To Counterbalance Weight Of Hinged Member (e.g., Horizontal Closure Biased To Open Position) Patents (Class 16/306)
  • Patent number: 10990710
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first unit having an input part and a second unit having a display. The first unit and the second unit are detachably coupled. The first unit includes a socket capable of housing a predetermined side of the second unit. Locked holes, into which a lock projection of a lock member can be inserted, are provided on one of right and left sides of the socket and the second unit. An interlocking lock mechanism is provided on another of the right and left sides of the socket and the second unit. The interlocking lock mechanism locks the second unit to the socket when the lock projection of the lock member is inserted into the locked holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Mori, Kenichi Shindo, Yusuke Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 10615538
    Abstract: An electronic device including an unfoldable connector module is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction which is an opposite direction of the first direction, a recess formed in a side of the first surface and opened at least in the first direction, and a connector module disposed in the recess of the housing and having at least a portion unfoldable to an outside of the recess to electrically connect with an external electronic device. The electronic device has the connector structure placed inside the recess formed in one side thereof to avoid a cut shape from being shown on the outside surface, ensuring a simple and tidy design along with a better grip when carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-Je Cho
  • Patent number: 10487556
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a trunk lid, includes: a hinge bracket attached to a trunk compartment; a hinge arm attached to a trunk lid and pivotally connected to the hinge bracket; and a damping mechanism disposed between the hinge bracket and the hinge arm, and damping a pivoting movement of the hinge arm, where the hinge arm has a hollow portion in which the damping mechanism is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jang Hwan Hyun
  • Patent number: 10317936
    Abstract: An example system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a stand frame and a display device. The stand frame includes a stand tongue and the display device includes a hinge. The hinge is substantially concealed behind a cover portion of the display device such that only a hinge sleeve component protrudes from the display device. The stand tongue is to insert into the hinge sleeve component to attach the stand frame to the display device, and to detach from the hinge sleeve component by depression of a release button located on the hinge sleeve component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: In Shr Tseng, George Janour
  • Patent number: 9993102
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mailbox apparatus including: a box for accommodating mail, wherein the box includes: two horizontal tracks, each of the tracks disposed at an inner upper part of an opposite sidewall of the box; and two pins, vertically disposed at the same level, each of the pins horizontally disposed at an entry side to one of the tracks; a door having side grooves in side facets of the door positionally corresponding to the pins, wherein the door adapted to have: an open state in which the door is horizontally disposed at an upper inner side of the box, thereby allowing insertion and extraction of the mail; and a closed state in which the door is vertically disposed. Preferably, the apparatus includes: a spring mechanism for applying force on the door while being inserted into the tracks, thereby retaining the door in position upon placing into the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Nir Silko
  • Patent number: 9690332
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first part, a second part, a third part, and a combining portion. The second part is connected with the first part and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The combining portion is configured to combine the third part with the second part when the second part is positioned within a combining interval defined within an interval between the first position and the second position, and to separate the third part from the second part when the second part is position at a third position defined at the second position or defined at a position between the combining interval and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Stan Liu, Vic Lin, Brad Chiu, San Huang
  • Patent number: 9312653
    Abstract: A rotatable power center is configured for installation along a work surface or the like, and includes an outer housing and a pivotable inner housing having one or more electrical or data outlets. The inner housing is positionable between a use position in which the outlets are accessible along the work surface, and a non-use position in which the outlets are generally not accessible. The outer housing defines an upper opening through which different surfaces of the inner housing are exposed or accessible, depending on the inner housing position. Spindles or spindle caps are used to pivotable mount the inner housing to the outer housing, and may also serve to secure two inner housing pieces together. A separate latch may be provided to secure the inner housing at the use or non-use position. Optionally, a detent arrangement holds the inner housing at the use or non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Marc A. Mitchell, Randell E. Pate
  • Patent number: 9217270
    Abstract: A mechanism for installing a spring in a vehicle decklid includes a bracket supported on the decklid to rotate about an axis, including a leg extending radially from the axis, a spring secured to the bracket, a stop, and an attachment engaged with the bracket for rotating the bracket about the axis and extending the spring to an installed position where a force applied by the spring to the leg forces the bracket into contact with the stop, said contact preventing rotation of the bracket in a direction that extends the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard, Edward L. Schulte
  • Patent number: 8997313
    Abstract: A counterbalance includes a first attachment strap, and an arbor rotatably supported by the first attachment strap. A second attachment strap is attached to the arbor, and is rotatable with the arbor about a winding axis. A spiral spring interconnects the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap. A spring support is attached to the second attachment strap. The spring support includes an annular wall that is disposed circumferentially about and concentric with the winding axis. The annular wall is radially positioned relative to the winding axis to contact an outermost coil of spiral spring, to position the spiral spring in a spiral orientation about the winding axis, such that each coil of the spiral spring moves away from the winding axis with a substantially constant angular velocity to provide a substantially equal radial spacing between adjacent coils of the spiral spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Houng Yue Chang, Carol A. Feldmann
  • Patent number: 8801320
    Abstract: A joint device connects a first and second members and allows pivotal motion of one or both members. The joint device includes a housing having a slide surface and a guide surface. First and second rotating members are supported for rotation by the housing to pivot one or both members. A slide member carrying a spring is supported for movement on the slide surface with rotation of the rotating members. The spring is coupled to the first rotating member, and has an arm arranged for movement along the guide surface as the slide member moves along the slide surface. The spring member imparts a bias torque on the first rotating member, where the bias torque magnitude changes as the slide member moves along the slide surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Koncept Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ng
  • Patent number: 8683655
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge apparatus for a door, and more particularly, to a separated type hinge apparatus with an automatic return function, in which a restoring device and a damping device are installed separately so that the overall length of the hinge apparatus is reduced, and thus the hinge apparatus may be buried less deeply. A separated type hinge apparatus comprises: an elastic casing; a first elastic member that provides a restoring force; a clutch device which is combined with one end of the first elastic member and controls the elastic force of the first elastic member to remain constant; a shaft penetratively combined through the clutch device in order to transmit a rotational force; and a spring fixing member which is coupled to the other end of the first elastic member and has a gear groove to control a spring elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Chan Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 8615847
    Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid of a vehicle includes a hinge box and a support member rotatably attached to the hinge box. A linkage system interconnects the hinge box and the support member, and includes a wind-up link rotatably attached to the hinge box for rotation about a spring axis, and a driven link interconnecting the wind-up link and the support member. A planar coil spring is coiled about the spring axis and is coupled to both the hinge box and the wind-up link. The planar coil spring applies a torque to the wind-up link to rotate the wind-up link about the spring axis to assist movement of the support member from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard
  • Publication number: 20130318745
    Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid of a vehicle includes a hinge box and a support member rotatably attached to the hinge box. A linkage system interconnects the hinge box and the support member, and includes a wind-up link rotatably attached to the hinge box for rotation about a spring axis, and a driven link interconnecting the wind-up link and the support member. A planar coil spring is coiled about the spring axis and is coupled to both the hinge box and the wind-up link. The planar coil spring applies a torque to the wind-up link to rotate the wind-up link about the spring axis to assist movement of the support member from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard
  • 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: 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: 8201304
    Abstract: An apparatus including a frame, a door and a compliant hinge mechanism hingably mounting the door to the frame, the compliant hinge mechanism including a resistance configured to provide a preload to balance the door in a first open position and an increasing force resisting further opening of the door when the preload is overcome and the door is opened past the first open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian M. Steurer, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7845053
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for use with a pivotally movable closure panel is operable to provide a counterbalancing force to lock or hold the closure panel in an open configuration against a predetermined threshold closure force without the need of separate support components such as gas-charged struts or prop rod. The hinge assembly is provided with upper and lower hinge arms which are pivotally connected towards their rearward ends for movement relative to each other for pivotal movement about a hinge pivot axis. A generally elongated or guide slot is formed in the lower hinge arm. A prop arm is pivotally secured at a first end to a forward portion of the upper hinge arm forwardly from the hinge pivot axis. A sliding member is secured toward the second other end of the prop arm and engages the guide slot so as to be reciprocally movable therealong as the hinge arms are moved between a fully closed and fully open positions. The guide slot includes an operational section and an engaged section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Warren Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Marsh, Gabriele W. Sabatini, Christopher P. Nyholm
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7699378
    Abstract: A motion assist hinge mechanism includes a first and second hinge part mounted to the tailgate and vehicle body, respectively. The first hinge part includes a first cam having a sloped engagement surface engaged with a sloped engagement surface of a second cam of the second hinge part, under the bias of a resilient member, for moving axially along a pivot axis. The second cam is fixed to the vehicle body against pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis. When the tailgate is moved from a lowered, open position towards a raised, closed position, the resilient member translates a torque assisting force to the tailgate. The surface of the second cam may also include a detent that mates with the surface of the first cam to lock the tailgate at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. J. Smith, Bradley F. Patzer, Stanislav Magovski
  • Patent number: 7546663
    Abstract: A vehicle body hinge mechanism includes at least one hinge set carried by a support plate that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. Preferably, the plate is stamped, and the pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck arm, that will be coupled to the hood. The plate includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the hood opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages a linkage that urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. Preferably, a stop limit is integrally incorporated in the linkage carried by the plate to stop the lever at a desired hood opening limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: M & C Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Duffy
  • Patent number: 7469447
    Abstract: A vehicle hinge for coupling a flap to a vehicle body, comprises a first link, a second link, a first spring, wherein one of the first link and the second link are to be arranged pivotably on a body of a vehicle and on a flap of a vehicle, respectively, wherein, when the flap is closed, the first spring pretensions the flap in an opening direction, a tensioning device for tensioning the first spring in a second opening phase of the flap, and a locking device for retaining the tensioned first spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Edscha AG
    Inventor: Peter Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20080098567
    Abstract: A vehicle body hinge mechanism includes at least one hinge set carried by a support plate that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. Preferably, the plate is stamped, and the pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck arm, that will be coupled to the hood. The plate includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the hood opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages a linkage that urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. Preferably, a stop limit is integrally incorporated in the linkage carried by the plate to stop the lever at a desired hood opening limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: M & C CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael J. Duffy
  • Patent number: 7150071
    Abstract: A breakaway hinge system for an appliance door includes a claw and a receptacle adapted to receive and retain the claw. The receptacle includes a support member and at least one hinge mounting structure that is engaged by the claw. The at least one hinge mounting structure is movable relative to the support member between first and second positions. A spring biases the at least one hinge mounting structure to the first operative position, and the at least one hinge mounting structure is movable to the second position in response to application of force to the hinge assembly having a magnitude sufficient to overcome the spring. The at least one hinge mounting structure can be a pin or like structure provided as part of a pair of pins connected directly or indirectly to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Mansfield Assemblies Co.
    Inventors: James J. Collene, Jeffrey D. Habegger
  • Patent number: 7040245
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a hatch cover of a watercraft includes a hinge arm having a substantially J-shaped configuration and made of an extruded material, a deck mounting bracket for connecting the hinge arm to a deck of the watercraft, a hatch cover mounting bracket for connecting the hinge arm to a hatch cover of the watercraft, a hinge shaft connecting the hinge arm to the deck mounting bracket, and at least one mounting member connecting the hinge arm to the hatch cover mounting bracket. The hinge arm has a width dimension extending in a longitudinal direction of the hinge shaft that is greater than a thickness dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hinge shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
    Inventor: Chester Colburn Nash
  • Patent number: 6986187
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an appliance includes a claw and a channel pivotably connected to the claw. A link assembly is operably connected between the claw and the channel. The link assembly includes a link connected to the claw and a lever connected to the link. A glide member is connected to the lever and movably engaged with said channel. The glide member is slidably movable between first and second operative positions in response to movement of the channel relative to the claw between first and second positions, respectively. A spring is operably connected to a first end of the lever and biases the glide member into engagement with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mansfield Assemblies Co.
    Inventors: Steven O. Cummins, Jeffrey D. Habegger, James J. Collene
  • 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: 6804858
    Abstract: A device comprising a pair of lower and upper bodies respectively accommodating an image scanner and a printer. The upper body is hinged at one end thereof to the lower body so that the other end thereof is allowed to move between open and close positions. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the upper body not to fall down toward the second body due to the weight thereof and keep it at an arbitrary position between the open and close positions. The biasing mechanism includes a spring member and applies a first biasing force to the upper body by linearly stretching the spring member. When the upper body is in the vicinity of the lower body, the biasing mechanism further generates a second biasing force to be applied to the upper body by bending the linearly stretched spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yazawa, Kiyoshi Ueda
  • Publication number: 20030200625
    Abstract: In an arrangement for damping the pivot movement of a furniture component which is supported by a pivot joint on a stationary furniture part and which includes a damping element for slowing the movement of the furniture component near one of its end positions, the damping element includes a cylinder and piston unit forming part of a hinge, which includes a hinge housing in which a piston operating member is slidably supported and operatively connected to the piston, and a hinge lever extends between the movable component and the stationary furniture part in such a way that it engages the piston operating member in the hinge housing when the movable component approaches one of its end positions so as to slow down the movable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Herbert Zimmer
  • 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: 6505381
    Abstract: A hinge system for deploying panels or other structures from a satellite or spacecraft has at least two configurations. The panels are held in a substantially stacked disposition in the stowed configuration by the hinge system which connects to each panel and includes an intermediate arm sized to span any necessary space between the two panels in the stowed configuration. A deployment cable is attached to one of the panels and threaded over a series of pulleys disposed on the hinge system and onto a spool in the other panel. When the spool is driven to wind the deployment cable onto it, the tension in the cable pulls on the pulleys, causing the hinge to unfold and then slide into a housing located on one of the panels. This deployed configuration allows the panels to be held aligned and directly adjacent to one another by the tension of the deployment cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Astro Aerospace
    Inventors: Mark Thomson, Steve Davis
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6487754
    Abstract: A support mechanism supports a hood in a raised position with respect to a vehicle to which the hood is pivotally coupled. The support mechanism includes a pivotal lift rod coupled between the vehicle and the hood. The mechanism also includes a pair of arm members which are pivotally coupled to each other by a central pivot pin, and which are coupled between the vehicle and a central portion of the rod. A flat coil spring is coiled around the central pivot pin and is attached to the arm members. The spring is biased to pivot the hood upwardly. The lower end of the rod is anchored by a removable pivot pin, which, when removed, permits the hood to be raised approximately 90 degrees from it lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Eric Albert Keen
  • Patent number: 6446308
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism of the type for interconnecting two members in a manner such that the two members may be moved and placed in various positions in relation to one another. The tilt mechanism comprising: an outer mandrel connected to a first member; an intermediate mandrel connected to a second member, the intermediate mandrel being movably disposed about a portion of the outer mandrel; an inner mandrel in functional connection with the outer and intermediate mandrel; a first spring functionally connected about a portion of the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the first spring resists movement when moved in a first direction and releases tension when moved in a second direction; and a second spring functionally connected about a portion of the intermediate mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the second spring resists movement when moved in a second direction and releases tension when moved in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Gabriel Brewington, Richard Hunter Harris
  • Patent number: 6311866
    Abstract: A food warmer has a cover hinged on a flame by a pair of side hinges for rotation around an axis between a closed position and a fully open position, with there being present between the cover and the frame at least one spring for opposing the rotation moment generated by the weight of the cover. Each hinge includes a pivot element on the frame and a fork, shaped bracket on the cover releasably engagable with and rotatable on the associated pivot. A spring contained in at least one of said pivots reacts on the fork engaged therewith to oppose the rotation movement generated by the weight of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Oneida Italy S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sergio Sambonet, Ferruccio Vercellone, Fausto Rissone
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6263542
    Abstract: A hinge assembly and methods for mounting a hatch relative to a port defined in a cover of a vacuum chamber to close and open the port. A torsion rod mounted between the port and the hatch is in torsion when the hatch is in a closed position relative to the port, assisting port-opening motion. A sleeve surrounds the rod and is movable with the hatch. Friction hinge structures between the cover and the sleeve, and between the hatch and a second sleeve are in a friction-engaging relationship with the corresponding sleeve. Each friction hinge structure provides high resistance to relative motion between a friction spring and the corresponding sleeve. During the port-opening motion of the hatch the friction springs provide low resistance to such relative motion. The hinge structures provide tolerance resistance and vacuum compliance by allowing relative movement between a hinge mounting plate and the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Jay Larson, Thomas R. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6092264
    Abstract: A mechanism (10, 100) is disclosed for deploying a mechanism, such as an air foil or antenna (14, 102, 104) which utilizes a pivot axle (16) and a torsion spring (18) to pivot the erectable surface to the erected position. A locking pin 22 can be provided to lock the erectable surface (14) in the erected position. In one embodiment, a wing (102) and a control fin (104) can be deployed about a single axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Johnny E. Banks
  • Patent number: 5996132
    Abstract: A compound torque hinge comprising a first rotating shaft rotatably mounted through a partition wall within a hinge case having the partition wall; a first rotation control working on the first rotating shaft and mounted on one side of the partition wall of the hinge case; and a second rotation control mean coaxially mounted on the other side of the partition wall of the hinge case. The first rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating shaft of the second rotation control. The first rotating is a cam mechanism provided with spring and the second rotation control is a fluid damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Sorimachi
  • Patent number: 5937583
    Abstract: A device for closing road wells in vehicle and pedestrian zones is provided, said device comprising a support frame (2) defining an access opening (4) and a plate closing element (5) rotatably engaged with the support frame (2) about a hinging axis (6) so as to be movable between a raised open position and a lowered closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Riccardo Lamperti
  • Patent number: 5894633
    Abstract: A tilt hinge supports a cover so that the cover can lightly be opened and can be held in an inclined position at an optional angular position. The tilt hinge comprises: a mounting member having a mounting plate and a bearing plate, and attached to a main unit of a machine; a stepped shaft having an expanded section and a reduced section of a diameter smaller than that of the expanded section, supported for rotation on the bearing plate; a support member for supporting a cover, fixed to the shaft; a torsion coil spring wound around the shaft and resiliently engaged between the support member and the mounting member; and a friction mechanism interlocked with the bearing plate and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5513420
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a hinge assembly for pivotably interconnecting a frame and a glass door of a refrigerated display case. The hinge assembly is pivotable about a horizontal axis and includes a hinge movable between a first position and a second position. The hinge includes a spring biasing device for biasing the hinge to the first position or second position. A clamp is connected to the hinge and holds the glass door using only frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Tyler Refrigeration Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5483981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a casing including an enclosure with its cover having a hinge a spring for controlling the opening of the cover and a mechanism for cushioning the opening movement of the cover. The mechanism for cushioning the open movement includes at least one substantially resilient foam block and/or flexion spring disposed in the casing so as to act during the substantial portion of the opening travel of the cover whilst absorbing the energy imparted thereto for its opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Yves Saint Laurent Parfums (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Michel Vandromme, Charles Pileur
  • Patent number: 5465862
    Abstract: A closure apparatus for a subsurface pit for servicing an aircraft located beneath an aircraft servicing surface across which aircraft travel is provided with an improved spring biasing arrangement. The system employs separate springs interposed between the hollow body of the pit and the lid so as to urge the pit lid from its horizontal seated position toward a fully raised position. Obstructions are provided for separately intercepting and disengaging the springs from acting against the pit lid as the pit lid is opened through intermediate angular positions between the horizontal seated position and the fully raised position. By sequentially isolating the pit lid from the action of each of the springs, one at a time, the moment of spring force opposing closure of the lid more closely follows the moment of the force of gravity tending to close the lid. This substantially reduces the maximum manual force that is thereby required to overcome gravity in opening the pit lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Dabico, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Devlin
  • Patent number: 5464115
    Abstract: The present invention is a footlocker of molded plastic construction which includes a bin having a storage cavity and a lid hinged to the bin for enclosing the storage cavity. Two plastic latches are used to secure the lid in its closed relation above the bin. Each of the latches includes a face plate with a front surface which preferably has graphic indicia molded therein. In order to lock the lid in its closed position and thereby safeguard the contents of the bin, the footlocker preferably includes a padlock hasp. In order to hold the lid open in any position, the footlocker includes a lid stay mechanism connected between the lid and the bin. The bin has a plurality of continuously molded feet and the top surface of the lid a plurality of stacking depressions molded therein for receiving the feet and thereby enabling multiple footlockers to be stacked on top of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Stephen P. Whitehead, Michael G. Uffner
  • Patent number: 5419012
    Abstract: A gooseneck type hinge (18) for a vehicle body deck lid (16) includes a gooseneck member (20) moved by a control link (42) between a vertically extending orientation in an open position of the deck lid and a horizontally extending orientation in a closed position of the a deck lid so as to limit the extent to which the gooseneck member (20) of the hinge intrudes into the usable space of the associated vehicle body compartment (12). A universal hinge member (30) of the hinge has a first pivotal connection (32) for providing pivoting thereof about a first axis A on a vehicle body mounted member (28) and also has a second pivotal connection (34) that mounts a first end (22) of the gooseneck member (20) with respect thereto about a second axis B that is generally transverse to the first axis A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil H. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5301390
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for counter-balancing a panel e.g. a hatch cover of a boat when the latter is rotated about a horizontal axis has levers pivotally attached to the panel, to the deck and to each other, with a torsion spring arranged coaxially on the pivot between the two levers. Also at that pivot axis a friction brake is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Lewmar Marine Limited
    Inventor: Brian E. Cleal
  • Patent number: 5274954
    Abstract: A door control system for dishwashers having doors mounted for pivotal movement between a vertical closed position and a horizontal open position. Pivot brackets are provided on each side of the door to support the door for such pivotal movement. A counterbalancing spring is connected to the bracket to produce a resilient force urging the door toward the closed position. A damper is also connected to the bracket to control the rate of movement of the door so that the door slowly and gently approaches the open position. The system functions effectively without adjustment of the spring even when the weight of the door is changed by the addition of decorative panels to the outside of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Carl Quarfordt, Lars-Bertil Ohlson
  • Patent number: 5240319
    Abstract: An upper body opening/closing mechanism for a piece of electronic equipment that has a lower body constituting a lower portion of the piece of electronic equipment, an upper body for normally covering the upper surface of the lower body, the upper body being rotatable about one end thereof in order to expose the upper surface of the lower body, a holding member for holding the upper body at a position where the upper surface of the lower body is covered by the upper body, and an elastic member normally contacting the upper body for biasing the upper body in a direction for exposing the upper surface of the lower body by exerting an elastic force when the retained condition of the upper body maintained by the holding member is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Koga
  • Patent number: 5235725
    Abstract: A hinge pivotally moves a closure panel between two positions to open and close an access opening formed in a structure. The hinge includes a mounting plate connected to the structure. A strap is pivotally connected at a first end to the mounting plate and is fixedly connected at a second end to the closure panel. A clock biasing spring is connected at a first end to the mounting plate and has a second end rotationally and radially movable with respect to the first end. A link is pivotally connected at a first end to the strap at a position spaced from the pivot connection of the first end of the strap to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. A. Rees
  • Patent number: 5142738
    Abstract: A hinge device to be used between a rotatable component and a stationary component to work as a pivoting device and to permit a restrained rotation of one component in relation to the other due to a high viscosity grease and the torsional force of a coil spring inserted therein in a predetermined angular range; and subsequently to restrain the rotating speed by means of the high viscosity grease and the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juji Ojima