Hinge strap assembly with convoluted torque rod

Abstract

The present invention comprises a hinge strap assembly including a torque rod spring assembly having a torque rod. The torque rod has a pair of end portions connected by a convoluted portion. The convoluted portion has a plurality of legs connected by at least one U-shaped bight portion. A slider block and/or pivot block may be clampingly mounted on the convoluted portion to vary the stiffness of the torque rod spring assembly. The hinge strap assembly may include a hinge box, a hinge strap and a single convoluted torque rod which connects therebetween. Alternatively, the hinge strap may be boxless having a hinge strap and a torque rod upon which the hinge strap is pivotally mounted. An end of the torque rod may be directly affixed to the rear shelf thereby eliminating the conventional hinge box. An insert may be used to pivotally mount the torque rod within the hinge strap.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.