US3720979A - Biased hinges - Google Patents

Biased hinges Download PDF

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Publication number
US3720979A
US3720979A US00744268A US3720979DA US3720979A US 3720979 A US3720979 A US 3720979A US 00744268 A US00744268 A US 00744268A US 3720979D A US3720979D A US 3720979DA US 3720979 A US3720979 A US 3720979A
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Prior art keywords
hinge
connecting link
snap
line
hinge member
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US00744268A
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English (en)
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A Krawagna
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WESTERN CORP Ltd
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WESTERN CORP Ltd
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/12—Pivotal connections incorporating flexible connections, e.g. leaf springs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/005—Hinges
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F1/00—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • E05F1/08—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings
    • E05F1/10—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance
    • E05F1/12—Mechanisms in the shape of hinges or pivots, operated by springs
    • E05F1/1284—Mechanisms in the shape of hinges or pivots, operated by springs with a leaf or similar spring
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F1/00—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • E05F1/08—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings
    • E05F1/10—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance
    • E05F1/14—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance with double-acting springs, e.g. for closing and opening or checking and closing no material
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2999/00—Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/44291—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including pivoted gripping member

Definitions

  • This invention relates to biased hinges, or snap-hinges as they are sometimes called, in which the hinge tends to hold itself in a closed position and/or an open position.
  • Snap-hinges of the type to which this invention relates include two hinge members hinged to one another, and a biasing member extending between and hinged to both hinge members at points spaced from the hinge line between the hinge members.
  • two basic types of biasing member can be utilized: the first is a biasing member adapted to undergo compression as between its two ends; the second is a biasing member adapted to undergo expansion as between its two ends.
  • this invention provides that at least one end of the biasing member be integral with its particular hinge member.
  • the two hinge members are pivoted together, and the biasing member is adapted to undergo compression.
  • the biasing member is pivoted to one of the hinge members but integral with the other. This permits the hinge member with which the biasing member is integral to be moulded as a single unit adapted for use with one of a variety of rigid members constituting the other hinge member.
  • the two hinge members are integral with one another through a web constituting the hinge line about which the hinge members articulate, and the biasing member is integral with one of the hinge members through a web constituting a second hinge line, and is integral with the other hinge member at a point constituting a third hinge line, the biasing member being adapted to undergo compression.
  • the compression force on the biasing member tends to urge the two hinge members away from one another when the hinge is articulated.
  • This feature is particularly advantageous in that it places the web portion joining the two hinge members in tension, and avoids the danger of shearing which accompanies compression in the web.
  • a one-piece, integral snap-hinge wherein the biasing member undergoes expansion, the two hinge members being connected through an integral web constituting the hinge line about which the hinge members articulate.
  • the biasing member has its opposite ends integral with the two hinge members through webs constituting further hinge lines. The further hinge lines are spaced from the first hinge line.
  • a snap-hinge in which one of the hinge members consists of two separate but interlocking parts.
  • the other hinge member is a one-piece unit, and the construction of the whole is such that the biasing member links the one-piece hinge member with one part of the other hinge member, and the one-piece hinge member is adapted to engage the other part of the other hinge member to hold the two parts firmly in interlocking engagement with one another.
  • the one piece hinge member can be removed from engagement with the other part, thereby permitting the two parts of the two-part hinge member to be separated completely from one another.
  • This invention also provides a method for making by the extrusion method a snap-hinge: in which the biasing member undergoes expansion.
