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Hinge assembly for a device having a display

  • US 5,566,048 A
  • Filed: 06/02/1994
  • Issued: 10/15/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A portable computer having a display housing and a base attached to the display housing by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprising:

  • a pivot shaft attaching the display housing to the base and allowing the display housing to pivot relative to the base, the display housing generating a first torque on the pivot shaft in proportion to the angular orientation of the display housing;

    a coil torsion spring for providing a second torque on the pivot shaft in proportion to the angular orientation of the display housing, the spring surrounding at least a portion of the pivot shaft, the spring having a first end and a second end;

    a mechanism for constraining the first end of the torsion spring relative to the housing; and

    a clutch mechanism having a first inner surface for slidably engaging the pivot shaft, the first inner surface of the clutch mechanism being sized to fit tightly around the pivot shaft so as to continuously resist rotation of the pivot shaft, a mechanism for constraining the second end of the torsion spring, and a mechanism removably attaching the clutch mechanism to the base.

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