Pivotal joint with position-stabilizing spring
AssigneeArturo Salice S.p.A.
InventorLuciano Salice
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Two relatively swingable members interconnected by a pair of hinge straps are biased into either of two predetermined relative positions, 90.degree. 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.
Claims6
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.