HK1192962A - A device kickstand - Google Patents

Description

Equipment support

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from the following U.S. provisional patent applications in accordance with 35 U.S. C. § 119(e), the entire disclosure of each of these applications being incorporated by reference in their entirety:

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/606,321, filed 3/2/2012, attorney docket No. 336082.01 entitled "Screen Edge";

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/606,301, filed 3/2/2012, attorney docket No. 336083.01 entitled "Input Device Functionality";

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/606,311, filed 3/2/2012, attorney docket No. 336084.01 entitled "Functional Hinge";

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/606,333, filed 3/2/2012, attorney docket No. 336086.01 entitled "use and Authentication";

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/613,745, filed 3/21/2012, attorney docket No. 336086.02 entitled "use and Authentication";

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/606,336, filed 3/2/2012, attorney docket No. 336087.01, entitled "Kickstand and Camera; and

U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/607,451, filed 3/6/2012, attorney docket No. 336143.01 entitled "Spanaway Provisional".

Background

Mobile computing devices have been developed to increase the functionality available to users in mobile settings. For example, a user may interact with a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other mobile computing device to check email, surf the web, compose text, interact with an application, and so forth.

However, because mobile computing devices are configured to be mobile, the devices are typically designed to be used in a handheld manner. Typical ways of adapting mobile devices for other uses (e.g., on a table or other surface) tend to be awkward and detract from the mobile aesthetics associated with the mobile device.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An equipment rack is described. In at least some embodiments, the stand is rotatably attached to the mobile computing device. The stand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. For example, the stand may be positioned to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input may be provided via an associated input device. As another example, the stand may be positioned to enable viewing and/or interaction with the computing device in a portrait viewing direction, for example.

In at least some embodiments, a hinge (hinge) is used to attach the stand to the mobile computing device. One exemplary hinge utilizes a preset hinge stop that enables the stand to be placed at different preset positions. Further, the exemplary hinge includes a center of rotation that coincides with a seam between the computing device and the interfacing edge of the stand. Thus, when the stand is closed, the stand may conform to a contour (contourr) of the computing device, and when the stand is open, the seam may be maintained. Another example hinge exerts pressure on the edge of the bracket, providing stability and shock absorption to the bracket. Although exemplary hinges are presented in detail herein, a wide variety of different techniques may be used to attach the stand to the computing device in accordance with the claimed embodiments.

Drawings

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number refers to the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. The entities represented in the figures may refer to one or more entities and thus reference may be made interchangeably to a singular or plural form of entity in the discussion.

Fig. 1 is an illustration of an environment in an example implementation that is operable to employ techniques described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary implementation of the input device of FIG. 1 while showing the flexible hinge in greater detail, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary orientation of an input device relative to a computing device when overlaying a display device of the computing device, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary orientation of an input device relative to a computing device when assuming a typing orientation, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary orientation of an input device relative to a computing device when covering a rear housing of the computing device 102 and exposing a display device of the computing device, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary orientation of an input device when including a portion configured to cover a rear portion of a computing device, which in such instances is used to support a stand of the computing device, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary orientation in which an input device including portions of FIG. 6 is used to cover the front and back of a computing device, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts an example orientation of a computing device with a mount in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts an example orientation of a computing device with a mount in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts an example orientation of a computing device with a mount in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a back view of an example orientation of a computing device with a mount in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 12 depicts an exemplary inner surface of a stent, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary exploded view of a computing device with a stand in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts a partial cutaway view of a computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts a partial cutaway view of a computing device illustrating movement of a mount in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a partial cutaway view of a computing device illustrating a center hinge in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary system including various components of an exemplary device that may be implemented as any type of computing device as described with reference to fig. 1-16 to implement embodiments of the techniques described herein.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

SUMMARY

A wide variety of different devices may be physically attached to a mobile computing device to provide a wide variety of functionality. For example, the device may be configured to provide a cover for at least a display device of the computing device in order to protect it from damage. Other devices may also be physically attached to the mobile computing device such as an input device (e.g., a keyboard with a track pad) to provide input to the computing device. Further, the functionality of these devices may be combined, such as to provide a combination cover and input device.

An equipment rack is described. In at least some embodiments, the stand is rotatably attached to the mobile computing device. The stand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. For example, the stand may be positioned to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input may be provided via an associated input device. As another example, the stand may be positioned to enable viewing and/or interaction with the computing device in a portrait viewing direction, for example.

In at least some embodiments, a hinge is used to attach a stand to a mobile computing device. One exemplary hinge utilizes a preset hinge stop that enables the stand to be placed at different preset positions. Further, the exemplary hinge includes a center of rotation that coincides with a seam between the computing device and the interfacing edge of the stand. Thus, the stand may conform to the profile of the computing device when the stand is in the closed position, and the seam may be maintained when the stand is open. Another example hinge exerts pressure on the edge of the bracket, providing stability and shock absorption to the bracket. Although exemplary hinges are presented in detail herein, a wide variety of different techniques may be used to attach the stand to the computing device in accordance with the claimed embodiments.

In the discussion that follows, an exemplary environment is first described in which the techniques described herein may be employed. The embodiments discussed herein are not limited to the exemplary environments described, and the exemplary environments described are not limited to the embodiments discussed herein. Second, exemplary device orientations are discussed in accordance with one or more embodiments. Next, an exemplary stent is described in accordance with one or more embodiments. Next, exemplary hinges for attachment of a stent are discussed in accordance with one or more embodiments. Finally, exemplary systems and devices that can implement the various techniques described herein are discussed. Further, although input devices are described herein, other devices that do not include input functionality such as a cover are also contemplated.

Exemplary Environment

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environment 100 in an example embodiment that is operable to employ techniques described herein. The illustrated environment 100 includes an example of a computing device 102, the computing device 102 being physically and communicatively coupled to an input device 104 via a flexible hinge 106. The computing device 102 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the computing device 102 may be configured for mobile use, such as a mobile phone, illustrated tablet computer, and so forth. Thus, the computing device 102 may range from a full resource device with substantial memory and processor resources to a low resource device with limited memory and/or processing resources. The computing device 102 may also involve software that causes the computing device 102 to perform one or more operations.

Computing device 102 is illustrated, for example, as including input/output module 108. Input/output module 108 represents functionality relating to processing input to computing device 102 and rendering output thereof. A wide variety of different inputs may be processed by input/output module 108, such as inputs relating to functions corresponding to keys of input device 104, keys of a virtual keyboard displayed by display device 110 that are used to recognize gestures and cause operations corresponding to gestures recognizable through touchscreen functionality of input device 104 and/or display device 110 to be performed, and so forth. Thus, the input/output module 108 may support a wide variety of different input techniques by identifying and exploiting differences between types of inputs, including key presses, gestures, and so forth.

In the illustrated example, the input device 104 is configured with an input portion that includes a keyboard having a QWERTY arrangement of keys and a track pad, although other arrangements of keys are also contemplated. In addition, other unconventional configurations are also contemplated, such as game controllers, configurations for simulating musical instruments, and so forth. Thus, the input device 104 and the keys incorporated by the input device 104 may assume a wide variety of different configurations in order to support a wide variety of different functionalities.

As previously described, in this example, the input device 104 is physically and communicatively coupled to the computing device 102 through the use of the flexible hinge 106. The flexible hinge 106 is flexible in that the rotational motion supported by the hinge is achieved by flexing (e.g., bending) the material forming the hinge, as opposed to mechanical rotation as supported by a staple, although that embodiment is also contemplated. Further, the flexible rotation may be configured to support motion in one or more directions (e.g., in a vertical direction in the figure), but to limit motion in other directions, such as lateral motion of the input device 104 relative to the computing device 102. This may be used to support consistent alignment of the input device 104 relative to the computing device 102, such as to align sensors used to change power states, application states, and so forth.

The flexible hinge 106 may be formed, for example, using one or more layers of fabric and include conductors formed as flexible traces to communicatively couple the input device 104 to the computing device 102 and vice versa. Such communication may be used, for example, to communicate the results of a key press to computing device 102, receive power from the computing device, perform authentication, provide supplemental power to computing device 102, and so forth. The flexible hinge 106 can be configured in a variety of ways, further discussion of which may be found in relation to the following figures.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment 200 of the input device 104 of FIG. 1 while showing the flexible hinge 106 in greater detail. In this example, a connection portion 202 of the input device is shown that is configured to provide both a communicative connection and a physical connection between the input device 104 and the computing device 102. The connection portion 202 as illustrated has a height and cross-section configured to be received within a channel in the housing of the computing device 102, although this arrangement could be reversed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

The connection portion 202 is flexibly connected to a portion of the input device 104 including the keys by using the flexible hinge 106. Thus, when the connection portion 202 is physically connected to the computing device, the combination of the connection portion 202 and the flexible hinge 106 supports movement of the input device relative to the computing device 102, which is similar to a hinge of a book.

The connection portion 202 is illustrated in this example as including: magnetic coupling devices 204, 206; mechanically coupling the protrusions 208, 210; and a communication contact 201. The magnetic coupling devices 204, 206 are configured to magnetically couple to complementary magnetic coupling devices of the computing device 102 through the use of one or more magnets. In this manner, the input device 104 may be physically secured to the computing device 102 through the use of magnetic attraction.

The connecting portion 202 also includes mechanical coupling protrusions 208, 210 to form a mechanical physical connection between the input device 104 and the computing device 102. The communication contacts 212 are configured to contact corresponding communication contacts of the computing device 102 in order to form a communicative coupling between the devices as shown.

Exemplary device orientations

Through the rotational movement of the flexible hinge 106, a wide variety of different orientations of the input device 104 relative to the computing device 102 may be supported. For example, the rotational movement may be supported by the flexible hinge 106 such that the input device 104 may be placed against the display device 110 of the computing device 102 and thereby act as a cover, as shown in the exemplary orientation 300 of fig. 3. Accordingly, the input device 104 may take action to protect the display device 110 of the computing device 102 from damage.

As shown in the exemplary direction 400 of fig. 4, a typing schedule may be supported. In this orientation, the input device 104 is laid flat against the surface, and the computing device 102 is disposed at an angle, such as by using a stand 402 disposed on a rear surface of the computing device 102, to allow viewing of the display device 110.

In the exemplary orientation 500 of fig. 5, the input device 104 may also be rotated so as to be disposed against a rear of the computing device 102, e.g., placed against a rear housing of the computing device 102, which is disposed opposite the display device 110 on the computing device 102. In this example, orientation of the connection portion 202 to the computing device 102 causes the flexible hinge 106 to "wrap around" the connection portion 202 in order to position the input device 104 at the rear of the computing device 102.

Such wrapping (wrapping) causes a portion of the back of the computing device 102 to remain exposed. This may be utilized for a wide variety of functionalities, such as to allow a camera 502 positioned at the rear of the computing device 102 to be used even if most of the rear of the computing device 102 is covered by the input device 104 in this example orientation 500. While the configuration of the input device 104 for covering a single side of the computing device 102 at any time is described above, other configurations are also contemplated.

In the exemplary orientation 600 of fig. 6, the input device 104 is illustrated as including a portion 602 configured to cover a rear portion of the computing device. The portion 602 is also connected to the connecting portion 202 using a flexible hinge 604.

The exemplary orientation of FIG. 6 also illustrates a typing arrangement in which the input device 104 is laid flat against a surface and the computing device 102 is disposed at an angle to allow viewing of the display device 110. In this example, this is supported by using a stand 402 disposed on the back surface of the computing device 102 to contact the portion 602.

Fig. 7 depicts an exemplary orientation 700 in which the input device 104 including the portion 602 is used to cover a front (e.g., the display device 110) and a back (e.g., from opposite sides of the housing of the display device) of the computing device 102. In one or more embodiments, electrical and other connectors may also be disposed along the sides of the computing device 102 and/or the input device 104, for example, to provide auxiliary power when closed.

Naturally, a wide variety of other orientations are supported. For example, the computing device 102 and the input device 104 may take some arrangement such that they are both laid flat against a surface as shown in FIG. 1. Other examples are also contemplated, such as a tripod arrangement, a meeting arrangement, a presentation arrangement, and so forth.

Support frame

The described stand may be used to enable a wide variety of different orientations for the computing device 102. For example, consider the following embodiments of a stent according to various embodiments.

Fig. 8 illustrates the orientation 300 and includes the stent 402 in a closed position. In the closed position, the stand 402 forms a portion of the rear surface 802 of the computing device 102 such that the stand 402 conforms to the surface profile of the computing device 102. For example, when the stand 402 is in the closed position, the stand 402 is incorporated into the computing device 102 and does not protrude from the plane formed by the back surface 802.

Fig. 9 illustrates that the stand 402 can be rotated away from the back surface 802 of the computing device 102 to a position 900. For example, the stand 402 may be rotatably attached to the computing device 102 along the seam 902 via a hinge assembly. Examples of such hinge assemblies are described in detail below.

In at least some embodiments, position 900 corresponds to a preset position for hinge 402. For example, when a user applies pressure to the stand 402 away from the rear surface 802, the stand 402 may snap (snap) into position 900. As explained in detail below, the hinge assembly used to attach the stand 402 to the computing device 102 may utilize a spring pressure and detent (detent) setting to provide a preset open position for the stand 402. In this example, the location 900 is associated with an angle 904 between a rear surface of the computing device 102 and the stand 402. For example, the angle 904 may range from 20 degrees (20) to 30 degrees (30). However, any suitable range of angles may be used.

For the stand 402 at position 900, the computing device 102 may be rotated away from the input device 104 and supported by the stand 402, such as illustrated in the orientation 400 of fig. 4. Thus, the location 900 may enable the display device 110 to be viewed and the input to be provided to the computing device 102 via the input device 104.

Fig. 10 illustrates that the stand 402 can be rotated away from the back surface 802 of the computing device 102 to a position 1000. For example, the bracket 402 may be further rotated past position 900 to position 1000.

In at least some embodiments, position 1000 corresponds to a preset position for hinge 402. For example, when a user applies pressure to the stand 402 away from the rear surface 802, the stand 402 may snap into position 1000. In this example, the position 1000 is associated with an angle 1002 between a rear surface of the computing device 102 and the stand 402. For example, the angle 1002 may range from 65 degrees (65 ℃) to 75 degrees (75 ℃). However, any suitable range of angles may be used. Further, the seam 902 may be maintained (e.g., the width of the seam) during rotation to the position 1000.

With the stand 402 in position 1000, the computing device 102 may be rotated sideways (e.g., rotated to a portrait viewing position) and supported via the stand 402. For example, consider the direction 1100 illustrated in fig. 11.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of the computing device 102 in an orientation 1100, showing the computing device 102 rotated to a portrait viewing position, such as 90 degrees (90) from the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, stand 402 is positioned in position 1000 such that computing device 102 is reclined back and supported on surface 1102 by stand 402. Although not illustrated here, placing computing device 102 in orientation 1100 may cause the view orientation of display device 110 to be rotated to the portrait view.

In fig. 11, the computing device 102 is illustrated without the input device 104. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the input device 104 can be separate from the computing device 102 such that the computing device 102 has functionality that is independent of the input device 104. For example, the flexible hinge 106 may use a magnetic attachment mechanism that holds the input device 104 to the computing device 102 via magnetic force. Thus, the user may grasp the computing device 102 and the input device 104, and may pull the two apart by overcoming the magnetic attraction between them.

When separate from the input device 104, the computing device 102 may provide various functionalities. For example, a user may view content, such as movies and/or streaming content, via the computing device 102. Further, the user may interact with the touchscreen functionality of the display device 110. Thus, placing stand 402 at location 1000 may enable a user to place a computing device in a portrait orientation and to view and/or interact with the computing device in this orientation.

As further illustrated in fig. 11, computing device 102 includes a hypotenuse 1104 between back face 802 and front face 1106. The angled edge 1104 is angled such that the width of the rear face 802 is narrower than the width of the front face 1106. The bracket 402 is integral to the rear surface 802 and has substantially the same width as the rear surface 802. Thus, the bracket 402 has a narrower width than the front surface 1106.

Thus, when the computing device is positioned in orientation 1100 and the stand is placed in position 1000, the computing device 102 is tilted back away from the front surface 1106 and rests on the corners 1108 of the stand 402. The corners 1108 may use some form of cushioning material in order to reduce sliding of the corners 1108 on the surface 1102 and to reduce the transfer of vibrations between the surface 1102 and the computing device 102.

Fig. 12 illustrates a view of an inner surface 1200 of the stent 402 in accordance with one or more embodiments. In this example, the stand 402 is illustrated in the context of an outline of the computing device 102.

The inner surface 1200 includes surface contacts 1202a and 1202b that function as surface contact points when the stand 402 is in the open position. The surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may be formed using a variety of types of non-slip materials and may be positioned within grooves in the inner surface 1200. For example, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may be formed of a resilient material and may be substantially dovetail-shaped such that the surface contacts may be retained within grooves in the rear surface 1200 via resilient pressure. Additionally or alternatively, the surface contacts 1202a, 1022b may be secured to the inner surface 1200 via a suitable adhesive.

The surface contacts 1202a, 1202b are positioned on the bottom edge of the stand 402 such that when the stand 402 is open and resting on a surface, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b act as an insulator between the stand 402 and the surface. For example, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may reduce the transmission of vibrations between the bracket 402 and the abutment surface. In addition, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may reduce sliding of the rack 402 on the surface. For example, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may be formed from a rubberized material that resists sliding on a variety of different surfaces. Thus, when the computing device 102 is supported by the stand 402 (e.g., in the direction 400 discussed above), the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may help stabilize the computing device 102 and reduce noise that may be caused by vibrations of the stand 402 on the surface.

Further included on inner surface 1200 are a stabilizer plate 1204a and a stabilizer plate 1204b that are positioned along a lower edge of inner surface 1200 and formed of a material (e.g., ferromagnetic) that is attracted to a magnetic field. When the stand 402 is in the closed position, the stabilizer plates 1204a, 1204b are attracted to magnets placed along abutting edges of the computing device 102. Thus, in the closed position, the magnetic force exerted by the magnets on the stabilizer plates 1204a, 1204b may help hold the lower edge of the stand 402 against the computing device 102.

The interior surface 1200 further includes peripheral hinge mounts (hinge mounts) 1206a, 1206b, which hinge mounts 1206a, 1206b function as mounting points for peripheral hinges used to attach the stand 402 to the computing device 102. Examples of peripheral hinges are discussed below. A center hinge key 1208 is also included that functions as a slidable attachment for a center hinge used between the stand 402 and the computing device 102. Examples of central hinges are discussed below.

Vibration dampers 1210a and 1210b are fastened (e.g., using a suitable adhesive) to inner surface 1200 and act to dampen vibrations of mount 402. For example, shock absorbers 1210a, 1210b may be formed from a material that absorbs and/or dissipates the vibrations of mount 402. Examples of such materials include polyurethane foam, rubber, neoprene, silicone, and the like. Accordingly, the vibration absorbers 1210a, 1210b may reduce noise caused by vibration of the stand 402, such as when the stand 402 is opened and closed.

Hinge for stent attachment

A wide variety of different hinge assemblies may be used to attach the stand to the computing device according to various embodiments. Some exemplary hinges and hinge arrangements are discussed below.

Fig. 13 illustrates an exploded rear view 1300 of the computing device 102 and the stand 402. Included in back view 1300 are peripheral hinges 1302a and 1302b that may be used to attach stand 402 to computing device 102. The peripheral hinges 1302a, 1302b are configured to be installed internally in the computing device 102, such as via suitable attachment methods and/or devices.

The stand 402 may be attached to the pivoting portion of the peripheral hinges 1302a, 1302b via the peripheral hinge mounts 1206a, 1206b discussed above with reference to fig. 12. Thus, attachment to the peripheral hinges 1302a, 1302b enables the stand 402 to pivot between various positions with reference to the computing device 102.

Further illustrated is a central hinge 1304, the central hinge 1304 also configured to be installed internally in the computing device 102, such as via suitable attachment methods and/or devices. The center hinge key 1208 of the bracket 402 may be engaged in the center hinge 1304. As explained in detail below, the central hinge 1304 may help stabilize the movement of the bracket 402 between various positions.

Peripheral hinges 1302a, 1302b and center hinge 1304 are mounted in computing device 102 such that when stand 402 is rotated on the hinges to a closed position, the hinges are not visible and stand 402 forms a smooth profile with the base of computing device 102. See, for example, the closed position illustrated and discussed with reference to fig. 8.

Also illustrated in the rear view 1300 are surface contacts 1202a, 1202 b. As discussed above, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b may stabilize the stand 402 and the computing device 102 when the stand 402 is in an open position and resting on a surface. In at least some embodiments, the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b are positioned in slots in the inner surface of the bracket 402 such that the surface contacts 1202a, 1202b are not externally visible when the bracket 402 is in the closed position.

To assist the user in opening the stand 402 from the closed position, a notch 1306 is formed in an edge of the computing device 102. For example, the groove 1306 may enable a user to insert a small portion of a finger behind the closed stand 402 and apply pressure to rotate the stand 402 to an open position. Additionally or alternatively, a groove may be formed in an edge of the bracket 402 to assist in opening the bracket 402.

Fig. 14 illustrates a partial cutaway view of the computing device 102, generally at 1400. In view 1400, stand 402 is in an open position, such as position 900 illustrated with reference to fig. 9. View 1400 includes a cross-section of peripheral hinge 1302 a. In at least some embodiments, peripheral hinge 1302b is identical in configuration, size, and/or operation to peripheral hinge 1302 a. Thus, the exemplary aspects of peripheral hinge 1302a discussed below are equally applicable to peripheral hinge 1302 b.

Included as part of the peripheral hinge 1302a is a pivot 1402, and the stand 402 is attached to the pivot 1402 via a peripheral hinge mount 1206 b. As illustrated, the peripheral hinge mount 1206b can be attached to the pivot 1402 using screws 1404. However, a wide variety of attachment techniques may be used in accordance with the claimed embodiments.

