Along Or Parallel To Hinge Axis Patents (Class 16/339)
  • Patent number: 11235686
    Abstract: Technologies are described for assemblies to recline a seat. The assemblies may comprise a shaft, a threaded end at a first end of the shaft, a Stroke limiter, a seat back mounting, a mounting fastener, an energy absorber, and at least one locknut. A first end of the Stroke limiter may be attached to a second end of the shaft. The seat back mounting may be attached to a second end of the Stroke limiter and the mounting fastener. The energy absorber may be a kinetic energy absorbing element and the shaft may pass through the energy absorber. The locknut may be configured to secure the shaft of the seat recline assembly to the seat frame mounting with the end of the shaft attached to the Stroke limiter on a first side of the seat frame mounting and the energy absorber on a second side of the seat frame mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRIZES LLC
    Inventors: Terrance Daul, Jeffrey Kelly
  • Patent number: 11169574
    Abstract: A computing device can include a housing including a peripheral housing defining an aperture, the peripheral housing having a constant cross-sectional area. The computing device can also include a display having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, the display disposed within the aperture defined by the peripheral housing and attached to the housing at one or more locations such that the first major surface and the second major surface of the display are substantially unobstructed by any other portion of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Dinesh C. Mathew, Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 10838283
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a main body having an imaging element; a rectangular display disposed along one surface of the main body; and a hinge unit that movably connects the display to the main body. The hinge unit includes a support portion connected to the main body so as to be rotationally movable about a first axis by a pair of first hinges on the first axis extending along one of two sides of the display which are at right angles to each other. The display is supported by the support portion so as to be rotationally movable about a second axis by a pair of second hinges on the second axis extending along other of the two sides of the display which are at right angles to each other. One of the pair of first hinges is disposed between the pair of second hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 10466749
    Abstract: A computing device can include a housing including a peripheral housing defining an aperture, the peripheral housing having a constant cross-sectional area. The computing device can also include a display having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, the display disposed within the aperture defined by the peripheral housing and attached to the housing at one or more locations such that the first major surface and the second major surface of the display are substantially unobstructed by any other portion of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Dinesh C. Mathew, Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 10365684
    Abstract: A display device may be mounted at a predetermined angle via a free-standing display housing. In one example, the display device bracket may include at least two spring loaded tabs and a display monitor affixed to the display device bracket. A base mount may be on a resting surface with at least one side that is configured to make contact with the display device. A rear housing cover may also be included with at least two receiving tabs form-fitted to receive the spring loaded tabs and provide a secure spring-loaded locking position that maintains the display device bracket in a locked position and in an upright predefined angled viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: AMX, LLC
    Inventors: Phong Viet-Thanh Le, Douglas N. Laube
  • Patent number: 10287807
    Abstract: A vehicle glovebox includes a frame rotationally operable within a housing. A downstop is defined within the frame, wherein the downstop in a blocking position engages the housing to define a fully-open position of the frame. The downstop is operable to a release position that defines rotation of the frame beyond the fully-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Qiukui Liu, Francis Raymond Gillis, Thomas Junior Luckett, Vijaykumar Hegde, Matthew Jameson Hickey
  • Patent number: 10185358
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for protecting, carrying, and displaying an electronic tablet device. The apparatus comprises a housing with handles and a cavity that receives and surrounds the device. The cavity has a front surface opening configured to expose operative portions of a front surface of the device when disposed in the cavity, one or more rear surface openings that expose operative components of a rear surface of the device when disposed in the housing, and a locking device that secures the device within the housing. The housing may also include wireless speakers. A protective stand has an opening extending therethrough that slidably receives the housing, prevents the stand from loosing contact with the housing when carried, and covers the front and rear openings of the housing when carried. The stand has angled and orthogonal slots formed on an outer surface that support the housing for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Andrew Padua Bataller
  • Patent number: 10125915
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stands and methods for making the same. The stand is provided to hold an item such as an electronic device and/or a document. The stand may include (1) a base plate provided to support the stand on a support surface and/or by a user holding the base plate; (2) a plurality of hinge assemblies connected to the base plate; and (3) a platform assembly pivotally connected to the hinge assemblies, such that the angular disposition of the platform assembly is adjustable relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Phifer Incorporated
    Inventors: Beverly Phifer, Tanya Baker, Tony Fretwell, David Lovelady, Marsha Sprayberry, Christian Williams, Timothy Wilson, Thomas Grammer
  • Patent number: 9996116
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft, a first connecting member pivoted to the shaft and connected to a first body, a second connecting member fixed to the shaft and connected to a second body, a limiting frame, a rail base, a pin movably disposed through a slot of the limiting frame, and an elastic member connected to the pin and abutting against the first connecting member for driving the pin against the rail base. The limiting frame is fixed to the first connecting body and pivoted to the shaft. The rail base is fixed to the shaft and has first, second, third arc-shaped rails and a transition rail. When the first body rotates an expanding angle relative to the second body in a first rotating direction, the pin moves along the first arc-shaped rail to the transition rail and abuts against a first stopping end surface of the transition rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Peng Wu
  • Patent number: 9836081
    Abstract: A display device may be mounted at a predetermined angle via a free-standing display housing. In one example, the display device bracket may include at least two spring loaded tabs and a display monitor affixed to the display device bracket. A base mount may be on a resting surface with at least one side that is configured to make contact with the display device. A rear housing cover may also be included with at least two receiving tabs form-fitted to receive the spring loaded tabs and provide a secure spring-loaded locking position that maintains the display device bracket in a locked position and in an upright predefined angled viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventors: Phong Viet-Thanh Le, Douglas N. Laube
  • Patent number: 9727089
    Abstract: An electronic device according to the present application includes a main body and a display unit, the main body includes a first side portion and a second side portion, the second side portion is a side portion opposite to the first side portion, a thickness of the main body has a tendency of being smaller in a direction from the first side portion to the second side portion; the display unit is provided on a first surface of the main body, a first groove is provided on a second surface of the main body to form an accommodating space. The accommodating space is adapted to accommodate auxiliary tools, therefore the electronic device may provide the accommodating space for the auxiliary tools by itself, and it is more convenient for users to use the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yimin Zheng
  • Patent number: 9645614
    Abstract: A display mounting system comprises a display (20, 120, 420, 720) having a perimeter edge surrounding a front face (30, 730) comprising a display region (34, 734) and a rear face (32, 732). An opening (26, 126, 426, 726) extends into the front face (30, 730) and is spaced from the perimeter edge of the display (20, 120, 420, 720) to receive and facilitate mounting of a display support accessory (44, 144, 244, 344, 345, 444, 544, 744, 844, 944, 1044, 1144, 1244).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael J Delpier, Stacy L Wolff, Kevin L Massaro, Dimitre D Mehandjiysky, Aki Laine
  • Patent number: 9529382
    Abstract: A display device may be mounted at a predetermined angle via a free-standing display housing. In one example, the display device bracket may include at least two spring loaded tabs and a display monitor affixed to the display device bracket. A base mount may be on a resting surface with at least one side that is configured to make contact with the display device. A rear housing cover may also be included with at least two receiving tabs form-fitted to receive the spring loaded tabs and provide a secure spring-loaded locking position that maintains the display device bracket in a locked position and in an upright predefined angled viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventors: Phong Viet-Thanh Le, Douglas N. Laube
  • Patent number: 9423833
    Abstract: Embodiments include a hinge structure attached to a keyboard device and a tablet terminal. The hinge structure includes a cam mechanism and a stand member configured to rotate to a support position based on the position of a tablet terminal attached to the hinge structure. When the tablet terminal is rotated by a user to a first predetermined angle relative to the keyboard device, the stand member will in turn automatically rotate and extend. When the tablet terminal is rotated by a user to a second predetermined angle relative to the keyboard device, the stand member will in turn lock in order to support and brace the combination of the attached tablet terminal and keyboard device. When not using the attached tablet terminal, the locked stand member may be unlocked and released upon closing the attached table terminal to a zero degree angle relative to the keyboard device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Sano, Naka Shibata
  • Patent number: 9287917
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device case for protecting and securing a mobile electronic device in multiple positions. The case having a base for retaining a mobile electronic device, a cover for enclosing the mobile electronic device, and dual hinge linkage to allow pivotal rotation of the base and cover. The cover and base are affixed to the dual hinge linkage which allows the cover and base to rotate and secure into multiple positions including the closed position, the upright seated position, and the hand-held carry position. The dual hinge linkage is also used to provide increased stability and added protection. A flexible and adjustable strap is mounted within a recess on the outside surface of the cover and allows a user to hold the case in one hand while using the device with the other hand in the hand-held carry position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Fernando Tages
  • Patent number: 9181742
    Abstract: An articulated device is adapted to hold a shutter in different open positions, without the need for the user to lean out of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: I.QUATTRO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro Cirilli
  • Patent number: 8024841
    Abstract: A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft rotatably received in the bracket, a engaging member, a pressing member, and a driving member. The bracket includes a casing portion defining a receiving space therein. The receiving space includes a circular part and a slot connecting the circular part. The engaging member is received in the slot of the bracket. The engaging member includes a slope surface and a screw hole. The pressing member is received in the slot of the bracket. The pressing member includes a pressing portion pressing firmly against the shaft, and a driven portion engaged with the slope surface of the engaging member. The driving member includes a screw pole capable of screwing in the screw hole of the engaging member to move the engaging member toward the pressing member, for driving the pressing member to press firmly against the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Shen
  • Patent number: 7957129
    Abstract: A supporting mechanism movably supports a display body, a display surface of which is in the vertical position and in an inclined position. A pressing mechanism has an elastic member which stores repulsive force by being pressed by the display body as the display body moves from the vertical position to the inclined position, and presses the display body by the repulsive force in the direction from the inclined position to the vertical position. A position holding mechanism holds the display body at an optional position anywhere between the vertical position and the inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20110099761
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first connector which has a hollow pivotal sleeve with a channel penetrating therethrough, a coupling flap and a locating strip spaced from each other in a parallel relation and connected with two opposite edges of the channel respectively, a resilient tube pivotally received within and circumferentially biasing against the pivotal sleeve to produce a friction resistance force therebetween, two second connectors fastened to two opposite ends of the resilient tube, and a fastening element for holding the locating strip and the coupling flap closely together and adjust a space between the locating strip and the coupling flap to further regulate the friction resistance force. So the first connector may be positioned at any desired angle relative to the second connectors by means of the friction resistance force between the resilient tube and the pivotal sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Wang, Chin-Te Chiu, Mei-Chuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20110072619
    Abstract: A hinge includes a second connector having a hollow pivotal device of which a peripheral outside protrudes outward to form a locking rib, and a first connector having a pivotal sleeve which is pivotally sleeved to the pivotal device to make the first connector rotatable relative to the second connector. The locking rib is able to slide along and abut against a peripheral inside of the pivotal sleeve to produce friction resistance force therebetween for positioning the first connector at any inclined angle relative to the second connector. A fastening pin is disposed in the pivotal device of the second connector and spaced from a peripheral inside of the pivotal device so that can make the pivotal device pressed inward to produce an outward elasticity to strengthen the friction resistance force between the locking rib and the peripheral inside of the pivotal sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Wang, Chin-Te Chiu, Mei-Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 7913360
    Abstract: A hinge includes a bracket with a protruding portion, a shaft extending through the bracket, a positioning member mounted on the shaft, and a resilient member. The shaft includes a post and a blocking portion. A slope surface is formed from one end of the protruding portion. The positioning portion is formed on the positioning member facing to the protruding portion of the bracket. An inclined stopping surface is formed from one end of the positioning portion. The resilient member fits about the shaft between the blocking portion and the positioning member. When the shaft rotates with respect to the bracket beyond the limits of a desired angle, the protruding portion drives the inclined stopping surface of the positioning member to move the positioning member away from the bracket to compress the resilient members for obviating the hinge to be damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Shen
  • Patent number: 7861377
    Abstract: An abrasion-enhanced hinge has a pintle, a washer assembly and a stationary leaf. The pintle is connected securely to a cover of an electronic device. The washer assembly has multiple stationary washers and multiple rotating washers. The stationary and rotating washers are mounted interlacedly around the pintle. The stationary washers are connected securely to each other. The rotating washers are connected securely to the pintle. The stationary leaf is connected securely to a base of the electronic device and is connected securely to the nearest stationary washer. When the cover is pivoted to the base, the pintle is rotated relative to the stationary leaf. Thus, the rotating washers are rotated relative to the stationary washers. Because the stationary and rotating washers are mounted interlacedly, the rotations between the stationary and rotating washers provide a lot of abrasions. Therefore, the hinge provides enhanced abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Chuan
  • Patent number: 7753331
    Abstract: A flat display device (2) has a foldable base (25). The flat display device includes a flat panel (21) pivoted to a base by a hinge assembly (23). The panel is capable of rotating with respect to the base between a position and a second position. A third position of the panel with respect to the base is intermediate between the first position and the second position. A first friction force provided by the hinge assembly when the panel rotates between the first position and the third position is smaller than a second friction force provided by the hinge assembly when the panel rotates between the third position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Zheng-Yong Tang, Ze-Feng Zeng, Chih-Huang Lien
  • Patent number: 7712188
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a monitor, a base, and a hinge. The hinge includes a shaft sleeve, a rotary shaft, a driven element, and a resistance structure. The shaft sleeve is fixed to the base. The rotary shaft is fixed to the monitor and disposed in the shaft sleeve. The driven element is connected to and driven by the rotary shaft. The resistance structure is disposed adjacent to the driven element, wherein the driven element does not contact the resistance structure when the rotary shaft is rotated in a first angular range, and the driven element contacts the resistance structure and sustains a resistance when the rotary shaft is rotated in a second angular range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Ming Sung
  • Publication number: 20100071161
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft having a pivot portion, a friction member sleeved on the pivot portion, a support member, and an adjusting member. The pivot shaft includes a pivot portion. The friction member includes a first friction body and a second friction body attached to the first friction body. The support member includes a housing, and defines a receiving chamber in the housing and an adjusting hole communicating with the receiving chamber. The friction member and the pivot portion of the pivot shaft are received in the chamber. An inner wall of the receiving chamber presses the friction member to clamp the pivot portion. The adjusting member is received in the at least one adjusting hole to abut the friction member such that the friction created between the friction member and the pivot portion can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) Co., LTD ., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, JIAN LI
  • Publication number: 20090165248
    Abstract: An exemplary adjustable hinge assembly (10) includes a fixing member (12), a deformable member (14), an adjustable member (18), and a rotary member (20). The deformable member is sleeved or partially sleeved on the fixing member. The deformable member and the fixing member are rotatably connected to the rotary member. The deformable member resists the fixing member and the rotary member. The adjustable member engages with the fixing member. The adjustable member is adjusted to change the maximum static frictional force between the deformable member and the rotary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin-Xin Wang
  • Publication number: 20080010779
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a first body, a second body, and a pivot mechanism is provided. The pivot mechanism includes a base, a pivot, a sleeve, and a holder. The base is fastened with the first body, and the pivot is fastened with the base. The sleeve has a hole closely fitting a section of the pivot, and the sleeve applies an elastic force on the pivot, so as to form a frictional force between the hole and the pivot. The holder having a first opening is fastened with the second body. A first section of the sleeve closely fits the opening, so as to be fastened with the first opening. The frictional force between the hole and the pivot holds the second body, such that the second body may pivot relative to the first body manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Kuan-Hsun Chen
  • Patent number: 7146684
    Abstract: Retention element, especially a lid stay or a flap holder, comprising a first arm, having a first friction face, a second arm, connected pivotably around an articulation axis to the first arm, an operating element and a locking element, forming a locking face, wherein the locking unit is arranged to the second arm, a braking element, having a braking face, to which the locking face is held in frictional contact, and having a second friction face, which is held at least indirectly in abutment to the first friction face, wherein the operating element, in a first rotational direction of the arms relative to each other, urges the locking face against the braking face, wherein in the first rotational direction of the two arms relative to each other the maximal braking torque between the locking face and the braking face is larger than the maximal frictional torque between the first friction face and the second friction face, wherein in a second rotational direction of the two arms relative to each other the maxima
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Huwil-Werke GmbH Mobelscholoss-und Beschlagfabriken
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 7114218
    Abstract: A hinge device for a flat panel display which is able to be adjusted and retained at any desired angle, comprises a fixed unit and a pivotal unit, wherein the fixed unit has a base, a pair of supports, a pair spindles and a pair of bushings mounted around the spindle, the pivotal unit includes a mounting part integrated with two pivotal bearing parts, two pair of bearing blocks respectively mounted around the bushings and a connecting member, a plurality of annular grooves being defined around an aperture defined in a center of the bearing blocks corresponding to the plurality of the annular ribs formed around the external surface of the bushing, thereby the pivotal unit is able to be retained at any desired angle by the friction between the contacting surfaces of the bearing blocks and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Jiin Ming Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan Li Lin
  • Patent number: 6883206
    Abstract: A swivel hinge with angular fixing structure is employed to connect a mainframe and a display means of a notebook computer. The swivel hinge has a fixture part, a fixture friction ring, a rotation part, a rotation friction ring, and an elastic ring. The fixture part mounted on the mainframe has a through hole in the center thereof. The fixture friction ring mounted on the fixture part has at least one holder on the surface. The rotation friction ring mounted on the rotation part has at least one slot in the surface thereof. The elastic ring is located between the fixture part and the fixture friction ring. If the slot and the holder on the friction ring fit into each other, the desired angular fixing function is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chang Yang, Jung-Wen Chang, Wen-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6775884
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Gwag Su-Man
  • Patent number: 6749242
    Abstract: A damper system of a glove box includes fastening holes formed at side walls of the glove box, plates provided with through holes to be aligned with the fastening holes, a binding groove formed at one side of each plate, a fixing groove formed at the other side of each plate, a plate spring joined with the binding groove and the fixing groove, and protrusions provided at both sides of the glove box so that the plate spring can be fixed when the glove box pivots by the hinge, such that when the glove box pivots, the plate springs contact the protrusions, whereby the weight of the glove box can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-Sang Park
  • Patent number: 6671927
    Abstract: A rotating mechanism for an LCD monitor having a monitor and a supporting structure. The rotating mechanism comprises a protruding sleeve, a supporting body, a shaft sleeve, a sleeve, a first screwing element and a second screwing element. The protruding sleeve has a fitting hole and is disposed on the back of the monitor. The supporting body has a bending element. The shaft sleeve is fitted between the protruding sleeve and the bending element of the supporting body. The sleeve is fitted in the fitting hole of the protruding sleeve. The first screwing element is threaded into one end of the shaft sleeve from the sleeve. The second screwing element is threaded into the other end of the shaft sleeve from the bending element. Thus, the tightness of the rotating mechanism of the invention can be adjusted by way of the first screwing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chi-Mi Chen
  • Publication number: 20040000031
    Abstract: A triaxial hinge for supporting a flat panel display device on an external member includes a first member, a second member, a third member and a supporting member. The first member is fixed to the external member. The second member is pivotally connected to the first member for defining a first pivot. The third member is pivotally connected to the second member for defining a second pivot perpendicular to the first pivot. The supporting base is pivotally connected to the third member for defining a third pivot perpendicular to the first and second pivots. The flat panel display device is attached to the supporting base and can be pivoted on the first, the second, and the third pivots, respectively, with respect to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chia Ming Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030121124
    Abstract: A rotating mechanism for LCD monitor having a monitor and a supporting structure. The rotating mechanism comprises a protruding sleeve, a supporting body, a shaft sleeve, a sleeve, a first screwing element and a second screwing element. The protruding sleeve has a fitting hole and is disposed on the back of the monitor. The supporting body has a bending element. The shaft sleeve is fitted between the protruding sleeve and the bending element of the supporting body. The sleeve is fitted in the fitting hole of the protruding sleeve. The first screwing element is threaded into one end of the shaft sleeve from the sleeve. The second screwing element is threaded into the other end of the shaft sleeve from the bending element. Thus, the tightness of the rotating mechanism of the invention can be adjusted by way of the first screwing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Chi-Mi Chen
  • Patent number: 6553625
    Abstract: A positioning hinge for providing pivotal positioning is disclosed. The positioning hinge comprises a pivotal member, a pivotal base, a first torsion spring and a friction device. The friction device includes a positioning element and a slide-friction member, which are kept in a resilient friction contact with each other by means of a resilient mechanism. This enables the LCD display to be opened due to the pivoting action of the pivotal base under the results of resilience and frictional positioning. It is appreciated that the above features advantageously result in an appropriate reduction in the opening speed of the LCD display while at the same time obtaining a steady frictional pivotal positioning, thereby prolonging the working life of the positioning hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Chung-Nan Hsteh
    Inventors: Wen-Chi Lin, Wen-Hao Tai
  • Patent number: 6473937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door hinge having an integrated braking and holding function. Said door hinge is comprised of a first hinge half which acts upon a door assembly part, a door, or a door pillar, and of a second hinge halve which acts upon another door assembly part. The door hinge also comprises a hinge pin which pivotally connects both hinge halves to one another. The hinge pin is made of a solid material and is accommodated in at least one hinge eye of a hinge half with a running fit and is accommodated in at least one hinge eye of the other half with a close fit. A braking and holding device which is integrated in the hinge comprises at least one spring-loaded braking and holding body. Said braking and holding body is aligned in a radial manner relative to the hinge pin and interacts with a circumferential profile of the hinge pin, said profile extending over a part of the circumference thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Morawetz
  • Patent number: 6442800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door brake which has an opening end stop and which is integrated in a hinge. The hinge is comprised of two hinge halves which are interconnected in a jointed manner by means of a hinge pin. Said hinge halves can alternately engage with one of both door assembly parts, the door, or the door pillar. The hinge pin is connected to the first hinge half in a rotationally fixed manner and is accommodated in the hinge eye of the first hinge half in a rotational manner. In addition, the door brake comprises at least one engaging part which is supported against one of the hinge halves, and has at least one braking or stopping part. Said braking or stopping part is assigned to the engaging part and is supported against the other hinge half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Morawetz
  • Patent number: 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
  • Patent number: 5951083
    Abstract: A glove box bin is formed with a shaft upon which an elastic roller is mounted. A track is provided adjacent the bin for engaging the roller with an interference fit. The resilient compression of the roller provides a smooth and stable feel as the glove box is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: D. Scott Bittinger, Fredrick S. Massat
  • Patent number: 5735085
    Abstract: The top wall of the horizontal spout section of a downspout assembly is cut away at the inlet end to create a notch such that interference with the top wall of the outlet end of the elbow section will be avoided when the horizontal section is pivoted to a lowered position. A hinge is fastened on top of the elbow and horizontal sections over the notch. The hinge includes half sections with each having oppositely disposed leg portions functioning as a saddle to straddle the elbow and horizontal sections. One of the hinge half sections includes a pair of spaced apart sleeves between which a single sleeve on the other half section is received. A bolt extends through the sleeves and draws the pair of sleeves frictionally against opposite ends of the single sleeve to lock the horizontal section in a raised over center position. A slot extends from the inner end of the one half section between the pair of sleeves to allow the pair of sleeves to be drawn together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis Denooy
  • Patent number: 5503491
    Abstract: A friction adjustable positioning pivot includes a first shaft including a tapering threaded rod which defines a hollow space therein and a slot along a periphery thereof. An urging tube is taperingly threaded therein for rotatably threading onto the tapering threaded rod of the first shaft. A spring received in the hollow space of the first shaft includes an outer periphery substantially in contact with an inner periphery of the hollow space of first shaft and an inner periphery. A second shaft includes a rod portion received in the spring and in contact with the inner periphery of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Sheng N. Lu
  • Patent number: 5480074
    Abstract: A mannequin having a plurality of body sections with each of the body sections being shaped in the form of a mannequin shape of a portion of an individual's body, and a plurality of hinge assemblies for interconnecting the body sections to form a mannequin shape of at least a portion of an individual. Each of the hinge assemblies is adjustable for adjusting the force required to hingedly move one of the body sections relative to the other body section connected thereto. In one embodiment, the hinge assemblies also include a portion for rotating one body section relative to the other body section connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Daron D. Duncan, Patricia R. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5301390
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for counter-balancing a panel e.g. a hatch cover of a boat when the latter is rotated about a horizontal axis has levers pivotally attached to the panel, to the deck and to each other, with a torsion spring arranged coaxially on the pivot between the two levers. Also at that pivot axis a friction brake is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Lewmar Marine Limited
    Inventor: Brian E. Cleal
  • Patent number: 5197790
    Abstract: A cabinet having a quiet, frictionally adjustable door hinge is disclosed. The cabinet door can be positioned anywhere between fully opened and fully closed positions. The cabinet comprises an adjustable hinge having an expandable member which contacts a bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Robern, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard S. Katz
  • Patent number: 5101533
    Abstract: A spring biased bearing is slidably mounted within a clevis joint so as to apply a frictional damping force to a flap of a jet engine exhaust nozzle. A forward hinge joint restrains the bearing against rotation with the flap while an aft hinge joint provides for both rotation and translation of the bearing about the flap. A tubular canister may be used with the hinge joint to preset the axial compression and biasing force generated by a coil spring enclosed within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Stenger, William C. Lippmeier, Joseph S. Alford, David O. Fitts, Malachi Lawrence, Jr., Keith A. Williams, Douglas M. Fortuna
  • Patent number: 4841599
    Abstract: A motor vehicle sun visor (P) has a substantially tubular spring mechanism (R) fitted in its hinge-rod housing for gripping the rod to retain the visor in a desired angular position on the rod in use. The spring mechanism is formed from a single piece of sheet spring metal and is of substantially tubular form with a longitudinal curved wall (1) connected at opposite longitudinal edges to two parallel flat walls (2, 2') which grip the hinge rod in use. The other edges of the flat walls are joined to two curved wall portions whose free edges (6, 6') define an aperture. The curved wall and wall portions are a close fit in the tubular housing (8) with a longitudinal projection (7) thereof fitted in the aperture to prevent relative rotation of the spring mechanism and the housing, and the spring mechanism has outwardly-projecting tabs (5, 5', 5") which snap engage in a recess (10) in the housing wall to restrain the spring mechanism against axial movement in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Carlos G. Cebollero
  • Patent number: 4833754
    Abstract: A supporting bracket including a track member, a slide, a stop member, a sash arm, a short link, a strut and a brace. The track member has a pair of folded side flanges along the length thereof with at least one of the folded side flanges which is subject to face toward a window sash being discontinuous at a central part thereof to define a cutout part; and a boss provided with a pivot pin having a central groove and a C-ring. The slide is movable along the track member and has a length substantially equal to the length of the cutout part. The stop member is secured to the track member and has a button shape with a central groove and a flattened portion. The stop member is turnable to a position with its rounded portion facing the slide to keep the slide within the side flanges and is turnable to a position with its flatten portion facing the slide such that the slide is releasable from the track member at the cutout part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Wu N. Yang
  • Patent number: 4796331
    Abstract: A hinge primarily for a roof window with a pivotally opening sash comprises a body to be fixed to the frame of the window, a support member pivoted to the body and arranged to be secured to the sash, a stay member pivoted to the support member spaced from its connection to the body, and constraining mechanism comprising a frictional assembly and positive catch mechanism to hold at least one position of the sash. As the sash is pivoted, the stay member has one end moved in an arc by the support member while its other end is constrained to reciprocation within the body. The catch mechanism may be operable from a remote position on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: GKN Crompton Limited
    Inventors: Paul S. White, Michael D. Eaton
  • Patent number: 4635667
    Abstract: A canopy provides sun protection for the occupant of a recreational chair. The canopy is slidably mountable on the chair back and can be positioned immediately to any desired angle by simple but effective tension applying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: James E. Harn