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).

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.

Abstract: In an original pressing plate hinge including a fixing member, an original pressing plate supporting member pivotably installed via a hinge pin to the fixing member, a slider slidably housed in the supporting member, a cam member fixed between the slider and the free end of the supporting member in contact with the slider, and a coil spring provided resiliently between the slider and the free end of the supporting member, the cam member is omitted to prevent an original or document set on the platen glass for copying or printing from being stained with or spoiled by a lubricant when the original touches the cam member to which the lubricant sticks, and instead a pressure receiving pin or roller is used and a cam slider is used in place of the slider. To prevent a heavy original pressing plate from abruptly falling, a damping member is housed in the coil spring and disposed between the cam slider and the top plate or free end of the supporting member.

Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting closure sheet-like elements, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which have a first lever and a second lever in common, at least two elastic springs in parallel being further provided.

Abstract: A counter balance assembly for a lid assembly comprising a spring inside a housing assembly. The counter balance assembly is mounted to a lid, whose displacement generates an external force substantially along a longitudinal axis of the spring. A restoring force is generated by the spring to counteract an inertia force arising from the lid displacement.

Abstract: A hinge for furniture comprises a bowl (11) and a wing (12) interconnected by connecting rods (13, 14) pivotally mounted to enable a movement between a closed position and an open position of the hinge. An automatic closure mechanism (19, 20) urges the hinge towards a closed position when the hinge is brought close to such a closed position. The bowl (11) comprises regions (21) of interference with at least one connecting rod when the hinge is close to the open position, to offer an increased resistance to said movement over a length thereof close to the open position.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for assisting the lifting of a trunk lid of a vehicle comprises a V-shaped leaf spring (12) mounted on a first hinge part (2) attached to the vehicle body, and a roller element (32) mounted on a second hinge part (4) attached to the lid. A compressible gas strut (38) may be connected directly between the lid and the body; alternatively the strut may be connected between the first and second hinge parts, (2, 4) so that the resulting sub-assembly can be mounted directly to the lid and body on the vehicle assembly line. The hinge mechanism assists in initially lifting the trunk lid so that the gas strut (38) is disposed in an advantageous leveraged position at which it can continue the lifting movement of the trunk lid.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a box having a base and a cover and comprising a hinge section and a spring section. The hinge section has a pair of segments pivotally mounted to each other. Each segment has outer channel-forming knuckles extending from its outer side edge. The spring section has channel-forming knuckles which extend from each side edge which are pivotally mounted to the outer knuckles of the hinge section. The spring section applies pressure to the two segments of the hinge section in order to maintain the segments of the hinge section into conductive contact with each other and prevent inadvertent folding or unfolding of the segments of the hinge section, thereby preventing inadvertent opening or closing of the box. The outer knuckles of the hinge section and the knuckles of the spring section are pivotally connected together.

Abstract: A device for use with a hinge in which two rigid elements (104, 105) may be placed in various relative angular positions, wherein the elongate part (109) to be protected and guided consists of a section or tube inserted through two mutually facing channels (111, 110) in respective ones of the rigid elements (104, 105). The device includes a movable member (107) arranged between said rigid elements (104, 105) and at least rotatably movable about a rotational axis of said hinge. The member further includes a hole (108) through which said elongate part (109) may inserted.

Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle incorporates a spring-loaded living hinge for connecting a door. Preferably, the door includes a rigid panel having a first portion and a second portion joined by a flexible region comprising a living hinge. A spring biases the first portion away from the second portion. Preferably, a pivot point is located adjacent the flexible region and helps to secure the spring to the first and second portions. The door is secured to the trim component by a latch that holds the first portion relative to the second portion. Release of the latch permits the spring to rotate the first portion away from the second portion. Thus, a door incorporating the present design is capable of rotating the first portion relative to the second portion in an unassisted fashion in opposition to the force of gravity.

Abstract: The invention features a hinge or coupling two panels (P1, P2), one of which at least opens rotatably about an axis (X) parallel to the planes of the said panels, comprising a mobile fixing element (1) on the opening panel, a fixing element on the other panel and linking means (3) between the fixing elements co-operating with elastic return means of the panel opening to at least a stable angular equilibrium position, characterized in that the said return means consists of a ring (4) located in a cavity (10) of the mobile fixing element (1) and capable of being elastically deformed by the pressing action of a cam (30) rotating about a central shaft (5) parallel to the planes of the panels, being carried by the linking means (3).

Abstract: A door hinge and a method of its use is provided which is suitable for use with glass shower screen doors. The method involves cutting a pair of circular cut-outs at a side edge of the door near the top and bottom of the door respectively. After toughening of the cut-out portions of glass, a hinge in accordance with this invention is mounted in each cut-out portion. The hinges each have a first arm which has a circular door mounting portion of substantially the same diameter as the cut-outs which are located in the cut-outs. The hinges each have two clamping parts, one part is fitted to abut with one face of the door, and the other part is fitted to abut with the other face of the door. Each part is fitted to immediately surround the respective cut-outs. The hinge then has screw holding means which holds the parts together and clamps the door. The second arm of the hinge can be mounted directly to a frame member, such as a jam member or to a further glass panel.

Abstract: A hinge and closure mechanism with an integral door stop which, together with the closure unit of the mechanism, stops a refrigerator door from opening beyond a preselected position is described. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a hinge unit, a closure unit, and door stop. The hinge unit includes a cabinet hinge plate and a door hinge plate. The cabinet hinge plate is mounted to the base of the cabinet, and the door hinge plate is mounted to a refrigerator door. A connector pin and a pivot pin extend through respective openings in the door hinge plate, and door hinge plate is coupled to the cabinet hinge plate by the pivot pin. The closure unit includes a pivot plate coupled to the door hinge plate by the connector pin. The closure unit also includes a compression spring and a link. The link couples the spring to the pivot plate.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for the door of a motor vehicle is disclosed, the hinge assembly having a body half strap having a top flange and a bottom flange, with the top flange having at least one slot, a door half strap pivotable with respect to the body half strap and having a top flange and a bottom flange, the top flange having an external profile having at least a pair of detents. A linearly slidable profile follower assembly is biased by a compression spring and can travel along the slot toward and away from the door half strap in response to pivoting of the door half strap. The linearly slidable profile follower assembly comprises a spring retainer clip, a roller retainer clip and a roller. The roller is mounted on the roller retainer clip, and is in continuous direct engagement with the external profile of the door half strap as the door half strap pivots with respect to the body half strap.

Abstract: A door hinge and closure mechanism which includes a hinge unit and a closure unit is described. The hinge and closure units are integral in that a hinge plate of the hinge unit serves as a support for components of the closure unit. Generally, the closure unit applies a pre-load force on the door when the door is in a closed position. When the door is between a closed position and a neutral force position, the closure unit applies a substantially constant closure force on the door. Once the door is opened beyond a first lock position, the closure unit applies resisting forces to the door when the door which act as a deterrent to further opening of the door. Rather than being expanded during door opening as with known spring closure mechanisms, the spring of the above described closure unit is compressed. Compressing the spring is believed to result in a more smooth and constant closure force on the door, as well as extending the useful life of the spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint for folding and unfolding a cantilever arm on a satellite. Pivoting of the cantilever arm during unfolding is governed by a guide element which is rigidly connected with the end of the cantilever arm and is held against stop plates which are rigidly attached to the satellite, by means of at least one coil tension spring connected with cantilever arm and with satellite itself. Each of the stop plates has first, second, and third unfolded stops which cooperate with the guide element. The first and second unfolded stops are mounted symmetrically with respect to the motion plane of cantilever arm. During unfolding of the cantilever arm, the guide element strikes alternately the first two unfolded stops on the one hand and the third unfolded stop on the other hand; and with cantilever arm in the unfolded state it abuts all three unfolded stops. Two additional stops rigidly connected with satellite are provided for guide element, on which cantilever arm rests in the folded state.

