On Hinge Pin Or Between Surfaces Surrounding Hinge Axis Patents (Class 16/342)
  • Publication number: 20030046793
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member. A cylindrical pintle is secured to the second member. A friction element secured to the first member includes first and second cylindrical walls that wrap at least substantially circumferentially around the pintle in opposing first and second directions, respectively, providing equal resistance to relative rotation therebetween in both directions. A protuberance extends radially from the pintle, into a corresponding slot in at least one of the cylindrical walls, and engages an end of the slot when the first member and second member achieve a first predefined angular relationship, the friction element storing energy from relative movement between the friction element and pintle when the protuberance is engaged at the slot end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene Novin, David A. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6530123
    Abstract: The present invention is a friction torque hinge and method for making the same. The friction torque hinge comprises a rotatable shaft, at least one frictional element and an element housing. The frictional elements are mounted on and frictionally engage the shaft. The frictional elements have an outer element shape. The element housing has an inner cavity with a shape that matches the outer element shape of the frictional elements. The element housing contacts substantially the entire outer element shape of the plurality of frictional elements. This prevents relative rotation of the element housing and the frictional elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: David Wahlstedt
  • Publication number: 20030042109
    Abstract: A mechanism useful as a slip clutch or brake comprises a first member having a cylindrical inner wall, a second generally cylindrical member received coaxial within the first member and at least one third generally annular member between the first and second members and having frictional engagement with the inner wall of the first member. The second member has a longitudinal recess defined by a chordal wall or walls on radii from the longitudinal axis of the second member. The at least one third member has its ends bent inwardly forming arms extending inwardly into the recess and arranged to be contacted by or contact one of the recess defining walls upon rotation of one of said first and second members. Upon rotation of the first member as a driving member, the second member is driven through the frictional contact of the third member with the inner wall and the arms of the at least one third member acting on the recess defining walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip H. Bacon
  • Patent number: 6527338
    Abstract: A hinge mounts an arm on a chair. A sleeve is secured to one side of the chair back. A shaft is rotatably received in the sleeve. The shaft can be retained within the sleeve by a retainer that is formed separate from or as a part of the shaft. The shaft is fastened to the arm of the chair. The shaft and sleeve have sector shaped extensions extending along the axis of rotation of the shaft that are engageable to position the arm in a generally horizontal position while allowing the arm to be rotated upwardly by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kracor, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Greene
  • Patent number: 6523224
    Abstract: Slits 53, 53 are each formed in one pair of first opposite side portions 5a, 5b of a hinge body 5. By this, one pair of second opposite side portions 5c, 5d of the hinge body 5 can resiliently be deformed such that an interval between the second opposite side portions 5c, 5d varies. An outside interval W between the second opposite side portions 5c, 5d, at an opening end, of the hinge main body 5 is designed to be larger than an inside interval between one pair of opposite inner surfaces of a receiving hole 21a. By this, the one pair of second side portions 5c, 5d of the hinge main body 5 are press contacted with opposite inner surfaces of the receiving hole 21a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Katsuya Imai
  • Patent number: 6520698
    Abstract: In a keyboard input unit whose cover member covering the top of a keyboard body is divided into at least a first segment and a second segment, the segments are foldably connected by a connecting section. The connecting section has: a first cylindrical part with a through hole provided on the first segment; a second cylindrical part provided on the second segment and having at one end a pin stopping section, the second cylindrical part being arranged on substantially the same axial line as the first cylindrical part; a connecting pin inserted from the first cylindrical part through the second cylindrical part; and an elastic stopper formed integrally with the first segment or the second segment in a position on the first cylindrical part contrary to the second cylindrical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshirou Koutaka
  • Patent number: 6513197
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Torqmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Rude, Yury Karfiol
  • Patent number: 6510588
    Abstract: A turning mechanism for providing a turning motion, and a hinged electronic device. The turning mechanism comprises a power element which is arranged to generate the turning force for the turning motion, and a damping element which is arranged to control the speed of the turning motion. The damping element comprises a substantially cylindrical casing inside of which a spindle is mounted using a clearance fit. The power element is connected with respect to the spindle to allow the spindle to rotate inside the casing along with the turning motion. The clearance fit between the casing and the spindle is provided with an elastic medium which controls the motion of the spindle with respect to the casing and dampens the stopping of the turning motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Marko Eromäki
  • Patent number: 6507977
    Abstract: A computer hinge has a sleeve and a shaft. The sleeve has a tubular portion with an inner surface, an outer surface, a slit peripherally defined through the tubular portion, grooves and a receiving recess defined in the inner surface of the tubular portion. The shaft has a journal with an outer surface integrally formed with the second connection plate and has at least one meander-line recess defined in the outer surface of the journal and a flange formed on the outer surface of the journal to correspond to the receiving recess in the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6490758
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a metallic shaft 10 has an axis as a rotational center. A support block 20 is molded in synthetic resin (PC, PAR, PPS or the like) around the metallic shaft 10 so that the support block 20 is relatively rotatable with respect to the metallic shaft 10.The support block 20 is held at any angular position by a surface friction resistance between the support block 20 and the metallic shaft 10. In addition, an outer surface of the metallic shaft 10 is processed with a surface treatment to attain a surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 0.15 to 0.35 m. This ensures a stable surface frictional resistance between the support block 20 and the metallic shaft 10 with minimum scratch and stickslip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Hayashida, Masato Uneme
  • Patent number: 6490759
    Abstract: The invention relates to motor vehicle door hinges with a braking and holding function, consisting of a first hinge half (1) which can be fixed to a door assembly part, door or door post, a second hinge half (2) which can be fixed to the other door assembly part and a hinge pin (3) which consists of a solid material and which connects the two hinge halves (1,2) in such a way that they pivot. The hinge pin (3) is connected to the gudgeon (5) of one hinge half (2) in such a way that it is rotationally fixed and is mounted in the gudgeon (4) of the other hinge half (1) with a running fit. The curvature (7) of the cross-section of said hinge pin also deviates from that of a perfect circle at least over a section (6) of the longitudinal part of the hinge pin which is associated with the particular gudgeon (4), this corresponding with a complementary configuration of the gudgeon bore of the gudgeon of the hinge half in which the hinge pin is mounted with its running fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Brueckner, Nils Magnus
  • Patent number: 6477738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door stop for motor vehicle doors which is integrated with a demountable door hinge. The door hinge is comprised of two hinge halves (1, 2) and a hinge pin (3) which is accommodated in hinge half (2) with a running fit and in the other hinge half (1) such that it can be lifted off without turning. The door stop comprises braking or holding means which are radially aligned in relation to the hinge pin axis and which interact with stopping means concentrically arranged in relation to the hinge pin axis. The door stop assembly is primarily accommodated in a door stop housing (12). Said door stop housing is placed, in an axial projection (11) of the hinge axis. The hinge pin is mounted with a running fit in the hinge half (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Kremer, Nils Magnus
  • Patent number: 6473938
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge providing a pivotal connection, with a braking force against pivoting between a cylindrical holding body and a shaft body. The hinge includes a cylindrical holding body having a circular section hollow portion and provided with a mounting part, a shaft body having, at its tip, a cylindrical portion in which at least one axially extending slot is formed and a mounting part on the base end side of the cylindrical part, and a spring press-fitted into a portion of the cylindrical part where the slot is formed. The portion of the cylindrical part where the slot is formed, in turn, is press-fitted into the hollow of the cylindrical holding body. Since the independent spring is press-fitted into the cylindrical part of the shaft body, the hinge acts a stable braking force on the pivoting motion between the cylindrical holding body and the shaft body over a long period of time without age-based reduction in elastic force of the spring 3, even if frequently operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mizuki Seimitu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yoshigashima, Ken Ono
  • Publication number: 20020157213
    Abstract: A cam portion 5 is composed of a first to fifth arcuate surfaces 51 to 55. The first arcuate surface 51 is arranged such that when a cover member C of a cellular telephone is located in a neutral position, a plate spring portion 22 contacts a crossing portion 56 where the first arcuate surface 51 crosses an orthogonal line Lp passing through a center of curvature of the first arcuate surface 51 and orthogonal to a rotation axis L. A second and a third arcuate surface, 52, 53 are arranged on both sides of the first arcuate surface 51. Radii of curvature of the second and third arcuate surfaces are set to be smaller than a radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 51.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Katsuya Imai
  • Patent number: 6470532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: TorqMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward T. Rude
  • Patent number: 6467129
    Abstract: A friction hinge device includes a housing, and a torsion spring held fixed within the housing. The torsion spring has an outer surface with a predetermined diameter, an inner surface differentiating in diameter, and a breakthrough hole defined by the inner surface. The outer surface of the torsion spring has a protrusion. The inner surface of the torsion spring is formed with a pair of first diameter portions facing to each other and second diameter portions disposed between the first diameter portions. The second diameter portion has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first diameter portion. A shaft bar is fitted into the breakthrough hole of the torsion spring such that a center portion of the shaft bar tightly contacts the first diameter portion of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Heun-Jong Bae
