Dual-axis over-molded hinge

An overmolded friction hinge device comprising:

• a first and a second shaft, each having first and second ends;
• a first friction element mounted on the first shaft;
• a first molded housing at least partially enclosing the first shaft;
• a first hinged element coupled to the first molded housing;
• a second molded housing at least partially enclosing the second shaft;
• a second hinged element coupled to the second molded housing;
• a first molded outer link at least partially enclosing each of the first and second shafts;
• and
• a second molded outer link at least partially enclosing each of the first and second shafts;
• wherein, when the first and second hinged elements are in an open position, each of the first and second molded housings has a surface facing the first and second molded outer links that are sloped away from the first and second molded outer links thereby defining a gap between the first and second molded housings and the first and second molded outer links;
• wherein the surfaces of the first and second molded housings engage the first and second molded outer links when the first and second hinged elements are in a closed position;
• wherein one of the first molded housing and the first molded outer link are overmolded over and enclose the first friction element such that first friction element is embedded within one of the first molded housing and the first molded outer link such that there is no relative movement between the first friction element and the first molded housing or the first molded outer link;
• and
• wherein the relative rotation of the first and second hinged elements about the first shaft produces a first torque, wherein the relative rotation of the first and second hinged elements about the second shaft produces a second torque, and where the first torque is different than the second torque.

An overmolded friction hinge device comprising:

• a first and a second shaft, each having first and second ends;
• a first friction element mounted on the first shaft;
• a second friction element mounted on the second shaft;
• a first molded housing at least partially enclosing the first shaft;
• a first hinged element coupled to the first molded housing, the first hinged element comprising a heavy panel;
• a second molded housing at least partially enclosing the second shaft;
• a second hinged element coupled to the second molded housing;
• a first molded outer link at least partially enclosing each of the first and second shafts;
• and
• a second molded outer link at least partially enclosing each of the first and second shafts;
• wherein one of the first molded housing and the first molded outer link are overmolded over and enclose the first friction element such that first friction element is embedded within one of the first molded housing and the first molded outer link such that there is no relative movement between the first friction element and the first molded housing or the first molded outer link;
• and
• wherein a torque is produced by the relative rotation of the first and second hinged elements between an open position and a closed position, and wherein weight of the panel is such that the torque produced is greater than 1 Nm;
• and
• wherein in the open position each of the first and second molded housings has a surface facing the first and second molded outer links that are sloped away from the first and second molded outer links thereby defining a gap between the first and second molded housings and the first and second molded outer links, and wherein in the closed position the surfaces of the first and second molded housings engage the first and second molded outer links.