Including Toothed Gear Patents (Class 16/354)
  • Patent number: 8875347
    Abstract: A hinge and bracket system for a cushion seat back is provided. A bracket is attached to the side of a cushion seat back which is laying flat. The bracket is connected to a rotatable shaft, which in turn is connected to a toothed gear and a pawl. When the cushion seat back is raised upward, the toothed gear and an element of the pawl allow the cushion seat back to ratchet upwards, with the capability to lock the cushion seat back at any tooth. When the cushion seat back is raised above about 90 degrees, the pawl is forced to disengage from the toothed gear and the cushion seat back is unlocked and can be placed back in the original flat position. This hinge and bracket system may be employed in marine operations, especially for water skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Taco Metals; Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Serocki, Samuel D. Dwello
  • Patent number: 8869352
    Abstract: A multi-segment rotary shaft structure includes a driving joint assembly and a driven joint assembly. The driving joint assembly at least includes two opposite joint plates and a middle link plate assembly engaged therebetween. The driven joint assembly is disposed between the opposite joint plates and includes at least two driven plates. Opposite ends of the driven plates are formed with synchronous driving sections drivingly engaged with each other. Inward ends of the opposite joint plates are linked with outward ends of the driven plates. Outward ends of the middle link plate assembly are linked with the inward ends of the driven plates. The driving joint assembly and driven joint assembly are stringed and pivotally connected and combined, whereby the joint plates can be freely rotated around multiple rotational centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Way Han Dai
  • Publication number: 20140217875
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes first and second device units and at least one hinge assembly configured to pivotably connect the second device unit to the first device unit. The hinge assembly includes a first fixing unit configured to be fixed to the first device unit, a second fixing unit configured to be fixed to the second device unit, a plurality of shaft members configured to be arranged in parallel with one another and to include first and second outer shaft members respectively mounted on the first and second fixing units and a plurality of inner shaft members arranged between the first and second outer shaft members, and a gear unit mounted on the shaft members to connect the plurality of shaft members with one another through a gear mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Young-sun PARK, Bo-won JUNG
  • Publication number: 20140201948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for fixing a furniture hinge, comprising a base plate, which is to be fixed to a furniture part, in particular a lateral wall of a furniture body, and comprising a fixing device for fixing the hinge to the mounting device, preferably in a removable manner. The fixing device is movably mounted on the base plate, said mounting device having a connecting element which is mounted on the base plate in a movable manner via at least one toggle lever and which can be fixed to a hinge part that can be moved during the opening and closing movement of the hinge, wherein the fixing device can be moved relative to the base plate via the toggle lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Fredi DUBACH
  • Patent number: 8782853
    Abstract: A rotating mechanism for rotatably connecting a first main body with a second main body includes a main gear connected to the first main body, a pair of auxiliary gears connected to the second main body, and a connecting piece. The connecting piece includes a connecting part and a positioning part perpendicularly extending from a middle of the connecting part. The positioning part is located between the pair of auxiliary gears with two opposite ends of the positioning part rotatably connected to the pair of auxiliary gears correspondingly. An end of the connecting part away from the positioning part is connected to the main gear to allow the main gear to contact with the auxiliary gears. The first teeth engage with the second teeth to make the first main body rotate relatively about the second main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai-Qian Ge
  • Patent number: 8769772
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mobile electronic device is provided with a linkage mechanism that couples first and second members of the device such that the device may be moved between a first position and a second position. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage intermediate the first and second members, the linkage having a fixed length. The linkage mechanism further includes a motion constraint mechanism that constrains movement of the first member with respect to the second member to a controlled motion. The linkage mechanism described herein may further provide that the top member rotates without increasing the length or width of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Martin Riddiford, James William Reeves
  • Publication number: 20140185233
    Abstract: In one embodiment an electronic device comprises at least one electronic component and a housing comprising a first section to be rotatable about a first hinge pin extending along a first axis extending proximate a first edge, a second section to be rotatable about a second hinge pin extending along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, and at least one connecting arm to be coupled to the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: MARK MACDONALD, SHAWN S. MCEUEN
  • Patent number: 8720011
    Abstract: A plug-in connection multi-segment rotary shaft structure includes a driving joint assembly and a driven joint assembly. The driving joint assembly includes two opposite joint plates and a middle link plate assembly engaged therebetween. The driven joint assembly is disposed between the joint plates and includes two driven plates. Opposite inward ends of the driven plates are formed with synchronous driving sections drivingly engaged with each other. Inward ends of the opposite joint plates are connected with the outward ends of the driven plates. Outward ends of the joint plates are formed with plugs. Outward ends of the middle link plate assembly are connected with the inward ends of the driven plates. The driving joint assembly and driven joint assembly are connected and combined, whereby the joint plates can be freely rotated around multiple rotational centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Way Han Dai
  • Patent number: 8713757
    Abstract: A slide cover lifting structure used in an electronic device consisting of a base member and a cover panel is disclosed to include a pair hinges, a pair of sliding rail holders, a pair of bearing members, a pair of plastic slide guides, a pair of sliding rails, a transmission shaft, two gear sets and a pair of gear racks. The gear sets are provided between the sliding rail holders and the bearing members for transmission of applied force. The transmission shaft is mounted in the base member (system end), allowing free utilization of the internal circuit board space of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin, Po-Hsiang Hu
  • Patent number: 8677568
    Abstract: A furniture hinge is provided for pivotally connecting at least two parts of a piece of furniture. The furniture hinge includes at least two fastening pieces which can be fixed to one part of the piece of furniture, respectively, and can be hingedly joined to each other via at least one articulated shaft. The inventive furniture hinge further includes at least one motor, preferably an electric motor, for swiveling the fastening pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Sutterlütti
  • Patent number: 8661619
    Abstract: A hinge adjuster includes a first frame, at least one locking piece, at least one spring component, at least one second frame and a pair of cover. The first frame defines at least one locking hole including a first accommodating hole and a second accommodating hole. The locking piece is slidably placed in the first accommodating hole for engaging with the first accommodating hole or the engaging notch alternatively. At least one groove for engaging with the locking piece is configured on a pivoted portion of the second frame, which includes a flat portion, a dentiform portion, and an end portion. And the locking piece is protruded from the locking hole and contacting with the flat portion, the dentiform portion or the end portion selectively. The hinge adjuster has strong supporting capability and can achieve a cyclic adjustment of angles, and the operation is simple and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Weihong Hardware and Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Publication number: 20140009874
    Abstract: A collapsible electronic equipment includes a first part, a hinge device, and a second part. The first part pivots on the second part via the hinge device. When the second part is inclined at an inclined angle relative to the first part, a shaft of the hinge device is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kai-Hung HUANG
  • Patent number: 8615848
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for an electronic device includes a cam unit and a gear unit provided at a connecting position of an upper plate and a lower plate. The cam unit includes a first cam mechanism for causing a first cam shaft connected to an upper plate to generate a torque and a second cam mechanism for causing a second cam shaft connected to a lower plate to generate a torque. Further, the gear unit includes a first gear shaft connected to the upper plate and a second gear shaft connected to the lower plate, a first gear provided in the first gear shaft, a first gear provided in the second gear shaft, and a gear mechanism that synchronizes and rotates the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20130322004
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus connects a first member and a second member to each other so that the first and second members are mutually foldable, and is usable with a computing apparatus. The hinge apparatus includes first and second main gears which are disposed on the first and the second members, respectively, a plurality of idle gears which are disposed between the first and the second main gears so that the first and the second main gears are interlocked with each other, and a pressure member which reinforces a mesh force between the first and the second main gears and the plurality of idle gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-sun PARK
  • Patent number: 8578561
    Abstract: A dual-axis hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of a portable device and has a connecting bracket, an upper rotating bracket, a lower rotating bracket, an upper active gear, a lower active gear and a transmission gear assembly. The connecting bracket is mounted between the upper and lower rotating brackets. The upper and lower active gears are connected respectively to the upper and lower rotating brackets. The transmission gear assembly is connected between the upper and lower active gears to adjust a velocity ratio of the upper and lower active gears. Therefore, the cover and the base align with each other without a drop whether or not the upper and lower active gears are the same in teeth number or whether or not the included angles between the upper and lower rotating brackets with the connecting bracket are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8562236
