Hinge Making Or Assembling Patents (Class 29/11)
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Publication number: 20120096676Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a sleeve, a first member, a second member, and a resilient member. The sleeve includes a first end defining an opening. The first member is received in the sleeve. The second member is located next to the first member. One of the first member and the second member have a cam, the other of the first member and second member have a cam follower interacting with the cam so that the first member rotates about an axis and the second member moves linearly along the axis when the cam follower follows the cam. The resilient member is fitted in the sleeve and provides an elastic force to bias the first member and the second member into contact with each other. The first end is deformed to form a narrowed portion to reduce the opening. The narrowed portion retains the first member, the second member, and the resilient member in the sleeve and prevents the first member, the second member, and the resilient member from escaping the sleeve through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: JIAN-WEI LI, CHAO DUAN, CHIA-HUA CHEN
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Patent number: 8156619Abstract: A method of making a hinge has the steps of forming a region of a piece of sheet metal with a groove and then bending the piece of sheet metal to form the region into an eye with the groove opening inwardly into the eye so that the piece of sheet metal with the eye forms a first leaf. A pivot pin with a radially outwardly projecting thickened region is fitted and pressed into the eye such that the radially thickened region radially elastically widens the eye. Once the thickened region reaches the groove, the eye springs back so that the pivot pin is then captured held in the eye.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Simonswerk GmbHInventors: André Bultschnieder, Uwe Sabrowski
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Publication number: 20120066863Abstract: A quick release door hinge system has a locking pin and two flaps: A jamb flap that is fixedly attached to a door jamb and a door flap which is fixedly attached to a door. The door flap has built-in downwardly pointing pins that are configured and sized to fit into channels found on the jamb flap. Once the two flaps are connected, the locking pin is inserted so as to block any upward motion of the door flap which could result in an inadvertent release of the door from its hinges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventor: Yolain Cayer
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Publication number: 20120032049Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventor: Richard Boroviak
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Publication number: 20120030904Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a sleeve, a first member, a second member, and a resilient member. The sleeve includes a sleeve wall and an open end. The first member is received in the sleeve. The second member is located next to the first member. One of the first member and the second member have a cam, the other of the first member and second member have a cam follower interacting with the cam so that the first member rotates about an axis and the second member moves linearly along the axis when the cam follower follows the cam. The resilient member is fitted in the sleeve and provides an elastic force to bias the first member and the second member into contact with each other. At least one tab is formed adjacent to the open end and blocking a minor portion of the open end. The at least one tab retains the first, second, and resilient members in the sleeve for preventing them from escaping the sleeve through the open end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: CHAO DUAN, CHIA-HUA CHEN
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Patent number: 8108980Abstract: An aircraft door includes a seal that integrates a flexible silicone seal portion and a rigid blade seal portion into a single continuous seal around the mold line gap between the door and frame. The arrangement allows for the use of space saving piano hinges to mount the door. The seal includes a rigid blade seal around three edges of the door and a flexible hinge cover seal adjacent to the hinge edge of the door. The flexible hinge cover seal is bonded to terminal blocks which in turn can be mounted to the door edge and to the door frame such that the flexible hinge cover seal covers the mold line gap adjacent to the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Eveker, Roger K. Young
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Publication number: 20120013423Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a switching device structure is provided comprising a cavity defined by a laminated structure; and a moveable member comprising a plurality of laminated layers, wherein the moveable member is suspended from a side surface of the cavity by a hinge comprising a plurality of adjacent electrical conductors. In one embodiment, a current conducting coil is formed within the moveable member, and first and second of the adjacent electrical conductors of the hinge respectively comprise coil-in and coil-out conductors electrically connected to the coil. In such an embodiment, the third and fourth of said electrical conductors may respectively comprise tip and ring conductors. In illustrative embodiments, each of the electrical conductors of the hinge may comprise a resilient or flexible copper material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: William C. Page, Lawrence DiFrancesco, Dain P. Bolling, David P. Paturel
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Publication number: 20110296657Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: RONALD F. LEHNER
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Patent number: 8001665Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: Ronald F Lehner
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Publication number: 20110199171Abstract: Various embodiments for magnetic detent assemblies provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. In one embodiment, magnetic detent assemblies provide for custom detent positions and custom force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. In an embodiment, the changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the custom detent positions and custom force profiles. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the start wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles. In other embodiments, devices such as laptop computers and docking stations for handheld electronic devices can implement multi-position detent hinges with the magnetic detent assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventor: Christopher D. Prest
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Patent number: 7979967Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hinge between two workpieces or components; first a hinge socket is inserted in an opening of the first component and then a hinge pin is inserted in the hinge socket; the second component can be fastened to the hinge pin end protruding from the hinge socket.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Heiko Schmidt
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Publication number: 20110147327Abstract: A hinge unit useful in the manufacture of readily assembled and erect shelving and storage units and furniture comprises an elongate locking member adapted to be received within a slotted channel in the surface of a first panel, means extending away from the elongate member for attaching the hinge to a second panel and integral axial flexion means between the two portions of the hinge. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate locking member and the channel are selected to prevent rotation of the locking member within the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: The Orange Group Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Verdicchio
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Publication number: 20110138592Abstract: A fastener with a breakaway and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fastener is a screw having a head and elongated stem, adapted to be easily manipulated by a user when using the screw as a fastener in a hinge or joint. A means of holding a screw by providing a breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem which can be used to align and insert the screw into a screw hole in the process of engaging threads in the screw hole with threads of the screw. After engaging the threads in the screw hole, such as after the screw has been essentially completely inserted into the screw hole, the breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EYEEGO, LLCInventor: Nancy Tedeschi
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Publication number: 20110094060Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaftless hinge comprising two hinge plates where shaft bushes are disposed on confronting sides of the two hinge plates; each of the shaft bushes on one of the hinge plates is disposed with an extension section at one end thereof; the extension section inserts into and pivotally articulated with one of the shaft bushes of an other one of the hinge plates respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2008Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Junwei Li
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Publication number: 20110050067Abstract: A door hinge assembly for a refrigerator includes a refrigerator door pivotally coupled to a main body of the refrigerator and provided with at least one groove and a hinge unit enabling the refrigerator door to pivot. The hinge unit includes a hinge pin providing a pivot axis of the refrigerator door and a hook member provided at a side of the hinge pin and inserted and hooked in the groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2008Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Wonsik Kang
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Publication number: 20100243314Abstract: A data transfer hinge is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide a door hinge that facilitates transmission of data from LAN wiring in a building through a door frame to a door mounted device. Power and ground connections can also pass through the hinge. Channels run in each leaf from an edge coincident with the knuckles of the leaf to a passageway in the face of the leaf. Twisted pairs of data wires having a specified number of twists per unit length run through the passageway and the channels in the leaves. Each wire of a twisted pair is of a gauge and has insulation of a specified thickness and permittivity so as to cooperate with the channel to maintain an even distribution of capacitance and appropriate impedance for connection within a local area network.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Mark Daniel Bryla, Eriks A. Zusmanis, Paul Marquis
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Patent number: 7730608Abstract: A hinge feeder for feeding open hinges at a predetermined orientation to a receiver ready for use by an automatic door hinger. A dispenser is provided to hold a stack of closed hinges. The orientation of the top end and hinge joint of each hinge is sensed and the hinges sequentially dispensed at a uniform orientation, except for the pinhead location, to a rotator that rotates those hinges to bring their top ends to a desired side. The hinges are then opened by a leaf turner, fed to a stacker and the opened and oriented hinges then deposited in a stack by a stacker.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Kval, Inc.Inventor: Andrew M. Kvalheim
