Coordinated multi-axis hinge and closure using the same
AssigneeCreanova Inc.
InventorsLouis Lagler, Rudolf Rentsch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A coordinated multi axis hinge arrangement provides a snap action between stable open and closed states. When the hinges operate between the stable open and closed states across a dead center position, resilient forces imparted by torsionally rigid connecting elements of the hinge to adjacent hinge parts such as body and lid elements are transferred by coupling or transmitting areas adjacent the bending regions or film hinges to remote resilient distortion or deformation energy storage areas. As the hinge passes a dead center position, this energy is in turn supplied and returned to the rigid connecting elements to impart snap action to the closure. The closure may be cast as a single piece of plastic material and may be cast in the open position.
Claims29
A multi-axis hinge arrangement comprising
- a first hinge part;
- a second hinge part;
- at least two connecting arms spaced a distance apart, each said connecting arm being substantially torsionally stiff;
- and
- bending regions connecting each of said connecting arms to each of said first hinge part and said second hinge part;
- at least one of said first hinge part and said second hinge part including,
- a resilient area operating as an energy storage region located remotely from said bending regions, for storing energy imparted by said connecting arms when said hinge is actuated, and
- transmitting regions intermediate at least one said bending region and said resilient area, and immediately contacting said bending region, said transmitting regions transmitting force supplied by said bending region by actuation of said hinge to said resilient area.
A resilient hinge arrangement, comprising:
- a first hinge part;
- a second hinge part assuming at least two stable pivoting positions with respect to said first hinge part;
- said second hinge part being arranged to pivotably move between said at least two stable pivoting positions in an elastically resilient manner;
- first and second flexible connecting arms spaced a distance apart and being substantially flexurally rigid;
- and
- bending regions connecting said substantially flexurally rigid connecting arms to said first and second hinge parts;
- at least one of said first and second hinge parts including,
- first and second coupling areas connected movably to said connecting arms through said bending regions, and
- one or more resilient areas connected to the first and second flexible coupling elements but spaced away from said bending regions to absorb resilient energy or flex therefrom and increase the force driving the first and second hinge parts to one of said at least two stable positions.
A multi-axis hinge arrangement comprising
- a first hinge part;
- a second hinge part;
- at least two connecting arms spaced a distance apart, each said connecting arm being substantially torsionally stiff, and
- bending regions connecting each of said connecting arms to each of said first hinge part and said second hinge part;
- the geometrical relationship between said first and second hinge parts and said connecting arms providing at least two stable hinge positions that are substantially strain free, said hinge arrangement when disposed other than in said stable hinge positions, developing forces at said bending regions which are resiliently absorbed by resilient areas in said connecting arms.
A method of imparting a snap action to a multi-axis hinge arrangement including a first hinge part and a second hinge part separated by at least two connecting arms spaced a distance apart, each said connecting arm being substantially torsionally stiff, and being connected to said first hinge part and said second hinge part by bending regions, comprising the steps of:
- providing a resilient energy storage region remotely located from said connecting arms as part of at least one of said first and second hinge parts for storing energy imparted by said bending regions when said hinge is actuated;
- and
- transmitting force from said bending regions to said resilient energy storage region over transmitting regions located immediately adjacent to said bending regions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.