US2790992A - Hinge construction - Google Patents

Hinge construction Download PDF

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US2790992A
US2790992A US449111A US44911154A US2790992A US 2790992 A US2790992 A US 2790992A US 449111 A US449111 A US 449111A US 44911154 A US44911154 A US 44911154A US 2790992 A US2790992 A US 2790992A
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Prior art keywords
hinge
door
refrigerator
elements
slot
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US449111A
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Charles E Campbell
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WALTER E SCHIRMER
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WALTER E SCHIRMER
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    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05DHINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D15/00Suspension arrangements for wings
    • E05D15/48Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements
    • E05D15/50Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements for opening at either of two opposite edges
    • E05D15/505Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements for opening at either of two opposite edges by radial separation of the hinge parts at the hinge axis
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05DHINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D15/00Suspension arrangements for wings
    • E05D15/48Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements
    • E05D15/50Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements for opening at either of two opposite edges
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05DHINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D15/00Suspension arrangements for wings
    • E05D15/48Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements
    • E05D15/50Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements for opening at either of two opposite edges
    • E05D15/507Suspension arrangements for wings allowing alternative movements for opening at either of two opposite edges by detachment of the hinge from the wing or the frame
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2900/00Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/30Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances
    • E05Y2900/31Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances for refrigerators
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S292/00Closure fasteners
    • Y10S292/71Refrigerator latches
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T292/00Closure fasteners
    • Y10T292/08Bolts
    • Y10T292/0801Multiple
    • Y10T292/0834Sliding
    • Y10T292/0836Operating means
    • Y10T292/0837Cam and lever
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T292/00Closure fasteners
    • Y10T292/42Rigid engaging means
    • Y10T292/432Sliding catch

Definitions

  • My present invention relates generally to hinge constructions, and, more specifically, is directed to disconnectable hinge constructions adapted for use, for example, in hinging the doors of refrigerators, cabinets, and the like, whereby the doors may be swung open from either side.
  • the modern domestic refrigerator with its many features and conveniences, is deficient in one respect.
  • the door can only be swung open from one side. This renders the refrigerator functionally unsuited for use in modern kitchens wherein work tables are arranged at each side of the refrigerator.
  • Access may be conveniently had to a conventional refrigerator, in the circumstances noted, where the user thereof is working on the work table adjacent the side of the refrigerator at which the door opens.
  • a conventional refrigerator in the circumstances noted, where the user thereof is working on the work table adjacent the side of the refrigerator at which the door opens.
  • many useless steps must be taken by the user in walking 'around the door to gain access to the refrigerator after the door has been opened.
  • lt is a still further object of my present invention to provide the irst hinge element with an intermediate noncircular portion adapted to be received in a slot formed in the second hinge element, whereby an interlock is effected after the iirst and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member.
  • lt is another object of my present invention to provide hinge constructions having component parts which may be fabricated from starnpings and the like, to maintain the cost of manufacture at a minimum
  • Each latch means which I employ in my present invention comprises a plate which is hinged to the frame of the refrigerator and a lock pin secured to the plate. Expansible collar means is carried by the refrigerator dor for engaging the lock pin, and a suitable plunger is provided for expanding the collar means to thereby eect disengagement of the latter from the lock pin to permit the door to be disengaged from the plate.
  • suitable means is provided for preventing disengagement of the collar means from the lock pin after the plate and door have been swung away from the frame about the hinged axis of the plate. It is to be observed that when the collar means of the latch means at one side of the door is disengaged from the adjacent lock pin, disengagement of the collar means of the latch means at the other side of the door from the adjacent lock pin is prevented. Thus, the door may be opened at only one side at -a time.
  • Figure l is a perspective view of a refrigerator with which the hinge constructions of my present invention are embodied, the refrigerator door being shown closed;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective View of the refrigerator of Figure l showing the refrigerator door in an open position
  • Figure 3 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of disconnectable hinge construction of my present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the hinge construction of Figure 3, taken along the line 4 4, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, and includes a fragmentary showing of a refrigerator door;
  • Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the hinge construction of Figure 4, taken substantially along the line 5 5, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;
  • Figure 6 is a partial vertical sectional view of the hinge construction of Figure 5, taken along the line 6 6, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;
  • Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view showing the hinge elements disconnected from the co-engaged position shown in Figure 4; f
  • Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view showing the hinge elements interlocked land the movable hinge member pivoted from the position shown in Figure 4;
  • Figure 9 is a horizontal sectional view of a modified form of hinge construction of my present invention showing the hinge elements in a co-engaged position;
  • Figure 9A is a horizontal sectional view of the modified form of hinge construction of Figure 9 showing the hinge elements in a :disconnected position;
  • Figure l0 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the line .l0-10 in Figure 1, looking in the -direction indicated by the arrows, and shows the latch mechanisms of my present invention incorporated in the refrigerator door which is open at one side;
  • land Figure l1 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of Ione side of the refrigerator door of Figure l0 in a closed position, and includes a showing of the adjacent latch mechanism.
  • FIG. 15 there is indicated generally by the reference numeral 15 a refrigerator comprising a body portion 16 and a door 17.
  • Hinge constructions indicated generally by the reference nu- 3 merels 18, are disposed at eechsidc G f the reriserator door 17, adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof.
  • Latch means indicated generally by the reference numerals 19, are provided at each side ⁇ of the; refrigerator door 17, intermediate ⁇ of the ends thereof.
  • Each of the hinge constructions 1S comprises a vertical plate member 26, which is suitably secured to the outer side 'of the refrigerator body 16.
  • the forward end of the plate 26 is provitcd with leg portions 27, at the upper and lower ends ⁇ thereof, which leg portions 27 are formed, molded or extruded, to define generally cylindrical tubes or sleeves, the axes of which are aligned in a vertical direction.
  • the hinge element 28 is ixed against rotation, in any suitable manner, relative to the Vhinge plate 26.
  • the hinge construction 18 further comprises a vertical hinge member 33, which is suitably secured to the refrigerator door 17 along the inner surface thereof. T he outer end of the hinge member 33 is formed with a cylindrical tubular portion or sleeve 34, the length of which -is substantially the same as the distance between the sleeves 27 of the hinge member 26. A vertical slot 37 is formed through the wall of the tubular portieri 'or sleeve 34, the slot 37 being of ra slightly greater width than the intermediate rectangular portion 29 of the hinge element 28.
