Patent ID: 7475945
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
1. A hinge mechanism designed to enable two elements to be adjusted angularly relative to each other, said hinge mechanism comprising: first and second rigid connection members mounted to pivot relative to each other around an axis of rotation and designed to be connected to respective ones of the two elements to be adjusted, each of said first and second connection members having at least first and second locking bearing surfaces that are circular and that face radially, the first and second locking bearing surfaces being superposed in adjacent and distinct planes that are perpendicular to the pivot axis; a plurality of similar rigid slugs distributed angularly about the pivot axis and disposed facing said first and second locking bearing surfaces, each slug including a first locking shoe adapted to come into engagement with the first locking bearing surface only, and a second locking shoe adapted to come into engagement with the second locking bearing surface only, said first and second locking shoes being offset angularly relative to each other about the pivot axis, the first locking shoe being disposed in the same plane as the first locking bearing surface and the second locking shoe being disposed in the same plane as the second locking bearing surface; and a control device adapted to move each slug for selectively locking and releasing the first and second connection members relative to each other, by selectively putting said first and second connection members in engagement with said first and second locking bearing surfaces; wherein the first locking shoe of one of the slugs is superposed at least in part on the second locking shoe of at least an adjacent slug.