Abstract: An appliance includes an outer cabinet having a front aperture for accessing a processing space. A door selectively engages the front aperture in a closed position to enclose the processing space. A hinge includes a cabinet mount attached to the outer cabinet and having a stop that defines an open position of the door. A hinge pin extends through the cabinet mount to define a rotational axis of the hinge. A sheet metal flange is press fit onto the hinge pin and is fixedly attached to the door. The sheet metal flange is wrapped around the hinge pin and is attached to the door via fasteners. The pin includes a protrusion that selectively engages the stop of the cabinet mount in the open position.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet, defining a food storage chamber, and a door. The appliance includes a hinge system coupling the door to the cabinet. The hinge system includes a first hinge arm fixed to the door, a second hinge arm pivotably joined with the first hinge arm, a carrier fixed to the cabinet, the second hinge arm releasably received in the carrier, and a tether cable extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether cable fixed to the second hinge arm, the second end of the tether cable removably attached to a surface inside the food storage chamber. The tether cable configured such that the door may be detachable from the cabinet when the second end of the tether cable becomes detached from the surface inside the food storage chamber.

Abstract: A releasable hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket, a hinge bracket, and at least one spring biased locking mechanism. The mounting bracket having a first mounting plate and two pin tabs extending therefrom, at least one of the pin tabs defining a through hole therein. The hinge bracket having a second mounting plate and a knuckle extending therefrom. The knuckle defining at least one cutout that is being L-shaped. The at least one spring biased locking mechanism having a pawl arm and a pin. The at least one locking mechanism positioned within the a channel of the hinge bracket with the pawl arm positioned within and projecting from the at least one cutout. The pawl arm configured to move within the at least one cutout to push the pin beyond a second end of the knuckle and through a through hole defined in the pin tab of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A fenestration unit such as a door operable in a sliding mode and a bi-fold folding mode. Examples include a frame, a first panel, a second panel, and one or more fold hinges releasably pivotally connecting a second side portion of the first panel to a first side portion of the second panel and defining a folding axis. In the sliding mode (1) the fold hinges are configured to disconnect the first and second panels, (2) the first panel is in a closed position with respect to the frame, and (3) the second panel is configured to slide along a path generally parallel to the first panel between a closed position and a sliding open position.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an insulated cabinet structure and a cooling system. A door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure and an outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position The outer door may comprise a vacuum insulated structure including porous core material disposed in a cavity of the outer door.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided herein including a cabinet and a door. At least one hinge assembly is configured to hinge the door to the cabinet. The at least one hinge assembly includes a mounting block coupled to the door, a hinge bracket coupled to the cabinet, and a hinge pin disposed between the mounting block and the hinge bracket and coupled thereto such that the entirety of the hinge pin is external to the door.

Abstract: A hinge pin that allows for clean and convenient internal lubrication of associated door hinge assemblies, including: a head, a body, and a tip; wherein the head includes a fluid reservoir, and a fluid input aperture; wherein the body includes a first end, a second end, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween, at least one fluid output aperture, a primary bore, and a secondary bore; and wherein the primary and secondary bores are positioned between the fluid input aperture and the at least one fluid output aperture, and define a pathway for fluid flow therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle hinge assembly includes a door portion, a body portion, and a hinge pin movable between an engaged position where the door portion and the body portion are rotatably coupled and a disengaged position where the door portion and the body portion are configured to be decoupled from one another. A latch is moveable relative to the hinge pin between a locked position where the latch blocks movement of the hinge pin and an unlocked position where the latch allowed movement of the hinge pin. The latch is configured to be in the unlocked position when the vehicle hinge assembly is in a first substantially upright orientation, and the latch is configured to be in the locked position when the vehicle hinge assembly is in a second substantially upside-down orientation.

Abstract: A pivoting assembly includes a fixing member and a rotating member. The fixing member includes a positioning portion and a limiting portion. The limiting portion has a limiting surface facing the positioning portion. The limiting surface is a curved concave surface. The rotating member is clamped between the positioning portion and the limiting surface, is configured to rotate relative to the fixing member, and has first and second abutting surfaces and an acting curved surface surrounding thereof. While the rotating member is rotating relative to the fixing member, the acting curved surface bears against and rotates relative to the limiting surface, thereby enabling the positioning portion to selectively abut one of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface.

Abstract: A novel front sash closure for a fumehood of the sort comprising a workspace defined by a frame and accessed by a front opening, the front sash closure comprising: a transparent fixed pane and a transparent hinged pane; wherein the transparent fixed pane is securely mounted to the frame of the fumehood so as to partially cover the front opening of the fumehood, whereby to reduce the size of the front opening of the fumehood to a working opening; and wherein the transparent hinged pane is hingedly mounted to the frame of the fumehood intermediate the working opening so as to be able to selectively cover a portion of the working opening.

Abstract: A toolbox comprising: a container; a mounting system comprising: a mounting plate adapted to connect the toolbox to a bed of a truck; a support plate connected to the container; a pivot lock pivotally connecting all or a portion of the mounting plate and support plate; wherein the mounting plate and the support plate are pivotally connected together so that the container is movable relative to the bed of the truck, and wherein the pivot lock assists in connecting the mounting plate and the support plate together so that the support plate is pivotally movable relative to the mounting plate, and the pivot lock prevents the support plate from being detached from the mounting plate.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle hinge assembly can include a hinge pin and a latch. The latch is configured to transition from a locked position to an unlocked position when the hinge assembly is opened in a first orientation, and is configured to stay in the locked position when the hinge assembly is opened in a second orientation different than the first orientation. The latch in the locked position blocks movement of the hinge pin from the engaged position. An exemplary securing method can include rotatably coupling a door to a vehicle body with a hinge assembly. When the hinge assembly not inverted, movement of a hinge pin of the hinge assembly from an engaged to a disengaged position is permitted. When and inverted, movement of a hinge pin from the engaged position is blocked.

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a shaft, a first plurality of clamps, and a second plurality of clamps. Each of the first and the second pluralities of clamps includes a first wall, a second wall extending outwardly from the first wall in a first direction, and a third wall extending outwardly from the first wall in a second direction. Each of the first plurality of clamps is longitudinally spaced apart by one of the second plurality of clamps. The second walls of the first plurality of clamps are transversely spaced apart from the second walls of the second plurality of clamps. The first and the second walls of the first and the second pluralities of clamps collectively define a first slot that receives the shaft. The first and the third walls of the first and the second pluralities of clamps collectively define a second slot for receiving adjacent components.

Abstract: A tip is provided for a geared hinge including a first leaf, a second leaf and a cap enclosing complementary meshed edges of the first and the second leaves, at least one of the first leaf, the second leaf and the cap defining a channel. The tip includes a body with a depending tongue constructed and arranged for complementary engagement in the channel, an angled upper end projecting vertically from the tongue, the upper end including an inclined surface extending from a top portion to the tongue, the inclined surface defining an overhang extending on at least one side of the tongue for covering the channel.

Abstract: An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hinge for furniture or domestic appliances, comprising a lateral part on which a hinge part is pivotally mounted via two levers. A damping device is provided having a movable damping element which is mounted in a movable manner between guide elements for damping purposes and which can be moved via a first actuation element during a closing movement of the hinge before reaching the closed position. A second actuation element is provided which pushes the damping element during an opening movement of the hinge before reaching the maximum opening position for damping an opening process. In this manner, the hinge provides an opening as well as a closing damping function.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to hinge mechanisms. Many of the hinge mechanism embodiments may be used in foldable furniture. The foldable furniture may be a foldable seat or table. The hinge mechanism may include a central cylinder with a body defining a hinge axis. The central cylinder may have rotate channel(s) transverse to the hinge axis and locking channels extending axially from the rotate channel(s). Collar(s) may couple with the central cylinder and may include pin(s) that protrude inwardly into the rotate channel(s) and locking channel(s) of the central cylinder. In some embodiments, an intermediate cylinder may be disposed between the central cylinder and the collar(s). The intermediate cylinder may have slots corresponding to the rotate channel(s) of the central cylinder. When pin(s) and locking channel(s) are aligned, the central lock cylinder may move axially to lock the collars in a desired angular position (e.g., a deployed or folded configuration).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including a cabinet (10) defining a first storage region (2) for storing food, a door (20) opening and closing the first storage region (2) and filled with a thermal insulator therein, a gasket (26) provided on an inner surface of the door (20) and sealing the first storage region (2) from outdoor air by forming a sealing boundary when the door (20) closes the first storage region (2), a first hinge member (40) rotatably connecting the door (2) to the cabinet (10), a container (100) defining a second storage region for storing food and received in the first storage region (2), a second hinge member (200) rotatably connecting the door (20) to the container (100), and a connection member (260) structurally coupled to the second hinge member (200) within the door (20), in order to prevent distortions of a direction and a position of a rotary shaft (206) of the second hinge member (200) relative to a rotary shaft (42) of the first hinge member (40).

Abstract: A hinge dampening device is provided for a granulation processor having a bowl and a lid. A dampening device includes first and second spaced apart hinge supports fixed to the bowl and a pin extending through the lid collar residing between the hinge supports. The first end of the pin is fixed to the first hinge support, and a second end of the pin extends through the second hinge support. An adjustable compressive force is applied axially to the hinge supports and lid collar to create frictional resistance to rotation of the lid. The rotational resistance provides controlled opening and closing of the lid.

Abstract: A foundation for a tower, the foundation including a main pedestal support structured to engage to a base of the tower. A floor structure surrounds and is secured to the main pedestal support. A wall structure surrounds the floor structure proximate a perimeter thereof, secured to the perimeter of the floor structure and extending upwardly from the floor structure. The main pedestal support is located generally centrally in the floor structure.

Abstract: An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.

Abstract: An alignment guide and method of assembling an apparatus with an alignment guide is provided. The alignment guide comprises a body having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The apparatus comprises a cabinet defining an enclosure, a door, and a coupling mechanism for movably coupling the door to the cabinet to permit translational movement of the door relative the cabinet. The method comprises aligning the door relative to the cabinet with the alignment guide by abutting the first abutment surface of the alignment guide against a surface of the cabinet while abutting the second abutment surface of the alignment guide against a surface of the door. The method further comprises fixedly coupling the door to a support member of the coupling mechanism while the door is aligned to the cabinet with the alignment guide.

Abstract: A concealed hinge mechanism for connecting a door and a door frame has two fixed plates mounted on the door and the door frame, and two L-shaped connecting elements to connect the fixed plates while providing a rotational and outward movement for opening.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to hinge mechanisms. Many of the hinge mechanism embodiments may be used in foldable furniture. The foldable furniture may be a foldable seat or table. The hinge mechanism may include a central cylinder with a body defining a hinge axis. The central cylinder may have rotate channel(s) transverse to the hinge axis and locking channels extending axially from the rotate channel(s). Collar(s) may couple with the central cylinder and may include pin(s) that protrude inwardly into the rotate channel(s) and locking channel(s) of the central cylinder. In some embodiments, an intermediate cylinder may be disposed between the central cylinder and the collar(s). The intermediate cylinder may have slots corresponding to the rotate channel(s) of the central cylinder. When pin(s) and locking channel(s) are aligned, the central lock cylinder may move axially to lock the collars in a desired angular position (e.g., a deployed or folded configuration).

Abstract: A hinge (100) including a first flange (102) having a first sleeve segment and a portioned sleeve segment is disclosed. The hinge also includes a second flange (104) having a second sleeve segment. The second flange is configured to mate with the first flange such that the first sleeve segment, the second sleeve segment, and the portioned sleeve segment are substantially aligned. A pin (106) is configured to be removably inserted into the first sleeve segment and the second sleeve segment. Also disclosed are a method for assembling a hinge and a container assembly including a hinge.

Abstract: A locking hinge including barrel members with a cylindrical female recess and a multi-sided center bore. A medial barrel member has a center bore and first and second cylindrical male portions rotatably inserted into one of the female recesses, and a multi-sided center bore, such that the bores are in axial alignment. First and second hinge pins have a cylindrical portion and a multi-sided portion slidably inserted through the aligned multi-sided center bores. A spring disposed in the medial barrel member urges the hinge pins apart. When in a fully locked configuration, the multi-sided portions of the hinge pins engage the multi-sided center bore of a male portion and a barrel member; when in an unlocked configuration, at least one or both of the hinge pins is depressed such that its multi-sided portion is disengaged from the multi-sided center bore of the barrel member through which it is slidably inserted.

