By Friction Patents (Class 16/337)
  • Publication number: 20030163900
    Abstract: A friction hinge system for a laptop computer is provided. The system allows the computer display to move easily from a closed condition toward various operating angular positions while providing a greater torque for maintaining selected angular orientation. The system includes two or more bands wrapped in the same direction about a common shaft as well as a stop features for limiting the angle of rotation of each band relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Rude, Yury Karfiol, Douglas Collins
  • Patent number: 6584645
    Abstract: A device for a braked movement of furniture doors in particular with a horizontal rotation axis comprises two attachment pieces (11, 12, 211, 212, 311, 312, 411, 412) that are movable in opposite directions around a common rotation axis (13, 213, 313, 413) in a free manner in one rotation direction and against a resisting force of a friction joint in the other rotation direction. Between an attachment piece and the friction joint the device comprises a first surface (28, 228, 328, 428) and a second surface (27, 227, 327, 427) facing each other to delimit a space therebetween in which a wedging element (26, 226, 326, 426) is disposed. The extension of the facing surfaces and/or the shape of the wedging element between them are of such a nature that the wedging element tends to fixedly fit between said facing surfaces causing them to rotate integrally with each other when rotation of the two attachment pieces takes place in the direction that must involve a braked movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Agostino Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Patent number: 6581893
    Abstract: A stand for an LCD monitor with a back is composed of a locking member, a first pivoting member, a second pivoting member, a monitor bracket, a base and two base brackets. The monitor bracket is attached to the back of the LCD monitor. The pivoting members are securely attached to the base brackets on the base. The monitor bracket can be pivoted relative to the base by using the pivoting members, so that the LCD monitor is folded to reduce its overall volume for packing, storing or transporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6574836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing additional friction on a barrel-type hinge. A friction device is provided which provides lateral force to the exterior surface of the knuckles of a barrel-type hinge. Preferably, the lateral force is adjustable. The apparatus is a simple, easy to install, adjust, and use, solution to the problem of providing additional friction to hinges that swing freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Donald Edgar Steeber, Allen Frank Steeber
  • Patent number: 6575419
    Abstract: The disclosed system is directed towards a universal support system. The universal support system comprises a pair of arched bases and an arched beam coupled to the pair of arched bases. The universal support system also includes a multi-hinge rotatably coupled to the arched beam and a mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the multi-hinge, wherein the mounting bracket conforms with a mounting bracket standard for mounting displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuni Masuda, Joe Miseli, James Stanton
  • Publication number: 20030097732
    Abstract: A hinge device of a foldable electronic appliance having a sub-body rotatably mounted by the hinge device to a main body. The hinge device having a hinge shaft with one end fixedly mounted to the sub-body and a second end rotatably mounted to the main body. A fixed disk having a notch therein and a protrusion continued from the notch and extending from one face thereof, the fixed disk being in a fixed relationship to the main body. A movable disk having a protrusion extending from a face thereof to contact with the one face of the fixed disk when opening the sub-body or to engage the notch in the fixed disk when the sub-body is fully closed. A projection extending from the movable disk to limit the rotation of the hinge shaft. A spring washer for axially pressing the movable disk toward the fixed disk, and a nut for fixing the fixed disk, the movable disk and the spring washer to the second end of the hinge shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Tae-Gil Kim
  • Patent number: 6568034
    Abstract: Hinge assembly provided between a fixed body to be coupled to a fixed object and a rotating body to be coupled to a rotating object to be rotatably fitted to the fixed object, for providing a torque required with respect to the fixed object. Hinge assembly includes a shaft, a fixed bracket having one leaf fixed to an end of the shaft, and the other leaf fixed to the fixed body, a rotating bracket having one leaf rotatably coupled to the shaft from an outer side of the fixed bracket, and the other leaf coupled to the rotating body, and a frictional elastic member disposed between the fixed bracket and the rotating bracket such that one end thereof is fixed to an end of the shaft, and the other end thereof coupled to the rotating bracket to pass through the rotating bracket, for making friction as a part of the frictional elastic member in contact with the rotating bracket makes an elastic compression onto the rotating bracket, for applying a torque to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Gyu Yeol Cho
  • Publication number: 20030061684
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an electronic apparatus capable of holding a panel unit at a desired tilt angle &thgr; and smoothly angularly displacing the panel unit irrespective of the weight of the panel unit. An attachment portion protruding while facing the panel unit is provided on a lower cabinet, a frictional member made of silicone rubber having flexibility and elasticity is detachably attached to the attachment portion, and sliding members that slide on the frictional member are provided on the rear surface of the panel unit which rear surface faces the attachment portion, whereby a tilt holding force optimum for the weight of the panel unit is caused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Hironori Tanaka, Mitsuo Tsubai, Masaya Kawatsuri
  • Patent number: 6539582
    Abstract: A hinge device including: a bracket having a shaft hole; a shaft inserted through the shaft hole; a longitudinal insert home diametrically formed on one or both sides of the shaft and a pair of shoulder members formed centrally on the shaft with a fixed distance from one another. A first shoulder member is larger than the second shoulder member. A torsion spring is placed between the bracket and the shaft. A plurality of space washers having holes placed on one or both sides of the bracket. A plurality of disc springs have through holes which have protrusion members that insert into the insert home of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bracket. A guide washer having a through hole which has protrusion member that inserts into the insert home of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bracket. A nut screw onto the shaft to stabilize a horizontal position of the attached elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: P.K. Tech System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwon-Byung Chae
  • Patent number: 6532628
    Abstract: A hinge assembly including a horizontal shaft, and a monitor rotator having one part fixed to the shaft for rotating as one unit with the shaft, and the other part fixed to a rear part of the monitor. Supporting member rotators are rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the shaft, with a supporting member fixed to the supporting member rotators for supporting the monitor at a rear part thereof from the floor at an angle to the monitor. Elastic members are provided to the shaft such that one end thereof is held at the monitor rotator fixed to the monitor, and the other end thereof is held at the supporting member rotators fixed to the supporting member, for providing an appropriate torque between the monitor and the supporting member according to an angle between the monitor and the floor, thereby adjusting a tilting angle of the LCD monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyoung Bok Kim
  • Publication number: 20030046791
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus disposes a panel to be opened and closed with respect to a body of an appliance. The hinge apparatus includes a fixing bracket fixed on the body, a supporting bracket fixed on the panel and a hinge shaft fixed on the fixing bracket to rotatably support the supporting bracket. The hinge apparatus also includes an automatic pivot unit to cause the panel to be opened with respect to the body by a predetermined free rotation angle when a locking state between the panel and the body is released. Further, the hinge apparatus includes a manual pivot unit to provide a frictional force between the supporting bracket and the hinge shaft. The frictional force restricts the supporting bracket from being automatically rotated by the automatic pivot unit and also fixes the panel, which is opened further from the predetermined free rotation angle, in a fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang-ho Choi
  • Patent number: 6530123
    Abstract: The present invention is a friction torque hinge and method for making the same. The friction torque hinge comprises a rotatable shaft, at least one frictional element and an element housing. The frictional elements are mounted on and frictionally engage the shaft. The frictional elements have an outer element shape. The element housing has an inner cavity with a shape that matches the outer element shape of the frictional elements. The element housing contacts substantially the entire outer element shape of the plurality of frictional elements. This prevents relative rotation of the element housing and the frictional elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: David Wahlstedt
  • Patent number: 6481057
    Abstract: A positioning hinge for a notebook computer has multiple collars each provided with an obliquely formed friction plate. The friction plate engages a side face of an extension of a bracket configured to attach securely to a body of the computer to provide the necessary friction force to hole the monitor at an angle relative to the body of the computer. With such an arrangement, the friction force can be adjusted to accommodate different weights of the monitor by reducing or increasing the number of the collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Lin
  • Publication number: 20020162192
    Abstract: A clip-type friction hinge device comprises a hinge body having insertion grooves on both insides thereof, a shaft being inserted to the each insertion groove of the hinge body on one side thereof and defining a central shaft when a monitor is pivotally moved, stands being formed on the outer circumference of other side of the shaft to be rotated about the shaft, clips each being inserted between the stand and the outer circumference of the shaft to adjust the amount of torque during the rotation of the stand, and torsion springs being fixedly installed on both outer circumferences of the hinge body to elastically support the stands relative to rotation of the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gwag Su-Man
  • Publication number: 20020162191
    Abstract: A compound dual unidirectional friction hinge comprises a pivot pin and two rotary members fastened toward the same direction and being pivotally engaged with the pivot pin. The rotary members have respectively a fastening section and a pivot barrel connecting to the fastening section and pivotally engaging with the pivot pin. The pivot barrel has an edge at one end thereof to form an action gap with the juncture of the fastening section and pivot barrel. When either one of the rotary members is turned, the action gap of the rotary member becomes an open state while the action gap of the non-turning rotary member becomes a closed state and grips the pivot pin thereby to form the unidirectional friction hinge fastened toward the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Dar Chen
  • 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: 6473936
    Abstract: The present invention provides a damping mechanism capable of varying the moving speed of an openable door or the like in stages as necessary. Such damping mechanism includes a damping body (1) installed with a damper mechanism and allowing a rotative shaft (3) to protrude therefrom; a plurality of pinions (4, 5) provided on the rotative shaft (3) and each having a different diameter from one another; and a rack member (2) including a plurality of racks (7, 8) respectively engaging with the pinions (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Tok Bearing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobutoshi Orita
  • Patent number: 6467129
    Abstract: A friction hinge device includes a housing, and a torsion spring held fixed within the housing. The torsion spring has an outer surface with a predetermined diameter, an inner surface differentiating in diameter, and a breakthrough hole defined by the inner surface. The outer surface of the torsion spring has a protrusion. The inner surface of the torsion spring is formed with a pair of first diameter portions facing to each other and second diameter portions disposed between the first diameter portions. The second diameter portion has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first diameter portion. A shaft bar is fitted into the breakthrough hole of the torsion spring such that a center portion of the shaft bar tightly contacts the first diameter portion of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Heun-Jong Bae
  • Patent number: 6469802
    Abstract: A display tilt adjusting apparatus which may be employed in an electronic terminal device such as an electronic cash register is provided. The apparatus includes a pivotal support member, a stay, and a stay holding mechanism. The pivotal support member supports a display unit pivotably. The stay is connected to the display unit. The stay holding mechanism holds the stay to keep a display surface of the display unit at a set angular position. The stay holding mechanism is designed to produce a given degree of resistance to movement of the stay in a direction in which the display surface tilts rearward and keeps the stay free from the resistance in response to movement of the stay in an opposite direction in which the display surface tilts frontward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6453509
    Abstract: The display apparatus comprises a monitor for displaying image thereon; and a hinge arrangement for rotatably connecting the monitor to a body and thereby allowing a torque to be adjusted depending upon a rotation angle of the monitor. There is a fixed bracket (10), a rotating bracket (20), and rotatably mounted adjusting brackets (30, 40). Rotational contact between the rotating bracket (20) and the adjusting brackets (30, 40) adjusts the torque applied to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Hwa Shin
  • Patent number: 6446308
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism of the type for interconnecting two members in a manner such that the two members may be moved and placed in various positions in relation to one another. The tilt mechanism comprising: an outer mandrel connected to a first member; an intermediate mandrel connected to a second member, the intermediate mandrel being movably disposed about a portion of the outer mandrel; an inner mandrel in functional connection with the outer and intermediate mandrel; a first spring functionally connected about a portion of the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the first spring resists movement when moved in a first direction and releases tension when moved in a second direction; and a second spring functionally connected about a portion of the intermediate mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the second spring resists movement when moved in a second direction and releases tension when moved in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Gabriel Brewington, Richard Hunter Harris
  • 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: 6427288
    Abstract: To prevent the force of operation required for tilting up and down a display unit from varying from one to another tilted angle of the display unit, to rotate the display unit with a detent, for use with no degradation of performance even after a long-term use, and to permit a horizontal oscillation of the display unit, there is provided a tilting hinge including a fixing member having side plates and installed to a stand for the display unit, the fixing member serving also as a spring case, a support member for the display unit, installed to the side plates of the fixing member with a hinge pin to be tiltable up and down, a friction mechanism including the hinge pin and provided between the fixing and support members, an actuator provided on the support member rotatably about the hinge pin, and a compression spring provided between the actuator and fixing member with a slider in contact with the actuator, being provided between the actuator and compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Saito
  • Patent number: 6421878
    Abstract: To create a torque difference in a tilting hinge, the tilting hinge includes a fixture consisting of a fixing plate portion to be fixed to the body of a portable computer and a bearing plate portion bent perpendicularly to the fixing plate portion; a rotating shaft consisting of a fixing portion to be fixed to a display screen of the portable computer, a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion, and born relatively rotatably in a bearing hole formed in the bearing plate portion of the fixture; a first friction washer having a through-hole formed in the center thereof and disposed between the large-diameter portion of the rotating shaft and one side of the bearing plate portion rotatably with the rotating shaft being inserted in the central through-hole or disposed in engagement with the bearing plate portion; a second friction washer having a through-hole formed in the center thereof and disposed fixed to the bearing plate portion with the rotating shaft being inserted at the small-diameter portion
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Kaneko, Hideya Tajima
  • Publication number: 20020092129
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism of the type for interconnecting two members in a manner such that the two members may be moved and placed in various positions in relation to one another. The tilt mechanism comprising: an outer mandrel connected to a first member; an intermediate mandrel connected to a second member, the intermediate mandrel being movably disposed about a portion of the outer mandrel; an inner mandrel in functional connection with the outer and intermediate mandrel; a first spring functionally connected about a portion of the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the first spring resists movement when moved in a first direction and releases tension when moved in a second direction; and a second spring functionally connected about a portion of the intermediate mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the second spring resists movement when moved in a second direction and releases tension when moved in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Gabriel Brewington, Richard Hunter Harris
  • Patent number: 6408485
    Abstract: A hinge includes a mounting frame and a pivot shaft coupled together and respectively fastened to two movable parts of a computer apparatus for enabling the movable parts to be turned relative to each other, the mounting frame having a barrel, the barrel having a tapered orifice at one end, the pivot shaft having a collar stopped at one end of the barrel and a head stopped at the other end of the barrel, a copper ring mounted on the shaft and fitted into the tapered orifice, and a springy rubber ring mounted on the pivot shaft and fitted into the tapered orifice and supported between the collar of the pivot shaft and the copper ring and adapted to support the pivot shaft in the barrel of the mounting frame in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Wu
  • Patent number: 6401297
    Abstract: A door lock latch, of which the latch body includes a base, an upper cover and a latch fixing plate. The base is provided with a nut cylinder nearby the rear end of the base body thereof. The upper cover is provided with a correspondent tap hole nearby the rear end of the cover body. The latch fixing plate is provided with a flat O-shaped hole for a latch bar at the center of the plate body, and two holes are provided on two sides of the plate body so as to rivet and install a decorative panel on the front of the plate body. After installing a latch opening/closing mechanism and a latch bar between the base and the upper cover, a screw is disposed in the tap hole on the upper cover and the nut cylinder of the base so as to lock and join each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Mao-Lien Huang
  • Publication number: 20020059690
    Abstract: Our invention achieves the pop-up action by the innovative modification of hardware elements that are already present in devices having rotatable displays that require accurate positioning for good viewing. Friction hinges are ordinarily used both to attach the display to the base and to maintain the position of the display during use. Our invention uses the same springs both to produce the friction and the force needed for the pop-up action. An additional benefit of our invention is that, as the pop-up action takes place, the frictional torque is greatly reduced, thereby facilitating the pop-up motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Edward T. Rude, Yury Karfiol
  • Patent number: 6381809
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, an inequable strain distribution within a synthetic resin is determined to be 15% or less so as to increase a torque holding rate by 80% or more to tightly engage a support block 20 with a metallic shaft 10. This eliminates variations on a frictional torque with no substantial stickslip phenomenon, abnormal noise and initial scratches accompanied when pivotally moving the support block 20 relative to the metallic shaft 10 so as to maintain a stable surface friction resistance with good endurance for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Uneme, Takaaki Hayashida
  • Patent number: 6378830
    Abstract: An adjustable support for an LCD monitor has a base plate. An inverted U-shape base seat is mounted on the base plate and has a first aperture defined through an upper wall thereof and a first stop formed on the upper wall. A vertical axle is pivotally mounted on the base seat. The axle has a threaded part extending through the first aperture and a spacing collar on the first aperture, and is engaged with a first nut beneath the upper wall of the base seat. The spacing collar has a notch defined at an outer periphery thereof and the first stop is located within the notch. Two ears are oppositely formed at an upper seat on a top end of the axle, wherein each of the ears has a cutout defined at a front end thereof. A monitor bracket has two fingers respectively pivotally mounted on the ears and each with a second stop formed thereon and limited by the cutout when the bracket is turned relative to the ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Publication number: 20020042970
    Abstract: A torsion-generating device capable of assembling with a pivot shaft device is disclosed. By the torsion-generating device, the orientation of an object installed with the pivot shaft device is adjustable. The torsion-generating device comprises a first retaining unit and a second retaining unit. Each of the first retaining unit and second retaining unit comprise a plurality of first friction arms and a plurality of second friction arms. The friction arms extend axially and are parallel to each other; and a proper gap is formed between each two adjacent friction arms. The second friction arms are arranged with respect to the first friction arms. The first friction arms are connected by a first connecting portion, and the second friction arms are connected by a second connecting portion. Thereby, the torsion-generating device can be assembled to the pivot shaft device rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Chia Yu Liao
  • Patent number: 6349448
    Abstract: An infinite door check mechanism for enabling a door to be moved from a closed position in a door frame to any one of a plurality of different open positions including a clevis adapted to be mounted to the frame, an elongate strip member mounted to the clevis and directed outward from the frame, a door check housing adapted to be mounted on the door, the strip member extending at least partially through the housing, and a support member arranged in the housing. A rotatable locking member is arranged in the housing such that the strip member is interposed between the locking member and the support member. A biasing member such as a spring is positioned in the housing for selectively pressing the locking member against the strip member to force the strip member against the support member and thereby retain the strip member in a fixed position resulting in checking of the door and releasing pressure of the locking member against the strip member and thereby enable movement of the strip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, William Thomas Sanders
  • Patent number: 6341407
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a metallic shaft has a rotational axis as a rotational center. A support block is molded in synthetic resin around the metallic shaft so that the support block is rotatably supported by the metallic shaft relatively. The support block is held at any angular position by a surface friction resistance between the support block and the metallic shaft. A shape factor (W) in relation with the metallic shaft and the support block is defined by the following inequality: 1.5≦W≦3.5, where W={1+(Do/Dh)2}/{1−(Do/Dh)2}, (Do) is a diameter of the metallic shaft, (Dh) is a diameter or its equivalent of the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Hayashida
  • Publication number: 20010052167
    Abstract: Hinge assembly provided between a fixed body to be coupled to a fixed object and a rotating body to be coupled to a rotating object to be rotatably fitted to the fixed object, for providing a torque required with respect to the fixed object, including a shaft, a fixed bracket having one leaf fixed to an end of the shaft, and the other leaf fixed to the fixed body, a rotating bracket having one leaf rotatably coupled to the shaft from an outer side of the fixed bracket, and the other leaf coupled to the rotating body, and a frictional elastic member disposed between the fixed bracket and the rotating bracket such that one end thereof is fixed to an end of the shaft, and the other end thereof coupled to the rotating bracket to pass through the rotating bracket, for making friction as a part of the frictional elastic member in contact with the rotating bracket makes an elastic compression onto the rotating bracket, for applying a torque to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Gyu Yeol Cho
  • Patent number: 6301748
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clip type friction hinge device, which can be conveniently assembled and can freely adjust the torque to a desired rotary direction. The clip type friction hinge device of the present invention comprises a housing having an axial hole and a fixing slit formed at a lower portion of the axial hole; a rotary axis which is inserted to the housing to be rotatable; a torsion spring which elastically supports the rotary axis for the housing and is comprised of a pair of semi-cylindrical spring members; and a plurality of C type clips which are elastically inserted to the outer circumference of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Gwag Su-Man
  • Publication number: 20010027589
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a diameter-increased section 11 of a rotation shaft 10 is formed so that the surface roughness (Ra) is 0.05˜0.20 &mgr;m in the circumferential direction, and the surface roughness (Ra) in the axial direction is 0.15˜0.30 &mgr;m. A relationship between a deviation “P−P” and an innermost dent V is defined as P−P<2.5 &mgr;m and V<1.0 &mgr;m. With the use of synthetic resin (PC, PAR, PPS, e.t.c.), a support block 20 is provided integrally around the rotation shaft 10. The support block 20 tightly engages with the rotation shaft 10 due to a residual stress based on a shrinkage allowance appeared when molding the synthetic resin. With a good deviation “P−P”, a shallower innermost dent V and a smaller surface roughness in the circumferential direction, a stable surface friction is maintained for an extended period time with the least amount of wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Masato Uneme, Takaaki Hayashida
  • Patent number: 6256838
    Abstract: A pivoting assembly for a notebook computer is disclosed. The pivoting assembly has a sleeve with a hole defined on one end, a pivoting axle extending into the hole, a positioning rod co-axially protruding from one end of the pivoting axle and received in the hole, multiple disk springs each having a central hole through which the positioning rod extends, at least one oil recess defined on the inner periphery of the central hole for lubricating oil in each oil recess, a limiting means to keep the pivoting axle from pulling away from the hole and a fixed means for keeping the disk springs from pivoting with the pivoting axle such that a pivoting assembly with a lubricating effect is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6233785
    Abstract: Described is a torque hinge mechanism which includes a shaft and at least two ring like friction plates pressed against each other by a pressure and through which the shaft passes. A non-penetrating recess is formed on a friction surface of one of the ring like friction plates. The non-penetrating recess can be a closed type non-penetrating recess. A scatter of a lubricant can be prevented by using such friction plates. A wedge effect is increased by using such friction plates so that the torque hinge mechanism can be stably operated over a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Kosei Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 6230365
    Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is disclosed. The hinge is composed of a base and a hinge member pivotally mounted on the base by a pintle. The base has a pulley bracket pivotally mounted thereon and a pulley rotatably mounted on the bracket. A tongue is mounted on the pintle and can be pivoted with the hinge member. A distal end of the tongue is engaged with the pulley and located below the pulley when the computer is closed. When the computer is to be opened, the tongue is pivoted upwards to push the pulley bracket pivoted upwards, and disengaged from the pulley. When the computer is to be closed, the tongue is pivoted downwards to push the pulley bracket pivoted downwards, and located below the pulley again. Because the tongue is limited by the pulley, the pintle is unable to be freely rotated and the display is securely closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6171011
    Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has an embossed end edge at one end disposed in contact with the second mounting plate and a recessed coupling hole at an opposite end; the rivet is a stepped rivet having a shoulder from the head thereof and fitted into the recessed coupling hole at the axle sleeve, an annular groove at the head around the shoulder, and a plain end axially extended from the shoulder and inserted through the axle sleeve and the first and second mounting plates and hammered down to form another head; the second washer is made of friction rubber and mounted in the annular groove at the head of the rivet, hav
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Wu
  • 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: 6163928
    Abstract: A hinge device is provided. In the hinge device including a flange, a shaft portion having a shaft having a diameter equal or smaller than that of the flange, a supporting portion through which the shaft portion inserts into rotatably, a stopper rotating together with the shaft for restricting the degree of rotation of the supporting portion and at least one first spring portion for applying an elastic force against the supporting portion are located between the flange and the supporting portion, and at least one second spring to apply elastic force against the supporting portion and a washer to prevent the nut from being loosened are located between the nut and the supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Tae Woo Precision Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-keun Chung
  • Patent number: 6125509
    Abstract: An electronic device (10) has a foldable housing (11) including a base unit (12) and a cover unit (14). The cover unit is rotatably joined to the base unit by a hinge mechanism. Within cover unit is a frictional hinge mechanism including a cam member (30), a cam follower (32) and an o-ring (34). The cam member has an attachment post (38) connected to an attachment gear on base unit such that the cam member is fixed to the base unit. The cover unit rotates against noticeable friction produced by o-ring rubbing between cover unit and cam member while cover unit is at angles of rotation larger than a pre-set angle, and cover unit rotates against minimal friction at angles of rotation smaller than the pre-set angle. The friction allows cover unit to maintain a multiplicity of positions with respect to base unit within a preselected range of angles larger than pre-set angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hartigan, Michael P. Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 6125507
    Abstract: In order to provide a closing device for a covering member, which is smaller than a conventional device, can stably hold the covering member at a predetermined open angle, and is manufactured at low cost, the closing device comprises: a rotary shaft having a flange part and a means to be fixed to the covering member side; a guide plate which is rotatably retained by a side facing the flange part of the rotary shaft and has means to be fixed to the device body; a first click plate fixed to the guide plate so as to be rotatable around the rotary shaft together with the guide plate; a second click plate which is in contact with the first click plate and is attached to the rotary shaft so as to be non-rotatable and slidable in the axial direction; and a compression means compressedly arranged between the second click plate and the flange part in order to press toward the first click plate side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Katoh
  • Patent number: 6098248
    Abstract: A hinge structure for electronic apparatus such as a word processor, a personal computer and the like having a cover is provided. The hinge structure can meet the demand for making an electronic apparatus thin and light in weight and also can reduce the manufacturing cost of the equipment. The cover can rotate about a hinge 14 with respect to the main body of the equipment and can be maintained at a desired angular position. The hinge comprises a bush 51, a first hinge section 14a and second hinge sections 14b and 14c. The bush 51 comprises a first rotary section 52 and a second rotary section 53 which is rotatably coupled to the first rotary section. When the second rotary section is rotated about the shaft 52a of the first rotary section, a frictional force generates between a concave portion 54 of the second rotary section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Saida, Shinichi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6081969
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge for electronic apparatus which is capable of effecting heat dissipation without having to increase the size of the electronic apparatus. Hinges 1A and 1B for electronic apparatus are provided for the purpose of foldably connecting a first portion 2 and a second portion 3 of an electronic apparatus. Each hinge includes a stationary member 11 which has a strength maintaining portion 11a for maintaining mechanical strength and a heat conducting portion 12 for effecting heat conduction and which is provided on the first portion 2, a movable member 17 which has a strength maintaining portion 17a for maintaining mechanical strength and a heat conducting portion 13 for effecting heat conduction and which is provided on the second portion 3, and a joint portion 30 for joining the stationary member 11a and the movable member 17 to each other while effecting heat conduction between the heat conducting portion 11a of the stationary member and the heat conducting portion 13 of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Tanahashi, Tsutomu Asawa
  • Patent number: 6076232
    Abstract: A hinge structure for electronic apparatus such as a word processor, a personal computer and the like having a cover is provided. The hinge structure can meet the demand for making an electronic apparatus thin and light in weight and also can reduce the manufacturing cost of the equipment. The cover can rotate about a hinge 14 with respect to the main body of the equipment and can be maintained at a desired angular position. The hinge comprises a bush 51, a first hinge section 14a and second hinge sections 14b and 14c. The bush 51 comprises a first rotary section 52 and a second rotary section 53 which is rotatably coupled to the first rotary section. When the second rotary section is rotated about the shaft 52a of the first rotary section, a frictional force generates between a concave portion 54 of the second rotary section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Saida, Shinichi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6070494
    Abstract: A straight axle type rotating axle structure comprises a housing, a sleeve, and a spindle. The inner part of the housing is formed as a container, one end of which is formed with an opening. A slot is installed on the inner wall of the opening. A plurality of spaced trenches are installed on the opening, and a joint end is formed on one end of the housing. The sleeve is fixed within the container in the housing. The two ends of the spindle are formed with an axle portion and a joint end, respectively. The convex ring is circularly installed between the axle portion and a joint end. A twisting force is provided by the friction force between the axle portion and the sleeve, and the convex ring is fitting into the slot of the housing. By above structure, a rotating axle structure is formed, by which a twisting force is provided by a coaxial manner. It has a simple structure and is easy to be assembled. Therefore, the manufacturing cost is reduced greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Chin Fu Horng
  • Patent number: 6065185
    Abstract: An infinite door check mechanism for enabling a door to be moved from a closed position in a door frame to any one of a plurality of different open positions including a clevis adapted to be mounted to the frame, an elongate strip member mounted to the clevis and directed outward from the frame, a door check housing adapted to be mounted on the door, the strip member extending at least partially through the housing, and a support member arranged in the housing. A movable locking member is arranged in the housing such that the strip member is interposed between the locking member and the support member. A biasing member such as a spring is positioned in the housing for selectively pressing the locking member against the strip member to force the strip member against the support member and thereby retain the strip member in a fixed position and releasing pressure of the locking member against the strip member and thereby enable movement of the strip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, William Thomas Sanders
  • Patent number: 6018847
    Abstract: A hinge axle device for a LCD monitor has two springs each respectively disposed on a sleeve covering a pivot and between a carrier and a seat to provide a suitable resistance force for turning the LCD monitor either upwards or downwards. It is, therefore, convenient for users to use the hinge axle device in a LCD monitor to acquire satisfied performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu