Patent ID: 6158088
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: B64G,Y10T

Abstract:
A deployable hinge assembly comprising:a first hinge member;a second hinge member;means for pivotally connecting said first and second hinge members together about an axis of rotation such that said second hinge member is rotatable from an over lapping position with said first hinge member to an inline position therewith;an over center latch mechanism coupled to said first and second hinge members for moving said second hinge member from said over lapping position to said inline position and locking said second hinge member in said inline position upon activation, said over center latch mechanism configured such that the deployment torque produced thereby when approaching said inline position is increased;biasing means coupled to both said over center latch mechanism and said second hinge member for activating said over center latch mechanism moving said second hinge member from said over lapping position to said inline position; andattenuation means for absorbing forces generated by said biasing means as said second hinge member approaches said inline position.