Ball And Socket Patents (Class 16/224)
  • Patent number: 11111060
    Abstract: A lid may be sized and configured to be attached to a container and the lid may include a spout and a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure may be movable between open and closed positions relative to the spout. The lid may also include a carrying member with a loop-shaped configuration. The lid may further include one or more flanges and the flanges may include one or more protrusions. The protrusions may form a pivot point about which the flip-top closure pivots between the open and closed positions. The protrusions may also allow the carrying member to pivot independently of the flip-top closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Runway Blue, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Sorensen, David O. Meyers
  • Patent number: 10822852
    Abstract: An appliance includes a linear hinge assembly that couples a door to a cabinet. The linear hinge assembly includes a bearing assembly mounted to the cabinet and an elongated shaft received within the bearing assembly for sliding along a translation axis. A cam is mounted to the door and is rotatably coupled to a distal end portion of the elongated shaft such that such that the door is rotatable about a pivot axis that extends through the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. A timing cable extends from a fixed location on the cabinet to a fixed location on a cam profile such that the timing cable wraps around the cam when the door is moved toward a closed position and unwraps when the door is moved toward an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart Andrew Nuss
  • Patent number: 10809762
    Abstract: An accessory display device for a display device, such as for a computer, is described. The device includes a housing having a first side and a second side movable relative to one another and a first pair of rails coupled to the first side and a second pair of rails coupled to the second side, the first pair of rails engaged with and slidable relative to the second pair of rails. The device also includes a tensioning member coupled to the first side and the second side and placing tension between the first side and second side. Further, the device includes a first engagement portion coupled to the first side and a second engagement portion coupled to the second side. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to engage the side of a computer's display under force created by the tensioning member. Further still, a first display is slidable within the housing and is movable from a stowed position to a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Alex Cole Levine
  • Patent number: 10620663
    Abstract: A multiple display system having at least two mechanical arrangements such that in one of the at least two arrangements one of the multiple displays is stowed, out of the way mechanically and visually, when only a first display is in use; and one of the other of the at least two arrangements wherein the other of the multiple displays is substantially coplanar and adjacent to the one screen when both screens are in use. The other display in the one of the other of the at least two arrangements also runs the graphical user interface of an application, permitting the multiple display system to offer at least two programs running simultaneously, each with its own visual user-interface operating on its own display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Village Green Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tina Ebey, Peter B. Bishop
  • Patent number: 10574799
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a rear housing, a display screen and a camera. The rear housing includes a first shell and a second shell. The second shell can be slid relative to the display screen and can be stopped at a first position and a second position. The camera is arranged on the second shell, and an orientation of a light incident surface of the camera is the same as that of the display screen. In the first position, the first shell contacts the second shell to jointly bear the display screen and enable the rear housing to be of an opened-box shape, and the camera is located inside the mobile terminal. In the second position, the camera can be exposed from the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD
    Inventors: Mingyang Li, Zhen Li
  • Patent number: 10502976
    Abstract: Provided is an eyeglass frame with a symmetrical structure. The eyeglass frame includes an earpiece frame, a main body, a hinge, and a support frame. The earpiece frame has a bar-shaped structure in which a width and an angle thereof vary according to the length thereof to be placed on the ear of a user. The main body is connected to the earpiece frame through a hinge, serves as a pivot that pivots on the hinge, and has an inner circumference of a closed curve receiving a lens. The hinge allows the earpiece frame to be inwardly folded toward the main body through pivoting of a predetermined angle. The support frame is disposed under the main body along an outer circumference of the main body and is spaced from the main body by a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Jungwoo Kim
  • Patent number: 10308098
    Abstract: A motor vehicle visors that can be manually operated derives an option for an electric power assistance by method of motor, with motion delivery system and a control panel with a switch, comprises of the main visor panel with an extendable visor end; a motor, and mount bevel gear system affixed the main visor panels at about the windshield, door, and roof area of the vehicle, is optioned to pivot towards the driver or passenger side window draws shorter in length and pitches towards the roof when operated, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 12A, 12C, 12D, and 12E, is optioned to pitch normal from the driver or passenger's views and toward as illustrated in FIG. 12A. With motor and motion delivery system within the main visor panel, options to slide the entire visor normal from the roof affixed mount to pursue longer extensions of shielding strong sunlight rays along the window of the door as illustrated in FIG. 1 or 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen Sophorn Lim
  • Patent number: 10246884
    Abstract: A flooring substrate system of polymer, open cell structural panels that may be attached to framing members beneath or placed atop of a waterproof membrane roof or deck structure. The panels are attached by a clip with a mechanical fastener that can be screwed into the lower framing members at a range of angles relative to the plane of the panel while the mechanical fastener and clip remain in complete mating engagement. The panels may also be operationally positioned using a disk that either has a threaded post that is bolted to the panel through a pin block and washer, a fixed pin or a pair of spring arms that lock onto rabbets in the panel's top face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Philip Busby
  • Patent number: 10108026
    Abstract: A hinge device for eyeglasses includes an accommodation body provided with engagement seats for gripping and locking a hinge body to an end piece of an eyeglass frame. The hinge body includes a central body that is adapted to engage within the accommodation body. The central body is further configured to engage in turn a temple of the eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: LUXOTTICA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Roberto Saccardo
  • Patent number: 10011157
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a front windshield that continuously extends along an A-pillar so as to form a partial roof of the vehicle above a driver area; a visor having a proximate end hinged to the A-pillar so as to assume a stowed position along the A-pillar; and on the front windshield, an attachment configured to selectively engage a distal end of the visor in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: Miklos Szentkiralyi, Craig Cochrane, Jorge Fialho, Derek Allen, Joonas Vartola, Franz Von Holzhausen
  • Patent number: 9981732
    Abstract: A door for an aircraft includes a first panel divisible into at least two first slats that are releasably connected to one another, a first tensioning cable attached between the at least two first slats, and a first tensioner connected to the first tensioning cable and being operative to apply a first tension thereto, thereby permitting the first tensioning cable to hold the at least two first slats together to form the first panel and to release the first tension in the first tensioning cable upon occurrence of a release action, thereby permitting the at least two first slats to dissociate from one another so that the first panel fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: LEARJET INC., C&D ZODIAC, INC.
    Inventors: William A. Goings, Eric Long
  • Patent number: 9862284
    Abstract: An electrical supply apparatus including a containment unit with a bottom, at least one side wall forming an enclosure with an open top; a tower extendable and retractable from the containment unit and a charging unit attached to the tower which, in preferred embodiments, is a wireless charging component provided in a cover, for charging electric vehicles, and particularly to induce optimal current transfer to a receiving component without requiring a corresponding extension of the receiving component out of an electric vehicle and featuring a flexible bellows having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein said upper edge is continuously affixed about said cover and a lower edge is continuously attached to a flange forming the bottom of the crown ring such that said bellows provides a watertight barrier preventing contaminants from entering an area under said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Alan Kauffmann
  • Patent number: 9638934
    Abstract: An eyewear hinge is provided for removably connecting an earpiece to a lens frame. A lens mount is attached to the lens frame and has one of a hinge receiver and a security slot or a hinge post and a security ledge. A hinge support is attached to the earpiece and has the other of the hinge receiver and the security slot or the hinge post and the security ledge. The hinge post is removably insertable into the hinge receiver and the security ledge is removably receivable in and engages with the security slot as the lens mount and hinge support pivot relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Armand Kidouchim
  • Patent number: 9568952
    Abstract: A display device apparatus includes a housing that is sized and configured to attach to a computer device. The housing can include a cavity for releaseably retaining a second display device that is connectable to the computer device. The second display device is moveable out of the housing via a slot defined in the housing so that the second display device is moveable from a first position within the housing to a second position that is external to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Portal Dual Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Matzke, Nicholas Greco