Abstract: A locking hinge with a sliding hinge pin that selectively places the hinge in either a locked or unlocked configuration. The hinge pin includes cylindrical and contoured upper and lower exterior parts that cooperate with contoured upper and lower portions of the interior wall of the lower and upper sleeve members of the hinge. When in the locked configuration the lower contoured part of the hinge pin engages the contoured portion of the lower sleeve member and the upper contoured part engages the contoured portion of the interior wall of the upper sleeve, and in the unlocked configuration the lower contoured part of the hinge pin does not engage the contoured portion of the interior wall of the lower sleeve and the upper contoured part of the hinge pin does not engage the contoured portion of the interior wall of the upper sleeve.

Abstract: A column includes a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly having an upper portion (2) pivotally attached to a lower portion (1) for movement about a first pivot axis (5), the upper portion of the hinge assembly being associated with an upper part (12) of the column and the lower portion of the hinge assembly being associated with a lower part (11) of the column. In use, movement of the upper and lower hinge assembly portions about the first pivot axis from a normal position, in which the upper part of the column is relatively upright, causes the upper part of the column to rotate towards the lower part of the column, thereby allowing the upper part the column to be moved to a maintenance position. An arm links (3), via second (6) and third (7) pivot axes, the upper and lower portions of the hinge assembly, and the arm is associated with a spring (9) that exerts a force via the arm, which urges the upper and lower hinge assembly portions towards the normal position.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed comprising one or more first hinge segments comprising a first surface having disposed thereon: a plurality of spatially separated first lugs each having a first slot formed therein; and a plurality of spatially separated first rods; one or more second hinge segments comprising a second surface having disposed thereon: a plurality of spatially separated second lugs, each second lug having a second slot formed therein; and a plurality of spatially separated second rods. The hinge has a first configuration of partial engagement of the first hinge segment with the second hinge segment where the first slots are aligned and engaged with the second rods; and a second configuration of full engagement of the first hinge segment and the second hinge segment wherein the first slots are rotatably engaged in a direction different than the first configuration.

Abstract: A door hinge with a quick removal structure includes a first body, a second body, a bushing, a pivot and a ball. A first socket and a second socket are coupled to the first body and the second body respectively, and a first slide groove is formed on an inner wall of the first socket. The connection and separation of the first body with the second body can be determined by the control of the position of the ball to set the status of the door hinge and achieve the quick removal effect.

Abstract: A hinge assembly may include first and second hinge portions, a pivot pin, and a retaining member. The first hinge portion may be secured to one of a vehicle body and a door, and may include a first aperture and a protrusion. The second hinge portion may be secured to another of the vehicle body and the door, and may include a second aperture and a first detent. The protrusion may engage the first detent when the door is in an open position. The pivot pin may selectively engage the first and second apertures to provide relative rotation between the first and second hinge portions. The retaining member may engage a portion of the pivot pin and may be axially movable relative to one of the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A quick release door hinge system has a locking pin and two flaps: A jamb flap that is fixedly attached to a door jamb and a door flap which is fixedly attached to a door. The door flap has built-in downwardly pointing pins that are configured and sized to fit into channels found on the jamb flap. Once the two flaps are connected, the locking pin is inserted so as to block any upward motion of the door flap which could result in an inadvertent release of the door from its hinges.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hair iron having upper and lower casings, a heat generating unit and a hinge connection unit. The hinge connection unit includes a hinge box secured to either of the upper and lower casings. First and second movable members each having a hinge shaft are provided in the hinge box, and move between a hinge coupling position and a hinge releasing position. An elastic member is elastically provided between the first and second movable members, and exerts an elastic force so that the hinge shaft moves to the hinge releasing position. A hinge-coupling retaining means is manipulated on an outside of the hinge box to move the hinge shaft to the hinge coupling position and simultaneously retain the hinge shaft in the hinge coupling position. A hinge-shaft connection lug is provided on a remaining one of the upper and lower casings, and has a hinge hole.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly with hinge members having axially aligned cylindrical passages with interior surface shape, and a selectively depressible hinge pin with an exterior shape that matches the interior hinge member passages so as to permit selective locking of the hinge members.

Abstract: A hinge (100) including a first flange (102) having a first sleeve segment and a portioned sleeve segment is disclosed. The hinge also includes a second flange (104) having a second sleeve segment. The second flange is configured to mate with the first flange such that the first sleeve segment, the second sleeve segment, and the portioned sleeve segment are substantially aligned. A pin (106) is configured to be removably inserted into the first sleeve segment and the second sleeve segment. Also disclosed are a method for assembling a hinge and a container assembly including a hinge.