    Abstract: An articulated device comprises a first member that is provided with a first set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A second adjacent member is provided with a second set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A coupling section is also provided on which the first set of teeth is hingeably supported around a first hinge axis and on which the second set of teeth is hingeably supported around a second hinge axis wherein the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth. A positioning device sets an angular position of the first and second members relative to the coupling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Pieter Arie Jan Eikelenboom
  • Patent number: 8522401
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a portable communication device having a body, a folder, and a rotary hinge module mounted between the body and the folder. The hinge apparatus includes at least one gear hinge part for opening and closing the body and the folder on a first hinge axis. The hinge apparatus also includes a hinge connection part for coupling the at least one gear hinge part to the rotary hinge module. The rotary hinge module allows for rotation of the folder about a second hinge axis perpendicular to the first hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Prexco Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Chul Jin, Se-Bum Choi
  • Patent number: 8514558
    Abstract: A portable device includes a first body element, a second body element, and a hinge assembly to allow the second body element to slide and rotate, and to vary the vertical arrangement between the first body element and the second body element while remaining parallel to each other. The hinge assembly has a first end rotatably coupled to the first body element and a second end rotatably and slidably coupled to the second body element to allow the first body element and the second body element to slide and vary the vertical arrangement therebetween while staying parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Pantech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Jin Song
  • Patent number: 8505165
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided to mount a door to a housing, and includes a housing fixation section (1), a hinge cup (3) pivotally connected to the housing fixation section (1), and a damping mechanism (4) positioned entirely within the hinge cup (3) to dampen movement of the door as it closes on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Grass America, Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Domenig, Jeffery Morgan, Tony Hayes, Manfred Peer, Markus Herper
  • Patent number: 8493730
    Abstract: A portable terminal is provided, in which a hinge device provides a pair of hinge axes extended in parallel, a pair of folding cases are engaged with the hinge device and rotate upon the hinge axes, respectively, and sliding housings are installed in the respective folding cases. The folding cases rotate in a folding direction or in an unfolding direction via the hinge device, and when the folding cases rotate, the sliding housings slide on the folding cases. When the sliding housings are opened at 180° with respect to each other, one end of the sliding housing is in a close relationship with one end of another sliding housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seon-Hee Shim, Sang-Joon Park, Jong-Woo Kim, Seok-Gyu Lee
  • Patent number: 8474101
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes two pivot shafts substantially parallel to each other, two main gears non-rotatably respectively sleeved on the pivot shafts, a transmission assembly positioned between the two pivot shafts to transmit a torque of one of the two main gears to the other in a reverse direction, and a connecting member defining two shaft holes. The pivot shafts are respectively rotatably received in the shaft holes. Two contact assemblies are respectively mounted on the pivot shafts abutting the connecting member. One of the connecting member and each main gear forms at least one detent, and the other defines at least one recess correspondingly. The at least one detent is received in the at least one recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li, Lian-Cheng Huang, Han-Zheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8472175
    Abstract: A folding electronic device includes a first case, a second case, and a hinge element. The hinge element includes a shaft, a swing member, a toothed gear, and a spring clip. When the first case opens up at an about 180 degree angle relative to the second case from a folded position, the central projection of a spring clip engages with one tooth of the toothed gear, the first case may rotate relative to the second case under the horizontal direction or the vertical direction from any angle between about 0 and 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Yang, Wei Wu
  • Publication number: 20130152342
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gear hinge device employed in a portable apparatus including first and second housings. The gear hinge device connects the first and second housings in such a manner such that the first and second housings can be rotated about first and second hinge axes, respectively. The gear hinge device includes: a first driving unit comprising a first driving cam gear that is rotated about the first hinge axis and a second driving unit comprising a second driving cam gear that is engaged with the first driving cam gear and rotated about the second hinge axis that is parallel to the first hinge axis and a flexible auxiliary gear that is arranged coaxially to the second driving cam gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130139355
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism suitable for a foldable electronic device has a first body, a second body and a hinging-body. The hinge mechanism includes a first cradle, a second cradle, a pair of pivoting-shafts, a pair of position-limiting elements, a set of gears and a positioning element. The positioning-element is fixed to the hinging-body and structurally independent from the position-limiting elements, pivoted to the pivoting-shafts so as to be detachably assembled with the position-limiting elements. The first body rotates relatively to the hinging-body through the first cradle rotates the pivoting-shaft fixed to the first cradle relatively to the positioning element so as to rotate the set of gears, make the second cradle rotate the pivoting-shaft fixed to the second cradle relatively to the positioning-element and bring the second body for rotation relatively to the hinging-body. Additionally, a foldable electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jui-Yuan Lee, Hui-Lian Chang, Ming-Wang Lin, Chih-Chiang Wang, Hsin-Hsiang Shao, Chun-Wei Chang
