Patent ID: 9644412
Date: 2017-05-09
CPC Classifications: E05D,E05Y,G06F,H04M,Y10T

Claim:
1. A hinge assembly having variable friction torque, the hinge assembly comprising: an elongated element having an elongated element surface extending generally along a longitudinal axis; at least one torque element positioned along the elongated element surface for rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis, the at least one torque element having end portions, a torque element surface extending between the end portions, a first condition in which at least a portion of the torque element surface is in friction contact with the elongated element surface and the torque element is in compressive engagement with the elongated element for friction resistance to rotation, and a second condition in which the compressive engagement with the elongated element and the friction resistance to rotation is reduced or eliminated; and at least one actuator between the end portions of the torque element and coupled for movement with respect to the at least one torque element, the at least one actuator being configured to change the friction torque generated between the elongated element and the at least one torque element, the at least one actuator having an actuator surface positioned to contact at least one of the end portions of the at least one torque element and to change the distance between the end portions of the at least one torque element and thereby move the at least one torque element toward the first condition or the second condition, thus changing frictional resistance to rotation of the at least one torque element with respect to the elongated element, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a cam positioned for rotation with respect to the at least one torque element, the actuator surface being a cam surface contacting at least one of the end portions of the at least one torque element, wherein rotation of the cam with respect to the at least one torque element changes the distance between the end portions of the at least one torque element, thus changing frictional resistance to rotation of the at least one torque element with respect to the elongated element.