Including Toothed Gear Patents (Class 16/354)
  • Patent number: 8139994
    Abstract: In order to reduce a number of parts and required costs, and to improve operability during assembly and maintenance, the automatic original cover closer comprises hinge portions having a supporting member which supports the original cover to be opened and closed with regard to a main body of an office equipment and a driving portion automatically driving the supporting member of the hinge portions. The automatic original cover closer is characterized in that the supporting member is rotatably supported via a rotation shaft on a mounting member attached to the main body, that the driving portion comprises a driving motor and a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation drive force of the driving motor to the rotation shaft, and that the rotation shaft is adjusted so that its rotation drive force can be transmitted to the supporting member via a shaft engaging members fixedly attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Naokazu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120047685
    Abstract: A rotational hinge including a first casing linkage; a second casing linkage; a hinge linkage; and a synchronization linkage, wherein the synchronization linkage is coupled to the first casing linkage and the second casing linkage to synchronize a fixed rotational axis and a moving rotational axis that provides one or more degrees of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Yawei Ma, Ichiro Yamada, Mi Zhou
  • Patent number: 8104144
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first pivot shaft, a second pivot shaft, a third pivot shaft, a first bracket, a second bracket, a first meshing wheel, a second meshing wheel, a third meshing wheel, and a transmission belt member sleeved on both the first meshing wheel and the third meshing wheel. The first pivot shaft, the second pivot shaft, and the third pivot shaft are substantially parallel. The first and second brackets are non-rotatably sleeved on the first and second pivot shafts, respectively. The third meshing wheel is disposed between the first meshing wheel and the second meshing wheel, and meshes with the second meshing wheel and the transmission belt member. An electronic device using the hinge assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Han-Zheng Zhang, Shen Li
  • Patent number: 8104141
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable hinge in which a pair of floating wedge members are disposed as to be rotation symmetric for 180° around a first axis as an axis of symmetry, and each of wedge faces of four wedge-shaped window portions is serially formed on an arc around a second axis as a center, eccentric from the first axis and rotation symmetric for every 90° around the first axis as the axis of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Koyo Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadanobu Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120019041
    Abstract: hinge mechanism comprising first and second rotating frames and a control member mounted rotatably in a neck of the first frame, such control member being capable of controlling the relative rotation of the frames. A metal retaining part is held in the neck by pressing, and the control member is mounted rotatably independently of the retaining part and abuts against such retaining part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Sébastien Leconte, Cédric Legras
  • Publication number: 20110271486
    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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, JIAN LI, HAN-ZHENG ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8032987
    Abstract: One end portion of a connecting member 31 is connected to a first housing 1 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a first rotation axis L1 fixed in position with respect to the first housing 1. The other end portion of the connecting member 31 is connected to a second housing 2 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a second rotation axis L2 fixed in position with respect to the second housing 2 and extending parallel to the first rotation axis L1. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are located in different locations in a direction of the first and the second rotation axes L1, L2 such that a top surface 1a of the first housing 1 and an undersurface 2b of the second housing 2 are located generally on a same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., PKM Corporation, Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Shinichirou Koshikawa, Ryou Niimi, Hisashi Fukai, Manabu Hasegawa, Kenta Naganuma
  • Patent number: 8032988
    Abstract: A rotating mechanism and an electronic device using the same are provided. The rotating mechanism is disposed at the electronic device. The electronic device includes a first casing and a second casing. The rotating mechanism includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is coupled to the first casing. The second gear is coupled to the second casing. The second gear is engaged with the first gear, and then the first casing is capable of rotating relatively to the second casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Chung Lai, Hung-Chang Hung
  • Publication number: 20110239406
    Abstract: A hinge including first and second hinge members movable between an open position and a closed position, the first hinge member including a substantially cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis about which the second hinge member is rotatable to move the hinge between the open position and the closed position; the body portion housing biasing means having an end fixed relative to the second hinge member, the biasing means being in engagement with an adjustment member, the adjustment member being fixed with respect to the first hinge member; wherein the adjustment member includes a ratchet means to move the adjustment member in a first direction to increase the tension in the biasing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Audrius Macernis
  • Publication number: 20110162170
    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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD
    Inventors: Masazumi Morishita, Masaya Yamazato
  • Publication number: 20110157780
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first pivot shaft, a second pivot shaft, a third pivot shaft, a first bracket, a second bracket, a first meshing wheel, a second meshing wheel, a third meshing wheel, and a transmission belt member sleeved on both the first meshing wheel and the third meshing wheel. The first pivot shaft, the second pivot shaft, and the third pivot shaft are substantially parallel. The first and second brackets are non-rotatably sleeved on the first and second pivot shafts, respectively. The third meshing wheel is disposed between the first meshing wheel and the second meshing wheel, and meshes with the second meshing wheel and the transmission belt member. An electronic device using the hinge assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, HAN-ZHENG ZHANG, SHEN LI
  • Patent number: 7954834
    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, and includes a first toothed surface; a second portion connectable to an unsprung mass component, and includes a second toothed surface, 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, and where the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface are configured to mesh with each other and maintain engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas Pokupec
  • Patent number: 7930803
    Abstract: A folding apparatus (1) having transmitter and receiver cases (2, 10), a hinge mechanism (20) for pivotally connecting one end of the transmitter case and that of the receiver case to each other, and a hinge cover (C). The hinge mechanism is connected to corners (15a-16b) of the one end of the transmitter case and of that of the receiver case. The corners (15a-16b) are projected in the direction orthogonal to the one end of each of the transmitter and receiver cases, and the hinge mechanism is installed between the projected corners of the cases. The hinge cover has a pair of box-shaped cover members (7, 8), and a cross-section of each cover member taken in the direction orthogonal to the one end has an ellipse shape. The cover members are arranged so as to face to each other, covering and holding the hinge mechanism located between the projected corners of the transmitter and receiver cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ueyama, Jiro Osaki
  • Patent number: 7836553
    Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing minor unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide and a drive mechanism having a disengageable coupling. The drive mechanism and the rack-and-pinion guide cause the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The disengageable coupling is operatively configured to disengage the motor and the gear drive from the first hinge part. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
  • Patent number: 7832056
    Abstract: An opening-closing device includes a fixed gear of a fixed body, a conversion gear engaged with the fixed gear, a movable gear of a movable body, and a relay gear engaged with the conversion gear and with the movable gear, all of which are attached to a locking plate. The movable body can be held at a predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body by making an engaging portion in the locking plate is contacted with a locking portion in the fixed body and by making the conversion gear move to another position when the movable body is opened at the predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body. Moving the conversion gear to another position makes it possible to perform opening and closing operations in a greater angle. Thus, the opening-closing device can have a simple structure and perform a variety of opening and closing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7832057
    Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7810213
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a pivotably mounted actuating arm for driving a flap of a piece of furniture includes a spring device and a transmission mechanism. The spring device includes a spring-loaded setting member and the transmission mechanism converts the movement of the setting member into a pivoting movement of the actuating arm. The transmission mechanism includes at least one pivotably mounted interlever interacting between the setting member and the actuating arm so that interaction between the interlever and the setting member or the actuating arm occurs by a setting contour. The transmission mechanism includes at least one adjustment device to alter the transmission ratio between the movement of the setting member and the pivoting movement of the actuating arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Julius Glum GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Brüstle
  • Patent number: 7805810
    Abstract: The present invention is an extremely compact three leaf geared hinge that is adapted to handle heavy loads, tightly fold back onto itself for space conservation, offer extensive freedom of movement in the horizontal plane and provide an extremely smooth operating action with minimal play in torsion as well as in axial or transverse motions. The hinge has three interconnected leaves jointed by hinge pins. The inner and outer leaves each have two fixed gears on their sides that meshingly engage a set of two rotating gears located on the sides of the middle leaf. The inner leaf has a cylindrical leaf and pin arrangement on one end that may be rotatably secured to a rigid member or housing. The free end of the outer leaf may be attached to the load directly or with a device that allows the load to rotate normally about the extended hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7765644
    Abstract: A hinge device having a first installation frame (10) installed on a first housing (2); a second installation frame (20) installed on a second housing (3); a third installation frame (30) for rotatably supporting a base end section of each of the frames, the base end sections being supported such that a head section side of each frame is rotatable in a direction to approach to and separate from each other, the base end sections being supported through a first main shaft (40) and a second main shaft (50) that are arranged parallel to each other and to which rotation of the frames is transmitted; a rotation force transmission mechanism (80) disposed between the main shafts (40, 50) and including gears (81, 82) having a function of transmitting reverse rotation force from one to the other and vice versa; and a rotation angle restriction means (60). The hinge device enables stable closing operation in which displacement between the housings does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Kasatani Corp.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ueyama, Yoshitomo Sakai, Toshiya Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 7765642
    Abstract: An operation mechanism attaches a movable member to a main body to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. The movable member is held in the first position by a locking device. The operation mechanism includes a base attached to the main body, a contact portion attached to the movable member, and a coil spring having one end fixed to the base, and the other end attached to the contact portion for urging the movable member in the first position toward the second position. A transfer track for the contact portion is formed at the base. By the transfer track, after the movable member in the first position is moved to a predetermined position by a force accumulated on the spring, when the movable member is pushed to the second position, the spring stores a force from the predetermined position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Michihiro Fukuo
  • Publication number: 20100146736
    Abstract: One end portion of a connecting member 31 is connected to a first housing 1 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a first rotation axis L1 fixed in position with respect to the first housing 1. The other end portion of the connecting member 31 is connected to a second housing 2 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a second rotation axis L2 fixed in position with respect to the second housing 2 and extending parallel to the first rotation axis L1. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are located in different locations in a direction of the first and the second rotation axes L1, L2 such that a top surface 1a of the first housing 1 and an undersurface 2b of the second housing 2 are located generally on a same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Shinichirou Koshikawa, Ryou Niimi, Hisashi Fukai, Manabu Hasegawa, Kenta Naganuma
  • Patent number: 7735199
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for use with a door, in particular, an aircraft door, that enables the door to remain substantially parallel to the fuselage of the aircraft when the door is open and closed. The hinge assembly includes a door support assembly that couples to the door, and a hinge arm assembly. The hinge arm assembly includes a first gear assembly that couples to the fuselage, a second gear assembly that couples the hinge arm assembly to the door support assembly, and a linkage assembly coupled to the first and second gear assemblies. The first and second gear assemblies and linkage assembly cooperate to move the door support assembly and hinge arm assembly with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Clausen, Jeff Feathers, Andrew Keleher
  • Publication number: 20100132160
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: In Su JUNG
  • Patent number: 7669288
    Abstract: A hinge arrangement for a cover element in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, for example a hinged cover for a glove compartment or a CD player compartment is disclosed. The cover can be pivoted from a closed position into an open position about a pivot axis. The hinge arrangement includes an arrangement whereby the cover may be displaced (for example, substantially transversely to the pivot path) during the pivoting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Zeilbeck, Georg Sigl, Josef Stöckl
  • Publication number: 20100024169
    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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: DLP LIMITED
    Inventor: James Edward SELF
  • Publication number: 20090313790
    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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Select Products Ltd
    Inventor: Timothy Alan Schau
  • Patent number: 7621419
    Abstract: A door operating mechanism is provided for rotatably switching a door relative to a base between a closed position and an open position. A sector gear is disposed in a support arm projected from the door. A rotary gear is disposed substantially in the center of the arc of the sector gear. A first gear of the base has internal teeth disposed to engage the sector gear. A second gear of the base is resiliently and displaceably disposed to engage the rotary gear. The door is rotatably disposed along a track corresponding to the first gear via engagements between the first gear and the sector gear, and engagements between the second gear and the rotary gear. A load received by the door in the closed position towards the bottom of the base is absorbed by resilient displacement of the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Michihiro Fukuo
  • Patent number: 7617569
    Abstract: An articulation includes a first shell, a second shell, a gear wheel, a push button, and an elastic member. Thus, the second shell is unlocked from the first shell by pressing the push button so that the second shell is rotatable freely relative to the first shell so as to adjust the angle between the second shell and the first shell. In addition, when each of the limit plates of the gear wheel is separated from a respective limit slot of the second shell, the gear wheel is stopped by the second shell and is not pushed by the elastic member, so that the second shell is rotatable freely relative to the first shell through a larger angle without having to press the push button successively, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the angle in an energy-saving manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 7617947
    Abstract: A reusable box has a floor having opposite side edges and opposite end edges bridging the side edges, respective side walls extending upward from the side edges, a fixed end wall extending upward from one of the end edges and fixedly bridging between the side walls, and a movable end wall extending in a closed position upward from the other of the end walls and fitting between the side walls. The movable end wall is displaceable between a position clear of the side walls and giving access to an interior of the box at the other end. Formations extend to upper edges of both of the end walls that for nesting interfit and that for stacking vertically engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Fritz Schafer GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20090241290
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Jones, Glenn W Gaarder, Michael Janczyk
  • Patent number: 7520028
    Abstract: In the case of a hinge device with an arm and with two head pieces mounted to pivot/swivel on the ends of the arm around respectively one axis, the head pieces are respectively joined to revolve with one of the two belt pulleys, which are circumscribed by a common traction belt on one circumferential surface, and at least one of the belt pulleys is not circular but preferably elliptical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Borleis, Juergen Hulbert, Jens Schenkenberger, Andreas Stern
  • Patent number: 7512376
    Abstract: An automatic original cover closer to practically realize an automatic opening and closing function of an original cover, has a hinge part to rotatably support an original cover to the main body of office equipment and a driving part to automatically drive the hinge part. The hinge part includes a mounting member to mount on the main body and a supporting member to support the original cover to be axially supported to this mounting member so as to be rotatable with a rotary shaft via the rotary shaft. The driving part includes a positively and reversely rotatable drive motor and a power transferring mechanism to decelerate and transfer the rotary driving power of this drive motor to a drive shaft. The rotary driving power of the drive motor is transferred to the supporting member via the drive shaft and the rotary shaft, by connecting the rotary shaft to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naokazu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7512426
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communications device comprising a housing, a transceiver in the housing, a keypad connected to the housing, and a display connected to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a first axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of the housing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing, and wherein the hinge comprises means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees. The invention further relates to a hinge for use therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Esa-Sakari Maatta, Herman Scherling, Ilpo Kauhaniemi, Mads Stefansen, Matti Kosonen, Mikko Ukonaho, Nikolaj Bestle
  • Publication number: 20090070961
    Abstract: A simultaneous-rotating hinge has a body, a first leaf and a second leaf. The body has a gear assembly. The gear assembly is mounted in the body and comprises multiple gears that engage each other. The first leaf is mounted rotatably on the body and connects to one of the gears in the gear assembly. The second leaf is mounted rotatably on the body and connects to another gear in the gear assembly. Interaction of the gears causes the first leaf and the second leaf to pivot simultaneously toward or away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Chia-Ko Chung, Yu-Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20090044377
    Abstract: An improved shoe for a casement window hinge is disclosed. The hinge has a base with a front end and a rear end and two sides. The base has a ridge on the rear end for securing the base to a track and a tongue extending from one of the sides. The tongue has a plurality of teeth extending from a side of the tongue. A gear wheel is adapted to be rotatably secured to a track. The gear wheel has a plurality of teeth about its circumference which mesh with the teeth on the gear wheel. The rotation of the gear wheel causes the base of the hinge to move longitudinally in relation to the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7488300
    Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate, first and second members pivotally coupled to the plate, and a rocker coupled to the plate. The first member is pivotable about a first axis of rotation, and the second member is pivotable about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The second member is not directly engaged with the first member, and the first member may not be connected to a return mechanism that urges the first member to pivot about the first axis of rotation. The first member has a first recess, and the second member has a second recess. The rocker includes a head at least partially receivable in the first recess and/or the second recess to restrict rotation of one of the first and second members until the other has rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Thusane
    Inventor: Guy M. Houser
  • Publication number: 20090013500
    Abstract: A hinge device having a first installation frame (10) installed on a first housing (2); a second installation frame (20) installed on a second housing (3); a third installation frame (30) for rotatably supporting a base end section of each of the frames, the base end sections being supported such that a head section side of each frame is rotatable in a direction to approach to and separate from each other, the base end sections being supported through a first main shaft (40) and a second main shaft (50) that are arranged parallel to each other and to which rotation of the frames is transmitted; a rotation force transmission mechanism (80) disposed between the main shafts (40, 50) and including gears (81, 82) having a function of transmitting reverse rotation force from one to the other and vice versa; and a rotation angle restriction means (60). The hinge device enables stable closing operation in which displacement between the housings does not occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., TOTTORI SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., KASATANI CORP.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ueyama, Yoshitomo Sakai, Toshiya Ishibashi
  • Publication number: 20080284295
    Abstract: A rotating mechanism and an electronic device using the same are provided. The rotating mechanism is disposed at the electronic device. The electronic device includes a first casing and a second casing. The rotating mechanism includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is coupled to the first casing. The second gear is coupled to the second casing. The second gear is engaged with the first gear, and then the first casing is capable of rotating relatively to the second casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chin-Chung Lai, Hung-Chang Hung
  • Publication number: 20080276428
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for use with a door, in particular, an aircraft door, that enables the door to remain substantially parallel to the fuselage of the aircraft when the door is open and closed. The hinge assembly includes a door support assembly that couples to the door, and a hinge arm assembly. The hinge arm assembly includes a first gear assembly that couples to the fuselage, a second gear assembly that couples the hinge arm assembly to the door support assembly, and a linkage assembly coupled to the first and second gear assemblies. The first and second gear assemblies and linkage assembly cooperate to move the door support assembly and hinge arm assembly with respect to each other to maintain the door substantially parallel to the aircraft when moving the door toward an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Clausen, Jeff Feathers, Andrew Keleher
  • Patent number: 7444716
    Abstract: A duel-axle hinge has two adjusting assemblies, a connecting assembly, two lifting assemblies and a positioning gear assembly. The adjusting assemblies are attached to a screen of a liquid crystal display (LCD). The lifting assemblies are attached to a support of the LCD. The screen is turned via the adjusting assemblies to adjust the visual angle of the screen. The screen is turned via the lifting assemblies to adjust the height of the screen. The positioning gear assembly can provide positioning function to hold the screen at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chun-Ching Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080216288
    Abstract: The present invention is an extremely compact three leaf geared hinge that is adapted to handle heavy loads, tightly fold back onto itself for space conservation, offer extensive freedom of movement in the horizontal plane and provide an extremely smooth operating action with minimal play in torsion as well as in axial or transverse motions. The hinge has three interconnected leaves jointed by hinge pins. The inner and outer leaves each have two fixed gears on their sides that meshingly engage a set of two rotating gears located on the sides of the middle leaf. The inner leaf has a cylindrical leaf and pin arrangement on one end that may be rotatably secured to a rigid member or housing. The free end of the outer leaf may be attached to the load directly or with a device that allows the load to rotate normally about the extended hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7418766
    Abstract: An upper piggybacked unit of a tandem unit is provided with a hinge unit and at least one motion lock to prevent the upper unit from falling away from the lower unit when it is tandemly coupled to the lower unit and the lower unit is pivoted to a non-horizontal position. The motion lock may inhibit rotation and/or translation of the upper unit. The motion lock may also be self-actuating, such as a gravity dependent lock mechanism. A lock override mechanism may be provided to allow the lock to yield to excessive force without causing damage. The lock enable condition may be automatically reset after the override condition so that no special knowledge or action on the part of the user is required to return the hinge to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron T. Nelson, Keng Leong Ng, Brent R. Jones, Yin Mei (Regina) Sia, Sheau Ming Ng
  • Patent number: 7414834
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communications device comprising a housing, a transceiver in the housing, a keypad connected to the housing, and a display connected to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a first axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of the housing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing, and wherein the hinge comprises means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees. The invention further relates to a hinge for use therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Mikko Ukonaho, Esa-Sakari Maatta, Ilpo Kauhaniemi, Sami Myyrylainen
  • Patent number: 7412752
    Abstract: A positioning structure for a pivotal shaft comprises a positioning device for use in the pivotal shaft. The positioning structure is located between a base and a lid of an electronic product, wherein an inner sleeve is pivotally connected to an outer sleeve through an elastic device. The positioning device is composed of a rotation ring and a ring cover. A toothed ring is mounted on each side of the rotation ring, and a limit block is protrudent from the edge of the rotation ring. The ring cover has a locking trench, and the toothed rings are inserted into the locking trench. The elastic device is pre-rotated. When the push-button switch is separated from the buttonhole by pressing, the lid is lifted up by the anti-twist force and the lower edge of the lid is exactly stopped by the limit block for positioning the lid to a predetermined angle automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Sheng-Fu Lu
  • Patent number: 7406748
    Abstract: A hinge including a stiffened leaf. The hinge may generally comprise a first longitudinally-extending leaf having a base portion and a mounting portion offset and preferably parallel to the base portion that defines a cavity. The mounting portion may contain at least one hole for attaching the leaf to a hinged object with a fastener. In one embodiment, the hole further includes an annular reinforcement disposed in the cavity proximate to the hole. The hole may be conical in shape and may extend into the reinforcement to receive and support a conically-shaped fastener head. The hinge is suitable for thin leaf construction and continuous full-length hinge applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Austin R. Baer
  • Publication number: 20080168623
    Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing mirror unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide that causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: EATON AUTOMOTIVE B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
  • Publication number: 20080148519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge assembly that enables the adjustment of viewing angles of liquid crystal display monitor mounted thereon and has multiple structural features to enhance its loading performance when it carries large-size liquid crystal display. The hinge assembly is also easy to handle for users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: CHIH-CHING CHANG, Chun-Hsien Wu
  • Publication number: 20080109995
    Abstract: An opening-closing device includes a fixed gear of a fixed body, a conversion gear engaged with the fixed gear, a movable gear of a movable body, and a relay gear engaged with the conversion gear and with the movable gear, all of which are attached to a locking plate. The movable body can be held at a predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body by making an engaging portion in the locking plate is contacted with a locking portion in the fixed body and by making the conversion gear move to another position when the movable body is opened at the predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body. Moving the conversion gear to another position makes it possible to perform opening and closing operations in a greater angle. Thus, the opening-closing device can have a simple structure and perform a variety of opening and closing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7345872
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device (300) mainly comprises a cover (310), a main body (320), a monitor (328) mounted on the main body, a keyboard (318) mounted on the cover and a hinge structure (330) to which pivot portions (312), (322) of the cover and main body are hinged. The pivot portions have teeth (314), (324) on circumferential peripheries thereof. The teeth mesh with each other. The cover can rotate for 360 degrees relative to the main body thereby moving from a first position to a second position, wherein at the first position, the cover abuts against a top surface (326) of the main body, and at the second position, the cover abuts against a bottom surface of the main body. The trajectory of the cover during its rotation relative to the main body follows a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: High Tech Computer, Corp.
    Inventor: John C. Wang
  • Publication number: 20080034544
    Abstract: A support device for supporting an upper body of an electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus further comprises a lower body, and the upper body pivotally rotates relative to the lower body. The support device comprises a rotating element disposed on the lower body and having a thread surface, a first gear disposed on the upper body, a second gear meshing with the first gear at one side and meshing with the thread surface of the rotating element at another side, a first resistant torque providing element disposed under the rotating element, and a second resistant torque providing element disposed under the first resistant torque providing element. The first resistant torque providing element and the second resistant torque providing element provide resistant torques in counter directions to gradually dissolve the weight load of the upper body during the opening or closing processes, so as to stably support the upper body of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: TECO IMAGE SYSTEMS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ping Hung Kuo