Hinge mechanism for rotatable component attachment

摘要

A hinge mechanism for rotatable component attachment is described. In at least some implementations, the hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. For example, the hinge mechanism can be employed to rotatably attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated via the hinge mechanism to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. For example, the kickstand can be positioned to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input can be provided via an associated input device. As another example, the kickstand can be positioned to enable viewing and/or interaction with the computing device, such as in a portrait viewing orientation.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a kickstand configured to be rotatably attached to a rear portion of a computing device; and at least one hinge that attaches a portion of the kickstand to the rear portion of the computing device, the hinge being configured to be held in two or more preset open positions such that the kickstand is positionable relative to the computing device according to the two or more preset open positions, the hinge including:
a hinge ring attached to the kickstand and that is rotatable in conjunction with the kickstand;a hinge ring follower that applies pressure against the hinge ring to cause the hinge ring follower to engage in one or more notches on a surface of the hinge ring to hold the hinge ring in a preset open position of the two or more preset open positions; anda spring positioned against the hinge ring follower and that applies pressure against the hinge ring follower to cause the hinge ring follower to apply pressure against the hinge ring.