Connected By Serially Arranged Pivoted Links Between Hinged Members Patents (Class 16/368)
  • Patent number: 7900322
    Abstract: A push-out style window assembly including window hardware for frictionally retaining an open position of the window under typical loading conditions. A push-out style window assembly generally includes a friction hinge assembly including a track, a sash arm, a support arm, and a friction arm. The friction arm can include an adjustable and/or detachable slide enabling adjustment of a frictional resistance between the friction slider and the support arm. Using the friction arm, frictional resistance is provided so as to provide control both during opening of the window and in retaining the position of an open window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Doring, Thomas Soukup, James Seaser
  • Patent number: 7861378
    Abstract: A hinge plate for concealed placement between door frame and door panel, has two mounting bases that can be set into recesses in the door frame and in the door panel, and hinge brackets that work together in pairs, which are connected to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. On the mounting bases, in each instance, the end of one hinge bracket is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, and the end of the other hinge bracket is guided to move longitudinally. The hinge brackets are structured as connection elements having the same construction, which have a U shape with a connecting stay and vertically oriented shanks The hinge brackets are joined together in the manner of a plug-in connection, and are connected to rotate at the connecting stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Simonswerk, Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
    Inventor: Hubert Neukötter
  • Patent number: 7832056
    Abstract: An opening-closing device includes a fixed gear of a fixed body, a conversion gear engaged with the fixed gear, a movable gear of a movable body, and a relay gear engaged with the conversion gear and with the movable gear, all of which are attached to a locking plate. The movable body can be held at a predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body by making an engaging portion in the locking plate is contacted with a locking portion in the fixed body and by making the conversion gear move to another position when the movable body is opened at the predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body. Moving the conversion gear to another position makes it possible to perform opening and closing operations in a greater angle. Thus, the opening-closing device can have a simple structure and perform a variety of opening and closing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7832057
    Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7797796
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for vertical-movement doors comprises two articulated-quadrilateral hinges each including a first plate designed to be fastened to the furniture flanks, a second plate designed to be fastened to the door and two superposed arms pivotally mounted between the plates to form the quadrilateral connecting-rods. The assembly comprises brackets for removable fastening of the bar ends to the hinges, where the brackets can be alternatively mounted at two different fastening seats present at locations spaced apart from each other, along the upper arm of each hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Agostino Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Patent number: 7784155
    Abstract: The present invention is a simultaneous, multiple plane opening vehicle door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. A pin extending from the third leaf traverses along a groove in a guide block such that there is simultaneous swing-out and vertical-lift motion of the vehicle door upon an outward urging of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7698785
    Abstract: An articulated hinge is provided which is capable of supporting a panel member and permitting the panel member to be moved away from an opening and at the same time permit the panel member to be rotated approximately 90 degrees. The hinge has a scissor arm mechanism which provides for smooth opening and closing of the hinge thereby eliminating a possible sticking of the hinge during opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Paul Bennett
  • Patent number: 7670308
    Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm includes a first elongated arm segment, a second elongated arm segment, and connector means for interconnecting the first segment to the second segment through respective pivotal receivers having normal axes of rotation. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony G. Borschneck
  • Patent number: 7631460
    Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building (6) on its side to a building location, locating the at least partially erected building on a support at the building location, and orientating the at least partially erected building so that it is correctly orientated relative to its support. Further disclosed is a transportable building, including a first structural component (51; 58), a second structural component (40; 56) and a hinge (68) coupling the first and second structural components whereby the second structural component is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded erected position of the building. The hinge is reconfigurable to allow the second structural component to be relatively displaced away from the first structural component in the unfolded erected position of the second structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Prebuilt Pty Ltd's
    Inventor: Donald Stewart Napier
  • Patent number: 7520023
    Abstract: A hinge for connecting a first folding element to a second folding element. The hinge includes a fixing element which comprises a first fixing face by means of which the fixing element is contactingly fixable to the second folding element; a first arm connected to the fixing element so as to be pivotable around a first pivot axis between a first position and a second position; a second arm having a fixing device by which the second arm can be fixed to the second folding element, and is connected to the first arm so as to be pivotable around a second pivot axis extending parallel to the first pivot axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first arm encloses a smallest angle relative to the fixing face and, in the second position, encloses a greatest angle relative to the fixing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Huwil-Werke GmbH Mobelschloss und Beschlagfabriken
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 7520028
    Abstract: In the case of a hinge device with an arm and with two head pieces mounted to pivot/swivel on the ends of the arm around respectively one axis, the head pieces are respectively joined to revolve with one of the two belt pulleys, which are circumscribed by a common traction belt on one circumferential surface, and at least one of the belt pulleys is not circular but preferably elliptical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Borleis, Juergen Hulbert, Jens Schenkenberger, Andreas Stern
  • Patent number: 7406749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-link hinge (10) for hinging a door leaf (12) to the body of a piece of furniture with a body fitting which may be fixed to the support wall (14) of the body and a door leaf fitting (20) connected to the above by means of a joint mechanism. The support wall fitting, embodied as an extended support arm is arranged on a fitting plate (18) which may be fixed to the support wall of the body and coupled to the door leaf fitting, embodied as a hinge cup fitted in a recess in the back face of the door leaf (12), by means of the joint mechanism, embodied with two joint arms (22; 24) each connected to one of the fittings such as to pivot. A damping device acts on a support wall side hinge piece, for example the body fitting (16) or the fixing plate (18) and one of the joint arms (24), at least during a locking part of the pivoting motion of said joint arm on a closing or opening motion of the door leaf fitting (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenshlaeger GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Markus Herper
  • Patent number: 7396068
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a door to a passenger vehicle body having a lift arm and a hinge assembly. The lift arm rotatably connects the door to the vehicle body. The lift arm imparts upward rotational movement to the door relative to the vehicle body as upward pressure is applied to the arm. The hinge assembly allows the door to open horizontally about a pair of hinges connected to the hinge assembly. A stop pin assembly dictates whether the door can be opened vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Eric L. McRobert
  • Patent number: 7340801
    Abstract: The basal end part of a second arm is turnably connected to the leading end part of the first arm. An engagement recess is formed in the leading end face of the first arm. The second arm is provided at its basal end part with a lock member such that the lock member is movable in the longitudinal direction of the second arm, and the lock member is biased toward the basal end of the second arm by a tension coiled spring. The lock member is provided with an engagement pin engageable with the engagement recess through a roller so that the first arm and the second arm are non-turnably locked. A turnable member is turnably disposed on the lock member and abutted with the roller by a tension coiled spring. An abutment surface of the turnable member is abutted with an arcuate surface formed on the leading end part of the first arm. By this, the lock member is brought into a release retaining position where the roller is brought out of the engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7210200
    Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The multi-axis automobile door hinge provides a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for swing-out and vertical-lift operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7207086
    Abstract: An electronic device. The electronic device comprises a host, a display, a fixed member, a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The fixed member is secured on the host and has a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion separated therefrom with a predetermined angle. The first rotating member is rotatably connected to the fixed member and has an engaging portion. The engaging portion moves between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion along a curved route such that the first rotating member rotates relative to the fixed member with the predetermined angle. The second rotating member is fixed on the display and is connected to the first rotating member. The second rotating member rotates relative to the first rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventor: Chun-Fei Yang
  • Patent number: 7155266
    Abstract: A mobile communications terminal including a first section having a keypad; a second section having a display; and a connection movably connecting the second section with the first section. The connection includes a first axis of rotation with the first section, an offset second axis of rotation with the second section, and synchronizing members which transfer rotational movement of the first section relative to the connection to rotational movement of the second section relative to the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Mads Schenstrøm Stefansen
  • Patent number: 7137174
    Abstract: An activating mechanism is provided for use with a four-link hinge of the type typically used for closure of a vehicle movable deck, such as a trunk lid or engine compartment hood. A lower link bracket is secured to the vehicle body and an upper link bracket is secured to the movable deck. Pivoting links may be connected between the upper and lower link brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gecom Corp
    Inventors: Lester Derbis, Darek Barczynski, Keith Julien
  • Patent number: 7100245
    Abstract: The invention proposes a hinge to be exchanged for the hinges on a motor-vehicle door. The hinge contains a hinge section that is attached to the bodywork and a hinge section that is attached to the door. A linking device having a pair of linkages is situated between the two hinge sections. The first linkage allows opening the door in the factory-standard manner until the door is clear of the door frame. The second linkage then allows pivoting the door upward about a horizontal axis, which will allow configuring automobile doors such that they may be opened in the same manner as “gull-wing” doors. The motions about both axes may be constrained such that contact between the door and the bodywork will be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Klaus Wohlfarth
  • Patent number: 7054147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hinge mechanisms for electronic devices with folding casings and to a double articulated hinge mechanism for aforesaid electronic devices offering advantageous characteristics for electric conductors to be passed through the inventive hinge mechanism. The mechanism allows pivoted junction of at least two casing parts constituting a folding casing of an electronic device, wherein each casing part includes electric components. The hinge mechanism has at least a hinge body component and a flexible electrical conductor for connecting the electronic components included by different casing parts. The hinge body component enables establishing two independent, substantially parallel and at a predefined distance separated pivot axes. Further the hinge body component provides a passage, which is adapted to receive the flexible electrical conductor for being routed though the hinge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Esa Maatta, Timo Herranen
  • Patent number: 6994393
    Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
  • Patent number: 6922874
    Abstract: A system for covering and closing off a housing of an electronic microdevice with a cover plate that extends over a mostly level surface of a faceplate of the housing. Rotary or pivoting hinges are provided to allow the cover plate to be lifted off of the surface of the faceplate while maintaining the cover plate essentially parallel to the faceplate. The system may be used for closing off a hearing-aid housing, an FM receiver housing or other housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Bruno Gabathuler
  • Patent number: 6918160
    Abstract: A four-bar hinge linkage and fold-down support assembly, such as an armrest, seat bottom, table top and the like especially suited for marine use in watercraft applications. The support member is pivotally supported by first and second four-bar hinge linkages for articulation from a stationary upright support structure affixed to the watercraft. Each of the four-bar hinge linkages comprises a support-structure-mounting bracket, a main hinge link, a shorter control/locking link and a support-member-mounting bracket. Each of the linkages articulates the support member between an upright stored position and a folded-down in-use position wherein, the swinging end of the control/locking link swings up and beneath the hinge link so that an end edge of the control/locking link abuts in line-to-line contact at an abutment locking point along the lower edge of the hinge link, each linkage being thus locked together to form a triangular support truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Tecla Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N Clark
  • Patent number: 6895638
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hinge assembly for notebook computers capable of keeping a screen of a monitor connected face-to-face with a main system of the notebook, and such hinge assembly also can keep an included angle between the monitor and the main system from zero degree (i.e. closed status for stacking the monitor and the main system) to 180 degrees (i.e. horizontally aligned status of the monitor and the main system). Furthermore, the monitor can continue to be turned over until the screen of the monitor faces the back of the main system, and then further till the monitor and the main system are in the back-to-back contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: First International Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Shui-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6842944
    Abstract: An improved swing away style door hinge utilizing at least four hinge members attached to each other about four pivot points. The new hinge allows greater access through a doorway wherein the door is positioned outside of the doorway clearance space when the door is opened 90 degrees. The hinge may also limit the opening movement of the door. The hinge is an aesthetically pleasing hinge with a relatively small footprint compared to other swing away style hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
  • Patent number: 6834834
    Abstract: Articulation device for an aircraft door panel and an aircraft door integrating such a device. An aircraft door panel is articulated on the jamb by a device (20) that defines an approximately elliptical opening and closing trajectory, in which the major axis is approximately perpendicular to the panel. The device (20) comprises in particular a main arm (30), a secondary arm (32) articulated at the end of the main arm and a control lever (34) connecting the secondary arm (32) to the jamb, by articulation axes (A4, A5) close to the articulation axes of the main arm (30) on the jamb and the secondary arm (32) on the main arm. This arrangement makes it possible to fit a more voluminous emergency exit chute into the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Francis Dazet, François Rouyre
  • Patent number: 6748626
    Abstract: An improved swing away style door hinge utilizing three articulated hinge members and a means for controlling the position of at least one of the hinge members with respect to at least one other hinge member such that the hinge allows greater access through a doorway when the door is opened at a 90 degree angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
  • Patent number: 6741472
    Abstract: A system for pivotally coupling two elements of a portable computer is disclosed. The system includes a hinge pin for pivotally coupling the two elements. The hinge pin includes a rod having a main axis and a first outer diameter. The hinge pin further includes a bore in a proximal portion of the rod having a first inner diameter, wherein the bore is aligned along the main axis. The hinge pin further includes a distal portion of the bore having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter. The hinge pin further includes a groove stop within the bore, providing a surface for pulling the hinge pin along the main axis in a proximal direction. The system further includes a tool for extracting the hinge pin from the two elements, allowing the hinge pin to be pulled along the main axis in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: WalkAbout Computers, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans A. Barth, Paul A. Wynn
  • Publication number: 20030213101
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hinge assembly for notebook computers capable of keeping a screen of a monitor connected face-to-face with a main system of the notebook, and such hinge assembly also can keep an included angle between the monitor and the main system from zero degree (i.e. closed status for stacking the monitor and the main system) to 180 degrees (i.e. horizontally aligned status of the monitor and the main system). Furthermore, the monitor can continue to be turned over until the screen of the monitor faces the back of the main system, and then further till the monitor and the main system are in the back-to-back contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: First International Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuan Shui Lin
  • Patent number: 6578234
    Abstract: A four bar hinge (24) for mounting a vehicle rear deck lid (26) for movement between open and closed positions includes first and second vehicle body and deck lid mounted hinge members (28, 32) one of which has an adjuster (38), and the hinge also includes first and second connection members (42, 52) that extend between the hinge members with pivotal connections to provide a four bar linkage (62) that supports the deck lid for movement between open and closed positions. An adjuster member (40) of the adjuster (38) is adjustable upon assembly to move the deck lid vertically so as to be flush with the rear deck outer skin (16) of the vehicle. This adjustment is provided by a threaded connection (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Westerdale
  • Patent number: 6513617
    Abstract: A vehicle hood apparatus is provided with a hood retaining mechanism including a linkage which is bendable and stretchable for retaining a hood in a lifted position when a vehicle collides with an object to be protected and the rear end of the hood is lifted. The linkage has an upper link and a lower link which are bendably and stretchably connected via a hinge. A stopper is included for preventing the lower link from falling rearward relative to the vehicle when the lower link and the upper link stretch. The hood apparatus further includes a ratchet mechanism for preventing the lower link and the upper link from shifting from the stretching state to a bending state to securely retain the lifted hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sakae Sasaki, Ken Hanayama, Kaoru Nagatomi
  • Publication number: 20020167789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for rotatably mounting a display unit to a surface for movement between a first angular position adjacent the surface, a second angular position spaced from the surface and a range of third angular positions spaced from the second angular position. A first pintle secured to a first hinge mount is rotatably connected to a first hinge bracket. A first friction element secured to the first hinge bracket imparts a first resistive friction to the first pintle. A first detent mechanism secured to the first hinge bracket releasably secures the first pintle in the second angular position and imparts a second resistive friction to the first pintle when the first pintle is rotated through the range of third angular positions. The display unit rotates in a controlled manner from the first angular position to the second angular position due to a gravitational force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: CEMA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Novin, David A. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6430779
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an invisible hinge of an operable wall includes upper and lower end portions for attachment of the bracket to the edge frame of the operable wall. The end portions include vertical slots to allow for vertical adjustment of the wall. Holes for locking screws are also provided the secure position of the wall after adjustment. The mounting bracket, includes a recessed portion to receive the main body of the invisible hinge. The bracket may also include an acoustic coating or an optional hinge encapsulating acoustic boot to provide improved sound barrier characteristics for the operable wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Goldsmith, Reanus Jones, Jerald A. McRoberts, Shannon B. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6408486
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first member having a curved-shape abutment surface spaced about a pivot axis, and a second member having a second abutment, which is a complementary shape to the first abutment surface. A link connects the members in a manner such that articulate movement is enabled while preventing human fingers or other objects being pinched between the abutment surfaces. A primary application of such a hinge is in a sectional door which is formed of a plurality of elongate panels having abutment surfaces. A method of forming the hinge and the door panels and a method of assembling such a sectional door are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Evans Deakin Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Sam Saliba, Mitch Billows, Gerhard Vogelgsang
  • Patent number: 6374459
    Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting closure sheet-like elements, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which have a first lever and a second lever in common, at least two elastic springs in parallel being further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: T.G.N. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Zetti
  • Patent number: 6377444
    Abstract: A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface. The first and second body portions are pivotally hinged to rotate between a first position, in which said first plane and said second plane are at an obtuse angle, and a second position, in which the first plane and the second plane are oblique, such that in the second position the control panel is rotated at an angle greater than 180 degrees from the mounting surface. A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Price, Mark T. McClung, Ronald K. Hutt
  • Patent number: 6314615
    Abstract: A multiaxis closure hinge for pivotally mounting a closure panel adjacent to an opening in a body to rotate about a point remote from the hinge between a closed position over the opening and an open position disposed apart from the opening is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Tiete O. Wolda
  • Patent number: 6223393
    Abstract: A redundant hinge element and a hinge assembly made from the redundant hinge element that are adapted to provide pivotal connection between casings of a notebook computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, palmtop computer, or other appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Andrew Knopf
  • Patent number: 6182331
    Abstract: The invention is a box hinge comprising a pair of identical hinge members pivotably secured by a sequestered pin captured within a bore in each hinge member. The identical hinge members are cylindrical with a rounded end from which a spherical quadrant has been removed and which has been partially and centrally bored. Each bore extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hinge member and perpendicular to the plane defined by the flat surface of the remaining spherical quadrant. The pin box hinge is formed by inserting one half of the sequestered pin in the bore of each hinge member such that the flat surfaces of both spherical quadrants are coplanar. In an alternative embodiment, the pin sequestration bores are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hinge members, which rotate about that longitudinal axis. Jigs for preparing boxes and lids to receive the hinges, and methods of installation, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: George D. Hessenthaler
  • Patent number: 6185096
    Abstract: A height adjustable docking station and a mobile computing device for use therewith. The docking station includes a structure for receiving the screen of a mobile computing device. This structure is coupled to a docking station body in such a manner that the height and viewing angle of the screen of a mobile computing device mounted in the structure can be adjusted. A mobile computing device with a flip around screen and a port configured for docking when the screen is flipped around is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Jacques H Helot, Daniel I Croft, David A Williams
  • Patent number: 6138325
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a window stay. The mounting arrangement comprises a mounting bracket 11 which is mountable to a part of a window construction such as a window frame or window sash. The mounting bracket 11 has an abutment 25 with an opening 26 to receive a tab 27 at one end of the mounting base 10 of the window stay. The mounting bracket 11 also has a clip 23 which can engage with a cut-out 28 in the mounting base 10 of the window stay. The window stay can thus be quickly located with a mounting base already mounted to a window construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: Umberto Figliola, Michael Gerrard Francis
  • Patent number: 5937483
    Abstract: An enveloping hinge system and method for use on storage boxes, fishing tackle boxes, tool boxes and the like is disclosed. The enveloping hinge system and method comprise four identical links, each with a male end and a female end. Each said end is provided with a pivot point for joining to the next link, as well as providing a rotational axis on the order of 90.degree.. When open, the invention generally provides a flat surface for which to access the contents of said storage box. When closed, the invention generally provides a closed shape in which the bottom surface of each storage unit provides an outer surface of a 360.degree. shape to allow for storage and transportation requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Jim O. Cruey
  • Patent number: 5833300
    Abstract: A vehicle with mutually moving parts, such as doors and hinged lids or hinged covers, particularly with a foldable roof, has at least one front roof part and one rear roof part. These roof parts are provided with at least one joint connection, which makes an open and a closed position possible, and is constructed as a hinged device, which can be actuated directly from a controllable driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Russke
  • Patent number: 5794310
    Abstract: A connection for adjustably holding a sash arm and a support arm in pivotally connected relationship, including a sash arm having a first cylindrical opening, a support arm having a second cylindrical opening at one end, and a stud. The stud includes a pivot portion with a cylindrical shaft extending through the second cylindrical opening, a rivet portion extending from one end of the cylindrical shaft through the first cylindrical opening and eccentric to the pivot portion cylindrical shaft, and a head on an end of the rivet portion spaced from the cylindrical shaft wherein the head and the one end of the cylindrical shaft engage opposite sides of the sash arm to frictionally secure the stud against pivoting relative to the sash arm. The first cylindrical opening includes a countersunk hole on the side of the sash arm attachable to a window sash, wherein the rivet portion head is formed substantially entirely in the countersunk hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Dallmann
  • Patent number: 5708560
    Abstract: A device (10) adding keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a bracket (30) having a plurality of clips (33) removably carrying the handheld computer (12), and a joint (40) secured to the keyboard (11) and the bracket (30) for positioning the keyboard (11) in a plurality of orientations relative to the handheld computer (12). These orientations include a first orientation in which the keyboard (11) is operable and at a preselected viewing angle from a display (14) that is pan of the handheld computer (12), a second orientation adjacent the display (14) in which the keyboard (11) substantially covers the display (14), and a third orientation proximate the handheld computer (12) in which the display (14) is unobstructed, thereby facilitating pen-based input through the display (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Khyber Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rajendra Kumar, Steven E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5666694
    Abstract: A hinge arrangement having first and second hinges is provided, each hinge being operable upon application of a different torque. The first hinge operates upon application of a first torque to pivot a structure through a first range of motion, beyond which the first hinge is opposed by a relatively high restrictive force. The second hinge operates upon application of a second torque which is greater than the first torque, but insufficient to overcome the restrictive force. Upon applying the second torque, the structure is pivotable through a second range of motion. The hinges thus work cooperatively to pivotally couple first and second panels (or structures) of a clamshell-like device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Wee Min Slow, Ting Yeow Hoong, Beng Hong Kang
  • Patent number: 5632065
    Abstract: A spring stop is provided for a vehicle door hinge arrangement having primary and secondary leaves with a base, an arm extending from the base, and a hand extending from the arm to receive a pin. The primary and secondary leaves are connected with a reinforcement leaf. The hand of the primary leaf receives a pin that is connected to a member of the door hinge arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: E. Robert Siladke, Kevin D. Lapham
  • Patent number: 5613277
    Abstract: A hinge for supporting a window sash relative to a window frame including a track (12) connected to the window frame, a support arm (16) pivotally secured to the track, a shoe (22) slidably received in the track (12) and a sash arm connected to the window sash and pivotally supported relative to both the shoe and the support arm (14). The shoe includes a first side (38) which lies adjacent the track (12) when the shoe is received in the track. The shoe further includes a recess (40) in the first side (38) and a pad (42) integrally formed with the shoe body (22). The pad is received in a recess when the shoe is received in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Mary B. Dallmann, Gregory O. Voss, Brian D. Dallmann
  • Patent number: 5560084
    Abstract: A friction slider 1 for a friction stay, comprising a body 3, preferably formed of metal, for attachment to struts of a stay, the metal body 3 being shaped to fit and be retained within a channel of the stay, a plastics skin 5 overlaying the metal body 3 to separate the metal body 3 from the channel of a stay, during use, and adjustable means 7 cooperating with the metal body 3 for driving the plastics skin 5 away from the metal body 3 to adjust the friction between the slider 1 and the channel of the stay, during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Securistyle Limited
    Inventor: Neil M. Baker
  • Patent number: 5491875
    Abstract: A vehicle door hinge is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: E. Robert Siladke, Kevin D. Lapham, Martin A. Belz