Patent ID: 11898387
Assignee: SOUTHCO, INC.
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E | IPC E

Claim 27:
28. A hinged system comprising:
a first component;
a second component; and
a hinge system including preassembled hinge modules that couple the first component to the second component in a pivot connection so as to allow pivotal movement of the first component relative to the second component, each of the preassembled hinge modules including:
a shaft defining a pivot axis;
a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, the torque element having a perimeter defining a recess; and
a housing having a cover, a rear wall, and a side wall, wherein the housing defines an interior space enclosed within the housing, and the interior space is configured to receive the torque element, wherein the side wall of the housing comprises a rounded detent or protrusion extending into the interior space within the housing, the detent or protrusion being configured to secure the torque element inside the housing and limit rotation of the torque element relative to the housing;
wherein the cover defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, with the shaft extending through at least the first aperture, the interior space of the housing, and the second aperture;
wherein the shaft is mounted to the first component; and
wherein the housing is mounted to the second component.