Including Stop Or Latch Patents (Class 16/371)
  • Patent number: 7669287
    Abstract: A hinge structure is disclosed to include a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure respectively mounted on the base member and cover of a lifter cover type mobile electronic product, two master connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure for allowing the cover to be opened from the base member, and two auxiliary connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure in such a manner that the auxiliary connecting members lock the cover to the second hinge structure and the cover is closed on the base member, and unlock the cover from the second hinge structure for adjustment of the inclined angle of the cover when the cover is opened from base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haung Wen Lee, Tasi Shuen Liang
  • Publication number: 20090223021
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge device includes an approximately rod-shaped first shaft member; an approximately rod-shaped second shaft member; a shaft connecting member for connecting the first shaft member and the second shaft member such that the direction in which the first shaft member extends and the direction in which the second shaft member extends are approximately orthogonal; an arm portion provided to the first shaft member so as to be turnable along the outer circumference of the first shaft member, a hinge fixing portion provided to the second shaft member so as to be turnable along the outer circumference of the second shaft member, and a thrust cam member provided to the first shaft member such that movement in the direction in which the first shaft member extends is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Isao ENDO, Tsutomu Takahashi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090199361
    Abstract: A slidable dual-axis hinge assembly has a sliding leaf and a stationary leaf. The sliding leaf has two detents and an outer pivot formed on a pivoting end of the sliding leaf and pivotally mounting the sliding leaf in a cover of a portable electronic device. The stationary leaf has an inner pivot formed on a proximal end of the stationary leaf and pivotally mounts the stationary leaf in a base of the portable electronic device, and has two slide brackets engaging the detents and defining two sliding grooves oppositely therein and being mounted around the side edges of the sliding leaf to allow the sliding leaf to slide relative to the stationary leaf. Thereby, the cover of the portable electronic device pivots relative to the base in two different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Chen Kao, Wen-Sung Ko
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090106941
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a biaxial rear door hinge of a vehicle that allows the vehicle door to open outward and then upward. This biaxial hinge system allows the rear door in a sedan to mimic the look of a vertically pivoting front door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Greenbank
  • Publication number: 20090064463
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge for hinged mounting of a laterally opening door of a cabinet, especially a hinge for a refrigerator. The hinge includes an articulated lever arrangement that is provided with a support element facing the door and a support element facing the cabinet. The support element facing the door is rotated by an opening angle from a closed position into an open position when the hinge is opened relative to the support element facing the cabinet. The support element facing the door is displaced by at least 65 mm, particularly at least 85 mm, preferably at least 95 mm, at an opening angle of ninety degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Gomoll, Bernd Heger, Wolfgang Kentner
  • Patent number: 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
  • Patent number: 7418279
    Abstract: A mobile radio communication apparatus includes a first housing including an input part, a second housing including a speaker and a display, a hinge part that connects the second housing to the first housing so that the second housing can be folded over the first housing, an opening mechanism that automatically opens the second housing from a folded state to a first angle between 160° and 170° relative to the first housing in a non-stop motion, a damper mechanism that brakes opening of the second housing by the one touch opening mechanism, and a free stop mechanism that maintains the second housing relative to the first housing at a second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hisamitsu Takagi
  • Patent number: 7412270
    Abstract: A mobile radio communication apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge part that foldably connects the second housing to the first housing, a one touch opening mechanism that is provided to the hinge part, and automatically opens the second housing from a folded state to an angle between 160° and 170° relative to the first housing in a non-stop motion, a damper mechanism that is provided to the hinge part and brakes an opening action of the second housing by the one touch opening mechanism, the damper mechanism including a damper having a rotational shaft that generates a braking power and a damper bush having a fixed shaft connected to the rotational shaft, and a flexible printed circuit that is twisted around the rotational or fixed shaft of the damper mechanism, and electrically connects the first and second housings to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hisamitsu Takagi
  • 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: 7299525
    Abstract: A self-locked hinge device includes a hinge body, a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate and a locking mechanism, The first mounting plate is hinged to a first end of the hinge body, and the second mounting plate is hinged to a second end of the hinge body. The locking mechanism is driven by the second mounting plate when the second mounting plate is moved and incapacitates the first mounting plate from moving relatively to the hinge body when the second mounting plate is rotated to a predetermined position relative to the hinge body. A multi-function peripheral using the self-locked hinge device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Lun Chang
  • Patent number: 7292443
    Abstract: A heat sink mounting assembly includes a retention module having a bottom and a pair of posts extending from the bottom. A heat sink is located on the bottom of the retention module. A clip spans across the heat sink and includes a clamping member having first and second legs releasably engaging with the posts of the retention module, and a pressing member having a first end thereof pivotably engaging with a first end of the clamping member. The pressing member has a pressing portion pressing the heat sink toward the retention module when a second end of the pressing member is depressed to engage with a pair of ears formed at a second end of the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Tien Lai, Cui-Jun Lu, Song-Shui Liu
  • Patent number: 7203532
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft, a cam, a spring and a sliding member. The shaft has a first end and a second end and the cam is movably disposed at the first end and has an inclined plane facing the second end. Also, the spring is disposed at the second end, and the sliding member is disposed on the shaft and is coupled with the spring. The sliding member moves along the shaft due to the elasticity of the spring. In addition, the sliding member has a contact capable of reaching the inclined plane, wherein the cam on which a force is imposed moves toward the second end so that an elastic potential energy is stored as a result of elastic deformation of the spring and the contact of the sliding member presses the inclined plane to rotate the cam by the spring's resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 7162775
    Abstract: A trunk lid hinge in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to operate a trunk of an automobile in a conventional manner as well as in an unconventional manner about two pivot axes. The trunk lid hinge comprises a hinge mount, a hinge bracket, and a locking element. The hinge mount is an elongated member having a mount first end and a mount second end opposite the mount first end. The hinge bracket is pivotally coupled to the mount second end and is adapted to be positioned at and between a first pivot position and a second pivot position about a pivot axis in addition to the stock pivot axis. Embodiment of the present invention permit the automobile enthusiast to retrofit the conventional trunk lid to operate as in an unconventional manner and allow the automobile manufacturers to incorporating trunk lids in automobiles with unconventional opening characteristics without requiring major redesign of the current trunk lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7114219
    Abstract: A hinge for pivotably mounting a panel to a vehicle body includes a panel attachment plate securable to the panel, a body attachment plate securable to the vehicle body, and an intermediate member pivotably attached between the body and panel attachment plates. The intermediate member has opposite sidewalls and a center flange extending between the sidewalls. The sidewalls engage the body attachment plate with the center flange spaced from the body attachment plate when the intermediate member is pivoted such that the sidewalls are positioned generally along the body attachment plate. The intermediate member may include a stop member for limiting pivotal movement of the panel attachment plate. The stop member may limit such pivotal movement at different positions by being cut to different sizes during manufacture of the hinge. The body attachment plate may provide a hinge portion that provides enhanced structural rigidity to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ran Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kiefer, Robert N Alt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7076837
    Abstract: A hinge device for pivotally coupling a display to a base includes a seat for being secured with the base, a rotor, a pair of hinges, and at least one roller located on the rotor. The seat defines a hole, and a railway defined in an inner wall of the seat. The rotor includes a shaft pivotally received in the hole, and a pair of beams. Each hinge includes a first rotating member for being attached to the respective beam, and a second rotating member pivotally engaged with the first rotating member for being attached to the display. The roller is movably received in the railway. The railway defines at least two points located in two different planes perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft. When the shaft of the rotor rotates, the roller moves along the railway to cause the rotor to move in said axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih Cheng Liao
  • Patent number: 7047600
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Advantage Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Malcolm Muir
  • Patent number: 7027846
