Door hinge with infinitely adjustable detent
US5346272A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/531
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus of selectively applying a holding force to a vehicle door hinge, comprises the steps of (i) determining when a vehicle door is open and, when the vehicle door is open, thereafter (ii) sensing door movement to determine if the door has remained substantially stationary in an open position for a predetermined time period, (iii) if the door has remained stationary in an open position for a predetermined time period, activating a braking mechanism to provide a holding force for the door, (iv) if the braking mechanism is activated, determining if the door has moved a predetermined distance since activating the braking mechanism, (v) if the door has moved a predetermined distance since activating the braking mechanism, deactivating the braking mechanism, (vi) sensing whether the door is closed, and (vii) if the door is closed, deactivating the braking mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.