Patent attributes
A hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly may include roller elements and spacer elements positioned between adjacent roller elements. The hinge assembly couples with two housing parts, and allows movement of the housing parts with respect to one another. The roller elements synchronously rotate along surfaces of the spacer elements during rotation of one of the housing parts. Also, in order to maintain engagement between the roller elements and the spacer elements, a strap may extend through openings of the roller elements and the spacer elements. Further, the strap may provide the hinge assembly with a desired stiffness. For example, when the first housing part ceases rotational movement, the strap may cause the first housing part to maintain its position relative to the second housing part. Also, the hinge assembly may include a tensioning element coupled to the strap in order to provide tension to the strap.