Abstract: A left and right hand convertible door enclosure. An apparatus operatively connects to an enclosure and to a door so as to allow the door to convert between left and right hand. The apparatus includes a pair of front corners of a top wall of the enclosure having a pair of blind bores therein, respectively, a pair of side edges of the door being formed into a pair of tubes, respectively, a pair of front corners of a bottom wall of the enclosure having a pair of locking apparatuses, respectively, a pair of front edges of a pair of side walls of the enclosure being formed into a pair of recesses, respectively, and a hinge pin. The hinge pin enters one of the pair of tubes of the door and comes to rest in an associated blind bore in the top wall of the enclosure and in an associated locking apparatus on the bottom wall of the enclosure, depending upon the door being used as a right hand or a left hand.

Abstract: The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.

Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates a dual swing door including a dual hinge mechanism. The dual hinge mechanism includes a lock bar having a first end portion and a second end portion joined by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes first and second lobe elements. The hinge mechanism also includes a hinge plate having a first end section and a second section joined by an intermediate section. Each of the first and second end sections include a wedge member and a rudder member. The hinge plate further includes first and second hinge pins, mounted to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections, that define left and right pivot axes for the door. The rudder and wedge members interact with the first lobes to automatically force one of the second lobes into engagement with a respective hinge pin to establish a desired hinge axis for pivoting of the door.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, a hinge-striker that includes a first plate secured to the post and including mutually spaced first lugs, with each first lug being formed with a hole; a second plate including mutually spaced second lugs, with each second lug being formed with a hole, the holes of the first plate being aligned with the holes of the second plate; a hinge pin located in the holes and aligned with an upright axis; and a striker, secured to and extending from one of said plates, and a latch secured to the post for releasably engaging the hinge-striker, where the engagement secures the endgate in a position that closes the passageway and prevents pivoting about a lateral axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to open-close equipment for a door of a refrigerator wherein a pair of doors are provided and opened or closed individually or integrally at a time. The open-close equipment of the present invention comprises right and left doors 60 and 70 for opening and closing each storage space 52 defined in a main body 50 of the refrigerator; a fixed hinge 62 provided at a right end of the right door 60 and serving as a pivot center of the right door 60; and a movable hinge 72 provided at a left end of the right door 70 and serving as a selective pivot center of the right door 70. Further, the right and left doors 60 and 70 are either pivoted individually on the fixed and movable hinges 62 and 72, respectively, or pivoted integrally and simultaneously on the fixed hinge 62 such that the doors are opened and closed. According to the present invention so configured, there are advantages in that convenience of use of the refrigerator is improved and electric power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: A system for manually connecting decorated panels in a self-standing display. The panels have kerfs in the side edges and are decorated with photographic or graphic images that are sublimation printed on the panels. The panels are joined by inserting the leaves of hinges into the kerfs where they are held by friction fit. Hinges may be removed and additional panels added to augment the display.

Abstract: A monitor including a monitor main body, a stand supporting the monitor, and a link connecting the monitor main body with the stand, the monitor including a hinge allowing the monitor main body to be tilted about the stand between a first tilting state such as a standing state and a second tilting state such as a wall-mounting state; a locking unit provided in the hinge, rotating integrally with the monitor main body, and including a first locker corresponding to the first tilting state and a second locker corresponding to the second tilting state; and a stopper coupled to the link, sliding within the first locker and the second locker, and restricting a tilting angle of the monitor main body by contacting the first locker and the second locker. With this configuration, the present general inventive concept provides a monitor of which a monitor main body is smoothly and easily tilted about a stand between a standing state and a wall-mounting state.

