Four Or More Axes Patents (Class 16/370)
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Patent number: 7730584Abstract: A vehicle closure hinge includes a mount having a pivot axis flange, a pivot link, a pivot coupling the pivot link to the pivot axis flange and a spring formed by a laterally coiled strand extending from a first coil end to a second coil end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of displacement about the pivot axis. The coil size, the strand size and the number of coils can be varied as desired to vary the spring biasing force exerted against the vehicle closure without varying other components of the hinge. The hinge parts may be designed with various configurations including simple pivoting links or a four bar linkage. A strand end of the coil spring extends along the direction of the coil to a position at a first coil end to maintain biasing force near the plane of displacement about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: M & C CorporationInventor: Michael J. Duffy
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Patent number: 7617570Abstract: A laundry machine having a front panel defining a front face with an opening therein. A pivotally attached door is arranged to selectively close the opening. The front panel has a relatively flat surface surrounding and defining the opening and has a generally annular shape. A wall projects substantially at a right angle to the flat annular surface. A hinge includes a front panel bracket secured to the wall of the front panel, a door bracket secured to the door of the laundry machine, a primary arm pivotally attached to the front panel bracket to rotate relative thereto about a first axis and pivotally attached to the door bracket to rotate relative thereto about a second axis, and a control arm pivotally attached to the front panel bracket to rotate relative thereto about a third axis and pivotally attached to the door bracket to rotate relative thereto about a fourth axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Eric Andrew Hill
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Patent number: 7596833Abstract: A hood hinge assembly for operatively attaching a hood to a vehicle body of a vehicle including a base adapted to be operatively fixed to the vehicle. The hood hinge assembly also includes an actuator link adapted for pivotal attachment to the hood at a first pivot point and a mount link pivotally attached to the actuator link at a second pivot point. The hood hinge assembly includes a lever link pivotally attached to the mount link at a third pivot point and pivotally attached to the base at a fourth pivot point. The hood hinge assembly further includes an actuator operable to pivot the actuator link, mount link, and the lever link to thereby move the first pivot point away from the vehicle. The hood hinge assembly includes a support link pivotally attached to the mount link at a fifth pivot point. The support link is operable to support the mount link at the fifth pivot point as the mount link pivots about the second pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Gregory S. Erwin
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Patent number: 7574775Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting a closure element, which comprises a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral, which share a first lever and a second lever, which have as their base element respectively a plate for coupling to a fixed element and a plate for fixing to a closure element, an elastic element acting between a point of the first lever and a point of the second lever, and an auxiliary elastic element, arranged in series to the elastic element and has one end articulated to the first lever and the opposite end articulated to an abutment element rigidly associated with the coupling plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Inventor: Daniele Zetti
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Publication number: 20090188081Abstract: A four-bar linkage hinge having a restraining catch arranged to prevent the hinge from opening and translating rearward when said hinge is subjected to an external force causing a transverse deflection of its linkage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Bob George Mathew, Curtis Scott Hargraves, Jeffrey Daniel Krzeszak, Michael James Reeves, James Chapp, JR., Jeffrey Michael McGarry, Andrew J. Poulios
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Patent number: 7516514Abstract: A door stopper for a motor vehicle door has a piston-cylinder unit arranged basically longitudinally inside the motor vehicle door. The unit is connected in a swiveling manner at a first end with the motor vehicle door and is able to interact at a second end with a stationary structural section of the motor vehicle. In order to ensure that the door stopper requires only a small installation space, the door stopper includes a multi-part lever mechanism, which transforms a swiveling motion of the motor vehicle door chiefly into a back and forth thrusting motion, upon door opening or closing, on the piston-cylinder unit. A first lever of the lever mechanism can be guided out of the motor vehicle door and can be connected with the stationary structural section on a first swiveling axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche AktiengessellschaftInventor: Klaus Rieder
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Patent number: 7484270Abstract: A hinging device for windows and doors includes a fixed frame and a movable frame, a first support element, a second support element, a main lever, a secondary lever, and a connecting arm. The first support element is fastened to the fixed frame bearing a main axis of articulation. The second support element is fastened to the movable frame. The main lever has a first end articulated to the first support element around the main axis of articulation. The secondary lever is articulated to an intermediate region of the main lever. A second end of the secondary lever is articulated to the second support element around a first axis of articulation. The connecting rod has a first end articulated to the second end of the main lever and a second end articulated to the second support element around a second axis of articulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: SAVIO S.p.A.Inventor: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
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Patent number: 7334361Abstract: A system for accessing internal electrical components of an LED display panel assembly includes a case and a display panel having a plurality of LEDs on an outer surface and electrical components on an inner surface. A linkage assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the display panel and configured for generally translational and generally rotational movement of the display panel from a closed position to an open position for accessing the electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Adaptive Micro Systems LLCInventors: Jesse E. Schrimpf, Kelly J. Bronk, Scott S. Liebert, Gregory P. Schleusner
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Patent number: 7197790Abstract: A hinge which includes a gas strut. The hinge in one embodiment further includes a first control arm and a second control arm which is coupled to the first control arm. The gas strut in this one embodiment is coupled to both first and second control arms.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: PE Marine Designz, LtdInventor: Paul Charles Edmondson
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Patent number: 7181805Abstract: A sash window hinge for pivotally connecting a window having a window sash to a window frame. The window hinge includes an elongated track having a track base wall attachable to the window frame. The track also includes a track flange extending from at least a portion of a base wall first longitudinal edge The track flange defines a flange retaining section. The window hinge also includes an elongated sash arm attachable to the window sash and a carriage component pivotally attached to the sash arm. The carriage component is mounted on the base wall in a carriage operational configuration for slidable movement along the track longitudinal axis between an open window position and a closed window position while being guided by the track flange and retained by the flange retaining section. The window hinge further includes a support arm for pivotally linking the sash arm and the track.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventors: Martin Tremblay, Jean Dupuis
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Patent number: 7172010Abstract: An upward acting sectional door is has pinch-resistant joints and hinges. The hinges have a top member securable to an upper panel of the door and a base member securable to a lower panel of the door. The base member and top member are connected by first and second links, each of which have a first end pivotally connected to the top member and a second end pivotally connected to the base member. The geometry of the links insures that a foot which depends from the upper panel is always spaced closely enough to the lower panel that a person cannot easily insert a fingertip into the joint. The foot also acts to push a fingertip away from the joint as the door is closed. The hinge may further include a cover which acts to prevent a person from being pinched by the links or hinge members.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: TMW Group, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Welsh
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Patent number: 7047600Abstract: An egress 4-bar hinge assembly having two load-bearing links that pivot about spaced-apart bearing pivot points, wherein an entire length of at least one of the links overlies a planar bearing surface. The two links include a cooperating interface selected to engage through only a portion of the respective range of motions. The hinge assembly includes a support extension to define the bearing surface, wherein the support extension can include an integral end cap.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Advantage Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Malcolm Muir
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Patent number: 6935400Abstract: An upward acting sectional door is has pinch-resistant joints and hinges. The hinges have a top member securable to an upper panel of the door and a base member securable to a lower panel of the door. The base member and top member are connected by first and second links, each of which have a first end pivotally connected to the top member and a second end pivotally connected to the base member. The geometry of the links insures that a foot which depends from the upper panel is always spaced closely enough to the lower panel that a person cannot easily insert a fingertip into the joint. The foot also acts to push a fingertip away from the joint as the door is closed. The hinge may further include a cover which acts to prevent a person from being pinched by the links or hinge members.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: TMW Group, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Welsh
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Patent number: 6928697Abstract: A hinge for supporting a vent between a closed position in which it lies within a fixed frame and an open position in which it extends substantially perpendicularly to the fixed frame comprises a support track, a slider mounted on the support track and a vent arm attached to the support track via the slider by a plurality of links. The hinge further comprises a restricting member for acting between the support track and the vent arm wherein upon movement of the vent arm, the restricting member acts to further restrict movement of the vent arm. The slider includes a body portion and a restricting device for engaging the track, in use, to limit movement of the slider, wherein a portion of the restricting device extends into the body portion of the slider to provide reinforcement thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Securistyle LimitedInventors: Clive W. M. Brain, James M. Browne
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Patent number: 6918160Abstract: A four-bar hinge linkage and fold-down support assembly, such as an armrest, seat bottom, table top and the like especially suited for marine use in watercraft applications. The support member is pivotally supported by first and second four-bar hinge linkages for articulation from a stationary upright support structure affixed to the watercraft. Each of the four-bar hinge linkages comprises a support-structure-mounting bracket, a main hinge link, a shorter control/locking link and a support-member-mounting bracket. Each of the linkages articulates the support member between an upright stored position and a folded-down in-use position wherein, the swinging end of the control/locking link swings up and beneath the hinge link so that an end edge of the control/locking link abuts in line-to-line contact at an abutment locking point along the lower edge of the hinge link, each linkage being thus locked together to form a triangular support truss.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Tecla Company, Inc.Inventor: Richard N Clark
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Patent number: 6892423Abstract: A hinge for a vehicle lid includes a main biasing element operable to urge the hinge into an open position, and a mechanism for assisting the initial opening of the hinge from a closed position. The mechanism includes a rotary cam engagable with another portion of the hinge to provide assistance, and a further biasing element which acts on the cam to rotate it relative to the other portion of the hinge. A lifting aid includes a main biasing element for attachment between a lid and a body, which lid is pivotally moveable towards and away from the body. The main biasing element is operable to urge the lid from a closed position relative to the body to an open position. The lifting aid further has a cam attachable to the body for relative rotation thereto and a further biasing element for attachment between the body and the cam and operable to rotate the cam relative to the body and lid. The cam is operable to assist the initial opening of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: ITW LimitedInventors: Jonathan Paul Anthony Cheal, Andrew Proffitt
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Patent number: 6843589Abstract: A low profile lighting system for military or other heavy equipment vehicles that includes a high intensity discharge (HID) headlight, and light emitting diode (LED) turn signals and running light. A microprocessor controller is included to interface to the vehicle lighting control system. An electromechanical actuator lifts and holds the light unit in place. The light unit is mounted on a hidden hinge in an armored and signature managed housing. The unique hinge design allows for electromechanical actuation of the lights from a micro-controller. The special hinge enables the external surfaces of the vehicle to be generally planar, and thereby ready to accept further signature management treatments.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: United Defense LPInventors: Jaspal Singh Dhillon, Valent Horvatich, James Robert Turner, Marco Albert Middione
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Patent number: 6842944Abstract: An improved swing away style door hinge utilizing at least four hinge members attached to each other about four pivot points. The new hinge allows greater access through a doorway wherein the door is positioned outside of the doorway clearance space when the door is opened 90 degrees. The hinge may also limit the opening movement of the door. The hinge is an aesthetically pleasing hinge with a relatively small footprint compared to other swing away style hinges.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
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Patent number: 6832710Abstract: A saddlebag includes a body and a lid pivotally attached to the body by a hinge assembly. The lid moves in a substantially translational manner to disengage and engage the body, and moves in a pivotal manner when not engaging the body. The saddlebag also includes a locking assembly selectively securing the lid in a closed position and being operable via a push-button located on an outer surface of the saddlebag body. A gas spring is interconnected between the body and the lid of the saddlebag, biasing the lid toward the open position such that depressing the push button releases the lid, allowing the gas spring to expand and fully open the saddlebag with no further intervention by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventors: Stephen L. Galbraith, Thomas R. Wargin, P. Kirk Rasmussen
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Patent number: 6748626Abstract: An improved swing away style door hinge utilizing three articulated hinge members and a means for controlling the position of at least one of the hinge members with respect to at least one other hinge member such that the hinge allows greater access through a doorway when the door is opened at a 90 degree angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
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Patent number: 6701574Abstract: A decklid hinge is provided for a rear compartment of a vehicle. The decklid hinge includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The decklid hinge also includes a decklid side strap adapted to be connected to a decklid for closing a recess of the rear compartment. The decklid hinge includes a first link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for allowing rotation therebetween. The decklid hinge also includes a second link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for guiding pivoting action of the hinge along a predefined path. The decklid hinge further includes a counterbalance spring interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap to counterbalance a weight of the decklid in an open position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Waqar Hashim, Akin O Ajilore, Glenn J Esch, Carl E Chamberlain
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Patent number: 6618904Abstract: In a multi-link hinge assembly for a rear deck lid or front hood for an automobile, a torsional coil spring is mounted with its coil coaxial to or proximate to a pivotal connection of the hinge assembly with arms of the coil spring engaging members of the hinge assembly to bias them for pivoting about the pivotal connection. The torsional coil spring provides enhanced “pop-up” of the lid or hood on initial unlocking and can reduce the need for or size of a primary biasing mechanism to assist in opening the lid or hood.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Van-Rob Stampings Inc.Inventor: Louis A. Nagy
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Patent number: 6578234Abstract: A four bar hinge (24) for mounting a vehicle rear deck lid (26) for movement between open and closed positions includes first and second vehicle body and deck lid mounted hinge members (28, 32) one of which has an adjuster (38), and the hinge also includes first and second connection members (42, 52) that extend between the hinge members with pivotal connections to provide a four bar linkage (62) that supports the deck lid for movement between open and closed positions. An adjuster member (40) of the adjuster (38) is adjustable upon assembly to move the deck lid vertically so as to be flush with the rear deck outer skin (16) of the vehicle. This adjustment is provided by a threaded connection (70).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.Inventor: David L. Westerdale
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Patent number: 6574835Abstract: A hinge used to mount a door to an overhead storage cabinet is disclosed. The hinge provides a combination linear and articulated motion to provide the clearance between the door of the cabinet and the upper, outer corner of the cabinet. Further, the hinge provides a user assist on the opening of the cabinet door and a self-dampening motion on the closing of the cabinet door without the use of pneumatic cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Knoll, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Melhuish
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Patent number: 6568035Abstract: An improved sprung hinge for supporting panel-like closure elements is of the type comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which share a first lever and a second lever, and at least first and second elastic elements arranged in series which act on mutually opposite parts of each one of the quadrilaterals, the first lever being formed monolithically.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: T.G.N. S.p.A.Inventor: Daniele Zetti
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Patent number: 6550845Abstract: A side door assembly for a vehicle includes a front pillar extending between a roof and a floor of a vehicle body of the vehicle. The side door assembly also includes a rear pillar extending between the roof and the floor and spaced longitudinally from the front pillar to define a continuous door opening in the vehicle body. The side door assembly includes a front side door having a rear end and a forward end pivotally connected to the front pillar to open and close a front portion of the door opening. The side door assembly also includes a rear side door having a forward end and a rear end. The side door assembly further includes at least one hinge assembly connected to the rear end of the rear side door and connected to the rear pillar and having a dual pivot to allow the rear side door to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to a rear portion of the door opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Brad L Pietryga
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Publication number: 20030056330Abstract: A four bar hinge (24) for mounting a vehicle rear deck lid (26) for movement between open and closed positions includes first and second vehicle body and deck lid mounted hinge members (28, 32) one of which has an adjuster (38), and the hinge also includes first and second connection members (42, 52) that extend between the hinge members with pivotal connections to provide a four bar linkage (62) that supports the deck lid for movement between open and closed positions. An adjuster member (40) of the adjuster (38) is adjustable upon assembly to move the deck lid vertically so as to be flush with the rear deck outer skin (16) of the vehicle. This adjustment is provided by a threaded connection (70).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: MIDWAY PRODUCTS GROUP, INC.Inventor: David L. Westerdale
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Patent number: 6527036Abstract: An upward acting sectional door is disclosed having pinch-resistant joints and hinges. The hinges have a top member securable to the upper panel and a base member securable to the lower panel. The base member and top member are connected by first and second links, each of which have a first end pivotally connected to the top member and a second end pivotally connected to the base member. The geometry of the links insures that a foot which depends from the upper panel is always spaced closely enough to the lower panel that a person cannot easily insert a fingertip into the joint. The foot also acts to push a fingertip away from the joint as the door is closed. A door seal on each panel moves to engage the adjacent panel when the door is closed, but lifts away as the door opens.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventor: Thomas M. Welsh
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Patent number: 6499189Abstract: A hinge apparatus employs a base, a second base, link arms, urging means and the characteristics of a parallelogram formed by the shape of said base, second base and paired link members to enable a body such as a platen cover to rotate up open and lower substantially parallel to an original platen and to enable the parallel opening of the body thereby ensuring the complete covering of a thick original or a book original placed upon the clear glass platen enabling good quality copies of the original regardless of its thickness.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Nisca CorporationInventors: Jun Kondo, Mitsumasa Ogihara
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Patent number: 6487755Abstract: A hinge for doors or for wings of furniture items comprises fastening elements provided with fixed pivot pins and with sliding guides, which can be housed respectively in the thickness of the door and in a corresponding fixed door post; arms for connecting the door to the door post connected to the fastening elements with their first extremity, hinged on the fixed pivot pin of one of the fastening elements and with a second extremity engaged in the sliding guide of the other fastening element; and a joint interposed at the extremities of the arms which pivotingly connects the arms to each other allowing their relative angular mobility. The fastening elements comprise connecting bodies movable relative to each other at least along one direction defined by at least one of three cartesian axes, respective adjusting means being provided thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Koblenz S.p.A.Inventor: Gianfranco Caldari
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Patent number: 6402270Abstract: A hinge for the mounting of a closure panel to a display cabinet. The hinge has a panel mounting member (11) to which is pivotally mounted (19) an arm (16). A second arm (12) is pivotally coupled (15) to a fixture mounting member (10). The arms (12 and 16) cross over and are joined by a pivot (20). A link (22 and 22a) which is adjustable in length is coupled between an extension (21, 21a) of the arm (12, 16) and the mounting member (10, 11) opposite to that to which the arm (12, 16) is pivotally connected.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Group D'Etoile LimitedInventor: Manfred Johannes Frank
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Patent number: 6397434Abstract: A hinge for a vehicle lid comprises a main spring means (112) operable to urge the hinge into an open position, and a device (114) for assisting the initial opening of the hinge, the device comprising an elongate body in which a plunger (116) is sliceable, the plunger being engageable with the hinge, and spring means disposed in the body and acting on the plunger to urge it into an extended position. The plunger is cylindrical and is retained in a cylindrical cavity in the body by an annular fastening, the fastening being formed with one or more radially projecting ribs which engage with an annular recess at the opening of the cylindrical cavity to attach the fastening means to the body. The plunger is formed such that in the extended position disengagement of the one or more ribs from the annular recess is inhibited, preventing the plunger from forcing the fastening out of the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: ITW LimitedInventors: Jonathan Paul Anthony Cheal, Andrew Proffitt
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Patent number: 6374459Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting closure sheet-like elements, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which have a first lever and a second lever in common, at least two elastic springs in parallel being further provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: T.G.N. S.p.A.Inventor: Daniele Zetti
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Patent number: 6367123Abstract: A hinge and linkage system comprises a four-link system wherein first and second links are respectively connected to vehicle body and closure members, and an additional pair of links interconnect the first and second links. An expansible gas strut also interconnects the first and second links. In accordance with the invention, an expansible spring-biased plunger mechanism is mounted upon one of the additional links so as to operatively engage and be axially compressed by the second link and the closure member when the closure member is disposed at its latched position. When the closure member is unlatched, the spring-biased plunger mechanism initially partially elevates the closure member toward its open position whereupon the expansible gas strut can continue the elevational movement of the closure toward its open position.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Paul Anthony Cheal, Andrew Proffitt
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Patent number: 6330734Abstract: A hinge assembly has a first hinge rod unit and a second hinge rod unit. The first hinge rod unit is fixed at its upper end to the bottom of a hood by means of a first hinge pin and at its lower end to a fender apron by means of a second hinge pin. The second hinge rod unit is fixed at its upper end to the bottom of the hood by means of a third hinge pin and at its lower end to the fender apron by means of a fourth hinge pin. The first and third hinge pins are spaced apart by a first interval, while the second and fourth hinge pins are spaced apart by a second interval longer than the first interval. Each of the first and second hinge rod units comprises a first hollow hinge rod, a second hinge rod slidably inserted into the first hinge rod, and a means for locking the second hinge rod to the first hinge rod, that is breakable when a force greater than a predetermined certain amount is applied.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sun-Hyung Cho
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Patent number: 6308376Abstract: A hinge with a safety shield plate unit is designed not to cover the hinge but to be rotatably fitted to the fixed front shaft of the hinge and be resiliently urged toward the cup-shaped fixing member of the hinge by a resilient member in such a way that the safety shield plate unit is prevented from unnecessarily moving toward the cup-shaped fixing member by causing the anchoring sections of the movable link arm to abut the respective anchored sections of the safety shield plate unit. The hinge main body includes a fixing member fitted to a fixed plate and a cup-shaped fixing member fitted to a movable plate. The members are linked together by movable arms. A safety shield plate unit fitted to the fixed front shaft linking the fixing member and the movable link arm is urged downward to follow and hide the hazardous area defined by the movable arms and the cup-shaped fixing member and having a volume that increases with the opening movement of the movable plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Sugatsune Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinichirou Koshikawa
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Publication number: 20010025398Abstract: An improved sprung hinge for supporting panel-like closure elements is of the type comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral which share a first lever and a second lever, and at least first and second elastic elements arranged in series which act on mutually opposite parts of each one of the quadrilaterals, the first lever being formed monolithically.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Applicant: T.G.N. S.p.A.Inventor: Daniele Zetti
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Patent number: 6253393Abstract: A door for shower enclosures has at least two door leaves disposed side-by-side in a closed state of the door, a continuous vertical hinge element connecting the door leaves so that upon opening of the door one of the door leaves pivots forward about a rotary axis of the hinge element, a double hinge element mountable on one wall of a shower area or on a vertical profile of a shower enclosure and having a rear suspension part and a front suspension part, another of the door leaves being supported rotatably in a rotary axis by one face end on the rear suspension part of the double hinge element, at least one horizontally disposed rotating arm which is articulated rotatably in another rotary axis on the front suspension part of the double hinge element which is farther from the shower area than the rear suspension part, the retaining arm fitting over the hinge element and being supported rotatably by an opposite end in a further rotary axis of a further suspension part mounted rigidly on the hinge element.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventors: Armin Dries, Susanne Wegener
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Patent number: 6175991Abstract: An articulated door hinge attaching a vehicle door having an outer surface with a leading edge and an inner surface to a vehicle pillar having an outer surface and an inner surface, the door hinge including a pillar half linkage having a base rigidly attached to the pillar inner surface and a bearing surface projecting from the base supporting a pair of horizontally spaced rotary center shafts, a door half linkage having a base rigidly attached to the door inner surface and a bearing surface projecting from the base supporting a pair of horizontally spaced rotary center shafts, a forward link connecting corresponding longitudinally forward most rotary center shafts of the door half linkage to the pillar half linkage, and a rearward link connecting corresponding longitudinally rearward most rotary center shafts of the door half linkage to the pillar half linkage thereby creating an articulated door hinge, the articulated door hinge operable between a door closed position where the door outer surface leading edType: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Driesman, Felix S. H. Kim, Kevin Paul Vogler, Michael H. Kim
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Patent number: 6141832Abstract: The invention is directed to a wide-angle hinge having articulated arms in the form of U-shaped profiled levers, the lateral sides of which are offset from one another and with U-shaped profiled transverse swinging arms being articulated to the levers with the same offset. In an open position, hinge pins of both levers lie in an approximately cylindrical shell, the axis of which lies on the outer side of the hinge portions.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.Inventor: Luciano Salice
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Patent number: 6073673Abstract: Movable partition elements and a hinge to connect the partition elements to each other. The partition elements can be swung on the hinge toward one another until they are substantially parallel to each other. The hinge can have stacked or crossed connecting arms seated in or braced against connecting elements attached to the partition elements. The hinge can also have a retainer which passes through a penetration in each of the connecting elements. The retainer can be inserted into or connected to the partition elements by the retainer shank. The retainer further can separate the connecting arms from each other. The retainer finally can be designed to form or support the axle arms on which the connecting arms can rotate.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Reinhard Janutta
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Patent number: 6045204Abstract: The invention provides a high cost saving method of achieving restricted bin motion. A linkage that supports an overhead stowage bin (22) in an aircraft (12) and is operable for moving the stowage bin (22) between open and closed positions. The linkage includes an upper link (26), a lower link (28') and a gas spring (36). The gas spring (36) is pivotally connected at an upper first end to the upper link (26) and at a lower second end to the lower link (28'). Modifying apparatus comprises an additional link (56) that is connectable at a first end to the upper link (26) and at a second end to the first end of the gas spring (36). A new or extended existing lower link (28) may be used. This apparatus changes the location of the pivotal connection (40) of the upper end of the gas spring (36) to the upper link (26), so as to change the open position of the overhead stowage bin (22) in a way that lessens projection of the stowage bin (22) into aisle space (18) when the stowage bin (22) is in its open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Hexcel CorporationInventors: Joe K. Frazier, Robert J. Shimota, Gary L. Ferson
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Patent number: 5898977Abstract: A supporting bracket for windows which can be used on any side of a window and which can be mounted using existing central mount installation tooling is disclosed. The supporting bracket uses dual sided containment of the vent bar end for preventing sash play and uses camming surfaces to allow for immediate sash pull in which prevents weather-strip problems and prevents the supporting bracket from binding during an opening operation. In some embodiments, an end cap engages opposite sides of a symmetric vent bar end. In another embodiment, a pin attached to the vent bar is engaged on opposite sides by a track formed within the main track of the supporting bracket. In all embodiments, the vent bar and the link pivotally connecting the vent bar to the track are prevented from moving in a direction opposite the direction of opening during an opening operation. The arms of the supporting bracket may have fully rounded edges for preventing binding between adjacent arms during load.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Advantage Manufacturing Corp., Inc.Inventor: Malcolm Muir
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Patent number: 5823324Abstract: A key switch assembly includes a key cap support with first and second support levers. The first support lever has upper rods, lower rods and intermediate circular connecting portions. The circular connecting portions have circumferential edges which form first shoulders that interconnect front sides of the upper and lower rods, and second shoulders that interconnect back sides of the upper and lower rods. The lower rods and upper rods have concave first and second end faces that extend transversely along the circumferential edges. The second support lever has upper arms, lower arms and intermediate circular plates. The circular plates have peripheral edges which form third shoulders that interconnect back sides of the upper and lower arms, and fourth shoulders that interconnect front sides of the upper and lower arms. The upper and lower arms have concave third and fourth end faces that extend transversely along the peripheral edges of the circular plates.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventor: Huo-Lu Tsai
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Patent number: 5704095Abstract: A hinge for supporting a heavy door on a support. The hinge has a main block mounted on the support and a pair of parallel plates mounted on the door. An extender link and a rotation control link are each pivotally mounted to the main block and between the parallel plates. When the door is in the fully closed position, the main block supports the upper parallel plate. When the door is in the fully opened position, the extender link is interlocked with the rotation control link and supports the door. A compressible seal is formed between the door and the support by a sealant disposed about the perimeter of the door. The compressible seal is not exposed to shear forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventor: Helmut Guenschel
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Patent number: 5664290Abstract: Device for swivel holding of leaf flap which can swivel especially around a horizontal axis comprises a straight four-bar mechanism (8.1, 8.2, 10.1, 11.1) and elastic means (18) to damp the swivel motion. The elastic means have spring element (18) which is guided with its extensible part to move around anchoring element (7). Anchoring element (7) is for example a plastic ring which is inserted in hinged frame (1) of device. Its diameter corresponds to a multiple of a diameter of spring element (18). The entire device is preferably structured symmetrically with respect to the plane defined by the movement of four-bar mechanism (8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: USM U. Schaerer Sohne AGInventor: Kurt Scherrer
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Patent number: 5634242Abstract: A furniture hinge (10, 110) has a wing (11, 111) and a cup (12, 112) interconnected with each other by a lower link rod (14, 114) and an upper link rod (15, 115). A torsion spring (25, 125) is wound round a pin (21, 121) inside the wing and parallel to the pivots of the link rods so as to have a thrust arm (22, 122) which acts upon a protrusion (20, 120) of the lower link rod facing towards the pin of the spring to push the hinge towards the closed position during a last section of the movement. The pivoting of the lower link rod (14, 114) to the wing is substantially between the pin (21, 121) of the spring and the pivoting of the upper link rod (15, 115) to the wing. The torsion spring advantageously has a reaction arm (123) which rests on the lower link rod (114).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Franco FerrariInventors: Franco Ferrari, Carlo Migli
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Patent number: 5613277Abstract: A hinge for supporting a window sash relative to a window frame including a track (12) connected to the window frame, a support arm (16) pivotally secured to the track, a shoe (22) slidably received in the track (12) and a sash arm connected to the window sash and pivotally supported relative to both the shoe and the support arm (14). The shoe includes a first side (38) which lies adjacent the track (12) when the shoe is received in the track. The shoe further includes a recess (40) in the first side (38) and a pad (42) integrally formed with the shoe body (22). The pad is received in a recess when the shoe is received in the track.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1996Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Truth Hardware CorporationInventors: Mary B. Dallmann, Gregory O. Voss, Brian D. Dallmann
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Patent number: 5519920Abstract: A hinge for holding two components, such as a cabinet and its door or the like, that are supported so as to pivotable relative to one another about the axis of the hinge. The hinge has a hinge support that is disposed on one of the components and has two aligned eyelets. A hinge bolt is connected to the other component and extends through the eyelets in order to connect the components. To be able to displace the components relative to one another, the hinge bolt is fixedly connected to its component and the eyelets are attached to the hinge bolt via pivotable connected rods such that the eyelets are displaceable along an axis of the hinge bolt, with the hinge bolt having such a configuration that rotation of the hinge bolt effects displacement of the eyelets.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: EMKA Beschalagteile GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Friedhelm Runge, Manfred Sauerland
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Patent number: 5509177Abstract: A window stay of a geometry whereby, in the closed position of the stay, the pivot coupling the long arm to the sash plate is situated between the pivots respectively coupling the frame and sash plates to the short arm. The short arm is provided with a fold located between the pivot points thereof and extends substantially diagonally relative to an imaginary line between the pivot points. The pivot coupling the short arm to the frame plate is offset to the other pivots when the stay is closed by the frame plate forms an angle with respect to the length of the frame member to which the frame plate is, in use, attached.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1993Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Interlock Industries LimitedInventors: Philip J. Hindin, Albert G. Bucher