Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-31
2001-07-03
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S071000, C052S064000, C052S749100, C052S749100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253525
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a hinge arrangement for pivotally connecting structural parts of a vehicle which are pivotal relative to each other and, particularly, parts of a vehicle platform.
2. The Prior Art
In the construction of vehicular components, especially vehicle platforms, tailgates etc. extrusion molded hollow profiles made of aluminum are being used increasingly. The hollow profiles include structural parts which are pivotally or foldably connected to each other. To this end, it has hitherto been necessary to attach to the hollow profiles by means of screws support flanges, hinges or the like provided with cylindrical receptacles for the pivot axle or pivot bolt. Such a measure represents a considerable additional expense in terms of labor and material.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
For that reason, the invention aims at providing a hinge arrangement which makes possible a simple and substantially modular construction of pivotal hinges without requiring threaded connections and the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The hinge arrangement in accordance with the invention is characterized by the fact that the structural parts to be connected to each other and which preferably consist of extrusion molded hollow aluminum profiles are provided with a T-shaped undercut elongate groove in each of a pair of front walls facing each other in opposite inclinations. At least one support component provided with lugs complementary to the cross-section of the groove and with a cylindrical receptacle for a hinge axle is insertable into the groove from an end thereof, the support components cooperating with at least one unitary hollow pivot profile disposed between the structural parts. The pivot profile is provided with inclined walls corresponding to the inclined walls and, adjacent to the cylindrical receptacles of the support components, partially cylindrical receptacles into which may be inserted the hinge axles extending through the receptacles of the support components so that one or both structural parts may be pivoted by 90°, or one components may be pivoted by 180° relative to the other one.
The construction in accordance with the invention makes it possible seriatim to insert into the elongate grooves of the facing inclined walls of the structural parts or, in particular, hollow profiles, from the ends thereof, the required number of support components and pivot profiles as well as additional spacers, until the elongate grooves are occupied over their entire length. The parts adjacent to the ends of the grooves are secured by clamp screw, pins, adhesion or the like. Thereafter, the hinge axles or bolts may be inserted into the aligned receptacles of the support components and of the pivot profile.
Preferably, the inclined front walls of the structural parts to be connected and the pivot profile are provided with abutments the faces of which will engage each other when the structural parts are in their 90° pivotal disposition. This ensures flawless pivotal movement, in particular the one about 180°, and pivotal disposition of the structural parts of the vehicle relative to each other. In accordance with a further characteristic of the invention, there are provided within the elongate grooves, over the length of the structural parts to be connected, several support components which are separated by pivot profiles and, preferably, by spacers.
In the context of the invention the pivot profile is symmetrically structured and is provided with a lower chamber limited by its inclined walls and a lower transverse wall as well as with upper partially cylindrical receptacles which at an upper portion are provided with abutments for limiting pivotal movement.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3646636 (1972-03-01), Hives
patent: 4460030 (1984-07-01), Tsenemura et al.
patent: 5107639 (1992-04-01), Morin et al.
patent: 7205506 (1972-10-01), None
Hormann Karl
Kent Christopher T.
Thissell Jennifer I.
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