  • this invention provides a snap-hinge, comprising: a first hinge member, a second hinge member hinged to said first hinge member about a first hinge line, a resilient connecting link joined at one end 1 integrally to said first hinge member at a second hinge line and hinged at the other end to said second hinge member at a third hinge line, the resilient connecting link tending resiliently to maintain its two ends apart at a given spacing, said second hinge line being spaced at an invariable distance from said first hinge line, said third hinge line being spaced at an invariable distance from said first hinge line, the snap-hinge having a position in which stress in the connecting link is at a minimum, the snap-hinge being at rest in said position, a small departure from which increases the stress in the connecting link, which tends to restore the snap-hinge to said position.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the hinge shown in FIG. 2, with one hinge member hinged to an intermediate position with respect to the other hinge member;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the hinge shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the hinge members closed together;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken at the line 6-6 in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the hinge shown in FIG. 5, with the hinge members closed against one another;
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show two modifications of the second embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one form of the third embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a frontal view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an extruded form of the third embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the extruded third embodiment shown in FIG. 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13, showing the two hinge members at an intermediate angular position
  • FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIGS. 13 and 14, showing the two hinge members closed against one another;
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a special form of the first embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one variant of the fourth embodiment of this invention, showing the two portions of the two-part hinge member in spaced relation;
  • FIG. 18 is a vertical, longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, with the two portions of the two-part hinge member engaged with one another;
  • FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, showing the locking hinge member at its balance point, about to be urged to the over-toggled locking position;
  • FIG. is a view similar to FIGS. 18 and 19, showing the locking hinge member in the locked position
  • FIG. 21 is an elevational view of another variant of the fourth embodiment of this invention, wherein the biasing member is bowed in order to increase its capacity for expansion;
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the variant shown in FIG. 21.
  • FIG. 1 shows a hinge 10, generally comprising a first hinge member 11 and a second hinge member 12.
  • the first hinge member 1 1 has two parallel arms 14 extending leftwardly from the hinge member 11, the arms 14 being rigid with respect to the hinge member 11.
  • the second hinge member 12 has two rightwardly protruding appendages 16, which are rigid with respect to the hinge member 12.
  • the arms 14 each carry a pivot pin 17 (only one visible in FIG. 1) by which the arms 14 are pivoted to the appendages 16.
  • the second hinge member 12 is hinged to the first hinge member 11 about a first hinge line 18, which constitutes the common axis of the pins 17.
  • the first hinge member 11 has a resilient connecting link 20 integral therewith between the arms 14, and extending leftwardly toward the second hinge member 12. It will be noted that the location 22 at which the resilient connecting link 20 is integral with the hinge member 11 is spaced from the first hinge line 18.
  • the resilient connecting link 20 has a pin 24 passing therethrough at its left-hand end, and the ends of the pin 24 are pivoted to the appendages 16 at a location spaced from the first hinge line 18.
  • the axis of the pin 24 constitutes a second hinge line 26. It is essential to this invention that the first and second hinge lines 18 and 26 be spaced rigidly from one another.
  • FIG. 2 it will be seen that the righthand end of the connecting link 20 is rigidly integral with the first hinge member 11, sincethe connecting link 20 does not decrease in thickness to form a flexible web where it joins the hinge member 11.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 shows the connecting link to be hingedly integral with the hinge member, due to the flexible web portion connecting them.
  • the position of the hinge members 11 and 12 shown is the normal at-rest open position for the hinge, with the hinge members being 180 apart.
  • the connecting link 20 is subject to the least compression bowing stress of any position between FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.
  • the first hinge member 11 is formed with the integral connecting link originally parallel with the arm members 14, some bowing stress will be introduced into the link 20 when its left-hand end is raised and pivoted to the appendages 16 along the second hinge line 26.
  • the first hinge member 11 can be formed with the resilient connecting link 20 already in the slightly curved configuration shown in FIG. 2.
  • the arms 14 and the hinge member 11 are considerably thicker in the vertical direction than is the connecting link 20.
  • the purpose of the relative difference in thicknesses is to make the connecting link 20 a relatively resilient or bendable member, as compared to the more rigid hinge member 11 and arms 14, even though the hinge member 11, the arms 14 and the connecting link 20 are all formed of the same material.
  • FIG. 3 shows the bowing of the resilient connecting link 20 at its maximum, and this is determined by the alignment of the hinge lines 18 and 26 and the point 28, which can be considered the approximate point of attachment between the resilient connecting link 20 and the first hinge member 11.
  • the geometry of the system is such that the two ends of the resilient connecting link 20 are closest when the point 28 is lined up with the hinge lines 18 and 26.
  • the amount by which the rectilinear distance between the ends of the connecting link is shortened in FIG. 3 is shown as D.
  • the resilient connecting link 20 begins to straighten out, but it is still not completely relieved of compression bowing stress when the hinge members 11 and 12 have closed upon one another.
  • the reason for this is the fact that the hinge line 26 is slightly to the left of the hinge line 18. Explanations of this intentional residual compression spring loading and other angular travel relationships are contained in later paragraphs.
  • the second hinge member 12 need not be in the exact shape shown, since its sole function is to provide connecting portions for the pivot pins 17 and 24.
  • a hinge shown generally at 30 comprises a first hinge member 31 and a second hinge member 32.
  • the first hinge member 31 has two arm members 33 extending toward the second hinge member 32, and each of the arm members 33 is integral, at its left-hand end, with the second hinge member 32 through a web 34, the thin central portion of which defines a first hinge line 36.
  • the second hinge member 32 has a rigid upstanding extension 38, of which the upper portion is integral through a web 40 with the left-hand end of a resilient connecting link 42, of which the righthand end is rigidly integral with the first hinge member 31, as best seen in FIG. 6.
  • the web 40 defines a second hinge line 44, and the point 45 is the approximate point of attachment between the link 42 and the member 31.
  • the same expression for the opening or closing torque T applies for this embodiment as for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
  • the second embodiment of the hinge has not been shown in a position similar to FIG. 3, since the same configuration would result and the geometric considerations would be the same.
  • FIG. '7 shows the second embodiment in the position corresponding to FIG. 4 for the first embodiment, and it will be appreciated again that, since the second hinge line 44 is located slightly to the left of the first hinge line 36, the resilient connecting link 42 is still under some compression in the FIG. 7 position, and thus there will be a force tending to urge the hinge members 31 and 32 together in the FIG. 7 position.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show alternative designs for the resilient connecting link 42.
  • the link 42 is slightly bowed concave upwardly in its unstressed position, and there is a web 50 at the right-hand end as well as a web 51 at the left-hand end where the link 42 joins the projection 38.
  • FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, except that the resilient connecting link is convex upwardly in its unstressed condition. Again, there is a web 50 at the right'hand end of the link 42, with a web 51 at the lefthand end.
  • FIGS. 1 through 9 will be considered to have three parallel bending lines: line A, representing the lines 18 and 36; line B, representing the lines 28 and 45; and line C, representing the lines 26 and 44.
  • the letters A, B and C are shown in FIGS. 2 and 6.
  • bending lines A and B are located in the same initial horizontal plane.
  • FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate this condition of rotation, mechanically stopped at 180 travel of the first hinge member.
  • FIGS. 10 and 1.1 there is shown one form of a third embodiment of this invention, in which the connecting link is adapted to undergo expansion as between its two ends.
  • the hinge shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is adapted for use with pipe insulation, which is usually available as two semi-cylindrical portions adapted to be clamped together around the pipe. Sometimes the two portions of insulation are joined along one edge by an outer skin bridging between the portions, such that the portions can hinge about that point. In other cases, the two portions are made separately, without any connection or hinge means between them.
  • 10 and 11 is adapted to be inserted into one end of a length of split insulation, with two prongs 52 and 53 inserted into one portion of the insulation and two prongs 54 and 55 inserted into the other portion thereof.
  • the prongs 52 and 53 project integrally from a first hinge member 57
  • the prongs 54 and 55 project integrally from a second hinge member 58.
  • the two hinge members 57 and 58 are integral with one another through a flexible web 60, which is considered to constitute a first hinge line.
  • Both hinge members 57 and 58 are moulded with a cross-section in the shape of a T, in order to give rigidity to the members 57 and 58.
  • the prongs 52-55 are slightly tapered and pointed, for ease of insertion into the insulation material, which is usually either fiberglass or cellular plastic.
  • a connecting link 62 of circular configuration is joined integrally at one end to the hinge member 57 through an integral web 64 constituting a second hinge line, and is joined at the other end to the second hinge member 58 through a further integral web 66 constituting a third hinge line.
  • the connecting link 62 has, as shown in FIG. 10, a roughly triangular cross-section, although this is not essential.
  • FIG. 11 The position of the snap-hinge of FIG. with respect to the split pipe insulation with which it is used is shown in FIG. 11, in which the pipe insulation has been shown in broken lines.
  • the snap-hinge is positioned with the web 60 lying adjacent the intersection of the outer periphery 67 of the pipe insulation and the split line 68 between the two portions 69 and 70 of the pipe insulation.
  • the prongs 5255 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the split line 68, and inserted into the insulation material.
  • the snap-hinge thus acts as a hinge between the two portions 69 and 70, which articulate about the web 60, while the connecting link 62 serves as a spring tending to maintain the two portions 69 and 70 in their closed position (that shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 l
  • the hinge members 57 and 58 would be spread apart to some extent before insertion of the prongs 52-55, such that the rectilinear distance between the prongs 52 and 55 is greater than the distance between them in the unstressed condition.
  • the connecting link 62 would be resiliently expanded, and would try to urge the two portions back together. If, however, the two portions 69 and 70 were spread far enough apart that the prongs 52, 53, 54 and 55 were brought into line with one another, the force exerted by the connecting link 62 would no longer urge the portions 69 and 70 together, since the snap-hinge would be in a state of unstable equilibrium. If the portions 69 and 70 were expanded beyond the position in which unstable equilibrium occurs, the connecting link 62 would urge the portions 69 and 70 toward an open position.
  • the length of split pipe insulation would have a hold-closed and a hold-open position.
  • FIG. 13 shows, in cross-section, an extruded form of the third embodiment of this invention.
  • the cross-section of the extrudate shown generally at 72 in FIG. 13 is composed of two opposed portions 73 and 74 joined by a relatively thin portion 75 constituting a first web in the extrudate.
  • a curved portion 76 is joined to both of the opposed portions 73 and 74 at points spaced from the first web 75.
  • the curved portion 76 is joined to the portion 73 through a thin portion 78 constituting a second web in the extrudate, and is joined to the portion 74 through a thin portion 80 constituting a third web in the extrudate.
  • the curved portion 76 lies to one side of the hypothetical line 81 joining the second web 78 and the third web 80.
  • the first web 75 lies on the other side of the hypothetical line 81 and is spaced therefrom.
  • the characteristics described above are essential to a hold'open, hold-closed extruded snap-hinge in which the connecting link undergoes expansion.
  • the curved portion 76 has a circular curvature, although this is not essential. What is essential is that the straightened length of the curved portion 76 be at least as long as the sum of the rectilinear distance between the first web 75 and the second web 78 plus the rectilinear distance between the first web 75 and the third web 80.
  • the hinge would not be a snap-hinge, because the curved portion 76 would be incapable of sufficient expansion to permit the first, second and third webs 75, 78 and 80 to become aligned. It will be understood that this position of alignment will constitute the state of unstable equilibrium for the snap-hinge, without which the hinge would be able to maintain only one position.
  • the straightened length of the curved portion 76 will lie somewhere between the length of the inside are 82 and the length of the outside are 83.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 show the extruded snap-hinge in, respectively, an intermediate hinged position, and the closed position in which the portions 73 and 74 are closed against one another. It will be noted that, in FIG.
  • the curved portion 76 is expanded to a radius of curvature greater than that which it has in either FIG. 13 or FIG. 15.
  • the opposed portions 73 and 74 are each equipped with a slot 84 capable of receiving and gripping an appropriate plate-like element, the two plate-like elements so gripped being snap-hinged together by the extruded snap-hinge about the web 75.
  • the method according to this invention involves the steps of extruding an integral extrudate from stiff but resilient material such as polypropylene, which extrudate has a cross-section meeting the criteria set out above, and cutting the extrudate transversely to obtain a section thereof.
  • FIG. 16 shows a special form of the first embodiment of this invention. Only the first hinge member 86 is shown.
  • the hinge member 86 has two spaced-apart arms 87 supporting outwardly projecting pivot pins 88 at their extremities. Between the arms 87 is a connecting link 90 which has two opposed, aligned pivot pins 91 at its end.
  • the connecting link 90 is thinner than the arms 87, such that the connecting link 90 is resilient by comparison with the arms 87.
  • the hinge member 86 is adapted to be pivotally connected to another rigid hinge member (not shown) through the pivot pins 88, the common axis of which constitutes the first bending line A.
  • the connecting link 90 is also adapted to be pivotally connected to the other rigid hinge member through the pivot pins 91, the common axis of which constitutes the third bending line C.
  • the line B in FIG. 16 represents the approximate point of attachment between the connecting link 90 and the hinge member 86 and is considered to be the second bending line of the hinge.
  • the lines A, B and C are in alignment, with A intermediate B and C.
  • This arrangement gives a 360 hinge configuration, in which the connecting link 90 begins to undergo compression as soon as the hinge member86 begins to pivot with respect to the other hinge member, regardless of the direction of pivoting. It will be appreciated that this hinge configuration has only one at-rest position, and that the position of unstable equilibrium arises at 180 displacement from the atrest position.
  • the first variant of the fourth embodiment of this invention is seen to include a first hinge member 94, a split biasing member consisting of two portions 95a and 95b, and a second hinge member consisting of a first part 96 and a second part 98.
  • the parts 96 and 98 constitute, respectively, the two free ends of a split sealing ring adapted to close the periphery of tape reels against the entry of dust and other foreign material.
  • These sealing rings, and the tape reels with which they are used, are widely employed in the data-processing field.
  • the parts 96 and 98 are distinct, separate items, this does not preclude an arrangement wherein the two parts are linked remotely, as in a circular sealing ring of the above type.
  • the base portion 100 is a flat, bandlike, elongated element having two parallel grooves 104 which are adapted to receive the peripheries of the two circular plates constituting a tape reel (not shown).
  • the surmounting portion 102 can be either formed integrally with the base portion 100, or affixed thereto by some other conventional means, such as glueing, welding, or mechanical attachment.
  • the surmounting portion 102 consists essentially of a block-like element 105 to which the portions 95a and 95b of the biasing element are hingedly connected along integral webs 106 which are collinear. As is evident in FIG. 17, the two portions 95a and 95b of the biasing element are spaced apart, and the block-like element 105 has, between the portions 95a and 95b, a groove 108 of which the purpose will presently be explained.
  • the part 98 consists of a base portion 110 which is identical in cross-section to the base portion 100 of the part 96, surmounted by a locking element 112.
  • the locking element 112 can be either formed integrally with the base portion 110, or affixed thereto by means of glue, welding, mechanical attachment, etc.
  • the locking element 112 consists of a lower portion 114, and an upstanding portion 116.
  • the breadth of the upstanding element 116 is less than the lateral distance between the portions 95a and 95b of the biasing element, such that the portions 95a and 95b can lie on either side of the upstanding portion 116.
  • the portion 116 defines a groove 117 opening remotely from the part 96. Integral with the upstanding portion 116 is a horizontal protuberance 118 which is adapted for complementary engagement with the groove 108.
  • the base portions 100 and 110 have identical cross-sections, this is due merely to the particular application of the fourth embodiment to the two free ends of a split sealing ring. Obviously, the base portions 100 and 110 could be replaced with any other abutting members.
  • the first hinge member 94 has a tongue 120 extending therefrom between the portions a and 95b of the biasing element.
  • FIGS. 18 to 20 show sequential steps in the operation of locking the two parts 96 and 98 together by means of the biased hinge.
  • FIG. 18 shows the two base portions and abutting one another, with the protuberance 118 lodged in the groove 108.
  • this complementary abutment has taken place, it is then possible to swing the first hinge member 94 downwardly so that the end 121 of the tongue projecting from the hinge member 94 can lodge inside the groove 117 to create a hinge axis between the first hinge member 94 and the part 98 of the second hinge member.
  • the two parts 96 and 98 of the second hinge member canbe taken as a single member when they are in the abutting relationship shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.
  • FIG. 19 shows the first hinge member 94 after it has been rotated in the clockwise direction to the point of unstable equilibrium, which arises when the two points 123 and 124, representing the hinge lines along which the biasing element 95 is attached to the surmounting portion 102 and to the first hinge member 94 respectively, are aligned with the point 126, the latter representing the line along which the tongue 120 bears against the surface of the groove 117, thereby defining an instantaneous axis of rotation of the first hinge member 94 with respect to the second hinge member comprising parts 96 and 98.
