Portable computing devices and laptops

Abstract

A portable computing device and a laptop computer are disclosed. The portable computing device includes: an upper housing portion; a lower housing portion pivotally connected to the upper housing portion by a hinge; a flexible band extending into the upper housing portion and into the lower housing portion, the flexible band having a top surface; and a blocking device positioned between the top surface of the flexible band and at least one of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion, wherein the flexible band is movable relative to the lower housing portion along a motion axis and the blocking device is elongated perpendicular to the motion axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to hinge assemblies for electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to liquid ingress control features for hinge assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Many consumer electronic devices have multiple housing sections. Often, electronic signals must be sent from one housing section to another housing section. An electronic device may have electronics in one housing section that receive signals from electronics in another housing section. For example, a laptop computing device may have a display mounted in a display housing section that receives signals from a timing controller mounted in another housing section. The display housing section may also be rotatable or movable relative to another housing section via a hinge. For example, many laptop computers have a display housing section that rotates around a hinge assembly to facilitate viewing of the display at various viewing angles and to allow access to user input controls located on the main housing assembly.

[0003] One challenge associated with hinged electronic device housings is routing signals safely from one housing segment to another. Some electronic devices route signal transmission mechanisms such as flexible ribbon cables around hinge mechanisms or through a central hole in a hinge's clutch assembly. However, these cables must be protected from exposure to the user and from excessive bending caused by actuation of the clutch assembly, hinge mechanism, and relative movement of other computer components. As electronic devices become smaller and thinner, the amount of space available for clutch assemblies, hinges, and cables is limited, making it more difficult to provide space for cables and properly protect them. In addition, the ingress of liquids and debris into those tight spaces increases the chances of failure and a reduced user experience. Therefore, there is a need to improve the cables and hinge assemblies of electronic devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a portable computing device. The device may include: an upper housing portion; a lower housing portion pivotally connected to the upper housing portion by a hinge; a flexible band extending to the upper housing portion and extending into the lower housing portion, wherein the flexible band has a top surface; and a barrier device positioned between the top surface of the flexible band and at least one of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion.

[0005] In some embodiments, the barrier device may comprise a foam material or a hydrophobic material. The barrier device may be attached to the flexible band. The flexible band may be movable along a motion axis relative to the lower housing portion, wherein the barrier device is elongated perpendicular to the motion axis. The barrier device may be slidable against a surface of at least one of the flexible band, the upper housing portion, and the lower housing portion. The barrier device may also extend across a transverse width dimension of the flexible band.

[0006] In some embodiments, a cable is positioned between the hinge and the flexible band, wherein the cable connects a first electronic component in the upper housing portion to a second electronic component in the lower housing portion. The barrier may extend across a lateral width dimension of the cable.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a portable computing device comprising: a cover housing; a base housing pivotally connected to the cover housing, wherein the base housing has a downward facing surface and wherein the downward facing surface has a transition edge; and a flexible band extending into the base housing and into the cover housing, wherein the flexible band has an upward facing surface. The upward facing surface may include a first portion contacting the transition edge and a second portion spaced apart from the downward facing surface.

[0008] The upward facing surface may be capable of sliding against the transition edge. The downward facing surface may include a channel, wherein the second portion is vertically aligned with the channel. The downward facing surface may include a protrusion, wherein the transition edge is positioned on the protrusion. The transition edge may be raised relative to a groove in the downward facing surface. The downward facing surface may include a first angled surface portion and a second angled surface portion, wherein each of the first angled surface portion and the second angled surface portion abuts the transition edge. The first portion and the second portion may be laterally aligned on the flexible strip relative to a longitudinal axis of the flexible strip.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a laptop computer, the laptop computer comprising: a lid housing; a base housing pivotally connected to the lid housing, wherein the base housing has an inner surface and wherein the inner surface has a bottom surface and two adjacent side surfaces; a flexible band extending into the base housing, and the flexible band has a longitudinal axis and a top surface facing the inner surface. The top surface of the flexible band and the bottom surface and the two adjacent side surfaces of the base housing may form a perimeter of an aperture, the perimeter extending parallel to the longitudinal axis across the top surface of the flexible band.

[0010] The perimeter of the orifice may be formed in a channel in the inner surface. The orifice may also be configured to receive a fluid flow traveling parallel to the longitudinal axis on the flexible strip. A hydrophobic material may be positioned on the inner surface of the base housing or on the top surface of the flexible strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An isometric view of a computing device is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a hinge area of ​​a closed computing device.

[0014] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 The section line 2-2 in Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a hinge area of ​​the computing device with the computing device in an open configuration.

[0015] Figure 4 A top view of a flexible cable cover and barrier is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a hinge area of ​​another embodiment of a computing device is shown.

[0017] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of a hinge area of ​​another embodiment of a computing device is shown.

[0018] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device.

[0019] Fig. 7A Shown along Figure 7 The section line 7A-7A in Figure 7 Front cross-sectional view of the device.

[0020] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A perspective view of the downward facing surface of the housing of the device.

[0021] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device.

[0022] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A perspective view of the downward facing surface of the housing of the device.

[0023] Fig.11 Shows Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device.

[0024] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 A perspective view of the downward facing surface of the housing of the device.

[0025] Fig.13 Shows Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device.

[0026] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 A perspective view of the downward facing surface of the housing of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, these descriptions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0028] A hinged electronic device may have one or more cables connecting parts of the device through a hinge or across its hinge. In a particular embodiment, the cable comprises a flexible cable and / or a flexible printed circuit board adapted to transmit electrical signals between parts of the electronic device connected by the hinge. In the case of a portable computing device (e.g., a laptop or notebook computer), a portion of the electronic device may correspond to a cover portion having a display, and another portion may correspond to a base portion including an electronic device that communicates with the display via a cable. The cable may be routed through the hinge area to transmit electrical signals between components within the cover portion and the base portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cable is pulled on a section of the cover portion referred to as a mandrel or mandrel portion. The mandrel can be configured to guide the path of the cable and protect the cable from bending beyond a specified angle when the cover portion and the base portion of the computer are pivoted relative to each other. The mandrel has a curved surface to provide smooth movement of the cable and limit cable bending. The surface can be referred to as a mandrel surface or a cable contact surface. In some embodiments, the mandrel surface has a constant radius (as measured from the pivot axis) against which the cable is pulled.

[0030] In other embodiments, the cover is pulled over the cable to prevent the cable from being directly exposed to the user of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the cover can be a flexible sheet or strip. Therefore, the cover can be referred to as a flexible strip.

[0031] The cover may have specific physical properties, such as a certain rigidity and resilience that allows the prescribed movement of the cover and cable when the electronic device moves between the open position and the closed position. The cover may also have sufficient durability to withstand wear during the service life of the electronic device. The cover may include multiple material layers to achieve these and other desired physical properties, such as resistance to fluid absorption, ingress or collection of dry substances. The rigidity of the cover may allow the lid portion to drive the cover into a cavity defined by the base portion of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the cover may be visible to a user of the electronic device.

[0032] The cable can be coupled to the electronic components in the base part of the electronic device. The cable can be attached to an electronic device such as an integrated circuit or a printed circuit board, which has a timing control suitable for driving a display assembly. The cable can be circumferentially wired around the support member located in the base part in a winding configuration. The clip located on the guide member can fix the cable, isolate one or more sections of the cable attached to the electronic component, and prevent the partial movement of the cable when the cover part rotates relative to the base part. The other end of the cable can be coupled to the electronic components in the cover part, such as a display assembly. In some embodiments, the electronic components in the cover part can be a touch screen panel (e.g., a capacitive or resistive touch screen display), a camera, a light source, an antenna or another type of electronic components, and the cable can be configured to provide electrical communication between the components of the base part and the components of the cover part. Therefore, the electronic components in the cover part do not necessarily need to be a display, and the cable can carry a signal different from or in addition to the display drive signal.

[0033] The spindle can be part of a hinge mechanism and can include a cylindrical shaft, a tubular shaft, a pivot and / or a rotating mechanism or a sliding mechanism. In some devices, when the electronic device is in use, such as when the cable is wrapped against the curved surface or otherwise moved into contact with the curved surface, the cable and the spindle's curved surface are in close proximity. Portions of the spindle can be positioned transverse to the curved surface, such as portions positioned at different points along the pivot axis of the electronic device, and they may not be in contact with, or covered by, the flexible cable or the cover.

[0034] The device may also have an opening or gap between the cover portion and the base portion of the housing. When the device is opened, such as when the cover portion is rotated to a generally vertical orientation (relative to a generally horizontal orientation of the base portion), the opening or gap may be exposed to the user. The opening or gap may be positioned above the top of the spindle, cable, and cover. In some cases, debris or liquid may contact the cover, spindle, or cable in the area of ​​the opening or gap. For example, liquid or other invasive materials (e.g., fine dust, gel, and the like) that overflow into the opening or gap area may adhere to the cover and pass between the cover and at least one of the cover or base portion of the housing.

[0035] Liquids in these parts of the device can cause electrical problems, can prevent smooth sliding movement of the cover along the base portion or lid portion of the housing, and can cause visual anomalies. Fluids, gels, and related substances that have penetrated into the base housing or on the cover can deposit or accumulate sticky or caked residues that can cause the movable parts at the hinge area to adhere to each other or to the housing in a manner that blocks or limits relative movement between the parts. These problems can cause the cover to tear, bunch, rub, or wrinkle when the hinge is operated, potentially exposing cables under the cover to damage or prevent the cover from moving properly relative to the housing.

[0036] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the ingress of liquid or accumulation of residual material in the hinge area of ​​an electronic device and on the top of a cover of a cable. In some embodiments, a foam barrier can be positioned between the cover and the base portion of the housing to keep water away from the cover and other components within the base portion, and can be used as a wiping feature structure that is configured to thin the fluid material that still enters the base portion. Channels or protrusions can be added to the surface of the base portion of the housing to reduce the contact surface area between the cover and the housing, thereby reducing the amount of area affected by the sticky material on the cover or housing, or guiding or directing the fluid on the cover to enter a designated transfer area or leave the housing. A coating or layer of hydrophobic material can be positioned on the cover or housing to facilitate liquid dispersion and protect the cable. In some embodiments, the cover can be modified to reduce the surface area of ​​the cover that contacts the housing, such as by implementing a cover with a narrow width or by using a cover with a gradually changing width across the area that is configured to contact the base portion of the housing.

[0037] In the description herein, the terms "first portion," "display portion," and "upper housing portion" may refer to a cover portion of a computing device. Typically, the cover portion of a computing device is configured to be in a generally upright position so that a user can view the display while the device is being operated. In the description below, the terms "second portion," "base portion," and "lower housing portion" may refer to a base of a computing device that is connected to the cover portion, and typically includes a connection to a device for a user to interact with the computing device. Additionally, in the description below, the term "lower housing portion" may be interchangeable with "main housing." As used herein, parts of a device (or portions of those parts) may be considered to be "vertically aligned" when they are all located on a common vertical axis, and may be considered to be "directly vertically aligned" when they are all centered about the vertical axis.

[0038] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0039] Figure 1 A forward-facing perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to some of the embodiments is shown. The electronic device 100 may be a laptop computer, a notebook computer, or other similar portable computing device. The electronic device 100 may include a housing having a base portion 102, which may be pivotally connected to a cover portion 104 by a hinge assembly in a hinge area 106. The cover portion 104 and the base portion 102 may be referred to as different sections or portions of the housing of the electronic device 100. By means of the hinge assembly in the hinge area 106, the cover portion 104 may be pivoted from a closed position relative to the base portion 102 to remain in an open position and return again. In the closed position, the cover portion 104 may be substantially positioned on the top of the top shell 114 of the base portion 102 and approximately parallel to the top shell.

[0040] The lid portion 104 may include a display 108 and a rear housing or cover 110. The base portion 102 may include a bottom housing 112 attached to (e.g., fastened to) a top housing 114. The top housing 114 may be configured to accommodate various user input devices, such as a keyboard 116 and a trackpad 118, which may be configured to receive finger gesture inputs from a user. The base portion 102 and the lid portion 104 may each define an interior chamber or cavity that accommodates the internal components of the electronic device 100. Thus, the lid portion 104 and the base portion 102 may serve as housings for the internal components. Cables such as flex cables (see Figures 2 to 3) can electrically couple the internal components within the base portion 102 and the cover portion 104. The cable can provide communication between the internal components within the base portion 102 and the cover portion 104 and / or provide power to the internal components within the base portion 102 and / or the cover portion 104.

[0041] Cable assemblies that can be used in conjunction with articulated electronic devices such as electronic device 100 are described herein. The cable assembly can include one or more covers that protect and guide the cables during movement of the articulated electronic device. In some embodiments, the cover is visible to a user of the electronic device when the device is operated (e.g., when the device is in an open configuration). For example, when the electronic device 100 is in an open configuration, the cover can be visible at the hinge region 106 of the device.

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a hinged electronic device 200 is shown. Figure 1 The section line 2-2 in FIG. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the electronic device 200 is shown in a closed state, and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electronic device 200 in an open state is shown. The electronic device 200 includes a first portion 202 (i.e., a first housing portion) coupled to a second portion 204 (i.e., a second housing portion). The first portion 202 may correspond to a cover portion (or a display portion or an upper housing portion), and the second portion 204 may correspond to a base portion (or a lower housing portion) of the electronic device 200.

[0043] The first portion 202 and the second portion 204 can share a common axis of rotation relative to a pivot line or pivot axis 206. The first portion 202 and the second portion 204 can be pivotally coupled to each other by a suitable hinge mechanism. For example, the hinge mechanism may include one or more clutch mechanisms that provide a predetermined resistance to the opening and closing forces applied by the user and the weight of the portions 202, 204 of the electronic device 200. The exact hinge mechanism may vary depending on design requirements. The general area around the pivot axis 206 can be referred to as the hinge area 201 of the electronic device 200.

[0044] The electronic device 200 may include a cable 210 to provide electrical communication between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. For example, the cable 210 may provide an electrical connection between the electronic components 211 of the first portion 202 and the electronic components 212 of the second portion 204. The electronic components 211 may be in electrical communication with a display assembly 230 mounted to a first housing 231. The display assembly 230 may include any suitable type of display for use in the electronic device 200, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and / or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) screen. The first housing 231 and its attached or internal components (e.g., the display assembly 230 and the spindle 218) may be referred to as a first housing assembly.

[0045] The electronic component 212 may include an integrated circuit (IC) and / or a printed circuit board (PCB), and may include a timing control mechanism configured to drive the display assembly 230. The electronic component 212 is housed in a cavity 208 defined at least in part by a second housing 205 having a front wall 234. In some embodiments, the cable 210 provides power to the display assembly 230 from a battery or other power source (not shown) within the second housing 205. The second housing 205 and its attached components (e.g., the electronic component 212 or battery) may be referred to as a second housing assembly. The first housing assembly and the second housing assembly are movably connected to each other at the hinge area 201. The cable 210 may be connected to the electronic component 212 at a connection point 213 and may be wrapped around an internal support structure 214 within the cavity 208 of the second housing 205. The clip 216 may be used to prevent a portion of the cable 210 from being out of contact with the surface of the support structure 214, thereby limiting stress at the connection point 213.

[0046] The cable 210 can be any suitable type of cable, including a flexible cable, a flexible printed circuit board, or any suitable mechanism for transmitting electrical signals between the portions 202 and 204. In some embodiments, the cable 210 is a ribbon single-layer flexible cable, however, a multi-layer flexible cable can be used. The single-layer flexible cable 210 can be used to reduce the stacking height (i.e., vertical thickness) of the cable 210 and improve its flexibility. The electronic device 200 can include any suitable number of cables 210. In a specific embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes two cables 210 spaced laterally apart along the pivot axis 206.

[0047] The cable 210 can be routed directly between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 without passing through the clutch mechanism and without passing through the pivot axis 206. When the user opens the device 200, the cable 210 and the cover 222 can both be positioned on the user side of the pivot axis 206 (i.e., Figures 2 to 3Thus, a number of mechanisms may be used to guide the movement of the cable 210 as the first portion 202 pivots relative to the second portion 204. For example, the hinge region 201 may include a spindle 218 that may be in the form of a cylindrical portion of the first portion 202 extending along the pivot axis 206.

[0048] When the electronic device 200 Figure 2 The closed state in moves to Figure 3 In the open state in the embodiment of the present invention, the cable 210 is pulled on the curved surface 242 of the mandrel 218 to prevent the cable 210 from buckling or folding. The curved surface may be referred to as a mandrel surface, a cable support surface, a cable contact surface, a cable facing surface, an external hinge surface, a cable bend limiting surface, or a curved mandrel surface. Figure 3 As shown, when the electronic device 200 is rotated to the open configuration, a portion of the cable 210 can assume a curved shape with a curvature similar to the curved surface of the mandrel 218.

[0049] The curved surface of the mandrel 218 can have a radius defined relative to the pivot axis 206 (i.e., the axis of rotation of the hinge area 201). The radius can be constant for the curved surface when the cable 210 contacts the mandrel 218. In some embodiments, the surface of the mandrel 218 is segmented to correspond to the segments of the flexible cable 210.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 , when the electronic device 200 is in the open state, a cover 222 (e.g., a flexible strip) can be used to hide and protect the top side of the cable 210 between the parts 202, 204 at the upper opening or gap 221 between the parts 202, 204 in the hinge area 201. The surface of the cable 210 that contacts the cover 222 can be referred to as a cover-facing surface, a top surface, a user-exposed surface, or a user-facing surface. This surface is positioned on the cable 210, opposite to the mandrel-facing surface of the cable 210.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 222 can be flexible and thus can assume a curved shape around the mandrel 218 like the cable 210 when the electronic device 200 is rotated to the open configuration. The cover 222 may include a top surface or an upwardly facing surface 224, a first end 222a, and a second end 222b. The first end 222a can be fixed within the first portion 202 and fixed in position relative to the first portion 202 by an anchor 209. When the cover 222 is wrapped around the cable 210 and the mandrel 218, the second end 222b can be able to move relative to the second portion 204.

[0052] Figure 42 is a partial top view of the cover 222 shown separated from the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. The second end 222b of the cover 222 is movable relative to the second portion 204 of the device 200, as shown by comparing Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second end portion 222b may be attached to a biasing mechanism configured to apply a pulling force to the second end portion 222b in a longitudinal direction (ie, along the longitudinal axis 400). Figures 5 and 6 Biasing mechanism 540 or 640.

[0053] The top surface 224 may face the downwardly facing surface or inner surface 225 of the second housing 205 of the second portion 204. Invasive materials such as liquids and fine debris that fall onto the cover 222 at the gap 221 and pass between the downwardly facing surface 225 of the second housing 205 and the top surface 224 of the cover 222 may penetrate into the cavity 208 and damage or interfere with the operation or movement of the cover 222, the cable 210, the electronic component 212, and other sensitive parts in or on the second portion 204. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least one barrier 207, 226 (i.e., a barrier device, wall, or blocking portion) may be provided between the cover 222 and the downwardly facing surface 225 so as to define and limit the size of any opening through which liquids or fine debris may pass between the cover 222 and the downwardly facing surface 225. The barriers 207, 226 can also be used to wipe or sweep the top surface 224 or the downwardly facing surface 225 when liquid or fine debris collects on either surface 224, 225. In some embodiments, the barriers 207, 226 can thin, redirect or spread liquid or other debris that comes into contact with the cover 222 and the barriers 207, 226.

[0054] For example, the barrier 207 can be attached to the top surface 224 and can move relative to the downward facing surface 225 together with the second end 222b of the cover 222 when contacting the downward facing surface 225. Therefore, when the barrier 207 slides along the downward facing surface 225, any droplets, dust or other intrusive materials on the downward facing surface 225 can be wiped or swept away from the downward facing surface 225 by the barrier. When in contact with the barrier 207, any intrusive materials on the top surface 224 can also be prevented from moving past the second end 222b. Wiping or sweeping material between the top surface 224 and the downward facing surface 225 can drive the material out of the second portion 204 and through the gap 221 (see Figure 3 ), especially when the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are between the closed position and the open position (i.e., Figure 2 and Figure 3Thus, implementing barrier 207 can help reduce the amount of contaminants that enter or remain in cavity 208. Barrier 207 can be referred to as a barrier mounted on a cover or a blocking member mounted on a cover.

[0055] The barrier 226 can be attached to the downward facing surface 225 while contacting the top surface 224. Thus, when the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 cycle between the closed position and the open position as the barrier 226 slides in contact with the top surface 224, the barrier 226 can also be used to wipe or sweep material from the top surface 224. The barrier 226 can also help block material from entering the cavity 208 through the gap 221 by reducing the size of the opening between the downward facing surface 225 and the top surface 224. The positioning of the barrier 226 proximate to the gap 221 can thus help limit the amount of debris or liquid that can pass between the top surface 224 and the downward facing surface 225 at the gap 221. The barrier 226 can be referred to as a barrier mounted on the housing or a blocking member mounted on the housing.

[0056] Barriers 207, 226 may be used simultaneously or independently on electronic device 200. Thus, in some cases, electronic device 200 includes a single barrier 207 or 226, and in some cases, both barriers 207, 226 are used. In some embodiments, the relative positioning of barriers 207, 226 may be reversed, with barrier 226 positioned further within cavity 208 relative to gap 221 than barrier 207.

[0057] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the top surface 224 can be separated from and not contact the entire downward facing surface 225 by the barriers 207, 226. In some embodiments, a portion of the top surface 224 contacts the downward facing surface 225, and a portion of the top surface 224 is separated from the downward facing surface 225. In this case, the portion separated from the downward facing surface 225 can be adjacent to and abut the barriers 207, 226. Spacing the top surface 224 from the downward facing surface 225 can help reduce friction between the surfaces 224, 225, and can reduce adhesion between the surfaces 224, 225, especially in the case where sticky materials move between the surfaces 224, 225 (e.g., sugary beverages or dried sticky residues thereof).

[0058] The barriers 207, 226 may include a hydrophobic material. The materials used in the barriers 207, 226 may include polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), adhesive materials configured to attach the barriers 207, 226 to the surfaces 224, 225, compressible materials such as foams, rubbers, or elastic polymers configured to elastically deform in response to contact with the surfaces 224, 225 or debris between the surfaces. The use of elastic materials can help ensure constant contact between the barriers 207, 226 and the surfaces 224, 225.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 222 may include a first end 222a having a first width W1 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400 and a second end 222b having a second width W2 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400, wherein the second width is less than the first width. The longitudinal axis 400 may be a movement axis of the cover 222, wherein the cover 222 may move relative to the second portion 204 along the longitudinal axis 400, such as Figures 2 to 3 shown.

[0060] The first end 222a of the cover 222 may have an enlarged width relative to the width of the second end 222b. The second end 222b may be held by a reel or other biasing mechanism positioned in the second portion 204, and the reduced width W2 may correspond to the width of the biasing mechanism, while the width W1 corresponds to the width of the cable 210 measured transversely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400. Thus, the width W1 may cover the entire width of the cable 210, where the cover 222 contacts the cable 210, and the width W2 may cover less than the entire width of the cable 210. The cover 222 may be elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis 400, and the barrier 207 or 226 may be elongated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 400. The barrier 207 or 226 may have an elongated width greater than the maximum transverse width (e.g., W1) of the cover 222, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cover 222 transitions between the width W1 and the width W2 at a transition portion 402 of the cover 222. The transition portion 402 may have a transition surface 404 positioned between the parallel sides 406, 408 of the cover 222. The transition surface 404 may be oriented at an angle 410 between about 50 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 400. In some embodiments, the cover 222 transitions between widths at a transition portion 402 having a transition surface 404-a oriented at an angle 412 between about 5 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 400. Thus, the length of the transition surface 404-a is greater than the length of the transition surface 404, and the transition between the widths W1, W2 occurs over a greater longitudinal length of the cover 222. In addition, the surface area of ​​the transition portion 402 having the transition surface 404-a is less than the surface area of ​​the transition portion 402 having the transition surface 404. The reduced surface area can reduce the likelihood of material being trapped between the cover 222 and the cable 210 at the transition portion 402, so the cover 222 is less likely to adhere to, bond with, or abrade against the cable 210. Additionally, using a cover 222 with a reduced surface area can allow debris to have more space between the cable 210 and the downwardly facing surface 225 if it passes through the cover 222, thereby limiting stress on the cable 210 that would otherwise be applied to the cable 210 if the cover 222 had a larger surface area.

[0062] The transition surface 404-a can extend along a length of the cover 222 that remains covered by the second housing 205 (i.e., not exposed to the gap 221) when the electronic device 200 is in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the end 414 of the transition surface 404-a closest to the first end 222a can be vertically positioned above and vertically aligned with a portion of the mandrel 218, can be vertically positioned above and vertically aligned with the blocking member 220 of the second portion 204, or when the electronic device 200 is in the open configuration, vertically positioned below and vertically aligned with the barrier 226. When the electronic device 200 is in the open configuration, the transition portion 402 of the cover 222 can remain in a linear and relatively straight non-bent configuration. In this way, when the device 200 is opened, the narrowed width at the end 414 of the transition surface 404-a does not expose the cable 210.

[0063] In some embodiments, the amount that the cover 222 bends can be inversely related to the angle between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. In some examples, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can impart a greater amount of bend (in a single direction) on the cover 222 when the first portion 202 pivots relative to the second portion 204 at an angle less than 90 degrees than when the angle of pivoting between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 is greater than 90 degrees. In other words, as the angle between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 decreases, and the electronic device 200 becomes closer to being characterized as having a closed configuration, the amount that the cover 222 retracts to the second portion 204 can increase. In some embodiments, the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 can pivot relative to each other according to an angle between about 0 degrees and about 200 degrees.

[0064] In some embodiments, a section of the cover 222 is mechanically captured by the second portion 204 (e.g., using Figure 5 In some embodiments, a segment of the cover 222 is mechanically captured by the first portion 202 (e.g., using the anchor 209). "Mechanically captured" can refer to enclosing or containing the segment of the cover 222 by at least one of a housing, a tensioning mechanism, a hook, or a castellation of either the first portion 202 or the second portion 204 in a manner that prevents the segment of the cover 222 from being fully retracted or separated from the features that mechanically captured it.

[0065] The first end 222a of the cover 222 can be positioned within the first portion 202 of the electronic device 200, and the second end 222b of the cover 222 can be positioned within the second portion 204 of the electronic device. Because the cover 222 may be exposed, the cover can be made of a sufficiently durable material to withstand the wear and tear that may be directly exposed to the user. For example, the cover 222 may encounter objects inserted or dropped into the gap 221 at the hinge area 201. The cover 222 can also be flexible enough to bend with the cable 210 when the electronic device 200 is converted between the open state and the closed state. The cover 222 and the mandrel 218 can be designed to have a specific aesthetic appearance, such as each having the same or different colors, or each having the same or different surface finishes.

[0066] In addition, the material used for the cover 222 can affect how the cover 222 moves during the opening and closing of the electronic device 200. For example, the cover 222 can have inherent rigidity and resilience when the cover 222 moves during the opening and closing of the electronic device 200. Figure 2 ) position to open ( Figure 3 ) position, the rigidity and resilience create resistance when the electronic device 200 is bent on the mandrel 218. Figure 2 ) position, the resistance can cause the cover 222 to return to its original shape. In this way, the cover 222 will not wrinkle or buckle at the hinge area 201. If the cover 222 is made of a material that is not rigid enough, it will wrinkle or wrinkle at the hinge area 201.

[0067] The rigidity of the cover 222 may also at least partially determine the movement of the cable 210. For example, the side of the cover 222 exposed to the user may be constrained by the anchor 209 near the first end 222a and by the barrier 207 near the second end 222b. The anchor 209 and the barrier 207 may serve as retention features that keep the cover 222 from shifting and hold the cover 222 on the cable 210 when the electronic device 200 is rotated between the closed position and the open position.

[0068] In some embodiments, the anchor 209 is made of a rigid material such as a metallic material (e.g., steel). The first end 222a can be coupled to the anchor 209 using, for example, an adhesive and / or a fastener such as one or more screws. In some embodiments, the barrier 207 and the barrier 226 can include a low friction material, such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene or TEFLON(TM)), which enables the cover 222 to slide freely during opening and closing the electronic device 200. In other words, the second end 222b can be unconstrained and free to move relative to the cable 210 and the barrier 226. Therefore, the second end 222b can slide freely within the second housing 205 along the top surface 224 of the cable 210 and is not bonded to the housing 205. The barrier 207 can be in contact with the lip 228 of the barrier 226 at the inner surface of the cavity 208 (see Figure 2 ) to retain the second end 222b within the cavity 208. The lip 228 can be an integrally formed part of the second housing 205, or it can be a separate piece coupled to the inner surface of the cavity 208, such as a portion of the surface of the barrier 226.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 has a ventilation gap 227 adapted to provide air flow in and out of the cavity 208 and cool the electronic components 212 and other components contained in the cavity 208. The ventilation gap 227 is positioned near the hinge area 201 between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 of the electronic device 200. Depending on cooling requirements, the ventilation gap 227 can be of a size large enough to allow access to components within the cavity 208, including the cable 210, when the electronic device 200 is in a closed position. A blocking member 220 (i.e., a vent wall or housing barrier) can be used to limit access to the cavity 208. The blocking member 220 can be an integral part of the second housing 205, or a separate piece coupled to the second housing 205 as part of the second portion 204. In some embodiments, the blocking member 220 is coupled to an inner surface within the cavity 208 near the ventilation gap 227. The blocking member 220 can have a configuration such as a through hole or a small hole to allow further ventilation of the cavity 208.

[0070] As shown, the cable 210 and cover 222 can be routed between the barrier member 220 and the lip 228 when the cable 210 and cover 222 exit the second housing 205. In some embodiments, the barriers 207, 226 can be configured to sweep or wipe liquid or other fine debris from the top surface 224 of the cover 222 or the downwardly facing surface 225 of the second housing 205 laterally relative to the cover 222 or the cable 210 and toward or through the vent gap 227.

[0071] The cover 222 can be made of a material that is flexible enough to allow the cover 222 to bend over the cable 210 and the mandrel 218 during opening of the electronic device 200. The cover 222 can also be sufficiently rigid and resilient to provide resistance to bending so that when the electronic device 200 is closed again, the cover 222 returns to its original configuration. For example, when the electronic device 200 is returned to a closed state (such as Figure 2 221 and the barrier 207 can return to a substantially flat shape. In some embodiments, the cover 222 is non-conductive to prevent the cover 222 from electrically interfering with internal components of the electronic device 200. In some embodiments, the cover 222 is made of a single piece of material such as a composite fiber material. For example, the cover 222 can be made of a single piece of glass and / or carbon fiber material embedded in or impregnated with a polymer such as polyurethane. In some embodiments, the cover 222 is a laminate comprising layers of different materials. In some embodiments, the cover 222 is a laminate comprising multiple layers of the same material.

[0072] Figure 5A side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device 500 is shown, wherein a first housing portion 502 is connected to a second housing portion 504 at a hinge portion 501. Elements of electronic devices 200, 500 with similar names and numbers are configured to perform similar functions. A cable 510 can connect electronic components 511, 512, and a cover 522 can be positioned at the hinge portion 501 above the cable 510 and within the second housing portion 504. The second housing portion 504 can include a downwardly facing inner surface 525, which faces the top or upwardly facing surface 524 of the cover 522. The top surface 524 and the downwardly facing surface 525 can each include portions 527, 529 thereof, each of which includes a hydrophobic material or a hydrophobic layer.

[0073] The hydrophobic portion 527 of the downward facing surface 525 can be positioned at the opening between the downward facing surface 525 and the mandrel 518. In other words, the portion 527 can face the mandrel 518 and can be positioned to be vertically aligned with the mandrel 518. The edge of the portion 527 can abut the vertically oriented surface of the second housing 505 at the opening. The hydrophobic portion 527 can be positioned completely above the mandrel 518 and vertically aligned with it. The portion 527 can be positioned above the rearmost portion of the cover 522 below the second portion 504, wherein when the electronic device 500 is in the open configuration (i.e., pointing toward the mandrel 518), the cover 522 can be positioned above the rearmost portion of the cover 522 below the second portion 504. Figure 5 ), the rear direction extends behind the first portion 502, or wherein the rear direction extends away from the biasing mechanism 540 connected to the cover 522 and toward the hinge portion 501. The hydrophobic portion 527 may face or contact the hydrophobic portion 529 of the cover 522.

[0074] The cover 522 and the cable 510 can extend through the opening between the mandrel 518 and the downwardly facing surface 525. Because the hydrophobic portion 527 is positioned at the opening, the hydrophobic portion can limit, repel or inhibit liquid at the opening and prevent liquid from passing between the top surface 524 and the downwardly facing surface 525. Similarly, the hydrophobic portion 529 of the cover 522 can limit, repel or inhibit liquid at the opening and on the top surface 524 of the cover 522. In some embodiments, the liquid can be redirected away from the opening between the surfaces 524, 525, such as by being redirected laterally (i.e., parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge portion 501) on the electronic device 500. In some embodiments, the liquid can be collected in a section of the hinge portion 501 that is visible to the user during normal operation of the electronic device 500, so that the user can conveniently observe and remove unwanted invasive materials.

[0075] The biasing mechanism 540 may include a biasing member (e.g., a coil spring or similar retractor) configured to apply a biasing force to the cover 522 that pulls the cover 522 toward the biasing mechanism 540. The biasing force may be overcome when the electronic device 500 is opened, and the biasing force may ensure that the cover 522 is retracted into the second portion 504 when the electronic device 500 is closed.

[0076] When the electronic device 500 transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the fluid on the top surface 524 of the cover 522 may move from the top surface 524 before passing under the hydrophobic portion 527 of the downward-facing surface 525. The hydrophobic portions 527, 529 may include low surface tension and low friction materials so that the fluid is prevented from remaining on the cover 522 when the cover 522 is retracted into the second portion 504. In addition, the hydrophobic portions 527, 529 may be configured to contact each other when the cover 522 is retracted, thereby reducing the available space for fluid or debris to pass between the downward-facing surface 525 and the top surface 524. The hydrophobic portions 527, 529 may include a material with low friction, such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene). In some embodiments, the hydrophobic portions 527, 529 may include rubber or a material with low friction surface properties.

[0077] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device 600 is shown, wherein a first housing portion 602 is connected to a second housing portion 604 at a hinge portion 601. Elements of electronic devices 200, 500, and 600 with similar names and numbers are configured to perform similar functions. A cable 610 can connect electronic components 611, 612, and a cover 622 can be positioned at the hinge portion 601 above the cable 610 and within the second housing portion 604. The second housing portion 604 can include a downwardly facing inner surface 625 that faces a top or upwardly facing surface 624 of the cover 622.

[0078] The downwardly facing surface 625 may include a region 630 within which the surface 625 contacts the top surface 624 of the cover 622 . Figures 7 to 14 Various different embodiments of downward facing surface 625 at region 630 are shown.

[0079] like Figure 7 , Fig. 7A and Figure 8 As shown, the region 630 may include a first angled portion 700 and a second angled portion 702, wherein the first angled portion 700 and the second angled portion 702 are oriented at different angles relative to the vertical direction. Figure 7In the example shown, the first angled portion 700 is offset about 80 degrees from the vertical direction, and the second angled portion 702 is offset about 90 degrees from the vertical direction. Thus, a transition portion 704 is formed where the first angled portion 700 and the second angled portion 702 intersect. The transition portion can be a local minimum formed by the first angled portion 700 and the second angled portion 702, and can be referred to as an inclined transition section or raised / elevated edge of the downwardly facing surface 625 adjacent to and between the first angled portion 700 and the second angled portion 702.

[0080] exist Figures 7 and 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the transition portion 704 of the downward facing surface 625 includes a set of protrusions 706 extending downwardly from the first angled portion 700 and the second angled portion 702 of the downward facing surface 625. The protrusions 706 can extend downwardly from the first angled portion 700 and the second angled portion 702, and can at least partially separate the angled portions from contacting the cover 622, such as Figure 7 Thus, cover 622 may have a first portion of top surface 624 positioned not in contact with downwardly facing surface 625 and a second portion of top surface 624 positioned in contact with downwardly facing surface 625 (at transition portion 704 ).

[0081] The protrusion 706 may be a local minimum or transition edge of the downwardly facing surface 625. As used herein, a "transition edge" may include a sharp, well-defined edge (such as defined edge 906 (see Figures 9 and 10 and their description below)), or it may include a localized deflection surface having a lower curvature of the downward facing surface 625 at a transition portion 704, where the slope of the two surface portions (e.g., 700, 702) changes, such as a rounded bottom surface of a protrusion 706. A "raised edge" may include an edge or shape of the downward facing surface 625 that is locally protruding or raised in a direction perpendicular to the average plane of its adjacent side surface.

[0082] The protrusion 706 can have a smoothly curved bottom surface (e.g., 708) that contacts the cover 622 so as to reduce pressure and friction against the cover 622. Spacing the cover 622 from the downward facing surface 625 can reduce the surface area of ​​the top surface 624 in contact with the downward facing surface 625, which can reduce friction and the likelihood that liquids and other invasive materials will be positioned in contact therewith and potentially adhere, stick, or otherwise increase friction between the two surfaces 624, 625. Thus, the protrusion 706 can reduce sticking or adhesion between the surfaces 624 and 625.

[0083] A set of multiple protrusions 706 can be spaced apart laterally (i.e., in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (i.e., 206)) to form gaps 710 or channels between the protrusions 706. Thus, the gaps 710 can have a top surface that is spaced apart from the cover 622. In this way, the gaps 710 can be channels through which liquid or debris can pass from a location below the first angled portion 700 to a location below the second angled portion 702, which is relative to the opening (e.g., 221) of the device through the protrusions 706.

[0084] The gap 710 can be vertically aligned with a first portion of the cover 622, and the protrusion 706 can be vertically aligned with a second portion of the cover 622, the second portion being laterally adjacent to the first portion (i.e., adjacent along the pivot axis 206). The electronic device 600 can also include features for removing the passing liquid or debris from a position that would interfere with the operation of the cover 622 or the cable 610. Including the gap 710 can thus reduce the amount of material that can collect or can be trapped between the first angled portion 700 and the top surface 624 of the cover 622. When the cover 622 slides relative to the protrusion 706 and debris is released or dry material is removed from the cover 622 or the protrusion 706, material contacting the protrusion 706 can be urged to pass under the gap 710. As a result, the top surface 624 of the cover 622 can be able to slide against a transition edge (i.e., a raised edge or local minimum) of the downwardly facing surface 625. A first portion of the cover 622 may be located below the protrusion 706 , and a second portion of the cover 622 may be laterally adjacent to the first portion and below the gap 710 .

[0085] Alternatively, gap 710 may be referred to as an aperture positioned between downward facing surface 625 and cover 622 . Fig. 7A Shown along Figure 7 7A-7A in the front cross-sectional view, wherein the gap 710 is shown as being located between the second housing 205 and the cover 622. Thus, each of the gaps 710 can form an aperture having a perimeter that includes a top surface (i.e., a portion of the first angled surface / surface portion 700 or the second angled surface / surface portion 702), a bottom surface (i.e., the top surface 624 of the cover 622), and two side surfaces (i.e., the side walls of adjacent protrusions 706). Fig. 7A As shown, the gaps 710 can each have a generally rectangular perimeter shape. The apertures can have a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis 400 of the cover 622, wherein particles and fluids can pass through the apertures along their longitudinal axes. Fig. 7A Two apertures are shown. In some cases, more or fewer apertures may be formed based on the number and shape of protrusions 706.

[0086] Figures 9 and 10 A side view and an orthogonal view of region 630 of an alternative embodiment of a downwardly facing surface 625 of an electronic device 600 are shown. The downwardly facing surface 625 may include a first angled portion 900 and a second angled portion 902, wherein the first angled portion 900 terminates at a third angled portion 908 (e.g., a substantially vertical surface) connected to the second angled portion 902. The third angled portion 908 vertically spaces the end of the first angled portion 900 from the second angled portion 902, and thus the cover 622 is spaced from the first angled portion 900 near the third angled portion 908. The second angled portion 902 and the third angled portion 908 may come together at a downwardly extending edge 906 that is configured to contact the cover 622. The angles of the first angled portion 900 and the second angled portion 902 may ensure that the downwardly facing surface 625 contacts the cover 622 only at the downwardly extending edge 906. The downwardly extending edge 906 may be referred to as a ridge or elongated protrusion located between the first angled portion 900 and the second angled portion 902 .

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown, the downwardly extending edge 906 may have a uniform height that extends across the entire lateral width of the cover or across the entire transition portion 904 between the first angled portion 900 and the second angled portion 902. Therefore, no individual portion of the edge 906 may be configured to concentrate pressure on the cover 622, and the support of the edge 906 to the cover 622 may be evenly distributed across the entire width of the edge 906 or the entire width of the cover 622. The downwardly extending edge 906 may also have a lateral width that is greater than the maximum lateral width of the cover 622 (or greater than the lateral width of the cover 622 where the cover 622 contacts the edge 906). The width of the edge 906 relative to the width of the cover 622 may be similar to Figure 4 The ratio of the width of the barrier 226 to the width of the cover 222.

[0088] The third angled portion 908 may also be beneficial as a wall or contaminant blocking surface, wherein liquid or other debris passing between the cover 622 and the downwardly facing surface 625 traveling along the top surface 624 of the cover 622 may be prevented from moving below the second angled surface 902 and being captured in the cavity 910 (see Fig. 9 ), the cavity is formed between the first angled surface 900 and the cover 922 and behind the third angled surface / surface portion 908. Small contaminants that enter the cavity 910 can be prevented from penetrating further into the electronic device 600 where more sensitive components may be located.

[0089] Figure 11 to Figure 12Another embodiment of a downward facing surface 625 is shown having a first angled portion 1100 and a second angled portion 1102 that come together at an edge 1106. The transition portion 1104 of the downward facing surface 625 may also include a set of channels or grooves 1108 that are recessed relative to the edge 1106. Fig.12 As shown, the grooves 1108 can be spaced laterally along the edge 1106, thereby providing a channel through which fluids and particles can pass between the cover 622 and the downwardly facing surface 625 after passing through the first angled portion 1100. Although three grooves 1108 are shown in the drawings, any number of grooves can be positioned between the cover 622 and the downwardly facing surface 625. The grooves 1108 can be positioned to be vertically aligned with and vertically located above a first portion of the cover 622, and a second portion of the cover 622 that is laterally adjacent to the first portion can be vertically aligned with and vertically located below the edge 1106. Similar to the gap 710, the grooves 1108 can form an orifice having a generally rectangular perimeter defined by the grooves 1108 and the top and side surfaces of the cover 622. These orifices can extend along the longitudinal length of the grooves 1108 and define a channel.

[0090] Figure 13 to Figure 14 Another embodiment of a downward facing surface 625 is shown having a first angled portion 1300 and a second angled portion 1302, wherein a third angled portion 1308 is positioned between the first angled portion 1300 and the second angled portion 1302, which portion is similar in positioning and orientation to the third angled portion 908. The second angled portion 1302 may also include a set of recesses 1310 disposed in the second angled portion 1302 and in the third angled portion 1308. Thus, a downwardly extending edge 1306 between the second angled portion 1302 and the third angled portion 1308 may contact the cover 622 to offset the cover 622 from the downward facing surface 625, similar to the downwardly extending edge 906, and the recesses 1310 may allow flow over the cover 622 to pass over the downwardly extending edge 1306 and may reduce the amount of contact surface area between the cover 622 and the downward facing surface 625, similar to the groove 1108. The recess 1310 may also form a longitudinal open hole where the cover 622 contacts the downwardly extending edge 906 in the manner described above in conjunction with the gap 710 and the groove 1108. In various embodiments, the material and surface tension properties of the aperture of the gap 710, groove 1108, or recess 1310 may be hydrophilic to move intrusive fluids away from the tight space between the cover 622 and the downwardly facing surface 625.

[0091] To the extent applicable to the present technology, the collection and use of data obtained from various sources can be used to improve the delivery of inspirational content or any other content that may be of interest to users. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, ID, home address, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0092] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present invention technology can be used to benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that users are more interested in. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the content delivered. In addition, the present disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that benefit users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health status, or can be used as positive feedback for individuals who use technology to pursue health goals.

[0093] This disclosure envisions that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable purposes of the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. In addition, such collection / sharing should be performed after receiving informed consent from the user. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data and ensure that others who have access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country for different types of personal data.

[0094] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and / or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with respect to an advertising delivery service, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" at any time during or after registration for the service to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, a user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for a target content delivery service. In another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is retained, or completely prohibit the development of basic emotional conditions. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then the user may be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0095] In addition, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data on users), and / or other methods when appropriate.

[0096] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may also be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

[0097] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without specific details. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.

Claims

1. A portable computing device comprising: an upper housing portion; a lower housing portion pivotally connected to the upper housing portion by a hinge; a flexible band extending into the upper housing portion and into the lower housing portion, the flexible band having a top surface; and a barrier device positioned between the top surface of the flexible band and at least one of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion, wherein the flexible band is movable relative to the lower housing portion along a motion axis, and the barrier device has an elongated width extending perpendicular to the motion axis, the elongated width is elongated relative to a width of the barrier device extending parallel to the motion axis, the elongated width is greater than a lateral width of the flexible band, and restricts entry of invasive material across the lateral width of the flexible band, wherein the lower housing portion includes a downwardly facing surface having a first angled portion, a second angled portion, and a third angled portion connecting the first angled portion to the second angled portion, the third angled portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the flexible band and facing the hinge, the first angled portion and the second angled portion being oriented at different angles relative to the direction perpendicular to the top surface of the flexible band, the second angled portion and the third angled portion defining edges in contact with the top surface of the flexible band.

2. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the barrier device comprises a foam material.

3. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the barrier device comprises a hydrophobic material. The portable computing device of claim 1 , wherein the barrier device is attached to the flexible band.

5. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the barrier device is slidable against a surface of at least one of the flexible band, the upper housing portion, and the lower housing portion.

6. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the barrier feature extends across a lateral width dimension of the flexible band.

7. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein a cable is positioned between the hinge and the flexible band, the cable connecting a first electronic component in the upper housing portion to a second electronic component in the lower housing portion.

8. The portable computing device of claim 7, wherein the barrier extends across a lateral width dimension of the cable.

9. A portable computing device comprising: Cover housing; a base housing pivotally connected to the cover housing, the base housing having a downwardly facing surface having a transition edge; a flexible band extending into the base housing and into the cover housing, the flexible band having an upwardly facing surface; wherein the upwardly facing surface comprises: a first portion disposed along a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flexible strip and contacting the transition edge; and a second portion disposed along the transverse axis and spaced apart from the downwardly facing surface.

10. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the upwardly facing surface is capable of sliding against the transition edge.

11. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the downwardly facing surface comprises a channel, wherein the second portion is vertically aligned with the channel.

12. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the downwardly facing surface comprises a protrusion, wherein the transition edge is a portion of the protrusion.

13. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the transition edge is raised relative to the groove in the downwardly facing surface.

14. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the downwardly facing surface comprises a first angled surface portion and a second angled surface portion, wherein each of the first angled surface portion and the second angled surface portion abuts the transition edge.

15. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the first portion and the second portion are laterally aligned on the flexible band relative to a longitudinal axis of the flexible band.

16. A laptop computer, comprising: Cover housing; a base housing pivotally connected to the cover housing, the base housing having an inner surface having a bottom surface and two adjoining side surfaces; a flexible band extending into the base housing and having a longitudinal axis and a top surface facing the inner surface; Wherein the top surface of the flexible band and the bottom surface and the two adjacent side surfaces of the base housing form a perimeter of an aperture, the perimeter extending across the top surface of the flexible band parallel to the longitudinal axis.

17. The laptop computer of claim 16, wherein the perimeter of the aperture is formed in a channel in the interior surface.

18. The laptop computer of claim 16, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a fluid flow traveling on the flexible strip parallel to the longitudinal axis.

19. The laptop computer of claim 16, wherein a hydrophobic material is positioned on the inner surface of the base housing or the top surface of the flexible band.

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