And Catch Receiving Socket Patents (Class 16/331)
  • Patent number: 10787838
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for barriers and fence systems, including a supplemental panel for fences or gates or the like, alone and or in combination with such pre-existing fences/gates or similar elements. The supplemental panel can be fabricated using relatively cost-effective materials and processes, and effectively reduces the space or gaps between generally vertical pickets and/or horizontal elements on an existing fence/gate/etc., and is readily mounted and racked into generally parallel alignment with those existing generally vertical pickets, and the mounting can be independent of the racking function/structure (such as by bending the added vertical picket elements at a selected/provided location on each added picket). The added vertical elements can be low-visibility and selectively spaced laterally to fit aesthetically between the existing pickets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Charles Larsen
  • Patent number: 10220938
    Abstract: An aircraft, a control surface arrangement, and a method of assembling an aircraft are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the aircraft includes, but is not limited to, an airframe, a control surface, and a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator rotatably mounts the control surface to the airframe. The rotary actuator supports the control surface on the airframe and is configured to rotate the control surface with respect to the airframe when the rotary actuator is actuated. The rotary actuator is further configured to deliver torque to the control surface from a longitudinally intermediate portion of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knight, James Grieco
  • Patent number: 9567787
    Abstract: A door stop device, includes a blocking mechanism (2) and a guiding arm (1), one of these being fastened to the opening part of the door, the other being fastened to the frame, the blocking mechanism (2) including a braking element (24) pressed against a braking roller (21) which is kept in contact with the guiding arm (1), the axle (22) of the braking roller (21) being allowed to move relatively to the body of blocking mechanism (2) within specified limits, the blocking mechanism (2) also including elastic elements (26) defined to bring braking roller (21) and braking element (24), back in compression against each other. A mobile interface unit (25), allows to modulate the load generated by the elastic elements (26), increasing the load when braking roller (21) is in locked position and decreasing the load when braking roller (21) rotates freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Andre Prieur
  • Patent number: 9377822
    Abstract: A component-positioning module comprises an elastic member, a plurality of fastening members, a plurality of adjustment elements and a positioning element. The elastic member is secured to a first component of the electronic device by the plurality of fastening members, and an operative portion of the elastic member is movable in a linear extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the first component. The plurality of adjustment elements are secured between the elastic member and the first component by the fastening members respectively; the positioning element is combined with the operative portion to position a second component of the electronic device, and the positioning element at least partially protrudes from the outer surface. Manipulation of the plurality of fastening members deforms the plurality of adjustment elements and changes a distance of the positioning element protruding from the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Acer Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Chieh Liu, Kuan-Chang Huang, Chung-Jen Ho, Chih-Wei Liao, Chun-Hsien Wu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110154615
    Abstract: A hinge includes a fixing bracket, a shaft fixedly mounted to the fixing bracket, a rotation bracket rotatably mounted to the shaft, an interference element mounted to the shaft and engaging with the rotation bracket, and the interference element rotatable relative to the rotation bracket, a resilient assembly mounted to the shaft; and a fastener fixed to the shaft. The shaft includes a rod and a protrusion located in one end of the rod, one end of the protrusion adjacent to the rod defines a cutout in a circumference of the protrusion, and the remaining part of the end of the protrusion forms a limiting portion. The rotation bracket includes a first combination portion. The first combination portion defines a blocking portion received in the cutout and capable of engaging with the limiting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-BIN SHEN
  • Publication number: 20110138575
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first leaf, a pivot shaft fixedly mounted to the first leaf, a second leaf rotatably mounted to the pivot shaft, a retention assembly mounted to the pivot shaft, a resilient assembly mounted to the pivot shaft; and two limiting members unrotatably mounted to the pivot shaft and located at opposite sides of the second leaf. Each limiting member forms two limiting surfaces at a circumference of the limiting member. The retention assembly defines a positioning column passing through the second leaf. The positioning column of the retention assembly is operable to engage with one of the limiting surfaces of each of the limiting members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-BIN CHANG
  • Publication number: 20110099759
