Patent · US Expired

Tri-action hinge and latching mechanism for a door panel

US6959972B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
18References
41Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 15, 2002
Grant dateNov 1, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 15, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S16/42
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A hinge assembly allows an access panel to be pivotally coupled to a cabinet, even though the cabinet includes a top cover that overlaps an upper edge of the panel. To open the access panel, a latch is actuated to first release a lower edge of the panel. The hinge assembly then allows the lower edge to be pulled out from over a base rail of the cabinet. Once the lower edge is off of the base rail, the hinge assembly allows the panel to be lowered without obstruction from the base rail. Lowering the panel then moves the panel's upper edge out from underneath the overlapping top cover. From there, the hinge assembly allows the panel to be swung open. To close the access panel, the process is reversed.

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