Abstract: A closure device includes: a main body having first and second shoulders; a door secured rotatably to the main body and having first and second door edges; an engaging member; an engaging mechanism; and a second pivot axle. The first shoulder and the first door edge respectively have a through hole and a first axle hole. The engaging member and the engaging mechanism are disposed respectively at an inner side of the main body. The engaging member includes a first pivot axle extending through the through hole and the first axle hole, and a positioning piece extending radially from the first pivot axle and engaging the engaging mechanism. One of the second shoulder and the second door edge has a second axle hole, while the other of the second shoulder and the second door edge has the second pivot axle extending through the second axle hole.

Abstract: A hinge member for a blow-molded article includes at least two hinge arms with axial holes defined therein and a hinge pin extended therethrough. The hinges arms include upper and lower ones provided on the two parts of the article respectively. At least two openings are defined in the wall of each hinge arm and parallel to a horizontal plane at which the axis of the axial hole is located. At least one opening is positioned at each side of the horizontal plane. The length and width of the openings are arranged such that each opening corresponds to a particular section of the axial hole. The axial hole can be formed by providing corresponding bulges in the mold without removing a core pin, thereby simplifying molding process and increasing yield rate. The present disclosure also provides a blow-molded article having the hinge member and a mold for forming the article.

Abstract: Provided are a hinge assembly that is pivotably supported to a hinge plate for pivotably supporting a door, and which is provided with an integrally coupled retaining lever that selectively fixes the hinge plate, and a refrigerator provided with the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a fixing member, the hinge plate, and the retaining lever. The fixing member projects to an upper surface of a refrigerator main body. The hinge plate is pre-fixed to the refrigerator main body, with a portion of the fixing member inserted in one portion of the hinge plate and a refrigerator door pivotably mounted to another portion of the hinge plate. The retaining lever is pivotably coupled to the hinge plate, to selectively retain the hinge plate through rotating horizontally about the hinge plate.

Abstract: A hinge assembly may be provided to hingeably couple two substrates together to allow one of the substrates to pivot about the center plane of the other substrate. The hinge assembly may include two separable hinge components that are manufactured from lightweight materials and that are configured to provide up to about 180 degrees of swing for a door or other hingeably-coupled substrate. Polymer bushings may be employed to preclude the need for lubrication of the hinge assembly, and a spring loaded tab may be provided on a hinge pin of the hinge assembly to provide for ease of installation, removal or replacement of a hingeably coupled substrate. Flow channels with injection ports may be defined within each of the separable hinge components of the hinge assembly, and configured to evenly distribute injected bonding material around the components of the hinge assembly while they are positioned within respective substrate cavities.

Abstract: A hinge, configured to be stably positioned by a simple mechanism and advantageously characterized by ease of installation and uninstallation, includes a first connection member and a second connection member. The first connection member includes a first fixing unit and a support unit. The first fixing unit has a first fixing side and a connecting side. The support unit is connected to the connecting side, and has a cylindrical receiving chamber and a via in communication with the cylindrical receiving chamber. The via is penetrable by a rod-shaped tool. The second connection member includes a second fixing unit and a post connected to the second fixing unit. The second fixing unit has a second fixing side. The post is removably disposed in the cylindrical receiving chamber and has a positioning hole for receiving an end portion of the rod-shaped tool when aligned with the via.

Abstract: A vehicle door attachment unit for rotatably and detachably coupling a vehicle door to a vehicle body. The unit may include a bodyside bracket mountable to the vehicle body and having first and second portions with respective first and second apertures, with the first and second portions extending generally away from the vehicle body. A doorside bracket may be mountable to the vehicle door and include a segment with a third aperture, the segment extending generally away from the vehicle door. A retaining mechanism may extend through the third aperture, and through the first and/or second apertures. A fastener may extend through at least one of the apertures and mate with the retaining mechanism to substantially align the first, second, and third apertures. A bearing may be disposed on the retaining mechanism for providing rotational freedom between the retaining mechanism, and the bodyside or doorside bracket.