  • Patent number: 9522472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a razor (01) having a handle (03), a cutting unit (02) and a coupling portion (04, 12) for attaching in a detachable manner the cutting unit (02) on the handle (03). The cutting unit (02) comprises a razor blades unit (06) having one or multiple razor blades, wherein the razor blades unit (06) can be pivoted about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the razor blades. The coupling portion comprises a mounting (12) and a rod (04) that is pivoted in the mounting. The pivot axis of the pivot bearing that is formed between mounting (12) and rod (04) basically extends perpendicularly to the pivot axis of the razor blades unit and basically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod (04), wherein the pivot bearing allows the cutting unit (02) to rotate in relation to the handle (03) at a rotation angle of at least 2° and at the most 20°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: FEINTECHNIK GMBH EISFELD
    Inventors: Danilo Leicht, Uwe Denkert
  • Patent number: 9455543
    Abstract: A wall socket having a connecting module includes a socket body and a connecting module. The socket body has a socket unit. The connecting module is mounted with the socket unit. The connecting module is electrically connected with the socket body and selectively protruded outside the socket body. Therefore, the invention has functions of wall socket, electricity-transmitting and electricity-connection, which is convenient for various applications with a better universal characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 9354456
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a hinge for a fluid-filled lens assembly includes a base having a first end configured to connect to a temple arm of the lens assembly and a second end configured to connect to a frame of the lens assembly, wherein the base includes a gap that is shaped to allow for tubing to pass from the first end to the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the first end of the base includes a cammed surface configured to engage a surface of the temple arm. In an embodiment, the first and second ends of the base are configured to flex around a rotation axis of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Senatore, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Jonathan Downing, Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Pascal Loser
  • Patent number: 9341009
    Abstract: One aspect is a multi-axis clip hinge with a rotatable member having a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a coupling portion for articulating said member. A clip is provided having an arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a connecting portion. The inside diameter of the arm is less than the greatest outer diameter of the spherical portion of the rotatable member and is engaged therewith such that it interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the spherical portion. A housing is configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby securing the clip to the housing. At least one of the clip and the housing prevents relative translational movement of the clip relative to the spherical portion yet allows the spherical portion to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Triebold, David Wahlstedt
  • Patent number: 9303437
    Abstract: A closure assembly is provided including a closure having a closure hinge, a closure hinge cover and a linkage between the closure and the cover. When the closure is in a closed position, the cover extends in a plane overlying the closure hinge. When the closure is an opened position the cover is displaced to an open position to allow the closure hinge to pass through the plane that the cover assumes when the closure is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: George Holmes, Paul Johnston
  • Patent number: 9217269
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket defines a first bracket surface and a second bracket surface opposite the first bracket surface. The hinge assembly further includes a first link pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets. The first link extends along a first longitudinal axis. The hinge assembly further includes a first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth links is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets such that the second bracket is movable relative to the first bracket between a first bracket position and a second bracket position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lobkovich, Christine M. Krolewski, Allan L. Watson
  • Patent number: 9163442
    Abstract: A mount for mounting a door to rack includes a plate including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a hinge arm adjustably coupled with the plate and extending at an angle from a first side of the plate adjacent to the first end, the hinge arm including a door pin receptacle to receive a door pin therein for coupling the door to the rack via the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron R. Cox, Jason E. Minyard, Camillo Sassano, Joni E. Saylor
  • Publication number: 20150052706
    Abstract: A hinged apparatus for message clip boards where a message board is allowed to pivot at least 180 degrees along one vertical edge of the message board to allow a message board to be mounted to the side wall of an object, such as a refrigerator, and that would allow the message board to be position at or near zero degrees, to hide the visibility of the board to an angle greater than zero, such as 90 degrees, to position the board parallel with the front of the object (refrigerator) so as to be fully visible. The hinge apparatus featuring a thin vertical bar used to support the message board with minimum surface contact along any metallic strip in a object, wall, refrigerator etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Robert W. Kalis
  • Patent number: 8928337
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices for measuring electrical current and related systems and methods for forming and using such devices. According to certain embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may comprise Rogowski coils. Also disclosed are systems and methods for forming a current measuring device using a bobbin that may allow for the use of a continuous length of wire for all windings associated with the current measuring device. Automated manufacturing techniques may be utilized to facilitate the manufacture of devices for measuring electrical current and/or may reduce the cost of such devices. Various embodiments disclosed herein include the use of a bobbin that may be selectively configured between a linear configuration and a closed configuration. One or more current sensors disclosed herein may be utilized in connection with a motor management relay or other type of intelligent electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Kesler, Veselin Skendzic
  • Patent number: 8874178
    Abstract: A camera housing positionably coupled to an electronic appliance is disclosed. Preferably, the camera housing is positionable in two discrete positions such that the camera can be positioned to face towards or away from the user. The appliance includes a recess sized to receive the camera housing. A cellular telephone includes a camera housing which is positionable in two discrete positions. In the first position, the camera faces the user. In the second position, the camera faces away from the user. The camera housing is coupled to the cellular telephone by a hinge mechanism that latches the camera into one of the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Wicky Lee
  • Publication number: 20140283337
    Abstract: One aspect is a multi-axis clip hinge with a rotatable member having a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a coupling portion for articulating said member. A clip is provided having an arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a connecting portion. The inside diameter of the arm is less than the greatest outer diameter of the spherical portion of the rotatable member and is engaged therewith such that it interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the spherical portion. A housing is configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby securing the clip to the housing. At least one of the clip and the housing prevents relative translational movement of the clip relative to the spherical portion yet allows the spherical portion to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: REELL PRECISION MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allan Triebold, David Wahlstedt
  • Publication number: 20140165331
    Abstract: Provided is a ball hinge structure in which a ball hinge can be freely rotated in various directions and maintain a fixed state. The ball hinge structure includes a ball hinge rotatably installed in a hinge housing; and a first hinge resistor and a second hinge resistor elastically supported with respect to each other by a second spring, wherein the second hinge resistor is closely attached to a circumference at a side of a sphere of the ball hinge, the first hinge resistor is elastically supported by a first spring provided on a top surface of a hinge housing cap coupled to a lower portion of the hinge housing, and a groove is formed in the bottom of the ball hinge, and thus the first hinge resistor is lifted in a position as high as the height of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: S-MOON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gi Dong Kang, Hak Ho Kim, Young Seon Seo, Ho Sung Seo
  • Patent number: 8745824
    Abstract: A hinge device has a first part and a second part, which are intended to be attached to a door frame and a door, respectively. The first part and the second part are rigidly connected to each other and have each a tubular housing, whose center axis defines a first hinge axis and which accommodates two balls, an axially displaceable locking member arranged axially inwardly of each ball, a compression spring arranged between and cooperating with each ball and the associated locking member, and an eccentric located between the two locking members and cooperating therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Holstensson Design AB
    Inventor: Lars Holstensson
  • Publication number: 20140130300
    Abstract: A releasable ball lock hinge is disclosed. The releasable ball lock hinge includes a first body operable with a hinge ball and a release ball. Each ball can be movable within respective openings of the first body. The releasable ball lock hinge also includes a second body configured to rotatably interface and removably couple with the first body. The hinge ball releasably engages the second body. The second body has a release recess operable with the release ball to disengage the hinge ball and alternately couple and release the first body and the second body based on a relative position between the first body and the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gregory E. Longerich, William Owens, Richard J. Wright, David C. Robillard, Perry H. Frahm, Emerald J. Adair
  • Patent number: 8418961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting a door which is pivotably received in a fuselage airframe of an aircraft, with a counter bearing arranged in the region of a doorframe and a thrust bearing located opposite in the region of the door. According to the invention, the counter bearing has a planar counter bearing surface and the thrust bearing has a mounting in which a planar thrust bearing surface which can tilt about at least one spatial axis is received, the counter bearing surface lying against the thrust bearing surface at least in some regions when the door is closed. Because of the thrust bearing surface which can be tilted in at least one spatial direction, the counter bearing always lies against the thrust bearing over the entire surface areas thereof, irrespective of any manufacturing tolerance deviations between the doorframe and the door or the bearing on the fuselage airframe, in such a way that optimal force transfer is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Gastao De Freitas, Martin Sternad
  • Publication number: 20120307197
    Abstract: The invention relates to an eyeglass hinge, composed of two hinge parts and at least one clamp connection. Further, the invention relates to an eyeglass frame, composed of two eyeglass hinges according to the invention, two eyeglass earpieces and one lens mounting rim. The eyeglass hinge (1) according to the invention comprises two hinge parts (2, 2a) and at least one clamp connection (3), whereby the at least one clamp connection (3) holds hinge parts (2, 2a) together in an articulated manner. When force is increased, the construction of the eyeglass hinge according to the invention makes possible a problem-free exceeding of frame opening angle ? from a value of ?open which amounts to approximately 180° up to a value of ?max of approximately 186° (over-bending) and going below frame opening angle ? from a value of ?closed, which amounts to approximately 90°, down to a value of ?min of approximately 85° (under-bending).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: MYKITA STUDIO GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Haffmans, Phillipp Haffmans, Harald Gottschling, Moritz Krueger, Martin Guentert
  • Publication number: 20120151716
    Abstract: A hinge device has a first part and a second part, which are intended to be attached to a door frame and a door, respectively. The first part and the second part are rigidly connected to each other and have each a tubular housing, whose centre axis defines a first hinge axis and which accommodates two balls, an axially displaceable locking member arranged axially inwardly of each ball, a compression spring arranged between and cooperating with each ball and the associated locking member, and an eccentric located between the two locking members and cooperating therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: HOLSTENSSON DESIGN AB
    Inventor: Lars Holstensson
  • Patent number: 8132291
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a bearing seat, a spherical joint, a plurality of positioning pins, and a retaining ring. The bearing seat has a containing recess. The spherical joint is rotatably disposed in the containing recess, and the surface of the spherical joint has a plurality of positioning holes. The positioning pins are disposed at the bearing seat and capable of sliding toward or away from the spherical joint. The positioning pins correspond to parts of the positioning holes respectively when the spherical joint rotates to a specific position relative to the bearing seat. The retaining ring is disposed at an opening of the containing recess of the bearing seat and surrounds the positioning pins, the retaining ring is against the positioning pins to allow the positioning pins to be fastened in the corresponding positioning holes when the spherical joint rotates to the specific position relative to the bearing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Tsai, Shao-Tang Ma, Yi-Chen Tao, Bor-Woei Li, Wang-Sing Cai
  • Patent number: 8112128
    Abstract: A camera housing positionably coupled to an electronic appliance is disclosed. Preferably, the camera housing is positionable in two discrete positions such that the camera can be positioned to face towards or away from the user. The appliance includes a recess sized to receive the camera housing. A cellular telephone includes a camera housing which is positionable in two discrete positions. In the first position, the camera faces the user. In the second position, the camera faces away from the user. The camera housing is coupled to the cellular telephone by a hinge mechanism that latches the camera into one of the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Wicky Lee
  • Patent number: 8061753
    Abstract: An entry assembly includes a frame and a gate. The frame has a first side and a second side. The gate is connected to the frame. The gate defines a demarcation between the first side and the second side of the frame. The gate is pivotable about the frame along at least two axes of rotation. Each axis of rotation intersects at least one of the at least two axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Charles Gregory Bambenek, Fritz Cory, Jason Falenski, Adrian Nicholas Alexander Elliott
  • Patent number: 7958599
    Abstract: A friction hinge includes a socket made up of a compressible elastomer insert sleeve inside a relatively rigid cup substrate. The insert sleeve defines an opening with a lip around the opening, and a relatively rigid ball or other center portion can be snap assembled through the lip and opening to center itself in the socket. A mount portion extends through the opening off the ball/center portion, and hand pressure on the mount portion can adjust the angular position of the joint. The size of the ball/center portion relative to the size of the cup substrate causes dimensional compression of the insert sleeve, such as about 15% of its thickness. The compression of the insert sleeve creates a controlled friction force on the ball/center portion, so the snap assembly friction hinge works consistently over a long time and over wide temperature ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: James B. Easley