Abstract: Invention is directed to a compression spring mechanism, particularly in combination with a fencing system which incorporates a swinging gate. The mechanism, intended to automatically close a released and opened gate, comprises a cylindrical tube, mounted within the gate, a plurality of compression springs aligned end-to-end within the tube, and a spring housing secured to one end of the tube for receiving one of the compression springs. A cable, of predetermined length, passes through the housing and aligned springs and is secured to the spring end most remote from the spring housing. The other end of the cable is secured to a stationary member, such as a post about which the gate pivots. As the gate is opened, the springs are further compressed storing sufficient energy to allow closure of the gate when released.

Abstract: A self-closing mechanism for a fully concealed hinge, which has a hinge cup for mounting on a door, and a frame wing pivotally supported thereon for attachment to a frame on which the door is mounted. The mechanism includes a combination compression coil spring retainer and plunger which is mounted on the frame wing, and positioned to be pressed against cam surfaces provided on the hinge cup. The cam surfaces are formed such that force applied to the cam surfaces by the plunger will act to maintain the door in open and closed positions, will apply a force to close the door when approaching the closed position, and otherwise will not exert either an opening or a closing force on the door.

Abstract: A shear viscous damped hinge uses a negator spring and a high viscosity fluid to provide a relatively slow and controlled deployment of the hinge. Shear damping of the fluid slows the angular velocity of the hinge. The invention reduces the end of travel impact loads thereby reducing the risk of damage to the hinge and the object rotated by the hinge. The hinge is particularly useful in, but not limited to, spacecraft applications.

Abstract: A wide angle hinge includes an assembly casing fastenable on a cabinet carcass and having front and back slots which engage corresponding front and back pins connected to a hinge arm, so that the hinge arm is slidable and rotatable relative to the assembly casing. The hinge arm is also connected by an articulation arm to a hinge cup fastenable in a door. A pull mechanism is fastened on one end in the assembly casing and on the other end in the hinge cup, and a deflection roller disposed in the assembly casing and the articulation arm cooperatively guide and continuously hold the pull mechanism under tension.

Abstract: The present invention is a footlocker of molded plastic construction which includes a bin having a storage cavity and a lid hinged to the bin for enclosing the storage cavity. Two plastic latches are used to secure the lid in its closed relation above the bin. Each of the latches includes a face plate with a front surface which preferably has graphic indicia molded therein. In order to lock the lid in its closed position and thereby safeguard the contents of the bin, the footlocker preferably includes a padlock hasp. In order to hold the lid open in any position, the footlocker includes a lid stay mechanism connected between the lid and the bin. The bin has a plurality of continuously molded feet and the top surface of the lid a plurality of stacking depressions molded therein for receiving the feet and thereby enabling multiple footlockers to be stacked on top of one another.

Abstract: An improved hinge connector for pivotal glasses temples is equipped with a hinge mounted onto a glasses frame and a pivot connector having a deep hole disposed at the rear portion thereof; -shaped block in which part of the pivot connector is housed; a spring and a rivet pin having a rivet head and a pole which is led through the spring with the pole having a number of grooves at the front end thereof. The front end of the pole is inserted into the deep hole of the pivot connector and is forged into permanent engagement with the pivot connector, and the spring is limited in place between the rivet head and the end of pivot connector and the end of the -shaped block whereby the temples of a glasses can be outwardly extended in excess of 90 degrees without breaking or damage.

Abstract: A concealed self-closing hinge for mounting a door on a frame. The door member of the hinge includes a cup formed with vertically aligned slots. The frame member of the hinge includes an arm whose free end is formed with integral pintles which are pivotally received in the slots. A plastic cam is adapted to be slipped onto the free end portion of the arm between the pintles and coacts with a leaf spring to hold the pintles in assembled relation with the slots and also to effect self-closing of the door.

Abstract: Each antenna plane of a multi-layer radar membrane is secured at its edges to a hinge bar assembly. The purpose of the hinge bar assembly is to expand the layers, normally collapsed during a stowed condition, to parallel spaced layers when deployed. Each hinge assembly includes double bars pivotally mounted to a base section, the latter being snap-fastened to a ground plane. The ends of the hinge bars are snap-fastened to corresponding antenna plane strips and the central portion of each hinge bar has a spring extending outwardly therefrom for securement to a base abutment. Thus, when the membranes are freed from external restraint in preparation of deployment, the springs pivot the hinge bars to a generally perpendicular relationship with respect to the ground plane and antenna planes thus separating oppositely positioned antenna planes to the desired tensioned and parallel spaced relationship with respect to the ground plane.

Abstract: A swing door hinge is provided comprising a first hinge member having a projection of approximately rectangular block shape and provided with at least two engaging recesses, the first hinge member being intended to be mounted to either a wall frame or a swing door, and a second hinge member having at least two engaging arms inserted into respective engaging of the first hinge member for pivotal movement and guide openings provided in the engaging arms. The second hinge member, which is also intended to be mounted to the wall frame or the swing door whichever does not carry the first hinge member, has pivot pins mounted in the guide openings and yieldingly urged by respective springs in the inward direction.

Abstract: A door closer assembly for a household refrigerator of the type having a door frame with a front faced surface and a door having a confronting surface, the assembly including a hinge plate mounted on the door frame and having a pivot pin mounted on the hinge plate in a spaced relation to the front faced surface, a door plate mounted on the door and having an aperture spaced from the confronting surface of the door and a pivot post spaced from the aperature, the door plate being mounted on the hinge plate with the pivot pin aligned with the aperature, and an offset arm connected to the pivot post and biased by a spring in a door closing direction.

Abstract: An oven door hinge having stable positions in closed, broil and open positions of the door includes an elongated support member which extends along the side of the door, and a hanger with an elongated arm portion which removably seats in a recess adjacent the lower side of the oven cavity. The hanger also has a depending hinge portion which is pivotably supported on the support member adjacent its lower end. A translation member has its lower portion pivoted to the hanger arm portion, and an upper portion which is disposed within the support member. A spring is connected between the upper portion of the translation member and the upper end portion of the support member so that opening of the door displaces the translation member relative to the support member and hanger and tensions the spring. The support member and translation member have cooperating positioning elements to bias the door into its closed position and to hold the door in its broil position.

Abstract: A door closure mechanism for use upon a door of a cabinet includes a housing formed from two co-mating first and second members, a drive cam rotatably mounted within the housing, a cam follower mounted within the housing for reciprocating movement relative to the drive cam, and a coil spring mounted within the housing for resiliently biasing the cam follower in a reciprocal manner against the drive cam. The drive cam is formed with cam surfaces which radially engage the cam follower so as to control the relative reciprocal movement of the cam follower with respect to the drive cam. As a safety feature, ther is provided a set of spring pre-load clips which engage the ends of the coil spring so as to prevent full decompression of the coil spring in the event of a housing failure.

Abstract: A hinge joint includes a first planer element and a second planer element, each of said planer elements having an exterior side and an interior side. Each planer element exhibits an opening for axial rotational attachment about an end of an intermediately rotationally secured third planer element. The first and second planer elements are secured, at a defined offset by several bolts. Such offset is proportioned to permit rotation of the end of the third planer element therebetween. The interior surfaces of the first and second planer elements are provided with linear channels within which are placed springs, the function of which is to regulate the angulation and resilience of the third planer element relative to the mutually secured first and second elements of the hinge joint.

Abstract: An inside handle device for an automotive vehicle door in which a compression spring (18) for urging a handle (8) to its closed position is provided in an air gap (17a) in a bracket member (7) pivotally securing the handle (8) to reduce the size of the entire device and to simplify the assembly. The handle (8) is pivotally secured to the bracket member (7) which is secured to a door panel (15), and is connected via a connecting rod (3) to a door locking mechanism.

Abstract: Device for balancing a lid of a suspended plan filing cabinet, comprising a stay (4) fixed at one end (40) on a pivot pin (5) fastened to the lid (1), the other end (41) being free, said stay being pulled towards the top of the cabinet by a spring (6) compensating the weight of the lid. The stay is guided by a roller (7) free to turn on a pin (8) fastened to the frame (2). This stay has a notch (9) which is entered by the roller (7) in order to hold the lid open, and a notch (10) holding the lid closed. Means of adjusting the tension of the spring (6) make it possible to fix a safety position (.alpha.) before the complete closure of the lid.

Abstract: A coil spring has elliptical openings in the end turns for non-rotatably receiving elliptically shaped studs which are press-fitted into the spring, the ends being respectively attached to a pair of mounting brackets.

Abstract: A spring system for stabilizing bifolding door hinged positions includes an integral "C"-shaped spring with at each end of the "C"-shape a respective straight shank formed at right angles to the plane of the "C"-shape in parallel spacing from each other. On each shank is a rotatable tubular sleeve bearing with a collar-shaped enlargement at the end adjacent the "C"-shape, and a retainer on the free end of each shank that keeps the tubular sleeve bearings in place. Installation is by insertion of the tubular sleeve bearings in parallel-spaced drilled holes in the top edges of two doors that are hinged together so that the spring assembly substantially bridges the hinges and biases the faces of the doors together to keep them in the open position, and biases the edges of the doors together to keep them in the closed position.

Abstract: A concealed hinge between the lid and chest of a freezer has a hook shaped support bracket with a leg and bight. The bracket leg is mounted within one wall of the chest and the bight defines substantially diametrically opposed first and second pivots. A mounting structure is provided to pivotably secure the lid to the first pivot of the support bracket. A fixed point is defined within the lid and a compression spring member is provided between the fixed point and the second pivot of the bracket. The bracket leg is mounted within the chest wall by plastic components which function as a thermal barrier.

Abstract: A hinge assembly having a polytetrafluorine block affixed to a support member with a guide rod having an enlarged head extending through a guide bore. A compression spring is trapped on the guide rod between the guide block and a nut affixed to the free end thereof. A tube is affixed to the head of a pin extending through the tube and aligned holes and a pair of ears positioned on each side of the tube and attached to the hinged member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing mechanism for a rearview mirror assembly of a motor vehicle includes a mirror body movable in a horizontal direction with respect to a mounting stay mounted to the motor vehicle in such a manner that the mirror body is initially located at the neutral standing position and is movably supported to be inclined when an external force is applied thereto. The mirror body is automatically returned to the standing position upon removal of the external force or is inclined toward one side of the motor vehicle upon necessity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring biased shifting pivoting center hinge for swinging doors wherein the hinge pin rigidly affixed to the first swinging half of the hinge pivotably and shiftably engages a slotted hole with a spring bias that is included in the second swinging half of the hinge. The spring bias resiliently retains the hinge pin at one extremity of the slotted hole when there is no external constraint as in the case of a fully closed or fully open swinging door fitted flush to the front face of the door frame. When the swinging door is pulled open or pushed shut, the edge of the door adjacent to the hinge interferes with the door frame and the hinge pin is forced to shift toward the other extremity of the slotted hole against the spring bias; whereby, the interference between the door edge adjacent to the hinge and the door frame is alleviated for the full range of the swing for the swinging door.

Abstract: A metal detector assembly consisting of a metal detector box component and a supporting shaft has a spring-loaded hinge-support interconnecting the box component and the head shaft component. The hinge-support comprises a frame attachment member and a pivotally connected shaft attachment member. A coiled spring surrounds the pivot connection and is biased between shoulders on each of the two members to permit a flexing action and cause a desirable smooth horizontal arcuate swinging action of the head component of the metal detector. The device exaggerates a slight wrist movement initiated by the user and continues to swing as the user walks about thereby reducing arm fatigue and facilitating a more efficient and reliable sweeping action of the metal detector head. Alternatively, the device may further contain a spring-loaded detent mechanism in the pivot connection to optionally hold the shaft in a rigid relation to the hand held box component when desired.

Abstract: A door and a substantially concealed hinge are provided, particularly for cabinets. The hinge is designed to be substantially hidden in a wedge-shaped recess in a hinge edge of the door. The recess can be made by a single pass of a cutting tool relative to the door or vice versa. The hinge includes a first hinge wing and a second hinge wing connected by a knuckle. The first hinge wing has a first portion extending outwardly from the knuckle in a generally radial direction and a second portion structurally integral with the first portion, extending at an angle relative to the first portion, and having openings for mounting the first hinge wing on the door frame. The second hinge wing has a third portion extending generally radially-outwardly from the knuckle at a narrow, included angle relative to the plane of the door and to the second hinge portion when the hinge is in a closed position.