On Hinge Pin Or Between Surfaces Surrounding Hinge Axis Patents (Class 16/342)
  • Publication number: 20100212111
    Abstract: An attempt is made to miniaturize and reduce a thickness of a folding type portable terminal. There are provided a turning shaft member 51 having a shaft section 58; a friction member 54; an urging member 55; and a bearing member 52 including an accommodation section 63 for accommodating the friction member 54 and the urging member 55 and an insertion hole 62 which is in mutual communication with the accommodation section 63 and which retains the shaft section 58 in a turnable manner. The urging member 55 urges the friction member 54 when predetermined deflection is imparted to the urging member 55. The urged friction member 54 contacts an outer periphery of the shaft section 58 and also urges the outer periphery of the shaft section 58. The shaft section 58 of the turning shaft member 51 is configured so as to turn while generating sliding friction against the friction member 54 and the bearing member 52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Satou, Kazuhiro Konishi, Kazunori Kouno, Eiji Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20100192328
    Abstract: A locking device for securing a motor vehicle component which is displaceable relative to a motor vehicle structure and which may be secured by means of the locking device within a displacement range in a respective position of rest reached by displacement is provided. The locking device comprising at least one first frictional element and at least one second frictional element, which is moved relative to the first frictional element upon displacement of the motor vehicle component and thereby may slide with a friction surface along a friction surface of the first frictional element under sliding friction conditions and which, in a respective position of rest of the motor vehicle component, with its friction surface bears against the friction surface of the second frictional element under static friction conditions. A flowable additional medium is provided which may be brought, upon a relative movement of the frictional elements, between their friction surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Georg Scheck, Alwin Macht, Hans-Ullrich Karsch, Steffen Brosius, Sebastian Heinze, Andre Schade
  • 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: 7743467
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge positioning structure (20) includes a base (22), a pivot shaft (24) engaged in the base, a pivot shaft gripper (264), and a resilient member (266). The pivot shaft is rotatably engaged in the base. The pivot shaft gripper is sleeved on the pivot shaft. An end of the pivot shaft gripper is engaged with the base so that part of the pivot shaft gripper is fixed to the base. Two ends of the resilient member are connected to the base and another end of the pivot shaft gripper, respectively. The resilient member applies a force on the pivot shaft gripper so that the pivot shaft gripper tightly grips on the pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft gripper is relaxed by an external force for allowing the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the base. The present invention further provides a hinge positioning unit (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Ying-Jun Peng, Jian Li
  • Patent number: 7743465
    Abstract: A damping hinge apparatus includes a hinge and a damper. The damper has a damping shell, a damping cover, a damping body, an outer gasket and a rotating body. The damping cover is fixed in the damping shell and has a center hole defined, an inner wall of the center hole defines a plurality of loop-shaped groove perpendicular to the center hole and parallel each other. The damping body has a column portion received in the center hole, the column portion protrudes outward to form a plurality of rotating plates perpendicular to the column portion and parallel each other. The rotating plates engage the corresponding loop-shaped grooves. A bottom of the column portion connects a connecting portion located beneath the damping cover. The outer gasket is arranged around the connecting portion and against an inner side of the damping shell. Damping oil is filled between the outer gasket, the damping shell and the damping body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-Han Lin
  • Patent number: 7746628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device having two casings connected with each other through a hinge member such that the casings can open and close with respect to each other. The electronic device includes a hinge member suitable for mounting a large size display panel. The second casing includes a back face and a sidewall having a projection which projects inward between the back face and the sidewall, the hinge member includes a first fixing member fixed to the first casing and a second fixing member fixed to the second casing, and one end of the second fixing member is engaged with and fixed to the second casing in a state where the one end enters a gap between the back face and the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masaya Takayanagi, Masaki Iwata
  • Publication number: 20100146734
    Abstract: This invention relates to multiple configurations of devices to restrain a door or similar hinged, swinging appliance from autonomously swinging away from an initial fully or partially opened position to which it has been adjusted. No external, unattached parts are employed. The invention is applicable to any hinged, swinging object. It includes the use of either linear friction, such as through the use of compression nuts and springs applied to the hinged pin, so as to force the hinged knuckles into contact and frictional engagement. Another concept is the use of radial friction, through the application of either a slotted spring pin, or a spiral spring pin, that locates within the knuckles of the hinge components, to add friction to their pivotal movement when opening or closing of a door, or other structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis J. Munson, Dale E. Aunspach
  • Patent number: 7735797
    Abstract: An adjustable pivoting device for panel display has a body and a mounting assembly. The body has a controller that is capable of longitudinal movement and two motivating elements that are capable of transversal movement. The controller has actuating slots formed slantwise through the controller. Each motivating element has a latch and an engaging element slidably mounted in one of the actuating slots of the controller, thereby the motivating elements are moved transversely when the controller is moved. The mounting assembly is pivotally mounted with a stand and has two latching elements that rotate simultaneously with the stand and has multiple teeth selectively engage the latches to limit a rotation of the stand. Accordingly, the adjustable pivoting device allows the stand to be adjusted to different positions for freely changing a status or an angle of the panel display and is convenient in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Lung Hu
  • Patent number: 7735198
    Abstract: A pivotable bracket is provided such that a constant moment of friction is present at the hinge (4). A first hinge part (5) is provided, which has a cylindrical pin (6) and a contact surface (11). A second hinge part (12) is provided, which has a bearing bush (13), which can be pushed over the pin (6), with two friction surfaces (15, 16) directed at right angles to the central axis (14). The second hinge part (12) is braced against the contact surface (11) by means of a tensioning device (7, 19, 20, 21, 22) arranged on the upper side of the pin (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar Petermann, Gunnar Wiegandt, Stefan Papendieck
  • Patent number: 7716787
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a first part to a second part, including a shaft which connects the first part and the second part to one another in a pivotable manner. A rotational movement of the shaft entrains the first part in rotation, and the second part is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The first part is arranged on the shaft in an axially moveable fashion and can be engaged with the second part, and at least one damping element is assigned to the shaft and to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Edscha AG
    Inventors: Ralf Duning, Gundolf Heinrichs, Peter Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7719827
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first unit and a second unit connected via a hinge member. The second unit has, at a lower end, a rod section having a cylindrical shape and extending laterally. The rod section has a notch portion formed by making a cut in the cylindrical shape at a position corresponding to a fixed section of the hinge member. The first unit includes: a first cover that includes a plate portion forming a part of a top surface of the first unit, and a rising portion having an arc shape fitted to a cylindrical contour of the rod section and covering a first space of the notch portion; and a second cover that has an arc shape fitted to the cylindrical contour of the rod section and covers a second space of the notch portion while covering the notch portion in combination with the rising portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Mihara, Ikki Tatsukami, Masahiko Hoshi
  • Patent number: 7707689
    Abstract: A folder-type communication terminal is disclosed in which a gap generated between a first and a second body or a breakage of a side hinge arm can be reduced. The mobile communication terminal includes a first body and a second body rotatably coupled using a hinge, and at least one hinge-reinforcing member disposed between the hinge members of the first and the second bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Wun Kim
  • Publication number: 20100088853
    Abstract: A portable computer is provided that has a housing. Upper and lower portions of the housing may be joined using a hinge. A clutch mechanism may be associated with the hinge. The clutch mechanism may exhibit asymmetrical friction during opening and closing of the portable computer housing portions. Additional closing force may help to prevent the computer from having a lid that is too easy to close, without overwhelming the clutch with unnecessary friction. The clutch may have a clutch spring that is attached to a clutch shaft using a slot in the shaft. A lobe may be provided in the spring in the vicinity of the slot. A protective cap may be provided over the tip of the shaft to prevent damage to nearby wires. A friction band in the clutch may be used to directly engage an end of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Patrick Kessler, Chris Ligtenberg
  • Patent number: 7690082
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-directional spindle construction, comprising a fixed part which is a seat having a rod hole, at least a sleeve on one side, and an axle hole disposed in the sleeve; at least a horizontal coupler which is a rod provided with an elastic axle fittingly inserted to the axle hole on one side and a linking portion on the other side; a vertical coupler which is also a rod provided with an elastic axle inserted through the rod hole of the fixed part to be secured vertically; and a rotating part which is a tubular body disposed with a sleeve to be insertingly connected to the axle, such that the axle of the horizontal coupler may rotate in the sleeve of the fixed part to achieve lifting open or close and the axle sleeve of the rotating part may freely rotate on the shaft of the vertical coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Chieh Chuang
  • Patent number: 7690081
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first connector, a lining, a bush and a second connector. The first connector includes a root and a socket extended from the root. The root can be connected to a host of a laptop computer. The lining is fit in the socket so that the lining cannot be rotated in the socket. The bush is fit in the lining so that the bush cannot be rotated in the lining. The second connector includes a shaft and a plate extended from the shaft. The shaft is rotationally inserted in the bush. The plate can be connected to a liquid crystal display of the laptop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Jr-Jiun Chern
  • Publication number: 20100077565
    Abstract: A hinge capable of being positioned at any angle, comprises a male hinge 1 having a penetrating axial hole 11 with a non-round cross section; a female hinge 2 having a receiving opening 20 for receiving the male hinge 1; each of two sides of the receiving opening 20 has a respective penetrating hole 21, 22; one penetrating hole 21 of the male hinge 1 having an inner thread 23 and a friction surface 24; a pivot shaft 3 capable of passing through the male hinge 1 and female hinge 2; a screwing element 4 positioned at one end of the pivot shaft 3; the screwing element 4 being coaxial to and non-rotatable with respect to the pivot shaft 3; the screwing element 4 being threaded to the inner thread; the pivot shaft 3 having a damping unit 32 which is adhered to the friction surface 24; the pivot shaft 3 being formed with an interact section 31; a cross section of the interact section 31 being identical to that the penetrating hole 11 of the male hinge 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Kuo Huang
  • Publication number: 20100071162
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a stationary member, a rotating member, and a pivotal shaft. The stationary member forms a position protrusion. The rotating member defines a receiving depression to receive the position protrusion. The pivotal shaft includes an elastic portion. The stationary member and the rotating member are positioned on the pivotal shaft such that the position protrusion is received in the receiving depression. The rotating member is non-rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The stationary member is rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The elastic portion deforms to push the rotating member to firmly engage the stationary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIN-XIN WANG
  • Publication number: 20100071163
    Abstract: A pivot hinge for roof windows with a sash pivoting around the axis located between the upper and the lower member of a window, has a balancing system, which ensures the state of equilibrium of a window sash when its centre of gravity is located outside the sash rotating axis and the friction spring of the hinge is unable to hold the sash pivoted in each its position. At the same time the window fittings, its assembly, installation in a roof and its appearance remain unchanged. Also the method of separating of both hinge parts (taking a sash out of a window frame) remains unchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: FAKRO PP SPOLKA Z O.O.
    Inventor: Ryszard Florek
  • 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: 20100050387
    Abstract: An interference assembly comprises a first element defining a first side and a through hole, and a second element rotatably relative to the first element, with defining a first surface facing and corresponding to the first side. Two staggered first raised portions along a circumference of the first element protrude from the first side. Two staggered second raised portions around the through hole protrude from the first side. The first raised portions communicate with the corresponding second raised portions. The second element defines a fixing hole, two first depressed portions staggered along a circumference in the first surface, and two second depressed portions staggered around the fixing hole in the first surface. The first depressed portions also communicate with the corresponding second depressed portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHIN-YUAN WANG, XIN-RU OU-YANG
  • Patent number: 7665185
    Abstract: A hinge assembly containing a receiver member having a corrugated inner surface and a locking pin for being pivotally disposed within the receiver portion about an axis. The locking pin and receiver member have complementary corrugated engaging surfaces that allow the hinge to provide support for a cantilevered structure when the pin and receiver are engaged. When the complimentary pin and receiver are disengaged, the pin member can be incrementally rotated so as to allow the cantilevered structure to be positioned in a different position or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Vackar
  • Publication number: 20100037431
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve defines a receiving space along an axial direction, and a depressed part at its distal end. The second element includes an elastic shaft rotatably received in the receiving space, and a protruding portion protruding from the shaft being capable of sliding into the depressed part. A collapsible device utilizing the hinge is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-WEI CHIANG
  • Patent number: 7661176
    Abstract: A hinge assembly attaches a cover pivotally to a base of an electronic device and has a stationary leaf, a bushing and a pivoting leaf The stationary leaf is attached to the base and has a barrel and two slots. Each slot is formed in the barrel. The bushing is mounted in the barrel and has two end edges and two securing members. Each securing member is formed from the bushing and is mounted in the corresponding slot. The pivoting leaf is mounted rotatably in the bushing and attaches to the cover. Consequently, the hinge has a small bushing and uses less material reducing the size and weight of the hinge assembly, and the same of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, Ting-Hsien Wang
  • Publication number: 20100024167
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve defines a receiving space along an axial direction, and at lest one locating hole communicating with the receiving space in a circumference of the shaft sleeve. The second element includes an elastic shaft rotatable received in the receiving space, and a locating protrusion on a circumference of the shaft engagable in one of the at least one locating hole. A collapsible device utilizing the hinge is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-WEI CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20100018020
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-hinge pivoting two pieces of an electric device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) forming a shaft having a mounting end and a rotating portion and a round block between the mounting end and rotating portion; b) forming a sleeve having a slot and an inner diameter slightly smaller than an outer diameter of the rotating portion; c) providing a connecting element having an connecting end and an extending end; d) combining the connecting end and sleeve; and e) inserting the rotating portion into the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Kuo-Hua Huang
  • Patent number: 7643272
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fastener and a display of a portable computer using the same and methods thereof can reduce a thickness, cost or weight of a display panel. The fastener can include at least a pair of columns spaced apart from each other, a connection for connecting the pair of columns, and first and second catching jaws that can be formed on different portions of the fastener (e.g., lateral sides) such that a part to be coupled can be caught thereto. The first and second catching jaws can be separated by a prescribed height. A front and rear case of a display of a portable computer include a catching hook and the fastener, respectively, so an inverter or the like can be secured in the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Suk Yang, Lai O Kang
  • Publication number: 20090300883
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher J. Vitito, Jeffrey D. Brawner
  • Publication number: 20090293229
    Abstract: A hinge includes a base, a sleeve and a shaft. The base defines a U-shaped slot. The sleeve includes at least one sleeve part and a U-shaped stand for being tightly received in the U-shaped slot of the base. The shaft includes a spindle for being rotationally received in the at least one sleeve part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-WEI CHIANG
  • Patent number: 7607202
    Abstract: A hinge has a stationary leaf, multiple resilient flat washers and a pintle. The stationary leaf has a sleeve. The resilient flat washers are mounted in the sleeve and each resilient flat washer has a ring and a key wing. The ring has a receiving recess formed in a first surface and a mounting rib formed in a second surface. The receiving recess of each resilient flat washer engages the mounting rib of a corresponding resilient flat washer. With the engagements of the receiving recesses and the mounting ribs, the resilient flat washers are connected to each other to enhance the strength of the resilient flat washers. Therefore, the resilient flat washers are strong enough to bear the abrasion for long term use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 7607201
    Abstract: A multi-section hinge mechanism includes a shaft (10), a rotary member (20), and an elastic member (30). The rotary member defines a through hole (26) running through the disk. The shaft is rotatably received in the through hole. The rotary member defines a plurality of concaves (282) in an inner circumferential surface portion thereof. The elastic member includes an elastic arm (32) and a fixing portion. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the rotary member. The shaft non-rotatably connects with the fixing portion of the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Chun-jen Lin
  • Patent number: 7600298
    Abstract: A hinge rotative on two mutual orthogonal axes, it is used in electronic equipment having a screen and a main body; the hinge has a fixing plate having thereon a rotation seat rotative on a vertical axis relatively to the fixing plate and has two connecting legs rotative on a horizontal axis. A nut above the rotation seat is used to screw lock to a rotation shaft, thereby twisting force on the rotation seat can be adjusted; and the connecting legs each has a resilient sleeve forming thereon a plane or forming on its lateral side a strip protruding inwards, by cooperation of the planes/strips with surfaces/recesses on shafts of the connecting legs extending into the resilient sleeves, better positioning effects are obtained; and a connecting area between the rotation shaft and the fixing plate is given with four protrusions, hence the hinge gets a stable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hui Chen, Tien-Yueh Hsu
  • Patent number: 7600296
    Abstract: A hinge structure includes a pivot shaft, a knuckle receiving the pivot shaft rotatably therein, and a disc locking mechanism. The knuckle has a front-end face formed with a retention recess. The locking mechanism includes a positioning disc disposed adjacent to the front-end face of the knuckle to permit extension of the pivot shaft therethrough, and having an inner surface facing the front-end face and formed with a reception recess. The positioning disc is rotatable simultaneously with the pivot shaft. A roller is sandwiched between the front-end face and the positioning disc in such a manner to engage the retention recess and the reception recess when the retention recess is aligned with the reception recess, thereby preventing rotation of the pivot shaft in the knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Protorsion Hinge Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin-Kai Hung
  • Patent number: 7596832
    Abstract: An electronic device associated with a rotational casing includes a panel with a mount groove being joined to the rotational casing. The casing has a main body, which is composed of a first casing part and a second casing part, and a hinge. The main body has a projection part at a lateral side thereof and is received in the mount groove. The projection part extends outward a lateral side of the mount groove and is received in a locating groove of the panel corresponding to the projection part. The hinge is composed of a first hinge part and a second hinge part. The first hinge part is joined to another lateral side of the main body and an end of the second hinge part extends outward another lateral side of the mount groove and is joined to the panel. The present invention can hide the pivotal components and electrical wires to allow the rotational main body associated with the electronic device providing a sense of integral beauty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Ju Hsieh, Chi-Chun Chiang, Chin-Chia Chang
  • Publication number: 20090241291
    Abstract: A pivot joint for a single blade spring tensioner or double blade spring tensioner generates a biased friction loss at a pivot joint. The friction torque generated in one direction of joint rotation is greater than the friction torque generated in the opposite direction of rotation. In one embodiment, the direction of torque bias at the joints is used to make the damping of the blade spring greater in compression than in extension. High damping in compression and low damping in extension is a desirable characteristic for a tensioner in most applications. The device may be designed to act as a one-way clutch or as a two-way clutch. The device may also be designed to apply large friction torques only when the joint undergoes large amplitude motions (loss of control).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Michael Smart
  • Publication number: 20090225558
    Abstract: A light on a self-supporting collapsible arm having a plurality of frictionally restrained articulating joints, where the frictional joint has a male half joint with a first plate and an annular shaft with an inner wider diameter. In the surface of the first plate is a first O-ring seated in a first groove. A matching female half joint has a second plate and coaxial to the bearing in the surface of the second plate is a second O-ring seated in a second groove. The opposing side of the second plate of the female half joint has a third O-ring in a third groove. The third O-ring tensions a snap pin that couples the male and female half joints. The snap pin has a head with a compressible ridge which expands when the snap pin is pushed in far enough to engage the inner wider diameter of shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: RICHARD WARREN ATKINSON
  • Patent number: 7584525
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a body member having a mounting tab and a housing adapted to receive a plug. The plug is locked in the housing such that the plug is not rotatable relative to the housing. The hinge assembly also includes an elastomeric sleeve having two, flat, first peripheral surfaces, two, arcuate, second peripheral surfaces and a slit. A pintle includes a mounting tab and a connecting rod, with the connecting rod adapted to be inserted in the elastomeric sleeve. The connecting rod includes a cylindrical outer surface having a flat surface formed thereon. The flat surface corresponds with one of the first, flat, peripheral surfaces. The cylindrical outer surface corresponds with the second, arcuate, peripheral surfaces. The elastomeric sleeve and slit are expanded out by the pintle when the pintle rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jr-Jiun Chern
  • Patent number: 7581290
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hinge structure, comprising a pivot having a linking portion disposed with a circular axle axially and a smaller axle extending from the center of the front end of the shaft; a main frame having a connection portion which is formed axially to have a bush-like tube spring below for the insertion of the shaft, the tube spring being positioned to have a gap with the connection portion and one end of the wall of the tube spring being formed to have an notch; a cam member having a rotation part and fixed part between which is disposed with concurrent protruded and indented portions and which are installed inside the tube spring for the insertion of the axle, the rotation part being axially disposed with a protruded tenon, which is connected with the notch of the tube spring, and the fixed part being secured with the axle; and at least a resilient member insertingly connected with the axle and secured with the connection segment of the axle by an end enclosure, which presses and co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Hung Chang
  • Patent number: 7578031
    Abstract: A hinge structure includes a knuckle having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface being punched to protrude outwardly thereby forming a working surface defining a working region and a locking surface defining a locking region in spatial communication with the working region. The knuckle further has a slot axially extending through the inner and outer surfaces at the working region to provide resiliency thereof. A pivot shaft extends into the working region, and has a locking section and a working section. A roller unit is disposed within the locking region in such a manner to contact the shaft. When the locking section is aligned with the roller unit, the shaft is locked to the knuckle due to biasing action of the locking surface. When the working section is aligned with the roller unit, the shaft possesses a torque due to biasing action of the knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Protorsion Hinge Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin-Kai Hung
  • Patent number: 7578032
    Abstract: An angle-limiting hinge has a stationary leaf, a pivoting leaf, a pintle and a limiting element. The pintle is mounted statically in the stationary leaf and rotatably in the pivoting leaf, thereby allowing the leaves to rotate relative to each other and the pintle has a limit. The limit is C-shaped, formed diametrically around the pintle and comprises two ends being positive stops. The limiting element is mounted around the pintle and is secured to the pivoting leaf and has a limiting block mounted securely in the limiting element using riveting. The limiting block is disposed between the positive stops of the limit to limit relative rotational angles of the leaves. Accordingly, the angle-limiting hinge fastens and facilitates fabrication and is capable of limiting the rotational angle of the leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7564598
    Abstract: A hinge assembly capable of retaining a cable includes a hollow hub disposed on a first body, a bracket holder disposed on a second body, and an integrating member rotatably disposed on the hollow hub for integrating the hollow hub to the bracket holder and having a through hole and an external mounting part. The hollow hub inserts into the through hole. The external mounting part formed around an outer circumference of the through hole mounts the hollow hub on the bracket holder and abuts on the bracket holder. The integrating member is rotated to fix the hollow hub firmly to the bracket holder. The cable for electrically connecting the first body to the second body passes through the hollow hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Chia-Shin Lin
  • Publication number: 20090172916
    Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a pintle (10) including a first section (11) for pivotally connecting to a first coupling member (20) and a second section (12) for pivotally connecting to a second coupling member (30), two second positioning-limiting members (40) and a first friction device (50). The second coupling member includes a projection (312) and a protuberance (333) formed thereon. The first coupling member, the pintle and the second position-limiting members are adapted to be rotated simultaneously relative to the second coupling member, and one second positioning-limiting member can be rotated to contact the projection while the other be rotated to contact the protuberance for stopping a further increase in an angle of first coupling member relative to the second coupling member, and the first friction device are adapted to provide for force to hold the first coupling member at an angular relation relative to the second coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Jr-Jiun Chern
  • Patent number: 7549193
    Abstract: A hinge includes a pivot shaft affixed to a first member, a barrel affixed to a second member, a polygonal retaining split tube mounted in the barrel around the shaft body of the pivot shaft and hooked on an annular locating groove at the shaft body of the pivot shaft and forced by the inside wall of the barrel in friction engagement with the periphery of the shaft body of the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Ta Lee, Chao-Jui Lee
  • Publication number: 20090151123
    Abstract: A sheath type rotating axle structure is disclosed, comprising an axle receiver disposed with a slanted corner which is further formed to have a notch therein; a sheath part disposed with a sheath end and an extending end, wherein a flute is formed at the sheath end and a rim and an annular groove are disposed between the sheath end and the extending end; and a pivotal axle pivotally connected the sheath end, disposed at its front end with a protruding ring, and embeddingly engaged with an axle hole of a fixed base at its rear end, wherein the extending end of the sheath part may be securingly mounted onto the notch of the axle receiver and the protruding ring of the pivotal axle may be abutted against the rim and the annular groove of the sheath part such that the sheath part may generate frictional torque against the pivotal axle when the axle receiver is rotated with respect to the fixed base With the implementation of the present invention, the pivotal axle, the sheath part, and the axle receiver can be p
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Jui-Hung CHANG, Chun-Hung Hu
  • Patent number: 7543358
    Abstract: A multi-stage hinge assembly connected between first and second shell portions includes a first component, a second component and a connecting portion. At least one part of the first component is fixed to the first shell portion. A pivot extends from one side of the first component along a rotating axis. A protrusion is disposed on the pivot. At least one part of the second component is fixed to the second shell portion. The connecting portion is disposed beside the second component and pivots on the pivot. When the first component rotates relative to the second component, the pivot or connecting portion rotates about the rotating axis. First and second trenches are disposed in the connecting portion and separate it into first and second connecting portions. The first and second trenches are connected together and have different widths. The protrusion slides in the first or second trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: San-Feng Lin, Yi-Chuan Li
  • Publication number: 20090139115
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of hinge apparatus, which may be used, for example, to hingedly connect upper and lower frame members of a device or tool. In one embodiment of a hinge apparatus, first and second linking members each include a base portion, sidewalls, and flange portions. The flange portions define sets of openings configured to receive a portion of a first connector, for selectively adjusting the angular orientation of the upper frame member relative to the lower frame member in an open, ready-for-use configuration. The linking members include connector openings configured to receive a portion of a second connector. When the first connector is not engaged with any set of openings, the upper frame member is pivotably movable relative to the lower frame member about the second connector to a closed, collapsed configuration in which the upper frame member is alongside the lower frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SNOW SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark Noonan, Stephen C. Fog
  • Patent number: 7533448
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first connector, a second connector and a third connector. The first connector includes a first section and a second section extending from the first section at a right angle. The second connector includes a sleeve and a plate secured to the second section of the first connector. The third connector includes a pivot inserted in the sleeve and a plate extending from the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jr-Jiun Chern
  • Patent number: 7530144
    Abstract: A rotatable hinge includes a fixed frame provided to be adapted for engagement with a laptop computer base and a rotatable portion rotatable relative to the fixed frame and provided to be adapted for engagement with a laptop computer screen. The fixed frame is composed of a circular wall and a connection base integrally formed with the circular wall. The rotation portion has an extension extending from a bottom of the sleeve to be received in a through hole defined in the circular wall so that the rotation portion is able to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion. The extension has a flange formed thereon and a sectorial block formed on an outer periphery of the flange. The circular wall has a limiting boss formed on a peripheral edge thereof to be selectively connected to the sectorial block so as to limit the rotational movement of the rotation portion relative to the fixed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Chung-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 7530145
    Abstract: A cover restricting mechanism (8) is adapted for use in a foldable electronic device (9). The foldable electronic device includes a cover (10). The cover restricting mechanism includes a projection (31), a housing (20), and a stopping element (32). The projection is provided at one end of the cover. The housing has an inner surface and a corresponding cavity. The stopping element is provided at the inner surface of the housing, and, when the foldable electronic device is in an open position the projection abuts the stopping element. The stopping element is made of an elastomeric material and is configured for slowing the movement of the projection and, thus, the cover once abutment occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Peng-Jin Ge, Shui-Yuan Qin, Rui-Hao Chen, Xing-Huang Luo, Hsiao-Hua Tu, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20090106939
    Abstract: A torsion adjustment structure, member, and method for hinge device uses the hole diameters of a plurality of enclosing ends of an enclosing part as the torsion adjustment means, in which the interferences between the external pivoting diameter of the pivotal axle and the hole diameters of the plurality of the enclosing ends are different, such that the total torsion can be easily adjusted and the product's applicability can be expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jui-Hung CHANG
  • Publication number: 20090089976
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge positioning structure (20) includes a base (22), a pivot shaft (24) engaged in the base, a pivot shaft gripper (264), and a resilient member (266). The pivot shaft is rotatably engaged in the base. The pivot shaft gripper is sleeved on the pivot shaft. An end of the pivot shaft gripper is engaged with the base so that part of the pivot shaft gripper is fixed to the base. Two ends of the resilient member are connected to the base and another end of the pivot shaft gripper, respectively. The resilient member applies a force on the pivot shaft gripper so that the pivot shaft gripper tightly grips on the pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft gripper is relaxed by an external force for allowing the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the base. The present invention further provides a hinge positioning unit (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhe) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, YING-JUN PENG, JIAN LI