Torsion Spring Patents (Class 16/308)
  • Patent number: 11371491
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first hinge element configured to engage and secure to a fixed element; a second hinge element configured to engage and secure to a movable element and to pivot about an axis of rotation defined by a hinge pin passing through at least one bore of the first hinge element and at least one bore of the second hinge element; and a first shape memory alloy element disposed coaxially within a bore of the hinge pin; a first heating element disposed coaxially within the bore of the hinge pin and configured to heat the first shape memory alloy element, wherein the hinge pin includes a first flange configured to engage the first hinge element; and a second flange configured to engage the second hinge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason D. Steadele, Frederick T. Calkins, Micheal A. Bass
  • Patent number: 11345418
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for adjusting a flap, in particular a tailgate, of a motor vehicle, which in the mounted state is mounted on a body of the motor vehicle so as to be pivotable about a flap pivot axis and which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position over a pivot angle. It is proposed that the drive arrangement comprises a torsion spring arrangement having a torsion spring, the torsion spring being adapted to generate a torsional torque about a torsion axis, that the torsion axis is arranged with an offset to the flap pivot axis, and that the drive arrangement comprises a first gear unit which converts the torsional torque into a supporting force or torque acting on the flap in the direction of the closed position or in the direction of the open position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Andrew Lakerdas, Kim Taylor, Vitali Wendland, Maximilian Kunzelmann, Jacob Rye, Adam Laczo
  • Patent number: 11105140
    Abstract: An opening and closing device includes an upper arm and a lower arm spaced apart in an up-and-down direction and extend between a vehicle door and a vehicle body, a connecting member connecting first end portions of the upper and lower arms, a body-side upper hinge and a body-side lower hinge attached to the vehicle body supporting the connecting member rotatably, a door-side upper hinge attached to the vehicle door to support a second end portion of the upper arm rotatably, a door-side lower hinge attached to the vehicle door to support a second end portion of the lower arm rotatably, and a driving device causing the upper and lower arms to rotate about a first and second rotational axes, and the driving device is attached to the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke Kitamura, Naoya Seto
  • Patent number: 11035164
    Abstract: A screen door for a cooling package of a vehicle that includes proximal and distal frame posts, screen surface, torsion bar, stationary support, torsion bracket and fastener. The proximal frame post is hingedly coupled to the cooling package, and the distal frame post can be hingedly coupled to a secondary door. Proximal end of torsion bar is fixedly attached to proximal frame post, and distal end is moveable relative to the distal frame post. Stationary support is fixedly attached to distal frame post. Torsion bracket is fixedly attached to distal end of torsion bar, and is moveable relative to stationary support. Fastener maintains torsion bracket in a desired position relative to stationary support. Movement of torsion bracket relative to stationary support applies an adjustable torsion on torsion bar, and fastener maintains the adjustable torsion. An adjustment member can be attached to fastener between torsion bracket and stationary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Shaun J. Miller, Eric L. Baker
  • Patent number: 10920471
    Abstract: A door mounting system comprises a hinge assembly (101) and a door frame (5), the length of the hinge assembly (101) corresponding to a height of the door frame (5). The hinge assembly (101) comprises a first hinge member (2) coupled to the door frame (5), an intermediate hinge member (3), and a second hinge member (4) for attachment to a door leaf (1). The first hinge member (2) and the intermediate hinge member (3) are rotatably coupled to each other around a first hinge axis, and the second hinge member (4) and the intermediate hinge member (3) are rotatably coupled to each other around a second hinge axis. A locking element is adapted to selectively inhibit rotation of the intermediate hinge member (3) relative to either the first hinge member (2) or the second hinge member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Kingsway Enterprises (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Benjamin Hall
  • Patent number: 10907391
    Abstract: A vehicle trunk opening and closing control device includes a bracket secured to an inner panel of a trunk, a hinge arm rotatably hinged at a first side thereof to the bracket and connected at a second side thereof to a trunk lid, a sliding rail disposed adjacent to one side of the hinge arm and coupled to the hinge arm, and a torsion bar, which is fixed in position by being caught in a slot formed in the bracket and is configured to rotate the hinge arm by applying tension to the sliding rail through contact with the sliding rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Won Lee
  • Patent number: 10677387
    Abstract: An electronic device including a hinge structure disposed on a plate, and a stand member disposed to be rotated at a predetermined angle from the plate by using the hinge structure, is provided. The hinge structure includes a base member including at least one guide hole, a first rotatable member disposed on the base member and rotatable about a first axis, a second rotatable member disposed on the first rotatable member and rotatable about the first axis, and fixed to the stand member, at least one link each including one portion rotatably arranged with respect to a second axis disposed near the first axis, another portion guided through the at least one guide hole in accordance with a movement of the second axis, and a torque generating structure including an axis coinciding with the second axis, and providing a torque in accordance with a rotation of the second rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yonghwa Han, Chungkeun Yoo, Hyosung Kang, Jungbae Park
  • Patent number: 10648209
    Abstract: A one-piece hinge assembly (1) with a resilient torsion bar is provided. The one-piece hinge assembly (1) comprises a first hinge element (2A), a second hinge element (3A), and a torsion bar (6) that extends axially between the first hinge element (2A) and the second hinge element (3A). The second hinge element (3A) presents two load arms (8) that are constrained to pivot with the torsion bar. The first hinge element (2A) comprises a bearing body (9) that extends between the two load arms (8) and through which a middle portion of the torsion bar (6) passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: A RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventor: Jiri Sedivy
  • Patent number: 10585451
    Abstract: A portable information handling system transforms between clamshell and all-in-one positions by sliding a display housing pivot axis towards a front side of a main housing and raising the rear side of the main housing with a stand that extends out from a bottom surface of the main housing. A keyboard detaches from the main housing upper surface to expose guides that manage the display housing sliding motion towards the main housing front side. The all-in-one position raises the main housing towards a near-vertical orientation to raise the display above a support surface for end user viewing while an end user interacts with the keyboard separated from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Brocklesby, Priyank Gajiwala, David J. Hernandez, Robert D. Hrehor, Jason S. Morrison, Laurent A. Regimbal, Anthony J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10577030
    Abstract: An exemplary removal assembly includes, among other things, a lock that rotates together with a powered tailgate when the powered tailgate is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position and moved back-and-forth between an open and a closed position. The lock is rotatable between a locked position that blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position, and an unlocked position that permits removal of the powered tailgate. An exemplary removal method includes, among other things, moving a powered tailgate that is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position. The moving transitions a lock from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lock in the locked position blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position. The lock in the unlocked position permitting removal of the powered tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manuel Santana, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Brian Kenneth Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10358171
    Abstract: A vehicle truck box assembly including a tailgate, a hinge-on-box bracket, a puck component, a hinge post, and a plastic shim is provided. The tailgate is pivotally mounted to a truck bed. The hinge-on-box bracket includes a cup extension. The puck component is secured to the cup extension. The hinge post is for securing to the puck component and to a hinge-on-gate bracket and the hinge post defines a cavity. The plastic shim is received in the cavity for contacting the cup extension. The plastic shim may include an upper angle portion extending from a base portion. The upper angle portion may extend between the cup extension and the puck component that are arranged to snugly receive the hinge post. The upper angle portion may extend from the base portion at an angle value between five and fifteen degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Robert Hemphill, Jeffrey Hartley, Jeffrey Gray, Brian Kenneth Sullivan, John Galligan, Jack Marchlewski
  • Patent number: 10310564
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device. One example computing device includes a base member, a support member rotatably connected to the base member at a first end of the support member, via a fixed shaft around a first axis of rotation, and a display member rotatably connected at a second end of the support member opposite the first end, around a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first axis of rotation. The computing device includes a linking mechanism disposed within the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chan Park, Jr., Wen-Yo Lu, Chad Patrick Paris
  • Patent number: 10241548
    Abstract: The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a pair of self-spacing hinge assemblies rotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions and camming the first and second hinge ends apart from one another at non-parallel orientations of the first and second portions sufficient to prevent contact of the first and second hinge ends at the non-parallel orientations while allowing the first and second hinge ends to contact one another at other orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Errol Mark Tazbaz, Karsten Aagaard, Kabir Siddiqui, David Otto Whitt
  • Patent number: 10222872
    Abstract: An information handling system integrated keyboard selectively retracts and extends keys based upon detected conditions, such as housing configuration, housing motion and end user indications. Extension and retraction shuttle plates motivated by actuator wires moves a sliding plate to extended and retracted positions that define the key positions. Nickel titanium alloy actuator wires shorten upon application of current to pull the shuttle plates to the extended or retracted positions that are maintained by a lock. Limit switches remove current at detection of a desired shuttle plate position. One or more controllers manage actuator wire operation based upon detected conditions and actuator wire temperature and electrical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Jason S. Morrison, Adolfo S. Montero, Laurent A. Regimbal
  • Patent number: 10220735
    Abstract: A bracket for connection of a child safety seat to a foldable vehicle seat includes a wire with a first leg, a second leg and a horizontal attachment portion. The attachment portion is connected to the first leg and the second leg and is configured to connect to the child safety seat when the attachment portion is in a first position. The bracket also includes a support member connected to the first and second leg. The support member is configured to couple the wire to the vehicle seat while permitting movement of the attachment portion from the first position to a second position, wherein the first position is different from the second position. The bracket also includes a biasing member in contact with at least one of the support member and the wire and is configured to bias the attachment portion of the wire toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dumitru D. Nae, Marco A. Vitale
  • Patent number: 10202791
    Abstract: An adjustable positioning hinge and an assembling method thereof are provided. The adjustable positioning hinge includes a first leaf set, a second leaf set, plural friction damping pieces, a positioning pin and a shaft. The first leaf set includes a first sleeve with a positioning groove concavely formed and disposed along an axial direction of the first sleeve. The plural friction damping pieces are fitted in the first sleeve and configured to form at least one adjustable sleeve set. Each of the plural damping pieces includes a positioning part engaged with the positioning pin accommodated in the positioning groove. The shaft is fixed to the second leaf set. The first leaf set is pivotally connected with the second leaf set via the shaft and the plural friction damping pieces, so that the first leaf set and the second leaf set are rotatable and positioned relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventor: Wen-Fong Jean
  • Patent number: 10133360
    Abstract: A portable information handling system keyboard extends and retracts keys of a keyboard based upon one or more predetermined conditions, such as a power on command, a power off command and a rotational position of a housing lid and main portion. A nickel titanium alloy wire actuates retraction and/or extension of keyboard keys with application of a current to the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Jason S. Morrison
  • Patent number: 10024092
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a method of coupling a base to a lid of a computing device using a hinge can include coupling a base hinge flange to the base, the base hinge flange being connected to a base hinge part that includes a knuckle including a toggle pivot, the toggle pivot coupled to and surrounding a first portion of a first shaft, and coupling a lid hinge flange to the lid, the lid hinge flange being connected to a main hinge part that includes a first cam, the lid hinge flange including a first lid main band and a second lid main band surrounding a first portion of a second shaft, the second shaft being parallel to the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: James Tanner, Lawrence James Kerila, Prashant Patel, Lawrence Lam
  • Patent number: 9803406
    Abstract: As described herein, a hinge system may comprise one or more a guide wire hinges. In general, the guide wire hinges may be unitary members having a generally constant diameter. A pair of guide wire hinges may be utilized to hingeably couple a stow box door to the stow box housing. The hinge system may be configured to be deformable in response to experiencing a warping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad R. Pacheco, Timothy Brownsberger
  • Patent number: 9752361
    Abstract: A multistage hinge is described. In at least some embodiments, the described hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. According to various embodiments, a hinge mechanism includes different activity stages where movement of the hinge is based on different activity mechanisms. For instance, the hinge mechanism includes a spring-activated mechanism that controls movement of the hinge over a particular range of angles. Further, the hinge mechanism includes a friction mechanism (e.g., a “friction engine”) that controls movement of the hinge over a different range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. Park
  • Patent number: 9739078
    Abstract: A vehicle and a hood release system are provided. The vehicle may include a hood release lever disposed within a vehicle cabin connected to a hood latch assembly and a step assembly disposed within a front portion of the vehicle. The hood release lever may be configured to release the step assembly from a stowed to a deployed position in coordination with releasing the hood latch from a primary latching position to a secondary latching position. The step assembly may be configured to release the hood latch from the secondary latching position to allow the hood to fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cary Ochen Diehl, Nadia Preston, Julee Harlow, Scott Milke
  • Patent number: 9677311
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hinge assembly for mounting a closure member or tailgate to a vehicle. It includes a hinge bracket and connector body for connection to one side of the tailgate. The connector body provides a fixed connection to the vehicle and enables the hinge bracket to rotate about a pivot axis, so that the tailgate rotates. Also included are a first torque rod having one end fixed to the connector body and an opposite, free end, and a second torque rod spaced from the first torque rod and pivot axis. The second torque rod has one end fixed to the hinge bracket and an opposite, free end. A connector device anchors the free ends of the torque rods together within the tailgate, so that the rods deflect when the tailgate is pivoted between its opened and closed positions to produce a biasing torque towards an opposite position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: VENTRA GROUP, CO.
    Inventors: David W. Shaw, Joaquin Hung
  • Patent number: 9676420
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises: a vehicle structure without a continuous roof rail; a B-pillar attached to the vehicle structure, the B-pillar having a first initiator; and a header attached to the B-pillar and extending at least partly across the vehicle, the header having a second initiator, wherein the first and second initiators are configured to provide a B-pillar deformation mode upon side impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Sekhar R B Reddy, Andy Kung, Dan Moll, Ash Williams
  • Patent number: 9658654
    Abstract: A hinge cable routing system includes a hinge chassis that includes a first hinge wall and a second hinge wall that is spaced apart from the first hinge wall to define a hinge housing between the first hinge wall and the second hinge wall. A first shaft extends through the hinge housing and out of the hinge chassis. A second shaft extends through the hinge housing and out of the hinge chassis. A cable extends through the hinge housing adjacent the first hinge wall and between the first hinge wall and each of the first shaft and the second shaft such that no portion of the cable that extends through the hinge housing is located between the second hinge wall and either of the first shaft and the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Chin-Chung Wu, Chang Chih-Chieh, He Chun-Min
  • Patent number: 9403487
    Abstract: A vehicle and a hood release system are provided. The vehicle may include a hood release lever disposed within a vehicle cabin connected to a hood latch assembly and a step assembly disposed within a front portion of the vehicle. The hood release lever may be configured to release the step assembly from a stowed to a deployed position in coordination with releasing the hood latch from primary latching position to a secondary latching position. The step assembly may be configured to release the hood latch from the secondary latching position to allow the hood to fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cary Ochen Diehl, Nadia Preston, Julee Harlow, Scott Milke
  • Patent number: 9372513
    Abstract: A computer includes a lid defining a lower edge. A hinge is connected to the lid along the lower edge. The computer further includes a base having an upper surface and a keyboard disposed on the upper surface and defining a back edge. A mounting assembly is connected with the base between the back edge and the keyboard. The mounting assembly has an attachment feature that moves along a translational path in a direction between the back edge and the keyboard in a manner that is constrained to rotation thereof. The hinge is rotatably connected to the lid to be rotatable with respect to the base. The hinge is rotatably affixed with the attachment feature such that rotation of the lid drives rotation of the attachment feature, which drives the movement of the attachment feature along the translational path, moving the lower edge of the therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Philip Riddiford, Kenneth Ryan Loo, Rachael Elizabeth Roberts
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140373309
    Abstract: A blind hinge used for furniture, comprising a movable cup seat provided on the furniture door body, a regulating base provided on the main body of furniture, a rotary arm connected between the movable cup seat and the regulating base as well as an torsion spring designed to generate start-stop acting force on the movable cup seat at least, characterized in that wherein two torsion springs are respectively mounted on the notches on both sides at the bottom of the movable cup seat; The torsion spring at least comprises a first supporting leg with one end extending into the cup body of the movable cup seat and being connected with it as well as a second supporting leg with another end being extended into the cup body of movable cup seat and being connected with the rotary arm
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Tai Wai NG
  • Patent number: 8903605
    Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Bambenek, Bhupendra A. Patel, David Manuel Rogers, Thomas M. Herline
  • Patent number: 8863359
    Abstract: A vehicle and a hinge assembly for a storage compartment of the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first component adapted to be attached to the vehicle and a second component. The second component includes a first end portion coupled to the first component and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion. The second component is movable relative to the first component between a first position and a second position such that the second end portion is disposed above the first component when in the second position. The assembly further includes a link coupled to the second component and movable with the second component as the second component moves between the first and second positions. The link extends away from the second component to a distal end. The assembly includes a guard attached to the link and covering at least a portion of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Himanshu H. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20140290004
    Abstract: A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A primary pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the primary pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a normal detent position. A secondary pivot arm assembly is secured to the primary pivot arm assembly whereby the secondary pivot arm assembly can act independently of the primary pivot arm assembly to allow released movement and return of the crossing arm in reaction to rear impingement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MTR, INC.
    Inventor: Edwin J. Luetzow
  • Patent number: 8845045
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled case is provided including a frame and a door coupled to the frame and pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The door includes a passage that interchangeably receives a door closure control assembly at one of the top or the bottom of the door, and an electrical connectivity system at the other of the top or the bottom of the door. The electrical connectivity system includes a first electrical connector coupled to the door, and a second electrical connector coupled to the frame so that the first and second electrical connectors are engaged when the door is coupled to the frame. The door closure control assembly includes a torsion spring that is fixed at one end to the door and fixed at another end to the frame, so that when the door is opened the torsion spring provides an increasing force to urge the door toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven O. Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 8837130
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device. According to the present invention, the display device comprises: a display body from which an image is outputted; and a flip hinge assembly which is coupled with the display body, wherein the flip hinge assembly comprises: a fixing unit that is fixed to the display body; a rotation unit that is coupled with the fixing unit to allow rotation thereon; a first elastic member that is coupled with the rotation unit and the fixing unit; and a second elastic member that has one end coupled with the fixing unit, and has the other end selectively contacted with the rotation unit, wherein said second elastic member provides, to the rotation unit, an elastic force which is opposite to an elastic force provided to the rotation unit by the first elastic member. Thus, according to the present invention, an initial tilting angle of the display body is automatically set, thereby increasing user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jaemin Hyun, Duckho Bae
  • Publication number: 20140230189
    Abstract: In a hinge device 1, a door-side mounting member 6 is rotatably connected to a housing-side mounting member 3 via an inner link 4 and an outer link 5. To prevent the inner link 4 and the outer link 5 from being rattled, one protrusion 72 of a torsion coil spring 7 as a rotationally biasing mechanism is pressed against one side plate 41 of the inner link 4 via a cam member 91 and the other protrusion 73 of the torsion coil spring 7 is pressed against the other side plate 52 of the outer link 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Ken Shinmura
  • Publication number: 20140150204
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a hinge bracket; a spring assembly configured to operatively interact with the hinge bracket; and a separation assembly being configured to permit relative movement between the hinge bracket and the spring assembly without permitting the spring assembly and the hinge bracket from inadvertently striking against each other, whereby occurrence of unwanted noise associated with the spring assembly and the hinge bracket striking each other is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: David Grummett, Stephen Axt, Jason Rogers
  • Patent number: 8732907
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Novin
  • Patent number: 8708394
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a body, a closure member, a hinge assembly and a sleeve. The body may define a cavity having an opening. The closure member may be movable relative to the cavity to provide access to the cavity. The hinge assembly may be attached to the body and the closure member and may include first and second torsion rods extending between first and second sides of the opening of the cavity. The first and second torsion rods may urge the closure member toward an open position. The sleeve may be attached to the first torsion rod and may include an outer surface having a profile defining a plurality of peaks and valleys. The outer surface may contact the second torsion bar to prevent direct contact between the first and second torsion rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J Sytek, Randy Ihrke, Christopher J Duke
  • Patent number: 8671521
    Abstract: A control motion hinge, comprising a first leaf hinge with three knuckles to secure a first pin, wherein the two outer knuckles have roller knuckles, a link having a two knuckles on a first end to interlock with the first leaf hinge and a single knuckle on a second end, a second leaf hinge with two knuckles to secure a second pin when interlocked with the second end of the link, wherein the two knuckles of the second leaf hinge have a roller path for engaging the roller of the first leaf hinge, wherein such rollers traverse the roller path, a first spring device positioned between said first leaf hinge and said link to apply a force therebetween, and thus softly closing the door reducing the sound of closure during the final approach of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert F. Irwin
  • Patent number: 8661633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container having a sheet metal floor, a sheet metal sidewall shell having four round seamless corners and a maximum of two sidewall seams. The container can be a casket with a lid, and a pair of hinges pivotally attaching the lid to the sidewall. The sheet metal sidewall shell can be made from a stretch-bent sheet metal sidewall panel. In some instances, the sheet metal sidewall shell has only one seam that may or may not be a welded seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Genesis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Filipek, Daniel B. Sauger, Edward J. Engler, Timothy M. Hamlock, Jeff Park, Gary Vincent Borg, Franco Pahmer, Charles Dean Harrier
  • Patent number: 8590106
    Abstract: A remote control has lower and upper casings. A sliding hinge has a main bracket attached to the lower casing, a sliding bracket attached to the upper casing, two positioning assemblies mounted between the main bracket and the sliding bracket, multiple fasteners mounted through the sliding bracket, the positioning assemblies and elongated slots of the main bracket and two resilient components connected to the main bracket and the fasteners. The resilient components push the sliding bracket and selectively retain the sliding bracket securely at opposite ends of the elongated slots of the main bracket. The lower and the upper casings of the remote control do not collide with each other or with the main and the sliding brackets and therefore prevent localized wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Jen Lu
  • Patent number: 8572809
    Abstract: An apparatus for spring-assisted pivoting a liftgate or door against gravity between a closed position and an open position includes a torsion bar spring system with springs arranged in parallel in a meander pattern and connected with one another in fixed rotative engagement. An outer bearing-torsion bar spring and another outer lever-torsion bar spring are each supported in a support bracket of a tracker. The lever-torsion bar spring is connected in fixed rotative engagement with a length-adjustable lever guided in a control cam of the tracker. A coupling rod configured for translatory movement engages with the length-adjustable lever for rotating a hinged lever associated with the liftgate or door. An adjusting device is connected with the bearing-torsion bar spring in fixed rotative engagement and can be variably locked relative to the support bracket. A method for producing such apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Franz Binder, Jürgen Sendtner, Knut Bartsch, Manfred Schindler, Franz Sinseder
  • Patent number: 8549710
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Novin
  • Publication number: 20130097809
    Abstract: A torque assembly includes a spindle, a cap mounted on the spindle for rotation about the spindle, and a work-hardened, plastic sleeve inserted between the cap and the spindle for constant rotation of the sleeve and cap with respect to the spindle. The torque assembly may be installed onto a hinged object and fixed object with movement along a single axis. The torque assembly may be formed by: (a) providing a spindle having a base and a rod extending from the base; (b) providing a cap member with an annular section defining an inner diameter; (c) providing an annular plastic sleeve having an inner diameter and an outer diameter; (d) work-hardening the sleeve for a predetermined time period; (e) changing the inner diameter of the sleeve; and (f) inserting the spindle rod through the inner diameter of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: VENTURESOURCE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Weber, Philip A. Sotok, Tony Yung
  • Patent number: 8424160
    Abstract: An asymmetrical resistant hinge set includes at least a resistant hinge and an elastic element coaxially positioned. The resistant hinge is hinged on a first pivotal means located on the bottom side of a body. The elastic element provides action forces on the resistant hinge and one-way resistance to generate an asymmetrical hinge effect with a greater resistance in one direction and a smaller resistance in another direction when a support lid is flipped in forward and reverse directions to reduce the resistance of the resistant hinge. As a result, when the support lid is flipped to a selected angle it still can bear the weight of the body of a portable electronic device at the anchored position without drifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: E-Lead Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Patent number: 8418317
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kunshan Huhua Metal Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Tai Wu, Hsin Hung Lin, Shu Hua Lin, Shu Jiuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20130016489
    Abstract: A collapsible electronic equipment includes a pivot structure, a base and a cover. The pivot structure includes a first pivot assembly, a second pivot assembly, and a gear mechanism. The first pivot assembly is disposed on a side of the base. The second pivot assembly is disposed on a side of the cover. The gear mechanism is connected to the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly. The cover may be opened or closed relative to the base by the gear mechanism. When the cover is opened at 180 degrees relative to the base, the gap between the cover and the base is narrow, and the surfaces of the cover and the base are located on the same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicants: LIANHONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yi-Chang YEH, Tzu-Yu LIN
  • Publication number: 20130000078
    Abstract: A hinge is disclosed. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett William DEGNER, John TERNUS, Andy LAUDER
  • Publication number: 20120327564
    Abstract: A sliding hinge has two sliding assemblies mounted on a cover of an electronic device, two pivoting assemblies mounted on a base of the electronic device and two retractable connecting assemblies. An end of one retractable connecting assembly is connected to the end of the other retractable connecting assembly. Another end of each retractable connecting assembly is pivotally connected to a corresponding sliding assembly and a corresponding pivoting assembly. The two retractable connecting assemblies of the sliding hinge provide sufficient resilient force to push and hold the cover of the electronic device, especially a large-sized electronic device, at the closed or open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Zheng-Cheng Lin, Shun-Yu Hung, Ting-Yuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20120293938
    Abstract: A hinge device and a keyboard dock and a portable electronic device having the same are provided. The hinge device includes a body, a torsion generating part, a rotating part and a second wedging unit. The torsion generating part is pivotally connected to the body and has a first wedging unit. The rotating part is pivotally connected to the body. The second wedging unit is assembled to the rotating part and moved along with the rotating part. The first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are wedged together or separated from each other while the rotating part rotates relative to the body along a first axis. The body can rotate along a second axis relative to the torsion generating part while the first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are separated from each other. The first axis is vertical to the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicants: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD., WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hish-Bin Dai, Yi-Ling Kuo, Ming-Hua Hung, Wen-Chin Wu, Chih-Kuang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8302262
    Abstract: A hinge device of a plane monitor is capable of manually rotating a plane display in lateral horizontal direction, manually inclining (tilting, laying) in longitudinal direction, or manually adjusting the height in vertical direction, being simple in structure and easy in manual operation. The structure includes a mechanism for supporting a plane display in lower part, and rotating it manually in lateral horizontal direction, in which the rotary mechanism in the lateral horizontal direction includes horizontal rotary position holding means, and transmitting means for transmitting rotary motion in lateral horizontal direction of the plane display to the horizontal rotary position holding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Simotec Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Katsumata, Takayuki Kaneko