  • Publication number: 20020144378
    Abstract: A free-positioning hinge includes a rotary shaft and a sleeve. The free-positioning hinge is suitable to be used in an open-able device. The sleeve is formed by a plurality of equilateral triangular sheets which are stacked one by one. The center portion of each side of each triangular sheet is extended with a tongue. The center of the triangular sheets is formed as a round main axial hole having a diameter approximately equal to that of the rotary shaft. Furthermore, at each apex of each triangular sheet aside the main axial hole is disposed with a semi-circular sub-hole so as to increase the flexibility of the equilateral triangular sheets. Therefore, oil stored in the sub-holes can be supplemented to the friction surface between the sleeve and the rotary shaft so as to retain in a lubricating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Chia Yu Liao
  • Publication number: 20020138946
    Abstract: A computer hinge has a sleeve and a shaft. The sleeve has a tubular portion with an inner surface, an outer surface, a slit peripherally defined through the tubular portion, grooves and a receiving recess defined in the inner surface of the tubular portion. The shaft has a journal with an outer surface integrally formed with the second connection plate and has at least one meander-line recess defined in the outer surface of the journal and a flange formed on the outer surface of the journal to correspond to the receiving recess in the tubular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6459887
    Abstract: A foldable portable telephone of the invention comprises a main body case 1, and a closure case 2 connected to the case 1 by a pair of hinge mechanisms 10, 10′. On the hinge mechanisms, 10, comprises cylindrical barrel portions 13, 22 provided respectively on the main body case 1 and the closure case 2, and a hinge assembly 4 inserted through the barrel portions. The hinge assembly 4 comprises a main body drive member in engagement with the barrel portion 13 on the main body case 1 nonrotatably relative thereto, a closure drive member in engagement with the barrel portion 22 on the closure case 2 nonrotatably relative thereto, a prime mover spring for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case 2, a holding mechanism for holding the closure case 2 in a closed position, a manual button 41 to be manipulated to open the closure case 2, and a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsumi Okuda
  • Patent number: 6453509
    Abstract: The display apparatus comprises a monitor for displaying image thereon; and a hinge arrangement for rotatably connecting the monitor to a body and thereby allowing a torque to be adjusted depending upon a rotation angle of the monitor. There is a fixed bracket (10), a rotating bracket (20), and rotatably mounted adjusting brackets (30, 40). Rotational contact between the rotating bracket (20) and the adjusting brackets (30, 40) adjusts the torque applied to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Hwa Shin
  • Patent number: 6446308
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism of the type for interconnecting two members in a manner such that the two members may be moved and placed in various positions in relation to one another. The tilt mechanism comprising: an outer mandrel connected to a first member; an intermediate mandrel connected to a second member, the intermediate mandrel being movably disposed about a portion of the outer mandrel; an inner mandrel in functional connection with the outer and intermediate mandrel; a first spring functionally connected about a portion of the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the first spring resists movement when moved in a first direction and releases tension when moved in a second direction; and a second spring functionally connected about a portion of the intermediate mandrel and the inner mandrel in a manner such that the second spring resists movement when moved in a second direction and releases tension when moved in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Gabriel Brewington, Richard Hunter Harris
  • Publication number: 20020121002
    Abstract: A hinge includes a shaft member and a pivot holder coupled together respectively fastened to two movable parts of a computer apparatus for enabling the movable parts to be turned relative to each other, the shaft member having a headed pivot rod mounted with a bushing, two rubber rings, a copper ring and a metal reinforcing ring, the pivot holder having a socket fastened to the bushing to protect the rubber rings against outside moisture, the rubber rings being squeezed against the shaft member to stop the shaft member from rotary motion relative to the pivot holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Wu
  • 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: 6438798
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first rigid element enclosing elastic elements that have at least one elastic end oriented so that the elastic elements extend into a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hinge. One end of the first rigid element is formed by a knuckle-piece, which is inserted between a pair of knuckles that together constitute the rigid second element. A pin passes through all the knuckles. A bush, disposed between a female hinge of the second rigid element and the pin, defines a peripheral surface which serves as a cam surface, against which at least one portion of the elastic elements is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Chene, Dominique Delamour, Olivier Rodi
  • Publication number: 20020112319
    Abstract: In the present invention, the transverse cross-section shape of a lubricant oil groove of a frictional resin body is formed to have a V shape where a lubricant oil is pooled and an oil film necessary to the smooth rotation of a rotation metal shaft is readily and positively formed and it is possible to prevent a breakage of the frictional resin body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Makoto Kida
  • Patent number: 6430776
    Abstract: A low cost and long lasting hinge mechanism suitable for hinging a cover to a housing of a device is disclosed. The hinge mechanism has a pair of pins attached to the cover and a corresponding pair of apertures on the housing. The pins fit into the apertures to hinge the cover to the housing to allow the cover to be tilted from a closed position to an open position. The aperture has a first portion and a second constricted portion. A pivoting point is provided on a tab on the housing. A corresponding cam-profiled section is provided on the cover for interacting with the pivoting point to urge the pin into the corresponding constricted portion of the aperture for securing the cover in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Yeow Paul Tan, Shyh Lai Long, Kwok Nan Philip Loh
  • Patent number: 6427287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door stop for motor vehicle doors which is integrated with a door hinge. The door hinge is constructed of two hinge halves which are each formed by a folded part made of sheet metal. The door hinge is also constructed of a hinge pin which pivotally connects both hinge halves to one another. The first hinge half having an essentially hat-shaped cross-section engages in-between both profile limbs of the other hinge half which is essentially u-shaped. The door stop comprises braking or holding means which are radially aligned in relation to the hinge pin axis and which intereact with stopping means, said stopping means being concentrically arranged in relation to the hinge pin axis. The door stop is essentially coaxial in relation to the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Brueckner, Dietmar Franke, Uwe Kirsten, Nils Magnus
  • Publication number: 20020092130
    Abstract: A hinge structure of an adjustable arm used in a document camera is provided, and the adjustable arm is capable of performing a pivotal movement on a base. The hinge structure includes a hinge device for articulating the adjustable arm and having an extended portion, a spacer mounted on the extended portion of the hinge device for providing a cushioning effect, a fastening device mounted on the hinge device for fastening the hinge device, and an elastic device mounted between the spacer and the fastening device for adjusting the hinge device, thereby compensating the pivotal movement of the adjustable arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Kou-Lung Tseng, Wolf Wang
  • Patent number: 6408485
    Abstract: A hinge includes a mounting frame and a pivot shaft coupled together and respectively fastened to two movable parts of a computer apparatus for enabling the movable parts to be turned relative to each other, the mounting frame having a barrel, the barrel having a tapered orifice at one end, the pivot shaft having a collar stopped at one end of the barrel and a head stopped at the other end of the barrel, a copper ring mounted on the shaft and fitted into the tapered orifice, and a springy rubber ring mounted on the pivot shaft and fitted into the tapered orifice and supported between the collar of the pivot shaft and the copper ring and adapted to support the pivot shaft in the barrel of the mounting frame in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Wu
  • Patent number: 6389643
    Abstract: A modular hinge includes a clutch module coupled to an extension arm for supporting an enclosure, such as a display enclosure for a portable computer. The clutch module and extension arm are fabricated as separate parts, and then assembled together to form essentially one permanent hinge. This arrangement allows the extension arm of the hinge to by-pass the prehardening heat treatment, which is required for the clutch module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Felicity Sy Hing Lim, Long Chew Theng
  • Patent number: 6385815
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device a support block 20 is molded in a synthetic resin around the metallic shaft 10 so that the support block 20 is rotatably supported by the metallic shaft 10. The support block 20 is held at any angles by a surface friction resistance between the support block 20 and the metallic shaft 10. The synthetic resin has a modulus of bending elasticity, a changing rate of which is up to 30% at an operating temperature ranging from −20 to 80° C. The support block 20 tightly engages with the metallic shaft 10 due to a residual stress appeared between the support block 20 and the metallic shaft 10 when cooling the synthetic resin to shrink. Due to the smaller changing rate of the modulus of bending elasticity, the surface friction resistance becomes stable between the support block 20 and the metallic shaft 10 under normal ambient temperature with the least amount of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Hayashida, Masato Uneme
  • Patent number: 6381809
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, an inequable strain distribution within a synthetic resin is determined to be 15% or less so as to increase a torque holding rate by 80% or more to tightly engage a support block 20 with a metallic shaft 10. This eliminates variations on a frictional torque with no substantial stickslip phenomenon, abnormal noise and initial scratches accompanied when pivotally moving the support block 20 relative to the metallic shaft 10 so as to maintain a stable surface friction resistance with good endurance for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Uneme, Takaaki Hayashida
  • Patent number: 6381808
