Plural Hinge Axes (e.g., Multiple Pintle ) Patents (Class 16/287)
  • Patent number: 11046099
    Abstract: A serviceable machine includes a door assembly having a door, and a jointed assembly that extends between an external surface of the serviceable machine and the door. The jointed assembly is operable to move the door between a closed position in which an interior region of the serviceable machine is covered, and an open position in which the interior portion of the interior region is unobstructed. The jointed assembly may extend connectivity to the door when the door is in either the open or closed positions. Additionally, the door can mechanically and electrically decouple from the jointed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald Boyum, Michael Kevin Bowen, Tod Kinsley, Lynn A Collie, Kevin Lo, Jeremy Daniel Barker
  • Patent number: 10993284
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a wireless access point is disclosed comprising a housing that defines a compartment and a plurality of apertures configured to receive a plurality of fasteners; a gasket located along a perimeter of the compartment; an access cover for the compartment that defines a plurality of corresponding apertures (that align substantially with the plurality of apertures of the housing); and a hinge coupled to the housing and to the access cover. The hinge includes a first arm affixed to an interior portion of the compartment and extended substantially along a first axis; a second arm connected to the first arm at a first pivot point; a third arm connected to the second arm at a second pivot point; and a fourth arm affixed to an interior portion of the access cover and connected to the third arm at a third pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Spivey, Andrew Joseph Lambert
  • Patent number: 10801243
    Abstract: A back door structure includes a first arm, a second arm, a damper stay, and a supporting member. The first arm is fixed to an upper section of a vehicle body rear section, and is fixed to an upper section of a back door. The second arm is fixed to the upper section of the vehicle body rear section, and is fixed to the upper section of the back door. The damper stay is fixed to the back door, is fixed to the vehicle body rear section, and biases the back door in an opening direction. The supporting member is fixed to the second arm, is fixed to the back door, and biases the second arm substantially toward a vehicle upper side in a fully closed state of the back door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriaki Nakatomi, Satoshi Yamane
  • Patent number: 10501973
    Abstract: Technologies are described for a hinge mechanism coupled to at least a dual-display device wherein the displays can rotate with respect to each other through 360 degrees. The hinge mechanism has at least one flexible connection member that follows a generally S-shaped path when the displays are in a tablet position. In some embodiments, a second flexible connection member can be added that follows a mirrored S-shaped path. The S-shaped path of the first flexible connection member and the mirrored S-shape path of the second flexible connection member together create a cross-configuration. In other embodiments, interconnected friction hinges can allow for a free-stop function at any point along the 360 degrees of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Esa-Sakari Määttä
  • Patent number: 10337673
    Abstract: This invention is a mechanism enabling rapid manual opening and closing of a pressure vessel lid without using tools. A pressure vessel bears two circular mating rings welded to the adjacent rims of the vessel lid and shell respectively with the latter ring grooved to house an O-ring. These mating rings are externally tapered to match the internal tapers of a pair of semi-circular external clamping elements. The mechanism applies tension at the vessel perimeter to draw the external clamping elements radially inward, engaging male and female tapers with sufficient force to compress the O-ring and maintain static clamping of the pressurized lid and shell. Tension is produced by levered rotation of two diametrically-opposed slotted plates where cylindrical pins mounted on the ends of the external clamping elements ride in the plate slots and cam action applies mechanical advantage causing the pins to converge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Gordon Basil Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9845607
    Abstract: A lift assembly for a spa cover includes a lifting arm having a first end pivotally connectable to the spa cover and a second end pivotally connectable to a base of a spa, the connection of the second end of the lifting arm with the spa housing defining a pivot point, and a lift-assist device having a first end configured for coupling to the base at a point substantially directly below the pivot point and a second end operatively connectable to the lifting arm. The lift-assist device is configured to exert a generally upwards biasing force on the cover when the cover is received atop said spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Wade Spicer
  • Patent number: 9832925
    Abstract: A device for spreading liquid and/or solid active agents comprises a carrier vehicle, at least one pivotable boom, and sensors for detecting an angular velocity and/or an angular position of the boom. A control unit processes output signals of the sensors to control signals for an actuator to adjust the boom. The actuator produces an actuating connection between the carrier vehicle and the pivotable boom, and has one active pressure side, which is engageable by fluidic actuating pressure, for each of the two adjustment directions of the boom. An approximately equal pressure prevails on the active pressure sides of two actuators operating in opposition or of a double-acting actuator, respectively, when the boom is stationary or moves only slightly in relation to the carrier vehicle. A defined differential pressure is adjustable between the active pressure sides of the two actuators or of a double-acting actuator, when the boom is shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HORSCH LEEB APPLICATION SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Theodor Leeb
  • Patent number: 9708823
    Abstract: A lift assembly for a spa cover is disclosed. The spa cover is for covering an open upper end of a spa. The lift assembly includes a lever arm having a first portion for supporting a spa cover, and a first end for pivotable coupling to a sidewall of a spa for rotation of the lever arm between a closed position in which the spa cover rests on the upper end of the spa, and an open position in which the spa cover is displaced from the upper end of the spa. The lift assembly also includes a resilient spring having a first end coupled to the lever arm, and a second end for coupling to the sidewall of the spa. In the open position of the lever arm, the spring urges the lever arm to rotate toward the closed position. A spa including the lift assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALTY METAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: John Joseph Cunerty, Gary Mark Comeau
  • Patent number: 9701275
    Abstract: A passive hood hinge for a vehicle includes a hinge bracket fixedly mounted to a body of the vehicle, a hinge arm connected to a hood and rotatable when opening or closing the hood, a lowering link pin inserted into a guide slot formed at a rear end of the hinge bracket, a lowering link having a middle portion hinged to the lowering link pin and a rear end hinged to the rear end of the hinge arm, a transfer link having front/rear ends respectively hinged to front end of the hinge bracket and rear end of the hinge arm, and a locking means that restricts the lowering link pin to be located in an upper region of the guide slot during ordinary operations, and allows the lowering link pin to be lowered toward a lower region of the guide slot when a hood panel is deformed by a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Il Kim, Seong Tae Hong
  • Patent number: 8959714
    Abstract: A dual-shaft synchronous motion device includes a first shaft and a second shaft; a first rotor and a third rotor disposed on the first shaft and turned synchronously; a second rotor and a fourth rotor disposed on the second shaft and turned synchronously; and a tractive member disposed between the first rotor (the third rotor) and the second rotor (the fourth rotor). When the first shaft drives the first and third rotors to turn, the tractive member brings the second rotor to turn reversely relative to the first rotor. The fourth rotor makes the tractive member drive the third rotor so that the first and second shafts are turned synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventor: An Szu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8925152
    Abstract: A folding portable device in which a first case and a second case are foldably connected and which can be opened by a simple operation even when a thickness of the case is reduced includes support means for supporting the first case with respect to the second case in a relatively displaceable manner within a specified range and opening assistance means of which an open lock is unlocked when the first case is displaced more than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Innovations Limited (Hong Kong)
    Inventor: Daisuke Ejima
  • Patent number: 8739997
    Abstract: An apparatus providing an enclosure being recessed within a wall structure and containing a plurality of electrical outlets includes a locking access door to cover the electrical outlets. The apparatus mounts flush to wall surface. The door slides upwardly to access the electrical outlets and can be locked in a lowered position using a locking mechanism and includes at least one cord slot to allow cords to be outwardly routed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Scott A. Ploof
  • Patent number: 8677566
    Abstract: A hinge for wings or doors, in particular for electrical household appliances, comprises a first element (2) and a second element (3) pivoted to each other and movable relative to each other in tilting fashion, a connecting lever (5) between the elements (2, 3), the lever (5) pivoting on the first element (2), the second element (3) being box-shaped and comprising inside it a spring (7) connected to the lever (5) by a drive rod (8) which can slide at least partly inside the second box-shaped element (3) itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nuova Star S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Vanini
