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:
Sep. 24, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 21, 2000
Steven O. Cummins, Mansfield, OH (US);
Jeffrey D. Habegger, Wadsworth, OH (US);
Mansfield Assemblies Co., Mansfield, OH (US);
Abstract
A hinge assembly includes a claw and a channel pivotably connected to the claw at a first pivot point so that the channel is adapted for movement on an arc in a first direction from a first operative position to a second operative position. The channel is also adapted for movement on the arc in a second direction opposite the first direction. First and second link stops are connected to the channel, and a link assembly is operably interconnected between the claw and the channel. The link assembly, itself, includes: (i) a link member defining first and second opposite contact surfaces and first and second opposite ends, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to the claw; and, (ii) a coil spring having a first end connected to the second end of said link member and a second end connected to the channel adjacent a second end of the channel. The link member is movably positioned relative to the first and second link stops and moves toward the first end of said channel when the channel is moved in the first direction from the first operative position to the second operative position. The first and second contact surfaces of the link member engage the first and second link stops, respectively, when the channel is in the second operative position, and this prevents movement of the channel in the first direction beyond the second operative position.