Having Discrete Manipulatable Release Means (e.g., Lever Operated) Patents (Class 16/349)
  • Patent number: 11957254
    Abstract: A support connecting structure includes: a pivoting base; a pivoting arm, wherein a first end of the pivoting arm is connected to the pivoting base by a first pin shaft, and the first end of the pivoting arm comprises a first anti-rotation surface; and a locking member mounted to the pivoting base, the locking member being capable of moving in a direction parallel to an axis of the first pin shaft from a locked position to an unlocked position, and the locking member comprising a second anti-rotation surface; wherein when the locking member is at the locked position, the first anti-rotation surface abuts against the second anti-rotation surface, and when the locking member is at the unlocked position, the first anti-rotation surface is separated from the second anti-rotation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventor: Zongwang Chui
  • Patent number: 11926983
    Abstract: Underground utility enclosure cover assemblies are used with direct burial enclosures. The cover assemblies include a frame and a cover. The frame has one or more walls that define a central opening, a cover receiving ledge, an overhang that has a sidewall, and at least one stabilizing member extending from a bottom edge of the sidewall of the overhang. The cover is dimensioned to rest on the cover receiving ledge. The frame and the cover are made of a rigid material that permits the frame and cover to support large vertical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Glenn Isaacson, Robert Brian Denning
  • Patent number: 10569878
    Abstract: A mounting arm assembly movable between stowed and deployed configurations, includes a pivot arm pivotally engaging an armrest of a seat; a tilt arm engaging the pivot arm; and a mount engaging the tilt arm for supporting a personal electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Johnny A. Satterfield
  • Patent number: 10087666
    Abstract: A hanger hinge for a folding door, window or similar closure having one or more panels, the hanger hinge comprising: A hanger bolt having a receiving portion in a lower end thereof adapted to receive at least a portion of an adjusting tool; A sleeve adapted to be supported on the lower end of the hanger bolt; At least one hinge leaf pivotally mounted on the hanger bolt and adapted to be fixed to a respective panel; and A locking mechanism comprising a locking member movable axially between a locked condition in which the locking member is engaged with the sleeve in a manner to substantially preclude rotation of the hanger bolt relative to the sleeve, and an unlocked condition in which the locking member is disengaged from the sleeve by axial insertion of the adjusting tool into the receiving portion, thereby freeing the hanger bolt for rotation relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: CENTOR DESIGN PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 8966714
    Abstract: A safety hinge, apt to constrain a door moving with respect to a fixed frame, of the type consisting of two main wing-shaped constituent members displaying a mutual-engagement area consisting of loops interconnected by a small shaft, with a first one of the wings a switch body being associated, which has a lateral opening in correspondence of an appendix thereof, arranged on the extension of the mutual-engagement area, through the opening peg for the actuation of the switch projecting. Within the appendix a bush is arranged, constrained to the by a second one of the wings, the bush displaying along an annular external crown thereof a groove for the housing of the peg in the closing position of the moving door on the fixed frame, that is in the opening position of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: ELESA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Publication number: 20140299602
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a retainer mechanism for actively securing a lid (holding and maintaining content) of a container even if the container is overfilled and for passively (and automatically) self-releasing the lid to fully open when and as a result of the container appropriately titled to a particular orientation for unhindered, unobstructed emptying of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Grigooris MANSSOURIAN
  • Publication number: 20140230191
    Abstract: A safety hinge, apt to constrain a door moving with respect to a fixed frame, of the type consisting of two main wing-shaped constituent members displaying a mutual-engagement area consisting of loops interconnected by a small shaft, with a first one of said wings a switch body being associated, which has a lateral opening in correspondence of an appendix thereof, arranged on the extension of the mutual-engagement area, through said opening peg means for the actuation of the switch projecting. According the invention within said appendix a bush is arranged, constrained to the by a second one of said wings, said bush displaying along an annular external crown thereof a groove for the housing of said peg means in the closing position of said moving door on the fixed frame, that is in the opening position of said switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ELESA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Publication number: 20140217717
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first hinge element may include a first plate portion and a first plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The second hinge element may include a second plate portion and a second plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers may interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element may extend substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in at least one of the first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BACKCOUNTRY GARAGE, LLC
    Inventors: Cory SMITH, David Narajowski, Bob Carrasca, David Sanders
  • Patent number: 8733782
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first and second hinge elements each include a plate portion and a plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The pluralities of substantially parallel fingers interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in one of the pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another. A collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism as well as related methods and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Backcountry Garage, LLC
    Inventors: Cory Smith, David Narajowski, Bob Carrasca, David Sanders
  • Publication number: 20130134853
    Abstract: A hinge system for mounting a door to an appliance has an upper hinge bracket having an upper hinge swing element configured to engage a door upper swing element fixed to the door, the engagement of the upper hinge swing element and the door upper swing element allowing the door to swing about a vertical axis between an open position and a closed position, and an upper hinge pivot limiting element configured to engage a frame pivot limiting element fixed to the appliance; a lower hinge bracket having a lower hinge swing element configured to engage a door lower swing element, and a system pivot element configured to engage a frame pivot element such that the upper hinge bracket, the lower hinge bracket, and the door are pivotable about a horizontal axis as a unit relative to the appliance while still being attached to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suad Elkasevic, Joseph Geiger, Charles Weimer, Philipp Wieser
  • Publication number: 20130074257
    Abstract: A folding playpen or play yard frame and/or a locking hinge mechanism for a folding playpen or play yard frame of the type having tubular rails for supporting sides and a floor of the playpen or play yard. The locking hinge mechanism includes a housing and a lock assembly movably mounted to the housing. The lock assembly is pivotally attached to proximal portions of the tubular rails for locking and unlocking the rails relative to the housing. The lock assembly and housing are configured and adapted to require the locking hinge assembly to be lifted to effect limited relative motion between the housing and the proximal portions of the tubular rails prior to unlocking the lock assembly and permitting greater relative motion between the housing and proximal portions of the tubular rails. This provides greater safety against the hinge accidentally being folded or being folded by a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Mendes, Chen Er-Jui
  • Publication number: 20130026734
    Abstract: The invention relates to a scooter with a folding device and the folding device. The folding device comprises a first rotating part, a second rotating part and a locking part. The second rotating part is pivotally connected with the first rotating part such that the second rotating part is rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the first rotating part. The locking part comprises a locking pin which is movable in the direction of the pivot axis between a locked position and a released position. When the locking pin is in the released position, the second rotating part is rotatable relative to the first rotating part. When the locking pin is in the locked position, the second rotating part is locked and not rotatable relative to the first rotating part. This folding device has compact structure and simple appearance. The scooter is convenient to carry and store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SHANGHAI MAGIC WHEELS SPORTING GOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tingting Zhang, Yonghao Deng, Xiuping Wang
  • Patent number: 8341806
    Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Parker, John J. Fiumefreddo
  • Patent number: 8307506
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an anti-pinching structure for supporting frame, in which a slidable or rotatable positioning block is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework and a hinge unit is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework, such that the torsion spring of the hinge units may form a supporting torsion against the supporting framework and the positioning block may prevent the supporting framework from springing back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang Han Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120210646
