Patent Description:
Some hybrid computers are clamshell devices that are used in different orientations. For example, some hybrid computers may be oriented with a touch-sensitive surface laid flat against the table or other surfaces on which the user is operating the hybrid computer. Some hybrid computers have a keyboard in a first portion of the computer and a touch-sensitive display in a second portion of the computer, where the first portion and the second portion are connected by a hinge.

Conventional hinges have a single pivot point, limiting the geometries at which the first portion and second portion may be positioned. Some conventional hinges will not allow the first portion and second portion to be oriented at greater than <NUM>°. Other multiple pivot hinges allow for motion of the first portion and second portion of the hybrid computer past <NUM>° but provide no control over which pivot point within the hinge is active during the movement of the hinge.

A multiple pivot hinge with indeterminant motion does not control an active hinge, resulting in possible damage to the hybrid computer, rotation of a pivot point with a pinched or kink wire, and flexion of a keyboard or touch-sensitive surface when part of the first portion or second portion of the hybrid computer is not flat on the table or other surfaces.

<CIT> discloses an hinge which includes an internal slider and/or an external slider <NUM>.

<CIT> describes a hinge which may include a first case connection connected to a first case and a second case connection connected to a second case.

There is provided a hinge system and a method as described in the claims.

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

This disclosure generally relates to electronic device hinges. More particularly, this disclosure generally relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for selectively changing the axis of rotation of a hinge to allow an electronic device to achieve a variety of postures for use and for transport or storage.

A hinge for an electronic device may have a plurality of pivot points. The hinge may pivot at only one of the pivot points at a time. At any given time, at least one of the pivot points may be locked, such that application of force to a side of the hinge may result in only one of the pivot points rotating at a time. The controlled movement of specific pivot points in the hinge is known as determinant motion. At any given position of the hinge, only one pivot point may be free to rotate. In other embodiments, the pivot points may both be able to rotate, but the pivot points have different resistance. The different resistances around each rotational axis produce a preferential rotation around the axis or pivot point with a lower resistance at that position in the range of motion of the hinge. The lower resistance pivot point functions as the active pivot point. The resistance may be different in different rotational directions or at different positions within the rotational range of motion.

By controlling the location of the active pivot point and the locked pivot point in the hinge, the location and relative position of a first side of the hinge and a second side of the hinge may be controlled. For example, a laptop having a hinge with fully determinant motion according to the present disclosure may move from a closed position (e.g., a <NUM>° relationship between the screen and the keyboard of the laptop) to an open position (e.g., a <NUM>° relationship between the screen and the keyboard of the laptop) with rotation only about a first pivot point. Movement of the hinge beyond the <NUM>° position may lock the first pivot point and unlock the second pivot point, such that force applied to the hinge rotates about the second pivot point up to a flat position (e.g., a <NUM>° relationship between the screen and the keyboard of the laptop).

Determinant motion up to <NUM>° may ensure that the active pivot point is positioned to extend the footprint of the device. For example, stability of a laptop or other clamshell device may be at least partially based on how large the dimensions of the device's footprint are. When the portion of the hinge between the first pivot point and the second pivot point can be positioned in line with the first body of the device (e.g., the keyboard of a laptop), the base upon which the device rests becomes larger and the center of mass of the device is lower than if the active pivot point is the second pivot point nearer the second body of the device (e.g., the display of a laptop).

Determinant motion up to <NUM>° may ensure that the device may move from a clamshell configuration at a <NUM>° position to a fully flat configuration predictably and reliably. For example, a hybrid laptop may have a touch-sensitive display or surface incorporated into one or both bodies of the device. Applying force or pressure to the touch-sensitive surface without being flat against a table or other supporting surfaces may flex or damage the laptop or the hinge.

Upon returning toward the <NUM>° position of the hinge, a bistable hinge according to the present disclosure may behave differently when the first portion of the device (e.g., the display) is connected to the hinge compared to when the first portion is disconnected or otherwise moved away from the hinge. For example, the hinge may provide determinant motion around both pivot points back to the original clamshell configuration to close the laptop when the display is connected to the hinge. In some embodiments, the display may be removed, rotated, or translated relative to the hinge while open to change the device into a tablet configuration. When the display is removed, rotated, or translated relative to the hinge, closing the hinge may result in rotation about only one of the pivot points and allow the device to enter a tablet or nested configuration with a smaller height of the hinge.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a hinge <NUM> that connects a first body <NUM> of an electronic device to a second body <NUM> of the electronic device. The hinge <NUM> includes a first pivot point <NUM> and a second pivot point <NUM>. The first pivot point <NUM> and the second pivot point <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> are connected by a link <NUM>. As the link <NUM> rotates relative to the first pivot point <NUM>, the link <NUM> can move the second pivot point <NUM>. For example, as the link <NUM> rotates around the second pivot point <NUM> connected to the second body <NUM> (e.g., the base of the electronic device), the first pivot point <NUM> connected to the first body <NUM> (e.g., the display of the electronic device) can move relative to the second body <NUM>. At different locations in the range of motion of the hinge <NUM> and/or the direction of motion of the hinge <NUM>, either the first pivot point <NUM> or the second pivot point <NUM> will be the active pivot point.

In some embodiments, a hinge <NUM> may connect a first body <NUM> of an electronic device to a second body <NUM> of the electronic device. For example, the first body <NUM> may house a display, such as a touchscreen display while the second body <NUM> may house one or more computing components, such as a CPU, a GPU, one or more storage devices, one or more input devices, a power supply, or other computing components that may be configured to communicate with (e.g., receive information from, send information to, or send power to) the display in the first body <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> may allow the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> to communicate data or electrical signals through the hinge <NUM>. Determinant motion of the hinge <NUM> can reduce the likelihood of damage to the data or electrical conduits that provide the data or electrical communication across the hinge <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the motion of the hinge <NUM> may change depending on the presence and/or position of the first body <NUM> or of another body relative to the hinge <NUM>. For example, the display may be supported by and separable from the first body <NUM>. In such embodiments, removing or moving the display of the electronic device changes the mode of the hinge <NUM>, such that the hinge <NUM> closes and/or opens differently when the display is not connected to the first body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, a hinge <NUM> may have a closed position with the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> oriented at a substantially <NUM>° relationship to one another. While the present disclosure describes the operation of a hinge between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, it should be understood that in other embodiments, a hinge according to the present disclosure may be configured to operate within any range from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or any other range of angles between the first body and second body.

The hinge <NUM> may pivot around a first pivot point <NUM> and a second pivot point <NUM> with a link <NUM> between the first pivot point <NUM> and second pivot point <NUM>. The link <NUM> may be any length to provide sufficient clearance between the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> during operation of the hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the embodiment of a hinge <NUM> of <FIG> rotated about the second pivot point <NUM> such that the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> are oriented at a <NUM>° relationship to one another. The first pivot point <NUM> may be locked at (or remain at) a first pivot point angle <NUM> during movement of the second pivot point <NUM> until the second pivot point reaches a predetermined second pivot point angle <NUM>, such as <NUM>°. The initial rotation about the second pivot point <NUM> extends the footprint of the electronic device by effectively adding the length of the link <NUM> to the second body <NUM>. This may allow the electronic device to be more stable compared to a hinge with indeterminant motion or a hinge that rotates about the first pivot point <NUM> before the second pivot point <NUM>.

