Abstract: A computing device that includes a housing, an accessory interface, and a self-closing enclosure mechanism for the accessory interface. The self-closing enclosure mechanism is positioned over the accessory interface and is pivotable to move between a closed and open position.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a flexible hinge comprising first and second layers; the first layer comprising an elastomer and the second layer comprising a composite fabric.

Abstract: A selective compliance hinge, apt to define a turning pair with a default axis of rotation (A), allows to obtain a selective compliance turning pair, hence with the advantages typical of such applications but providing the best precision and movement repeatability, and comprises a connecting element (3) compliant between a first and a second body (1, 2), and characterized by that each of said bodies (1, 2) has a first and a second extension (11, 21), respectively, said extensions (11, 21) comprising respective surfaces (111, 211) conjugate therebetween, so that said surfaces (111, 211) slide one relative the other remaining adjacent therebetween and defining a rotary motion taking place substantially about said default axis of rotation (A).

Abstract: A hinge is mounted in a portable device with two panels and has a flexible tube and a linking unit. The linking unit receives the flexible tube and is attached to the panels of the portable device. Since the flexible tube does not restrict the rotating angle, the panels can stay at any desired visual angle and are pivoted steplessly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag cover hinge having a textile hinge that can be connected both to the airbag cover and to a carrier part surrounding the airbag cover, wherein the hinge comprises two different systems absorbing forces, which is to say one textile surface structure as a system that is combined to a second system with further warp threads, wherein the warp threads tear under a tensile load on the airbag cover hinge as a first force absorbing system.

Abstract: A flexible hinge including a first set of plies and a second set of plies, and a hinge area where the first set of plies and the second set of plies bend. A damping material is disposed between plies of the first set and the second set at least at the hinge area thereof to control the deployment of the hinge.

Abstract: A fitting for rotatably or displaceably supporting swing leaf doors or sliding doors, including a lower fitting part configured to be attached to the door leaf. The lower fitting part is fastened to a hinge strap or to an adapter support by a fastener. The fitting includes a transponder, which serves to identify the fitting.

Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism for a portable electronic device is described. The latching mechanism includes a latching member having a latching portion. The latching portion is resilient and can engage into a latching hole as the latching member is deformed from its original state to it deformed state and securely latched in the latching hole as the latching member is restored to its original state.

Abstract: A foldable electronic equipment comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3) that are interconnected through a hinge (4). The hinge (4) comprises at least one leaf spring (17) that is connected to the first part (2) and the second part (3) and is arranged to force the first part (2) and the second part (3) away from each other. Additionally, a camera is provided on the hinge, the camera being aligned with an opening on the hinge when the first part and the second part are forced away from each other.

Abstract: A hinge unit useful in the manufacture of readily assembled and erect shelving and storage units and furniture comprises an elongate locking member adapted to be received within a slotted channel in the surface of a first panel, means extending away from the elongate member for attaching the hinge to a second panel and integral axial flexion means between the two portions of the hinge. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate locking member and the channel are selected to prevent rotation of the locking member within the channel.

Abstract: A joint arrangement connects a longitudinal edge of a first component with an upper surface of a second component. At least two cooperating bands are secured with their first ends respectively on opposite sides of the first component, and are secured with their second ends respectively on clamping elements arranged on the second component, so that the bands intersect the major center plane of the first component in the joint area between the components. A pressure element is positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component, and the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another.

Abstract: A hinge unit useful in the manufacture of readily assembled and erect shelving and storage units and furniture comprises an elongate locking member having a first portion adapted to be received within a slotted channel in the surface of a first panel, a second portion extending away from the elongate member for attaching the hinge to a second panel and integral axial flexion member between the two portions of the hinge. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate locking member and the channel are selected to prevent rotation of the locking member within the channel.

Abstract: A stiffening element located within a flexible hinge on a roadway marker for increasing the stiffness of the hinge and resiliency of the roadway marker. The stiffening element provides more spring to return the roadway marker back to a substantially erect position after being deflected, for example, by a vehicle. The stiffening element can be a formed from a hard material such as PVC and can have the shape of a ball, cylinder, puck, oblong, or other suitable shape.

Abstract: A self opening hinge comprises a tubular member with a set of circumferentially spaced blades extending longitudinally between opposite end portions. It can be folded by bending the blades to bring the end portions together and when released will naturally return to the straight condition under the spring action of the blades. The blade which will be located on the inside of the fold when the member is in its folded condition is configured with a convex circumferential curvature as viewed from the axis of the member when in its unfolded condition, namely reversed in curvature as compared with the other blades. In this way the stress on the inside blade when the member is folded is reduced as compared with a conventional hinge where all the blades follow a circular tube profile and are concave as viewed from the central axis.

Abstract: A collapsible path barrier has at least three integrally-formed wall sections with a plurality of living hinges, as a series, joining each adjacent pair of wall sections, the at least three wall sections including two endmost wall sections joinable to form an upright structure. A collapsible path barrier may include a plurality of interconnected wall sections each having a top-facing side, where one of the top-facing sides has a pocket adapted for securely holding a light. A thermoformed unitary plastic object may include at least two wall sections, at least one hinge member connecting adjacent interior ones of the wall sections' longitudinal sides, the hinge member comprising a plurality of interconnected living hinges, where a nominal thickness of the at least one hinge members of the thermoformed unitary plastic object approximates 0.100 inch.

Abstract: A single point hinge and a method of thermoforming a plastic container including a single point hinge include a lid, a tray, a single point hinge connecting the lid and the tray. The single point hinge includes an angle formed by a lid chamfer and a tray chamfer. The single point hinge further includes a lid well adjacent to the lid chamfer and a tray well ajdacent to the tray chamfer, and the lid connects to the lid well and the tray connects to the tray well.

Abstract: A living hinge includes a hinge body formed of a material. The hinge body has attachment edges and a flexing zone between the attachment edges defining a flexing axis. The material of the hinge body has at least one separation formed therein in the flexing zone. The at least one separation describes an angle with the flexing axis being other than 90°.

Abstract: An exemplary housing includes a first cover, a second cover for coupled with the first cover, a trigger, two movable latches, a first resilient member, two second resilient members, and two extending arms. The first cover includes two engaging portions. The trigger is disposed on the second cover and slidable along a first direction. The movable latches are disposed on the second cover and slidable along a second direction. Each movable latch includes an engaging portion for engaging the engaging portions of the first cover. The resilient members are configured for resetting the trigger and the movable latches. The extending arms are rotatably connected to the trigger and the movable latches. A slide of the trigger forces the movable latches to slide, thus making the engaging portions of the first cover and the movable latches engage or disengage each other.

Abstract: A top hinge is provided for a refrigerator cabinet door. A hinge body is formed of plastic having a top surface and a bottom surface. A hinge pin extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the hinge body. One or more points of attachment are formed on the hinge body. An axis of twist passes through a center of the hinge pin and an effective center of attachment. At least a first rib and a second rib extend from the bottom surface of the hinge body. The ribs extend along a length of the bottom surface at an oblique angle relative to the axis of twist and diverge from each other by an angle of at least about 60 degrees.

Abstract: A Surface Mount Channelizer (40) for more efficiently absorbing impacts to a marker or sign used for demarking traffic lanes provides means for efficiently replacing a flexible shaft without detaching a mounting base from a lane surface. The apparatus comprises an upright marker (10) connected to a mounting base (18, 24), wherein the apparatus has means for providing free movement of marker (10) in any direction relative to mounting base (18, 24). The means for providing free movement comprises a flexible hinge (22), connecting marker (10) to mounting base (18, 24). Marker (10) is preferably comprised of a flexible material, and in combination with flexible hinge (22) is capable of a range of motion from upright to parallel with the ground 360° around said mounting base.

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.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism for a two part foldable hinged device having a cover and a base is disclosed and includes at least one elastic member having one end attached to the cover and a second opposite end attached to the base. The elastic member has a bending section defined between the ends which extends to increase the contact surface area of the base as the cover pivots open with respect to the base to keep the device from tipping over when the device is placed on a resting surface. The bending section is formed between two spaced apart knuckles whereby the elastic member bends with a controlled variable displacement to provide a greater rate of available contact surface as the cover and base pivot relative to one another, particularly between 90° and 180°. A portion of the second opposite end of the elastic member may extend beyond the downwardly facing surface of the base to make contact with the resting surface to prevent the device from sliding on the surface.

Abstract: A slidable dual-axis hinge assembly has a sliding leaf and a stationary leaf. The sliding leaf has two detents and an outer pivot formed on a pivoting end of the sliding leaf and pivotally mounting the sliding leaf in a cover of a portable electronic device. The stationary leaf has an inner pivot formed on a proximal end of the stationary leaf and pivotally mounts the stationary leaf in a base of the portable electronic device, and has two slide brackets engaging the detents and defining two sliding grooves oppositely therein and being mounted around the side edges of the sliding leaf to allow the sliding leaf to slide relative to the stationary leaf. Thereby, the cover of the portable electronic device pivots relative to the base in two different positions.

Abstract: A handheld communication device may comprise a first housing including a first keypad, a main printed circuit board, and a battery. A second housing may include at least one display, and the first and second housings may be rotatable relative to one another. The device may comprise a hinge barrel containing a biasing member and at least one cam follower. The hinge barrel may be rotatable relative to the first and second housings.

Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted for use with a support structure. The assembly includes a windowpane with an inner surface. A hinge is adjacent to the inner surface. The hinge includes a cylindrical member having a pivot axis and a stud member attached to the cylindrical member. A polymeric member surrounding at least a portion of the hinge member so as to permit, the hinge member to articulate about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprising first and second hinge elements rotatably mounted relative to each other and a plurality of elongate flexible members connected to the first and second hinge elements and extending there between, the elongate members being twisted about a longitudinal axis to a first condition prior to assembly the hinge assembly, wherein the hinge elements are rotatably movable from a first position in which the elongate members are in said first condition to a second position in which the elongate members are in a second condition.

Abstract: A joint arrangement connects a longitudinal edge of a first component with an upper surface of a second component. At least two cooperating bands are secured with their first ends respectively on opposite sides of the first component, and are secured with their second ends respectively on clamping elements arranged on the second component, so that the bands intersect the major center plane of the first component in the joint area between the components. A pressure element is positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component, and the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another.

Abstract: A molded hinge assembly is provided. The molded hinge assembly includes a male portion, a female portion formed unitarily with the male portion, a swivel shaft formed unitarily with the male portion, the swivel shaft including a plurality of channels defined along a rotational axis thereof. The molded hinge assembly also includes a plurality of molding gates formed at an intersection between each respective channel and the female portion, the female portion being subsequently rotatable with respect to the male portion after the molding gates are broken. During operation, the swivel shaft is friction fit within the female portion after the subsequent rotation of the female portion to break the molding gates.

Abstract: An elastic device of a hinge includes a hinge cup, a hinge arm, a connecting pivot, and a leaf spring. The hinge cup has an accommodation. The hinge arm has a cam section which is secured in the accommodation by the connecting pivot. The leaf spring is a U-shaped plate which has a fixed section at one end and a tongue at the other end. The fixed section is flush with the bottom of the accommodation and secured thereat. The tongue extends through a slot of the hinge arm and is against the cam section of the hinge arm.

Abstract: A resilient flexure has one end attached within a cavity in a rigid member, and the other end attached within a cavity in a structural mode. The cavities are shaped to limit the flexure's bend radius. The member and the node have mating surfaces that abut to constrain the amount of rotation of the member. The aforementioned elements are shaped to prevent the strain in the flexure from exceeding its design limit when the joint is at its maximum angular deflection and the attached member is fully collapsed.

Abstract: A slide hinge device installed between two terminal bodies opening and closing by sliding is provided. The slide hinge unit includes: a rail hinge unit including an upper supporter, a lower supporter separated from the upper supporter by a pre-determined distance, and at least one guide bar bound with the upper supporter and the lower supporter; and a slide hinge unit, in which a penetration hole corresponding to the guide bar is formed, including a slide guide for sliding along the guide bar and a guide frame bound with the slide guide as one body.

Abstract: A hinge structure includes a rotatable plate member, a frame member, a spring member that connects the rotatable plate member with the frame member at each of two opposite positions along a rotation axis. The spring member includes a first axial section, a second axial section. An end of the first axial section is connected to the frame member, and an end of the second axial section is connected to the rotatable plate member. The spring member includes a first zigzag section and a second zigzag section formed on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis, each of the first and second zigzag sections including parallel portions which are parallel with each other and with the rotation axis and bent portions each connecting adjacent parallel portions. A predetermined gap between the first and second axial section is smaller than a length of the parallel portions.

Abstract: A foldable electronic equipment comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3) that are interconnected through a hinge (4). The hinge (4) comprises at least one leaf spring (17) that is connected to the first part (2) and the second part (3) and is arranged to force the first part (2) and the second part (3) away from each other. Additionally, a camera is provided on the hinge, the camera being aligned with an opening on the hinge when the first part and the second part are forced away from each other.

Abstract: A living hinge comprising a spring portion having a first end and a second end and a first arm portion and a second arm portion coextruded with the spring portion is disclosed. The first arm portion extends from the first end and the second arm portion extends from the second end. A component having the living hinge is also disclosed. Methods of making the component having the living hinge are also discloses.

Abstract: A living hinge structure has two plastic side sections and a plastic connecting section, wherein the plastic side sections are integrated with metal supports so as to enhance the strength of the living hinge structure. The metal supports can be metal inserts bonded to the plastic side sections in an over-molding process. Each of the metal supports can be located on the outside surface or the inside surface of the plastic section. When the metal sections are located on the outside surfaces, they can be used to restrict the opening angle of the hinge. The metal supports can also be a part of a device that uses the hinge for mechanically coupling two device parts. As such, the living hinge is directly integrated into the device without the need for post-assembling by using screws, adhesive, welding or heat stacking.

Abstract: A single point hinge and a method of thermoforming a plastic container including a single point hinge include a lid, a tray, a single point hinge connecting the lid and the tray. The single point hinge includes an angle formed by a lid chamfer and a tray chamfer. The single point hinge further includes a lid well adjacent to the lid chamfer and a tray well adjacent to the tray chamfer, and the lid connects to the lid well and the tray connects to the tray well.

Abstract: A hinge is provided suitable for attaching a hood to a car or truck. The hinge includes generally tubular members sharing a common axis of rotation. Elastomeric elements interposed between the tubular members provide isolation between the parts of the hinge. Relative rotation between the tubular members compresses the elastomeric elements creating a spring-force opposing the relative rotation. The hood, hinge, and vehicle may be configured so that the spring-force of the elastomeric elements assists in opening and/or closing of the hood.

Abstract: The invention provides a variable angle connector profile for connecting a plurality of enclosure panels, the profile comprising: a first end segment having a first open channel sized for receiving a first enclosure panel; a flexible middle segment attached to the first end segment; and a second end segment attached to the middle segment and having a second open channel sized for receiving a second enclosure panel; the middle segment including a flexible plastic material and the end segments including at least a semi-rigid material, all three segments being co-extruded as a single integral linear unit and wherein each of the first and second end segments includes surfaces adapted to abut each other and to delimit the extent of movement of the end segments towards each other in a first sense of swivel from a linear alignment of 180° to a substantially perpendicular alignment of about 90°, while the segments are free to move in a second sense of swivel away from the surfaces to form a reflex angle therebetween,

Abstract: This invention combines the woodworking industry with the mechanical hinge industry to result in a novel hinge system primarily for use in the woodworking industry. The present invention also has applications in other industries where hinge systems are used. A multiple axis continuous hinge system allows a door or lid to which it is attached to open or rotate up to 360 degrees. The invention is a viable alternative for any conventional hinge. It is simple to apply. The invention is an aesthetically pleasing alternative for any conventional hinge and because of its great strength and flexibility it has applications that are offered by no other hinge. This hinge system lends itself to production and also offers the wood industry greater yield because of the value-added to its small parts which may be produced from off-fall and lower grades of lumber which would otherwise be scrap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mounting one or more glazing panes or insulating glass units into a window sash frame member having spaced side walls joined by an inner facing frame surface with a spacing structure disposed on the frame surface. Glazing panes are placed against strips of adhesive sealant within the window sash frame. Folding glazing beads hingedly attached to the side or inner walls of the frame member are folded against the glazing panes to secure them to the window sash frame member and/or to cover the glazing pane edges.

Abstract: A conductive hinge is made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as nitinol (NiTi) having a large elastic strain limit for enabling the hinge to bend to a small radius during stowage and flexible return to a trained rigid hinge position by training the shape memory alloy to assume a predetermined deployed configuration when released from a stowage configuration. The hinge is trained by forging at a temperature above a training temperature. The hinge is stowed and released in the superelastic state to deploy solar cell panels as the hinges unfold to the trained deployed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a hinge for furniture that includes a first hinge part rotatably connected with a second hinge part via at least one hinge axis. The first hinge part has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with its legs on one end having free ends that point toward a piece of the furniture. The free ends have fastening flanges bent laterally in a plane substantially parallel to the piece of furniture. A first area of the legs being expandable at free ends of the legs creating a trapezoidal cross-section when the flanges are mounted to the piece of furniture, and the legs have a resulting cambered construction. A second area of the legs being substantially parallel, and the at least one hinge axis being located in this second area.

Abstract: A method of assembling a sectional upward acting door comprising plural generally planar door panels adapted to be guided between opposed guide tracks. The door panels are provided with hinge assemblies including a hinge plate mounted on the upper edge of one door panel with a pin receiving bore and a cooperating hinge plate with a hinge pin formed thereon mounted on the lower edge of the adjacent panel. One panel may be placed between the guide tracks and suitably supported while the next panel is assembled to the already positioned panel by placing the next panel between the guide tracks and moving it vertically downward to engage the hinge plates on the respective panels. The cooperating hinge plates are configured for snap together engagement which may only be released by intentional manipulation of the hinge plate with the pin receiving bore.

Abstract: A modular system for assembling a storage unit is provided which includes a plurality of panels and different connectors. The system allows for subdividing spaces which may feature walls, floors, ceilings, etc. at varying angles or in areas having irregular contours. Additionally, the connectors are simple recesses and protrusions which allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the storage unit.

Abstract: An access panel for providing access to cables, services or the like through an opening in a floor having a floor covering, is disclosed. The access panel includes a floor frame (10) located in the opening and a lid (100) supported on the frame (10). The frame (10) has a support flange (26) extending around its periphery which extends between the floor covering and the floor deck. The flange (26) provides a ramped edge tapered substantially uniformly over a distance of between 10 and 20 times the maximum thickness of the flange (26). The outermost part of the flange (26) is typically formed from a flexible polymeric material. A rib (20) extends around an aperture in the frame (10) and the height of the rib (20) is lower than the load bearing surface of the floor. The hinge (24, 120) is generally square and defines a pivot surface which extends parallel to and is spaced inwardly from an inner edge of the frame (10).

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge and base assembly to retain toilet seats on a toilet bowl uses a pair of hinge bases and a pair of hinge leafs for each base. The base is adapted to be secured to a toilet bowl, with the leaf hinges securing the toilet seat ring and toilet seat cover to the hinge bases. Each leaf has the same shape and can be used to secure either the ring or the ring cover to the hinge base thereby simplifying installation or replacement procedures. The hinge base can also be used with molded seat covers and rings that include attachment tabs. The tabs interface with the hinge bases to form the seat assembly.

Abstract: A hinge assembly which creates a zero backlash situation. The base member has multiple seats, each having two contact ridges. The contact ridges are formed by an intersection of two planes (ideally substantially ninety degrees). A ball interconnect is engaged by the contact ridges of the seat on one side and a similar arrangement of contact seats on the other side (the hinge member). The diameter of the ball interconnect is larger than the distances between the contact ridges. By sandwiching the ball interconnect between the contact ridges of the base member and the contact ridges of the hinge member, a zero backlash is created in which firm and positive contact is maintained between the elements of the hinge.

Abstract: A wire cover (1) has a main body (10) and a lid (30) coupled via a bendable hinge (40). A set region (R) is defined between outer ends (Pa, Pb) which spaced from an end (40)a of the hinge (40) coupled to the lid (30) and an end (40b) thereof coupled to the main body (10) by a specified distance (L) toward a middle part of the hinge (40). A slit (41) is formed in the set region (R) and is not formed at the ends (40a, 40b) of the hinge (40). Thus, the ends (40a, 40b) of the hinge (40) are not bent and stress does not concentrate there even if the hinge (40) is bent repeatedly. Thus, cracks and fractures are unlikely to occur at the ends (40a, 40b).

Abstract: A conductive hinge is made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as nitinol (NiTi) having a large elastic strain limit for enabling the hinge to bend around a small radius during stowage and flexible return to a trained rigid hinge position. The hinge is conductive enabling use of the hinge as a conductor for routing power through multiple solar cell panels interconnected by the hinges forming a hinged solar cell array that is deployed when the hinges are released from the bent stowed configuration to the rigid deployed configuration when the hinges further function as latches to lock the panels in place.

Abstract: Reconfigurable radiant energy reflectors (3) of very low areal densities are formed of a laminate of a thin layer of a shape memory alloy (17) and a thin film or membrane material (15). The outer surface of the membrane provides the energy reflecting surface (16) and a support member (11) is attached to the laminate for application in a system. In a preferred embodiment, the shape memory alloy (17) is compositionally graded (18, 19, 29, 21) and exhibits a two-way shape memory effect and a heater (5) serves as the actuator to the reflector.