Abstract: The invention is a hinge for a vehicle door that is movable between a closed and a fully open position relative to a vehicle body. The hinge includes a mounting bracket, operable to be secured to the vehicle body. At least one link is pivotally mounted along a fixed axis to the mounting bracket at a first end and operable to pivot a second end of the at least one link between a first and second position. A door bracket is operable to be secured to the vehicle door, and pivotally mounted along a movable axis to the second end of the at least one link. The vehicle door is constrained by the vehicle body from pivoting around the movable axis when the second end of the at least one link is in the first position, and is operable to pivot around the movable axis when the at least one link is in the second position. A latch is provided on the hinge, obviating the need for a separate door latch.

Abstract: A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to said bracket and said support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to said slider.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge coupling comprising a first connective section comprising a hollow first cylinder at one end with a first piece fastened therein, two parallel projections at the other end, each projection having a bent end, a bore in an intermediate portion open to the external, and a bar interconnected the bent ends, the bar being not aligned with rest of the first connective section, and a second connective section comprising an extension at one end, a hollow second cylinder substantially passed from one end to the other end, an intermediate recess, and a groove formed at bottom of the recess. The bar is fastened in the groove by snapping through the recess, a second piece is inserted into the second cylinder by passing over the bar, and the extension is inserted into the bore by counterclockwise pivoting about the bar. Both sections are parallel after folding.

Abstract: A hinge for a folding ladder including a hinge latch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed within a hinge latch cavity. The hinge latch includes a first locking portion protruding therefrom, an elongated slot formed configured to slidingly receive a hinge shaft, a first opening configured to receive a first biasing member, and a second opening configured to receive a locking member. Rotational movement of one hinge casing relative to another hinge casing is prevented by engagement of the first locking portion and locking member with a respective one of the first opening and second opening.

Abstract: A hinge device having a way to detach one hinge member from another includes a fender mounting plate with a pivot pin secured thereto, a hood mounting plate having a pivot pin engaging slot, an elongated pawl having a latch plate engaging end, the pawl secured to the hood mounting plate, a latch plate rotatably secured to the hood mounting plate in a spaced relationship with the elongated pawl where the latch plate has a pawl engaging slot shaped to engage the pawl latch plate engaging end, a pivot pin engaging slot shaped to engage the pivot pin, and a pawl unlock surface that contacts the latch plate engaging end when the elongated pawl is not engaged with the pawl engaging, whereby a user can detach one hinge member from another by withdrawing the elongated pawl, translating one hinge member in relation to the other, and thereby rotating the latch plate, which disengages the latch plate and hood mounting plate from the pivot pin and separates the hinge members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a safety unit of a hinge for a folding ladder to prevent a user's finger from being caught in the hinge when the hinge rotates. The hinge includes a first joint unit, a second joint unit, and a locking unit, and the safety unit is provided between a first stop shoulder of the first joint unit and a second stop shoulder of the second joint unit. The safety unit includes a mount part and an insert part. The mount part is provided in the first joint unit to be positioned under the first stop shoulder, and an inside portion of the mount part is rounded to surround a part of the first joint unit. The insert part extends from an upper end of the mount part, and is rounded to have the same curvature as the inside portion of the mount part.

Abstract: One or more coupling assemblies are located at each opposite end of a first part and a second part. Each coupling assembly includes an elongated slot formed in the first part and a corresponding latch device which projects from the second part and which is releasably receivable by the slot. The latch device includes a tab and a pair of spaced-apart fingers projecting from the second part. The tab is positioned between the fingers. The fingers project generally linearly and parallel with respect to each other, and define a plane. The tab has a base, a first leg and a second leg. The base extends generally parallel to the fingers. The first leg extends away from the plane and from a first end joined to the base to a second end joined to the second leg. The second leg and extends towards the plane and away from the second end of the first leg. The first and second legs form an apex which is spaced apart from the plane of the fingers. The first part forms a pair of ramp surfaces adjacent to the ends of each slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biologically degradable molding based on a starch-containing composite material and having at least two mold elements connected to one another by at least one connection element wherein the connection element extends substantially two-dimensionally and is connected at each of two mutually opposite end areas to a mold element, wherein the connection element comprises a first outer face and a second outer face, is made of a starch-containing and flexible composite material and is free of notch or fold depressions or cutouts.

