Abstract: The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include first and second portions that rotate around a hinge shaft that is fixedly secured to the first portion and rotationally secured to the second portion. The second portion defining a first contact surface spaced apart from a second contact surface. Multiple friction clips friction fit around the hinge shaft and rotating with the hinge shaft between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge module for a foldable device. A first curved guiding portion and a second curved guiding portion are provided between two sides of a curved body, and a first connecting portion of a first rotating member is connected with a first support plate. At least one of the first curved blocks of the first rotating member is swingable and limited within the first curved guiding portion. A second connecting portion of a second rotating member is connected with a second support plate. At least one of the second curved blocks of the second rotating member is swingable and limited within the second curved guiding portion. A first linkage assembly has one end pivotally connected with one side of the first curved block. A second linking member is provided at another end of the two linkage assemblies.

Abstract: A rotation joint structure includes a fixed joint, a movable joint, a first limit member, and a second limit member. The fixed base has a locking groove. The movable joint is pivotally connected with the fixed joint. The movable joint has a first slideway and a second slideway connected to each other. The first limit member is movably mounted in the first slideway. The second limit member is movably mounted in the second slideway. When the second limit member is locked in the locking groove, and the first limit member stops the second limit member, the movable joint is locked and cannot be rotated. Thus, the movable joint is disposed at a two-stage locking state.

Abstract: A pivot fitting for moveable furniture parts on upholstered furniture has a first lever and a second lever that are mounted to as to pivot relative to each other about a common axis from a basic position through a predetermined angle. The pivot fitting also includes a clamping mechanism with which the two levers can be fixed relative to each other at different angular positions within the predetermined angle, the clamping mechanism has a toothing attached in a rotationally fixed manner on the second lever, at least one catch that is pivotally mounted on the first lever and loaded in the direction of the toothing, the catch engaging with the toothing in a detent position.

Abstract: A pivot fitting for movable furniture parts on pieces of furniture, has a first lever and a second lever that are mounted to pivot about a common axis from a basic position through a predetermined angle, a clamping mechanism with which the two levers are fixable relative to each other at different angular positions within the predetermined angle.

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including embodiments of a hinge that may be used in a combination ladder. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism includes a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly. The first and second hinge assemblies are coupled together for relative rotation about a defined axis. An adjustment mechanism enables the two hinge assemblies to be selectively locked or unlocked to prohibit or permit relative rotation, respectively. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a lock plate displaceable along a first axis and a retainer displaceable along a second axis. The retainer is configured to hold the lock plate in a disengaged state until a release structure displaces the retainer away from the lock plate. The release structure may be configured to be actuated and displace the retainer upon relative rotation of the hinge assemblies to (or through) a predetermined angular configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a container to a transport surface is disclosed. The system includes a capture member and a locking member. The locking member is configured to be attached to the surface and to securely engage one end of the capture member. The capture member includes one end configured to securely engage the locking member and a second end configured to securely engage the container. The locking member is optionally configured to require a key to disengage the capture member from the locking member. The method includes attaching the locking member to the surface, disposing a container on the surface next to the locking member, and positioning the capture member such that it securely engages the locking member at one end and securely engages the container at the other end, and thereby secures the container to the surface.

Abstract: In an aspect, a kit of parts is provided for a check arm keeper, which includes a keeper housing having a mounting bracket and a cartridge-mounting portion, and a plunger cartridge that includes a plunger cartridge housing mountable to the keeper housing, a plunger slidable in the plunger cartridge housing, and a plunger-biasing member positioned in the plunger cartridge housing to urge the plunger out from the plunger cartridge housing. The plunger has a first engagement member and the plunger cartridge housing has a second engagement member. The engagement members cooperate to retain the plunger in the plunger cartridge housing against a biasing force of the plunger-biasing member when the plunger cartridge is free from the keeper housing. Mounting of the plunger cartridge housing holds it in a selected position relative to the keeper housing and drives the plunger to a position in which the engagement members are spaced apart.

Abstract: A mechanism for arming and disarming an actuation of an emergency slide retained on a door of an aircraft and selectively configurable between an armed configuration and a disarmed configuration. The mechanism includes at least one transport hook extending radially from the rotating shaft and rotatable therewith about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The transport hook has interconnected top and bottom portions defining a carrying slot therebetween. In the disarmed configuration, the transport hook receives the girt bar in the carrying slot, such that the transport hook carries the girt bar upon opening of the door. In the armed configuration, the transport hook is pivoted away from the girt bar and oriented such as to move over the girt bar without contact therewith upon opening of the door.

Abstract: A pivoting device includes a first body, a second body pivoted to the first body and rotatable about a pivoting axis, and a limiting unit for limiting a pivoting angle of the second body relative to the first body and having a limiting member. The first body has first and second radial stop surfaces. The limiting member is movable relative to the first body between first and second limiting states, where the limiting member is rotatable along with the second body in a circumferential direction of the pivoting axis and is respectively limited by the first and second radial stop surfaces.

Abstract: A furniture connector connects two or more pieces of furniture together or may connect furniture to a wall, embodied, for example, as an adjustable room partition or modular storage unit. The furniture connector has a first spoke and a second spoke, which may be connected to a furniture piece or wall via respective locking mechanisms. The first and second spokes are joined by a pin, along a longitudinal axis of the pin. The connector allows the positions of two attached furniture pieces (or a furniture piece and a wall) to be adjusted about the longitudinal axis at a variety of discrete angles; once set to a desired angle, the connector limits the relative rotational movement of the first spoke and second spoke (about the longitudinal axis.) Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A control mechanism and method for a hybrid hinge for electronic devices are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a hybrid hinge for an electronic device, the hybrid hinge comprising: a pivot; and an auxiliary component including one or more electro-magnetic or electro-mechanical devices and a variable electrical power source, the one or more electro-magnetic or electro-mechanical devices being configured to apply a variable degree of torque force to the pivot based on a degree of electrical power supplied by the electrical power source.

Abstract: A lockable hinge arrangement comprising a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate, wherein the first and the second hinge plates being hingedly connected to one another at one elongated first edge thereof to comprise the hinge arrangement. The hinge arrangement further a longitudinally displaceable elongated locking plate slidably attached to a second elongated edge of the second plate, the displaceable locking plate arranged to secure and release the first plate and the second plate from one another. A locking plate cam arrangement effects and permits the locking and forced separating release of the first plate and the second plate from rigid securement with one another. The elongated locking plate is acted upon by both a first cam arrangement and a second cam arrangement.

Abstract: A segmented inverting cover plate apparatus for an underfloor vehicle lifting jack comprises a cover plate comprising a first movable cover plate (4) and a second movable cover plate (6), wherein the first movable cover plate (4) and the second movable cover plate (6) are pivotly connected via a pin shaft (15). An anti-inversion block (5) is provided directly below the pin shaft (15). A guide wheel (7) is provided below the end of the second movable cover plate (6) away from the first movable cover plate (4). An inverting arm (3) is provided below the first movable cover plate (4), with one end of the inverting arm (3) connected to the anti-inversion block (5) via a bearing (13), the other end of the inverting arm connected to a powered push rod (1) via a pin shaft (17) and an oil-containing bearing (18), and the powered push rod (1) is installed on a powered push rod mounting seat (2).

Abstract: A disc recliner includes a gear plate disposed between fixed and movable plates. The gear and fixed plates are operatively coupled by a pawl that is selectively engaged with the gear plate. An eccentric element is operatively coupled between the gear and movable plates such that inward-facing teeth on the movable plate are meshingly engaged with outward-facing teeth on the gear plate. When the pawl is disengaged from the gear plate, the movable plate rotates with the gear plate relative to the fixed plate to pivot a seat back to a folded position. When the pawl is engaged with the gear plate, rotation of the eccentric element shifts the engagement point between the inward and outward-facing teeth and causes wobbling rotational movement of the movable plate relative to the gear and fixed plates to pivot the seat back between a plurality of reclined seating positions.

Abstract: A hinge and bracket system for a cushion seat back is provided. A bracket is attached to the side of a cushion seat back which is laying flat. The bracket is connected to a rotatable shaft, which in turn is connected to a toothed gear and a pawl. When the cushion seat back is raised upward, the toothed gear and an element of the pawl allow the cushion seat back to ratchet upwards, with the capability to lock the cushion seat back at any tooth. When the cushion seat back is raised above about 90 degrees, the pawl is forced to disengage from the toothed gear and the cushion seat back is unlocked and can be placed back in the original flat position. This hinge and bracket system may be employed in marine operations, especially for water skiing.

Abstract: A center armrest supporting structure for supporting a swivelable center armrest in a vehicle has an arm support which can be swiveled about a swivel axis into a lower use position and into an upper rest position. Console parts of the vehicle are connected to the arm support by bearing bolts. A stop bolt limits the swivel path of the arm support at least in the use position. A latching bolt prevents unintentional backward swiveling out of the use position and/or the rest position. A latching element has a sliding guide surface along which the stop bolt or the latching bolt slides when the arm support is swiveled A spring element is disposed between the frictional latching element and the bearing bolt, wherein the spring element produces a frictional force between the sliding guide surface and the stop bolt or the latching bolt, which counteracts the swivel movement.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a first housing that includes a first surface in which an operation portion, a hinge mechanism, and a removable cover are provided, and a second housing that is supported rotatally about an axis perpendicular to the first surface by the hinge mechanism and that is rotated between a position where the second housing faces the cover and a position where the second housing recedes from the cover.

Abstract: A hinge module and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a first body and a second body. The hinge module connected between the first body and the second body includes a shaft, a first cam plate, a second cam plate, a knob pivoted to the shaft, and an elastic member. The shaft is connected to the first body and the second body. The first cam plate pivoted to the shaft has a first pressing portion. The second cam plate slidably sheathed onto the shaft has a second pressing portion. The elastic member pressed between the second cam plate and the knob drives the second pressing portion to press against the first pressing portion. The knob rotates relative to the shaft to adjust friction between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a housing, a spring member, a slider, a rotating member and a connecting rod. The slider is located on the spring member. The slider is movable along a straight line driven by the spring member. The rotating member is rotatable about a pin of the housing. The connecting rod provides a separation linkage between the slider and the rotating member to reduce friction and to render torque and counter-torque calculations easier in the context of establishing a resting position for the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: After traditional door hinges are used to mount a door, a door jamb lock is installed between the door edge and the door jamb. An upper wing is affixed to the door jamb. A lower wing is affixed to the door edge. An upper collar holds the upper wing and a central wing pivot pin. This central wing pivot pin can be pushed down to engage a female receiver in the lower collar and lower wing assembly. When this central wing pivot pin engages a key into the female receiver, the door is locked at a desired angle open. Various embodiments include a spring central wing pivot pin, a simple rod type central pivot pin, a three wing version and a fine tuning set screw model for angle adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a toaster appliance in which an upper grilling plate is typically hinged to the lower grilling plate in a manner to be rotatable relative to said lower plate. The position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate is conventionally adjusted by means of a handle having predetermined locking positions according to the present invention. Said handle is provided with a connection device having a predetermined locking position, which is set to a perpendicular position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate. Said locking position is determined by a plurality of slots into which a set of spring loaded balls engages within said connection device.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: An angle positioning device of a rotation shaft includes a first pivot portion and a second pivot portion. The first pivot portion includes a first face having a positioning portion, a first path and a second path divided by the positioning portion. The first pivot portion includes a second face having a returning portion, a third path and a fourth path divided by the returning portion. The second pivot portion can move along the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path. When the second pivot portion moves from the first path to the second path, the pivot angle is increased. When the second pivot portion moves from the third path to the fourth path, the pivot angle is decreased. When the pivot portion moves from the first path to the positioning portion, the pivot angle cannot be decreased. The second pivot portion can move from the third path through the returning portion and back to the first path.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first cam, a second cam, a third cam, at least one resilient member and a shaft. The first cam includes an outer cam surface and an inner cam surface. The third cam is slidably received in the second cam, and the second cam and the third cam respectively engage with the outer cam surface and the inner cam surface. The resilient member provides an elastic force making the third cam and the second cam abut against the first cam. The shaft extends through the first cam, the second cam, the third cam and the at least one resilient member.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A hinge device in a portable terminal is provided, in which a first driving cam is fixed to one end of a hinge shaft by a locking device, for rotating, a second driving cam is provided at the other end of the hinge shaft, for rotating together with the first driving cam and making a linear reciprocal motion along the hinge shaft, a driven cam is interposed between the first and second driving cams, for making a linear reciprocal motion along the hinge shaft as a cam motion with the first and second driving cams, and an elastic member is interposed between a hinge housing and the second driving cam.

Abstract: A swing hinge module bidirectionally swinging a movable body and a portable terminal having the same are disclosed. The swing hinge module includes a rotation cam, a rotation shaft, a fixed plate, and a guide pin. The rotation cam is fixed to the movable body to be rotated with the movable body, and has stopping recesses on an outer circumference of the rotation cam to set a rotation angle of the movable body. The rotation shaft is coupled with a central area of the rotation cam, and the fixed plate is coupled to the fixed body and has a guide hole to receive the rotation shaft. The guide pin is coupled to the fixed plate and contacts the outer circumference of the rotation cam to support the rotation cam.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a locking mechanism having a locking member disposed with a fan-shape protrusion and a fan-shape notch, such that when the locking member is rotating, the jerk as a result of rotation can be reduced, and when the locking member is returned to its original position, a sufficient torsion can still be generated. Also, when the locking member is in the locking position, the fan-shape protrusions are positioned at the fan-shape notches.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a cam (13), a follower (14), a first spring (12), a press rod (17), a control member (18) and a second spring (16). The cam has a cam surface. The follower has a latching cam surface engaging with the cam surface. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the cam surface of the cam and the latching cam surface of the follower to abut each other. The press rod includes a threaded portion (173). The control member threadedly engages with the threaded portion of the press rod. The second spring provides an elastic force to return the control member. When the press rod is pushed, the control member rotates to cause the follower to rotate whereby the cam surface of the cam rotates relative to the latching cam surface of the follower.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a shaft (13), a cam (14), a follower (15), a first spring (12), a control member (17), a second spring (16), and a fixing seat (18). The shaft defines a thread (1311). The cam has a cam surface (146), a cam hole (141) and an inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface includes a protrusion (142) configured engaged the thread of the shaft. The control member has at least one reverse slot (173). The circumferential surface includes at least one block (184). The at least one block is received in the at least one reverse slot of the control member so as to lock the control member into the fixing seat. The hinge assembly allows for the automatic opening and closing of the device to which the hinge assembly is incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door hinge that allows a door to stay closed without the use of additional hardware. Conventional hinges merely support the door they are mounted on. The unique features of the hinge of the present invention allow a door to remain closed due to the integral strike and catch components of the hinge itself. This eliminates the time and expense for installation of traditional mechanical or magnetic closure systems on the non-hinge end of the door and frame.

Abstract: A low-energy locking hinge mechanism operable with a spacecraft to support a deployable device, and to facilitate the deployment and locking of the deployable device, the hinge mechanism comprising: (a) a support base configured to couple to a structure of the spacecraft; (b) means for securing a deployable device to the support base, the deployable device being configured to rotate about a pivot axis; (c) a one-way clutch supported about the support base and operable with the means for securing, the one-way clutch being configured to facilitate one-way rotation of the deployable device from a stowed position to a deployed position, and to lock the deployable device in the deployed position, the one-way clutch having an inherent actuatable locking function configured to prevent backward motion; and (d) an actuation member operable with the one-way clutch to deploy the deployable device from the stowed position to the deployed position, the actuation member comprising an actuation energy sufficient to actuate

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook extension pad is mounted in an expansion pad of a notebook and has a pivoting assembly, a positioning disk, a limiting stationary leaf, a limiting disk, a pressing assembly and a locking assembly. The expansion pad has a mounting segment and a pad. The pivoting assembly is mounted securely on the pad and has a shaft. The positioning disk is mounted around the shaft. The limiting stationary leaf is adjacent to the positioning disk, is mounted rotatably around the shaft and connects with the mounting segment. The limiting disk limits movement of the pad relative to the mounting segment. The pressing assembly provides friction against movement to the hinge. The locking assembly is mounted around the shaft and selectively holds the pad at an angle allowing the pad to be used to display the notebook for presentations or achieving a comfortable typing angle.

Abstract: A hinge is compact and can hold a monitor securely in an optimum angle even if it is long-term used. The hinge has a body, a pivoting member rotatably mounted on the body and has a pintle, a first positioning element and a second positioning element mounted on the pintle. The first positioning element has a groove formed inclinedly in a front surface at an angle. The second positioning element is simultaneously rotated with the pintle and has a rear surface corresponding to the front surface of the first positioning element and a rib formed diametrically on the rear surface. The rib corresponds to and selectively engages with the groove in the first positioning element with resilience of a resilient element to retain the pivoting member at a determined angle.

Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate, first and second members pivotally coupled to the plate, and a rocker coupled to the plate. The first member is pivotable about a first axis of rotation, and the second member is pivotable about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The second member is not directly engaged with the first member, and the first member may not be connected to a return mechanism that urges the first member to pivot about the first axis of rotation. The first member has a first recess, and the second member has a second recess. The rocker includes a head at least partially receivable in the first recess and/or the second recess to restrict rotation of one of the first and second members until the other has rotated.

Abstract: A spring hinge using clutch structure for eyeglasses of the invention includes a hinge bracket, a end-meshing element, a central-meshing element; a hinge cannula, a resilient element received in the hole of the central-meshing element; a fixing element; and a slide bush. The present invention uses the clutch structure to retain engagement by the pressure of a spring to achieve an easy and smooth operation during the motion of opening or closing the eyeglasses.

Abstract: A mobile radio communication apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge part that foldably connects the second housing to the first housing, a one touch opening mechanism that is provided to the hinge part, and automatically opens the second housing from a folded state to an angle between 160° and 170° relative to the first housing in a non-stop motion, a damper mechanism that is provided to the hinge part and brakes an opening action of the second housing by the one touch opening mechanism, the damper mechanism including a damper having a rotational shaft that generates a braking power and a damper bush having a fixed shaft connected to the rotational shaft, and a flexible printed circuit that is twisted around the rotational or fixed shaft of the damper mechanism, and electrically connects the first and second housings to each other.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes a first housing, a second housing adapted to be rotated about a first hinge axis to be folded or unfolded in a direction approaching or moving away from the first housing while facing the first housing, and a hinge apparatus for rotatably coupling the second housing with the first housing. The second housing receives a driving force from the hinge apparatus in a first interval that rotates the second housing in a direction approaching the first housing. The second housing receives a driving force from the hinge apparatus in a second interval that rotates the second housing in a direction moving away from the first housing to a fully opened position without stopping such that the second housing is unfolded from the first housing. The second housing is stopped at least one time within the second interval while being rotated toward the first housing from an open position of the second housing with respect to the first housing.

Abstract: A hinge (300) includes a cam (32), a cam follower (30), a torsional spring (31), and a can (33). The cam includes a round flange (321), with a notch (321b) defined therein. The cam follower connects with the cam, and includes an engaging ring (301) around an open end thereof and a projection (303) on an inner wall thereof. The projection is removably engaged in the notch of the cam. The spring is twisted and attached in the cam follower, with one end fixed on the cam follower and the other end fixed on the cam. The can defines a groove (334) rotatably receiving the engaging ring of the cam follower, and a guiding hole (335) movably receiving the cam. The hinge has a relatively simple and stable unified structure.

Abstract: In an electric motorized hinge apparatus, a biasing means maintains a concavo-convex engagement state between a third rotating member and a second engagement portion in a second rotating member, and thus the second rotating member rotates to follow the third rotating member. Furthermore, the biasing means maintains a concavo-convex holding state between a first engagement portion in the second rotating member and a first rotating member, and thus the first rotating member rotates to follow the second rotating member. Furthermore, as the first rotating member rotates, a lid portion rotates to follow it. During manual rotation of the lid portion, a motor is maintained in an off state and the second rotating member is kept at a stop by a lock means. Therefore, the engagement state at the first concavo-convex engagement part is released by the manual rotation of the lid portion, so that the lid portion can be freely rotated by hand.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft having an outer screw thread, a rotating cam, a rotating cam having an inner screw thread, a first elastic element, a sleeve having a latching block, a second elastic element, an anchoring block, and a button having a post. The driven cam defines two symmetrical latching grooves. The anchoring block defines a first hole and a second hole. The shaft extends through the rotating cam, the driven cam, the first elastic element, the sleeve, the second elastic element, and the first hole of the anchoring block. The outer screw thread of the shaft engages with the inner screw thread of the rotating cam. The latching block of the sleeve is slidably received in the latching grooves of the driven cam. The post of the button extends through the second hole of the anchoring block and abuts against an end of the sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable pivot rotatably supports and adjusts a position of a pivoting member within a housing. The adjustable pivot includes a central cylinder defining a first axis and rotatably supporting the pivoting member. A second cylinder extends from the central cylinder and defines a second axis offset from and parallel to the first axis. The second cylinder is supported by the housing and operable for rotation about the second axis to an adjustment position. Rotation of the second cylinder to the adjustment position causes the first axis to orbit about the second axis to an adjusted position. In this manner, the pivoting member is adjustably positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A self-locking hinge apparatus with a single stable state includes a pivotal shaft, a retaining ring, a stator, a compression spring, and a rotor. The retaining ring, the compression spring, the stator and the rotor are arranged in series along the pivotal shaft. The stator is slide-able but not rotatable on the pivotal shaft. The rotor is both slide-able and rotatable on the pivotal shaft. By providing the compression spring to enforce a cam-contact between the stator and the rotor, an auto cam sliding pair is then formed to make the hinge apparatus stabilized automatically at the predetermined stable state.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism includes a pivot arm (14) that is rotatably mounted on a base member (1) via a pivot pin (16). The pivot mechanism includes a locking mechanism comprising a convex tooth segment (36) provided on the pivot arm and a locking member (38) having a concave tooth segment (40). The locking member (38) is mounted on the base member (1) for movement between a locked position in which the convex and concave tooth segments are engaged preventing rotation of the pivot arm (14), and an unlocked position in which the tooth segments are disengaged. The center of curvature of the convex tooth segment (36) is offset from the center of curvature of the concave tooth segment (40) whereby, in normal usage, the convex and concave tooth segments are only partially engaged when the locking member is in the locked position.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus to open and to close an upper member such as an automatic document feeder or an upper cover used in an office machine has an upper hinge fixed on the upper member, a lower hinge fixed at a main body of the office machine, a hinge shaft to rotatably support the upper and lower hinges with respect to each other, and a position-fixing member to fix the upper member in at least one position opened at a predetermined angle by restraining the upper and lower hinges from rotating with respect to each other when the upper member is opened. The position fixing member has a first fixing part to restrain the rotation of the upper and lower hinges from a direction perpendicular to an axis of the hinge shaft and a second fixing part to restrain the rotation of the upper and lower hinges from an axis direction of the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A damped hinge comprising a first part mounted to a second part to allow relative rotation between the first and second part; biasing means for providing rotational movement between the first and second part; wherein upon rotational movement between the first and second part the first and second parts are arranged to cooperate to dampen the rotational movement.

Abstract: A self-locking hinge apparatus with a single stable state includes a pivotal shaft, a retaining ring, a stator, a compression spring, and a rotor. The retaining ring, the compression spring, the stator and the rotor are arranged in series along the pivotal shaft. The stator is slide-able but not rotatable on the pivotal shaft. The rotor is both slide-able and rotatable on the pivotal shaft. By providing the compression spring to enforce a cam-contact between the stator and the rotor, an auto cam sliding pair is then formed to make the hinge apparatus stabilized automatically at the predetermined stable state.