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft, a cam, a spring and a sliding member. The shaft has a first end and a second end and the cam is movably disposed at the first end and has an inclined plane facing the second end. Also, the spring is disposed at the second end, and the sliding member is disposed on the shaft and is coupled with the spring. The sliding member moves along the shaft due to the elasticity of the spring. In addition, the sliding member has a contact capable of reaching the inclined plane, wherein the cam on which a force is imposed moves toward the second end so that an elastic potential energy is stored as a result of elastic deformation of the spring and the contact of the sliding member presses the inclined plane to rotate the cam by the spring's resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 6974177
    Abstract: A dual-axis door hinge assembly for a vehicle includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual-axis door hinge assembly also includes a door side strap adapted to be connected to a door of the vehicle. The dual-axis door hinge assembly further includes an intermediate link pivotally connected to the body side strap to form a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the door side strap to form a second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6971439
    Abstract: An agricultural machine is described with a screen for protecting a part of a cooling system of a motor mounted on the agricultural machine, the screen being mounted in its operational position adjacent the cooling system, wherein the screen is movable from the operational position next to the cooling system of the motor to a position in which the screen lies outside the envelope defining the outer form of the agricultural machine, the screen being hingedly connected to the agricultural machine so that the initial trajectory of the screen is horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine, and that a further second trajectory of the screen is horizontal and substantially circular, having its centre of curvature on or adjacent a first hinge position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dirk J. Desnijder
  • Patent number: 6938444
    Abstract: Device for linking a door to a case in a drum type washing machine including a bracket having one end to be inserted in a pass through hole formed in the vicinity of the laundry opening in a washing machine case, and the other end fixed to an outside wall of the case, and a foldable link member having a first link rotatably fitted to the one end of the bracket, a second link exposed to an outside through the pass through hole and rotatably fitted to the door, and a hinge connecting the first link and the second link, thereby permitting an easy assembly, and improving convenience of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Seop Hong, Jun Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 6842945
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism having first and second pivot shafts held by first and second hinge base members, respectively, which also connect to ends of a hinge arm member. First and second cams on the first and second hinge base members engage first and second control levers on the ends of the hinge arm members. First and second cam portions are provided by the opposed ends of the hinge arm member respectively and engage first and second pivotable check plates. First and second follower members are mounted on the first and second check plates respectively and contactable with the first and second cam portions respectively. First and second springs bias the first and second check plates in a direction to press the first and second follower members on the first and second cam portions respectively. A third spring biases a link member toward the first hinge base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 6817063
    Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle that includes a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, and a connecting member rigidly joining the first and second hinge assemblies. The first hinge assembly includes a first door connector for connecting to the door of the motor vehicle, a first pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, and a first link rotatably connected to the first door connector at a first door-side pivot and rotatably connected to the first pillar connector at a first pillar-side pivot. The second hinge assembly includes a second door connector for connecting to the door, a second pillar connector for connecting to the door pillar or the body, and a second link rotatably connected to the second door connector at a second door-side pivot and rotatably connected to the second pillar connector at a second pillar-side pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Edscha Roof Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 6732410
    Abstract: To accurately and reproducibly set the angle of a hinge, especially a very small hinge, a precision hinge and angled mounting stops are provided. The device comprises a hinge joint having a fastener, such as a screw, connecting two bodies. A flat C-shaped mounting stop fits over the fastener and has two straight outer edges that contact each of the two bodies, respectively. The relative angle between the outer edges determines the set angle of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William H. Nedderman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6701577
    Abstract: A barbecue grill hinge assembly has a cover bracket, a body bracket and a hinge pin. The cover bracket has a cover bracket body, two curved arms and at least one cover leaf. Two curved arms extend down from the cover bracket body. Each arm has a semicircular end, an outer edge and a positive stop formed on the outer edge. The body bracket has a transverse bracket body, two wings and at least one body leaf. The transverse bracket body has an outer edge and two ends, and the two ends are bent upward to form the two wings. Two pivot pin holes are respectively formed though the two wings and the two ends of the arms. At least one body leaf is formed around the body bracket. The hinge pin extends through the pivot pin holes to connect the cover bracket to the body bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jui-Ju Yeh
  • Patent number: 6629337
    Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle including a door connector for connecting to a door of the motor vehicle, a pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, a link, a door-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the door connector, a pillar-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the pillar connector. A braking resistance of the pillar-side pivot is less than a braking resistance of the door-side pivot during opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Edscha Roof Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Publication number: 20030159249
    Abstract: A hinge device comprises a main plate, a mounting member, a first arm, and a second arm X-hinged to the first arm. The first arm includes a first end pivoted to the main plate and a second end pivoted to the mounting member. The second arm includes a first end pivoted to the main plate and a second end pivoted to an end of a connecting member. The other end of the connecting member is pivoted to the mounting member. When the hinge device is moved to an open state, an engaging member pivoted to the connecting member moves across a lobe of a positioning block fixed to the mounting member. When the hinge device is in a closed state, the protrusion of the engaging member is engaged in a retaining groove of the positioning block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin Tsung-Lung
  • Patent number: 6584647
    Abstract: A hinge for a motor vehicle rear door (2) includes a fixed knuckle (20), a moving knuckle (30), an intermediate knuckle (40) connected to each of the knuckles by a hinge pin placed in a bushing secured to the corresponding knuckle and having a flat on its outer face and an immobilizing member (50) collaborating alternately with one of the flats of the bushings. The intermediate knuckle (40) is a plate having two parallel cheeks and the immobilizing member (50) is formed of a link rod (51) pressing against one of the cheeks of the intermediate knuckle (40) and located between the bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Oxford Automotive Mechanismes et Decoupage Fin
    Inventor: Dominique Jacquin
  • Patent number: 6574837
    Abstract: A three point pivoting 360° articulable pinchless hinge connects two members which may pivot 360° with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the members to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360° of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object. The hinge may also have a locking mechanism or detent which locks the two members at 180° from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Versare Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Jantschek
  • Patent number: 6564428
    Abstract: A compound hinge system includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes knuckles and arcing engaging surfaces next to stop portions that are configured for receiving engaging lug portions on a second link member. A second link member includes first and second sets of knuckles. One of the sets of knuckles cooperates with a hinged pin to pivot relative to the first link while the second set of knuckles receives a hinge pin to pivot relative to the second element. The lugs slide relative to the engaging surface and push against the stop portions to flex them outward and require additional force to move between various stops in the range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Richard, Craig E. Schinzel, Wallace H. Polzin, Clifford A. Klinger, William J. Nepsha, Marvin J. Thibodeau
  • Patent number: 6554093
    Abstract: A vehicular hood device has a hinge serving also as a coupling link mechanism. The hinge in a usual time allows a hood to make opening and closing movements about a hinge pin connecting a second link to the hood. When an obstacle collided with the vehicle to lift the hood by an actuator, the hinge enables the extended first and second links to determine a hood raise position. The hinge includes a stopper pawl. The stopper pawl has rigidity designed to be deformable by operation of the actuator but not to be bent by a usual hood opening and closing force, thus preventing the hood from floating during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sakae Sasaki, Kaoru Nagatomi
  • Patent number: 6539584
    Abstract: A self-locking hinge is comprised of a housing with spaced side walls, and a cogged wheel positioned between the side walls. A pair of slots are respectively positioned on the interior surfaces of the side walls. A stop is connected between the side walls in alignment with the slots. An axle positioned through a center of the cogged wheel has opposite ends positioned in the slots. The cogged wheel is secured in position when it is biased against the stop by springs positioned in the slots and engaged against the ends of the axle. The cogged wheel is pivotable when it is pushed away from the stop against the springs, and is automatically biased against the stop and secured in position when it is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Gillotti
  • Patent number: 6516495
    Abstract: A door stop which is connected to a door hinge and is intended for motor-vehicle doors comprises a holding device, which is connected to the hinge half assigned to one of the two door assembly parts, the door or door pillar, and a braking device, which is connected to the hinge half assigned to the other door assembly part. In the door stop, on the one hand, the braking device has at least two braking and holding bodies (10), which are subjected to a spring load, and, on the other hand, the holding device has at least one latching ramp (28, 29) assigned to the braking and holding bodies. Furthermore, in the door stop the holding device which has at least one latching ramp (28, 29) is formed by an at least annular body (16), which is arranged concentrically with the braking-body carrier (9), and one of the two devices, the holding device or braking device, is driven in a rotating manner as a function of the door movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwaechter GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Michalak
  • Publication number: 20020138947
    Abstract: A three point pivoting 360° articulable pinchless hinge connects two members which may pivot 360° with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the members to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360° of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object. The hinge may also have a locking mechanism or detent which locks the two members at 180° from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Jantschek
  • Patent number: 6453509
    Abstract: The display apparatus comprises a monitor for displaying image thereon; and a hinge arrangement for rotatably connecting the monitor to a body and thereby allowing a torque to be adjusted depending upon a rotation angle of the monitor. There is a fixed bracket (10), a rotating bracket (20), and rotatably mounted adjusting brackets (30, 40). Rotational contact between the rotating bracket (20) and the adjusting brackets (30, 40) adjusts the torque applied to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Hwa Shin
  • Patent number: 6430051
    Abstract: A clip (10) for securing a heat sink (20) to a CPU (30) mounted on a CPU socket (40) includes first and second latching arms (50, 70) and a connecting portion (80). The first latching arm includes a horizontal first main body (52), and a first through hole (58) defined in the first main body. The second latching arm includes a horizontal second main body (72), and a second through hole (78) defined in the second main body. An end of the second main body directly confronts an end of the first main body. The connecting portion defines a pair of first and second pivot holes (86, 88), and is pivotally connected to each of the first and second latching arms. The connecting portion is rotated, and the second latching arm climbs up and along the first latching arm. The clip thereby firmly engages with catches of the CPU socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Hung Yang, Cheng-Chi Lee
  • Patent number: 6397434
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: ITW Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Paul Anthony Cheal, Andrew Proffitt
  • Patent number: 6385924
    Abstract: A reinforced locking mechanism for a casement window comprising at least one first eye hinge attached to any of a hanging stile, a shutting stile, a top rail and a bottom rail of the window sash, and at least one corresponding second eye hinge attached to a shutting jamb, a hanging jamb, an upper frame head and a lower frame sill of the window frame, respectively. Corresponding first and second eye hinges have coaxial eye portions and defining between them a longitudinal axis. A locking rod is displaceable along the longitudinal axis between a locked state in which it engages both the first and second eye hinges, and an unlocked state in which it is disengaged from at least one of the first and second eye hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Arpal Aluminum, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mordechay Emek
  • Patent number: 6330734
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sun-Hyung Cho
  • Patent number: 6312035
    Abstract: An electric vehicle body has a curved portion provided with an opening. A storage compartment communicates with an inside of the body through the opening. A lid is disposed along the curved surface of the body to pivot about hinges to open and close the storage compartment. In one embodiment, each hinge includes a hinge pin provided on a side wall of the lid and a slotted aperture formed in a side wall of the storage box. The hinge pin is fitted into the long aperture in such a manner as to rotate and slide within the slotted aperture. As the lid is being opened, an edge of the rear cover proximate the lid comes into abutment with an edge of the lid to push the lid and hinge pin along a longitudinal direction of the long aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Aoki, Masanori Shin
  • Patent number: 6256837
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a video display with a screen to the interior of an automobile is disclosed. The hinge assembly comprises an open shaft adapted to pivot the screen about a first axis, a rotate shaft adapted to pivot the screen about a second axis, transversal to the first axis, a click plate attached to at least one end of the rotate shaft, the click plate causing the rotate shaft to pivot with a plurality of stops to maintain stability of the video display, a stopper attached to at least one end of the rotate shaft, the stopper causing the rotate shaft to stop rotation at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: USA Spec, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. T. Lan, Chia I Tsui
  • Patent number: 6237191
    Abstract: A hinge for furniture comprises a bowl (11) and a wing (12) interconnected by connecting rods (13, 14) pivotally mounted to enable a movement between a closed position and an open position of the hinge. An automatic closure mechanism (19, 20) urges the hinge towards a closed position when the hinge is brought close to such a closed position. The bowl (11) comprises regions (21) of interference with at least one connecting rod when the hinge is close to the open position, to offer an increased resistance to said movement over a length thereof close to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: Franco Ferrari, Carlo Migli
  • Patent number: 6230365
    Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is disclosed. The hinge is composed of a base and a hinge member pivotally mounted on the base by a pintle. The base has a pulley bracket pivotally mounted thereon and a pulley rotatably mounted on the bracket. A tongue is mounted on the pintle and can be pivoted with the hinge member. A distal end of the tongue is engaged with the pulley and located below the pulley when the computer is closed. When the computer is to be opened, the tongue is pivoted upwards to push the pulley bracket pivoted upwards, and disengaged from the pulley. When the computer is to be closed, the tongue is pivoted downwards to push the pulley bracket pivoted downwards, and located below the pulley again. Because the tongue is limited by the pulley, the pintle is unable to be freely rotated and the display is securely closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6151756
    Abstract: A hinge having a housing with a flush mountable flange. A hinge member having pivotally connected upper and lower portions with the lower portion pivotally connected within the housing. A portion of the lower portion is engageable with a slot in the housing for locking the lower portion in an upright position. Upon unlocking the lower portion from the housing the hinge member can be pivoted into a flush relationship with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Accon Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: John Czipri
  • Patent number: 6052870
    Abstract: A door hinge, preferably for a door on a motor vehicle, having a carrying arm, which is articulated on a door bracket and a pillar bracket at the ends in each case, and having a control lever which is articulated on both sides and is intended for controlling a predetermined movement sequence during the opening and closing operations of the door, comprises an element articulated on a part of the door hinge, which element locks the door hinge, preferably automatically, when said door hinge is subjected to pronounced acceleration, especially in case of an accident with high frontal impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Jorg Hagenlocher, Karl Koster, Robert Schwed, Ralf Mertin, Dirk Bogner
  • Patent number: 6038738
    Abstract: A hinge assembly normally limits pivotal movement of a door within a first range and selectively permits pivotal movement of the door within a second, larger range. The hinge assembly includes a body hinge member fixedly attached to a frame and a door hinge member fixedly attached to the associated door. The body hinge member and the door hinge member are pivotally interconnected. The hinge assembly further includes a latch mechanism which normally limits pivotal movement of the door within the first range. Manual urging of the latch member to a release position selectively permits the door to be pivoted beyond the first range. The latching member is operable to automatically return to its latched position in response to closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Stylianos A. Meidanis, Thomas R. Carbone
  • Patent number: 5979976
    Abstract: A foldable support structure having at least three interconnected rigid annular rings. The first ring is formed for service as a base. A second ring is formed for service as a load bearing support above the base. A third ring is formed for service as a connector to connect the first and second rings and to support the second ring above the first ring. A first releasable load-bearing hinge is mounted to hingedly join adjacent portions of the first and third rings. A second releasable load bearing hinge is mounted to hingedly join adjacent portions of the second and third rings, wherein the hingedly joined adjacent portions of the first and third rings being oppositely disposed from the hingedly joined adjacent portions of the second and third rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Mark J. Ferencik
  • Patent number: 5946187
    Abstract: An arrangement for enhancing the cooling capacity of portable personal computers. The power dissipation of portable personal computers (PCS) is enhanced by transferring heat through a flexible heat pipe which is arranged in operative relationship with a novel hinge structure incorporating link elements pivotably interconnecting a display panel with a bottom processor housing so as to impart minimal bending stresses to the flexible heat pipe responsive to pivoting of the display panel, and which facilitates transferring the heat into an area at the rear of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Mario Cipolla
  • Patent number: 5915441
    Abstract: A hinge is provided having an interior pivot point and an exterior pivot point for mounting a door to a frame such that the door is capable of opening a full one hundred eighty degrees. The hinge has a lower bracket having mounted on the frame, a central pivot link rotationally attached to the lower bracket, an exterior pivot pin extending between the lower bracket and the central pivot link providing for rotational movement of the pivot link with respect to the lower bracket, an upper bracket mounted on a door, and an interior pivot pin, parallel to the exterior pivot pin, extending between the upper bracket and the central pivot link providing for rotational movement of the door with respect to the central pivot link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack