IP Library Granted Patent US 9,980,402
Granted Patent B2
US 9,980,402 · App. 15/361,502 · Granted May 22, 2018

Support structures for a flexible electronic component

Inventors: Hjalmar Edzer Ayco Huitema (Belmont, CA); Kwok Wah Mok (Valkenswaard, NL); Samuel Mason Curry (Oakland, CA)
Assignee: FLEXTERRA, INC.
H05K5/0226G06F1/1652G09F9/301H05K5/0017
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,980,402
App. No.
15/361,502
Granted
May 22, 2018
Kind
B2
Abstract

An article includes a flexible electronic component and a flexible support coupled to the flexible electronic component. The flexible support is configured to support the flexible electronic component but also limit local bending of the flexible component. The flexible support defines a plurality of hinge points configured to facilitate movement of the article. The plurality of hinge points are positioned such that the article has a desired bending range.

Claims (9)

1. An article, comprising:

a flexible display movable between a first position and a second position, the flexible display having a neutral plane;

a flexible support coupled to the flexible display and configured to limit local bending of the flexible display, the flexible support comprising a plurality of substantially rigid support sections and a plurality of hinge points defined between adjacent support sections, the plurality of substantially rigid support sections configured to support the flexible display between at least three consecutive pairs of adjacent hinge points, the plurality of hinge points configured to facilitate a desired bending range for the article.

2. An article, comprising:

a flexible display movable between a first position and a second position, the flexible display having a neutral plane;

a flexible support coupled to the flexible display and configured to limit local bending of the flexible display, wherein a portion of the flexible support is configured to shrink or expand when the flexible display is being moved from the first position to the second position, such that the article has a desired bending range.

3. An article, comprising:

a flexible display movable between a first position and a second position, the flexible display having a neutral plane;

a flexible support coupled to the flexible display and configured to limit local bending of the flexible display, wherein a portion of the flexible support has a length that remains substantially unchanged when the article is bent over a range of different curvatures, such that the flexible display provides a continuous display area.

Assignments (5)
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 13, 2025
From: FLEXTERRA, INC.; FLEXTERRA TAIWAN CORPORATION LIMITED
To: USINVEST, LLC
Reel/Frame 073948/0751 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 5, 2025
From: FLEXTERRA, INC.
To: USINVEST LLC
Reel/Frame 073464/0376 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 22, 2016
From: CURRY, SAMUEL MASON
To: POLYERA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 040741/0042 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 22, 2016
From: HUITEMA, HJALMAR EDZER AYCO; MOK, KWOK WAH
To: POLYERA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 040741/0046 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 22, 2016
From: POLYERA CORPORATION
To: FLEXTERRA, INC.
Reel/Frame 041173/0372 →
Continuity (7)
Continuation 14865606 · Sep 25, 2015
Continuation PCTUS2014072328 · Dec 24, 2014
Provisional Application 62095231 · Dec 22, 2014
Provisional Application 62006714 · Jun 2, 2014
Provisional Application 61946412 · Feb 28, 2014
Provisional Application 61920705 · Dec 24, 2013
Related Publication 20170172002A1 · Jun 15, 2017