Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Hinge – Resiliently biased hinge
Patent
1998-10-30
2000-07-25
Mah, Chuck Y.
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Hinge
Resiliently biased hinge
16335, 16327, 16296, E05F 108
Patent
active
06092263&
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a hinge for coupling two panels with respect to each other.
More particularly, the invention is applied to panels of which at least one opens rotatably about an axis parallel to the planes of said panels.
Known hinges generally comprise a first fixing element on the mobile panel, a second fixing element on the other fixed or mobile panel and linking means between said fixing elements, cooperating with elastic return means of the panel mobile towards at least a stable angular equilibrium position.
In this type of hinge, the return means are constituted by springs or pistons which are complex, fragile parts which sometimes poorly withstand the repetitive efforts.
Moreover, these hinges necessitate lubrication (oils, greases . . . ) which may be a source of pollution.
In addition, their use is unsuitable, even impossible, in certain applications where the surrounding medium is aggressive or is, for example, capable of generating phenomena of corrosion.
It is an object of the present invention to solve the technical problems mentioned above, or at least to attenuate them.
This object is attained according to the invention by means of a hinge for coupling two panels, of which at least one opens rotatably about an axis parallel to the planes of said panels, of the type comprising a mobile fixing element on the opening panel, a fixing element on the other panel and linking means between the fixing elements cooperating with elastic return means of the panel opening to at least a stable angular equilibrium position, characterized in that said return means consist of a removable ring located in a cavity of the mobile fixing element and capable of being elastically deformed by the pressing action of a cam rotating about a central shaft parallel to the planes of the panels, being carried by the linking means.
According to an advantageous characteristic, said cam is formed from the prismatic end of the linking means ensuring, during rotation of the panel, by its edges, on the one hand, the elastic compression of the ring and, by its lateral faces, on the other hand, the stop and hold of said panel in as many angular equilibrium positions.
According to a particular embodiment, the prismatic end of the linking means comprises three lateral faces connected at 90.degree. by curvilinear edges.
According to another characteristic, said ring comprises lateral ears intended to immobilize it between said cam, on the one hand, and a stop fast with the mobile fixing element, on the other hand.
According to yet another characteristic, said cam is retained in contact with the ring between two recessed cylinders, fast with the mobile fixing element and receiving, on either side of said cam, the ends of the central shaft.
According to another embodiment, the first mobile fixing element is constituted by a stirrup element intended to be assembled with a substantially parallel flange so as to imprison, on the one hand, in the central space, both said ring and said cam and to ensure, on the other hand, the tightening of said element on the periphery of a notch made on the edge of said opening panel.
The central space defined between the stirrup element and the flange of the mobile fixing element is preferably occupied by a shim surrounding the cavity for housing the ring.
Moreover, the stirrup element is provided to be assembled with the flange by means of a screw intended to be anchored in a bush forming spacer member fast with the stirrup element or the flange and which projects in the cavity at the centre of the ring.
According to other characteristics, said cam comprises an inner conduit traversed by the central shaft, arranging a degree of freedom in rotation.
Furthermore, said linking means are fast, on the side opposite the cam, with an element for fixing to a fixed panel.
According to a variant, said linking means are joined to said fixing element via a 90.degree. bend.
In another particular embodiment, said linking means bear a cam at each end and the mobile fixing elements are equipped with ela
REFERENCES:
patent: 3212124 (1965-10-01), MacDonald
patent: 3381333 (1968-05-01), Jerila
patent: 3691788 (1972-09-01), Mazziotti
patent: 3837043 (1974-09-01), Coe
patent: 3842463 (1974-10-01), Wehner
patent: 4891862 (1990-01-01), Holan
patent: 5867869 (1999-02-01), Garrett et al.
Boue Eric
Bourgain Marcel
Adler S.A.
Mah Chuck Y.
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