PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7934292-B2
Application Number: US-65024907-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Hinge mechanism

Abstract:
A hinge is disclosed. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range.

Claims:
1. A hinge adapted to rotatably couple a first module to a second module, the hinge comprising:
 an axle; 
 a first member coupled to the axle, said first member being adapted to couple to the first module; 
 a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle, said second member being adapted to couple to the second module such that the first and second modules are rotatably coupled via said axle, said first member and said second member; 
 a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range, the stop mechanism further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range, the stop mechanism including a contact portion configured to receive a force for moving the stop mechanism to the second position, the contact portion extending downward from a top portion of the stop mechanism and being disposed below the top portion of the stop mechanism; 
 a first spring mechanism attached to a first portion of the stop mechanism and configured to bias the stop mechanism toward the first position; and 
 a second spring mechanism attached to a second portion of the stop mechanism and configured to bias the stop mechanism toward the first position, the second portion of the stop mechanism being disposed opposite to the first portion of the stop mechanism, the second portion of the stop mechanism being connected to the first portion of the stop mechanism through the top portion of the stop mechanism, the contact portion being disposed between the first portion of the stop mechanism and the second potion of the stop mechanism, wherein said hinge is located entirely within and hidden by said first module while said hinge is rotatably coupling the first module to the second module. 
 
     
     
       2. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the stop mechanism is further configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a second direction and beyond the second range when the stop mechanism is in the first position and the second member is in the second range, and the stop mechanism is further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the second direction, beyond the second range, and into the first range when the stop mechanism is in the second position and the second member is in the second range. 
     
     
       3. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the first member is configured to stop the second member from rotating in the first direction and beyond the second range when the second member is in the second range. 
     
     
       4. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the second range represents a locked position of the second member relative to the first member. 
     
     
       5. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the contact portion having a first dimension that is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. 
     
     
       6. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the second member includes an alignment structure, the alignment structure configured to align a module with the second member by mating with a matching structure of the module, the alignment structure further configured to receive a force for moving the second member in the first direction. 
     
     
       7. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first member and the second member includes a mounting interface. 
     
     
       8. The hinge of  claim 1  configured to couple a first module to a second module, at least one of the first module and the second module includes a display. 
     
     
       9. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the stop mechanism is further configured to rotate around the axle. 
     
     
       10. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the stop mechanism is configured to move between the first position and the second position through at least one of rotational motion and linear motion. 
     
     
       11. An assembly comprising:
 a first module; 
 a second module;
 a hinge coupling the first module with the second module, wherein said hinge is located entirely within and is hidden by said first module, the hinge including 
 an axle, 
 a first member mounted to the first module through a first mounting interface and couple to the axle, 
 a second member mounted to the second module through a second mounting interface, coupled to the axle, and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle, and 
 a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range, the stop mechanism further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range, the stop mechanism being further configured to rotate around the axle, one of the first module and the second module including an enclosure, the enclosure enclosing at least the stop mechanism. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the stop mechanism is further configured to stop the second member from rotating in a second direction and beyond the second range when the stop mechanism is in the first position and the second member is in the second range, and the stop mechanism is further configured to allow the second member to rotate in the second direction, beyond the second range, and into the first range when the stop mechanism is in the second position and the second member is in the second range. 
     
     
       13. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the first member is configure to stop the second member from rotating in the first direction and beyond the second range when the second member is in the second range. 
     
     
       14. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the second range represents a locked position of the second member relative to the first member. 
     
     
       15. The assembly of  claim 11  further comprising a second spring mechanism configured to apply a torque on the second member and in the second direction. 
     
     
       16. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the stop mechanism includes a contact portion configured to receive a force for moving the stop mechanism to the second position, the contact portion having a first dimension that is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. 
     
     
       17. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the second member includes an alignment structure, the alignment structure configured to align a module with the second member by mating with a matching structure of the module, the alignment structure further configured to receive a force for moving the second member in the first direction. 
     
     
       18. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface is hidden when the second member is in the first range, and the at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface is exposed when the second member is in the second range. 
     
     
       19. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface includes one or more screws. 
     
     
       20. The assembly of  claim 11  further comprising a gap formed between the first module and the second module, the gap configured to allow the first module and the second module to move relative to each other, the gap further configured to allow an object to be inserted through the gap to apply a force on the stop mechanism for moving the stop mechanism to the second position. 
     
     
       21. The assembly of  claim 20  wherein the object has a card configuration. 
     
     
       22. The assembly of  claim 20  wherein the gap has a dimension that is less than or equal to 0.5 mm. 
     
     
       23. The assembly of  claim 20  wherein at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface is configured to guide the object to apply the force on the stop mechanism. 
     
     
       24. The assembly of  claim 20  wherein at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface is configured to reinforce the object to apply the force on the stop mechanism. 
     
     
       25. The assembly of  claim 20  wherein at least one of the first module and the second module is configured to guide the object to apply the force on the stop mechanism. 
     
     
       26. The assembly of  claim 20  wherein at least one of the first module and the second module is configured to reinforce the object to apply the force on the stop mechanism. 
     
     
       27. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the first module and the second module includes a display. 
     
     
       28. The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the stop mechanism is configured to move between the first position and the second position through at least one of rotational motion and linear motion. 
     
     
       29. The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said first module and said second module are substantially external with respect to each other. 
     
     
       30. The hinge of  claim 1  wherein the first module and the second module are substantially external with respect to each other while said hinge is rotatably coupling the first module to the second module.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A hinge can be utilized to articulate (or couple) two individual parts of a device and enable a relative rotation of the two individual parts. For example, a display system can include a hinge that articulates a display unit relative to a display stand such that a user can move (or rotate) the display unit with respect to the display stand when adjusting the display system for a desirable viewing angle. The hinge typically includes mounting interfaces, such as screws or screw holes, for mounting the parts, such as the display unit and the display stand, to the hinge. 
     In the prior art, there exist external hinges that are exposed, visible, and accessible to the user from outside of the display system without requiring the user to manipulate the device. Applications of the external hinge can have several disadvantages. For example, exposed mechanisms (e.g., mounting interfaces) of the external hinge can be aesthetically undesirable. In order to make the exposed mechanisms aesthetically acceptable or desirable, additional costs can incur for the design and the material of external hinge. 
     Further, the exposed mechanisms can be significantly subject to unfavorable factors, such as contamination, dust accumulation, and spilled water or drink, which can reduce the reliability and durability of the external hinge. 
     The exposed mechanisms can also be subjected to unnecessarily manipulations by the user. The unnecessary manipulations can cause damage to the external hinge. 
     In the prior art, the hinge can also represent a hidden hinge that is invisible and inaccessible to the user without opening or removing an enclosure of the device. Applications of the hidden hinge can also have several disadvantages. For example, the enclosure can incur additional costs, weight, and complexity of design for the device. The enclosure can also require a particular tool to open or remove, in order for the user to have access to the hinge; inconvenience to the user can be involved. 
     Further, once the enclosure is opened or removed, other components of the devices can also become accessible to the user and can be subject to unnecessary manipulation or contacts, which can be undesirable in view of the reliability and durability of these other components. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     One or more embodiments of the present invention can relate to a hinge. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range. 
     The above summary relates to only one of the many embodiments of the invention disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is set forth is the claims herein. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an assembly that can include a first module and a second module coupled to the first module. 
         FIG. 1B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the assembly shown in  FIG. 1A  with a mounting interface (through which the second module and a hinge are coupled) exposed without opening or removal of the enclosure of the first module. 
         FIG. 1C  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the mounting interface unfastened and the second module uncoupled from the first module. 
         FIG. 1D  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the mounting interface of the hinge. 
         FIG. 2A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a perspective view of the hinge. 
         FIG. 2B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an exploded view of the hinge. 
         FIG. 3  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial perspective view of the assembly with the hinge in a permitting configuration such that the second module can move (or rotate) between a normal-travel range (first range) and an over-travel range (second range) relative to the first module. 
         FIG. 4A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial perspective view of the assembly with the hinge in a stopping configuration, wherein the second module is limited within the normal-travel range. 
         FIG. 4B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial side view of the assembly with the hinge in the stopping configuration, wherein the second module is limited within the normal-travel range. 
