Hinged assembly locking system
OwnerLaren K. Huntsman, Thomas S. Martininventors
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Abstract
A hinge locking system comprising: (a) a first component; (b) a second component relating to the first component; (c) at least one hinge system pivotally coupling the first and second components together, such that at least one of the first and second components is rotatable between a starting and ending or an open and closed position; and (d) means for locking the hinge system, wherein the means may be selectively actuated to support the first and second components in one of a plurality of desired positions relative to one another and anywhere within their range of motion. In an exemplary embodiment, means for locking comprises a ratchet system, such as a ratchet clutch that provides one or two-way locking of the hinge system.
Claims27
A hinge locking system comprising:
- a first hinged component;
- a second hinged component relating to said first hinged component;
- a hinge system, independent of said first and second hinged components, said hinge system being configured to pivotally couple said first and second hinged components together, such that at least one of said first and second hinged components is rotatable relative to the other within a range between 0 and 360°;
- and
- means for locking said hinge system, said means for locking configured to be selectively actuated anywhere within said range to positively lock said first and second hinged components in a desired position relative to one another, said means for locking also being configured to be selectively actuated anywhere within said range to positively unlock said first and second hinged components to permit free rotation thereof.
A vehicle hinged closure locking system comprising:
- a closure on a vehicle configured to selectively transition between an open and shut position;
- a receiver configured to receive said vehicle closure when shut;
- at least one hinge assembly pivotally coupling said closure to said receiver;
- a clutch locking system operably coupled to said hinge assembly, said clutch locking system configured to be selectively actuated anywhere within a range of motion to positively lock and support said closure in one of a plurality of desired positions relative to said receiver, said locking system also configured to be selectively actuated anywhere within said range of motion to unlock and to permit free rotation of said closure.
A method for locking a hinged component in a desired position within its range of motion comprising:
- obtaining a hinged assembly comprising first and second components coupled together by one or more hinge systems having a hinged axis, said hinge system configured to locate said first and second components in a plurality of positions relative to one another;
- providing a hinge lock mechanism operable with said hinged assembly, said hinge lock mechanism being configured to be selectively actuated to positively lock and unlock said first and second components anywhere within a range of motion of said hinged assembly;
- locating at least one of said first and second components in a desired position relative to the other and anywhere within their range of motion;
- actuating said hinge lock mechanism, said hinge lock mechanism functioning to support said first and second components in said desired position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.