  • Publication number: 20130076216
    Abstract: A stowage bin is provided. The stowage bin includes a support assembly, a bucket including a pivot point, the bucket rotatable about the pivot point between a closed position and an open position, and a translating mechanism coupling the bucket to the support assembly such that when the bucket is rotated between the closed and open positions, the pivot point translates with respect to the support assembly between a first pivot position and a second pivot position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Chad D. Schmitz, Aaron Justus Pederson
  • Patent number: 8387214
    Abstract: A hidden type hood gas lifter device may include a gas lifter, a hood hinge arm having one end portion fixed to a hood, a hinge bracket having one end portion fixed to a vehicle body, wherein the other end portion of the hood hinge arm is rotatably coupled to the other end portion of the hinge bracket, and a gear unit coupling the other end portion of the hood hinge arm and one end portion of the gas lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: In Su Jung
  • Patent number: 8365359
    Abstract: A hinge device increases an open angle of a second member relative to a first member without enlarging the hinge device. A first pulley is fixed to a first mounting member mounted on the first member. A second pulley is fixed to a second mounting member mounted on the second member. A timing belt runs between the first and second pulleys. One end of a connecting member that connects the first mounting member to the second connecting member connects rotatably to an axis part of the first mounting member, with the opposite end connected rotatably to an axis part of the second mounting member. Pins to that abut to the outside of the timing belt are provided such that the width between one side and the opposite side of the timing belt becomes smaller than the diameter of at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Morishita, Masaya Yamazato
  • Publication number: 20130014346
    Abstract: A gear cam mounting device in a dual-hinge device for a portable terminal is provided, in which first and second hinge shafts provide first and second parallel hinge axes, respectively, first and second gear cams are fixed around the first and second hinge shafts, in engagement with each other, and first and second locking units penetrate respectively through the first and second gear cams in a direction that is perpendicular to the first and second hinge axes, for locking the first and second gear cams to surround the first and second hinge shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Ho AHN, Ji-Hoon PARK, Kun-Woo BAEK
  • Publication number: 20130016489
    Abstract: A collapsible electronic equipment includes a pivot structure, a base and a cover. The pivot structure includes a first pivot assembly, a second pivot assembly, and a gear mechanism. The first pivot assembly is disposed on a side of the base. The second pivot assembly is disposed on a side of the cover. The gear mechanism is connected to the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly. The cover may be opened or closed relative to the base by the gear mechanism. When the cover is opened at 180 degrees relative to the base, the gap between the cover and the base is narrow, and the surfaces of the cover and the base are located on the same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicants: LIANHONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yi-Chang YEH, Tzu-Yu LIN
  • Patent number: 8353082
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including a first body, a second body, and a joint member, the joint member having supported therein a first shaft and a second shaft , the first shaft connected to the first body and the second shaft connected to the second body, wherein the joint member is configured to cause or to allow a change in a separation distance between the first shaft and the second shaft upon a rotational movement of the first body relative to the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Samu Naukkarinen
  • Patent number: 8347461
    Abstract: Used in an electronic device comprising a cover panel and a base member, a slide cover mounting structure includes two hinges bilaterally mounted on the top wall of the base member, two sliding rail holders respectively connected to the pivot shafts of the hinges, two sliding rails bilaterally mounted on the bottom surface of the cover panel and respectively slidably coupled to a sliding groove on each of the sliding rail holder, two gears pivotally connected between fixed rails on the sliding rail holders, and two gear racks respectively mounted on the cover panel and meshed with the gears. Thus, the cover panel is prohibited from biasing during sliding movement, and turnable about the pivot shafts of the hinges from a horizontal position to a tilted position relative to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin, Tzu-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8321996
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: HUWIL Bútoripari és Üzletberendezési Rendszerek kft
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 8312596
