Sliding Patents (Class 16/327)
  • Patent number: 11466516
    Abstract: A ladder and ladder accessory are provided including an accessory that may be coupled to the ladder in multiple configurations and serve multiple purposes. In one embodiment, a pair of components are each selectively coupled with associated rails of a ladder in a first, stored state, and a second, walkthrough state. When in the walkthrough state, the components extend upwards from and above the rails so that a user may gasp the components and step between the components when transitioning from the ladder to an elevated surface (e.g., a roof) or vice versa. In another embodiment, the components may be coupled to the ladder such that they extend in a direction that is substantially transverse to a plane through which the rails extend. When in this transverse orientation, the components may be used as a stand-off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley V. Clark, N. Ryan Moss
  • Patent number: 11307619
    Abstract: A dual-torque hinge mechanism includes a rotary shaft, a second bridging component, a resistance assembly, a torque generating component and a driving assembly. The second bridging component is rotatably disposed on the rotary shaft. The resistance assembly is disposed on the rotary shaft and coupled to second bridging component. The torque generating component is coupled to the rotary shaft. The driving assembly is disposed between the resistance assembly and the torque generating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Bin Zhang, Wenwu Yuan
  • Patent number: 11243579
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a biaxial hinge mechanism including a positioning plate, a first main shaft, a second main shaft, a cam, and a linkage assembly. The positioning plate has a first through hole and a second through hole. The first main shaft is movably disposed through the first through hole. The second main shaft is rotatably disposed through the second through hole. The cam is fixed on the second main shaft. The linkage assembly is connected to the first main shaft and movable with the cam. When the second main shaft is rotated in a specific direction, the cam pushes the linkage assembly to force the first main shaft to move away from the second through hole so as to increase an axis distance between the first main shaft and the second main shaft. In addition, the disclosure relates to an electronic device having the biaxial hinge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Xu Liu, JingYi Cao, Xin Li
  • Patent number: 10890949
    Abstract: In a general aspect, a foldable display device may include processor, a memory, a first housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first length extending between the first end portion and the second end portion of the first housing, a second housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, a second length extending between the first end portion and the second end portion of the second housing, the second length being different than the first length, a flexible display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge assembly disposed between the first housing and the second housing to rotate the first housing and the second toward each other. The hinge assembly may include a slider and plurality of gears. The slider and the plurality of gears operate to transfer a rotational movement into a translational movement of at least one of the first housing or the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Davis Ou, Mike Liu
  • Patent number: 10745954
    Abstract: Disclosed is a silent, soft-close compact hinge comprising of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body via a hinge arm. A set of coil springs biases the hinge to a closed position. A damping mechanism is removably attached to the hinge cup and acted on by the hinge arm. A set of spring sleeves are fitted to the coil springs to insulate the movement of the coil springs on the hinge arm providing the closing bias. The hinge body is comprised of three separate plates adjustably connected to each other with cam screws. The position of the hinge body with respect to the hinge arm is adjustable in three directions without the need for removal or loosening of mounting hardware used to attach the hinge body to a furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Hardware Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGregor, Travis McElveen
  • Patent number: 10602891
    Abstract: A toilet seat and lid assembly includes a toilet lid. A toilet seat is pivotally carried by the toilet lid. A seat raising mechanism includes a lock housing rotatable between a lowered seat position and a raised seat position, a lock pin cavity in the lock housing, a spring-loaded lock pin disposed for displacement in the lock pin cavity between a locking position and an unlocking position, a seat bracket engaged for rotation by the lock housing and engaging the toilet seat and a torsion spring normally biasing the lock housing in the lowered seat position. A pin actuating rod is carried by the toilet lid. The pin actuating rod engages the lock pin for actuation of the lock pin from the locking position to the unlocking position. A seat actuation button is carried by the toilet lid and engages the pin actuating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Albert Alex Kislin
  • Patent number: 10398615
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a surgical table and a limb support unit coupled to the surgical table. The limb support unit includes a support platform coupled to the surgical table in a fixed position, a first limb holder coupled to the support platform in a fixed position relative to the support platform, and a second limb holder coupled to the support platform and spaced apart from the first limb holder. The first limb holder includes a multi-axis joint coupled to the support platform in a fixed position and a spar coupled to the multi-axis joint to move relative to the support platform while supporting a patient's limb that has been coupled to the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Clark, Jesse S. Drake, Anthony V. Catacchio, Dustin T. Libby, Mark A. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 10130530
    Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention include a load transitioning mechanism which enables attachment and release of at least one ground-contacting adaptive implement, such as a multi-terrain caster wheel assembly, a motorized wheel, or a ski; embodiments further enable reversible reconfiguration of the wheelchair by a user between a.) an original load-bearing configuration utilizing the conventional forward caster wheels of the wheelchair, and b.) a modified load-bearing configuration utilizing the ground-contacting adaptive implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen C. Golden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9822567
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a guiding unit connected between and slidable relative to first and second hinge units along arcuate lines. The second hinge unit has a pivot shaft extending through first and second rings, and a resilient washer. The second ring is rotatable on the pivot shaft relative to the first ring and has a radial extension member telescopically connected to a pivotal arm of the first hinge unit. The resilient washer pushes the second ring against the first ring. A protrusion of the first ring slides along a contact surface of the second ring having a groove so that a variable friction toque is created against relative movement of the first and second hinge units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventor: Yuan-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 9678541
    Abstract: A pivot shaft transmission device provides a security system and is easy to assemble. The pivot shaft transmission device includes at least one rotary shaft, a drive section movable with the rotation of the rotary shaft, a driver (transversely) movable along a rail between a first position and a second position, a turning unit having a first end connected with the driver and a second end, and a transmission unit assembled with the second end of the turning unit. The transmission unit includes a first section, a second section and at least one elastic body assembled with each other. When the turning unit is swung, the transmission unit is driven to (longitudinally) move to drive a connection section and a carrier body for lifting or lowering a substrate body or a frame in accordance with the operation mode of an electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Wang Jui Lee, Chung Yi Lin, Ya Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 9624704
    Abstract: A pivot pin device provides a protection system. In operation/rotation, the pivot pin device achieves a height/position change effect. The pivot pin device includes a first component, a fixing shaft disposed on the first component and a second component assembled with the fixing shaft. The second component is formed with a slot for assembling with the fixing shaft. The fixing shaft is assembled with a rocking arm. A first head end of the rocking arm is pivotally connected with an eccentric shaft. A second head end of the rocking arm is pivotally connected with a subsidiary shaft assembled on the second component. When the slot of the second component is rotated around the fixing shaft to an opened position, the subsidiary shaft drives the rocking arm to swing with the eccentric shaft as a fulcrum, whereby a height/position change is achieved between the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventor: An Szu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9500443
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a level indicator for a firearm that is configured to be repositioned from a home position, generally above the barrel of the firearm, to an extended position, generally above and to the side of the barrel of the firearm. Several different mounting apparatuses are also disclosed, as well as variations of adjustment mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Charles A. McCoy, II, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 9471106
    Abstract: A computer apparatus includes a base and a display device. The base includes a first casing and a ferromagnetic unit fastened to the first casing. The display device includes a second casing having a connecting side portion and a magnetic unit. In a first use state, the connecting side portion of the second casing is adjacent to the first casing of the base, and an angle formed therebetween is adjustable. The magnetic unit is fastened to the connecting side portion of the second casing, and magnetically attracts ferromagnetic unit of the base, thereby permitting sliding of the display device relative to the base without separating therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Tien-Chung Tseng, Chen-Yi Liang, Hung-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 9462713
    Abstract: A transmission device applied to a pivot shaft mechanism provides a security system and is easy to assemble. The transmission device includes at least one rotary shaft, a drive section movable with the rotation of the rotary shaft, a driver (transversely) reciprocally movable and a turning unit having a first end connected with the driver and a second end assembled with a carrier body. The driver includes an arm section provided with an elastic body and a hand section connected with the arm section. When the driver is transversely moved, the turning unit is swung, whereby the second end of the turning unit drives the carrier body for lifting or lowering a substrate body or a frame in accordance with the operation mode of an electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Wang Jui Lee, Chung Yi Lin, Ya Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 9458653
    Abstract: A check link structure includes a first bracket, a cam arm and a cam follower. The first bracket has a pivot support structure defining a first pivot axis. The cam arm is coupled to the first bracket for pivotal movement about the first pivot axis. The cam arm includes a cam block and a support shell. The cam block has a cam surface that includes a plurality of positioning recesses and a plurality of movement restricting lobes between adjacent ones of the plurality of positioning recesses. The support shell defines a block receiving space that non-movably retains the cam block. The cam follower has a follower surface that is configured to continuously contact the cam surface of the cam block in response to movement of one of the first bracket and the cam follower relative to the other of the first bracket and the cam follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary Wickliffe
  • Patent number: 9292048
    Abstract: An electronic communication device having a touch-sensitive display panel in a display module and a keypad in a keypad module is disclosed. The two modules are connected to one another and can be moved relative to one another into an open position and a closed position. The touch-sensitive display panel is on the outside of the display module in the closed position. Guide members on both sides of the keypad of the keypad module can operatively interact with guide members associated with the display module. The keypad module has a rotatable traction member that can operatively interact with a fixed traction member of the display module. The display module is mounted on the keypad module so as to be able to slide or move. In fully slid-out position, the display module can be rotated or tilted or folded against the keypad module in a manner similar to a laptop PC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CONSTIN GMBH
    Inventor: Hans Constin
  • Patent number: 8813311
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a housing, a spring member, a slider, a rotating member and a connecting rod. The slider is located on the spring member. The slider is movable along a straight line driven by the spring member. The rotating member is rotatable about a pin of the housing. The connecting rod provides a separation linkage between the slider and the rotating member to reduce friction and to render torque and counter-torque calculations easier in the context of establishing a resting position for the hinge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiao-Wu Li
  • Patent number: 8713757
    Abstract: A slide cover lifting structure used in an electronic device consisting of a base member and a cover panel is disclosed to include a pair hinges, a pair of sliding rail holders, a pair of bearing members, a pair of plastic slide guides, a pair of sliding rails, a transmission shaft, two gear sets and a pair of gear racks. The gear sets are provided between the sliding rail holders and the bearing members for transmission of applied force. The transmission shaft is mounted in the base member (system end), allowing free utilization of the internal circuit board space of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin, Po-Hsiang Hu
  • Patent number: 8667647
    Abstract: A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Patent number: 8661618
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between open and closed positions and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. A hinge pin assembly cooperates with the hinge members and has aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position the hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions. The locking components may include a mechanical override device to prevent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8661620
    Abstract: A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Patent number: 8654407
    Abstract: A scanner is mounted on a printer. A printer lid is pivotally mounted to the printer, and is moveable to open and close. A scanner lid is pivotally mounted to the scanner, and is moveable to open and close. A printer locking member and a scanner locking member are pivotally mounted to the scanner. Opening the scanner lid causes the printer locking member to pivot to lock the scanner to the printer. Opening the printer lid causes the scanner locking member to pivot to lock the scanner lid to the scanner. A scanner having a lid is pivotally mounted on a printer. When the lid is pivoted to open, a stopper may pivot together with the lid and abut the scanner, thereby stopping the lid. The stopper may pivot together with the lid and the scanner and abuts the printer, stopping the lid and the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yamazaki, Hidenori Ueda
  • Publication number: 20130340205
    Abstract: This invention involves a set of exclusive methods of folding mechanisms for means of collapsing and opening a baby stroller. The methods aims for the compact ability, ease of use, versatility and easy manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: KHAI GAN CHUAH
  • Publication number: 20130312219
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably attaching a door to a domestic appliance is provided. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body; a damper having a central longitudinal axis; a first linkage member pivotably attached to the damper; a second linkage member pivotably attached to the damper; and a foot pivotably attached at a first end of the foot to the first and second linkage members, the foot being configured to engage at a second end of the foot a foot receiving portion of the domestic appliance such that the hinge body and the door pivot relative to the domestic appliance. The first and second linkage members are offset from and positioned on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventor: Suad Elkasevic
  • Publication number: 20130312222
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for pivotably attaching a door to a domestic appliance. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body having two mounting areas; a damper; a foot pivotably attached to the damper, the foot being configured to engage a foot receiving portion of the appliance body such that the hinge body and the door pivot relative to the appliance body; and a first mounting spacer attached to the hinge body at a first one of the mounting areas, the first mounting spacer being configured to attach to the door such that the hinge body is fixed relative to the door. Each of the two mounting areas is configured to receive a first fastener to attach the first mounting spacer to the hinge body, and each of the two mounting areas is configured to receive a second fastener to attach the door to the hinge body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suad Elkasevic, George May
  • Publication number: 20130312220
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for pivotably attaching a door to a domestic appliance. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body having two side walls; a damper; a foot pivotably attached to the damper, the foot being configured to engage a foot receiving portion of the appliance body such that the hinge body and the door pivot relative to the appliance body; a pivot member that locationally fixes an eyelet of the damper to the hinge body; and two spacer bushings located on opposite sides of the eyelet and between the eyelet and the side walls of the hinge body. The pivot member extends through the side walls, the spacer bushings and the eyelet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventor: Suad Elkasevic
  • Publication number: 20130312221
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for attaching a door to a domestic appliance. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body; a damper; a foot pivotably attached to the damper and having a pivot end, the foot engaging a foot receiving portion of the appliance such that the hinge body and the door pivot relative to the appliance; and a shoulder bushing attached to the pivot end of the foot and to a pivot point of the hinge body such that the foot pivots relative to the hinge body around the pivot point, the shoulder bushing having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The pivot end of the foot is fixed to the shoulder bushing at a fixing area of the small diameter portion such that a side surface of the pivot end of the foot is in contact with a side surface of the large diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventor: Suad Elkasevic
  • Publication number: 20130307392
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for pivotably attaching a door to a domestic appliance. The hinge assembly has a hinge body that attaches to the door; a damper including a damper cylinder attached to the hinge body; a foot attached to the hinge body and the cylinder and engaging a foot receiving portion of the domestic appliance; and a hinge keeper fixedly attached to the appliance body of the domestic appliance. The hinge keeper has a retaining portion that contacts the foot, the retaining portion having an edge that contacts the foot from above such that the foot is prevented from moving vertically upward relative to the appliance body of the domestic appliance, and a fixing portion fixed to the appliance body of the domestic appliance and preventing the retaining portion from moving vertically upward relative to the appliance body of the domestic appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suad Elkasevic, George May
  • Publication number: 20130300274
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for pivotably attaching a door to a domestic appliance. The hinge assembly includes a damper cylinder; a rod partially located inside the cylinder and partially located outside the cylinder, the rod having an outer surface and being slidable relative to the cylinder in a reciprocating motion between a fully contracted position and a fully extended position; and a coil spring positioned inside the cylinder and around the rod such that the rod extends through a center of the coil spring, the coil spring having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the rod contacts the inner surface of the coil spring to prevent the outer surface of the coil spring from contacting the inside surface of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suad Elkasevic, George May
  • Publication number: 20130300273
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably attaching a door to a domestic appliance is provided. The hinge assembly includes a hinge body configured to attach to the door; a damper cylinder attached to the hinge body and having an inside surface; a rod partially located inside the cylinder and partially located outside the cylinder, the rod having being slidable relative to the cylinder in a reciprocating motion between a fully contracted position and a fully extended position; and a coil spring having an inner core and an outer coating, and positioned inside the cylinder and around the rod such that the rod extends through a center of a coil of the coil spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suad Elkasevic, George May
  • Patent number: 8572810
    Abstract: A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Patent number: 8559623
    Abstract: A double sliding stability space-saving slide cover lifting structure used in an electronic device consisting of a base member and a cover panel is disclosed to include a pair hinges, a pair of sliding rail holders, a pair of bearing members, a pair of plastic slide guides, a pair of sliding rails, a pair of gears and a pair of gear racks is disclosed. The sliding rails are respectively slidably coupled to channel bars of the plastic slide guides in the bearing members, enhancing sliding stability. Further, the bearing members are prepared by a high load strength material and fixedly mounted on the sliding rail holders to support the plastic slide guides and the sliding rails, saving the space and enhancing the cover panel connection stability and preventing gear slippage and uneven bias of the cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8522400
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. The first and second body portions have aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the first and second hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the hinge members' internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8427829
    Abstract: A dual directional sliding hinge is mounted in a portable device with a cover, a first base and a second base and has a main panel, a first sliding unit, a second sliding unit. The main panel is attached to the cover. The first sliding unit is attached to the first base. The second sliding unit is attached to the second base. When the first and second sliding units slide at the closing position, the cover and the first and second bases are folded to have a smallest volume. Since the first and second sliding units have different sliding distances when sliding to different directions, the functioning units on the first and second bases are revealed alternatively. Therefore, the user can decide to use different functioning units as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Hsu, Yu-Feng Lin, Chung-Lin Lee, Ming-Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 8387213
    Abstract: A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Patent number: 8347461
    Abstract: Used in an electronic device comprising a cover panel and a base member, a slide cover mounting structure includes two hinges bilaterally mounted on the top wall of the base member, two sliding rail holders respectively connected to the pivot shafts of the hinges, two sliding rails bilaterally mounted on the bottom surface of the cover panel and respectively slidably coupled to a sliding groove on each of the sliding rail holder, two gears pivotally connected between fixed rails on the sliding rail holders, and two gear racks respectively mounted on the cover panel and meshed with the gears. Thus, the cover panel is prohibited from biasing during sliding movement, and turnable about the pivot shafts of the hinges from a horizontal position to a tilted position relative to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin, Tzu-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8272104
    Abstract: A liftable slide cover mounting structure consisting of two hinges, two metal sheet bracket mechanism, two sliding rails, two gears, two gear racks and two supplementary support mechanisms. Subject to the use of the sheet plate bracket mechanisms to hold the sliding rails instead of zinc alloy sliding rail holders, the weight of the liftable slide cover mounting structure is minimized. Further, when the cover panel is opened from the base member, the sheet plate bracket mechanisms are forced into engagement with the supplementary support mechanisms to support the cover panel in position for enabling the user to operate the display screen of the cover panel positively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8249675
    Abstract: A slide type electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a base; a sliding member slidably connected to the base; a release assisting mechanism includes an angled groove and a resilient member, the angled groove includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove and the second groove extend to form an angle and meet at an intersection, the resilient member includes a protrusion received in the angled groove; when the sliding member slides relative to the base, the resilient member moves with the sliding member and the protrusion is guided to move along the angled groove, which causes the resilient member to bend elastically; after the protrusion passes the intersection, the protrusion engages one of the first groove and the second groove, which facilitates the sliding of the sliding member via the restoration of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Shi Lai
  • Patent number: 8237995
    Abstract: A scanner is mounted on a printer. A printer lid is pivotally mounted to the printer, and is moveable to open and close. A scanner lid is pivotally mounted to the scanner, and is moveable to open and close. A printer locking member and a scanner locking member are pivotally mounted to the scanner. Opening the scanner lid causes the printer locking member to pivot to lock the scanner to the printer. Opening the printer lid causes the scanner locking member to pivot to lock the scanner lid to the scanner. A scanner having a lid is pivotally mounted on a printer. When the lid is pivoted to open, a stopper may pivot together with the lid and abut the scanner, thereby stopping the lid. The stopper may pivot together with the lid and the scanner and abuts the printer, stopping the lid and the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yamazaki, Hidenori Ueda
  • Patent number: 8161602
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a mounting sleeve defining a pivoting hole, a fastening seat, an elastic member, and a right side cover. The pivoting hole is enclosed by an interior peripheral wall. The interior peripheral wall defines a stopping slot. The fastening seat defines a fastening hole. The elastic member is received in the mounting sleeve. The right side cover includes a pole. The pole includes a first resisting bar and a second resisting bar. The pole is received in the pivoting hole and the fastening hole. The first resisting bar is slidably embedded in the stopping slot. The elastic member compresses the first resisting bar to abut against the fastening seat. When the first resisting bar slides out of the fastening hole and abuts against the fastening seat, the second resisting bar is slidably embedded in the stopping slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120060325
    Abstract: A hinge includes a fixing frame, a cam, a rotating frame, and a torque assembly. The fixing frame includes a compartment and an orifice. The cam is insertably mounted to the fixing frame through the orifice. Furthermore, the cam includes a cam member disposed in the compartment. The rotating frame is joined to the cam and rotated with the cam concurrently. The torque assembly is disposed in the compartment and is moveably urged relative to the fixing frame by the cam. Furthermore, the torque assembly includes an end abutted against the cam member and another end supported by the fixing frame. Moreover, the torque assembly imposes torque that is variable during the pivoting of the rotating frame with respect to the fixing frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Chao-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 8108016
    Abstract: A portable communication device includes a base assembly, a flip assembly and an intermediate assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly and the flip assembly by a dual sliding flip hinge assembly. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly is configured to facilitate sliding motion of the intermediate assembly along a first direction and along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly further facilitates rotation of the intermediate assembly upon sliding along the second direction. The base assembly, flip assembly and intermediate assembly may be configured to include respective displays and/or touch-input devices to provide a portable communication device with increased display area and/or control area with a smaller footprint often associated with conventional clamshell or slider portable communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: David W. Gaddy
  • Patent number: 8104141
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable hinge in which a pair of floating wedge members are disposed as to be rotation symmetric for 180° around a first axis as an axis of symmetry, and each of wedge faces of four wedge-shaped window portions is serially formed on an arc around a second axis as a center, eccentric from the first axis and rotation symmetric for every 90° around the first axis as the axis of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Koyo Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadanobu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8079115
    Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a cam (13), a follower (14), a first spring (12), a press rod (17), a control member (18) and a second spring (16). The cam has a cam surface. The follower has a latching cam surface engaging with the cam surface. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the cam surface of the cam and the latching cam surface of the follower to abut each other. The press rod includes a threaded portion (173). The control member threadedly engages with the threaded portion of the press rod. The second spring provides an elastic force to return the control member. When the press rod is pushed, the control member rotates to cause the follower to rotate whereby the cam surface of the cam rotates relative to the latching cam surface of the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Guo-Zhao Huang
  • Publication number: 20110242745
    Abstract: There is provided a rotary apparatus and a portable electronic device that can be miniaturized. A rotary apparatus 45 includes a first member 51 having a first sleeve 68 and a second sleeve 69; a second member 52 having a shaft member 87 that can rotate axially with respect to the first sleeve and the second sleeve; an annular member 53 that rotates with the shaft member; a biasing member 54 that biases an annular end face 53b of the annular member 53 toward a first end face 68a of the first sleeve; a relative angle maintenance unit 55 that maintains a relative position between the first sleeve and the shaft member at a predetermined angle by engagement of a projection 57 of the annular member with recesses 75 and 76 of the first sleeve; and insertion maintenance unit 56 that maintains the inserted condition of the shaft member with respect to the first sleeve and the second sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazunori Kono
  • Patent number: 8020254
    Abstract: A hinge assembly has a pintle, a rotating bracket, a sliding bracket, a mounting bracket, a compression assembly and an elastic member. The rotating bracket is mounted rotatably around the shaft and has a latching portion. The sliding bracket is attached securely to the pintle and has a track. The mounting bracket and a latching arm. The latching arm selectively presses against the latching portion to hold the hinge closed. The compression assembly is mounted around and expands when the pintle is rotated to close. The elastic member is compressed by expansion of the compression assembly so automatically rotates the pintle to open. Therefore, with the hinge mounted in an electronic device, when the latching portion is slid out of the latching arm, the hinge is forced to open by the elastic member and compression assembly so a cover pops up and is opened easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yu-Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 7991443
    Abstract: A sliding hinge is mounted in an electronic device and has a stationary bracket, a sliding bracket and a resilient element. The stationary bracket connects to a base of the electronic device. The sliding bracket connects to a cover of the electronic device, is mounted slidably on the stationary bracket and has a body. The resilient element is mounted between the stationary bracket and the body of the sliding bracket to provide effectively friction to maintain the cover at any desired position. With the positioning holes and the positioning protrusions are formed on the stationary bracket and the sliding bracket to simplify the assembling procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Wei Chiang
  • Patent number: 7975348
    Abstract: A hinge has a guiding component, a sliding component and a pivoting device. The guiding component has a base and a track. The base has a top, a free end, a pivoting end and a pivoting portion. The pivoting portion is formed on the pivoting end. The track is mounted on the top of the base near the free end and has two wings. The wings protrude out respectively and traversely from the track. The sliding component is slidably mounted around the track and has a bottom and two recesses. The recesses are formed on the bottom of the sliding component, are opposite to each other and are respectively mounted around the wings. The pivoting device is pivotally mounted to the pivoting portion of the guiding component. Therefore, the guiding component is mounted slidably on the guiding component and pivotally to the pivoting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20110146159
    Abstract: The invention discloses a shaft structure comprising a fixing part and a braking part, and both the fixing part and the braking part are disposed in a housing. The fixing part comprises a plurality of first protruding part and a plurality of concave part formed between any two adjacent first protruding parts. The braking part comprises a plurality of flexible second protruding part, and each second protruding part leans against to one of the concave parts. The braking part can be fixed in a specific angle relative to the fixing part after the braking part rotating along with the fixing part by crossing each of the second protruding part over the first protruding part and leaning against the adjacent concave part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: INVENTEC APPLIANCES CORP.
    Inventors: Lin ZHANG, Ai-Min LI, Pondersen SHEN
  • Publication number: 20110094058
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Jan Van Gennep