Adjustable device feet

Abstract

An improved method and system for providing an adjustable foot (155) for an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a base (150), at least one foot (155) including a portion movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the base, a magnetic element for moving the movable portion of the foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, and a display element (140) movably connected to the base, wherein movement of the display element (140) from a first position to a second position causes the magnetic element to move the movable portion from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to adjustable feet for electronic devices, and more particularly to systems and methods for adjusting the friction provided to the feet of an electronic device in different modes. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the number of consumer electronic devices that offer multiple modes and functionality has increased. For example, some personal computers now offer a laptop mode and a tablet mode. Each of these modes can provide different types of functionality and may require different types of device settings. Due to these different settings, the same external configuration may not work correctly in each setting. This may cause frustration and inconvenience to the user.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to use adjustable external components in electronic devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] Apparatus and methods for movable feet for electronic devices are described. In one general aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic device including a base, at least one foot movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the base, a magnetic element for moving the portion of the foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, and a display element movably connected to the base, wherein movement of the display element from a first position to a second position causes the magnetic element to move the portion from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0005] In another general aspect, the present application describes a method for moving a foot connected to an electronic device. The method may include placing a display element that is movably connected to a base of the electronic device in a first position, the first position causing the foot to move from a first configuration relative to the base to a second configuration relative to the base. The device may include a magnetic element for moving the foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, and placing the display element in the first position causes the magnetic element to move the foot from the first configuration to the second configuration

[0006] In yet another general aspect, the present application describes a method for providing a movable foot for an electronic device. The method may include providing a first material and a second material, forming a first portion of the foot from the first material, forming a second portion of the foot from the second material, attaching the foot to a base of the electronic device, providing a magnetic element for moving the foot between a first configuration and a second configuration, and placing at least a portion of the magnetic element proximate to the first portion.

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are also described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages mentioned in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings depict one or more implementations according to the present teachings by way of example only and not limitation. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. In addition, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0009] Figure 1A Depicted is a side view of a schematic representation of an apparatus providing multiple modes of operation during a first mode.

[0010] Figure 1B Depicted is an alternative side view of a schematic representation of the device during a first mode.

[0011] Figure 2 Depicted is a side view of a schematic representation of the device during a second mode of operation.

[0012] Figure 3A-3B Depicted is a side view of a simplified schematic representation of an adjustable foot for a device providing multiple modes of operation.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an adjustable foot for electronic equipment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for making a foot with a retractable portion for an electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth by way of example to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this specification that various aspects may be implemented without these details. In other instances, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects of the present teachings, well-known methods, procedures, components and / or circuit systems are described at a relatively high level without detailed description.

[0016] Most personal computer devices, such as laptops, include one or more feet that provide a sufficient level of friction with the surface on which the device sits. The level of friction provided is advantageous in many ways. For example, this can prevent the device from sliding on the surface when the user places his / her hands on the keyboard to type. It can also prevent the device from sliding when the user attempts to open the laptop by pressing the top (e.g., the display screen). Without a sufficient level of friction, it may be difficult to open the laptop because the bottom surface of the laptop may slide on the surface when pressure is applied to the laptop to open it. Therefore, one or more elements (e.g., feet) that provide additional friction are usually attached to the bottom surface. However, if the device provides multiple modes and can be used as a tablet, the amount of friction generated between the feet and the surface in tablet mode may be undesirable. For example, in tablet mode, friction may make it difficult to rotate the device. This may be particularly inconvenient when the device is used to create digital drawings. The user may have to pick up the device and turn it instead of being able to simply move the device in different directions on the surface. This may lead to a frustrating experience.

[0017] To address these issues and more, a solution may be provided that includes an adjustable device foot that automatically adjusts the amount of friction generated between the device and the surface on which the device is placed, depending on the device mode. In one implementation, the foot integrated into the bottom surface of the device may include a low friction zone and a high friction zone. When needed, the low friction zone may generate a minimum amount of friction between the device and the surface, while the high friction zone may generate a greater amount of friction that is high enough to keep the device in place. The low friction portion may be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, while the high friction portion may be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction. In order to provide an adjustable amount of friction, the high friction portion may be retractable. In one implementation, the high friction portion may be retracted by using a magnetic mechanism that may include two magnets. One of the magnets may be placed behind the high friction portion on the bottom surface of the device base, while the other magnet may be placed inside the top portion of the device. When the top portion is placed on the base in a flat plate mode, the two magnets may be aligned so that they attract each other and as a result, the high friction zone is pulled inward, thereby retracting the high friction zone.

[0018] As will be understood by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure, the benefits and advantages provided by such implementations may include, but are not limited to, solving the problem of undesirable amounts of friction between the device and the surface on which the device rests in different device modes. The solutions and implementations provided herein improve the user experience by providing adjustable feet that provide an adjustable amount of friction depending on user needs. In addition, the design is simple and inexpensive, thereby saving design and production costs.

[0019] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A A side view of a schematic representation of a device 100 providing multiple operating modes during a first operating mode is depicted. In one implementation, the device 100 is a personal computer providing a laptop mode and a tablet mode. Figure 1A 1, the device 100 is used as a laptop device, wherein the top element 130 of the device 100 is partially lifted from the base 150. The top element 130 may include an outer shell 135 and a display screen 140. The outer shell 135 may provide a housing for the display screen 140 and various other components that may be used in the top element 130 of the device 100.

[0020] The base 150 may include a keyboard on the top surface and a plurality of legs 155 on the bottom surface, among others. In one implementation, the base forms an outer housing of a portion of the device 100, the outer housing having an internal volume for accommodating various computing elements. The outer housing of the base may be formed of materials such as metal, plastic, or polymer. The base 150 may be connected to the top element 130 by a connecting element 145. In one example, the connecting element 145 may be a hinge. In another example, the connecting element 145 may be a bracket that allows the device to be easily converted from a laptop mode to a tablet mode by sliding the top element back on the top of the base. The connecting element 145 may enable the device 100 to provide multiple operating modes. For example, when the display screen 140 faces the top surface of the base 150, the connecting element 145 may allow the top element 130 to move from a horizontal closed position to a vertical position to provide a laptop mode. The connecting member 145 may also be used to enable the top member 130 to be moved to a horizontal open position, wherein the outer shell 135 faces the top surface of the base 150, thereby providing a tablet mode.

[0021] Feet 155 can be attached to the bottom surface of the base to provide friction between the device and an object 120 (such as a table on which the device is placed). Since the amount of friction required for the device to work properly during different modes may be different, feet 155 can provide an adjustable amount of friction, as further described below.

[0022] Figure 1B An alternative side view of a schematic representation of the device 100 when it is opened for laptop mode operation is depicted. When a user wishes to begin using the device 100 and the device 100 is in a closed position (e.g., when the top element is on the base and the display screen faces the top surface of the base), the user can apply a force in a vertical direction (e.g., z-direction) to the top element 130. The force applied to the top element 130 can cause the top element 130 to move from the horizontal closed position in which it is located to a vertical or upright position.

[0023] For devices of various sizes and weights, the amount of force required to move the top element 130 from the closed position to the desired vertical position can be different. However, for most devices, since the top element 130 is connected to the base 150, any amount of force applied to the top element 130 may cause a certain amount of force to be applied to the base 150 as well. If the amount of friction between the base 150 and the object 130 where the base 150 is located is insufficient, the directional force applied to the base 150 may cause the base 150 to slide backward on the object when the device is opened. This is undesirable and may cause inconvenient and frustrating user experience. For example, this may require the user to hold the base with one hand while applying pressure to the top element with the other hand, thereby preventing the user from opening the device with one hand. The legs 155 can provide the required friction force to prevent the base from moving on the object when it is opened. Although this may be advantageous during the operation of the laptop mode, during the operation of the tablet mode, the friction force that prevents the device from sliding on the object may be too large for the use of the device. Adjustable foot 155 solves this problem by providing a retractable portion that provides adjustable friction.

[0024] Figure 2 A side view of a schematic representation of the device during a second operating mode is depicted. The second mode can be a tablet mode, during which the top element 130 is placed on the base 150 in a manner that allows the display screen 140 to be located at the top and facing outward. This can turn the device 100 into a tablet that can be used with a digital pen for quick note-taking and / or creation of digital drawings, for example. In one implementation, placing the top element in this position can cause one or more high-friction portions of the feet 155 to retract into a recessed area within the base 150, thereby adjusting the coefficient of friction between the feet 155 and the object 120. By retracting the high-friction portions, the coefficient of friction can be reduced from a previous high friction force to a lower amount that allows the device 100 to move more easily on the surface of the object. As a result, when placed in tablet mode, the device 100 can be easily moved and rotated on the object 120, as shown.

[0025] Figure 3AA side view 300A of a simplified schematic representation of an adjustable foot 155 of the device 100 is depicted when the device 100 is in a closed position. In this position, the top element 135 is placed on the base 150, wherein the outer shell 135 is outside the device and the display screen 140 faces the top surface of the base 150. The base 150 may include an adjustable foot 155 connected to its bottom surface. In one implementation, the adjustable foot 155 may include two high friction portions 310 and a low friction portion 320. Therefore, the adjustable foot 155 can be made of a soft material with a variable friction coefficient across the surface. The high friction portion 310 can be located at each end, and the low friction portion 320 is located between the two high friction portions 310. In one implementation, the low friction portion of the foot is made of a polycarbonate (PC) material, and the high friction portion is made of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blend material. In one example, the PC material is polyetherester block copolymer (TEEE / COPE) glass fiber, and the ABS blend material is CYCOLOY TM CX7240 polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS) blend (which is injection moldable). In another example, a silicon-based material is used for one or more portions of the leg. In another implementation, the low friction portion is made of one type of PC material, while the high friction portion is made of an ABS / PC blend material having a higher coefficient of friction than the PC material used for the low friction portion. Other configurations are also possible. For example, both the low friction portion and the high friction portion can be made of different types of PC materials with different coefficients of friction. Similarly, the low friction portion and the high friction portion can be made of blends of different PC-ABS materials with different coefficients of friction.

[0026] In one implementation, the low friction portion 320 is attached to the bottom of the base 150, for example, by adhesion, welding, pressure, heating, or any other method of attaching two materials, while the high friction portion 310 is attached to the magnet 340 located within the base 150. In one example, the high friction portion 310 is adhered to the magnet 340, and the magnet 340 is placed in a recessed area of ​​the bottom surface of the base 150. The recessed area may have a height that allows the magnet to move up and down within the recessed area as desired. In an alternative implementation, the magnet 340 may be located within the base 150, but still attached to the high friction portion 310 through, for example, an opening on the bottom surface of the base 150. When the magnet 340 is located within the base 150, it can be positioned so that the area above it allows the magnet 340 to move vertically.

[0027] In one implementation, the high friction portion 310 may be attached to the ends of the low friction region 320, and these ends may be attached to the magnet 340. In such an implementation, the low friction portion 320 may be made of a bendable flexible material so that when the magnet 340 moves upward, the ends of the low friction portion 320 may bend upward, thereby causing the attached high friction portion 310 to pivot with it. It should be noted that although bonding is used as an example of a mechanism for attaching the low friction portion 320 to the base and the high friction portion 310 to the magnet 340, any other known mechanism for attaching components to each other may be used. For example, the high friction portion 310 may be attached to the low friction region by bonding, welding, pressure, or heating.

[0028] In one implementation, the device 100 may include a mechanism for enabling the high friction region of the foot 155 to be retracted. In one example, this is accomplished by using a magnet 330 located in the top element 130 and a magnet 340 located in the base. Figure 3B It is shown in Figure 3B A side view 300B of a simplified schematic representation of adjustable feet 155 is depicted when device 100 is in tablet mode. Magnet 330 may be placed within outer housing 135 of the top portion so that magnet 330 faces base 150 when the device is in tablet mode. Thus, magnet 330 and magnet 340 may be positioned within device 100 so that their opposite poles face each other when the device is in tablet mode. This may cause the opposite poles of magnets 330 and 340 to attract each other, thereby causing magnet 340 (which is movable) to move upward toward magnet 330. Because high friction portion 310 is attached to magnet 340, this may cause high friction portion 310 to pivot inwardly, thereby retracting the high friction portion. This may prevent high friction portion 310 from making direct contact with object 120, thereby reducing the amount of friction between the device and the object and enabling the device to move more easily over the object. In another example, even after the high friction portion 310 has been retracted, the high friction portion 310 may still have some contact with the object, but because the high friction portion 310 is now at the same level (e.g., the same height) as the low friction portion 320, the total amount of friction caused by the entire area of ​​the foot 155 may be reduced, thereby enabling the base to be moved more easily over the object 120. This provides a simple, inexpensive mechanism for providing an adjustable foot that automatically provides different amounts of friction during different modes.

[0029] In one implementation, magnet 330 and / or magnet 340 can be replaced by an object made of high iron grade steel. In such an implementation, the high iron grade steel will generate the required magnetic force to pull the high friction area of ​​the foot upward. In one example, 400 series stainless steel (e.g., SUS 430) is used to replace one or both of these magnets. In addition, although two separate magnets are used in the above implementation to provide the magnetic force required to retract a portion of the device foot, any other magnetic mechanism can also be used. In one example, a magnetic actuator can be used.

[0030] In one implementation, to prevent debris, and in particular metal debris, from entering the device or interfering with the magnet, a flexible sealing element, such as a formed metal sheet or a flexible gasket, may be used. Figure 3A-3B While magnets are shown as a mechanism for retracting the high friction portion of the foot, many other configurations are envisioned that provide a retractable / pivotable high friction portion.

[0031] Figure 4 4 is a schematic representation of a bottom surface 400 of a device having an adjustable foot 410. The adjustable foot 410 includes a low friction portion 430, which is an elongated portion. The low friction portion 430 is attached at its ends to two high friction portions 420 that are higher in height than the low friction portion. As previously described, the high friction region 420 can be retracted so that the low friction portion 430 and the high friction portion 420 protrude from the bottom surface at substantially the same height, or the high friction portion protrudes from the bottom surface 400 at a lower height. As a result, the adjustable foot may include one or more portions that are movable relative to the outer housing of the device to which it is attached.

[0032] It should be noted that although only one adjustable foot 410 is shown, two or more adjustable feet can also be used. For example, instead of having one adjustable foot 410 in the middle of the bottom portion, two adjustable feet 410 can be used, each adjustable foot can be placed close to an edge of the bottom surface. In one implementation, instead of the width of the adjustable foot parallel to the bottom surface, one or more adjustable feet 410 can be placed parallel to the length of the bottom surface. In another example, one or more adjustable feet can be placed diagonally relative to the bottom surface. In addition, in one implementation, instead of being placed at the end of the low friction portion, the high friction portion 420 can be located at other points along the low friction portion of the foot 410. For example, one high friction area can be located in the middle of the low friction portion 430, and another high friction area 420 is located at one end. In another example, more than two high friction portions can be used. In addition, in one implementation, the high friction portion can be separated from the low friction portion. For example, the device may include one or more immovable low friction feet and one or more retractable high friction feet that are not attached to or placed adjacent to each other. Regardless of the number and location of the high friction portions, as long as a mechanism such as the magnets discussed above for retracting the high friction portions is provided, a foot with adjustable friction is provided for different device modes.

[0033] Figure 5 1-2 . At 510 , method 500 may begin at 520 by providing a first material and then proceed to provide a second material. The first and second materials may be materials suitable for manufacturing an adjustable foot for an electronic device. In an example, the first material may have a higher coefficient of friction than the second material. Each of the first and second materials may be a soft material that provides a degree of flexibility. In an example, each of the first and second materials may be formed using an injection molding process.

[0034] After providing the first and second materials, the method 500 may proceed to form a retractable portion of the device foot from the first material at 530, and then form a non-retractable portion of the device foot from the second material at 540. As described above, this can provide a foot with different degrees of friction in different modes. Once the retractable and non-retractable portions are manufactured, the method 500 may proceed to place a first magnet in a base of the electronic device at 550. In one implementation, the magnet is placed in a hollow area. The hollow area may be located in an interior portion of an outer shell of the base. Then, at 560, the retractable and non-retractable portions of the foot may be attached to the bottom of the outer shell of the base. This may be achieved by an adhesive mechanism, bonding, welding, pressure, heating, or any other known mechanism for attaching two materials. In one implementation, the non-retractable portion is attached to the base, and the retractable portion is attached to the non-retractable portion. In another example, as an alternative or supplement to attaching the retractable portion to the base, at 570, the retractable portion is attached to the first magnet. This ensures that when the magnet moves due to attraction to the opposite magnetic pole, the retractable portion moves with it. To achieve this, method 500 may continue to position a second magnet in the top element of the device at 580. This may be accomplished by placing the second magnet in an outer housing of the top element so that when the device is in tablet mode, the opposite magnetic pole of the second magnet faces the opposite magnetic pole of the first magnet. Thus, the process may result in a retractable, adjustable foot for an electronic device that provides different degrees of friction to the device for different modes.

[0035] In one implementation, the adjustable foot can be developed as a two-piece accessory that can be attached to a device such as a laptop computer to provide a retractable foot to customers who wish to have such a feature on their device. For example, a retractable foot portion can be provided for attachment to a bottom surface of a device, while a second piece containing magnets can be provided for attachment to a top element of the device.

[0036] An apparatus and method for providing an adjustable foot for an electronic device is disclosed. In one implementation, an adjustable foot can provide a foot that changes the amount of friction generated between the foot and the surface of an object on which the device sits when switching between different device modes. Soft materials with different degrees of friction can be used on the surface of the foot to provide adjustable friction. Magnets can be aligned between the top section and the base of the device to retract the high friction area of ​​the foot when the device is switched to tablet mode, thereby providing flexibility and ease of use to the user.

[0037] (A1) According to some implementations, an electronic device (100) includes a base (150), at least one foot (155), a magnetic element (330 and 340), and a display element (130) movably connected to the base (150). The magnetic element (330 and 340) is configured to be in a first configuration (e.g., Figure 3A shown) and a second configuration (e.g., Figure 3B The display element (130) is moved from a first position (e.g., Figure 3A ) to a second position (e.g., Figure 3B ) so that the magnetic elements (330 and 340) move the at least one portion (310) from a first configuration (e.g., Figure 3A ) to a second configuration (e.g., Figure 3B shown).

[0038] (A2) In some implementations of the device of A1, the magnetic element includes a first magnet (340) disposed within the base and a second magnet (330) disposed within the display element (130).

[0039] (A3) In some implementations of the device according to A2, the display element (130) is moved from a first position (e.g., Figure 3A ) to a second position (e.g., Figure 3B ) aligns the first magnet (340) with the second magnet (330) so that the at least one portion (310) is moved from a first configuration (e.g., Figure 3A ) to a second configuration (e.g., Figure 3B shown).

[0040] (A4) In some implementations of the device according to A3, the at least one portion (130) is a first retractable portion (e.g., Figure 3A and 3B ), and the support leg (155) includes a second retractable portion (e.g., as Figure 3A and 3B As shown), each of the first and second retractable parts is placed close to a corresponding first magnet (330).

[0041] (A5) In some implementations of the device according to A4, the display element (130) includes two second magnets (340), each of which can be aligned with one of the first magnets (330) to enable the first and second retractable portions (e.g., Figure 3A and 3B ) retracted.

[0042] (A6) In some implementations of the device according to A4, the first retractable portion (such as Figure 3A and 3B ) is located at the first end of the support leg (155), and the second telescopic portion (as shown Figure 3A and 3B ) is located at the second end of the support foot (155).

[0043] (A7) In some implementations of the device according to any of A1-A6, the at least one portion (310) is made of a first material and the remainder of the foot (320) is made of a second material.

[0044] (A8) In some implementations of the electronic device according to A7, the first material produces a first coefficient of friction between the at least one portion (310) and the object (120) on which the base (155) is seated, and the second material produces a second coefficient of friction between the remainder of the support (320) and the object (120) on which the base is seated.

[0045] (A9) In some implementations of the apparatus according to A8, the first coefficient of friction is higher than the second coefficient of friction.

[0046] (A10) In some implementations of the device of A8, when the at least one portion is retracted, the second coefficient of friction allows the electronic device (100) to be movable on the object (120).

[0047] (A11) According to some implementations, a method of moving a stand (155) connected to an electronic device (100) includes positioning a display element (130) movably connected to a base (155) of the electronic device (100) in a first position (e.g., Figure 3A ), the first position causes the foot (155) to be moved from a first configuration relative to the base (155) (e.g., Figure 3A ) to a second configuration relative to the base (155) (e.g., Figure 3B The device (100) includes a device for Figure 3A shown) and a second configuration (eg Figure 3B ) between the magnetic elements (330 and 340) of the support (155) and the display element (130) is positioned in a first position (e.g., Figure 3A ) so that the magnetic elements (330 and 340) move the legs (155) from a first configuration (e.g., Figure 3A ) to a second configuration (e.g., Figure 3B shown).

[0048] (A12) In some implementations of the method according to A11, positioning the display element (130) at a second position (e.g., Figure 3B ) causes the magnetic elements (330 and 340) to move the legs (155) from a second configuration (e.g., Figure 3B ) to a first configuration (e.g., Figure 3A shown).

[0049] (A13) In some implementations of the method according to A11 or A12, the second configuration includes at least a portion of the foot (310) being retracted relative to the base (150).

[0050] (A14) In some implementations of the method according to any of items A11-A13, the magnetic element (330 and 340) includes a first magnet (330) disposed within the base (150) and a second magnet (340) disposed within the display element (130).

[0051] (A15) In some implementations of the method according to any of items A11-A14, the foot (155) includes a first retractable portion (310) and a second retractable portion (310), and each of the first and second retractable portions (310) is positioned to be proximate to a corresponding first magnet (330).

[0052] (A16) In some implementations of the method described in A15, the display element (130) includes two second magnets (340), each of which can be aligned with one of the first magnets (330) to retract the two retractable portions (310).

[0053] (A17) In some implementations of the method according to any of A11-A16, the first portion (310) of the foot is made of a first material and the second portion (320) of the foot is made of a second material. The first material generates a first coefficient of friction between the retractable portion (310) and the object (120) on which the base (150) is located, and the second material generates a second coefficient of friction between the second portion (320) of the foot and the object (120) on which the base (150) is located. The first coefficient of friction is higher than the second coefficient of friction, and when the first portion (310) is retracted, the second coefficient of friction allows the electronic device (100) to move on the object (120).

[0054] (A18) According to some implementations, a method for providing a movable foot (155) for an electronic device (100) includes providing a first material and a second material, forming a first portion (310) of the foot from the first material, forming a second portion (320) of the foot from the second material, attaching the foot (155) to a base (150) of the electronic device, providing a method for movably positioning the foot (155) in a first configuration (e.g., Figure 3A As shown) and the second configuration (as Figure 3A The invention also provides for moving the magnetic elements (330 and 340) of the legs (155) between the first and second portions (as shown), and placing at least a portion of the magnetic element (330) proximate to the first portion (310).

[0055] (A19) In some implementations of the method according to A18, the first portion (310) is a retractable portion of the foot (155). The first material generates a first coefficient of friction between the retractable portion (310) and an object (120) on which the base (155) is seated, and the second material generates a second coefficient of friction between the non-retractable portion (320) of the foot and the object (120) on which the base (155) is seated.

[0056] (A20) In some implementations of the method described in A19, the first coefficient of friction is higher than the second coefficient of friction, and when the retractable portion (310) is retracted, the second coefficient of friction allows the electronic device (100) to move on the object (120).

[0057] In general, the functions described herein (e.g., the features shown in Figures 1-5) can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic, finite state machines and / or other circuits) or a combination of these implementations. In the case of software implementation, when executed on a processor (e.g., one or more CPUs), the program code performs the specified task. The program code can be stored in one or more computer-readable memory devices. The various features of the technology described herein are platform-independent, meaning that the technology can be implemented on various computing platforms with various processors. For example, each implementation may include an entity (e.g., software) that enables hardware (e.g., a processor function block, etc.) to perform an operation. For example, a hardware device may include a machine-readable medium that may be configured to maintain instructions that enable a hardware device (including an operating system and associated hardware executed thereon) to perform an operation. Therefore, instructions can be used to configure an operating system and associated hardware to perform an operation, and thereby configure or otherwise adapt the hardware device to perform the above-mentioned functions. Instructions may be provided to a hardware element that executes instructions by a machine-readable medium through various different configurations.

[0058] Although the foregoing has described what is considered to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and the teachings may be applied to many applications, only some of which have been described herein. The appended claims are intended to claim any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0059] Unless otherwise indicated, all dimensions, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions and other specifications listed in this specification (including the appended claims) are approximate and not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and the customary practices in the fields to which they are related.

[0060] The scope of protection is limited only by the appended claims. When read in light of this specification and subsequent prosecution history, the scope is intended and should be read to be consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the claims is intended to include subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should such subject matter be read in such a manner. Any unintentional inclusion of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0061] Except as stated above, no intention or interpretation of any statement or description should result in any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or contribution to the public, whether or not recited in the claims.

[0062] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meanings accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study unless specific meanings are otherwise set forth herein.

[0063] Relational terms such as first and second, etc., may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," and any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element beginning with "a" or "an" does not preclude the existence of additional equivalent elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0064] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly identify the nature of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the present disclosure. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the following intention: any claim requires more features than the features expressly recited in the claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims below, the subject matter of the present invention lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the attached claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim independently represents a separate subject matter claimed.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: Pedestal; at least one foot, the foot movable relative to the base between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second configuration includes at least a portion of the foot retracted relative to the base; a display element movably connected to the base; a magnetic element for moving at least a portion of the at least one foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, the magnetic element comprising a first magnet disposed within the base and a second magnet disposed within the display element; wherein the at least one portion is a first telescopic portion and the leg includes a second telescopic portion, each of the first telescopic portion and the second telescopic portion being positioned proximate to a corresponding first magnet, the first telescopic portion being located at a first end of the leg and the second telescopic portion being located at a second end of the leg, wherein movement of the display element from a first position representing a laptop mode to a second position representing a tablet mode causes the magnetic element to move the at least one portion from the first configuration to the second configuration; The supporting foot comprises two high friction parts and a low friction part between the two high friction parts, and the high friction part is retractable.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Movement of the display element from the first position to the second position causes the first magnet to align with the second magnet, thereby causing the at least one portion to move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The display element includes two second magnets, each of which is alignable with one of the first magnets to retract the first and second telescopic portions.

4. An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one portion is made of a first material and the remainder of the foot is made of a second material.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first material creates a first coefficient of friction between the at least one portion and an object on which the base sits, and the second material creates a second coefficient of friction between the remainder of the foot and the object on which the base sits.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first friction coefficient is higher than the second friction coefficient.

7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The second coefficient of friction allows the electronic device to be movable on the object when the at least one portion is retracted.

8. A method of moving a foot connected to an electronic device, the method comprising: placing a display element movably connected to a base of the electronic device in a first position indicative of a laptop mode, wherein movement of the display element from the first position to a second position indicative of a tablet mode causes the feet to move from a first configuration relative to the base to a second configuration relative to the base, wherein the second configuration includes retraction of at least a portion of the feet relative to the base, wherein: The device comprises a magnetic element for moving the foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, the magnetic element comprising a first magnet disposed in the base and a second magnet disposed in the display element, and placing the display element in the first position causes the magnetic element to move the foot from the first configuration to the second configuration; wherein the leg comprises a first telescopic portion and a second telescopic portion, each of the first telescopic portion and the second telescopic portion being positioned close to a corresponding first magnet, the first telescopic portion being located at a first end of the leg, and the second telescopic portion being located at a second end of the leg, The supporting foot comprises two high friction parts and a low friction part between the two high friction parts, and the high friction part is retractable.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Movement of the display element from the second position to the first position causes the magnetic element to move the standoff from the second configuration to the first configuration.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The display element includes two second magnets, each of which is alignable with one of the first magnets to retract the two retractable portions.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The first portion of the leg is made of a first material, and the second portion of the leg is made of a second material, The first material creates a first coefficient of friction between the retractable portion and an object on which the base sits, and the second material creates a second coefficient of friction between the second portion of the foot and an object on which the base sits, and The first coefficient of friction is higher than the second coefficient of friction, and the second coefficient of friction allows the electronic device to move on the object when the first portion is retracted.

12. A method of providing a movable foot for an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a first material and a second material; forming a first portion of the leg from the first material; forming a second portion of the leg from the second material; attaching the foot to a base of the electronic device; providing a magnetic element for moving the foot between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of a display element connected to the base of the electronic device from a first position representing a laptop mode to a second position representing a tablet mode causes the foot to move from the first configuration to the second configuration, wherein the second configuration includes retraction of at least a portion of the foot relative to the base, the magnetic element including a first magnet disposed within the base; as well as placing at least a portion of the magnetic element proximate to the first portion; wherein the leg comprises a first telescopic portion and a second telescopic portion, each of the first telescopic portion and the second telescopic portion being positioned close to a corresponding first magnet, the first telescopic portion being located at a first end of the leg, and the second telescopic portion being located at a second end of the leg, The supporting foot comprises two high friction parts and a low friction part between the two high friction parts, and the high friction part is retractable.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first part is a retractable part of the leg, The first material generates a first coefficient of friction between the retractable portion and an object on which the base sits, and The second material creates a second coefficient of friction between the non-retractable portion of the foot and an object upon which the base rests.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first coefficient of friction is higher than the second coefficient of friction, and the second coefficient of friction allows the electronic device to move on the object when the retractable portion is retracted.

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