Interlocking flexible segments formed from a rigid material
US10532428B2 · kind B2 · utility
2Cited by
48References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/13
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for creating a flexible portion or bending portion within a rigid structure. The method can also be used for creating a flexible structure from a rigid material. The method includes providing a substantially rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metals, alloys, hard plastics, and the like, and selectively removing portions of the rigid material defining a geometric pattern in the rigid material. A bending radius of the flexible portion is defined by the geometric pattern. The rigid structure may be used to create an enclosure, a cover for an electronic device, one or more hinges, or the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.