When the second pivot point angle <NUM> reaches <NUM>°, the second pivot point <NUM> may lock and the first pivot point <NUM> may unlock. The hinge <NUM> may then rotate about the first pivot point <NUM> until the first pivot point angle <NUM> reaches a predetermined position, such as <NUM>°, as shown in <FIG>. The first body <NUM>, link <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may lie in a single plane.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the first pivot point <NUM> or the second pivot point <NUM> is a friction hinge. For example, a greater amount of force may be applied to the hinge <NUM> to move the hinge <NUM> about the first pivot point <NUM> than an amount of force needed to move the hinge <NUM> about the second pivot point <NUM>. In other examples, a greater amount of force may be applied to the hinge <NUM> to move the hinge <NUM> about the second pivot point <NUM> than an amount of force needed to move the hinge <NUM> about the first pivot point <NUM>. In some embodiments, as will be described in relation to <FIG>, the hinge includes a one-way bearing that provides different resistance in different rotational directions.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a hinge <NUM> that provides determinant motion up to <NUM>° as illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the hinge <NUM> in the closed configuration with a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> at a <NUM>° orientation from one another. The first body <NUM> is movable about a first pivot point <NUM> and the second body <NUM> is movable about a second pivot point <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the first pivot point <NUM> is locked by a follower <NUM> protruding from an internal slider <NUM>. The first body <NUM> cannot rotate about the first pivot point <NUM> because the first cam <NUM> has a cam surface <NUM> thereon, and the follower <NUM> is positioned in the cam surface <NUM>. The follower <NUM> (and associated internal slider <NUM>) may be moveable relative to the first pivot point, but the second cam <NUM> is positioned to limit and/or prevent movement of the follower <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> may move about the second pivot point <NUM> as the follower <NUM> may move along the outer surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> until the second pivot point angle <NUM> reaches <NUM>°, as shown in <FIG>. Once the second pivot point angle <NUM> reaches <NUM>°, the follower <NUM> may align with the cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>. The cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> may provide clearance for the follower <NUM> and associated internal slider <NUM> to move relative to the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the movement of the first body <NUM> about the first pivot point <NUM> urging the follower <NUM> and associated internal slider <NUM> toward the second cam <NUM>. The cam surface <NUM> of the first cam <NUM> has a release edge <NUM> and a drive edge <NUM>. The release edge <NUM> is configured to limit and/or prevent rotation of the first cam <NUM> relative to the follower <NUM> when the follower <NUM> is positioned in the cam surface <NUM> of the first cam <NUM>. The drive edge <NUM> is rounded to facilitate the movement of the follower <NUM> away from the first cam <NUM> when the first cam <NUM> rotates about the first pivot point <NUM>. For example, when the follower <NUM> is aligned with the cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>, the drive edge <NUM> of the first cam <NUM> may urge the follower <NUM> toward the second cam <NUM> upon rotation of the first cam <NUM>. The release edge <NUM> may rotate away from the follower <NUM>.

The drive edge <NUM> may be rounded such that the drive edge <NUM> remains in contact with the follower <NUM> through an amount of rotation of the first cam <NUM> about the first pivot point <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first cam <NUM> may rotate about the first pivot point <NUM> up to <NUM>° before the drive edge <NUM> passes the follower <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first cam <NUM> may rotate about the first pivot point <NUM> up to <NUM>° before the drive edge <NUM> passes the follower <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the first cam <NUM> may rotate about the first pivot point <NUM> up to <NUM>° before the drive edge <NUM> passes the follower <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the first cam <NUM> may rotate about the first pivot point <NUM> up to <NUM>° before the drive edge <NUM> passes the follower <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, after the follower <NUM> and associated internal slider <NUM> moves relative to the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM>, the follower <NUM> may be received by the cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> and the follower <NUM> may no longer limit the rotation of the first cam <NUM> about the first pivot point <NUM>, unlocking the first pivot point <NUM> and allowing the first body <NUM> and first cam <NUM> to rotate freely with the follower <NUM> adjacent an outer surface <NUM> of the first cam <NUM>. The first body <NUM> and first cam <NUM> may rotate until the first pivot point angle <NUM> is <NUM>° and the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> lie in a single plane (or another predetermined angle).

The embodiment depicted in <FIG> provides determinant motion from a <NUM>° to <NUM>° orientation of the first body and second body of the hinge by use of a single lock. In other embodiments, a hinge according to the present disclosure may have more than two cams and/or more than one follower to provide a plurality of locks. A plurality of locks may provide determinant motion over a larger range of orientations and/or in both rotational directions of the hinge.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a hinge for providing determinant motion from a closed clamshell position to an open position. <FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of a hinge <NUM> connecting a first body <NUM> to a second body <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> includes a first pivot point <NUM> proximate the first body <NUM> and a second pivot point <NUM> proximate the second body <NUM>. The first pivot point <NUM> and the second pivot point <NUM> are connected by a link <NUM> therebetween.

The hinge <NUM> includes bearings at the first pivot point <NUM> and the second pivot point <NUM> that regulate the rotation of the first body <NUM> and link <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> and the link <NUM>, respectively. The first bearing <NUM> provides a first rotational resistance around the first pivot point <NUM> in a first rotational direction <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. The second bearing <NUM> provides a second rotational resistance around the second pivot point <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first rotational resistance is different from the second rotational resistance. For example, when the second rotational resistance of the second bearing <NUM> around the second pivot point <NUM> is less than the first rotational resistance of the first bearing <NUM> around the first pivot point <NUM>, a force applied to the hinge <NUM> to move the first body <NUM> relative to the second body <NUM> will preferentially rotate the hinge <NUM> around the second pivot point <NUM>. The greater first rotational resistance of the first bearing <NUM> will hold the first pivot point <NUM> at a constant angle while the link <NUM> and second body <NUM> move relative to one another around the second pivot point <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the hinge <NUM> of <FIG> with the link <NUM> rotated around the second pivot point <NUM> relative to the second body <NUM>. The link <NUM> and second body <NUM> can reach a second pivot point angle <NUM>, at which point, rotation around the second pivot point <NUM> ends. In some embodiments, the link <NUM> and second body <NUM> contact one another in a hardstop that limits further rotation. In other embodiments, the second bearing <NUM> includes a hardstop or limit that limits and/or prevents further rotation of the second pivot point <NUM> to prevent contact between the link <NUM> and second body <NUM>.

When further rotation toward the open position of the hinge <NUM> is limited around the second pivot point <NUM>, the second rotational resistance of the second pivot point effectively increases beyond the first rotational resistance of the first pivot point <NUM> and/or first bearing <NUM>. Further application of force to the first body <NUM> toward the open position produces relative rotation of the first body <NUM> and link <NUM> around the first pivot point <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The first body <NUM> will continue to rotate relative to the link <NUM> around the first pivot point <NUM> until the first body <NUM> and link <NUM> reach a pivot point angle <NUM> of the open position. In some embodiments, further movement of the first pivot point <NUM> is limited by contact between the first body <NUM> and the link <NUM>. In other embodiments further movement of the first pivot point <NUM> is limited by the first bearing <NUM> to limit and/or prevent contact between the first body <NUM> and the link <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second pivot point <NUM> remains at the second pivot point angle <NUM>, allowing the hinge <NUM> to attain the open position. The open position of the hinge <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is <NUM>° between the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the open position of the hinge <NUM> is greater than <NUM>° between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the open position of the hinge <NUM> is less than <NUM>° between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. For example, the open position may be about <NUM>° between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. In a particular example, the open position is about <NUM>° between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> with a first pivot point angle <NUM> of about <NUM>° and a second pivot point angle <NUM> of about <NUM>°. In at least one example, the open position is adjustable by adjusting at least one of the first bearing <NUM> and second bearing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first rotational resistance is different when the first body <NUM> rotates in a first direction (e.g. toward the open position) than in a second direction (e.g., returning toward a closed position). <FIG> illustrate the preferential rotation of the second pivot point <NUM> relative to the first pivot point <NUM> when a first rotational resistance is greater than a second rotational resistance. When rotating the hinge <NUM> in a second direction toward the closed position, the first rotational resistance is less than the second rotational resistance. By changing the first rotational resistance based on the rotational direction, the hinge <NUM> behavior will reverse when moving toward the closed position. For example, by decreasing the first rotational resistance to be less than the second rotational resistance when closing the hinge <NUM>, the hinge <NUM> will preferentially rotate (e.g., rotate first) around the first pivot point <NUM> and subsequently around the second pivot point.

<FIG> shows the hinge <NUM> moving from the open position toward the closed position in a second rotational direction <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first bearing <NUM> is a one-way bearing that provides a different resistance in the second rotational direction <NUM> from the first rotational direction (e.g., the first rotational direction <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>). The first rotational resistance of the first pivot point <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM> is less than the second rotational resistance of the second pivot point <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM>. The hinge <NUM>, therefore, rotates around the first pivot point <NUM> before rotating around the second pivot point <NUM> when moving in the second rotational direction <NUM>.

The first body <NUM> rotates around the first pivot point <NUM> until reaching a closed first pivot point angle <NUM>. The first rotational resistance then increases (either by contact between the first body <NUM> and the link <NUM> or by a restriction in the first bearing <NUM>), and the rotation of the hinge <NUM> (e.g., rotation of the link <NUM> relative to the second body <NUM>) continues around the second pivot point <NUM> to the clamshell closed position illustrated in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the first pivot point <NUM> includes a one-way first bearing <NUM> that provides a first rotational resistance that changes with rotational direction, and the second pivot point <NUM> includes a second bearing <NUM> that provides a constant rotational resistance irrespective of rotational direction. In other embodiments, the first pivot point <NUM> includes a one-way first bearing <NUM> that provides a first rotational resistance that changes with rotational direction, and the second pivot point <NUM> includes a one-way second bearing <NUM> that provides a second rotational resistance that changes with rotational direction.

