Patents Assigned to Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11624223
    Abstract: An adjustable appliance hinge receiver includes a base including spaced-apart first and second lateral walls. A slide body is slidably connected to the base and located between the lateral walls. The slide body slides relative to the base along an adjustment axis. At least one hinge mounting structure is connected to the slide body and is adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge. An adjustment system includes a first inclined ramp connected to the slide body and an adjustment shaft that extends between and that is rotatably supported by the first and second lateral walls of the base. The adjustment shaft is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 11543135
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a lever pivotally connected to the arm. The lever and arm are adapted to pivot relative to each other about a main pivot axis between a first position that corresponds to a closed position of the associated appliance door and a second position that corresponds to an opened position of the associated appliance door. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. A damper engagement structure is connected to the slide link. A biasing system urges the arm and lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps pivoting movement between the arm and the lever for at least part of the movement between the arm and the lever when the arm and lever pivot relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 11441344
    Abstract: A receptacle for an associated appliance hinge includes a receptacle base and a breakaway lever movably connected to the receptacle base. The breakaway lever includes a cam edge. A first mounting structure is connected to the receptacle base and adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge arm. A second mounting structure connected to the breakaway lever such that the second mounting structure is movable relative to the receptacle base. The second mounting structure is adapted to be engaged by the associated hinge arm. A breakaway latch is connected to the base and includes a cam follower engaged with the cam edge. The breakaway latch further includes a spring that biases the cam follower into abutment with the cam edge. The breakaway lever is selectively movable from a first position where the cam follower is engaged with a first location on the cam edge to a second position where the cam follower is engaged with a second location on the cam edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian White
  • Patent number: 11391078
    Abstract: A household appliance hinge includes a mounting portion and a mounting tab including a cam profile. A door mounting lever is pivotally connected to the mounting tab of the mounting portion. A spring-biased control system is connected to the door mounting lever and includes a spring-biased cam follower system including a cam follower that: (i) engages the cam profile in an engagement position and for all positions of the door mounting lever between the engagement position and a first operative position; and, (ii) separates from the cam profile for all positions of said door mounting lever located between the engagement position and a second operative position. The hinge is self-latching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 11111712
    Abstract: An appliance lid hinge assembly includes a cam arm pivotally connected a base. A cam arm control system includes a spring rod adapted to move in a sliding reciprocal manner. A spring urges the spring rod toward an extended position. The spring rod is movable toward a retracted position. The cam arm is engaged with the spring rod through a cam follower such that: (i) pivoting movement of the cam arm in an opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the retracted position toward the extended position; and, (ii) pivoting movement of the cam arm in a closing direction opposite the opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the extended position toward the retracted position. An optional damper exerts a damping force on the spring rod or other part of the cam arm control system when the cam arm moves in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Nicholas R. SirLouis
  • Publication number: 20210131672
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a lever pivotally connected to the arm. The lever and arm are adapted to pivot relative to each other about a main pivot axis between a first position that corresponds to a closed position of the associated appliance door and a second position that corresponds to an opened position of the associated appliance door. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. A damper engagement structure is connected to the slide link. A biasing system urges the arm and lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps pivoting movement between the arm and the lever for at least part of the movement between the arm and the lever when the arm and lever pivot relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 10928072
    Abstract: An appliance hinge includes a control link subassembly operably connected between a base and a door mounting arm. The control link subassembly includes a control link with a first end pivotally connected to the door mounting arm and a second end spaced from the first end. The control link subassembly also includes a spring-arm including an outer end pivotally connected to the second end of the control link and an inner end engaged with the base and adapted for both pivoting and sliding movement relative to the base. The control link subassembly also includes a spring engaged with the spring-arm and exerting a biasing force on the spring-arm that urges said spring-arm toward its extended position. The spring-arm selectively moveable toward a retracted position. The hinge assembly further includes a link controller connected to the base. The spring biases the control link into abutment with the link controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas R. SirLouis
  • Publication number: 20210032917
    Abstract: A household appliance hinge includes a mounting portion and a mounting tab including a cam profile. A door mounting lever is pivotally connected to the mounting tab of the mounting portion. A spring-biased control system is connected to the door mounting lever and includes a spring-biased cam follower system including a cam follower that: (i) engages the cam profile in an engagement position and for all positions of the door mounting lever between the engagement position and a first operative position; and, (ii) separates from the cam profile for all positions of said door mounting lever located between the engagement position and a second operative position. The hinge is self-latching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 10907389
    Abstract: A damped hinge assembly includes a hinge arm adapted to be connected to an associated appliance body. A channel is pivotally connected to the hinge arm and is adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A damper is operatively connected between the channel and the hinge arm. The damper includes a body defining a bore and a piston slidably received in the bore. A rod is connected to the piston and projects outward from the bore. A damper fluid is contained in the bore and acts on the piston to dampen sliding movement of the piston in at least one direction in the bore. A spring is located in the bore and acts on the piston to bias the piston toward one end of the bore. An oven or other appliance includes at least one damped hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian White, James Collene
  • Patent number: 10890334
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a lever pivotally connected to the arm. The lever and arm are adapted to pivot relative to each other about a main pivot axis between a first position that corresponds to a closed position of the associated appliance door and a second position that corresponds to an opened position of the associated appliance door. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. A damper engagement structure is connected to the slide link. A biasing system urges the arm and lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps pivoting movement between the arm and the lever for at least part of the movement between the arm and the lever when the arm and lever pivot relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Publication number: 20200332582
    Abstract: An appliance lid hinge assembly includes a cam arm pivotally connected a base. A cam arm control system includes a spring rod adapted to move in a sliding reciprocal manner. A spring urges the spring rod toward an extended position. The spring rod is movable toward a retracted position. The cam arm is engaged with the spring rod through a cam follower such that: (i) pivoting movement of the cam arm in an opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the retracted position toward the extended position; and, (ii) pivoting movement of the cam arm in a closing direction opposite the opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the extended position toward the retracted position. An optional damper exerts a damping force on the spring rod or other part of the cam arm control system when the cam arm moves in a closing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Nicholas R. SirLouis
  • Publication number: 20200263467
    Abstract: An adjustable appliance hinge receiver includes a base including spaced-apart first and second lateral walls. A slide body is slidably connected to the base and located between the lateral walls. The slide body slides relative to the base along an adjustment axis. At least one hinge mounting structure is connected to the slide body and is adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge. An adjustment system includes a first inclined ramp connected to the slide body and an adjustment shaft that extends between and that is rotatably supported by the first and second lateral walls of the base. The adjustment shaft is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 10724284
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting an associated appliance lid to an associated appliance body includes a base adapted to be connected to the associated appliance body. A cam is rotatably supported on the base and is adapted to be engaged by the associated appliance lid and is rotatable about a lid pivot axis. A snubber/damper is operatively connected to the base. The cam exerts a snubber activation force on the snubber when said cam rotates about the lid pivot axis in a first direction corresponding to movement of the associated appliance lid from an opened position toward a closed position such that the snubber damps movement of the cam when the cam rotates in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James Collene
  • 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: 10704311
    Abstract: An appliance lid hinge assembly includes a cam arm pivotally connected a base. A cam arm control system includes a spring rod adapted to move in a sliding reciprocal manner. A spring urges the spring rod toward an extended position. The spring rod is movable toward a retracted position. The cam arm is engaged with the spring rod through a cam follower such that: (i) pivoting movement of the cam arm in an opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the retracted position toward the extended position; and, (ii) pivoting movement of the cam arm in a closing direction opposite the opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the extended position toward the retracted position. An optional damper exerts a damping force on the spring rod or other part of the cam arm control system when the cam arm moves in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Nicholas R. SirLouis
  • Patent number: 10538950
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting an associated appliance lid to an associated appliance body includes a base adapted to be connected to the associated appliance body. The hinge assembly also includes a snubber housing connected to the base. A cam is rotatably supported on the snubber housing, and the cam is adapted to be engaged by the associated appliance lid and rotate about a lid pivot axis in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A snubber is operatively connected to the snubber housing. The cam exerts a snubber activation force on the snubber when the cam rotates about the lid pivot axis in the second direction corresponding to movement of the associated appliance lid from an opened position toward a closed position and such that the snubber damps movement of the cam when the cam rotates in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James Collene
  • Publication number: 20190353353
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a lever pivotally connected to the arm. The lever and arm are adapted to pivot relative to each other about a main pivot axis between a first position that corresponds to a closed position of the associated appliance door and a second position that corresponds to an opened position of the associated appliance door. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. A damper engagement structure is connected to the slide link. A biasing system urges the arm and lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps pivoting movement between the arm and the lever for at least part of the movement between the arm and the lever when the arm and lever pivot relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 10458167
    Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge has a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. A channel is located between the first and second side walls. First and second notch portions are respectively located in the first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base and has a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, a first end located in the first notch portion and a second end located in the second notch portion. A biasing spring has an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. A spring rod includes an outer end operatively coupled to the spring and an inner end operatively coupled to the lever. The lever also pivotally connects to the lobe of the cam. A damper assembly is connected to the base and having a piston which is moved between a first position and a second position by the lever contacting the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Brian White
  • Patent number: 10451291
    Abstract: An appliance hinge assembly includes an arm to mate with a receiver. A door mounting lever is adapted to be connected to an appliance door, and the lever includes an inner end pivotally connected to the arm. The lever pivots relative to the arm between a first position and a second position, through an intermediate position. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. The slide link inner end is pivotally connected to the arm at a location that is offset from the main pivot axis such that pivoting movement of the lever results in movement of the slide link relative to the lever. A biasing system includes a spring that urges the lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps movement of the lever. Alternatively, the arm connects to the appliance door and the lever connects to the appliance body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. White, James J. Collene
  • Publication number: 20190271473
    Abstract: An appliance hinge includes a control link subassembly operably connected between a base and a door mounting arm. The control link subassembly includes a control link with a first end pivotally connected to the door mounting arm and a second end spaced from the first end. The control link subassembly also includes a spring-arm including an outer end pivotally connected to the second end of the control link and an inner end engaged with the base and adapted for both pivoting and sliding movement relative to the base. The control link subassembly also includes a spring engaged with the spring-arm and exerting a biasing force on the spring-arm that urges said spring-arm toward its extended position. The spring-arm selectively moveable toward a retracted position. The hinge assembly further includes a link controller connected to the base. The spring biases the control link into abutment with the link controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas R. SirLouis