Resiliently Biased Hinge Patents (Class 16/277)
  • Publication number: 20090133217
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a hinge and a damper and defines an axis direction. The damper includes a fixing housing defining an accepting hole therethrough along the axis direction, a rotating nut accepted in the accepting hole and defining an axis hole therethrough, a damping body accepted in the accepting hole and passing through the axis hole, two gaskets located over and under the rotating nut respectively, and a pushing body capable of pushing the damping body to rotate. Two rotating grooves are opened in a sidewall of the axis hole and extending helically along axis direction. Two sliding blocks are arranged on an outer surface of the damping body and extending helically along the axis direction, the sliding block engaging with the rotating groove. Damping oil is filled between the gaskets, the fixing housing and the damping body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20090134286
    Abstract: The present disclose a support structure with torque transfer function, comprising a link member, whose bottom and top portions have an upper end and a lower end, respectively; a pair of main supports oppositely and perpendicularly disposed at the surface of the base member and are pivoted to the lower end of the link member through an intermediate hinges, such that the link member is rotatably pivoted between the two main brackets; a base member having a pair of oppositely and perpendicularly arranged auxiliary brackets disposed at one side of the pair of main brackets, a base hinge pivoted between the pair of main brackets and the pair of auxiliary brackets, and a base hinge socketingly connected to a resilient support and disposed between the main brackets and the auxiliary brackets, respectively, having one end passing through the auxiliary bracket and socketingly connected to a linkage part and the other end passing the main bracket; and a torque transfer device having upper and lower rotation parts pivo
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Yung-Ta LEE, Yu-Tsun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090106938
    Abstract: A hinge device for a console box includes a body arm 21 fixed to a console body; a shaft on the body arm; a lid arm attached to a console lid and pivotally supported on the shaft; and elastic members windingly provided on the shaft and one end of which is fixed to the body arm and the other end is fixed to the lid arm. The lid arm is pivotally supported on the shaft so as to be turned around from which the console lid closes the console body so that the console body is openable. The elastic members consist of a first torsion coil spring that urges the lid arm in a closed state in the opening direction and a second torsion coil spring that urges the turned-around lid arm in the closing direction. Thereby, the console lid that closes the console body is urged in the opening direction and also the turned-around console lid is urged in the closing direction without remarkably decreasing the service life of the hinge device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Mori
  • Publication number: 20090100640
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for use with a notebook computer includes hinge a pintle, a pivoting device, and a friction-providing device. The pivoting device is pivotally installed on the pintle and includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member and a sleeve. The first supporting member includes a connecting portion and a pivotal portion into which the pintle inserts. The second supporting member is mounted to the first supporting member and includes a pivotal arm parallel to the pivotal portion. The sleeve is disposed between the pivotal portion and the pivotal arm and the pintle is receivable in the sleeve. The friction-providing device is disposed in the sleeve and intermediate between the pintle and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Jr-Jiun Chern
  • Publication number: 20090070959
    Abstract: There is provided a sturdy yet compact pivot hinge assembly using a preset spring and plunger assembly comprising a spring between a plunger and a spring plate, on each side of an axis, which provides, on the axis, a detent force that maintains the door closed when the door is closed and a restoring force closing the door when the door is part way open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Giuseppe BALENZANO
  • Publication number: 20080276423
    Abstract: A dual swing hinge structure includes two fixed base frames each having a receiving groove and a pivot hole extending across the receiving groove, a first bracket, which has two coupling arms respectively inserted into the receiving grooves of the base frame and pivotally coupled to the pivot holes of the base frames with pivot pins and a mounting plate fastened to a first movable member, a second bracket, which has two coupling arms respectively pivotally coupled to the pivot pins that pivotally secure the first bracket to the base frames and a mounting plate fastened to a second movable member, and two first retaining members and two second retaining members respectively affixed to the coupling arms of the first bracket and the coupling arms, of the second bracket and respectively coupled to the pivot pins for imparting a different torque force to the pivot pins such that the first bracket is immovable when the second bracket is biased relative to the base frames, and the second bracket is moved with the fi
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Chen Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 7444715
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a fixed member (20), two rolling elements (40), an elastic member (60), a rotational member (50) and a shaft (30). The fixed member has a flange (201) and a stop portion (202) thereof. Two first hollows (2022) are defined in the end part of the flange. Each rolling element has two rolling portions (402, 403). The rotational member includes a main portion (51) defined two hemisphere second hollows (511), and a middle portion (53) defining two receiving chambers (531) therein for receiving the rolling bodies. The first and second rolling portions of each rolling element are respectively received in the first hollow and the second hollow. The shaft extends through the fixed member, the elastic member and the rotational member. One end of the elastic member resists the rotational member and the other end of the elastic member is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Ying-Liang Tu, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7446814
    Abstract: A camera lens housing in a mobile communication terminal adapted to provide an easy control to rotation of a lens housing as well as remove noises generated upon rotation of the lens housing. The camera lens assembly utilizes a set of bearings for supporting the rotation of the lens housing rotatably coupled into the mobile terminal, which provides significant noise reduction upon rotation of the lens housing. The control of rotation in the bearing using a plate spring provide more efficient and smooth adjustment in setting the desired direction of photographing of the lens housing, and it makes it possible to keep the fixing state of the lens housing more stable during photographing using the mobile phone with a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tae-Jin Yoon
  • Publication number: 20080263823
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is used to pivotally attach a cover to a base of an electronic device and has a stationary leaf, at least one barrel and a pintle assembly. The stationary leaf has an upper end and barrel housing. The barrel housing has a slot and two keyways. Each barrel is mounted in the barrel housing and has a neck and two keys. The neck has two sides. The two keys are formed respectively on the two sides of the neck and are mounted respectively in the keyways. The pintle assembly is mounted through the bushing of the at least one barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Chung-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 7434295
    Abstract: A spring hinge using clutch structure for eyeglasses of the invention includes a hinge bracket, a end-meshing element, a central-meshing element; a hinge cannula, a resilient element received in the hole of the central-meshing element; a fixing element; and a slide bush. The present invention uses the clutch structure to retain engagement by the pressure of a spring to achieve an easy and smooth operation during the motion of opening or closing the eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Shouye Niu
  • Publication number: 20080238276
    Abstract: A hinge assembly (1) is described for the articulated connection of a vertically opening panel (2) to a furniture element (3) between a closing position and an opening position in which the panel (2) is at least partially lifted with respect to the hinge assembly (1) and to the furniture element (3). More specifically, the hinge assembly (1) comprises: —a supporting base (6); —a lifting lever (7) operatively connected to the panel (2) and hinged to the supporting base (6) about a pivoting axis (P1-P1) between the closing and opening positions of the panel (2); —a balancing device (10) acting on the lifting lever (7) to at least partially counterbalance the weight of the panel (2) during rotation of the lever (7) about the pivoting axis (P1-P1). According to the invention, in the mounting position of the hinge assembly (1) the pivoting axis (P1-P1) of the lifting lever (7) and the balancing device (10) are positioned above an upper surface (4a) of the furniture element (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Publication number: 20080201903
    Abstract: A counterbalance hinge (20, 20?) for a vehicle closure includes a pivot and counterbalance assembly (44) having a cam (46) and a spindle (50) with a helical threaded connection biased by a spring (56,56?) that provides closure counterbalancing. In one embodiment the spring (56) is of the helical tension type and another embodiment has the spring (56?) of the helical compression type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Anderson-Cook, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Sovis
  • Publication number: 20080184624
    Abstract: A rotating door mechanism includes: a front door member having a door panel part having a nearly cylindrical side surface which is opened and closed on a side surface of a cabinet; a base member; and a rotating member, wherein the rotating member is rotatably mounted on the base member, the front door member is movably mounted on the rotating member from a direction of the door front side to a depth direction while the front door member is energized to the door front side, the base member is formed with a guiding part guiding the movement of the front door member, and the door panel part is slid to rotate the rotating member and the front door member is moved with movements in a front/depth direction and in the rotating direction by the rotating member and the guiding part, whereby the door panel part is opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka OGASAWARA, Hidetoshi Kawabe, Kazuhito Sato
  • Publication number: 20080178427
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for motor vehicle includes a base having two parallelly extended brackets; a supporting arm having a proximal end located between the two brackets and provided with a shaft hole having a diametrically extended stop rib; a pivot shaft extended through the two brackets with a longitudinally slotted end engaged with the stop rib on the supporting arm; a restoring spring located outside one of the two brackets to connect at two ends to the base and the pivot shaft to deform when the pivot shaft is rotated and thereby produces an elastic restoring force; and a damper located outside the other bracket to connect to the slotted end of the pivot shaft and form a resistance to the rotating pivot shaft, so that a saddle or a trunk lid connected to the supporting arm may be pivotally lifted and closed at a moderate speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: STARTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ke-Chien Chen
  • Publication number: 20080172833
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for vertical-movement doors comprises two articulated-quadrilateral hinges each including a first plate designed to be fastened to the furniture flanks, a second plate designed to be fastened to the door and two superposed arms pivotally mounted between the plates to form the quadrilateral connecting-rods. The assembly comprises brackets for removable fastening of the bar ends to the hinges, where the brackets can be alternatively mounted at two different fastening seats present at locations spaced apart from each other, along the upper arm of each hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Publication number: 20080120806
    Abstract: A sliding hinge has an upper casing, a lower casing and a spring. The upper casing is attached to a cover of an electronic appliance. The lower casing is mounted slidably on the upper casing and is attached to a base of the electronic appliance. The spring is flat in cross section and is mounted between and connects pivotally to the upper and lower casings. Because the spring is flat in cross section, the strength of the spring can be increased without increasing the thickness of the spring. Therefore only use one single spring is strong enough to hold the cover and the base of the electronic appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Te-Yang LIU
  • Publication number: 20080109993
    Abstract: A hinge module for an electronic device includes a rotating unit having a rotary shaft, a housing receiving at least a portion of the rotary shaft, and a fixing unit partially inserted into the rotary shaft. A rotation resisting force between the rotary shaft of the rotating unit and the fixing unit partially inserted into the rotary shaft is larger than a rotation resisting force between the housing and the rotary shaft of the rotating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Ji Man Myeong
  • Publication number: 20080098566
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a wobble-resistant hinge structure, comprising a main frame body having a main plate; a first pivotal axle with one end of its axle rod being inserted with the main plate, at least a resilient plate body with a succession of wave or uneven surface, and a support part, and with the free end of the axle rod being capped, wherein the resilient plate body is disposed with at least a pair of flat portions and the support part corresponding to the flat portions s protrudingly to form a pair of support legs, which are held compressingly against the flat portions and are supported by the main plate, such that the application of external force on the resilient plate body will not result in wobbling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Chia Jung Chiang, Haung Wen Lee
  • Publication number: 20080098563
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a spring in a passenger assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes spaced supports and a canister containing a spring connected to the supports on opposite ends of the canister. Protrusions and receiving surfaces are provided on each end of the canister and on the supports for securing a position of the canister relative to the supports and resisting rotational forces exerted against the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Peter A. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20080092334
    Abstract: A hinge has a barrel, a resilient positioning sleeve, a combination leaf-pivot pin and a fastener. The positioning sleeve is mounted rotatably in the barrel and has an inner surface, a stepped expansion slot and at least one flat surface. The expansion slot is formed longitudinally through the positioning sleeve. The flat surface is formed opposite to the expansion slot on the inner surface. The combination leaf-pivot pin has a distal end, a proximal end, a leaf and a pivot pin. The pivot pin protrudes longitudinally from the leaf and has a positioning ring and a connecting shaft. The positioning ring is mounted in the positioning sleeve and has an outer surface and two flat surfaces formed opposite to each other on the outer surface and selectively corresponding to and seating in the flat surface in the positioning ring. The fastener connects to the connecting shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Ko Chung, Jia-Yan Jian
  • Patent number: 7356880
