About Axis Along Or Parallel To Hinge Axis Patents (Class 16/347)
  • Patent number: 10765229
    Abstract: An easy-to-use foldable baby bed frame, including two connecting portions, two first support rods, two second support rods, first rotating rods and second rotating rods. The left and right ends of each connecting portion are respectively provided with a left hinge portion and a right hinge portion. The inner and outer end surfaces of the left hinge portion are provided with the first left rotating portion and the second left rotating portion. The inner and outer end surfaces of the right hinge portion are provided with the first right rotating portion and the second right rotating portion. The two ends of the first rotating rods are respectively connected to the left ends of the second left rotating portion. The two ends of the second rotating rods are respectively connected to the right ends of the two second right rotating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN BABY PRETTY PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianbo Yang
  • Patent number: 10487439
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet and a drawer retractably provided in the cabinet. An accommodation unit is disposed in the drawer and defines a space configured to receive washing water. A water supply channel is connected to a water supply source and is configured to supply washing water to the accommodation unit. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a body along which a water supply channel is provided, the body being rotatably provided at the cabinet. A body guider is provided at the cabinet and is configured to guide a rotational movement of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jihong Lee, Wooseong Kim
  • Patent number: 10145159
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed generally to a a hinge for a child conveyance device including a means for coupling two non-circular elements that rotate with respect to one another, wherein the two non-circular elements are configured to avoid the pinching of fingers during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: MONAHAN PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Carl J. Sukeforth, Richard M. Bastien
  • Patent number: 9487989
    Abstract: An apparatus holds a door closed comprising: a top panel, a left wall and a right wall. A flap is attached to the left wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus. A flap is attached to the right wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus. The apparatus contains a front end, a back end and an opening at the front end that has a larger cross section than a cross section of the back end thereby providing for a tapered shape of the apparatus overall, such that the apparatus is configured to fit over two hinged arms of a door closing system, preventing the arms from articulating open to prevent the door from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Nietzel, Jame Charles Hayes, Edwin Felix Colon, John Harold Lawrence, Michael Jon Morgan
  • Patent number: 9179780
    Abstract: A sofa hinge that provides easy conversion of a sofa convertible from one position to another while providing added safety by substantially reducing the risk of an injury to the operator's fingers. The sofa hinge includes a first and a second bracket rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at a bolt. The sofa hinge further comprises a lever gear mechanism connected to the first bracket via a first lever latch on the first bracket. The lever gear mechanism is connected to the second bracket via a second lever latch on the second bracket. The first bracket has cover plates on both the inside and outside surfaces of the bracket. The second bracket includes a cover plate attached on the outside surface. The second lever latch can larger than the first lever latch and function as an additional cover plate on the inside surface of the sofa hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lifestyle Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Abedan Kanthasamy
  • Publication number: 20130242488
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a foldable ergonomic keyboard having the same are disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of operating modules and a linking unit. Each operating module has an accommodating housing, a locking assembly received in the accommodating housing, a latch member connected to one end of the accommodating housing for controlling a displacement of the locking assembly, and a spherical member received in the accommodating housing. The other end of the accommodating housing is formed with a positioning slot. The linking unit has two ends respectively passed through the positioning slots and connected to the spherical members. The hinge mechanism connects two input sections via the accommodating housings, and the latch member can selectively arranged to press tightly the spherical member in the accommodating housing or release the spherical member. Thus, the two input sections can be adjusted in different postures or folded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicants: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, SILITEK ELECTRONIC (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: FU-KUANG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8483784
    Abstract: A mobile communication device may include at least a lid member and a base member which are hingeably coupled together by a linkage mechanism. The device may include additional interface elements on an interface surface accessible when the device is in the closed position. A mobile communication device is provided which further comprises a rotatable member having an interface surface. The linkage mechanism actuates movement of the rotatable member from a first rotation state, such that the interface surface is accessible when the device is in a closed position, to a second rotational state, such that the interface surface is positioned between and concurrently viewable with inner surfaces of the lid and base members when the device is in an opened position. The linkage mechanism actuates the movement of the rotatable member responsive to movement of the device from the closed to the opened position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Martin Riddiford, James Reeves, Julia Allwright
  • Patent number: 8170632
    Abstract: An electronic device and an operation method thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a fixing element, a first main body and a second main body. The fixing element has a first arc-shaped groove, which passes through the fixing element. The second main body has a second arc-shaped groove and a first straight groove, wherein the second arc-shaped groove and the first straight groove are interconnected. The first main body has a first protrusion which passes through the first arc-shaped groove and lodges in the first straight groove. While the first protrusion is slid for a first predetermined distance from one end of the first straight groove, the first arc-shaped groove and the second arc-shaped groove are overlapped, so that the first protrusion is slid along the first arc-shaped groove which overlaps the second arc-shaped groove for driving the first main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventor: Sheng-Chia Hsu
  • Patent number: 8155718
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, which can be slid and rotated from a body housing of the sliding/rotating type mobile terminal. The sliding/rotating type mobile terminal includes a body housing and a slide housing slidably mounted on the body housing. The apparatus comprises first and second hinge frames mounted in the body housing by means of screws, first and second plates, one or more slide bars, and a coupling unit inserted through the center parts of the first and second hinge frames so that the first and second hinge frames are rotatably coupled with each other while being opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Heum Byun, Jong-Gun Bae, Sung-Ill Kang, Seung-Hwan Lee, In-Gon Park, Chang-soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8104143
    Abstract: A built-in domestic appliance which comprises hinges for hinging a door to the furniture body of the built-in domestic appliance. The door is used to close an opening of the first furniture body. The hinges are adapted to perform a defined opening and closing movement of the door, a gap forming during this movement between the edge of the door and especially the front of a second furniture body adjoining the furniture body. In order to obviate the risk of injury caused for example by limbs being caught in the gap and any claims for damages resulting therefrom, a plate element in the area of the door and in a transitional area between the furniture body of the built-in domestic appliance and the second furniture body is mounted in such a manner that it covers the gap if possible across its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Heger, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Roland Vetter
  • Publication number: 20110035905
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device and has a first actuating unit, a pivoting limit and a second actuating unit. The first actuating unit has two tops. The pivoting limit is mounted pivotally between the stops. The second actuating unit selectively abuts a first side and a second side of the pivoting limit. When the second actuating unit abuts one of the sides of the pivoting limit to pivot the pivoting limit, one of the sides of the pivoting limit abuts one of the stops to limit the rotating angle. With the pivot of the pivoting limit, the rotating angle is increased. Therefore, the cover of the electronic device is fully rotatable by 180 degrees in either direction, and the hinge still provides limiting function to protect inner wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Shun-Yu Hung, Chung-Min Yeh
  • Publication number: 20110011816
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides hinging apparatuses, structures, and systems for folding support furniture systems, and methods of assembly therefor. The disclosed subject matter advantageously provides structurally rigid connections between component parts of support furniture systems, while allowing for durable support furniture. In various non-limiting embodiments, the provided hinging apparatuses allow for a folding support furniture system to be folded up for convenient and efficient storage and ease of transport. With the hinges extended to their designed extension point, and when fully assembled, the hinging apparatuses, in conjunction with the disclosed locking mechanisms provide the structural rigidity and load bearing capability necessary to support current and future home entertainment system weight loads, as well as providing numerous advantages for other support furniture markets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Slam Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Martina Marietta, Jens Niels Thomson
  • Patent number: 7832055