Abstract: An insertion-type hinge assembly may include a first hinge member including a mount unit and a shaft that is separated from and coupled to the mount unit, and that is positioned in parallel to the mount unit. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member that receives the shaft therein so as to rotatably couple the first and second hinge members. The first and second hinge members may be installed in corresponding recesses of a door and a main body such that they are not exposed.

Abstract: A hinge for doors or windows, comprising a hinge-pin (26) defining an axis of rotation (28), a first hinge element (22) and a second hinge element (24), which are articulated to one another about said axis (28) via said pin (26), the hinge including a reinforcement kit comprising an extension element (32) that can be applied by shape fit to an end of the pin (26), and a third hinge element (30) connectable to the first hinge element (22) in a pre-set position and having a hole (82) that can be engaged by said extension element (32) of the pin (26).

Abstract: A hinge assembly and a portable electronic device are provided. The portable electronic device includes a lid, a main body, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly pivotly connects the lid to the main body. The hinge assembly includes a pivot element, a torsion spring, and a hinge brace. The pivot element is formed on the lid and partially and rotatably received in the main body. The torsion spring is assembled between the lid and the main body. When the lid is in a closed position with respect to the main body, the torsion spring becomes constricted and accumulates potential energy. When the lid is opened from the main body, the potential energy of the torsion spring is released to drive the lid to rotate to an open position with respect to the main body. The hinge brace is attached to the main body for blocking an excessive rotation of the lid with respect to the main body.

Abstract: Furniture hinge with damping and/or braking device in alternative to those already existing and capable of guaranteeing an improved efficiency during the closing or opening operation of the doors, or other furniture parts, thanks to an improvement of the kinematic motion for transmitting motion from one of the rockers to the damping elements. The improved efficiency of this hinge is also obtained by increasing the friction surfaces with a viscous medium present in suitable areas of the hinge and by allowing regulation of the trend of the angular velocity of a circular shaped element, for example a disc, which acts as braking element in contact with the viscous medium.

Abstract: A multi-section hinge mechanism (100) comprises a rotary member (10) and a base (20). The base includes an annular elastic arm (12) and a latching part (14) integrally extending from an inner circumferential wall of the annular elastic arm. The base defines a central hole running therethrough and a plurality of concaves (242) in one surface portion. The latching part rotatably extends through the central hole of the base. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the base.

Abstract: Improved hinge mechanisms and hinge systems releasably conjoin elements such as doors, frames and panels. The hinges include multiple pins that can be moved to a first position in which the hinge leaves may be separated from one another, and a second position in which the hinge leaves are pivotally secured to one another.

Abstract: In a printer comprising a paper container for containing a recording paper, the paper container has a base member mounted of a housing of the printer and a cover member rotatably pivoted on the base member via a pair of hinge structures. Each hinge structure has at least a first bearing portion formed on the cover member and having a first center hole, at least a second bearing portion formed on the base member and having a second center, a hinge pin inserted into the first center hole of the first bearing portion and the second center hole of the second bearing portion, a first and a second stoppers formed on the base member for facing both ends of the hinge pin with predetermined gaps. The second stopper has elasticity to be deformed when the hinge pin is inserted into the first and second center holes by applying a pressure thereto and to be recovered to a natural shape when the pressure is released so as to prevent escape of the hinge pin from the first and second center holes.

Abstract: The supports of the present invention further comprise a frame strut extending across a lower portion of the support frame. Two openings are defined in the frame strut which are adapted to receive ends of an expansion limiter piece. This limiter piece is generally V-shaped and has connection means at the end of each of the V legs for connection to frame struts of adjacent hose supports. The vertex of the limiter piece is located proximal to a vertex formed by the hinge of adjacent hose supports. At the vertex of the limiter piece and at locations near the connection means, living hinges are formed so that a user will experience relatively little resistance to opening, accordion-style, the invention hose supports.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism pivotably connects the two housings of a clamshell-type electronic device, and includes a hinge head, a hinge body, and retaining boots around the hinge head and hinge body. The hinge mechanism and the retaining boots fit tightly within openings integrally formed in a housing of the device. As a user pivots the housings between open and closed positions, the retaining boots expand to fill in any spatial gaps that might develop between the exterior surface of the hinge mechanism and the interior surfaces of the openings. This maintains the tight fit between the hinge mechanism and the housings.