Having Spring Force Adjustment Patents (Class 16/322)
  • Patent number: 11873673
    Abstract: Provided is a single-axis hinge with a damper mechanism and a catch mechanism for allowing either one of a first member and a second member to be attached to a portion having a small attachment space. The single-axis hinge (2) includes the first member (11) attached to the main body, and the second member (12) which is attached to the door and can rotate with respect to the first member (11) around a shaft (13) facing a vertical direction. The catch mechanism (6) has a spring (8) and gives rotational force in a closing direction to the door in the vicinity of a closed position. The damper mechanism (7) has a linear damper (9) and damps rotation of the door when the door is closed. The catch mechanism (6) and the damper mechanism (7) are disposed on either one of the first member (11) and the second member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Kashiwaguma, Shuu Shimizu, Naoya Iwata
  • Patent number: 11773634
    Abstract: A hollow hinge includes a first hollow component, a second hollow component and a plurality of support assemblies. The first hollow component has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of concave portions are disposed on the second surface. The second hollow component is disposed on the second surface of the first hollow component and a plurality of receiving portions corresponding to the concave portions are disposed on the second hollow component. The support assemblies are respectively contained in the receiving portions and continuously butt against the first hollow component through a force. The hollow hinge avoids friction between components and strengthens support, thereby prolonging durability and improving assembly and production yield rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: GETAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Li-Chuan Yen
  • Patent number: 11697955
    Abstract: A hinge for doors of domestic appliances, comprising a first element and a second element pivoted to each other and movable relative to each other in tilting fashion, the first and second elements being fixable one to a frame and the other to a door of an electrical household appliance, for making the door movable with respect to the frame between a closed position and an open position, a lever for connection between the first and the second closing elements, an elastic element connected to the lever and designed to generate with its own deformation a force of elastic adjustment designed to compensate at least partially the weight force of the door during the opening or closing of the door, means for adjusting the intensity of the elastic reaction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NUOVA STAR SPA
    Inventors: Marco Vanini, Luca Vanini
  • Patent number: 11318998
    Abstract: A rotating mudguard assembly having fixed and rotating parts includes a locking mechanism to limit the relative movement between the fixed and rotating parts of the assembly. The locking mechanism has a locking pin which can selectively engage with a locking plate, the pin and the plate on respective parts of the rotating mudguard assembly. The locking mechanism may be an integral part of the assembly, or the locking mechanism may be a kit of parts for installation on or retrofitting to an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Valentin Hamel, Philippe Boittin, Johnny Dhordain, Francois Quoniam
  • Patent number: 11261645
    Abstract: A vehicle door control system is provided, and includes a body hinge member connected to the vehicle body, a door hinge member connected to the door, a brake and a control system. The brake includes a plate pack that includes a plurality of body brake plates connected to the body hinge member, and interleaved with a plurality of door brake plates connected to the door hinge member. The plate pack is positionable in a braking state in which the body brake plates and the door brake plates are frictionally engaged with one another to provide a first resistance to relative rotation therebetween so as to hold the vehicle door in a selected position, and a release state in which the body brake plates and the door brake plates provide a second resistance to relative rotation therebetween that is less than the first resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Sven Sauerwein, Pasit Banjongpanith
  • Patent number: 11187369
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a movable rack arm assembly including a cam housing, a circular gear, a rack arm, a cam, and a spring assembly for contoured non-linear force transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Honaryar, Mani Irannejad
  • Patent number: 10761571
    Abstract: This application relates to a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a housing including (i) a first case, and (ii) a second case that is capable of pivoting relative to the first case. The portable electronic device further includes a linkage assembly that includes a first joint that is joined to the first case, a second joint that is joined to the first case, a third joint that is joined to the second case, where the second and third joints define a first link, and a fourth joint that is joined to the second case, the first and fourth joints defining a second link, where when an input motion is applied at the second link, the second link oscillates to cause the first link to move such that the first and second cases pivot between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Cooper, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Ian A. Guy
  • Publication number: 20140366323
    Abstract: A support arm having a proximate support arm segment, a distal support arm segment, a hinge system; and at least one rotation limit stop secured to the hinge system to limit the extent of angular motion of the proximate support arm segment, the distal support arm segment or both, with respect to the hinge system. The rotation limit stop includes a first stop component and a second stop component slidable with respect to the first stop component. When the second stop component encounters a contact point on one of the support arm segments, the angular motion of the arm segment with respect to the hinge system is at a maximum. The second stop component can be secured in a plurality of positions with respect to the first stop component by an adjustment component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Garrett W. Brown, Anthony D. Sacksteder
  • Patent number: 8599546
    Abstract: A hinge includes: a first link rotatably attached to a first housing at one end thereof; a second link attached to a second housing with a pin at one end thereof; a first arm rotatably attached to the second housing at one end thereof and rotatably attached to the first link at another end thereof; and a second arm rotatably attached to the first housing at one end thereof and rotatably attached to the second link at another end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuki Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 8511115
    Abstract: A washing machine which includes a lid assembly opening/closing a laundry entrance hole, wherein the lid assembly includes a lid frame and a lid inner coupled to an inside of the lid frame and having a hinge unit, is provided. The lid assembly may be easily assembled and maintain a secure coupling, thereby allowing for a reliable and stable washing machine. Further, the lid assembly may be easily opened or closed by the hinge unit, and this increases convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dongyoon Kim, Soojin Kim, Youngbae Park, Dongmin Kim, Sunggi Hwang, Seogkyu Park, Jongdeuk Bae, Seongno Yoon, Younggon Kim
  • Publication number: 20130056601
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for use in a mounting system comprising a first mounting portion configured to operatively connect to the audio/visual device and a second mounting portion configured to attach to the first mounting portion and to a mounting surface. The adjustment mechanism operatively connects the first mounting portion to the second mounting portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a housing with a bore formed therein, a clutch positioned within the housing, and a rotatable shaft positioned within the housing and being operatively connected to the first mounting portion. The shaft is configured to rotate within the bore relative to the housing. The shaft is rotatable within the bore in a first rotational direction through the clutch with a first torque, and the shaft is also rotatable within the bore in a second rotational direction through the clutch with a second torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: James M. Stemple, Grant Wylie
  • Patent number: 7937810
    Abstract: A flat panel display (FPD) support has a panel bracket being attached to an FPD, two hinge assemblies being mounted on the panel bracket and an U-shaped supporting bracket being attached to the hinge assemblies. The supporting bracket supports the FPD to allow the FPD to stand on a plane and can pivot to adjust an angle of the FPD relative to the plane with the hinge assemblies. The FPD with the FPD support shows a light, simple and portable shape, can be conveniently packaged for sell or moving and will not occupy life space while using.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Lung Hu
  • Patent number: 7721388
    Abstract: Provided is a door hinge. The door hinge includes a fixing member, an activating member, a guide pin, and a guide frame. The fixing member is installed at a door frame. The activating member is installed at a door, and connects with the fixing member by a hinge, and opens and closes the door. The guide pin is fitted into guide holes provided at both sides of the activating member, and elastically moves up/down along the guide hole by a tension force of a spring installed inside the activating member. A guide frame is combined to the guide pin, and connects at its lower end with the fixing member by a pin, and rotates about the pin depending on an operation of the activating member. The guide hole is round (R) shaped at its center, and has a curved shape in entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Poong Won Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: June Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20090064460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of supporting rotation shaft, comprises a retaining member, a surface of a retaining sheet of the retaining member is protrudingly provided with a pair of sheet flanks that allow a retaining shaft rod pass through, two ends of the retaining shaft rod are respectively provided with a resilient supporting unit, two ends of each of the resilient supporting units are respectively connected to the retaining member and a mobile supporting member; the mobile supporting member mention above, two lugs adjacently to the corresponding resilient supporting units are protrudingly provided on two top ends of two supporting racks of the mobile supporting member, each of the lugs is passed through by the retaining shaft rod, two ends of the retaining shaft rod are respectively provided with a latching unit, each of the latching units is composed by a mobile buckling sheet provided at the outer side of each of the lugs and a retaining buckling sheet that allows the retaining shaft
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chung-Hsun TANG, Kang Han Cheng
  • Patent number: 7404234
    Abstract: A hinge structure for a flat visual display device comprising: a fixed plate; pivotal plates; a rotation shaft inserted into vertical planes of the fixed and pivotal plates; rotation shaft-fixing ends in both ends of the rotation shaft for allowing the pivotal plates fitted around the ends of the rotation shaft to rotate together with the rotation shaft; a braking unit securely settled in the fixed plate and having a braking member for surrounding the outer circumference of the rotation shaft to generate braking force in the rotation shaft; stoppers folded from the fixed plate; stopper guides each having a guide groove in the outer circumference into which each of the stoppers is inserted and for being fitted around each of the rotation shaft-fixing ends; and a leaf spring inserted into a tightening face between both ends of the braking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Hoon Lee, Jai Hyun Jo
  • Publication number: 20080141490
    Abstract: An example furniture hinge includes a damping device having a linearly movable damping cylinder, which is hingably connected to a door stop element and a damping guidance element. When closing the furniture hinge, the damping guide element can be pivoted against a pivot stop on the body fastening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Horst Lautenschlager
  • Publication number: 20080047102
    Abstract: Disclosed is a free stop hinge device of a portable terminal. The free stop hinge device of a portable terminal including a first housing and a second housing, which are rotated about a hinge axis provided by the free stop hinge device so that the first housing and the second housing are folded to or unfolded from each other, includes a hinge housing, elastic bodies disposed in the hinge housing for providing driving force in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis, and stopping unit subjected to the driving force and performing a cam operation along with the hinge housing for stopping the second housing at a desired angle with respect to the first housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Hun KIM
  • Patent number: 6829807
    Abstract: Disclosed is a damper hinge for smoothly opening a cover from a main body in a small-sized portable article, thereby preventing a breakdown and damage of its hinge portion and assuring simplicity in its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Heung-Kee Kim
  • Publication number: 20040060152
    Abstract: Disclosed is a damper hinge for smoothly opening a cover from a main body in a small-sized portable article, thereby preventing a breakdown and damage of its hinge portion and assuring simplicity in its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Heung-Kee Kim
  • Patent number: 6532627
    Abstract: A hinge for vehicle doors having a first hinge element (14), a hinge pin (18) rotatably carried by the first hinge element (14) and a second hinge element (16) removably attached to the hinge pin (18). The hinge further includes a retention device (12) including a plurality of rolling members connected in rotation to the pin (18) and cooperating with elastic structure (54) which tends to force the rolling members (38) to engage with a rolling race. The rolling members are balls (38) connected in rotation to the pin (18) via a guiding plate (40) provided with positioning seats (42) for the balls (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Gammastamp SpA
    Inventor: Vittorio Audisio
  • Patent number: 6282752
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly for a motor vehicle door and including a door hinge having two hinge halves attachable, respectively, to the motor vehicle door and a respective motor vehicle door pillar, and a hinge pin for connecting the two hinge halves and supported in one of the hinge halves with a running fit and removably secured in another of the two hinge halves without a possibility of rotation with respect to the another half; and a door lock formed integrally with the door hinge and including a locking element having at least one detent point and at least one brake and locking member cooperating with the locking element and located radially outwardly of the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwächter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd-Alfred Klüting, Andreas Bonné, Friedrich G. Klingelhöfer
  • Patent number: 6092778
    Abstract: An assembly for adjustably mounting a vehicle external mirror includes a first arm segment for securing to the vehicle, and a second arm segment for securing to the external mirror. An axle member is secured to one of the first and second arm segments and extends through an opening defined through the other of the first and second arm segments, the axle member defining a swivel axis therethrough and the first and second arm segments being pivotable and adjustably securable relative to each other about the swivel axis. A securing member is attached to the axle member for securing the first and second arm segments together about the axle member. A bearing brace having a fixed end is secured to one of the first and second arm segments and a free end extending from the fixed end, the bearing brace configured and secured so as to form a leaf spring. A plurality of teeth extend from one of the bearing brace and the other of the first and second arm segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 6073309
    Abstract: A door lock which is formed integrally with a motor vehicle door hinge and which includes a housing fixedly secured to the hinge pin or the one of the first and second hinge halves, a holding element having at least a partially curved running track concentric with a hinge pin axis and a plurality of detent points, a plurality of braking and locking members cooperating with the holding element for retaining a motor vehicle door in a predetermined braking and locking position, and formed as rolling bodies rotatable about respective support axles having their axes extending transverse to hinge pin axis, a carrier for supporting the braking and locking members, a spring for biasing the braking and locking members into engagement with the holding element, and an arrangement securing the holding element or the carrier to the housing without a possibility of rotation relative thereto and for axial displacement relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd-Alfred Kluting, Alexander Zernickel, Detlef Gorgens, Rolf Fleischhauer
  • Patent number: 6029314
    Abstract: A door lock formed integrally with a motor vehicle door hinge and including a housing, a first bearing ring forming a holding element with a curved running track concentric with a pin axis and a plurality of detent points, a plurality of braking and locking members rotatable about respective axes extending transverse to a hinge pin axis, a spring for biasing the braking and locking members into engagement with the holding element, a second, flat-surface, bearing ring for engaging the bearing and locking members opposite the first bearing ring, and a cage for receiving the braking and locking members, with the cage and the first, holding element-forming, bearing ring being alternatively fixedly connectable with the hinge pin and the one of the first and second hinge halves without a possibility of rotation relatively to the hinge pin and the hinge half, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd-Alfred Kluting, Alexander Zernikel, Detlef Gorgens, Rolf Fleischhauer
  • Patent number: 6000098
    Abstract: A door lock for a motor vehicle door formed integrally with a detachable door hinge and including a plurality of braking and locking bodies, a support for supporting the braking and locking bodies and connected with the hinge pin for joint rotation therewith, a locking device having at least partially curved running track concentrically arranged with respect to the hinge pin axis and fixedly connected with the one of the two hinge halves of the hinge, and a spring supported against the hinge pin and at least partially congruent with the locking device for biasing the support toward the locking device, with the support including a guide member for partially receiving the braking and locking bodies and connected with the hinge pin, the guide member having a central bore through which the hinge pin extends and a recess concentric with the hinge pin axis for receiving the biasing spring, and with the guide member being formed as a monolithic shaped body of a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: ED Scharwachter GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd-Alfred Kluting
  • Patent number: 5970819
    Abstract: An operating device of an opening-closing body is supported on both sides on a single rotating shaft and controls the turning torque of the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Katoh
  • Patent number: 5920960
    Abstract: A door lock for motor vehicle doors, including a door retaining part provided with brake cams or brake ramps and fixedly secured to one of two door assembly parts, a door and a door pillar, a braking and locking assembly cooperating with the door retaining part, fixedly secured to another of the two door assembly parts and including a plurality of braking bodies cooperating with the brake cams or brake ramps, and braking and locking force-applying element arranged between the door retaining part and the braking and locking assembly, with the door retaining part, the braking and locking assembly and the force-applying element being formed as separate structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: E.D. Scharwachter GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventor: Bernd-Alfred Kluting
  • Patent number: 5918347
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock for use with a motor vehicle door hinge having two hinge halves connectable, respectively, with two parts of a door assembly, a door and a door pillar, and pivotally connected with each other by a hinge pin, the door lock including a cylinder housing fixedly connectable with one of the two hinge halves connectable with one part of the door assembly, a cylinder stem received in the cylinder housing and fixedly connectable with another of the two hinge halves connectable with another part of the door assembly, and at least one locking member arranged in the cylinder housing or the cylinder stem with a possibility of a radial adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Richard Morawetz
  • Patent number: 5913350
    Abstract: A door lock for a motor vehicle door includes a plurality of braking and locking bodies, a support for supporting the braking and locking bodies, arranged concentrically with respect to a hinge pin axis and connected with the hinge pin for joint rotation therewith, a plurality of axles extending transverse to the hinge pin axis for supporting the braking and locking bodies in the support, a locking device having a running track concentrically arranged with respect to the hinge pin axis and fixedly connected with the one of two hinge halves, a spring supported against the hinge pin and at least partially congruent with the locking device for biasing the support toward the locking device, a radially extending carrier flange arranged opposite the locking device for connecting the support with the hinge pin for joint notation with the hinge pin, and a pressure plate rotatable together with the carrier flange and axially displaceable under a biasing force applied by the spring the support and the pressure plate be
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd-Alfred Kluting
  • Patent number: 5878463
    Abstract: A door lock for a motor vehicle door formed integrally with a door hinge and including a locking element having a plurality of detent points, with the locking element being formed as a substantially circular track concentric with respect to the hinge pin axis and securable to one of the two hinge halves without possibility of rotation relative to the one to hinge halves, a plurality of brake and locking members arrangeable concentrically with respect to the hinge pin radially outwardly of the hinge pin and operationally connectable with the hinge pin, and a spring-biased carrier for receiving the brake and locking members and arrangeable approximately congruently with the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd-Alfred Kluting, Friedrich G. Klingelhofer
  • Patent number: 5727285
    Abstract: A caster wheel mounting mechanism having a shaft member to which the caster wheel is coupled, the shaft member having a generally circular cross section with a flatted portion, a mounting member having an opening within which the shaft member is pivotally received, and a compression spring for biasing an abutment member or ball into abutment with the shaft such that the caster wheel is biased to a predetermined position when the abutment member abuts the flatted portion of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gerald Eugene Goman
  • Patent number: 5412842
    Abstract: A detent hinge supports a vertically or horizontally swinging door to the frame. The detent hinge releasably retains the door in a predetermined position relative to the frame when the door is rotated to open or to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Riblett
  • Patent number: 5317785
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic apparatus having a first and a second casing. A first and a second cylindrical hinge are provided on the first and second casings, respectively. The second hinge is formed with lugs each having two contact faces having angles .alpha. and .beta. (smaller than .alpha.). A locking member is received in the first hinge and provided with recesses each contacting one of the lugs at either of the angles .alpha. and .beta., depending on the direction of rotation, i.e., the folding direction or the unfolding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Fumiyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5235726
    Abstract: This invention discloses a hinge for use in a door of a motorized vehicle. The hinge includes a first part rigidly connected to a frame of the vehicle and a second part rigidly connected to the door. The first and second parts of the hinge are both connected to a hinge pin which enables the second part to be rotatable relative to the first part upon opening and closing of the door. A compressible spring mechanism is rigidly connected to the first part and engagable against the second such that upon swinging of the door the spring is compressed. The second part includes two wheels such that the spring mechanism engages one of the wheels when the door is closed, it engages both of the wheels in a door position when the door is partially open, and engages the other detent wheel when the door is fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: HSL Limited
    Inventors: Rudy J. Geier, Jr., Ariel Caliwliw, Christopher J. Kowalsky
  • Patent number: 5231734
    Abstract: There is disclosed a friction hinge assembly capable of providing hinged motion of two elements with a programmable frictional torque. The frictional torque can be made to vary with the angular orientation of the two hinged elements. The frictional hinge assembly is comprised of a band wrapped around a pintle which is constrained to move rotationally with the first hinged element. One end of the band has a lug configured to press against the second hinged element, exerting thereupon a torque about the pintle. The other end of the band has a tail to which is applied a controlled force to produce the desired frictional torque between the band and the pintle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: General Clutch Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Rude
  • Patent number: 5079799
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hinge assembly that has a pintle and two plates that can rotate about the axis of the pintle. The first plate is irrotatably affixed to the pintle. The second plate is part of a friction element which also includes a band having a plurality of turns helically disposed about the pintle. Between the other end of the band and the second plate there is a spring that tightens the band about the pintle. The band is flexible enough so that it does not grip the pintle without the force of the spring. Frictional force is developed between the band and the pintle that opposes movement of the second plate in a direction that tends to tighten the band about the pintle. Movement of the second plate in the opposite direction tends to loosen the band's grip on the pintle so that very little frictional force is developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Clutch Corporation
    Inventors: Edward T. Rude, Martin Waine
  • Patent number: 4829633
    Abstract: A door hinge for a vehicle door is provided with an integrated door check. One hinge member carries on its one end face a profile in the form of depressions, in which are inserted the retaining elements, e.g. in the form of balls, for a temporary arresting in predetermined positions. The balls are pressed down by a set of cup springs via a pressure plate or a ball bearing, so that there is a rolling movement of the retaining elements on the profile faces and on the pressure plate or ball bearing. The door check integrated into the door hinge is adjustable and/or readjustable with respect to its arresting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Lunke & Sohn GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kassner
  • Patent number: 4817240
    Abstract: A hinge for a range door and the like having a frame bracket (18) adapted to be mounted to a range housing, a hinge arm (40) adapted to be mounted to a range door and pivotably mounted to the frame bracket (18) and a cam follower arm (16) pivotably mounted to the frame bracket (18). A cam follower element (76) on the cam arm (60) is biased by a tension spring (80) against a cam surface on a cam arm portion (46) of the hinge arm to counterbalance the weight of the range door. The cam surface has indentations (50, 52) which define equilibrium positions of the door for an ajar and fully open position. A tab stop (34) is struck out from the frame bracket (18) to stop the pivotable movement of the cam follower arm (60) as the hinge arm (40) reaches the fully open position (FIG. 5). The cam follower arm (60) has a number of indentations (64) for receiving one end (84) of the spring (80) to adjust the counter-balancing force on the oven door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Ace Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Milo D. Sovis, Jr., James A. Parker
  • Patent number: 4742598
    Abstract: Device for balancing a lid of a suspended plan filing cabinet, comprising a stay (4) fixed at one end (40) on a pivot pin (5) fastened to the lid (1), the other end (41) being free, said stay being pulled towards the top of the cabinet by a spring (6) compensating the weight of the lid. The stay is guided by a roller (7) free to turn on a pin (8) fastened to the frame (2). This stay has a notch (9) which is entered by the roller (7) in order to hold the lid open, and a notch (10) holding the lid closed. Means of adjusting the tension of the spring (6) make it possible to fix a safety position (.alpha.) before the complete closure of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Alpia S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Bruneau
  • Patent number: 4726253
    Abstract: A torque counterbalancing mechanism for use on tiltable tables, the mechanism comprising a cam operated on by a spring loaded cam follower so that their interaction produces a force equal and opposite to the torque generated as the tiltable table, with load, rotates either side of the vertical. At the null position, i.e. no torque, the spring is at rest with no pre-stressing and means are provided for changing the effective length of the spring, thereby changing the RATE of the spring, to adjust the mechanism to accommodate different heights of the center of gravity of the load or changes in load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: W. Vinten Limited
    Inventor: Lionel V. F. Russell
  • Patent number: 4672695
    Abstract: The invention concerns upholstered furniture with a number of cylindrical padding elements, mounted on bearing shafts, with the ends of said bearing shafts on both sides of the padding elements being positioned immediately adjacent to one another in a manner similar to an open bicycle chain; the connecting ends of said connecting straps each being provided with a circle of holes, pivoting on the bearing shafts, and using a positioning element equipped with pins, being adjustable in set angular positions with respect to one another, said pins being able to engage in aligned holes of the connecting ends of the connecting straps, said ends being mounted on a bearing shaft, and, to adjust the angular position of the connecting straps, said pins being also retractable. A simple fitting which can be preassembled is produced, said fitting facilitating assembly of the upholstered furniture and improving the ease of use when changing the upholstered furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Inventor: Rainer Fuss
  • Patent number: 4537233
    Abstract: This invention provides for a loading arm for use with material handling systems and includes a support structure and an arm pivotally attached to the support structure for swivel movement in both the horizontal and vertical plane relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Continental Emsco Company
    Inventors: Evart. J. Vroonland, William M. Curtis
  • Patent number: 4421333
    Abstract: Structure for mounting a spray-suppression side skirt adjacent a vehicle wheel which forcibly holds the skirt against displacement in operative position perpendicular to the roadway during movement of the vehicle, yet will accommodate guided movement of the skirt to a clearance position to permit access to the vehicle wheel or to accommodate the wheel striking the skirt during turning of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventor: James R. Van Dyke