Patent · US Expired

Self-latching hinge assembly

US7320152B2 · kind B2 · utility

14Cited by
25References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 22, 2005
Grant dateJan 22, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 29, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE05Y2999/00
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A hinge assembly includes a main member having a main cam member and a bore extending generally along an axis of rotation. A pivot member, fixed to an end of a shaft extending through the bore, includes a pivot cam member and is rotatable with respect to the main member. At least one torque element is rotatably engaged with the shaft and is substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the main member. The at least one torque element imparts a first frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a second frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a second direction. The first frictional resistance is greater than the second frictional resistance. Interaction of the main cam member with the pivot cam member assists in maintaining the hinge assembly in at least first and second positions.

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