Patent Publication Number: US-2005138775-A1

Title: Mobile computer compound hinge

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
      The field of invention relates generally to data processing; and, more specifically, to a compound hinge for mobile computing devices.  
     BACKGROUND  
      In many cases, when using a mobile computing device, space is a premium. For example, when using a laptop computer in an airline seat while the seat in the front has reclined, the space in which to operate the laptop on a folded down tray is very limited.  
      The typical mobile computer uses a simple pivot hinge situated at the rear of the computer. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when the computer  100  is opened, the space needed to operate the computer is increased by the amount the lid  102  of the computer  100  is displaced beyond the rear  106  of the base  104  of the computer.  
      As a result, there is a need to reduce the space needed to operate mobile computers. However, the base and display of a mobile computer typically have fixed dimensions and therefore are typically unable to be altered to reduce the space needed to operate mobile computers.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  presents an illustration of a prior art hinge for a mobile computing apparatus.  
       FIG. 2  presents an illustration of a compound hinge for a mobile computing apparatus in a closed position, according to one embodiment.  
       FIGS. 3   a - c  present illustrations of a compound hinge for a mobile computing apparatus in partly unfolded positions, according to one embodiment.  
       FIG. 4  presents an illustration of a compound hinge for a mobile computing apparatus in an unfolded position, according to one embodiment.  
       FIGS. 5   a - b  present illustrations of a compound hinge for a mobile computing apparatus, according to an alternative embodiment.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      A compound hinge is described. In one embodiment, the compound hinge is provided for mobile computing devices.  
      In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description.  
      Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In addition, as described herein, a trusted platform, components, units, or subunits thereof, are interchangeably referenced as a protected or secured.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment the compound hinge. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the compound hinge is implemented on apparatus having a lid  202  and a base  204 . In one embodiment, the apparatus  200  may be a mobile computing device, with the lid including a display and the base including the data processing core.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates the apparatus  200  in a closed position. As illustrated, the hinge consists of a first link  206  and a second link  208 . The first link is pivotally coupled to the base  204  at a first axis of rotation  210 , at a first edge  218  of the base, as further illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a - c . The second link  208  is pivotally coupled to the base about a second axis of rotation  212 , at distance inward on the based from the first edge  218 . The first link is also pivotally coupled to the lid  202  at a third axis of rotation  214 , at distance inward on the lid from a bottom edge of the lid  220 . The second link is also pivotally coupled to the lid at a fourth axis of rotation  216 , at the bottom edge  220  of the lid. As further illustrated, in one embodiment, the first link has a first length and the second link has a second length, shorter than the first length.  
       FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  illustrate the apparatus  200 , with the compound hinge, in partly unfolded positions.  FIG. 4 , illustrates the apparatus  200  in an unfolded position. In one embodiment, the unfolded position is when the lid has greater than a 90 degree angle relative to the base.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the first 206 and second link  208  have a first and second length respectively, and are situated relative to the base  204  and lid  202  to allow the bottom edge  220  of the lid, when unfolded, to extend a distance inward away from the first edge  218  of the base  204  towards an opposite second edge  222  of the base. In one embodiment, in the unfolded position illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the bottom edge of the lid extends inward along the base  204  beyond the second axis of rotation  212 , moving the lid  202  towards the second edge  222  of the base.  
      Furthermore, in one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when in the unfolded position, a top edge  224  of the lid  202 , opposite the bottom edge  220 , does not extend beyond the first edge  218  of the base. As a result, when the apparatus  200  is in an unfolded position, additional space beyond the depth of the base  204  is not needed. In alternative embodiment, when in the unfolded position, the top edge  224  of the lid  202  may extend beyond the first edge  218  of the base.  
       FIG. 5   a  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the compound hinge. As illustrated, the first link  206  and the second link  208  are pivotally coupled to a member section  226  of the base  204 . The member section  226  is pivotally coupled to the base  204  about a fifth point of axis  228 , or about the same axis  210  along the first edge  218  of the base. As a result, as illustrated in  FIG. 5   b , when the lid  202  is in the unfolded position, the member section  226  may be pivoted on the fifth axis  228  to allow a bottom surface  230  of the lid  202  face more upward.  
      In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, in alternative embodiments, the compound hinge as described herein could be implemented with either pairs of links at either side of the display and base, or with single links that take the form of rectangles with hinges along their opposite edges that exist independently of the sides, on or about the centerline of the notebook, or even off center. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.