Abstract: A folding chair with safety latch device. The device includes an anchor unit which has two ends pivotally engaged with a rear leg and a backrest bracket, and a slide unit coupled with the rear leg. The anchor unit and the slide unit have respectively a latch finger and a latch opening corresponding to with each other to form a latched relationship. The slide unit further has a release opening to allow users to undo the latched relationship only through a tool such that a child sitting on the chair may be prevented from falling down resulting from abrupt folding of the chair caused by incidental release of the latched relationship.

Abstract: A detented and dampened hinge mechanism with push-pull and pull-push operation is disclosed. The present invention relates generally to a hinge mechanism that includes a first arm and a second arm that are pivotally connected to one another such that the arms can be moved relative to one another between a closed position and an open position. A damper is fitted into a cutout of the second arm such that the damper can engage with a length of teeth of the first arm when the hinge mechanism moves between the open and closed positions. Biasing means is fitted between hooks or bosses of the arms, and biases the first and second arms toward the open position.

Abstract: A hinge for pivotally mounting a first door to a door pillar of a vehicle body of a vehicle. The hinge having been provided thereon one portion of a co-operating latching arrangement for releasably securing in a closed position a second door.

Abstract: A cover for an anchor system, for example a motor vehicle child safety seat anchor system, having an attachment point adjacent a base layer opening and a tether selectively detachably connected to the attachment point. The cover comprises a circumferential flange defining an opening therein, and operatively connected to the base layer opening. A cap is receivable within the circumferential flange opening, is rotatably attached to the circumferential flange, and selectively movable about a pivot point from a closed position to an open position. A notch is defined in at least one of the flange and the cap. The notch allows the tether to pass therethrough when the cap is in the closed position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a door operation mechanism which can open/close a door to either right or left side. When a handle portion 116 is manually pivoted and displaced, it rotates cams 98 and 98a and, thus, a thrust-up rod 94 is pushed up and a push-down rod 94a is pushed down. The thrust-up rod 94 pushes and displaces a swing plate 66 in a hinge mechanism 16a. The push-down rod 94a pushes and displaces a swing place 66 in a hinge mechanism 16b. Then, the swing plates 66 in the hinge mechanisms 16a and 16b fail to bind hinge pins 22 and 26, respectively, and the right side of a door 14 is released. By pulling the right side of the door 14, the door 14 can be opened on the axis of hinge mechanisms 16c and 16d which are provided on the left side of the door. On the other hand, when a left unlocking mechanism 20b is operated, the door 14 can be opened on the axis of the hinge mechanisms 16a and 16b on the right side of the door. Therefore, the door 14 can be opened to either right or left side.

Abstract: A bilateral media storage unit for storing and carrying CD ROMs, computer diskettes, removable disk storage devices and the like. The storage unit includes a discus shaped portable housing having a generally bowl shaped lower base component and a generally bowl shaped upper cover component which are coupled together at opposite points on their peripheries by selectively releasable hinges which pivotally couple the upper cover component to the lower base component and which release the upper cover component to pivot away from the lower base component when released. An accordion pleated extendable media receptacle is mounted within the portable housing.

Abstract: A hinged access door arrangement is provided which includes a flange member adapted to be secured to a housing which defines an aperture therethrough to provide access to the housing. A cover member is adapted to overly the aperture when in a closed position. A plurality of first hinge members are attached to the cover member at a plurality of locations around the cover member. Each first hinge member is adapted to form part of a hinge mechanism to provide selective pivotal movement of the cover member about a respective axis. A plurality of second hinge members are attached to the flange member at a plurality of locations around the flange member. Each second hinge member is positioned to cooperate with a first hinge member to form part of a hinge mechanism. A first hinge pin pivotally connects a selected first one of the first hinge members to a second hinge member to form a first hinge mechanism having a first pivot axis about which the cover member is selectively pivotal.

Abstract: A double hinge locking system mounts and secures a series of two-way opening covers or similar members. Each hinge/lock component of the system provides a combination hinge pivot and associated lock that operate on a common axis, and includes a locking device in which fixed and rotary locking parts are presented by fixed and movable saddles coaxial with the hinge axis and relatively rotatable about such axis between locked and unlocked conditions. An interlock mechanism interconnects locking devices on opposite sides of the hinged member to prevent double unlocking. Additionally, a passive safety lock is provided by the cooperating saddles to prevent separation of the member from its mounts in the event that double unlocking inadvertently occurs.

Abstract: A hinge is described for use along each side of a refrigerator or on furniture to permit safe opening of the door or lid from either side. The hinge is uncomplicated in design, and is comprised of only a few component parts. Each hinge includes a hinge rod forming a swivel axis for the door, said rod held in an axle take-up receiver. At least one and preferably two interlocks are located at or near the top and bottom of each hinge rod. The interlocks comprise a hinge pick-up axially aligned with the swivel axis of the hinge and a hinge element which becomes mechanically coupled to the pick-up when the door is opened in the other direction. Details of the embodiments of the hinge are disclosed. Preferably, magnetic means are used to keep the hinge rod engaged with the swivel axis and to form the airtight seal between the door and the cabinet.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a utility/camper multiple purpose shell integrated with a pick-up truck frame and cab. The shell is adaptable (1) to being fully opened at the rear, (2) to having the roof thereof pivotally raised to permit standing room for a user, (3) to having flexible walls attached to the raised roof suitable for camping therein, and (4) to having the roof thereof lifted off of the front and side walls. The shell components are formed of light weight materials and bonded together.

Abstract: Hinges on the door have pairs of pins facing in opposite directions. One of each pair of pins is inserted in a socket of a hinge knuckle. The end of the pin bears against an interior surface of the knuckle. The pins can be connected by a post. A slot is provided in the knuckle for receiving the post. The door is reversed by removing the pin from the socket, inverting the door, and inserting the opposite pin in a knuckle on the opposite side of the opening. The enclosure or the door is provided with a flange or seal to engage the door when it is closed, thereby inhibiting movement of the door in the plane of the door. Thus, disengagement of the pintle from the socket is prevented.

Abstract: A bi-directionally openable hatch cover hinge and lock device for hatch covers which close the hatches on top of railroad cars and which are openable from either side of the car, utilizing a minimum number of component parts and including a passive captive device for the hatch cover to prevent loss of the cover if the latches on one side are left open and the hatch is opened from the other side, and also including an integrated one piece yoke top and handle with a pivoted cam lock attached to the handle, the pivoted cam lock being weight biased toward its locked position and being prevented from rotating beyond its weight biased locking condition by a stop pin.

Abstract: A hinge for removably attaching a cover member to a container member. The hinge includes a first plate affixable to one of the members and a second plate affixable to the other of the members. A first tubular socket is formed integrally with the first plate and a second tubular socket is formed integrally with the second plate. The first and second tubular sockets are aligned when the first and second plates are affixed in alignment to the container and cover members. A J-shaped rod is formed with a longer leg and a shorter leg joined by a integral bail. A cap is formed on the end of the longer leg which is located away from the bail. The J-shaped rod is mounted on the first plate with its longer leg extending through the first tubular socket. A coil spring telescopes over a portion of the longer leg of the J-shaped rod with the spring engaging the first tubular socket and the cap to bias the bail against the opposite side of the first tubular socket and to seat the shorter leg in the second tubular socket.

Abstract: A removable hinge assembly for pivotally securing a lid to the rim of a receptacle opening has a first hinge member for securing to a lid and a second hinge member with at least one U-shaped spring clip for releasable snap engagement over the rim of the opening with an inner leg positioned on the inside of the receptacle and an outer leg positioned on the outside of the receptacle. A hinge joint pivotally connects the outer leg to the first hinge member.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a lid disposed rotatably on an opening of a box body selectively in two directions includes a pair of operating members independently movably supported one each at opposite ends of the lid, a spring member having a pair of rotary shafts disposed on an inner side of the lid so as to advance or retreat under the influence of resilient pressure of the spring member, two pairs of storage mouths formed in the edge of the opening of the box body at four corner portions thereof, two pairs of lock members pivotally supported inside the storage mouths for detachably supporting the rotary shafts above the storage mouths, and two pairs of rotary gear mechanisms attached to the lock members so that each pair of rotary gear mechanisms are interconnected to each other and the two pairs of rotary gear mechanisms are interlocked with each other.

Abstract: A switching device includes operating members independently movably supported at opposite sides of a lid, a spring having a pair of rotary shaft parts disposed on the inner side of the lid so as to advance or retreat under the influence of the resilient pressure of the spring, and lock members disposed on opposite sides of an opening of a box body so as to detachably fasten the rotary shaft parts thereto. The rotary shaft parts are connected to the operating members so as to urge the operating members outwardly away from each other by virtue of the resilient pressure of the spring and are removed from the lock members by depressing motion the operating members. Owing to the construction, the lid is ensured to produce an infallible shut state on the box body by bringing the rotary shaft parts into engagement with the lock members due to the resilient pressure of the spring.

Abstract: A door hinge arrangement for various home appliances such as a refrigerator, which permits opening of the door alternatively at either sie. The arrangement includes couples of hinge plates, receiving plates and locking pins engaged with the hinge plates, a connecting lever operationally connecting the locking pins to each other, and a pair of torsional springs for transmitting the movement of the locking pins to the connecting lever along guide grooves formed on the receiving plates. In this arrangement, the overall structure is simplified and opening of the door is carried out smoothly, as the hinge plates are connected directly to the connecting lever by the locking pins and the springs.

Abstract: A releasable double-hinge device for an automobile console box that makes the box lid capable of being opened from either lateral side by simply sliding it sideways. The opened lid can be closed by a simple action of pushing it down. A number of pivotal pillars 3, each provided with a lock shaft 3b, are pivotally arranged on respective anchor pins 3d and kept upright along each of the lateral edges of the box main body 1 by means of respective recoil springs 4. A same number of lock sections 2a are arranged along and under each of the lateral edges of the box lid 2 in such a manner that the lock shafts of the pivotal pillars are received in respective slots 2b of the lock sections 2a to form a hinge.

Abstract: A computer including a keyboard portion and a display portion is interconnected in a manner which provides dual positions operational. In one position the keyboard portion may be horizontally positioned to facilitate the entry of data via the keyboard. In the other position, the display portion may be horizontally positioned to facilitate the entry of data or graphic designs via the interaction of a graphics pen over the display. Advantageously, the interconnection mechanism which provides the two positions maintains the readability of the display and the keyboard portions in either of the two positions.

Abstract: A hinge and connection assembly kit is used in combination with an open vehicle box covered by a cap or topper and having a pair of opposed parallel sidewalls, each with a channel rail along the interior of the upper edge of the sidewall. The vehicle cap for covering the open vehicle box also has a pair of opposed parallel sidewalls, each of which has a base rail along its lower margin for resting on the channel rails of the vehicle box. The kit comprises a plurality of hinge connection assemblies connected between the channel rails of the box sidewalls and the adjacent base rails of the cap sidewalls. Each hinge/connection assembly grasps the channel rail of a box sidewall. A lower hinge plate is connected to the channel grasping structure and has a first, downwardly concave hinge channel at its outer edge. A corresponding upper hinge plate is connected to a cap base rail above the lower hinge plate.

Abstract: A device (36) capable of functioning both as a latch and a hinge is disclosed. The device (36) includes a latch section (16) mounted on the housing (12) of an enclosure (10) and includes a groove (88) and a movable latch member (40) extending over the groove (88). The device (36) further includes a hinge section (30) mounted on the cover (14) and includes a rod (32) which is received in the groove (88) and rotatably retained therein by the latch member (40).

Abstract: Jointed fitting for a swing door, window or the like, designed in metal or plastic material and the movable frame whereof is partially overlapping the fixed frame, consisting of an angular support and of a compass bearing. The latter are embodied in a symmetric manner in relation to a median horizontal plane, allowing for their reversibility in view of being used either right or left of the movable frame, with this angular support and this compass bearing comprising, furthermore, means designed for fillister and applied fastening to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A collar of metal, plastic material, or any other suitable materials, for fastening pipes, rods, and the like, to walls in general, constituted by an arcuate half-clamp, which can be fastened onto the wall by means of a stud or the like, and by an arcuate half-clamp, opposite to the first one, and constrained to this latter, on one side, by means of open-hinge hooking means, and, on the diametrically opposite side, by means of a tighening bolt.

Abstract: A slot-loading apparatus for a playback and/or recording device comprising a front panel having a slot defining a path for inserting and ejecting a record element and a door operated responsive to the insertion and ejection of the element. The angle and height of insertion are independently controlled by providing a door unit having a curved section facing a curved portion of the slot in the front panel. The movement of the door relative to the slot can be effectively utilized to provide light indicators for the apparatus.

Abstract: A pinball machine has an upper display cabinet pivotally movable with respect to a lower playfield cabinet between an upright use position spaced well above the lower cabinet with the rear walls of the upper and lower cabinets substantially coplanar and a forwardly folded-down position closely overlying the lower cabinet. The upper cabinet is supported on a support assembly which includes upper and lower pairs of support posts, respectively mounted inside the upper and lower cabinets on the rear walls thereof, with each post having a forwardly projecting pivot portion, the upper and lower pivot portions being pivotally interconnected at their forward ends. The lower posts project well above the lower cabinet, and the pivot portions and the pivot pin are all disposed entirely within the upper cabinet. The upper cabinet is supported by the support assembly in both its upright and folded positions and, in its upright position permits a clear view of the entire playfield by a user.

Abstract: A reversible latching hinge for the roof of a container such as a railway car which is adapted to be inverted to a discharging position. The latching hinge allows the roof to pivot away automatically from the opening of the container during inversion. The reversible latching hinge is designed so as to minimize or eliminate undesirable impact loading that may arise from lateral displacement of the roof during inversion. The construction includes flanges extending laterally outward from the roof and terminating in ears which extend toward latch bars mounted to the container. Contact between the ears and the latch bars forms a pivot point for the roof. The construction also includes freely pivoting hooks which, on the upper side of the roof engage the latch bars to prevent the roof from falling off of the container. The hooks on the lower side disengage from the latch bars by gravity to permit the roof to swing outwardly during inversion.

Abstract: Arrangement for cabinet with a door which can be opened at either of two opposing edges. At each of the opposing edges the door is hingedly connected with a side flap which when opened permits access to material stored in the cabinet. Each side flap is capable of being locked to the cabinet by means of two locking devices. When an arbitrary pair of locking devices is unlocked the door together with one side flap can be swung outwards from the cabinet.

Abstract: A hingeless ventilator having a frame attachable to a wall of a compartment about an opening therein, a closure member swingable against a side of the frame for opening and closing the opening, guide members fixed to and instanding from an opposite side of the frame beyond opposite ends of the wall opening, and arms fixed to the closure member adjacent opposite ends thereof and instanding therefrom through the wall opening and a screen plate integral with the frame and screening the opening, in which the arms mount on oppositely projecting stub axles a pair of rollers each riding on a guide surface of the adjoining guide member and having for engaging that surface an elastomeric collar, and compression of the collars of the pair of rollers against the guide surfaces provides through the arms of the closure member the tensile force for holding the closure member against and in any selected position relative to the frame when swung to that position by a handle connecting and reinforcing the end portions of the