Variable friction hinge

A hinge assembly having variable friction torque, the hinge assembly comprising:

• an elongated element having an elongated element surface extending generally along a longitudinal axis;
• at least one torque element positioned along the elongated element surface for rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis, the at least one torque element having end portions, a torque element surface extending between the end portions, a first condition in which at least a portion of the torque element surface is in friction contact with the elongated element surface and the torque element is in compressive engagement with the elongated element for friction resistance to rotation, and a second condition in which the compressive engagement with the elongated element and the friction resistance to rotation is reduced or eliminated;
• and
• at least one actuator coupled for movement with respect to the at least one torque element, the at least one actuator being configured to change the friction torque generated between the elongated element and the at least one torque element, the at least one actuator having an actuator surface positioned to contact at least one of the end portions of the at least one torque element and to change the distance between the end portions of the at least one torque element and thereby move the at least one torque element toward the first condition or the second condition, thus changing frictional resistance to rotation of the at least one torque element with respect to the elongated element;
• wherein the at least one actuator comprises a wedge movable, relative to the at least one torque element, along a linear path.

A method for varying friction resistance between components positioned for rotational movement with respect to one another, the method comprising:

• rotating the components with respect to one another away from a first position toward a second position causing at least one torque element to rotate with respect to the longitudinal axis of an elongated element in a first condition in which at least a portion of a torque element surface of the at least one torque element is in friction contact with an elongated element surface of the elongated element;
• moving an actuator along a linear path to change the friction torque generated between the elongated element and the at least one torque element at the second position by changing the distance between end portions of the at least one torque element and moving the at least one torque element from the first condition toward a second condition in which a compressive force between the torque element surface and the elongated element surface is reduced or eliminated, thus changing frictional resistance to rotation of the at least one torque element with respect to the elongated element;
• and
• rotating the components with respect to one another away from the second position toward a third position with reduced friction resistance between components;
• wherein the actuator comprises a wedge movable, relative to the at least one torque element, along the linear path.

A hinge assembly having variable friction torque, the hinge assembly comprising:

• an elongated element having an elongated element surface extending generally along a longitudinal axis;
• at least one torque element positioned along the elongated element surface for rotation about the longitudinal axis, the at least one torque element having end portions, a torque element surface extending between the end portions, a first condition in which at least a portion of the torque element surface is in friction contact with the elongated element surface, and a second condition in which a compressive force between the torque element surface and the elongated element surface is reduced or eliminated;
• and
• means for changing the friction torque generated between the elongated element and the at least one torque element by changing the distance between the end portions of the at least one torque element and moving the at least one torque element toward the first condition or the second condition, thus changing frictional resistance to rotation of the at least one torque element with respect to the elongated element, the means comprising at least one wedge that is movable along a linear path.