Cam Or Wedge Actuator Patents (Class 16/341)
  • Patent number: 11599157
    Abstract: A hinge module is provided, including a positioning assembly, a first shaft, a second shaft, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a switching assembly. The first shaft has a first rotating part and a first installing part. The first rotating part is rotatably disposed through the positioning assembly. The second shaft has a second rotating part and a second installing part. The second rotating part is rotatably disposed through the positioning assembly. The first bracket is disposed on the first installing part of the first shaft. The second bracket is disposed on the second installing part of the second shaft. The switching assembly is movably disposed in the positioning assembly and abuts between the first shaft and the second shaft. The hinge module is adapted to switch between a closed state, a first unfolded state, and a second unfolded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Cheng-Shiue Jan, Jyh-Chyang Tzou, I Ta Tsai, Meng Ju Wu
  • Patent number: 11412901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet that comprises a bowl, a lid and a seat, wherein the seat and the lid are hingedly connected to one another, comprising means for generating a torque housed in the hinged joint between the lid and the seat of the toilet, wherein said means for generating the torque are such that the torque generated by separating the seat from the lid is greater than the torque generated in the hinge joining the lid and the seat due to the action of gravity, allowing the use of a torsion spring secured by the two ends thereof to separate portions and secured to the lid and to the seat, or a leaf spring that can be twisted, wherein each of the ends of the torsion spring or of the leaf spring is housed and secured in a first bushing and a second bushing, both of which are independent, and wherein the first and second bushings have means for securing to housings formed on the lid or the seat that make up the hinged joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Pedro Manuel Librero Martin
  • Patent number: 11248407
    Abstract: A refrigerator door assembly includes a refrigerator door having a recess. An alignment mechanism includes a plate and a door hinge. The plate is fixedly attached to the door hinge and positioned at least partially within the recess of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door is movably positionable between at least a first position and a second position relative to the plate to permit adjustment of a location of the refrigerator door relative to the door hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alexandre C. Azevedo, Dakota E. Kosek, Juan Pablo Ramirez Carrillo, Chad J. Rotter, Antonio Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10934752
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body. A guide block is provided on the door, a rotation shaft is provided on the hinge body, and rotation shaft grooves are provided on the guide block. With the structure of the hinge body, the gravity of the door and the friction force may be shared onto the first and second plate bodies of the hinge body, thereby reducing abrasion and prolonging the service life of the door of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER JOINT STOCK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao Zhang, Enpin Xia, Xiaobing Zhu
  • Patent number: 10934754
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body. A guide block is fixedly provided on the door, a positioning shaft and a guiding shaft are provided on the hinge body, and a positioning groove and a guiding groove are provided on the guide block; the door of the refrigerator according to the present invention may be moved by a distance in a direction away from a pivoting side when being opened, thereby avoiding inconvenience of opening the door due to the protrusion of the side wall of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER JOINT STOCK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao Zhang, Enpin Xia, Xiaobing Zhu
  • Patent number: 10934753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body. A guide block is provided on the door, a rotation shaft is provided on the hinge body, and rotation shaft grooves are provided on the guide block. With the structure of the hinge body, the gravity of the door and the friction force may be shared onto the first and second plate bodies of the hinge body, thereby reducing abrasion and prolonging the service life of the door of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER JOINT STOCK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Enpin Xia, Hao Zhang, Xiaobing Zhu
  • Patent number: 10934755
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body, wherein a positioning shaft and a guiding shaft are provided on the hinge body, and a positioning groove and a guiding groove are provided on the door; the door of the refrigerator according to the present invention may be moved by a distance in a direction away from a pivoting side when being opened, thereby avoiding inconvenience of opening the door due to the protrusion of the side wall of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER JOINT STOCK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Enpin Xia, Hao Zhang, Xiaobing Zhu
  • Patent number: 10480235
    Abstract: A leaf unit of a scissor mechanism of a fitting for a leaf of a window or of a door, insertable into a C-shaped leaf groove in the rebate of a leaf profile of the leaf is provided. The leaf unit includes a scissor guide fastenable on the leaf and a scissor rod moveable relative to the scissor guide in the operating state. The scissor rod is movable between a closed position and a tilt position relative to the scissor guide in the operating state. The scissor guide and the scissor rod are pre-fixed for insertion into the leaf groove in a pre-installation position which is between the closed position and the tilt position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: WILH. SCHLECHTENDAHL & SÖHNE GMBH & CO. KG (WSS), SAPA AS
    Inventor: Giovanni Zaccaria
  • Patent number: 10442323
    Abstract: A method of producing a seat reclining apparatus includes connecting one of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion of a biasing member to associated one of a base member and a lock drive member, with a lock member and the lock drive member supported on the base member, thereby bringing the biasing member to a temporarily held state; mounting the ratchet to the base member so as to cover the biasing member in the temporarily held state; and fixing the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to the other of the base member and the lock drive member through an opening which is formed in one of the base member and the ratchet, thereby bringing the biasing member to the biasing state from the temporarily held state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki Maeda, Hidehiko Fujioka
  • Patent number: 10342149
    Abstract: An opening and closing structure arranged on a casing of an electronic device includes a cover plate and at least one connecting assembly. The cover plate is arranged inside a groove defined in an outer surface of the casing. The connecting assembly includes a connecting rod. A first end of the connecting rod is coupled to the cover plate. A second end of the connecting rod passes through the groove. The connecting rod is slidable within the casing to allow the cover plate to open and close relative to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hangzhou Jiangyu Innovation Medical Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Zhan-Sheng Lu, Yu-Chun Sun
  • Patent number: 10267074
    Abstract: An eccentric hinge includes a rail, a stop block arranged on a first end of the rail, a fixing rod parallel with the rail, a sliding block, a connecting rod and a transmission rod, where the sliding block is arranged on the rail; a first end of the connecting rod is connected with a second end of the rail; a second end of the connecting rod is connected with the fixing rod; a first end of the transmission rod is connected with the sliding bock; a second end of the transmission rod is connected with the connecting rod; when the eccentric hinge is in a closed state, a first centerline of the fixing rod and a second centerline of the rail are parallel lines in a same plane; and a distance between the parallel lines is greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Zengbang Li
  • Patent number: 10214949
    Abstract: A refrigerator of this embodiment includes a housing that includes a storeroom, a door that is rotatably provided in the housing through a hinge portion and opens or closes an opening of the storeroom by the rotation, a connection line that is led out to the vicinity of the hinge portion, and a wireless communication apparatus that includes a wireless communication unit and is connected to the connection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA LIFESYTLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideo Ueyama
  • Patent number: 9993299
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems herein support sharps containers and medical instruments trays, brackets, fasteners or holders on a mayo cart. Embodiments include an apparatus for attaching to a mayo cart to support a detachably mounted container, bracket or holder. A first portion has an arm extended to approximately the distance from the mayo cart vertical support pole to an outer edge of a mayo cart tray. A second portion attaches to the vertical pole proximate one end of the apparatus. A third portion attaches with the detachable container, bracket or holder proximate the opposite end of the apparatus. Embodiments may also include a detachable container, bracket or holder comprising an attachment portion to receive the third portion of the support apparatus for supportively attaching to the mayo cart. The support apparatus arm may also be extended to an adjustable length for attaching the container, bracket or holder with the mayo cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Sara M. D. Colby
  • Patent number: 9938746
    Abstract: A snap-locking hinge joint includes a clevis member and a flange member. The clevis member has a clevis base from which extend a pair of parallel arms forming a gap therebetween. Each of the arms has a pivot side and an engagement face transversely opposite the pivot side, and each of the arms has a locking recess formed in the engagement face adjacent the clevis base. The flange member has a flange base from which extends a planar rib and a pair of locking fingers. The locking fingers each have an inwardly protruding locking tip. The rib is received in the gap of the clevis member. The arms are pivotally engaged with the rib thereby pivotally interconnecting the clevis and flange members. In a locked configuration, the locking tips of the locking fingers are captured in the locking recesses of the arms of the clevis member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Parsons
  • Patent number: 9840865
    Abstract: An impact reducing device applied to a door or window which is closing includes a depth-sensing camera, an impact reducing system, and an impact reducing unit. The depth-sensing camera captures images of a target constantly, and obtains Z depth information of the target. The impact reducing system determines whether the target is going to close according to the Z depth information and controls the impact reducing unit to provide a resistance such as a strong jet of air when the target is going to close, to reduce violent impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 9823011
    Abstract: A refrigerating device, in particular a refrigerator and/or a freezer cabinet, comprising a heat-insulating housing and a heat-insulating door. At least one component is provided on or in the door, said component being fluidically and/or electrically connected by means of a line to at least one element which is arranged on the housing. The door is articulated to the housing by means of a multilink hinge. A support, which supports the line when the door is open, is provided in the intermediate area between the door and the housing. The invention is characterised in that the inner chamber of the refrigerating device can be almost completely accessed, when a water dispensing unit is provided on the door and even with solid doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Kempte
  • Patent number: 9790721
    Abstract: A refrigerator of this embodiment includes a housing that includes a storeroom, a door that is rotatably provided in the housing through a hinge portion and opens or closes an opening of the storeroom by the rotation, a connection line that is led out to the vicinity of the hinge portion, and a wireless communication apparatus that includes a wireless communication unit and is connected to the connection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideo Ueyama