  • biasing portions 95a and 95b are in a state of longitudinal tension in the over-toggling position of unstable equilibrium shown in FIG. 19. Although actual stretching in the biasing portions 95a and 95b is minimal, the integral web connection between the biasing portions 95a and 95b and both the surmounting portion 102 and the first hinge member 94 will stretch or deform to a larger degree. It is important, of course, so to design the biasing members 95a and 95b that the webs aforementioned will not be stretched to rupture.
  • FIGS. 21 and 22 Another variant of the fourth embodiment of this invention is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in which it will be noted that the two portions 130a and 13% of the biasing element 130 are curved in the vertical plane.
  • the other elements are similar to those of FIGS. 17 to 20, and include a first hinge member 131, a second hinge member consisting of a first part 133 and a second part 134, the part 134 being affixed to or integral with a grooved portion 136 which has a first groove 137 in which the rounded end 138 of the first part 133 is adapted to lodge, and a second groove 140 in which the tongue 142 of the first hinge member 131 is adapted to be received.
  • the curved biasing portions 130a and 13% are capable of absorbing a greater deflection under tension than is the case with the straight biasing portions 95a and 95b in FIGS. 17 to 20. For this reason, the dimensional design criteria in the variant shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 are not so critical.
  • the hinge axis denoted by the point 126 is analogous to the hinge represented by the web 75 in FIG. 13
  • the hinge axis denoted by the point 124 is analogous to the hinge represented by the web 78 in FIG. 13
  • the hinge axis denoted by the point 123 is analogous to the hinge represented by the web 80 in FIG. 13.
  • the fourth embodiment of this invention lends itself to integral moulding techniques, such that the element 112 could be moulded integrally with the second part 98, and such that the first hinge member 94, the biasing portions 95a and 95b and the surmounting portion 102 could all be formed integrally with the first part 96.
  • hinged is intended to cover both an integral web hinge and a hinge employing a pivot pin.
  • pivoted is to be construed as covering only those hinge arrangements in which some sort of pivot pin is utilized. Pivoted does not include an integral web hinge.
  • hingedly integral describes the flexible web connection which is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 between the connecting link 42 and both hinge members.
  • rigidly integral describes the non-flexible connection which is shown in FIG. 2 between the connecting link and the first hinge member 1 1.
  • a snap-hinge comprising:
  • a curved resilient connecting link of uniform crosssection joined at one end integrally to said first hin'ge member at a second hinge line and joined at the other end integrally to said second hinge member at a third hinge line, the resilient connecting link tending resiliently to maintain its two ends apart at a given spacing, said second hinge line being spaced at an invariable distance from said first hinge line, said third hinge line being spaced at an invariable distance from said first hinge line, the snap-hinge having a first position and a second position, in each of which stress in the connecting link is at a minimum, the snap-hinge being at rest in each of said positions, a small departure from either of which increases the stress in the connecting link, which tends to restore the snap-hinge to the respective position, the connecting link being capable of resilient expansion between its one end and its other end, the snap-hinge being adapted to articulate between said first-mentioned position and said second position in such a way that the connecting link is resiliently expanded in positions intermediate said first-mentioned position and said
  • thermoplastic material is polypropylene

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Hinges (AREA)
  • Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
  • Extensible Doors And Revolving Doors (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
US00744268A 1967-12-11 1968-06-17 Biased hinges Expired - Lifetime US3720979A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US68939067A 1967-12-11 1967-12-11
US74426868A 1968-06-17 1968-06-17

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US3720979A true US3720979A (en) 1973-03-20

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US00744268A Expired - Lifetime US3720979A (en) 1967-12-11 1968-06-17 Biased hinges

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US (1) US3720979A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (2) DE1817814B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1251353A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NL (1) NL155639B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4015600A (en) * 1975-07-07 1977-04-05 Liautaud James P Catheter needle assembly
US4071930A (en) * 1975-07-25 1978-02-07 Nifco Inc. Pinching clip
US4236274A (en) * 1978-04-28 1980-12-02 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Pantographic open-close device
US4296524A (en) * 1977-03-23 1981-10-27 Hoerholt Anders Joining member
US4345354A (en) * 1979-02-26 1982-08-24 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Hinge mechanism
US4414705A (en) * 1981-07-17 1983-11-15 Ethyl Products Company Overcenter hinge
US4512094A (en) * 1982-12-08 1985-04-23 Marketing Displays, Inc. Plastic poster frame with articulated bias member
US4512095A (en) * 1982-12-08 1985-04-23 Marketing Displays, Inc. Hinged plastic biased poster frame
US4514885A (en) * 1983-02-14 1985-05-07 Delahousse R Clip with two stable positions of the clothes pin type
US4523400A (en) * 1982-09-27 1985-06-18 Marketing Displays, Inc. Plastic biased poster frame
US4589204A (en) * 1984-11-21 1986-05-20 Courtesy Mold & Tool Corporation Eating utensil
US4782610A (en) * 1986-09-10 1988-11-08 Marketing Displays, Inc. Display assembly with illumination system
US4793502A (en) * 1988-02-29 1988-12-27 Creative Packaging Corp. Hinged dispensing closure
US4937959A (en) * 1987-03-13 1990-07-03 Marketing Displays, Inc. Poster display device with longitudinal retention of frame sections
US4958458A (en) * 1987-03-13 1990-09-25 Marketing Displays, Inc. Poster display device with longitudinal retention of frame sections by inserts
US5033633A (en) * 1990-01-12 1991-07-23 Continental White Cap, Inc. Plastic closure with safety button and method of forming same
US5125911A (en) * 1990-02-20 1992-06-30 Grabenkort Richard W Spike holder
US5261580A (en) * 1993-03-03 1993-11-16 Marmon Holdings, Inc. Hand wearing apparel display hanger having a clip and a hook
FR2751207A1 (fr) * 1996-07-03 1998-01-23 Bilsom Ab Protege-ouie a etrier
US5944236A (en) * 1995-01-11 1999-08-31 Cinque; Richard Clothing clip apparatus
US6215081B1 (en) 1998-08-31 2001-04-10 Brigham Young University Bistable compliant mechanism
WO2002041725A1 (en) * 2000-11-23 2002-05-30 Ice 21 Limited Support leg
US6508587B1 (en) * 1999-02-10 2003-01-21 James H. Byers, Jr. Easily manipulated closures for bag-like containers, containers incorporating the same, and methods for making such containers
US20040010891A1 (en) * 1999-02-10 2004-01-22 Byers James H. Clamping devices
US6757975B1 (en) 2001-01-25 2004-07-06 Brigham Young University Multi-layered compliant mechanisms and method of manufacture
US20080148535A1 (en) * 2006-12-23 2008-06-26 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Clip for joining tubular members to substrates
USD573880S1 (en) 2007-04-20 2008-07-29 All-Pak, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
US8601632B2 (en) 2010-11-18 2013-12-10 N/S Corporation Vehicle washing apparatus with a movable brush arm carriage
US20160145919A1 (en) * 2014-11-26 2016-05-26 Brigham Young University Hinge system having combined compliant hinges
US9964142B2 (en) * 2016-06-01 2018-05-08 Wipotec Gmbh Flexure hinge
US10012262B2 (en) * 2016-06-01 2018-07-03 Wipotec Gmbh Flexure hinge
US11193551B2 (en) * 2016-04-27 2021-12-07 The Regents Of The University Of California Stable shape-reconfigurable structures and mechanisms

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT385080B (de) * 1973-12-12 1988-02-10 Blum Gmbh Schnappscharnier
JPS556357Y2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1974-03-27 1980-02-13
CH598528A5 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1976-03-15 1978-04-28 Egli Fischer & Co
NZ513167A (en) 1999-01-27 2004-03-26 Creanova Ag Closed extruded closure

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3289877A (en) * 1963-03-20 1966-12-06 Westhem Corp Ltd Unitary hinge
US3292223A (en) * 1965-03-11 1966-12-20 Jr Vincent J Esposito Integral snap-action clips

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3289877A (en) * 1963-03-20 1966-12-06 Westhem Corp Ltd Unitary hinge
US3292223A (en) * 1965-03-11 1966-12-20 Jr Vincent J Esposito Integral snap-action clips

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4015600A (en) * 1975-07-07 1977-04-05 Liautaud James P Catheter needle assembly
US4071930A (en) * 1975-07-25 1978-02-07 Nifco Inc. Pinching clip
US4296524A (en) * 1977-03-23 1981-10-27 Hoerholt Anders Joining member
US4236274A (en) * 1978-04-28 1980-12-02 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Pantographic open-close device
US4345354A (en) * 1979-02-26 1982-08-24 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Hinge mechanism
US4414705A (en) * 1981-07-17 1983-11-15 Ethyl Products Company Overcenter hinge
US4523400A (en) * 1982-09-27 1985-06-18 Marketing Displays, Inc. Plastic biased poster frame
US4512094A (en) * 1982-12-08 1985-04-23 Marketing Displays, Inc. Plastic poster frame with articulated bias member
US4512095A (en) * 1982-12-08 1985-04-23 Marketing Displays, Inc. Hinged plastic biased poster frame
US4514885A (en) * 1983-02-14 1985-05-07 Delahousse R Clip with two stable positions of the clothes pin type
US4589204A (en) * 1984-11-21 1986-05-20 Courtesy Mold & Tool Corporation Eating utensil
US4782610A (en) * 1986-09-10 1988-11-08 Marketing Displays, Inc. Display assembly with illumination system
US4937959A (en) * 1987-03-13 1990-07-03 Marketing Displays, Inc. Poster display device with longitudinal retention of frame sections
US4958458A (en) * 1987-03-13 1990-09-25 Marketing Displays, Inc. Poster display device with longitudinal retention of frame sections by inserts
US4793502A (en) * 1988-02-29 1988-12-27 Creative Packaging Corp. Hinged dispensing closure
US5033633A (en) * 1990-01-12 1991-07-23 Continental White Cap, Inc. Plastic closure with safety button and method of forming same
US5125911A (en) * 1990-02-20 1992-06-30 Grabenkort Richard W Spike holder
US5261580A (en) * 1993-03-03 1993-11-16 Marmon Holdings, Inc. Hand wearing apparel display hanger having a clip and a hook
US5944236A (en) * 1995-01-11 1999-08-31 Cinque; Richard Clothing clip apparatus
FR2751207A1 (fr) * 1996-07-03 1998-01-23 Bilsom Ab Protege-ouie a etrier
US6123168A (en) * 1996-07-03 2000-09-26 Dalloz Safety Ab Banded hearing protector
US6215081B1 (en) 1998-08-31 2001-04-10 Brigham Young University Bistable compliant mechanism
US6904647B2 (en) * 1999-02-10 2005-06-14 James H. Byers, Jr. Clamping devices
US6508587B1 (en) * 1999-02-10 2003-01-21 James H. Byers, Jr. Easily manipulated closures for bag-like containers, containers incorporating the same, and methods for making such containers
US20040010891A1 (en) * 1999-02-10 2004-01-22 Byers James H. Clamping devices
WO2002041725A1 (en) * 2000-11-23 2002-05-30 Ice 21 Limited Support leg
US6757975B1 (en) 2001-01-25 2004-07-06 Brigham Young University Multi-layered compliant mechanisms and method of manufacture
US20080148535A1 (en) * 2006-12-23 2008-06-26 Hope Global, Division Of Nfa Corp. Clip for joining tubular members to substrates
USD573880S1 (en) 2007-04-20 2008-07-29 All-Pak, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
US8601632B2 (en) 2010-11-18 2013-12-10 N/S Corporation Vehicle washing apparatus with a movable brush arm carriage
US20160145919A1 (en) * 2014-11-26 2016-05-26 Brigham Young University Hinge system having combined compliant hinges
US11193551B2 (en) * 2016-04-27 2021-12-07 The Regents Of The University Of California Stable shape-reconfigurable structures and mechanisms
US9964142B2 (en) * 2016-06-01 2018-05-08 Wipotec Gmbh Flexure hinge
US10012262B2 (en) * 2016-06-01 2018-07-03 Wipotec Gmbh Flexure hinge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1817814B2 (de) 1973-02-01
GB1251353A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1971-10-27
NL155639B (nl) 1978-01-16
NL6814637A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1969-06-13
DE1813187A1 (de) 1969-12-18
DE1817814A1 (de) 1972-03-09

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