Nokia Corporation

Jim Holtorf

Jan R Stillerman

Travis Tom

Ed Mitchell

Alexandre Hennen

Ann Marie Sullivan

Iain Pottie

Nikolaj Bestle

Michael McKay

Rhys Newman

Xiaoxi Shi

Tonia Giesecke

James Barber

Handset

The present invention provides an improved hinge design for a mobile station or other electronic device that simplifies hinge assembly and thus, provides a more cost-effective manufactured product. Moreover, the improved hinge assembly complements the aesthetic appeal of the foldable mobile station and provides less stress on various internal elements. In particular, the present invention includes a foldable mobile station or other foldable electronic device having a first functional component that is coupled to a second functional component via a bi-stable structure. The bi-stable structure functions to bias the first and second functional components in either an open or closed position.

Bi-stable hinge and systems using same

A hingeless folding mobile station. The mobile station includes at least two halves that is separate enclosures each holding a portion of the mobile station's internal components. A flexible connector connects the components housed in one section of the enclosure with the internal components housed in the other. The two halves of the mobile station are held together by a retainer such as an elastomeric band that is stretched around the outer end of each section and around a series of return points located near the inner end of each the mobile station enclosure sections. A series of grooves or extensions are formed in various locations about the mobile station in order to retain the elastomeric band in place. When in place, the elastomeric band has been stretched from its normal resting length so that a tension force is constantly applied.

Hingeless mobile station

Growing community of inventors

Camarillo, CA, United States of America

Jim Holtorf