  • Patent number: 9764878
    Abstract: A storage system for adult products includes a box, a lid, a locking mechanism and a ventilated tray. The box has an upper rim with a plurality of ventilation holes formed therein. The lid is hinged to the back of the box and configured to mate with the upper rim of the box without closing the plurality of ventilation holes. The lid includes a compartment formed within the top of the lid with a mini lid covering the compartment. The locking mechanism includes a sliding lock for securing the lid to the box. The sliding lock fits over a split lower rail of the box and an upper rail of the lid that includes an extended tab mates with the split lower rail and secures the lid to the box when the sliding mechanism is moved so as to fit over both rails at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: PASSIONATE PLAYGROUND LLC
    Inventor: Deborah Semer
  • Patent number: 9682639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reclining apparatus for a vehicle seat that is capable of improving coupling strength and entire durability and removing operation noise by removing a clearance between components at the time of a reclining operation and is capable of decreasing a cost and a weight by decreasing an entire size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Dynos Incorporated
    Inventor: Seung Hun Chang
  • Patent number: 9365264
    Abstract: A hinge having securing features includes a first hinge body portion including a first frame association end and a nesting cavity, the first frame association end and the nesting cavity being disposed at opposite ends of the first hinge body portion, a second hinge body portion defining a second frame association end and a nesting body configured for nesting in the nesting cavity of the first hinge body portion, the second frame association end and the nesting body being disposed at opposite ends of the second hinge body portion, wherein the first hinge body portion and the second hinge body portion are rotatably associated via a pivot point, and at least one securing feature configured for securing the nesting body within the nesting cavity in a manner that prevents rotation of the first body portion relative to the second body portion about the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: COMMERCIAL SEWING, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Perosino, Joseph Hamilton, Timothy Hamilton, David Mazzarelli, Nicholas Cegelka, Michael Hissong, Brian DeLisle
  • Patent number: 9303438
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a window sash relative to a window frame may include a track, a slider, first, second and third links, and a stop member. The slider may engage the track and may be translatable along the track. The first link may be pivotably coupled to the track. The second link may be pivotably coupled to the slider. The third link may be pivotably coupled to the first and second links. The stop member may engage the track and may be configured to limit translational motion of the slider. The stop member may be movable between a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions may correspond to one of a plurality of ranges of translational motion of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company North America, LLC
    Inventors: Malcolm Muir, James McInnis, Jacob Snyder
  • Patent number: 8944394
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a hinge for movably connecting a first panel to a second panel, the hinge comprising first and second spaced apart hinge members, each hinge member being connectable to the respective first and second panels; and a connector located between the hinge members, the connector having a pin member which connects the hinge members together to permit selective movement of the first panel relative to the second panel about multiple axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Maax Bath Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Berger
  • Patent number: 8851248
    Abstract: Theme To provide a rotary damper in which a rotor and a piston can be assembled with less labor. Means to Solve A first cam mechanism 8 is provided between outer portions of opposite surfaces of a rotor 2 and a piston 3. A shaft portion 2c is integrally formed in a central portion of the opposite surface of the rotor 2 opposed to the piston 3. A pair of outwardly projecting portions 9a, 9a are formed in an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 2c. A through hole 3a in which the shaft portion 2c is inserted is formed in the piston 3. A pair of inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the through hole 3a. The outwardly projecting portions 9a, 9a are arranged such that each of the outwardly projecting portions 9a can pass through a gap between the inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b and the inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b are arranged such that each of the inwardly projecting portions 9b can pass through a gap between the outwardly projecting portions 9a, 9a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20140293534
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for rotatable component attachment is described. In at least some implementations, the hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. For example, the hinge mechanism can be employed to rotatably attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated via the hinge mechanism to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. For example, the kickstand can be positioned to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input can be provided via an associated input device. As another example, the kickstand can be positioned to enable viewing and/or interaction with the computing device, such as in a portrait viewing orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Kabir Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 8752248
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge device including: a first member having a pair of pin insertion holes; a second member having a pair of pin support holes; a pair of pin members respectively inserted into the pin insertion holes and the pin support holes to support the first member and the second member, the pin members being rotatable with respect to the pin insertion holes and not rotatable with respect to the pin support holes; a spring supported between the pin members to bring the pin members into contact with the first member; and pressure contact surfaces provided between the pin members and the first member being brought into contact with each other by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Hisashi Nakasone
  • Patent number: 8749969
    Abstract: An adjustable hinge connects a base section and a top section of a laptop computer. The base section can include a keyboard. The top section can include a display screen. When the laptop computer is in a closed position, the adjustable hinge can collapse into the base section and the top section. When the laptop computer is in an open position, a portion of the adjustable hinge can be extended from the base section to adjust a distance between the display screen and a user. Another portion of the adjustable hinge can be extended from the top section to adjust a height of the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Xin Ma
  • Patent number: 8701250
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided that includes a follower and a cam disposed adjacent to the follower. The cam is capable of translating relative to the follower along a vertical direction and rotating relative to the follower about a rotational axis. The hinge assembly also includes an axle disposed through the cam to facilitate rotation of the cam about the rotational axis. The axle is configured to bias the cam toward the follower along the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Rick A. Anderson, Timothy J. Borgeson, Brent D. Rockafellow
  • Publication number: 20140047672
    Abstract: Provided is a hinge device which, both before and after the change of friction torque, maintains the friction torque, and is prevented from axial lengthening. A shaft member is rotatably supported by a stationary-side bracket, a cam member is axially movable, with its rotation being restricted by the shaft member, a biasing element applies a bias in the direction toward the place where the cam member and the bracket contact each other to generate friction torque, and a convex portion and a concave portion are formed on the cam member and the bracket, respectively, to be fitted to each other. Either the convex portion and/or the concave portion is/are shaped such that the torque changes according to the rotation angle of the shaft member, and the biasing element has the inflection point of a spring constant between the maximum and minimum values of the torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Takao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140007380
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a first main body and a second main body relative to the first main body. The first main body includes a raised structure. The second main body includes a first position structure, a first torsion control structure, a second position structure, and a second torsion control structure, and the first position structure and the second position structure correspond to the raised structure respectively. The first torsion control structure includes a first outer control portion and a first inner control portion. The second torsion control structure includes a second outer control portion and a second inner control portion. A height of the first inner control portion is different from a height of the second inner control portion, and a height of the first outer control portion is different from a height of the second outer control portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Kuan SHIH, Yung-Shun MA
  • Patent number: 8477505
    Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral device with limited relative angular movement. The peripheral device is configured for detachable operative interconnection with a computing device and comprises a first portion, a second portion, and an operatively connected peripheral device component. The first portion includes a first hinge portion, which defines an axis of rotation, and comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is disposed axially separated at a predetermined distance from the second protrusion. The second portion includes a second hinge portion, which is operatively interconnected with the first hinge portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to rotate relative to one another about the axis of rotation between a first angle and a second angle. The peripheral device component provides one or more peripheral device functions. The first angle and the second angle at least in part are defined by the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Richard John Samuels, Mark Andrew Timmerman, Edwin Sy Liu
  • Publication number: 20130160243
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a fixed cam with first and second sector shaped protruding portions at a fixed cam surface and a rotating cam with first and second sector shaped concave portions at a rotating cam surface, wherein the first and second sector shaped protruding portions engage the first and second sector shaped concave portions and inner and outer periphery protruding portions at the first and second sector shaped protruding portions of the fixed cam surface engage inner and outer periphery concave portions at the first and second sector shaped concave portions of the rotating cam surface at an engaging position. Further, rotation side protruding portions formed at positions other than the concave portions of the rotating cam surface engages at least two positions of the protruding portions formed at the fixed cam surface, respectively, at a position other than the engaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI STEEL MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Judou Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 8468654
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hinge assembly includes a main body defining a shaft hole, a connecting shaft including an inserting end rotatably received in the shaft hole, and an expansion member forming a tapered portion and axially positioned in the shaft hole. An end surface of the inserting end toward the expansion member defines a tapered hole corresponding to the tapered portion, and the tapered portion is pressed into the tapered hole to expand the inserting end to resist the inner surface of the shaft hole, thus rotatably connecting the connecting shaft to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Zheng Zhang, Xiao-Bo Li, Shen Li
  • Publication number: 20130125343
    Abstract: In a pivot fixture for pivotable parts, comprising a guide unit with a guide tube and an arrest unit with an engagement rod slidably disposed in the guide tube, the engagement rod is provided with control cam structures and an expansion body with a friction surface is slidably disposed on the engagement rod, the friction surface being arranged adjacent an inner wall section of the guide tube for engagement with the wall section upon expansion of the expansion body by the engagement rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Guenther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20130081229
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a shaft, a rotary cam, a fixed cam, and an elastic part that causes a side surface of the rotary cam to contact a side surface of the fixed cam. The side surface of the rotary cam includes a rotation-side reference surface, a rotation-side lower surface part, a rotation-side higher surface part, and an engaging recess. The side surface of the fixed cam includes a fixed-side reference surface, a fixed-side higher surface part, a fixed-side lower surface part, and an engaging protrusion. When the rotation-side lower surface part engages the fixed-side higher surface part, the engaging recess engages the engaging protrusion. When the rotation-side lower surface part is disengaged from the fixed-side higher surface part, the fixed-side higher surface part is in sliding contact with the rotation-side reference surface and the engaging protrusion is in sliding contact with the rotation-side higher surface part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI STEEL MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Hirano
  • Patent number: 8407858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a swing hinge module. The swing hinge module is configured by comprising: a first member in which through-holes are respectively formed at a space unit and a place distanced from the space unit; a fixing ring which is coupled to the space unit; a second member that is placed at the space unit of the first member and is coupled to the first member in order to rotate with respect to the first member; an elastic member of which one end and the other end are respectively connected to the first and second members and elastically supported by each other; and a cam which is prepared between the first and second members to support one end of the elastic member and forces the elastic member to have an eccentric motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Diabell Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Sung-Sang Ahn
  • Patent number: 8265719
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable electronic apparatus, such as a mobile phone, having an upper part being moveable in relation to a lower part of the apparatus. The movement of the upper part may both be a sliding and a tilting movement. The sliding movement is controlled by means of a sleeve and a guide placed in the upper part of the apparatus. The sleeve is connected to the lower part by means of pair of links at opposite sides of the apparatus. The links are received at opposite ends of each sleeve at fulcrums at the sleeve and lower part, respectively. The links are designed and positioned to give self-locking in at least three distinct positions of the upper part of the portable electronic apparatus in relation to the lower part of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Magnus Lindvall
  • Publication number: 20120194972
    Abstract: In embodiments of double hinge axial cams, a portable device includes a first housing integrated with a display device, and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing. The first housing is operable to open and close relative to the second housing, and the first and second housings can be rotated from a closed position at approximately zero degrees (0°) to an open position at approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees (180°), as well as rotated through approximately three-hundred and sixty degrees (360°). Double hinges are operable to movably couple the first housing and the second housing. The double hinges include axial cams that apply a holding torque in the open position that resists the first and second housings closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Paul M. O'Brien, Christopher Bramley Fruhauf, Michael J. Basha
  • Patent number: 8224405
    Abstract: A mobile phone or other electronic device is provided with an improved friction hinge with a radial range of motion greater than 180 degrees and with detents at both ends of travel. The friction hinge can include an asymmetrical cam in conjunction with a single tab on a follower. Advantageously, the electronic device with the improved friction hinge can allows a full 360 degree range of motion with any number of detents at any radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Lombardi, Roger W. Harmon, Srikanth Thiruppukuzhi
  • Publication number: 20120162866
    Abstract: In embodiments of double hinge radial cams, a portable device includes a first housing integrated with a display device, and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing. The first housing is operable to open and close relative to the second housing, and the first and second housings can be rotated from a closed position at approximately zero degrees (0°) to an open position at approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees (180°). A double hinge is operable to movably couple the first housing and the second housing. The double hinge includes radial cams that apply a holding torque in the open position that resists the first and second housings closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Paul M. O'Brien, Christopher Bramley Fruhauf
  • Patent number: 8205301
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a damping member, and a torsion resilient member. The first bracket defines a damping protrusion. The second bracket is rotatable relative to the first bracket. The damping member defines a depression. The damping protrusion is configured to engage with the depression. The torsion resilient member urges the first bracket to rotate relative to the second bracket and the damping member. The engagement of damping protrusion and the depression prevents the first bracket from rotating when the first bracket rotates through a predetermined angle. When the first bracket rotates through the predetermined angle relative to the second bracket and the damping member, the first bracket together with the damping member are rotatable relative to the second bracket to any desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Lian-Cheng Huang, Jian Li, Guo-Jin Cai
  • 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: 8122568
    Abstract: A swing hinge module bidirectionally swinging a movable body and a portable terminal having the same are disclosed. The swing hinge module includes a rotation cam, a rotation shaft, a fixed plate, and a guide pin. The rotation cam is fixed to the movable body to be rotated with the movable body, and has stopping recesses on an outer circumference of the rotation cam to set a rotation angle of the movable body. The rotation shaft is coupled with a central area of the rotation cam, and the fixed plate is coupled to the fixed body and has a guide hole to receive the rotation shaft. The guide pin is coupled to the fixed plate and contacts the outer circumference of the rotation cam to support the rotation cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Chul Jin, Jeong Hun Seo, Ki Taek Kim, Jin Soo Kim, Young Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8117718
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a locking mechanism having a locking member disposed with a fan-shape protrusion and a fan-shape notch, such that when the locking member is rotating, the jerk as a result of rotation can be reduced, and when the locking member is returned to its original position, a sufficient torsion can still be generated. Also, when the locking member is in the locking position, the fan-shape protrusions are positioned at the fan-shape notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Yuen Chien
  • Patent number: 8082627
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted in an electronic device with a cover and a base. The hinge has a first pivoting assembly, a second pivoting assembly and a resilient unit. The first pivoting assembly has a resilient plug. The resilient plug is mounted between the second pivoting assembly and the resilient unit to provide friction and to keep the second pivoting assembly from departing from the first pivoting assembly. The friction is adjusted by changing the resilience of the resilient plug or the resilient unit, or by changing the thickness of the resilient plug. Therefore, preciseness of the size of other component is less required to reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Patent number: 8066320
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge member joined to a vehicle door. A cam member is disposed about a portion of the hinge member, and the cam member has a protrusion. A casing is joined to a body portion of the vehicle, and the casing has an aperture along an axis. The aperture is configured to receive a portion of the cam member therein, and the casing has a slot including a first detent configured so the protrusion of the cam member moves along the slot. A biasing member urges the cam member in a direction to move the door to a closed position. When the door is rotated to an open position, the protrusion moves along the slot to an engaged position with the first detent such that the door is maintained in the open position until the door is moved to disengage the protrusion from the first detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: William A. Grabowski
  • Publication number: 20110265288
    Abstract: A two-stage dual-pintle hinge mainly includes at least one connecting element which has two apertures run through by a first axis and a second axis in the same direction. The first axis and the connecting element form a first pivot displacement, and the second axis and the connecting element form a second pivot displacement. The first and second axes have respectively a first anchor portion and a second anchor portion. The connecting element has a corresponding third anchor portion. During the first pivot displacement, the first anchor portion and the third anchor portion form an anchor relationship and drive the second pivot displacement of the connecting element and the second axis. During the second pivot displacement, the second anchor portion and the third anchor portion form an anchor relationship to stop pivoting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Yung-Chang CHIANG
  • Patent number: 8024841
    Abstract: A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft rotatably received in the bracket, a engaging member, a pressing member, and a driving member. The bracket includes a casing portion defining a receiving space therein. The receiving space includes a circular part and a slot connecting the circular part. The engaging member is received in the slot of the bracket. The engaging member includes a slope surface and a screw hole. The pressing member is received in the slot of the bracket. The pressing member includes a pressing portion pressing firmly against the shaft, and a driven portion engaged with the slope surface of the engaging member. The driving member includes a screw pole capable of screwing in the screw hole of the engaging member to move the engaging member toward the pressing member, for driving the pressing member to press firmly against the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Shen
  • Patent number: 8006346
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a cam (13), a follower (14), a first spring (12), a control member (17) and a second spring (16). The cam has a first cam surface (135) and a second cam surface (136). The follower has a third cam surface (141) engaging with the first cam surface. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the cam surface of the cam and the third cam surface of the follower to resist each other. The control member has a fourth cam surface engaging with the second cam surface of the cam. The second spring is positioned between the control member and the follower. The control member is movable to push the cam to rotate to realize the first cam surface of the cam to rotate relative to the third cam surface of the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Shui-Jin Dong
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7891055
    Abstract: A replacement hinge pin to cure the problem of an open door that swings waywardly under the influence of gravity. The pin has a pair of oppositely-disposed and oppositely-directed bulges for frictional engagement with the roll-formed knuckles of a butt hinge. Rotational adjustment of the pin increases the friction in the hinge enough to prevent a door from swinging waywardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Combs