PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11106249-B1
Application Number: US-201916439571-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Accessory device with hinge assembly having layered friction elements

Abstract:
A hinge assembly includes a first and a second set of friction elements engaged each other by an applied force perpendicular to the friction elements. The first and the second set of friction elements are capable of rotational movement about a cylindrical element that passes through each of the friction elements. Also, the first set of friction elements is capable of movement relative to the second set of friction elements. However, the first set friction elements can remain in a fixed position based upon the applied force, until an external force overcomes the applied. During rotation of the first set of friction elements about the cylindrical element, the frictional engagement that controls the position of the first set of friction elements is based primarily on engagement between the friction elements, as opposed to engagement, if any, between the friction elements and the cylindrical element.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a first section that receives the electronic device; 
 a second section connected to the first section; and 
 a hinge assembly that rotationally couples the first section with the second section, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a first friction element coupled to the first section, and 
 a second friction element coupled to the second section, the second friction element in frictional engagement with the first friction element by a frictional force, wherein an applied force to the first section that overcomes the frictional force causes the first section to rotate relative to the second section. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first through hole formed in the first friction element; 
 a second through hole formed in the second friction element; and 
 a cylindrical element that passes through the first through hole and the second through hole. 
 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the frictional force is parallel an axial direction defined by the cylindrical element. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the hinge assembly further comprises a tensioning mechanism coupled to an end of the cylindrical element, the tensioning mechanism capable of adjusting the frictional force. 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge assembly further comprises:
 a first set of panels positioned in the first section and surrounding the first friction element; and 
 a second set of panels positioned in the first section and surrounding the second friction element. 
 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 magnets located in the first section; and 
 a third section rotationally coupled to the second section, wherein when the magnets magnetically couple with magnets in the electronic device to hold the electronic device with the first section, the first section and the second section position the electronic device over the third section. 
 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first friction element comprises a first stop mechanism, 
 the second friction element comprises a second stop mechanism, and 
 an engagement between the first stop mechanism and the second stop mechanism ceases movement of the first section relative to the second section. 
 
     
     
       8. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a first section that defines a receiving surface for the electronic device; 
 a second section rotationally coupled to the first section by a first hinge assembly, the first hinge assembly comprising:
 a first friction element that extends into the first section and is at least partially covered by the receiving surface, and 
 a second friction element that extends into the second section, the second friction element in frictional engagement with the first friction element by a first frictional force that is capable of fixing the first section relative to the second section; and 
 
 a third section rotationally coupled the second section by a second hinge assembly, the second hinge assembly comprising:
 a third friction element that extends into the second section, 
 a fourth friction element that extends into the third section, the fourth friction element in frictional engagement with the third friction element by a second frictional force that is capable of fixing the second section relative to the third section. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein a first applied force to the first section that overcomes the first frictional force causes the first section to rotate relative to the second section, and wherein a second applied force to the second section that overcomes the second frictional force causes the second section to rotate relative to the third section. 
     
     
       10. The accessory device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first shaft that passes through the first friction element and the second friction element; and 
 a second shaft that passes through the third friction element and the fourth friction element, 
 wherein the first frictional force is parallel to a first axial direction defined by the first shaft, and wherein the second frictional force is parallel to a second axial direction defined by the second shaft. 
 
     
     
       11. The accessory device of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a first folding region between the first section and the second section; and 
 a second folding region between the second section and the third section, wherein the first shaft is aligned with the first folding region, and wherein the second shaft is aligned with the second folding region. 
 
     
     
       12. The accessory device of  claim 10 , wherein the first hinge assembly further comprises:
 a mounting structure; and 
 a third shaft that passes through the first friction element, wherein the first shaft and the third shaft further pass through the mounting structure. 
 
     
     
       13. The accessory device of  claim 10 , wherein the first hinge assembly further comprises:
 a mounting block; and 
 a third shaft that passes through the first friction element, wherein the first shaft and the third shaft further pass through the mounting block. 
 
     
     
       14. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the first hinge assembly further comprises:
 a spacing element comprising an opening; and 
 a fifth friction element that extends into the first section and is at least partially covered by the receiving surface; and 
 a shaft, wherein i) the spacing element is positioned between the first friction element and the fifth friction element, and ii) the shaft passes through the first friction element, the fifth friction element, and the shaft. 
 
     
     
       15. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a first section; 
 a second section; and 
 a hinge assembly, comprising:
 a first element comprising a first through hole, the first element further comprising a first extension coupled with the first section, 
 a second element comprising a second through hole, the second element further comprising a second extension coupled with the second section, 
 a friction element comprising a third through hole, friction element engaged with the first element and the second element by an applied force that is normal with respect to the first element and the second element, and 
 a cylindrical element that passes through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole, wherein a rotational force to the first section that overcomes the applied force and causes movement of the first section and the first element relative to the second section and the second element, respectively. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The accessory device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 magnets located in the first section; and 
 a third section rotationally coupled to the second section, wherein when the magnets magnetically couple with magnets in the electronic device to hold the electronic device with the first section, the first section and the second section position the electronic device over the third section. 
 
     
     
       17. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the rotational force causes the first element to rotate around the cylindrical element. 
     
     
       18. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the friction element provides a variable friction based upon the movement of the first element. 
     
     
       19. The accessory device of  claim 18 , comprises a cam surface that causes the variable friction. 
     
     
       20. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the friction element is positioned between the first element and the second element.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/041,633, entitled “HINGE ASSEMBLY WITH LAYERED FRICTION ELEMENTS,” filed Jul. 20, 2018, set to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 10,324,501 on Jun. 18, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to electronic devices and accessory devices for portable electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to hinge assemblies that can be integrated with the electronic devices and the accessory devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some electronic devices (such as laptop computing devices) are known to include multiple housing parts, with one housing part rotatable with respect to another housing part, or vice versa. These electronic devices may include a hinge that promotes the rotational movement. The hinge may include a clip that engages and surrounds a shaft, thereby allowing the clip to maintain (through frictional forces) one housing part in a fixed position with respect to another housing part. When the frictional forces between the clip and the shaft are overcome, the housing part may again rotate with respect to another housing part. 
     However, this design implementation has some drawbacks. For example, rotational movement of the clip, relative to the shaft, generates a torsional force on the shaft that is proportional to the normal force applied by the clip on the shaft and the force from the coefficient of friction. As a result, one location of the shaft is rotated, or twisted, with respect to another location. This twisting effect may cause stress to the shaft that, over times, causes breakdown of the shaft. Also, as hinge parts become smaller, a force (intended rotate the housing part) is applied to the housing part, the hinge parts may bend and twist, and act like a spring, before the relative motion between the clip and shaft occur. This spring-like action is generally undesirable, as it appears the laptop computing device lacks rigidity. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a laptop computer having a first housing part and a second housing part is described. The laptop computing device may include a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include a first friction element coupled with the first housing part. The first friction element may include an annular first friction surface that surrounds a first opening. The hinge assembly may further include a second friction element coupled with the second housing part. The second friction element may include an annular second friction surface that surrounds a second opening and that engages with the first friction surface to provide a first friction force. The hinge assembly may further include an axial component that passes through the first opening and the second opening. The hinge assembly may further include a tensioning member engaged with the axial component. The tensioning member can be capable of providing an adjustable force, by way of the axial component, that is normal to the first friction surface and the second friction surface. In some embodiments, the adjustable force, when applied to either the first frictional element or second frictional element, is capable of changing the first friction force to a second friction force different from the first friction force. Also, in some instances, the adjustable force may change only during assembly, or may occur as the friction elements rotate relative to each other, through the use of ramp or cam features. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for use with a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section. The accessory device may further include a second section. The accessory device may further include a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include a first friction element that includes a first extension coupled with the first section. The first friction element may further include a first engagement surface. The hinge assembly may further include a second friction element that includes a second extension coupled with the second section. The second friction element may further include a second engagement surface. The hinge assembly may further include a third friction element positioned between the first friction element and the second friction element. The third friction element can be engaged with the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface by an applied force that is perpendicular to the first friction element and the second friction element. The hinge assembly may further a cylindrical element passing through the first friction element, the second friction element, and the third friction element. In some embodiments, the applied force to the first section causes rotation of the first section and the first friction element about the cylindrical element. Also, in some embodiments, when the applied force is removed the first section remains stationary. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for use with a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section. The accessory device may further include a second section coupled to, and rotatable with respect to, the first section based on a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include a first hinge section that includes a first set of friction elements. The hinge assembly may further include a second hinge section that includes a second set of friction elements engaged with the first set of friction elements to define a frictional engagement. The hinge assembly may further include a cylindrical element passing through the first set of friction elements and the second set of friction elements. In some embodiments, the frictional engagement between the first set of friction elements and the second set of friction elements holds the first section in a fixed position relative to the second section. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of hinge assembly, showing relationships and features of several friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 5 , showing the friction elements engaged with each other. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing a friction element with multiple cams, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 7 , showing the friction elements engaged with each other. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 8 , showing a friction element rotated with respect to another friction element. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 9 , showing further rotation of the friction element with respect to the other friction element. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing the hinge assembly having panels with openings, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing the hinge assembly having panels coupled to additional panels that include openings, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly with spacer elements between friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 13 , taken along line A-A. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing the hinge assembly having several mounting structures designed to align cylindrical elements as well as friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing the hinge assembly having several mounting blocks and spacing elements designed to align cylindrical elements as well as friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing several friction elements and cylindrical elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing the hinge assembly having an integrated mechanical stop, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing friction elements that provide an integrated mechanical stop, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 23 , showing a friction element rotated with respect to another friction element. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly, showing a cylindrical element and several friction element having an integrated mechanical stop, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 25 , showing the friction elements engaged with each other. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device designed for use with a portable electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to a hinge assembly adapted for use with consumer products, such as accessory devices (such as covers, folios, etc.) used with portable electronic devices. The hinge assembly (or assembly) may be integrated with electronic devices such as laptop computing devices. The hinge assembly can provide a constant and/or variable torque depending on specific design and user considerations. For example, when the design requires that a first housing component (or first section) of the consumer product retain a fixed position, or angular displacement, relative to a housing component (or second section) in an open configuration, the hinge assembly can provide an overall hinge assembly torque that can balance a torque generated by the first housing component in the open configuration. Component torque τ comp  generated by the first housing component can be related to a relative position of the first housing component to the second housing component being within a range of angular displacement. Accordingly, the hinge assembly can include a number of torque generating components, each of which provide a torque τ i  that combines to provide the overall hinge assembly torque τ hinge  in accordance with Equation (1) below: 
                     τ     h   ⁢   i   ⁢   n   ⁢   g   ⁢   e       =         ∑   1   n     ⁢     τ   i       ≥       τ   comp     .               Eq   .           ⁢     (   1   )                 
Equilibrium requires that the overall hinge assembly torque τ hinge  be equal to or greater than a maximum value of the component torque τ comp  that occurs when the first housing component is essentially parallel with respect to the second housing component (i.e., angular displacement θ≈0°).
 
