Abstract: An improved hinge mechanism for use with a portable computing device is disclosed. According to one aspect, a hinge mechanism includes a first assembly with a pivot connection, a cam follower, and a second assembly. The cam follower is used to produce a cam action. The second assembly includes a cam. The cam follower cooperates with the cam to produce a moment about an axis associated with the latching hinge mechanism. The cam follower and the cam also cooperate to effectively latch the first assembly with respect to the second assembly when the cam is in a first position. According to another aspect, a display screen of the portable computing device can be rotateably-hinged to a base such that the display screen is set back from the base when the display screen is opened.

Abstract: A hinge for furniture comprises a bowl (11) adapted to be fastened to a door (12) of a piece of furniture and a wing (13) designed to be fixed to the piece of furniture. The wing has an end (15) which is pivotally mounted to the bowl for rotation relative to the bowl and a spring (17) is received in the bowl, the thrust end (19) of the spring exerting pressure on cam means (20) placed on the wing to move the wing towards a near steady position corresponding to the open or closed hinge position. The spring has a reaction end (21) reacting on the bowl at a rest surface (22) keeping said reaction end (21) oriented in a direction non-parallel to the bowl bottom. Advantageously, the spring reaction end is directed opposite to the bowl bottom and the rest surface (22) is a side wall of the bowl.

Abstract: A lid lifter mount is installed on the hinge pin of a conventional manway lid, and has a compression spring assembly engaging a lever which is also installed on the hinge pin. The lever has a bar engaging a lid hinge arm. A spring force adjustment screw connected to the mount enables adjustment of the amount of lift assist the bar applies to the hinge arm by cam action against the arm as the operator lifts the lid. Two embodiments are shown for attachment to two types of lid hinges.

Abstract: A low cost and long lasting hinge mechanism suitable for hinging a cover to a housing of a device is disclosed. The hinge mechanism has a pair of pins attached to the cover and a corresponding pair of apertures on the housing. The pins fit into the apertures to hinge the cover to the housing to allow the cover to be tilted from a closed position to an open position. The aperture has a first portion and a second constricted portion. A pivoting point is provided on a tab on the housing. A corresponding cam-profiled section is provided on the cover for interacting with the pivoting point to urge the pin into the corresponding constricted portion of the aperture for securing the cover in the open position.

Abstract: A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.

Abstract: A lid lifter mount is installed on the hinge pin of a conventional manway lid, and has a compression spring assembly engaging a lever which is also installed on the hinge pin. The lever has a bar engaging a lid hinge arm. A spring force adjustment screw connected to the mount enables adjustment of the amount of lift assist the bar applies to the hinge arm by cam action against the arm as the operator lifts the lid. Two embodiments are shown for attachment to two types of lid hinges.

Abstract: An apparatus that accurately adjusts the angle of the back of a seat that prevents the twist caused by an external impact to a vehicle to mitigate the risk of injury. The apparatus includes turning pieces, each of which are mounted to supporting brackets that are fixed to both ends of a seating portion and back of the seat. The turning pieces are connected on a connecting shaft and are turned by means of an actuating lever. The apparatus for adjusting the angle of the back includes a concave portion in an arc formed on one surface of a turning piece connected to the back of the turning pieces on the connecting shaft. A guiding protrusion having an upper end in a cylindrical form on the connecting shaft such that it is guided in the concave portion by surface contact on one surface of the turning piece connected to the seating portion of the turning pieces.

Abstract: The hinge comprises a flange (26) for connection to a seat cushion or squab, a support-flange (38) and at least one lever (34d) for coupling the flanges (26, 38) together having a first end (36A) mounted to pivot on the support-flange (38) so that the coupling lever (34d) can pivot between a position in which a second end (36B) of the lever (34d) is attached to the connecting flange (26) by virtue of cooperation of complementary shapes and a position in which the second end (36B) is released. The hinge further comprises means (100-104) for immobilising the second end (36B) of the coupling lever in the attached position, preferably comprising a weakened area (104) of the support-flange (38) that can deform when the flanges (26, 38) are subjected to an accidental torque to enable movement of the lever (34d) to the point of cooperation of ramps (100, 102) immobilising the lever (34d) in the attached position.

Abstract: The hinge includes two flanges (24, 26) adapted to be fixed to a seat cushion and a seat squab (backrest), respectively. The flanges (24, 26) can turn relative to each other about a hinge axis (X) that is substantially perpendicular to them. The hinge additionally includes a hinge control member (32) mounted to rotate about the hinge axis (X) at least one way from a rest position and means for spring loading the control member into its rest position including approximate positioning means (76) and accurate positioning means (82) for the control member (32). The accurate positioning means preferably include at least one U-shape spring (82) in axial bearing engagement between the edge of a recess (88) of a bearing (P1) supporting the control member (32) and a positioning flat (90) of the control member (32).

Abstract: A hinge mechanism including a positive latching assembly is provided for allowing rotation of a first hinge member relative to a second hinge member about a pivot when the positive latch is released and prevents rotation about the pivot when the positive latch is engaged. The positive latching assembly is operably disposed between the first and second hinge members. The latching assembly includes a locking member coupled to the second hinge member and a pivotable latching member coupled to the first hinge member. The latching member is rotatable between a locking position and a release position and includes a locking surface for engaging the locking member in the locking position. Further, the locking surface disengages the locking member when the latching member is in the release position.

Abstract: A cam assembly for detachably locking a structural member includes a pivot axle, a cam body having a locking cam surface adapted to make locking contact with the structural member and a curved surface comprising a circular arc segment and another segment offset from the arc segment, a locking latch pivotably movable relative to the pivot axle and cam body between locked and unlocked positions and having a contact surface facing the curved surface of the cam body, and a roller disposed between the contact surface of the locking latch and curved surface of the cam body. The roller is supported on the circular arc segment of the curved surface when the locking latch is held in the locked position such that the distance between the pivot axle and curved surface is filled by the locking latch and roller and play is eliminated between the cam body and pivot axle causing the locking surface of the cam body to make locking contact with the structural member and hold the cam assembly in a self-locking state.

Abstract: A hinge module for mounting a flip onto a portable telephone set. The hinge module uses a retractable member so the flip can be easily mounted onto the handset. The retractable member includes a shaft movably received in a tube, which also functions as a rotating shaft so no additional rotating shaft is needed.

Abstract: A latch mechanism, particularly for securing a pivoting member of a motor vehicle seat with respect to a fixed member is disclosed, comprising, a latch plate having a tooth, a notch flanked by a front ramp and a rear ramp, and a rear stop, and a cam which is releasably engageable with the latch plate, the cam having a nose, a front face, a contact face and a heel. The cam is pivotable from a non-latching position to a normal latching position. In the latching position the contact face of the cam is urged against the rear ramp of the latch plate and the heel avoids contacting the rear stop. In response to a sudden change in velocity in a first direction the heel of the cam contacts the rear stop to resist movement of the cam the non-latching position. Preferably the contact face forms and angle with the back ramp of about 10 to 20 degrees, and the front face and the front ramp have generally equivalent curved surfaces.

Abstract: A hinge positioned at the intermediate extents of the adjacent rail components to hold such components in an aligned orientation including a saddle with a central button aperture, interior plate apertures and exterior end apertures with associated rail pins for pivotally coupling the saddle and the adjacent interior ends of associated rail components, a pair of hinge plates each with a plate pin coupling the upper end of each plate to a plate aperture of the saddle, each plate having an opening extending therethrough, the plates urged away from each other, a liftable block with an elongated slot and with an associated block pin for slidably coupling the block to the saddle, the button having inclined bearing surfaces on their edges and an inwardly facing projection located at the adjacent interior edge of each adjacent rod segment, each projection having an upper curved surface and a lower planar surface receivable by the bearing opening.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge mount for a seat having an adjustable seat back comprises an axle interconnecting first and second hinge members for pivotal motion relative to each other, an internal teeth formed in the second hinge member, a bearing plate having teeth for locking cooperation with the internal teeth, spaced guide walls formed in the first hinge member for guiding the bearing plate in reciprocal directions, and an control arrangement for controlling motion of the bearing plate into and out of engagement with the internal teeth. The control arrangement includes a lever and a cam in unitary motion with the lever for cooperation with the bearing plate. The cam is mounted to the first hinge member for pivotal motion about a cam axis located at a position spaced from an axis of the axle.

Abstract: Deployment hinge apparatus comprises a stationary U-shaped bracket including a flange defining a retention recess. A hinge arm for supporting an operating structure such as a communication antenna reflector is pivotally mounted on the stationary bracket for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hinge arm includes a deployment and latching cam which extends to a projecting nose member. A latch arm is pivotally mounted at one end to the stationary bracket and includes a cam follower at its other end operatively engageable with the cam. A spring biases the cam follower into engagement with the cam and is thereby effective to rotate the hinge arm from the stowed position to the deployed position such that, in the deployed position, the nose member and the cam follower are together snugly received in the retention recess, locking the hinge arm in the deployed position.

Abstract: A friction detent apparatus includes a resistance washer having a planar circular body with a central portion fixedly mounted to a pivot rod attached to a support structure, the body having a first arcuate friction contact surface spaced a first predetermined distance from the central portion and a second arcuate friction contact surface spaced a second greater predetermined distance from the central portion, a first detent nub formed on the first contact surface and a second detent nub formed on the second contact surface. First and second follower pins are fixedly mounted on a device pivotally mounted on the pivot rod for engaging the first and second friction surfaces respectively. The pins move along the friction surfaces as the device is rotated relative to the pivot rod and the detent nubs releasably retain the pins in an "end of travel" position.

Abstract: A backlash reduction mechanism for incorporation into a selectively latchable vehicle seat hinge assembly for reducing the backlash between a plurality of interconnecting movably operative latch members positioned seriatim with respect to one another in the vehicle seat hinge assembly and method for producing the mechanism are disclosed. The latch members are retained in interposed relation between first and second hinge plates. One of the latch members, a manually operable lever means, is rotatably mounted about a second pivot axis on an eccentrically operative rotatably adjustable backlash reduction means, which is in turn rotatably mounted on the first and second hinge plates about a first pivot axis.

Abstract: A hinge structure includes a casing having a depression and a space for receiving a spring member and a base. The base is rotatably secured in the space and includes two cams. A hinge member includes an extension secured to the base and rotated in concert with the base. A spring includes two ends for resiliently engaging with the cams so as to position the cams and the hinge member in suitable angular position. The hinge structure includes a simplified configuration excellent for manufacturing and assembling purposes.

Abstract: A foldable baby crib having a joint, which is located at the center of each top rail of the foldable baby crib, is disclosed. The joint consists of a cover, which pivotally connects the inner ends of the two round tubes of the top rail; a fixed member, which is received and centered within the cover by means of pins; and a movable member, which is movably hung on a fixed shaft of the fixed member. The fixed member has two spring wings with elongated through hole provided on the ears thereof for allowing the pins to pass therethrough and thereby fix the fixed member to the cover. When the two round tubes of the top rail are extended to become a straight line, the pins passing through the ears are extend into a space just below the inner ends of the two round tubes so as to support the same.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first clevis (30), defining a vee-block support (12) and a first limiter surface (44, 46, 48). A cylindrical hinge shaft is supported by the vee-block (12). A second clevis (140) is affixed to the shaft, whereby the second clevis may rotate in response to torques. The second clevis has a limiter surface (148) which coacts with the first limiter to limit rotation of the shaft and second clevis past the deployed state. The second clevis (140) has a cam follower (158) at a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation (2). A cam (100, 104) affixed to the first clevis (30) rotates about a cam axis (3'). The deployed-state engagement between the cam and the follower snugs one end of the shaft into the vee-block, while the rotation limiters snug the other end. A rotational driver (50, 54, 70, 75, 90, 110) urges the cam (100, 104) to rotate in a direction which tends to move the second clevis (140) from the stowed state toward the deployed state.

Abstract: Single articulation door hinge with pressure locking device on a hinge arm, which is located in a hinge cup on a hinge axis; whereby, leg springs of the hinge arm are held resiliently in connection with a pressure roller; whereby, the leg springs are supported with two contact surfaces on the cup casing and have a contact point on the hinge axis.

Abstract: A hinge joint for use in the seats of motor vehicles to permit changes of inclination of the back rest has a first leaf secured to the body supporting portion of the seat, a second leaf secured to the back rest and a composite shaft having an eccentric cylindrical portion turnably mounted in the first leaf and two coaxial conical portions flanking the eccentric portion and turnably mounting the second leaf. At least one conical portion has a cylindrical core of a metallic material and elastic sleeve surrounding the core and having a conical external surface. A diaphragm spring reacts against the shaft and urges the second leaf axially of the shaft against the first leaf, and a spur gear of the first leaf mates with an internal gear of the second leaf.

Abstract: A hinge arm adapted to be attached to a vehicular seat back is pivotally connected to a bracket adapted to be attached to the seat cushion and normally is held in a fixed position by virtue of a pivoted latch on the arm engaging a fixed latch plate on the bracket. The latch and the latch plate are formed with engageable latching faces which cause a heel on the latch to wedge into a pocket in the latch plate and prevent chucking of the seat back. The latching faces are curved on different radii and about different centers in order to maintain tight engagement between the two latching faces and to keep the heel wedged into the pocket as the latching faces wear.

Abstract: A joint is provided for the unfolding and locking of space elements, such as solar generator panels. On one joint half, a detent lever is swivellably connected having a clamping nose as well as a finger as the guiding element. During the unfolding operation, the finger slides on a guiding contour of the other joint half. Shortly before the fully unfolded condition is reached, the finger engages in a depression, and the clamping nose runs up onto a cam and clamps down on the latter under the effect of the spring tension directed to the common axis of rotation. A movable stop element, e.g. universal ball joint, simultaneously presses against a stop surface so that both joint halves are braced with respect to one another. An arrangement of high stiffness which is as free from play as possible results.

Abstract: A playpen frame structure comprises a rectangular top rail frame supported by four upright primary legs. The top rail frame comprises four rails, each constituted by two bar members pivotally connected to a mid-joint which allows the bar members to be rotatable about pivots mounted on the mid-joint. A retaining member is provided on each of the mid-joint to form a releasable retaining engagement with the two bar members to maintain the bar members in the expanded condition. The retaining member comprises release button for breaking the retaining engagement. There is also provided a reinforcement structure on the lower ends of the primary legs to hold the legs in position and thus avoid accident collapses of the legs.

Abstract: A foldable frame assembly for a children's playpen, including an upper foldable rail mechanism composed of four upper rails each of which is foldable at a joint thereof, and a lower foldable rail mechanism composed of a chassis seat and four lower rails pivotally connected therewith in a radial pattern, wherein the upper rail mechanism is formed by simple components while the lower rail mechanism is provided with support-enhancing members to insure the safety in use.

Abstract: A checking mechanism for a closure member and a frame, the closure member moveable in relation to the frame, the checking mechanism comprising a housing affixed to the closure member or the frame and having an opening therewith; a link member having a core and having two sides, the link member being fastened to either the frame or the closure member, the link member being moveable in relation to the housing and passing through the opening therewith; link engaging means secured with the housing proximate the opening at, at least one side of the link member, and retained in at least one compatible groove formed proximate at least one side of the link member for the positioning of the link member in relation to the housing, the grooves of the link member being formed by coating the core thereof with moldable material prior to assembly of the checking mechanism.

Abstract: A releasably lockable hinge device comprises a pair of hingably connected hinge members rotatable about a common pivot and mutually positionable in an at least one mutually releasably locked position by a locking pawl selectively movable between locking and unlocking positions. First and second longitudinally spaced toothed portions of the locking pawl, when biased into a locking position, are interferingly wedgingly engaged with respective corresponding surfaces of the pair of hinge members, in rigidly, bridging interlocking relation therebetween.

Abstract: Seat hinge for two door vehicle including a yieldable pivoted latch permitting forward seat back tilting to facilitate rear seat passenger entrance and exit without manual latch release and an inertia element responsive to vehicle deceleration for blocking latch release.

Abstract: A suitcase pivoting arm including an upper and a lower arm member, an actuating plate, a mating block, axle pins, and a spring. The upper and lower arm members are pivotally connected with the actuating plate to allow the actuating plate to freely rotate. The upper arm member includes a round plate shaped front end with inner and outer lugs and one or more notches made therearound, the mating block being pivotally connected to the lower arm member with the top end of the mating block being forced by the spring to be in contact with the periphery of the round plate shaped front end of the upper arm member. Upon turning the arms outward the mating block is allowed to set in the notch of the round plate shaped front end of the upper arm member, the upper arm member is protected from reverse rotation so as to support the lifted suitcase cover.

Abstract: A cap member for a window stay, particularly a four bar friction linkage stay, comprises a recess for receiving the tapered end of the bar which is attached to the openable vent of the window when the window is closed, and a pivotally mounted pawl member having a surface which defines an internal cam surface of the recess and which is adapted to engage and guide the tip of the bar as the window is closed and the tapered end enters the recess, the pawl pivoting so that when the tapered end is fully received in the recess the engagement between the tip of the bar and the inner edge of the pawl causes the outer edge of the pawl to bear against the inclined edge of the tapered end to hold the bar, and hence the window vent, firmly in the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a closure lid to the cabinet of a top loading clothes washing machine and maintaining the lid in a releasable self-sustaining open position and out of contact with the knobs of the machine control panel. The assembly includes an integrally formed first hinge portion for attachment to the cabinet and provided with a base, a curved bearing surface terminating in a landing and a pivotal hub, and a second hinge portion for attachment to the closure lid and provided with a pivot pin disposable within a passageway formed in the hub. A pair of the assemblies are used to secure a closure lid provided with a radiused bearing section to the cabinet.

Abstract: A multipurpose hinge apparatus for a foldable telephone includes a flip element and a hookswitch. The flip element is held in the closed and open positions by an enclosed cam element which follows recesses in one shaft securing the hinge elements. The hookswitch is activated by another enclosed cam which follows a recess in a second shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and construction of hinge units for joining a case and its corresponding lid, which comprises: a pair of bend units with a receptacle body in between for keeping a spring integrally connected to a side wall of a case; a guide member slidably inserted in the hollow space of the receptacle body and supported by the spring; a joint plate having a through opening running transversely through the lower portion thereof to be joined with the bend units by means of an inserted pin; and a socket integrally connected to a side wall of a lid for receiving a portion of the joint plate therein.

Abstract: A door hinge torsion spring fixedly mounted at a first end thereof to one hinge member is engaged and deflected at a second end thereof by a second hinge member when the two hinge members are pivotally displaced relative to one another. An intermediate section of the spring is configured in the form of a coil for increasing the length of the spring and reducing the torque applied to the spring per unit length without increasing the mounting space required for the spring, while allowing the spring to be mounted to and operate with existing hinge configurations. The door hinge spring is particularly adapted for use in the door hinge of a vehicle such as a truck, wherein the second hinge member is provided with a pair of spaced, notched rollers for successively engaging the second end of the spring as the door is opened to either bias the door to the closed position or securely maintain the door in either a fully open position or in an intermediate position between full open and closed.

Abstract: A foldable handle for skateboard includes a base plate adapted to be fixed on a base board of a skateboard; two opposed upright plates, fixed on the base plate and spaced apart from each other; a handle, pivoted between the upright plates, and which does not contact the base plate; a gripping mechanism for gripping releasably the handle, disposed between the upright plates along a side of the handle; and a block member, fixed between the upright plates along an opposite side of the handle from the gripping mechanism for blocking the handle; thereby, when the gripping mechanism is released, the handle is foldable to rest transversely on the base board of the skateboard from an operative position. Furthermore, the foldable handle can be used with the skateboard for exercise as soon as it is restored to the operative position.

Abstract: This invention includes an armrest having a combination of a ratchet mechanism with a cam for locking the armrest in an arbitrary inclined state. Three supporting shafts are secured to an armrest frame. A ratchet wheel of semicircular shape includes gear teeth. A first cam is integrally fixed to a circumferential portion of a bracket in which the first supporting shaft is inserted. A second supporting shaft is secured to the armrest frame. A pawl and a second cam are integrally secured to each other. The second cam and the pawl are rotated integrally around the second supporting shaft. The third supporting shaft is fixed to the armrest frame between the first supporting shaft and the second supporting shaft. A third cam is pivotally secured to the third rotatably supporting shaft.

Abstract: A guide device A is disclosed for attachment to a heddle frame to space and align adjacent heddle frames on a weaving loom during shedding which includes a pair of guide legs 26 and 28 which pivot from a guide position to a folded position for accommodating placement of the heddle frame on an automatic warp threading machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat back hinge comprising a control handle, an inner toothed ring integral with the side-plate of the sitting portion, an inner toothed ring integral with the side-plate of the seat back and toothed bolts adapted to coact with these rings, these bolts being able to be moved radially under the action of a rotary cam integral with the handle and being mounted transversely floating as well as said cam.The side-plates and the cam are mutually centered by cooperation on the one hand of a cylindrical projection of the cam with a bore of one of the side-plates and, on the other hand, of a cylindrical bore of the cam with a projection of the other side-plate.

Abstract: A hinge mount for seats having reclineable back rest includes two hinge parts pivotably connected one to another. The hinge part assigned to the back rest is formed with an arresting serration cooperating with an arresting pawl supported for rotation on the fixed hinge part; a control mechanism including a cam segment is rigidly connected to a driven gear supported for rotation on the fixed hinge part and controlled by a driving gear segment manually operated by a spring biased lever. The radius of the cam segment is larger than the radius of the driven gear and extends approximately about a central angle of 120.degree..