US4226001A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pivotal joint with position-stabilizing spring
Assignee: Arturo Salice SpA
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Filing: 1979-03-23
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Granted: 1980-10-07
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Expires: 1999-03-23
Abstract
Abstract Two relatively swingable members interconnected by a pair of hinge straps are biased into either of two predetermined relative positions, 90° apart, by a hairpin-type leaf spring bearing upon a projection of one hinge strap while being wound about a pintle engaged by the other hinge strap. The leaf spring consists of at least two nested plies of sheet steel, which may or may not be interconnected at one end, each having a thickness which is less than that of a single-ply spring of like material having the same degree of elasticity. The innermost ply is supported by a bushing of plastic material surrounding the associated pintle.
Inventors
- 👤 Luciano Salice
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:29
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05D; E05D11/00; E05D11/10; E05D11/1014; E05D11/1021; E05F; E05F1/00; E05F1/08; E05F1/10; E05F1/12; E05F1/1284; E05Y; E05Y2900/00; E05Y2900/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A pivotal joint for two relatively swingable components, comprising: a first member adapted to be secured to one of said components; a second member adapted to be secured to the other of said components; an articulated linkage interconnecting said members, said linkage including a pair of hinge straps each having respective ends joined by pivot means to both said members, said pivot means including a pintle on said first member surrounded by a bushing of resilient material; and a generally hairpin-shaped leaf spring with a first leg and a second leg interconnected by a bight portion closely embracing said bushing, said first leg bearing upon said first member, said second leg bearing upon a projection of one of said hinge straps for biasing said members into either of two relative positions, said leaf spring consisting of at least two nested and substantially coextensive steel plies of substantially the same thickness elastically reinforcing one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A pivotal joint for two relatively swingable components, comprising: a first member adapted to be secured to one of said components; a second member adapted to be secured to the other of said components; an articulated linkage interconnecting said members, said linkage including a pair of hinge straps each having respective ends joined by pivot means to both said members, said pivot means including a pintle on said first member surrounded by a bushing of resilient material; and a generally hairpin-shaped leaf spring with a first leg and a second leg interconnected by a bight portion closely embracing said bushing, said first leg bearing upon said first member, said second leg bearing upon a projection of one of said hinge straps for biasing said members into either of two relative positions, said leaf spring consisting of at least two nested and substantially coextensive steel plies of substantially the same thickness elastically reinforcing one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A pivotal joint as defined in claim 1 wherein said leaf spring is folded back upon itself at an end of one of its legs remote from said bight portion to form said plies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A pivotal joint as defined in claim 1 wherein said projection is a lug extending beyond a pivotal axis defined by an end of said one of said hinge straps and said first member, said lug pointing away from the opposite end of said one of said hinge straps.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A pivotal joint as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said other of said hinge straps has a bifurcate extremity engaging said pintle and bracketing said bight portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pivotal joint as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said resilient material is a synthetic resin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pivotal joint as defined in claim 5 wherein said synthetic resin is a polyacetal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-07 | 1984-04-07 | 1984-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-07 | 1988-04-07 | 1988-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-07 | 1992-04-07 | 1992-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |