Abstract: A hinge for use in conjunction with an overhead mobile video system includes a pivot rod fixedly coupled to a mounting bracket, a housing pivotally mounted upon the pivot rod and a friction spring interposed between the pivot rod and the housing controlling rotation of the mounting bracket relative to the housing.

Abstract: A mobile phone or other electronic device is provided with an improved friction hinge with a radial range of motion greater than 180 degrees and with detents at both ends of travel. The friction hinge can include an asymmetrical cam in conjunction with a single tab on a follower. Advantageously, the electronic device with the improved friction hinge can allows a full 360 degree range of motion with any number of detents at any radial position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft, a rotatable stand, a fixed stand, a cam and a cam follower. The rotatable stand and the cam follower are non-rotatably connected to the rotatable shaft. The fixed stand and the cam are rotatably connected to the rotatable shaft. The cam is fixed to the fixed stand and contacted with the cam follower. The cam forms a limiting step, the cam follower forms a limiting surface on a periphery to abut against the limiting step. One of the cam and cam follower forms a positioning protrusion, the other one of the cam and cam follower defines a positioning groove to engage with the positioning protrusion.

Abstract: A tilt hinge includes a movable range fixed tilt hinge and a movable range switching member. The movable range fixed tilt hinge includes a spindle, a movable bracket rotatably arranged around the spindle and having a projecting piece, a fixed bracket fixed to the spindle, and a stopper fixed to the spindle and having first and second cam portions. The stopper restricts a moving range of the movable bracket within a first movable range by engaging the projecting piece with the first and the second cam portions. A friction imparting arrangement has a friction built between the movable bracket and the fixed bracket. The movable range switching member is enable to switch the moving range of the movable bracket between the first movable range and a second movable range smaller than the first movable range by a pushing operation.

Abstract: A cam device includes a first member including a recessed first engaging portion on an inner section, a recessed second engaging portion on an outer section, and recessed third and fourth engaging portions extending from the inner section to the outer section. Further, a second member includes a ridged first engaging portion on an inner section, a ridged second engaging portion on an outer section, and ridged third and fourth engaging portions extending from the inner section to the outer section. When the ridged first and second engaging portions are partially disposed in the recessed first and second engaging portions respectively, one contacted area between the ridged third engaging portion and the recessed third engaging portion plus another contacted area between the ridged fourth engaging portion and the recessed fourth engaging portion preclude the cam device from suffering an increased pressure.

Abstract: A hinge for use in conjunction with an overhead mobile video system includes a pivot rod fixedly coupled to a mounting bracket, a housing pivotally mounted upon the pivot rod and a friction spring interposed between the pivot rod and the housing controlling rotation of the mounting bracket relative to the housing.

Abstract: A rotation hinge configured in a portable electrical device includes a tube sequentially stringing a base coupled to a main housing of the portable electrical device, a cam module and a fixing plate coupled to a sub-housing of the portable electrical device, and engaging with a riveting plate. The cam module has a designed curve surface and at least two recesses positioned thereon. Each section of the designed curve surface between the recesses has an arc-shape projection portion. Each recess of the designed curve surface contacts an elastic sliding portion. While the cam module rotates, the elastic sliding portion moves from the recess and moves along the designed curve surface. While the elastic sliding portion contacts the arc-shape projection portion, a compression force stored in the elastic sliding portion is maximized. Therefore, the sub-housing is advanced to rotate by the elastic sliding portion releasing the compression force.

Abstract: A lock device capable of suppressing a lack of smoothness in an unlocking operation, and of suppressing, in a case a plurality of lock members are operated by a cam member, unevenness in the timing for the plurality of lock members to become engaged in a locking operation. Guide portions of a lower guide include a plurality of cam guide faces that are arranged away from each other in the circumferential direction. A cam includes a plurality of guided faces that respectively abut against the plurality of cam guide faces in a release phase. The guided face in a direction in which the cam is decentered by a biasing force of the lock spring is extended to the release phase side with respect to the other guided faces.

Abstract: A hinge assembly connects a cover to a base and further has a pressing member. The pressing member has a stationary pressing spacer and a rotating pressing spacer. Each of the pressing spacers has at least one inclined protrusion formed on an abutting surface. The inclined protrusions of the pressing spacers correspond to each other. When the cover is opening until an upper edge of one inclined protrusion corresponds to a lower edge of another inclined protrusion, people may open the cover lightly and fast. Alternative, when the cover is closing until the upper edges of the inclined protrusions and the lower edges of the inclined protrusions respectively correspond to each other, people may close the cover heavily and slowly to prevent the base from being stricken by the cover.

Abstract: A variable resistance hinge is mounted in a notebook computer having cover and a base and the hinge has a stationary leaf, a pivoting leaf and a pressing assembly. The stationary leaf is attached to the base and has a keyed shaft. The pivoting leaf is mounted pivotally on the shaft and is attached to the cover. The pressing assembly is mounted around the shaft, presses the pivoting leaf against the stationary leaf and has a pivoting ring and a stationary ring. The pivoting ring rotates around the shaft, is attached to the pivoting leaf and has at least one stepped detent. The stationary ring engages the shaft, abuts the pivoting ring and has at least one friction protrusion. Each friction protrusion corresponds a stepped detent and provides variable friction when opening the cover to enhance lifespan of the hinge and facilitate opening of the notebook.

Abstract: A triple positioning hinge that is compact and securely retains a monitor of a portable electronic device at three determined positions permanently. The triple positioning hinge has a body, a pivoting member, a first positioning element, a second positioning element and a resilient element. The first positioning element has multiple detents formed on a surface of the first positioning element. The second positioning element is pushed toward the first positioning element by the resilient element and has three positioning notches circularly formed in a surface at intervals and respectively correspond to and engage with the detents of the first positioning element to hold the monitor connected with the pivoting member at three determined positions.

Abstract: A portable terminal having a hinge apparatus is provided. The portable terminal includes a first housing, a second housing pivotally coupled to the first housing so that the second housing can be unfolded from and folded onto the first housing, and a hinge apparatus coupling the first housing and the second housing together. The hinge apparatus provides a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis perpendicular to each other, in which, from the folded state in which the second housing is folded on the first housing, the second housing is operable to rotate about the first hinge axis to be located in an upper side of the first housing and to rotate about the second hinge axis to be located in a first side of the first housing.

Abstract: An auto-return pivot system for a display apparatus is provided. The auto-return pivot system comprises a base fixed to an article; a pivot fixed to the base; a support pivotally mounted around the pivot for supporting the display apparatus; a cam device connected with the support to determine a stop angle and an auto-return angle between the article and the support; and a pressure-storing device connected with the cam device for storing a pressure to be applied to the cam device in the axial direction of the pivot; wherein the pressure from the pressure-storing device enables the cam device to drive the support to automatically return to a position with the stop angle when an angle between the article and the support is smaller than the auto-return angle.

Abstract: A swing hinge device of a portable terminal is adapted to semi-automatically rotate a pair of housings of the terminal while they face each other to open and close them. The swing hinge device of a portable terminal having a first housing and a second housing includes a hinge housing extending along a longitudinal direction and having a reception space formed therein. A hinge shaft is rotatably coupled to the hinge housing and has a number of crests formed thereon. A hinge cam is positioned in the reception space of the hinge housing and is adapted to linearly travel therein along the longitudinal direction of the hinge axis and has a number of troughs formed thereon that face the respective crests. A hinge spring is positioned between the hinge housing and the hinge cam to provide an elastic force so that the hinge cam may linearly travel while forcing it against the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A pivot-action damper which for example dampens the impact effect of the closing movement of doors, furniture doors or flaps displays excellent braking force or damping force, even over small angular regions as a result of an outer cylindrical body which encompasses an inner body which is pivotable in relation to said outer cylindrical body. Between the two bodies there are two chambers, separated from each other by a gap or a throttle position, with said chambers containing a liquid. This liquid is displaced from one chamber to the other as a result of the rotation of the two bodies in relation to each other.

Abstract: A hinged panel (110) coupled to a body member (120), for example in a wireless communications device, including a torsion spring (150) coupled to the body member and to the panel, a cam (127) coupled to the body member, a follower (134) coupled to the panel. A decreasing counter-torque is applied to the panel by the spring biased cam and follower assembly when the torsion spring torque is above a specified level, and an increasing assisting-torque is applied to the panel by the spring biased cam and follower assembly when the torsion spring torque is below a specified level.

Abstract: A hinge device of a portable terminal connects a keyboard member to a comparatively massive display member and has cam and friction mechanisms. The cam mechanism has a fixing cam for axially receiving a shaft which extends into a cam case having a rotation arresting mechanism fixed on the shaft, a slider cam provided slidably in a manner to confront the fixing cam restrained in its rotation by the cam case, and an elastic mechanism for pressing the slider cam toward the fixing cam. The friction mechanism has a friction ring attached to the shaft and fitted into the friction case under pressure with a rotatable rotation arresting mechanism, so that both of automatic close lock function from a predetermined closed angle between the first and second members and a free stop function when opening and closing operation of the first and second members can be realized together without strain.

Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted for use with a vehicle. The assembly includes a windowpane with an inner surface and a hinge adjacent to the inner surface. The hinge includes a stationary member having a pivot element with cylindrical extensions and a central portion of larger cross-sectional area than the cylindrical extensions. The hinge further includes a mounting element extending at an angle from the pivot element. A polymeric member surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical extensions so as to permit the hinge member to articulate about the pivot axis. Optionally, the polymeric member defines a cavity adjacent the central portion on the compression side of the stationary member to provide clearance of the polymeric member when the window is opened.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes first and second hinge parts and a hinge pin assembly interconnecting the hinge parts. Cams on the hinge pin assembly are operatively associated for rotation with the hinge parts. Engaging surfaces of the cams provide dwell points during movement of the hinge parts relative to each other.

Abstract: A display device includes a cabinet that has a liquid crystal display; a connection section that is rotatably provided relative to the cabinet about a first rotating shaft and parallel to the liquid crystal display; a cover body that is rotatably provided relative to the connection section about a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft and that opens and closes the liquid crystal display; and spring pins that are provided in at least one of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft and that generate frictional forces upon rotating of the connection section and/or the cover body.

Abstract: A hinge device of a portable intelligence terminal, which connects a first member having a keyboard and a second member composed of a comparatively massive display device in an openable and closable manner as well as possible includes a cam mechanism and a friction mechanism coaxially on a shaft.

Abstract: A single-shaft hinge component is provided that can be made durable, of small size and light weight. The single-shaft hinge device is made up of a plurality of torque-generating sections wherein, a single-shaft hinge is formed of a single shaft 1, rotary cams 3 fitted onto this shaft 1 that are capable of rotation about the shaft 1 and axially moving on the shaft, fixed cams 4 fitted on the shaft 1 that are capable of axially moving on the shaft but incapable of relative rotation with respect to the shaft, and elastic members 5 arranged coaxially with the shaft 1 and that cause abutment of side faces of the rotary cam 3 and the fixed cam 4 against each other, the rotary cams 3 and fixed cams 4 being arranged coaxially with the single shaft 1 so that abutment of the rotary cam 3 and fixed cam 4 is achieved at their side faces at two or more locations.

Abstract: A rotating shaft with radial press device comprises a cylindrical rod and at least a friction part. The cylindrical rod extends from the rotating shaft and provides at least a milled face. The friction part is a ring piece composed of a circular section and an arched section and a gap is formed between the circular section and the arched section. An axial hole is surrounded by both of the circular section and the arched section for accommodating the cylindrical rod. Further, the arched section has a gradually reduced inner radius. As soon as the cylindrical rod is tightly pressed by the arched section, a position of standstill can be formed and when the milled face touches the free end of the arched section, the cylindrical rod can moves in a direction so that the milled face keeps contact with the free end of the arched section in a state of locking automatically.

Abstract: The hinge for a piece of portable electronic equipment with a cover and a base has a keyed pivot pin, a stationary leaf, a washer, a rotating positioning element, a stationary positioning element, a biasing member, and a fastener. The washer, rotating positioning element, stationary positioning element and biasing member are sequentially mounted on the keyed pivot pin and are held in place with the fastener. The rotating positioning element has detents corresponding to and simultaneously engaging protrusions on the stationary positioning element when the hinge is closed. Because the detents and protrusions are not symmetrically oriented respectively on the rotating and stationary positioning elements, the detents will only engage the protrusions in one position, a closed position. The protrusions on the stationary positioning element press against the rotating positioning element and hold the hinge open at any desired angle.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle and two barrels. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. At least one arcuate protrusion is formed on the pintle. The first barrel has a lug formed at an end facing the arcuate protrusion and abutting the arcuate protrusion. When the computer is closed, the first barrel is compressed to provide an elastic force to open the monitor.

Abstract: A folding mobile telephone having a dual-movement hinge. The hinge movably attaches one section of the mobile phone to another in such a way that there are at least two ways to access the various features of the mobile phone that are hidden from view in a closed position. The hinge includes a longitudinal pin having a first end that is disposed within a sleeve attached to the first enclosure section, and a second end that is disposed within a sleeve that is attached to the second enclosure section. As a result, the sections may be moved longitudinally with respect to each other for a portion of their length by sliding one or both sleeves away from the other along the pin. The sections may also be rotated about the pin to move the mobile telephone to an open position. In this way a user may selectively access all, or only a portion of the encloseable components and features of the mobile telephone.

Abstract: A hinge device of a portable intelligence terminal, which connects a first member having a keyboard and a second member composed of a comparatively massive display device in an openable and closable manner as well as possible includes a cam mechanism and a friction mechanism coaxially on a shaft.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus capable of making a folder of a portable communications terminal to stop in any desired angular positions in accordance with an eye level of its user. The hinge apparatus includes a main body having a pair of hinge arms on opposite sides of its opposed end, a folder having its one end a center hinge arm, a hinge housing fixed to the cavity of the center hinge arm, a hinge shaft having an extension part and a sliding peak disposed opposed to the extension part, a hinge cam having a slot for engaging the sliding peak of the hinge shaft. The hinge cam rotates together with the hinge housing. A hinge spring is disposed between the other end of the hinge housing and one end of the hinge cam.

Abstract: A pair of first conversion faces (55, 55) and a pair of second conversion faces (56, 56) are formed on the end face of a contact member (50) with which a movable member (now shown) comes into contact. The first conversion faces (55, 55) are separated by 180 degrees from each other in the circumferential direction of the contact member (50). The second conversion faces (56, 56) are separated by 180 degrees from each other in the circumferential direction of the contact member (50), and at the same time separated from the first conversion faces (55, 55) by a predetermined angle. The movable member is equipped with a pair of pressing projections which come into contact with the first conversion faces (55, 55) when the cover rotates to its closed position and come into contact with the second conversion faces (56, 56) when the cover rotates to its open position.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulated joint having a device for movably coupling a first movement element to a second movement element. The device comprises a fastening unit, which comprises at least one first braking element connected to the first movement element and at least one second braking element connected to the second movement element, a force application element which applies a force to at least one of the first or second braking elements, and a mechanical switching unit capable of taking up a coupling state and at least one separating state. The mechanical switching unit switches over from the coupling state into a separating state when the movement elements move relative to one another, and the mechanical switching unit deactivates the force applied by the force application element to at least one of the first or second braking elements when the mechanical switching unit is in the separating state.

Abstract: A damping mechanism for use with a housing having a body and a cover pivotably attached to the body, the cover being movable between an open position and a closed position. The damping mechanism includes a body engagement surface located on the body and a cover engagement surface located on the cover. One of the body engagement surface or the cover engagement surface includes a generally planar damping pad and the other of the body engagement surface or the cover engagement surface includes a cam having a generally curved cam surface. The cam surface is shaped and positioned to engage the damping pad such that the damping pad and the cam cooperate to damp the movement of the cover when the cover pivots between the open and closed positions.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A hinge unit is formed of a case with an inside wall, a rotating cam freely rotatably accommodated inside the case, a slide cam accommodated inside the case such that the slide cam is prevented from rotating relative to the case and is moved freely in an axial direction along the inside wall of the case, and an urging device accommodated inside the case to urge the slide cam toward the rotating cam. Cam surfaces are formed on the rotating cam and the slide cam to abut against each other. The cam surfaces has a contact range from a full-surface contact to a partial contact according to a relative rotational angle of the slide cam and rotating cam.

Abstract: A device is described for automatically lowering a toilet seat. The device includes a fluid chamber with a sidewall; a replaceable insert with an arcuate inner face and parallel seat-raised and seat-lowered edges against the sidewall. A vane with a seat-attached shaft, pivotal around a horizontal axis on the opposite side of the chamber, includes a shaft-attached paddle with a flexible distal end in brushing engagement with the insert. The distance between the insert wall and the horizontal axis decreases from the seat-raised edge to the seat-lowered edge increasing the resistance to pivoting of the vane, and thereby to lowering of the toilet seat as the seat descends. Different inserts can be used for different weight seats. The device can also include an adjustable seat stop to compensate for non-level toilets.

Abstract: A friction hinge comprising a shaft and a band including a spring portion which is rotatable relative to the shaft and wrapped tightly about the shaft for providing frictional torque between the shaft and spring portion is provided. The shaft includes a contact member for engaging the spring portion when the spring portion is rotated in one of two rotational directions and reaches a selected rotational position with respect to the shaft. Further rotation of the shaft in that direction causes the spring portion to loosen about the shaft.

Abstract: A hinge device of a flip type mobile telephone including a body and a flip cover with a speaker mounted thereon. In the hinge device, a hinge assembly includes a spring connector pin; a hinge shaft having at least one open end, a pair of opposite protrusions, a pair of opposite indents, and a cylindrical inner wall into which the connector pin is pressed, the shaft being movable along a rotation axis; a hinge housing having at least one open end into which the hinge shaft is inserted; guide means for enabling the hinge shaft to move rectilinearly in the hinge housing; and securing means for preventing separation of the hinge shaft from the hinge housing. The hinge device further includes a coupling member having a pair of opposite protrusions and a pair of opposite indents, for keeping in sliding surface contact with the hinge shaft; and conducting means interposed between the hinge assembly and the coupling member, for electrically connecting the speaker to a printed circuit board housed within the body.

Abstract: A hinge for notebook computers is disclosed which includes a cam mechanism to keep the lid closed when the computer is not in use and a cooperatively operating friction mechanism to maintain the lid's position when in use. The friction mechanism operates in conjunction with the cam mechanism to enhance the operational characteristics thereof. Previous attempts at cam hinges for laptops demanded that the cam mechanism, which provides torque in opposition to the frictional torque as the lid nears the closed position, be capable of overwhelming the friction mechanism in order to perform its intended function. This placed a strain on the cam mechanism, resulting in the need for a stronger heavier hinge, and stronger heavier attachment points in the laptop. By controlling the magnitude of the friction by substantially reducing it at the moment of cam engagement, the cam hinge becomes a far more practical device.

Abstract: A simple and compact hinge structure pivotally and detachably fixes a lid to a housing. The hinge structure has a shaft provided for the housing and a bearing unit provided for the lid. The bearing unit has a shaft-attaching/detaching opening for attaching or detaching the shaft in the axial direction. The bearing unit further includes a first bearing for receiving one portion of the peripheral surface of the shaft and a second bearing for receiving another portion of the peripheral surface of the shaft. The first bearing and the second bearing face each other. The space between the first bearing and the second bearing becomes narrower as it is closer to the shaft-attaching/detaching opening. The second bearing is formed of a leaf spring. With this arrangement, even if an excessive force is applied to the lid or the housing, it is possible to prevent both the elements from being destroyed.

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.

Abstract: A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.

Abstract: In order to keep the braking moment in doors with a pivoting brake for the continuously progressive braking moment variation with different inclinations of the pivoting axis of the doors to the vertical within a determined range, rules given for calculating said braking moment, especially in relation to the braking moment thereof causing the door to be unintentionally closed and for an advantageous variation of said braking moment over a door pivoting angle.

Abstract: A hinged, at least two-parted, electronic device. The hinge of the device comprises a tapered hinge pin (140) supported to a first turning part (110) and, matching with the pin, a tapered bowl (170) fixed to a second turning part (120+130), against which bowl the hinge pin rubs pushed by a spring (150). The hinge pin has as an extension of the tapered section a cylindrical section. When the hinge pin and/or the tapered bowl are worn the hinge pin (140) sinks deeper in the tapered bowl maintaining its friction properties essentially unchanged. The device preferably comprises also a second hinge (190+191,160), and the spring preferably continues forming the hinge axis of the second hinge (160). The hinge construction preferably comprises also means for passing a thin coaxial cable (CBL) from the base of the hinge to the vicinity of the hinge line to a section essentially parallel with the hinge line.

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.

Abstract: A self-latching hinge for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member is provided. The hinge comprises a hinge housing connected to one of the first and second members. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the hinge housing, with the shaft being connected to the other of the first and second members. A cam is located on the shaft. A rotatable roller is located in the housing adjacent to the cam such that as the shaft is rotated, the cam contacts and rotates the roller. Contact between the roller and the cam at a specified angle of rotation causes interference between the roller and the cam to create an increased latching torque which must be overcome for movement of the shaft. A portable computer is also provided having a self-latching hinge located between the display housing and the processor housing.

Abstract: In order to fabricate a hinge device for opening and closing an opening and closing member which is opened and closed one-sidedly or relatively in respect of a main body of the device in a small size, with a structure as simple as possible and inexpensively, the device is constituted by a shaft installed with a flange portion at one end portion thereof, a fixing member having a rotational lock which is engaged with other end portion of the shaft such that the fixing member does not come of f the other end portion and fixed to one connecting portion of the opening and closing member which is constituted to be rotatable along with the shaft, a fixed cam having a rotational lock which is fixed to other connecting portion of the opening and closing member while rotatably inserting the rotating shaft through a central portion thereof on a side of the flange portion of the rotating shaft, a rotary sliding cam which is installed between the fixed cam and the fixing member, engaged with the shaft inserted through a c

Abstract: In order to provide a closing device for an original cover in which a spring case is not cracked or broken during use even if zircon by which the spring case can be cheaply manufactured and which has excellent mechanical characteristics is especially used, the closing device has the spring case made of a synthetic resin provided for either an attaching member attached to a machine body or a supporting member for holding the original cover rotatably connected to the attaching member via a hinge pin and the rotation moment of the original cover attached to the supporting member is controlled by using a compression force of a compression coil spring housed in the spring case, wherein a reinforcing frame member made of a metal for reinforcing the spring case is attached to the spring case.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning hinge for use in a portable computer or an electronic dictionary having a main unit and an LCD display, the hinge comprising a pivotal member for mounting the hinge to the main unit; a substantially disk-shaped cam block non-rotatably provided around the pivotal member; a pivotal base rotatably for mounting the hinge to the LCD display. By biasing against the cam block, this invention allows the LCD display of a portable computer to pivot with respect to the main unit so as to adjust the orientation of the LCD display e. This invention can be simply assembled, includes a low number of components, and is of a relatively compact size.