    Abstract: A hinge structure includes a rotatable plate member, a frame member, a spring member that connects the rotatable plate member with the frame member at each of two opposite positions along a rotation axis. The spring member includes a first axial section, a second axial section. An end of the first axial section is connected to the frame member, and an end of the second axial section is connected to the rotatable plate member. The spring member includes a first zigzag section and a second zigzag section formed on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis, each of the first and second zigzag sections including parallel portions which are parallel with each other and with the rotation axis and bent portions each connecting adjacent parallel portions. A predetermined gap between the first and second axial section is smaller than a length of the parallel portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Rogerio Jun Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20080068494
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a first hinge unit having a first hinge shaft rotatably connected to a first electronic unit, a second hinge unit having a second hinge shaft with a hollow to connect a second electronic unit to be rotatable in a predetermined angle to the first hinge shaft, and a signal connecting unit inserted into the hollow of the second hinge unit to electrically connect the first and the second electronic units with each other. The signal connecting unit may be a coaxial cable. With this construction, when the electronic units are rotated in plural directions to each other, the apparatus can prevent damage to the signal connecting unit, which electrically connects the electronic units with each other, and can minimize EMI influence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nam-il KIM
  • Publication number: 20070283532
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: NUOVA STAR S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Vanini
  • Patent number: 7299523
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for joining a cover (5) to a main housing (4) of a foldable radiotelephone includes a rotation assembly (1). The rotation assembly includes a hollow connecting member formed by two casings (13) each having two slots (131), two shafts (12), and an elastic member (11) with two end hooks (111), the elastic member being received in the connecting member. The shafts are received through the hooks and through holes cooperatively formed by the slots, and are engaged in the cover and the main housing. The rotation assembly thus pivotably connects the cover to the main housing. The shafts are slidable along the holes. When the cover is manually opened, the shafts slide and stretch the elastic member. When the cover reaches a predetermined angle, the elastic member rebounds and drives the shafts to slide in opposite directions, whereby the cover is automatically further opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industrial Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventor: Zhi-Gang Zou
  • Patent number: 7240401
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism of an image forming apparatus supporting a platen cover for holding an original at a fixed position on a platen glass includes a hinge unit for supporting the platen cover in such a manner that the platen cover can be opened and closed by swinging it up and down, a compression coil spring for biasing the platen cover in its opening direction, and a hinge holder attached to a housing of the apparatus for accommodating the compression coil spring. The hinge unit is provided with a hinge torque keeping mechanism which causes the compression coil spring to produce a specific amount of hinge torque to bias the platen cover in its opening direction even when the platen cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Tamehira, Yoshiyuki Nishizato, Yasumasa Morimoto, Yoshitaka Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6955133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to keep a safety brace in place on a cover, lid or door and a method of using the same. One aspect of the present invention includes an economical spring constructed to fit upon a safety brace in a way as to prevent the brace from being vibrated loose and allowing the cover, lid or door to close accidentally. Another aspect of the present invention is a method where the constructed spring is retrofitted upon an existing safety brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Elwood Ranck Webster
  • Patent number: 6948285
    Abstract: In order to provide a durable loading dock shelter with an effective seal, the dock shelter is provided with a face panel that is relatively lightweight and firm, yet moveable for sealing against vehicles of various size and position. The face panel can be used as a side curtain or a head curtain. To provide the face panel with durability while minimizing its weight, the face panel is thermoformed of twin sheets of plastic to provide a durable outer shell with a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the face panel is moveable by virtue of an integral living hinge that connects the face panel to a generally stationary support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jason D. Miller, Charles D. Ashelin
  • Patent number: 6928698
    Abstract: A lift-up hinge for pivotally connecting a first portion and a second portion of an appliance includes a fixture member, a first movable member and a second movable member. The fixture member is secured on the first portion of the appliance. The first movable member is pivotally coupled to a first pivot point of the fixture member and having thereon a resilient element. The second movable member has a first end lying on the resilient element, a second end secured on the second portion of the appliance, and a third end pivotally coupled to a second pivot point of the fixture member. The second movable member transmits the first movable member to pivot about the first pivot point of the fixture member when the second portion of the appliance is pivoted about the second pivot point of the fixture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, LTD.
