Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Hinge – Having cover
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-01
2001-11-20
Dayoan, B. (Department: 3626)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Hinge
Having cover
C016S251000, C049S383000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317925
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for covering a hinge. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hinge trim system that permits the hinge trim to move simultaneously with the hinge while maintaining a covering over a substantial portion of the hinge regardless of the hinge's position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of automotive design, it is desirable in some instances to provide a covering over a hinged surface. Generally, hinge covering systems are used for aesthetic purposes and to help reduce the likelihood of contact with the hinge.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,247 (“the '247 patent”) describes some prior art hinge covering systems used for automobile door systems. One door installation arrangement includes a door body that is pivotally connected to a vehicle body by a double hinge member having a dash side member. The double hinge member is hingedly connected at one end section to the front end section of the door body and hingedly connected at the other end thereof to the rear end face of the dash side member. A door trim is attached to the door body on the side of a passenger compartment, and a dash side trim is attached to the dash side member on the passenger compartment side. A hinge trim is also attached to the double hinge ember on the passenger side of the compartment. With this arrangement, it is necessary to form a space between the hinge trim and the door body by rounding off the end of the hinge trim in order to prevent interference of the hinge trim with the door body, particularly when the door body is opened to be in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Rounding the end of the hinge trim may result in the exposure of a pivot point.
Another hinge trim system described in the '247 patent is used with a double hinge member having a first end section hingedly connected to a door body of the vehicle. A second end section of the double hinge member is hingedly connected to the body of the vehicle.
The hinge trim is movably disposed on an inboard side of and separate from the double hinge member. The hinge trim has first and second end sections. A second hinge member is provided such that the first end section of the hinge trim is hingedly connected to a door trim through the second hinge member. Additionally, a sub-hinge member is provided such that the second end section of the trim is connected to a member in close proximity to the vehicle body through the sub-hinge.
The hinge trim is disposed separate from the double hinge member and movable independently from the double hinge member. Additionally, the opposite end sections of the hinge trim are respectively connected to the vehicle body and the door body side through a sub-hinge member and the hinge member. As a result, additional components are needed to complete installation of this hinge trim system.
There is needed a hinge trim covering system that permits a substantial portion of the hinge, particularly at pivot points, to remain at least partially covered regardless of the position of the hinge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hinge trim system. In general, the hinge trim can include a covering portion overlying at least a portion of at least one of the exposed surfaces of a hinge, wherein the covering portion includes one or more covering surfaces overlying the hinge so as to maintain a barrier surface between one or more hinge pivot points and the covering portion. Additionally, selected portions of the covering portion move as the hinge moves so as to maintain a barrier surface over a substantial portion of the hinge, particularly at pivot points, as the hinge moves from one position to another.
In another embodiment, the hinge trim system includes a covering portion having a first covering portion positioned adjacent a second covering portion, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion can be selectively moved to maintain a barrier surface over one or more hinge pivot points as the hinge moves from one position to another. The hinge can also be constructed to permit selective movement of the first covering portion and/or the second covering portion simultaneously with the hinge while maintaining a barrier surface over one or more hinge pivot points as well as a substantial portion of the hinge's surface.
In another embodiment, the combination hinge and hinge trim arrangement includes a hinge including a support link having a first end pivotally connected to a first strap and having a second end pivotally connected to a second strap, the first strap having a first substantially planar mounting segment and the second strap having a second substantially planar mounting segment, the first and second mounting segments continuously remaining substantially parallel during operation of the hinge system; and a hinge trim system for covering one or more exposed surfaces of the hinge, including (1) a first covering portion overlying the support link; (2) a second covering portion adjacent the first covering portion overlying the first strap; and (3) a third covering portion adjacent the first covering portion overlying the second strap, wherein the first covering portion moves with the hinge relative to the second covering portion and the third covering portion so as to maintain a barrier surface between respective adjacent end portions of the first covering portion, the second covering portion, and the third covering portion and the hinge while simultaneously maintaining a covering over a substantial portion of the hinge surfaces.
A method for installing the hinge and hinge trim assembly on a door of an automobile frame can include the steps of (1) providing a door to be hinged to an automobile frame; (2) coupling a hinge to one surface of the door; (3) coupling the opposite end of the hinge to a portion of the automobile frame; (4) and providing a hinge trim having a covering portion for covering at least a portion of one or more exposed surfaces of the hinge, wherein the covering portion includes one or more covering surfaces overlying the hinge so as to maintain a barrier surface between one or more pivot points and the covering portion.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2919460 (1960-01-01), Arnold
patent: 3319697 (1967-05-01), Krohn
patent: 3651540 (1972-03-01), Rana
patent: 5001862 (1991-03-01), Albenda
patent: 5244247 (1993-09-01), Kuwabara
Lowery Jason E
Pietryga Brad L
Dayoan B.
Dunwoody Aaron
General Motors Corporation
Hargitt Laura C.
Sedlar Jeffrey A.
LandOfFree
Hinge trim system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hinge trim system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hinge trim system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2577935