With Biasing Means Patents (Class 49/386)
  • Patent number: 11913271
    Abstract: A pivot hinge includes a spring housing with a central tube, a spring assembly, an upper mounting plate, and a lower mounting plate. The bottom end includes a knurled outer surface. A stop cam is positioned about the knurled outer surface and has an inner surface that conform to the knurled outer surface so that it may be positioned in a plurality of rotatable positions relative to the central tube. The stop cam also has an exterior surface which includes a detent. The different rotational positions of the stop cam upon the knurled outer surface changes the relative position of the detent in relationship to the central tube. A cam follower assembly is coupled to the lower mounting plate and has a cam follower plate with a cam follower that rides upon the stop cam and engages the detent recess to hold the door in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Mitchell, Andrew Bassett
  • Patent number: 11781358
    Abstract: Proposed is a hinge device having tension maintaining function, the hinge device including: a winding member affixed to a main body of a mounted structure having an inner space formed therein; a hinge member affixed to a door that opens or closes the inner space and mounted on the winding member so as to enable the door to be pivotable; and a tension member having one end affixed to the winding member and the other end affixed to the hinge member, such that the tension member transmits a tension to the door when opening and closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SEGOS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Doo Myun Lee, Sung Joon Kang, In Suk Ra, Jung Kyu Lim, Dong Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 11781376
    Abstract: The present lift lock includes a slide having feet and a slot between the feet, where such slide further includes an interior generally full length wall for acting as a stop, and where such slide further includes gripping ribs that increase in width from the front end of the slide to the rear end of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Michael P. Lane
  • Patent number: 11767711
    Abstract: A barrier that includes four structurally different corner connections for fixing a gate frame of the barrier to and between opposing vertical surfaces. A first connection includes a headed straight pin engaging a pivot hook and socket, a second connection includes a headed straight pin engaging a socket, a third connection includes headless bent pin engaging a socket and a limiter, and a fourth connection includes a headless bent pin engaging a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Matthew A. Willms
  • Patent number: 11713536
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet defining a lateral direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. The lateral, transverse, and vertical directions are mutually orthogonal. The washing machine appliance also includes a top panel on the cabinet that defines an opening. A wash chamber is defined within the cabinet below the opening of the top panel. The washing machine appliance also includes a lid which is rotatable through a plane defined by the transverse direction and the vertical direction between a closed position to sealingly enclose the wash chamber and an open position to permit access to the wash chamber. A hinge rotatably connects the lid to the top panel. The hinge defines a compound pivot axis. The lid rotates relative to the top panel about the compound pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Raymond Mora, Venkata Chakradhar Rangu, Neelapala Gopinath Yadav
  • Patent number: 11702876
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a track assembly defining a track surface and a slot; and a sliding door comprising a door body, a hinge rod, and a locking pin, each of the hinge rod and the locking pin extending from the door body and through the slot; wherein the sliding door is laterally slidable along the track assembly between a first position and a second position, and wherein each of the hinge rod and the locking pin slide laterally within the slot as the door slides between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: PGT Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth John Vander Bent, Jr., Kurt Karussi
  • Patent number: 11603694
    Abstract: A sliding door system includes an upper track; a lower track; a first sliding door comprising a first upper locking pin, a first lower locking assembly, and a first pivot assembly, the first pivot assembly engaging the upper track and the lower track, the first upper locking pin removably engaging the upper track, and the first lower locking assembly removably engaging the lower track; and a second sliding door comprising a second upper locking pin, a second lower locking assembly, and a second pivot assembly, the second pivot assembly engaging the upper track and the lower track, the second upper locking pin removably engaging the upper track, and the second lower locking assembly removably engaging the lower track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: PGT Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth John Vander Bent, Jr., Kurt Karussi
  • Patent number: 11585144
    Abstract: An automated gate for robotic mowers may include at least two doors that are sized to receive a robotic mower, and it can be installed in any fence to enable the mower to move between the yards on its own. The at least two doors of an automated gate may provide optional capability to lock when not used by the mower and unlock automatically when the mower gets close. By default, the at least two doors may remain unlocked, yet closed, thereby providing a cost-effective solution for customers who do not have to worry about pets. An add-on module may be provided that may add a locking mechanism and triggering mechanism, thereby providing end users with the ability to lock the automated gate completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SMARTDOTS LLC
    Inventor: Ashutosh Jaiswal
  • Patent number: 11486172
    Abstract: A door lock assembly includes a housing having a hollow structure, a lifting shaft provided inside the housing, a driving spring, and a buffering device. A top end of the lifting shaft is configured for assembling a refueling or charging port flap, the lifting shaft being slidably engaged with the housing along a first portion and threadably engaged with the housing along a second portion. One end of the driving spring is fixed and the other end abuts against the lifting shaft for driving the lifting shaft to move relative to the housing. The buffering device provides a buffering function in the when the lifting shaft is threadably engaged with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jianwei Bai, Yifan Wang
  • Patent number: 11421460
    Abstract: A pivot hinge bracket assembly for use with a pivot hinge for a reach-in type cool room refrigerator includes two mirror imaged main bracket portions and a pivot plate removably coupled to one of the main bracket portions. The main bracket portion includes an edge mounting flange extending to a rear mounting flange mounted to the cool room refrigerator door jamb. The edge mounting flange has a modified square mounting hole and pivot pin plate screw mounting holes. The rear mounting flange has two door screw mounting holes. The pivot plate includes a pivot plate mounting flange and a pivot pin. The pivot hinge bracket assembly also includes an optional removably coupled door stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Brett Mitchell, Brian Grewe
  • Patent number: 10907393
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses cabinet. The cabinet comprises a cabinet body with a top opening, an upper cover, a swinging member, and a pneumatic rod. A middle portion of a bottom surface of the upper cover comprises a first reinforcing rod extending in a front-rear direction, and a hinge element is disposed on the first reinforcing rod. A middle portion of an inner surface of a rear board of the cabinet body is disposed with a second reinforcing rod extending in a vertical direction. A connection base is disposed on an upper end of the second reinforcing rod. Two ends of the swinging member are respectively pivotally connected to the connection base and a lower end of the pneumatic rod, and an upper end of the pneumatic rod is pivotally connected to the hinge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 10704307
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present development, an adjustable receiver for an associated appliance hinge includes a base adapted to be secured to an associated appliance body. A first cross-member is connected to the base and is movable relative to the base. The first cross-member provides a first hinge mounting structure for an associated appliance hinge. A second cross-member is connected to the base and is movable relative to the base. At least one link extends between and interconnects the first and second cross-members. The first and second cross-members and the at least one link define an adjustable hinge mount that is selectively movable relative to the base along an adjustment axis. The adjustable receiver further includes an adjustment system for selectively altering a position of the adjustable hinge mount relative to the base along the adjustment axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Brian S. White
  • Patent number: 10575660
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention features a refrigerated display case door that includes a hinge rail, a panel assembly, and a handle. The hinge rail includes a channel portion and a hinge receiving portion. The panel assembly includes two panes of glass bounding a sealed space between the panes, and includes a first edge disposed within the channel portion of the hinge rail. The handle is secured to a surface of the panel assembly proximate a second edge of the panel assembly opposite the first edge. The sealed space is closed by a peripheral seal disposed between the panes along a periphery of the panes. The peripheral seal includes a first material extending along a first portion of the periphery and a second material extending along a second, different portion of the periphery, where the second material is more transparent to visible light than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Artwohl, Pedro Almaguer, Mark Sandnes
  • Patent number: 10508483
    Abstract: An ejection device includes a support formed as a housing; an ejection element for ejecting the movable furniture part from a closed position into an open position along an ejection path; an ejection force accumulator which applies a force to the ejection element in the opening direction of the movable furniture part; and a clamping device for clamping the ejection force accumulator. The clamping device has a clamping element to be coupled to the movable furniture part, and a movement transmission element, in particular a rotatable movement transmission element, between the clamping element and the ejection element. The clamping element and the ejection element can be moved in opposite directions when coupled by the movement transmission element when the ejection force accumulator is clamped, and the ejection element, the movement transmission element, and the clamping element are moveable together relative to the support over a first part of the ejection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Fredi Dubach
  • Patent number: 10229242
    Abstract: In a design method of torsion bars used for a trunk lid, free shapes of the torsion bars unhitched from the trunk lid are designed. A center line model of the initial free shape is geometrically and statically created on the basis of a design specification. The center line model of an open shape is created from the free shape model and is deformed into a center line model of a closed modified shape. The center line models of the analyzed closed shape and the target closed shape is compared with each other to obtain a difference torque and a difference vector occurring between corresponding nodes on the center lines. The center line model is so changed as to decrease the difference torque and the difference vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Kobayashi, Shinichi Nishizawa, Nobuhisa Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10208509
    Abstract: A push-out device for a movable furniture part includes a rotatable push-out element for pushing out the movable furniture part from a closed position to an open position. When the movable furniture part is pushed out, the push-out element can be rotated in a rotation direction. The push-out device has a push-out force accumulator which applies force to the push-out element in the opening direction of the movable furniture part, and has a tensioning device for tensioning the push-out force accumulator by the push-out element. When the push-out force accumulator is tensioned, the push-out element can be rotated in the same rotation direction as when the movable furniture part is pushed out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Andre Hammerer
  • Patent number: 10012410
    Abstract: A sound dampening apparatus and associated methods of use are disclosed for dampening or otherwise preventing impact noises between an HVAC air filter and a cavity of an air duct in which the air filter is positioned. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a base portion engagable with a lower end of the cavity. An opposing support portion of the apparatus is configured for selectively contacting a lower face of the air filter and supporting the air filter thereon. An at least one selectively compressible spring member extends between and interconnects the base portion and the support portion. Thus, with the air filter positioned between the support portion and an upper end of the cavity, and air flowing through the cavity in a substantially upward direction, the support portion prevents the air filter from impacting the lower end of the cavity upon cessation of said air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHUSH IT, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Kleidosty
  • Patent number: 9303441
    Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a utility vault door, or access door, positionable between closed, partially opened, and fully opened orientations and including at least one compression spring lift-assist mechanism for countering the weight of the vault door when positioning between the various orientations. The door may be selectively locked in the partially opened orientation and opened sufficiently for the convenient ingress and egress of large equipment therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: U.S.F. Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: Andres Bravo, Wolters Acosta, Marvin Ernesto Lopez
  • Patent number: 9255444
    Abstract: A storm protection system for covering the opening of a building with a flexible material. The system includes a bracket having a first panel and a second panel, the panels each having a surface, the first surface and the second surface of the bracket having a plurality of protrusions disposed thereon (and various embodiments thereof). Another embodiment utilizing at least one inclined planar portion connected to a planar portion of the bracket at the first edge of the inclined planar portion and an elongated member connected to the at least one inclined planar portion for securing a flexible material. A last embodiment includes a planar bracket having a first end and a second end, the planar bracket made of a resilient material. All embodiments operable to hold a flexible material (fabric, screen . . . etc.) over an opening to a building to protect the opening during a storm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen J. Motosko, Steve Motosko, III, Catherine Motosko
  • Patent number: 9145635
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus including a front panel with an inclined front surface and an opening for the introduction and removal of laundry located on the inclined surface, a door rotatably mounted to the inclined front surface to open or close the opening, and a damper module between the front panel and the door to apply torque to the door in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of the door when the door is rotated due to self-load (or self-weight) of the door. The damper module applies torque to the door in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of the door when an angle between the front panel and the door is within a range of a prescribed angle, preventing the door from being open or closed due to self-load (or self-weight) of the door, enhancing user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seyoung Woo, Sanghun Bae
  • Publication number: 20150143751
    Abstract: A spring hook structure includes: a torsion coil spring including a coil portion and a first arm and a second arm extending from each side of the coil portion; and a rotation support pin by which a cap is rotatably supported on an exterior case. The rotation support pin is inserted into the coil portion. The first arm is hooked on a first hook surface of the exterior case, and the second arm is hooked on a second hook surface of the cap. At least one of the exterior case and the cap is provided with a regulation wall at a position not interfering with the arm moving along the hook surface due to flexural deformation of the coil portion but interfering with the arm moving along the hook surface due to flexural deformation of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu SAWADA, Norihisa YAMADA, Takashi TSUKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150101253
    Abstract: A gate is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between opened and closed positions. A latch is provided to retain the gate in a doorway-closing position in a doorway formed in a door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew W Marsden, Raul G Pereira
  • Publication number: 20150103480
    Abstract: A door assembly disposed at an opening of a casing of an electronic device is provided. An insertion hole provided at a side of the casing close to the opening for an pin to be inserted into the casing through the insertion hole. The door assembly includes a door cap and a rejecting module. The door cap is at least partially connected to the casing and corresponding to the opening. The rejecting module is disposed in the casing and corresponding to the door cap. The rejecting module is configured to push the door cap to expose the opening when the pin is inserted into the casing through the insertion hole. An electronic device is also provided, which includes a casing and the door assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Jer Wang, Chien-Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20150089877
    Abstract: A device may limit opening of a sash hingedly coupled to a master frame, and includes: a bracket attached to the sash; a first arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket; a second arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the first arm's second end; means for biasing the second arm into a retracted position; and a release assembly. The release assembly is secured to the master frame and includes a hook pivotable between a first position and a second position, which, in the first position, may be releasably received in an opening in the second end of the second arm when the second arm is in the retracted position, as the sash is closed and received within the master window frame The second arm is disengaged from the hook, permitting full opening of the sash, when the hook is pivoted into the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8985717
    Abstract: Hinge assembly for household appliances having an horizontally-pivoted front door, and which comprises: a first coupling element; a second coupling element; and a door-weight balancing device; the door-weight balancing device in turn comprising a supporting rod; a compression-preloaded elastically-deformable member which is fitted to the supporting rod so as to have a first end firmly fixed to the distal end of the supporting rod and a second end; a linking mechanism which connects the proximal end of the supporting rod to the second coupling element, so that the supporting rod is axially moved to further compress the elastically-deformable member when the second coupling element rotates from the first to the second working position; and an adjustable spacer element which is structured so to allow a manually-operated adjustment, thus varying the compression preload of the elastically-deformable member fitted on the supporting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Luca Marzorati
  • Publication number: 20150061481
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a door device including a panel, a pivoting arm module, and a door. The pivoting arm module includes a holder and a panel-pivoting arm. The holder is located in a doorway of the panel and fixed to the panel. The holder has an entrance and an accommodating trough. The panel-pivoting arm is slidably accommodated in the accommodating trough and can present a received status or an ejected status relative to the holder. The door is pivotally connected to the panel-pivoting arm. When the panel-pivoting arm presents the received status, the door abuts against the panel and closes the doorway, and the appearance surface of the door is flush with that of the panel. When the panel-pivoting arm presents the ejected status, the door leaves the panel and can rotate relative to the panel-pivoting arm to open the doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventor: Zhong-Hui MAO
  • Publication number: 20150040483
    Abstract: Provided is a cover opening/closing structure including a cover member that performs an opening/closing operation with one end side as a rotation center with respect to an apparatus body, a supporting member that includes one end portion fixed to the cover member and the other end portion locked to the apparatus body to support the cover member in an opened state, and an engaging member that is provided at the apparatus body to give resistance to the supporting member with the opening/closing operation of the cover member, and that engages a portion to be engaged, which is provided at the supporting member to maintain the cover member in a closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi TEJIMA
  • Patent number: 8943751
    Abstract: A lift assist mechanism is provided for assisting lifting of a movable component that can move between lowered and raised positions relative to a fixed structure. The lift assist mechanism includes a lift assist spring connected to a spring shaft, and an elongated track in which an end of the lift assist spring or an end of the spring shaft are movably engaged. A spring lock restrains movement of the spring shaft when a lift assist is not required, and releases the spring shaft when a lift assist is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Be Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Ivester, Erik E. S. Nilsen, Robert K. Brauer
  • Publication number: 20150015133
    Abstract: A pivoting mullion for a temperature-controlled storage device is provided. The pivoting mullion includes a mullion body pivotally attached to a display case door of the temperature-controlled storage device. The mullion body is rotatable relative to the display case door between a first position when the display case door is open and a second position when the display case door is closed. The mullion body is configured to provide a support surface against which the display case door rests when the mullion body is in the second position and the display case door is closed. The pivoting mullion further includes a lighting element fixed to the mullion body and configured to activate when the display case door is closed. Activation of the lighting element illuminates items within the temperature-controlled storage device such that the items are visible through the display case door when the display case door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Frank J. Carbajal, Paul J. Artwohl, Jeffery W. Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20140375192
    Abstract: A door balancing system includes an adjustment block, a single adjustment screw, a first pulley system, and a second pulley system. The adjustment block includes a threaded orifice and mounts within a bearing housing that includes a bearing surface. The single adjustment screw threads into the threaded orifice and abuts the bearing surface. The first pulley system includes a first pulley, a first cable, and a first spring. The second pulley system includes a second pulley, a second cable, and a second spring. The first cable mounts between a first hinge and the adjustment block using the first pulley and the first spring. The second cable mounts between a second hinge and the adjustment block using the second pulley and the second spring. The first spring and the second spring exert a force on the door to control a rate of movement of the door relative to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Haft, Colin R. Clerkin, Gerry Lippincott
  • Publication number: 20140318018
    Abstract: A gate assembly is provided for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. The gate assembly includes barrier means mountable directly or indirectly to one or more surrounding surfaces defining said opening, and hinge means to allow said barrier means to be movable relative to said surrounding surfaces in use between a closed condition, wherein the opening is closed, to an open condition, wherein the opening is open. The hinge means are arranged so that the barrier means and/or hinge means has an axis of pivot which is at an acute angle to a vertical axis. Resilient biasing means are associated with the hinge means to help bias the barrier means from the open condition to the closed condition in use. The resilient biasing means act in a direction along a substantially horizontal axis or along an axis substantially transverse or perpendicular to the axis of pivot of the barrier means and/or hinge means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Tyler Huang
  • Publication number: 20140263112
    Abstract: A retainer assembly for an associated merchandising structure includes a planar divider mounted to the associated merchandising structure with the divider including a first side, a second side, a front end and a rear end. A first retainer is pivotally mounted to a first side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. A second retainer is pivotally mounted to the second side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. The first and second retainers are biased into an orientation normal to the plane of the divider. Each of the first and second retainers is adapted to pivot omnidirectionally in relation to the plane of the divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Shane Obitts, Michael Eric Liedtke, Matthew Grubbs
  • Publication number: 20140259941
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Thorpe, Henry J. Nykiel, Himanshu H. Mehta, Peter M. Snede
  • Publication number: 20140230330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to assist the opening of a covering element pivotably mounted relative to an edge of a frame. According to the invention, the assistance cylinder (6) includes a hollow shaft (7), a guide pin (10) inserted in the hollow shaft (7) and comprising at the end thereof opposite the end wall (8) of the hollow shaft (7) a yoke (11), a spring (13) inserted in the hollow shaft (7) surrounding the guide pin (10) and mounted pre-stressed when unloaded between the end wall (4) of the hollow shaft (7) and the yoke (11) of the guide pin (10), and a means (14) secured to the end of the guide pin (10) and engaging with the end wall (8) of the hollow shaft (7) for keeping the pre-stressed spring (13) in the released state thereof. The invention is useful in the field of road systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Alexandre Piermee
  • Publication number: 20140196248
    Abstract: A debris collection device is provided with a controlled tension apparatus for controllable release of accumulated debris from a collective debris release outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jeff Morgan, Dennis Lamb, Steven Myers, George V. Hibbs
  • Publication number: 20140190098
    Abstract: A closure includes a panel closing against a frame. A set of abutment surfaces for supporting the panel against applied forces is completed by a displaceable abutment block which selectively assumes an engaged state disposed between an abutment surface of the panel and an abutment surface of a strike jamb. The geometry of engagement is such that forces acting on the abutment block opposing opening of the panel are primarily compressive forces. Certain implementations additionally, or alternatively, employ abutment blocks for locking along the lintel or the threshold of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Daz Raz Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan RAZ, Zeev GEVA, Amir RAZ, Yaniv MARMUR
  • Patent number: 8733017
    Abstract: A gate is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between opened and closed positions. A latch is mounted for movement relative to the gate to retain the gate in a closed and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Raul G. Pereira, Jim R. Varney, Bryan R. Hotaling
  • Publication number: 20140137478
    Abstract: A door arrangement includes a first part, in particular a door leaf, a second part, in particular a door frame, on which the first part is pivotably articulated about a pivot axis, a closing hinge, which connects the first part and the second part, for a closing movement of the first part relative to the second part and a damping hinge connecting the first part and the second part, to damp the closing movement. The door arrangement can be displaced between a closed position, in particular in which the first part rests in a closing manner on the second part, and an opened position, in which the first part is pivoted at a pivoting angle that differs from zero about the pivot axis in relation to the second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Wolfgang Nagl, Florian Stephan, Herbert Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140137479
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Ha CHOI
  • Publication number: 20140138488
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for counterbalancing weight of a bottom-hinged door (such as a clamshell-type airstair door of an aircraft) includes an operator handle, a hoist rod pivotally connected at one end to the operator handle and at an opposite end thereof to the door near a bottom region thereof. A force accumulator assembly is provided which includes a force biasing member which accumulates and dissipates a bias force when opening and closing the door, respectively, to provide mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the door. A bellcrank assembly operatively connects the operator handle to the force accumulator. In such a manner, weight counterbalancing of the door is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventor: Marcelo BERTHOUD
  • Publication number: 20140115970
    Abstract: An assembly of a swing type tailgate checker includes: a checker assembly including a first base bracket on a vehicle body and having a hole at one side and an arm locking member at an outer side of the first base bracket to form a fitting space together with the first base bracket and partially bent toward the first base bracket; and an arm assembly including a second base bracket on a tailgate of a vehicle and including an arm extended from the second base bracket toward the vehicle body and having an arm roller provided at an end portion, wherein at the time of opening the tailgate, the arm roller is temporarily fixed while being locked by the arm locking member at a primary open angle and passes through the arm locking member to thereby be unlocked, such that it is completely opened while being again rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hee Tae Lee
  • Patent number: 8708394
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a body, a closure member, a hinge assembly and a sleeve. The body may define a cavity having an opening. The closure member may be movable relative to the cavity to provide access to the cavity. The hinge assembly may be attached to the body and the closure member and may include first and second torsion rods extending between first and second sides of the opening of the cavity. The first and second torsion rods may urge the closure member toward an open position. The sleeve may be attached to the first torsion rod and may include an outer surface having a profile defining a plurality of peaks and valleys. The outer surface may contact the second torsion bar to prevent direct contact between the first and second torsion rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J Sytek, Randy Ihrke, Christopher J Duke
  • Patent number: 8683648
    Abstract: A gate holder is normally in an open position. When pulled down, a return mechanism is compressed and a gate holding portion engages a self-closing gate for a period of time sufficient to allow a user to move through the gate, and which automatically returns to its open position allowing the gate to close without further interaction by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Theodore John Halter
  • Patent number: 8677691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device, of the type including a base body suitable for sealing an opening, movable between an open position and a closed position, a thrust element having first and second ends, and a slack configuration and a tight configuration, and the first end of the thrust element being connected to the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Royer, Vincent Rotharmel
  • Publication number: 20140075846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a living hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMEC IP CORP
    Inventor: WILLIAM WOODBURN
  • Publication number: 20140060920
    Abstract: A mounting structure of an inlet box (20) of a car which includes an outer panel (2) of the car having a hole (2j), an inlet box inserted in the hole (2j), a flange (21f) provided around the opening (22) of the inlet box (20) and an engaging claw (220) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inlet box (20). The flange (21f) is set around the hole (2j) from the outside onto the edge (2f). The flange (21f) is screwed to the edge (2f) of the hole (2j) of the outer panel (2) from the inside. The engaging claw engages the hole (2j) of the edge (2f) of the outer panel (2) from the inside when the flange (21f) is set on the edge (2f) of the hole (2j). The engaging claw is capable of disengaging from the edge (2f) of the hole (2j) by a disengagement operation occurring inside the outer panel (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruaki Tamaoki, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Hiroshige Ikuta
  • Publication number: 20140053467
    Abstract: An escape window assembly having a structure attachment frame for attaching the assembly to a structure; a window located on the outer side of the structure and pivotally attached to the structure attachment frame, the window corresponding to the structure attachment frame and comprising a window frame and a window pane; and a window release mechanism. The window release mechanism has a window release actuator; a first connection portion attached to the window; a second connection portion attached to the frame, the second connection portion releasably holding the first connection portion; and a biasing mechanism for pushing open the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Zvika Bar, Vitaliy Shcheglov
  • Publication number: 20140041306
    Abstract: Deformation of a trunk door is suppressed with a simple structure. A lateral bead is formed along a ridgeline region that is formed by an inner upper wall portion and an inner rear wall portion of an inner panel of the trunk door. The lateral bead is not connected to a ring bead formed at an outer periphery of the inner panel. Thus, stiffness of the ridgeline region may be suppressed compared with a case in which the lateral bead is connected to the ring bead. Thus, substantial V-form folding of an outer upper wall portion and an outer rear wall portion may be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Iwano, Kosuke Ebina
  • Patent number: 8646207
    Abstract: A self-closing entry system includes an entrance, a base support member located at one side of the entrance, a bearing arrangement attached to the base support member, a gate surface member pivotably mounted to the base support member, a bumper assembly defined by at least one bumper frame member pivotably fastened to the gate surface member at a gate fulcrum, at least one bumper contact element fastened to the at least one bumper frame member, and wherein the at least one bumper contact element is capable of axial rotation about the at least one bumper frame member, a counter-balance assembly extending from the first bumper frame member to the second bumper frame member, and a means for latching the gate system, allowing the gate surface member to move in one direction upon activation of a latching control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Lankford
  • Publication number: 20140035453
    Abstract: A home appliance having a door which may be opened and closed, and more particularly, a home appliance to assist a user in easily opening or closing a door is disclosed. The home appliance includes a cabinet having a chamber in which an object is received or retrieved, a door to open or close the chamber, and a handle assembly to be rotated relative to the door during opening or closing of the door, wherein rotation of the handle assembly causes the door to be rotated about a door rotating axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Hongsik KWON, Youngwoo KIM, Seonil YU