  • a hinge element or bushing cylinder 35 Revolvably mounted or journaled within the tubular portion or sleeve 34 of the hinge member 33 is a hinge element or bushing cylinder 35, which has formed therein a rectangular slot 36 conformably shaped to receive the rectangular intermediate portion 29 of the hinge clement 2S.
  • a vertical leaf spring member 41 having a finger portion 42, which extends through an opening 43 formed in the sleeve 34 of the hingeimember 33.
  • the tiuger portion 4?. ofthe spring 41 engages a fiattene'd portion 44 formed in the periphery 'of the bushing 35. Engagement of the 'nger portion 4Z with the attened portion fill tends Vto normally maintain the slot 36 in the bushing 35 aligned with thc slot 37' formed in the sleeve 34 of the hinge member 33.
  • the finger portion 42 also normally retains the hinge bushing 3S against vertical movement.
  • a modified form of hinge construction 18 is shown in Figure 9.
  • Primed reference numerals have been employed to indicate those parts which are thc same or similar' to the parts 'of the hinge construction 13 hercinbefore described.
  • A5 shown in Figure 9.
  • the bushing 35' which is revolvably lmounted in the ⁇ sleeve 3d' of the hinge mem ber 33', has a wedge-shaped slot 46 formed therein.
  • the slot t6 is adapted to be disposed in Cocngagement with the intermediate,wedge-shaped portion 47 of a hinge element secured in the end ⁇ of the hinge member 26.
  • a slot or opening 37 is formed in the sleeve 34' of the hinge member 33', through which the wedge portion 47 is adapted to be passed.
  • the hinge construction i8' operates in the same manner as the hinge construction 18 described hereinbefore.
  • latch means indicated generally by the reference numeral 19, adjacent each side of the refrigerator door 17, for selectively securing the refrigerator door in a closed position, independently of the aforedescribed hinge constructions 18.
  • the latch means 19 are of identical construction.
  • One of the latch means 19 is shown in Figure 11, and comprises a hinge 51 which includes a hinge member or plate S2 secured to the outer side of the refrigerator body 16. Pivotally mounted to the hinge member 52, about a hinge pin 53, is -a hinge member or plate 54. Secured to the outer face of the hinge member 54, perpendicular thereto, is a lock pin 55 having an enlarged coneshaped head 56.
  • a latch body member 57 which has parallel openings 58 and 59 formed therein.
  • Ia tubular plunger 60 which, at its one end, is beveled and is adapted to engage the internal beveled portions of the jaw elements 66 which define an ex pansible collar member.
  • the jaw elements 66 are nor mally biased inwardly by means of a garter spring 65.
  • the jaw elements 66 have radially inwardly extending flange portions 67, which are adapted to engage the periphery of the lock pin 5S intermediate of the outer coni cal end portion 56 and the hinge plate S4.
  • a plunger actuator 68 Securedwthin the tubular plunger 60 is a plunger actuator 68.
  • a cap member 64 is slidably mounted in the tubular plunger 60. interposed between the inner end of the actuator 68 and the cap member 64 is a coil spring 69.
  • the outer end of the actuator 68 engages the one end of a handle 70, which is fulcrumed at 71 within a suitable closure member 72 secured to the outer surface of the refrigerator door 17.
  • a suitable coil spring 73 is disposed concentrieally about the actuator 68, and the spring 73 at one end engages the latch body member 57 and at its other end engages the end of the handle 70.
  • a coil spring 82 is disposed concentrically about the actuator 68, and at one end engages the end of the plunger 60 and at the other end engages the latch body member 57.
  • a suitable cover member 74 is secured to the latch body member 57 and is primarily provided for restraining axial movement of the jaw elements 66 of the expansible collar member, although permitting free radial movement of the jaw elements 66.
  • a central opening 75 is formed in the cover member 74 for permitting the lock pin 55 to extend therethrough.
  • a secondary plunger member 76 Disposed in the opening 59 in the latch body member 57 is a secondary plunger member 76, which is normally spring biased outwardly of the body member 57 by means of -a coil spring 77.
  • a pin member 78 Mounted for sliding movement within the cover member 74 is a pin member 78.
  • the pin member 78 at its one end, has an enlarged head portion 79, which engages the adjacent end of the secondary plunger 76.
  • a suitable opening 80 is formed in the hinge plate S4, through which the pin member 78 is adapted to extend.
  • the handle '70 When it is desired to release the latch means 19, the handle '70 is pulled away from the refrigerator door 17, thereby causing the handle 70 to pivot in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure l1, about the fulcrum mounting 71. Clockwise pivotal movement of the handle 70 causes the yactuator 68 and the plunger 60 to be urged inwardly of the rerfigerator door 17. Upon inward movement of the plunger 60, the beveled end of the plunger 60 engages the beveled ends of the jaw elements 66 causing the latter to be expanded radially. Simultaneously, the cap member 64, normally in contact with the cone 56, causes the spring 69 to be compressed.
  • the spring 69 is progressively compressed until the radial flange portions 67 of the jaw elements 66 are withdrawn from engagement with the cone 56.
  • the plunger 60 is moved into position within the inner cylindrical portion of the jaw elements 66 and the spring loaded cap member 64 presses against the cone 56, initially springing the door 17 open.
  • the lock means is in the position shown in Figure ll, the end of the pin 78 engages the edge of refrigerator body 16, thereby maintaining the secondary plunger 76 in a depressed position, preventing the latter from interfering with the radial expansion of the jaw elements 66 of the expansible collar member.
  • jaw elements 66 After the jaw elements 66 have been expanded, they yare moved into a position overlying the opening 59 formed in the latch body member 57 and are held in this position bythe plunger 60 disposed within the inner cylindrical portion of the jaw elements 66. While the jaw elements 66 are in this position, the plunger 76 is rendered inoperative, as shown at the left end of Figure 10.
  • cone 56 Upon closing of the door 17, cone 56 first contacts element 64, which urges the plunger 60 out of engagement with the jaw elements 66 and permits the latter to contract to their normal position behind the cone 56.
  • hinge constructions 18, at the upper and lower ends of the refrigerator door 17, adjacent the side at which the latch means is released, are disengaged simultaneously with the latch means.
  • the hinge constructions 18 become disconnected by virtue of the fact that the slots 36 in the bushings 35 align with the slots 37 formed in the sleeves 34 of the hinge members 33, as may be best seen in Figure 7, thereby permitting the slots 36 to be withdrawn from co-engagement with the intermediate portions 29 of hinge elements 28.
