Integral hinge structure
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsJames A. Mathewson, Harry Pasterchick, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integral hinge structure for securing a cover to a terminal base includes a generally cylindrical strip of material extending along one edge of an opening to be covered. The cylindrical strip is integral with the base but is spaced from the base by a thin, continuous neck. The cover includes a generally C-shaped strip of material circumscribing an arc of at least 180.degree.. The outer diameter of the cylindrical strip and the inner diameter of the C-shaped strip are approximately the same, allowing the C-shaped strip to be snapped onto and retained by the cylindrical strip. The cover is aligned by one or more radial ribs on the cylindrical strip and one or more complementary slots in the C-shaped strip.
Claims7
A hinge structure for providing a concealed, hinged connection between one edge of an inwardly-extending opening in one surface of a base and an adjacent edge of a cover which can be pivoted to a closed position in which it conceals the opening, said hinge structure comprising:
- a generally cylindrical strip integral with the base and extending along the one edge thereof within the opening, said strip being spaced from the one edge by an integral web substantially the same length as said cylindrical strip;
- and
- a generally C-shaped strip integral with the cover and extending along the adjacent edge thereof, said C-shaped strip being spaced from the cover by an integral web of substantially the same length as said C-shaped strip with the C opening outward and circumscribing an angle of at least 180.degree. to permit the cover to be secured to the base with the C-shaped strip being concealed from view by the overlying cylindrical strip and integral web when the cover is in its closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.