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Publication number: 20100024483Abstract: The present invention particularly relates to a novel type of hinge to be used for sequentially interconnecting different elemental jewellery units of a jewellery item. Type of hinge constructions used in jewellery making of prior art do not permit the jewellery item to retain during use its appropriate shape which is required for bringing out beauty value of the jewellery item like the diamond-studded necklace. The necklace may present itself as an ordinary metal chain, which, as if, “falls down loose”, giving a U-shape or any other unplanned shape. Hinge-construction of prior art does not restrict movement of different elemental jewellery units in different unplanned directions. The difficulty becomes more pronounced when very small size diamonds are used in the necklace. The novel type of hinge of the present invention provides two mating pairs for each elemental jewellery units permit each unit to have predetermined appropriate amounts of clockwise and anticlockwise rotational motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: Shishir Balkrishna Nevatia
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Publication number: 20100018020Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-hinge pivoting two pieces of an electric device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) forming a shaft having a mounting end and a rotating portion and a round block between the mounting end and rotating portion; b) forming a sleeve having a slot and an inner diameter slightly smaller than an outer diameter of the rotating portion; c) providing a connecting element having an connecting end and an extending end; d) combining the connecting end and sleeve; and e) inserting the rotating portion into the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: Kuo-Hua Huang
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Publication number: 20100011551Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: RONALD F. LEHNER
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Publication number: 20100011552Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position includes a rail bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle and including inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Christopher John Kuntze, Steve Giles, Daniel V. Beckley, Jason Fulcher, Ben Reginella, Timothy F. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20090199365Abstract: A pin assembly for providing a stable anchor on multiple ends has an axle having a pair of end members formed on each end of the axle. The axle is placed in a first opening in a first mounting end of a component part and extends to a second opening in a second mounting end of the component part. A bearing is mounted on a central section of the axle. A spacer is positioned between the bearing and one of the first or second mounting ends. A pair of expansion sleeves is provided wherein one of the pair of expansion sleeves is positioned over each of the end members of the axle. A pair of locking devices is provided wherein one of the pair of locking devices is coupled to each of the end members. When tightened, the locking devices cause the expansion sleeves to press against interior walls of the first and second openings to anchor the axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Roger Svensson, Anders Carlsson, Everth Svensson
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Patent number: 7568267Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: Ronald F Lehner
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Publication number: 20090151124Abstract: An example hinge includes a hinge pin extending along an axis and a first knuckle for receiving the hinge pin. The first knuckle is rotatable about the axis. A second knuckle for receiving the hinge pin and is rotatable about the axis. At least one bearing limits relative rotation between the first hinge knuckle and the hinge pin. The example hinge assembly may include a tolerance ring between the hinge pin and the first knuckle to urge the bearing away from the axis. An example method of producing a hinge includes the steps of permitting a first hinge plate to move relative a hinge pin and limiting movement of a second hinge plate relative a hinge pin. The method biases a bearing adjacent the hinge pin to limit movement of the second hinge plate relative the hinge pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventor: Earl David Forrest
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Publication number: 20090077768Abstract: A method is applied to manufacture a combination-type male hinge comprising a connection portion and a shaft portion extended from the connection portion, and comprises the steps of: forming a plurality of connection plates by punching along at least one punching direction; making each connection plate have a punched peripheral surface and at least one perforating hole; making the punched peripheral surface have at least one sheared region and at least one torn region; and perforating the perforating holes of the connection plates by a extension bar extended from the connection portion, so as to connect the connection plates and manufacture the shaft portion of the combination-type male hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: PROTORSION HINGE CO., LTD.Inventor: LIN-KAI HUNG
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Publication number: 20090007373Abstract: The present invention includes fabricating a raw metal through a first rolling process to form a body having a base, a bracing portion and a holding trough; placing a forming strut in the holding trough; fabricating the body held the forming strut through a second rolling process to form the bracing portion in an arched shape with the inner side in contact with the forming strut; treating the body with the arched bracing portion and the forming strut in a heat treatment to enhance the hardness; and cutting off the body at a selected length and removing the forming strut to become a finished product of the hinge barrel. The hinge barrel thus formed can provide a required steady friction coefficient. It is simply structured and can be fabricated with a lower force. The probability of product defects resulting from too much or too little friction coefficient can be prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Sinher Technology Inc.Inventor: Ding-Hone Su
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Publication number: 20080271936Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rail bracket is fixedly secured to the vehicle and includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Christopher John Kuntze, Steve Giles, Daniel V. Beckley, Jason Fulcher, Ben Reginella, Timothy F. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20080216286Abstract: A leaf-cartwheel flexure for coupling an object to a frame includes a leaf flexure for mounting to an object and a cartwheel hinge for mounting to the frame. The leaf flexure defines an axis of contraflexure and the cartwheel hinge is bendable about a rotational axis. The cartwheel hinge is coupled to the leaf flexure and positioned such that the rotational axis substantially aligns with the axis of contraflexure. A system and a method for mounting a component utilize three such leaf-cartwheel flexures for mounting the component to a frame, in which the flexures are approximately equidistant from each other about the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: REDSTONE AEROSPACE INC.Inventors: Ted Bertele, Larry Kaylor
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Patent number: 7412758Abstract: The progressive die tooling component carrier is adapted to serve as a hinge connection between the components that it connects. The carrier allows for the reeling of a series of components for storage and transportation without causing the warping or bending of the components. Preferably, the hinge connection is achieved by providing the carrier with a compression, a perforation, or both a compression and a perforation. The carrier is designed to further minimize the scrap resulting from the removal of the carrier from the adjoining components.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Costa TechnologiesInventor: Larry J. Costa
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Publication number: 20080141842Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Harvey Leach
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Publication number: 20080061198Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a base and a clam shell for retaining an axle. The clam shell includes a bottom, which is coupled to the base and a lid. The lid is hingedly coupled to the clam shell and is capable of rotating between an open and closed position. A lever is coupled to the bottom and adapted to secure the lid in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: ROCKY MOUNTSInventor: Bobby Noyes
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Publication number: 20070289092Abstract: Method for manufacturing a hinge mechanism including: a movable flange and a stationary flange; holding means for ensuring holding of the stationary and movable flanges. The method includes the following steps: the holding means are applied to the stationary flange, a portion of the holding means being in radial contact with an outside portion of the movable flange, the holding means are fastened to the stationary flange, at the same time, a clamping pressure is applied to the holding means, this clamping pressure being directed radially in order to apply a radial pressure of the holding means on the movable flange, so as to take up the play in the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: FAURECIA, Sieges d' AutomobileInventors: Rene Rohee, Francois Cilliere
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Publication number: 20070234536Abstract: In a casing for a hinge attachment of a car seat and to a method for its manufacture, the height of a toothed element is significantly larger than the thickness of walls of the hinge parts and the hinge parts and the toothed element form a statically compact casing unit, which has a distinctly reduced weight and simultaneously has distinctive flexible assembling characteristics, high stability under load and high accuracy. The casing and toothed element are separately produced by fine blanking and both parts are connected through a material connection or an form-fit connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: Paul Frauchiger
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Patent number: 7197797Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, the method including providing a first hinge part having a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, the hinge axis passing through the first arm and the second arm. The method also includes bending a strip of material to form a second hinge part having a first end, a second end, and a bent section between the first end and the second end, the first end having a first section and the second end having a second section, the first section and the second section being parallel relative to one another. In addition, the method includes fixing the first section and the second section relative to one another, and disposing the bent section between the first and second arms about the hinge axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Edscha North AmericaInventors: Wojciech Janczak, Craig Spalding, Jonathan Smith
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Patent number: 7103947Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof and a handle. The handle is movable from a first position wherein the end effectors are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the end effectors are closer relative to one another. Each of the elongated shafts includes a hinge plate which mounts atop a pivot assembly for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument also includes a hinge assembly made from an overmold composition which encapsulates and secures the hinge plates and the pivot assembly. The overmold composition is made from an electrically insulating material which insulates the end effectors from one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Joe Don Sartor, Dennis J. Harvilla
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Patent number: 6928713Abstract: A hinge that has a first mounting base for attachment to a first hinged object. The hinge also has first and second hinge members pivotally connected together. The first hinge member and the first base are configured and dimensioned for cooperatively positioning and aligning the first hinge member in a plurality of mounted positions along the base length. At least one first locking member is associated with the first hinge member and the first base for locking the first hinge member to the first base in one of the mounted positions. The hinge may also be segmented. A positioning tool may be connected to at least the first base with an attachment portion and configured for positioning the first base and attachment portion on a first hinged object at a predetermined distance from the second hinge member.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Austin R. Baer
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Patent number: 6918167Abstract: A method of aligning and duplicating alignment includes welding a washer over a larger opening in a hinge once in an aligned position relative to a vehicle door. The door is mounted into an alignment fixture and the hinges are installed over threaded studs extending from the door. The washer is placed onto the threaded stud and tightened against the hinge, covering the larger opening in the hinge. The larger opening in the hinge allows movement of the hinge relative to the door for alignment. The washer defines an opening with a smaller opening sized to provide relatively little clearance for the threaded stud, and thereby maintain alignment between the door and hinge. The washer is permanently attached by a welding operation to allow duplication of door hinge alignment during reassembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Arc Kinetics LLCInventor: Russell Vernon Hughes
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Patent number: 6910738Abstract: An adjustable pivot rotatably supports and adjusts a position of a pivoting member within a housing. The adjustable pivot includes a central cylinder defining a first axis and rotatably supporting the pivoting member. A second cylinder extends from the central cylinder and defines a second axis offset from and parallel to the first axis. The second cylinder is supported by the housing and operable for rotation about the second axis to an adjustment position. Rotation of the second cylinder to the adjustment position causes the first axis to orbit about the second axis to an adjusted position. In this manner, the pivoting member is adjustably positioned within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
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Patent number: 6889411Abstract: A conductive hinge is made of a superelastic shape memory alloy such as nitinol (NiTi) having a large elastic strain limit for enabling the hinge to bend to a small radius during stowage and flexible return to a trained rigid hinge position by training the shape memory alloy to assume a predetermined deployed configuration when released from a stowage configuration. The hinge is trained by forging at a temperature above a training temperature. The hinge is stowed and released in the superelastic state to deploy solar cell panels as the hinges unfold to the trained deployed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: David A. Hinkley, Edward J. Simburger
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Patent number: 6637096Abstract: A novel striker for locking a glove box comprises a bracket (11) having at least two fastener holes (13), a bracket (11) being attached to an interior wall of crash pad or dashboard by fasteners through fastener holes (13) and a U-shaped latching loop (15, 25) being formed integrally with the bracket (11). The glove box is located in front of a passenger seat and hinged at the crash pad or dashboard for storing the miscellaneous in a vehicle. The U-shaped latching loop (15, 25) is upwardly bent with a predetermined angle against the bracket (11). A noise damping material (19) is coated on the latching loop (15, 25) by ejecting synthetic resins.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Jin Hee Kang
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Patent number: 6630094Abstract: A tear-resistant flexible hinge structure is placed between a pair of substantially rigid panels so as to permit the panels to be hinged one with respect to the other, where the flexible hinge is formed from a plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride. The hinge structure is formed under heat and pressure so as to comprise at least three parallel rows of alternating flat and raised portions, in staggered relationship. This causes a structure whereby any rip or tear which starts in the formed flexible hinge cannot continue because it will encounter a discontinuity in the configuration and thickness of the material, which precludes further propagation of the rip or tear. Typically, after the hinge structure has been formed, it is configured in a semi-circular cross section, re-heated and cooled, so as to set and have a memory in its closed configuration as opposed to the originally pre-formed flat, open configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Vidpro International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Abramson, Steven Ferguson
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Patent number: 6591467Abstract: A method of making a hinge joining two rigid pieces each with top and bottom surfaces, comprising the steps of thermoforming a first piece of rigid plastic material having a first hinge joint; machining a hole with a tubular shape through each of two external surfaces of the first hinge joint; thermoforming a second piece of rigid plastic material having a second hinge joint; machining two keyhole-shaped passage perpendicular to the length of the surface and across the width of the near-end external surfaces of the first protrusion and of the second protrusion of the second piece; inserting a hinge pin through each hole with a tubular shape; and assembling the two pieces with the first hinge joint fitting into the gap of the second hinge.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Sailing Specialties INCInventor: Peter G. Cardona
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Patent number: 6581244Abstract: A method and hinge construction for mounting to an item, such as, jewelry. An H-shaped mounting plate has two support legs for mounting to the item. The plate has a hinge pin pivotally receiving the Y-shaped end of a hinge component with the opposite end of the component securable to a clasp plate mounted to the item.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Abbeycrest PLCInventor: John Peters
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Patent number: 6539598Abstract: In a hinge-part blank made from a rolled or drawn profiled strip of stock that is separated into the individual hinge-part blanks by beam-cutting along an oblique boundary line (I) followed by parting along a parting line (II), the profiled strip of stock has a T- or Y-shaped cross section and is separated into the individual hinge-part blanks by beam-cutting along the boundary lines (I) and the parting lines (II) and is separated at that time in the region of the hinge head (7 or 8) by means of a saw cut along a parting line (III).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Norbert Weber
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Publication number: 20030056349Abstract: A method for repairing an eyeglass hinge having a failed screw so as to form a repaired eyeglass hinge utilizing a kit that includes a magnifying glass and a pair of strips. Each strip is slender, elongated, resilient, and tapers from a proximal end thereof to a distal end thereof so as to accommodate different sized eyeglass hinges, and the eyeglass hinge has a pair of mating portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Milton R. Okun
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Publication number: 20020178560Abstract: A hinge joining two rigid pieces. A first hinge joint protrudes from a first piece of rigid-plastic material, and has two surfaces. Each of the two surfaces of the first hinge joint has a hinge hole with a tubular shape. A second hinge joint protrudes from a second piece of rigid plastic material. The second hinge joint has a first hollow and a second hollow. The space between the first hollow and the second hollow define a gap length which approximately is equal to the hinge-joint length such that the first hinge joint fits between the near-end surfaces of the first hollow and the second hollow. Each of the near-end surfaces of the first hollow and the second hollow has a keyhole-shaped passage. The hinge pin passes, aligned, through the hinge hole of the first hinge joint, and the tubular central portion of each of the keyhole passages. The hinge pin hinges together the first piece and the second piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Peter G. Cardona
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Patent number: 6473949Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing articulated joints by assembling prefabricated parts, which comprise a pin defining an axis on which at least one articulated part having a bearing hole is to be pivotally mounted by means of a bearing bush. The parts are randomly delivered and, if required, automatically processed in a machine to assemble the joints. Cost-effective production of articulated joints with freely adjustable torques using automatic can be achieved machines by carrying out the following steps: determining the actual dimensions of the bearing holes, the pin and at least one of the two bearing bushes; comparing the determined actual dimensions and the values derived therefrom, especially the ratios, with the threshold values that can be fixed in order to obtain the desired result and inputting control commands into the automatically working machine with the purpose of processing at least one of the parts before assembling the latter.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbHInventors: Atndt Mueller, Uwe Gohrbandt, Victor Otte, Ralf Otte
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Publication number: 20020152596Abstract: The instant invention is a method and apparatus for assembling two hinge leaves. The apparatus includes an assembly for feeding a predetermined length of a wire pintle into a shear assembly. The shear assembly cuts the wire pintle to a specified length and locates the wire in a channel. Substantially simultaneously with the shearing of the wire, a punch and die assembly adjacent the shear assembly locates the two leaves of the hinge such that the barrels of the hinge are aligned. Once in position, a linear actuator drives the sheared length of wire pintle into the aligned hinge barrels to couple the two hinge leaves together. Once the pintle has been inserted, staking pins within the punch and die assembly impact select ones of the hinge barrels to keep the pintle in place. Also, disclosed is a novel method of manufacturing the two hinge leaves.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Steve A. Ruddy, Hal Ward
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Patent number: 6450003Abstract: A tool for adjusting a door hinge so that the door hangs properly. The tool is a tube with a slot extending from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube and having a bore to permit sliding the tube over the knuckles of the door hinge. In use, the tube is slid over the knucles of the hinge with the plates of the hinge extending through the slot. The door is opened sufficiently so that the swage and/or mounting plate are adjusted to where the door swings and closes properly.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Eric C Pawson
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Patent number: 6381819Abstract: A method of constructing a double-walled blow-molded article with a hinged handle is performed on an article comprising a receiving member and a pinned member. The receiving member is a double-walled blow-molded thermoplastic component having an outer wall, an inner wall, and an open-ended receptacle. The open ended receptacle is defined by an arcuate pocket positioned opposite the open end, a stationary wall extending from the pocket and facing generally in a first direction, and a deflecting wall positioned opposite the stationary wall and facing generally in a second direction opposite the first direction. The pinned member includes a cylindrical pin. The method comprises as a first step passing the cylindrical pin through the open end of the receptacle and into contact with the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Delta Consolidated IndustriesInventor: J. Parks Newby, Sr.