U.S. patent application number 11/118436 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for electronic device comprising a single hinge twist mechanism and a method to use same.
Invention is credited to David I. Blatt, Donald W. Burnette, Julio C. Castaneda, Douglas W. Moskowitz, Bach L. Nguyen.
Application Number | 20060246964 11/118436 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37235123 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060246964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castaneda; Julio C. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
Electronic device comprising a single hinge twist mechanism and a
method to use same
Abstract
An electronic device (100) can include a base portion (105) and
a flip portion (110) moveably attached to the base portion (105)
through a single hinge twist mechanism (200) such that the flip
portion (110) is capable of rotating about a first axis (115) to a
first open position and twisting about a second axis (120) to a
second open position. The second axis (120) can be substantially
perpendicular to the first axis (115).
Inventors: |
Castaneda; Julio C.; (Coral
Springs, FL) ; Blatt; David I.; (Margate, FL)
; Burnette; Donald W.; (Sunrise, FL) ; Moskowitz;
Douglas W.; (Weston, FL) ; Nguyen; Bach L.;
(Lauderhill, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MOTOROLA, INC;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECTION
LAW DEPT
8000 WEST SUNRISE BLVD
FT LAUDERDAL
FL
33322
US
|
Family ID: |
37235123 |
Appl. No.: |
11/118436 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0212
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.3 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/00 20060101
A47G019/00; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: a base portion; a flip portion
moveably attached to the base portion through a single hinge twist
mechanism, such that the flip portion is capable of rotating about
a first axis to a first open position and twisting about a second
axis to a second open position, wherein the second axis is
substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first axis is
substantially perpendicular to the base portion.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first open
position is one of a plurality of first open positions in which the
flip portion is capable being positioned by rotating about the
first axis.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second open
position is one of a plurality of second open positions in which
the flip portion is capable of being positioned by twisting about
the second axis.
5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the single hinge twist
mechanism comprises: a casing having a first opening and a second
opening, wherein the first opening is substantially perpendicular
to the second opening; a flip open spindle, which fits into the
first opening of the casing, capable of rotating about the first
axis along the first opening of the casing; a twist spindle, which
fits into the second opening of the casing, capable of twisting
about the second axis along the second opening of the casing; and,
a dual loop flex integrated into the casing for carrying
signals.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the dual loop flex
wraps around a stem portion of the flip open spindle.
7. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the dual loop flex
wraps around a stem portion of the twist spindle.
8. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein a first portion of the
dual loop flex enters the single hinge twist mechanism in a first
direction and a second portion of the dual loop flex exits the
single hinge twist mechanism in a second direction.
9. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein a third portion of the
dual loop flex exits the single hinge twist mechanism in a third
direction.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
is a mobile communications device.
11. A single hinge twist mechanism comprising: a casing having a
first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is
substantially perpendicular to the second opening; a flip open
spindle, which fits into the first opening of the casing, capable
of rotating about a first axis along the first opening of the
casing; a twist spindle, which fits into the second opening of the
casing, capable of twisting about a second axis along the second
opening of the casing; and, a dual loop flex integrated into the
casing for carrying signals.
12. The single hinge twist mechanism of claim 11, wherein a first
portion of the dual loop flex enters the single hinge twist
mechanism from a slit in the flip open spindle.
13. The single hinge twist mechanism of claim 11, wherein a second
portion of the dual loop flex exits the single hinge twist
mechanism from a slit in the twist spindle.
14. The single hinge twist mechanism of claim 11, wherein a third
portion of the dual loop flex exits the single hinge twist
mechanism towards a plurality of controls.
15. A method of using an electronic device, the method comprising:
opening a flip portion of the electronic device, about a first axis
through a single hinge twist mechanism, relative to a base portion
of the electronic device to a first open position; twisting the
flip portion of the electronic device, about a second axis through
the single hinge twist mechanism, to a second open position, the
second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a single hinge twist
mechanism, an electronic device using the single hinge twist
mechanism and a method of using the electronic device.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The present generation of electronic devices offer various
designs to the customers in terms of use and aesthetic appeal. For
instance, existing clamshell mobile phones possess mechanisms
wherein an upper flip portion of the mobile phone is capable of
rotating as well as swiveling or twisting about a base portion of
the mobile phone. The capability of rotation and swivel provides
various advantages including larger display area, ease of use,
aesthetic appeal, easy image capturing and viewing. In case of
existing devices, the mechanism that facilitates such rotation and
swivel movement includes a dual hinge mechanism or two knuckles,
around which the flip portion rotates and swivels. The dual hinge
mechanism, however, is more prone to damage as it has more moving
parts. Also, the increased number of parts leads to higher
manufacturing costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention concerns an electronic device using
the single hinge twist mechanism, a single hinge twist mechanism,
and a method of using the electronic device deploying the single
hinge twist mechanism.
[0006] The present invention concerns an electronic device that can
include a base portion and a flip portion, and the flip portion can
be moveably attached to the base portion through a single hinge
twist mechanism. The flip portion may be capable of rotating about
a first axis to a first open position and twisting about a second
axis to a second open position. The second axis may be
substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and the first axis
may be substantially perpendicular to the base portion.
[0007] In an arrangement of the invention, the first open position
may be one of a plurality of first open positions in which the flip
portion may be capable of being positioned by rotating about the
first axis. In another arrangement, the second open position may be
one of a plurality of second open positions in which the flip
portion may be capable of being positioned by twisting about the
second axis.
[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the single hinge twist
mechanism can comprise a casing that can integrate a plurality of
components of the single hinge twist mechanism. The plurality of
components can comprise a flip open spindle, which can fit into a
first opening of the casing, and is capable of rotating about a
first axis along the first opening of the casing. The plurality of
components can further comprise a twist spindle, which can fit into
a second opening of the casing and is capable of twisting about the
second axis along the second opening of the casing. A dual loop
flex can be integrated with the casing for carrying signals from
the base portion to the flip portion of an electronic device.
[0009] In an arrangement of the invention, the dual loop flex can
wrap around a stem portion of the flip open spindle, and in another
arrangement, the dual loop flex can wrap around a stem portion of
the twist spindle.
[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, a first portion of the
dual loop flex can enter the single hinge twist mechanism in a
first direction and a second portion of the dual loop flex can exit
the single hinge twist mechanism in a second direction. The third
portion of the dual loop flex can exit the single hinge twist
mechanism in a third direction.
[0011] An embodiment of the electronic device includes a mobile
communications device.
[0012] The present invention also concerns a single hinge twist
mechanism that includes a casing that can integrate a plurality of
components of the single hinge twist mechanism. The plurality of
components can comprise a flip open spindle, which can fit into a
first opening of the casing, and is capable of rotating about a
first axis along the first opening of the casing. The plurality of
components can further comprise a twist spindle, which can fit into
a second opening of the casing and is capable of twisting about the
second axis along the second opening of the casing. A dual loop
flex can be integrated with the casing for carrying signals from
the base portion to the flip portion of an electronic device.
[0013] In an arrangement, a first portion of the dual loop flex can
enter the single hinge twist mechanism from a slit in the flip open
spindle. In another arrangement, a second portion of the dual loop
flex can exit the single hinge twist mechanism from a slit in the
twist spindle. In yet another arrangement, a third portion of the
dual loop flex can exit the single hinge twist mechanism towards a
plurality of controls.
[0014] The present invention also concerns a method of using an
electronic device. The method can include the opening of a flip
portion of the electronic device, about a first axis, through a
single hinge twist mechanism, and relative to a base portion of the
electronic device to a first open position. The method can also
include twisting the flip portion of the electronic device, about a
second axis through the single hinge twist mechanism, to a second
open position. The second axis can be substantially perpendicular
to the first axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying figures together with the detailed
description below are incorporated in and form part of the
specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and
to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device in accordance with
one embodiment of the inventive arrangements.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates exploded and assembled views of a single
hinge twist mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the
inventive arrangements.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of using an
electronic device employing a single hinge twist mechanism in
accordance with one embodiment of the inventive arrangements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried
forward.
[0020] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases
used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide
an understandable description of the invention.
[0021] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or
more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as
two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as
connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically. The terms "program," "software application," and the
like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions
designed for execution on a computer system. A program, computer
program, or software application may include a subroutine, a
function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation,
an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an
object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other
sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer
system.
[0022] The present invention relates to an electronic device
comprising a single hinge twist mechanism, which can enable a user
to use features of rotation and swivel. As an example, the design
and interlocking of the mechanical parts in the electronic device
has been improved to reduce wear and tear and improve durability of
the electronic device.
[0023] According to an embodiment, an electronic device can
comprise a base portion and a flip portion, which can be moveably
attached to the base portion such that the flip portion can be
rotated about a first axis to a first open position and twisted
about a second axis to a second position. In one arrangement, the
second axis may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device
can be a mobile communications device 100. The device 100 can
comprise a base portion 105 and a flip portion 110. The flip
portion 110 can be moveably attached to the base portion 105
through a single hinge twist mechanism (not shown). As such, the
flip portion 110 is capable of rotating about a first axis 115 to a
first open position (an example of which is shown on the left) and
twisting about a second axis 120 to a second open position (an
example of which is shown on the right). As an example, the second
axis 120 may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis 115.
As another example, the first axis 115 can be substantially
perpendicular to the plane 125 of the base portion 105.
[0024] The first position can be one of a plurality of first open
positions, wherein the flip portion 110 can be positioned by
rotation about the first axis 115. For example, the flip portion
110 can be rotated about the first axis 115 at an angle of
110.degree. relative to the base portion 105 or at another angle of
90.degree. relative to the base portion 105, depending upon the
user's choice. The second position can be one of a plurality of
second open positions, wherein the flip portion 110 can be
positioned by twisting about the second axis 120. For example, the
flip portion 110 can be twisted by an angle of 90.degree.,
180.degree. or 270.degree., allowing the flip portion 110 to be
positioned depending on the user's choice or preference. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not
limited to positions mentioned above, and the invention shall have
the full scope of the claims.
[0025] An internal mechanism can connect the flip portion of the
electronic device to the base portion of the electronic device and
can carry at least a portion of the electric wiring from the base
portion to the flip portion. Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view
and an assembled view of an example of a single hinge twist
mechanism 200 is shown. The single hinge twist mechanism 200 can be
employed in various electronic devices, including a mobile
communications device 100 described previously in FIG. 1, where the
single hinge twist mechanism 200 couples the flip portion 110 to
the base portion 105 of the mobile communications device 100. The
single hinge twist mechanism 200 can comprise a casing 205, which
can hold at least some of the other components forming part of the
single hinge twist mechanism 200. The casing 205 can have a first
opening 210 and a second opening 215.
[0026] A flip open spindle 220 can fit into the first opening 210
and is capable of rotating about a first axis 230 along the first
opening 210. A twist spindle 225 can fit into the second opening
215, and is capable of rotating about a second axis 235 along the
second opening 215. A dual loop flex 240 can be integrated into the
casing 205. The dual loop flex 240 can carry signals from the base
portion 105 of the mobile communications device 100 to the flip
portion 110 of the mobile communications device 100 and
vice-versa.
[0027] The first opening 210 can be substantially perpendicular to
the second opening 215. When the single hinge twist mechanism 200
is incorporated in an electronic device, such as the mobile
communications device 100, the first axis 230 of the single hinge
twist mechanism may be substantially parallel to the first axis 115
in the mobile communications device 100. Also, the second axis 235
of the single hinge twist mechanism 200 may be substantially
parallel to the second axis 120 in the mobile communications device
100.
[0028] As noted earlier, the dual loop flex 240 can carry signals.
For example, in the mobile communications device 100, the signal
may be a signal corresponding to a key press in the base portion
105 for which a character or any other content needs to be
displayed on a display 130 in the flip portion 110. The dual loop
flex 240 can be, for example, a flexible circuit, which, as is
known in the art, can bend or twist around corners or other space
restrictions.
[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, a design of the dual loop
flex 240 may include a body 242, a first portion 245, a second
portion 250 and a third portion 255. The design of the dual loop
flex 240 can be adapted so that it can wrap around the components
of the single hinge mechanism 200, when it carries signals from a
base portion 105 to the flip portion 110 (and vice versa). As an
example, part of the rectangular body 242 of the dual loop flex 240
can wrap around a stem portion 222 of the flip open spindle 220,
and another part of the rectangular body 242 of the dual loop flex
240 can wrap around a stem portion 227 of the twist spindle 225.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the methodology or
design explained herein for the carrying of signals using the dual
loop flex 240 is not exhaustive and it can be implemented by other
methods or by using other suitable structure.
[0030] The first portion 245 of the dual loop flex 240 may be
L-Shaped and may enter the single hinge twist mechanism 200 in a
first direction. The second portion 250 of the dual loop flex 240
can exit the single hinge twist mechanism 200 in a second
direction. The third portion 255 of the dual loop flex 240 may exit
the single hinge twist mechanism 200 in a third direction. In a
particular embodiment of the mobile communications device 100, the
third portion 255 of the dual loop flex 240 can exit the single
hinge twist mechanism 200 in the third direction, towards a
plurality of controls (not shown) in the mobile communications
device 100. As an example, the plurality of controls may include a
navigation control and a center select control, although other
components and configurations are within contemplation of the
inventive arrangements. The navigation control may, for example,
facilitate navigation of the display 130 provided on the flip
portion 110 of the mobile communications device 100. The center
select control may facilitate selecting and executing an option in
the mobile communications device 100. In one particular
arrangement, the first direction, the second direction and the
third direction may be substantially perpendicular to one or more
of each other and may lie along the three dimensional x, y and z
axes.
[0031] As shown in the drawing depicting the assembled single hinge
twist mechanism 200, the first portion 245 of the dual loop flex
240 can enter the single hinge twist mechanism 200 through a slit
224 in the flip open spindle 220. The second portion 250 of the
dual loop flex 240 can exit the single hinge twist mechanism 200
through a slit 260 in the twist spindle 225. As such, the dual loop
flex 240 can permit the transfer of signal from the base portion
105 to the flip portion 110 (and vice-versa) no matter how the flip
portion 110 is configured or arranged.
[0032] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, a method
300 of using an electronic device can include a first step 305 of
opening a flip portion of the electronic device to a first open
position, about a first axis through a single hinge twist
mechanism, relative to a base portion of the electronic device. As
an example, the first open position can be one of a plurality of
possible first open positions in which the flip portion is capable
of being positioned by rotating about the first axis. Based on the
convenience of the user, the first open position may include
opening the flip portion to, for example, 90 degrees, 120 degrees
or 180 degrees relative to the base portion, although the flip
portion may be opened to other suitable positions.
[0033] The opening step 305 can be followed by twisting the flip
portion of the electronic device about a second axis--through the
single hinge twist mechanism--to a second open position, as shown
at step 310. The second axis can be substantially perpendicular to
the first axis. The second open position can be one of a plurality
of possible second open positions in which the flip portion is
capable of being twisted by rotating about the second axis. Based
on the convenience of the user, the second open position can
include twisting the flip portion so that it is at, for example, 90
degrees, 180 degrees or 270 degrees relative to the base portion,
although the flip portion can be twisted to other suitable
positions.
[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the user may rotate the
flip portion by 180 degrees about the first axis to a first open
position, then twist the flip portion by 180 degrees about the
second axis relative to the first open position. The user can then
rotate the flip portion back by 180 degrees about the first axis.
In this embodiment the electronic device would be such that the
flip portion rests on the base portion, but in an inverted position
with the display upwards. The rotation and twisting as mentioned in
the embodiment is made possible through a single hinge twist
mechanism.
[0035] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and
use various embodiments in accordance with the invention rather
than to limit the true, intended and fair scope and spirit thereof.
The foregoing discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications
or variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The
embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principles of the invention and practical
application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All
such modifications and variations are within the scope of the
invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended
during the pendency of this application for patent, and all
equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the
breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably
entitled.
* * * * *