Abstract: A friction hinge uses a plastic frictional member operating against a metal shaft that needs no topically applied grease, can achieve long cycle life and can be sealed against external contamination. The frictional member engages the shaft of the hinge to form a frictional engagement to permit rotation only while a torque is applied on the housing or the shaft. For this purpose the frictional member is made initially with a smaller diameter then the shaft and is then crushed or deformed as the shaft is inserted into the frictional member. Spaces are provided about the shaft to receive material as the element is being deformed.

Abstract: A hinge that provides an inexpensive way for achieving a large and controllable pop-up for a case (e.g., those used for laptop computers, automotive center consoles, briefcases, and the like) and that does not lead to distortion of the case or failure from the gradual relief of stresses stored in the materials of the case or the hinge. The hinge employs a spring comprised of a beam. The design allows different spring forces for the different phases of motion. A first phase, the pop-up phase, is accomplished by the leaf spring formed from the hinge material itself. A second phase, in which continued upward force of a reduced magnitude is sufficient during the further opening of the lid, may be provided by an optional helper spring which can be one of the many types that have traditionally been used with hinges.

Abstract: A hinge assembly rotationally connecting two components includes at least a shaft coupled to one of the components and a tubular member connected to the other component and a defining an annular space around said shaft. A viscous damping fluid is disposed in said space and provides a damping force resisting relative rotation between the two components. A second tubular member is also provided that is connected to the shaft and is arranged axially around the first tubular member. In this latter configuration, static and dynamic frictional forces are generated between the tubular members that resist rotation between the components as well.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for providing variable angular dependant torque is provided. The hinge includes a band having at least one bearing segment and at least one variable torque segment. A shaft, rotatable within the band, has at least one bearing portion and at least one variable torque portion. The variable torque portion has a torque reducing surface and a torque producing surface. As the shaft rotates relative to the band, a resilient spring member on the band contacts the shaft along the torque producing surface to provide frictional torque and disengages from the shaft along the torque reducing surface in order to reduce frictional torque.

Abstract: An improved friction hinge assembly is provided. The friction hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft and a band having a circular spring portion for defining an opening in which the shaft is rotatably inserted in order to provide frictional torque between the shaft and the band spring portion. The band also includes a substantially flat tail portion having at least one edge. A reinforcing rib is disposed against at least one edge of said band tail portion in response to the shaft being inserted within the spring portion opening. The rib prevents flexing of said tail portion when said spring portion of said band rotates relative said shaft. Such flexing is prevented even if said shaft is at least partially retracted from within the spring portion opening by locking the reinforcing rib in position.

Abstract: An improved friction hinge assembly is provided. The friction hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft and a band having a circular spring portion for defining an opening in which the shaft is rotatably inserted in order to provide frictional torque between the shaft and the band spring portion. The band also includes a substantially flat tail portion having at least one edge. A reinforcing rib is disposed against at least one edge of said band tail portion in response to the shaft being inserted within the spring portion opening. The rib prevents flexing of said tail portion when said spring portion of said band rotates relative said shaft. Such flexing is prevented even if said shaft is at least partially retracted from within the spring portion opening by locking the reinforcing rib in position.

Abstract: A friction hinge system for a laptop computer is provided. The system allows the computer display to move easily from a closed condition toward various operating angular positions while providing a greater torque for maintaining selected angular orientation. The system includes two or more bands wrapped in the same direction about a common shaft as well as a stop features for limiting the angle of rotation of each band relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A friction hinge system for a laptop computer is provided. The system allows the computer display to move easily from a closed condition toward various operating angular positions while providing a greater torque for maintaining selected angular orientation. The system includes two or more bands wrapped in the same direction about a common shaft as well as a stop features for limiting the angle of rotation of each band relative to the shaft.