Patent · US Expired

Counterbalance hinge for pivoting loads

US3999245A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
3References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 10, 1975
Grant dateDec 28, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 10, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE05Y2900/20
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An improved counterbalance hinge assembly has a bias spring and uniquely shaped cam for counterbalancing inherently nonlinear forces represented by pivoting loads such as fold up wall type beds, desks, and the like. A cable attached to the spring wraps progressively around the cam surface as the bed or other load is pulled out from the wall, thereby compressing the spring. The effective radius of the cam at a given point is designed in conjunction with the peripheral extent of the cam surface up to that point, to give the desired counterbalancing force as a function of the angular position of the load. In the preferred embodiment, the effective radius is thus smaller with the bed in its horizontal position than with the bed in its vertical position. Additionally, a small offset angle may be provided in the counterbalancing mechanism near the vertical position, to aid in moving the load to and from its stored position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.