Title of Invention

HANDHELD ELECTRONICS DEVICE HAVING PIVOTAL HINGE MECHANISM

Abstract The present invention relates to a handheld electronics device, the electronics device comprising first and second housing portions (110, 120) and a generally u-shaped hinge member disposed about the first and second housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in a stacked configuration, a portion of the hinge member pivotally coupled to the first housing portion and another portion of the hinge member pivotally coupled to the second housing portion, about a first pivot axis (139) extending through the first and second housing portions, the hinge member pivotal about the first pivot axis between first and second positions relative to the first and second housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in the stacked configuration, the hinge member openable and closable about a second pivot axis (138) not aligned with the first pivot axis, the first and second housing portions separable from the stacked configuration when the hinge member is in the first position and when the hinge member is in the second position, characterized in that the first pivot axis is located in a corner of the device.
Full Text FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronics devices,
and more particularly to pivotal hinge mechanisms on electronics devices,
for example wireless communications devices, and combinations thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Wireless communications devices having hinged housings are
known generally. U.S. Patent No. 6,549,789 entitled "Portable Electronic
Device With An Adaptable User Interface" for example, discloses a
handheld cellular telephone having a clamshell style housing wherein first
and second housing portions are coupled by a universal hinge at an upper
end portion of the device. In Patent No. 6,549,789, the hinge rotates about a
first axis allowing the housing portions to fold and unfold relative to each
other.. The hinge in Patent No. 6,549,789 also rotates about a second axis
perpendicular to the first axis. The Samsung V500 cellular telephone also
includes a clamshell style hinge. On the Samsung V500, a housing portion
having a display is rotatable between landscape and portrait configurations.
[0003] The various aspects, features and advantages of the instant
disclosure will become more fully apparent to those having ordinary skill in
the art upon careful consideration of the following Detailed Description and
the accompanying drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TFIE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronics device
having hinged housing portions in a closed configuration.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary electronics device having
hinged housing portions in a closed configuration.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a backside view of an exemplary electronics device
having hinged housing portions in an opened configuration.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary electronics device having a
pivotal hinge member in a first position.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary electronics device having a
pivotal hinge member moved from the first position toward a second
position.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary electronics device having a
pivotal hinge member in the position.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary electronics device with a pivotal
hinge positioned to configure first and second housing portions in a portrait
configuration.

[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary electronics device with a pivotal
hinge positioned to configure first and second housing portions in a
landscape configuration.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary electronics device with.a
pivotal hinge located in a corner in a first configuration.
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary electronics device with a
pivotal hinge located in a corner in a second configuration.
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary electronics device in an
open and partially pivoted configuration.
[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates view of another exemplary electronics device
in an open and partially pivoted configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The disclosure pertains to handheld electronics devices
comprising generally first and second housing portions interconnected by a
hinge member. The exemplary handheld electronics device is in the form of
a handheld or pocket wireless communications device including a display
as is commonly found, for example/ on cellular telephones and wireless
enable personal digital assistants (PDA), as discussed more fully below.
Alternatively, the electronics device may be a personal organizer, or a

calculator, or some other device, with or without wireless communications
capabilities.
[0017] In FIG. 1, the exemplary handheld electronics device 100
comprises generally a first housing portion 110 coupled to a second housing
portion 120 by an interconnecting hinge member 130. FIG. 2 also illustrates
the elements of FIG. 2, wherein similar components are identified by like
reference numerals. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary wireless
communications device is in a closed configuration wherein the first and
second housing portions are stacked on atop the other, as illustrated.
[0018] Generally, the hinge member has a first portion coupled to the
first housing portion and a second portion coupled to the second housing
portion. In FIG. 2, the exemplary hinge member includes a first flange
portion 132 coupled to the first housing portion and a second flange portion
134 coupled to the second housing portion 120. FIG. 2 illustrates the first
flange portion 132 is coupled to the second flange portion 134 by a hinge
portion 136, which permits the hinge member move between opened and
closed configurations. In FIG. 2, the hinge member is in a closed
configuration wherein the first and second housing portions are also in the
closed configuration. In FIG. 3, the hinge member is in the opened
configuration wherein the first and second housing portions are separated
from each other.

[0019] In FIGS. 1-3, the exemplary hinge is an openable generally u-
shaped hinge member disposed about the first and second housing portions
when the first and second housing portions are in the closed configuration.
In FIG. 11, the hinge portion includes a pivoting member 137. In some
embodiments, the hinge includes a opening or closing mechanism, for
example, a spring biased cam and follower assembly to assist rotating one
housing portion relative to another while opening or closing. Alternatively,
the hinge portion may be some other type of hinge, for example, a bendable
or flexible member or material. The disclosure is not intended to be limited
to any particular hinge mechanism. In some embodiments, for example, the
hinge portion is a universal hinge that pivots or rotates about more than one
axis as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,549,789. Other multi-axis
hinges may also be used. The hinge portion will generally pivot about at
least one hinge axis, for example, hinge axis 138 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The hinge member may be formed of a plastic, composite, metal or some
other material, or a combination of materials.
[0020] According to another aspect of the disclosure, in some
embodiments, the first portion of the hinge member is pivotally coupled to
the first housing portion and the second portion of the hinge member is
pivotally coupled to the second housing portion. In one embodiment, pivot
members couple the hinge member to housing. In FIG. 3, for example, pivot
member 131 pivotally couples the flange portion 132 to the housing portion
110, and pivot member 133 pivotally couples flange portion 133 to the

housing portion 120. In other, embodiments, the hinge member may be
pivotally coupled to the housing portions by other structure or mechanisms.
[0021] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the hinge
member pivots about a common axis 139 when the first and second housing
portions are in the closed configuration, best illustrated in FIG. 2. In other
embodiments, however these axes may be offset relative to each other.
Generally, at least one of the hinge axes, for example, the hinge axis 138 in
FIG. 1, is non-parallel to the axes about which the first and second hinge
portions pivot. In FIG. 1, for example, the hinge axis 138 is perpendicular to
the axes 139. The exemplary hinge axes 138 and 139 in FIG. 1 are also non-
intersecting in the exemplary embodiments. In other embodiments, the
hinge portion may include a rotation axis that is parallel to the axis 139
about which the housing portions are pivotally coupled to the hinge
member.
[0022] In FIG. 1, the pivot hinge member axis 139 is disposed
asymmetrically toward one end of the rectangular housing assembly,
though in other embodiments it .may be located elsewhere through the
closed housing assembly. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the hinge pivot 131 is located in
a corner of the device. In some embodiments, locating the pivot axis
symmetrically permits the hinge member to pivot through a greater angular
range. In FIG. 1, for example, the pivot axis 129 is located symmetrically at
one end of the device, thus potentially permitting approximately 180
degrees of pivotal range. The hinge member in the exemplary embodiments

of FIGS 9 and 10 has a somewhat more limited range of approximately 90
degrees.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge member is an
openable generally u-shaped member disposed about the first and second
housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in a closed
or stacked configuration. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the first
and second flange portions 132 and 143 extend about outer sides 111 and
121 of the corresponding housing portions 110 and 120 in the closed
configuration. In other embodiments, one or more of the hinge flange
portions may be coupled to an inner side of the housing portions. In an
alternative embodiment, one or both of the flange portions 132 and 134 are
disposed on an inner side of the corresponding housing portions 110 and
120. In another alternative embodiment, the flange portions 132 and 134
extend into openings, for example, slots, of the corresponding housing
portions. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where at least one of
the hinge flange portions 132 pivots in a corresponding slot 152 in the
housing portion.
[0024] Generally, the hinge member pivots between first and second
positions relative to the first and second housing portions when the first and
second housing portions are in the stacked configuration. More generally,
the housing portions are also rotatable relative to the hinge member when
the housing portions are in the opened configuration. In some

embodiments, the first and second housing portions are freely and
independently rotatable relative to the hinge member.
[0025] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the hinge member pivotal about at least a
portion of the stacked or closed housing portions. The exemplary housing
portions have a rectangular, or more generally an oblong, shape with longer
and shorter sides. The exemplary sides are linear, though in other
embodiments, the longer and shorter sides are curvilinear, for example, in
the case of a flattened quasi-ellipsoidal housing assembly. In FIG. 4, the
hinge member 130 is positioned initially along a shorter side of the housing
portions 110 and 120. In FIG. 5, the hinge member 130 is rotated or pivoted
about pivot 131 in the counter-clockwise direction towards another side of
the closed housing assembly. In FIG. 6, the hinge member 130 is positioned
along a longer side of the closed housing assembly.
[0026] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, the hinge member
pivots or rotates at least ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the hinge
member may rotate through greater angles up to 180 and 360 degrees or
more. In some embodiments, the rotation of the hinge member pivots is
indexed. For example, detents on the hinge member or one of the housing
portions may be used to positively lock or retain the hinge member in pre-
selected positions. In other embodiments, other means may be used to
index the hinge member. In one embodiment, the hinge member is indexed
at 90 degrees of separation as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6. In other
embodiments, the hinge may be indexed at lesser angles, for example, 30 or

45 degrees. In FIG. 12, a still or video camera 160 is located on one of the
housing portions, wherein pivoting the hinge permits adjustment of the
viewing angle.
[0027] In some embodiments, the hinge member must be moved
outwardly in the direction of arrow 101 before the hinge member 130 may
be rotated, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, for example, the pivot member
131 coupled to the hinge member 130 may slide along a slot 116 disposed in
the housing portions, before permitting rotation of the hinge member. In
another alternative embodiment, the hinge member must be depressed
before rotation thereof is permitted. Depressing the hinge member may
release it from a catch, not illustrated, thereby freeing the hinge member for
rotation. The hinge member may rotate in either direction or both directions.
[0028] In another embodiment, a U-shaped hinge slides laterally away
from the housing to permit pivoting the hinge about a corner or other
protruding portion of the housing. For example, the hinge could slide
against the bias of the spring that urges the hinge toward the housing. Also,
in one embodiment, the hinge includes an interlock that prevents rotation or
pivoting of the hinge unless the hinge is first moved away from the housing.
[0029] Generally, the hinge member may be opened when the hinge
member pivoted to different positions relative to the housing portions.
When the hinge member 130 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 4, the
housing portions may be opened or separable from the stacked

configuration as illustrated in FIG. 7. Similarly, when the hinge member 130
is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 6, the housing portions may be opened or
separable from the stacked configuration as illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, at least one of
the first and second housing portions includes a display 150 having a
rectangular or more generally an oblong shape. In FIG. 7, the display is
oriented in a portrait configuration when the first and second housing
portions are opened, or separated from the stacked configuration, by
opening the hinge member pivoted to the first position illustrated in FIG. 4.
In FIG. 8, the display is oriented in a landscape configuration when upon
opening the hinge member positioned in the second position illustrated in
FIG. 6. Similarly, the in FIG. 7, the numeric/control keypad 162 is oriented
in the portrait configuration when the hinge member is positioned in the
first position illustrated in FIG. 4. The keypad 162 is oriented in a landscape
configuration, when the hinge member is located in the second position
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0031] In another embodiment, the housing portion 120 includes a
numeric keypad 162 illustrated in FIG. 7 on one side, and a Qwerty keypad
164 illustrates in FIG. 8 on the opposite side. For such an exemplary
configuration, the hinge flange could be pivotally disposed in a slot between
the keypads 162 and 164. According to this exemplary embodiment, the
hinge member 130 is of the type that rotates about a second axis 135
transverse to the hinge axis 138, illustrated in FIG. 7. Rotation of the second

housing portion 120 about the axis 135 relative to the hinge member 130
allows interchanging the keypads 162 and 164. The housing portions
including the display and keypads may be pivoted independently relative
to the hinge member. Thus in FIG. 7, the display 150 could be viewed in
portrait or landscape configurations, while the keypad 162 is configured in
either a landscape or portrait configuration without regard for the
configuration of the display 150.
[0032] While the present disclosure and what are presently considered
to be the best modes thereof have been described in a manner establishing
possession by the inventors and enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to
make and use the same, it will be understood and appreciated that there are
many equivalents to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and that
modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from
the scope and spirit of the inventions, which are to be limited not by the
exemplary embodiments but by the appended claims.
[0033] What is claimed is:

We Claim :
1. A handheld electronics device, the electronics device comprising first and second housing
portions (110, 120) and a generally u-shaped hinge member (130) disposed about the first and
second housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in a stacked configuration,
a portion of the hinge member pivotally coupled to the first housing portion and another portion of
the hinge member pivotally coupled to the second housing portion, about a first pivot axis (139)
extending through the first and second housing portions, the hinge member pivotal about the first
pivot axis between first and second positions relative to the first and second housing portions when
the first and second housing portions are in the stacked configuration, the hinge member openable
and closable about a second pivot axis (138) not aligned with the first pivot axis, the first and
second housing portions separable from the stacked configuration when the hinge member is in the
first position and when the hinge member is in the second position, characterized in that the first
pivot axis is located in a corner of the device.
2. The handheld electronics device as claimed in claim 1, having the hinge member (130)
pivotal at least ninety degrees between the first and second positions relative to the first and second
housing portions (110, 120) when the first and second housing portions are in the stacked
configuration.
3. The handheld electronics device as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are provided :
the first and second housing portions (110, 120) having generally oblong shapes with
longer and shorter sides,

the first position of the hinge member (130) along the longer side of the first and second
housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in the stacked configuration,
the second position of the hinge member along the shorter side of the first and second
housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in the stacked configuration.
4. The handheld electronics device as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are provided :
at least one of the first and second housing portions (110, 120) having a display (150) with
an oblong shape,
the display oriented in a portrait configuration when the first and second housing portions
are separated from the stacked configuration by opening the hinge member in the first position,
the display oriented in a landscape configuration when the first and second housing portions
are separated from the stacked configuration by opening the hinge member in the second position.
5. The handheld electronics device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second pivot
axis are perpendicular and non-intersecting. N


The present invention relates to a handheld electronics device, the electronics device comprising
first and second housing portions (110, 120) and a generally u-shaped hinge member disposed
about the first and second housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in a
stacked configuration, a portion of the hinge member pivotally coupled to the first housing portion
and another portion of the hinge member pivotally coupled to the second housing portion, about a
first pivot axis (139) extending through the first and second housing portions, the hinge member
pivotal about the first pivot axis between first and second positions relative to the first and second
housing portions when the first and second housing portions are in the stacked configuration, the
hinge member openable and closable about a second pivot axis (138) not aligned with the first
pivot axis, the first and second housing portions separable from the stacked configuration when the
hinge member is in the first position and when the hinge member is in the second position,
characterized in that the first pivot axis is located in a corner of the device.

Documents:

03106-kolnp-2006-abstract.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-claims.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-correspondence others.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-description(complete).pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-drawings.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-form-1.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-form-3.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-form-5.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-g.p.a.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-international publication.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-international search authority report.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-pct others.pdf

03106-kolnp-2006-pct request form.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-(12-04-2012)-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-(12-04-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-(12-04-2012)-FORM-16.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-(12-04-2012)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-(26-08-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE) 1.1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM 18 1.2.pdf

3106-kolnp-2006-form 18.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM 2.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM 3.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM 5.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-FORM-27.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GPA.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-OTHERS 1.1.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-OTHERS.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-PA.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

3106-KOLNP-2006-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

abstract-03106-kolnp-2006.jpg


Patent Number 249859
Indian Patent Application Number 3106/KOLNP/2006
PG Journal Number 46/2011
Publication Date 18-Nov-2011
Grant Date 16-Nov-2011
Date of Filing 26-Oct-2006
Name of Patentee MOTOROLA, INC.
Applicant Address 1303 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD SCHAUMBURG ILLINOIS 60196
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MC WILLIAM GILES D. 1350 N. WELLS STREET #F113, CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60610
2 OLIVER MARK W. 409 HUNTERS WAY FOX RIVER GROVE ILLINOIS 60021
PCT International Classification Number H04M1/02
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2005/011137
PCT International Filing date 2005-03-31
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/832,008 2004-04-26 U.S.A.