Abstract: A hinge including a first hinge member and a second hinge member that is rotatably coupled to the first hinge member. The hinge has a torsion spring with a first end of the spring secured relative to the first hinge member and a second end adjustably securable relative to the second hinge member. An adjustment mechanism is included and is capable of disengaging the second end of the spring relative to the second hinge member and into engagement relative to the first hinge member to allow rotation of the second hinge member relative to the second end of the spring, and then re-engage the second end of the spring relative to the second hinge member, thereby changing engagement position of the second end of the spring relative to the second hinge member and adjusting the torsional spring tension.

Abstract: A device for damping the movement of movable furniture parts to their closed position provides for a housing which can be fastened to a fixed wall part or carcass part, in which housing a lever is pivotably held or a plunger is slidably guided, with said lever or plunger being pivoted or slid to its closing region by the movable furniture part, thus by way of at least a two-stage gear mechanism with a speed increasing ratio impinging on a rotation damper or on the piston of a damping cylinder.

Abstract: A composite knob including an injection molded translucent core having a side wall and a top wall with light pipe window or a light pipe opening formed in these walls. A trim ring is positioned on the core and has an opening therethrough to align with the light pipe window or opening. A cover is mounted on the trim ring and core and includes an opening aligned with the trim ring opening and the light pipe window or opening. A light pipe located in the light pipe window or light pipe opening is visible through the trim ring and cover openings. An opaque plastic light transmitting barrier is formed between the light pipe window or light pipe and the openings in the trim ring and cover. The light transmitting barrier is molded as a part of a gripping overlay applied to the outer surface of the skirt of the knob.

Abstract: A detachable, heat resistant, flexible button protector protects against button degradation during laundering, dry-cleaning or hot ironing operations. The protector has an enclosure for forming a cavity surrounding at least one button. A slit in the side of the enclosure accommodates insertion of the button into the cavity. Button degradation is prevented by sealing the enclosure to minimize penetration of cleaning fluids during insertion and residence of the button within the cavity. The protector shields the button from corrosive laundering and dry-cleaning chemicals, while allowing entry of chemicals that wash the fabric on which the button is sewn. It is strong enough to withstand compressive force and shock impact produced by laundering machinery. Chipping and chemical degradation of buttons is virtually eliminated. Laundering, dry-cleaning and ironing operations are carried out economically in an efficient, reliable manner.

Abstract: Zipper securing devices for keeping zippers in a securely closed but unlocked condition that provide for easy un-fastening and re-fastening of the zipper securing device. In one embodiment, the zipper securing device comprises an elastic loop assembly and post. In a second embodiment, the zipper securing device comprises two zipper pulls which snap together. In a third embodiment, the zipper securing device comprises a hook assembly and zipper pull assembly. In a fourth embodiment, the zipper securing device comprises an elastic loop assembly and zipper slider assembly.

Abstract: A grab handle and bezel assembly includes a bezel and a grab handle capable of being received within the bezel. The grab handle is generally non-circular in cross section for properly locating the grab handle within the bezel and for preventing rotation of the grab handle. For example, the grab handle can be D-shaped in cross section having an arcuate surface portion defining a Class “A” surface that is visible to an occupant, and a flat surface portion defining a Class “B” surface that is not visible to the occupant. In this manner, an amount of Class “A” surface treatment of the grab handle can be minimized, thereby reducing the cost of the grab handle and bezel assembly. The grab handle and bezel assembly can securely mounted to a trim component, such as a door bolster, by disposing opposite ends of the grab handle between opposing walls of the bezel and passing a fastener through the door bolster, the bezel and the grab handle.

Abstract: A swivel structure having direction indication is described. The swivel structure includes a first swivel base and a second swivel base. The first swivel base has at least a window and the second swivel base has at least a first direction indication mark and at least a second direction indication mark. The first swivel base and the second swivel base have a first fixed position state and a second fixed position state. The first fixed position state and the second fixed position state switch to each other by swiveling. When in the first fixed position state, the first direction indication marks are shown through the windows and indicate the direction toward the second fixed position state. When in the second fixed position state, the second direction indication marks are shown through the windows and indicate the direction toward the first fixed position state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly capable of adjusting a tilting angle of a display in a display appliance. The hinge assembly includes a movable plate fixed to a rear side of the display and having a through-hole, a stationary plate coupled to a stand for the display appliance and having a through-hole, a hinge shaft passing through the through-holes of the movable and stationary plates and having a head portion, a coupling member fixed to one end of the hinge shaft, a first washer disposed between the head portion of the hinge shaft and the movable plate, first and secondary washers disposed at both sides of the through-hole of the movable plate, and third and fourth stationary washers disposed at both sides of the through-hole of the stationary plate. At least one of the first, second, third and fourth stationary washes is an elastic washer for applying compressive elasticity to the hinge shaft in an axial direction.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for glass doors includes an upper mounting having a mounting body with a clamping device for the glass leaf and a displaceable bearing pin for engaging in a counterbearing at a transom and a lower mounting with a mounting body with a clamping device for the glass leaf, and with a receiving recess for a floor door closer or a floor bearing. The two mounting bodies are arranged parallel to the vertical axis (H) of the glass leaf, and each clamping device is provided with longitudinally extending grooves for receiving fastening screws which project through screw holes in the clamping device and bore holes in the glass leaf. A clamping insert is provided for inserting into the grooves and has a recess for a cover panel. The mounting body and the counterbearing can be covered by means of covers, wherein the cover is provided with elongated holes which extend under the clamping insert and cover panel.

Abstract: A hinge (300) includes a cam (32), a cam follower (30), a torsional spring (31), and a can (33). The cam includes a round flange (321), with a notch (321b) defined therein. The cam follower connects with the cam, and includes an engaging ring (301) around an open end thereof and a projection (303) on an inner wall thereof. The projection is removably engaged in the notch of the cam. The spring is twisted and attached in the cam follower, with one end fixed on the cam follower and the other end fixed on the cam. The can defines a groove (334) rotatably receiving the engaging ring of the cam follower, and a guiding hole (335) movably receiving the cam. The hinge has a relatively simple and stable unified structure.

Abstract: A multi-position adjustable door hinge is comprised of a frame leaf having a lower barrel section and a door leaf having an upper barrel section. An eccentric pivot pin is disposed in axial rotational fit in a through bore of the lower barrel section and is in contact at a lower end with an adjustment screw. The eccentric pivot pin has an upper cylindrical portion eccentrically displaced from the lower cylindrical portion and extends into a cylindrical bore of an eccentric compensator cylinder adjustably retained in the through bore of the upper barrel section. The eccentric pivot pin and the eccentric compensator cylinder are both axially displaceable from one another whereby to impart relative lateral displacement thereof and of the barrels to a desired position. The adjustment screw at the bottom of the lower barrel section provides vertical adjustment between the frame leaf and the door leaf.

Abstract: A skin-friendly hook component of a hook and loop fastener that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of red-marking and/or irritation if brought into contact with a wearer's skin. In one embodiment, the hook component can have a relatively large top surface area among the hooks with respect to a surface area of the hook backing. In another embodiment, the hook backing is highly flexible, attributable to a flexible resin and/or modified topography. In yet another embodiment, a highly flexible polymer, or polymers, can be used to make individual hooks such that the hooks bend in response to a minimum amount of pressure. Various illustrated hook tapes have features along their edges to enhance skin-friendliness. A skin-friendly hook component results any combination of the disclosed embodiments. The hook component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel hinge device and an electronic instrument using the hinge device which is extremely high in commercial value.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (10) for joining a body and a cover of a mobile phone includes an inner housing (100), a key (110), a pressure spring (120), a can (130), a slider (140), a damper (150), an outer housing (160), a fastener (170), and a torsion-bar spring (190). The can includes an acceptor (132) defining an axial slot (132b) in a peripheral wall thereof, and a protrusion (131) having a stepped hole. The slider has an adjoining block (141) received in the stepped hole. One end of the torsion-bar spring is secured onto the fastener, and the other end of the torsion-bar spring is received in the slot. A user presses the key to slidably remove the slider from the stepped hole of the can, whereupon the torsion-bar spring can rotationally drive the slider and the fastener, with the outer housing turning in unison therewith. Thus the cover is opened.

Abstract: An automatic hinge having an upper or left hand section with an arcuate interior or lower edge, a central section with an arcuate left hand or upper edge and an arcuate right hand or lower edge, and a lower or right hand section with an upper or interior edge. The sections are preferably cylindrical and the edges generally elliptical. A drive moves the central section linearly between the upper and lower sections. As the central and upper sections engage, the central section will rotate in one direction. As the central section engages the lower section, the central section will rotate in the opposite direction. A gate is preferably attached to the central section. By linearly moving the central section, the gate is lifted and turned. The preferred configuration allows the hinge to open a gate inward or outward in both a left hand mount and a right hand mount.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a housing (1) encasing a spring (2), a cam follower (3), a cam member (4) and a washer (5) therein. The cam follower has a shaft (31), and a pair of tabs (32) perpendicularly formed on the shaft. The spring is coiled over the shaft, and is compressively engaged in the housing. The tabs of the cam follower slide in grooves (13) of the housing. The cam member includes a cam portion (43) and a connector (41). The cam portion forms a pair of peaks (46) and a pair of valleys (44), being engaged with the tabs of the cam follower. The connector extends outside of the housing. The washer is rotatably inserted over the connector, and is fitted in the housing for fixing the hinge components in the housing.

Abstract: A hinge pin is suited for use in a hinge for a rotatable arm of a vehicle lift. The hinge pin has a groove formed within its side surface. The groove is configured to permit engagement of the pin with a restraining member configured to prevent rotation of the arm. The engagement of the pin with the restraining member limits longitudinal movement of the pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an object includes a base assembly and at least three wheels pivotally attached to the base assembly. A pivot arm includes a flange plate at an upper end for attachment to the object. An opposite lower end of the pivot arm includes a universal joint for pivotal motion about two perpendicular axes that is attached to the base assembly. A brake assembly is attached to the pivot arm. The brake assembly includes a first disengaged position and a second engaged position that is latched. When the brake assembly is in the second position, a brake pad is forced downward below a level of a surface and into frictional engagement with the surface. More than one apparatus can also be attached to an adapter plate to provide greater floatation. Pivotal attachment to a support beam is also described.

Abstract: Retention element, especially a lid stay or a flap holder, comprising a first arm, having a first friction face, a second arm, connected pivotably around an articulation axis to the first arm, an operating element and a locking element, forming a locking face, wherein the locking unit is arranged to the second arm, a braking element, having a braking face, to which the locking face is held in frictional contact, and having a second friction face, which is held at least indirectly in abutment to the first friction face, wherein the operating element, in a first rotational direction of the arms relative to each other, urges the locking face against the braking face, wherein in the first rotational direction of the two arms relative to each other the maximal braking torque between the locking face and the braking face is larger than the maximal frictional torque between the first friction face and the second friction face, wherein in a second rotational direction of the two arms relative to each other the maxima

Abstract: A handle catch retainer is preferably for a door handle assembly including a support member coupled with the door and a handle disposed about the support member, the catch being configured to couple the handle and support member. The retainer includes a tubular base disposeable within the support member and an elongated holder connected with the base. The holder is configured to support the catch and is moveable between first and second positions with respect to the base, such that the catch is engageable with the handle when the holder is at the first position and the catch is nonengageable with the handle when the holder is at the second position. Further, the retainer is configured so that the holder is generally biased toward the first position. Preferably, the holder is integrally connected with the base such that the holder is biased to the first position by material forces.