    Abstract: A hinge assembly (4) for the connection of two panels (10, 12) at their adjacent edge regions (8d) to allow said panels to rotate up to 360 degrees relative to one another, the hinge assembly comprising an elongate member (20) providing two opposing curved surfaces adjacent the edge of each panel, said member co-operating with at least one pair of intermeshed gears (24), the assembly including connector means (34) for attaching each panel to said member and a bubble seal (22) disposed between the edge of each panel and each curved surface of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventor: James Edward Self
  • Patent number: 8307505
    Abstract: A rotation control device is configured so that a spring force of a torsion coil spring holds an attitude of a rotation body at a pre-advancement position corresponding to a post-return position (a), and a post-advancement position corresponding to a pre-return position (b), respectively. The rotation control device includes a first rotation part supporting one end of the torsion coil spring and supported on a fixed body so as to rotate as the rotation body rotates, and a second rotation part rotatably supported on the fixed body at a first rotation part side and supporting the other end of the torsion coil spring. When the first rotation part rotates, the second rotation part rotates together with the first rotation part. A wound portion of the torsion coil spring is most elastically deformed when the rotation body is at an intermediate position (c) between the position (a) and the position (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Akinori Harada
  • Patent number: 8307509
    Abstract: A geared full surface mounted continuous hinge with a hole in a thrust bearing supporting the hinge, said hole adapted to accommodate a flexible tube containing electrical wiring and thereby facilitate the passage of electric current from a frame to appliances in a door connected to the frame using the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Select Products Ltd
    Inventor: Timothy Alan Schau
  • Patent number: 8302262
    Abstract: A hinge device of a plane monitor is capable of manually rotating a plane display in lateral horizontal direction, manually inclining (tilting, laying) in longitudinal direction, or manually adjusting the height in vertical direction, being simple in structure and easy in manual operation. The structure includes a mechanism for supporting a plane display in lower part, and rotating it manually in lateral horizontal direction, in which the rotary mechanism in the lateral horizontal direction includes horizontal rotary position holding means, and transmitting means for transmitting rotary motion in lateral horizontal direction of the plane display to the horizontal rotary position holding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Simotec Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Katsumata, Takayuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8272104
    Abstract: A liftable slide cover mounting structure consisting of two hinges, two metal sheet bracket mechanism, two sliding rails, two gears, two gear racks and two supplementary support mechanisms. Subject to the use of the sheet plate bracket mechanisms to hold the sliding rails instead of zinc alloy sliding rail holders, the weight of the liftable slide cover mounting structure is minimized. Further, when the cover panel is opened from the base member, the sheet plate bracket mechanisms are forced into engagement with the supplementary support mechanisms to support the cover panel in position for enabling the user to operate the display screen of the cover panel positively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8267492
    Abstract: An articulated hinge allowing non-circular motion of a refrigerator door and having a mechanism for transmitting utilities through the hinge is provided. A support rod for preventing torsional deformation of a refrigerator door adapted to carry utilities to an in-door dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alan S. Lucas, Harish Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8262053
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus includes a U-shaped first bracket, a U-shaped second bracket pivotably attached to the first bracket through a connection mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a first gear mounted to the second bracket, and a second gear pivotably mounted to the first bracket and mating with the first gear. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member slidably attached to the first bracket, a resilient member arranged between the positioning member and the first bracket, and a positioning gear pivotably attached to the first bracket and linked with the second gear. The positioning member includes a positioning pole. When the second bracket is rotated to a desired position relative to the first bracket, the resilient member biases the positioning member, such that the positioning pole engages in the positioning gear to position the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8250711
    Abstract: A space-saving slide cover lifting structure consisting of a pair hinges, a pair of sliding rail holders, a pair of plastic slide guides, a pair of sliding rails, a pair of gears and a pair of gear racks is disclosed. The gear racks are respectively accommodated in the sliding rails to reduce space occupation, minimizing the width of the assembly of the gear rack and the respective sliding rail. The arrangement of the plastic slide guides prohibits direction contact between the metal sliding rails and the sliding rail holders, avoiding friction noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Hui Chen, Che-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8240435
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Otfried Mast
  • Patent number: 8235405
    Abstract: A linkage for connecting a frame of a vehicle to an unsprung mass component of the vehicle, includes: a first portion connectable to the frame, the first portion includes a first toothed surface and a fourth rotatable connection; a second portion connectable to the unsprung mass component, the second portion includes a second toothed surface and a fifth rotatable connection; a third portion connectable to the first portion and the second portion, the third portion includes a sixth rotatable connection and a seventh rotatable connection, and where the first portion is rotatably connected to the second portion and configured to be rotatable between the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface, where the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface are configured to engage, where the fourth rotatable connection is connected to the seventh rotatable connection, where the fifth rotatable connection is connected to the sixth rotatable connection, and where the third portion is configured to con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas Pokupec
  • Publication number: 20120167344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shock-absorber device intended to connect two parts, one part moves relative to the other part, owing solely to an initial temporary thrust provided by a driving device, thereby shifting from an initial position to an end position. The device includes a mechanical system connecting the parts in relative movement, which also includes a kinetic energy accumulator designed to be supplied by the above-mentioned initial thrust, and to return at least the exact amount of energy required to allow the mobile one part to reach the end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: CONSEIL ET TECHNIQUE
    Inventor: Guy Valembois
  • Patent number: 8205305
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes two pivoting shafts substantially parallel to each other, two main gears non-rotatably sleeved on the pivoting shafts, respectively. The hinge mechanism further includes two transmission gears positioned between the main gears, and two brackets sleeved on the pivoting shafts, respectively. Each transmission gear meshes with the other transmission gear and one main gear. Each pivoting shaft includes a flange which defines two locking portions, and each bracket forms two latching portions engaging with the locking portions of each pivoting shaft. The locking portions and the latching portions are selected from the structures of groove and hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li, Han-Zheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8201305
    Abstract: A hinge construction, suitable for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, includes a first hinge part configured for mounting on the motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected with the first hinge part via a base shaft. The second hinge part is configured to support a mirror support. In an embodiment, the base shaft is translatably connected with one of the hinge parts, the other hinge part is arranged pivotably about the base shaft, and the hinge parts cooperate via a track guide, which causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate relative to each other, and a straight guide, which cases the hinge parts upon pivoting to translate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
  • Patent number: 8186781
    Abstract: A hinge for controlling the movement of a door on a refrigerator is disclosed, the hinge allowing the refrigerator to be installed flush to adjacent cabinets. The door translates and rotates in order to allow access to the refrigerator cabinet interior without contacting the adjacent cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Coleman, Alan S. Lucas, Harish Kulkarni, Ralph Tate, Jr., Bozhi Yang
  • Publication number: 20120117884
    Abstract: A body portion 41 of a hinge apparatus 4 is mounted to an inner surface of a side wall portion of a housing 2. Basal end portions of first and second links 42, 43 are rotatably mounted to the body portion 41. Distal end portions of the first and second links 42, 43 are rotatably mounted to a connecting member (not shown). A movable member 53 is connected to the connecting member such that the movable member 53 is movable in a left-right direction. A door 3 is mounted to the movable member 53. An outer gear portion 42a is disposed in the distal end portion of the first link 42. A rack portion 53 is formed in the movable member 53 such that a longitudinal direction of the rack portion 53 is oriented in the left-right direction. The outer gear portion 42a is engaged with the rack portion 53b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Oshima
  • Patent number: 8177445
    Abstract: An over-center mechanism includes a pivoting member, rotatable about a pivot point between first and second positions, a drive gear, having a first radius, fixedly attached to the pivoting member at the pivot point, a pinion gear, engaged with the drive gear, having a second radius, and an over-center tension spring, eccentrically attached between the drive gear and the pinion gear, to bias the pivoting member toward the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Jones, Glenn W Gaarder, Michael Janczyk
  • Patent number: 8156612
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable hinge provided with a first member provided with a case portion holding an approximately disc-shaped gear member having a non-circular through hole as to freely rotate, a second member having a fitting shaft portion detachably inserted to the through hole of the gear member, a wedge-shaped window portion formed on the case portion, and a floating wedge member, movably disposed within the wedge-shaped window portion, in which one side face is a toothed face to engage with the gear member and another side is a contact face to contact a wedge face of the wedge-shaped window portion, to restrict the gear member from oscillation in one direction against the case portion by the engagement of the toothed face with the gear member and the contact of the contact face and the wedge face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Koyo Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadanobu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8141735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Durapod System Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Paul Woods, Lawrence Basil Hart