Even when the second bearing <NUM> changes second rotational resistance with the rotational direction, the first rotational resistance is greater than the second rotational resistance in the first rotational direction and the first rotational resistance is less than the second rotational resistance in the second rotational direction. This provides the second pivot point <NUM> is the active pivot point initially upon movement in the first rotational direction and the first pivot point <NUM> is the active pivot point initially upon movement in the second rotational direction.

In other words, when the hinge <NUM> is positioned with the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> at an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, the active pivot point is the second pivot point <NUM>, and when the hinge <NUM> is positioned with the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> at an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, the active pivot point is the first pivot point <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a hinge behaves differently depending on a state of the first body. For example, the hinge may have a different range of motion when the first body is connected to the hinge. In another example, the first pivot point has a first range of motion when a third body is connected to the first body and a different second range of motion with a third body is disconnected from or moved relative to the first body.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of another electronic device with a hinge <NUM> connected to a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> supports a third body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> functions as a stand for the third body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first body <NUM> provides electrical and/or data communication between the second body <NUM> and the third body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first body <NUM> supports the third body <NUM> while the third body <NUM> and second body <NUM> communicate through a wireless data communication. For example, the third body <NUM> may include a processor in communication with a first wireless communication device, and the second body <NUM> may include a hardware storage device in communication with a second wireless communication device. The processor of the third body <NUM> may access the information stored on the hardware storage device of the second body <NUM> through the first and second wireless communication devices.

The first body <NUM> supports the third body <NUM> in the depicted "laptop configuration" with the link <NUM> in line with the second body <NUM>. When a user closes the hinge <NUM> in the laptop configuration, the first pivot point <NUM> rotates to the <NUM>° orientation illustrated (between the first body <NUM> and the link <NUM>), stops, and rotation about the second pivot point <NUM> raises the link <NUM> to a <NUM>° configuration with the second body <NUM>. The link <NUM> then provides displacement of the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM> in the z-direction to enter the clamshell configuration illustrated in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the third body <NUM> contacts the second body in the laptop configuration. The contact between the third body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> provides a physical hardstop on the rotational range of motion of the first pivot point <NUM> and forces any further rotation to be around the second pivot point <NUM>. In other embodiments, the presence of the third body <NUM> in the laptop configuration with the first body <NUM> actuates a locking mechanism in the hinge <NUM> to limit the rotational range of motion of the first pivot point <NUM> and forces any further rotation to be around the second pivot point <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the electronic device of <FIG> and <FIG> in a second closed configuration. The hinge <NUM> has a second stable closed configuration in a "nested configuration" of the hinge <NUM> where the link <NUM> remains in line with (e.g., at a <NUM>° orientation from) the second body <NUM>. The link <NUM> being in line with the second body <NUM> does not provide the displacement described in relation to <FIG> in the clamshell configuration. In some embodiments, the nested configuration allows the first body <NUM> to nest against the second body <NUM>, with a surface of the first body <NUM> sitting flush against a surface of the second body <NUM>. In the nested configuration, the first pivot point <NUM> rotates to a <NUM>° orientation (e.g., rotates and closes beyond the <NUM>° orientation described in relation to <FIG>) between the first body <NUM> and second body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the third body <NUM> is repositioned on a back surface <NUM> of the first body <NUM>, providing a tablet configuration for the electronic device.

When the third body <NUM> is in the laptop configuration (illustrated and described in relation to <FIG>), the hinge <NUM> has a first stable closure mode where each of the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM> are active during the closure to the clamshell configuration. When the third body <NUM> is not in the laptop configuration (e.g., removed from the first body <NUM> and/or repositioned to a different location on the first body <NUM> as illustrated and described in relation to <FIG>) the hinge <NUM> has a second stable closure mode where the first pivot point <NUM> only is active, and the first pivot point <NUM> has a larger range of motion.

<FIG> provide various exemplary embodiments of mechanisms to limit the rotation of the first pivot point and transition the hinge between a first stable closure mode and a second stable closure mode. <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge <NUM> including a locking mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first pivot point <NUM> includes a locking mechanism <NUM>. In other embodiments, a second pivot point <NUM> includes a locking mechanism <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, both the first pivot point <NUM> and the second pivot point <NUM> include locking mechanisms <NUM>. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> includes a locking mechanism <NUM> on the first pivot point <NUM> that selectively limits the rotational range of motion of the first pivot point <NUM> (e.g., the rotation of the first body <NUM> relative to the link <NUM>).

The hinge <NUM> includes an arcuate track <NUM> positioned in the first body <NUM> that engages with the link <NUM> to determine the rotational range of motion of the first body <NUM> relative to the link <NUM> in the hinge <NUM>. The track <NUM> terminates in endwalls <NUM> at either end of the track <NUM> around the first pivot point <NUM>. In some embodiments, the track <NUM> is positioned at least <NUM>° around the first pivot point <NUM>. In other embodiments, the track <NUM> is positioned at least <NUM>° around the first pivot point <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the track <NUM> is positioned at least <NUM>° around the first pivot point <NUM>. In further embodiments, the track <NUM> is positioned at least <NUM>° around the first pivot point <NUM>. The first body <NUM> is rotatable around the first pivot point <NUM> relative to the link <NUM> until a portion of the link <NUM> contacts the endwall <NUM> of the track <NUM> preventing further rotation of the first body <NUM>.

The locking mechanism <NUM> includes a pin <NUM> that is moveable relative to the first body <NUM> to selectively enter the track <NUM>. When the pin <NUM> enters the track <NUM>, the pin <NUM> limits the rotational range of motion of the first body <NUM> relative to the link <NUM> by effectively shortening with the track <NUM>. A pin end <NUM> can interfere with the motion of a portion of the link <NUM> relative to the first body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the pin <NUM> is inserted into the track <NUM>, the pin <NUM> limits the rotational range of motion of the first body <NUM> relative to the link <NUM> to <NUM>°. In other embodiments, when the pin <NUM> is inserted into the track <NUM>, the pin <NUM> limits the rotational range of motion of the first body <NUM> relative to the link <NUM> to <NUM>°. In yet other embodiments, when the pin <NUM> is inserted into the track <NUM>, the pin <NUM> limits the rotational range of motion of the first body <NUM> relative to the link <NUM> to <NUM>°. In at least one example, the first pivot point <NUM> has a rotational range of motion when the pin is retracted (e.g., not in the track <NUM>) of <NUM>° and a rotational range of motion of <NUM>° when the pin is inserted.

In some embodiments, the pin <NUM> is movable relative to the first body <NUM> based upon the location and/or position of the third body <NUM> relative to the first body <NUM>. For example, when the third body <NUM> is positioned in the laptop configuration, as shown in <FIG> (and as described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>), the third body <NUM> physically contacts a mechanical linkage <NUM> of the first body <NUM> that applies a force to the pin <NUM> to move the pin <NUM> into the track <NUM>. Therefore, when the third body <NUM> is positioned in the laptop configuration, the rotational range of motion of the hinge <NUM> around the first pivot point <NUM> is limited and causes the closure of the first body to rotate the link <NUM> around the second pivot point <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and in contrast to <FIG>, when the third body <NUM> is not in the laptop configuration relative to the first body <NUM> (e.g., removed to be used as a tablet or rotated away from the second body to be nested in the tablet configuration described in relation to <FIG>), the force on the linkage <NUM> is removed and the pin <NUM> is free to move toward a retracted position away from the track <NUM>. When the pin <NUM> is in the retracted position, the rotational range of motion of the first pivot point <NUM> is limited by the endwalls <NUM> of the track <NUM> and not by contact with the pin <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the first body <NUM> of <FIG> with the pin <NUM> in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the pin <NUM> is biased toward the retracted position. For example, <FIG> illustrates a magnet <NUM> positioned on the opposite side of the pin <NUM> from the track <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may include a magnetic or ferromagnetic material such that the magnet <NUM> applies an attractive force <NUM> to the pin <NUM> to bias the pin <NUM> toward the magnet <NUM>. When the mechanical linkage <NUM> or other mechanism removes a countering force from the pin <NUM>, the attractive force <NUM> may move the pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM>, when the mechanical linkage <NUM> or other biasing mechanism is not in contact with the third body, therefore, may move toward the retracted position. In at least one embodiment, a magnet is positioned in the third body to apply a force to the pin <NUM> to move the pin when the third body is in the laptop configuration.

In other embodiments, the pin <NUM> is biased toward the retracted position by other biasing mechanisms. For example, the biasing mechanism may be an elastically deformable member coupled to the pin <NUM> (or an elastically deformable portion of the pin <NUM>) and the first body <NUM> that pulls the pin <NUM> toward the retracted position. In some examples, the biasing mechanism is a spring such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. In other examples, the biasing mechanism is an elastic polymer. In yet other examples, the biasing mechanism is a combination of such elements, such as a coil spring and a magnet.

In other embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may lack a biasing element that passively biases the pin <NUM> toward the retracted position and, rather (or additionally) includes an actuatable movement device that is actuated by the position of the third body. For example, the pin <NUM> may be movable between the retracted position and the inserted position (i.e., inserted into the track <NUM>) by electromagnetic actuation. The magnet <NUM> may be an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force <NUM> or an opposing repulsive force to move the pin <NUM>. When the third body is positioned in the laptop configuration, the electromagnet applies a repulsive force to move the pin <NUM> into the track <NUM>, limiting the rotational range of motion of the first body <NUM>. When the third body is moved away from the laptop configuration, the electromagnet applies an attractive force <NUM>, allowing the larger rotational range of motion between the endwalls <NUM> of the track <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the actuatable movement device that moves the pin <NUM> is an electric motor. For example, the electric motor may be a linear actuator motor. In other examples, the electric motor may be a screw motor. While the embodiment described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG> uses a mechanical linkage <NUM>, an actuatable movement device is actuated by other devices. In some embodiments, an actuatable movement device is in data communication with a pressure switch. The pressure switch may detect the presence or position of the third body relative to the first body <NUM> to selectively actuate the actuatable movement device when the third body is in the laptop configuration, the tablet configuration, or other position. In at least one embodiment, the actuatable movement device is actuated by a computerized control. For example, the actuatable movement device can be in data communication with a processor in the first body, second body, or third body, that allows the actuatable movement device to be selectively actuated through software and/or firmware of an electronic device.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a hinge <NUM> includes a mechanical hardstop <NUM> on the third body <NUM> and/or the link <NUM> to limit the rotational range of motion around the first pivot point <NUM> when the third body <NUM> is in a laptop configuration. When the third body <NUM> is not in the laptop configuration, the hardstop on the third body <NUM> and/or the link <NUM> does not contact and limit the rotational range of motion, allowing a larger rotational range of motion around the first pivot point <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first body <NUM> and third body <NUM> are rotatably coupled to one another with a polymeric flap <NUM>. The polymeric flap <NUM> allows the third body <NUM> to hinge relative to the first body <NUM> and flip to a back surface <NUM> of the first body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first body <NUM> and third body <NUM> are rotatably coupled by a hinge, such as a piano hinge.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a hinge <NUM> with a hardstop <NUM> positioned on the link <NUM>. The hardstop <NUM> contacts the third body <NUM> when the third body <NUM> is in the laptop configuration (illustrated in <FIG>) and when the first body <NUM> is positioned at a <NUM>° angle relative to the link <NUM>. When the third body <NUM> is rotated around the polymeric flap <NUM> toward the back surface <NUM> of the first body <NUM>, the first body <NUM> can rotate beyond a <NUM>° orientation relative to the link <NUM> and approach a <NUM>° orientation relative to the link <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a hinge <NUM> with a hardstop <NUM> positioned on the third body <NUM>. The hardstop <NUM> contacts the link <NUM> when the third body <NUM> is in the laptop configuration (illustrated in <FIG>) and when the first body <NUM> is positioned at a <NUM>° angle relative to the link <NUM>. When the third body <NUM> is rotated around the polymeric flap <NUM>, the first body <NUM> can rotate beyond a <NUM>° orientation relative to the link <NUM> and approach a <NUM>° orientation relative to the link <NUM> (such as illustrated in <FIG>) and lie in plane with the second body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> of moving a hinge between an open configuration and a plurality of closed configurations. The hinge has a plurality of pivot points, which can each be active at different times and/or positions within the rotation of the hinge. For example, the hinge has a first body and a second body that are rotatable about a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively. The first body and the second body are connected by a link positioned therebetween, where the first body is rotatable relative to the link around the first pivot point and the second body is rotatable relative to the link around the second pivot point.

