Having Plural Hinge Axes (e.g., Multiple Pintle) Patents (Class 16/366)
  • Patent number: 7832686
    Abstract: The present application relates to a specially designed hinge mechanism (4) which makes it possible to construct an aircraft door (2) that can be fitted in a fuselage (3) so as to be displaceable and swivellable on the fuselage (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to an aircraft door (2) comprising at least one such hinge mechanism (4) designed in this way, to a fuselage (3) with at least one aircraft door (2) that is linked to at least one hinge mechanism (4), designed in this way, on the fuselage (3), as well as to the use of at least one hinge mechanism (4) for installation of an aircraft door (2) on a fuselage (3). The hinge mechanism (4) essentially comprises a displacement mechanism (5, 6) as well as a telescopic scissor-type mechanism (7-12). The displacement mechanism (5, 6) can be linked to an aircraft door (2) and is kinematically designed such that as a result of its activation the aircraft door (2) can be displaced from its home position in the direction of the fuselage (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Konrad Erben, Jan Wijnia
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20100275822
    Abstract: A hinge (10) comprising an elongate base (11) and first and second hinge plates (12, 13) pivotally mounted on said base (11) for carrying hinged structures (21, 22). The base (11) has two parallel spaced holes (14, 15) for receiving two parallel spaced pivot pins (16, 17) that extends at right angles to the length of the base (11) across the width of the base. Each of the hinge plates (12, 13) has an upstanding portion (23) extending in a direction extending along the length of the base (11) and encompassing a part of the perimeter of the base (11). Flange means (24) are provided for fixing the hinge plate (12, 13) to the hinged structures (21, 22). Each hinge plate (12, 13) has two aligned holes (27) that align with one of the holes (14,15) in the base (11) for receiving one of said pivot pins (16, 17) thereby enabling each hinge plate (12, 13) to pivot relative to the base (11) about a respective one of the pivot pins (16 or 17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Jerry Elford
  • Patent number: 7814617
    Abstract: A hinge (10) has a first arm (14) pivotally mounted to a first mounting element (11) and a second arm (15) pivotally mounted to a second mounting element (12). The first and second arms (14, 15) intersect and are pivotally joined by a pivot (13). A first link (24) is pivotally connected to the first mounting element (11) and pivotally coupled to the second arm (15). A second link 21 is pivotally connected to the second mounting element (12) and pivotally coupled to the first arm (14). At least one of said first and second links (21, 24) is adjustable such as to adjust the position of the arm, to which the link is connected, with respect to a pivotal coupling of the mounting element to the arm. The first arm (14) is formed in two parts (31 and 32) which are pivotally coupled together whereby the angular position of one part (31) relative to the other part (32) can be altered and retained in an adjusted angular position by adjusting screws (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Manfred Frank Patent Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Manfred Johannes Frank
  • 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: 7797796
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for vertical-movement doors comprises two articulated-quadrilateral hinges each including a first plate designed to be fastened to the furniture flanks, a second plate designed to be fastened to the door and two superposed arms pivotally mounted between the plates to form the quadrilateral connecting-rods. The assembly comprises brackets for removable fastening of the bar ends to the hinges, where the brackets can be alternatively mounted at two different fastening seats present at locations spaced apart from each other, along the upper arm of each hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Agostino Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Publication number: 20100213317
    Abstract: A door hinge (10) according to the invention comprises a first hinge element (12) which is fastenable to a door frame (24) and a second hinge element (14) which is fastenable to a door leaf (28) and has a first hinge blade (20) and a second hinge blade (22). A first pivot axis (32) is connected, when the door hinge (10) is in a first operating condition, to the first and second hinge elements (12, 14) in such a way that the second hinge blade (22) of the second hinge element (14) is pivotable, when the door hinge (10) is in said first operating condition, about said first pivot axis (32), relative to the first hinge element (12), in a first pivot direction (Px), for the purpose of unblocking a door aperture which is bounded by the door frame (24). The first pivot axis (32) is decoupled from the first or the second hinge element (12, 14) when the door hinge (10) is in a second operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Konstantin Wagner, Sergej Moiseenko, Sebastian Fritzsche
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100175223
    Abstract: An upper and lower traffic door support that may be installed in a first position for a first opening arc for the traffic door and installed in a second position to have an increased arc of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Mueller Door Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Miller, Duer Miller
  • Patent number: 7748767
    Abstract: A tonneau cover is mounted to the cargo area of a pickup truck by a hinge mechanism positioned at the forward end of the pickup truck cargo area. The hinge assembly has two major components. The first component is a mounting plate that is affixed to each sidewall of the cargo area near the forward extent of the cargo area. The mounting plate includes an alignment mechanism and a mechanism for clamping the second component onto the mounting plate. The base plate also includes slots for engagement by the clamping mechanism of the mounting plate. The articulating mechanism is configured to open the tonneau cover in a nearly vertical direction initially, prior to rotation of the tonneau cover to an open position. An installer can reach in from the side of the truck cargo area and engage the clamps to secure the removable component to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Machining Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Terhaar, David J. Terhaar