    Abstract: A device for permitting the (preferably manual) raising of a railroad crossing pedestrian arm independently of a roadway crossing arm, comprising a hinge including a first end operable to be connected to a pedestrian gate support arm and a second end operable to be connected to a pedestrian arm; wherein the hinge permits the second end to be raised by an external force relative to a position of the first end. Some embodiments further include a brake to slow movement of a manually raised pedestrian gate to a horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: INVENSYS RAIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bob SHAW, Jose Orland Araque
  • Publication number: 20120126677
    Abstract: The invention is a device for a movable furniture part, such as a door, shutter or drawer, that includes a first attachment part fitted on a basic structure and connected, via an articulation mechanism, to a second attachment part fitted on the movable furniture part that pivots the movable furniture part, and a damping device for damping the relative movement during pivoting of the movable furniture part. The damping device includes a damper housing and an internal part accommodated on the damper housing that are movable in relation to one another, where the damper housing or the internal part serves as a contact part which contacts, at least temporarily, a portion of the device during pivoting of the furniture part. An adjusting arrangement adjusts the damping. The adjusting arrangement is mounted to a predefined fitting position that is changeable and the damping device is secured in the predefined fitting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Grass GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Ahlfeld
  • Publication number: 20120117758
    Abstract: A rotatably supported door including a hinge including a stationary hinge portion, a leaf hinge portion, which is pivotable about the stationary hinge portion, and a rotating shaft passing through the stationary hinge portion and the leaf hinge portion. The rotating shaft cooperates with an opening and/or closing damping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Walhorn
  • Publication number: 20120084942
    Abstract: A hood hinge assembly is provided for operatively attaching a hood to a vehicle. The assembly includes a base link configured to be coupled to the vehicle; a deploy link coupled to the base link; and a hood link coupled to the deploy link and configured to be coupled to the hood. In a first transition from a first position into a second position, the base link and the deploy link pivot with one another relative to the base link, and, in a second transition from the first position into a third position, the hood link pivots relative to the deploy link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: HIMANSHU H. MEHTA, GREGORY S. ERWIN, DAVID E. THOMAS, ALVIN N. STANDARD
  • Publication number: 20120084944
    Abstract: A holding element for adjusting a lid (4) of a piece of furniture between a closed position and an open position has a first fitting part (1) that is connectable to the body (2) of a piece of furniture. A second fitting part (3) is connectable to the lid (4). A first support arm (5) is pivotably fastened around a first body axis (7) to the first fitting part (1) and is pivotably fastened around a first lid axis (8) to the second fitting part (3). A second support arm (6) is pivotably fastened around a second body axis (9) to the first fitting part (1) and is pivotably fastened around a second lid axis (10) to the second fitting part (3). A lever (19) is pivotably fastened around a pivot axis (20) to the first fitting part (1). An adjustment arm (26) is pivotably connected to the lever (19) at a distance from the pivot axis (20). The adjustment arm (26) is pivotably fastened around a third lid axis (28) to the second fitting part (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Toplifter Beteiligungs-und Vertriebs- GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Publication number: 20120017394
    Abstract: A handle hinge includes a first member; a second member is pivotably coupled to the first member; and a sleeve. One of the sleeve and the first member is movable between a first state in which the sleeve extends across a junction of the first member and the second member to inhibit pivoting of the first member and the second member, and a second state in which the sleeve and the first member are positioned to allow pivoting of the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Junk, Craig R. Butzlaff
  • Patent number: 8046874
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an anti-pinching structure for supporting frame, in which a slidable or rotatable positioning block is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework and a hinge unit is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework, such that the torsion spring of the hinge units may form a supporting torsion against the supporting framework and the positioning block may prevent the supporting framework from springing back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang Han Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110232037
    Abstract: A hinge includes a fixing member, a shaft fixed to the fixing member, a rotating member, an interfering member, and a fastener. The shaft includes a shaft post, and the fastener is fixed to a distal end of the shaft post. The interfering member defines a fixing hole departing from a center of the interfering member, and includes two guiding surfaces. The rotating member defines an oblong adjusting hole, through which the shaft post rotatably passes. A first resisting stub and a second resisting stub extend from the rotating member, to resist against the corresponding guiding surfaces. The shaft post is fixedly received in the fixing hole. When the rotating member is rotated relative to the shaft post, the first and second resisting stubs always resist against and move along the corresponding guiding surfaces, to urge the shaft post to relatively move in the adjusting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-BIN CHANG
  • Publication number: 20110083301
    Abstract: A clip is attached to the hinge of a vehicle door to hold the door open during electro-coating and painting. The hinge is assembled with the clip to the vehicle prior to painting. The hinge is taken apart after painting to separate the door from the vehicle. An end of the clip may include at least one ramp surface and a pair of walls that define a receiver in which a stop attached to the door is received. The stop is captured in the receiver of the clip to hold the door open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick L. Folk, Craig Angelo Moccio
  • Publication number: 20100236024
    Abstract: A device for maintaining a hinge of a seat in an unlocked position, that includes a locking mechanism that can be declutched by rotation of an axis of the hinge, and a cam connected to a back of the seat and having a profile adapted to act on a forced-rotation driving mechanism of the hinge axis from a first inclination angle of the back of the seat towards the front, and to stop acting on the driving mechanism from a second inclination angle towards the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Daniel Douceau, Vincent Hazera
  • Publication number: 20100139034
    Abstract: A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft rotatably received in the bracket, a engaging member, a pressing member, and a driving member. The bracket includes a casing portion defining a receiving space therein. The receiving space includes a circular part and a slot connecting the circular part. The engaging member is received in the slot of the bracket. The engaging member includes a slope surface and a screw hole. The pressing member is received in the slot of the bracket. The pressing member includes a pressing portion pressing firmly against the shaft, and a driven portion engaged with the slope surface of the engaging member. The driving member includes a screw pole capable of screwing in the screw hole of the engaging member to move the engaging member toward the pressing member, for driving the pressing member to press firmly against the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-BIN SHEN
  • Publication number: 20100096897
    Abstract: A locking and releasing mechanism for a seat having a first fitting part associated with one of a seat part and a backrest and a second fitting part associated with the other one of the seat part and the backrest that may be locked and released relative to one another by the mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a detent pawl configured to selectively latch the first fitting part to lock a displacement of the first fitting part and the second fitting part relative to one another and a detent plate configured to be reversibly displaced between a detent position, wherein the detent plate locks the detent pawl so that the detent pawl remains latched with the first fitting part, and a release position, wherein the detent plate allows the detent pawl to be released from the first fitting part. The mechanism also includes drive means configured to selectively move the detent plate between the detent position and the release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Ingo Kienke, James Abraham, Prasad Andhavarapu Bhavani, Kirubaharan Reginold Albert
  • Publication number: 20090236892
    Abstract: Hinge mechanism comprising first and second frames connected together by an adjustment device comprising a first set of gear teeth integral with the first frame and a first mobile toothed component engaging with the first set of gear teeth. The second frame comprises a second set of gear teeth, which interferes with the first frame when the torque applied between the first and second frames exceeds a predetermined threshold, in order to immobilize the frames rotatably in relation to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Francois Cillierre, Sandra Bidet
  • Patent number: 7299525
    Abstract: A self-locked hinge device includes a hinge body, a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate and a locking mechanism, The first mounting plate is hinged to a first end of the hinge body, and the second mounting plate is hinged to a second end of the hinge body. The locking mechanism is driven by the second mounting plate when the second mounting plate is moved and incapacitates the first mounting plate from moving relatively to the hinge body when the second mounting plate is rotated to a predetermined position relative to the hinge body. A multi-function peripheral using the self-locked hinge device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Lun Chang
  • Patent number: 6968598
    Abstract: A seat back hinge fitting for a motor vehicle seat having a seat carrier and a seat back. The seat back hinge fitting has a lower arm that is rigidly fixed to the seat carrier, an upper arm that is rigidly fixed to the seat back and a forward tilting hinge for swiftly tilting the seat back forward from a position of normal utilization into a forward tilted position. A bearing hole is provided for in one of the two arms. A bearing is pivotally disposed within said bearing hole. A locking device that normally locks a pivot movement of the bearing within the bearing hole is provided. A release means that disengages the locking device when actuated for the purpose of tilting the seat back forward into the forward tilted position is assigned to the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
  • Patent number: 6886222
    Abstract: A detented and dampened hinge mechanism, with push-pull, and pull-push operation includes a first and second arms pivotally connected to move relative to one another in a scissor fashion between a closed and open positions. A cam and cam follower track establish a detent-type hold at both closed and open positions and add a radial motion component to the general pivotal motion. A damper limits relative movement of the arms. A biasing spring is utilized to bias the first and second arms toward the open position. A free moving anti-gravity ball moves in a channel when a momentum is imparted to the hinge mechanism. With the ball in its normal, lower position, arms are free to move; and moved to an upper position, the arms become locked out from full movement by the interference of the ball. Bumper materials are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Fabrice Vitry
  • Patent number: 6694964
    Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly includes aside rack mounted foldably on a main frame, which has a mounting seat formed with an insert hole for access to a slide passage and installed with a resilient locking pin and an operating shaft coupled to the locking pin. The side rack has an insert rod extending slidably into the slide passage and formed with an engaging groove for engaging the locking pin so as to retain the side rack at a horizontal unfolded position. The insert rod extends through a side hole portion of the insert hole when in the unfolded position. The operating shaft is operable against restoring action of the locking pin so as to disengage the locking pin from the insert rod. The insert rod is slidable outwardly and is turnable downwardly to extend through a bottom hole portion of the insert hole when disengaged from the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Publication number: 20030200627
    Abstract: A seat back hinge fitting for a motor vehicle seat having a seat carrier and a seat back. The seat back hinge fitting has a lower arm that is rigidly fixed to the seat carrier, an upper arm that is rigidly fixed to the seat back and a forward tilting hinge for swiftly tilting the seat back forward from a position of normal utilization into a forward tilted position. A bearing hole is provided for in one of the two arms. A bearing is pivotally disposed within said bearing hole. A locking device that normally locks a pivot movement of the bearing within the bearing hole is provided. A release means that disengages the locking device when actuated for the purpose of tilting the seat back forward into the forward tilted position is assigned to the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
  • Patent number: 5699997
    Abstract: A connection device for a playyard consists of a handle and two connectors. The handle is provided integrally with a block and a plurality of protrusions having a hole therein. A pair of connectors is each provided with a plurality of spaces for receiving supports and a projecting portion having a pin stably secured therein or pivotally connected with the protrusion. When the handle is connected with the connectors by a fastener, and a holding portion is in horizontal position, the connectors are not able to be folded because of the restriction of the block within two stops of the connectors, and when the holding portion is in vertical position, two connectors are able to be folded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Li-chu Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5678798
    Abstract: A swing support bracket assembly for mounting support pads to wheelchairs. The assembly includes a housing, an axle mounted for rotation in the housing, a toggle pivotally mounted in the housing and having a tapered protrusion adapted to engage a cooperating tapered recess in the axle. The support pad may be mounted either directly or by a number of adjustable clamps and support rods to the housing. In another embodiment it is mounted by such rods and clamps to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Roy M. Little
  • Patent number: 5597147
    Abstract: An articulation mechanism which can change a hinge angle freely, even if a considerable large load is attached to the tip end of a movable arm, and which can hold the hinge angle rigidly, when it is once stopped, is provided. The articulation mechanism (1) has a fluid hermetically sealing space (25) in which a non-compressive fluid or a compressive fluid compressed to a predetermined pressure is hermetically sealed, so that even if there may be energizing force, relative rotation between rotary members is prevented by a predetermined force. When the fluid hermetically sealing space is released by opening and closing valve (21), as a result of the energizing force such as may be generated, for example from load or spring, the fluid can transfer, resulting in relative rotations of the rotary members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Transuport Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Hashi
  • Patent number: 5553351
    Abstract: A hinge-lock security system for preventing relative motion between a door and a door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: William R. Starks
  • Patent number: 5251359
    Abstract: A high strength offset tube hinge is provided for coupling tubing or rods. The hinge has a limited range and prevents overextension with a built-in stop feature that prevents any angles over the limited range. The application for the hinge lies in convertible tops for automobiles and boats as well as awnings or similar applications where it is desirable to have two coupled tubes or rods with limited pivoting range in a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Anthony W. Finkl
  • Patent number: 5096106
    Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Huron/St. Clair Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerald J. Foster, Craig A. Stapleton, Curtis J. Nordin, Mark C. Towns
  • Patent number: 5074164
    Abstract: A device for positioning a rotary member at a desired angle relative to a fixed member includes a first shaft sleeve mounted in the rotary member, and a second shaft sleeve mounted in the fixed member adjacent to and axially aligned with the first shaft sleeve. The first and second shaft sleeves have a plurality of inward and axially extending clutch teeth notches. A shaft member has a first section slidably mounted in and extending through the first shaft sleeve, a second section slidably disposed in the second shaft sleeve, and a central section connecting the first and second sections and having a plurality of axially extending and outwardly projecting clutch teeth protrusions. The shaft member is slidable between the first and second shaft sleeves to interengage or disengage the first and second shaft sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Yin-Ping Sheu
  • Patent number: 5044044
    Abstract: A hinged structure comprises a forward body and a rear body each having a surface face and a channel. A first hinge link and a second hinge link are employed to pivotably and slideably connect the forward body and the rear body and to provide movement of the bodies between an open position and a closed position. The first hinge link has a fixed end pivotably affixed to the forward body and a sliding end pivotably and slideably affixed to the rear body. The second hinge link has a fixed end pivotably affixed to the rear body and a sliding end pivotably and slideably affixed to the forward body. The sliding ends of the hinge links are pivotably and slideably affixed to their respective bodies by a pin engaging a hinge slide fitted within the channel of the respective body. Means can be used to secure the rear body to the forward body when the hinge is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Gen-Fold Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Young, David B. Burns, Joseph Mastroianni
  • Patent number: 5029363
    Abstract: A pivotal hinge for an arm of an awning, comprising a supporting block tightly clampable on a supporting means and a pivotal bracket tiltable into an emergent position about a substantially horizontal axis, on which pivotal bracket an arm is pivotable about an axis oriented transversely to the tilting axis, the pivotal bracket and the supporting block being coupled by a coupling rod with thread and an adjusting nut, allowing and limiting the tilting movement, and a blocking slide being coupled with the arm, which blocking slide is movable transversely to the axis of the coupling rod and locks same in the emergent position. The adjusting nut is formed as a cylinder body having a cylindrical surface with a thread passage in the radial direction. A cylinder segment cup is provided as reception for the cylindrical surface of the adjusting nut. The blocking slide contacts the cylindrical surface of the adjusting nut in the emergent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Paul Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Karl Hesener
  • Patent number: 5022118
    Abstract: A ladder joint with an engagement spring member on it for locking/unlocking the ladder joint into position. The ladder joint has a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member has a circular portion with fixing slots on its outer circumference. The fixed member has an annular track which slidably receives the circular portion of the movable member. Both the fixed and the movable members have a straight portion for connecting with the ladder pieces. The engagement spring member is a rounded flat spring which has an extended edge on one of its ends which normally spring loads the rectangular slug into one of the fixing slots as set by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Wan Dean Industry Co.