     Some embodiments of hinge assemblies include a constant torque component, such as a friction clip or C-clip, that engages the shaft with frictional force F f  applied at a surface of the shaft a distance r s  from the axis of rotation resulting in constant torque τ const  according to Equation (2) below:
 
τ const   =F   f   *r   s   Eq. (2).
 
     Traditional consumer devices often use a hinge with a shaft and a C-clip engaged with the shaft. The C-clip maintains engagement with the shaft by a force in a radial direction relative to the shaft, with the radial direction normal to the curved surface of the shaft. When the C-clip rotates about the shaft, the C-clip generates friction in a tangential direction (around the curved surface of the shaft), leading to torsional, or angular, deflection of the shaft. The torsional deflection can impart a rotational force that causes the shaft to twist. Over several cycles, the shaft can undergo deformation from twisting, leading to reduced performance of the hinge. Also, an external force applied to the C-clip can generate a frictional force that is counter to (or opposite in the direction of) the torsional deflection. In other words, the frictional force can initially resist relative movement of the C-clip and the shaft, which can cause bending of the first housing component of the consumer product until the applied force overcomes the frictional force resulting in relative movement of the first housing part with respect to the second housing part. 
     However, some hinge assemblies described herein can include an enhanced design to overcome these issues. For example, a hinge assembly described herein may include multiple friction elements, with adjacent friction elements in frictional engagement with one another. The phrase “frictional engagement” or “frictionally engaged” refers one or more pairs of friction elements in contact with each other such that relative movement of one friction element with respect the other frictional element causes friction. Accordingly, the friction elements are designed to generate friction during relative rotational movement. In the embodiments described herein, the friction elements may include stainless steel parts that are cut by a stamping operation. Some friction elements may include a “leaf” that takes the shape of a flat plate with a rounded portion and an extension, while other friction elements are generally circular. In one embodiment, the friction elements can take the form of an annular ring where the friction element may include a through hole, or opening centered at the frictional element (in some cases, the through hole can be offset from the center of the frictional element. The hinge assembly may include a cylindrical element, or shaft, that passes through each of the friction elements via their respective through holes. In this regard, cylindrical element can align the friction elements along an axis defined by the cylindrical element. 
     The friction elements maintain engagement with each other by a force in an axial direction that is parallel to an axis of the shaft and perpendicular to the friction elements, as opposed to the engagement force (between the C-clip and the shaft) in the tangential direction. As a result, the torsional deflection of the shaft during relative motion of the components is reduced, and the hinge assembly is less susceptible to deformation over time due to less wear on the shaft. Also, during relative movement, the friction elements generally do not rely on engagement with the shaft. In this manner, the frictional force exerted on the shaft by the friction elements is reduced, and the bending of housing components (prior to relative motion) can be reduced or eliminated. Other modifications to the shaft can reduce torsional deflection of the shaft, including (but not limited to) an increase in the diameter of the shaft and reducing the shaft&#39;s axial dimension. Regarding the latter, an additional (separate) shaft can be incorporated if needed. 
     For hinge assemblies described herein, the torque T required to rotationally drive the friction elements is governed by Equation (3) (from Shigley&#39;s Mechanical Engineering Design) below: 
                   T   =       2   3     ⁢     μ   S     ⁢     F   ⁡     (         r   0   3     -     r   i   3           r   0   2     -     r   i   2         )       ⁢       (     N   -   1     )     .               Eq   .           ⁢     (   3   )                 
The variable μ s  is the coefficient of static friction that is related to the frictional force developed between friction elements when neither of the friction elements are moving and are thereby in static equilibrium. It should be noted that the coefficient of kinetic friction μ k  can also refer to the force between friction elements when the friction elements are moving with respect to each other (relative movement), or if multiple friction elements are moving against each other. The force F is force applied normally to the friction elements (for example, in an axial direction defined by the cylindrical element) that maintains adjacent friction element in contact with each other. The outer radius r 0  and the inner radius r i  represent an outer and inner radius, respectively, of a frictional element having an annular geometry. Further, the difference between the outer radius r 0  and the inner radius r i  corresponds to an annular surface area of the frictional element whereas the variable N represents the number of engaged friction elements.
 
