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:
May. 02, 2006
Filed:
Apr. 13, 2004
Edward Rude, Columbia, MD (US);
Edward Rude, Columbia, MD (US);
Torqmaster, Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
An improved friction hinge assembly is provided. The friction hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft and a band having a circular spring portion for defining an opening in which the shaft is rotatably inserted in order to provide frictional torque between the shaft and the band spring portion. The band also includes a substantially flat tail portion having at least one edge. A reinforcing rib is disposed against at least one edge of said band tail portion in response to the shaft being inserted within the spring portion opening. The rib prevents flexing of said tail portion when said spring portion of said band rotates relative said shaft. Such flexing is prevented even if said shaft is at least partially retracted from within the spring portion opening by locking the reinforcing rib in position.