Having Means To Hold Hinged Members Against Pivotal Movement About Hinge Axis (e.g., Catch) Patents (Class 16/297)
  • Patent number: 11234509
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism, including a first, second and third element pivotally connected to each other in series; locking mechanism to lock the respective elements in a selected position relative to each other; and a pushbutton actuating mechanism that releases the locking mechanism such that the elements are independently pivoted with respect to each other and release of the pushbutton actuating mechanism re-energizes the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Inojul (AUS) Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Lee Baker, Kelly Watts, Michelle Rosevear, Drew Allan
  • Patent number: 11147360
    Abstract: In embodiments, a belt clamp includes an inboard plate and an outboard plate that are pivotally coupled at their upper ends. The belt clamp may also include a spring biased locking mechanism that selectively and releasably connects the lower end of the inboard plate to the lower end of the outboard plate by way of locking posts in the inboard plate that are displaced upwardly from the lower edge of said plate. The outboard locking plate may have latch members that are entirely contained (except for opposing actuation buttons) within a compartment formed by two portions of the outboard plate connected by a living hinge. The opposing actuation buttons require a motion in a first direction, such as upwardly, to allow motion in a second direction, such as inwardly, to rotate the latching members inwardly to release the locking posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Michael, Daniel Sereday
  • Patent number: 11125001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge (10) comprising a pivotable hinge part (12), a fixed hinge part (14) and a biasable spring element, wherein the pivotable hinge part (12) is pivotably mounted on the fixed hinge part (14) about a pivot axis (S) via a bearing (16), and wherein the biasable spring element is arranged on the bearing (16). The invention is characterized in that the spring element is designed as a flat spiral spring (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: S-FASTENERS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Homner
  • Patent number: 11063553
    Abstract: A solar tracking carport comprises a supporting structure including a foundation and at least two columns connected or connectable to the foundation; a three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck having a length from a first edge to a second edge of at least one car, the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck including one or more upper blocks, each of the upper blocks being rigid at least in its longitudinal direction, each of the upper blocks including at least one solar panel; a deck frame configured to support the one or more upper blocks, the deck frame including a torque transmitting member; a rotation enabling connection configured to rotatably connect at least the torque transmitting member of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck to the at least two columns of the supporting structure; and a drive system configured to control tilting of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck about the supporting structure over one axis of rotation to a first maximum angle in a first direction and to a second maximum
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KBFX LLC
    Inventor: Alain Poivet
  • Patent number: 10993457
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems for melting and liquefying chocolate. In one aspect, a system includes a generally fluid-tight exterior housing defining a first volume; a bulkhead positioned within the housing and dividing the first volume into separate second and third volumes; at least one vertical support member operationally connected to the exterior housing; a base support member operationally connected to the vertical support member; a dispenser guiding member disposed within the first volume and operationally connected to the exterior housing; and a heating element in thermal communication with the first volume, wherein energization heats the first volume to 37 to 46 degrees Celsius. Other aspects include where the liquid chocolate contains less than 3% water; where the liquid chocolate is solid at room temperature; a multiple pivot hinge; and a noninterfering interdigitating hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew J. Rubin, Adam D. Ambrecht
  • Patent number: 10787848
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hinge, a freight container that includes the hinge and a freight container that includes a locking rod and optionally the hinge. The hinge includes a locking pin, a first wing, a second wing and a first hinge pin that pivotally connects the first wing to the second wing. The hinge further includes a pair of hinge lugs each having a first set of surfaces defining openings through which a second hinge pin passes and at least one of the pair of hinge lugs having a surface defining an opening through which a locking pin reversibly travels. The locking rod is mounted to the door of the freight container, where the locking rod includes a cam that can move between a first predetermined position where the cam can engage the cam keeper and a second predetermined position where the cam is disengaged from the cam keeper and can travel past the end frame of the freight container and the cam keeper as the door travels into the volume of the freight container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: George E. Kochanowski
  • Patent number: 10662687
    Abstract: A door hinge is attached by a base to a road vehicle. The door hinge carries a side door via a door mount, and it enables the door, when it is being opened, to be shifted upwards while at the same time shifting in an outward direction and rotating in a plane that is transverse to the outward direction. This decreases the risk of a lowermost parts of the side door hitting, e.g., a roadside curb near which the road vehicle is parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: KOENIGSEGG AUTOMOTIVE AB
    Inventor: Christian Von Koenigsegg
  • Patent number: 10612285
    Abstract: A hinge system includes a pillar hinge bracket connected to a door hinge bracket by a hinge pin. The pillar hinge bracket is secured to a vehicle body. The door hinge bracket is secured to a vehicle door. A checking device removably secured to the pillar hinge bracket and the door hinge bracket includes a spring portion and a pin portion. The spring portion biases the door hinge bracket to a first position and, in turn, the vehicle door to a fully open position. The pin portion has a first mounting post that secured to the pillar hinge bracket and a second mounting post that is received in an open-sided notch of the door hinge bracket. A ledge partially surrounding the second post includes a stepped portion to prevent unseating of the checking device as the door hinge bracket is caused to move relative to the pillar hinge bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Scot Vanatta, Christopher Timothy Lynn Bowin
  • Patent number: 10472069
    Abstract: A release pin that includes a shaft having an axially-extending large diameter segment, an axially-extending small diameter segment, a first head on a first end of the shaft adjacent the small diameter segment and a second head on a second end of the shaft adjacent the large diameter segment for capturing the pin in a bore in a first linkage. A spring residing on the small diameter segment and captured between the first head and the first linkage biases the shaft in a connected position with the large diameter segment of the shaft positioned in the bore of the linkage and the small diameter segment of the shaft exterior to the bore of the linkage. The large diameter segment is sized to capture a pivot hook on an end of a second linkage when in the connected position. The small diameter segment is sized to permit the pivot hook of the second linkage to be disconnected from the first linkage when the spring is compressed and the small diameter segment is positioned in the pivot hook of the second linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John Iossifidis, Leo N. Escolar
  • Patent number: 10279662
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a door to a motor vehicle is disclosed including a bracket assembly that includes a bracket having a first pair of holes and a second pair of holes, and weld nuts welded to the bracket, the weld nuts being aligned with the first pair of holes. The system further includes an alignment piece having first and second alignment holes, the first alignment hole corresponding to a first of the second pair of holes of the bracket, the second alignment hole corresponding to a second of the second pair of holes of the bracket, datum pins inserted through the first and second alignment holes and the second pair of holes in the bracket, and a roller assembly fixedly attached to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erik R Anderson, Khang C Nguyen, Nathan Dimick
  • Patent number: 10259395
    Abstract: A folding seat assembly for e vehicle includes a folding seat pan that is pivotally mounted to a support surface and includes a mounting aperture disposed therethrough. A seatback is coupled to the support surface and includes an outwardly extending bracket with an upwardly extending engagement feature disposed thereon. An engagement member having a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of the seat pan and first and second sidewalls upwardly extending through the mounting aperture, the sidewalls including opposed inwardly extending tabs for receiving the engagement feature therebetween when the seat pan is in a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Salenbien, Kevin Mozurkewich, Ammeswara Rao Sajja, Chih-Cheng Liao
  • Patent number: 9534432
    Abstract: A hinge structure including a first shaft, a second shaft and a moving component is provided. The first shaft and the second shaft respectively have a guiding portion and a first screw thread and a second screw thread located at the guiding portion. Each of the first screw threads is connected to the corresponding second screw thread. The moving component is respectively coupled to the two guiding portions. When the first shaft and the second shaft rotate with each other through the moving component to switch between a first state and a second state, the moving component is guided by the first screw threads and the second screw threads to move along a direction parallel to the first shaft back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Po-Yi Lee, Yi-Chang Yeh, Huei-Ting Chuang
  • Patent number: 9370987
    Abstract: A sun visor mirror may include a mirror housing fixed to a sun visor main body, a mirror inserted into and seated on the mirror housing, a locking mechanism including a locker and an operating spring, locking the mirror in a state being inserted into and seated on the mirror housing and releasing the mirror by a user manipulation, and an operating unit provided between the mirror housing and the mirror, having an elastic member, operating the mirror popping-up out of the mirror housing due to an elastic force of the elastic member and rotating at a released state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 8851432
    Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Chiasson, Henry Maxwell, Thomas R. Faucher, John Lefavour, Richard Robicheau
  • Patent number: 8756762
    Abstract: Hinge assemblies that may adjust a tilt angle of an element of a portable electronic device in a user-comfortable position are disclosed. An example hinge assembly includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame, wherein a position of the second frame is adjustable between a first position and a second position to change a tilt angle of the second frame with respect to the first frame, a first elastic member connected to the first frame and the second frame and pressing the second frame toward the second position, and a locking member movably coupled to the first frame and capable of moving between a locking position where the locking member is engaged with the second frame to maintain the second frame at the first position, and an unlocking position where the locking member is separated from the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-man Kim
  • Publication number: 20140078654
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first body; a second body; a connection device including: a connection body through which the first body is connected with the second body; with a first torque generator and a second torque generator provided inside the connection body. When an angle value is in a first preset threshold range, the first torque generator generates a first torque for balancing a second torque generated by gravitation of the first body. When the angle value is larger than a maximum value of the first preset threshold range, the first torque generator generates a third torque and the second torque generator generates a fourth torque; the third torque and the fourth torque balancing a fifth torque generated by a first composite force, which is the composite force of the gravitation of the first body and a push force acting on a touch control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing Lenovo Software Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Uchiyama, Jun Xu
  • Publication number: 20140026363
    Abstract: A friction hinge assembly includes a spring that assists the opening of a first member relative to a second member by storing energy in the spring during the closing operation. The spring is of a unique multilayered torsion bar design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventor: Eugene Novin
  • Patent number: 8607416
    Abstract: A decklid hinge assembly for a vehicle includes a counterbalance torque system having a torque storing assembly. The torque storing assembly includes a torque rod having a first axial end and a second axial end, and a torque tube having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end of the torque rod is attached to a linkage system in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, the second axial end of the torque rod is attached to the second axial end of the torque tube in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, and the first axial end of the torque tube is attached to a hinge box in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween. The torque storing assembly is pre-loaded with a moment to generate a torque for assisting movement of the support member from a closed position into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard, Graham S. Foulkes
  • Publication number: 20130263407
    Abstract: A decklid hinge assembly for a vehicle includes a counterbalance torque system having a torque storing assembly. The torque storing assembly includes a torque rod having a first axial end and a second axial end, and a torque tube having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end of the torque rod is attached to a linkage system in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, the second axial end of the torque rod is attached to the second axial end of the torque tube in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, and the first axial end of the torque tube is attached to a hinge box in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween. The torque storing assembly is pre-loaded with a moment to generate a torque for assisting movement of the support member from a closed position into an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard, Graham S. Foulkes
  • Publication number: 20130221825
    Abstract: A hinge including a device bracket, a door bracket, a first arm, a second arm, and a closure device is provided. The first arm mounts to the device bracket at a first pin and to the door bracket at a second pin. The second arm mounts to the device bracket at a third pin and to the door bracket at a fourth pin. The third pin is closer to an axis of rotation of a door than the first pin when the door is in a closed position. The closure device includes a closure device body mounted to move with the second arm, a rod mounted within the closure device body, a spring, a spring retainer mounted to the rod, and a nut mounting the rod to the device bracket. The spring is mounted between the spring retainer and the closure device body to exert a force on the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Arturo J. Bonomie, Daniel Mark Graham, Mark J. Blahnik, Sean Petersen
  • Publication number: 20130169134
    Abstract: A sliding hinge for a portable device has a main bracket, a mounting panel and a coil spring. The mounting panel is slid relative to the main bracket. A distal end of the coil spring is attached securely to the mounting panel. The mounting panel is attached securely to a cover of the portable device. A proximal end of the coil spring is attached securely to a base of the portable device. When the cover is slid to open, the coil spring forces the cover to be fully opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Zheng-Cheng LIN, Shan-Yi Yang
  • Publication number: 20130104342
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including first and second cases, and a hinge shifting the first and second cases between open and closed states. The hinge including a slide hinge including a movable plate, and a support plate secured to the second case that slidably supports the movable plate. The hinge further including a rotation hinge including a fixed part secured to the first case; a rotational part rotatable on an axis common with the fixed part; an elastic member providing the rotational part with a force to rotate the rotational part with respect to the fixed part; a link mechanism connecting the rotational part with the movable plate; and a locking member locking rotation of the rotational part with respect to the fixed part. The support plate including a rotation actuating part that unlocks the locking member so that the rotational part rotates with respect to the fixed part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya SANO
  • Patent number: 8418319
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism 1 includes a rotation shaft 3 connected to a monitor and serving as rotating central axis X; a base 2 pivotally supporting the shaft 3 rotatably, and having click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and a housing position determining recess 2c on a circumference centering the axis X; a plate 5 attached at the end of the shaft 3; and a leaf spring 4 located between the base 2 and plate 5, fit-in by the rotation shaft 3, and having a click projection 4b that fits in the click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and recess 2c to hold the monitor in a predetermined rotation angle position. A sliding friction projection 4c sliding with pressed into contact with the base 2 is formed on the side opposite from the click projection 4b across the axis X, while a cutaway 2e entered by the projection 4c is formed in the base 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nagami
  • Publication number: 20130070406
    Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a hinge assembly. An example of the hinge assembly includes a pair of active hinges and a pair of passive hinges. The hinge assembly may be utilized in portable computing devices such as notebook computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Britt C. Ashcraft, Peter M. On, Michael Delpier
  • Publication number: 20130020826
    Abstract: A counterbalanced decklid hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid relative to a vehicle includes a torque rod extending between a first hinge box and a second hinge box. A support member is rotatably supported by each of the first and second hinge boxes. A linkage system interconnects one axial end of the torque rod to one of the support members, and is attached to the axial end of the torque rod in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends. A lever is attached to and rotatable with the other axial end of the torque rod, and is attached in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard
  • Publication number: 20130007985
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first body, and a second body capable of rotating relatively to the first body. The first body includes a first main part and a pair of stopper portions respectively extending from two sides of the first main part and coplanar with the first main part. Two ends of a shaft are fixed with the pair of stopper portions, respectively. The second body includes a second main part, a pair of blocking portions and a resilient arm located between the pair of the blocking portions. When the second body rotates to be perpendicular to the first body, the second body is positioned stably relative to the first body without an external force, due to an elasticity of the resilient arm of the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PEI-YU HUNG
  • Patent number: 8307503
    Abstract: A self-closing hinge comprises a stationary assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical tube having a first end and a second end having a clutch stationary assembly secured thereto. The hinge further includes a first torsional spring positioned within said tube and secured at the first end thereof, and has a pin secured at a second end of said first torsional spring whereby said spring biases said pin in a first direction and whereby said pin rotates to engage said clutch assembly at a at least one point. A rotating intermediate tube assembly comprises a generally hollow cylinder having a first end positioned over said stationary assembly, and a second end having a clutch rotating assembly, whereby said pin of said torsional spring engages said clutch rotating assembly at a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: George Burger
  • Patent number: 8307508
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably coupling a cover section and a body section comprise a first coupling element, a second coupling element including a first latching block and a second latching block spaced from the first latching block, the first latching block and the second latching block being configured for latching with the cover section, and an elastic element. One end of an elastic element is fixed to the first coupling element, another end of the elastic element is fixed to the second coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Jin-Ti Cao
  • Publication number: 20120279133
    Abstract: Described herein is a hinge and latch system that can be employed as a hinge, a latch, or both a hinge and a latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Peter Vullings
  • Publication number: 20120279015
    Abstract: A damped spring hinge is disclosed, which includes a shaft seat, a shaft, a sleeve, a sliding member, an elastic unit, a non-return valve, a throttle valve. The shaft seat has a seat body, wherein a shaft hole and a receiving hole are formed in the seat body. The shaft can be rotatably disposed in the shaft hole. The sleeve is received in the receiving hole. The sliding member can be slidably disposed in the sleeve. An oil reservoir is formed by the sliding member and the sleeve. The elastic unit is disposed in between the sleeve and the sliding member. The non-return valve is disposed in the oil reservoir, and the throttle valve is disposed on the seat body. Thereby, a self-closing action for the door can be generated, along with the damping effect by the hydraulic oil. A control device of the damped spring hinge is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: E TAI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: FANG-HSING HUNG
  • Publication number: 20120272478
    Abstract: A sliding arrangement, in particular an extension apparatus for drawers, sliding doors, hinged doors, etc., has an extending arrangement which comprises a sliding piece (21) that is displaceable by means of a spring element (22) between an inserted position and an extended position. In order to enable user-friendly opening of the drawer, provision is made according to the present invention that the sliding piece is displaceable over a first displacement distance in spring-impinged fashion, and in an adjacent second displacement distance is displaceable without spring impingement in a free-running portion of the extension apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ulrich Bantle
  • Patent number: 8283611
    Abstract: A compact, low-cost hinge assembly for mounting a door to a household appliance. A stay bar has first and second elongate edge surfaces extending between opposing first and second ends. The first end is pivotally connected to a door-mounting bracket on which an abutment is located. A torsion spring is mounted to a body-mounting bracket, and an arm of the spring resiliently engages the first edge surface to urge the second surface into engagement with the abutment, urging the door, in a closed position, toward the closed position. A detent recess in the second surface receives the abutment to hold the door partially open. A stop face projects from the first edge surface, and the spring arm contacts the stop face to hold the door horizontal, in a fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Way Plastic & Metal Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hon Man Choi
  • Patent number: 8250707
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a housing member, a lever member, a traveling member and a biasing member. The housing member includes a channel and a pivot. The lever member includes an outer portion, an inner portion, and a first intermediate point located therebetween. The lever member is pivotally coupled to the pivot at the first intermediate point. The traveling member includes a main portion that is configured to extend substantially along the housing member. A second intermediate point is located on the main portion, and the inner portion of the lever member is pivotally coupled to the second intermediate point. The main portion includes a sliding block and at least one grooved wheel at an end. The sliding block is configured to travel the channel sliding between the side walls, and at least one of the sidewalls includes a rail area for the at least wheel to roll against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Donoho
  • Publication number: 20120205368
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a clamshell device thereof are disclosed. The clamshell device includes a first cover and a second cover and the first cover can rotate with respect to the second cover via the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a main body, an elastic component, and a base. The main body is connected to the first cover and includes a shaft and a projecting part. The elastic component covers the shaft. An internal diameter of the elastic component matches with an outer diameter of the shaft so as to generate a friction force. The first cover can be maintained at any angle by the friction force. The elastic component has a groove used for connecting with the projecting part when the main body rotates to a specific angle. The base is connected to the second cover and has a stop structure used for fixing the elastic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Wei LIN
  • Patent number: 8240006
    Abstract: A trunk hinge apparatus having a pop-up function includes a hinge bracket mounted to an inner panel, a trunk hinge arm hinged to the hinge bracket, an elastic spring secured to the hinge bracket, a pop-up lever hinged at a first end thereof to the hinge bracket, and elastically biased at a second end thereof by the elastic spring, and a pressure unit mounted to the trunk hinge arm to come into close contact with the pop-up lever. When the spring moves the pop-up lever, the additional arm slides along the pop-up lever, moving the trunk hinge arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dae Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20120186042
    Abstract: The hinge (1) for furniture comprises a first and a second swinging arm (2, 3) hinged at their ends by means of pins (12, 13, 14, 15) to a box-shaped body (4) designed to be attached to a swinging portion (5) of the furniture and to a hinge arm (6) suitable for being attached to a fixed portion (7) of the furniture, a bending spring (8) also being provided, that has a first spring arm (9) presenting a profile (17a, 17b) for sliding against a cam (10) provided at one end of the first swinging arm (2), and a second spring arm (11) engaging with the hinge arm (6) or with the box-shaped body (4), the spring (8) being designed to exert a thrusting force on the cam (10) by means of its profile (17a, 17b) so as to enable the rotation of the first swinging arm (2) in the closing direction of the swinging portion (5), the sliding profile (17a, 17b) comprising a first stretch (17a) that engages with the cam (10) during the final part of the angular closing stroke of the swinging portion (5) and a second stretch (17b) t
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ARTURO SALICE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Publication number: 20120180260
    Abstract: Hinge assemblies that may adjust a tilt angle of an element of a portable electronic device in a user-comfortable position are disclosed. An example hinge assembly includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame, wherein a position of the second frame is adjustable between a first position and a second position to change a tilt angle of the second frame with respect to the first frame, a first elastic member connected to the first frame and the second frame and pressing the second frame toward the second position, and a locking member movably coupled to the first frame and capable of moving between a locking position where the locking member is engaged with the second frame to maintain the second frame at the first position, and an unlocking position where the locking member is separated from the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-man Kim
  • Publication number: 20120175460
    Abstract: A multi-stage fin deployment assembly includes a rotary actuator configured to release a first spring-loaded stage that, when deployed, releases a second spring-loaded stage to deploy a set of deployable member or fins. By chaining these spring-loaded stages together, a relatively small input force, as provided by the rotary actuator, causes the second spring-loaded stage to generate a relatively large output force on the fins. This multistage force magnification makes it possible for the deployment assembly to utilize smaller actuators that require less power and take up less space, compared to conventional locking mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: WOODWARD HRT, INC.
    Inventors: Kumaraguru Poonamalli Palani, Raymond Lee Burt
  • Publication number: 20120174338
    Abstract: A hinge includes a base, an arm, a mounting member, a hinge spring, a fixing pin member, and a damping device. Two ends of the arm are pivotably connected to the base and the mounting member, with the hinge spring exerting elastic force on the base and the arm. The damping device is mounted in the base and includes a fixed seat mounted in the base, a sliding block movably received in the fixed seat, a damping member mounted between the sliding block and the fixing pin member and abutting the base, and an elastic element. The sliding block includes a front portion facing the arm and a rear portion connected to the elastic element pressing against the fixed seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Yi Tai WU, Hsin Hung LIN, Shu Hua LIN, Shu Jiuan LIN
  • Publication number: 20120162864
    Abstract: In one embodiment an electronic device comprises a housing having a first section comprising a display and a second section comprising a keyboard coupled to the first section by a hinge assembly and an automatic hinge opening assembly for the housing. The automat hinge opening assembly comprises a hinge pin assembly mountable to the first section of the housing of the electronic device a pin rotatable about an axis between a first position and a second position and a hinge plate coupled to the pin and connectable to a hinge which connects the first section of the housing to a second section of the housing, and at least one torsion member coupled to the pin to apply a torque to the pin, wherein the torsion member is to store potential energy when the first section of the housing and the second section of the housing are in a closed position. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: JERED H. WIKANDER, SHAWN S. MCEUEN, MARK MACDONALD, ROBERT W. WOLCOTT
  • Patent number: 8205300
    Abstract: A hinge structure includes a first bracket, a fastener, a second bracket and a resilient member. The fastener is secured on the first bracket. The second bracket is rotatably fixed on the first bracket about the fastener. The second bracket is set in a first position near the first bracket. The resilient member is mounted around the fastener to bias the first bracket towards the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Cheng Lin, Zhong-Qun Li
  • Publication number: 20120149445
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a follower member, a rotary member, two swing rods, a resilient member and a main shaft. The follower member includes a cam surface. The rotary member includes a latching cam surface. The two swing rods engage with the rotary second member. Each swing rod includes a contact area engaging the cam surface, and each swing rod is rotated to allow the follower member to automatically rotate relative to the latching cam surface. The resilient member provides an elastic force for the follower member abutting against the rotary member. The main shaft, the follower member, the rotary member, the resilient member are placed around the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicants: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY., LTD.
    Inventors: YI-DE LUO, Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20120036680
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism 1 includes a rotation shaft 3 connected to a monitor and serving as rotating central axis X; a base 2 pivotally supporting the shaft 3 rotatably, and having click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and a housing position determining recess 2c on a circumference centering the axis X; a plate 5 attached at the end of the shaft 3; and a leaf spring 4 located between the base 2 and plate 5, fit-in by the rotation shaft 3, and having a click projection 4b that fits in the click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and recess 2c to hold the monitor in a predetermined rotation angle position. A sliding friction projection 4c sliding with pressed into contact with the base 2 is formed on the side opposite from the click projection 4b across the axis X, while a cutaway 2e entered by the projection 4c is formed in the base 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nagami
  • Patent number: 8096019
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a locking member. The first connecting member defines a connecting portion hole therein. A positioning arm with an angled surface is located on the first connecting member. The second connecting member defines a connecting body hole therein. A connecting body post is located on the second connecting member. The locking member engages in the connecting portion hole and the connecting body hole so that the first connecting member is rotatable relative to the second connecting member. The connecting body post abuts on the angled surface and the first connecting member is rotated between a first position where a first friction is generated between the connecting body post and the angled surface, and a second position where a second friction is generated between the connecting body post and the angled surface and greater than the first friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Cheng Lin, Zhong-Qun Li, Zhong-Liang Jian
  • Patent number: 8082626
    Abstract: A hinge provides swiveling of a display relative to one side of a host body including a first fastening seat, a pintle, a second fastening seat, a main torsion anchor member, a torsion rotary member, an ancillary torsion anchor member, a compressed elastic reed assembly and a nut. The main torsion anchor member and the torsion rotary member are compressed by a returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly. When the pintle pivots to a selected angle, the protrusion rapidly slides in a retaining latch trough of the main torsion anchor member through a steep sloped surface so that the display automatically and fully folds over the host body. The torsion rotary member pivots concurrently so that the bulged edge slides on a gradual sloped surface of different gradients so that adequate friction resistance is generated due to compression of the returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sinher Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Yung-Chang Chiang
  • Publication number: 20110297196
    Abstract: A hinge joint assembly including a first body having a first circular serrated edge located around a first central axis; a second body having a second circular serrated edge located around a second central axis, said second circular serrated edge corresponding with and adapted to engage with the first circular serrated edge; an axle rod, extending through the first central axis and the second central axis, adapted to enable the first and second bodies to rotate relative to one another; biasing means, positioned between the first body and the second body, for biasing said first and second bodies away from each other along the axle rod; movement limiting means for preventing the second body from being separated from the first body beyond a pre-determined distance; and a cam element, rotatable about the axle rod, adapted to move the second body relative to the first body, from a joint locked position to a joint unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Basil Bangs Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Durante
  • Publication number: 20110265287
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a fixing bracket, a revolving bracket, a resilient member, and a fastening member. The fixing bracket comprises a contact surface, and is sleeved on the shaft. The revolving bracket comprises a contact surface matching the contact surface of the fixing bracket. The resilient member is sleeved on the shaft. The fastening member is fixed on the shaft. The contact surface of the fixing bracket defines at least two positioning recesses, in one of which a positioning protrusion formed on the contact surface of the revolving bracket is selectively received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) Co., LTD
    Inventors: JIAN LI, JIN-XIN WANG
  • Publication number: 20110258810
    Abstract: A hinge includes a fixing bracket having a pole, a rotating bracket, a connecting member, a clamping member, and a male element rotatably sleeved on the pole. The hinge further includes a female element non-rotatably mounted to the pole, an elastic assembly rotatably sleeved on the shaft post, and a fastener fixed to a distal end of the pole. The connecting member is fixed to the rotating bracket. The clamping member is fixed to the connecting member, and the male element is fixed to the clamping member. The hinge further includes a first friction washer located between the rotating bracket and the connecting member, a second friction washer located between the connecting member and the clamping member, and a third friction washer located between the clamping member and the male element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-WEI CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20110247176
    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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: NUOVA STAR S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo VANINI
  • Publication number: 20110232034
    Abstract: A hinge has a pintle, a spacer assembly, a stationary bracket and a rotating bracket. The pintle is mounted through the spacer assembly and is connected to the stationary and rotating brackets. The spacer assembly has multiple spacers stacked with each other. Each spacer has a ring segment and a bearing segment. The ring segment is mounted around the pintle. The bearing segment has an absorbing space to absorb the stress acting on the ring segment. Therefore, the spacer sustains less stress to prevent breakage easily and a lifespan of the spacer is extended. Therefore, the hinge has a longer lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Sheng Chu, Chung-Yu Lee, Lu-Yu Chiang