Notebook computer friction hinge

Details Notebook computer friction hinge Notebook computer friction hinge

2001-08-06

2002-09-10

Schuberg, Darren (Department: 2835)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S689000, C361S689000, C439S136000, C439S137000, C439S164000, C403S326000, CD14S140400, CD14S140400, CD14S140400

Reexamination Certificate

active

06449144

ABSTRACT:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 89214389, filed on Aug. 18, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to torque-producing friction hinges and more particularly to a friction hinge of the notebook computer with enhanced structural strength.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional notebook computer is shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
wherein a hinge
33
is mounted between the base
31
of notebook computer and the liquid crystal display (LCD)
32
. In a use position, LCD
32
is pulled up to be supported at one of various desired angles relative to the base
31
of notebook computer (FIG.
3
A). User may close LCD
32
onto the base
31
of notebook computer after use. This is a storage position of notebook computer (FIG.
3
B). Typically, an area indicated by numeral
34
is covered by the hand of user while holding the notebook computer. Hence, a considerable amount of force is applied on such area
34
and thus the LCD
32
. As a result, LCD
32
may be deformed or even damaged by the relatively unreliable hinge
33
. Thus improvements exist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a friction hinge for the notebook computer so that the problem of liquid crystal display (LCD) of notebook computer being deformed or damaged after long time of holding the notebook computer as experienced in prior art is substantially eliminated.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a friction hinge for the notebook computer so that it is possible to pivot and hold the LCD at one of various desired angles relative to the base of notebook computer.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a friction hinge for the notebook computer wherein the contact area between the hinge and the LCD of notebook computer is increased for reducing force required to pivot the LCD at a desired angle relative to the base of notebook computer, thereby prolonging the useful life of the hinge and the LCD.
To achieve the above and other objects, the present invention provides a friction hinge for the notebook computer having a base and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The friction hinge includes a pair of sleeves each having one end mounted to the base of the notebook computer and the other end pivotal relative to the sleeve; and a bracket member mounted to the LCD, each end of the bracket member fixed to the other end of each sleeve.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5796576 (1998-08-01), Kim
patent: 5799371 (1998-09-01), Lin
patent: D432133 (2000-10-01), Oross
patent: 6169582 (2001-01-01), Lee
patent: 6226177 (2001-05-01), Rude et al.
patent: 6301748 (2001-10-01), Su-Man
patent: 6321416 (2001-11-01), Lu
patent: 6373689 (2002-04-01), Yim

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