Plural Alternately Useable Detents Patents (Class 16/334)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100186193
    Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Brown, Marc Iman, Cindy Tran, James Ritchie, Ohno Takahiro, Ogawa Takashi, Ishikawa Takeshi
  • Patent number: 7752710
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding hinge. The sliding hinge includes a basic body, a sliding body slidably coupling with the basic body and a pushing component placed between the basic body and the sliding body. The pushing component has a torsion spring and a damping plate. The torsion spring has a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm, a free end of the first elastic arm is pivotably connected to the basic body, a free end of the second elastic arm is pivotably connected to the sliding body. The damping plate is pivotably mounted on the sliding body. The damping plate defines a stopping portion, the stopping portion has two stopping ends alternately engaging with the second elastic arm for providing a damping force to the second elastic arm when a stored elastic force of the torsion spring is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Han Lin
  • Publication number: 20100146734
    Abstract: This invention relates to multiple configurations of devices to restrain a door or similar hinged, swinging appliance from autonomously swinging away from an initial fully or partially opened position to which it has been adjusted. No external, unattached parts are employed. The invention is applicable to any hinged, swinging object. It includes the use of either linear friction, such as through the use of compression nuts and springs applied to the hinged pin, so as to force the hinged knuckles into contact and frictional engagement. Another concept is the use of radial friction, through the application of either a slotted spring pin, or a spiral spring pin, that locates within the knuckles of the hinge components, to add friction to their pivotal movement when opening or closing of a door, or other structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis J. Munson, Dale E. Aunspach
  • Patent number: 7735196
    Abstract: A retaining hinged connection, with a more simple assembly operation, having fewer components than does the conventional retaining hinges. An outside mirror is proposed to be engaged with such a retaining hinged connection. The connection is achieved in that the retaining axle component is designed with at least one retaining element and advantageously including a compression spring. This invention eliminates the use of bolts for securing the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Centmayer, Sebastian Heger, Werner Lang
  • Patent number: 7716787
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a first part to a second part, including a shaft which connects the first part and the second part to one another in a pivotable manner. A rotational movement of the shaft entrains the first part in rotation, and the second part is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The first part is arranged on the shaft in an axially moveable fashion and can be engaged with the second part, and at least one damping element is assigned to the shaft and to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Edscha AG
    Inventors: Ralf Duning, Gundolf Heinrichs, Peter Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7703176
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a hinge device. The hinge device is located within a housing, and may comprise a rotating drum mounted on a hinge bar. The rotating drum is slidable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position, and also rotatable with respect to the housing. The hinge device may also comprise a engagement wall positioned within the housing and having a shelf and at least one locking slot. A locking member may be formed on the rotating drum and may cooperate with the engagement wall when the rotating drum is in the first, locked position to prevent the rotating drum from rotating with respect to the housing. A biasing spring may be located within the housing, which biases the rotating drum toward the first, locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Terri Webb, Louis Chalfant
  • Patent number: 7681283
    Abstract: A hinge assembly comprising a movable member 5 and a fixed member 6 rotatably connected to each other and a coiled spring (not shown) biasing the movable member 5 toward the fixed member 6. A receiving recess 11 is formed in an opposing surface 5b of the movable member 5 facing the fixed member 6. A spherical body 8 is received in the receiving recess 11 such that the spherical body 8 is movable in a circumferential direction of the movable member 5. A first cam portion 13a is formed in an opposing surface of the fixed member 6 facing the movable member 5. Rotation of the movable member 5 in a direction of an arrow causes the cam portion 13a to be abutted against the spherical body 8. The cam portion 13a converts a biasing force of the coiled spring into a rotational biasing force. The rotational biasing force causes the spherical body 8 to be rapidly abutted against a first hitting portion 11a of the receiving recess 11 and thereby to generate a clicking sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichirou Koshikawa, Katsuya Imai, Hisashi Fukai
  • Publication number: 20100050386
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a leaf, a rotatable joint, a positioning member, an elastic engaging member, and a fastening member. The leaf is non-rotatably mounted on the shaft, and the rotatable joint is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The positioning member includes an engaging surface, and is non-rotatable relative to the rotatable joint. The elastic engaging member includes an engaging surface, and is non-rotatably sleeved on the shaft. The fastening member is engaged on the shaft. One of the engaging surfaces of the positioning member and the engaging member forms an engaging protrusion, and the other one of the engaging surfaces of the positioning member and the engaging member defines an engaging slot engaging with the engaging protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, CHAO-ZHONG FU
  • Patent number: 7670308
    Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm includes a first elongated arm segment, a second elongated arm segment, and connector means for interconnecting the first segment to the second segment through respective pivotal receivers having normal axes of rotation. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony G. Borschneck
  • Patent number: 7665185
    Abstract: A hinge assembly containing a receiver member having a corrugated inner surface and a locking pin for being pivotally disposed within the receiver portion about an axis. The locking pin and receiver member have complementary corrugated engaging surfaces that allow the hinge to provide support for a cantilevered structure when the pin and receiver are engaged. When the complimentary pin and receiver are disengaged, the pin member can be incrementally rotated so as to allow the cantilevered structure to be positioned in a different position or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Vackar
  • Publication number: 20100000047
    Abstract: An exemplary interference assembly of a hinge includes a first element and a second element. The first element defines a through hole in a center, and a first depression portion in the side. A first raised portion protrudes from the side of the first element. The first depression portion and the first raised portion are opposite each other across the through hole. The second element defines a fixing hole in a center, and a second depression portion in a side facing the side of the first element for engaging with the first raised portion. A second raised portion protrudes from the side of the second element for engaging with the first depression portion. The second depression portion and the second raised portion are opposite each other across the fixing hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-BIN CHANG
  • Patent number: 7640627
    Abstract: A door-stopping device for motor vehicles, includes a door holder bar, a support housing including a passage for the door holder bar to pass through, and a locking unit disposed in the support housing, which includes two pivotally mounted locking levers. Each locking lever is pre-tensioned by a spring element towards each other and towards the door holder bar. Each locking lever comprises a locking element. The locking elements bear on mutually opposite sides against the door holder bar and are adapted to engage with the locking grooves on the door holder bar. For the door-stopping device to present diverse possibilities of design, to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner and to occupy only little space, the spring elements are arranged substantially parallel to the door holder bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Lowen, Gyala Kumor
  • Patent number: 7617569
    Abstract: An articulation includes a first shell, a second shell, a gear wheel, a push button, and an elastic member. Thus, the second shell is unlocked from the first shell by pressing the push button so that the second shell is rotatable freely relative to the first shell so as to adjust the angle between the second shell and the first shell. In addition, when each of the limit plates of the gear wheel is separated from a respective limit slot of the second shell, the gear wheel is stopped by the second shell and is not pushed by the elastic member, so that the second shell is rotatable freely relative to the first shell through a larger angle without having to press the push button successively, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the angle in an energy-saving manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 7610657
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge for connecting a panel to a body for movement between open and closed positions. The hinge comprises a first bracket constructed to be mounted to one of the body and the panel in an installed position of the hinge, and a second bracket constructed to be mounted to the other of the body and the panel in the installed position of the hinge. At least one hinge pin pivotally connects the first and second brackets. An engaging member is provided on the first bracket, and a check arm is movably connected to the second bracket. The check arm has an engaging surface with at least one detent. The engaging surface is engaged with the engaging member. A spring seat is pivotally mounted to the hinge pin, and a spring has one end engaging the spring seat and the other end engaging the check arm so as to bias the check arm into engagement with the engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Doswell, Bradley F. Patzer, David W. Shaw, Joaquin Hung
  • Patent number: 7607201
    Abstract: A multi-section hinge mechanism includes a shaft (10), a rotary member (20), and an elastic member (30). The rotary member defines a through hole (26) running through the disk. The shaft is rotatably received in the through hole. The rotary member defines a plurality of concaves (282) in an inner circumferential surface portion thereof. The elastic member includes an elastic arm (32) and a fixing portion. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the rotary member. The shaft non-rotatably connects with the fixing portion of the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Chun-jen Lin
  • Patent number: 7596831
    Abstract: A hinge movably attaches a door to a frame member of a motor vehicle. The hinge includes a frame bracket configured for attachment to the frame member and including opposed sidewalls connected by a base, and a door bracket configured for attachment to the door and including opposed arms connected together by a bridge. A plurality of links pivotably and translatably connects the door bracket to the frame bracket. The links include a first link including second opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a second bridge, and a second link including third opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a third bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Faubert, Richard A. Manning, Raja Hazime, Kenneth E. Spieles, Robert R. Lazarevich
  • Publication number: 20090231785
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding and rotating apparatus for connecting two components of a device, such as a portable electronic media player, and a device having the same. The apparatus provides has a base member, a sliding member, and a rotating member. The sliding member is coupled to the base member so as to permit sliding thereon in a first linear direction and between first and second positions, and the rotating member rotationally coupled to the sliding member. The rotating member and base member are configured such that when the sliding member is forced into the second position the rotating member is rotated in a first angular direction. The apparatus also may contain a sliding mechanism that biases the apparatus in either the first or second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: YouQing Li, Jun Huang
  • Publication number: 20090217486
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hinge device includes: a first bracket; a first cam member; a second cam member; a disc spring that urges the second cam member; a first friction plate provided correspondingly to the first bracket, the first friction plate disposed oppositely to the first cam member with respect to the first bracket; a stopper member provided correspondingly to the first friction plate on one side thereof, the stopper member disposed oppositely to the first bracket with respect to the first friction plate, the stopper member engaged with the first bracket; and a hinge shaft having a shaft that rotatably supports the first bracket, the first cam member, the disc spring, and the stopper member, and that unrotatably supports the second cam member and the first friction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroaki Itakura, Yuji Nakajima, Shinji Hiratomo
  • Publication number: 20090178241
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for opening and closing a door that provides access to the interior of a motor vehicle body is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a body-side hinge strap secured to the body and providing a first axis, a door-side hinge strap secured to the door and providing a second axis spaced laterally from the first axis, a hinge mid-strap supported on the body-side hinge strap to pivot about the first axis and being pivotably supported on the door-side hinge strap at the second axis, and a lockout bracket secured to the door-side hinge strap and secured to the hinge mid-strap at a location between the first axis and second axis for preventing the door from pivoting about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Fain, Arthur S. Hipkiss
  • Patent number: 7552513
    Abstract: A barrier hinge assembly has an upper hinge assembly, a lower hinge assembly and a turnbuckle assembly. The upper hinge assembly has an upper pintle device and an upper gudgeon device. The upper pintle device has a pintle protruding down. The upper gudgeon device has a through hole in which the upper pintle is mounted. The lower hinge assembly has a lower gudgeon device and a lower pintle device. The lower gudgeon device has a through hole. The lower pintle device has a pintle protruding up and mounted through the through hole of the lower gudgeon device. The turnbuckle assembly is fastened to the pintles of the upper and the lower pintle devices at the same time to hold the upper and the lower gudgeon devices in specific positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7540806
    Abstract: A releasable mounting system that includes a mounting assembly and a release assembly attached to a display assembly. The mounting assembly includes a hub assembly having spokes that connect a wheel to the hub, which is mounted to a trunnion. At the intersections of the spokes and wheel are protrusions adapted to mate with corresponding detents arranged radially about the trunnion and formed in a plate against which the hub assembly is positioned. The release assembly includes a release attached to a release plate, the release being movable relative to the plate. A channel formed in the release receives the hub assembly and a hook portion on the release holds the hub assembly in the release until movement of the release causes it to release the hub assembly. The display is pivotable about the trunnion in fixed stops defined by the detents and is also releasable by operating the release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Tastad
  • Patent number: 7536751
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-step hinge. The hinge includes a housing. A rotary member is rotatably installed inside of the housing. The rotary member has a retainer groove formed in the outer circumferential face thereof. A stopper is slidably installed at either side of the rotary member inside of the housing. The stopper has a retainer protrusion formed so as to be engaged with the retainer groove. A resilient member is disposed between the housing and the stopper. A portable terminal having the multi-step hinge is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Laird Technologies MAP Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7536750
    Abstract: A multi-section hinge mechanism (60) includes a rotary member (10), a connecting shaft (20) and a hollow cylindrical body (30). The rotary member includes a disk (11) and a securing portion (12) integrally formed with the disk. The connecting shaft includes a shaft portion (22) and an elastic body (23) provided on the shaft portion. The hollow cylindrical body includes a bottom portion (31) and defining a plurality of grooves (33) in an inner wall thereof. The bottom portion defines a hole (32). The shaft portion is rotatably received in the hole. The shaft portion of the connecting shaft is securely engaged with the securing portion of the rotary member. The elastic body engages in one of the grooves of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignees: ShenZhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chun-Jen Lin, Yan Liu
  • Patent number: 7533447
    Abstract: A hinge for a portable computer having a monitor with a pivotal end and a main frame with a pivotal end has a sleeve, a washer and a pivotal rod. The sleeve is mounted in the pivotal end of the main frame and has multiple cutouts. The cutouts are formed in the sleeve. The washer has two extensions. The extensions are formed on the washer and selectively engage the cutouts of the sleeve. The pivotal rod is mounted rotatably in the sleeve, is mounted securely in the washer and holds the washer between the pivotal rod and the sleeve. When the monitor pivots to open relative to the main frame of the portable computer, the extensions of the washer engage the cutouts of the sleeve to hold the monitor at a desired visual angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Wen-Yi Kuo, Chia-Ko Chung
  • Patent number: 7529571
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, which can be slid and rotated from a body housing of the sliding/rotating type mobile terminal. The sliding/rotating type mobile terminal includes a body housing and a slide housing slidably mounted on the body housing. The apparatus comprises first and second hinge frames mounted in the body housing by means of screws, first and second plates, one or more slide bars, and a coupling unit inserted through the center parts of the first and second hinge frames so that the first and second hinge frames are rotatably coupled with each other while being opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Heum Byun, Jong-Gun Bae, Sung-Ill Kang, Seung-Hwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20090070960
    Abstract: A vehicle rear door unsequenced articulating mechanism including one or more articulating hinge assemblies having one or more hinge arms pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof via a C-pillar hinge mount and pivotally mounted to a vehicle rear door at another end thereof via a door hinge mount. The hinge arm may include a generally U-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door check engageable with a stop on the hinge arm, for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door to a first intermediate open position from the rear door closed position, upon pivotal movement of the door check relative to the hinge arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Adrian N. A. Elliott, Justin T. Johnson, Jason Falenski, Craig Blust
  • Patent number: 7499737
    Abstract: A foldable portable information terminal includes an upper unit having a display unit on its one side, a lower unit having operation keys on its one side, and a movable connecting mechanism connecting the upper unit and the lower unit allowing the upper unit to be opened, closed, and freely rotated with respect to a longitudinal direction of the lower unit. The displaying mode of the display unit whose direction varies depending on a position of the upper unit is changed depending on a positional relationship of the upper unit and the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masatomo Mizuta, Kazuo Ohtsuta, Kiyoshi Kohayakawa, Michio Nagai, Mika Fujii, Masaki Shimamura, Mitsuru Sendouda
  • Patent number: 7493675
    Abstract: A multi-section hinge mechanism (100) comprises a rotary member (10) and a base (20). The base includes an annular elastic arm (12) and a latching part (14) integrally extending from an inner circumferential wall of the annular elastic arm. The base defines a central hole running therethrough and a plurality of concaves (242) in one surface portion. The latching part rotatably extends through the central hole of the base. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Chun-Jen Lin, Shao-Yong Huang
  • Patent number: 7492581
    Abstract: A handle mechanism for a portable computer having a base and a cover movably mounted to the base, includes a handle, two fixing assemblies, and a coded lock. The handle includes a crossbar, and two arms respectively protruding from opposite ends of the crossbar. A mortise hole is defined in one of the arms. The fixing assemblies are respectively configured for attaching the arms of the handle to the base. The coded lock is fixed to the base near one of the arms of the handle. The coded lock includes a tenon portion. The tenon portion is capable of extending into the mortise hole of the handle to lock the handle. The handle mechanism acts as both a handle and a lock for carrying and locking the portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7487572
    Abstract: Hinge motion check friction device for incorporating into a hinge assembly useful for holding a hinge open at an selected position. The hinge motion check friction device is useful for incorporating into vehicle door hinges, particularly when the vehicle is being painting during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7472458
    Abstract: A tilter assembly is provided for positioning an electronic device such as a flat panel display. The tilter assembly includes a tilter shaft holder having an opening aligned along an axis and a shaft received within the opening. The shaft is rotatable about the axis, and may be coupled to a support. The tilter shaft holder is coupled to the electronic device. The tilter assembly also includes a spring device in operative association with the shaft to provide a bias or counterbalance to the electronic device, thereby preventing undesired rotation about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7469446
    Abstract: An integrated hinge system that provides for temporary checking of a vehicle door is provided, the system including a hinge pin, a door hinge bracket, a pillar hinge bracket, and a latching device. The latching device is releasably affixed to the door hinge bracket and rotates with the door hinge bracket relative to the hinge pin and the pillar bracket. One of the hinge pin and the pillar bracket define engagement points that the latching device engages to releasably retain the door hinge bracket in any one of at least two angular orientations relative to the pillar hinge bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark E. Brown, Marc D. Iman, Shawn Sullivan, Cindy Tran
  • Patent number: 7461432
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door hinge with a holder for motor vehicle doors, wherein the door hinge comprises a pillar bracket attachable at a motor vehicle and a door bracket connectable with the motor vehicle door, said door bracket being connected with said pillar bracket via a hinge pin arranged at one bracket in an anti-rotational manner and rotatably arranged in the other bracket, said holder comprising a stop member carrier connected in an anti-rotational manner with the hinge pin and an engagement element supported so as to be rotatable together with the other bracket relative to said stop member carrier, said engagement element having at least one stop mark on a surface facing the stop member carrier, wherein at least one stop member biased by a spring element is arranged on the stop member carrier in such a way that it can be brought into engagement with the surface of the engagement element facing the stop member carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Löwen, Viktor Siegert, Gerhard Reuber
  • Patent number: 7441737
    Abstract: Sunglass holder with built-in clip for attachment and detachment can be used on industrial sites besides sports type of hat (cap) by being conjoined with the sunglass and goggle of military helmet. When fishing at the desert where wind of sand is rampant, river or ocean, it protects the eyes from the sand and ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Towards this end, it is possible to use by conjoining hat and sunglass lens, and the product is invented to apply in diverse areas such as sunvisor, cowboy hat beret, knit wool hat, hat and hair band for jogging etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Seung Bae Park
  • Patent number: 7440782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge device for a display rotation type mobile phone comprising a main housing, a folder having a main display device and rotatable around a first hinge axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the length of the main housing and a connection member for rotatably connecting the folder to the main housing, said hinge device including a first hinge member; a second hinge member connected to the first hinge member which allows and restricts the rotation of the second hinge member; a swing washer interposed between the first and second hinge members to rotatably connect the second hinge member to the first hinge member and providing an elastic force acting to rotate the folder; and a swing bush engaged into the first hinge member sequentially connected to the swing washer and the second hinge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon-Young Cha
  • Patent number: 7437802
    Abstract: A door hinge with a checker include: a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm which are connected to be relatively rotatable by a hinge pin; a check cam which is provided at the first hinge arm and has positioning recessed portions on its outer peripheral surface; a roller which moves on the outer peripheral surface of the check cam and engages with the positing recessed portions in accordance with relative rotation of the first and second hinge arms; and a torsion spring which resiliently urges the roller toward the outer peripheral surface of the check cam. A torsion shaft portion is connected via a reinforcing member to a free end part of a movable arm portion in the torsion spring. Thus, shaking of the door when the roller resiliently engages with the positioning recessed portion of the check cam by torsional load of the torsion spring is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Rikenkaki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Manabu Ochiai
  • Publication number: 20080201906
    Abstract: Furniture hinge with damping and/or braking device in alternative to those already existing and capable of guaranteeing an improved efficiency during the closing or opening operation of the doors, or other furniture parts, thanks to an improvement of the kinematic motion for transmitting motion from one of the rockers to the damping elements. The improved efficiency of this hinge is also obtained by increasing the friction surfaces with a viscous medium present in suitable areas of the hinge and by allowing regulation of the trend of the angular velocity of a circular shaped element, for example a disc, which acts as braking element in contact with the viscous medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 7412752
    Abstract: A positioning structure for a pivotal shaft comprises a positioning device for use in the pivotal shaft. The positioning structure is located between a base and a lid of an electronic product, wherein an inner sleeve is pivotally connected to an outer sleeve through an elastic device. The positioning device is composed of a rotation ring and a ring cover. A toothed ring is mounted on each side of the rotation ring, and a limit block is protrudent from the edge of the rotation ring. The ring cover has a locking trench, and the toothed rings are inserted into the locking trench. The elastic device is pre-rotated. When the push-button switch is separated from the buttonhole by pressing, the lid is lifted up by the anti-twist force and the lower edge of the lid is exactly stopped by the limit block for positioning the lid to a predetermined angle automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Sheng-Fu Lu
  • Publication number: 20080184528
    Abstract: A hold-down support structure is coupled to a stem of a pintle to form a hinge, and includes a support board and a sleeve. The support board has a support section forming a support face. The sleeve includes first and second brackets. When the sleeve is mounted to the support board, a stem receiving space is defined by by the support board and the first and second brackets. The stem is inserted into the stem receiving space and an outer circumferential surface of the stem is subject to constraint by the support face of the support board and the resilient retention forces respectively applied by the first and second brackets symmetrically in directions toward the support face so that a predetermined rotational friction is induced between the outer circumferential surface of the stem and the inside surfaces of the first and second brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Tsun Chao
  • Publication number: 20080148518
    Abstract: A rear door is supported at a rear end of a vehicle by a hinge assembly, which includes a hinge base part and a door hinge part. The hinge base part is provided in a groove formed at a joint between a roof panel and a side panel of a vehicle body, and the door hinge part is attached to the rear door and swingably supported by the hinge base part. The hinge base part includes an anchor portion fixed to a bottom of the groove, a swing motion support portion disposed in a position aligned in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the anchor portion and separate from the anchor portion to support the door hinge part, and a connecting portion extending between the anchor portion and the swing motion support portion to fix the swing motion support portion relative to the anchor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Munenaga, Fumiyoshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7373692
    Abstract: Parallel plane rotation hinge for a portable device. The hinge includes a pin defining a rotational axis and a cam having an inner cam track and an outer cam track. A bushing is rotationally fixed and axially slidable with respect to the pin, and includes inner and outer followers for respectively rotationally engaging the inner and outer cam tracks. A biasing member is disposed about the pin to bias the bushing against the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Amphenol-T&M Antennas
    Inventor: Tony Kfoury
  • Patent number: 7373693
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a door hinge housing configured to be mounted to a door, a body hinge housing configured to be mounted to a stationary object, and a check assembly including a spring. The body hinge housing is pivotally secured to the door hinge housing. The check assembly is covered by at least one of the door hinge housing and the body hinge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert A. Markl, John M. Kosidlo, Lawrence W. Johnson, Richard K. Mitts, Paul J. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20080060165
    Abstract: A retaining hinged connection, with a more simple assembly operation, having fewer components than does the conventional retaining hinges. An outside mirror is proposed to be engaged with such a retaining hinged connection. The connection is achieved in that the retaining axle component is designed with at least one retaining element and advantageously including a compression spring. This invention eliminates the use of bolts for securing the hinge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Stefan Centmayer, Sebastian Heger, Werner Lang
  • Publication number: 20080047104
    Abstract: A rotation hinge configured in a portable electrical device includes a tube sequentially stringing a base coupled to a main housing of the portable electrical device, a cam module and a fixing plate coupled to a sub-housing of the portable electrical device, and engaging with a riveting plate. The cam module has a designed curve surface and at least two recesses positioned thereon. Each section of the designed curve surface between the recesses has an arc-shape projection portion. Each recess of the designed curve surface contacts an elastic sliding portion. While the cam module rotates, the elastic sliding portion moves from the recess and moves along the designed curve surface. While the elastic sliding portion contacts the arc-shape projection portion, a compression force stored in the elastic sliding portion is maximized. Therefore, the sub-housing is advanced to rotate by the elastic sliding portion releasing the compression force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Chin-heng Chien, Te-hung Yin
  • Patent number: 7320152
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a main member having a main cam member and a bore extending generally along an axis of rotation. A pivot member, fixed to an end of a shaft extending through the bore, includes a pivot cam member and is rotatable with respect to the main member. At least one torque element is rotatably engaged with the shaft and is substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the main member. The at least one torque element imparts a first frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a second frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a second direction. The first frictional resistance is greater than the second frictional resistance. Interaction of the main cam member with the pivot cam member assists in maintaining the hinge assembly in at least first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lowry, Mark Cooper
  • Publication number: 20070220708
    Abstract: An indexing hinge comprises a two arm hinge half and an axle hinge half. The two arm hinge half includes two hinge arms, a projecting indexing element disposed therebetween and a first mounting element. The axle hinge half includes two axles, each extending from a toothed indexing element, and a second mounting element. When the axle hinge half is connected to the two arm hinge half by interconnecting each axle with a respective hinge arm, the projecting indexing element abuts the toothed indexing element in such a way as to prevent rotation unless an additional rotational torque is applied. An electronic equipment enclosure installation comprises an electronic equipment enclosure and an indexing hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: CHATSWORTH PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Evans Lewis
  • Publication number: 20070214604
    Abstract: A portable electronic device having a triaxial hinge structure which includes a first body, a second body, to rotate about a first hinge axis relative to the first body, a third body to rotate relative to the second body not only about a second hinge axis but also a third hinge axis, a first hinge unit, to enable the second body to rotate about the first hinge axis, a second hinge unit, to enable the third body to rotate about the second hinge axis, and a third hinge unit, to enable the third body to rotate about the third hinge axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Byeong-woo Yi
  • Patent number: 7222395
    Abstract: A hinge assembly containing a receiver member having a corrugated inner surface and a locking pin for being pivotally disposed within the receiver portion about an axis. The locking pin and receiver member have complementary corrugated engaging surfaces that allow the hinge to provide support for a cantilevered structure when the pin and receiver are engaged. When the complimentary pin and receiver are disengaged, the pin member can be incrementally rotated so as to allow the cantilevered structure to be positioned in a different position or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Vackar
  • Patent number: 7213302
    Abstract: In order to ensure that a door can be retained at least in a fully opened position and a slightly opened position by the combination of a smaller number of exclusive parts with a hinge connecting a body and a door in a door retention device used in a process of manufacturing an automobile, the door retention device includes a torsion spring 23 mounted to a first hinge arm 1 of a door hinge H, and a cam 20 formed on a second hinge arm 2 of the door hinge H. The cam 20 is provided with a first positioning recess 20a and a second positioning recess 20b in which a movable arm portion 23c of the torsion spring 23 is brought into engagement in the fully opened position F and the slightly opened position S of the door D, and a projection 20c disposed between the first and second positioning recesses 20a and 20b and adapted to apply a load to the movable arm portion 23c in accordance with the turning of the door D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Rikenkaki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Kurosawa, Shigeyuki Yaguchi