Flexible hinge and removable attachment

• US 8,498,100 B1
• Filed: 05/14/2012
• Issued: 07/30/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Wahl, Eric Joseph, Groene, Ralf, Wang, Hua, Aagaard, Karsten, Whitt, David Otto III, Vandervoort, David C., Pleake, Todd David, Huala, Rob, Schneider, Summer L., Reed McLaughlin, Robyn Rebecca, Mickelson, Matthew David, Pelley, Joel Lawrence, Shaw, Timothy C., Stoumbos, Christopher Harry
• Primary Examiner(s): BARRERA, RAMON M
• Application Number:
  US13/470,633
• Time in Patent Office: 442 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.09, 361/679.15, 361/679.17, 36167927-67929, 400/472
• US Class Current: 361/679.17
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 11/1064 with a coil spring perpendicular to the pivot axis
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 5/08 with springs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/46 Magnets
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/38 by folding , e.g. pivoting or scissors tong mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 11/01 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1618 the display being foldable up to the back of the other housing with a single degree of freedom, e.g. by 360° rotation over the axis defined by the rear edge of the base enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1654 the display being detachable, e.g. for remote use
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/166 related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1662 Details related to the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1669 Detachable keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1681 Details related solely to hinges hinge details related to the transmission of signals or power are classified in G06F1/1683
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1683 for the transmission of signal or power between the different housings, e.g. details of wired or wireless communication, passage of cabling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1686 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3089 Monitoring arrangements determined by the means or processing involved in sensing the monitored data, e.g. interfaces, connectors, sensors, probes, agents software debugging using additional hardware using a specific debug interface G06F11/3656; performance evaluation by tracing or monitoring G06F11/3466
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/102 where the programme performs an interfacing function, e.g. device driver G06F13/105 takes precedence; scheduling within device drivers G06F9/52; contention policies within device drivers G06F9/4881
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/002 Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 other optical apparatus G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/01 : Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer G06F3/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/02 : Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 : Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 : Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 : Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 : Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0414 : using force sensing means to determine a position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0416 : Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0487 : using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 : using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 : by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/541 : via adapters, e.g. between incompatible applications
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 11/00 : Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards, H01H13/88
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 : Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/702 : with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/703 : characterised by spacers between contact carrying layers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/704 : characterised by the layers, e.g. by their material or structure H01H13/703 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/78 : characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/785 : characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/79 : characterised by the form of the contacts, e.g. interspersed fingers or helical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/807 : characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/82 : characterised by contact space venting means
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2201/036 : Variable resistance
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2203/02 : Interspersed fingers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2203/036 : to solve particular problems
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2203/058 : Contact area function of position on layered keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2205/006 : mounted on spacer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2211/004 : Adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2211/006 : Individual areas
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2213/016 : in adhesive layer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/004 : Larger or different actuating area
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/006 : Different feeling for different switch sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/01 : Off centre actuation
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2227/032 : Operating force
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/26 : for interlocking two or more switches H01H13/568 takes precedence; by a detachable member H01H9/28 ; for electromagnetic relays H01H50/323
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0216 : Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0245 : using open/close detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 : comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 : by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0226 : Hinges
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0234 : Feet; Stands; Pedestals, e.g. wheels for moving casing on floor
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 : Assembling or joining

Abstract

Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.

Claims

1. An input device comprising:

an input portion comprising a plurality of keys that are configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs;

a connection portion comprising;

at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals; and

a magnetic coupling device to form a removable magnetic attachment to the computing device; and

a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly connect the connection portion to the input portion, the flexible hinge having;

one or more conductors configured to communicatively couple the keys with the communication contact; and

a mid-spine configured to supply mechanical stiffness to a location of the flexible hinge that includes the mid-spine.

2. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge is configured not to exceed a minimum bend radius that is defined at least in part based on flexibility of the one or more conductors to communicatively couple the connection portion with the plurality of keys.

3. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge is flexible in an amount that is sufficient to orient the input device in:

a first orientation with respect to the computing device to cover at least a portion of a display device of the computing device; and

a second orientation with respect to the computing device to cover at least a rear portion of a housing of the computing device that is opposite of a side of the housing that includes the display device.

4. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the connection portion is configured as a projection that is configured to be received within a channel of a housing the computing device, the projection including the at least one communication contact and the magnetic coupling device.

5. An input device as described in claim 4, wherein:

the at least one communication contact is located at an approximate midpoint of the projection along a longitudinal axis of the projection; and

at least a portion of the conductor is located at a corresponding approximate midpoint of the flexible hinge.

6. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge includes the mid spine, a first flexible portion that flexibly connects the input portion with the mid-spine, and a second flexible portion that flexibly connects the mid spine to the connection portion.

7. An input device as described in claim 6, wherein the mid spine is configured to provide the mechanical stiffness, which is greater than a mechanical stiffness of the first and second flexible portions.

8. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the mid-spine of the flexible hinge is configured to permit rotational movement of the input device in relation to the computing device that mimics a cover of a book along a first axis and restricts movement of the input device in relation to the computing device along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

9. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys forms a QWERTY keyboard.

10. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge is configured to permit the input device to be positioned to cover a display device of the computing device and a rear portion of a housing of the computing device.

11. An input device comprising:

an input portion configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs;

a connection portion comprising;

at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals; and

a magnetic coupling device to form a removable magnetic attachment to the computing device; and

a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly connect the connection portion to the input portion, the flexible hinge including a mid-spine that is configured to provide mechanical stiffness such that flexibility of the flexible hinge does not exceed a minimum bend radius that is defined at least in part based on an operational flexibility of the conductors to communicatively couple the connection portion with the input portion.

12. An input device as described in claim 11, wherein the minimum bend radius that is defined at least in part based on an operational flexibility of the conductors to communicatively couple the connection portion with the plurality of keys after repeated flexing of the flexible hinge.

13. An input device as described in claim 11, wherein the flexible hinge is configured not to exceed the minimum bend radius through inclusion of the mid spine, a first flexible portion that flexible connects the input portion with the mid spine, and a second flexible portion that flexible connects the mid spine to the connection portion.

14. An input device as described in claim 13, wherein the mid spine is configured to provide a mechanical stiffness greater than a mechanical stiffness of the first and second flexible portions.

15. An input device as described in claim 11, wherein the connection portion is configured as a projection that is configured to be received within a channel of a housing the computing device, the projection including the at least one communication contact and the magnetic coupling device.

16. An input device as described in claim 11, wherein:

the at least one communication contact is located at an approximate midpoint of the projection; and

at least a portion of the conductor is located at an approximate midpoint of the flexible hinge.

17. An input device comprising:

an input portion configured to generate signals to be processing by a computing device as inputs;

a connection portion that is configured to be removably attachable to the computing device and includes at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals; and

a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly and communicatively connect the connection portion to the input portion, the flexible hinge including a mid-spine configured to provide mechanical stiffness to the flexible hinge such that the flexible hinge is flexible in an amount that is sufficient to;

permit movement along a first axis to orient the input device in a first orientation with respect to the computing device to cover at least a portion of a display device of the computing device and a second orientation with respect to the computing device to cover at least a rear portion of a housing of the computing device that is opposite of a side of the housing that includes the display device; and

restrict movement along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

18. An input device as described in claim 17, wherein the connection portion includes a magnetic coupling device to form a removable magnetic attachment to the computing device.

19. An input device as described in claim 17, wherein the mid-spine of the flexible hinge is configured to provide the mechanical stiffness such that flexibility of the flexible hinge does not exceed a minimum bend radius that is defined at least in part based on an operational flexibility of conductors that are configured to communicatively couple the connection portion with the input portion.

20. An input device as described in claim 17, wherein the flexible hinge is configured to permit the input device to be positioned to cover a display device of the computing device and a rear portion of a housing of the computing device.