Laptop-style device with rotatable display and visible rotation arrows
A portable electronic device with a hinged display that can rotate about an axis relative to a main body so the screen can face down or face up away from the body. The hinge assembly carries opposite-direction indicators visible through a non-rotating cover window so a user can see the allowed rotation direction without powering the display. Intended users are mobile-computing or phone-device customers who reposition screens manually.
(57) What the patent covered
This write-up was generated by AI from the patent's text and may contain mistakes, so check it against the original patent before relying on it.
The independent claim required a main body, a display panel, a hinge with a rotational member that permits rotation about an axis, first and second indicators on the hinge showing rotation directions that are opposite to each other, and a non-rotating cover with an indication window flush with the top surface that reveals one of those indicators to a user.
Distinguishing feature: Providing opposing directional indicators on the hinge mechanism and showing one of them through a stationary cover window so the allowed rotation direction is visible even when the display is off.
Novelty 3/5. Rotation-capable displays and hinge stop mechanisms were common; the addition of static exposed directional markings to indicate permitted rotation without sensors or powered display was a practical improvement rather than a wholly new product class.
Manufacturing
Stamped or machined metal hinge parts assembled with fasteners or rivets; injection-molded plastic cover and window; indicators applied by pad printing or molded color; subassembly press-fit or screw-mounted to main body; final assembly by hand or automated screwline.
Materials: Injection-molded thermoplastic cover (ABS or PC), stamped or machined metal hinge components (steel or aluminum), printed or molded indicator elements (paint, pad-print, or molded color), transparent polycarbonate or acrylic window insert.
Manufacturability 4/5. Several simple metal and plastic parts with standard stamping/machining and injection-molding tooling; requires alignment of window to hinge indicators and basic assembly fixtures.
Market demand
No demand check has been run for this patent. Likely search terms: rotating laptop screen hinge indicator, flip display hinge with arrows, laptop display rotation indicator. The links in the sidebar open these searches.
Buyers: Mobile-computing users repositioning screens.
Before manufacturing
No related continuation or divisional patents in force were found. Design patents, trademarks and unrelated patents may still cover the product.
Patent has lapsed; practical issues include reliable alignment of the cover window to hinge markings and potential crowded marketplace for rotatable-display mechanisms.
This patent has reached the end of its full term and cannot be revived. This page is a research lead, not legal advice. Obtain a freedom-to-operate opinion before manufacturing.