  • 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: 7730584
    Abstract: A vehicle closure hinge includes a mount having a pivot axis flange, a pivot link, a pivot coupling the pivot link to the pivot axis flange and a spring formed by a laterally coiled strand extending from a first coil end to a second coil end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of displacement about the pivot axis. The coil size, the strand size and the number of coils can be varied as desired to vary the spring biasing force exerted against the vehicle closure without varying other components of the hinge. The hinge parts may be designed with various configurations including simple pivoting links or a four bar linkage. A strand end of the coil spring extends along the direction of the coil to a position at a first coil end to maintain biasing force near the plane of displacement about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: M & C Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Duffy
  • Patent number: 7730587
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus used to connect a base and a display unit comprises a connecting member a first fastening member a second fastening members a first pivoting member and a second pivoting member, wherein the connecting member includes a first hole and a second hole. One end of the first pivoting member is fixed with a display unit and the other end crosses through the first hole and is then fastened with the first fastening member. One end of the second pivoting member is fixed with a base and the other end crosses through the second hole and is then fastened with the second fastening member. With the connectivity between the connecting member the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member, the motion of the hinge apparatus is capable of rotating 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Wen Chang, Chih-Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 7707690
    Abstract: A device has a closed position and at least first and second open positions. The device includes a base. A hinge assembly is engaged with the base. The hinge assembly has first and second axes. A hinged portion is engaged with the hinge assembly. The hinged portion is individually pivotable with respect to the base about each of the first and second axes of the hinge assembly. Pivoting of the hinged portion about the first axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the first open position. Relative pivoting of the hinged portion about the second axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lowry, Mark Cooper, Eugene Novin
  • Patent number: 7707687
    Abstract: An opening/closing device for a double flap door of an item of furniture, wherein the top part and the bottom part of the door are not hinged to each other. The device is connected to the furniture item to cause the top part of the door to rotate with respect to the furniture item and an articulated quadrilateral causes the bottom part of the door to rotate with respect to the top part concomitantly with the rotation of the top part of the door with respect to the furniture item. The articulated quadrilateral includes a first and a second arm each having one end hinged to the bottom part of the door and the other end hinged to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Effegi Brevettie S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Giovannetti
  • Patent number: 7706137
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first housing; a second housing; and a coupling unit that openably/closably and rotatably couples the second housing with the first housing. The coupling unit is a biaxial coupling unit having: a rotation axis that vertically extends when the first housing is placed on a horizontal table, and is rotatably coupled to the first housing; and an opening/closing axis that is fixed to the rotation axis, horizontally extends, openably/closably supports the second housing with respect to the first housing, and rotates as the rotation axis rotates. The coupling unit includes a stopper to rotate the rotation axis-only when the second housing is opened with respect to the first housing within a range of rotation-allowing opening angle that allows for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Iijima, Sonomasa Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7703177
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a main body, a display part, and a hinge device. The hinge device opens and closes the display part from the main body and allows the display part to rotate. The hinge device includes a sliding unit that slides with respect to the main body, and a rotary unit rotatably formed with the sliding unit to engage the display part. The hinge device requires less installation space so that the mobile apparatus may be more compact. Furthermore, there is no visible installation line of the hinge device so that the mobile apparatus may have a more refined design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20100084154
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a hinge system and method for use with an electrical enclosure. The hinge system can include a first mounting plate having a bushing and a second mounting plate having an aperture. The hinge system can include a pin having a first portion received by the bushing and a second portion selectively received by the aperture. The hinge system can include a cam lever, which can extend from the first mounting plate at an angle. The cam lever can be moveable between a first position to retract the pin from the aperture and a second position to lock the pin in the aperture. The cam lever can be operable in a substantially single plane of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Trent Jones, Jeremy Fink
  • Patent number: 7669287
    Abstract: A hinge structure is disclosed to include a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure respectively mounted on the base member and cover of a lifter cover type mobile electronic product, two master connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure for allowing the cover to be opened from the base member, and two auxiliary connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure in such a manner that the auxiliary connecting members lock the cover to the second hinge structure and the cover is closed on the base member, and unlock the cover from the second hinge structure for adjustment of the inclined angle of the cover when the cover is opened from base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haung Wen Lee, Tasi Shuen Liang
  • Patent number: 7669289
    Abstract: A dual-axis hinge includes at least a connecting section, an upper hinge and a lower hinge. The connecting section has two sides orthogonally connected to the upper and lower hinges respectively. The connecting section has a circuit cavity that communicates with circuit outlets of the upper and lower hinges to form a passage for accommodating a transmission circuit. The upper hinge is connected to a first sleeve for joining the top cover of a folding electronic product, and the lower hinge is connected to a second sleeve for joining the body of the folding electronic product. These connections enable the top cover to rotate in at least two different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chin-Chung Shih, Yi-Shen Wang, Ching-Shih Chen, Yun-Long Tun, Ming-San Huang, John C. Wang
  • Publication number: 20100037428
    Abstract: A portable communication device includes a base assembly, a flip assembly and an intermediate assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly and the flip assembly by a dual sliding flip hinge assembly. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly is configured to facilitate sliding motion of the intermediate assembly along a first direction and along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly further facilitates rotation of the intermediate assembly upon sliding along the second direction. The base assembly, flip assembly and intermediate assembly may be configured to include respective displays and/or touch-input devices to provide a portable communication device with increased display area and/or control area with a smaller footprint often associated with conventional clamshell or slider portable communication devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: David W. Gaddy
  • Patent number: 7653969
    Abstract: A three-piece hinge supports a two-panel window assembly in a frame. The hinge includes a base member securable to the frame, a first pivot member pivotably coupled with the base member at a first pivot joint, and a second pivot member pivotably coupled with the base member at a second pivot joint spaced from the first pivot joint. The first and second pivot members each have a glass channel for supporting a panel of the two-panel window assembly. In one arrangement, an insert is secured in a pivoting path of the second pivot member to thereby limit a pivot range of the second pivot member. The hinge eliminates the significant machining time required for prior hinge designs, thereby resulting in a simpler less expensive hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Robert R. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20100011538
    Abstract: A portable communication device includes a base assembly and a top assembly that is coupled to the base assembly by a multi-axis hinge assembly. The multi-axis hinge assembly is configured to facilitate sliding motion between the top assembly and the base assembly along a first direction, as well as rotation of the top assembly relative to the base assembly along perpendicular axes. The portable communication device is provided with versatile configurations and modes of operation with a smaller footprint often associated with traditional clamshell devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Randolph C. Demuynck, Charles C. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20100005625
    Abstract: A hinge assembly has two tracks, a main bracket, at least one connecting bracket, at least one sliding hinge and at least one tilting hinge. The main bracket is mounted slidably between the tracks. The connecting bracket is mounted securely on the main bracket. The sliding hinge corresponds to and selectively holds the connecting bracket. The tilting hinge is connecting to the main bracket. With the related movement between the connecting bracket and the sliding hinge, the connecting bracket is selectively held or moved. Therefore, a moving bracket of a frame for an electronic device being attached to the tilting hinge is selectively pushed and held in a body of the frame or received in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-kuang Chuan
  • Patent number: 7636985
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dual stage vehicle door hinge that: allows a vehicle door to be opened at least one hundred and eighty (180) degrees; is compact; fits most production model vehicles, is inexpensive; is easy to install; is adjustable; and is off-the-shelf available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Greenbank
  • Patent number: 7610067
    Abstract: Disclosed is a swing hinge module for a portable communication device, which includes a first housing; a second housing opened from and closed onto the first housing by a hinge about a first hinge axis; a third housing disposed between the first and second housings, the third housing being rotated about a second hinge axis, which is separated from the first hinge axis and follows a vertical direction, so as to be disposed parallel to the first and second housings, the third housing folded or unfolded about a third hinge axis perpendicular to the second hinge axis; and a swing hinge module connecting the third housing to the first housing, so that the third housing can be rotated about the second and third axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Woo-Chul Cho, Yong-Jae Kim, Sang-Gook Kim
  • Publication number: 20090262540
    Abstract: A horticulture light fixture having a secure glass aperture and glass retention frame that is swingably hinged to provide easy and safe maintenance of the fixture and helps facilitate cleaning of the glass. The hinge portion is constructed from sheet metal that is formed during the fabrication of the fixture. The method of construction eliminates the need to install a separate hinge saving manufacturing time and expense. In a preferred embodiment, the glass retention frame is constructed from a single continuous sheet of metal, that is punched or cut into desired dimension and shape, formed or folded to hold a flat piece of glass, and installed using common pins that provide rotational motion for swingably opening and closing of the glass simplifying maintenance of the horticulture light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Hargreaves, Darrin McDonald
  • Patent number: 7596831
    Abstract: A hinge movably attaches a door to a frame member of a motor vehicle. The hinge includes a frame bracket configured for attachment to the frame member and including opposed sidewalls connected by a base, and a door bracket configured for attachment to the door and including opposed arms connected together by a bridge. A plurality of links pivotably and translatably connects the door bracket to the frame bracket. The links include a first link including second opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a second bridge, and a second link including third opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a third bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Faubert, Richard A. Manning, Raja Hazime, Kenneth E. Spieles, Robert R. Lazarevich
  • Patent number: 7591046
    Abstract: A sprung hinge for supporting closure elements, comprising: a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral, which share a first lever and a second lever and have as their base element respectively a plate for coupling to a fixed element and a plate for fixing to a closure element; elastic elements, which act at opposite points of one of the articulated quadrilaterals, and an auxiliary elastic element, arranged in series to the elastic elements to act between opposite points of the other of the articulated quadrilaterals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Daniele Zetti
  • Publication number: 20090223021
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge device includes an approximately rod-shaped first shaft member; an approximately rod-shaped second shaft member; a shaft connecting member for connecting the first shaft member and the second shaft member such that the direction in which the first shaft member extends and the direction in which the second shaft member extends are approximately orthogonal; an arm portion provided to the first shaft member so as to be turnable along the outer circumference of the first shaft member, a hinge fixing portion provided to the second shaft member so as to be turnable along the outer circumference of the second shaft member, and a thrust cam member provided to the first shaft member such that movement in the direction in which the first shaft member extends is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Isao ENDO, Tsutomu Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090227301
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable electronic apparatus, such as a mobile phone, having an upper part being moveable in relation to a lower part of the apparatus. The movement of the upper part may both be a sliding and a tilting movement. The sliding movement is controlled by means of a sleeve and a guide placed in the upper part of the apparatus. The sleeve is connected to the lower part by means of pair of links at opposite sides of the apparatus. The links are received at opposite ends of each sleeve at fulcrums at the sleeve and lower part, respectively. The links are designed and positioned to give self-locking in at least three distinct positions of the upper part of the portable electronic apparatus in relation to the lower part of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Magnus Lindvall
  • Publication number: 20090221335
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a hinge unit that pivotably links a first housing and a second housing about a pivot axis, and a slide mechanism that enables the hinge unit to slide with respect to the second housing in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the hinge unit on one face of the second housing. A portable electronic device includes the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuko NAKAZAWA
  • Patent number: 7581291
    Abstract: A compact hinge device is provided with which it is possible to turn two members and it is possible to make one of the members incline with respect to the other member. By a turning shaft part turning in a through hole in a first base member, a second base member constructed to turn together with the turning shaft part can be turned, and by an abutting part provided on the second base member sliding on a cam surface provided on the first base member the second base member can be made to incline with respect to the turning shaft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Strawberry Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Abe, Tomoaki Nakamura, Masahiko Yamanami
  • Patent number: 7568261
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly (10) includes a base body (12), a bracket (14), a support board (18), a pivotal mechanism (16) and a rotational mechanism. The pivotal mechanism includes a pivotal shaft (163) fixed to the base body and rotatable relative to the bracket, an elastic member (165) and a fixing member (167). The rotational mechanism includes a rotational shaft (191), a rotary member (193), a steady member (195) and an elastic member (197). The support board and the rotary member are rotatable relative to the steady member, the base body, the bracket and the pivotal mechanism around a second axis. Each of the rotary member and the steady member defines an engaging surface (1932, 1951). One of the engaging surfaces forms at least one peak (1933), and the other of the engaging surfaces defines at least one valley (1953) corresponding to the peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Cheng Hsu, Wen-Lin Gan, Lian-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7565720
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, hinge mechanisms for use in a portable computing device having a base and a lid are presented, the hinge mechanism including: a base link pivotally connected with a base such that the base link rotates about a first axis of rotation, the base link being in sliding communication with a lid; a lid link pivotally connected with the lid such that the lid link rotates about a second axis of rotation, the lid link being in sliding communication with the base; and a center pin pivotally connecting the base link with the lid link such that the base link and the lid link rotate about a third axis of rotation wherein the base link, the lid link, and the center pin cooperatively function to translate the lid over at least two planes of motion with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Ligtenberg, Joshua Banko
  • Publication number: 20090183342
    Abstract: A bidirectional pivot structure includes a horizontal rotation axis module, a rotation switching device and a vertical rotation axis module. The rotation switching device is pivotally connected to the horizontal rotation axis module and the vertical rotation axis module. The vertical rotation axis module includes an aligning element, a rotation position limiting element, a stabilizing element, a flexible element and a locking element. The rotation position limiting element has a position limiting convex dot and a position limiting arc fitted to a guide rail and a position limiting protrusion of the aligning element for limiting the rotary angle of the vertical rotation axis module. The stabilizing element has a positioning convex dot and a stabilizing protrusion fitted to the positioning holes of the aligning element to maintain a frictional stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Yang Chih Chang, Chih-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 7565185
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three-axial rotation type mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal includes a body part, a folder part disposed on the body part in the thickness-wise direction of the body part, and a hinge unit. The hinge unit includes a first hinge part mounted at one corner of the body part such that the first hinge part can be rotated relative to the body part about a rotation axis arranged in the thickness-wise direction of the body part, a second hinge part mounted at the top of the first hinge part such that the second hinge part can be hingedly rotated relative to the first hinge part about a hinged rotation axis arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first hinge part, and a third hinge part having one end coupled to the second hinge part such that the third hinge part can be rotated relative to the second hinge part about a rotation axis perpendicular to the hinged rotation axis of the second hinge part and the other end coupled to the folder part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwon Jin Kang, Jung-Ohn Yim
  • Patent number: 7559118
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a panel and a main frame of a horizontal monitor and has two turning modules, a central bracket, a tilting module and two supporting modules. The turning modules are mounted on the main frame. The central bracket is mounted pivotally between the turning modules. The tilting module is movably mounted to the central bracket. Each supporting module has holding wings abutting each other and connected respectively between the central bracket and the ends of the tilting module. Connection between the central bracket and the tilting module and abutments between the holding wings of the supporting modules form a triple connection between the panel and the main frame so prevent the hinge from sagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Mu Lin
  • Patent number: 7559116
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle a door and the body are connected by a pantographic hinge device, the arm of which is substantially constructed from a housing module, from which rotatable shaft sections coupled in two end regions project and which has an open side, and a coupling mechanism module for creation of the rotational coupling of the shaft sections to one another, which can be inserted into the housing module through the open side. The coupling mechanism module is inserted into the housing module after the door and body connected to one another through the housing module have been painted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen Hulbert, Klaus Labbe, Jens Schenkenberger
  • Publication number: 20090165251
    Abstract: An exemplary double hinge assembly includes a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, a guide rail, a sliding member, a first bracket, a second bracket. The sliding member is slidably positioned on the guide rail. The first hinge assembly includes a first rotatable pivot shaft. The second hinge assembly includes a second rotatable pivot shaft. The first bracket is fixed to the first rotatable pivot shaft, and the guide rail rotatably connects to the first rotatable pivot shaft. The second bracket is fixed to the second rotatable pivot shaft, and the sliding member rotatably connects to the second rotatable pivot shaft. A rotating axis of the first rotatable pivot shaft is substantially parallel to a rotating axis of the second rotatable pivot shaft. In addition, an electronic device using the double hinge assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD ., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHAO-ZHONG FU
  • Publication number: 20090147458
    Abstract: An exemplary double hinge assembly (30) includes a first hinge subassembly (31), a second hinge subassembly (32), a first bracket (35), a second bracket (36) and a connecting member. The first hinge subassembly (31) includes a first rotatable pivot shaft (311). The second hinge subassembly (32) includes a second rotatable pivot shaft (321). The first bracket (35) is fixed to the first rotatable pivot shaft (311), and the second bracket (36) is fixed to the second rotatable pivot shaft (321). The first hinge subassembly (31) and the second hinge subassembly (32) are rotatably mounted to the connecting member respectively. A rotating axis of the first rotatable pivot shaft (311) is substantially parallel to a rotating axis of the second rotatable pivot shaft (321). In addition, an electronic device (50) using the double hinge assembly (30) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD ., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, CHAO-ZHONG FU, JIAN LI, LIAN-CHENG HUANG
  • Patent number: 7533450
    Abstract: A hinge has a base, a first bracket, a second bracket and a vertical-angular-positioning assembly. The first bracket is mounted pivotally on the base. The second bracket is mounted pivotally on the base. The vertical-angular-positioning assembly is mounted on the base, positions the second bracket in specific angular positions relative to the base and has positioning rings and a sleeve. The sleeve is mounted on the base and prevents dust from accumulating in the sleeve. With the arrangement of the sleeve, the hinge is durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Patent number: 7533449
    Abstract: A hinge to improve panel stability has a central bracket, a tilt hinge assembly and a rotating hinge assembly. The central bracket has two ribs. The tilt hinge assembly connects to the central bracket and connects to a base of an electronic device. The rotating hinge assembly connects to the central bracket, connects to a panel of the electronic device and has a flange abutting against the ribs of the central bracket to keep the panel steady when the panel rotates relative to the base via the rotating hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia-Hao Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090106941
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a biaxial rear door hinge of a vehicle that allows the vehicle door to open outward and then upward. This biaxial hinge system allows the rear door in a sedan to mimic the look of a vertically pivoting front door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Greenbank
  • 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: 7520023
    Abstract: A hinge for connecting a first folding element to a second folding element. The hinge includes a fixing element which comprises a first fixing face by means of which the fixing element is contactingly fixable to the second folding element; a first arm connected to the fixing element so as to be pivotable around a first pivot axis between a first position and a second position; a second arm having a fixing device by which the second arm can be fixed to the second folding element, and is connected to the first arm so as to be pivotable around a second pivot axis extending parallel to the first pivot axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first arm encloses a smallest angle relative to the fixing face and, in the second position, encloses a greatest angle relative to the fixing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Huwil-Werke GmbH Mobelschloss und Beschlagfabriken
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 7515707
    Abstract: A portable apparatus of the present invention comprises a first unit, a second unit, and a hinge device that is coupled to the first and second units such that the units can be moved to be in contact with or spaced apart from each other and allows relative sliding movement between the first and second units within a certain range. The hinge device exerts a force in a direction in which the first and second units are spaced apart from each other, through the relative sliding movement by a predetermined distance between the two units in the complete contact state of the first and second units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Amphenol Phoenix Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Hyun Ka, Young-Ju Lee, Hochan Song
  • Publication number: 20090064463
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge for hinged mounting of a laterally opening door of a cabinet, especially a hinge for a refrigerator. The hinge includes an articulated lever arrangement that is provided with a support element facing the door and a support element facing the cabinet. The support element facing the door is rotated by an opening angle from a closed position into an open position when the hinge is opened relative to the support element facing the cabinet. The support element facing the door is displaced by at least 65 mm, particularly at least 85 mm, preferably at least 95 mm, at an opening angle of ninety degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Gomoll, Bernd Heger, Wolfgang Kentner
  • Patent number: RE41143
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly is mounted between a door mounting pillar of the vehicle body and a door to swingably mount the door to the door mounting pillar. The door hinge assembly includes an upper hinge and a lower hinge with a double pivot pin arrangement, and a torsion bar extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower hinges. The upper and lower hinges are fastened at interior fastening points on an inner side wall of the door mounting pillar and at exterior fastening points on an exterior wall portion of the door mounting pillar with longitudinal fastening axes that extend in a substantially orthogonal direction to the inner side wall and the exterior wall portion of the door mounting pillar. The interior fastening points are disposed rearwardly of the torsion bar and the exterior fastening points are disposed forwardly of the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nandkumar Rangnekar, William Bowes, Gary Nylander, William Spencer Evans, Takehito Ichino