Having Transverse Or Skewed Axes Patents (Class 16/367)
  • Patent number: 7591047
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Chenming Mold Ind Corp
    Inventors: Yang Chih Chang, Chih-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 7587789
    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. The rotating hinge assembly has a stationary limiting spacer and a rotating limiting spacer corresponding to each other. With the rotating limiting spacer has is thicker than the stationary limiting spacer, the rotating limiting spacer replaces many spacers. 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: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, An-Di Lu
  • 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: 7574774
    Abstract: A hinge unit applicable on a computer device provides an auto-lock and double-side rotation function comprising a brace, a first pivoting member, a second pivoting member, a post and a connecting sheet. The hinge unit further comprises a positioning member and an angle limiter for providing the functions of positioning and fit-in feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Wen Chang, Chun-Feng Lai
  • Publication number: 20090200903
    Abstract: A cabinet and a door are each provided with hinge sets having hinge parts secured thereto so that they can be separately mounted on the same hinge parts that are mounted on a door frame and are connected by a hinge pin for each hinge set that support the door on the door frame, using a single hinge pin for and as a part of each hinge set. With this mounting arrangement, the cabinet and the door of each such installation can move independently in an arc about the hinge pins connecting the door frame parts to the hinge parts fastened to the door and the hinge parts fastened to the cabinet without requiring the movement of the door concurrently with the movement of the cabinet. These hinges are modified as needed to separately support both the door and the cabinet on the same hinge parts that are fastened to the door frame, using separate hinge parts on the door and the cabinet to accomplish the purposes of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy Wayne Tassin, Myron Jude Tassin, JR.
  • 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: 7562417
    Abstract: A hinge module is described. A T-shaped frame is pivotally connected with a base portion at one end such that the T-shaped frame rotates around a first axis relative to the base portion. A pair of connection members are pivotally connected with the other two opposite ends of the T-shaped frame such that the pair of connection members rotates around a second axis relative to the T-shaped frame, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and led through a cavity of the T-shaped frame. A U-shaped casing is manual-detachably connected with the T-shaped frame to fully cover a cavity of the T-shaped frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Kuan Liu
  • 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: 7559117
    Abstract: A dual-axis hinge, comprises a body, a pintle, a mounting leaf, a resilient element and a mounting bracket. The body is tubular and has two ends. The pintle is mounted inside and protrudes transversely from the body and has an upper end and a flange that protrudes radially out from the upper end. The mounting leaf is mounted rotatably around the pintle between the flange and the body and attaches to a cover of an electronic device. The resilient element is mounted around the pintle between the flange and the mounting leaf. The mounting bracket is connected rotatably to one end of the body and a base of an electronic device. With such an arrangement, the dual-axis hinge only has a few components in a simple structure and allows the cover to lift from the base and rotate horizontally relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Patent number: 7555817
    Abstract: A hinge with less abrasion 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. The main arm has annular recess formed on an inner surface of the main arm. The first arm has annular recess respectively formed on an inner surface and an outer surface of the first arm. The first and second tilt hinge assemblies connect respectively to the first and second arms. The rotating hinge assembly connects to the main arm. Because strength of a material is enhanced when the material is pressed, the annular recesses of the main and first arms enhance the strength of the main and first arms to reduce the abrasion between the central bracket and the hinge assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, An-Di Lu
  • Patent number: 7552514
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of opening a vehicle door in a doorway of a vehicle body, the method comprising: rotating such vehicle door in a horizontal plane of motion until such vehicle door substantially clears such vehicle body; and then rotating such vehicle door in a vertical plane of motion until such vehicle door substantially clears such door way. The invention may be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles or factory installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Vertical Doors, Inc.
    Inventor: Demetrius Calvin Ham
  • Publication number: 20090144938
    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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 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, JIAN LI, ZHI-GUO SUN, LI-JUN YUAN
  • Publication number: 20090139058
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus of the present invention comprises a first rotational shaft which rotates a first casing and a second casing relative to each other from a state where the first and second casings are folded down, and opens the first and second casings in a vertical direction, a second rotational shaft which rotates the first casing and the second casing relative to each other in a horizontal direction, a coupling member which couples the first rotational shaft and the second rotational shaft together, with an end portion of the first rotational shaft being overlapped with an end portion of the second rotational shaft, and an engagement member which allows either one rotational shaft of the first rotational shaft and the second rotational shaft to engage with the other rotational shaft, thereby restricting a rotation of the other rotational shaft when the one rotational shaft rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Iwama, Yuuichi Oota, Satoshi Tanaka, Tomoaki Kawabata, Masatake Fuke, Nobuyoshi Ooba
  • Publication number: 20090126157
    Abstract: A pivot and tilt apparatus for positioning a member comprises a first pivot assembly having a first pivot post at a first end thereof rotatable about a first axis for engaging the member and an annulus at a second end thereof and a second pivot assembly having a second pivot post rotatable about a second axis for engaging the annulus of said first pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Garcia, David Gutting
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7532459
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus and a portable terminal are provided including a pair of housings configured to open or close and one of the housings is positioned in parallel with a side of the other to rotate the portable terminal about 90° according to user preference. Thus, the user can enjoy the horizontal view of a screen of a display device. Consequently, the user can conveniently watch the screen provided through a multimedia service. The hinge apparatus that rotates a housing such that the housing is positioned in parallel with a side of the other housing provides a driving force exerted in a direction that is the same as or opposite to a direction the housing rotates to implement a semi-automatic operation and provide user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Bok Son, Sung-Ill Kang, Yoo-Sug Yoon, Jae-Il Seo
  • Patent number: 7530144
    Abstract: A rotatable hinge includes a fixed frame provided to be adapted for engagement with a laptop computer base and a rotatable portion rotatable relative to the fixed frame and provided to be adapted for engagement with a laptop computer screen. The fixed frame is composed of a circular wall and a connection base integrally formed with the circular wall. The rotation portion has an extension extending from a bottom of the sleeve to be received in a through hole defined in the circular wall so that the rotation portion is able to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion. The extension has a flange formed thereon and a sectorial block formed on an outer periphery of the flange. The circular wall has a limiting boss formed on a peripheral edge thereof to be selectively connected to the sectorial block so as to limit the rotational movement of the rotation portion relative to the fixed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Chung-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 7526835
    Abstract: A stable hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electrical appliance and has a rotating bracket, two shaft assemblies, a stationary bracket, a stationary bracket and a positioning assembly. The shaft assemblies are mounted respectively on two sides of the rotating bracket and are mounted securely in the cover. The stationary bracket connects pivotally to the rotating bracket and is mounted securely in the base. The spacer assembly has a positioning spacer and a rotating spacer. The positioning spacer connects rotatably to the rotating bracket is mounted securely in the stationary bracket and has two resilient bends. The rotating spacer connects securely to the rotating bracket is mounted rotatably in the stationary bracket and has two resilient bends selectively abutting the resilient bends of the positioning spacer. The positioning assembly is formed between the positioning spacer and the rotating spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 7529571
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, which can be slid and rotated from a body housing of the sliding/rotating type mobile terminal. The sliding/rotating type mobile terminal includes a body housing and a slide housing slidably mounted on the body housing. The apparatus comprises first and second hinge frames mounted in the body housing by means of screws, first and second plates, one or more slide bars, and a coupling unit inserted through the center parts of the first and second hinge frames so that the first and second hinge frames are rotatably coupled with each other while being opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Heum Byun, Jong-Gun Bae, Sung-Ill Kang, Seung-Hwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20090106940
    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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Greenbank
  • Publication number: 20090100642
    Abstract: A method for pivotably adjusting a first portion of a device in two directions relative to a second portion of the device includes: rotating the first portion relative to the second portion, about a first pivoting axis of a biaxially pivotable hinge and a uniaxially pivotable hinge, to be in a closed position (or a first open position) whereby the uniaxially pivotable hinge automatically deepens engagement when opened about the first pivoting axis; and rotating the first portion relative to the second portion about a second pivoting axis of the biaxially pivotable hinge to be in the closed position (or a second open position) whereby urging of the first portion relative to the second portion causes automatic disengagement of the uniaxially pivotable hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W Oliver
  • Patent number: 7513013
    Abstract: A hinge has a mounting bracket, a hinge assembly, a limit and positioning element, a bushing assembly, a supplementary positioning element and an end cap. The mounting bracket has two limits and a mounting hole. The hinge assembly is mounted rotatably through the mounting hole of the mounting bracket and has at least one pintle and at least on leaf mounted pivotally on the pintle. The limit and positioning element is mounted securely around the mounting cylinder and slidably against the mounting bracket and keeps the hinge assembly from over-rotating. The bushing assembly comprises at least one plastic washer, is mounted securely around the mounting cylinder and slidably abuts the mounting hole in the mounting bracket. The supplementary positioning element is mounted around the mounting cylinder and slidably against the mounting bracket. The end cap attaches to the mounting cylinder to hold the hinge assembly on the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Ho Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090070963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dual direction opening/closing hinge module adapted to open or close an apparatus (e.g. cellular phone) having a body and a cover or two bodies in a folder type. The hinge module includes a first rotation member having a first rotation shaft to be installed on the first body while being able to rotate in the first direction, and a rotation body formed on a side of the first rotation shaft; and a second rotation member having a second rotation shaft installed on the rotation body while being able to rotate in the second direction so that the second body is supported while being able to rotate in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicants: P & TEL INC.
    Inventor: Han Sang LEE
  • Patent number: 7499737
    Abstract: A foldable portable information terminal includes an upper unit having a display unit on its one side, a lower unit having operation keys on its one side, and a movable connecting mechanism connecting the upper unit and the lower unit allowing the upper unit to be opened, closed, and freely rotated with respect to a longitudinal direction of the lower unit. The displaying mode of the display unit whose direction varies depending on a position of the upper unit is changed depending on a positional relationship of the upper unit and the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masatomo Mizuta, Kazuo Ohtsuta, Kiyoshi Kohayakawa, Michio Nagai, Mika Fujii, Masaki Shimamura, Mitsuru Sendouda
  • Patent number: 7489503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable electronic device comprising a casing (1) with a top cover (2) and a base cover (3), a display (5) and a keyboard (8) with a plurality of keycaps. To provide a foldable electronic device which is more comfortable to use and which does not require increased attentiveness and concentration when looking at the display, according to the present invention the display (5) comprises a first display portion (6) and a second display portion (7), the first display portion (6) being accommodatable within or adjacent to the top cover (2) and the second display portion (7) being accommodatable within or adjacent to the base cover (3) of the casing (1), wherein the first display portion (6) forms the upper part of the display (5) and the second display portion (7) forms the lower part of the display (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Esa Määttä
  • Patent number: 7481479
    Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, a hinge-striker that includes a first plate secured to the post and including mutually spaced first lugs, with each first lug being formed with a hole; a second plate including mutually spaced second lugs, with each second lug being formed with a hole, the holes of the first plate being aligned with the holes of the second plate; a hinge pin located in the holes and aligned with an upright axis; and a striker, secured to and extending from one of said plates, and a latch secured to the post for releasably engaging the hinge-striker, where the engagement secures the endgate in a position that closes the passageway and prevents pivoting about a lateral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Michael K. Zelek, Leonard J. Brohl, Jr., Tanya J. Klain, John B. Morley, Sarah Pearson, Patrick O. McGee
  • Patent number: 7478458
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge device, rotates a second member with regard to a first member around a first axis for opening and closing in a vertical direction, and rotates the second member with regard to the first member around a second axis in a horizontal direction. The hinge has a vertical direction rotation controlling mechanism of the second member having the first axis, and a horizontal direction rotation controlling mechanism of the second member having the second axis. A movable stopper is further mounted between a supporting member of the vertical direction rotation controlling mechanism and an attaching member of the horizontal direction rotation controlling mechanism, to which the supporting member is rotably attached. A rotation in a horizontal direction is therefore controlled within a range of predetermined angles, additionally further rotation in the same direction is available via pressing of the second member into the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideya Tajima
  • Patent number: 7475452
    Abstract: A swivel structure for information product, used to connect a monitor and a main body of portable information product, comprises a rotating mechanism, and a flexible cable. The rotating mechanism has a rotator and a rotating pin. The rotator pivotally connects with the main body in a vertical axial direction. The rotating pin is rotatably mounted in the rotator, and connects with the monitor in a horizontal axial direction. The flexible cable is generally formed in a general L-shape. The flexible cable is retractably winding in the rotator and electrically connects the monitor with the main body. A detecting device has a detecting contactor engaged on the round base of the rotating pin, and a detecting printed circuit board fixed in the main body, and is contiguous contact with the detecting contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Premier Image Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Kuang Yeh
  • Patent number: 7469449
    Abstract: A rotatable hinge has a rotatable bracket, a pivot bracket and a pivot shaft. The pivot bracket is mounted below the rotatable bracket and has two connecting walls perpendicularly formed on the pivot bracket and two stands mounted on the connecting walls. One connecting wall has a pivot hole and a pintle. The pintle extends in the pivot hole, allows the pivot bracket rotatably to be mounted with the pintle and has a limit. The limit is riveted on the pintle and has an inverse-V-shaped curved edge facing the pivot bracket. The curved edge has two slanted edges and an angle between the slanted edges. The pivot shaft is mounted securely with the rotatable bracket, is mounted rotatably with the pivot bracket and has an enlarged end selectively abutting the limit to make a rotation of the rotatable bracket depend on the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia-Hao Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080271293
    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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, Pen-Kun Lin
