Sliding Release Means Or Lever-actuated Sliding Catch Patents (Class 16/326)
  • Patent number: 11946302
    Abstract: A home appliance has a door capable of being opened and closed in opposite directions. The home appliance includes a main body having an inner space and a door rotatably installed on the right or left side of the main body to open and close the inner space. A first door opening/closing system is provided on the right sides of the main body and the door to be involved in a right opening of the door. A second door opening/closing system is provided on the left sides of the main body and the door to be involved in a left opening of the door. A locking member is disposed to be slidable in a left-right direction between the first door opening/closing system and the second door opening/closing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Simon Ireland, Yu Na Park, Deok Sang Yun, Gi Hoon Ko
  • Patent number: 11794650
    Abstract: A folding joint for attaching a rear view display device to a vehicle includes one or more hinge sections each of which is adapted to rotate relative to the vehicle, with each of the one or more hinge sections having a first end and a second end, and a biasing element comprising a spring, a coil, a wave spring, or other elastic member for biasing at least one of the one or more hinge sections in response to rotation of the folding joint, with the biasing element biasing at least one of a spring biased cam section and a biased clamping bolt. An external rear view display device for a vehicle may include the folding joint, and a vehicle may include two external rear view display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Christian Wezel, Alexandru Dobrete, Peter Hein, Andrea König, Arne Schmierer, Volker Erhart, Csaba Szilagyi, Hans-Dieter Pomparew
  • Patent number: 11639630
    Abstract: A gated barrier that includes a barrier frame first portion, a barrier frame second portion, and a gate between the barrier frame first and second portions. The barrier frame first and second portions include first and second threshold portions that are spaced apart from each other and held in such a spaced apart orientation by a rigid elongate piece. The gated barrier further includes a latch apparatus, panels, and junction apparatus between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Matthew A. Willms, Michael P. Lane
  • Patent number: 11608649
    Abstract: A flip door assembly includes a flip door and an interlock that controls whether the flip door may be opened. A worker safety system in one embodiment includes a work stand, a safety barrier, and a flip door assembly. The flip door assembly selectively engages with a keyed portion of the safety barrier to prevent access to a defined area by a worker. The flip door assembly includes a flip door having a top surface that is substantially planar to a top surface of the work stand when closed, and substantially non-planar to the top surface of the work stand when open. The flip door assembly further includes an interlock that prevents the flip door from opening when the keyed portion of the safety barrier is disengaged from the interlock, and allows the flip door to open when the keyed portion of the safety barrier is engaged with the interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James F. Hammond, Kory K. Dehart, Leopold Orozco
  • Patent number: 11452422
    Abstract: A cleaner includes a first extension pipe connected to a suction portion contacting a surface to be cleaned, and a second extension pipe coupled to a cleaner body having a driver generating suction force, and rotatably coupled to the first extension pipe. The first and second extension pipes operate in a first arrangement configured to allow the second extension pipe to be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe, and a second arrangement configured to allow the second extension pipe to rotate in a first direction from the first arrangement such that the first extension pipe and the second extension pipe are arranged to face each other. Such configuration enables a user to increase cleaning efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Gwang Kim, Dong Hyun Lee, Won Kyu Lim
  • Patent number: 11311101
    Abstract: A folding table has two table tops. A connecting piece of one table top is rotatably pivoted to a facing connecting piece of the other table top, wherein the connecting piece and the facing connecting piece are respectively disposed with a lock hole, the lock hole of the connecting piece is aligned with the lock hole of the facing connecting piece when the two table tops are unfolded; further comprising a lock element synchronously inserted to the lock hole of the connecting piece and the lock hole of the facing connecting piece to lock the connecting piece and the facing connecting piece and an elastic element to apply elastic force on the lock element to keep the lock element in the lock holes. The elastic element forces the lock element to be synchronously inserted to the two lock holes to lock the connecting piece and the facing connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: NEW-TEC INTEGRATION (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 11160391
    Abstract: A child containment system or playard can include a frame and soft goods panels. The frame can include a top frame assembly and one or more legs extending down therefrom in a use configuration. The legs can be pivotable with respect to the top frame assembly to a stored configuration, where the legs are substantially parallel with portions of the top frame assembly. The playard can also include top rail soft goods attached to at least a portion of the top frame assembly. A first portion of the bassinet base can be stored in a cavity of a first portion of the top rail soft goods and a second portion of the bassinet base can be stored in another cavity of a second portion of the soft goods. The first and second base portions can be coupled together when needed and stored in the cavities when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: BABY JOGGER LLC
    Inventors: Alexis J. Schaffer, Annette C. Stella, Corey Barnes, Rachel Bennett, Nathan Christopher Causey, Harlan Seth Dannenberg, Ryan David Luecke
  • Patent number: 10928855
    Abstract: Embodiments of a dock with an actively controlled heatsink for a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS) are described. In some embodiments, a dock may include: a base, a plateau configured to receive an IHS, and an arm coupling a distal edge of the base to a proximal edge of the plateau, where the plateau comprises a heatsink configured to cool a heatpipe disposed within the IHS via a bottom surface of the IHS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventor: Michiel Sebastiaan Emanuel Petrus Knoppert
  • Patent number: 10863819
    Abstract: A folding/unfolding mechanism includes first, second and third coupling pieces. Each of the first and second coupling pieces is configured to be fixed at an end of a bar and includes a hole and a slot with a closed bottom and an open top. The third coupling piece includes a slot with closed bottom and top. A first rod passes through the holes of the first and second coupling pieces and the slot of the third coupling piece. A second rod is integrally formed or coupled with a top portion of the third coupling piece, and movable together with the third coupling piece. The second rod is selectively inserted into the slots of the first and second coupling pieces, thereby selectively restricting the rotation of the first and second coupling pieces with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Renhua Chen
  • Patent number: 10822838
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lockable cover assemblies that can cover mounting fasteners used to secure network devices to mounting structures, including racks, rack-mounted enclosures, cabinets or other mounting enclosures used to mount network devices, or utility boxes used to mount network devices. The lockable cover assemblies can be configured to cover the mounting fasteners of one or more network devices or the lockable cover assemblies can be built into a mounting enclosure and lock each network device in the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Shadi Alex AbuGhazaleh
  • Patent number: 10806246
    Abstract: A table includes a frame and a tabletop coupled with the frame. The frame includes first and second longitudinal bars, each having first and second bars pivotally connected with each other. The tabletop includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is coupled with the first bars of the first and second longitudinal bars. The second panel is coupled with the second bars of the first and second longitudinal bars. The tabletop also include one or more first retainers integrally formed or coupled with the first panel and one or more second retainers integrally formed or coupled with the second panel. When the first and second panels are folded onto each other, the first and second retainers engage with each other and lock the table in the folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Renhua Chen
  • Patent number: 10811828
    Abstract: A USB cable contains: a holder, a body, and a conductive assembly. The holder includes a protective shell, a connection disc, and a decoration cap. The protective shell has a first accommodation chamber, a fixing sheet, and a protection cap. The body includes a receiving seat, a male plug, a locking member, a fixer, a PCB, a resilient piece, and a covering member. The receiving seat has a second accommodation chamber. The conductive assembly includes a first lid, a second lid, a defining sheet, a PCB plug, and a retractable wire. The retractable wire is connected with the PCB of the body, the PCB plug is accommodated in the cross-cross groove of the covering member, the body is received in the first accommodation chamber of the protective shell of the holder, and the receiving seat is connected with the decoration cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventors: Wei-Feng Zhou, Chun-Wai Chan
  • Patent number: 10552182
    Abstract: A multiple display device with a number of display areas, and a method of operating the device are provided. The method includes: executing a first application, and displaying the first user interface on the first image-display area; displaying text or icons related to the second application on the third image-display area; receiving a first user input for selecting an item or action via the first image-display area; receiving, after receiving the first user input, a second user input for selecting the text or the icon via the third image-display area; and displaying the second user interface on the second image-display area, in response to the second user input, and processing the item or action, using the second application. Various embodiments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seongeun Kim, Jungsik Park, Woongeun Kwak, Sangyong Kim, Jaeyoung Shin, Seungwon Oh, Dohun Cha, Byounguk Yoon, Hyunju Hong
  • Patent number: 10550638
    Abstract: A ladder apparatus has a first ladder section having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails, a second ladder section hingedly connected to the first ladder section adjacent an upper end of the first ladder section, and a latch mechanism affixed to one of the ladder sections and engageable with the other of the first and second ladder sections. The second ladder section is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch mechanism is adapted to secure the second ladder section in the retracted position. The second ladder section will extend in generally parallel relation to the first ladder section when in this retracted position. A ladder top is affixed to the upper end of the first ladder section and extends outwardly therefrom so as to have an end surface positioned away from the first ladder section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: LOUISVILLE LADDER INC.
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Tamez Reyes
  • Patent number: 10500081
    Abstract: In one aspect, an improved ankle joint device provides two stages of dorsiflexion resistance biasing a first splint member (or other attachment member that follows the angular displacement of a wearer's lower leg or foot) against dorsiflexion movement within an active angular range of dorsiflexion, corresponding to second and third rocker phases of a wearer's gait; in addition to a phase of plantarflexion resistance biasing the first splint/attachment member against plantarflexion movement within an active angular range of plantarflexion, corresponding to a first rocker phase. In another aspect, an equilibrium or neutral angle between a wearer's foot and tibia at which the device applies no biasing forces is adjustable by adjusting the angle at which a second splint/attachment member is fixed relative to a joint body. Typically, the second splint member is secured to a wearer's lower leg, and the first splint member is secured to a wearer's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Becker Orthopedic Appliance Company
    Inventors: James Campbell, Nicholas LeCursi, Nicholas Zalinski
  • Patent number: 10452106
    Abstract: A foldable device including a first body supporting a first display region; a second body supporting a second display region; a sensor configured to sense a folding angle between the first body and the second body; an actuator configured to change the folding angle; and a controller configured to control the actuator to increase the folding angle between the first body and the second body without user physical pressure in response to a first predetermined input, and control the actuator unit to decrease the folding angle between the first body and the second body without user physical pressure in response to a second predetermined input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Taehoon Cho, Wonseok Joung, Eunhye Kim, Minkyoung Shin
  • Patent number: 10253804
    Abstract: The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a determinative hinge assembly rotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions around a first hinge axis associated with the first portion and a second hinge axis associated with the second portion. The determinative hinge assembly includes a detent-priority sub-assembly that controls an order of rotation around the first and second axes with a first detent associated with the first hinge axis that has a different depth than a second detent associated with the second hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Park, Errol M. Tazbaz
  • Patent number: 10198035
    Abstract: A docking station for a tablet device includes a security frame that is releasably connected to a pedestal. An upper head portion of the pedestal is rotatable through three degrees of freedom to allow for angular adjustment of the frame as it retains a tablet device. Electrical conductivity is maintained through the rotational connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MOBILE TECH, INC.
    Inventor: Hunter Wylie
  • Patent number: 10198036
    Abstract: A docking station for a tablet device includes a security frame that is releasably connected to a pedestal. An upper head portion of the pedestal is rotatable through three degrees of freedom to allow for angular adjustment of the frame as it retains a tablet device. Electrical conductivity is maintained through the rotational connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MOBILE TECH, INC.
    Inventor: Hunter Wylie
  • Patent number: 9752364
    Abstract: A hinge can be used between two structures to allow the structures to be quickly and easily folded and unfolded. The hinge has a first portion connected to a structure and a second portion connected to a structure. The first and second portions are also connected to one another. A latch is connected to one of the portions. The latch is biased towards a locked position such that when the hinge is unfolded, the hinge is prevented from being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim James
  • Patent number: 9694490
    Abstract: A tool box is provided, including a board member and a connecting member. Each lateral face of the board member is formed with a first connecting portion, and a mounting hole is disposed in each first connecting portion. Two ends of the mounting hole are respectively formed with a second connecting portion. Each second connecting portion is detachably assembled in the mounting hole. The board member can be connected with another board member through the connecting members, and each lateral side can be connected with the board members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Shyh-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 9428947
    Abstract: In a state where a panel unit 53 is held at a storing angle with a projecting portion 15 of a click plate 13 fitted in a recessed portion 10 of a bracket 7, the back side of the projecting portion 15 and a pressing piece 20 of a friction plate 18 do not abut on each other, so that only a reaction force of the click plate 13 serves as a resistance. When the panel unit 53 starts turning, the projecting portion 15 abuts on the pressing piece 20 through the elastic deformation at the time when the projecting portion 15 moves out of the recessed portion 10 to get onto a sliding surface 9, so that a sliding resistance is obtained from the reaction forces of the click plate 13 and the friction plate 18 after abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nagami
  • Patent number: 9342103
    Abstract: A bezel includes a dock for a portable display device. The bezel also includes a hinge component that, when coupled to an enclosure, allows the bezel to be rotatably moved with respect to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Belgie B McClelland, Kevin D Conn, Kelly K Smith
  • Patent number: 8925153
    Abstract: A pull-button, locking hinge assembly includes a base element, a pull-button element, a cap element, press fitted to arrange these three elements about a central axis, and a release assembly allowing the cap element to pivot 360 degrees transversely to the central axis and in relation to the base element. Geometric ends of the hinge assembly allow press fitted insertion into any two components to be so releasably pivoted and repositioned, and then locked into a desired position relative one to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew H. McGrath
  • Patent number: 8898862
    Abstract: A push-button, locking hinge assembly includes a base element, a push-button element, a cap element, an assembly to lock these three elements about a central axis, and a release assembly allowing the cap element to pivot 360 degrees transversely to the central axis and in relation to the base element. Geometric ends of the hinge assembly allow insertion into any two components to be so releasably pivoted and repositioned, and then locked into a desired position relative one to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew H. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20140259532
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a hinge or clamp comprising a first leaf and a second leaf comprising complimentary knuckles that move rotationally relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of a bore formed by the complimentary knuckles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew David Millard, Richard James Millard
  • Patent number: 8813311
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiao-Wu Li
  • Patent number: 8763977
    Abstract: A stand for a display device is provided and includes a housing having an accommodating groove, a hinge structure including a first board and two second boards, and a latch including an operation portion. The first board is fixed on a backboard of the display device and has a positioning groove. The two second boards are rotatably connected respectively to two ends of the first board and each is fixed on the housing. The latch is flexibly placed on the housing and is aligned with the first board. The operation portion is exposed through the accommodating groove. The fastening portion is selectively engaged with the positioning groove by releasing a spring force of a spring connected to the latch. When the operation portion is moved in a direction away from the first board, the fastening portion is disengaged from the positioning groove by compressing the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Ming Huang, Shih-Hsiung Yen, Jian-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8756762
    Abstract: Hinge assemblies that may adjust a tilt angle of an element of a portable electronic device in a user-comfortable position are disclosed. An example hinge assembly includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame, wherein a position of the second frame is adjustable between a first position and a second position to change a tilt angle of the second frame with respect to the first frame, a first elastic member connected to the first frame and the second frame and pressing the second frame toward the second position, and a locking member movably coupled to the first frame and capable of moving between a locking position where the locking member is engaged with the second frame to maintain the second frame at the first position, and an unlocking position where the locking member is separated from the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-man Kim
  • Patent number: 8746006
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a body having a storage chamber; a door for selectively shielding the storage chamber; a hinge coupling portion for hinge-coupling the door to the body; and a height control unit for lifting up or lowering the door by repeatedly opening and closing the door. Since the door has a controllable height by being opened and closed, a moment arm becomes longer than when using the conventional tool such as a spanner. This may allow the height of the door to be controlled by using less force. Since the height of the door is controllable at a user's eye height, the user may control the height of the door more rapidly and precisely without errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seok-Ro Kim
  • Patent number: 8707521
    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, and a fine tuning set screw model for angle adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Barry Lee Mack
  • Patent number: 8701249
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Ho Ahn, Ji-Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 8661619
    Abstract: A hinge adjuster includes a first frame, at least one locking piece, at least one spring component, at least one second frame and a pair of cover. The first frame defines at least one locking hole including a first accommodating hole and a second accommodating hole. The locking piece is slidably placed in the first accommodating hole for engaging with the first accommodating hole or the engaging notch alternatively. At least one groove for engaging with the locking piece is configured on a pivoted portion of the second frame, which includes a flat portion, a dentiform portion, and an end portion. And the locking piece is protruded from the locking hole and contacting with the flat portion, the dentiform portion or the end portion selectively. The hinge adjuster has strong supporting capability and can achieve a cyclic adjustment of angles, and the operation is simple and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Weihong Hardware and Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 8661618
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between open and closed positions and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. A hinge pin assembly cooperates with the hinge members and has aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position the hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions. The locking components may include a mechanical override device to prevent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8578560
    Abstract: A seat positioning device includes a swingable support pad secured to a hinge, which is secured to a wheelchair seat back via a hardware assembly. The hinge includes a frame bracket with primary and secondary flanges having a rotatable barrel secured therebetween. A lock plate locking flange, sized to be receivable within a barrel locking groove formed in one end of the barrel, is spring-biased into a locking aperture in the secondary flange and toward the barrel locking groove. The barrel can rotate until the locking flange, locking aperture, and locking groove are aligned and the locking flange is allowed to lock the hinge in position by entering the locking groove through the locking aperture. The hardware assembly is configured to position the hinge so as to minimize the extent to which the pad extends beyond the side of a wheelchair when the pad is in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Metalcraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Swinehart, Steven R. Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 8567739
    Abstract: A connection mechanism is used for rotatably connecting a first object and a second object. The connection mechanism includes a positioning member capable of being inserted in a first fixing hole defined in the first object and the engaging hole defined in the second object for connecting the first object and the second object. The positioning member is slidable in the first fixing hole and in the engaging hole to interchange between a first position and a second position, the positioning member is received in the first fixing hole and the engaging hole to restrict the first object from rotating relative to the second object in the first position, and at least move out of the first fixing hole or the engaging hole to allow the first object to rotate relative to the second object in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8533915
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first member, a second member, two rotary members, a resilient member, and a main shaft. The first member includes a cam surface. The two rotary members engage with the second member to constitute a latching cam surface engaging with the cam surface. The resilient member provides an elastic force for the first member to abut against the second member. The first member, the second member, the resilient member are placed around the main shaft. After the rotary members are rotated, the first member automatically rotates relative to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8522400
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. The first and second body portions have aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the first and second hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the hinge members' internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8505167
    Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge apparatus rotatably coupling the first housing and the second housing. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge housing fixed to the first housing, a hinge member fixed to the second housing and coupled to the hinge housing, the hinge member rotating around a hinge axis which extends perpendicular to a surface of the first housing, an interference protrusion provided on one of the hinge housing and the hinge member, and a stopper groove formed in the other of the hinge housing and the hinge member wherein the hinge member rotates around the hinge axis while being spaced apart from the hinge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Tae Kim, Sang-Joon Park, Jong-Woo Kim, Seok-Gyu Lee
  • Patent number: 8490247
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a follower member, a rotary member, two swing rods, a resilient member and a main shaft. The follower member includes a cam surface. The rotary member includes a latching cam surface. The two swing rods engage with the rotary second member. Each swing rod includes a contact area engaging the cam surface, and each swing rod is rotated to allow the follower member to automatically rotate relative to the latching cam surface. The resilient member provides an elastic force for the follower member abutting against the rotary member. The main shaft, the follower member, the rotary member, the resilient member are placed around the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yi-De Luo, Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8429795
    Abstract: A triple-tooth weld-on hinge includes a cradle plate, connector spinal plate, crowfoot wrench, riveting pin, connector plate, and spring. The cradle plate, connector spinal plate, and crowfoot wrench are connected through the connector plate and secured with the riveting pin. The bottom is joined by the spring. The range of movement between the cradle plate and the connector spinal plate is between ?1-?2, or between 105° and 125°. The hinge can be used for securing furniture, particularly steel-framed sofas, as it allows for three angled adjustments between the seats and backs of the sofas. With the various insertion slots on the spinal plate, riveting piece, and cradle plate, the steel-framed sofas can be adjusted to different dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Liang Huachun
  • Patent number: 8425439
    Abstract: A lockable hinge assembly configured for incorporation within a brace for stabilizing a joint includes a static support structure configured to remain in a fixed position, a dynamic support structure that is configured to be rotatable relative to the dynamic support structure, and a locking means for locking the dynamic support structure in a desired fixed position relative to the static support structure. The locking means is configured to enable the dynamic support structure to rotate relative to the static support structure and to automatically lock the dynamic support structure in a fixed position relative to the static support structure when the dynamic support structure rotates into the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Brian P. McKeon, John D. Fiegener
  • Patent number: 8405978
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; and a connector. The first housing includes a first face and a first periphery portion provided along a periphery of the first face. The second housing includes a second face and a second periphery portion provided along a periphery of the second face and positioned near the first periphery portion. The connector includes a first portion connected to the first housing and a second portion connected to the second housing. The connector rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing with each other. The connector permits a change in a distance between the first portion and the second portion to prevent a change in a distance between the first periphery portion and the second periphery portion when the first housing and the second housing are rotated with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Isao Okutsu
  • Patent number: 8341806
    Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Parker, John J. Fiumefreddo
  • Patent number: 8336167
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic hinge module for a cellular phone, which is capable of automatically opening the cellular phone in a one-touch manner. The automatic hinge module of the present invention automatically opens a cellular phone by simply pressing a button. When the button is pressed, a housing coupled to a folder portion of the cellular phone is rotated by an elastic restoring force of a compressed torsion spring, thereby opening the cellular phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Si Wan Kim
  • Patent number: 8302261
    Abstract: A hinge comprises a rotatable bracket, a fixed bracket, a torsion spring, a locknut element and a shaft penetrating through the rotatable bracket, the fixed bracket, the spring and the locknut element. The rotatable bracket forms a through hole therein. The hinge further comprises an elastic hook and a driving element. The elastic hook is inserted into the through hole of the rotatable bracket to lock the electronic device when the electronic device is closed. A driving element mounted in the main body receives an operation of the user to push the elastic hook out of the through hole in order to open the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xian-Wei Ma, Ting Luo
  • Patent number: 8123710
    Abstract: A limiting connector for a knee brace has a first arm, a second arm and an angle adjusting assembly. The second arm is connected pivotally to the first arm. The angle adjusting assembly is mounted between the first arm and the second arm, and has a positioning gear, a gear cap, two buttons and a rotating cap. The gear cap is mounted through the positioning gear and the second arm, and is mounted on the first arm to hold the positioning gear between the second arm and the gear cap. The buttons are selectively slid to engage the positioning gear and define a range of rotation between the first and second arms. The rotating cap is rotatably mounted through the gear cap, and pushes the positioning gear toward the first arm to disengage the positioning gear from the buttons for adjusting the range of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chan
  • Patent number: 8099831
    Abstract: A hinge structure for a mobile communication terminal includes a drive cam arranged to be linearly displaced along a hinge axis, a drive shaft arranged to face the drive cam to be rotated about the hinge axis according to linear displacement of the drive cam, a follower shaft arranged to surround the drive shaft to be rotated along with the drive shaft, a follower cam arranged to face the follower shaft to be linearly displaced along the hinge axis according to rotation of the follower shaft, and an opening/closing resilient member for pushing the follower cam against the follower shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Sang-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 8079115
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Guo-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: D856409
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thao D. Hovanky, Wilson Heaton Allen