And Catch Receiving Socket Patents (Class 16/332)
  • Patent number: 11509259
    Abstract: A plate folding and unfolding device and a solar panel structure are provided. The plate folding and unfolding device includes a cam fixed with first plate piece, and a rotating shaft is disposed inside the cam in an axial direction of the cam; a connecting rod, where the connecting rod includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, the first end is connected vertically to the rotating shaft, and the second end is fixed to a second plate piece; a positioning shaft, where the positioning shaft is disposed, on the connecting rod; and an elastic piece, where the elastic piece is disposed on the connecting rod, one end of the elastic piece is connected to the positioning shaft, where a groove that accommodates the positioning shaft is disposed at at least one location of the outer peripheral surface of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KUANG-CHI SPACE TECH. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ruopeng Liu, Lin Luan, Junjie Liao
  • Patent number: 10966581
    Abstract: Vacuum cleaning devices include foldable wands to provide a storage configuration and/or facilitate use. A vacuum cleaning device includes a wand having a first end coupled to a vacuum unit and a second end coupled to a vacuum head or surface cleaning head. The wand defines an air passage allowing air to pass from the surface cleaning head to the vacuum unit and includes a flexible air passage along at least a portion of the wand. The wand also includes a plurality of segments pivotably connected together such that the wand is foldable about 180° in a forward direction until the vacuum unit is positioned proximate a top of the surface cleaning head, thereby providing a storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Daniel John Innes, Jason Thorne, Andre David Brown, Gary Palladino, Catriona C. A. Sutter, Lee Cottrell, Scott Niedzwecki, Junghwan Chei
  • Patent number: 10538303
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for a high clearance hinge linkage. In one example, a system includes a hinge linkage configured to couple to an aircraft beam to an aircraft panel. The hinge linkage includes an aircraft beam fitting configured to couple to a web of the aircraft beam and be disposed between an upper flange and a lower flange of the aircraft beam, an aircraft panel fitting coupled to the aircraft panel, and a plurality of links. The plurality of links couple the aircraft beam fitting to the aircraft panel fitting and are configured to articulate to move the aircraft panel between at least a closed position and an open position. In certain examples, an edge of the aircraft panel is substantially aligned with a portion of the aircraft beam web in the closed position. Additional systems and related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Kijak, Timothy J. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 10433622
    Abstract: The assembly device is intended for the pivoting attachment of at least two components (M1, M2). It comprises a screw (4) intended to be screwed into a first component (M1) and bearing a guide pin (5) guiding the pivoting of a second component (M2). According to the invention, the pin (5) comprises at least one rotation-prevention zone (540) having a shape designed to collaborate with a zone of corresponding shape of the first component (M1), so as to prevent said pin from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ROLEX SA
    Inventor: Daniel Moille
  • Patent number: 10342453
    Abstract: A catch device and a shell liner for a medical imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus that has an elastic arm, the elastic arm having a clamping portion, two bending portions located on two sides of the clamping portion and two end portions formed by extension of the ends of the two bending portions away from the clamping portion, the two end portions being used for being fixed to a liner of the first shell; and at least one roller, the roller being rotatably sheathed on the clamping portion of the elastic arm and clamping an edge of the second shell to the liner of the first shell by using an elastic force of the elastic arm, and an axial direction of the roller is parallel to the liner of the first shell and the edge of the second shell. The catch device achieves a simple and firm connection between apparatus shells, and meets requirements for a pleasing appearance and convenient application and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Maciejewski, Jian Hua Pei, Wen Qiang You
  • Patent number: 10295194
    Abstract: An appliance hinge includes a control link subassembly operably connected between a base and a door mounting arm. The control link subassembly includes a control link with a first end pivotally connected to the door mounting arm and a second end spaced from the first end. The control link subassembly also includes a spring-arm including an outer end pivotally connected to the second end of the control link and an inner end engaged with the base and adapted for both pivoting and sliding movement relative to the base. The control link subassembly also includes a spring engaged with the spring-arm and exerting a biasing force on the spring-arm that urges said spring-arm toward its extended position. The spring-arm selectively moveable toward a retracted position. The hinge assembly further includes a link controller connected to the base. The spring biases the control link into abutment with the link controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineering Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas R. SirLouis
  • Patent number: 10287734
    Abstract: A road paver with a height-adjustable screed for installing a pavement layer and at least one support device for carrying and positioning at least one sensor unit is provided. The support device comprises a center bar, at least one extension bar for the center bar, and at least one attachment unit which detachably attaches the extension bar at one end of the center bar. The center bar and the extension bar are by way of the attachment unit relative to one another—when viewed in the vertical projection plane—at a first mounting angle connectable to one another, and the center bar and the extension bar are by way of the attachment unit connectable to one another—when viewed in the vertical projection plane—at at least one further mounting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventor: Ingo Herzberg
  • Patent number: 10240305
    Abstract: A road paver with a height-adjustable screed for installing a pavement layer and at least one support device for carrying and positioning at least one sensor unit is provided. The support device comprises a center bar, at least one extension bar for the center bar, and at least one attachment unit which detachably attaches the extension bar at one end of the center bar. The center bar and the extension bar are by way of the attachment unit relative to one another—when viewed in the vertical projection plane—at a first mounting angle connectable to one another, and the center bar and the extension bar are by way of the attachment unit connectable to one another—when viewed in the vertical projection plane—at at least one further mounting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventor: Ingo Herzberg
  • Patent number: 10060468
    Abstract: An adjustment coupler includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. In embodiments, the first clutch member may be rotationally fixed with respect to the second clutch member when a torque applied thereto is less than a predetermined amount. When the torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the first clutch member may rotate with respect to the second clutch member. In other embodiments, the first clutch member may be rotationally fixed to the second clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Evan Whitney, Samual Evans, Marcus Montie
  • Patent number: 9963922
    Abstract: A hinge device (10) includes a first connecting member (1) having a receiving section (11). An axle member (3) is mounted in the receiving section (11) and includes an axle (32) located outside of the receiving section (11). A second connecting member (2) includes an axle receiving portion (21) having a pivotal compartment (22) that pivotably receives the axle (32). A fixing groove (23) is defined in an inner periphery of the pivotal compartment (22) and receives a magnetic member (4) having a magnetically attractive portion (41) located in the pivotal compartment (22). When the first connecting member (1) and the axle member (3) pivot, the axle (32) pivots between a first position adjacent to the magnetically attractive portion (41) and a second position away from the magnetically attractive portion (41). The axle (32) in the first position is attracted and positioned by the magnetically attractive portion (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Kuo-Ho Tsou
  • Patent number: 9677309
    Abstract: A supporting mechanism and a sorting machine having the same are provided. The supporting mechanism includes a supporting body. An annular sliding slot is formed on a section of surface of the supporting body. A U-shaped clamping slot is provided in a ring of the annular sliding slot. A one-way deflecting locating valve plate is provided at the position of an opening of the U-shaped clamping slot and configured to close the annular sliding slot, and the locating valve plate is provided with a reset force configured to ensure a tendency of the locating valve plate to close the annular sliding slot. A deflecting angle of the locating valve plate ensures that a free end of the locating valve plate deflects from one side to another side of the opening of the U-shaped clamping slot. The supporting mechanism has a simple operation and a high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guihong Zhou, Wenjun Liao, Zhan Liu, Hexiang Huang
  • Patent number: 9382736
    Abstract: A cover structure including a cover member movable between open and closed positions relative to an apparatus body, a supporting member that includes one end portion fixed to the cover member and another end portion attached to the apparatus body, the supporting member supports the cover member in the open position thereof, the apparatus body includes an engaging member that engages the supporting member to resist the movement of the supporting member and engages a portion of the supporting member when the cover member is in the closed position to maintain the cover member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Tejima
  • Patent number: 9277729
    Abstract: The automated pet cage includes a locking assembly for the door of the pet case, which is able to remotely or autonomously unlock and open the door of the pet cage as needed or in an emergency. The locking assembly is integrated into the design of the door of the pet cage, and provides for manual or autonomous operation in order to open the pet cage in a plurality of situations. The locking assembly is in communication with a display console that is in control over operation of the automated pet cage. The display console can remotely interface with a cellular telephone/Bluetooth enabled device in order to receive remote instructions in order to open the door of the pet cage. The display console also communicates wirelessly with the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: James Wright
  • Patent number: 9127876
    Abstract: A refrigerator assembly includes a mullion assembly movably attached with respect to the refrigerator assembly. The mullion assembly includes a mullion portion defining a mullion recess. The mullion recess receives a biasing device for engaging a follower. A hinge assembly is attached to the mullion portion such that the mullion portion is movable with respect to the hinge assembly between a first position and a second position. The hinge assembly includes a first recess for receiving the follower when the mullion portion is in the first position. The hinge assembly further includes a second recess for receiving the follower when the mullion portion is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Wilson, Paul Hayward Kelly, Wesley King
  • Patent number: 8820861
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is provided that includes a cabinet configured that defines a profile of the laundry treating apparatus, the cabinet including a laundry introduction opening formed therein, a door configured to open and close the laundry introduction opening, a hinge unit including a first pivot to rotate the door along a first rotational direction and a second pivot to rotate along a second rotational direction, which is different from the first rotational direction, and a securing member configured to secure the door to the first pivot or the second pivot, when the door is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kihyuk Kim, Sanghun Bae, Seunghyun Song, Eunyoung Jee, Hongjun Cho, Seungphyo Ahn, Minjung You
  • Patent number: 8807020
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a toaster appliance in which an upper grilling plate is typically hinged to the lower grilling plate in a manner to be rotatable relative to said lower plate. The position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate is conventionally adjusted by means of a handle having predetermined locking positions according to the present invention. Said handle is provided with a connection device having a predetermined locking position, which is set to a perpendicular position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate. Said locking position is determined by a plurality of slots into which a set of spring loaded balls engages within said connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Eksen Makine Sanayi ve Ticaret
    Inventor: Besim Tahincioglu
  • Publication number: 20130340205
    Abstract: This invention involves a set of exclusive methods of folding mechanisms for means of collapsing and opening a baby stroller. The methods aims for the compact ability, ease of use, versatility and easy manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: KHAI GAN CHUAH
  • Publication number: 20130333161
    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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 8572807
    Abstract: A hinge strip for double-action glass doors, with a fixed hinge portion, a door hinge portion pivotable about the fixed hinge portion, a pivoting axis penetrating the fixed hinge portion and the door hinge portion, a cam with at least one depression disposed at the axis, and a force-loaded roller that cooperates with the cam. To achieve a precise adjustment of the zero position of the door, the roller is disposed to be adjustable orthogonally with regard to the longitudinal axis of the hinge strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Walhorn, Garry Hodges
  • Publication number: 20130075214
    Abstract: Collapsible luggage uses self-locking hinges to allow horizontal support structures to collapse by folding said supporting panels onto, or nearly onto, each other. The hinges can include a first arm provided with a cylinder containing a spring and a ball, and a second arm, each arm rotatably connected to an axis; and a curved flange, coaxial with the axis and fixed with respect to the second arm, having notches at selected positions along its arcuate surface corresponding to preset stops. The flange can be placed so as to abut the ball at the end of the cylinder. Double versions of such self-locking hinges can be provided, which can be used in various collapsible surfaces in luggage and various other containers and bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen Chi Yueh Chen, Ahron Hersh, Nancy Mei-Hui Hung
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120233814
    Abstract: A checker-equipped door hinge device for use in a vehicle is includes a check force generating mechanism having a central shaft fixed to a female bracket, a cylinder block fixed to a male bracket and having a cylinder portion, a piston slideably fitted into the cylinder portion, a detent roller supported by the piston, a check spring for urging the piston, and a detent groove provided on an outer peripheral face of the central shaft and with which the detent roller is engaged by urging force of the check spring. The male bracket includes male arm portions for sandwiching the cylinder block inside female arm portions, and a male base portion connected to the male arm portions. The male arm portion is fixedly secured to the cylinder block, and opposite end parts of the central shaft extending through the male arm portion are fixedly secured to the female arm portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: RIKENKAKI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yumiko Minegishi
  • Publication number: 20120061182
    Abstract: An indexing hinge may be used with ladders and the like and provides stops at various indexed locations using radially-moving indexing pins. The indexing structure is contained within the hinge body substantially without projecting elements other than one or more indexing rods used to actuate the internal indexing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald R. Grimes
  • Patent number: 7966697
    Abstract: A hinge has two leaves (11?), (13?) connected by a hinge pin (42?) retained in alternate sleeves (17?), (19?) on the facing edges of the two leaves, with limited axial movement of the hinge leaves relative to one another along the pin. A spring (46?) biases the leaves towards one end of this movement, where sleeves (19?) on one leaf (13?) have slots (74, 84) at one axial end and sleeves (17?) are axially preceded by flanges (76) which, according to the angular opening of the hinge, either abut the ends of the respective sleeves (19?) or enter one or other of the slots (74, 84). When the flange (76) abuts the sleeve end, the hinge is free to rotate, but when the hinge reaches an opening angle at which spring pressure causes the flange (76) to enter one or other of the slots, the hinge is locked. It can be released by manually sliding the locked sleeves (17?), (19?) apart against the spring pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth Springer
  • 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: 7752982
    Abstract: A latching system for a foldable table having two tabletop halves each having a bottom surface and an end surface includes a receiver disposed on the end surface of the first tabletop half and a latching mechanism disposed on the end surface of the second tabletop half. The latching mechanism has an L-shaped anchor and a pivoting clasp. A bottom leaf of the anchor is fastened to the bottom of the second tabletop half and an end leaf of the anchor is fastened to the end surface of the second tabletop half with a plurality of fasteners. The anchor and clasp have one or more hinge barrels for receiving the hinge pin so that the hinged clasp pivots about the hinge pin relative to the anchor. The hinged clasp detachably mates with the receiver and thereby latches the two tabletop halves in a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Maxchief Investments, Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 7520578
    Abstract: A refrigerator and/or freezer with an appliance body and a door for closing and opening the appliance body, in which a pivot bearing pivotally supports the door relative to the appliance body about a pivot axis. The door relative to the pivot axis and/or the pivot axis relative to the appliance body are movably mounted in the direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Tarantik
  • Publication number: 20080120808
    Abstract: A limited travel hinge has a pintle, a leaf and a limit. The pintle has an inner end connected securely to a base of a portable electronic device. The leaf has a stop, is mounted pivotally on the pintle, connects securely to a panel of the electronic device that allows the panel to pivot relative to the base. The limit is mounted securely on the pintle and has a recessed edge defined partially around the limit, is mounted slidably against the stop of the leaf and has two ends corresponding to and selectively abutting the stop. With such an arrangement, the limited travel hinge is simple and is assembled easily, which effectively reduces the cost and facilitates fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ting-Hsien Wang
  • Patent number: 7275286
    Abstract: A pivot device has a pivot axle fastened on a cover of a lap top computer, a seat fastened on a chassis of the computer, and a first ring and a second ring respectively mounted around the pivot axle. The second ring and an elastic device are respectively mounted on the seat, and the second ring has two cutouts. Two lugs are respectively defined on the first ring and correspond to the cutouts. A nub is formed on an outer circumference of the first ring so that the nub presses against the elastic device. Hence, the cutouts are mated with the lugs by pushing so that the cover can be raised or lowered to the chassis and can be controlled to prevent colliding with the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Hsiang-Chi Chien, Chia-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7225506
    Abstract: A scanner uses a hinge to connect the cover and the scanner body. The scanner further comprises a brake apparatus and a force-dispersing mechanism. The brake apparatus interferes the lifting cover at a predetermined interfering angle for avoiding the cover to thump at the scanning surface. The force-dispersing mechanism is used to disperse a stress resulted from the cover is lifted to be over a predetermined safety angle with respect to the scanning surface of the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Jung-Mao Tiao
  • Patent number: 7192104
    Abstract: A refrigerator and/or freezer with an appliance body and a door for closing an opening of the appliance body, wherein a pivot bearing pivotably supports the door relative to the appliance body about a pivot axis. The door relative to the pivot axis and/or the pivot axis relative to the appliance body are movably mounted in the direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Tarantik
  • Patent number: 7103938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door hinge comprised of a first hinge part (2), a second hinge part (3), a shaft section (4), which joins a hinge eye (10) of the first hinge part (2) and a hinge eye (17) of the second hinge part (17) to one another in an articulated manner, and of a door arrester unit (25), which produces a holding force that is to be surmounted by tensioning a spring unit (32). Preferred holding angles of the door arrester unit (25) are stipulated by detent markings. The aim of the invention is to create a motor vehicle door hinge that can be economically produced and mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Edscha AG
    Inventors: Lothar Brückner, Wolfgang Garbe, Nils Magnus
  • Patent number: 7043798
    Abstract: A hinge device for a foldable apparatus includes first and second hinge sleeves (20, 70) connected respectively to two parts of the foldable apparatus, a spring member (30) received in the first hinge sleeve, a first disk (50) fitted untreatably into the first sleeve, a second disk (60) fitted unrotatably into the second sleeve and abutting the first disk, a pin (90) sandwiched between the first and second disk, and a shaft (10) combining the first and second hinge sleeves together. The first disk defines a receiving recess (511) to receive the pin. The second disk defines two engaging recesses (621, 622). By opening and closing motions of the foldable apparatus, the second disk rotates relative to the first disk so that the pin received in the receiving recess switchably moves with rotation from one engaging recess to the other engaging recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Fa Huang
  • Patent number: 7017234
    Abstract: Folding tools including a tool blade and a handle are foldably connected by a lockable hinge which permits folding the assembly for compact storage but automatically locks into a rigid assembly when fully unfolded. The hinge operates by the movement of a locking bar into locking groove(s) via a tensioning mechanism when the hinge components are aligned in the unfolded, extended configuration. The lockable hinges can be used to connect the blade and handle components of a variety of common tools including shovels, saws and the like, and are disclosed and claimed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,240.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Brent L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7010832
    Abstract: A side pivot hinge includes a joint body for securely mounting a side edge portion of the glass structure, a joint seat, having a joint sleeve, for securely mounting to a border frame, and an angular adjustment arrangement which includes a joint housing securely mounted to the joint body, a supporting shaft rotatably supported by the joint housing to rotatably insert into the joint sleeve to pivotally connect the joint body with the joint seat, and an angular adjustment locker to securely lock up the supporting shaft within the joint housing such that when the joint body is angularly moved with the joint seat for adjustably aligning the glass structure with the border frame, the supporting shaft is locked up at the joint housing in a rotatably movable manner via the angular adjustment locker for retaining an alignment of the glass structure in position with the border frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Mei Li Chen
  • Patent number: 6978519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting and locking a strap. The device includes a base portion, the base portion including a base having a first and a second side and a front and a back. A first sidewall extends away from the first side of the base, the first sidewall defining a window. A second sidewall extends away from the second side of the base, the second sidewall defining a further window. A door portion cooperates with the base portion, the door portion having a first and a second edge. The door portion includes a locking bar having a first and a second end, the locking bar extending between the first and second edges of the door portion. The first end of the locking bar defines a first positioning dial. The second end of the locking bar defines a second positioning dial such that in use of the device, the first positioning dial is movably located within the window. Also, the second positioning dial is movably located within the further window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 6968597
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an appliance comprises a channel and a stop connected to the channel. A door mounting lever pivots relative to the channel about a pivot axis on an arc between a first operative position where the door mounting lever is moved a maximum extent in a first direction about said pivot axis on the arc and second operative position where the door mounting lever is moved a maximum extent in a second direction opposite the first direction about the pivot axis on the arc. A glide is operatively coupled to the door mounting lever, e.g., by way of a spring cam member, and is movable slidably on the stop in response to movement of the door mounting lever. A spring biases the glide into continuous engagement with the stop when the door mounting lever is located in both the first and second operative positions and when the door mounting lever moves between the first and second operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Mansfield Assemblies Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Habegger, Steven O. Cummins
  • Patent number: 6925685
    Abstract: A pivot hinge for pivotally mounting a glass structure to a border frame, includes a joint body having two joint walls for securely sandwiching the glass structure, a joint hub including a supporting shaft having an adjusting portion, and an angular adjustment arrangement including a joint seat, having an adjustment sleeve, adapted for securely mounting to the border frame, wherein the adjusting portion of the supporting shaft is rotatably inserted into the adjustment sleeve in such a manner that the joint body is adapted to angularly move with respect to the joint seat for adjustably aligning the glass structure with the border frame and an angular adjustment locker securely lock up the supporting shaft within the adjustment sleeve in a rotatably movable manner for retaining an alignment of the glass structure in position with the border frame so as to pivotally mount the glass structure to the border frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Mei Li Chen
  • Patent number: 6817062
    Abstract: The present invention provides a door hinge apparatus having a door checking function capable of gradually opening or closing a door of an automobile. The door checking apparatus includes a long groove formed on at least one side portion of a body bracket. The long groove has constricted parts and expanded parts and is formed in accordance with the rotating path of the door bracket about the body bracket. Also provided is a locking means that slideably interacts with the long groove and whereby movement of the door is restricted when the locking means passes through the constricted parts of the long groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyoung Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 6766561
    Abstract: A frameless glass door hinge has a mounting device, an internal doorstop, an angle adjustment device and a hinge assembly. The adjusting device has a setscrew, an adjustment block and a lock with a striated front surface. The internal doorstop has coil springs, two holders, a stop rod with a central portion and a head. The head has detents and a striated surface. The hinge body has a right hinge leaf, a left hinge leaf and two rubber seals. The mounting device has a doorstop bracket, a bracket leaf and a central hinge pin. The doorstop bracket is mounted on the bracket leaf, and the head is mounted in doorstop bracket by a bushing and the central hinge pin. The central portion of the stop rod abuts a detent in the head, and the stop rod is securely mounted in the right hinge leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Ko-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 6708370
    Abstract: A locking structure for a notebook computer with a main body and a monitor covering the main body. The locking structure includes a first support, a locking mechanism and a second support. The first support is set in the main body. The locking mechanism has a spring, a plug and a shaft. The spring is disposed in the first support. The plug is disposed on the spring. The shaft pivots to the first support and pushes against the plug. The shaft has a recess. The second support is set in the monitor and connected to the shaft of the locking mechanism. The plug is engaged in the recess by resilient force provided by the spring when the second support rotates to rotate the recess of the shaft onto the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Jr-Teng Shih, Chao-Yuan Lo
  • Publication number: 20040016081
    Abstract: A locking structure for a notebook computer with a main body and a monitor covering the main body. The locking structure includes a first support, a locking mechanism and a second support. The first support is set in the main body. The locking mechanism has a spring, a plug and a shaft. The spring is disposed in the first support. The plug is disposed on the spring. The shaft pivots to the first support and pushes against the plug. The shaft has a recess. The second support is set in the monitor and connected to the shaft of the locking mechanism. The plug is engaged in the recess by resilient force provided by the spring when the second support rotates to rotate the recess of the shaft onto the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jr-Teng Shih, Chao-Yuan Lo
  • Patent number: 6609273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge providing a specified braking force against pivotal motion between two hinged flaps. The hinge includes a bearing body, which has, at its exterior, mountings for a first flap and also a wear-resistant inner surface having slider catches at positions spaced by a specified angle on the same circumference of the inner surface. The hinge also has a shaft with a mounting at one end for a second flap. The shaft is mounted in the bearing body in a manner allowing relative turning, and also has a spring housing hole opening at its outer surface along an axis crossing at a right angle with its longitudinal axis. While turning, a coil spring, which is inserted into the spring housing hole, biases a slider radially outward from the spring housing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Yamamoto Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yamada, Yutaka Yoshigashima
  • Patent number: 6594858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for joining a door stop (17) to the hinge (1, 2) of a door of a motor vehicle, especially a door stop (17) consisting of a brake element and a retaining element that is rotationally fixed to one half (1) of the hinge and a retaining housing (18) that is rotationally fixed to the other half (2) of the hinge, whereby the brake element and retaining element is formed by an engaging element with an external peripheral contour that deviates from a pure circular shape and the retaining housing (18) is formed by a hollow profiled section with at least one inner peripheral contour that marks at least one braking or retaining position. The aim of the invention is to provide a coupling device that simplifies the production of and enables the production cost of the semi-hinge and the retaining housing to be reduced, in addition to facilitating assembly of the door stop with one half of the hinge of the door of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Kremer
  • Patent number: 6591452
    Abstract: A hinge for a motor vehicle rear door (2) includes a fixed knuckle (20) mounted on the body (1) of the vehicle, a moving knuckle (30) mounted on the rear door (2), the door being movable between a closed position and an open position resting against the side of the body (1), and an intermediate knuckle (40) connected to each of the knuckles (20; 30) by a hinge pin (11; 15). The hinge also includes a device (60) for holding the rear door (2) in a wide-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Oxford Automotive Mecanismes et Decoupage Fin
    Inventor: Dominique Jacquin
  • Patent number: 6564424
    Abstract: A door-stop device for vehicles having a base structure with a pair of rollers that are parallel to each other and pushed against one another. The door-stop device also includes a metal tie rod with a pair of rolling surfaces set opposite to one another where the rollers act. The rolling surfaces have a positioning notch designed to engage one of the rollers and define a position of stable retention of the door. The positioning notch includes an arched central portion with an extension extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tie rod and a pair of arched lateral portions with a radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Gammastamp SPA
    Inventor: Vittorio Audisio
  • Patent number: 6519811
    Abstract: A pivot hinge assembly for a glass structure includes a central shaft adapted to be securely mounted on the doorframe, a driving housing having an axial passage extending through the driving housing to receive therein the central shaft and a radial passage defined to extend through the driving housing and intercept the axial passage. Two pivoting devices are respectively and oppositely received in the radial passage. Each pivoting device is spaced away from one another by the central shaft. A support has a U shaped seat formed to securely receive therein the driving housing and the two pivoting devices. A piece of glass of the pivot door is able to drive the two pivoting devices to pivot relative to the central shaft so as to facilitate the smoothness of pivotable movement of the pivot door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ko-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 6473937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door hinge having an integrated braking and holding function. Said door hinge is comprised of a first hinge half which acts upon a door assembly part, a door, or a door pillar, and of a second hinge halve which acts upon another door assembly part. The door hinge also comprises a hinge pin which pivotally connects both hinge halves to one another. The hinge pin is made of a solid material and is accommodated in at least one hinge eye of a hinge half with a running fit and is accommodated in at least one hinge eye of the other half with a close fit. A braking and holding device which is integrated in the hinge comprises at least one spring-loaded braking and holding body. Said braking and holding body is aligned in a radial manner relative to the hinge pin and interacts with a circumferential profile of the hinge pin, said profile extending over a part of the circumference thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Morawetz
  • Patent number: 6442800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door brake which has an opening end stop and which is integrated in a hinge. The hinge is comprised of two hinge halves which are interconnected in a jointed manner by means of a hinge pin. Said hinge halves can alternately engage with one of both door assembly parts, the door, or the door pillar. The hinge pin is connected to the first hinge half in a rotationally fixed manner and is accommodated in the hinge eye of the first hinge half in a rotational manner. In addition, the door brake comprises at least one engaging part which is supported against one of the hinge halves, and has at least one braking or stopping part. Said braking or stopping part is assigned to the engaging part and is supported against the other hinge half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Morawetz
  • Patent number: 6381766
    Abstract: A spa cover removal apparatus includes a pivot frame assembly having a pair of elongate side arms spaced apart to receive opposing cover side surfaces between the same for rotatably supporting the spa cover. Fixed to the spa is a stationary base, for pivotally supporting the pivot frame assembly. For this purpose, the stationary base is disposed under the pivot frame assembly. This arrangement, enables the spa cover to shift from a first horizontal covering position over the spa, to a second stowed position adjacent the back side of the spa as a rearwardly directed force is applied to the spa cover. Accordingly, the spa cover moves rearward and pivots relative to the side arms while the pivot frame assembly simultaneously pivots relative to the stationary base, about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gary L. Perry