  • Publication number: 20080252092
    Abstract: The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Waldner, Herbert Gruber, Rich Boatright
  • Publication number: 20080235909
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling, comprising a coupling arm, the coupling arm having an attachment portion adapted to be affixed with a first article, and an anchor portion. The coupling further comprises a receptacle adapted to be affixed with a second article, the receptacle comprising one or more walls defining an interior cavity, adapted to retain at least the anchor portion of the coupling arm. The receptacle further includes an opening adapted to allow the coupling arm to extend therethrough, wherein the attachment portion of the coupling arm is moveable with respect to the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Annette Louise Miller
  • Publication number: 20080235908
    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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20080204985
    Abstract: A portable terminal having a hinge apparatus is provided. The portable terminal includes a first housing, a second housing pivotally coupled to the first housing so that the second housing can be unfolded from and folded onto the first housing, and a hinge apparatus coupling the first housing and the second housing together. The hinge apparatus provides a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis perpendicular to each other, in which, from the folded state in which the second housing is folded on the first housing, the second housing is operable to rotate about the first hinge axis to be located in an upper side of the first housing and to rotate about the second hinge axis to be located in a first side of the first housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Won BAE, Do-Hun KIM, Hyon-Myong SONG, Eon-Seog CHEON
  • Publication number: 20080189908
    Abstract: A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to said bracket and said support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to said slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Lowry, Mark Cooper
  • Patent number: 7409746
    Abstract: A swivel hinge has a base plate, a first loop, a first rotating board, a second loop, a mounting member, a second rotating board, a pivot member, a third loop, a third rotating board, and a locking ring. When the display panel rotates relative to the main board in a same plane, the third rotating board will not rotate, only the first and second rotating boards rotate relative to the base plate and provide an anchor and limitation function. When a direction of a camera on the display is to be adjusted, the third rotating board rotates with the second rotating board, thus the camera can rotate according to the shooting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Chia-Ko Chung
  • Patent number: 7401383
    Abstract: The invention provides a hinge connector for a folding-type electronic apparatus including a first housing, a second housing, a first electronic unit disposed in the first housing, and a second electronic unit disposed in the second housing. The hinge connector, according to the invention, includes a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a frame member and a flexible conductive element. By the hinge connector according to the invention, the second housing is capable of rotating around two axes relative to the first housing, and the first electronic unit electrically connects with the second electronic unit. In particular, during the operation of the electronic apparatus, the portion of the flexible conductive element within the first shaft member and the second shaft member is twisted rather than bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Qsida Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Publication number: 20080168624
    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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Publication number: 20080163461
    Abstract: A display rotation apparatus includes: a support member; an arm, of which one end is coupled to the support member by way of a first hinge part interposed in-between, such that the arm is rotatable in a direction intersecting a direction of gravity; a connection member, which is coupled to the other end of the arm by way of a second hinge part interposed in-between, such that the connector member is rotatable in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity; and a movement member, which is coupled to the connection member by way of a third hinge part interposed in-between, such that the movement member is rotatable in the direction of gravity, where a drive part is coupled to each of the first hinge part, the second hinge part, and the third hinge part. The apparatus can be used to automatically rotate a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Won Choi, Chil-Sung Lee, Jae-Kyung Kim, Jae-Hun Kim, Kyoung-Shin Park
  • Patent number: 7380313
    Abstract: In order to provide a hinge device exhibiting a latchless function even if a lock mechanism exposed on respective surfaces of a main body and a lid body is abolished and a small-sized electronic equipment using the same, the present invention is a hinge device coupling the main body and the lid body in a turnable manner in an open/close direction and a direction perpendicular to it, in which the hinge device includes a mounting member and supporting member to be mounted to either the main body or the lid body; a horizontal shaft member mounted to the mounting member and having a locking groove at an outer periphery thereof; an orthogonal shaft member mounted to the supporting member and having an engaging groove at an outer periphery thereof, the orthogonal shaft groove being orthogonal to the horizontal shaft member; a bracket member mounted to the horizontal shaft member and the orthogonal shaft member to allow the main body and the lid body to turn in the open/close direction and the direction perpendicula
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignees: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Akiyama, Tsutomu Satoh
  • Patent number: 7380314
    Abstract: A mobile phone has a cover, a body and a hinge. The cover has a first bearing with a first cavity. The body has a second bearing with a second cavity and a locking plate at two opposite corners thereof. The hinge includes a transverse shaft being inserted in the first cavity, a vertical shaft extending perpendicularly from one end of the transverse shaft and being inserted in the second cavity, and a locking mechanism being inserted in the first cavity and fixed on the other end of the transverse shaft. The locking mechanism can lock with the locking plate to make the cover be stacked on the body stably. Furthermore, the cover can be firstly rotated vertically 180 degrees about the transverse shaft and then rotated horizontally 180 degrees about the axis of the vertical shaft to make the cover and the body be arranged side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Wei Hung
  • Publication number: 20080115325
    Abstract: A dual-axis hinge assembly has a leaf assembly and a mounting shaft. The leaf assembly has a body and a leaf. The body has a connecting hole formed longitudinally in an end of the body and has multiple protrusions formed on an inner surface of the connecting hole. The leaf is mounted pivotally relative to the body. The mounting shaft has a connecting element, a rotating element connected rotatably to the connecting element and a connector mounted securely on the connecting element. The connector has multiple resilient plates each having a slope portion, a retaining portion and a flat portion to engage with the protrusions of the connecting hole of the body respectively. With such an arrangement, the dual-axis hinge assembly is stably, firmly and conveniently assembled and is easy to be fabricated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chi Chien
  • Publication number: 20080115326
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Sang-Hoon KIM
  • Patent number: 7375956
    Abstract: A cover positioning structure of a dual-usage portable computer is disclosed, which comprises a base, at least one slide block sliding on the base, at least one elastic slice imposing a pressure to the at least one slide block, and a rotary member rotated relative to the base. When rotated, a positioning protrusion of the rotary member is correspondingly positioned to a positioning recess of the at least one slide block. Therefore, the structure aforesaid not only achieves the positioning purpose of being damage-free, but also is cost-effective in having a minimum of elements and manufacture processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Tatung Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Ku Chuang, Chin-Ming Chang, Chi-Hsuan Hung
  • Publication number: 20080109996
    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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Jia-Hao Hsu, An-Di Lu
  • Publication number: 20080098568
    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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jia-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 7356881
    Abstract: A swivel hinge can have a first hinge section and a second hinge section coupled to the first hinge section to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the first hinge section. The first and second hinge sections can include first and second magnets configured to relatively position the first and second hinge sections with respect to each other. The swivel can include a stopper engagement section provided at one end of a second hinge shaft to rotate together with the second hinge shaft and a stopper having a surface facing a locking surface of the stopper engagement section to restrict rotation of the second hinge section. The stopper can allow the locking surface of the stopper engagement section to freely rotate when the first hinge section rotates by a predetermined angle. The swivel hinge can operate in a portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ji-Sung Park, Red-Heat Oh, Sang-Hyuk Im, Kwon-Jin Kang
  • Patent number: 7356880
    Abstract: A hinge structure includes a rotatable plate member, a frame member, a spring member that connects the rotatable plate member with the frame member at each of two opposite positions along a rotation axis. The spring member includes a first axial section, a second axial section. An end of the first axial section is connected to the frame member, and an end of the second axial section is connected to the rotatable plate member. The spring member includes a first zigzag section and a second zigzag section formed on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis, each of the first and second zigzag sections including parallel portions which are parallel with each other and with the rotation axis and bent portions each connecting adjacent parallel portions. A predetermined gap between the first and second axial section is smaller than a length of the parallel portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Rogerio Jun Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20080083089
    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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman