Patent Publication Number: US-2007097613-A1

Title: Computer display biasing mechanism

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Computer devices such as notebook and laptop computers comprise a base member coupled to a display member by at least one hinge. The hinge typically comprises a friction clutch so that when opening the display member, frictional torque can be used to maintain the display at a user-selected viewing angle. However, if the computer device is new or when the display member has not been moved for a period of time, a static “break-away” torque can make it difficult to open or close the display member (e.g., requiring the use of two hands to open the computer device and/or causing the computer to tip or lift upwardly from a supporting surface). Friction clutches designed with a lower torque have been used; however, in many instances, these clutches do not adequately maintain the display member at the user-selected viewing angle. Furthermore, the lower frictional torque also increases the likelihood of damage to the device resulting from abrupt contact between the display member and the base member. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a computer device, with a portion cut away, in which an embodiment of a computer display biasing mechanism in accordance with the present invention is employed to advantage;  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the computer device of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; and  
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the computer device of  FIG. 1  with a display member rotated a predetermined distance with respect to a base member.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The preferred embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof are best understood by referring to  FIGS. 1-3  of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.  
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a computer device  12  in which an embodiment of a biasing mechanism  10  in accordance with the present invention is employed to advantage. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , computer device  12  comprises a notebook or laptop computer  13 ; however, it should be understood that computer device  12  may comprise other types of computer devices such as, but not limited to, tablet personal computers and handheld computing devices. Computer device  12  comprises a base member  14  rotatably coupled to a display member  16  along an axis  18  by friction clutch hinges  20  and  22 . In  FIG. 1 , computer device  12  is illustrated in an open position (e.g., where display member  16  is disposed generally upright relative to base member  14 ) at a user-selected viewing angle θ so that a user can view a display screen  26  of display member  16 .  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , biasing mechanism  10  is configured to facilitate opening of computer device  12  and prevent abrupt contact between base member  14  and display member  16  when transitioning computer device  12  to the closed position (e.g., where display member  16  is disposed generally adjacent to and parallel relative to base member  14 ). Biasing mechanism  10  is spaced apart from and operates independently of friction clutch hinges  20  and  22 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , biasing mechanism  10  comprises a torsion spring  28 ; however, it should be understood that other types of mechanisms could be used for biasing mechanism  10  including, but not limited to, a clip or other type of pre-flexed member. Spring  28  comprises an end  30  couplable to base member  14 , an end  32  couplable to display member  16 , and a coiled portion  34  disposed therebetween. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , coiled portion  34  is disposed inside display member  16  and is coaxially aligned with an axis  18 . It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, coiled portion  34  may be disposed within base member  14  or, in the alternative, at a position external to either base member  14  or display member  16 . Further, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , biasing mechanism  10  comprises a single spring  28 ; however, it should be understood that a greater number of springs  28  may be used.  
      In operation, display member  16  is rotatable in the directions indicated by  42  relative to base member  14 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in response to rotational movement of display member  16  from an open position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) toward a closed position (e.g., movement of display member  16  toward base member  14 ), end  32  of spring  28  is rotated about axis  18  toward end  30  of spring  28 , thereby storing potential energy via coiled portion  34 , resisting the rotational movement of display member  16  toward base member  14 , and substantially reducing or eliminating the likelihood of display member  16  abruptly contacting base member  14 . A locking mechanism  38  is used to releasably secure display member  16  to base member  14 , thereby retaining the stored potential energy in spring  28 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , locking mechanism  38  comprises a hook  38   a  for insertion inside recessed area  38   b  so as to engage a latch  38   c.    
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the of the computer device  12  of  FIG. 1  in the closed position and positioned on a support surface  35 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , end  32  of torsion spring  28  is positioned at an angle Φ relative to end  30  such that the potential energy stored in spring  28  causes ends  30  and  32  of torsion spring  28  to exert forces F 1  and F 2  on base member  14  and display member  16 , respectively.  
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the computer device  12  of  FIG. 1  with display member  16  separated/lifted/rotated a predetermined distance “d” from base member  14 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , locking mechanism  38  has been actuated and/or otherwise released to facilitate opening of display member  16  relative to base member  14 . In response to the actuation and/or release of locking mechanism  38 , forces F 1  and F 2  stored by spring  38  overcome a weight of display member  16  and/or the torque associated with friction clutch hinges  20  and  22 , thereby causing display member  16  to automatically rotate/lift in the direction of arrow  36  a predetermined distance “d” relative to base member  14  to facilitate opening of display member  16  by a user. The user may then further open (rotate) display member  16  to a desired viewing angle θ relative to base member  14  ( FIG. 1 ).  
      Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a biasing mechanism  10  for a computer device  12  that automatically separates and/or lifts display member  16  a predetermined distance from base member  14  to facilitate opening thereof by a user. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention facilitate opening of display member  16  relative to base member  14  without the use of two hands by the user. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide protection against abrupt and/or unintentional contact between base member  14  and display member  16  which may otherwise cause damage to base member  14 , display member  16  and/or display screen  26 .