Patent ID: 6601637
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: E05D,E05Y,E06B,Y10T

Abstract:
A hinge, comprising: a first relatively small hinge member having a generally c-shaped configuration of relatively small dimension in a plane transverse to the length of the first hinge member and a mating, second relatively large hinge member having a generally c-shaped configuration of relatively large dimension in a plane transverse to the length of the second hinge member;the first and second hinge members each comprising continuous first, second and third sections; the first and second sections of the first and second hinge members being substantially continuous curved sections of different curvature and the third section being a substantially planar lip; the continuous first, second and third sections of the first and second hinge members forming an associated generally c-configured cavity and the first and third sections having respective outer ends defining an opening therebetween into the associated cavity; the first section of the relatively large second hinge member being substantially entirely within and protruding into the associated cavity defined by the second hinge member, for engaging the first section of the mating, relatively small first hinge member as the hinge members pivot from a first limit of pivotal movement toward a second limit of pivotal movement, thereby shifting the outside surface of the relatively small first hinge member against the inner surface including the third, lip section of the relatively large second hinge member and capturing the relatively small first hinge member within the relatively large second hinge member; and the orientation of the curvature of the first section of the second hinge member being opposite the orientation of the curvature of the first and second sections of the first hinge member and of the second section of the second hinge member; and the relative dimensions of the radii rxy associated with the first and second sections being r11>r22>r12>r21, wherein x=1, 2 represents the first and second sections, and y=1, 2 represents the first and second hinge members; whereby at one limit of pivotal movement of the hinge the inner surface of the first hinge member is captured against the inner surface including the lip of the second hinge member and at the opposite limit of pivotal movement the outside surface of the first hinge member is captured against the inner surface including the lip of the second hinge member.