Having Transverse Or Skewed Axes Patents (Class 16/367)
  • Patent number: 7895712
    Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle comprises a column console that can be arranged on a column of a door frame, a door console that can be attached to a motor vehicle door assigned to the door frame, wherein the door console and the column console are pin-jointed together via a hinge pin and the door console or column console is formed from two releasably connected partial units, which rest against each other at assigned contact areas. In order to provide a separable motor vehicle door hinge with an at least two-piece door or column console, which enables a dimensionally accurate restoration of an original installation position even after a separation, it is provided that the contact surfaces on the door and/or column console are formed by delineated partial surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Group ISE Industries Hainichen GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Krumbiegel, Daniel Thierbach
  • Patent number: 7886409
    Abstract: A vertically opening vehicle door hinge has a base member secured to a chassis at bolt slots disposed as elongated openings on the base member. A primary swivel member is swivel mounted to the base member so that the primary swivel member swivels on the plane defined by the base member. The primary swivel member has a primary swivel axis normal to the point defined by the base member. The arm is swivel mounted to the primary swivel member at a secondary swivel. The secondary swivel has an secondary swivel axis of rotation normal to the primary swivel axis. A motor actuates the primary swivel member. The arm has an extended position corresponding to an open vehicle door and a retracted position corresponding to a closed vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Johnnie Yip
  • Patent number: 7886410
    Abstract: A vertically opening vehicle door hinge has a base member secured to a chassis at bolt slots disposed as elongated openings on the base member. A primary swivel member is swivel mounted to the base member so that the primary swivel member swivels on the plane defined by the base member. The primary swivel member has a primary swivel axis normal to the point defined by the base member. The arm is swivel mounted to the primary swivel member at a secondary swivel. The secondary swivel has a secondary swivel axis of rotation normal to the primary swivel axis. A motor actuates the primary swivel member. The arm has an extended position corresponding to an open vehicle door and a retracted position corresponding to a closed vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Johnnie Yip
  • Publication number: 20110030171
    Abstract: A vehicle door hinge assembly includes a first hinge supported to pivot about a first axis, a guide surface, a door located at a side of the vehicle, a bracket to which the door is secured, supported to pivot about the first axis and a second axis and including a follower engaged with the guild surface, and a strut secured to the bracket that extends as the bracket pivots toward an open position and retracts as the bracket pivots toward a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joel S. Hooton, Armand J. Ybarra, Raymond L. Wojdacki, JR., Douglas J. Amick, Samer J. Mona
  • Patent number: 7870645
    Abstract: A mobile device has a first object, a second object, and a hinge device to slide open and close the second object with respect to the first object. The hinge device has a sliding unit that is slidable with respect to a first object, and a rotary unit that is rotatable with respect to the sliding unit, and engaged with the second object. The hinge device requires a relatively smaller space to be installed in the mobile apparatus so that the mobile apparatus can be smaller. Furthermore, there is no installation line for the hinge device so that the aesthetic design of the mobile apparatus is more refined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20100299876
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first shaft is perpendicularly mounted to the second shaft. The second shaft includes an end face, which defines a recess and two positioning holes. The recess defines two barrier sides. The first bracket is pivotally mounted to the first shaft. The second bracket is pivotally mounted to the second shaft. The second bracket includes a guiding piece which slides in the recess when the second bracket rotates about the second shaft. The second bracket is rotatable about the second shaft between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the guiding piece abuts one barrier side, and the protrusion is located in one positioning hole. In the second position, the guiding piece abuts the other barrier side, and the protrusion is located in the other positioning hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHENG KANG
  • Patent number: 7832058
    Abstract: An exemplary swivel hinge assembly (10) includes a bracket (12), a hinge mechanism (14), a hinge follower mechanism (16), and a swivel mechanism (18). The hinge mechanism (14) and the hinge follower mechanism (16) are configured to provide the swivel hinge assembly (10) with rotation about a first rotational axis. The hinge mechanism (14) includes a first pivot shaft (154), a first connecting member (142), a positioning ring (146), a ring follower (144), an elastic member (148), a cam (150), and a cam follower (152). The hinge follower mechanism (16) includes a second connecting member (162) and a second pivot shaft (166). The swivel mechanism (18) is connected to the bracket (12) and configured to provide the swivel hinge assembly (10) with rotation about a second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li, Zhi-Guo Sun, Li-Jun Yuan
  • 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: 7823255
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a frame, a first rotating module, and a second rotating module. The first rotating module includes a first pivotal shaft non-rotatably connected to the frame. The second rotating module includes a second pivotal shaft substantially perpendicular to the first pivotal shaft, a plurality of resilient washers, a supporting member, a rotating member engaging with the supporting member, and a limiting member. A first end of the second pivotal shaft is fixed on the frame. The resilient washers, the rotating member, the supporting member, and the limiting member are orderly sleeved on a second end, opposite to that of the first end, of the second pivotal shaft. A position of the limiting member relative to the second pivotal shaft is adjustable. The second pivotal shaft is capable of driving the rotating member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Gui-Li Yang, Liang Wei
  • Patent number: 7797797
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a wobble-resistant hinge structure, comprising a main frame body having a main plate; a first pivotal axle with one end of its axle rod being inserted with the main plate, at least a resilient plate body with a succession of wave or uneven surface, and a support part, and with the free end of the axle rod being capped, wherein the resilient plate body is disposed with at least a pair of flat portions and the support part corresponding to the flat portions s protrudingly to form a pair of support legs, which are held compressingly against the flat portions and are supported by the main plate, such that the application of external force on the resilient plate body will not result in wobbling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Jung Chiang, Haung Wen Lee
  • Patent number: 7794416
    Abstract: An orthopedic device has a structure with two substantially rigid parts, for instance, rods, which rods are coupled to each other by a hinge apparatus and each rod attaches to a fastener for optional temporary fastening to a limb part, wherein a pivot axis of the hinge apparatus extends in the region and in the direction of the pivot axis zone of the relevant joint. The device has an upper hinge and a lower hinge with pivot axes. The respective pivot axes of which extend in directions which make an angle with each other of 90°±40°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kunst & Van Leerdam IP B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Stefan Besselink, Nicolaas Gerardus Adrianus Van Leerdam, Jurrie Van Der Woude
  • Patent number: 7792555
    Abstract: A first turning member is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A pivot is convexly formed on the bottom of the first turning member, and a packing is wound around the first turning member. A boss is convexly formed on one surface of a second turning member, and a packing is wound around the boss. A pivot opening is formed in the other surface of the second turning member. The boss is inserted into the first turning member. The pivot is inserted into a ring-shaped waterproof member and a plain washer. The waterproof member surrounds the pivot opening. The waterproof member is sandwiched between the bottom of the first turning member and the end surface of the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kawasaki, Mai Takase
  • Publication number: 20100220442
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a handheld electronic device is provided. The hinge assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The hinge assembly comprises a primary member structured to hingedly couple the first portion to the second portion and a secondary member coupled to, and generally pivotable about, the primary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Jason T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7784156
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus comprises a rotation body and a fixed body. The rotation body includes a frame which has a side portion orthogonal to a rotation axis and having a first through hole and a cut portion, and a longer side portion having an extending portion and extending along the rotation axis. The extending portion is engaged with the cut portion and has a protruding portion protruding outwardly of the side portion. The fixed body includes: a bracket having first and second side portions, a superimposed portion extending from the second side portion to be overlapped with the first side portion, and an opening passing through the first side portion and the superimposed portion; and a stud inserted through the opening and rotatably securing the frame to the bracket. The protruding portion is contacted with the superimposed portion at a predetermined angle to regulate the rotation of the rotation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Limited
    Inventors: Yukio Sugimura, Hideki Momma
  • Patent number: 7784155
    Abstract: The present invention is a simultaneous, multiple plane opening vehicle door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. A pin extending from the third leaf traverses along a groove in a guide block such that there is simultaneous swing-out and vertical-lift motion of the vehicle door upon an outward urging of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7779511
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is used in a notebook computer and has a rotating bracket, cover panel, stationary bracket, limiting assembly and indicator ring. The notebook computer has a display and a base. The display is rotatably mounted pivotally upon the base. The rotating bracket is attached to the display and has a keyed shaft. The cover panel is mounted around the rotating bracket, is attached to a top surface of the base and has a gap. The stationary bracket is mounted rotatably around the keyed shaft and is mounted securely on the base. The limiting assembly is mounted on the stationary bracket and allows the keyed shaft to rotate 360°. The indicator ring is mounted on the limiting assembly and has two indicators. The indicators show up in the gap when the display is rotated to a rotational limitation to indicate direction of allowed rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Yu Hung
  • Patent number: 7779510
    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 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 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100181795
    Abstract: An entry assembly comprises a frame and a gate. The frame has a first side and a second side. The gate is connected to the frame. The gate defines a demarcation between the first side and the second side of the frame. The gate is pivotable about the frame along at least two axes of rotation. Each axis of rotation intersects at least one of the at least two axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Charles Gregory Bambenek, Fritz Cory, Jason Falenski, Adrian Nicholas Alexander Elliott
  • Patent number: 7757350
    Abstract: A hinge structure with position-locking engagement means includes a bracket, which has on its side panel a pivot hole, a recessed positioning hole, and a first arched limiter groove adjacent to the recessed positioning hole and sloping in one direction, a pivot shaft inserted through the pivot hole of the side panel of the bracket and pivotally fastened to a support, a locating plate affixed to the pivot shaft, a ball rotatably mounted in a ball hole on the locating plate and selectively engageable into the recessed positioning hole and arched limiter groove of the side panel, a holding down spring plate affixed to the pivot shaft and having an actuation portion pressed on the ball to force the ball into the recessed positioning hole and first arched limiter groove of the side panel selectively, and spacer affixed to the pivot shaft and defining a gap between the holding down spring plate and the support for accommodating deformation of the actuation portion of the holding down spring plate when the bracket i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia Jung Chiang, Huang Wen Lee
  • Patent number: 7748680
    Abstract: A stand for a display is provided. The stand can reduce a delivery volume of the display and can provide for adjustment of a rotation angle thereof during use. The stand may include a support connected to a lower portion of the display, a pivot block pivotably coupled to the support, a rear base connected to the pivot block, a swivel that pivotably couples the pivot block and the rear base, and a front base coupled to the rear base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chi Young Choi
  • Patent number: 7743468
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is used in a notebook computer and has a combination bracket, a keyed shaft, a stationary bracket, a limiting assembly and a pressing assembly. The notebook computer has a monitor panel and a base. The monitor panel is mounted horizontally pivotally upon the base. The combination bracket is attached to the monitor panel. The keyed shaft is attached securely to the combination bracket. The stationary bracket is mounted rotatably around the keyed shaft and is mounted securely on the base. The limiting assembly is mounted rotatably on the stationary bracket, is connected to the keyed shaft and allows the keyed shaft to rotate 360°. The pressing assembly is mounted around the keyed shaft below the stationary bracket to provide friction. Consequently, the hinge assembly allows the monitor to rotate 360° relative the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Bin Chang, Shun-Yu Hung
  • 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: 7735197
    Abstract: A hinge for circumrotatory location includes a base, a locating gasket defining a pair of recesses thereon, a top cover defining a third groove in a bottom thereof. The base has a first groove, a second groove above the first groove. A retention slot connects the second groove and has two retention edges. A stop block is rotatably mounted in the retention slot and stretches into the second groove. The retention edges are capable of stopping the stop block. A pair of locating slots corresponding to the recesses are centrosymmetrically defined in the fundus of the third groove. A protrusion protrudes from the bottom of the top cover and adjacent to the third groove. The top cover lies above the locating gasket which is fitted to the first groove. The protrusion rotates around the second groove and is capable of being against two sides of the stop block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Heng Chien
  • Patent number: 7725989
    Abstract: An exemplary dual-axis hinge mechanism includes a base seat, a first rotatable assembly and a second rotatable assembly. The first rotatable assembly includes a rotary member rotatably assembled in the base seat, a steady member and an elastic member non-rotatably received in the base seat, and a fastening member. The rotary member includes a rotational shaft configured for extending through the steady member, the elastic member, the base seat, and then engages with the fastening member. Each of the rotary member and the steady member defines an engaging surface. The engaging surfaces movably engage with each other. The fastening member is rotatable along the rotational shaft for adjusting an external force for rotating the rotary member. The second rotatable assembly includes a pivotal shaft fixed to the rotary member, and a bracket pivotally assembled on the pivotal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lian-Cheng Huang, Jian Li
  • Patent number: 7711112
    Abstract: The present invention aims to reduce a size of a hinge portion and a device in an opening/closing mobile terminal device in which first and second housing members are opened/closed and turned on hinges. In the present invention, a second turning shaft (123) is provided to intersect with the first turning member so as to turn together with a first turning shaft (122) and provided turnably to the first turning shaft (122), first and second guiding member (126, 127) for restricting a turning angle of the second turning shaft (123) are provided in the first turning shaft (122). Also, a flexible board (140) is interposed in the first turning shaft (122) and a first turning bearing (133) in a position that stretches over a first housing member (101a) and a second housing member (101b). A first winding portion (154a) that is wound around an outer periphery of the first turning bearing (133) is formed on one end side of the flexible board (140) to turn together with the first turning shaft (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Satoh, Fujio Arai
  • Patent number: 7707691
    Abstract: The present invention relates a hinge assembly for an electronic appliance and a stand apparatus having the same. The present invention comprises a hinge assembly for an electronic appliance including a bracket connected to a main body of the electronic appliance, a hinge housing connected to the bracket such that a tilt angle of the electronic appliance can be adjusted, and a supporting plate connected to the hinge housing such that a swivel angle of the electronic appliance can be adjusted. The present invention further comprises a hinge cover which covers the hinge assembly and includes a detachable portion for allowing the main body to be folded in parallel with the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Deok Soo Jeong
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7690082
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-directional spindle construction, comprising a fixed part which is a seat having a rod hole, at least a sleeve on one side, and an axle hole disposed in the sleeve; at least a horizontal coupler which is a rod provided with an elastic axle fittingly inserted to the axle hole on one side and a linking portion on the other side; a vertical coupler which is also a rod provided with an elastic axle inserted through the rod hole of the fixed part to be secured vertically; and a rotating part which is a tubular body disposed with a sleeve to be insertingly connected to the axle, such that the axle of the horizontal coupler may rotate in the sleeve of the fixed part to achieve lifting open or close and the axle sleeve of the rotating part may freely rotate on the shaft of the vertical coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Chieh Chuang
  • Patent number: 7685681
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic apparatus includes: a main body that has an input unit placed on a top surface of the main body; a display panel that has a display surface and a rear surface on an opposite side to the display surface; a hinge mechanism that joins the display panel to the main body, the hinge mechanism having a pivot shaft, a rotation shaft, and a pivot support member; an engagement part that is provided on the pivot support member; and a reception part that receives the engagement part. The reception part is provided on the main body, wherein the pivot shaft pivotably supports the display panel. The rotation shaft rotatably supports the display panel to be openable about an axis provided along one side of the display panel, and the pivot support member supports the pivot shaft and the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuji Nakajima, Yosuke Miura
  • 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: 20100043175
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a frame, a first rotating module, and a second rotating module. The first rotating module includes a first pivotal shaft non-rotatably connected to the frame. The second rotating module includes a second pivotal shaft substantially perpendicular to the first pivotal shaft, a plurality of resilient washers, a supporting member, a rotating member engaging with the supporting member, and a limiting member. A first end of the second pivotal shaft is fixed on the frame. The resilient washers, the rotating member, the supporting member, and the limiting member are orderly sleeved on a second end, opposite to that of the first end, of the second pivotal shaft. A position of the limiting member relative to the second pivotal shaft is adjustable. The second pivotal shaft is capable of driving the rotating member to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, GUI-LI YANG, LIANG WEI
  • Publication number: 20100011539
    Abstract: An exemplary dual-axis hinge mechanism includes a base seat, a first rotatable assembly and a second rotatable assembly. The first rotatable assembly includes a rotary member rotatably assembled in the base seat, a steady member and an elastic member non-rotatably received in the base seat, and a fastening member. The rotary member includes a rotational shaft configured for extending through the steady member, the elastic member, the base seat, and then engages with the fastening member. Each of the rotary member and the steady member defines an engaging surface. The engaging surfaces movably engage with each other. The fastening member is rotatable along the rotational shaft for adjusting an external force for rotating the rotary member. The second rotatable assembly includes a pivotal shaft fixed to the rotary member, and a bracket pivotally assembled on the pivotal shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO.LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LIAN-CHENG HUANG, JIAN LI
  • 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: 20100005626
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first rotating module and a second rotating module. The first rotating module includes a frame and a pivot mechanism positioned on the frame. The second rotating module includes a supporting body, a shaft, a rotating washer, a stationary washer, a resilient ring, and a nut. A first end of the shaft is fixed on the frame, and the supporting body, the rotating washer, the stationary washer, the resilient ring, and the nut are orderly sleeved on a second end, opposite to that of the first end, of the shaft. The nut fixes the supporting body, the rotating washer, the stationary washer, and the resilient rings to the shaft. The rotating washer and the stationary washer forms at least one protrusion and at least depression for receiving the at least one protrusion respectively. The pivotal shaft is configured to drive the stationary washer to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, GUI-LI YANG, LIANG WEI, LI-JUN YUAN
  • Publication number: 20100005627
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge device includes: a first-shaft member; a second-shaft member orthogonal to the first-shaft member; a thrust-cam member provided to the second-shaft member so as to move in the extending direction of the second-shaft member; a rotational-arm member provided to the second-shaft member so as to move rotationally; a protrusion provided to the thrust-cam member so as to protrude to the rotational-arm member side; a groove provided to the rotational-arm member, into which the protrusion is fitted; and an fitting/fitting-release control portion provided to the first-shaft member which releases fitting of the protrusion into the groove when the rotational angle of the second-shaft member as to the first-shaft member is a first-rotational angle, and moves the thrust-cam member to the rotational-arm member side to fit the protrusion into the groove when the rotational angle of the second-shaft member as to the first-shaft member is a second-rotational angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC.
    Inventors: Isao ENDO, Tsutomu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7640629
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a first body, a second body having a display unit and arranged to overlap the first body in a closed state, and a hinge module connecting the second body to the first body such that the second body is rotatable around a first axis generally perpendicular to the first body. The hinge module being configured to allow a portion of the second body to be elevated so as to be slantingly arranged with respect to the first body in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7621021
    Abstract: A transversely movable hinge has a central bracket and two tilt hinge assemblies and is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device to allow the cover to pivot and rotate relative to the base. Each tilt hinge assembly has a pivoting leaf with a mounting segment, a torque washer and a biasing assembly. The torque washer is rotated relative to the mounting segment and has at least one protrusion. The biasing assembly presses the torque washer so the protrusion rubs against the mounting segment to provide a larger force to hold the cover at any visual angle. Then even if the resilient force of the biasing assembly is reduced to allow the cover to be easily moved transversely relative to the base, the hinge can still provide enough holding force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, Pen-Kun Lin
  • Publication number: 20090282650
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Chul JIN, Se-Bum Choi
  • Patent number: 7614119
    Abstract: A hinge mounted in an electrical appliance having a panel and a base has a rotating bracket, two shaft assemblies, a stationary bracket, a spacer assembly and a flat contact surface. The shaft assemblies are mounted rotatably in the rotating bracket and are attached to the panel. The stationary bracket is mounted rotatably around the rotating bracket and is attached to the base. The spacer assembly is mounted around the rotating bracket and securely on the stationary bracket. The flat contact surface is formed between the rotating bracket and the spacer assembly to provide a flat contact when the rotating bracket rotates relative to the spacer assembly. Therefore, the panel will not shake when the panel is rotated right or left relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 7614118
    Abstract: Two-shaft hinge mechanism components enabling harness wiring are provided to realize durability, reduction in size and weight and a mechanism to restrict rotation, in cellular phones, notebook computers and remote controllers required to have a smaller size, less weight and new functions. Rotation shaft and opening/closing shaft are inserted into coil spring, concave and convex cams, and a caulking component, to assemble a rotation shaft torque unit and an opening/closing torque unit. The units are attached to a hinge housing to constitute the two-shaft hinge. The opening/closing torque unit is disposed either on the left or right side of the hinge housing. A pipe-like shaft with a hollow is employed as rotation shaft, whereby harness wiring is provided easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Sato, Sakae Higano
  • Patent number: 7610658
    Abstract: A hinge structure includes a bracket, which has a horizontal top panel and a vertical side panel, a first pivot set inserted through the side panel of the bracket and rotatably coupled to a support and having two elongated ribs protruded from one end of the pivot shaft and a guide groove defined between the elongated ribs, and a second pivot set inserted through the horizontal top panel of the bracket and rotatably coupled to a mounting frame and having a two flat cut faces at two sides of the head of the pivot shaft thereof for stopping against the elongated rids of the pivot shaft of the first pivot set such that the second pivot set is locked when the first pivot set is not turned to the predetermined angle, or unlocked for rotation when the first pivot set is turned to the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haung Wen Lee, Chia Jung Chiang
  • Publication number: 20090265890
    Abstract: A two-axis hinge device includes a first-rotation-axis defining unit which defines a first rotation axis; a rotating arm fixed to a first housing, the rotating arm being provided on the first-rotation-axis defining unit such that the rotating arm is rotatable around the first rotation axis; a second-rotation-axis defining unit fixed to a second housing, the second-rotation-axis defining unit having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a second rotation axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis, the first-rotation-axis defining unit being fixed to and supported by the second-rotation-axis defining unit; and a hole-communicating connector fixed to the second-rotation-axis defining unit, the hole-communicating connector having a substantially cylindrical shape and being provided with a hole which communicates with a hole in the second-rotation-axis defining unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC.
    Inventors: Isao ENDO, Tsutomu TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 7603749
    Abstract: A dual-axis hinge for a portable electronic device has at least one stationary bracket, a pivoting bracket and a connecting leaf. The stationary bracket is adapted to be mounted securely in a base of the portable electronic device. The pivoting bracket is mounted pivotally in the stationary bracket and pivot relative to the stationary bracket in a first axis. The connecting leaf is adapted to be connected with a cover of the portable electronic device, is pivotally mounted in the pivoting bracket and pivots relative to the pivoting bracket in a second axis that is in different direction from the first axis. With such an arrangement, the cover connected with the connecting leaf may pivot relative to the base in the first axis and the second axis respectively and allows the portable electronic device to make more motivation and contents to various applicability requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7603748
    Abstract: A hinge with simplified components has a central bracket, a first tilt hinge assembly, a second tilt hinge assembly and a rotating hinge assembly. The central bracket has a main arm, a first arm and a second arm. An outer surface of the first arm has multiple positioning detents formed in the outer surface. The first and second tilt hinge assemblies respectively connect to the first and second arms. The first tilt hinge assembly has a resilient stationary positioning spacer mounted adjacent to the outer surface and corresponding positioning protrusion. With the resilient stationary positioning spacer, the single spacer replaces a positioning spacer and a resilient spacer. Therefore, the components of the hinge are simplified and then the manufacturing cost and the assembling complexity are decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, An-Di Lu
  • Patent number: 7600298
    Abstract: A hinge rotative on two mutual orthogonal axes, it is used in electronic equipment having a screen and a main body; the hinge has a fixing plate having thereon a rotation seat rotative on a vertical axis relatively to the fixing plate and has two connecting legs rotative on a horizontal axis. A nut above the rotation seat is used to screw lock to a rotation shaft, thereby twisting force on the rotation seat can be adjusted; and the connecting legs each has a resilient sleeve forming thereon a plane or forming on its lateral side a strip protruding inwards, by cooperation of the planes/strips with surfaces/recesses on shafts of the connecting legs extending into the resilient sleeves, better positioning effects are obtained; and a connecting area between the rotation shaft and the fixing plate is given with four protrusions, hence the hinge gets a stable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lianhong Art Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hui Chen, Tien-Yueh Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090250961
    Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes an endgate for opening and closing the passageway. First, second and third brackets are secured to the endgate, each bracket including a socket, a ball retained in the socket and a rod secured to the ball, the rod being able to pivot about an upright axis into alignment with a lateral axis, the first bracket being secured to the body at a first lateral side of the passageway, the second bracket being secured to the body at a second lateral side of the passageway opposite the first side, and the third bracket being secured to the body at the first lateral side and at an elevation such that the upright axis of the third bracket is aligned with the upright axis of the first bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: James M. Townson
  • Patent number: 7595980
    Abstract: A multi-configuration portable electronic device including a first body, a second body, a dual-axis hinge and at least a guiding module is provided. The dual-axis hinge has a first axis pivotally coupled to the first body and a second axis pivotally coupled to the second body. The guiding module prevents the first axis and the second axis from acting simultaneously. The guiding module includes a track disposed in the first body and a slide connected with the second body. The slide has an interaction force with the track so that the slide can move from the second body to couple with the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Wang, Ching-Shih Chen, Chin-Chung Shih, Yun-Long Tun, Yi-Shen Wang, Ming-San Huang
  • Publication number: 20090235487
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge device includes: a first rotation axis mechanism configured to form a first rotation axis by using a substantially cylindrically shaped first shaft member; a first arm portion configured to include a fixing portion fixed to a first case, and provided to the first shaft member of the first rotation axis mechanism; a second rotation axis mechanism configured to include a fixing portion fixed to a second case, and to form a second rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis by using a substantially cylindrically shaped second shaft member; and a second arm portion configured to connect the first rotation axis mechanism to the second rotation axis mechanism such that the first rotation axis mechanism is rotatable around the second rotation axis of the second rotation axis mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Isao ENDO, Tsutomu Takahashi