    Abstract: A hinge for use in a mobile terminal comprises a first hinge portion defining an opening and having a slot extending from the periphery of the first hinge portion to the opening, and a second hinge portion defining an opening and having a slot extending from the periphery of the second hinge portion to the opening. The first hinge portion is one body portion of the mobile terminal, and the second hinge portion is secured to the other body portion. The hinge portions are rotatably connected such that the openings are aligned. The hinge portions are relatively rotatable between a first position where the slot in the first hinge portion and the slot in the second hinge portion are aligned, and a second position where the slot in the first hinge portion and the slot in the second hinge portion are not aligned and the openings cannot be accessed from the exterior of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Kevin John Schoolcraft, Daniel James VanEpps, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7823747
    Abstract: A casing includes a base, a flip cover pivotably attached to the base, a first member fixed to the flip cover, and a second member fixed to the base. The flip cover is rotatable around an axis of rotation with respect to the base. The first member forms a tip toward the base along a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The second member extends an elongated arm, the elongated arm being crushed by the tip of the first member in an opening process of the flip cover with respect to the base so as to block the flip cover from opening with a rush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Che Peng, Jung-Chang Tai
  • Publication number: 20100269297
    Abstract: A hinge includes a shaft with a post, a bracket, a first interfering member, and a second interfering member. The bracket defines a pivoting hole for the post of the shaft rotatably extending through the bracket. The first interfering member is mounted on the shaft. The first interfering member forms a raised portion with a first sloped surface and a first protrusion. The second interfering member is mounted to the bracket and rotatably arranged around the post of the shaft. The second interfering member includes a recessed portion with a second sloped surface and a second protrusion. The raised portion of the first interfering member is engagable with the recessed portion of the second interfering member, the first protrusion of the first interfering member is operated to resist against the second protrusion of the second interfering member for positioning the shaft with respect to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Shen
  • Patent number: 7813115
    Abstract: A second enclosure defines the backside superposed on a first enclosure for relative rotation around a rotation axis set perpendicular to the front surface of the first enclosure in an electronic apparatus. First, second and third flat surfaces are defined on the backside of the second enclosure at positions inside the contour of the second enclosure. The receiving pieces receive the first flat surface when the second enclosure is set in the reference attitude. When the second enclosure is set in the lateral attitude by rotation by plus or minus 90 degrees, the second flat surface or the third flat surface is received on the receiving pieces behind the second enclosure. Even if friction resulting from the contact roughens the first, second and third surfaces, the asperity and scratches on the surfaces are hidden behind the second enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hisamitsu Takagi, Satoshi Kanbayashi
  • Patent number: 7778673
    Abstract: Taught is a mobile phone with a bidirectional swiveling display, comprising a display, a main portion and a rotating portion having a body and a second axis. The body comprises a hole horizontally disposed therein and a first axis perpendicular to the hole. The first axis is rotatably inserted in the hollow supporter. One end of the second axis is fixed at the back of the display. The other end of the second axis is rotatably inserted in the hole of the body, so that the display is capable of rotating around the second axis. The display is also capable of rotating around the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Zhanxin Zhu
  • Patent number: 7752711
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has two tilting brackets, two tilting shafts, two linking assemblies and two actuating washers. Each tilting bracket has a mounting wing with an elongated hole and a mounting hole and a connecting wing with an abutting surface. The tilting shafts are mounted movably through the elongated holes. Each linking assembly has an actuating seat mounted around the tilting shaft, a holding seat formed on the actuating seat and protruding into the mounting hole and a resilient element mounted in the mounting hole and pressing against the holding seat. The actuating washers are mounted securely around the tilting shafts and selectively abut the abutting surfaces of the connecting wings to lift up the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chi Chen, Chia-Hsiang Chen, Weiming Chen
  • Publication number: 20100146735
    Abstract: A moveable boom hinge apparatus is provided. The moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a mechanism offsetting the tip portion of a boom hinge from the base portion of a boom hinge when the tip and base portions are folded parallel to each other and securely position the tip portion of the boom when extended. Additionally, this moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a uniquely u-shaped link element and complementary u-shaped catch element that couple together in a way that sufficiently locks the tip portion into place with respect to the base portion and keeps structural loads of a boom hinge aligned with structural members of a boom hinge during its boom hinge's transition from the operational position to the non-operational position. This alignment significantly reduces bending moments that weaken structural materials over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Huck
  • Publication number: 20100107365
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus of an engine hood for a vehicle which is provided between a hood panel and a vehicle body panel to ensure rotation of the hood panel. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge bracket mounted to a vehicle body panel, a hinge arm mounted to the hood panel and hinged to the hinge bracket by a hinge shaft and including a rail slot formed at one end thereof, a support link unit pivotally linking the hinge bracket to the hinge arm, and a return link unit pivotally linking the support link unit and the rail slot of the hinge arm so that the support link unit is selectively locked by the return link unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Moon Kwan KIM
  • Publication number: 20100088854
    Abstract: A hinge structure with locking feature is connected to a first body of an electronic device through a support frame. A pivot portion of the hinge structure is connected to a second body of the electronic device and includes a rotating shaft connected to the support frame, such that the first body is capable of rotating relative to the second body. Moreover, a lock receptacle is disposed on the support frame, and is engaged with a matching lock unit. Therefore, the electronic device is secured to a fixed position, which thus achieves an anti-theft function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yi-Hsun HUNG, Pao-Lung WANG, Ping-Huang KUO
  • Publication number: 20100064477
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivotal shaft, a connecting member, a supporting member, a stationary member having an engaging surface, a rotating member having a receiving surface, and a locking member. A first end of the pivotal shaft is fixed to the connecting member. A second of the pivotal shaft is passed through the supporting member, the stationary member, the rotating member, and the locking member. The stationary member is fixed on the supporting member and is rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The rotating member is non-rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The engaging surface forms two first positioning protrusions and two second positioning protrusions. The receiving surface defines two first positioning grooves to receive the first positioning protrusions and two second positioning grooves to receive the second positioning protrusions. A height of each second positioning protrusion is larger than a height of each first positioning protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY ( ShenZhen ) CO. , LTD ., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO . , LTD.
    Inventor: JIN-XIN WANG
  • Publication number: 20090293231
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a first frame member having a securing section at which the first frame member is secured to a first body, a rotation shaft supporting the first frame member allowing rotation thereof, a stopper provided on the first frame member in such a manner as to project in a direction in which the rotation shaft extends and to rotate together with the first frame member about the rotation shaft, and a second frame member. The second frame member having a securing section at which the second frame member is secured to a second body, a rotation-shaft-supporting section supporting the rotation shaft, and a stopper-receiving portion receiving the stopper. The stopper and the stopper-receiving portion are subjected to load-redirecting processing such that a load produced upon contact between the stopper and the stopper-receiving portion is applied in such a direction that a thickness of the stopper becomes larger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC.
    Inventors: Osamu YABE, Yuichi YAMADA, Tomoyuki SONODA
  • Publication number: 20090293230
    Abstract: A hinge structure is provided to include a knuckle, a pivot shaft and a flexible locking assembly. The pivot shaft extends rotatably into the knuckle, and has a peripheral locking section and a peripheral working section having a straight line. A flexible locking assembly is disposed within the knuckle, and includes a flexible element and a roller unit. The flexible element has a seating portion and one flexible leg extending from the seating portion in such a manner to contact the knuckle. The roller unit is disposed between the seating portion and the pivot shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: PROTORSION HINGE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LIN-KAI HUNG
  • Publication number: 20090282649
    Abstract: A hinge has a pintle, a stationary leaf, a first limiting washer, a first positioning washer and a second positioning washer. The stationary leaf is mounted rotatably around the pintle. The first limiting washer is mounted securely on the pintle adjacent to the stationary leaf and has a limit. The first positioning washer is mounted around the pintle, is connected securely to the stationary leaf and has a protrusion and a detent. The protrusion corresponds to and selectively abuts the limit of the first limiting washer. The second positioning washer is mounted securely on the pintle and has a detent being selectively attached to the detent of the first positioning washer. The rotating angle of the pintle relative to the stationary leaf is limited by the limit of the first limiting washer abutting the protrusion of the first positioning washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7617570
    Abstract: A laundry machine having a front panel defining a front face with an opening therein. A pivotally attached door is arranged to selectively close the opening. The front panel has a relatively flat surface surrounding and defining the opening and has a generally annular shape. A wall projects substantially at a right angle to the flat annular surface. A hinge includes a front panel bracket secured to the wall of the front panel, a door bracket secured to the door of the laundry machine, a primary arm pivotally attached to the front panel bracket to rotate relative thereto about a first axis and pivotally attached to the door bracket to rotate relative thereto about a second axis, and a control arm pivotally attached to the front panel bracket to rotate relative thereto about a third axis and pivotally attached to the door bracket to rotate relative thereto about a fourth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Andrew Hill
  • Publication number: 20090133222
    Abstract: A checker-equipped door hinge device for vehicle includes: a first bracket fixed to one of a body and a door; a second bracket fixed to another one of the body and the door; a hinge pin connecting the first and second brackets to each other, and allowing the brackets to be relatively rotatable; an inner cylinder connected integrally to the first bracket and disposed coaxially with the hinge pin; an outer cylinder connected integrally to the second bracket and disposed so as to surround the inner cylinder in a manner of being rotatable relative to the inner cylinder; and a checking-force generating mechanism provided between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, the checking-force generating mechanism generating a checking force against the door at a predetermined opening position of the door, wherein an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder are eccentric to each other, so that a thick wall portion having a large distance between the inner peripheral surface and th
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Rikenkaki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Manabu OCHIAI
  • Publication number: 20080189909
    Abstract: A built-in domestic appliance which comprises hinges for hinging a door to the furniture body of the built-in domestic appliance. The door is used to close an opening of the first furniture body. The hinges are adapted to perform a defined opening and closing movement of the door, a gap forming during this movement between the edge of the door and especially the front of a second furniture body adjoining the furniture body. In order to obviate the risk of injury caused for example by limbs being caught in the gap and any claims for damages resulting therefrom, a plate element in the area of the door and in a transitional area between the furniture body of the built-in domestic appliance and the second furniture body is mounted in such a manner that it covers the gap if possible across its entire length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: BSH Bosh und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Heger, Karl-Friedrick Laible, Roland Vetter
  • Publication number: 20080163460
    Abstract: A hinge is disclosed. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, John Ternus, Andy Lauder
  • Patent number: 7334295
    Abstract: An electronic device and a rotating structure thereof. The rotating structure comprises a base, a shaft, a rotating assembly, and a movable assembly. The shaft comprises a first groove, and is disposed on the base. The rotating assembly comprises a second groove, and is disposed on the shaft to be rotated among a first position, a second position, and a third position. The movable assembly comprises an engaging portion, and is disposed in the shaft to be moved between a fourth position and a fifth position. The engaging portion is located in the first groove. When the movable assembly is in the fourth position, the rotating assembly is between the first position and the second position. When the movable assembly is in the fifth position, the rotating assembly can be rotated to the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Chi Chou, Chien-Hua Sui
  • Patent number: 6918159
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus disposes a panel to be opened and closed with respect to a body of an appliance. The hinge apparatus includes a fixing bracket fixed on the body, a supporting bracket fixed on the panel and a hinge shaft fixed on the fixing bracket to rotatably support the supporting bracket. The hinge apparatus also includes an automatic pivot unit to cause the panel to be opened with respect to the body by a predetermined free rotation angle when a locking state between the panel and the body is released. Further, the hinge apparatus includes a manual pivot unit to provide a frictional force between the supporting bracket and the hinge shaft. The frictional force restricts the supporting bracket from being automatically rotated by the automatic pivot unit and also fixes the panel, which is opened further from the predetermined free rotation angle, in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang-ho Choi
  • Patent number: 6668422
    Abstract: A device used to safely secure a vehicle's trunk or hood lid, hereafter called lid or lids, in an open position is disclosed. The preferred device comprises a ␣ formed fork, which is housed in a vehicle's existing lid support arms, with two ends; two force distribution boots, two friction fittings and a damping-extension block. Upon manual engagement of the fork assembly the two force distribution boots contact the damping-extension block and keep a vehicle's lid from closing. Most vehicles have spring tension assemblies mounted in their lids that operate to keep the lids open by way of stored energy in the spring assemblies. As such, lids equipped with these spring assemblies are subject to unintentional closing by unexpected forces, such as winds, parking a vehicle on a grade or often accidents related to children. In the present invention, the device's flawless operation is entirely independent and void of these actions owing to its design, stability, and simplicity of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ron Tolmei
  • Patent number: 6587676
    Abstract: A hinge shaft 6 is nonpivotably connected to a cover 3. Two shaft portions 63 are formed on the hinge shaft 6. Spring elements 51, which are nonpivotably disposed at a telephone main body 2, are in pressure contact with the shaft portions 63. By the foregoing arrangement, the shaft portions 63 are functioned as a pivotal movement restricting portion for restricting a pivoting position of the cover 3. The shaft portions 63 are arranged away from each other so that a space S for storing a lubricating oil such as a grease is formed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Katsuya Imai
  • Patent number: 6539583
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a metallic shaft has a rotational axis as a rotational center. A support block is made of a synthetic resin so that the support block rotatably supports the metallic shaft relatively. The support block is relatively rotatable in relation with the metallic shaft by a surface friction resistance between the support block and the metallic shaft. A surface treatment imparts Vickers number (Hv) of 800 or more with an outer surface of the metallic shaft. As an alternative, a hardened layer is provided around the outer surface of the metallic shaft and the hardened layer has Vickers number (Hv) of 800 or more with its thickness at least in 5.0 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Uneme, Takaaki Hayashida
  • Patent number: 6052870
    Abstract: A door hinge, preferably for a door on a motor vehicle, having a carrying arm, which is articulated on a door bracket and a pillar bracket at the ends in each case, and having a control lever which is articulated on both sides and is intended for controlling a predetermined movement sequence during the opening and closing operations of the door, comprises an element articulated on a part of the door hinge, which element locks the door hinge, preferably automatically, when said door hinge is subjected to pronounced acceleration, especially in case of an accident with high frontal impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Jorg Hagenlocher, Karl Koster, Robert Schwed, Ralf Mertin, Dirk Bogner
  • Patent number: 5570498
    Abstract: A lift-off type door hinge for pivotally and detachably connecting a door to a vehicle body is provided including a body strap with a base for connection to the vehicle body with generally horizontally projecting upper and lower arms projecting therefrom, the upper and lower arms having generally aligned apertures with first and second pins extending therethrough, the body strap also having a reaction surface, a mid-strap, the mid-strap having a main body with generally horizontally projecting upper and lower arms, the mid-strap arms via the first and second pins being pivotally attached with respect to the body strap, the mid-strap lower arm also having a door aperture, and the mid-strap also having a reaction surface, a spring extending between the reaction surfaces of the body strap and the mid-strap to bias the mid-strap to a hold open position with respect to the body strap when the door is open, and a door strap, the door strap having a main body fixably connected to the door and the door having first,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur S. Hipkiss, Charles R. Fain, Cheryl L. Barr
  • Patent number: 5566424
    Abstract: A tilt adjustment mechanism having an upper housing, a lower housing and a shaft assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly receives the gears which are pressed on either end of shaft. The shaft fits through locating slots in the lower housing. Each of the gears are activated by internal gears located on each side of the upper housing. The internal gears are integrally formed with the upper housing. The upper housing is hinged on the lower housing and can rotate 20 degrees. The shaft assembly mechanism provides a torsion bar function to insure that the upper housing moves evenly with respect to the lower housing. Even motion in the upwards and downwards directions of the housing is provided by even rotational torsional motion and opposite rotational torsional motion of the shaft assembly of the tilt adjustment mechanism. The shaft assembly mechanism decouples the frictional load in the two different rotational directions about its shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Crompton, Richard H. Harris, Herbert G. Leonard, George Hufford, III, Jeff D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5542152
    Abstract: A tilt adjustment mechanism having an upper housing, a lower housing and a shaft assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly receives the gears which are pressed on either end of shaft. The shaft fits through locating slots in the lower housing. Each of the gears are activated by internal gears located on each side of the upper housing. The internal gears are integrally formed with the upper housing. The upper housing is hinged on the lower housing and can rotate 20 degrees. The shaft assembly mechanism provides a torsion bar function to insure that the upper housing moves evenly with respect to the lower housing. Even motion in the upwards and downwards directions of the housing is provided by even rotational torsional motion and opposite rotational torsional motion of the shaft assembly of the tilt adjustment mechanism. The shaft assembly mechanism decouples the frictional load in the two different rotational directions about its shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Crompton, Richard H. Harris, Herbert G. Leonard, George Hufford, III, Jeff D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5457828
    Abstract: A joint joins together two tubular rails of a playpen. The joint includes a shell. A first block and a second block are pivotally received in the shell. A first tubular element and a second tubular element are each secured in one of the tubular rails. Each of the tubular element defines a first axial passage and a second axial passage. A first bolt with a head is inserted through the second axial passage defined in the first tubular element while the head thereof is retained in the first axial passage defined in the first tubular element. The first bolt is secured to the first block. A second bolt with a head is inserted through the second axial passage defined in the second tubular element while the head thereof is retained in the first axial passage defined in the second tubular element. The second bolt is secured to the second block. The first block defines a longitudinal recess and a longitudinal slot in communication with the longitudinal recess defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Sieno T. M. Huang
  • Patent number: 5371924
    Abstract: A hinge for use with a picture frame and a set-up base, includes first and second hinge leaves, each hinge leaf having claws, the claws of the first hinge leaf for fastening the first hinge leaf to a picture frame and the claws of the second hinge leaf for fastening the second hinge leaf to a set-up base. A hinge joint is disposed at first ends of the hinge leaves, configured of knuckles through which a hinge wire passes for connecting the first and second hinge leaves to one another. A connecting web is movably articulated to the first hinge leaf at an end edge of the first hinge leaf opposite the hinge joint. When the hinge is in an opened position, the connecting web is arranged at an angle to the first hinge leaf and is supported on the second hinge leaf. When the hinge is in a closed position, the connecting web is pivoted into a position essentially parallel to the first hinge leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Schmale GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Karl E. Schmale
  • Patent number: 5311644
    Abstract: A door hinge having a particularly reliable and solid stop and holding device. The movable part (13) of the hinge lies along the hinge pin (1) between the fixed part (14) and a housing (17) which contains the holding mechanism and is integral with the fixed part (14). In the housing, a pivotable lever (19) is rotationally fastened to the movable part (13) and supports a roller (26) against which one or more notches (42, 45) are pushed by a spring-loaded device (31, 40). The notches define the open positions of the door (11). The housing (17) is sealed and fits onto the fixed part and the hinge pin. The hinge can be used particularly in motor vehicle doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: MGI Coutier S.A.
    Inventor: Armand Laforgerie
  • Patent number: 5211498
    Abstract: A folding joint for a foldable playyard having a base frame having two connecting members pivotably secured at the inside for holding two rails permitting them to be held in a longitudinally aligned position or folded up into a collapsed position. The connecting members each have an axial hole at one end for inserting either rail, two through holes on two opposite side walls thereof, and a track connected between the two through holes. The rails each have a pivot hole secured between the two through holes by a headed pin. The two rails are held in the longitudinally aligned position when the head of the headed pin is engaged in one through hole; and the two rails are allowed to be folded up when the head of the headed pin is rotated to the other through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Sieno T. M. Huang
  • Patent number: 5068946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking hinge assembly for pivotally attaching a movable cowling panel to a stationary cowling portion in which the locking mechanism is incorporated into the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes pivoting links attaching the movable cowling panel to a stationary fitting member which, in turn, may be attached to the stationary cowling. The links, along with the stationary fitting member and the movable cowling panel form a quadrilateral with four pivot axes located at the apexes of the quadrilateral. The assembly includes a movable hook member mounted on the stationary fitting member such that it moves into engagement with a pivot shaft attaching one of the links to the movable cowling panel when the panel is in its closed position. A cam portion formed on one of the links contacts the hook member as the panel moves toward its closed position so as to move the hook member into engagement with the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Societe anonyme dite Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Jean-Marc D. L. Marescot, Pascal-Marie P. M. Soulier
  • Patent number: 4934025
    Abstract: An improved play yard having a lower horizontal support formed of rails, an upper horizontal support formed of rails and vertical support rails pivotably coupled therebetween, a central hub pivotably coupling the radially interior ends of the rails of the lower horizontal support and hinges coupling the rails of the upper horizontal support at intermediate locations. The hinges are adapted to be rotated about their axes between a locked position wherein the play yard is secure for operation and use and an unlocked position wherein the upper rails may be pivoted and the entire play yard collapsed upon the raising of the hub. Also disclosed is the hinge per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: John V. Mariol
  • Patent number: 4932101
    Abstract: A hinge is provided between bodywork and a door of a motor vehicle. A stationary bracket is fixed to an upright of the bodywork and includes a base with a hole. A movable bracket is fixed to the door and a pin connects the stationary and movable brackets. A torsion bar has a wheel/cam follower for engagement with a cam on a connection element. The stationary bracket, torsion bar, cam follower and connection element comprise a sub-assembly and the cam and cam follower are located intermediate the height of the hinge. The movable bracket includes a boss with an opening. Upon linear movement in a direction parallel to the hinge axis, the boss may be disposed about the pin with a connection element and movable bracket cooperable to prevent relative rotation therebetween whereby accurate assembly is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: SPERRI Sperimentazione e Ricerca Srl
    Inventor: Gabriele Lualdi
  • Patent number: 4891862
    Abstract: A self-closing hinge comprises a pair of hinge leaves pivotally interconnected by an offset hinge pin. One leaf has a flanged head projecting substantially radially with respect to a sleeve of the other hinge leaf, within which the hinge pin is mounted. The external surface of the sleeve serves as a cam surface against which a follower element carried on the head of the other leaf is biased. The cam follower comprises a tubular spring-steel member oriented parallel to the hinge pin and generates a force through the head of the other leaf along an axis distally offset relative to the axis of the hinge pin. During closing of the hinge the follower is brought into registration with a pocket formed in the sleeve to effect a rocking movement of the follower about one edge of the pocket to generate a self-closing moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Leif A. Holan
  • Patent number: 4879786
    Abstract: A tilt-lock mechanism for a pivotable panel assembly incorporates a pivotable locking link biased into locking engagement with a curved cam surface on the panel assembly to lock the assembly at a selected tilted position. A slight force applied opposite the bias of the link releases the link to return the panel to an initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Ampex Corporation
    Inventor: Robert N. Olson
  • Patent number: 4850080
    Abstract: A hinge includes a hinge arm to be connected with a second hinge part by hinge links. The hinge arm is provided at the front thereof with a joint adjusting screw for engagement with a mounting plate. The rear of the hinge arm is provided with a clamping screw which permits a depth adjustment and extends through a rearwardly open slot in the hinge arm. The clamping screw connects the hinge arm with an intermediate member which carries a tensioning lever which is acted upon by a spring. The tensioning lever holds the intermediate member with the hinge arm on the mounting plate in a clamping arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Erich Rock, Klaus Brustle, Helmut Rupprechter
  • Patent number: 4833755
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for marking the relative position of a mobile element with respect to a fixed element, the mobile element being able to occupy two extreme positions, close or remote, of the type comprising a lever articulated by one of its ends on the fixed element and a guide disposed on the mobile element and cooperating with the lever, the guide being in the vicinity of the articulation of the lever in the close extreme position and being in abutment against the other end of the lever in the remote extreme position. The guide includes rollers mounted for rotation on flexion bars in the mobile element, the rollers being disposed on either side of the lever, pressing it therebetween. At least one undulatory profile is formed on the lever which is capable of cooperating with one of the rollers, so as to immobilize the mobile element in a desired relative position, when the roller is located in one of the troughs of the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Lucien Bonin
  • Patent number: 4819299
    Abstract: A self-closing hinge comprising a pair of hinge leaves pivotally interconnected by an offset hinge pin. A spring tang is formed integrally with one of the hinge members and has a distal end that has a head projecting substantially radially with respect to a sleeve of the other hinge leaf within which the hinge pin is mounted. The external surface of the sleeve serves as a cam surface against which a follower element carried on the head of the spring tang is biased. The line of force exerted by the head of the tang through the follower is distally offset relative to the axis of the hinge pin. During closing of the hinge the follower is brought into registration with a pocket formed in the sleeve effecting a rocking movement of the follower about one edge of the pocket to generate a self-closing moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Leif A. Holan