  • Patent number: 8633385
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover assembly includes a base and a cover where the cover is coupled to the base by a bidirectional hinge to allow the cover to pivot in two directions. The cover assembly can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical orientation where the bidirectional hinge allows the cover to close downwardly when the assembly is mounted in either orientation. The bidirectional hinge has a first leg pivotally connected to the cover and second leg pivotally connected to the base where the first and second legs are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Publication number: 20130291337
    Abstract: A hinge for appliances includes a lever and a box-shaped body having a bottom wall and two side walls. The lever and the body, one of which is fixable to a frame of the appliance and the other to a door, are tiltably hinged to each other by a first pin to make the door movable between open and closed positions. The hinge includes an elastic mechanism located at least partly inside the body for producing an elastic reaction force which opposes opening of the door, a connecting rod hinged to a first end of the lever, a tie rod hinged to the connecting rod and connected to the elastic mechanism, and a pivot pin for the tie rod and the connecting rod, slidable with its ends in respective guides formed in the side walls of the body when the door is opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: NUOVA STAR S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marco VANINI
  • Patent number: 8533914
    Abstract: The hinge for wings or doors, in particular of electrical appliances, comprises a first box-shaped body, a second box-shaped body, a connecting element between the first and second bodies, and a damper cylinder for applying on the second body an action damping its movement towards the first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nuovo Star S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Vanini
  • Publication number: 20130212835
    Abstract: Hinge, to connect flat closing element to household appliance body in correspondence to a body opening, including: first supporting structure to bind to structure or front bearing wall of the body, second supporting structure to bind to flat closing element, first and second connecting elements to connect the first and second supporting structure, and elastically deformable member interacting with at least one of the two connecting elements, to push the closing element against the body opening. The first and second connecting elements and at least first and second portions respectively of the first and second supporting structure form sides of an articulated quadrilateral lying in one or more planes, perpendicular to the flat closing element. The quadrilateral for opening and closing the closing element between operative positions has hinge elements of external portions of the first and second connecting elements to the first and second portions of the supporting structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Oreste LANZANI
  • Patent number: 8474103
    Abstract: A door hinge includes a fixing member (10) fixed to a door frame (100), an actuation frame (20) fixed to a door (200) to enable the door to be opened and closed, a slider (22) coupled between the actuation frame and the fixing member, a rotatable moving guide plate (30) rotatably moved around the hinge (34) when the door is opened, and configured to forwardly push the slider, a guide roller (18) to resiliently support the rotatable movement of the rotatable moving guide plate, and a connection frame (60) having one end connected to a slot (11) of the fixing member by a pin (62) and the other end connected to the actuation frame by the hinge (24) and forwardly pushed out when the door is opened along with the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Poong Won Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: June-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8443489
    Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge includes a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. The base includes: (i) a channel located between the first and second side walls; and, (ii) a notch comprising first and second notch portions respectively located in said first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base. The cam includes: (i) a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, with a first end of the camshaft located in the first notch portion and a second end of the camshaft located in the second notch portion; and, (ii) a lobe that projects from the camshaft. The hinge assembly includes a biasing spring that comprising an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. The outer end of said spring is located outside the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Mansfield Assemblies Co.
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Sir Louis
  • Patent number: 8413301
    Abstract: A universal box lid lifter has an upper mounting plate, an upper connection piece, a pivoting arm, a spring housing, a spring assembly, a lower connection piece and a lower mounting plate. The upper connection piece has two ends oriented in two directions and is pivotally mounted between the upper mounting plate, with the pivoting arm respectively pivotable in two directions. The spring assembly is mounted in the spring housing and abuts against the pivoting arm and alternately positions the pivoting arm. The lower connection piece has two ends oriented in two directions and is pivotally mounted between the lower mounting plate, with the spring housing respectively pivotable in two directions. Given the bidirectionally pivotable mechanism at both ends of the universal box lid lifter, the universal box lid lifters of a single type can be flexibly mounted to a box as requested to lift the lid of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Wellsco International Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Hao Fang
  • Publication number: 20120170184
    Abstract: A sliding module includes a first section, a second section, a sliding member, a connecting plate, a rotary plate and an elastic member. The sliding member is rotatably connected to the first section. One end of the connecting plate slidably connected to the sliding member, and the other end of the connecting plate is rotatably connected to the second section. The rotary plate is respectively rotatably connected to the first section and the second section. One end of the elastic member is fixed to the second section, and the other end of the elastic member is fixed to the sliding member. When the sliding member slides relative to the second section and drives the connecting plate to rotate, the rotary plate rotates relative to the second section and causes the first section to move and rotate relative to the second section into a tilted orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KE-LONG WU, CHAO DUAN, CHIA-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 8205298
    Abstract: A hinge includes a base receiving a coupling device detachably mounted onto a mounting seat. An outer resilient plate includes an end pivotably mounted onto the base. A fixed seat is pivotably mounted onto the other end of the outer resilient plate. A buffer device includes a connecting member, a buffer, and an inner resilient plate. Each of a first pivot hole of the connecting member, an end of the buffer, and an end of the inner resilient plate is pivotably mounted onto the base. The other end of the buffer is pivotably mounted onto a second pivot hole of the connecting member. The other end of the inner resilient plate is slideably mounted onto an arcuate slot of the connecting member. The inner resilient plate further includes a fulcrum pivot hole intermediate the ends thereof. The fulcrum pivot hole is pivotably mounted by a pivot to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kunshan Hu Hua Metal Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin-Hong Lin, Shu-Hua Lin, Shu-Juan Lin, Shu-Jun Du
  • Patent number: 8128298
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide for a method and apparatus for moving a cover of a device relative to a base of the device to provide access to an interior space. An indication to open a cover coupled to a base is received. Responsive to receiving the indication, the cover is sequentially pivoted around a first pivot and a second pivot to provide access to the interior space while maintaining the cover within a footprint of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Guy Fowler, Dean Frederick Herring
  • Patent number: 7832057
    Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7832056
    Abstract: An opening-closing device includes a fixed gear of a fixed body, a conversion gear engaged with the fixed gear, a movable gear of a movable body, and a relay gear engaged with the conversion gear and with the movable gear, all of which are attached to a locking plate. The movable body can be held at a predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body by making an engaging portion in the locking plate is contacted with a locking portion in the fixed body and by making the conversion gear move to another position when the movable body is opened at the predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body. Moving the conversion gear to another position makes it possible to perform opening and closing operations in a greater angle. Thus, the opening-closing device can have a simple structure and perform a variety of opening and closing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7707690
    Abstract: A device has a closed position and at least first and second open positions. The device includes a base. A hinge assembly is engaged with the base. The hinge assembly has first and second axes. A hinged portion is engaged with the hinge assembly. The hinged portion is individually pivotable with respect to the base about each of the first and second axes of the hinge assembly. Pivoting of the hinged portion about the first axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the first open position. Relative pivoting of the hinged portion about the second axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lowry, Mark Cooper, Eugene Novin
  • Patent number: 7596831
    Abstract: A hinge movably attaches a door to a frame member of a motor vehicle. The hinge includes a frame bracket configured for attachment to the frame member and including opposed sidewalls connected by a base, and a door bracket configured for attachment to the door and including opposed arms connected together by a bridge. A plurality of links pivotably and translatably connects the door bracket to the frame bracket. The links include a first link including second opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a second bridge, and a second link including third opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a third bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Faubert, Richard A. Manning, Raja Hazime, Kenneth E. Spieles, Robert R. Lazarevich
  • Patent number: 7574775
    Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting a closure element, which comprises a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral, which share a first lever and a second lever, which have as their base element respectively a plate for coupling to a fixed element and a plate for fixing to a closure element, an elastic element acting between a point of the first lever and a point of the second lever, and an auxiliary elastic element, arranged in series to the elastic element and has one end articulated to the first lever and the opposite end articulated to an abutment element rigidly associated with the coupling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Daniele Zetti
  • Patent number: 7568261
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly (10) includes a base body (12), a bracket (14), a support board (18), a pivotal mechanism (16) and a rotational mechanism. The pivotal mechanism includes a pivotal shaft (163) fixed to the base body and rotatable relative to the bracket, an elastic member (165) and a fixing member (167). The rotational mechanism includes a rotational shaft (191), a rotary member (193), a steady member (195) and an elastic member (197). The support board and the rotary member are rotatable relative to the steady member, the base body, the bracket and the pivotal mechanism around a second axis. Each of the rotary member and the steady member defines an engaging surface (1932, 1951). One of the engaging surfaces forms at least one peak (1933), and the other of the engaging surfaces defines at least one valley (1953) corresponding to the peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Cheng Hsu, Wen-Lin Gan, Lian-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7533450
    Abstract: A hinge has a base, a first bracket, a second bracket and a vertical-angular-positioning assembly. The first bracket is mounted pivotally on the base. The second bracket is mounted pivotally on the base. The vertical-angular-positioning assembly is mounted on the base, positions the second bracket in specific angular positions relative to the base and has positioning rings and a sleeve. The sleeve is mounted on the base and prevents dust from accumulating in the sleeve. With the arrangement of the sleeve, the hinge is durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Patent number: 7520023
    Abstract: A hinge for connecting a first folding element to a second folding element. The hinge includes a fixing element which comprises a first fixing face by means of which the fixing element is contactingly fixable to the second folding element; a first arm connected to the fixing element so as to be pivotable around a first pivot axis between a first position and a second position; a second arm having a fixing device by which the second arm can be fixed to the second folding element, and is connected to the first arm so as to be pivotable around a second pivot axis extending parallel to the first pivot axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first arm encloses a smallest angle relative to the fixing face and, in the second position, encloses a greatest angle relative to the fixing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Huwil-Werke GmbH Mobelschloss und Beschlagfabriken
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 7440784
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable communication apparatus. The portable communication apparatus includes a first housing including a plurality of keys, a second housing including a main display unit and being movable from the first housing about a first hinge axis and being rotated about a second hinge axis, which is perpendicular to the first hinge axis, and a swing hinge housing for allowing the second housing to rotate with respect to the first housing about the first and second hinge axes, which pass through the swing hinge housing. The swing hinge housing is provided at a lateral portion thereof with a camera lens. A bottom surface of the swing hinge housing is rotatably attached to an upper surface of the first housing so that the swing hinge housing is rotated together with the main display unit about the second hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Mo Chung, Jong-Seong Lee, Chang-Hwan Hwang
  • Patent number: 7406749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-link hinge (10) for hinging a door leaf (12) to the body of a piece of furniture with a body fitting which may be fixed to the support wall (14) of the body and a door leaf fitting (20) connected to the above by means of a joint mechanism. The support wall fitting, embodied as an extended support arm is arranged on a fitting plate (18) which may be fixed to the support wall of the body and coupled to the door leaf fitting, embodied as a hinge cup fitted in a recess in the back face of the door leaf (12), by means of the joint mechanism, embodied with two joint arms (22; 24) each connected to one of the fittings such as to pivot. A damping device acts on a support wall side hinge piece, for example the body fitting (16) or the fixing plate (18) and one of the joint arms (24), at least during a locking part of the pivoting motion of said joint arm on a closing or opening motion of the door leaf fitting (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenshlaeger GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Markus Herper
  • Patent number: 7404233
    Abstract: A multi-stage hinge assembly has a first connecting board, a second connecting board, a first hinge, a second hinge, an inner mounting lever and an outer mounting lever. The first connecting board has a first ring, a second ring and a recess. The second connecting board has a first ring and a second ring. The first hinge is mounted on the connecting boards. The second hinge is mounted on the connecting boards. The inner mounting lever is mounted pivotally on the second mounting bracket of the first hinge and the rotating head of the second hinge and has two retaining plates, a holding frame and a spring. The outer mounting lever is mounted pivotally on the second mounting bracket of the first hinge and the rotating head of the second hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Chun-Ching Hsu
  • 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: 7275284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device for parts of furniture which are joined together by means of hinges and which can be pivoted in relation to each other. The housing contains a damping fluid in the cavity thereof and a resistance element which can be displaced relative to the dumping fluid and connected to an actuating element protruding from the housing. During at least one part of the pivoting movement of both pieces of furniture, said actuating element is drivingly connected to the second piece of furniture and transfers the movement distributed to the second piece of furniture to the resistance element. The damping device is arranged in the region of at least one of the hinges which pivotally couples both pieces of furniture, and whereby either the damping housing and/or the actuating element engages with one of the mounting element of the corresponding hinges, at least during the damping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Wilhelm Lautenschläger, Harald Helmut Ulrich, Markus Herper
  • Patent number: 7096535
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a frame bracket adapted to be secured to a door frame, a door bracket adapted to be secured to a door panel, first and second links pivoted to the frame bracket and the door bracket, an urging member for urging the door panel to move from an opened position toward a closed position relative to the door frame, and a damping member adapted to be secured to the door frame and connected movably to the second link through a transmission link so as to damp pivoting movement of the door panel relative to the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Jeng Lin
  • Patent number: 7096538
    Abstract: A door hinge system for supporting a vehicle door on a vehicle body is provided that allows the door to moved between (a) a fully closed position wherein the door is positioned in covering relation with respect to a door opening in the vehicle body, (b) a fully opened position wherein the door is moved out of the covering relation and is positioned substantially alongside the vehicle body, and (c) an intermediate position between the fully open and fully closed positions wherein the door is moved out of the covering relation and extends generally outwardly away from the vehicle body. The hinge system includes a pair of hinge assemblies, which each include (a) a body mounting structure configured to be mounted to the vehicle body, (b) a door mounting structure configured to be mounted to the vehicle door, and (c) a dual pivot swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Liang, Robert H. Mooy
  • 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: 6889404
    Abstract: A hinge includes a bracket, two fixing seats pivotally connected to the bracket, at least one base, at least one first arm pivotally connected between the at least one base and the at least one fixing seat and at least one second arm pivotally connected between the at least one base and the at least one fixing seat. At least one spring is provided between the at least one second arm and the at least one base such that when both the at least one first and second arms are pivoted relative to the at least one base, the required recovery force is provided to facilitate the upward movement of the bracket relative to the at least one base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Publication number: 20040177476
    Abstract: A sprung hinge for elements for closing compartments and the like, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral that are respectively associable with an element for closing a compartment or the like and with a structure that is suitable to form the compartment and have a first lever and a second lever in common, and at least one elastic traction element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Arrigo Zetti
  • Patent number: 6715183
    Abstract: A hinge (10) for furniture doors, the supporting wall stop part of which, which is constructed as a supporting arm (14), is coupled pivotably over two hinge guide rods (16; 18) with the door stop part, which is constructed as a hinge pot (12), with a spring-loaded mechanism, which it is formed by a leg spring, which is disposed in the supporting arm and engages an extension of the out to hinge guide rod (16), and a further leg spring, which is supported in the supporting arm. The leg spring is constructed as a double leg spring (42) with a middle double leg (44) of two parallel leg arms, protruding between two groups of spring coils (47) from, in each case, one of the inner spring coils, and two outer legs (46), protruding from the in each case outermost spring coil of each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Lautenschläger
  • Patent number: 6601267
    Abstract: A hinge, in particular for pieces of furniture, piece of furniture, with an arm fixable to the body of the connected to a portion of hinge that oscillates through two equalizers housed on transversal pins, of which—in the portion of one of its oscillation axes'—one equalizer has a projecting part forming a lever arm, and with an elastic member that stresses, the projecting part of the equalizer so as to cause a thrust in the closing direction on the oscillating hinge portion. In order to obtain the slowed closing of the door, one of the equalizers is provided with a second projecting part on which a second elastic member acts so as to exert a thrust that, for an oscillation portion close to the closed position of the oscillating hinge portion counteracts the thrust exerted by the first elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Publication number: 20030056323
    Abstract: A door hinge system for supporting a vehicle door on a vehicle body is provided that allows the door to moved between (a) a fully closed position wherein the door is positioned in covering relation with respect to a door opening in the vehicle body, (b) a fully opened position wherein the door is moved out of the covering relation and is positioned substantially alongside the vehicle body, and (c) an intermediate position between the fully open and fully closed positions wherein the door is moved out of the covering relation and extends generally outwardly away from the vehicle body. The hinge system includes a pair of hinge assemblies, which each include (a) a body mounting structure configured to be mounted to the vehicle body, (b) a door mounting structure configured to be mounted to the vehicle door, and (c) a dual pivot swing arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: VENTRA GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Chuan Liang, Robert H. Mooy
  • Patent number: 6487755
    Abstract: A hinge for doors or for wings of furniture items comprises fastening elements provided with fixed pivot pins and with sliding guides, which can be housed respectively in the thickness of the door and in a corresponding fixed door post; arms for connecting the door to the door post connected to the fastening elements with their first extremity, hinged on the fixed pivot pin of one of the fastening elements and with a second extremity engaged in the sliding guide of the other fastening element; and a joint interposed at the extremities of the arms which pivotingly connects the arms to each other allowing their relative angular mobility. The fastening elements comprise connecting bodies movable relative to each other at least along one direction defined by at least one of three cartesian axes, respective adjusting means being provided thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Koblenz S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Caldari
  • Publication number: 20020100142
    Abstract: A clamping structure for foldable apparatus comprises an arc-shaped elastic wire; and two linear elastic wires bent vertically from two ends of the arc-shaped elastic wire. The two linear elastic wires are pivotally arranged within two rounded holes formed on the two separated main bodies of the foldable apparatus, respectively. Each rounded hole has a distance with the pivotal shaft such that the clamping structure provides a torque to the separated main bodies of the foldable apparatus. Therefore, the foldable apparatus can be unfolded to 0° and 180°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Winky Lin
  • Patent number: 6374459
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: T.G.N. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Zetti
  • Patent number: 6364345
    Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system, including a housing (10) for a gas generator and a gas bag which can be unfolded by the latter, and having a cover (16, 18) which can be converted from a closed position into an open position, the cover (16, 18) being connected to the housing (10) by means of at least one hinge (30), is characterized in that the cover (16, 18) is connected to a swivel section (20) which in turn is connected to the housing (10) by means of the hinge (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Norbert Lang
  • Publication number: 20020002758
    Abstract: A device for electrically powering electrical members or user devices positioned on a refrigerator door, the refrigerator comprising an insulated cabinet defining at least one food preservation compartment on which said door is movably disposed, at least one hinge member being provided for the connection between the cabinet and said door; with the cabinet and with the door there being associated electrical conductors connected respectively to an electrical source and to each user device positioned on the door, said conductors being electrically connected together via the hinge member, which is constructed such that at least a part of it is electrically conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Marco Stura, Monica Zibelli
  • Patent number: 6269521
    Abstract: A hinge (10) for upwardly moving and rotating a closure panel (20) of a base (14) is provided to improve access and utilization of the area covered by the closure panel (20). The hinge (10) includes two brackets, a closure panel bracket (18) mountable to the closure panel (20) and a base member bracket (12) mountable to the base (14). A cooperative tripartite set of links are disposed between the brackets and are operatively connected to a biasing member (100). The biasing member (100) urges the links to upwardly translate and rotate the closure panel bracket (18) from the base member bracket (12). The set of links include a biasing link (76), an intermediate link (74), and an anchoring link (72). The link set is adapted for cooperative movement so as to facilitate an upward rotational and translational progression of the closure panel (20) in relation to the base (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Davis Industries
    Inventor: Charles E. Gabel