US5142738A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hinge device
Assignee: NHK Spring Co Ltd
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Filing: 1991-07-24
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Granted: 1992-09-01
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Expires: 2011-07-24
Abstract
Abstract A hinge device to be used between a rotatable component and a stationary component to work as a pivoting device and to permit a restrained rotation of one component in relation to the other due to a high viscosity grease and the torsional force of a coil spring inserted therein in a predetermined angular range; and subsequently to restrain the rotating speed by means of the high viscosity grease and the coil spring.
Inventors
- 👤 Juji Ojima
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 23:00
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05F; E05F1/00; E05F1/08; E05F1/10; E05F1/12; E05F1/1207; E05F1/1215; E05Y; E05Y2900/00; E05Y2900/20; E05Y2999/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A hinge device having a case to be connected to one of a stationary component and a rotatable component, a rotatable cylinder to be connected to another of said stationary component and said rotatable component, and rotatably supported by said case, a high viscosity substance filled in a gap between said case and said rotatable cylinder, and a coil spring mounted between an end wall of said case and said rotatable cylinder, comprising: a non-circular bearing formed coaxially on said rotatable cylinder into which a connecting rod is inserted; an elastic "O" ring inserted into a gap formed by said end wall of said case and a chamfered end of said rotatable cylinder so as to seal said high viscosity substance; an axial hole formed on said non-circular bearing into which a hook of said coil spring is inserted; and a groove formed on a shaft portion protruding from said end wall of said case into which another hook of said coil spring is inserted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A hinge device having a case to be connected to one of a stationary component and a rotatable component, a rotatable cylinder to be connected to another of said stationary component and said rotatable component, and rotatably supported by said case, a high viscosity substance filled in a gap between said case and said rotatable cylinder, and a coil spring mounted between an end wall of said case and said rotatable cylinder, comprising: a non-circular bearing formed coaxially on said rotatable cylinder into which a connecting rod is inserted; an elastic "O" ring inserted into a gap formed by said end wall of said case and a chamfered end of said rotatable cylinder so as to seal said high viscosity substance; an axial hole formed on said non-circular bearing into which a hook of said coil spring is inserted; and a groove formed on a shaft portion protruding from said end wall of said case into which another hook of said coil spring is inserted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A hinge device according to claim 1 wherein the groove is a quarter sector cut on said shaft portion protruding from said end wall of said case.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A hinge device according to claim 1 wherein the connecting rod comprises a non-circular outer surface inserted detachably into said non-circular bearing and having a sufficient length to connect at least one component.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A hinge device according to claim 1, wherein a hole into which a hook of said coil spring is inserted is shaped in a longitudinal arc-like form.
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) | 1995-09-01 | 1996-03-02 | 1996-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-01 | 2000-03-02 | 2000-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-01 | 2004-03-02 | 2004-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |