Plural Sets Of Serially Arranged Pivoted Links Patents (Class 16/369)
  • Patent number: 11639623
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, which includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of the electronic device may include a low profile hinge design that includes a micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can couple a first element to a second element and can include a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. The low profile hinge can further include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bok Eng Cheah, Howe Yin Loo, Min Suet Lim, Jackson Chung Peng Kong, Poh Tat Oh
  • Patent number: 11153982
    Abstract: A rollable structure includes an outer and an inner sliding rail. The outer sliding rail includes outer sliding blocks and outer shafts. Each of the outer shafts is fixed between any two adjacent outer sliding blocks. The inner sliding rail is movably clamped in the outer sliding rail and includes inner sliding blocks and inner shafts. Each of the inner shafts is fixed between any two adjacent inner sliding blocks. When axes of the outer shafts are aligned with axes of the inner shafts, the outer sliding blocks can rotate with the outer shafts as axes, and the inner sliding blocks can rotate with the inner shafts as axes. After the inner and the outer sliding rail move relative to each other, the axes of the inner and the outer shafts are misaligned, so that the outer and the inner sliding rail are in a plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Ho, Yu-Wei Lin, Po-Tsung Shih
  • Patent number: 11016530
    Abstract: A portable information device includes a hinge device, a foldable display, and a bezel member. The hinge device has a first base plate fixed to the first chassis, a second base plate fixed to the second chassis, a first link arm having a first end portion rotatably connected to the first base plate through a first shaft, a second link arm having a first end portion rotatably connected to the second base plate through a second shaft, and a coupling plate having a first end portion rotatably connected to a second end portion of the first link arm through a third shaft and a second end portion rotatably connected to a second end portion of the second link arm through a fourth shaft. The hinge device as a whole is disposed under a display surface, regardless of opening/closing state of the second chassis with respect to the first chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Watamura, Chi-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 10837210
    Abstract: Provided are a hinge capable of attaching a door side member having a recessed portion to receive an articulation joint in an end surface of a thin door such as a glass door and a hinge bracket. The hinge of the present invention includes a main body side member to be attached to a main body; and a door side member to be attached to a door, rotatably connected to the main body side member via an articulation joint and having a recessed portion to receive at least a part of the articulation joint. The door side member includes an outer shell portion, a first holding piece projecting from the outer shell portion, and a second holding piece for sandwiching the door with the first holding piece in a thickness direction of the door within a range of the outer shell portion in the thickness direction of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koushi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10548757
    Abstract: A joint mechanism 4 has a zigzag structure 13 extending in a zigzag pattern between a first member 11 and a second member 12. A flexible lengthy member 16 fixed to the first member 11 extends from the first member 11 toward the second member 12 and is travelable with respect to the second member 12. A tension application unit 30 that applies a tension to the flexible lengthy member 16 is configured to be capable of changing a tension to apply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Hiroshi Gomi, Yuichi Uebayashi, Yosuke Ikedo, Kenichi Katagiri
  • Patent number: 10499716
    Abstract: A folding mechanism includes two retractable folding assemblies. A first retractable folding assembly includes a first base member, two friction members, two first dual-pivotal plate units, two first fixation plate units and a first pulling member. The two friction members are mounted to opposing ends of the first base member. The first dual-pivotal plate unit is symmetrically pivotally connected with opposing sides of the first base member. The first fixation plate unit is individually pivotally connected with the first dual-pivotal plate unit. The first pulling member is mounted at the first base member. A second retractable folding assembly is structurally resembled to the first retractable folding assembly. A movable buckle unit is further included to buckle or release springily two dual-pivotal plate units of the second retractable folding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: ASO ENTERPRISE CO. LTD., BRILLIANT TRAVEL-TECH CORP., DONGGUAN BRILLIANT E-LUGGAGE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ching-Chung Lan
  • Patent number: 9708840
    Abstract: Disclosed is a long arm quick release hinge comprised of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body with a hinge pin via a hinge arm and a link in a four-bar linkage arrangement. The link is a collection of plates with interlocking projections and indentions arranged adjacent to each other and separated by resilient shock absorbing spacers. The hinge body is adjustably connected to a connecting plate with an overlay screw and an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hardware Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Nuckolls, Travis McElveen
  • Patent number: 9684343
    Abstract: The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that have hinged portions. One example can include a display portion that includes a display screen and an input portion that includes an input device. This example can also include a radius hinge assembly rotatably securing the first and second portions. The radius hinge assembly can be configured to provide a curvilinear articulation that allows 360 degrees of relative rotation between the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Errol M. Tazbaz
  • Patent number: 9470026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a long arm quick release hinge comprised of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body with a hinge pin via a hinge arm and a link in a four-bar linkage arrangement. The link is a collection of plates with interlocking projections and indentions arranged adjacent to each other and separated by resilient shock absorbing spacers. The hinge body is adjustably connected to a connecting plate with an overlay screw and an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HARDWARE RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Grant Nuckolls, Travis McElveen
  • Patent number: 9360896
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of the electronic device may include a low-profile hinge design that includes a first segment that connects to a first element using a first coupler and to a second segment that connects to the first segment using a second coupler, where the second segment connects to a second element using a third coupler. The first coupler, the second coupler, and the third coupler may each have a first coupling arm and a second coupling arm and the first coupling arm can be offset from a plane of the second coupling arm by about five degrees to about forty-five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Min Suet Lim, Bok Eng Cheah, Howe Yin Loo, Jackson Chung Peng Kong, Poh Tat Oh
  • Patent number: 9047055
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable flexible display device. A foldable flexible display device according to the present invention includes: first and second plates having a predetermined area; a hinge member for connecting the first plate and the second plate; and a flexible display screen attached to the tops of the first plate and the second plate and the hinge member, in which the hinge member folds the first plate and the second plate and the flexible display screen while folding with smooth curvature. According to this configuration, the operation for folding or unfolding the screen of a flexible display device can be smoothly operated and damage to the display screen can be prevented, resulting in remarkable improvement in reliability of a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: PREXCO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: In-Sung Song
  • Patent number: 8876070
    Abstract: A thin-type collapsible foot stand includes a base unit, a first rotatable unit and a second rotatable unit. The base unit includes a base body having a first pivot portion, a first connection portion and a first extending portion. The first rotatable unit includes a rotatable platform having a second pivot portion corresponding to the first extending portion, a second connection portion corresponding to the first connection portion, and a second extending portion corresponding to the first pivot portion. The second rotatable unit includes two rotatable support frames. Each rotatable support frame includes a support body disposed between the base body and the rotatable platform, a first pivot structure connected between one end portion of the support body and the first pivot portion, and a second pivot structure connected between the other end portion of the support body and the second pivot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Azurewave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Wei Liu, Yu-Ting Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140306864
    Abstract: A joining structure of superposed first to fourth segment housing of an electronic device each having a display screen equipped with two shafts arranged between first and second housing segments and third and fourth housing segments, a first hinge which joins end faces of the second and third housing segments to be able to rotate and a second hinge which joins opposite side end faces of the first and fourth housing segments, two shafts make the second and third housing segments slide with respect to the first and fourth housing segments, then make one rotate 180 degrees with respect to the other in the finished slid state, by using the first and second hinges to make the second and third housing segments and the first and fourth housing segments rotate about the shafts, and superposed first to fourth segment housing are opened to form a single flat display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Yutaka NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 8813312
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge for a display device. A hinge for a display device according to the present invention, which connects and folds/unfolds first and second plates in a display device, includes: a soft plate member that is bendable while connecting first and second plates; a plurality of ribs formed at regular intervals at both sides of the soft plate member; a link means connecting the ribs and composed of first and second link and individually rotating with the bending of the soft plate member; and a fixing mechanism generating a fixing force by spring elasticity to control the rotation angle of the first and second links of the link means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Prexco Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-Sung Song, Seung Hee Cho
  • Publication number: 20140231425
    Abstract: A hinge system comprises a first component and a second component. Arranged on the first component, a first pin (314) and a second pin (324) are not on a same axis. The first pin is movably arranged in a first slot (814) on the second component. The second pin is movably arranged in a second slot (824) on the second component. The first component selectively stays in a first position state or a second position state relative to the second component, thus allowing the hinge system to be folded reliably and conveniently. Also a collapsible container comprising the hinge system is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SHANGHAI HONGYAN RETURNABLE TRANSIT PACKAGINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuanli Jian, Qingxin Liao, Zuocheng Qian
  • Patent number: 8769772
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mobile electronic device is provided with a linkage mechanism that couples first and second members of the device such that the device may be moved between a first position and a second position. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage intermediate the first and second members, the linkage having a fixed length. The linkage mechanism further includes a motion constraint mechanism that constrains movement of the first member with respect to the second member to a controlled motion. The linkage mechanism described herein may further provide that the top member rotates without increasing the length or width of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Martin Riddiford, James William Reeves
  • Patent number: 8713759
    Abstract: An electronic device that includes a hinge apparatus and the hinge apparatus are described. The hinge apparatus includes n shafts, arranged side by side, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 3; and multiple connecting elements for rotatably connecting each two adjacent shafts so as to form a shaft chain. The hinge apparatus can achieve a flexible shaft effect and can place the two portions connected by it in the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao Cai
  • Patent number: 8656559
    Abstract: An improved hinge structure is disclosed. The improved hinge structure comprises two fixed bases, a linkage structure, a pushing member, and a buffering damper. The buffering damper is located on the fixed base, wherein the buffering damper has a friction-resistant soft structure acting as a prop for the support of one end of the linkage structure, whereby the collapse caused by the force generated from the pushing member between furniture or components of the hinge can be avoided, therefore noises and damages caused by the collapse can be indirectly overcame while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hong Jeu Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: I-Tsung Hung
  • Patent number: 8650713
    Abstract: In a fully concealed hinge (1), a connecting device (2) joins a first and a second fastening member (1a;1b) allowing their relative mobility between open and closed position. An arm element (20) of the connecting device (2), hinged on a pin (3) of the first fastening member (1a), has at different positions along said pin (3) a first (5) and a second (6) cam element having corresponding active portions (52, 62) interacting with a first and a second tappet (50, 60) of the first fastening member (1a) in respective, at least partly not superposed, angular fields of rotation of the arm element (20). First and second elastic means (51, 61), biasing the first and second tappet (50,60) respectively, are loaded by increasing the angle of rotation in the first or second angular field, respectively, and released by decreasing said angle of rotation, thereby causing movement towards the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koblenz S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Migliorini
  • Patent number: 8627547
    Abstract: A self-closing invisible hinge for returning a door to its closed position from its opened position including a self-closing structure in which the closing force can be selectively adjusted externally at the hinge and in which the self-closing structure is compact. The self-closing invisible hinge further having an embedded wiring system for providing electrical communication between an area on or in the door and an area adjacent a mounting structure supporting the door, such as a building electrical and/or communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kok Leong Soh
  • Publication number: 20130227819
    Abstract: An articulating assembly of or for an adjustable hinge assembly, the articulating assembly comprising or including a height control arm supporting a mounting element at its distal end and pivotable about its proximal end for height adjustment, a convex member or members (“member(s)”) at or adjacent the distal region of the height control arm defining a distinct or merged pair of convex surfaces, the convex member(s) having a passageway therethrough, a pair of concave members engaged with the convex surfaces of the convex member(s) in a cupping manner, the concave members each having a passageway therethrough, and a pin located through the aligned passageways of the convex member(s) and concave members, the pin also being engaged with the mounting element to couple the mounting element to the height control arm, wherein the pin is dimensioned such that there is a clearance with respect to the passageway of the convex member(s) to allow at least limited articulating movement of the mounting element relative to
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: MANFRED FRANK PATENT HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Manfred Johannes Frank, Michael Gordon Graham, Michael Kevin Scheib
  • Patent number: 8336168
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a fixing member, a rotary member, a rotary member, an adjusting member and a support member, all of which are interconnected. The rotary member is capable of being positioned in a preset manner to form an acute angle relative to the fixing member, the adjusting member is capable of being positioned in a preset manner to form an acute angle relative to the rotary member; and the support member is capable of being positioned in a preset manner to form an obtuse angle relative to the adjusting member. An electronic device using the hinge mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lian-Cheng Huang, Zhen-Yu Yang
  • Publication number: 20120180396
    Abstract: In a door hinge for hidden placement between a door frame and a door leaf a first hinge rod is rotatably mounted on a door frame receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of a door leaf receiving body, a second hinge rod is rotatably mounted on the door leaf receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of the door frame receiving body, disposed at an angle of at least 45° relative to front surfaces of the door leaf in a closed position, and a depth of the door frame receiving body is less than 80% of a depth of the door leaf receiving body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Nicolas Liermann
  • Publication number: 20120120618
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a mobile electronic device includes a first leaf comprising first and second fixed pivot axes and a second leaf comprising third and fourth fixed pivot axes, the four pivot axes being substantially parallel to one another. A first linkage is pivotally coupled to the first leaf at the first pivot axis and pivotally coupled to the second leaf at the fourth pivot axis. A second linkage is pivotally coupled to the first leaf such at the second pivot axis and pivotally coupled to the second leaf at the third pivot axis. The first and second leaves are pivotable at least about 180° relative to one another. A cam mechanism can be included to bias the pivotal motion of the leaves. An FPC or other electrical connector linking the leaves can pass through a passage in at least one of the linkages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: David Bohn
  • Patent number: 8082630
    Abstract: A vehicle door hinge includes a base, a main link having first and second arms, a first end of the main link being pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot, a drive link pivotally connected to an end of a control link, the drive link passing through a slot in the main link, a mounting plate having open ended slots opening at a first end of the plate, at least one closed end slot wherein an end of the drive link is pivotally secured in one of the open ended slots, an idle link pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the main link and an open ended slot of the door mounting plate, a kicker link having a first end thereof pivotally secured in the open ended slot of the main link and a second end pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the door mounting plate wherein the kicker link is longer than the idle link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn R. Sprague, Keith R. Sprague
  • Patent number: 8006435
    Abstract: A safety gate system having an electronic display for seamless integration into a barrier with electronic display capabilities. The safety gate system includes a post and a gate hinged to the post. The gate face and post carry electronic display modules which appear when the gate is closed, as continuous with and seamlessly integrated into the display of the barrier. Preferably, the hinges are four-bar hinges, most preferably two sets of paired four-bar hinges. The safety gate also includes a lower chase or sill which allows both signal wiring and power to pass under the gate. Braced rear legs compensate for the cantilever forces of the gates when open. A latch, preferably an electromagnetic latch, auto-releases in response to a pre-set sufficient force level, such as arising crowd surge forces, being applied to the gate, as well as being remotely releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay C. DeBlonk, Kent Shane Miller, Douglas John Criddle
  • Patent number: 7934293
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism 10 to lift the rear edge of a bonnet 11 of a motor vehicle comprises an upper leaf 13 connected to the bonnet 11, a lower leaf 12 connected to the body structure of the vehicle and a middle leaf 14 connected to the upper leaf 13 and the lower leaf 12. The middle leaf 14 is connected to the upper leaf 13 by means of a stud 16 and a slot 17 connection so as to limit movement of the bonnet from a normal position to a deployed position under an upward force exerted by a lift actuator. The stud 16 and slot 17 connection is provided with a resiliently deformable element 30 arranged at the end of the slot for dissipating impact energy of the stud 16 against the slot 17 during the upward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Nick Kalargeros
  • Patent number: 7930803
    Abstract: A folding apparatus (1) having transmitter and receiver cases (2, 10), a hinge mechanism (20) for pivotally connecting one end of the transmitter case and that of the receiver case to each other, and a hinge cover (C). The hinge mechanism is connected to corners (15a-16b) of the one end of the transmitter case and of that of the receiver case. The corners (15a-16b) are projected in the direction orthogonal to the one end of each of the transmitter and receiver cases, and the hinge mechanism is installed between the projected corners of the cases. The hinge cover has a pair of box-shaped cover members (7, 8), and a cross-section of each cover member taken in the direction orthogonal to the one end has an ellipse shape. The cover members are arranged so as to face to each other, covering and holding the hinge mechanism located between the projected corners of the transmitter and receiver cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ueyama, Jiro Osaki
  • Patent number: 7908711
    Abstract: A device for mounting on a door hinge, of the type having intermeshing sleeves held together by a hinge pin, for supporting clothes and other items. A hinge-mounted hanger kit for use with different sized hinges, including a hanger for attaching to a hinge using an overlength pin to replace the hinge pin and a spacer or selection of spacers for use in accommodating different sized hinges. An extender for use with a hinge-mounted hanger for displacing the pivot axis of the hanger from the hinge pivot axis and having two different sized receptacles for receiving different sized hinges. A swing-restraint clip for use with a hinge-mounted hanger for attaching to a hinge and interposing between the hanger and an adjacent surface for impeding pivoting movement of the hanger relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: William James Johnson
  • 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: 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: 7754950
    Abstract: A string instrument comprising a neck extension primary member, having a neck extension securement end and a tuning assembly support head end, an extension top and a length extending between the ends, is disclosed. The neck extension primary member defines a neck extension cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck extension cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck extension securement end and open at the top of the neck extension primary member. A neck base primary member has a neck base securement end, a base top and an opposite end. The neck base primary member is made to define a neck base cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck base cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck base securement end and open at the top of the neck base primary member. A hinge has a first hinge butt positioned in the neck extension cutaway volume and a second hinge butt positioned in the neck base cutaway volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Voyage-Air Guitar Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Leach
  • 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: 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: 7418766
    Abstract: An upper piggybacked unit of a tandem unit is provided with a hinge unit and at least one motion lock to prevent the upper unit from falling away from the lower unit when it is tandemly coupled to the lower unit and the lower unit is pivoted to a non-horizontal position. The motion lock may inhibit rotation and/or translation of the upper unit. The motion lock may also be self-actuating, such as a gravity dependent lock mechanism. A lock override mechanism may be provided to allow the lock to yield to excessive force without causing damage. The lock enable condition may be automatically reset after the override condition so that no special knowledge or action on the part of the user is required to return the hinge to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron T. Nelson, Keng Leong Ng, Brent R. Jones, Yin Mei (Regina) Sia, Sheau Ming Ng
  • Patent number: 7350273
    Abstract: A hinge, such as a truck body door hinge, includes a first mounting member, a second mounting member, a first connecting member that is pivotably connected to the first and second mounting members, and a second connecting member that is also pivotably connected to the first and second mounting members. The first and second connecting members are pivotally connected to each other at an axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Reading Truck Body, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Skipper
  • Patent number: 7203997
    Abstract: A hinge includes a link with two lateral sides, and an assembly comprising a pair of side plates. Protruding from each lateral side of the link is a pair of parallel pins, and each side plate includes a pair of non-parallel guide slots. The assembly and the link are positioned such that each pin slidably engages one of the guide slots and the pins can simultaneously slide in their respective guide slots. Since the guide slots are non-parallel, when one pin is forced to slide in one direction, the other pin of the pair is forced to slide in a different direction, causing the assembly to both turn and translate with respect to the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: James C. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7003830
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting a portion of a body, the support structure including a support member having a support surface, wherein said support surface is divided into a plurality of pieces; and a mechanism configured to couple said plurality of pieces to each other, said flexible mechanism including: a fixed side member having a first plurality of overlapping plates which are arranged in parallel at intervals; a tilted side member having a second plurality of overlapping plates which alternately overlap on said first overlapping plates of said fixed side member; a coupling shaft which pierces an overlapping position of said first plurality of overlapping plates and said second plurality of overlapping plates to fasten said first plurality of overlapping plates and said second plurality of overlapping plates together, wherein said tilted side member is adapted to rotate around said coupling shaft to impart an angle on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunetaro Ito
  • Patent number: 6952861
    Abstract: This invention combines the woodworking industry with the mechanical hinge industry to result in a novel hinge system primarily for use in the woodworking industry. The present invention also has applications in other industries where hinge systems are used. A multiple axis continuous hinge system allows a door or lid to which it is attached to open or rotate up to 360 degrees. The invention is a viable alternative for any conventional hinge. It is simple to apply. The invention is an aesthetically pleasing alternative for any conventional hinge and because of its great strength and flexibility it has applications that are offered by no other hinge. This hinge system lends itself to production and also offers the wood industry greater yield because of the value-added to its small parts which may be produced from off-fall and lower grades of lumber which would otherwise be scrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Manuel Ynosencio
  • 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: 6648398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, each hinge leaf being used to retain one of the alternate ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each pin leaf. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to each of the leafs. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of the torsion pin is received in an extended support member while the other end is retained in a returned bent portion of the second leaf, each end extending in a radial direction aligned at an angle to the direction of the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: M&C Corporation
    Inventor: Michael John Duffy
  • Patent number: 6619723
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, a hinge leaf being used to retain one of the ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is bent and retained in a second leaf of a second hinge set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: M & C Corporation
    Inventor: Michael John Duffy
  • 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: 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: 6141832
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a wide-angle hinge having articulated arms in the form of U-shaped profiled levers, the lateral sides of which are offset from one another and with U-shaped profiled transverse swinging arms being articulated to the levers with the same offset. In an open position, hinge pins of both levers lie in an approximately cylindrical shell, the axis of which lies on the outer side of the hinge portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 5735021
    Abstract: A snap stud assembly is provided for pivotally connecting two hardware members together. A stud is disposed within a tubular sleeve. A lower or bottom end of the stud is attached to a lower hardware member by pressing or deforming the bottom end of the stud member to provide an interference fit. The upper hardware member is mounted over a top end of the plastic sleeve which includes a top flange but which is resiliently compressible in the radially inward direction so that the top hardware member may be easily forced over the top end of the plastic sleeve. Once installed, the upper hardware member is disposed between a top flange and a bottom flange of the plastic sleeve which serves as a bushing about which the top member pivots as well as a washer between the top hardware member and bottom hardware member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Allen-Stevens Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5500985
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting to a vehicle body a rear deck movable closure panel, wherein as the panel is opened its forward edge is shifted rearward away from adjacent body structure. The hinge assembly includes a forward sector gear fixed to a panel-half hinge member and an aft sector gear pivoted to a body-half hinge member wherein the sector gears are disposed between a pair of angled link members. The body-half hinge member includes inboard and outboard opposed wall surfaces having upper and lower pairs of aligned horizontal guide slots. The aft sector gear and pair of links are supported between the wall surfaces with the aft sector gear meshed with the forward sector gear and a subjacent gear rack. The links tie a forward sector gear pivot pin to an intermediate pivot pin slidably received in the upper pair of guide slots and an aft pivot pin slidably received in the lower pair of guide slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert D. Klueger
  • Patent number: 5465463
    Abstract: Hinge for hanging the free panel of a bipartite corner-cabinet door on the panel that is hinged to the supporting wall of the carcase. The hinge has two leaves associated one with each of the door panels and the leaves can pivot relative to one another on a pivot pin passing through aligned bores provided at the meeting arrises of the door. Each of these hinge leaves has at least one angular appendage running across the front edge of the associated door panel to a point near the door's arris, and the bores for the hinge pins are provided in the staggered knuckles of the hinge leaves. The two hinge leaves are in the form of elongated supporting arms to each of which the end of one link of a pair of links is articulated, the other ends of the links being articulated to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Lautenschlager