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Ping-Hong Kuo
  • Patent number: 6895637
    Abstract: An elastic hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a shaft, a barrel, a pintle and a torsional spring. The shaft and the barrel are secured on a body of the computer. The pintle extends through the barrel and is secured on a monitor of the computer. The torsional spring is securely mounted between the shaft and the pintle. When the computer is closed, the torsional spring is twisted to provide an elastic force to open the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6859978
    Abstract: A flip phone having a hinge mechanism with an auto-lock function includes a main body, a flipper, a sleeve shaft, a torsion spring, a first bush and a second bush, a torsion spring, and a first chute and a second chute. The torsion spring having a first spring end and a second spring end is disposed between the first bush and the second bush. The first spring end connected to the first bush synchronously rotates with the first bush and the second spring end connected to the second bush synchronously rotates with the second bush. The first bush is rotatably coupled to the first chute, and the second bush is rotatably coupled to the torsion spring chamber so that the flipper is rotatable around the hinge mechanism longitudinal axis to be in an opened position or a closed position. When the rotating object remains in the closed position, the torsion spring stores energy for unfolding the rotating object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 6845545
    Abstract: An apparatus to automatically close a refrigerator door when the door is opened at a predetermined angle or less. The apparatus includes a hinge mechanism having a first hinge shaft provided at the door, which allows the door to be coupled to a refrigerator cabinet and allows the door to be rotated about the hinge shaft, a tension spring provided at the refrigerator cabinet to apply the door with a tension force for closing the door, and a unit to asborb shock generated when the door is closed by the tension spring, and the a unit to absorb shock includes a housing coupled to the cabinet, and a movable shaft which is received in the housing at its one end and connected to the door at the other end to be linearly moved in the housing, and wherein the tension spring is connected to the cabinet at its one end and connected to the movable shaft at the other end to apply the door with a tension force of closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Myeong Han, Myung-Wouk Kim, Yong-Pil Park
  • Publication number: 20040205933
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular pivotal hinge comprising a pivotal shaft, a rotating bracket, a base, elastic means, and a buffering means. The pivotal shaft comprises an axle. The rotating bracket comprises a mounting part for fixation to a second member, and a rotating part for coupling to the axle and allowing said rotating bracket to pivot around said axle. The base comprises a mounting part for fixation to the first member and a slot constructed in a way to allow the axle to be inserted and secured therein. The elastic means provides a spring force to urge the second member to pivot away from the first member. The buffering means comprises a head for contacting the axle and a buffer structure elastically biasing against the head toward the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Chung Nan Hsieh, Wen Chi Lin
  • Publication number: 20040194254
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly capable of adjusting a tilting angle of a display in a display appliance. The hinge assembly includes a movable plate fixed to a rear side of the display and having a through-hole, a stationary plate coupled to a stand for the display appliance and having a through-hole, a hinge shaft passing through the through-holes of the movable and stationary plates having a head portion, a coupling member fixed to one end of the hinge shaft, a first washer disposed between the head portion of the hinge shaft and the movable plate, a second washer disposed between the movable and stationary plates, a third washer disposed between the stationary plate and the coupling member, and an elastic washer disposed between the head portion of the hinge shaft and the coupling member for applying compressive elasticity to the hinge shaft in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Gyu Yeol Cho, Hong Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 6771499
    Abstract: A server blade system includes a plurality of slots for receiving server blades. The system includes an air moving device to move air through each of the server blades installed in the system. When one of the server blades is removed, a bypass damper rotates into the empty slot to obstruct the flow of air through the slot. The bypass damper is pivotally mounted within each slot and includes a torsion spring to move the damper into the obstruction position. Two hinge pin mounts, which are “U” shaped in cross section, provide a snap fit for two hinge pins positioned at one end of the bypass damper. A spring mounting pin is positioned between the two hinge pins and a torsion spring is mounted over the spring mounting pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Joseph Crippen, Jason Aaron Matteson, Brian Alan Trumbo
  • Publication number: 20040143934
    Abstract: A lift-up hinge for pivotally connecting a first portion and a second portion of an appliance includes a fixture member, a first movable member and a second movable member. The fixture member is secured on the first portion of the appliance. The first movable member is pivotally coupled to a first pivot point of the fixture member and having thereon a resilient element. The second movable member has a first end lying on the resilient element, a second end secured on the second portion of the appliance, and a third end pivotally coupled to a second pivot point of the fixture member. The second movable member transmits the first movable member to pivot about the first pivot point of the fixture member when the second portion of the appliance is pivoted about the second pivot point of the fixture member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Ping-Hong Kuo
