Hinge Patents (Class 16/221)
  • Publication number: 20030072132
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably connecting the display portion and the body portion of the portable computer comprises a first fastening portion for attaching to the display portion, a second fastening portion for attaching to the body portion and a pivot portion for pivotably connecting the first fastening portion with the second fastening portion. The second fastening portion also has a first support arm for horizontally inserting into the insertion hole. The cables, for transmitting signals and power extending from the display portion, are electrically connected through connectors to the cable connection region. The cable connect region is formed on the rear wall or bottom wall of the body portion. The hinge assembly of the invention greatly reduces the extraordinary sound resulting from the rotation of the display portion. Also, some covering components can be eliminated to make the assembly much easier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsing Liu, Jung-Shu Hsiao, Tsung-Lung Tang
  • Publication number: 20030000044
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a garment clamping device for automobile antennas upon which a flag or banner may be secured and displayed. The clamping device comprises two generally rectangular shaped halves which are joined together by a hinge strap mechanism. Each half has at least one aperture and at least one corresponding mounting stud for clamping the two halves around an automobile antenna. Further, each half has at least one barb and at least one corresponding aperture located on the other half for holding and supporting a display flag after the apparatus is clamped around the antenna. Extending from one half is a cap for securing the apparatus atop the antenna. In operation, the device is positioned around an antenna and the mounting stud, barbs and respective apertures are engaged. Once engaged, the hinge straps form a cavity wherein the antenna is displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Mark W. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20020152579
    Abstract: An apparatus having a detaching mechanism includes an operating panel and a detachable member. The operating panel has a support surface. The detachable member is engaged with the operating panel and includes an operating switch. The detachable member has a forward-bent posture and a separation posture to be set when the detachable member is detached from the support surface of the operating panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenjiro Ido, Shoji Watabe
  • Publication number: 20020084563
    Abstract: A pivot has identical first and second members partially engaged in each other and mobile in rotation relative to each other about a common axis, against the action of at least two return leaf springs each having first and second ends anchored in the first and second parts, respectively, by being wedged inside them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Pascal Jean Lorigny, Eric Lionel Meizel
  • Publication number: 20020078525
    Abstract: An improved hinge assembly and related process using a plurality of hinge elements for mounting a door to an enclosure body. The hinge assembly comprises a first hinge; a second hinge; and a hinge body having a first and second edge wherein the first hinge is connected to the hinge body proximate to the first edge and the second hinge is connected to the hinge body proximate to the second edge and wherein a single force operating upon the door sequentially moves the first hinge and then the second hinge. A preferred embodiment is to make the hinge and hinge body out of a single piece of semi-rigid material such as a plastic and to configure the hinge assembly such that the door rests tightly against the enclosure body when the hinges are in their closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Fang Hua, Vincente P. Nunes
  • Patent number: 6405408
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a hinge assembly of an accessory door, the accessory door moveable between open and closed positions relative to a base and including a first arm, the hinge assembly including a spring, the spring engageable between the base and the first arm, the apparatus including a plate rigidly engageable with the base, the plate including a spring anchor mechanism capable of engaging the spring, and at least one connector capable of connecting the plate and the base, whereby the accessory door is moveable between open and closed positions without interference by the plate or the connector(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Demetrios C. Mavrofrides
  • Patent number: 6385041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device with a battery pack and, more particularly to lap-top type or note book type computers with a batter pack. An electronic device comprising a main body including an upper housing and a lower housing, a display panel attached pivotally on the upper housing of the main body, a pair of hinge portions disposed at the rear portion of the main body and spaced at each other, wherein each of opposite sides of hinge portions has at least one protrusion member, and a battery pack incorporated to be detachable between hinge portions, wherein at least one protrusion member is formed to be coupled securely to the hinge portions at each side end of the battery pack, and the protrusion members are engaged with the protrusion member when the battery pack is coupled to the portable computer. The battery pack is designed for easy manufacturability and simplicity of components for attachment and detachment of the battery pack from the main body of the portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD
    Inventor: Phil-Kyu Choi
  • Publication number: 20020050024
    Abstract: A brake hinge configured to connect a main housing and a display housing, one of which is rotatable with respect to the other, and to apply a predetermined torque to the housings, has a torque-generating section shaped like a hollow cylinder. The torque-generating section comprises a first member and a second member. The first member has a first guiding path in its one end portion. The second member is aligned coaxial with the first member, holds the other end portion of the first member, allowing the first member to rotate, and has a second guiding path in its middle portion. The torque-generating section holds a middle portion of a harness that connects the main housing and the display housing. The first guiding path guides one end portion of the harness into one of the housings. The second guiding path guides the other end portion of the harness into the other of the housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Tomomi Murayama
  • Patent number: 6375285
    Abstract: A multiple assembly includes two or more unit products spaced apart from each other with a predetermined shape. One or more connection members are provided to interconnect the neighboring unit products such that the unit products can be folded and unfolded. The unit products can rotate around connection points to exert intrinsic functions in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Deok-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 6377444
    Abstract: A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface. The first and second body portions are pivotally hinged to rotate between a first position, in which said first plane and said second plane are at an obtuse angle, and a second position, in which the first plane and the second plane are oblique, such that in the second position the control panel is rotated at an angle greater than 180 degrees from the mounting surface. A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Price, Mark T. McClung, Ronald K. Hutt
  • Patent number: 6359774
    Abstract: A portable computer system may include a planar hinge to enable a display unit to be folded down on top of a base unit. The planar hinge may be located near an outside edge of the display unit, accommodating a large display. The display may occupy space near the bottom of the display unit that is ordinarily occupied by a hinge assembly. The base unit may include blade connectors to conduct power and output signals to female connectors on the display unit. Alternatively, the blade connectors may be located on the display unit while the female connectors may be incorporated in the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael V. Leman
  • Publication number: 20020026685
    Abstract: A hinge arrangement for vehicle hoods in vehicles is described. The arrangement is intended to decrease injuries to pedestrians struck by the front of the vehicle. The hood is pivotable about at least two hinges, preferably applied at the rear of the hood. The hood is able to compliantly receive impacts in the vertical direction. Each respective hinge is fixed in at least two rods connected to the hinges. One of the rods is a draw rod, designed to receive forces in the longitudinal direction of the hood, substantially stopping horizontal displacement of the hood in a collision. Another rod is a vertical rod, able to deform due to a vertical collision at a predetermined vertical load. The vertical rod is shaped to be able to receive the vertical load over a predetermined deformation length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventors: Mats Bjureblad, Martin Weiman
  • Publication number: 20020023311
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a recessed hinge that allows a door to open to an angle greater than 90 degrees. The hinge of the present invention is also fully reversible, for use either on the right hand or left. The hinge also provides for simplified horizontal and vertical adjustment. Vertical adjustment of the door as well as door removal may be accomplished without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: David Holt
  • Patent number: 6350956
    Abstract: A wire harness protector for double doors at the rear of a vehicle body is provided. The protector 10 consists of a first fixed member 11, a second fixed member 12, and a pivoting member 13. The first fixed member 11 has a tubular axle 11b protruding from the central portion of a closed-off cylindrical base face. The second fixed member 12 is approximately the same shape as the first fixed member 11. The pivoting member 13 is provided with a connecting frame 13d which connects a first cylindrical member 13a-1 and a second cylindrical member 13a-2, both of which have closed-off cylindrical upper faces and on central portions of which an outer fitting cylinder 13b-1 and an outer fitting cylinder 13b-2 are respectively provided. The tubular axles 11b and 12b of the first fixed member 11 and the second fixed member 12 are inserted into the first cylindrical member 13a-1 and the second cylindrical member 13a-2 of the pivoting member respectively, these joining in a state wherein they can swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Sakata
  • Patent number: 6349029
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for securing a computer component in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer system. A panel of some embodiments may carry or otherwise secure components of the computer system. One such component that may be carried by a panel is a computer power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: MicronPC, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Leman, Gregory P. Johnson, Jacques Gagne, Philip Hartley, Ray Gradwohl
  • Publication number: 20020007530
    Abstract: The hinge system for a portable computer for pivotably securing a top cover to a base unit includes a first base unit hinge member for mounting to the base unit. The first base unit hinge member has proximal and distal mounting portions which are angled relative to each other. The proximal and distal mounting portions are each securable to a surface of the base unit for distributing stress exerted on the base unit by the first base unit hinge member. A first pivoting top cover hinge assembly is secured to the first base unit hinge member. The first top cover hinge assembly mounts to the top cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Michele Bovio, Jitender Kanjiram
  • Patent number: 6317926
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for fixing an LCD unit for a computer. It includes two slots formed on the main body of computer for receiving two connecting blades of pivots of the LCD unit. Each of the connecting blades is formed with a step portion in the middle of the blade so as to temporarily keep the LCD unit in a position suitable for users to connect the connectors between the LCD unit and the main body of computer when the step portions are placed on rims of the slots. The LCD unit needs no hands to hold, so the connectors can be easily handled by both hands, and the wires can be well connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Huey-Shyang Ren
  • Publication number: 20010025396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge, in particular for doors, windows or the like, with two hinge wings (1, 2) which can be fastened on a hinge bearer (11 or 12), wherein at least one hinge wing (1) is adjustable transversely to its installation plane (17) through two setting screws (21a, 21b) disposed offset in height, which can be screwed into the hinge bearer (11) of the hinge wing (1) transversely to its installation plane (17). By actuating the setting screws (21a, 21b) it is possible to adjust the premounted hinge readily and finely into a precisely vertical installation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Harald Sitter
  • Patent number: 6269520
    Abstract: A hinged bracket assembly comprising two elongated brackets one of which is placed inside the other with the same orientation and the two brackets being pivotally attached together on one end of the assembly. A table having a plurality of benches attached thereto comprises a plurality of the hinged bracket assemblies attached to the frame of the table and each of the benches is attached to one of the bracket assemblies to enable each bench to be rotated close to the table or away from the table in order to provide wheelchair access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: George Kovalchek
  • Patent number: 6163431
    Abstract: A door hinge includes a support plate, resilient fingers, and a hinge-pin cylinder. The support plate includes first and second edges, and the flexible fingers extend out from the first edge and curve toward the second edge at a distance spaced apart from the support plate. The hinge-pin cylinder is joined to the ends of the fingers to define a hinge line located inward from an outer edge of a door jamb to which the door is pivotally mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Digital Information Corporation
    Inventors: Allen E. Fleckenstein, Kevin Talbot, Christoph Mack
  • Patent number: 6061873
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a platform having a flank panel connected pivotally to a lateral margin of the seat or platform by means of a hinge device, wherein the hinge device comprises at least two mountings and a moulding comprising an elongate flexible web bridging mounting formation which are releasable securable on the mountings; wherein one of the mountings is provided on or secured to the lateral margin of the platform and the other of the mounting is provided on or secured to a margin of the flank panel; so that the web of the moulding provides a flexible bridge between the platform and flank panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Mangar International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy S Fry
  • Patent number: 6038736
    Abstract: An improved hinge assembly is disclosed that is particularly apt for use with deployable trusses utilized on satellites and other spacecraft. In one arrangement, the inventive hinge assembly comprises a tapered roller bearing assembly having tapered rollers angled towards a hinge axis, and a needle roller thrust bearing assembly positioned radially about at least a portion of the tapered roller bearing assembly to yield a compact and lightweight bearing arrangement, while providing satisfactory radial and axial loading bearing characteristics. An axial preload assembly may also be employed with the roller bearing assemblies in the invention to yield enhanced hinge stiffness and repeatability benefits. Such characteristics are of particular importance with deployable spacecraft truss assemblies for supporting instrumentation during orbit. An additional needle roller bearing assembly may be included at an axially spaced position from the tapered roller bearing assembly to provide overload protection (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: William D. Nygren
  • Patent number: 5971515
    Abstract: A security safe that incorporates a cabinet (20) formed of sheetmetal, including a front (22) and a door jamb (30). A door (42) for the safe is also formed of sheetmetal and has a jamb stop (48), box section (50) with a front flange (52) into which a series of hinge knuckles (58) are formed. A continuous hinge leaf (60) is plug welded (62) to an inside surface of the cabinet front and a hinge pin (64) unites the knuckles to the hinge leaf. The cabinet door jamb hinge knuckles and hinge leaf extend continuously the full height of the door. The hinge combination is completely hidden within the cabinet forming a secure barrier, as no access to the hinge is provided from the outside, nor is it at all visible, even when the door is open. This arrangement forms a secure barrier preventing unauthorized entry and in the event the door is forcibly jimmied and bent inwardly, the hinge remains totally inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Steven J. Baker, William A. Horn
  • Patent number: 5943739
    Abstract: A hinge assembly having a first leaf, a second leaf and linking member. The first leaf has a contact surface. The second leaf has a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The linking member pivotally connects to the first leaf and to the second leaf. The hinge assembly is capable of moving from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the first contact surface of the second leaf. In the open position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the second contact surface of the second leaf. The hinge assembly can include a seal on the contact surface of the first leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Houston Vandergriff
  • Patent number: 5906029
    Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to the refurbishment of automotive or similar vehicular door hinges or the refurbishment of worn hinges in general Automotive door hinges specifically for "F" Body vehicles manufactured by General Motors and generally for automotive door hinges originally constructed as non-repairable riveted assemblies are subject to load related elongation of hinge bushing apertures thereby causing doors to sag. The present disclosure is of a kit permitting the repair of worn hinges without replacement of the entire hinge assembly and the method of repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Larry Fox
  • Patent number: 5851634
    Abstract: A hinge for use in inorganically filled composite materials is provided. The hinge has an inorganically filled structural matrix comprising a water-dispersable organic polymer binder, an aggregate material, and a fibrous material. The hinge allows inorganically filled materials to be bent along a line without breakage of the material. The hinge is preferably formed by scoring a formed sheet of inorganically filled material. The hinge is particularly useful in containers that require bending of various container parts, such as in food containers and boxes made from inorganically filled materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5842735
    Abstract: A door hinge is provided for a side-door of a vehicle whereby an impact applied to the side door in a direction transverse to the vehicle is absorbed at a connecting portion for connecting the side door to the body of the vehicle. The door hinge is comprised of a female and a male, and a connecting portion is provided uprightly on the male. Bearing portions are provided uprightly on the female, and the connecting portion and the bearing portions rotate relatively to each other with a shaft as a center of rotation. The connecting portion of the male is curved in such a manner as to protrude in the forward direction of the vehicle, and a point of application of a load and a support point in the male are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Makino, Junji Okumura, Hiroki Nasuda
  • Patent number: 5843544
    Abstract: Methods and systems for forming hinged starch-bound matrices. Starch-based compositions are molded between heated molds in order to form a cellular matrix and also to remove the water from the starch-based compositions in order to form a binding matrix of solidified starch. The molding apparatus is configured to form one or more creases within the hinge area in order to define one or more lines upon which the hinge will bend. The molding apparatus is also configured such that the region of the mold corresponding to the inner surface of the hinge area will transfer heat more slowly to the inner hinge surface, resulting in reduced thickness of the skin of the inner hinge. This increases the collapsibility, or ability of the inner surface of the hinge to fold or buckle, during the bending action. This in turn reduces the bending radius of hinge such that the hinging action exerts less strain on the outer surface of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5794308
    Abstract: A resilient hinge arrangement has a first hinge part and a second hinge part that assumes a plurality of stable pivoting positions with respect to the first hinge part, with a dead center lying at least between two of the stable pivoting positions. The second hinge part is arranged to return from pivoting positions between the two stable pivoting positions through the dead center, outside a dead center itself, in an elastically resilient manner into a nearest one of the stable pivoting positions. Two connecting arms are spaced a distance apart and include at least one coupling element protruding movably from each of the first and second hinge parts, and at least one substantially flexurally rigid intermediate part between the coupling elements that is delimited by two bending regions that are spaced apart and arranged at an angle to each other between the intermediate part and the coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Creanova AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Rentsch, Bruce Mueller
  • Patent number: 5788874
    Abstract: A leak resistant hinge is provided for pivotally connecting adjacent concrete form sections to permit angular adjustment and movement of the form sections. The hinge includes first and second L-shaped hinge brackets which pivot about a pivot member to which both brackets are mounted. A gasket member is situated on the exterior of the first and second hinge brackets to seal the hinge while simultaneously permitting the first and second hinge brackets to pivot about the pivot member. Each hinge bracket is mountable to a respective adjacent concrete form section to permit adjacent form sections to pivot as needed to obtain the desired concrete form configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Bascom Murray Tucker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5765895
    Abstract: A door and hood hinge for a motor vehicle including a first hinge half attachable to a vehicle body, a second hinge half attachable to a door or a hood, and a hinge pin for connecting the first and second hinge halves for pivotal movement of the first and second halves relative to each other about a hinge axis, with the first hinge half being formed as a sheet shaped piece open at one end and obturating cut-out provided in the vehicle body part, and with the second hinge half being supported between opposite walls of the first hinge half by hinge pin studs forming the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ariana Rose, Gunter Plasberg
  • Patent number: 5727288
    Abstract: Disclosed an apparatus of a vehicle for separating a door including a first hinge, a second hinge, a door check assembly, and a door separating part. By using the apparatus, the door can be easily separated from a body of the vehicle when the body is deformed by a collision and/or overturned. By separating hinges and a door checker by a first, a second, and a third explosive respectively, the door can be easily separated from the body of the vehicle which can not be opened due to deformation by an accident such as a collision or overturning. The wounded remaining in the compartment of the vehicle, can separate the door by using the apparatus, and can escape from the accident vehicle by themselves. Also, a rescuer can easily and rapidly rescue the wounded from the vehicle without rescue equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Kwang Byon
  • Patent number: 5715572
    Abstract: Hinge apparatus which includes first and second hinge members (12, 14) arranged for relative rotation about a hinge axis (18), and fluidic actuator apparatus (24). The fluidic actuator apparatus includes a force transfer member (22) having a first end attached to the first hinge member at an anchor location spaced from the hinge axis, and expandable pillow (25) apparatus associated with the force transfer member and operative to expand when exposed to a fluidic pressure thereby to apply a force along the force transfer member to the first hinge member so as to cause rotation of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in at least a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Amiram Steinberg & Dalia Lapidot
    Inventor: Amiram Steinberg
  • Patent number: 5706130
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a retractable device includes a frame, at least one arm movably mounted on the frame for carrying the device between a retracted position for stowing the device, and an extended position for presenting the device, and a reactionator couple operatively connected to the arm for resisting, in part, against the arm when it is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby slowing the rate at which the device is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: John B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5687453
    Abstract: Radio noise in an automotive vehicle is suppressed by grounding the hood of the automotive vehicle with a conductive washer. The conductive washer is concave and is disposed around a rivet used to pivot a hood hinge component to a body hinge component. When the rivet is set, the hinge components compress the washer so as to permanently load the washer to thereby ensure continuous grounding of the hood to the body. Preferably, the rivet is coated with a dry lubricant, such as TEFLON.RTM., which does not flow away from the rivet to interfere with electrical contact between the washer and hinge components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Megregian, James E. Van Hout, John S. Latimer, III
  • Patent number: 5682642
    Abstract: A detent device is provided for securing a door to a frame having an opening therein. The detent device includes a sleeve having a cavity therein, an elongated plunger mounted within the cavity of the sleeve, and a spring mechanism connected to the sleeve and the plunger. The spring mechanism yieldably urges the plunger to an extended position from a retracted position. When a door is inserted into a door opening, the plunger of the detent device moves into the retracted position and then returns to the extended position in a detent receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Daryl A. Michael
  • Patent number: 5631053
    Abstract: A hinge for use in inorganically filled composite materials is provided. The hinge has an inorganically filled structural matrix comprising a water-dispersable organic polymer binder, an aggregate material, and a fibrous material. The hinge allows inorganically filled materials to be bent along a line without breakage of the material. The hinge is preferably formed by scoring a formed sheet of inorganically filled material. The hinge is particularly useful in containers that require bending of various container parts, such as in food containers and boxes made from inorganically filled materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per J. Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5557828
    Abstract: A U-shaped hinge element used to pivotally mount a door to a cover dead front of an enclosure for circuit breaker handles of a load center. The hinge element has spaced-apart wall members, and is characterized by having a projection formed out of the surface of a first wall member which positively engages a back surface of the cover dead front to partially retain the one wall member when the hinge element is initially inserted into the cover dead front and by having laterally opposed, bendable tab means formed out of the surface of a second wall member which are manually bent after the hinge element is inserted into the dead front cover. Converging slots are formed in the second wall member to form the bendable tab means, and the hinge element is made of stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Reiner, John E. Swedowski
  • Patent number: 5555785
    Abstract: A paper slitting device having first and second pivotally mounted platens with an integral biasing spring between them. The spring is formed by a resilient member extending from the first platen toward the second platen. The resilient member has a free end that is received in slots provided in the second platen and forms a bearing for the first platen and bending about an axis when a force is applied to one of the platens sufficient to move the one platen towards the other platen. The resilient member then returning the one platen to an at rest position when the force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: William J. Scalise, Donna J. Scalise
  • Patent number: 5542153
    Abstract: A simulated butt hinge assembly comprises an artificial knuckle-pintle-finial butt hinge attached to an L-shaped plate structure. The artificial butt hinge comprises spaced knuckle simulating grooves in a one-piece cylindrical member with finials formed at opposite ends of the cylindrical member, the grooves simulating separate knuckles. The L-shaped plate structure has one plate extending from the artificial hinge assembly and a second plate which is clamped between a flange of a snap type hidden articulating hinge and a movable panel. The articulating hinge has a second flange secured to a frame to rotatably secure the panel to the frame. The artificial hinge protrudes from the part of the panel to simulate a butt hinge. Other embodiments are disclosed including a multiple separate knuckles in an artificial hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Scott D. Ramsby, Alan B. Miller
  • Patent number: 5519920
    Abstract: A hinge for holding two components, such as a cabinet and its door or the like, that are supported so as to pivotable relative to one another about the axis of the hinge. The hinge has a hinge support that is disposed on one of the components and has two aligned eyelets. A hinge bolt is connected to the other component and extends through the eyelets in order to connect the components. To be able to displace the components relative to one another, the hinge bolt is fixedly connected to its component and the eyelets are attached to the hinge bolt via pivotable connected rods such that the eyelets are displaceable along an axis of the hinge bolt, with the hinge bolt having such a configuration that rotation of the hinge bolt effects displacement of the eyelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: EMKA Beschalagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedhelm Runge, Manfred Sauerland
  • Patent number: 5499428
    Abstract: A flush hinge for pivotally connecting a door to an adjacent wall wherein first and second hinge members are connected by a pintle to move about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is substantially centered in the width dimension of each of the first and second knuckle portions and an inside face of each knuckle portions forms a stop face for the door or wall to position them inside the pivot axis so the ends of the hinge members remain in close proximity as the first hinge member moves. The first and second hinge members have a tongue and groove fitting and stop faces that abut to hold the hinge member in both open and closed positions. In a first embodiment the pivot axis is substantially centered between adjacent edges of the door and walls with an inner face of the hinge being in the same plane as the door and wall to fill a gap therebetween. The first embodiment has a base portion that extends into a hollow wall support and fastens to the inside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Paul M. Okada
  • Patent number: 5426822
    Abstract: A hinge structure having a leaf having knuckles so formed that leaves having two identical such knuckle structures can be joined together to form a hinge, rather than requiring knuckle structures that are not identical. The hinge structure can have plates to hold beams in alignment to form a structure that is initially pivotal but, with the addition of other beams or structures, can be rigid and with the beams at any desired angle relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Richard L. Weir
  • Patent number: 5355558
    Abstract: A gas kettle-type barbecue grill is provided for use on boats or other environments. The grill includes a bowl-shaped base and bowl-shaped cover which are pivotally connected by hinges on opposite sides of the grill. Each hinge includes a pair of hinge arms having four pivot connections between the base and the cover. A burner is mounted in the bottom of the base, which horizontally receives a fuel inlet line. A flavor plate is mounted on top of the burner so as to evenly distribute heat within the base of the grill. The grill grate is secured within the base by mounting brackets. The grill is mounted to a post connected to a railing on the boat or to legs, and is rotable about a vertical axis so as to block the wind from the grate, regardless of the wind direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Gits Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Mark W. Vertanen
  • Patent number: 5232277
    Abstract: An improved enclosure including the use of a seamless urethane gasket which is continuous and formed in situ on a planar surface, with no requirement for the gasket to be formed in a groove or for additional backing structure to be added. The enclosure also includes the use of concealed hinge with cutouts positioned on the door to permit at least a 180.degree. swing. The hinges are located outside of the sealing surface and do not overlap it, permitting the entire opening to be used, such that a full front window may be incorporated into the door without interference from the hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Robroy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy S. Cassady, William D. Boehmer
  • Patent number: 5117532
    Abstract: A tailgate guard apparatus is arranged for securement to the confronting hinge plate walls defining a gate opening between the spaced side walls of a conventional pickup truck bed to effect covering of the various tailgate linkage typically deposed on removal of a conventional tailgate for securement of a gate opening flexible web within the gate opening defined between the spaced hinge plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Donald J. Holland
  • Patent number: 5042216
    Abstract: A locking element for a wall facade structure which facilitates accuracy and strength of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Hans Stratmann, Franz-Josef Schweins
  • Patent number: 4955478
    Abstract: A storage/display box for elongated objects has a body having a pair of generally parallel side walls spaced apart along an axis, a cover pivoted on the body and engageable therewith to close same, and an insert engageable within the body and beneath the cover. This insert is connected to the cover for pivoting therewith and is adapted to hold the objects. A respective body tab projects from each of the side walls generally at the axis and is formed with an inner part of part-cylindrical shape, centered on the axis and having an inner end connected to the respective side wall and an outer end and an outer part projecting generally perpendicular to and crossing the axis. The inner part forms between its ends a part-cylindrical seat. A respective insert tab formed on the insert adjacent each side wall at the axis has a part-cylindrical outer edge complementary to and fitting within the inner part of the respective body tab. A pivot axle passes through each body tab and the respective insert tab at the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Firma Georg Knoblauch
    Inventors: Georg Rau, Werner Hitzler, Gerhard Riess
  • Patent number: 4665904
    Abstract: A preventive brace for supporting anatomical joints, such as the ankle joint, includes a semi-rigid leg-supporting shell conforming to the shape of the lower leg above the ankle joint, a semi-rigid foot-supporting shell conforming to the shape of the foot, and lateral and medial circular hinges rotatably securing the lateral and medial sides of the leg-supporting shell to the foot-supporting shell. The circular hinges are formed by relatively large area wall portions of the shells which overlie one another in the vicinity of the ankle bones (lateral and medial melleoli) projecting from the lateral and medial sides of the ankle. The overlying faces of the walls are rotatably interconnected along a circularly curved axis spaced outwardly from the ankle bone. In one embodiment, the circular hinge is centered generally on the ankle bone and traverses a circular path spaced a substantial distance outwardly from the ankle bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Max Lerman
  • Patent number: 4592604
    Abstract: Piece of furniture, particularly cabinet, with a bottom plate, a top plate, and side walls, whose extremeties are seated in elongated slots of supporting arms arranged parallel, superpositioned, and juxtaposed each other, which have receiving openings bordering on their front facing sides, and with at least one door panel secured to two selected supporting arms by means of hinges defining a hinge axis, which comprise frame portions with attachments projecting into the receiving openings and wing portions connecting the door panel rotatably with the frame portions, wherein the frame portions consist of bearing pins (24) insertable into the receiving openings, whereas the wing portions are connected rotatably with the frame portions, however undisplaceably in the direction of the hinge axis and are arranged at the ends of a bearing body extending between the frame portions, which has an elongated slot (43) in which the hinge-side edge of the door panel is concealed, as well as laterally and elevationally adjust
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Inventor: Rudolf Wilke