Articulating hinge assembly
US5600870A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32368
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An articulating hinge assembly for pivotally coupling objects together, comprising a socket member and a cap member. A plurality of resilient prongs on the cap member reversibly engage a bore in the socket member. Outward facing barbs are included on the resilient prongs which engage a recessed region in the bore of the socket member. A plurality of serrations or grooves are included within the recessed region of the bore in the socket member. Outward facing teeth on the barbs of one or more of the resilient prongs engage and intermesh with the serrations in the recessed region of the socket member. Applying rotational force to the socket member or cap member causes the teeth to disengage the serrations and reposition within the recessed region, allowing pivotal adjustment of the cap member relative to the socket member in precise incremental units defined by the size and shape of the serrations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.