  • Patent number: 6748631
    Abstract: To provide a wrist mounting type electronic apparatus facilitating attachment and detachment thereof. The wrist mounting type electronic apparatus is constituted by a main body bent substantially in an L-like shape and straps comprising a hard material. An inserting portion is provided at a front end of the strap on one side and is inserted into an inserted portion of the pivotable strap on other side. The inserted portion is penetrated with a bar member which is engaged with a small diameter hole of the inserting portion. Thereby, the wrist mounting type electronic apparatus can be mounted to the wrist. A hinge of the strap is provided with a coil spring and a state of opening the strap relative to a cabinet of the main body is maintained so far as the strap is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Katsunobu Iguchi, Dai Terasawa, Nobuhide Matsumoto, Yoshinori Bito, Takashi Ito, Haruo Hashimoto, Hiroshi Odagiri
  • Publication number: 20040068841
    Abstract: A pair of projection elements 42, 42 are formed on the opposite sides of an inner link 4. Each projection element 42 is formed with a cutout recess 42b. A fitting shaft part 72a, which is formed on each end of an abutment shaft 72, is inserted into the cutout recess 42b through an open part thereof and turnably fitted to a bottom part of the cutout recess 42b. A second abutment part 71c of a coiled spring 71 is abutted with an enlarged-diameter part 72b of the abutment shaft 72. The abutment shaft 72 is biased towards the bottom side of the cutout recess 43b from the open part side thereof by the coiled spring 71.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Shinichiro Koshikawa, Kazuyoshi Oshima
  • Publication number: 20040045129
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism of an image forming apparatus supporting a platen cover for holding an original at a fixed position on a platen glass includes a hinge unit for supporting the platen cover in such a manner that the platen cover can be opened and closed by swinging it up and down, a compression coil spring for biasing the platen cover in its opening direction, and a hinge holder attached to a housing of the apparatus for accommodating the compression coil spring. The hinge unit is provided with a hinge torque keeping mechanism which causes the compression coil spring to produce a specific amount of hinge torque to bias the platen cover in its opening direction even when the platen cover is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Masato Tamehira, Yoshiyuki Nishizato, Yasumasa Marimoto, Yoshitaka Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20040040118
    Abstract: An apparatus to automatically close a refrigerator door when the door is opened at a predetermined angle or less. The apparatus includes a hinge mechanism having a first hinge shaft provided at the door, which allows the door to be coupled to a refrigerator cabinet and allows the door to be rotated about the hinge shaft, a tension spring provided at the refrigerator cabinet to apply the door with a tension force for closing the door, and a unit to asborb shock generated when the door is closed by the tension spring, and the a unit to absorb shock includes a housing coupled to the cabinet, and a movable shaft which is received in the housing at its one end and connected to the door at the other end to be linearly moved in the housing, and wherein the tension spring is connected to the cabinet at its one end and connected to the movable shaft at the other end to apply the door with a tension force of closing the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Myeong Han, Myung-Wouk Kim, Yong-Pil Park
  • Publication number: 20040040117
    Abstract: An ejector handle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ejector handle includes a handle and a latch button coupled to the handle. The latch button has a first end portion and a second end portion, and is adapted to pivot about an axis between the first end portion and the second end portion. A biasing device is in the ejector handle and is adapted to bias the latch button when the latch button is in a latched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Purcell Brackets, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Purcell, Todd McDonough, Grant Kiba
  • Publication number: 20040025297
    Abstract: Abutment projections (54, 54) of a resin-made driver member (not shown) are inserted in the opposite end portions of a key groove (41) of a metal-made turnable member (4) in the circumferential direction. A key portion (B3) of a receiving cylindrical portion is inserted between the abutment projections (54, 54). The interval between the abutment projections (54, 54) in the circumferential direction is set to be slightly larger than the width of the key portion (B3). By doing so, when a transmission section is turned into an open position or a closed position, the abutment projections (54, 54) and the key portion (B3) are collided with each other, thereby generating a click sound. Moreover, since both the abutment projections (54, 54) and the key portion (B3) are formed of resin, they can be prevented from getting worn out soon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Shinichiro Koshikawa, Akira Sakai, Hiroshi Sudo
  • Publication number: 20040020010
    Abstract: An electrically weldable spring hinge comprising a housing (2) having a cavity, in particular a cylindrical recess (5), into which cavity a hinge element (31) can be inserted, is proposed. This spring hinge is distinguished by the fact that a supporting body (3; 3′; 3″; 3′″) can be inserted into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Reiner Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040016714
    Abstract: A hinge structure is provided for connecting two members, such as a container closure base and lid, so as to accommodate movement between an open position and a closed position. An elastomeric element extends from one of the members to the other of the members. The elastomeric element has an outer surface that is outwardly exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element exerts a force to urge the two members from the closed position toward the open position. In one embodiment, the elastomeric element has two lateral margins, and the hinge structure is free of structure laterally of the elastomeric element so that the two lateral margins are laterally exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element outer surface is in tension when the two members are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wood, Charles E. Roberts, Milton R. Dallas
  • Patent number: 6662405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Fabrice Vitry
  • Publication number: 20030101538
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge assembly (1) in which a projection and a cam face for converting a biasing force of bias means (9) into a turn biasing force for turning a turnable member (3) disposed at one end portion of a hinge main body (2) in one direction are disposed between the turnable member (3) and a movable member (4) disposed at the hinge main body (2) in such a manner as to be non-turnable but movable in the axial direction, wherein a second movable member (6) and a second turnable member (5) are disposed at the other end portion of the hinge main body (2), and a second projection and a second cam face for converting a biasing force of the bias means (9) in the same direction as the above-mentioned turn biasing force are disposed between the second movable member (6) and the second turnable member (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Shinichiro Koshikawa
  • Patent number: 6553622
    Abstract: A connecting fastener 1 in which a first member 2 and a second member 3 are linked so that they can turn relative to one another is provided with (1) a first plate part 5 which is fixed to a fixed member 2; (2) a second plate part 6 which is fixed to a second member 3; and (3) a hinge 7 set in place between the first plate part and the second plate part and supporting both plate parts so that they can turn relative to one another; the first plate part, second plate part and hinge part forming an integral piece as they are made of a synthetic resin. Then, a spring 9 is set in place on the first plate part 5 and the second plate part 6, the spring 9 energizing so that both plate parts are in a non-turning state on either side of the hinge 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Toshio Maruyama, Ken Kataoka, Masasi Nanba, Ryukei Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6460221
    Abstract: A hinge structure and a hinged electronic device in order to connect two parts of a foldable electronic device rotatably to one another, the hinge structure (3) comprising a hinge (4), about the rotation axis of which the parts (1, 2) are rotatable with relation to one another, and at least one spring element (5) which controls the operation of the hinge. The spring element (5) is attached at its first end (6a) to the cover part (1) and at its second end (6b) to the base part (2) such that either end (6a, 6b) may freely rotate in the attachment means (7) of the respective part about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel with the rotation axis of the hinge (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Marko Eromäki
  • Patent number: 6442799
    Abstract: A hinge comprising a base and a plate rotataby coupled to the base about a turn axis fixed in the base. The hinge further includes a swing member rotably coupled to the plate about a pivot axis fixed relative to the plate and a spring coupled between the base and the plate which urges the plate to rotate about the turn axis in a first direction. The plate has limited rotation in the first direction about the turn axis as the swing arm has limited movement relative to the plate about the pivot axis in a second direction, opposite of the first direction. The limited movement of the swing arm is defined by a pivot limit. Movement of the swing arm toward and away from the pivot limit occurs about the pivot axis without effect of the spring on the arm. During contact of the swing arm with the pivot limit, the arm and the plate can move about the turn axis against the effect of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Carlos Duarte, Fred S. Romero
  • Publication number: 20020066160
    Abstract: An auto-returning device of a hinge for a glass door consists of a body, a spindle rotatably received in a vertically extending spindle hole defined in the body, at least two cylinder like push members respectively and movably received in two horizontal extending through holes defined in the body and in communication with the spindle hole, and at least two elastic members respectively received in opening ends of the push members, whereby close ends of the push members are forced by resilience of the elastic members to press against a flat of the spindle, when a hinge assembled with the auto-returning devices is secured on a glass door and hangs the glass door on a door frame. Each push member of the auto-returning device is able to slide smoothly in the corresponding through hole of the body of the auto-returning device, so that the auto-returning device performs reliably and durably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Fanny Chiang
  • Publication number: 20020046443
    Abstract: A connecting fastener 1 in which a first member 2 and a second member 3 are linked so that they can turn relative to one another is provided with (1) a first plate part 5 which is fixed to a fixed member 2; (2) a second plate part 6 which is fixed to a second member 3; and (3) a hinge 7 set in place between the first plate part and the second plate part and supporting both plate parts so that they can turn relative to one another; said first plate part, second plate part and hinge part forming an integral piece as they are made of a synthetic resin. Then, a spring 9 is set in place on the first plate part 5 and the second plate part 6, said spring 9 energizing so that both plate parts are in a non-turning state on either side of the hinge 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Toshio Maruyama, Ken Kataoka, Masasi Nanba, Ryukei Shimizu