Self-closing door hinge
US5272789A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2323/024
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A spring biased hinge for refrigerator doors and the like includes a stationary mounting bracket, a bent-wire spring mounted between the door and bracket, and a pivot pin for pivotally mounting the door to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is reversible so that it can be used on either side of the door, and includes a slot for receiving an end of the spring, the slot and spring being located so that as the door is opened, the door travels through a first arcuate segment where the spring is compressed and oriented to bias the door closed, through a second arcuate segment where the spring is compressed and oriented to bias the door open, and a third arcuate segment where the spring is not compressed but rather slides in the slot allowing the door to swing freely open until an end of the slot is engaged to limit the maximum door open movement. The hinge is characterized by its low profile and low number of parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.