Samsung patent shows flip phone with a 360-degree hinge

A new Samsung patent gives us our first look at a flip-style foldable, which folds both inward and outward. The patent was spotted on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database and is accompanied by sketches for the flip-style device with a 360-degree hinge. Unlike mainstream flip-style folds, the device in the patent listing does not have a dedicated cover screen. The sketches show that the folding screen can fold outward, wrapping around the back of the device, but it can also fold inward.

This approach would require a complex hinge mechanism that would support bends in both directions, but it remains to be seen if this patent will actually make it to a commercial product. The images also show that the hinges are not in the middle of the device, leaving the bottom part of the device exposed. This allows part of the screen to be visible even when the screen is folded inward. The sketches also show what appears to be a camera cutout on what would be considered the back of the device.

Samsung usually demos itsdisplay advancementsat trade shows, so we’ll hopefully see a prototype of this patent down the road. Via