Abstract: A hinge structure is shown for use in portable electronic devices, making it possible to turn a first housing part and a second housing part of the device in relation to an axis of rotation of a hinge structure, the hinge structure comprising a torsion spring, which has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis, and the first end of the spring is connected to a first hinge half and the second end of the spring is connected to a second hinge half in such a manner that the connection point of the second end of the spring is able to rotate around the axis of the spring.

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.

Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side strap having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side strap to the body side strap to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a spring interconnecting the body side strap and the closure side strap to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.

Abstract: A swinging door hinge has a panel and a frame. The frame includes a horizontal portion, and the horizontal portion has an aperture therethrough. An elongated pivot pin is vertically disposed through the aperture. The pivot pin is coupled to the panel such that the pivot pin and the panel rotate about a longitudinal axis of the pivot pin relative to the horizontal portion of the frame. A gripper feature is located on a surface of the pivot pin. The gripper feature engages a corresponding surface on the panel such that when the panel is rotated, a resulting torsional force transferred to the pivot pin is spread over a contact area between the gripper feature and the surface of the panel. Because the torque is transferred over a greater area, stress concentrations in the panel are reduced and the panel is not deformed.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a first hinge half, a second hinge half, a spring, and a pin passing through the spring joining the first hinge half and the second hinge half. The spring in turn comprises a coil body, a first spring arm extending from the coil body having a first distal end portion, a second spring arm extending from the coil body having a second distal end portion, a first support extending from the first distal end portion towards the first hinge half and bearing on the first hinge half, and a second support extending from the second distal end portion towards the second hinge half and bearing on the second hinge half.

Abstract: A counterbalancing system is provided that can be easily installed to an exterior of a tailgate and provides a mechanism for arresting the tailgate in an open position. The system includes a stop assembly coupled to the vehicle and a counterbalance assembly adapted to be coupled in a pretensioned position to an outer periphery of the tailgate, the counterbalance assembly providing a counterbalance force when engaged with the stop assembly while the tailgate is opened or closed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-closing hinge suitable for use in a variety of applications where it is desirable to provide for automatic closing of a hinged member in a delayed or slow fashion. The invention includes a generally cylindrical outer casing or housing that partially encloses a rotatable shaft that may be secured to a hinged member to effect the rotation thereof. The shaft is disposed within a recess in a cylindrical coupler that is engaged by the shaft during rotation in a first direction—generally an “open” rotational direction—and that engages the shaft to rotate it in a second direction—generally a “closed” rotational direction. The coupler is secured to a torsional spring that acts against the open rotation of the shaft and thereby forces the coupler to rotate in a closed direction. Additionally, a rotatable inner casing, which is generally cylindrical, may be disposed within the outer casing in close proximity thereto, such that a high viscosity fluid may be disposed therebetween.

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.

Abstract: A flip-out mechanism with safety press-button for a foldable device which comprises a torsion spring which is coiled uniformly or substantially uniformly with each coil of the same or substantially the same outside diameter and disposed in a circular compartment of the inner surface of the top casing, with one end of the torsion spring bended outward from the coil body of the torsion spring and disposed inside a corresponding receiving section of the circular compartment and with the other end of the torsion spring bended upward from the coil body of the torsion spring and disposed inside a receiving hole on the surface of the foldable object near its periphery aligned in a straight line with the through hole in the middle and then with the recess. The present invention is of simpler construction and assembly and is therefore susceptible of a lower production cost. It is also safer for carrying around.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge mechanism e.g. for covers with a torque element for spring loading the hinge mechanism in opened and closed positions. The hinge mechanism comprises a torque element (5) having a spring loaded mechanism with two stable end positions and including a housing (6) and a coupling member (7), wherein the torque element is arranged to provide a bearing surface (20) separately from the coupling member.

Abstract: Parallel plane rotation hinge for a portable device. The hinge includes a pin defining a rotational axis and a cam having an inner cam track and an outer cam track. A bushing is rotationally fixed and axially slidable with respect to the pin, and includes inner and outer followers for respectively rotationally engaging the inner and outer cam tracks. A biasing member is disposed about the pin to bias the bushing against the cam.

Abstract: An open-and-close hinge device comprise a shaft member having a first end and a second end; a fixture securely attached to the first end of the shaft member, and including an actuating member with a push-bottom moveably toward the second of the shaft member when triggered; an initiating cam rotationally assembled to the shaft member and next to the fixture, a locking key arranged between the initiating cam and fixture preventing the initiating cam from rotating against the fixture, the initiating cam having a first cam surface toward the second end; a follower rotationally and slidably attached to the shaft, and having a second cam surface biasing against toward the first cam surface of the initiating cam, and a third cam surface toward the second end of the shaft member; a slider cam slidably assembled to the shaft member and having a forth cam surface biasing against toward the third cam surface of the follower; a first compression spring interposed resiliently between the slider cam and the second end of s

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A counterbalancing system is provided that can be easily installed to an exterior of a tailgate and provides a mechanism for arresting the tailgate in an open position. The system includes a stop assembly coupled to the vehicle and a counterbalance assembly adapted to be coupled in a pretensioned position to an outer periphery of the tailgate, the counterbalance assembly providing a counterbalance force when engaged with the stop assembly while the tailgate is opened or closed.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate, and a vehicle body hinge pin combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting the torque rod to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod o be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle using brackets that are secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the assembly.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalance spring, a friction mechanism, and an independent pop-up element attached to a shaft. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalancing spring and an independent pop-up element attaches a display assembly to a base assembly of a portable computer.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling various and different movements of a door, said apparatus having a door hinge assembly with a hinge pin having a plurality of bearing surfaces to reduce stress and wear on a hinge pin housing, a torque mechanism for pre-torquing and torquing a hinged door, a door leveling mechanism that operates at the top of the door while the door remains closed, and a semi-automated mechanism that holds the door 90 degrees open and releases the door for closing by said torque mechanism.

Abstract: An inventive hinge has the ability to be biased toward open and closed positions and/or is adapted to be hidden in door assemblies. The hinge includes a first bracket adapted to be mounted to a first workpiece. The first bracket comprises a generally tubular sleeve and opposed spaced-apart surfaces including first openings that are aligned with each other. A second bracket is adapted to be mounted to a second workpiece. The second bracket comprises opposed spaced-apart surfaces including second openings that are aligned with each other. The first bracket and the second bracket are oriented with respect to each other effective to align the first openings with the second openings. A hinge pin is received in the first and second openings effective to enable the first bracket to be pivotally movable relative to the second bracket. The tubular sleeve extends from the first bracket generally parallel with an axis of the hinge pin.

Abstract: An automotive closure panel which is rotatable about a pivot axis has an axial locator insert situated within a pivot bearing insert bore to set a margin extending between the closure panel and a vehicle body. This system is particularly useful for closure panels such as tailgates having torsion bar or motorized lift assist, because such systems are not easily disassembled for the purpose of setting the closure panel margins.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded to the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with a bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. At least a portion of the torsion bar extends along an external recess defined by the door's inner and outer panels.

Abstract: A flip phone having a hinge mechanism with an auto-lock function includes a main body, a flipper, a sleeve shaft, a torsion spring, a first bush and a second bush, a torsion spring, and a first chute and a second chute. The torsion spring having a first spring end and a second spring end is disposed between the first bush and the second bush. The first spring end connected to the first bush synchronously rotates with the first bush and the second spring end connected to the second bush synchronously rotates with the second bush. The first bush is rotatably coupled to the first chute, and the second bush is rotatably coupled to the torsion spring chamber so that the flipper is rotatable around the hinge mechanism longitudinal axis to be in an opened position or a closed position. When the rotating object remains in the closed position, the torsion spring stores energy for unfolding the rotating object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door hinge for a door of a vehicle. The inventive hinge comprises a first and a second guiding arrangement (7, 20; 7, 30, 31) for fixing at least one holding position for the door hinge. Said hinge also comprises a first and a seond free end (19) which engage with the first and second guiding arrangements. Said ends belong to a spring element (16). The aim of the invention is to provide a door hinge that is constructed in a compact manner and reliably enables to fix the door hinge, whereby moments crosswise in relation to the swivelling axis are prevented. To this end, the first free end (19) and the second free end (19) respectively are arranged in a mirror-inverted manner in relation to each other and at the remaining halve (3) of the hinge.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A torsion bar lift assist is provided with a vibration and noise isolator and damper, which is engaged about a central portion of the torsion bar. The damper prevents objectionable noise which could otherwise result in the event that the torsion bar strikes the shell of the door because of road-induced vibration.

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.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle, two barrels and a coil spring. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. The coil spring has a central end secured on the pintle, and a free end secured on a monitor of the computer. When the computer is closed, the coil spring is compressed to provide an elastic force to automatically raise the monitor.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a tailgate including a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior space of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because of the full floating feature, the hinge function of the tailgate will not be impaired in the event that the torsion bar becomes fractured.

Abstract: An automotive tailgate includes a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining an interior space. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because the torsion bar is full floating, the operation of the tailgate hinges will not be impaired even if the torsion bar were to become fractured.

Abstract: A friction hinge system for a laptop computer is provided. The system allows the computer display to move easily from a closed condition toward various operating angular positions while providing a greater torque for maintaining selected angular orientation. The system includes two or more bands wrapped in the same direction about a common shaft as well as a stop features for limiting the angle of rotation of each band relative to the shaft.

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.

Abstract: A positioning unit is mounted on an electronic device and includes a catch member and a locking member. The catch member defines a gap which has a width that is reducible when the catch member moves from a non-catching position to a catching position and that is expandable when the catch member moves from the catching position to the non-catching position. The locking member has an engaging end extending into the gap. The locking member is operable to move the catch member from the non-catching position to the catching position and from the catching position to an urging position. The engaging end of the locking member engages the catch member when the width of the gap is reduced upon movement of the catch member to the catching position. The engaging end of the locking member disengages from the catch member when the width of the gap is enlarged upon movement of the catch member to the non-catching position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, each hinge leaf being used to retain one of the alternate ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each pin leaf. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to each of the leafs. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of the torsion pin is received in an extended support member while the other end is retained in a returned bent portion of the second leaf, each end extending in a radial direction aligned at an angle to the direction of the other end.

Abstract: A multi-functional computing device that is configurable for a plurality of applications. The technique includes a space saving and configuration technique utilizing multiple joints disposed between multiple sections to facilitate rotational orientation of the sections to adapt to space limitations and other characteristics of a desired environment or application. The multiple sections include a display assembly and a housing assembly for computing components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, a hinge leaf being used to retain one of the ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is bent and retained in a second leaf of a second hinge set.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion. Accordingly, the hinge device has effects of a simple assembly and an easy maintenance. Also, the hinge device plays a role of a hinge which can freely adjust a torque transferred to the upper bracket to thus generate a proper frictional force constantly and adjust a rotational angle according to an angle formed by the upper and lower contacting portions of the holder.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a motor vehicle door with a built-in door stop includes a fixed knuckle having a first part which has a drilling allowing the fixed knuckle to be attached to the bodywork of the vehicle, and a second part perpendicular to the first part having a drilling to accommodate a pin about which the hinge pivots. The hinge assembly also includes a moving knuckle having a drilling allowing the moving knuckle to be attached to the door and having two approximately horizontal flat zones, each provided with a drilling to take the pin and each having a notched cam. The hinge assembly further includes two pressing rollers kept in contact with a cam of the moving knuckle and a spring held in the fixed knuckle and having two vertical branches inserted in the rollers and working in bending, causing the rollers to exert pressure on the cams. The pin articulates the moving knuckle to the fixed knuckle.

Abstract: An improved sprung hinge for supporting panel-like closure elements is of the type comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which share a first lever and a second lever, and at least first and second elastic elements arranged in series which act on mutually opposite parts of each one of the quadrilaterals, the first lever being formed monolithically.

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.

Abstract: A device for locking a trailer door in a plurality of different opened positions has a plurality of hinges for coupling the door to a frame of the trailer. A torsion bar is coupled to each of the plurality of hinges and to the frame. A rachet mechanism is coupled to the torsion bar which allows the torsion bar to rotate in one direction and in incremental movements thereby allowing one to open and lock the door in a plurality of different positions.

Abstract: A universal hatch assembly for accessing an enclosure includes a door. The frame has an opening defined therein that is dimensioned and configured for mounting the door. A hinge apparatus allows pivotal movement of the door about a first axis between a first position in which the door covers the opening and a second open position. The interior side of the door has an elongated channel extending in substantially perpendicular relationship to the first axis. An operating lever for positioning the door, has first and second axial extremities. A first axial part of the operating lever is spaced apart from the second axial extremity which is pivotally connected to the frame. The second axial extremity is dimensioned and configured for sliding meshing engagement with the elongated channel. The hatch assembly includes a lift assembly to provide a favorable counterbalance for the door. The frame may include a peripheral groove extending around substantially the entire frame.

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.

Abstract: A torsion bar hood assist system for a vehicle which has a hood that pivots between an open and a closed position. The hood assist system includes a compact torsion mechanism with at least two torsion bar sections. The torsion mechanism of the hood assist system is mounted distant from a pivot axis of the hood. The torsion mechanism is engaged to the vehicle in a manner which allows the torsion mechanism to be mounted distant from the hood pivot axis and reduces the stresses imparted to the torsion mechanism when the hood is pivoted.

Abstract: A multi-functional computing device that is configurable for a plurality of applications. The technique includes a space saving and configuration technique utilizing multiple joints disposed between multiple sections to facilitate rotational orientation of the sections to adapt to space limitations and other characteristics of a desired environment or application. The multiple sections include a display assembly and a housing assembly for computing components.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for use in connecting a cover to a frame of a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. The hinge assembly is arranged so that the cover will auto-close or auto-open depending on the angular orientation of the cover.

Abstract: A friction hinge device includes a housing, and a torsion spring held fixed within the housing. The torsion spring has an outer surface with a predetermined diameter, an inner surface differentiating in diameter, and a breakthrough hole defined by the inner surface. The outer surface of the torsion spring has a protrusion. The inner surface of the torsion spring is formed with a pair of first diameter portions facing to each other and second diameter portions disposed between the first diameter portions. The second diameter portion has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first diameter portion. A shaft bar is fitted into the breakthrough hole of the torsion spring such that a center portion of the shaft bar tightly contacts the first diameter portion of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A hinge is constructed for automatically opening the cover panel of an electronic device. The hinge assembly includes a torsion bar on which is concentrically mounted a series of cylindrical barrels. The torsion bar is fixed to the base of the device at one end and to the cover at its other end in such a manner that the torsion acts as spring which is loaded by the closing rotation of the cover. The cover is opened by releasing the loaded torsion bar and allowing the cover to rotate to its open position. Viscous damping is provided to control the rotation of the cover support barrel.

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.

Abstract: Hinge assembly including a horizontal shaft, a monitor rotator having one part fixed to the shaft for rotating as one unit with the shaft, and the other part fixed to a rear part of the monitor, supporting member rotators rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the shaft, a supporting member fixed to the supporting member rotators for supporting the monitor at a rear part thereof from a floor at an angle to the monitor, and elastic members provided to the shaft such that one end thereof is held at the monitor rotator fixed to the monitor, and the other end thereof is held at the supporting member rotators fixed to the supporting member, for providing an appropriate torque between the monitor and the supporting member according to an angle between the monitor and the floor, thereby adjusting a tilting angle of the LCD monitor.

Abstract: A position unit is mounted on an electronic device and includes a catch member and a locking member. The catch member defines a gap which has a width that is reducible when the catch member moves from a non-catching position to a catching position and that is expandable when the catch member moves from the catching position to the non-catching position. The locking member has an engine end extending into the gap. The locking member is operable to move the catch member from the non-catching position to the catching position and from the catching position to an urging position. The engaging end of the locking member engages the catch member when the width of the gap is reduced upon movement of the catch member to the catching position. The engaging end of the locking member disengages from the catch member when the width of the gap is enlarged upon movement of the catch member to the non-catching position.