         FIG. 5A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial perspective view of the assembly with the hinge in the stopping configuration, wherein the second module is limited within the over-travel range. 
         FIG. 5B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial side view of the hinge in the stopping configuration, wherein the second module is limited within the over-travel range. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     In one or more embodiments, the present invention can relate to a hinge that can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to move (or rotate) relative to the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range. 
     One or more embodiments of the present invention can involve an assembly that can include a first module, a second module, and a hinge configured to couple the first module with the second module. The hinge can include a first member mounted to the first module through a first mounting interface, a second member mounted to the second module through a second mounting interface, and an axle coupled to the first member and the second member and configured to support a relative rotation between the first member and the second member. 
     The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured for limiting the relative rotation within a normal-travel range such that at least one of the first mounting interface and the second interface can be hidden when the stop mechanism in a stopping position. 
     The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the relative rotation to extend beyond the normal-travel range and into an over-travel range such that the at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface can be exposed when the stop mechanism is in a permitting position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the stop mechanism can be further configured for limiting the relative rotation within the over-travel range such that the at least one of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface can remain exposed when the stop mechanism is in the stopping position. 
     In this document, references to rotations and movements can represent relative rotations and relative movements, respectively. For example, if the second member (or module) is stationary, a rotation of the second member or module relative to the first member (or module) in a first direction can represent a rotation of the first member (or module) relative to an absolute coordinate system and the second member (or module) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Further, if a pin is stationary, a movement of the pin relative to a channel in the first direction can represent a movement of the channel relative to the absolute coordinate system and the pin in the second direction opposite to the first direction. 
     The features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood with reference to the figures and discussions that follow. 
       FIG. 1A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, assembly  100  that can include first module  110  and second module  120  coupled to first module  110 . In one or more embodiments, first module  110  can include a flat panel display. Further, in one or more embodiments, second module  120  can include a support structure or a stand. 
     First module  110  and second module  120  can be coupled through a hinge (such as hinge  200  shown in the example of  FIGS. 2A and 3 ) that can be hidden inside an enclosure  111  of first module  110 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 1A , in one or more embodiments, a user of assembly  100  can insert a thin object, such as card  130 , through a gap between first module  110  and second module  120  to trigger the hinge such that the first module  110  and second module  120  can have a relative rotation to expose the mounting interface such that the mounting interface is accessible to the user. 
       FIG. 1B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, assembly  100  with mounting interface  121  (through which second module  120  and the hinge, such as hinge  200  shown in the example of  FIGS. 2A and 3 , are coupled) exposed without opening or removal of enclosure  111  of first module  110 . In  FIG. 1B , the mounting interface of the hinge is blocked by mounting interface  121  of second module  120 . Second module  120  is mounted to the hinge through mounting interface  121  and the mounting interface of the hinge. 
       FIG. 1C  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, mounting interface  121  unfastened and second module  120  uncoupled from first module  110 . Second module  120  can have been mounted to the hinge utilizing a set of screws  122  that fastens mounting interface  121  to the mounting interface of the hinge, which can be fastened to first module  110 . The set of screws  122  can be fastened and unfastened utilizing tool  124  such as a torque tool, a hex tool, or a screwdriver. 
       FIG. 1D  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, mounting interface  280  of hinge  200 . In one or more embodiments, mounting interface  280  can be mounted to an adapter, such as adapter  140 , which can in turn be connected to a third module, such as a support structure or mechanism that is different from second module  120  (shown, for example, in  FIG. 1C ). In one or more embodiments, mounting interface  280  can be mounted directly to a module without utilizing the adapter. 
     In one or more embodiments, mounting interface  280  can include alignment structure  282  configured to align mounting interface  280  with adapter  140  or another module that includes a matching structure, such as matching structure  148 . The alignment structure  282  can be further configured to enable the user to apply a force to extract the mounting interface  280  out from enclosure  111  when mounting interface  280  is hidden inside enclosure  111 . 
     Adapter  140  can include mounting interface  141 . Mounting interface  141  can be configured such that adapter  140  can be fastened to mounting interface  280  through mounting interface  141  and mounting face  182  by utilizing a set of screws such as screws  142 . Adapter  140  can further include mounting interface  146  configured to enable adapter  140  to be connected to the third module. 
       FIG. 2A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a perspective view of hinge  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , hinge  200  can include mounting interface  280 , through which hinge  200  can be coupled to second module  120  (shown in the example of  FIG. 1A-D ). Hinge  200  can further include mounting interface  218 , through which hinge  200  can be coupled to first module  110  (shown in the example of  FIG. 1A-D ). 
       FIG. 2B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an exploded view of hinge  200 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 2B , hinge  200  can include axle  230 . Hinge  200  can also include a first member coupled to axle  230 . The first member can be illustrated by bracket  210 . Bracket  210  can be configured to be coupled with first module  110  shown in the example of  FIGS. 1A-D  through mounting interface  218 . Hinge  200  can further include a second member rotatably coupled to axle  230  and is configured to rotate relative to the first member. The second member can be illustrated by interconnect  220 . Interconnect  220  can be configured to be coupled to second module  120  shown in the example of  FIGS. 1A-D  through mounting interface  280 . 
     Bracket  210  can include channel  216  that can allow pin  226  to travel within channel  216  when interconnect  220  rotates relative to bracket  210 . Channel  216  can be configured to limit the travel of pin  226 , thereby limiting the rotation of interconnect  220  relative to bracket  210 , in other words, limiting relative rotation between bracket  210  and interconnect  220 . 
     Channel  216  can be divided into first section  215  and second section  217 . First section  215  can correspond to a first range of the relative rotation between bracket  210  and interconnect  220 . The first range can represent a normal-travel range such that mounting interface  280  is hidden inside enclosure  111  of first module  110  (shown in  FIGS. 1A-D ). Second section  217  can be associated with a second range of the relative rotation between bracket  210  and interconnect  220 . The second range can represent an over-travel range of interconnect  220  relative to bracket  210 , or an over-travel range of second module  120  relative to first module  110 , such that mounting interface  280  can be exposed. 
     Interconnect  220  can include mounting interface  224 , through which mounting interface  280  can be coupled to interconnect  220 . In one or more embodiments, mounting interface can represent part of interconnect  220 . 
     Hinge  200  can further include pin  226  connected to interconnect  220 . In one or more embodiments, pin  226  can represent part of interconnect  220 . 
     Hinge  220  can further include a stop mechanism, as illustrated by bail mechanism  240 . Bail mechanism  240  can include latch  241  configured to provide an endpoint for the travel of pin  226  within first section  215  and to provide another endpoint for the travel of pin  226  within second section  217 . When bail mechanism  240  is in a first position (stopping position), latch  241  is positioned between the first section  215  and second section  217 . Accordingly, pin  226  is limited to travel within only one of first section  215  and second section  217 . 
     When pin  226  is in first section  217  and latch  241  is positioned between first section  215  and second section  217 , the relative rotation between bracket  210  and interconnect  220  can be limited to the normal-travel range, i.e., interconnect  220  can be prevented from rotating beyond the normal-travel range and in first direction  291 . When pin  226  is in second section  217  and latch  241  is positioned between first section  215  and second section  217 , the relative rotation between bracket  210  and interconnect  220  can be limited to the over-travel range, i.e., interconnect  220  can be prevented from rotating beyond the over-travel range and in second direction  292 . 
     Bail mechanism  240  can further include contact portion  242 . Contact portion  242  can be configured to receive a force for changing the position of bail mechanism  240 . For example, if bail mechanism is pushed in unlatching direction  248 , bail mechanism  240  can be moved to a permitting position (or a second position) such that pin  226  can be allowed to move between first section  215  and second section  217 . 
     Hinge  200  can further include bail spring  246 . Bail spring  246  can be configured to provide a force (or torque) that bias bail mechanism  240  in latching direction  247  toward the stopping position (the first position) such that latch  241  is positioned between first section  215  and second section  217 . 
     Hinge  200  can further include hinge spring  250 . Hinge spring  250  can be configured to provide a force (or torque) on interconnect  220  to counteract the weight of second module  120  (shown in the example of  FIGS. 1A-D ). 
     Hinge  200  can further include friction element  232 . Friction element  232  can be configured to supplement the counterbalance force or torque provided by hinge spring  250  to prevent the weight of second module  120  from changing the relative position between first module  110  (shown in the example of  FIGS. 1A-D ) and second module  120 . 
     Because of the torque provided by hinge spring  220 , mounting interface  280  can be biased toward inside of enclosure  111  (shown in the example of  FIGS. 1A-D ) of first module  110 . In one or more embodiments, interface  280  can include alignment structure  282  that can receive a force from a user for pulling mounting interface  280  towards outside of enclosure  111  of first module  110 . 
     Hinge  200  can further include bail axle  249 . In one or more embodiments, bail mechanism  240  can be configured to rotate around bail axle  249 . Alternatively or additionally, bail mechanism can be configured to move linearly to change the position of latch  241  for toggling between a stopping position and a permitting position of the bail mechanism  240 . 
       FIG. 3  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a perspective view of hinge  200  in a permitting configuration such that second module  120  can move (or rotate) between normal-travel range  351  (first range  351 ) and over-travel range  352  (second range  352 ) relative to first module  110 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 3 , in the permitting configuration of hinge  200 , bail mechanism  240  is in a permitting position and latch  241  is in permitting position  342  such that pin  226  can travel between first section  215  and second section  217 , limited by channel  216 . Accordingly, second module  120  can rotate between normal-travel range  351  and over-travel range  352  relative to first module  110 . The permitting configuration of hinge  200  can be employed when the user would like to expose mounting interface  121 . Further, the permitting configuration of hinge  200  can also be used when the user would like to hide the mounting interface  121  after a mounting action has been completed. 
     As further shown in the example of  FIG. 3 , assembly  100  can include gap  312  formed between surface  314  of second module  120  and a portion of enclosure  111  of first module  110 . Gap  312  can represent an inter-module tolerance configured to allow relative movement (e.g., rotation, insertion, etc.) between first module  110  and second module  120  with minimum or no friction in order to minimize wear and/or deterioration of surface  314  and enclosure  111 . In one or more embodiments, gap  312  can have a dimension that is no more than 0.5 mm. 
     Gap  312  can be further configured such that an object, such as object  330  or card  130  (shown in the example of  FIG. 1A ), can be inserted through gap  312  to apply a force on contact portion  242  of bail mechanism  240  for moving latch  241  from the stopping position  341  to permitting position  342 . The force can be required to be strong enough to overcome the bias force exerted by bail spring  246  shown in the example of  FIG. 2B . 
     Advantageously, with gap  312  configured for the insertion of the object, bail mechanism  240  can be moved even if no additional aperture is provided on enclosure  111  for the object to be inserted to apply the force. Without the need for the additional aperture, the structure of enclosure  111  may not be compromised, and the design of enclosure  111  and the cleaning of assembly  100  can be simplified. 
     Surface  314  as well as gap  312  can be configured to guide the object to apply the force on contact portion  242 . Alternatively or additionally, mounting interface  121  can be configured to guide the object to apply the force on contact portion  242 . Given the guidance provided by surface  314 , gap  312 , and/or mounting interface  121 , the object can accurately apply the force on contact portion  242  within a minimized contact area. Therefore, the dimensions of contact portion  242  can be reduced. In one or more embodiments, contact portion  242  can have a dimension no greater than 1.5 mm. Advantageously, the space inside enclosure  111  can be efficiently utilized and the material cost and weight for bail mechanism  240  can be saved. 
     Further, surface  314 , gap  312 , and/or mounting interface  121  can be configured to provide support and/or reinforcement to the object in applying the force. Therefore, the required stiffness of the object can be reduced. For example, the object can have a strip configuration as illustrated by object  330  or a card configuration as illustrated by card  130  (shown in the example of  FIG. 1A ). The object can be formed of a plastic material instead of metal. Advantageously, the user can conveniently use a card at hand, such as a credit card or phone card, for changing hinge  200  from the stopping configuration into the permitting configuration such that second module  120  can be adjusted to the over-travel range, without the need of a special or stiff tool. Further, the use of a soft tool such as a plastic card can minimize potential mechanical and cosmetic damage to enclosure parts as well as to the hinge mechanism. 
       FIG. 4A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial perspective view of assembly  100  with hinge  200  in a stopping configuration, wherein second module  120  is limited within normal-travel range  351 . In the stopping configuration, bail mechanism  240  can be in a stopping position (or first position) such that latch  241  can be in stopping position  341  between first section  215  and second section  217  of channel  216 . Given that pin  226  is within first section  215 , pin  226  can be stopped from moving into second section  217 , even if a force overcomes hinge spring  250  to drive pin  226  to move in first direction  491 . 
     Correspondingly, interconnect  220  can also be stopped from rotating in first direction  491  and into an over-travel range when pin  226  is stopped by latch  241 . Therefore, rotations of both of interconnect  220  and second module  120  relative to bracket  210  and first module  110  can be limited within the normal-travel ranges of interconnect  220  and second module  120 , respectively. 
     Advantageously, mounting interfaces (e.g., mounting interfaces  121  and  280 ) for coupling hinge  200  and second module  120  can be hidden and protected by enclosure  111 , and therefore may not be subject to unfavorable environmental factors, such as dust and spilled liquids, and unnecessary manipulation by the user. Further, aesthetic considerations for the design of the mounting interfaces can be minimized, and therefore the cost for the design can be reduced. 
       FIG. 4B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial side view of assembly  100  with hinge  200  in the stopping configuration, wherein second module  120  is limited within normal-travel range  351 . 
     If bail mechanism  240  is moved to the permitting position, latch  241  can move from stopping position  341  to unlatched position  342 , thereby allowing pin  226  to move into second section  217 , and, correspondingly, interconnect  220  (under mounting interface  280 ; shown in  FIG. 2B ) and second module  120  to move into the over-travel ranges of interconnect  220  and second module  120 , respectively, as illustrated in the example of  FIGS. 5A-B . 
     In one or more embodiments, second module  120  can be stationary, and the user can exert a force on first module  110  to overcome the torque exerted by hinge spring  250  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) and move first module  110 , such that second module “rotates” relative to first module  110  into over-travel range  352  of second module  120 . 
     As a result, spanning angle  480  between first module  110  and second module  120  can be minimized for storing or shipping assembly  100 . Further mounting interface  121  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) can be exposed to be accessible to the user for tasks such as removing and/or replacing second module  120 , as will be further discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5A-B . 
       FIG. 5A  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial perspective view of assembly  100  with hinge  200  in the stopping configuration, wherein second module is  120  limited within over-travel range  352 . As discussed with reference to  FIG. 4B , when a force is applied to move hinge  200  to the permitting configuration as shown in the example of  FIG. 3 , pin  226  can be allowed to move into second section  217 . Accordingly, the user can move interconnect  220  and second module  120  into the over-travel ranges of interconnect  220  and second module  120 , respectively. When the force is removed, given the bias force applied by bail spring  246 , latch  241  can return to stopping position  441 . 
     When interconnect  220  is in the over-travel range of interconnect  220  and latch  241  is in stopping position  341 , even through interconnect  220  is subject to the torque exerted by hinge spring  250  and is therefore biased toward second direction  492 , interconnect  220  can be stopped from moving beyond the over-travel range of interconnect  220 , because pin  226  can be stopped by latch  241 . The torque exerted by hinge spring  250  can urge pin  226  against latch  241 , thereby minimizing movements of interconnect  220  relative to bracket  210  as well as second module  120  relative to first module  110 . 
     Further, second section  217  can be configured to have a dimension such that pin  226  can have minimum or no movement. Accordingly, interconnect  220  and second module  120  can be in a locked position relative to bracket  210  and first module  110 , respectively, when pin  226  is in second section  217  and latch  241  is in stopping position  341 . 
     As a result, mounting interface  121  can remain exposed outside of enclosure  111  an therefore accessible and stable for the user to perform tasks such as removing second module  120  and/or installing other modules such as adapter  140  shown in the example of  FIG. 1D . Advantageously, the tasks can be performed in an efficient manner. 
       FIG. 5B  shows, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a partial side view of assembly  100  with hinge  200  in the stopping configuration, wherein second module  120  is limited within over-travel range  352 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 5B , when second module  120  is limited within over-travel range  352 , a dimension  580  can be reduced (or minimized) such that assembly  100  can be in a compact configuration. Advantageously, costs associated with packaging, shipping, and storing assembly  100  can be reduced. 
     As can be appreciated from the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention can allow hiding mounting interfaces when devices are in normal use and revealing the mounting interfaces when the mounting interfaces need to be operated, without requiring manipulating enclosures of the devices. Advantageously, the mounting interfaces can be protected from unnecessary manipulations and unfavorable environmental factors in normal use of the devices. Further, since the mounting interfaces are normally hidden, design costs associated with aesthetics and cleanliness of the mounting interfaces can be reduced. When the mounting interfaces need to be operated, conveniently, users of the devices can use a card at hand to unlock the stop mechanism for revealing the mounting interfaces without the need of a special, stiff tool. When the mounting interfaces are revealed, the devices can be in locked, stable positions such that the users can efficiently operate the mounting interfaces. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although stop mechanisms with rotational movements are illustrated in the figures, stop mechanisms with other types of movements, such as linear movements, combined rotational and linear movements, etc., can also be employed in embodiments of the present invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Further, although mounting interfaces used with screws are illustrated, one or more of other fastening mechanisms such as, for example, latches, hook-and-loop fasteners, or adhesives can also be utilized. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070104
Publication Date: 20110503
Grant Date: 20110503
Priority Date: 20070104
Inventors: DEGNER BRETT WILLIAM
TERNUS JOHN
LAUDER ANDY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "F16M2200/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M2200/041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/1007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M2200/041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M2200/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/1007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2999/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2999/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39593019