Patent ID: 7603749

Claim:
A dual-axis hinge for a portable electronic device comprising a first stationary bracket having a surface; a non-circular first mounting hole formed through the first stationary bracket; and a first stop protruding from the surface adjacent to the first mounting hole; a second stationary bracket; a pivoting bracket being pivotally mounted between the first stationary bracket and the second stationary bracket and having a first end segment being adjacent to the first stationary bracket and having an inside surface; an outside surface; a first pivoting hole being formed through the pivoting bracket, corresponding to the first mounting hole of the first stationary bracket and having an inner edge; an engaging portion being formed integrally on the inside surface of the first end segment along the inner edge of the first pivoting hole and having multiple radial concaves and convexes arranged alternatively; a first limit being formed integrally on the outside surface of the first end segment and having a central keyed hole being non-circular and corresponding to the first pivoting hole; and a recessed edge having a length and two ends corresponding to and selectively abutting the first stop of the first stationary bracket; a second end segment being adjacent to and engaging pivotally with the second stationary bracket; and a middle segment connecting between the first end segment and the second segment and having an inside surface; an outside surface; and a third pivoting hole being formed longitudinally through the middle segment; a connecting leaf having a surface; a connecting hole being formed through the connecting leaf, corresponding to the third pivoting hole of the middle segment and being non-circular; a first mounting assembly comprising a first pintle being non-circular in cross section and having an end extending through the first pivoting hole of the first end segment of the pivoting bracket and engaging with the first mounting hole of the first stationary bracket; and a positioning element being mounted on the first pintle, corresponding to the engaging portion of the first end segment and having a central hole being non-circular and engaging with the first pintle; and two salients selectively engaging with the concaves of the engaging portion to retain the position of the pivoting bracket relative to the first stationary bracket; and a second mounting assembly comprising a second pintle being non circular in cross section and having an end extending through the third pivoting hole of the middle segment of the pivoting bracket and engaging with the connecting hole of the connecting leaf.