For example, in at least some embodiments, magnetic forces can be used to hold the peripheral hinge mount 1206b to the pivot 1402. For example, the peripheral hinge mount 1206b and the pivot 1402 can include a magnetic material, e.g., a magnet, a ferromagnetic material, and the like. Thus, in such embodiments, when the peripheral hinge mount 1206b is aligned with the pivot 1402, the magnetic force may removably bind the peripheral hinge mount 1206b to the pivot 1402. Magnets may thus be used in some embodiments to attach the stand 402 to hinge assemblies (e.g., peripheral hinges and central hinges) such that the stand 402 may be detached from the computing device 102. This may enable the computing device 102 to be customized in various ways, such as by replacing the stand 402 with a different stand of a different color, a different graphic, a different material, and so forth.

The pivot 1402 is movable via sliding within the channel 1406 such that the stent 402 can be rotated to various positions. Forming a lower portion of channel 1406 is a hinge sled (hinge sled) 1408 that is pivotally positioned on a sled pivot 1410. The hinge sled 1408 applies upward pressure on the pintle 1402 against the upper portion 1412 of the channel 1406 to secure the pintle 1402. Pressure from hinge sled 1408 is provided via spring 1414, which spring 1414 exerts upward pressure on the lip of hinge sled 1408.

To aid understanding, the pivot 1402 and hinge sled 1408 are also illustrated in the lower portion of fig. 14, separate from the other portions of the peripheral hinge 1302 a. Hinge sled 1408 is formed such that grooves 1416 are included on the surface of hinge sled 1408. Also, groove 1418 is formed by positioning shock absorber 1420 on hinge sled 1408. The vibration damper 1420 is formed of a material exhibiting elastic properties such as rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, soft plastic, and the like. Between the grooves 1416, 1418 are a contact portion 1422 and a contact portion 1424 on the hinge sled 1408 that correspond to the portions of the hinge sled 1408 on which the pivot 1404 can slide when transitioning between different positions for the bracket 402.

In at least some embodiments, the grooves 1416, 1418 correspond to preset positions for the pivot 1402. For example, as the pintle 1402 slides within the channel 1406, the protruding members 1424 on the pintle 1402 may become trapped in the grooves 1416, 1418 to cause the pintle 1402, and thus the bracket 402, to rest in a particular position. For example, the grooves 1416, 1418 may correspond to preset positions for the bracket 402.

In operation, the bracket 402 can be manipulated from the open position to the closed position such that the pivot 1402 slides in the channel 1406 and the protruding member 1426 slides over the contact portion 1424 until the protruding member 1426 becomes trapped in the groove 1416. Thus, the groove 1416 may correspond to a closed position for the bracket 402. The user can open the holder 402 from the closed position such that the pivot 1402 slides in the channel 1406 and the protruding member 1426 slides over the contact portion 1422 until the protruding member 1426 becomes trapped in the groove 1418. The groove 1418 may correspond to an open position, such as illustrated with reference to position 900 of fig. 9.

In this example, note that for tab 1426, contact portion 1422 has a shallower contact angle than contact portion 1424. Thus, the resistance from the hinge sled 1408 to the projection 1426 when transitioning from the closed position to the open position (e.g., from the groove 1416 to the groove 1418) may be less than the resistance when transitioning from the open position to the closed position (e.g., from the groove 1418 to the groove 1416). In at least some embodiments, this can enable a user to use less force when opening the stand 402 than when closing the stand 402. This may be particularly useful in preventing the stand 402 from being inadvertently closed when in an open position, such as when supporting the computing device 102 on a surface.

The bracket 402 may also be manipulated such that the pivot slides in the channel 1406 until the protruding member 1422 reaches the position 1428. Position 1428 may correspond to additional open positions, such as position 1000 discussed with reference to fig. 10.

Thus, the various tools of the peripheral hinge may provide a detent mechanism that enables the bracket 402 to be rotated to stop at various preset positions.

Fig. 15 illustrates the size and configuration of a peripheral hinge that enables the stand 402 to be rotated to different open positions on the peripheral hinge while conforming to the external profile of the computing device 102 when in a closed position. For example, peripheral hinge 1302a includes a center of rotation that is substantially identical to seam 902 described above with reference to FIG. 9. For example, the center of rotation may be within 10 millimeters (10mm) of the central axis of the seam 902. The seam 902 corresponds to a space between the interfacing edges of the top surface 1500 and the stand 402 and the rear surface 802 of the computing device 102. Seam 902 is outside of peripheral hinge 1302a itself and thus outside of peripheral hinge 1302a itself with respect to the center of rotation of peripheral hinge 1302 a. Thus, when the stand 402 is in the closed position, the top surface 1500 and the back surface 802 form a flat plane. Further, as the stand 402 is rotated to various open positions, the abutting edges of the top surface 1500 and the stand 402 remain in abutment such that the seam 902 remains substantially unchanged between different positions of the stand 402. For example, the width of the seam may be maintained within 5 millimeters (5mm) of variation during movement of the stent to various positions.

Fig. 16 illustrates a partial cutaway view of the computing device 102, generally at 1600. View 1600 includes a cross-sectional view of the central hinge 1304 when the bracket 402 is in the closed position. The center hinge 1304 includes a slider 1602 and a spring 1604 that exerts pressure on the rear surface of the slider 1602. Further illustrated is a central hinge key 1208 that is positioned within a channel in the slider 1602.

In operation, the slider 1602 can slide within the central hinge 1304 as the bracket 402 is moved between different positions. For example, consider the scenario illustrated in the lower portion of fig. 16, where the stand 402 is opened from a closed position. As the bracket 402 opens, the center hinge key 1208 rotates upward away from the slider 1602. For rotation of center hinge key 1208, pressure from spring 1604 causes slider 1602 to slide forward with the movement of center hinge key 1208. Thus, as the stent is opened, the slider 1602 continues to exert pressure on the center hinge key 1208. In at least some embodiments, pressure from slider 1602 on center hinge key 1208 stabilizes stent 402 at the center edge and helps prevent stent 402 from bending during movement to different positions. For example, pressure from slider 1602 on central hinge key 1208 may help keep the abutting edges of bracket 402 and top surface 1500 abutted so that seam 902 is substantially constant during movement of bracket 402. The pressure also reduces vibration and vibration-related noise, such as for the support 402 during movement of the support 402.

It should be understood that the exemplary device orientations, stand positions, hinge stop positions, etc., discussed above are presented for purposes of example. Accordingly, a wide variety of different device orientations, stand positions, hinge positions, and hinge stop positions not specifically set forth herein may be implemented within the spirit and scope of the claimed embodiments. For example, an attachment mechanism (e.g., a peripheral hinge discussed above) used to attach the stand to the computing device may include any number and/or configuration of suitable stop positions to enable the stand to be opened to a wide variety of different positions to support various orientations of the computing device. Further, the example hinge can be attached at any suitable location and/or portion of the stand and/or computing device in accordance with the claimed embodiments.

Exemplary System and device

Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary system, generally at 1700, that includes an exemplary computing device 1702, the exemplary computing device 1702 representing one or more computing systems and/or devices that can implement the various techniques described herein. The computing device 1702 may be configured, for example, to assume a mobile configuration using a housing sized and formed to be held and carried by one or both hands of a user, illustrative examples of which include mobile phones, cell phone games and music devices, and tablet computers, although other examples are also contemplated.

The exemplary computing device 1702 as illustrated includes a processing system 1704, one or more computer-readable media 1706, and one or more I/O interfaces 1708 communicatively coupled to each other. Although not shown, the computing device 1702 may further include a system bus or other data and command transfer system that couples the various components to one another. A system bus can include any one or combination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processor or local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. A variety of other examples are also contemplated, such as control and data lines.

The processing system 1704 represents functionality to perform one or more operations using hardware. Thus, the processing system 1704 is illustrated as including hardware elements 1710, which may be configured as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This may include implementation in hardware as an application specific integrated circuit or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors. The hardware elements 1710 are not limited by the materials from which they are formed or the processing mechanisms within. For example, a processor may include semiconductors and/or transistors (e.g., electronic Integrated Circuits (ICs)). In this context, processor-executable instructions may be electronically-executable instructions.

The computer-readable storage medium 1706 is illustrated as including a memory/storage device 1712. The memory/storage 1712 represents memory/storage capacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. The memory/storage component 1712 can include volatile media (such as Random Access Memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). The memory/storage component 1712 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., flash memory, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth). The computer-readable medium 1706 may be configured in a variety of other ways, as described further below.

Input/output interface 1708 represents functionality to allow a user to enter commands and information to computing device 1702 and to present information to the user and/or other components or devices using various input/output devices. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone, a scanner, touch functionality (e.g., capacitive or other sensors configured to detect physical touches), a camera (e.g., which may use visible or invisible wavelengths (such as infrared frequencies) to recognize motion such as gestures involving touches), and so forth. Examples of output devices include a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, a printer, a network card, a haptic response apparatus, and so forth. Thus, the computing device 1702 may be configured to support user interaction in a variety of ways.

Computing device 1702 is further illustrated as being communicatively and physically coupled to an input device 1714, which input device 1714 is physically and communicatively removable from computing device 1702. In this manner, a wide variety of different input devices may be coupled to computing device 1702 in a wide variety of configurations in order to support a wide variety of functionalities. In this example, input device 1714 includes one or more keys 1716, which may be configured as pressure sensitive keys, mechanically switched keys, or the like.

The input device 1714 is further illustrated as including one or more modules 1718 that may be configured to support a wide variety of functionality. The one or more modules 1718, for example, may be configured to process analog and/or digital signals received from the keys 1716 to determine whether the keys are intentional, determine whether the input indicates a resting pressure, support authentication of the input device 1714 for operation with the computing device 1702, and so forth.

Various techniques may be described herein in the general context of software, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The terms "module," "functionality," and "component" as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniques described herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniques may be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors.

Implementations of the described modules and techniques may be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media can include a variety of media that can be accessed by computing device 1702. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise "computer-readable storage media" and "computer-readable signal media".

"computer-readable storage medium" may refer to media and/or devices that enable persistent and/or non-transitory storage of information, as opposed to merely signal transmission, carrier wave, or signal per se. Accordingly, computer-readable storage media refer to non-signal bearing media. Computer-readable storage media includes hardware such as volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media and/or storage devices implemented in methods or techniques suitable for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, logic elements/circuits, or other data. Examples of computer readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical storage, hard disks, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other storage devices, tangible media, or an article of manufacture suitable for storing desired information and accessible by a computer.

"computer-readable signal medium" may refer to a signal-bearing medium configured to transmit instructions to hardware of computing device 1702, such as via a network. Signal media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, data signal or other transport mechanism. Signal media also includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

As previously described, the hardware elements 1710 and the computer-readable media 1706 represent modules in hardware, programmable device logic, and/or fixed device logic that may be used in some embodiments to implement at least some aspects of the techniques described herein, such as to execute one or more instructions. The hardware may include components of an integrated circuit or system on a chip, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and other implementations in silicon or other hardware. In this context, hardware may operate as a processing device that performs program tasks defined by instructions and/or logic embodied by the hardware and hardware utilized to store instructions for execution (e.g., the computer-readable storage media described previously).

Combinations of the foregoing may also be used to implement the various techniques described herein. Thus, software, hardware, or executable modules may be embodied as one or more instructions and/or logic embodied in some form of computer-readable storage medium and/or by one or more hardware elements 1710. The computing device 1702 may be configured to implement particular instructions and/or functions corresponding to software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly, implementations of modules executable by the computing device 1702 as software may be implemented at least in part in hardware, for example, using computer-readable storage media and/or the hardware elements 1710 of the processing system 1704. The instructions and/or functions may be executed/operated by one or more articles of manufacture (e.g., one or more computing devices 1702 and/or processing systems 1704) to implement the techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

Conclusion

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the embodiments defined in the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed features.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a stand (402) configured to be rotatably attached to a rear portion of a computing device, the computing device configured as a tablet; and

at least one hinge (1300) attaching a portion of the stand to a rear portion of the computing device, the hinge including a center of rotation outside of the hinge such that the stand conforms to a profile of the computing device when in a closed position.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the hinge includes one or more stop positions that enable the stand to be opened to one or more preset positions to support the computing device.

3. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the center of rotation substantially coincides with a seam between the computing device and an interfacing edge of the stand.

4. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the computing device is configured to be physically attached to an input device that may be placed in a plurality of orientations relative to the computing device, and wherein the stand is configured to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input may be provided to the computing device via the input device.

5. An apparatus as described in claim 1, further comprising a different hinge attached to the stand and computing device, and the hinge configured to stabilize an edge of the stand during movement of the stand.

6. A computing device, comprising:

a housing (102) configured to be communicatively coupled to an input device;

one or more modules (108) disposed within the housing and implemented at least partially in hardware to perform one or more operations; and

a stand (402) operably attached to a rear surface of the housing and configured to be opened to a plurality of open positions to support a plurality of orientations of the computing device.

7. A computer device as described in claim 6, wherein the stand is attached to the back surface of the housing via at least one hinge having an outer center of rotation such that a seam between the back surface of the housing and an abutting edge of the stand is substantially maintained when the stand is rotated to one or more of the open positions.

8. A computing device as described in claim 7, wherein the stand is attached to the back surface of the housing via at least one other hinge that exerts pressure on an edge of the stand to stabilize the edge of the stand during rotation of the stand.

9. A computing device as described in claim 6, further comprising a magnetic stabilizer mechanism that stabilizes an edge of the stand against a back surface of the computing device when the stand is in a closed position.

10. A computing device as described in claim 6, wherein the stand is configured to conform to a plurality of outer edge profiles of a rear surface of the computing device when in a closed position.