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:
Aug. 13, 1996
Filed:
Oct. 20, 1993
Armand F Amelio, New Milford, CT (US);
David N Susek, Monroe, CT (US);
United Technologies Corporation, Hartford, CT (US);
Abstract
An aircraft duplex hinge assembly (10 or 10') configured for use in aircraft, especially helicopters, having a compound curvature airframe (130) configuration wherein the edges of access panels (100) and the corresponding airframe apertures have a beveled configuration. The duplex hinge assembly (10 or 10') includes dual hinge mechanisms (20) and a latching mechanism (50) to deactivate the duplex hinge mechanism (10) with the access panel (100) in the closed position. The dual hinge mechanisms (20) include a primary mounting bracket (22) secured in combination with the airframe (130), a secondary mounting bracket (24) secured in combination with the access panel (100), and an interconnecting member (26) having a straight segment (30), an arcuate segment (32), and a protective flat segment (34). The straight and protective flat segments (30, 34) are mounted in rotatable combination with the primary and secondary mounting brackets (22, 24), respectively, and the protective flat segment (34) protects the access panel (100) from damage during opening and closing. One embodiment of the duplex hinge assembly (10) further includes an aft locking subassembly (40) that functions as the primary means for maintaining the access panel (100) in the closed position. Another embodiment of the duplex hinge assembly (10') includes a stabilizing member (60) secured in combination with the interconnecting members (26) and operative to stabilize the hinge mechanisms (20) and the access panel during opening and closing sequencing. Optionally, either embodiment of the duplex hinge assembly (10 or 10') may include a panel support assembly (70) that is operative to support and maintain the access panel (100) in a partially or fully open position.