     Each hinge assembly includes a “break torque” or torsional force required to initiate relative motion between the hinge assembly parts. In order to alter the break torque without changing the material of the friction elements, the hinge assembly may include one or more tensioning members coupled to the cylindrical element. The tensioning members may include a pre-loaded member (such as a spring) designed to adjust (increase or decrease) the force F applied to the friction elements. Accordingly, the hinge assembly described herein may include an adjustable torque feature, thereby allowing for a modification of the total torque T of the hinge assembly by adjusting the tensioning member(s). In this way, a modification of the torque T of the hinge assembly allows for a modification of the force required to rotationally drive the hinge assembly. In this regard, the torque required to rotationally drive the hinge assembly increases while maintaining the same footprint (that is, the same size and shape) of the hinge assembly. In other words, the hinge assembly is not required to increase in the overall size and shape to provide a corresponding increased torque. As a result, consumer devices that incorporate one or more hinge assemblies described herein require less dedicated space for the hinge assemblies. Further, engagement between several friction elements increases the overall effective surface area of the hinge assembly used for rotational movement, which can lead to reduced surface pressure acting on the hinge assembly and therefore less overall stress on the parts. By providing an adjustable torque feature, the hinge assemblies described herein may perform more reliably when integrated with consumer devices. For example, using the tensioning members, the break torque can be adjusted subsequent to assembly of the hinge assembly. As a result, the hinge assembly can compensate for some manufacturing variances in the hinge assembly parts, and can perform in accordance with a predictable or predetermined break torque. 
     In order to limit movement of the hinge sections, some hinge assemblies described herein may include an integrated stop mechanism. These hinge assemblies may include modified friction elements as well as additional cylindrical elements designed to limit or prevent movement of the modified frictional elements beyond a predetermined rotational, or angular, movement. Accordingly, the integrated stop mechanism limits the movement of the hinge assembly to predetermined angles. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-28 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  100  may include a first hinge section  102  and a second hinge section  104 . As indicated by arrows, the hinge assembly  100  is designed such that the first hinge section  102  is capable of moving (rotating, for example) with respect to the second hinge section  104 , and vice versa. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , the first hinge section  102  and the second hinge section  104  may couple to a first body and a second body, respectively, of a consumer device, thereby allowing the first body to rotate with respect to the second body, and vice versa. 
     The hinge assembly  100  may include several layers of material designed for rotational movement. For example, the hinge assembly  100  may include a friction element  106   a  and a friction element  108   a . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the friction element  106   a  is associated with the first hinge section  102  and the friction element  108   a  is associated with the second hinge section  104 . Although not labeled, the hinge assembly  100  may include several additional friction elements similar to the friction element  106   a  and the friction element  108   a . Also, each frictional element may include a material, such as stainless steel or other hardened metal. However, other material(s) is/are possible. For example, the friction elements may include a metal alloy that includes stainless steel with plated nickel. 
     As shown in the enlarged view, the friction element  106   a  is separated from the friction element  108   a  by a friction element  110   a . The friction element  110   a  may include multiple engagement surfaces, with one engagement surface in frictional engagement with the friction element  106   a , and another engagement surface in frictional engagement with the friction element  108   a . Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the friction elements may include a through hole, or opening, through which a cylindrical element (shown later) passes. While the friction element  110   a  may appear like a washer (that is, a donut-shape), the friction element  106   a  and the friction element  108   a  may include a both a round shaper similar to a washer, as well as an extension. This will be further shown below. The applied torque required to rotate the first hinge section  102  with respect to the second hinge section  104 , or vice versa, is function of the normal (perpendicular) force between the friction elements. For example, the applied torque required to rotationally drive one of the hinge sections is a function of the normal force between the friction element  110   a  and the friction element  106   a , as well as the normal force between the friction element  110   a  and the friction element  108   a.    
     During rotation, the engagement between the friction elements is maintained, which may provide a predictable and repeatable applied torque required to rotate the hinge sections. Also, the engagement between the friction elements is sufficient to maintain the hinge sections in fixed positioned when the applied torque is removed. For example, when the first hinge section  102  is rotated (with respect to the second hinge section  104 ) from a first position to a second position, the first hinge section  102  remains fixed in the second position when the applied force that causes the rotation ceases. 
     The hinge assembly  100  may further include tensioning members designed to adjust the normal force between the aforementioned friction elements. For example, the hinge assembly  100  may include a tensioning member  112   a  and a tensioning member  112   b  capped by a fastener  114   a  and a fastener  114   b , respectively. The tensioning members may include spring or other pre-loaded components designed to adjust the applied force (or normal force) between the friction elements. As an example, by rotationally driving the fastener  114   a , the tensioning member  112   a  and/or the tensioning member  112   b  may compress, causing an increase in the applied force to the friction elements. As a result of the increased applied force, the torque required to rotate the first hinge section  102  relative to the second hinge section  104 , or vice versa, increases. Conversely, the fastener  114   a  can be rotationally driven in the opposite direction to decompress the tensioning member  112   a  and/or the tensioning member  112   b , thereby decreasing the applied force to the frictional elements. The advantage of using tensioning members allows for the hinge assembly  100  to provide an adjustable, fine-tuned torque without changing the dimensions of the hinge assembly  100 . In this manner, when the hinge assembly  100  is integrated with a consumer device (such as a laptop or a folio case), the space occupied by the hinge assembly  100  is minimized. 
     The hinge assembly  100  may include several panels coupled to at least some of the friction elements. For example, the hinge assembly  100  may include a panel  116   a  and a panel  116   b . Further, friction elements, such as the friction element  106   a  and a friction element  106   b , may be secured to the panel  116   a  and the panel  116   b  by adhesives or welding, as non-limiting examples. The hinge assembly  100  may include a panel  116   c  and a panel  116   d . Friction elements, such as the friction element  108   a  and the friction element  108   b , may be secured to the panel  116   c  and the panel  116   d  by means described above. In some instances, at least one of the tensioning member  112   a  or the tensioning member  112   b  may be used to adjust the torque prior to securing the friction elements to the panels. Also, the friction element  106   a , the friction element  106   b , and other friction elements coupled to the panel  116   a  and the panel  116   b  be may be part of the first hinge section  102 , while the friction element  108   a , the friction element  108   b , and other friction elements coupled to the panel  116   c  and the panel  116   d  may be may be part of the second hinge section  104 . The aforementioned panels may provide surface in which the hinge assembly  100  may couple to one or more parts, including parts of a consumer device. The securing means may include welding or adhesives, as non-limiting examples. Alternatively, or in combination, the securing means may include fasteners positioned through openings formed in the panels. This will be shown below. 
     The outermost (or most external) friction elements of the hinge assembly  100  may be part of one of the first hinge section  102  or the second hinge section  104 , which may cause the number of friction elements associated with the first hinge section  102  to differ from the number of friction elements associated with the second hinge section  104 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the friction element  108   a  and the friction element  108   b  are the outermost friction elements of the hinge assembly  100 , and are part of the second hinge section  104 . In this manner, an adjustment by one of tensioning member  112   a  or the tensioning member  112   b  does not cause a change in torque that causes the fastener  114   a  or the fastener  114  to decouple from the hinge assembly  100 . In order to further prevent a decoupling of the fastener  114  from the hinge assembly  100 , the fastener  114   b  may be secured to friction elements or the cylindrical element (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) by adhesives or welding (including laser welding), in addition to a threaded engagement between the cylindrical element and the fastener  114   b . When a single tensioning member is present (such as the tensioning member  112   a ), the fastener  114   b  may be coupled (welded or adhesively secured) to the outermost friction element. Also, with one hinge section having the outermost friction elements, the hinge assembly  100  may include an unequal number of friction elements associated with each hinge section. For example, the first hinge section  102  may include an odd number of friction elements, while the second hinge section  104  may include an even number of friction elements. The equal/odd number of friction elements may vary with respect to the hinge sections in different embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in the enlarged view, the friction element  106   a  is secured to the panel  116   a  by a weld  118   a . Also, the friction element  108   a  is secured to the panel  116   c  by a weld  118   b . Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , the remaining friction elements associated with the first hinge section  102  are welded to the panel  116   a  and the panel  116   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and the remaining friction elements associated with the second hinge section  104  are welded to the panel  116   c  and the panel  116   d  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the hinge assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In order to provide a low profile hinge assembly, several friction elements may include notches. For example, the friction element  106   a  may include a notch  122   a  having size and shape in accordance with the panel  116   a , and the friction element  108   a  may include a notch  122   b  having size and shape in accordance with the panel  116   c . Accordingly, when the panel  116   a  and the panel  116   c  are coupled to the friction element  106   a  and the friction element  108   a , respectively, the panel  116   a  is seated co-planar, or flush, with a surface of the friction element  106   a , and the panel  116   c  is seated co-planar, or flush, with a surface of the friction element  108   a . Due to additional notches (not labeled in  FIG. 3 ) in the aforementioned friction elements, the panel  116   b  is co-planar with a surface of the friction element  106   a , and the panel  116   d  is co-planar with a surface of the friction element  108   a . It should be noted that the remaining friction elements include notches similar to those shown and described for the friction element  106   a  and the friction element  108   a.    
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  200 , showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  200  may include components and associated features shown and described for the hinge assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Further, the hinge assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may include components and associated features shown and described for the hinge assembly  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the hinge assembly  200  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  206   a , a friction element  208   a , and a friction element  210   a  positioned between the friction element  206   a  and the friction element  208   a . The hinge assembly  200  may include multiple plates, such as a plate  216   a  and a plate  216   b , designed to secure with the friction element  206   a  as well as additional friction elements, such as a friction element  206   b , a friction element  206   c , and a friction element  206   d . The hinge assembly  200  may further include additional plates, such as a plate  216   c  and a plate  216   d , designed to secure with the friction element  208   a  as well as additional friction elements, such as a friction element  208   b  and a friction element  208   c.    
     Each of the aforementioned friction elements, as well as remaining friction elements, may include an opening, or through hole. For example, the friction element  206   a  may include an opening  224 . The hinge assembly  200  may further include a cylindrical element  226 , or shaft. The cylindrical element  226  is designed to pass through each of the friction elements via their respective opening. In this regard, the cylindrical element  226  may act as an alignment member that aligns each of the friction elements in a desired manner. 
     The hinge assembly  200  may further include a tensioning member  212   a  and a tensioning member  212   b . As shown, the aforementioned tensioning members may include an opening (not labeled in  FIG. 4 ) through which the cylindrical element  226  passes. The hinge assembly  200  may further include a fastener  214   a  and a fastener  214   b , with each fastener secured (by threaded engagement, example) to opposing ends of the cylindrical element  226  by a threaded engagement with the cylindrical element  226 . Additionally, the fastener  214   b  may be coupled to the cylindrical element  226  by adhesives or welding. 
     When the fastener  214   a  and the fastener  214   b  are coupled to the cylindrical element  226 , the tensioning member  212   a  and the tensioning member  212   b  may provide a force along a direction defined by an axial axis  230 . The axial axis  230  may refer to a major length of the cylindrical element  226 . The force in the direction of the axial axis  230  is a normal (perpendicular) force with respect to the friction elements. This normal force may cause adjacent friction elements to engage one another. Furthermore, the force provided by the aforementioned tension members can be adjusted. For example, similar to a prior embodiment, the fastener  214   a  may be rotationally driven, thereby causing the tensioning member  212   a  and/or the tensioning member  212   b  to increase (or alternatively, decrease) an applied force to the friction elements along the axial axis  230 . The ability to adjust (increase or decrease) the torque required to rotate the friction elements about the cylindrical element  226  allows a manufacturer of the hinge assembly  200  to set a desired torque for a given application. 
     Unlike traditional hinges that rely upon frictional engagement with the cylindrical element, the hinge assembly  200  relies upon frictional engagement between the friction elements. This relationship results in minimal (and in some instances, negligible) frictional engagement with the cylindrical element  226 , as compared to the traditional hinge. As a result, the cylindrical element  226  undergoes minimal, if any, torsional stresses, and the wear of the cylindrical element  226  due to usage of the hinge assembly  200  is minimal. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  300 , showing relationships and features of friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. When positioned between two friction elements, a friction element can engage the two friction elements via engagement surfaces. For example, when the hinge assembly  300  is assembled, a friction element  306  may be in frictional engagement with a friction element  310   a  and a friction element  310   b . Further, the friction element  306  may include an engagement surface  332   a  (shaded area) and an extension  334   a  (or wing) that extends from the engagement surface  332   a . The engagement surface  332   a  is designed for frictional engagement with an engagement surface (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the friction element  310   a . Accordingly, engagement surfaces may also be referred to as friction surfaces. The engagement surface  332   a  may generally have a corresponding size and shape as that of the engagement surface of the friction element  310   a . Also, the engagement surface  332   a  is flat, or generally flat, and the engagement surface of the friction element  310   a  is also flat. The friction element  310   b  is designed for frictional engagement an engagement surface  332   b  (shaded area) of a friction element  308  and an engagement surface (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the friction element  306 . Also, the engagement surface  332   b  is flat, or generally flat, and the engagement surface of the friction element  310   b  is also flat. Also, the friction elements can be aligned parallel to each other, and as a result, the engagement surfaces are parallel, or at least generally, parallel with each other. 
     In order to alter the torque of a hinge assembly  300 , at least some friction elements may include modifications. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, the friction element  308  may include a recess  336  and a lubricating material  338  positioned in the recess  336 . The lubricating material  338  may include grease or oil, as non-limiting examples. The recess  336  may provide storage for the lubricating material  338 , and the lubricating material  338  may provide a reserve lubricating material to compensate for a loss of an initial lubricating material (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) applied to the engagement surface  332   b . It should be noted the recess  336  is enlarged for purposes of illustration, and when implemented, the recess  336  include one of several micro-recesses having a diameter that is less than 1 millimeter. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  300  shown in  FIG. 5 , showing the friction elements engaged with each other. As shown, the friction element  306  may be rotationally driven relative to the friction element  310   b  in at least two different directions, based upon the direction of the applied force to the friction element  306 . However, in some instances, the rotation of the friction element  306  may impart at least some rotation to the friction element  310   b.    
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  400 , showing a friction element  410  having multiple cams, in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  400  may include a friction element  408  and a friction element  410  designed for frictional engagement with the friction element  408 . While prior embodiments of friction elements are generally round, the friction element  410  shown in  FIG. 7  may include a cam  442   a  and a cam  442   b , with each cam defining an extended engagement surface of the friction element  410 . In certain angular positions of the friction element  408  relative to the friction element  410  (or vice versa), at least one of the cam  442   a  or the cam  442   b  is in frictional engagement with the friction element  408 . For example, when the cam  442   a  engages an extension  434  of the friction element  408 , an engagement surface  432  (represented by a dotted line) extends onto the extension  434 . The additional engagement between the friction element  408  and the friction element  410  (due to the cam  442   a ) may increase the coefficient of friction between the friction element  408  and the friction element  410 , thereby increasing the torque required to rotationally drive the friction element  408 . The relationship (that is, the increased coefficient of friction) may occur until the cam  442   a  is no longer engaged with the friction element  408 . 
       FIGS. 8-10  represent various angular positions of the friction element  408  relative to the friction element  410 , that results in variable engagement between the friction element  408  and the friction element  410 . The variable engagement may provide the hinge assembly  400  with a variable torque. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  400  shown in  FIG. 7 , showing the friction elements engaged with each other. As shown, the cam  442   a  of the friction element  410  is engaged with the friction element  408  along the extension  434 . As a result, the torque required to rotate the friction element  408  increases based upon the additional engagement due to the cam  442   a  resulting in an additional coefficient of friction. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  400  shown in  FIG. 8 , showing a friction element  408  rotated with respect to the friction element  410 . As shown, the friction element  408  is rotated such that the neither the cam  442   a  nor the cam  442   b  is engaged with the extension  434  of the friction element. As a result, the torque required to rotate the friction element  408  is reduced, as compared to the configuration in  FIG. 8 , based upon the reduced engagement between the friction element  408  and the friction element  410 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  400  shown in  FIG. 9 , showing further rotation of the friction element  408  with respect to the friction element  410 . As shown, the cam  442   b  of the friction element  410  is engaged with the friction element  408  along the extension  434 . The torque required to rotate the friction element  408  is increased, as compared to the configuration in  FIG. 9 , based upon the additional engagement due to the cam  442   b.    
     A hinge assembly that provides variable torque, when integrated into a consumer device, may provide certain benefits. For example, when a variable torque hinge assembly is integrated into a laptop computer (not shown in  FIGS. 8-10 ), the variable torque hinge assembly may provide a relatively high torque in a closed position of the laptop computer, defined by a display housing positioned over a base portion. The friction elements may be poisoned in a manner similar to what is shown in  FIG. 8 . However, when the display housing is rotated away from the base portion, the friction elements may be poisoned in a manner similar to what is shown in  FIG. 9 , and variable torque hinge assembly provides a relatively low torque, resulting a relatively lower force required to rotationally move display. When a certain angle (an angle approximately in the range of 90 to 135 degrees, for example) between the display housing and the base portion is reached, the laptop computer is in the open position and the variable torque hinge assembly may again increase to a relatively high torque. In the open position, the friction elements may be poisoned in a manner similar to what is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate hinge assemblies with alternate mounting configurations. The hinge assemblies may include various components and features described herein for a hinge assembly. Also, the mounting configurations shown and described in  FIGS. 11 and 12  may be integrated into other hinge assemblies described herein. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly  500 , showing the hinge assembly  500  having panels with openings, in accordance with some described embodiments. For example, the hinge assembly  500  may include a panel  516   a  with an opening  546   a , an opening  546   b , and an opening  546   c . The hinge assembly  500  may include a panel  516   b  having the same number of openings in locations corresponding to the locations of the openings of the panel  516   a . These openings represent through holes in the panels, thereby allowing a fastener (not shown in  FIG. 11 ), such as a screw, to pass through each of the openings and secure the hinge assembly  500  to a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) at a first location. 
     Similarly, the hinge assembly  500  may include a panel  516   c  with an opening  548   a , an opening  548   b , and an opening  548   c . The hinge assembly  500  may include a panel  516   d  having the same number of openings in locations corresponding to the locations of the openings of the panel  516   c . These openings represent through holes in the panels, thereby allowing a fastener (such as screws) to pass through each of the openings and secure the hinge assembly  500  to a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) at a second location different from the first location. The openings provide an easily integrated method to secure the hinge assembly  500  with the consumer device. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly  600 , showing the hinge assembly  600  having panels coupled to additional panels that include openings, in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  600  may include a panel  616   b . The hinge assembly  600  may further include a panel  652   a  and a panel  652   b  coupled to the panel  616   b  by an adhesive and/or weld, as non-limiting examples. In order to provide a securing means between the hinge assembly  600  and a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 12 ), the panel  652   a  may include an opening  646   a , and the panel  652   b  may include an opening  646   b . The opening  646   a  and the opening  646   b  are designed to receive a fastener (not shown in  FIG. 12 ). Similarly, hinge assembly  600  may include a panel  616   d . The hinge assembly  600  may further include a panel  652   c  and a panel  652   d  coupled to the panel  616   d  by an adhesive and/or weld, as non-limiting examples. In order to provide a securing means between the hinge assembly  600  and a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 12 ), the panel  652   c  may include an opening  646   c , and the panel  652   d  may include an opening  646   d . The opening  646   c  and the opening  646   d  are designed to receive a fastener (not shown in  FIG. 12 ). The panels, extending from the larger panels, provide a modification to the hinge assembly  600  in which the securing means is generally outside, or external to, the primary components of the hinge assembly  600 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the hinge assembly  500  includes a friction element  506   a  and a friction element  506   b . As shown, the friction element  506   a  and the friction element  506   b  are separated by a space or gap. The remaining friction elements may also include a space or gap between adjacent friction elements. The stiffness (or ability to resist bending) of the parts of the hinge assembly  500  is a function of the space between the friction elements. In order to increase the stiffness of a hinge assembly, a stiffening element, or block, may be positioned between adjacent friction elements. For example, the hinge assembly  600  in  FIG. 12  includes a friction element  606   a  and a friction element  606   b . As shown, a stiffening element  656   a  is positioned in a space between the friction element  606   a  and the friction element  606   b . Additional stiffening elements may be positioned between adjacent friction elements in both a first hinge section  602  of the hinge assembly  600  and a second hinge section  604  of the hinge assembly  600 . As a result, the stiffness of the hinge assembly  600  in  FIG. 12  may be increased, as compared to the stiffness of the hinge assembly  500  in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly  700  with spacer elements between friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the hinge assembly  700  may include several friction elements, such as a friction element  706   a  and a friction element  708   a . The hinge assembly  700  may include a cylindrical element  726   a  that passes through openings of the friction element  706   a  and the friction element  708   a , as well as the remaining friction elements. Further, the hinge assembly  700  may include several spacer elements, such as a spacer element  756   a  and a spacer element  758   a . The hinge assembly  700  may further include several spacer elements having a design that is similar to that of the spacer element  756   a  and a spacer element  758   a . These spacer elements can be positioned between a pair of friction elements. The spacer elements of the hinge assembly  700  may also provide support to the cylindrical element  726   a  as well as additional cylindrical elements. This will be further shown below. 
     As shown, the hinge assembly  700  includes a first hinge section  702  and a second hinge section  704 . The first hinge section  702  may include a panel  716   a  and a panel  716   b , and the second hinge section  704  may include a panel  716   c  and a panel  716   d . The hinge assembly  700  may include additional cylindrical elements. For example, the hinge assembly  700  may include a cylindrical element  726   b  and a cylindrical element  726   c  that passes through friction elements associated with the first hinge section  702  (such as the friction element  706   a ). The hinge assembly  700  may include a cylindrical element  726   d  and a cylindrical element  726   e  that passes through friction elements associated with the second hinge section  704  (such as the friction element  708   a ). 
     The cylindrical element  726   a  may be referred to as a “main axis shaft” or a “common shaft” as the cylindrical element  726   a  passes through each friction element of the hinge assembly  700 . Also, the first hinge section  702  may rotate relative to the second hinge section  704 , or vice versa, about the cylindrical element  726   a . Conversely, the cylindrical element  726   b  and the cylindrical element  726   c  may be referred to as “outer shafts” of the first hinge section  702 , and the cylindrical element  726   d  and the cylindrical element  726   e  may be referred to as “outer shafts” of the second hinge section  704 . The outer shafts may distribute an applied force to associated friction elements. For example, when a force gradient applied to a first subset of the friction elements of the first hinge section  702 , the cylindrical element  726   b  and the cylindrical element  726   c  may distribute the applied force to a remaining second subset of friction elements of the first hinge section  702 . The force distribution by the cylindrical element  726   b  and the cylindrical element  726   c  to several additional friction elements may reduce the stress from the applied force directly to the first subset of friction elements. Also, during rotation of the first hinge section  702  about the cylindrical element  726   a , the cylindrical element  726   b  and the cylindrical element  726   c  may cause the friction elements and the spacer elements to move in unison. The cylindrical element  726   d  and the cylindrical element  726   e  may provide the same functions and features as that of the cylindrical element  726   b  and the cylindrical element  726   c , respectively. 
     Unlike prior embodiments, the hinge assembly  700  may not include friction elements that are donut-shaped (such as the friction element  210   a  in  FIG. 4 ). Rather, each friction element may include an engagement surface (or surfaces) as well as an extension (similar to the friction element  306  shown in  FIG. 5 ). As a result, the number of friction elements may be reduced. Also, the friction element  706   a  may be in frictional engagement with the friction element  708   a  as their respective friction engagement surface is in contact with each other. 
     Additional measures may be used to reduce stress on the friction elements. For example,  FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the hinge assembly  700  shown in  FIG. 13 , taken along line A-A. As shown, the friction elements and the spacer elements are positioned between the panel  716   a  and the panel  716   b . However, rather than directly securing the friction elements to the panels, the spacer elements may be secured to the panels. For example, the spacer element  756   a  can be secured to the panel  716   a  and the panel  716   b  by a material  762   a  and a material  762   b . The material  762   a  and/or a material  762   b  may include an adhesive or a weld. Also, the spacer element  756   a  is longer (in the z-dimension) than that of the friction element  706   a . As a result, the friction element  706   a  is not in contact with the panel  716   a  and the panel  716   b , and is not secured to the panel  716   a  and the panel  716   b . The remaining spacer elements and friction elements of the hinge assembly  700  may include a similar relationship. Also, the friction elements of the hinge assembly  700  are not secured to the cylindrical elements. For example, the friction element  706   a  and the friction element  706   b  are not secured to the cylindrical element  726   b.    
     The hinge assembly  700  provides several advantages. For example, by isolating the friction elements from the panels, an applied force exerted on the panels is not directly transmitted to the friction elements, thereby reducing or eliminating unwanted stress to the friction elements. As a result, the function of the friction elements may be limited to serving as the primary friction engine of the hinge assembly  700  and is less susceptible to breakdown from external forces. 
     The spacer elements can positioned between adjacent friction elements. For example, a spacer element  756   b  is positioned between the friction element  706   a  and the friction element  706   b . Also, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the spacer elements are not in contact with the friction elements. As a result, any force incurred by the spacer elements is not directly transmitted to the friction elements. Although  FIGS. 13 and 14  show a hinge assembly  700  with a spacer between adjacent friction elements, in some embodiments (not shown) of a hinge assembly, a spacer element is positioned between some, but not all, adjacent pairs of friction elements. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  800 , showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly  800 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  800  may include components and features described herein for various embodiments of hinge assemblies. As shown, the hinge assembly  800  may include a spacer element  856   a  aligned with a friction element  808   a , and a spacer element  858   a  aligned with a friction element  806   a . Also, the friction elements are separated by a spacer element. For example, the friction element  806   a  is separated from a friction element  806   b  by a spacer element  856   b . Also, when the hinge assembly  800  is assembled, the friction element  806   a  engages the friction element  808   a  as well as a friction element  808   b . As a result, the friction element  806   a  is in frictional engagement with the friction element  808   a  and the friction element  808   b . Also, similar to the prior embodiment, the hinge assembly  800  may exclude donut-shaped friction elements. 
     The hinge assembly  800  may include multiple cylindrical elements. For example, the hinge assembly  800  may include a cylindrical element  826   a  that passes through each friction element of the hinge assembly  800 . The hinge assembly  800  may include a cylindrical element  826   b  and a cylindrical element  826   c  that pass through each friction element and each spacer element associated with a first hinge section  802  of the hinge assembly  800 . The hinge assembly  800  may further include a cylindrical element  826   d  and a cylindrical element  826   e  that pass through each friction element and each spacer element associated with a second hinge section  804  of the hinge assembly  800 . The friction elements and spacer elements shown and described in  FIGS. 13 and 14  may include similar designs and relationships as those of the friction elements and spacer elements, respectively, shown and described in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  900 , showing the hinge assembly  900  having several mounting structures designed to align cylindrical elements as well as friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the hinge assembly  900  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  906   a  that is in frictional engagement with a friction element  908   a . In order to align the friction elements in a desired manner, the hinge assembly  900  may include several mounting structures. For example, the hinge assembly  900  may include a mounting structure  964   a  designed to align a set friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  964   a . The hinge assembly  900  may further include a mounting structure  964   b  designed to align an additional set of friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  964   b . The mounting structure  964   a  and the mounting structure  964   b  may be associated with a first hinge section  902  of the hinge assembly  900 . The hinge assembly  900  may include a mounting structure  966   a  designed to align a set friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  966   a . The hinge assembly  900  may further include a mounting structure  966   b  designed to align an additional set of friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  966   b . The mounting structure  966   a  and the mounting structure  966   b  may be associated with a second hinge section  904  of the hinge assembly  900 . Also, although not shown in  FIG. 16 , one or more panels (similar to the panel  116   a  in  FIG. 1 ) can secure to the mounting structures, as the mounting structures can be adapted to carry the panels. For example, the mounting structure  964   a  includes a bridge  972   a  that is positioned over several friction elements. Moreover, the mounting structure  964   a  is longer (in the z-dimension) as compared to that of the friction element  906   a , which prevents engagement between a panel or consumer device and the friction elements. The remaining mounting structures may include similar features and dimensions as those described for the mounting structure  964   a.    
     The hinge assembly  900  may further include several cylindrical elements. For example, the hinge assembly  900  may include a cylindrical element  926   a  that passes through each friction element of the hinge assembly  900 . The hinge assembly  900  may include a cylindrical element  926   b , a cylindrical element  926   c , and a cylindrical element  926   d  that pass through each friction element and each mounting structure associated with the first hinge section  902 . The hinge assembly  900  may further include a cylindrical element  926   e , a cylindrical element  926   f , and a cylindrical element  926   g  that pass through each friction element and each mounting structure associated with the second hinge section  904 . The use of additional cylindrical elements provides additional stiffness against bending stresses. 
     In addition to aligning the friction elements, the mounting structures may provide several advantages. For example, the mount structures may include a modular design. In other words, the mounting structure  964   a  may be separate from the mounting structure  964   b . The modular design may isolate the friction elements from an external force to the hinge assembly  900  to a particular location, and may prevent remaining location from damage or other undesired effects. For example, a force to the mounting structure  964   a  is isolated from a mounting structure  964   c  as well as friction elements that are surrounded by the mounting structure  964   b.    
       FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1000 , showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly  1000 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the hinge assembly  1000  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  1006   a  that is in frictional engagement with a friction element  1008   a  when the hinge assembly  1000  is assembled. In order to align the friction elements in a desired manner, the hinge assembly  1000  may include several mounting structures. For example, the hinge assembly  1000  may include a mounting structure  1064   a  designed to align a set friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  1064   a . The hinge assembly  1000  may further include a mounting structure  1064   b  designed to align an additional set of friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  1064   b . The mounting structure  1064   a  and the mounting structure  1064   b  may be associated with a first hinge section  1002  of the hinge assembly  1000 . The hinge assembly  1000  may include a mounting structure  1066   a  designed to align a set friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  1066   a . The hinge assembly  1000  may further include a mounting structure  1066   b  designed to align an additional set of friction elements positioned between opposing ends of the mounting structure  1066   b . The mounting structure  1066   a  and the mounting structure  1066   b  may be associated with a second hinge section  1004  of the hinge assembly  1000 . 
     The hinge assembly  1000  may further include several cylindrical elements. For example, the hinge assembly  1000  may include a cylindrical element  1026   a  that passes through each friction element of the hinge assembly  1000 . The hinge assembly  1000  may include a cylindrical element  1026   b , a cylindrical element  1026   c , and a cylindrical element  1026   d  that pass through each friction element and each mounting structure associated with the first hinge section  1002 . The hinge assembly  1000  may further include a cylindrical element  1026   e , a cylindrical element  1026   f , and a cylindrical element  1026   g  that pass through each friction element and each mounting structure associated with the second hinge section  1004 . 
     For the cylindrical elements to pass through the mounting structures, the mounting structures may include multiple openings, or through holes, with each opening have a size and shape to receive a cylindrical element. For example, the mounting structure  1064   a  includes an opening  1068   a , an opening  1068   b , and an opening  1068   c  designed to receive the cylindrical element  1026   b , the cylindrical element  1026   c , and the cylindrical element  1026   d , respectively. The mounting structure  1064   a  may further include an opening  1068   d  designed to receive the cylindrical element  1026   d . The mounting structure  1064   a  may further include a bridge  1072   a  that connects different sections of the mounting structure  1064   a . The dimensions of bridge  1072   a  generally dictate the number of friction elements that are surrounded by the mounting structure  1064   a  when the hinge assembly  1000  is assembled. While the bridge  1072   a  is designed such that the mounting structure  1064   a  surrounds three friction elements, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the bridge  1072   a  can be modified such that the mounting structure  1064   a  surrounds a different number of friction elements. 
     The mounting structure  1064   b  includes an opening  1074   a  and an opening  1074   b  designed to receive the cylindrical element  1026   b  and the cylindrical element  1026   c , respectively. The mounting structure  1064   b  may further include an opening  1074   c  designed to receive the cylindrical element  1026   d . The mounting structure  1064   b  may further include bridge  1702   a  that connects different sections of the mounting structure  1064   a . While the bridge  1072   b  is designed such that the mounting structure  1064   b  surrounds three friction elements, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the bridge  1072   b  can be modified such that the mounting structure  1064   b  surrounds a different number of friction elements. The mounting structure  1066   a  and the mounting structure  1066   b  may include similar design features as that of the mounting structure  1064   a  and the mounting structure  1064   b , respectively. Also, the hinge assembly  900  shown and described in  FIG. 16  may include any components, including features and designs of the components, described for the hinge assembly  1000  in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1100 , showing the hinge assembly  1100  having several mounting blocks and spacing elements designed to align cylindrical elements as well as friction elements, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the hinge assembly  1100  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  1106   a  and a friction element  1108   a  in frictional engagement with the friction element  1106   a . The hinge assembly  1100  may further include several mounting blocks designed to provide structural support as well as a means for securing the hinge assembly  1100  to a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 18 ). For example, the hinge assembly  1100  may include a mounting block  1176   a  and a mounting block  1178   a . Further, the mounting block  1176   a  may include an opening  1182   a , or through hole, and the mounting block  1178   a  may include an opening  1184   a , or through hole. The hinge assembly  1100  may include fasteners (not shown in  FIG. 18 ) passing through the hinge assembly  1100  via the openings (such as the opening  1182   a  and the opening  1184   a ). The mounting blocks may be longer (in the z-dimension) than that of the friction elements in order to isolate the friction elements from panels (not shown in  FIG. 18 ) connected to the mounting blocks, or to isolate the friction elements from the consumer device. 
     The hinge assembly  1100  may further include several spacing elements. For example, the hinge assembly  1100  includes a spacing element  1186   a  and a spacing element  1186   b . The spacing elements may include a cylindrical body designed to provide a compression force along an axial axis  1130  defined by a cylindrical element  1126   a . In this manner, the spacing elements may increase the force (normal to the friction elements) along the axial axis  1130 , thereby increasing the torque require to rotate the friction elements of the hinge assembly  1100 . As shown, the spacing elements may be aligned with the mounting blocks (along the y-dimension, for example). 
     The cylindrical element  1126   a  may pass through an opening of each friction element and each spacer element in  FIG. 18 . The hinge assembly  1100  may further include additional cylindrical elements. For example, the hinge assembly  1100  may include a cylindrical element  1126   b  and a cylindrical element  1126   c  that pass through each friction element and each mounting block associated with a first hinge section  1102  of the hinge assembly  1100 . The hinge assembly  1100  may further include a cylindrical element  1126   d  and a cylindrical element  1126   e  that pass through each friction element and each mounting block associated with a second hinge section  1104  of the hinge assembly  1100 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1200 , showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  1200  may include components and features described herein for a hinge assembly, particularly the hinge assembly  1200  (shown in  FIG. 18 ). As shown, the hinge assembly  1200  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  1206   a  and a friction element  1208   a . The hinge assembly  1200  may further include several mounting blocks, such as a mounting block  1276   a  and a mounting block  1278   a . Each mounting block may include multiple openings, or through holes. For example, the mounting block  1276   a  may include an opening  1282   a , or through hole, designed to receive a fastener (not shown in  FIG. 19 ). The  1276   a  may include an opening  1288   a  and an opening  1288   b  designed to receive a cylindrical element  1226   b  and a cylindrical element  1226   c , respectively. 
     The hinge assembly  1200  may further include several spacing elements, such as a spacing element  1286 . The spacing elements may include a cylindrical body designed to provide a compression force along an axial axis  1230  defined by a cylindrical element  1226   a . In this manner, the spacing elements may increase the force (normal to the friction elements) along the axial axis  1230 , thereby increasing the torque require to rotate the friction elements of the hinge assembly  1200 . The spacing element  1286  may include an opening  1292  designed to receive the cylindrical element  1226   a  when the hinge assembly  1200  is assembled. 
     The cylindrical element  1226   a  may pass through an openings of each friction element and each spacer element in  FIG. 19 . The hinge assembly  1200  may further include additional cylindrical elements. For example, the hinge assembly  1200  may include a cylindrical element  1226   b  and a cylindrical element  1226   c  that pass through each friction element and each mounting block associated with a hinge section  1202  of the hinge assembly  1200 . The hinge assembly  1200  may further include a cylindrical element  1226   d  and a cylindrical element  1226   e  that pass through each friction element and each mounting block associated with a second hinge section  1204  of the hinge assembly  1200 . 
     The prior embodiments of a hinge assembly include a particular order of friction elements. For example, given a first friction element associated with a first hinge section, a consecutive second friction element (or friction element in contact with the first friction element) is associated with a second hinge section. However, some embodiments of a hinge assembly may include a non-ordered pair (or pairs) of friction elements. For example,  FIG. 20  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1300 , showing several friction elements and cylindrical elements of the hinge assembly  1300 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  1300  may include a friction element  1306   a  and a friction element  1308   a  associated with a first hinge section  1302  and a second hinge section  1304 , respectively, of the hinge assembly  1300 . The hinge assembly  1300  may further include a friction element  1306   b  and a friction element  1306   c , each of which is associated with the first hinge section  1302 . The hinge assembly  1300  may further include a friction element  1308   b  and a friction element  1308   c , each of which is associated with the second hinge section  1304 . Also, the hinge assembly  1300  may include a cylindrical element  1326   a , a cylindrical element  1326   b , and a cylindrical element  1326   c , each of which is designed to pass through at least some openings of the friction elements. 
     The friction element  1306   a  and the friction element  1306   b  represent a pair of consecutive friction elements in the first hinge section  1302 , while the friction element  1308   a , the friction element  1308   b , and a friction element  1308   c  represent three consecutive friction elements in the second hinge section  1304 . Further, the friction element  1306   c  may represent an unpaired friction element in the first hinge section  1302 . Accordingly, the hinge assembly  1300  may provide friction elements that are assembled without a particular order. Also, in some instances, consecutive fractioned are secured together by adhesives and/or welding, as non-limiting examples. In this regard, the friction element  1308   b  can be welded to the friction element  1308   a  and the friction element  1308   c . This may promote friction elements moving in unison as well as structural stiffness of the hinge assembly  1300 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1400 , showing the hinge assembly  1400  having an integrated mechanical stop, in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  1400  may include components and features described herein for a hinge assembly. As shown, the hinge assembly  1400  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  1406  and a friction element  1408  in frictional engagement with the friction element  1406 . The friction element  1406  is associated with a first hinge section  1402  of the hinge assembly  1400 , and the friction element  1408  is associated with a second hinge section  1404  of the hinge assembly  1400 . The hinge assembly  1400  may further include a cylindrical element  1426   a  that passes through an opening of the friction element  1406  and the friction element  1408 , as well as respective openings of each additional friction element. The hinge assembly  1400  may include a cylindrical element  1426   b  that passes through an opening of each friction element associated with the first hinge section  1402 . The hinge assembly  1400  may include a cylindrical element  1426   b  that passes through an opening of each friction element associated with the second hinge section  1404 . 
     In order to provide the integrated mechanical stop, the friction elements can be modified to engage at least one of the cylindrical elements. For example, the friction element  1406  may include a hook  1407 , which may define a recess in the friction element  1406 . The first hinge section  1402  is designed to rotate with respect to the second hinge section  1404  until the hook  1407  engages the cylindrical element  1426   c , at which point the first hinge section  1402  is prevented from further rotation. The remaining friction elements of the first hinge section  1402  may also engage the cylindrical element  1426   c . Conversely, the friction element  1408  may include a hook  1409 , which may define a recess in the friction element  1408 . The second hinge section  1404  is designed to rotate with respect to the first hinge section  1402  until the hook  1409  engages the cylindrical element  1426   b , at which point the second hinge section  1404  is prevented from further rotation. The remaining friction elements of the second hinge section  1404  may also engage the cylindrical element  1426   b . Using cylindrical elements and modified friction elements, the integrated stop mechanism of the hinge assembly  1400  may limit rotation of the hinge sections to predetermined angles, based in part on the location of the cylindrical elements as well as the design modification of the friction elements. Having a dedicated stop mechanism integrated into the hinge assembly  1400  may prevent unwanted wear to components, such as the cylindrical element  1426   a.    
       FIG. 22  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1500 , showing various structural elements of the hinge assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments. The hinge assembly  1500  may include components and associated features of hinge assemblies described herein, including the hinge assembly  1400  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). As shown, the hinge assembly  1500  may include several friction elements, including a friction element  1506   a , a friction element  1506   b , a friction element  1508   a , and a friction element  1508   b . The hinge assembly  1500  may further include a cylindrical element  1526   a  that passes through an opening of the each of the friction elements. The hinge assembly  1500  may include a cylindrical element  1526   b  that passes through an opening of each friction element associated with the first hinge section  1502 . The hinge assembly  1500  may include a cylindrical element  1526   b  that passes through an opening of each friction element associated with the second hinge section  1504 . 
     The friction element  1506   a  and the friction element  1506   b  may include a hook  1507   a  and a hook  1507   b , respectively, designed to engage the friction element  1526   c  when the friction element  1506   a  and the friction element  1506   b  are sufficiently rotated about the cylindrical element  1526   a . Conversely, the friction element  1508   a  and the friction element  1508   b  may include a hook  1509   a  and a hook  1509   b , respectively, designed to engage the cylindrical element  1526   b  when the friction element  1508   a  and the friction element  1508   b  are sufficiently rotated about the cylindrical element  1526   a . Accordingly, the hinge assembly  1500  may provide an integrated mechanical stop when implemented into a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 22 ), thereby limiting movement of housing parts or sections of the consumer device. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1600 , showing friction elements that provide an integrated mechanical stop, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the hinge assembly  1600  may include a friction element  1606  and a friction element  1608  engaged with the friction element  1606 , with the friction element  1606  having a hook  1607  and the friction element  1608  having a hook  1609 . The hinge assembly  1600  may further include a cylindrical element  1626   a  that passes through an opening of the friction element  1606  and the friction element  1608 . The hinge assembly  1600  may further include a cylindrical element  1626   b  that through passes an opening of the friction element  1606 . The hinge assembly  1600  may further include a cylindrical element  1626   c  that passes through the friction element  1608 . Although not shown, the hinge assembly  1600  may include additional friction elements design features similar to those of the friction element  1606  and the friction element  1608 . When the hinge assembly  1600  is integrated into a consumer device, the hinge assembly  1600  may place a pair of housing parts, or a pair of sections, in a closed position or an open position, based upon the relative positions of the friction elements. For example,  FIG. 23  shows the hinge assembly  1600  in the closed position, which may position one housing part over (or adjacent to) another housing part. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  1600  shown in  FIG. 23 , showing the friction element  1606  rotated with respect to the friction element  1608 . As shown, the friction element  1606  is rotated about the cylindrical element  1626   a , and relative to the friction element  1608 , such that the hook  1607  of the friction element  1606  engages the cylindrical element  1626   c , thereby preventing the friction element  1606  from further rotation. Further, the friction element  1608  is rotated such that the hook  1609  of the friction element  1608  engages the cylindrical element  1626   b . The engagement between the hooks and the cylindrical element prevents relative movement of the friction element  1606  and the friction element  1608 . The hinge assembly  1600 , as shown in  FIG. 24 , can place a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 24 ) in an open position, which may position one housing part away from another housing part. The “open position” may define a separation of the housing parts by a predetermined separation angle, based in part on the design of the friction elements and the position of the cylindrical elements. For example, an angle of separation  1620  between the friction element  1606  and the friction element  1608  (which may also represent the angle of separation between two housing parts or two sections of a consumer device) can be approximately in the range of 90 to 150 degrees. The hinge assembly  1600  shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24  may provide an exemplary illustration of the movement of the hinge assembly  1400  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) and the hinge assembly  1500  (shown in  FIG. 22 ). 
     In some instances, the friction elements can be modified to engage each other to provide an integrated mechanical stop to a hinge assembly, as opposed to incorporating additional cylindrical elements. For example,  FIG. 25  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly  1700 , showing a cylindrical element  1726  and several friction elements having an integrated mechanical stop, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the hinge assembly  1700  may include a friction element  1706   a , a friction element  1706   b , a friction element  1708   a , and a friction element  1708   b . The friction element  1706   a  and the friction element  1706   b  may include a ledge  1707   a  and a ledge  1707   b , respectively. Also, the friction element  1708   a  and the friction element  1708   b  may include a ledge  1709   a  and a ledge  1709   b , respectively. As shown, the hinge assembly  1700  includes additional friction elements (not labeled). The hinge assembly  1700  may further include a cylindrical element  1726  that passes through respective an opening of each friction element. 
     In certain configuration, the ledges of the friction elements engage each other and provide the hinge assembly  1700  with an integrated mechanical stop. For example, the friction element  1706   a  may rotate about the cylindrical element  1726 , and relative to the friction element  1708   a , such that the ledge  1707   a  of the friction element  1706   a  engages the ledge  1709   a  of the friction element  1708   a . Similarly, the friction element  1706   b  may rotate (in unison with the friction element  1706   a ) about the cylindrical element  1726 , and relative to the friction element  1708   a , such that the ledge  1707   b  of the friction element  1706   b  engages the ledge  1709   b  of the friction element  1708   b . The engagement between the ledges provides the integrated mechanical stop, thereby preventing additional rotational movement of the friction elements. The remaining friction elements may include ledges designed for engagement in a manner previously described. The hinge assembly  1700  of  FIG. 25  requires a single cylindrical element while also incorporating an integrated mechanical stop. In this manner, the number of parts of the hinge assembly  1700  may be reduced as additional cylindrical elements are not required for the integrated mechanical stop. This may also reduce the design complexity of the hinge assembly  1700 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a plan view of the hinge assembly  1700  shown in  FIG. 25 , showing the friction elements engaged with each other. As shown, the ledge  1707   a  of the friction element  1706   a  is engaged with the ledge  1709   a  of the friction element  1708   a . As a result of the integrated mechanical stop from the engagement between the ledges, the friction element  1706   a  is prevented from further clockwise rotational movement, relative to the friction element  1708   a , about the cylindrical element  1726 , and the friction element  1708   a  is prevented from further counter-clockwise rotational movement, relative to the friction element  1706   a , about the cylindrical element  1726 . 
     When the hinge assembly  1700  is integrated into a consumer device (not shown in  FIG. 26 ), the hinge assembly  1700  may place a pair of housing parts, or a pair of sections, of the consumer device in a closed position or an open position, based upon the relative positions of the friction elements. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the hinge assembly  1700  is in the open position. Also, the friction element  1706   a  is separated by the friction element  1708   a  by an angle of separation  1720 , which represents the angle of separation between two housing parts or two sections of a consumer device. The angle of separation  1720  approximately in the range of 90 to 150 degrees. However, the friction element  1706   a  can rotate counter-clockwise and can be positioned adjacent to the friction element  1708   a , and the hinge assembly  1700  is in the closed position. In the closed position of the hinge assembly  1700 , and other hinge assemblies described herein, the angle of separation  1720  between the friction elements is approximately 0 degrees. 
     The various embodiments of each hinge assembly may include a combination of components and features described for other hinge assemblies. For example, each hinge assembly may be modified to include tensioning members, fasteners, and integrated stop mechanisms, as non-limiting examples. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  show various consumer devices that may incorporate one or more of the aforementioned hinge assemblies. As a result, the consumer devices may include housing parts or sections capable of rotation based on one or more of the hinge assemblies.  FIG. 27  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device  1801  designed for use with a portable electronic device  1803 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  1801  may include a folio device designed to receive, carry, and cover the portable electronic device  1803 . As shown, the accessory device  1801  may include a first section  1811  and a second section  1813  coupled to the first section  1811 . The accessory device  1801  may further include a hinge assembly  1800   a  and a hinge assembly  1800   b  coupled to the first section  1811  and the second section  1813 . The hinge assembly  1800   a  and the hinge assembly  1800   b  allow rotational movement of the first section  1811  relative to the second section  1813 , and vice versa. The accessory device  1801  may include a third section  1815  coupled to the second section  1813 . The accessory device  1801  may further include a hinge assembly  1800   c  and a hinge assembly  1800   d  coupled to the second section  1813  and the third section  1815 . The hinge assembly  1800   c  and the hinge assembly  1800   d  allow rotational movement of the second section  1813  relative to the third section  1815 , and vice versa. 
     As shown in the enlarged view, the hinge assembly  1800   a  includes a first hinge section  1802  coupled to the first section  1811 . The hinge assembly  1800   a  further includes a second hinge section  1804  coupled to the second section  1813 . The hinge assembly  1800   a  includes friction elements (not labeled) associated with the first hinge section  1802  and coupled to the first section  1811 . The hinge assembly  1800   a  further includes friction elements (not labeled) associated with the second hinge section  1804  and coupled to the second section  1813 . The first hinge section  1802  and the second hinge section  1804  are coupled to their respective accessory device sections by fasteners (not labeled). 
     The first section  1811  is designed to receive and carry the portable electronic device  1803 . The receiving means may include magnetic elements embedded in the accessory device  1801  and in the portable electronic device  1803 . Also, when the first section  1811  carries the portable electronic device  1803 , the third section  1815  capable of rotating with respect to the second section  1813  and covering a display  1805  of the portable electronic device  1803 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  1901 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  1901  may include a laptop computing device. As shown, the electronic device  1901  may include a first housing part  1911 , or first section, that carries a display  1905  of the electronic device  1901 . The electronic device  1901  may further include a second housing part  1913 , or base portion, that includes a keyboard  1921  and a touch pad  1923 , both of which are designed to generate an input or command to a processing system (not shown in  FIG. 28 ) of the electronic device  1901 . The electronic device  1901  may further include a hinge assembly  1900   a  and a hinge assembly  1900   b , both of which are coupled to the first housing part  1911  and the second housing part  1913 . The hinge assembly  1900   a  and the hinge assembly  1900   b  allow for rotational movement of the first housing part  1911  with respect to the second housing part  1913 , and vice versa. The hinge assembly  1900   a  and the hinge assembly  1900   b  allow the first housing part  1911  to rotate over the second housing part  1913  such that the display  1905  is positioned over the keyboard  1921 , thereby defining a closed positioned. The hinge assembly  1900   a  and the hinge assembly  1900   b  allow the first housing part  1911  to rotate away from the second housing part  1913 , thereby defining an open positioned. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190612
Publication Date: 20210831
Grant Date: 20210831
Priority Date: 20180720
Inventors: ZIMMERMAN, AIDAN N.
ROBINSON, KEVIN M.
KRAHN, Scott J.
CHEN, CHIEN-TSUN
HAMEL, BRADLEY J.
BRIGHAM, ARTHUR STANLEY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/087", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D5/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/087", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D7/009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D7/009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D5/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2999/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2999/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66826200