The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 19, 1995
Filed:
Jan. 31, 1994
John F Whalen, Macomb, MI (US);
Fisher Dynamics Corporation, St. Clair Shores, MI (US);
Abstract
An inertia sensitive hinge mechanism allows rotation of a first hinge member relative to a second hinge member about a pivot during normal use and prevents rotation about the pivot when predetermined deceleration forces are present. The inertia sensing latching assembly includes an inertial actuator operatively connected to and rotatable with respect to the second hinge member. The inertial actuator includes first and second cam surfaces and a wedging surface located therebetween. The inertial actuator has a center of gravity spaced from a center of rotation. A first positioning device connected to the first hinge member positions the inertial actuator by sliding engagement with the first cam surface as the first hinge member rotates in an opposite direction when the predetermined forces are not present. A second positioning device connected to the first hinge member positions the inertial actuator by sliding engagement with the second cam surface as the first hinge member further rotates in the opposite direction when the predetermined deceleration forces are not present. When the deceleration forces are present, the first hinge member initially rotates in the opposite direction, and the inertial actuator is positioned by the predetermined deceleration forces such that the wedging surface engages the second positioning device preventing further rotation of the first hinge member in the opposite direction.