    Inventor: Chang Wan-Li
  • Patent number: 4914782
    Abstract: A wide-angle hinge for furniture doors, comprising a hinge boss fittable into a door wing and a hinge arm fastenable to a furniture side wall. The hinge boss and the hinge arm are connected to each other by means of hinge links which cross in a scissor-like manner. The latter-mentioned are provided with a locking means which is insurpassable, when the hinge is opened, but removable. The locking means is formed by a bracket fitted onto one of the hinge links which cross in a scissor-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Helmut Rupprechter
  • Patent number: 4899420
    Abstract: A hinge system for a large or heavy cover member hinged to a container member. A container hinge plate is secured to a side wall of the container member and a cover hinge plate is secured to the side wall of the cover member and rotatably connected to the first hinge means at a hinge pivot means. A gas strut unitary with and pivotably mounted to the container and cover hinge plates raises and lowers the cover member to open and closed positions relative to the container member. The gas strut is pivotably attached to the container and cover hinge plates. A quick connect-disconnect plate removably connected to the cover hinge plate and rotatably connected to the hinge pivot is used to connect or disconnect the container hinge plate from the cover hinge plate and thus to connect or disconnect the cover member to or from the container member and thus connect or disconnect the container member to or from the cover member. The hinge system including the quick connect-disconnect plate can be mounted to a heavy door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignees: Laurie Stanley Hardie, Leonard John Coleman
    Inventors: Duane Bye, Robert Haugen
  • Patent number: 4895271
    Abstract: A cabinet with a closure door having a rigid stay for holding the door in an open position. The stay is basically U-shaped and is pivotally held upon a body of the cabinet to be located around hinged together side walls of the body and door in the door open position. As the stay lies up against these side walls, it does not obstruct any access space into the body and it also holds the door with its closure surface directly facing the operator to enable him to maintain equipment upon the door also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Jacques R. Desjardins, Gordon P. F. Clark, Frederick H. Gill
  • Patent number: 4879786
    Abstract: A tilt-lock mechanism for a pivotable panel assembly incorporates a pivotable locking link biased into locking engagement with a curved cam surface on the panel assembly to lock the assembly at a selected tilted position. A slight force applied opposite the bias of the link releases the link to return the panel to an initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Ampex Corporation
    Inventor: Robert N. Olson
  • Patent number: 4850080
    Abstract: A hinge includes a hinge arm to be connected with a second hinge part by hinge links. The hinge arm is provided at the front thereof with a joint adjusting screw for engagement with a mounting plate. The rear of the hinge arm is provided with a clamping screw which permits a depth adjustment and extends through a rearwardly open slot in the hinge arm. The clamping screw connects the hinge arm with an intermediate member which carries a tensioning lever which is acted upon by a spring. The tensioning lever holds the intermediate member with the hinge arm on the mounting plate in a clamping arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Erich Rock, Klaus Brustle, Helmut Rupprechter
  • Patent number: 4826124
    Abstract: An easel having a leg supported panel at the upper margin of which sheet material is suspended. A hinged retainer is carried at the upper margin of the easel panel and is pivoted between a lowered position overlying the sheet material when the material is suspended from the panel and an upper or raised position to allow the sheet material to be removed or placed upon the panel. The retainer carries a pivotal locking member which when closed prevents the reatiner from being shifted from its lowered position into its raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Da-Lite Screen Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Omer L. Kindig
  • Patent number: 4780929
    Abstract: A floating hinge of the type which is composed of a lower member and an upper member each having a surface face and a channel including a pair of guideways located at their distal ends. A first arm and a second arm are employed to connect the upper member and the lower member and to provide movement of the members between an open position and a closed position. The first arm has a fixed end pivotably fixed to the lower member and a sliding end pivotably and slidably fixed to the upper member. The second arm has a fixed end pivotably affixed to the upper member and a sliding end pivotably and slidably fixed to the lower member. The sliding ends of the arms are pivotably and slidably affixed to their respective upper or lower member by a pin engaging an eccentrically fixed orifice of a pair of floating hinge slides fitted within the guideways of the channels of the upper and lower members. Means can be used to secure the upper member to the lower member when the hinge is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Gen-Fold Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Burns, Joseph C. Mastroianni
  • Patent number: 4782435
    Abstract: Lighting fitting of the type comprising a support intended to be fixed to a wall or ceiling, or to a stem with base, and a body restrained to the said support in a position-wise adjustable manner through the intermediary of connection means, wherein the said connection means comprise a floating pin(17) on one side of the said support (11) and a tooth engagement system (18,19) on the opposite side, so that if the body (12) is acted on manually the mutual position of the teeth (18,19) of the said engagement means, and thus of the body with respect of the support, can be varied, the stable position of the said engagement being assured by weight of the body of the lighting fitting itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Luigi Manzoni