    Abstract: There is provided a hinge rotatably connecting a first body to a sacond body, including (a) a main body to be fixed onto the first body, the main bodyr including a hollow cylindrical portion horizontally extending, (b) a rotation shaft fixed at one end to the second body and rotatably connected at the other end to the main body, (c) an outer collar connected to the hollow cylindrical portion of the main body in a direction in which the hollow cylindrical portion extended extends and (d) a frictional collar filling space therewith between the rotation shaft and both the outer collar and the hollow cylindrical portion. For instance, the first body may be a keyboard, and the second body may be a display screen in a note-type computer. The hinge ensures smooth rotation between the first and second bodies, and further ensures a greater upper limit in the rotation number than that of a conventional hinge used in a note-type computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Himu Electro Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Kida
  • Patent number: 6378171
    Abstract: A tilting hinge is provided which includes a first bracket consisting of a fixing plate portion and a bearing plate portion bent at a right angle relative to the fixing plate portion, the fixing plate portion being fixed to any one of the body of an apparatus and a component part of the apparatus, installed pivotably to the latter and the bearing plate portion having a non-circular bearing hole formed therein; a cylinder having a fixing portion formed at one end and a friction torque generating hole formed axially in it, the fixing end portion being inserted and fixed in the non-circular bearing hole in the bearing plate portion of the first bracket; a second bracket consisting of a fixing plate portion and a bearing plate portion bent at a right angle relative to the fixing plate portion, the fixing plate portion being fixed to the other of the body and component part of the apparatus and the bearing plate portion having formed in it a non-circular bearing hole; and a radially elastic spring pin having provi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naokazu Suzuki, Isao Nagashima, Oriya Fujita
  • Patent number: 6377444
    Abstract: A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface. The first and second body portions are pivotally hinged to rotate between a first position, in which said first plane and said second plane are at an obtuse angle, and a second position, in which the first plane and the second plane are oblique, such that in the second position the control panel is rotated at an angle greater than 180 degrees from the mounting surface. A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Price, Mark T. McClung, Ronald K. Hutt
  • Publication number: 20020042971
    Abstract: A hinge torsion device having a tubular sleeve is disclosed. The hinge torsion device is suitable for electronic devices (such as notebook computers or PDAs). The hinge torsion device comprises a friction element, and a rotary shaft. The friction element is tightly and coaxially inserted into the sleeve, and the rotary shaft is pivotally installed to the friction element. The friction element has an axial hole for being pivotally installed with the rotary shaft. The axial hole is disposed eccentrically. The wall of the friction element has a slot axially arranged and penetrating the wall of the friction element. Thereby, the strength of the cross section of the friction element is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Chia Yu Liao
  • Patent number: 6367122
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Kazusato Tagawa
  • Patent number: 6351373
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6349449
    Abstract: In order to achieve the situation where a pivotably mounted structural part, under the action of an adjusting force, is made to move indeed automatically but merely with braking and damping action, and thus at a reduced speed and with reduced kinetic energy, provision is made for the hinge which mounts the structural part to be equipped with a pivot brake, of which the braking force applied over the pivoting distance is smaller than the adjusting force and is adapted to the progression of the adjusting force over the pivoting distance. In selected regions, the braking force of the pivot brake may be greater than the adjusting force, in order to retain the structural part in these regions. The braking work performed by the pivot brake is advantageously calculated so as to absorb 20% to 25% of the adjusting work performed by the adjusting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChyrsler AG
    Inventor: Hans Kuehl
  • Patent number: 6347433
    Abstract: A hinge connects a first member to a second member. The hinge includes a connector constructed of a polymeric material secured to the first member. The connector is constructed from a polymeric material and has a generally flat connector surface, and a first axis. A support is rotatably connected to the connector about the first axis. The support is constructed of a metallic material and has first and second opposing generally flat support surfaces. The first generally flat support surface is biased against the connector surface. A friction piece constructed of a polymeric material is rotatably connected to the support about the first axis and is rotatably fixed to the connector. The friction piece is biased against the second generally flat support surface. A torque element has a first end including an open portion and a closed portion. The torque element has an elongated second end extending from the closed portion. The second end of the torque element is fixedly connected to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: CEMA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Novin, David A. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6349029
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for securing a computer component in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer system. A panel of some embodiments may carry or otherwise secure components of the computer system. One such component that may be carried by a panel is a computer power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: MicronPC, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Leman, Gregory P. Johnson, Jacques Gagne, Philip Hartley, Ray Gradwohl
  • 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: 6336252
    Abstract: A rotary damper is adapted to exert braking force to an upswung door, a toilet lid or the like when the door is closed and dampen the impact produced by the closing door by a damping force far greater than the one obtained by a conventional rotary damper using viscous shearing resistance. The rotary damper can also make the door open by a force far smaller than a conventional rotary damper. A movable shaft is rotatably housed in a casing and has a cylindrical shaft section including an arcuate non-resilient section extending from a peripheral edge thereof to an axial base line close to the other free peripheral edge thereof and an eccentric resilient section extending from the axial base line to the other free peripheral edge thereof with its eccentricity increasing as a function of the distance from the base line relative to the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface so as resiliently abut the inner peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryosuke Bando
  • Patent number: 6317927
    Abstract: A hinge device of the present invention comprises a male hinge member, a female hinge member and a resilient tube. The male hinge member includes a connecting shaft at one end, a mounting plate at an opposite end and a shoulder between the connecting shaft and the mounting plate. The connecting shaft of the male hinge device forms a receptacle therein for receiving the resilient tube. Four channels are longitudinally defined in the connecting shaft and equiangularly distributed in the shape of a cross to prevent loss of friction in the hinge device. An arcuate surface is formed at each edge of the channels. The female hinge member includes a sleeve and a mounting plate extending from one end of the sleeve, the sleeve having a receiving opening for receiving the connecting shaft of the male hinge member. A longitudinal slot is defined through the resilient tube for enhancing resiliency and allowing expansion of the resilient tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin Yi Lai, Chao-Shun Yeh, Chin-Fa Huang, Chia-Heng Tuan Mu, Yung Hsiang Cheng, Chieh Lee
  • Patent number: 6314614
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Hans Kuehl
  • Patent number: 6308377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Esa Määttä
  • Patent number: 6301748
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clip type friction hinge device, which can be conveniently assembled and can freely adjust the torque to a desired rotary direction. The clip type friction hinge device of the present invention comprises a housing having an axial hole and a fixing slit formed at a lower portion of the axial hole; a rotary axis which is inserted to the housing to be rotatable; a torsion spring which elastically supports the rotary axis for the housing and is comprised of a pair of semi-cylindrical spring members; and a plurality of C type clips which are elastically inserted to the outer circumference of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Gwag Su-Man
  • Publication number: 20010016969
    Abstract: This invention provides a tilt hinge for office automation equipment, comprised of a mounting member, having a mounting plate part and a bearing plate part that is bent at a right angle with respect to the mounting plate part, an engaging curl part, which is provided with elasticity and is disposed at the tip of the abovementioned bearing plate part of the mounting member, and a shaft, having a torque generating part that is press fitted into the engaging curl part, a tilt hinge for office automation equipment with which the abovementioned engaging curl part is comprised of a fastening curl part, with a fastening curl member, and a modified engaging curl part, with the axial center thereof being in common with the fastening curl part, the torque generating part of the abovementioned shaft is comprised of a main torque generating part, which is press fitted into the abovementioned fastening curl part, and a sub torque generating part, which is press fitted into the abovementioned modified engaging curl part, a
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Oriya Fujita
  • Publication number: 20010011407
    Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, an inequable strain distribution within a synthetic resin is determined to be 15% or less so as to increase a torque holding rate by 80% or more to tightly engage a support block 20 with a metallic shaft 10. This eliminates variations on a frictional torque with no substantial stickslip phenomenon, abnormal noise and initial scratches accompanied when pivotally moving the support block 20 relative to the metallic shaft 10 so as to maintain a stable surface friction resistance with good endurance for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Uneme, Takaaki Hayashida
  • Patent number: RE37712
    Abstract: The present invention is a torque producing apparatus comprising a first member, a second member, and a retention means. The first member has first and second arms, each having first and second ends, and a connection portion adjacent the joined first ends of the first and second arms. The arms have an outer surface and define an axial aperture. The axial aperture defines at least a portion of an inner surface of the arms. The second ends of the arms define an opening between the touter and inner surfaces. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces have a predetermined diameter when the member is in a relaxed state. The second member has a surface arranged to engage in interference fit against at least one surface of the first member when the first member is in its relaxed state. The retention means engages the connection portion of the first member so that the second member rotates relative to the first member upon relative rotation of the second member and the retention means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Dean Gannon