Abstract: An example furniture hinge includes a saddle supporting the damping cylinder that engages a first mounting edge of the supporting arm from behind. A locking element supported movably on the saddle has a laterally protruding mounting lug, which in a locking position engages a second mounting edge of the supporting arm from behind. The second mounting edge is oriented counter to the first mounting edge.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body, two pivot shafts, a cover rotatably connected to the main body via the pivot shafts, and two supporting members extending from a side of the cover and connected to the main body. Each supporting member has a supporting surface. A distance between the supporting surface and an axis of the pivot shaft is larger than a distance between a bottom surface of the main body and the axis of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member defining a through hole, a sleeve member fixed to the second connecting member, a shaft movably mounted to the first connecting member, and a fastener. The sleeve member defines a spiral slide groove therein. A clamping protrusion extends from the first connecting member for slidably engaging in the slide groove. The shaft includes a fixing portion rotatably passed through the sleeve member and the through hole. The fastener is fixed to a distal end of the fixing portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid hinge. The hybrid hinges 7, 8 are used for rotatably adjoining segments S1, S2, S1 of a suitable electronic apparatus. The hybrid hinge 7, 8 comprise respective rigid hinges 2, 4 arranged to rotate the segments S1, S2, respectively S2, S1? about respective shafts 2, 4. The hybrid hinges further comprise respective elastic hinges having respective portions 3a, 3b, 3c and 5a, 5b, 5c. Preferably, a central portion 3b, 5b of the elastic hinges is arranged to coincide with the shaft 2a, 4a. More preferably, the elastic hinges are arranged to seal an interface between the segments S1, S2 and S2, S1? in the area of the rigid hinge. The invention further relates to an electronic device comprising the hybrid hinge.

Abstract: A multi-staged hinge assembly and a portable electrical device comprising the multi-staged hinge assembly are provided. The multi-staged hinge assembly utilizes a spindle with a non-circular cross-section and the relative movement resulting from the movable components disposed on the spindle, such that one of the body portions of the portable electrical device automatically tilts in an angle after the body portions slides with each other. The user could further adjust the angle to meet various use conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame, a door and a compliant hinge mechanism hingably mounting the door to the frame, the compliant hinge mechanism including a resistance configured to provide a preload to balance the door in a first open position and an increasing force resisting further opening of the door when the preload is overcome and the door is opened past the first open position.

Abstract: A swing hinge apparatus of a cellular phone according to the present invention includes: a plurality of first and second lower magnets having polarities different from each other; a lower casing, the first and second lower magnets being respectively inserted into one surface of the lower casing; a plurality of first and second upper magnets having the same polarities as the first and second lower magnets respectively; and a rotating plate provided over the lower casing, where the first and second upper magnets are respectively inserted into one surface thereof facing the lower casing.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge positioning structure (20) includes a base (22), a pivot shaft (24) engaged in the base, a pivot shaft gripper (264), and a resilient member (266). The pivot shaft is rotatably engaged in the base. The pivot shaft gripper is sleeved on the pivot shaft. An end of the pivot shaft gripper is engaged with the base so that part of the pivot shaft gripper is fixed to the base. Two ends of the resilient member are connected to the base and another end of the pivot shaft gripper, respectively. The resilient member applies a force on the pivot shaft gripper so that the pivot shaft gripper tightly grips on the pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft gripper is relaxed by an external force for allowing the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the base. The present invention further provides a hinge positioning unit (26).

Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hinge device for a cellular phone, which has no device housing and thus, can achieve a greater slimness of the cellular phone and reduce the generation of a noise during a sliding operation of a slide body included in the cellular phone. The hinge device includes a first push rod connected to a main body of the cellular phone and having a pin and a pin hole, and a second push rod connected to a slide body of the cellular phone and having a pin and a pin hole. The pin of the first push rod is penetrated through the pin hole of the second push rod, and the pin of the second push rod is penetrated through the pin hole of the first push rod. A spring is provided around each pin.

Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has a cam wing, a sleeve, a rotating shaft and a pin. The rotating shaft is mounted slidably in the sleeve. The pin is mounted slidably and transversely through the sleeve, is attached securely to the rotating shaft and slides along the outer edge of the cam wing. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the pin slide at part of the cam wing having larger diameter to gradually lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid.

Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid.

Abstract: A glove box hinge mechanism may include a plurality of linkages pivotally attaching a glove box to a vehicle dashboard structure. The linkages may be configured to pivot and translate the glove box upwards and outwards, limiting downward travel of the glove box. At least one torque tube may extend between the plurality of linkages to coordinate movement of the linkages. The torque tube may rotate with the plurality of linkages. A striker may be affixed to the torque tube so that the striker rotates towards a latch when the glove box is closed and so that the striker rotates to provide unobstructed access to the glove box in the open position.

Abstract: A hinge (1) for a door opening over a horizontal axis, of the type comprising first and second supports (2, 3) that can be fixed to a compartment structure and to a door, at least rotatably constrained to each other through a pin (10). The hinge (1) comprises a fluidic cylinder-piston damper (9) of the type with internal flow leakage of the fluid contained therein. The damper (9) has a piston (18, 19) with a through-hole (20). The piston (18, 19) can have an appendix (19) that non-sealingly engages a chamber (17) when the door is closed, to increase the dampening. The hinge (1) has elastic means (7) such as a spring, to counteract the falling movement of the door when it is opened. The hinge (1) can be of the cam type, with a cam (4) and an abutment (5).

Abstract: A hinge includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a shaft. The second connecting member includes a sleeve. An elastic positioning tab extends from the second connecting member and neighbors the sleeve. The shaft includes a fixing portion fixed to the first connecting member, and a fixing rod rotatably passed through the sleeve. A positioning surface is defined in the shaft for resisting against the positioning tab. A collapsible device utilizing the hinge is disclosed.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a tube, an acting member, a friction member, a rotating shaft, and a resilient member. The tube is rotatably sleeved on the shaft. The shaft defines at least one receiving hole. The friction member is positioned in the receiving hole. The rotating shaft extends through the acting member and the shaft to connect the acting member to the shaft rotatably. The resilient member causes the friction member to resist the tube and the acting member. A foldable electronic device applying the hinge assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A hinge device is used in an office machine including a main body and an upper cover. The hinge device includes a base, a rotating shaft and an elastic structure. The base includes a connecting part and a shaft sleeve part. The connecting part is fixed on the main body. The shaft sleeve part has a channel and a baffle. The baffle is arranged at an external surface of the shaft sleeve part. The rotating shaft is penetrated through the channel. The elastic structure includes a fixing part and a bending part. The bending part is correspondingly moved on the external surface of the shaft sleeve part during a process of opening or closing the upper cover. When the bending part is sustained against the baffle, the upper cover is positioned in an open status to define an included angle between the upper cover and the main body.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body, a cover, and two support legs. The main body defines two receiving portions. The cover is rotatably connected to the main body. Two resisting portions are formed on the cover. The support legs are rotatably received in the receiving portions of the main body respectively. When the cover rotates relative to the main body, the resisting portions resist the support legs to rotate, thus driving the support legs protruding out from the main body.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably coupling a cover section and a body section comprise a first coupling element, a second coupling element including a first latching block and a second latching block spaced from the first latching block, the first latching block and the second latching block being configured for latching with the cover section, and an elastic element. One end of an elastic element is fixed to the first coupling element, another end of the elastic element is fixed to the second coupling element.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a cam, a follower, and an resilient member. The cam, the follower, and the resilient member are mounted with the shaft in turn. One end of the cam has a first outer cam portion and a first inner cam portion. One end of the follower has a second outer cam portion and a second inner cam portion respectively engaging with the first outer and inner cam portions. The resilient member is contained in such a manner that the cam portions of the follower resist the cam portions of the cam due to the decompression of the resilient member, and when the follower is manually rotated relative to the cam about a small original angle, the follower is automatically rotated relative to the cam due to the decompression of the resilient member.

Abstract: A multi-link hinge for a door includes a fastening element that is securable to a furniture body. A pivotable door bearing is movable with respect to the fastening element. The pivotable door bearing defines an opened position, a closed position, and a pivot range between the opened position and the closed position. Several levers are connected to one another in a scissored arrangement. The levers connect the fastening element to the pivotable door bearing. A spring is operably disposed between the fastening element and the pivotable door bearing. The spring is pre-tensioned to bias the pivotable door bearing into the closed position. A linear damper is operably disposed between the fastening element and the pivotable door bearing. The linear damper dampens a closing movement of the door bearing. The multi-link hinge may be employed to prevent slamming of refrigerator doors, for example.

Abstract: A support stand for a flat-panel display monitor includes a rotatable bracket, a hinge assembly, a base member, a first link bracket, and a second link bracket. The first and second link brackets are rotatably assembled between the rotatable bracket and the support member via the hinge assembly. The rotatable bracket defines a pivot hole, and a guiding notch communicating with the pivot hole. The hinge assembly includes a pivotal shaft, and a positioning washer sleeved on the pivotal shaft. The pivotal shaft is engaged in the pivot hole of the rotatable bracket from the guiding notch. The positioning washer is fixed on the rotatable bracket to prevent the pivotal shaft from disengaging from the pivot hole.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus and a method of biasing a hinge are disclosed having a hinge body, at least one end block attached to the hinge body and pivotal therewith around an axis, and a biasing component attached to the hinge body to selectively influence the resting angle of the hinge body with respect to the first end block.

Abstract: A hinge includes a positioning member, and a first rotational assembly rotatably mounted to the positioning member. The first rotational assembly comprises a first shaft rotatably mounted to the positioning member, an interference member, a resilient member fixed to the first shaft, and a securing member fixed to the first shaft. The interference member is fixed to the first shaft, and slide relative to the positioning member to engage with or disengage from the positioning member. The resilient member comprises an aseismatic block and a spring clamping a circumference of the aseismatic block. The resilient member is sandwiched between the interference member and the securing member, and the interference member abuts against the aseismatic block.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main portion, a display portion and a hinge module. The display portion is pivotally connected with the main portion by the hinge module. A first hinge member has one end secured to the main portion. A second hinge member has one end, pivotally connected with the other end of the first hinge member, and the other end secured to the display portion, wherein the second hinge member comprises a guide slot. A resilient member is disposed around the other end of the first hinge member. The resilient member includes a fastening end and an actuation end. The fastening end is secured to the first hinge member. The actuation end is disposed within the guide slot of the second hinge member. The guide slot is operable to drive the actuation end so as to deform the resilient member.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a first housing (12) having a first face (14) and a second housing (11) having a first face (13), the apparatus comprising a hinge (15) arranged towards the edge of the first faces to allow the first faces to be folded towards and away from one another between respective closed and open configurations of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a biasing mechanism (17) arranged to bias the apparatus between the open and closed configurations, the biasing mechanism comprised with the first and/or second housings and not with the hinge.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus to facilitate equipment position adjustment is disclosed. One embodiment of a system includes, a hinge apparatus having a through-hole, a rotate-able portion and a body portion. The system further includes, equipment having a first portion coupled to the rotate-able portion of the hinge apparatus, a second portion coupled to the body portion of the hinge apparatus, and an electrical wire that facilitates function of the equipment. The electrical wire is disposed in the hinge extending through the through-hole. The hinge apparatus is operatively configured such that the electrical wire remains intact during when the rotate-able portion of the hinge rotates.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a rotatable leaf rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, a fixing leaf non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, a first magnet fixed to the rotatable leaf, a second magnet fixed to the fixing leaf, and a fixing member. A polarity of the second magnet faces an opposite polarity of the first magnet in a predetermined position such that the first and second magnets experience attraction. The attraction is changeable when the rotatable leaf is rotated relative to the fixing leaf. The fixing member is fixed at an end of pivot shaft to prevent the rotatable leaf and the fixing leaf from detaching from the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a follower and an elastic element. The shaft forms a projection. The follower defines a through hole and forming an inner peripheral wall surrounding the through hole. A threaded portion is formed on the inner peripheral wall, and the projection engages with the threaded portion of the follower. The elastic element provides an axial force to push the follower rotatable about and simultaneously longitudinally movable along the shaft.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft, a rotatable stand, a fixed stand, an elastic member, and a retaining ring. The rotatable stand is non-rotatably connected to the rotatable shaft. The fixed stand and an elastic member are connected to the rotatable shaft. A flange is formed on a proximal end of the rotatable shaft, and a positioning groove is defined in a distal end of the rotatable shaft. The rotatable stand, the fixed stand and the elastic member are positioned between the flange and the positioning groove of the rotatable shaft. The retaining ring engages in the positioning groove of the rotatable shaft, thereby producing an elastic force along the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: The object of the invention resolves the issue of the construction of hinge for movable fixing of elements of motor vehicle interior, such as armrest, foldable shelf, or foldable table. The hinge (2) according to the invention has got the body (3) and the lid (4) connected with it forming space, inside of which, a slider-crank system is placed. The role of the crank is fulfilled by the element of vehicle interior (1), which is fixed by means of the mentioned hinge (2). The role of the slider is performed by the protrusion (6) placed at the end of lever (5), which through its other end is connected by articulation with the crank, i.e. the element of vehicle interior (1) where the point of connection of the lever (5) with the element of vehicle interior (1) is away from its axis of rotation by the distance (s).

Abstract: A hinge for wings or doors, in particular of electrical appliances, having a first element, a second element and a rocker lever for connecting the first and second elements; the lever pivots on the second element and has a first arm integral with the first element to render the first and second elements movable relative to one another with a tilting action between a closed position and an open position; the second element consisting of a substantially box-shaped body containing both elastic parts, inserted between the second element and a second arm of the lever to apply an elastic action on the lever, and a damping device, for applying a damping action on the lever during the reciprocal motion of the first and second elements, when the closed position is almost reached.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a frame having a protrusion, a support, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly rotatably connects the frame and the support. The hinge assembly includes an elastic member providing a force pulling the frame and the support to move towards each other. The protrusion of the frame and the support cooperatively support the electronic device on a surface.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for interconnecting a cover and a main body of a foldable electronic device, includes a sleeve, a shaft unit, an elastic member and an engaging body. The sleeve has two opposite gaps formed in the interior wall thereof, the shaft unit includes a shaft portion and an end portion formed at an end of the shaft portion, the shaft portion defines a slot therein, the elastic member includes a central wall and two opposite flanges. The shaft unit, the elastic member and the engaging body are mounted into the sleeve, the slot receives the central wall and the two flanges extends into the two gaps correspondingly, the shaft portion is fixed with the engaging body, the elastic member urges the shaft unit return to original position when the shaft unit rotates relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A hinge according to the present invention includes: a housing; a shaft received in the inside of the housing; a guide member linearly moving along the shaft; and a first elastic member compressed and expanded along the movement of the guide member, wherein any one of the guide member and the housing is formed with a track groove and the other is formed with a guide projection moving the track groove and, the track groove is formed to move the guide projection to different paths according to a forward rotation and a reverse rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a first body, a second body having a display unit and arranged to overlap the first body in a closed state, and a hinge module connecting the second body to the first body such that the second body is rotatable around a first axis generally perpendicular to the first body. The hinge module being configured to allow a portion of the second body to be elevated so as to be slantingly arranged with respect to the first body in an open state.

Abstract: A hinge includes a shaft including a post, a first interfering member, a second interfering member, a bracket, two washers mounted on the post, a resilient assembly located on the post, and a fastener engaging with the post and exerting force against the washers and the resilient assembly. The first interfering member includes a sleeve portion the opposite ends of which define two openings, and a bottom plate covering one of the openings. The bottom plate defines a through hole through which the post extends. A first depressed portion is formed from the inner surface of the bottom plate. The second interfering member defines a through hole fitting about the post. A first raised portion is formed from one side of the second interfering member engaging with the first depressed portion. The bracket includes a flange defining a hole fitting about the post.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for deploying a vehicle pedestrian protection system is provided, including a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a biasing mechanism. The hinge mechanism also includes a closed position and an open position, where at least a portion of the first hinge element and at least a portion of the second hinge element separate from one another when the hinge mechanism is urged from the closed position to the open position. The biasing mechanism exerts a biasing force. A first biasing position is defined where the biasing force is exerted at the first and second hinge elements for retaining the hinge mechanism in the closed position. A second biasing position is defined where the hinge mechanism is in the open position.

Abstract: A trunk hinge apparatus having a pop-up function includes a hinge bracket mounted to an inner panel, a trunk hinge arm hinged to the hinge bracket, an elastic spring secured to the hinge bracket, a pop-up lever hinged at a first end thereof to the hinge bracket, and elastically biased at a second end thereof by the elastic spring, and a pressure unit mounted to the trunk hinge arm to come into close contact with the pop-up lever. When the spring moves the pop-up lever, the additional arm slides along the pop-up lever, moving the trunk hinge arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge arrangement, in particular for a tailgate of a motor vehicle, having a first hinge part, in particular firmly connected to the body, which is knuckle-jointed with a second hinge part, and having an energy accumulator, the force application points of which are positioned in relation to both hinge parts in such a way that the force released upon its discharge supports the rotation of the two hinge parts around the hinge axis from a first rotation position, which corresponds in particular to a closed position of the tailgate, to a second rotation position, which corresponds in particular to the open position of the tailgate. To obtain useful improvements, a transposition device is proposed for transposing at least one force application point in one of the two rotation positions, so that after a transposition onto the hinge parts a force acts in the opposite rotation direction.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus having an automatic return function for building materials is provided, in which a return spring is removed to thereby offer a closing force of each door with only a torsion spring. The hinge apparatus includes an upper body; a lower body; a shaft whose lower end portion is rotatably installed in the lower body; a piston whose outer circumference is slidably installed along the inner surface of the lower body”, a rotational/linear motion converter which converts a rotational motion of the shaft into an axial linear motion of the piston according to rotation of the door; a damping unit which provides a damping function selectively where the piston ascends according to return of the door; a torsion spring which rotates the shaft in the direction returning the door at the closing time; and a clutch unit for stopping an increment of an elastic force due to reverse twisting of the spring where an opening angle reaches a clutch stop start angle, or for restoring the elastic force of the spring.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a sleeve (20), a main shaft (10), a follower (30) and an elastic member (40). The sleeve integrally forms an engaging portion (26). The main shaft passes through the sleeve. The follower has a cam surface (322), and is slidably placed around the main shaft and is received in the sleeve. The cam surface engages with the engaging portion. The elastic member provides an elastic force to bias the cam surface against the engaging portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a hinge for a clamshell-type wireless communication device or other electronic device. In one embodiment, the communication device includes a base portion and a flip portion. A hinge mechanism movably couples the flip portion to the base portion so that the flip portion may pivot between a closed position and an open position. The hinge mechanism comprises first and second hinge parts, an indexing pin, and a spring. The indexing pin is rotatable relative to the first hinge part about a pivot axis. Additionally, the indexing pin is movable axially along the pivot axis. The second hinge part is non-rotatably engaged with the indexing pin and is rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the first hinge part between closed and open positions. The spring applies both an axial force and a rotational force to the indexing pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism (10) for opening and closing an appliance, said mechanism comprising at least one first (15) and a second (16) base part which are arranged so as to move relative to one another around a common axis of rotation (D, d) and can be put into a first and a second end position, where the path of motion of the base parts, which is situated between the two positions, is covered automatically by means of a spring tension which is exerted by a spring element (17) and which is initially set up manually, one end of the spring element being fixed on a first base part and the other end being fixed on a second base part. It is an object of the invention to provide a relatively simple and relatively small-construction mechanism for opening and closing an appliance.

Abstract: A hinge includes a hinge assembly and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a stationary housing defining a cavity. A damper body rotatablely installed in the cavity has a head protruding to form a cylindrical guiding portion and a pushing portion defining two side ends apart from each other. At least one of the side ends has a step-shaped profile to make the width of the pushing portion between the side ends nonuniform, and rotatable sheets and stationary sheets are received in the cavity and alternately disposed on the guiding portion and the pushing portion. The stationary sheets are fixed to the stationary housing. Each of the rotatable sheets protrudes inwardly to form a retaining portion. The side ends of the pushing portion alternately contact the retaining portions and contact the retaining portions at intervals when the elastic force of the hinge assembly is released to drive the damper body rotating. Damper resin is filled between the adjacent stationary sheets and rotatable sheets.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) is provided for joining a flip cover (204) to a main body (202) of a foldable electronic device. A hinge assembly includes a hinge shaft (10), a follower (12), and a cam (20). The follower has an outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion has opposite two ends. The cam has a cam hole (22) closely receiving the follower therein. Then cam has an inner peripheral portion movably contacting the outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion is in the form of a screw formed by a cross-section of the follower rotated from one end to the other. The inner peripheral potion is rifled to receive the follower.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (10) includes a shaft (12) and a follower (16), wherein one of the shaft and the follower defines a thread (122), the other of the shaft and the follower includes at least one resisting portion (166). The thread is separately formed from one of the shaft and the follower with the thread and the shaft and the follower slide and rotate relative to each other. Since the thread is separately formed therewith, the thread may be formed by injection mold. This manufacture method is easy. In addition, the thread may be made of wear resistant material. The thread is not easy to be abraded, thereby the work being stable.

Abstract: A bar chime apparatus has a mantle with one or more pivot mechanisms that connect two or more bar segments. The one or more pivot mechanisms have two or more slots. The two or more bar segments can be folded and secured in the two or more slots. Two or more bar chimes are suspended from the mantle.

Abstract: A swing hinge module having a simple structure and a movable body that swings, as well as a portable terminal having the same, are disclosed. The swing hinge module is installed between a fixed body and a movable body of the portable terminal to swing the movable body about a rotation shaft to be open from the fixed body. The swing hinge module includes a fixed plate coupled to the fixed body and having a first arc-shaped guide hole formed near the rotation shaft; and an elastic unit having a first end swingably coupled to the movable body and a second end, which is opposite the first end, movably coupled to the first guide hole to provide an elastic force to the movable body.

Abstract: A variable friction hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device and has a pintle, a stationary leaf and a washer assembly. The pintle is connected to the cover. The stationary leaf is connected to the base and has an activating panel with an activating edge. The washer assembly has a movable washer, an abrasion washer and a biasing member. The movable washer selectively abuts the activating edge of the activating panel and has an elongated hole slidably mounted securely around the pintle. The movable and the abrasion washers have teeth corresponding to and selectively engaging each other, causing less friction when engaged and more friction when disengaged. When rotated the movable washer selectively disengages the teeth causing the hinge to have greater friction when being rotated one way than the other.