The method <NUM> includes rotating the first body relative to the link around the first pivot point to a first pivot point angle between the first body and the link at <NUM>. For example, the first pivot point angle may be <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the first pivot point is active while rotating the first body relative to the second body, and the second pivot point is inactive. In some examples, the inactive second pivot point is locked by a follower or other locking mechanism that mechanically interferes with the rotation of the link and second body relative to one another (such as described in relation to <FIG>). In other examples, the first pivot point has a first rotational resistance and the second pivot point has a second rotational resistance, where the second rotational resistance is greater than the first rotational resistance. A force applied to move the first body relative to the second body will, due to the difference is rotational resistances, preferentially rotate the hinge around the first pivot point relative to the second pivot point (such as described in relation to <FIG>).

The method <NUM> further includes detecting a position of a third body relative to the first body at <NUM>. In some embodiments, detecting the position of the third body includes contacting a portion of a locking mechanism of the first body with the third body (such as described in relation to <FIG>). In other embodiments, detecting the position of the third body includes contacting a pressure switch of the first body with the third body. In yet other embodiments, detecting the position of the third body includes reading an electronic file with a microprocessor in data communication with the locking mechanism. In further embodiments, detecting the position of the third body includes contacting a portion of the link with the third body. In some embodiments, the link has a hardstop that selectively engages the third body (such as described in relation to <FIG>). In other examples, the third body has a hardstop that selectively engages the link (such as described in relation to <FIG>).

The method <NUM> further includes checking whether the third body is in a first configuration at <NUM> after detecting the position of the third body relative the first body at <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first configuration is a laptop configuration of an electronic device. For example, the third body can include a display and the second body can include a keyboard or other human interface device. When the display is positioned on the first body such that the display is oriented toward the keyboard (such as illustrated in <FIG>), the first body may be in a laptop configuration. When the display is not positioned in the laptop configuration, the third body may be disconnected from the first body (such as described in relation to <FIG>) or repositioned on the first body at a different orientation or location (such as described in relation to <FIG>). In other embodiments, the first configuration is another configuration of the first body and the third body.

After the decision outcome at <NUM>, the hinge may continue rotating the first body toward the second body in one of a plurality of rotational modes. When the decision outcome confirms the third body is in the first configuration (e.g., "yes" in the decision outcome at <NUM>), the first pivot point becomes inactive and the hinge begins rotating the link relative to the second body around the second pivot point at <NUM> (such as described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>). When the decision outcome does not confirm the third body is in the first configuration (e.g., "no" in the decision outcome at <NUM>), the first pivot point remains active and the hinge continues rotating the first body relative to the link around the first pivot point at <NUM> (such as described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>). The first pivot point remains active with a larger rotational range of motion than the "yes" decision outcome.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge has a plurality of stable positions that are achieved through different active pivot points during the rotation of the hinge. The hinge allows an electronic device or other device to arrange a first body and a second body of the device differently depending on how the hinge opens and closes. The hinge can allow multiple operational modes of the device by positioning the first body and second body relative to one another depending on the configuration of a third body relative to the first body.

The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are "about" or "approximately" the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, or within <NUM>% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional "means-plus-function" clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words 'means for' appear together with an associated function.

Claim 1:
A hinge system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for bistable motion, the hinge system comprising: a first body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); a second body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); a link (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), where the link is rotatable relative to the first body around a first pivot point (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and rotatable relative to the second body around a second pivot point (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), where the first pivot point has a first rotational resistance and the second pivot point has a second rotational resistance that is different from the first rotational resistance;
characterised in that it comprises a third body (<NUM>, <NUM>) selectively positionable relative to the first body (<NUM>) in a first configuration, the third body limiting a first rotational range of motion around the first pivot point (<NUM>, <NUM>) when positioned in the first configuration; wherein in the first configuration, the first body (<NUM>) functions as a stand supporting the third body (<NUM>).