  • Patent number: 7921513
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first plate member having a ball and a stem connected to the ball. A second plate member has a socket retainer for receiving and securing the ball therein. The second plate member has a channel formed therein for receiving the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Taco Metals Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Burnley
  • Patent number: 7904993
    Abstract: A lock gate door (1) includes a pair of door bodies (2, 3); a pair of spherical bearings (6) for a lock gate door for rotatably supporting lower corner portions (4) of the door bodies (2, 3), respectively; and a pair of supporting portions (7) for rotatably supporting upper corner portions (5) of the door bodies (2, 3), respectively. The spherical bearing (6) includes a convex curved body (22) having a spherical surface (21) and a concave curved seat (24) having a toroidal curved surface (23) which slidably contacts the convex curved body (22), and is disposed on a downstream (16) side of a waterway (9) with respect to the supporting portion (7) in such a manner as to incline a rotational axis (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suda, Maki Hirayama, Vernon Harold Bryant
  • Patent number: 7886405
    Abstract: Spheric joint or spherical hinge (30; 130) for coupling together two members that are spatially orientable relative to each other, in which a head (84; 184) of the first member (80; 180) is retained in an accommodation (46; 146) of the second member (40; 140) by at least four points of contact located on a spherical surface according to the vertices of a pyramid containing the centre thereof, about which said head (84; 184) is adapted to rotate without translating. The hinge is characterized in that said accommodation (46; 146) or said head (84; 184) has a projecting boss (52; 152) confined in a gap (85; 186) of said head (84; 184) or said accommodation (46; 146), said gap (85; 186) having at least two consecutive distinct spaces (85a, 85b; 187, 188) that define a travelling path (85; 186) for said boss (52; 152).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Foto Ottica Cescon Di Cescon Stefano
    Inventor: Stefano Cescon
  • Publication number: 20100236020
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a bearing seat, a spherical joint, a plurality of positioning pins, and a retaining ring. The bearing seat has a containing recess. The spherical joint is rotatably disposed in the containing recess, and the surface of the spherical joint has a plurality of positioning holes. The positioning pins are disposed at the bearing seat and capable of sliding toward or away from the spherical joint. The positioning pins correspond to parts of the positioning holes respectively when the spherical joint rotates to a specific position relative to the bearing seat. The retaining ring is disposed at an opening of the containing recess of the bearing seat and surrounds the positioning pins, the retaining ring is against the positioning pins to allow the positioning pins to be fastened in the corresponding positioning holes when the spherical joint rotates to the specific position relative to the bearing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Tsai, Shao-Tang Ma, Yi-Chen Tao, Bor-Woei Li, Wang-Sing Cai
  • Patent number: 7753866
    Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Jackovitch
  • Publication number: 20100031470
    Abstract: A hinge is described that includes a first bracket adapted to be attached to a first substrate. The first bracket includes a channel defining a first central axis and defining a first lateral axis perpendicular to the first central axis. The hinge also includes a second bracket adapted to be attached to a second substrate. The second bracket defines a second central axis and a second lateral axis perpendicular to the second central axis. The first lateral axis and the second lateral axis are disposed a distance from one another. A connecting stem pivotally connects the first bracket to the second bracket. A protrusion is disposed at one end of the connecting stem. The protrusion is disposed within the channel defined by the first bracket. An adjustable connection exists between the connecting stem and the second bracket to permit adjustment of the distance between the first and second lateral axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Ameritex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Lee Bucks, Stuart Allan Tyson, Michael James Bryant
  • Patent number: 7640629
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a first body, a second body having a display unit and arranged to overlap the first body in a closed state, and a hinge module connecting the second body to the first body such that the second body is rotatable around a first axis generally perpendicular to the first body. The hinge module being configured to allow a portion of the second body to be elevated so as to be slantingly arranged with respect to the first body in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7607198
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism which makes detachably engage a casing with a cover including: an insertion portion formed in the casing or cover and protrudes outward from an outer face of the one; and a holding portion extending from the other one which has an insertion hole, wherein a clip for applying a pressing force is engaged with the holding portion or the insertion portion, and includes an engagement part engaged with a tip end of the insertion hole or with an outer peripheral face of the insertion portion, and a spring part, the spring part includes a bending part bent in one axial direction, and -opposing parts on both sides thereof, and generates the pressing force to open the opposing parts, and the insertion portion is pressed against the bottom of the holding portion with the pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chikara Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20090205167
    Abstract: A friction hinge includes a socket made up of a compressible elastomer insert sleeve inside a relatively rigid cup substrate. The insert sleeve defines an opening with a lip around the opening, and a relatively rigid ball or other center portion can be snap assembled through the lip and opening to center itself in the socket. A mount portion extends through the opening off the ball/center portion, and hand pressure on the mount portion can adjust the angular position of the joint. The size of the ball/center portion relative to the size of the cup substrate causes dimensional compression of the insert sleeve, such as about 15% of its thickness. The compression of the insert sleeve creates a controlled friction force on the ball/center portion, so the snap assembly friction hinge works consistently over a long time and over wide temperature ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: James B. Easley
  • Publication number: 20090139054
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first plate member having a ball and a stem connected to the ball. A second plate member has a socket retainer for receiving and securing the ball therein. The second plate member has a channel formed therein for receiving the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Burnley
  • Publication number: 20080172946
    Abstract: A frameless glass door arrangement for a doorway bounded in part by a top section and a bottom section is disclosed. The frameless glass door arrangement includes two hinge parts rotatably embedded in the respective top section and bottom section; and a glass door leaf including a main body including a top edge, a bottom edge and a lateral edge, the glass door leaf further including two tongue-shaped extensions disposed adjacent to the lateral edge. The extensions extend outward from the respective top edge and bottom edge of the main body and into the respective hinge parts so that the doorway is completely transparent after the glass door leaf is installed in the doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Claus Weissofner, Karl Weissofner
  • Publication number: 20080155782
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is mounted between a cover and a main case of an electronic appliance and has a base, a rotating bracket, two sleeves, a positioning spacer and a positioning assembly. The base connects to the main case and has a receiving hole. The rotating bracket has a central shaft and two side shafts. The sleeves connect to the cover and are mounted around the side shaft. The positioning spacer is mounted securely on the central shaft and has a positioning detent selectively aligning with the receiving hole. The positioning assembly is mounted in the receiving hole of the base and selectively engages the positioning detent. When the cover is rotated relative to the main case along the longitudinal axis, the central shaft rotates the positioning spacer relative to the positioning assembly. When the positioning assembly engages the positioning detent, the cover is positioned relative to the main case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jung-Bin Chang, Tzu-Yu Lin
  • Publication number: 20080104797
    Abstract: A rotatable hinge has a stationary bracket, a positioning washer, a biasing washer, a limit ring, a rotating bracket, a keyed washer and a keyed pivot rivet. The keyed pivot rivet has a distal end. The distal end of the keyed pivot rivet extends through the biasing washer, the positioning washer, the stationary bracket, the limit ring, the rotating bracket and the keyed washer and is expanded to hold the rotatable hinge together. The rotatable hinge has a simplified structure and is easy to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Ko Chung, Jia-Yan Jian
  • Patent number: 7246556
    Abstract: A case for multiple stamp pads is provided. One embodiment of the case includes a first housing portion for retaining a first stamp pad, a second housing portion for retaining a second stamp pad, a hinge connecting the first and second housing portions for movement between a closed configuration where the first and second stamp pads are facing each other and sealed within the first and second housing portions and an open configuration where the first and second stamp pads are exposed for use, and a divider separating the first and second stamp pads in the closed configuration and swingably covering one of the first and second stamp pads in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Safe-T Products, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Bruce Stoneberg, Simon Leung
  • Patent number: 7108447
    Abstract: A joint suitable for construction castings having a frame and a lid or cover, such as manholes, grates, trench drains, hatches and the like, and construction castings incorporating the same. No tools are necessary to separate the joint. A ball head located on a lid fits into a socket located on a frame or adjacent lid. To separate the ball head from the socket, the lid is lifted to a substantially vertical position and turned about ninety degrees. The lid can then be lifted away from the socket. When the joint is used in manhole or hatch assemblies, a latch may be used to hold the cover open and the cover may be opened and closed with a lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Neenah Foundry Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Akkala, Timothy J. Law