Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Hinge – Including means to hold or retard hinged members against...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-07-24
Mah, Chuck Y. (Department: 3626)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Hinge
Including means to hold or retard hinged members against...
C016S386000, C016S334000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263543
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
A self-latching hinge includes a connector and a receiver that are mounted relative to each other for selectively retaining the connector and the receiver in a predetermined position relative to each other.
2. Description of Background Art
Hinges are available to permit free movement between a connector and a receiver. Normally, hinges merely permit a member or cover to be opened or closed. Selectively retaining a member or cover in a predetermined partially opened position is not currently available.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinge that selectively permits a connector having an irregularity on an outer surface thereof to be retained in a predetermined position relative to a receiver having an irregularity on an inner surface thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge wherein a connector is removably mounted relative to a receiver for permitting the connector to be disengaged therefrom.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a hinge that can be mounted relative to a cover to permit the cover to be retained in a partially opened state relative to a base member.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a self-latching hinge wherein a connector includes an outer surface with at least one irregularity. A receiver is provided that includes an inner surface with at least one irregularity. By selectively moving the connector relative to the receiver the irregularity on the outer surface of the connector is engaged with the irregularity on the inner surface of the receiver for retaining the connector and retainer in a predetermined position. The receiver is designed to be hook-shaped and constructed of a pliable material for enabling the connector to be received within a recessed portion. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is cylindrical in shape and includes a plurality of dimples disposed on the outer surface thereof. The receiver includes a cylindrical recess for receiving the connector, the cylindrical recess includes a plurality of recesses formed to selectively mate with the plurality of dimples formed on the connector for maintaining the positioning of the connector in a predetermined position relative to the receiver.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1166551 (1916-01-01), Sommons
patent: 2342477 (1944-02-01), Magnenat
patent: 4734955 (1988-04-01), Connor
patent: 4742928 (1988-05-01), Braun
patent: 4887747 (1989-12-01), Ostrowsky et al.
patent: 5613275 (1997-03-01), Kolberg et al.
Avaya Technology Corp.
Mah Chuck Y.
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