    Abstract: A hinge includes a shaft, a rotation bracket rotatably mounted to the shaft, an interference assembly mounted to the shaft, a biasing member mounted to the shaft, and a fastener fixed to a distal end of the shaft, to prevent the interference assembly and the biasing member from disengaging from the shaft. The interference assembly includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a first end face located on a first cone tiling down from a circumference towards a center of the first element, and the second element includes a second end face located on a second cone angling down from a center towards a circumference of the second element, to engage the first end surface of the first element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-BIN CHANG
  • Patent number: 7891056
    Abstract: A locking door hinge for securing a door in a fixed position, such as closed, partially open or fully open. In one embodiment, the locking door hinge is configured similar to a butt hinge having a pair of generally rectangular leaves with barrels at the proximal end thereof and a pivot pin that passes through the barrels to pivotally connect the leaves together. To prevent movement of the door, the locking door hinge has a locking pin that is received in a locking socket which is disposed in at least the top two adjacent barrels. In a preferred embodiment, the locking socket is disposed in each of the barrels such that the locking pin extends from the first end to the second end of the hinge. If desired, a plurality of locking sockets can be provided to allow the user to fix the extent to which the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: John J. McAfee
  • Patent number: 7814619
    Abstract: An opening and closing device which includes a roughly cylindrical stator, a concavo-convex stator cam provided at an end of the stator, a ring-like rotor rotatably disposed relative to the stator, a rotor cam opposedly protruding from an inner periphery or outer periphery of the rotor, and a spring pushing the rotor against the stator. The rotor cam slides on the concavo-convex stator cam during the opening and closing operations. In this structure, the opening and closing device is openable roughly up to 180°, and a force in the opening direction is applied to a movable housing even when the movable housing is opened not less than 165°. Accordingly, this opening and closing device eliminates wobbling in the opening and closing direction, and ensures reliable opening and closing operations and retention at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7814621
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Todd F. Radke
  • Patent number: 7805808
    Abstract: A door assembly for pivotally securing a door to an animal enclosure or other enclosure. The door assembly comprises a pivot pin assembly integrally formed with the door and a hinge secured to the enclosure adjacent the opening. The pivot pin assembly preferably comprises a vertically oriented pivot pin integrally formed with upper and lower horizontal support members extending from upper and lower ends of the pivot pin across a portion of the door. The pivot pin is fitted within a hinge barrel formed within the hinge in a manner to permit the pivot pin to rotate within the barrel such that the door may be pivoted from an open to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Schroer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Matteson
  • Patent number: 7600297
    Abstract: An improved powered hinge (20) with an automatic locking feature proximate the ends of permissible relative angular displacement of its two hinge sections broadly includes: a stationary member (23) having a pivotal axis (x-x), and having a first slot (31) extending between opposite ends; a movable member (24) mounted for rotation about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member, and having a second slot (34) extending between opposite ends; a driving member (28) adapted to be rotated about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member from one angular position to another angular position, and having a third slot (36) extending between opposite ends; and an elongated pin (29) passing through the first, second and third slots, the pin being constrained for movement substantially parallel to the pivotal axis; the first, second and third slots being so configured and arranged that as the driving member is rotated from the one angular position to the other angular position, the pin will be moved from
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: Seth E. Gitnes
  • Patent number: 7493673
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping a panel, such as a glass panel, with no notch or drilled hole. The apparatus includes a base and two opposite opposing clamp halves. The lower edges of the clamp halves have downwardly extending cam surfaces. Inwardly extending arms are formed near the bottom of the clamp halves. A retainer is positionable above the arms and base. A machine screw is turned to pull the retainer to pull the arms towards the base and force the cam surfaces against the base. This causes convergence of the clamp halves by the geometry of the cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Custom Hardware Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney G. Garrett
  • Patent number: 7203532
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft, a cam, a spring and a sliding member. The shaft has a first end and a second end and the cam is movably disposed at the first end and has an inclined plane facing the second end. Also, the spring is disposed at the second end, and the sliding member is disposed on the shaft and is coupled with the spring. The sliding member moves along the shaft due to the elasticity of the spring. In addition, the sliding member has a contact capable of reaching the inclined plane, wherein the cam on which a force is imposed moves toward the second end so that an elastic potential energy is stored as a result of elastic deformation of the spring and the contact of the sliding member presses the inclined plane to rotate the cam by the spring's resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 7171726
    Abstract: A hinge construction comprising two hinge members provided with a guide track. The guide tracks of each of the hinge members comprise at least three substantially flat, circular segment-shaped track parts, which each extend between first and second track ends and which are distributed at uniform intermediate distances over a corresponding circular circumference, so that the track parts of the hinge members pairwise form a guide for at least one guide element. The hinge members are pivotable relative to each other between a first angular position in which the guide elements are received in the guides so as to be displaceable along the track parts, and a second angular position in which the guide elements are received in the guides so as to be clamped between first and second track ends of the track parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Werner John Peter Kleissen, Peter Alexander Hamming, Marinus Jacobus Maria Van Zuijlen, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout, Stefan Frits Brouwer
  • Patent number: 7065834
    Abstract: A hinge for controlling a pivotal rate of movement. The hinge includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part that is pivotally mounted to the first hinge part. The first hinge part movable to and between open and closed positions relative to the second hinge part. A connector extends along an axis and the first and second hinge parts are pivotally mounted around the connector on the axis. A gap is defined between at least one of the first and second hinge parts and the connector. A damping fluid is located within the gap for controlling a relative rate of movement of the first and second hinge parts between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Lowry
  • Patent number: 7027846
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft, a cam, a spring and a sliding member. The shaft has a first end and a second end and the cam is movably disposed at the first end and has an inclined plane facing the second end. Also, the spring is disposed at the second end, and the sliding member is disposed on the shaft and is coupled with the spring. The sliding member moves along the shaft due to the elasticity of the spring. In addition, the sliding member has a contact capable of reaching the inclined plane, wherein the cam on which a force is imposed moves toward the second end so that an elastic potential energy is stored as a result of elastic deformation of the spring and the contact of the sliding member presses the inclined plane to rotate the cam by the spring's resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 6986188
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first leaf assembly with a first leaf and two barrels. A pintle has a cylindrical part extending through a first of the barrels and a non-cylindrical shaft extending through the second barrel. A second leaf is mounted on the pintle. A collar with a non-circular opening is provided outside the shaft. A resilient member is provided between the cylindrical part and the collar. Two channels are defined at a side of the collar facing the second barrel for alternately receiving at least one lug formed on the second barrel. Whereby, when the pintle is turned about the barrels, the first leaf can be positioned at multiple points about the second leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Ching-Hsiang Hsu, Yao-Tsung Chan
  • Patent number: 6845546
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a fixing seat and a rotation seat rotatable in relation to the fixing seat. The fixing seat has a fixing plate for connection to a mainframe of an electronic device, a rotation shaft securely connected to the fixing plate and having a limiting flange formed on a mediate portion of the rotation shaft, and a limiting disk securely mounted on the rotation shaft and having two limiting edges. The rotation seat has a body rotatably mounted on the rotation shaft and having two connection legs each rotatably received in two tubes and an extension to selectively engage with either one of the limiting edges to limit a rotation angle of the body to the fixing plate and leaf springs mounted on the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Tien-Yueh Hsu
  • Patent number: 6807712
    Abstract: A portable electronic device (10) such as a mobile phone comprises two body parts (12, 14) moveably connected by hinges (16). Each hinge comprises a shaft part (22) and a housing part (20), the parts being relatively moveable about a common axis of rotation. The shaft part has a shaft pin (28) lying on the common axis of rotation and a leg (24) extending laterally with respect to the shaft pin. The housing part has an groove (36, 38) and a bore (32), the bore co-operating with the shaft pin and the groove engaging with the leg to restrain the shaft part from rotational movement. The shaft part is moveable relative to the housing part between a first position in which the leg is engaged with the groove and a second position in which the leg is not engaged with the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Esa-Sakari Määttä
  • Patent number: 6789976
    Abstract: A step-rotating device for rotatably connecting a first member and a second member. The step-rotating device includes a gasket movably connected to the first member and having a first surface with a hole, a base fixed on the second member and having a second surface, facing the first surface, with a shaft rotatably inserted into the hole and a plurality of annularly arranged recesses, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the gasket and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hannstar Display Corp.
    Inventors: Chien Ju Hung, Yi Chang Lu
  • Patent number: 6373690
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a panel to a chassis of a computer. The apparatus includes a release member movably mounted on a top surface of the chassis and a flange fixedly mounted to a base portion of the chassis. The release member is movable between a static position and a release position. A panel is pivotally attached adjacent to a base portion of the chassis. The panel is movable between a closed position and an open position. A resilient retention member is attached to the panel. The retention member is engaged with the flange when the panel is in the closed position. The release member resiliently deflects the retention member from engagement with the flange when the release member is moved from the static position toward the release position to allow the panel to be moved from the closed position to the open position. The panel can be accurately and consistently aligned and attached to the chassis of the computer system after each removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Eugene Buican, Greg George
  • Patent number: 6353967
    Abstract: A door hinge which stops the swing-open motion of a door before it can strike an adjacent wall located at ninety degrees to the closed door. By stopping the motion of the door at ninety degrees, the protruding hardware of the door will not penetrate or otherwise damage the adjacent wall. Frequent repairs are therefore avoided. The door hinge is adaptable to various residential and commercial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: Francisco A. Escobar, Samuel A. Salazar
  • Patent number: 6292980
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hinge mechanism for use in a portable phone having a phone body and a cover, the hinge mechanism configured to mechanically couple the cover to the phone body. The hinge mechanism includes at least one hinge module mounted to the phone body and configured to hinge the cover with respect to the phone body for opening and closing the cover. The hinge module includes a hinge housing having a bottom wall and a pair of opposite lateral end walls spaced from each other, one of the lateral walls having a hole. The hinge housing also has a pair of opposite longitudinal end walls spaced from each other. A hinge shaft is mounted in the housing and has a mountain-shaped portion provided with a pair of opposite cam surfaces at one longitudinal portion thereof and a shaft portion at the other longitudinal portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltc.
    Inventors: Young-Jin Yi, Young-Bae Ji, Cheon-Gyun Oh
  • Patent number: 6282752
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly for a motor vehicle door and including a door hinge having two hinge halves attachable, respectively, to the motor vehicle door and a respective motor vehicle door pillar, and a hinge pin for connecting the two hinge halves and supported in one of the hinge halves with a running fit and removably secured in another of the two hinge halves without a possibility of rotation with respect to the another half; and a door lock formed integrally with the door hinge and including a locking element having at least one detent point and at least one brake and locking member cooperating with the locking element and located radially outwardly of the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwächter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd-Alfred Klüting, Andreas Bonné, Friedrich G. Klingelhöfer
  • Patent number: 6243918
    Abstract: A snap hinge and method of manufacturing includes a plurality of articulated levers interposed between a first member and a second member and reciprocally angularly positionable between first and second end positions. An elastic member is interposed between the levers and at least one of the levers includes side portions and at least one interconnecting portion between side portions. At least one lever cooperates with the elastic member at hinge means that are only defined by one interconnecting portion. The components are punched from a metal stamp and bent with side portions at right angles to interconnecting portions to form hinge means integrally with the side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: T.G.N. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Zetti
  • Patent number: 6233879
    Abstract: A double pivotable door, particularly for use with modular office partitions is disclosed. The double pivotable door includes a frame, which is mounted to a partition by at least one hinge having a first axis of rotation. The frame include a door which is mounted to the frame and can rotate about a second axis of rotation, where the second axis of rotation is parallel but spaced from the first axis of rotation. The door can thus be mounted to partitions where there is limited space, and can rotate about the first axis, as a typical door, or rotate about the first and second axes simultaneously, thereby reducing by approximately half the clearance required for opening and closing the door. Preferably, the door includes a mechanism to prevent the door from pivoting about the second axis. Also preferably, the handle for the door is integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Groupe Pro-Plus Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Barbeau
  • Patent number: 6196617
    Abstract: A door structure for a vehicle has a door seated in a door jam frame at the rear end of the vehicle. The door jam fame has a first upright with an opening therein disposed nearby one side of the vehicle to provide a space between this side and the first upright. A second upright is nearby the other side of the vehicle. A hinge member is attached to the door which includes a first connecting member attached to the door member near the one side of the vehicle, a second connecting member pivotally attached to the first upright and disposed in the space between the one side of the vehicle and the first upright, and an intermediate arcuate member connected between the first and second connecting members which extends through the opening in the first upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Krystal Koach, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Beck
  • Patent number: 6170120
    Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer has a pivotal bearing seat with one or two springs received therein, a limit plate and a pivot, wherein the pivotal bearing is securely attached to the main body of the computer and defines a bearing hole therein with a transversal groove defined to communicate with the bearing hole to hold the springs. The pivot has one end securely attached to the screen of the computer and the other end forms a spindle with lubricating slots defined thereon. The spindle is inserted through the limit plate and into the bearing hole of the springs, whereby the screen of the notebook computer can be held at any angle with respect to the main body when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6161255
    Abstract: An indexing hinge particularly useful for glass shower doors. A mounting member is mountable to the supporting structure around the opening to the shower. For example, this could be at the top and bottom of the opening to the shower. Another mounting member could clamp along the edge of the door. A pivot pin extends between the two mounting members and has one end rotatably journaled in one of the mounting members. A fixing mechanism in the other of the mounting members fixes the pivot pin relative to its respective member. An indexing member includes a detent along the pivot pin and a biased member that is urged against the pivot pin so that when the detent aligns with the biased member, in indexing position and indexing of the door is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: CHMI
    Inventor: Rodney G. Garrett
  • Patent number: 6141831
    Abstract: A hinge adapted to pivotably connect a hinged member to a device housing is provided. The hinge is adapted to maintain the hinged member in one of an open position and a closed position relative to the device housing. The hinge includes a first hinge part having an axis and a cam follower. The first hinge part is adapted to be connected to one of the hinged member and the device housing. A second hinge part is provided which is aligned with and rotatable about the axis of the first hinge part. The second hinge part has a cam surface. The cam follower on the first hinge part contacts the cam surface. The cam surface has a first position and a second position. The second hinge part is adapted to be connected to the other of the hinged member and the device housing. A spring is provided which urges the cam follower against the cam surface with a spring force. The first and second hinge parts each have an axial bore defined therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: CEMA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Novin, David A. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6038739
    Abstract: To provide a tilt hinge capable of obtaining a great frictional torque despite of its small size and insuring a clip stop, the present invention comprises a bracket to be mounted on the body side of the equipment, a rotating shaft designed to be mounted to the end of an opening-closing body which is rotatably mounted on a bearing section of the bracket, a friction washer mounted between the large-diameter portion of the rotating shaft and the bearing section and/or on the other side face of the bearing section with the rotating shaft inserted into the central part, and an elastic means mounted with the rotating shaft inserted in the central part to press the friction washer against the large-diameter portion and/or the bearing section; and a click stop means is provided between the rotating shaft and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Katoh
  • Patent number: 5896622
    Abstract: A hinge device has a first portion defined therein a channel, a lateral slot and a longitudinal slot and a second portion having an axis formed therewith and rotatably received within the channel of the first portion. The lateral slot and the longitudinal slot of the first portion are able to provide the hinge device of the invention recovery force of dual orientations according to various orientation requirement of load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 5813093
    Abstract: A hinge assembly which has a limited number of stable positions and in which the hinge automatically moves to the closest of such stable positions is disclosed. The movement of the hinge is accomplished in one illustrative embodiment by positioning the protrusion on one of a pair of ramps inclined opposite to one another and toward the adjacent recess so that the parts of the hinge rotate relative to one another, moving the protrusion into the adjacent recess. The protrusion is pressed against the ramps and the grooves by a connecting portion that joins the arm portions and is flexed when the hinge parts are assembled so as to bias the arm portions toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph James Giordano, Jr., James R. Graham, William Vincent Jackwicz, Pratod V. Kasbekar, Harish Shankar Mangrulkar, Romano M. Zambon
  • Patent number: 5746533
    Abstract: A lockable hinge mechanism includes a hinge member and a pair of elongated tubular members with respective ends pivotably joined to the hinge member for movement of the tubular members between generally parallel and collinear relative positions. In one embodiment, a single hollow cylindrical cuff at least partially surrounds the hinge member and is coaxially rotatable relative to the tubular members through a range of about 180 degrees and precludes relative movement of the tubular members from the collinear position to the parallel position when in one location and allows relative movement of the tubular members from the collinear position to the parallel position in another location. The cuff cooperates with an abutment near said respective ends of the tubular members and has opposed semicylindrical extensions for engaging the abutments. The hinge member also has a pair of opposed semicylindrical end portion for engaging the abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Todd W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5639174
    Abstract: A collapsible, stackable cargo unit for carrying one or more vehicles has a wingable ramp by which vehicles roll on or off the unit. The ramp swings to a fixed upright position during vehicle shipment. After the vehicles are unloaded, the ramp swings down and inwardly relative to the unit so that the ramp lies flat upon a lower frame of the unit. The connection between the ramp and the lower frame includes a terminus fixed to the lower frame. The terminus has opposed upright walls defining slots, the slots having major diameters normal to the lower frame. The connection also has a floating block whose pins rotatably and slidably fit in the slots of the terminus. The connection also has an ear fixed to a post forming one side of the ramp. The ear has a slot aligned with the longitudinal axis of the post. The ear faces on the floating block, and a stud on the floating block fits in this slot. The stud and slot let the post rotate and slide on the floating block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David G. Gonska
  • Patent number: 5586363
    Abstract: There is disclosed a novel Indexing Hinge which rotates when a plunger is depressed and locks when the plunger is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: John M. Fanuzzi
  • Patent number: 5539957
    Abstract: A mesh net supporting framework for a hockey goal which is readily collapsed for transportation or storage has elongated tubular members hinged together at their respective ends and locking mechanisms at those hinges for securing the tubular members in mutually perpendicular configurations. The locking mechanisms may comprise an elbow with one of the tubular members and a short tube extending therefrom perpendicular to one another. There is an abutment on the short tube, and a cylindrical cuff surrounds the other of the tubular members, with that cuff having a semicylindrical extension for engaging the abutment. The other tubular member also has a semicylindrical end portion for engaging the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Todd W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5287596
    Abstract: A universal hinge is a hinge with the capability of performing stop and hold mechanisms without installing extra stop and/or catch components on an object abutted to the universal hinge. The universal hinge comprises a hinge body, a stop mechanism, and a hold mechanism. Both the stop mechanism and the hold mechanism of the universal hinge are provided by specially shaped hinge knuckles while no extra component is needed. An alternative improvement of the universal hinge is provided by adding a specially designed self-locking spring-bushing assembly which comprises a conical spring and a step-configured ring bushing. The self-locking spring-bushing assembly complying with the stop and hold mechanisms can serve the improved universal hinge with the adjustable stop angle capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventors: Haw-Renn Chen, Feichu H. Chen
  • Patent number: 5265969
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable joint consisting of a male joint and a female joint combined together with a pivotal pin, the male joint being rotated in its angle for a wide scope in relating to the female joint and then locked at any angle by a push rod extending in a lateral hole in the female joint and being pushed to locate in a locking position to engage any set of locating teeth around a round end of the male joint, the push rod being pushed most inward to an unlocking position to disengage from the set of locating teeth to free the male joint in relation to the female joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Ching-Pao Chuang
  • Patent number: 5209215
    Abstract: A rotatable stock for a crossbow having a barrel and a pistol grip portion is disclosed. The stock comprises a body portion and a first end on the body portion adapted to butt against a user's shoulder. A second end on the body portion is spaced distally from the first end. The stock further comprises a mechanism, located at the second end, for rotatably connecting the stock to the barrel at an end adjacent the pistol grip portion, wherein, upon actuating the rotatable connecting mechanism, the stock may be selectively rotated between an open, first locked position and a closed, second locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Saxon International, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Morrison
  • Patent number: 4987976
    Abstract: A manually-operated portable lift which may telescopically raise its mast or post so as to raise a lifting platform above the lift's initial height. The lift may be folded up to a compact and easily-moved configuration for ease of transport and storage. The lift includes a base with built-in outriggers which can be easily snapped out to fixed extended positions and returned to their storage positions. The outrigger is automatically latched in either such position but not between them. The base portion forward of the post can be manually unlatched and folded up parallel to the post. The platform and its arms have provision for manually mounting the arms of the platform in a low lifting position, a high lifting position, and a compact storage position wherein the arms are adjacent the platform. An extension mast is provided in either a storage position adjacent the main mast or as an extension of that mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Vermette Machine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew H. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 4724576
    Abstract: An improved handle of a pot is proposed which can be turned to its inoperative position over the pot to occupy less space during storage or transit. In use, the handle is locked in its operative position. It has a handle body and a metal fitting secured to the pot. The handle body has a tubular portion extending downwardly and the metal fitting has a tubular portion extending upwardly to receive the tubular portion of the handle body so that the handle body can be turned with respect to the metal fitting and thus to the pot within a limited angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Nitto Aluminium Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Tatematsu
  • Patent number: 4711485
    Abstract: An open top automobile body including a rigid roof panel extending between the front windshield section and a hoop member of a substantially inverted U-shape mounted at the opposite leg portions to the rear fenders for fore-and-aft swinging movements between an erected position and a retracted position. A foldable hood is provided between the hoop member and the rear body section to provide a rear windshield section. The roof panel is connected at the rear edge through a hinge mechanism with the hoop member so that the roof panel can be retracted into the rear body section together with the hoop member. A locking member prevents a relative rotation of two links of the hinge mechanism with respect to each other when the hoop member is in the erected position and the roof panel is placed between the front windshield and the hoop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Jiro Maebayashi, Masaya Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 4697305
    Abstract: An improved hinge for collapsible ladders which includes a depressable release mechanism operable by one hand, leaving the other hand free to make ladder adjustment. The improved hinge includes a guide shaft disposed within a tubular hub member which is journaled within hinge plates to which the ladder stringers are connected. A handle with locking pins is secured to one end of the guide shaft, with the other end of the guide shaft being secured to a depressable hinge release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Harold R. Wing
    Inventor: Lee H. Boothe
  • Patent number: 4673373
    Abstract: A toy block constructed into one geometrically regular block formed from at least two nestingly interengagingly configured three-dimensional components having adjacent pairs of couplers interconnected by a generally H-shaped unitary hinge, the hinge having first and second opposing sides with an interconnecting web and a transversely extending plate portion. The sides are provided with axially aligned pairs of inwardly extending pivot stub projections. The plate portion includes a pair of oppositely extending, generally resilient, aligned catch arms with depending tangs which engage detents formed between the couplers for retaining the components in preferred position. The blocks may form humanoid objects, quadrupeds, or articles such as vehicles or furniture, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Herring, Lawrence C. Wang
  • Patent number: 4666327
    Abstract: A joint for foldable aluminum ladders comprising a first base, a second base, a control plate and a selecting means. The second base has a middle plate inserted between two parallel plates which are connected at the end of the first base. The control plate is inserted between one of the parallel plates and the middle plate. The parallel plates, middle plate and control plate each have a central hole to allow a sleeve to be inserted therethrough. The parallel plates, middle plate and control plate also have apertures which lay some distance along the edges. The selecting means has a fixing link inserted through the sleeve and an inserting link which is shorter than the fixing link. A compressible spring is disposed around the lower end of the fixing link and a nut is secured at the threaded portion of the fixing link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: George Su
  • Patent number: 4608729
    Abstract: A lockable steering structure suitable for the front wheels of a baby cart for children including a grooved block slideable upon T shaped rails attached to both a support frame and a wheel mount so that in a locked position the block engages both rails, so locking the wheel mount to the support frame, and in an unlocked position the block engages only one rail. The block is secured in the unlocked position by a stud which is snap engageable with a recess on the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Yung H. Huang
  • Patent number: 4565388
    Abstract: A structure for connecting a handle to the push rods of a baby carriage is located between the push rods of a pair of push rods (1) and the handle for allowing the widening and narrowing of the distance between the push rods (1) in response to opening or closing the baby carriage. The distance between the push rods (1) in the open state, is firmly maintained in that the connecting sections between the push rods (1) and the push rod-connecting rod (2) are locked. This locking of each connecting section is achieved when a locking sleeve (10) is displaced downwardly by the force of a spring (15), whereas it is canceled when the locking sleeve (10) is displaced upwardly against the force of the spring (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Kenzou Kassai