  • the door 17 is first closed at its left side, at which time the pin member 78 of the latch means 19, at the right side of the door 17, engages the adjacent edge of the refrigerator body 16 and is depressed for urging the plunger 76 inwardly relative to the latch body member 57.
  • the plunger 76 is moved out of the radial path of movement of the jaw elements 66 and the latter may be expanded by pulling on the handle 70, at the right side of the door 17, in the same manner as was described hereinbefore in connection with the description of the operation of the latch means 19 at the left side of the door 17.
  • a continuous resilient sealing member is secured to the refrigerator body 16 along the edges of the opening in the forward end of the latter, and the member 90 when compressed between the door 17 and the body 16 provides a suitable seal for preventing the passage of air past the edges of the door. It is to be further noted that the latch means do not extend into the cooled portion of the refrigerator body and thus do not conduct cold from the interior of the refrigerator body to the exterior thereof.
  • a disconnectable hinge structure the combination of a first hinge member having a first hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate non-circular portion, a second hinge member having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, said hinge elements being restrained against relative endwise movement and said second hinge element having a slot conforming to the intermediate non-circular portion of said first hinge element to pro vide for co-engagement of said first and second hinge elements, leaf spring means carried by said second hinge member engaging said second hinge element and yieldingly restraining rotation thereof and thereby aligning the slot in said second hinge element with the intermediate portion of said first hinge element prior to engagement of said first and second hinge elements, and the intermediate non-circular portion of said first hinge element being locked within the slot in said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon relative rotation of said second hinge element and member during initial pivotal movement of one of said hinge members relative to the other of said hinge members.
  • a disconnectable hinge structure the combination of a first hinge member having a first hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate wedge-shaped portion, a second hinge member having a second hinge element revolvahly mounted therein, said second hinge element having a wedge-shaped slot conforming to the intermediate wedgeshaped portion of said first hinge .element to provide for co-engagement of said first and second hinge elements, leaf spring means carried by said second hinge member engaging said second hinge element and yieldingly restraining rotation thereof and thereby aligning the wedgeshaped slot in said second hinge element with the wedgeshaped portion of said first hinge element prior to engagement of said first and ⁇ Second hinge elements, and the wedge-shaped portion of said first hinge elem-ent being locked within the wedge-shaped slot in said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon relative rotation of said second hinge element and member during initial pivotal movement of one of said hinge members rela tive to the other of said hinge members.
  • a disconnectable hinge structure the combination of a first hinge member having a pair of spaced axially aligned tubular portions formed at the upper and lower ends thereof, a first hinge element non-rotatably mounted at its ends in said tubular portions of said rst hinge member, said first hinge element having an intermediate non-circular portion, a second hinge member having a tubular portion formed at one end thereof, the length of the tubular portion of said second hinge member being slightly less than the distance between the tubular portions of said first hinge member whereby when said tubular portions are disposed in mating relation load supporting bearing surfaces are defined between the upper and lower ends of the tubular portion of the second hinge member and the adjacent ends of the tubular portions of the first hinge member, a second hinge element revolvably mounted in the tubular portion of said second hinge member, said first and second hinge elements being restrained against relative endwise movement and said second hinge clement having a slot coriforming to the intermediate non-circu1ar portion of said first hinge element to provide for co-engagement of said first and second hinge
  • each of said disconnectable hinge structures comprising a first hinge member secured to the door frame and having a first hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate non-circular portion, a second hinge member secured to the door and having a second hinge element revolvably mounted there in, said hinge elements being restrained against relative endwse movement and said second hinge element having a slot conforming to the intermediate non-circular portion of.y said first hinge element to provide for coengagement of said first and second hinge elements, and
  • said second hinge member serving to lock the interme- (ill diate non-circular portion of said first hinge element within said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of said second hinge member relative to said first hinge member.
  • each of said dis connectable hinge structures comprising a first hinge member secured to the door frame and having a first hinge element non-rotatab1e relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate approximately rectangular portion, a second hinge member secured to the door and having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, said second hinge element having an approximately rectangular slot conforming to the intermediate approximately rectangular portion of said first hingeelement to provide for co-engagement of said rst and second hinge elements, and said second hinge member serving to lock the approximately rectangular portion of said first hinge element within the approximately rectangular slot of said second hinge clement after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of said second hinge member relative to said first hinge member.
  • each of said disconnectable hinge structures comprising a first hinge member secured to the door frame and having a first hinge element nonrotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate wedge-shaped portion, a second hinge member secured to the door and having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, said second hinge element having a wedge-shaped slot conforming to the intermediate wedge-shaped portion of said first hinge clement to provide for coengagement of said first and second hinge elements, and said second hinge member serving to lock the wedge-shaped portion of said first hinge element within the wedge-shaped slot of said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of said second hinge member relative to said first hinge member.
  • a disconnectable hinge structure a first hinge member having aligned sleeves, a hinge element mounted in and extending between said sleeves and restrained against endwise movement relative thereto, :i second hinge member having a sleeve disposed and adapted to fit between said sleevesof said first member, and a bushing conforming to and fitting within said sleeve of said second hinge member and revolvable for relative turning movement therein, said bushing having an outwardly opening recess conforming to and receiving said hinge element, said sleeve of said second hinge member Serving to close said recess to lock said element within said recess upon relative pivotal movement of said hinge members after engagement of said element in said recess.
  • a first hinge member having aligned sleeves, a hinge element mounted in and extending between said sleeves and restrained against both endwise movement and turning movement relative thereto, the portion of said element between said sleeves being of non-circular cross-section, a second hinge member having a sleeve disposed and adapted to fit between said sleeves of said, first member, and a bushing conforming to and fitting within said sleeve of said second hinge member and revolvable for relative turning movement therein, said bushing having an outwardly opening recess conforming to and receiving said portion of said element and said sleeve of said second hinge member having an opening accommodating entry of said portion of said element into said recess, said sleeve of said second hinge member serving to lock said element within'said recess upon relative pivotal movement of said hinge members after engagement of said element in said recess.

Description

May 7, 1957 c. E. CAMPBELL HINGE CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. l1. 1954 'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIA May 7, 1957 c. E. CAMPBELL HINGE CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 11, 1954 May 7, 1957 c. E. CAMPBELL HINGE CONSTRUCTION s sheets-sheet 5 Filed Aug. 11, 1954 HINGE CONSTRUCTIN Charles E. Campbell, South Bend, Ind., assigner of onetenth to Walter E. Schirmer, Buchanan, Mich.
Application August 11, 1954, Serial No. 449,111
9 Claims. (Cl. 16-17 1) My present invention relates generally to hinge constructions, and, more specifically, is directed to disconnectable hinge constructions adapted for use, for example, in hinging the doors of refrigerators, cabinets, and the like, whereby the doors may be swung open from either side.
The modern domestic refrigerator, with its many features and conveniences, is deficient in one respect. The door can only be swung open from one side. This renders the refrigerator functionally unsuited for use in modern kitchens wherein work tables are arranged at each side of the refrigerator. Access may be conveniently had to a conventional refrigerator, in the circumstances noted, where the user thereof is working on the work table adjacent the side of the refrigerator at which the door opens. However, it will be appreciated that if the user of the refrigerator is working on the work table adjacent the side of the refrigerator at which the door is hinged, many useless steps must be taken by the user in walking 'around the door to gain access to the refrigerator after the door has been opened.
Another disadvantage of the conventional refrigerator should be noted at this point. When a refrigerator is purchased for use in a kitchen having limited space, the user of the refrigerator is generally careful to purchase one having a door which opens on the side most convenient for the user in his particular kitchen. Now, if, subsequent to the purchase of the refrigerator, the furniture of the kitchen should be rearranged, or if the user should move to a new location, it frequently hap pens that for the new use the door of the refrigerator is hinged on the wrong side, thus making access to the refrigerator inconvenient.
It is an object of my present invention to provide disconnectable hinge constructions particularly adapted for mounting refrigerator doors wherein the latter may be selectively swung open from either side.
It is a further object of my present invention to provide a hinge construction of the character noted, which comprises a lirst hinge member having a iirst hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, and a second hinge member having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, which first and second hinge elements may be moved into cooperating position on a hinge axis.
lt is a still further object of my present invention to provide the irst hinge element with an intermediate noncircular portion adapted to be received in a slot formed in the second hinge element, whereby an interlock is effected after the iirst and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member.
lt is another object of my present invention to provide hinge constructions having component parts which may be fabricated from starnpings and the like, to maintain the cost of manufacture at a minimum,
In addition to the provision of the above noted hinge States Patent O ICE constructions at each side of a refrigerator door, it is necessary to provide suitable latch means at each side of the door to prevent disengagement of the hinge elements of the disconnectable hinge constructions, unless desired. Each latch means which I employ in my present invention comprises a plate which is hinged to the frame of the refrigerator and a lock pin secured to the plate. Expansible collar means is carried by the refrigerator dor for engaging the lock pin, and a suitable plunger is provided for expanding the collar means to thereby eect disengagement of the latter from the lock pin to permit the door to be disengaged from the plate. Also, suitable means is provided for preventing disengagement of the collar means from the lock pin after the plate and door have been swung away from the frame about the hinged axis of the plate. It is to be observed that when the collar means of the latch means at one side of the door is disengaged from the adjacent lock pin, disengagement of the collar means of the latch means at the other side of the door from the adjacent lock pin is prevented. Thus, the door may be opened at only one side at -a time.
Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with the manner of constructing land using hinges in accordance with the principles of my present invention, I shall describe, in connection with the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of my present invention,
In the drawings:
Figure l is a perspective view of a refrigerator with which the hinge constructions of my present invention are embodied, the refrigerator door being shown closed;
Figure 2 is a perspective View of the refrigerator of Figure l showing the refrigerator door in an open position;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of disconnectable hinge construction of my present invention;
Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the hinge construction of Figure 3, taken along the line 4 4, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, and includes a fragmentary showing of a refrigerator door;
Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the hinge construction of Figure 4, taken substantially along the line 5 5, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;
Figure 6 is a partial vertical sectional view of the hinge construction of Figure 5, taken along the line 6 6, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;
Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view showing the hinge elements disconnected from the co-engaged position shown in Figure 4; f
Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view showing the hinge elements interlocked land the movable hinge member pivoted from the position shown in Figure 4;
Figure 9 is a horizontal sectional view of a modified form of hinge construction of my present invention showing the hinge elements in a co-engaged position;
Figure 9A is a horizontal sectional view of the modified form of hinge construction of Figure 9 showing the hinge elements in a :disconnected position;
Figure l0 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the line .l0-10 in Figure 1, looking in the -direction indicated by the arrows, and shows the latch mechanisms of my present invention incorporated in the refrigerator door which is open at one side; land Figure l1 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of Ione side of the refrigerator door of Figure l0 in a closed position, and includes a showing of the adjacent latch mechanism.
Referring now to Figures l and 2, there is indicated generally by the reference numeral 15 a refrigerator comprising a body portion 16 and a door 17. Hinge constructions, indicated generally by the reference nu- 3 merels 18, are disposed at eechsidc G f the reriserator door 17, adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof. Latch means, indicated generally by the reference numerals 19, are provided at each side` of the; refrigerator door 17, intermediate `of the ends thereof.
Referring now to Figures 3 through 8, l shall describe in detail `one embodiment of hinge construction of my present invention. Each of the hinge constructions 1S comprises a vertical plate member 26, which is suitably secured to the outer side 'of the refrigerator body 16. The forward end of the plate 26 is provitcd with leg portions 27, at the upper and lower ends` thereof, which leg portions 27 are formed, molded or extruded, to define generally cylindrical tubes or sleeves, the axes of which are aligned in a vertical direction.
The tubular portions of the hinge plate 26, which are defined by the sleeves 27receive the cylindrical ends of a vertical hinge clement 23 which has an intermediate rectangular portion 29. The hinge element 28 is ixed against rotation, in any suitable manner, relative to the Vhinge plate 26.
The hinge construction 18 further comprises a vertical hinge member 33, which is suitably secured to the refrigerator door 17 along the inner surface thereof. T he outer end of the hinge member 33 is formed with a cylindrical tubular portion or sleeve 34, the length of which -is substantially the same as the distance between the sleeves 27 of the hinge member 26. A vertical slot 37 is formed through the wall of the tubular portieri 'or sleeve 34, the slot 37 being of ra slightly greater width than the intermediate rectangular portion 29 of the hinge element 28.
Revolvably mounted or journaled within the tubular portion or sleeve 34 of the hinge member 33 is a hinge element or bushing cylinder 35, which has formed therein a rectangular slot 36 conformably shaped to receive the rectangular intermediate portion 29 of the hinge clement 2S.
interposed between the hinge member 33 and the refrigerator door 17 is a vertical leaf spring member 41 having a finger portion 42, which extends through an opening 43 formed in the sleeve 34 of the hingeimember 33. The tiuger portion 4?. ofthe spring 41 engages a fiattene'd portion 44 formed in the periphery 'of the bushing 35. Engagement of the 'nger portion 4Z with the attened portion fill tends Vto normally maintain the slot 36 in the bushing 35 aligned with thc slot 37' formed in the sleeve 34 of the hinge member 33. The finger portion 42 also normally retains the hinge bushing 3S against vertical movement.
The operation of the disconnectahle hinge construction of my present invention is as follows. Since the hinge constructions provided at each side of the refrigerator door, operate iu the same manner, the operation 'ot only one will now be described in detail. Assuming that the elements ot the` hinge construction l@ are in a disconnected position, as shown, for example, in Figure 7, engagement of the hinge elements is effected by moving the refrigerator door 17 toward the refrigerator body 16. During such movement of the refrigerator door 17 toward the refrigerator body 16, the intermediate rectangular portion 29 of hinge element. 28 passes through the slot 37 in. the sieeve 3d ot the hinge member 33 into co-engagement with the rectangular slotf36 in the'bushiug 35'. This position oi" the hinge elements isshown in Figure 4.
Now, assuming that the" refrigerator` door 17 is to be swung open from the side opposite that of the hinge construction l?, shown in Figure 4, it may be seen, 'as shown in Figure S, that thc slot 37 in the sleeve 34 oi the hinge member 33 rotated out vet' alignment with the slot 36 in the bushing 3:5. ln this position of the hinge member 33. the wall of the`sleeve 34 engages the rear edge of the rectangular portion 29 of the hinge element 28, thereby preventing the latter from beingy withdrawn from the slot 36 in the bushing 35. It will thusbe readily apparent that, upon initial` pivotal i movement of` the `hinge member 33 relative to the hinge member 26, the rectanglar portion 29 of the bushing 28 is interloclted with the slot 36 in the hinge element 35, thereby providing a hinge which cannot be disconnected. In other words, when the hinge member 33 is perpendicular to the hinge member 26, the hinge members may be selectively disconnected, whereas after the hinge member 33 has been pivoted out of a position perpendicular to the hinge member 26, the hinge construction cannot be disconnected.
lt is to be observed that when the refrigerator door 17 is swung open about the axis of the hinge construction 18, as shown in Figure 8, teo-operating load supporting bearn ing surfaces are defined by the upper and lower ends of the sleeve 34 of the hinge member 33 und the adjacent ends of the sleeves 27 of the hinge member 26.
A modified form of hinge construction 18 is shown in Figure 9. Primed reference numerals have been employed to indicate those parts which are thc same or similar' to the parts 'of the hinge construction 13 hercinbefore described. A5: shown in Figure 9. the bushing 35', which is revolvably lmounted in the` sleeve 3d' of the hinge mem ber 33', has a wedge-shaped slot 46 formed therein. The slot t6 is adapted to be disposed in Cocngagement with the intermediate,wedge-shaped portion 47 of a hinge element secured in the end` of the hinge member 26. A slot or opening 37 is formed in the sleeve 34' of the hinge member 33', through which the wedge portion 47 is adapted to be passed. The hinge construction i8' operates in the same manner as the hinge construction 18 described hereinbefore.
The following discussion is applicable to either form of hinge construction, 1S or 1S. However. for the sake of clarity, reference will be made only to the hinge con structicns 18.
Since the hinge constructions 18 are in a position to be disconnected when the hinge members 33 are perpendicular to the hinge members 26, that is, when the rerefrigerator door 17 is closed, I have provided suitable latch means, indicated generally by the reference numeral 19, adjacent each side of the refrigerator door 17, for selectively securing the refrigerator door in a closed position, independently of the aforedescribed hinge constructions 18. The latch means 19 are of identical construction. One of the latch means 19 is shown in Figure 11, and comprises a hinge 51 which includes a hinge member or plate S2 secured to the outer side of the refrigerator body 16. Pivotally mounted to the hinge member 52, about a hinge pin 53, is -a hinge member or plate 54. Secured to the outer face of the hinge member 54, perpendicular thereto, is a lock pin 55 having an enlarged coneshaped head 56.
Mounted within the refrigerator door 17adjacent `the side thereof, is a latch body member 57 which has parallel openings 58 and 59 formed therein. Mounted within the opening 58 is Ia tubular plunger 60, which, at its one end, is beveled and is adapted to engage the internal beveled portions of the jaw elements 66 which define an ex pansible collar member. The jaw elements 66 -are nor mally biased inwardly by means of a garter spring 65. The jaw elements 66 have radially inwardly extending flange portions 67, which are adapted to engage the periphery of the lock pin 5S intermediate of the outer coni cal end portion 56 and the hinge plate S4. Securedwthin the tubular plunger 60 is a plunger actuator 68. A cap member 64 is slidably mounted in the tubular plunger 60. interposed between the inner end of the actuator 68 and the cap member 64 is a coil spring 69. The outer end of the actuator 68 engages the one end of a handle 70, which is fulcrumed at 71 within a suitable closure member 72 secured to the outer surface of the refrigerator door 17. A suitable coil spring 73 is disposed concentrieally about the actuator 68, and the spring 73 at one end engages the latch body member 57 and at its other end engages the end of the handle 70. A coil spring 82 is disposed concentrically about the actuator 68, and at one end engages the end of the plunger 60 and at the other end engages the latch body member 57. A suitable cover member 74 is secured to the latch body member 57 and is primarily provided for restraining axial movement of the jaw elements 66 of the expansible collar member, although permitting free radial movement of the jaw elements 66. A central opening 75 is formed in the cover member 74 for permitting the lock pin 55 to extend therethrough.
Disposed in the opening 59 in the latch body member 57 is a secondary plunger member 76, which is normally spring biased outwardly of the body member 57 by means of -a coil spring 77. Mounted for sliding movement within the cover member 74 is a pin member 78. The pin member 78, at its one end, has an enlarged head portion 79, which engages the adjacent end of the secondary plunger 76. A suitable opening 80 is formed in the hinge plate S4, through which the pin member 78 is adapted to extend.
The operation of the latch means is as follows:
When it is desired to release the latch means 19, the handle '70 is pulled away from the refrigerator door 17, thereby causing the handle 70 to pivot in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure l1, about the fulcrum mounting 71. Clockwise pivotal movement of the handle 70 causes the yactuator 68 and the plunger 60 to be urged inwardly of the rerfigerator door 17. Upon inward movement of the plunger 60, the beveled end of the plunger 60 engages the beveled ends of the jaw elements 66 causing the latter to be expanded radially. Simultaneously, the cap member 64, normally in contact with the cone 56, causes the spring 69 to be compressed. The spring 69 is progressively compressed until the radial flange portions 67 of the jaw elements 66 are withdrawn from engagement with the cone 56. At substantially the moment that the jaw elements 66 are wtihdrawn from engagement wtih the cone 56, the plunger 60 is moved into position within the inner cylindrical portion of the jaw elements 66 and the spring loaded cap member 64 presses against the cone 56, initially springing the door 17 open. It is to be noted that when the lock means is in the position shown in Figure ll, the end of the pin 78 engages the edge of refrigerator body 16, thereby maintaining the secondary plunger 76 in a depressed position, preventing the latter from interfering with the radial expansion of the jaw elements 66 of the expansible collar member. After the jaw elements 66 have been expanded, they yare moved into a position overlying the opening 59 formed in the latch body member 57 and are held in this position bythe plunger 60 disposed within the inner cylindrical portion of the jaw elements 66. While the jaw elements 66 are in this position, the plunger 76 is rendered inoperative, as shown at the left end of Figure 10. Upon closing of the door 17, cone 56 first contacts element 64, which urges the plunger 60 out of engagement with the jaw elements 66 and permits the latter to contract to their normal position behind the cone 56.
After the door 17 has been initially sprung open, -a further pulling force exerted on the handle 70 causes the door 17 to pivot about the hinge constructions 18 disposed at the side of the door opposite to the latch means being disengaged.
The hinge constructions 18, at the upper and lower ends of the refrigerator door 17, adjacent the side at which the latch means is released, are disengaged simultaneously with the latch means. The hinge constructions 18 become disconnected by virtue of the fact that the slots 36 in the bushings 35 align with the slots 37 formed in the sleeves 34 of the hinge members 33, as may be best seen in Figure 7, thereby permitting the slots 36 to be withdrawn from co-engagement with the intermediate portions 29 of hinge elements 28.
yWhen the latch means, adjacent one side of the refrigerator door 17, has been released, neither the latch means nor the hinge construction adjacent the other side of the refrigerator door canv be released or disconnected. lt will be seen, at the right end of Figure l0, that, when the left side of the refrigerator door 17 has been swung toward an open position the end of pin member 78 is withdrawn from engagement with the edge of the refrigerator body 16 and the spring biased plunger 76 is permitted to move outwardly of the opening 59 in the body member 57. Upon such outward movement of the plunger 76, the latter is disposed in the path of radial movement of the jaw elements 66 of the expansible collar member. When the plunger 76 is in the path of radial movement of the jaw elements 66, it will be readily apparent that the latter cannot be expanded and thus cannot be released from engagement with the lock pin 55 carried by the adjacent hinge element 54. Correspondingly, as explained hereinbefore, the hinge elements of the hinges at the right side of the door will interlock as the door is opened at the left side.
If it is now desired to open the refrigerator door 17 at its right side, the door 17 is first closed at its left side, at which time the pin member 78 of the latch means 19, at the right side of the door 17, engages the adjacent edge of the refrigerator body 16 and is depressed for urging the plunger 76 inwardly relative to the latch body member 57. Thus, the plunger 76 is moved out of the radial path of movement of the jaw elements 66 and the latter may be expanded by pulling on the handle 70, at the right side of the door 17, in the same manner as was described hereinbefore in connection with the description of the operation of the latch means 19 at the left side of the door 17.
A continuous resilient sealing member is secured to the refrigerator body 16 along the edges of the opening in the forward end of the latter, and the member 90 when compressed between the door 17 and the body 16 provides a suitable seal for preventing the passage of air past the edges of the door. It is to be further noted that the latch means do not extend into the cooled portion of the refrigerator body and thus do not conduct cold from the interior of the refrigerator body to the exterior thereof.
Now, while I have shown and described what l believe to be preferred embodiments of my present invention, it will be understood that various modifications and rearrangements may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of my present invention.
l claim:
l. In a disconnectable hinge structure, the combination of a first hinge member having a first hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate non-circular portion, a second hinge member having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, said hinge elements being restrained against relative endwise movement and said second hinge element having a slot conforming to the intermediate non-circular portion of said first hinge element to pro vide for co-engagement of said first and second hinge elements, leaf spring means carried by said second hinge member engaging said second hinge element and yieldingly restraining rotation thereof and thereby aligning the slot in said second hinge element with the intermediate portion of said first hinge element prior to engagement of said first and second hinge elements, and the intermediate non-circular portion of said first hinge element being locked within the slot in said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon relative rotation of said second hinge element and member during initial pivotal movement of one of said hinge members relative to the other of said hinge members.
2. The hinge structure of claim 1 wherein the intermediate non-circular portion of said firstphinge element has an intermediate rectangular cross-section, and in which the slot of said second hinge element is rectangular conforming to the intermediate rectangular portion of said first hinge element to provide for co-engagernent of said first and second hinge elements.
3. In a disconnectable hinge structure, the combination of a first hinge member having a first hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate wedge-shaped portion, a second hinge member having a second hinge element revolvahly mounted therein, said second hinge element having a wedge-shaped slot conforming to the intermediate wedgeshaped portion of said first hinge .element to provide for co-engagement of said first and second hinge elements, leaf spring means carried by said second hinge member engaging said second hinge element and yieldingly restraining rotation thereof and thereby aligning the wedgeshaped slot in said second hinge element with the wedgeshaped portion of said first hinge element prior to engagement of said first and` Second hinge elements, and the wedge-shaped portion of said first hinge elem-ent being locked within the wedge-shaped slot in said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon relative rotation of said second hinge element and member during initial pivotal movement of one of said hinge members rela tive to the other of said hinge members.
4. In a disconnectable hinge structure, the combination of a first hinge member having a pair of spaced axially aligned tubular portions formed at the upper and lower ends thereof, a first hinge element non-rotatably mounted at its ends in said tubular portions of said rst hinge member, said first hinge element having an intermediate non-circular portion, a second hinge member having a tubular portion formed at one end thereof, the length of the tubular portion of said second hinge member being slightly less than the distance between the tubular portions of said first hinge member whereby when said tubular portions are disposed in mating relation load supporting bearing surfaces are defined between the upper and lower ends of the tubular portion of the second hinge member and the adjacent ends of the tubular portions of the first hinge member, a second hinge element revolvably mounted in the tubular portion of said second hinge member, said first and second hinge elements being restrained against relative endwise movement and said second hinge clement having a slot coriforming to the intermediate non-circu1ar portion of said first hinge element to provide for co-engagement of said first and second hinge elements, a slot formed in said tubular portion of said second `h inge member through which said first hinge element may bepassed for engage ment with said second hinge element, and the intermediate portion of said first hinge element being locked within the slot in said second hinge element by the tubular portion of said second iiingc member after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of one of said hinge members relative to the other of said hinge members.
5. For use with a door having latch means at each side thereof for securing the door to a door frame and with the latch means being individually releasable so that the door may be swung about the unreleased latch means. the combination of disconnectable hinge structures at each side of the door frame, each of said disconnectable hinge structures comprising a first hinge member secured to the door frame and having a first hinge element non-rotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate non-circular portion, a second hinge member secured to the door and having a second hinge element revolvably mounted there in, said hinge elements being restrained against relative endwse movement and said second hinge element having a slot conforming to the intermediate non-circular portion of.y said first hinge element to provide for coengagement of said first and second hinge elements, and
said second hinge member serving to lock the interme- (ill diate non-circular portion of said first hinge element within said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of said second hinge member relative to said first hinge member.
6. For use with a door having latch means at cach side thereof for securing the door to a door frame and with the latch means being individually releasable so that the door may be swung about the unreleased latch means, the combination of disconnectable hinge structures at each side of the door frame, each of said dis connectable hinge structures comprising a first hinge member secured to the door frame and having a first hinge element non-rotatab1e relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate approximately rectangular portion, a second hinge member secured to the door and having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, said second hinge element having an approximately rectangular slot conforming to the intermediate approximately rectangular portion of said first hingeelement to provide for co-engagement of said rst and second hinge elements, and said second hinge member serving to lock the approximately rectangular portion of said first hinge element within the approximately rectangular slot of said second hinge clement after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of said second hinge member relative to said first hinge member.
7. For use. with a door having latch means at each side thereof for securing the door to a door frame and with the latch means being individually releasable so that the door may be swung about the unreleased latch means, the combination of dsconnectable hinge structures at each side of the door, each of said disconnectable hinge structures comprising a first hinge member secured to the door frame and having a first hinge element nonrotatable relative thereto, said first hinge element having an intermediate wedge-shaped portion, a second hinge member secured to the door and having a second hinge element revolvably mounted therein, said second hinge element having a wedge-shaped slot conforming to the intermediate wedge-shaped portion of said first hinge clement to provide for coengagement of said first and second hinge elements, and said second hinge member serving to lock the wedge-shaped portion of said first hinge element within the wedge-shaped slot of said second hinge element after said first and second hinge elements have been disposed in engagement and upon initial pivotal movement of said second hinge member relative to said first hinge member.
8. `ln a disconnectable hinge structure, a first hinge member having aligned sleeves, a hinge element mounted in and extending between said sleeves and restrained against endwise movement relative thereto, :i second hinge member having a sleeve disposed and adapted to fit between said sleevesof said first member, and a bushing conforming to and fitting within said sleeve of said second hinge member and revolvable for relative turning movement therein, said bushing having an outwardly opening recess conforming to and receiving said hinge element, said sleeve of said second hinge member Serving to close said recess to lock said element within said recess upon relative pivotal movement of said hinge members after engagement of said element in said recess.
9. in a disconnectable hinge structure, a first hinge member having aligned sleeves, a hinge element mounted in and extending between said sleeves and restrained against both endwise movement and turning movement relative thereto, the portion of said element between said sleeves being of non-circular cross-section, a second hinge member having a sleeve disposed and adapted to fit between said sleeves of said, first member, and a bushing conforming to and fitting within said sleeve of said second hinge member and revolvable for relative turning movement therein, said bushing having an outwardly opening recess conforming to and receiving said portion of said element and said sleeve of said second hinge member having an opening accommodating entry of said portion of said element into said recess, said sleeve of said second hinge member serving to lock said element within'said recess upon relative pivotal movement of said hinge members after engagement of said element in said recess.
References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Memery Jan. 27, 1880 Struble et al. Feb. 14, 1905 Gustafson May 31, 1921 FOREIGN PATENTS Australia Apr. 28, 1931 Germany June 14, 1902 Great Britain Sept. 27. 1938
US449111A 1954-08-11 1954-08-11 Hinge construction Expired - Lifetime US2790992A (en)

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Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2990571A (en) * 1959-08-03 1961-07-04 Reinhardt E Buchholtz Cabinet having pressure releasable hinge
US3436860A (en) * 1966-03-21 1969-04-08 Fred W James Door hinge and latch mechanism
US3471972A (en) * 1968-02-02 1969-10-14 Warwick Electronics Inc Friction pivot for phonograph tray
US3474569A (en) * 1967-11-24 1969-10-28 Wonder Door Holdings Ltd Hinges and closures embodying such hinges
US3486272A (en) * 1967-05-26 1969-12-30 Wonder Door Holdings Ltd Closures
US3851845A (en) * 1972-04-17 1974-12-03 Westland Aircraft Ltd Aperture closure devices
US3869753A (en) * 1973-05-21 1975-03-11 John G Boback Removable hinge arrangement
US4132034A (en) * 1977-10-25 1979-01-02 Siclen William C Van Refrigerator door with double acting hinge
DE3101212A1 (en) * 1981-01-16 1982-09-02 Ehrhorn, geb. Becher, Erna, 5223 Nümbrecht Selection at any time of the option of left or right opening of windows, doors and other turn-lock fasteners
US4627651A (en) * 1984-09-27 1986-12-09 Grimbly Robert H Safety locking device for doors
US5210906A (en) * 1990-12-14 1993-05-18 Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd. Releasable double-hinge device for an automobile console box
US20050098364A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2005-05-12 Johnson Daniel T. Power-assisted cart retriever with attenuated power output
US20060043852A1 (en) * 2004-08-31 2006-03-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Open-close equipment for door of refrigerator
US20060102392A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2006-05-18 Johnson Daniel T Bed transfer system
US20060197295A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2006-09-07 Dane Industries, Inc. Push-pull cart collection device and conversion assembly
US20060243500A1 (en) * 2005-02-25 2006-11-02 Wiff James W Wheelchair transporter
US20060273547A1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2006-12-07 Holtan Paul D Hitch Assembly
US20070013157A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-01-18 Wiff James W Dual hitch assembly
US20070145707A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2007-06-28 Dane Industries, Inc. Hospital bed power-assist
US20070181352A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2007-08-09 Dane Industries, Inc. Cart coupler assembly for cart collection machines
US20070256447A1 (en) * 2006-04-13 2007-11-08 Maytag Corp. Refrigerator with dual swing door
US20070289787A1 (en) * 2005-02-25 2007-12-20 Dane Industries, Inc. Wheelchair transporter
US20080048539A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Beek Jacco V Refrigerator capable of being opened from opposite sides
US7552981B1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2009-06-30 Tuniewicz Robert M Left and right hand convertible door enclosure
US20090267322A1 (en) * 2008-04-11 2009-10-29 Holtan Paul D Cart transporting apparatus
US20100078905A1 (en) * 2008-09-23 2010-04-01 Paul David Holtan Cart moving machine
US20110068597A1 (en) * 2007-02-14 2011-03-24 89908, Inc., Dba Amp Research Dual access vehicle storage assembly
US20140291372A1 (en) * 2013-04-02 2014-10-02 Lund Motion Products, Inc. Dual access vehicle storage assembly
US9010771B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2015-04-21 Dane Technologies, Inc. Utility machine with dual-mode steering
EP2740871A3 (en) * 2012-12-04 2016-05-18 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Device for a domestic appliance with a hinge and a coupling device and domestic appliance with such a device
US20190178564A1 (en) * 2016-08-23 2019-06-13 Dometic Sweden Ab Cabinet for a Recreational Vehicle
US11187456B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2021-11-30 Dometic Sweden Ab Refrigerating device for a recreational vehicle

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Cited By (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2990571A (en) * 1959-08-03 1961-07-04 Reinhardt E Buchholtz Cabinet having pressure releasable hinge
US3436860A (en) * 1966-03-21 1969-04-08 Fred W James Door hinge and latch mechanism
US3486272A (en) * 1967-05-26 1969-12-30 Wonder Door Holdings Ltd Closures
US3474569A (en) * 1967-11-24 1969-10-28 Wonder Door Holdings Ltd Hinges and closures embodying such hinges
US3471972A (en) * 1968-02-02 1969-10-14 Warwick Electronics Inc Friction pivot for phonograph tray
US3851845A (en) * 1972-04-17 1974-12-03 Westland Aircraft Ltd Aperture closure devices
US3869753A (en) * 1973-05-21 1975-03-11 John G Boback Removable hinge arrangement
US4132034A (en) * 1977-10-25 1979-01-02 Siclen William C Van Refrigerator door with double acting hinge
DE3101212A1 (en) * 1981-01-16 1982-09-02 Ehrhorn, geb. Becher, Erna, 5223 Nümbrecht Selection at any time of the option of left or right opening of windows, doors and other turn-lock fasteners
US4627651A (en) * 1984-09-27 1986-12-09 Grimbly Robert H Safety locking device for doors
US5210906A (en) * 1990-12-14 1993-05-18 Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd. Releasable double-hinge device for an automobile console box
US20060102392A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2006-05-18 Johnson Daniel T Bed transfer system
US20070145707A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2007-06-28 Dane Industries, Inc. Hospital bed power-assist
US20050098364A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2005-05-12 Johnson Daniel T. Power-assisted cart retriever with attenuated power output
US20060197295A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2006-09-07 Dane Industries, Inc. Push-pull cart collection device and conversion assembly
US20070181352A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2007-08-09 Dane Industries, Inc. Cart coupler assembly for cart collection machines
US20060043852A1 (en) * 2004-08-31 2006-03-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Open-close equipment for door of refrigerator
US7458132B2 (en) * 2004-08-31 2008-12-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Open-close equipment for door of refrigerator
US20060243500A1 (en) * 2005-02-25 2006-11-02 Wiff James W Wheelchair transporter
US20070289787A1 (en) * 2005-02-25 2007-12-20 Dane Industries, Inc. Wheelchair transporter
US20060273547A1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2006-12-07 Holtan Paul D Hitch Assembly
US7857342B2 (en) 2005-06-07 2010-12-28 Dane Technologies, Inc. Hitch assembly
US20070013157A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-01-18 Wiff James W Dual hitch assembly
US20070256447A1 (en) * 2006-04-13 2007-11-08 Maytag Corp. Refrigerator with dual swing door
US7516515B2 (en) * 2006-04-13 2009-04-14 Maytag Corporation Refrigerator with dual swing door
US7552981B1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2009-06-30 Tuniewicz Robert M Left and right hand convertible door enclosure
US20080048539A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Beek Jacco V Refrigerator capable of being opened from opposite sides
US20110068597A1 (en) * 2007-02-14 2011-03-24 89908, Inc., Dba Amp Research Dual access vehicle storage assembly
US20090267322A1 (en) * 2008-04-11 2009-10-29 Holtan Paul D Cart transporting apparatus
US8360459B2 (en) 2008-04-11 2013-01-29 Dane Technologies, Inc. Cart transporting apparatus
US20100078905A1 (en) * 2008-09-23 2010-04-01 Paul David Holtan Cart moving machine
US8684373B2 (en) 2008-09-23 2014-04-01 Dane Technologies, Inc. Cart moving machine
US9010771B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2015-04-21 Dane Technologies, Inc. Utility machine with dual-mode steering
EP2740871A3 (en) * 2012-12-04 2016-05-18 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Device for a domestic appliance with a hinge and a coupling device and domestic appliance with such a device
US20140291372A1 (en) * 2013-04-02 2014-10-02 Lund Motion Products, Inc. Dual access vehicle storage assembly
US9302628B2 (en) * 2013-04-02 2016-04-05 Lund Motion Products, Inc. Dual access vehicle storage assembly
US20190178564A1 (en) * 2016-08-23 2019-06-13 Dometic Sweden Ab Cabinet for a Recreational Vehicle
US10697694B2 (en) * 2016-08-23 2020-06-30 Dometic Sweden Ab Cabinet for a recreational vehicle
US11187456B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2021-11-30 Dometic Sweden Ab Refrigerating device for a recreational vehicle
US11578913B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2023-02-14 Dometic Sweden Ab Refrigerating device for a recreational vehicle

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