the clamp locking lever. The first and second attachment member are frictionally rotatable with respect to each other along a first axis and a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sideline, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Mickey, David C. Ramsperger, Brad Fulghum, Miguel Chapa
  • Patent number: 8488314
    Abstract: An example of an electronic device is disclosed herein that includes a housing and a lid joined to the housing and movable between a closed position adjacent the housing to define an enclosed space and an open position. The electronic device additionally includes a vacuum latch assembly to exhaust air in the enclosed space to create a substantially fluid-tight environment within the enclosed space and to help retain the lid in the closed position. Additional features and components of the electronic device and vacuum latch assembly are disclosed herein, as are other examples thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Britt C Ashcraft, Eric Chen, Peter M On
  • Publication number: 20130176674
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display assembly, in which the display assembly is positioned within a strength member frame and pivots around a pair of hinges fixed into the strength member frame, the strength member frame isolating the display assembly from forces that would otherwise damage the display assembly. The display assembly may include a rectangular display element and the strength member frame is then a rigid rectangular frame that surrounds all four sides of the display assembly, all sides of the rigid rectangular frame being capable of isolating the display assembly from forces that would otherwise damage the display assembly. The invention hence enables a computing device display to be securely held, protected and manipulated. The display is protected from stress, torsional forces, impact forces and over-rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Hugh Brogan, George Hines
  • Publication number: 20130176507
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing including a display, a first member configured to be rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing, a second member configured to be rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing, and a cable between the first housing and the second housing through the first member. The second member is configured to be substantially parallel to the first member. A length of the second member substantially is equal to a length of the first member. A center of rotation of the second member is configured to deviate from a center of rotation of the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yuji NAKAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8482911
    Abstract: A notebook computer includes a data processing unit, and a display unit pivotally connected with one side of the data processing unit. The display unit has a first casing member, a second casing member, and a third casing member. The first casing member is immovably disposed on the third casing member. The second casing member is separably combined upon the first casing member, which includes a plurality of first through slots, second through slots and a plurality of protrusions. The second casing member includes a plurality of first baffles and second baffles. The first casing member and second casing member can be easily combined with or separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Clevo Co.
    Inventors: Chien-Bang Kuo, Ying-Shen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8477486
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism includes a fixing member, a rotary member, a support member and a sliding module. A first end of the rotary member is rotatably assembled to the fixing member. A first end of the support member is rotatably hinged to the second end of the rotary member, and the second end of the support member is hinged with the sliding module. The sliding module includes a sliding member and a sliding rod slidably assembled to the sliding member. The sliding member is slidably mounted to the fixing member, and further hinged to the second end of the support member. The sliding member defines a sliding hole. The sliding rod is rotatably assembled to the rotary member together with the fixing member, and further slidably passing through the sliding hole of the sliding member. An electronic device using the linkage mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhen-Yu Yang, Lian-Cheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20130162914
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a display in the housing, a module in the housing, and a member attached to an end of the display. The member is configured to support the module and includes a cutout portion at an inner side of an end region of the module in a direction substantially parallel to the end of the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Norikazu NAGASAWA
  • Publication number: 20130162554
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8468654
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hinge assembly includes a main body defining a shaft hole, a connecting shaft including an inserting end rotatably received in the shaft hole, and an expansion member forming a tapered portion and axially positioned in the shaft hole. An end surface of the inserting end toward the expansion member defines a tapered hole corresponding to the tapered portion, and the tapered portion is pressed into the tapered hole to expand the inserting end to resist the inner surface of the shaft hole, thus rotatably connecting the connecting shaft to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Zheng Zhang, Xiao-Bo Li, Shen Li
  • Patent number: 8472176
    Abstract: An integrated power adapter system for a portable computer may include a power adapter for providing power to the portable computer, extractable elements for connection to an external socket, and a dissipation grid for reducing the temperature of the cover screen. The power adapter system may be a slim power adapter system being removable from and integrated with the cover screen of the portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Cristiano Gianluca Stella, Giuseppe Consentino
  • Patent number: 8472177
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: CruxCase, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Patent number: 8472175
    Abstract: A folding electronic device includes a first case, a second case, and a hinge element. The hinge element includes a shaft, a swing member, a toothed gear, and a spring clip. When the first case opens up at an about 180 degree angle relative to the second case from a folded position, the central projection of a spring clip engages with one tooth of the toothed gear, the first case may rotate relative to the second case under the horizontal direction or the vertical direction from any angle between about 0 and 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Yang, Wei Wu
  • Publication number: 20130155598
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first electrical display; and a second electrical display movably connected to the first electrical display between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the first and second electrical displays generally face each other. In the second configuration the first and second electrical displays do not generally face each other and are viewable from a same direction. The first and second electrical displays are sized and shaped such that in the first configuration a portion of the second electrical display is visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Mikael Kontkanen, Jussi Ropo, Pasi Tuomo Antero Kemppinen, Vicente Calvo Alonso
  • Publication number: 20130155592
    Abstract: A computer system and an attached input unit are provided for a user to input data. A computer system may comprise a linking member, a display housing, and an input unit. The linking member may have a first hinge and a second hinge. The display housing may be pivotally attached to the first hinge of the linking member. The input unit may be attached to the second hinge of the linking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: TOMOYUKI TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 8467179
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel, and a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: CruxCase, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Patent number: 8467178
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: CruxCase, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20130141857
    Abstract: A terminal apparatus that includes a first case, a second case, and a complex hinge module that has a slide hinge and a rotational hinge, to shift each of the first case and the second case between a closed state and an opened state. The slide hinge further includes a movable plate, a support plate that slidably supports the movable plate and is secured to the second case, and an elastic member configured to move the second case back toward the first case. The rotational hinge includes a fixed part secured to the first case, a rotational part which is rotatable on an axis common to the fixed part and the rotational part, and a link mechanism that connects the rotational part with the movable plate and has an extruding part to move the second case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya SANO
  • Publication number: 20130141854
    Abstract: A portable computer that is configurable between a plurality of display modes including a laptop mode (in which the portable computer has a conventional laptop appearance) and an easel mode in which the base of the computer and its display component stand vertically forming an inverted “V.” The portable computer includes a hinge assembly that couples the display component to the base of the computer, and allows the display component to be rotated about an axis along an interface between the display component and the base to configure the portable computer between a closed position, the laptop mode and the easel mode. The portable computer further comprises a scroll wheel and optional navigation buttons that permit a user to control or manipulate various aspects of operation of the portable computer (such as volume or display brightness) and/or content displayed the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Yves Behar, Joshua Morenstein, Christopher Hibmacronan, Naoya Edahiro, Matthew David Day
  • Patent number: 8456824
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing and a display mounted onto the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall, a peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall, and a support wall extending from the peripheral wall, along a direction parallel to the bottom wall. The support wall has a top surface, and forms a receiving space together with the peripheral wall and the bottom wall cooperatively. The top surface of the support wall defines a receiving slot surrounding the receiving space. The display is mounted on the housing, and received within the receiving slot of the support wall, to align with the top surface of the support wall of the housing. The support wall further comprises a plurality of buffer slots defined in a bottom surface of the receiving slot and positioned at the corners of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fa-Guang Shi
  • Patent number: 8456813
    Abstract: An optical disc reproduction apparatus includes a main body, a display unit, a two-axis hinge, and a battery pack. The two-axis hinge has a joint member to connect the two-axis hinge to the main body. The main body has not only a hinge mounting-housing portion to attach and house the joint member of the two-axis hinge but also a housing recess to house a battery housing of the battery pack on right and left sides of the hinge mounting-housing portion on a back end. The battery pack has a U-shaped recess in a center. The recess is located in a position corresponding to the hinge mounting-housing portion in the main body and has a width larger than that of the hinge mounting-housing portion in a rightward-leftward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Miyagi, Hideki Kume, Mari Muroi, Takayuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8456825
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first base member, a second base member detachably connected to the first base member and a connection structure. The connection structure includes an assembling latch and a magnetic piece. The assembling latch is located in the first base member. The magnetic piece is located in the second base member and provides a driving force. The magnetic piece attracts the assembling latch, the assembling latch partially moves out the first base member and is partially received in the second base member to connect and assemble the first base member and the second base member side by side. When the first base member and the second base member are detached, the assembling latch moves back to and is received in the first base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yi-Chieh Miao, Chih-Ying Huang
  • Publication number: 20130135809
    Abstract: The embodiment of the invention provides a hinge device and a folded apparatus having such hinge device. The hinge device comprises a hinge bracket, a first axis, and a second axis provided being parallel with each other and supported rotatablely by the hinge bracket, the first axis is connected to a first body of an apparatus, and the second axis is connected to a second body of the apparatus, the first body can rotate from 0 degree to 360 degree and/or from 360 degree to 0 degree with respect to the second body by being brought by the first axis and the second axis, wherein, when the first body rotates from 0 degree to a predetermined angle and/or from the predetermined angle to 0 degree with respect to the second body, the first axis rotates and the second axis rests, and wherein, when the first body rotates from the predetermined angle to 360 degree and/or from 360 degree to the predetermined angle with respect to the second body, the second axis rotates and the first axis rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: BEIJING LENOVO SOFTWARE LTD., LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD., BEIJING LENOVO SOFTWARE LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130135810
    Abstract: A portable computer apparatus includes a display module, a host module, at least one shaft mechanism, and an antenna. The display module has a first pivot side and includes first and second upper-cover members and a display device contained in the first and second upper-cover members. The host module has a second pivot side and includes first and second lower-cover members and a host device contained in the first and second lower-cover members. The host device is electrically connected to the display device and the antenna. The shaft mechanism is pivotally connected to at least one of the first and second upper-cover members corresponding to the first pivot side and at least one of the first and second lower-cover members corresponding to the second pivot side. The antenna is integrally formed with the shaft mechanism or on one of the first and second pivot sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Kuan-Hsueh Tseng, Yu-Yu Chiang, Kuo-Lun Huang, Shang-Ching Tseng, Sheng-Chih Sun, Chi Ho
  • Patent number: 8451596
    Abstract: An electronic device with a cleaning mechanism that is capable of cleaning a display panel thereof is provided. The electronic device includes a display panel, a main portion, a hinge structure, a sliding device, and a first spring. The hinge structure includes a fixing portion, a rotating portion having a first contact surface, and a spring holder having a second contact surface. When the rotating portion rotates on the fixing portion, the first contact surface contacts the second contact surface and presses against the spring holder so that it rotates with the rotating portion. The sliding device includes a cleaning material contacting the display panel. Two end portions of the first spring are respectively fixed to the spring holder and the sliding device. When the spring holder stretches the first spring to move the sliding device, the cleaning material cleans the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Chi-Hai Tso, Hsin-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 8451601
    Abstract: In embodiments of double hinge axial cams, a portable device includes a first housing integrated with a display device, and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing. The first housing is operable to open and close relative to the second housing, and the first and second housings can be rotated from a closed position at approximately zero degrees (0°) to an open position at approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees (180°), as well as rotated through approximately three-hundred and sixty degrees (360°). Double hinges are operable to movably couple the first housing and the second housing. The double hinges include axial cams that apply a holding torque in the open position that resists the first and second housings closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Paul M. O'Brien, Christopher Bramley Fruhauf, Michael J. Basha
  • Publication number: 20130128441
    Abstract: A portable computer comprises a base, a display module, at least one support element and at least one sliding assembly. The base comprises a first area and a second area. The display module comprises a connect end and a display face. Each support element comprises a first end pivoted on a portion of the display module other than the display face and a second end pivoted on the rear end of the base. Each sliding assembly comprises a slide rail disposed at least in the second area and a roller sliding element connected with the connect end and moved along the slide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Shang-Mao Lee, Chun-Chien Chen, Hung-Chih Chen, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
  • Publication number: 20130128440
    Abstract: A portable computer comprises a base, a display module, and a support element. The base comprises a first area and a second area, and a sliding assembly disposed at a substantially central position of the second area. The sliding assembly comprises a sliding element and a guiding structure, and the sliding element can move along the guiding structure to slide at least in the second area. The display module comprises a connecting end combined with the sliding element and a support plane. The support element comprises a first area pivotally connected to the support plane and a second end pivotally connected to a rear end of the base. When the display module is opened, the display module further rotates around the first fixed end and moves the connecting end simultaneously; and then the display module is supported by the support element to keep a suitable tilted angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chien Chen, Chu-Chia Tsai, Cheng-Shing Liu, Tai-Chuan Chen, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Tien-Chung Tseng, Chien-Yuan Lai, Hung-Chih Chen, Shang-Mao Lee, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
  • Publication number: 20130128442
    Abstract: A portable computer comprises a base, a display module, at least one support element and at least one sliding assembly. The base comprises a first area and a second area. The display module comprises a connect end and a display face. Each support element comprises a first end pivoted on a portion of the display module other than the display face and a second end pivoted on the rear end of the base. Each sliding assembly comprises a slide rail disposed at least in the second area and a sliding block connected with the connect end and moved along the slide rail. Each sliding block includes at least one auxiliary sliding structure for decreasing sliding friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Tien-Chung Tseng, MING-JU HSIEH, CHIEN-YUAN LAI