Bi-stable spring loaded pivoting joint
US5851081A · kind A · utility
1Cited by
5References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32614
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a pivoting joint that has two stable positions. The pivoting joint is comprised of two housing elements that can rotate co-axially with respect to one another. A spring, generally in the shape of a modified hairpin, is contained within the two housing elements. The two ends of the spring fit into holes in one housing element, and the closed end of the spring is held, substantially irrotatably, in the other housing element. The spring urges the two housing elements to one or the other rotational extreme with respect to one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.