Coil Patents (Class 16/304)
  • Patent number: 12140316
    Abstract: A home appliance is provided. The home appliance includes a main body having an opening, a door disposed on one side of the main body, the door being configured to open or close the opening, and a damping assembly configured to be operated by the door. The damping assembly includes a first lever installed in the main body, the first lever being configured to be movable when the door is pressed, a second lever connected to the first lever, and a cylinder connected to the second lever, the cylinder being configured to be movable in a direction that is parallel to a movement path of the first lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan Gi Park, Byoung Hak Kim, Yong Bin Lim, Jeong Hoon Kang, Dong Hyun Sohn, Ga Young Jo
  • Patent number: 10863806
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsibly erectable bag. Further, the collapsibly erectable bag may include at least one panel and an elastic component pair. Further, the at least one panel may be configured for forming an interior space and an opening leading into interior space. Further, the at least one panel may include a plurality of side panel pairs and a bottom panel. Further, a side panel pair of the plurality of side panel pairs may include oppositely facing panels. Further, the elastic component pair may be coupled to a primary side panel pair of the plurality of side panel pairs. Further, applying of a force on an elastic component of the elastic component pair may be configured for moving the elastic component from an initial position to a final position collapsing a first primary side panel of the primary side panel pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE BETTER SHOPPING BAG CO. INC.
    Inventors: Richard Shaffett, Arturo Aviles
  • Patent number: 10046685
    Abstract: A screen assembly includes an anchor arm, a cover arm, a spool arm, a spool, and a flexible screen. The anchor arm is connected to a component of the vehicle within the passenger cabin. The spool arm is disposed between the anchor arm and the cover arm. The spool is inserted onto the spool arm and can rotate relative to the spool arm. The flexible screen is attached to the spool and includes first and second portions. The first portion has a first edge attached to the spool arm and a second edge attached to the anchor arm. The second portion includes a first edge attached to the spool arm and a second edge attached to the cover arm. The first and second portions are dispensed in opposite directions when at least one of the cover arm and the anchor arm moves relative to the spool arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wade W. Bryant, John McDougall
  • Patent number: 9423764
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly; a rotatable member supported by the main assembly rotatably about a first rotational center; an openable member supported by the rotatable member rotatably about a second rotational center; and an urging member provided between the openable member and the rotatable member and configured to apply an urging force for suppressing opening of the openable member, wherein the openable member is capable of switching a rotational center between the first rotational center and the second rotational center in opening and closing operation of the openable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsukasa Abe, Hiroyuki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20140345082
    Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge has a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. A channel is located between the first and second side walls. First and second notch portions are respectively located in the first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base and has a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, a first end located in the first notch portion and a second end located in the second notch portion. A biasing spring has an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. A spring rod includes an outer end operatively coupled to the spring and an inner end operatively coupled to the lever. The lever also pivotally connects to the lobe of the cam. A damper assembly is connected to the base and having a piston which is moved between a first position and a second position by the lever contacting the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Brian White
  • Publication number: 20140201946
    Abstract: To provide an original cover closer which prevents inner components from exposure to the outside, when the original cover is opened, and from smears of grease on the end of the original lying on the contact glass, the original cover closer comprises the attaching member, the supporting member assembled by rotatably coupling its own both side plates to the both side plates of the attaching member, the lifting member assembled by rotatably coupling its own both side plates to the both side plates of the supporting member, the pressure bearing member provided between the both side plates of the attaching member, a second slider in contact with the pressure bearing member, and slidably housed between the both side plates of the supporting member; an actuating member attached to the side on which the both side plates of the attaching member rotate via said second hinge pin; a first slider in contact with the actuating member, held by the holding pieces and slidably housed between the both side plates of said suppo
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KEM HONGKONG LIMITED
    Inventors: Kentaro Yabukoshi, Tetsuo Kondo
  • Publication number: 20140130302
    Abstract: A hinge for a closing door of a compartment, of the type having a first and a second body, respectively integral to the door and to the frame of the corresponding compartment, or vice versa, and mutually hinged by at least one pin, first elastic means mounted on the second body and acting upon the first body, and at least one dampening device fixed to the second body, acting upon the first body and actuated by at least a first slider, functionally connected to the dampener, and by at least a second slider, configured for engaging, directly or indirectly, the aforesaid first body in correspondence of at least a certain angular range assumed by the first body with respect to the second body during their relative rotation, whereby the second slider is actuated in translation by the first body when engaged therewith, as well as constraining means between the first slider and the second slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: FARINGOSI HINGES S.r.l.
    Inventor: Angelo Bettinzoli
  • Publication number: 20140109344
    Abstract: A door hinge includes: a fixed board fixed to a door frame; a cover housing fitted to the upper end of the fixed board; an operation frame fixed to a door; an operation cam member rotatably disposed inside the cover housing and axially coupled to the operation frame fixed to the door by a shaft, so that the operation cam member rotates around the shaft according to the rotating operation of the operation frame; a link coupled eccentrically to one side of the operation cam member by a second pin and linearly moving according to the rotating operation of the operation cam member; a slider coupled to the link by a first pin and moving horizontally in forward and backward directions according to the linear movements of the link in the state disposed inside the cover housing; and a spring fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the slider to elastically support the closing operation of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Poong Won Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: June-young Lee
  • Patent number: 8578559
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 8556118
    Abstract: The moving mechanism has a first stationary-side gear part and a second stationary-side gear part provided on a support body side; a movable-side gear part and a pinion gear provided on a supported part of a movable body; and a guide device positioned so that the movable-side gear part engages with the first stationary-side gear part and the pinion gear engages with the second stationary-side gear part. The first stationary-side gear part is formed along an arc of a virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this virtual circle; the second stationary-side gear part is provided adjacent to this first stationary-side gear part on the center side of the aforementioned virtual circle, is formed along an arc of a separate virtual circle from this virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this separate virtual circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8549709
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a receiving seat, a control member, a clutch member, a follower, a main shaft and an elastic element. The receiving seat includes a first cam surface. The control member is releasably latched with the receiving seat. The cam includes a second cam surface. The follower includes a third cam surface engaging with the first cam surface or the second cam surface. The receiving seat, the control member, the cam and the follower are placed around the shaft. The elastic element provides an elastic force for the follower. After the control member is unlocked, the second cam surface engages with the first cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yi-De Luo, Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20130104343
    Abstract: A folding device includes a main body, a cover, and a torsion spring. The cover is rotatably connected to the main body and capable of covering the main body, the cover comprising a supporting member. The torsion spring renders the cover spring-loaded, to rotate the cover open from the main body. The torsion spring includes a coil, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first portion extending from one end of the coil along a first direction that is perpendicular to an axis of the coil; and a second portion extending from the end of the first portion along a second direction different from the first direction. The first portion and the second portion support the supporting member from different positions and different lengths when the cover is opened. The second arm restricts against the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: NA WANG, YUN WANG, YUAN-MING WANG, JIAN-YONG YANG
  • Patent number: 8186015
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism pivotally connects first and second housings of an electronics device. The hinge includes a bracket, a floating shaft, a cam member, and a biasing system. The cam member is mounted on the floating shaft. The biasing system is disposed within the first housing, and includes one or more biasing members that allow the cam member and the floating shaft to move axially in a first direction. The one or more biasing members also bias the cam member and the floating shaft in a second, opposing direction. Biasing the floating shaft and the cam member in the second direction maintains the pivotable connection between the first and second housings, and generates the force necessary to yieldingly resist a user pivoting at least one of the first and second housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Roy R. Attride, John Thomas Sadler
  • Patent number: 8132294
    Abstract: Snap hinge (10) for furniture comprising two articulated quadrilaterals elastically driven by at least two elastic means wherein at least one of said elastic means consists of a double spiral flexure spring stressed perpendicularly to the winding axis of the double spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Spreafico Cerniere S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianpiero Spreafico
  • Publication number: 20120005860
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft with shaft portion, shaft sleeve, first torque spring, and first sliding member. The shaft sleeve defines a through hole for the shaft portion extending through, a slot extending substantially parallel to the through hole, and forms hooks extending from two opposite sides of the slot. The first sliding member goes over the shaft sleeve, and the first torque spring includes a first end fixed to the shaft and a second end extending through the slot and then fixed to the first sliding member. The first torque provides torque to prevent the shaft sleeve from rotating to the shaft. When the first sliding member is moved along the shaft sleeve to compress the first torque spring, the torque can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SONG-YA CHEN
  • Patent number: 8091178
    Abstract: A hinge has a pintle, a moving leaf, a resilient device and a stationary leaf. The pintle has a resilient device mount formed on a distal end and is mounted securely in the stationary leaf. The moving leaf is mounted rotatably around the pintle and has a barrel having a protruding limit formed on an outer end. Because the resilient device mount is formed on the pintle, it does not break easily and may slip to prevent terminal failure and be reset when closed. The protruding limit abuts the stationary leaf and ensures a gap is formed between the leaves for wires cabling or the like. Therefore the hinge has improved wear and longer lifespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, Patrick Kessler, Chris Ligtenberg
  • Publication number: 20110277274
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a main shaft, a fixing seat, a follower, a cam and a first elastic element. The fixing seat is fixed with the main shaft. The follower is placed around the shaft, and the fixing seat selectively locks with the follower. The cam is placed around the shaft, and engages with the follower. The first elastic element provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other and provides a force to make the cam and the follower rotate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHAO DUAN, CHIA-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 7966697
    Abstract: A hinge has two leaves (11?), (13?) connected by a hinge pin (42?) retained in alternate sleeves (17?), (19?) on the facing edges of the two leaves, with limited axial movement of the hinge leaves relative to one another along the pin. A spring (46?) biases the leaves towards one end of this movement, where sleeves (19?) on one leaf (13?) have slots (74, 84) at one axial end and sleeves (17?) are axially preceded by flanges (76) which, according to the angular opening of the hinge, either abut the ends of the respective sleeves (19?) or enter one or other of the slots (74, 84). When the flange (76) abuts the sleeve end, the hinge is free to rotate, but when the hinge reaches an opening angle at which spring pressure causes the flange (76) to enter one or other of the slots, the hinge is locked. It can be released by manually sliding the locked sleeves (17?), (19?) apart against the spring pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth Springer
  • Patent number: 7835143
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a hinge assembly (30) and an enclosure (40). The hinge assembly includes a sleeve (31). The enclosure forms two elastic portions (46) therein. The hinge assembly is slidably received in the enclosure, and the sleeve is clamped between the elastic portions. The enclosure defines an opening (42) configured for exposing the hinge assembly from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Fih (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Chih-Chiang Chang, Xiao-Liang Wei
  • Publication number: 20100251519
    Abstract: A vehicle hinge set for supporting and operating decklid closures on a vehicle include at least one primary unit, at least one secondary drive unit slidably receivable against a primary unit, and a mount for supporting the aligned primary and secondary units. The primary unit combines a decklid strap pivotably connected to the primary unit, and may include a biasing mechanism. The secondary unit is mechanically and electrically coupled for motorized displacement of the strap of the primary unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: M&C CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael John Duffy
  • Patent number: 7730584
    Abstract: A vehicle closure hinge includes a mount having a pivot axis flange, a pivot link, a pivot coupling the pivot link to the pivot axis flange and a spring formed by a laterally coiled strand extending from a first coil end to a second coil end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of displacement about the pivot axis. The coil size, the strand size and the number of coils can be varied as desired to vary the spring biasing force exerted against the vehicle closure without varying other components of the hinge. The hinge parts may be designed with various configurations including simple pivoting links or a four bar linkage. A strand end of the coil spring extends along the direction of the coil to a position at a first coil end to maintain biasing force near the plane of displacement about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: M & C Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20100107368
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a base, a joint member, a pintle, and a coiling spring. The joint member is rotatably connected to the base. The pintle runs through the base and the joint member. The coiling spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed relative to the base, and the second end is fixed relative to the joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicants: HONH FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) Co., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-CHENG CHOU, JIN-XIN WANG, JUN-WU DUAN, FAN ZHOU, BEN-GUI LONG
  • Publication number: 20100027204
    Abstract: An electronic device and a method for using the same are provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a torsion hinge, and a second body. The first body has a first magnetic component. The torsion hinge is slidably disposed on the first body. The second body is connected to the torsion hinge and has a second magnetic component. The second magnetic component magnetically attracts the first magnetic component when the torsion hinge is located at a first position, and enables the first body and the second body to be in a folded state. The second magnetic component separates from the first magnetic component, and the torsion hinge drives the second body to rotate relative to the first body when the torsion hinge leaves the first position, so as to enable the first body and the second body to be in an unfolded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Meng-Sheng Chiang
  • Publication number: 20090188079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism (10) for opening and closing an appliance, said mechanism comprising at least one first (15) and a second (16) base part which are arranged so as to move relative to one another around a common axis of rotation (D, d) and can be put into a first and a second end position, where the path of motion of the base parts, which is situated between the two positions, is covered automatically by means of a spring tension which is exerted by a spring element (17) and which is initially set up manually, one end of the spring element being fixed on a first base part and the other end being fixed on a second base part. It is an object of the invention to provide a relatively simple and relatively small-construction mechanism for opening and closing an appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: LUMBERG CONNECT GMBH
    Inventors: Lothar Fuhrmeister, Henning Taschke
  • Publication number: 20090133219
    Abstract: A damped hinge module is disclosed and includes a first member, a second member and a torsion spring. The second member is rotationally movable relative to the first member between a first position and a second position. The second member being received at least in part within the first member. The torsion spring is located internally with respect to the first member and biases the second member toward the first position relative to the first member. The spring has a preload with the second member in the first position relative to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: David Lowry, Eugene Novin, Mark Cooper
  • Publication number: 20090133218
    Abstract: Snap hinge (10) for furniture comprising two articulated quadrilaterals elastically driven by at least two elastic means wherein at least one of said elastic means consists of a double spiral flexure spring stressed perpendicularly to the winding axis of the double spiral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: SPREAFICO CERNIERE s.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianpiero SPREAFICO
  • Publication number: 20090064458
    Abstract: A hinge for doors, in particular for electrical appliances, comprises a box-shaped body (3), a lever (4) pivoting at the box-shaped body (3) at a respective axis (A) of rotation so that the body (3) and the lever (4) can move relative to each other by tilting, the box-shaped body (3), a spring (12) housed in the box-shaped body (3) and designed to operate in conjunction with a first portion (4a) of the lever (4) to adjust the motion of the lever (4) and the box-shaped body (3) relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: NUOVA STAR S.P.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Vanini
  • Publication number: 20080118057
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for connecting a first housing and a second housing of a portable terminal is provided. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge housing and a damping member. The hinge housing is connected to the second housing and has an internal wall formed with one or more guide grooves extending in a circumferential direction of the hinge housing. The damping member is rotatably received in the hinge housing and rotates as the second housing rotates. The damping member has one or more frictional projections. In a first section corresponding to the position where the second housing is folded onto the first housing, the frictional projections contact the internal wall of the hinge housing. Similarly, in another section corresponding to the position where the rotation of the second housing is stopped after rotating away from the first housing, the frictional projections also contact the internal wall of the hinge housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-Bok Son, Byung-Yeol Ko, Jong-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 7242975
    Abstract: A hinge device of a portable terminal couples a body and a folder of the portable terminal and enables rotation of the folder with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Gun Bae, Sung-Sun Park
  • Patent number: 7100241
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Arrigo Zetti
  • Patent number: 6922873
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Arrigo Zetti
  • Patent number: 6895637
    Abstract: An elastic hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a shaft, a barrel, a pintle and a torsional spring. The shaft and the barrel are secured on a body of the computer. The pintle extends through the barrel and is secured on a monitor of the computer. The torsional spring is securely mounted between the shaft and the pintle. When the computer is closed, the torsional spring is twisted to provide an elastic force to open the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6817061
    Abstract: A hinge for a cellular phone that has a cover and a base comprises an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and a spring. The spring is mounted between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve and provides a torsion force to open the cover. A layer of buffering gel is applied the outer surface of the inner sleeve between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve to damp the opening rate of the cover so that the pivoting device can keep a wire between the cover and the base from breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jiin-Chang Wu, Hung-Yueh Huang
  • Patent number: 6564427
    Abstract: A hinge construction for pivotably connecting a pair of members together, such as for connecting the access cover of a power inlet box used in connecting an auxiliary generator to the electrical system of a building. The construction includes a mounting member including a knuckle fixed to the power inlet box. An access member includes a pair of spaced apart, pivot lugs disposed one on each side of the knuckle for movement between a closed position in which the access cover engages the mounting member to prevent access to the power inlet box, and an open position for providing access to the power inlet box. A hinge pin passes through aligned apertures in the mounting member knuckle and the access cover lugs, and forms a rotational axis about which the access cover pivots. A torsion spring surrounds the hinge pin and has a first end retained in the mounting member knuckle and a second end disposed outside the access cover lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Reliance Time Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 6510588
    Abstract: A turning mechanism for providing a turning motion, and a hinged electronic device. The turning mechanism comprises a power element which is arranged to generate the turning force for the turning motion, and a damping element which is arranged to control the speed of the turning motion. The damping element comprises a substantially cylindrical casing inside of which a spindle is mounted using a clearance fit. The power element is connected with respect to the spindle to allow the spindle to rotate inside the casing along with the turning motion. The clearance fit between the casing and the spindle is provided with an elastic medium which controls the motion of the spindle with respect to the casing and dampens the stopping of the turning motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Marko Eromäki
  • Patent number: 6505382
    Abstract: An improved hinge mechanism for use with a portable computing device is disclosed. According to one aspect, a hinge mechanism includes a first assembly with a pivot connection, a cam follower, and a second assembly. The cam follower is used to produce a cam action. The second assembly includes a cam. The cam follower cooperates with the cam to produce a moment about an axis associated with the latching hinge mechanism. The cam follower and the cam also cooperate to effectively latch the first assembly with respect to the second assembly when the cam is in a first position. According to another aspect, a display screen of the portable computing device can be rotateably-hinged to a base such that the display screen is set back from the base when the display screen is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Chris J. Stringer, Roy Riccomini, Sung H. Kim, Mark Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20020152580
    Abstract: In an original pressing plate hinge including a fixing member, an original pressing plate supporting member pivotably installed via a hinge pin to the fixing member, a slider slidably housed in the supporting member, a cam member fixed between the slider and the free end of the supporting member in contact with the slider, and a coil spring provided resiliently between the slider and the free end of the supporting member, the cam member is omitted to prevent an original or document set on the platen glass for copying or printing from being stained with or spoiled by a lubricant when the original touches the cam member to which the lubricant sticks, and instead a pressure receiving pinis used and a cam slider is used in place of the slider. To prevent a heavy original pressing plate from abruptly falling, a fluid damping member is housed in the coil spring and disposed between the cam slider and the top plate or free end of the supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hosaka, Hirofumi Kohda
  • Patent number: 6460220
    Abstract: A spring hinge including a pair of hinge leaves having hollow knuckles on adjacent hinges which are arranged in substantially axial alignment such that the hollow knuckles comprise segments of a hinge barrel. A torsion spring made up of a resilient coiled spring member is housed within the hinge barrel. First and second pintles are disposed at opposing ends of the hinge barrel and extend into and between axially aligned knuckles of the hinge leaves. The first and second pintles each engaging the spring member in a locked arrangement such that the spring member extends in a substantially locked relation between the first and second pintles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Bommer Industries, Inc
    Inventor: B. Stewart Jackson
  • Patent number: 6343405
    Abstract: A door closure mechanism is described including a base and a resilient element wherein the base includes surfaces which converge toward each other and wherein the resilient element, such as a torque rod, engages the converging surfaces so that the torque rod is more securely held in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Burton Carson
  • Patent number: 6305050
    Abstract: There is provided a hinge device for a foldable apparatus which comprises a first member provided with a first hinge sleeve rigidly secured thereto and with a first abutment peripheral edge and a second member provided with a second hinge sleeve with a second abutment peripheral edge slidably held in abutment with the first abutment peripheral edge; wherein said hinge device further comprises a first disk unrotatably fitted into said first hinge sleeve and a second disk unrotatably fitted into said second hinge sleeve; and either the first abutment facet of the first disk or the second abutment facet of the second disk being provided with a plurality of engaging recesses arranged at predetermined angular positions thereof; the other being provided with a plurality of engaging projections adapted to become engaged with the each engaging recesses under the effect of resilient force of a coil spring, the engagement of said engaging projections and said engaging recesses being switched by an opening or closing mo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Imai
  • Patent number: 6292980
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hinge mechanism for use in a portable phone having a phone body and a cover, the hinge mechanism configured to mechanically couple the cover to the phone body. The hinge mechanism includes at least one hinge module mounted to the phone body and configured to hinge the cover with respect to the phone body for opening and closing the cover. The hinge module includes a hinge housing having a bottom wall and a pair of opposite lateral end walls spaced from each other, one of the lateral walls having a hole. The hinge housing also has a pair of opposite longitudinal end walls spaced from each other. A hinge shaft is mounted in the housing and has a mountain-shaped portion provided with a pair of opposite cam surfaces at one longitudinal portion thereof and a shaft portion at the other longitudinal portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltc.
    Inventors: Young-Jin Yi, Young-Bae Ji, Cheon-Gyun Oh
  • Patent number: 6135530
    Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle incorporates a spring-loaded living hinge for connecting a door. Preferably, the door includes a rigid panel having a first portion and a second portion joined by a flexible region comprising a living hinge. A spring biases the first portion away from the second portion. Preferably, a pivot point is located adjacent the flexible region and helps to secure the spring to the first and second portions. The door is secured to the trim component by a latch that holds the first portion relative to the second portion. Release of the latch permits the spring to rotate the first portion away from the second portion. Thus, a door incorporating the present design is capable of rotating the first portion relative to the second portion in an unassisted fashion in opposition to the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Blaszczak, Gary Nardini
  • Patent number: 6061874
    Abstract: A lightweight piano-type hinge is comprised of a pair of conventional leafs with knuckles which are in mating meshing relation. The hinge employs a unique hinge pine which comprises a pair of different length hinge pins with an attached coil spring between them for resisting relative rotation of the leafs to spring load the hinge. A pair of large headed machine screw are at each end of the leafs to threadably engage the hinge pins which are selectively secured to the two leafs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley R. Tatara
  • Patent number: 5655261
    Abstract: A self-closing mechanism for a fully concealed hinge, which has a hinge cup for mounting on a door, and a frame wing pivotally supported thereon for attachment to a frame on which the door is mounted. The mechanism includes a combination compression coil spring retainer and plunger which is mounted on the frame wing, and positioned to be pressed against cam surfaces provided on the hinge cup. The cam surfaces are formed such that force applied to the cam surfaces by the plunger will act to maintain the door in open and closed positions, will apply a force to close the door when approaching the closed position, and otherwise will not exert either an opening or a closing force on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: David R. Cress
  • Patent number: 5500983
    Abstract: The invention relates to a corner cabinet hinge (30) for hanging a free panel (14b) of a two-panel corner cabinet door (14) on the panel (14a) that is hung by a hinge on the carcase supporting wall. The hinge (30) has two members which are associated one with each of the door panels and which are formed as a hinge cup (38) disposed in one of the door panels, and as a hinge arm (34) mounted rotatably in the hinge cup and adjustably fastened to the other door panel. In the area where the hinge arm (34) is journaled in the hinge cup (38) a thrusting device is provided which in the closed position of the door (14) biases the door panel into a position in which the panel assumes an angle of slightly more than 90.degree.. The thrusting device has a pusher displaceably mounted in the hinge cup and biased against the end of the hinge arm that is journaled in the hinge cup, plus a cam surface formed on this end of the hinge arm, which the pusher attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Mepla Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Lautenschla/ ger
  • Patent number: 5334354
    Abstract: Utility clamp for use in a laboratory or other environment containing caustic elements. The clamp has a fully-enclosed hinge which is isolated from the environment. The critical hinge components such as the hinge pin and coil spring are internally located in the hinge and are protected from corrosion or attack by agents which might contact the clamp during normal use. A method is also provided for assembling the clamp whereby pre-loaded springs are positioned within the internal cavity to normally bias the jaws of the clamp in an open position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Troemner, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnston, Alan L. Hooper, Peter D. Byar, Ronald G. Pridham
  • Patent number: 4971378
    Abstract: A pivoted automobile partition is described including an adjustable spring bias means for adjusting the force of a coil spring which pivots the partition from a lowered position to a raised position. The adjustment means includes a threaded pivot shaft which is connected to one end of the coil spring and is adjusted into different rotational positions to change the tension of such spring. The pivot shaft is fixed in its adjusted position to a pivot arm on the partition by lock nuts. A tubular housing and plastic cover sleeve completely enclose the spring bias means so that it cannot be tampered with and cannot injure rear seat passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: John R. Setina
  • Patent number: 4843681
    Abstract: Hinge particularly adapted for wallets, purses, paper-holders, or the like, consisting of two hinge members (1, 2) which are made of leather or similar flexible material, and which along one edge thereof are each provided with a row of comb-like, spaced apart co-axial tubular segments (3, 3'), the tubular segments (3) in one hinge member (1) being fitted between the tubular segments (3') in the other hinge member (2). A hinge pin (4) passed through the tubular segments (3, 3') in the two hinge members (1, 2) is in the form of a cylindrical helical spring (4) which is held in place by holding pins (5, 5') fitted in the ends of the helical spring (4) and provided with enlarged outward heads (205).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Finduck S.r.L.
    Inventor: Pietro Mannato
  • Patent number: 4823438
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for shower stalls has a helical spring on the hinge pin, positioned in a gap between the coaxial hinge sleeves, the ends of this spring being attached respectively to the two pieces of the hinge so as to apply biasing spring tension to hold the door closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Heinz-Rudolf Roloff
  • Patent number: 4771507
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for use in mounting an auxiliary seat on a vertical body wall of a vehicle such as a pickup truck extended cab. The hinge assembly comprises a seat-half banana hinge member and a body-half bracket hinge member for rotating the auxiliary seat between a first vertical stowed position and a second horizontal seating position. The bracket hinge has a pair of vertically extending side walls each formed with an oblique guide slot so as to movably support one end of a spring rod for reciprocal travel therein. A cam track having forward and rear notched detents is formed on each bracket hinge member side wall and is adapted for capturing a respective one of a pair of cam followers mounted adjacent each end of the spring rod. An overcenter tension spring urges the cam followers into rolling engagement with their associated jump motion cam track providing quick-return capture of the followers into their associated forward or rear notched detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Draplin, Janice E. Cote, Matthew E. Dukatz