Hinge assembly for lid of container

A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a lid to a receptacle of a container, comprises a first hinge half including a convex edge portion, and a second hinge half pivotally connected to the first hinge half for pivotable movement between a flattened position and a folded position of the hinge assembly. The second hinge half includes a concave nesting depression nestably engaging the convex edge portion of the first hinge half in the folded position of the hinge assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hinge assemblies in general, and more particularly to a hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a lid to a receptacle of a container.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, insulated containers, such as coolers for cold drinks or the like, are well known in the art. Typical insulated containers include a box-like receptacle and a lid mounted thereon and pivotable between open and closed positions. The insulated containers further include hinge assemblies connecting the lid to the receptacle for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. Hinge assemblies are known for pivotally connecting the lid to receptacle of insulated containers. Hinge assemblies are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,696,412 and 3,962,750.

While hinge assemblies for containers, including but not limited to those discussed above, have proven to be acceptable for typical applications and conditions, improvements that may enhance their performance and cost are possible.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a lid to a receptacle of a container.

The hinge assembly according to the present invention comprises a first hinge half including a convex edge portion, and a second hinge half pivotally connected to the first hinge half for pivotable movement between a flattened position and a folded position of the hinge assembly. The second hinge half includes a concave nesting depression nestably engaging the convex edge portion of the first hinge half in the folded position of the hinge assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “front,” “rear,” “upper”, “lower”, “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion and to the orientation relative to a vehicle body. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. Additionally, the word “a” as used in the claims means “at least one”.

The present invention is related to an insulated container, such as a cooler for cold drinks or the like, generally denoted by reference numeral10(as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6). The container10preferably has relatively hard inner and outer plastic shells with suitable insulating material therebetween, such as polyurethane. The container10includes a box-like receptacle12and a lid14mounted thereon and pivotable between open and closed positions. At least two hinge assemblies extends between a rear edge of the receptacle12and a rear edge of the lid14for connecting the lid14to the receptacle12for pivotal movement.

FIGS. 1-3Bof the drawings illustrate a hinge assembly16according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hinge assemblies16, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are identical. Each of the hinge assemblies16includes a pair of inter-fitting first (or upper) and second (or lower) hinge halves18and20, respectively. Specifically, the first (or upper) hinge half18is fixedly secured to the lid14, while the second (or lower) hinge half20is fixedly secured to the receptacle12of the container10.

The hinge halves18and20are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge pin19so as to be pivotable about a hinge axis17between a flattened position (as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B) and a folded position (as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B). In other words, the hinge halves18and20of the hinge assembly16are in the flattened position when the lid14of the container10is in the closed position (as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2A and 2B). Similarly, the hinge halves18and20of the hinge assembly16are in the folded position when the lid14of the container10is in the open position. The hinge assembly16is secured by hinge screws22(best shown inFIG. 1) to the container10. The hinge pin19is coaxial with the hinge axis17.

The hinge halves18and20may be formed of a suitable molded, self-lubricating, non-corrosive plastic material, such as nylon, styrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or reinforced plastic, while the hinge pin19may be made of stainless steel. The hinge halves18and20, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are formed of the acetal plastic material, which is self-lubricating on the hinge pin made of the 304 stainless steel. The acetal plastic material is also food grade, non-corrosive and offers UV protection.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 2A-3B, the first hinge half18comprises a first hinge leaf24and a plurality of first hinge knuckles30. The first hinge leaf24has a plurality of openings26extending therethrough for receiving the hinge screws22or other customary fasteners for attaching the first hinge half18to the lid14. The hinge assemblies16are designed to replace factory installed hinges on containers, such as coolers, made by various manufacturers. Thus, in order to accommodate the containers of different models and/or made by various manufacturers, each of the openings26is in the form of a number “8” and comprises two circular holes each provided for receiving the hinge screws22. The first hinge leaf24also has a planar inner surface27configured to engage the rear edge of the lid14and a substantially planar outer surface28.

As further illustrated inFIGS. 2A-3B, the second hinge half20comprises a second hinge leaf32and a plurality of second hinge knuckles38. The second hinge leaf32has a plurality of openings33extending therethrough for receiving the hinge screws22or other customary fasteners for attaching the second hinge half20to the receptacle12. Similarly to the first hinge leaf24, each of the openings33is in the form of a number “8” and comprises two circular holes each provided for receiving the hinge screws22. The second hinge leaf32also has a planar inner surface34configured to engage the rear edge of the receptacle12and a substantially planar outer surface36. The first and second hinge leaves24and32, respectively, can be identical or different from each other.

The first hinge knuckles30are integrally molded with the first hinge leaf24so as to radially extend from an inner edge24iof the first hinge leaf24. Moreover, each of the first hinge knuckles30has a passage31therethrough coaxial with the hinge axis17. Similarly, the second hinge knuckles38are integrally molded with the second hinge leaf32so as to radially extend from an inner edge32iof the second hinge leaf32. Each of the second hinge knuckles38has a passage39therethrough coaxial with the hinge axis17when assembled, as best shown inFIG. 2A. The relative terms such as “axially” and “radially” are with respect to orientations parallel to and perpendicular to the hinge axis17, respectively.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, the first and second hinge knuckles30and38, respectively, are axially spaced apart and, when assembled, inter-fit to provide a substantially continuous passageway for receiving the hinge pin19. Although the first hinge half18is illustrated as comprising three first hinge knuckles30and the second hinge half20is illustrated as comprising two second hinge knuckles38, it will be apparent that the number and placement of the hinge knuckles is subject to modification.

The first hinge leaf24of the first hinge half18is formed with a convex edge portion40, while the second hinge leaf32of the second hinge half20includes a concave nesting depression42.

The convex edge portion40has a convex surface44including a tip (or apex)46thereof. In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apex46continuously extends a full length LEof the convex surface44of the convex edge portion40and is oriented substantially parallel to the hinge axis17. As shown inFIGS. 4B and 4D, the convex surface44of the edge portion40extends between the first hinge knuckles30and the outer surface28of the first hinge leaf24.

In turn, the concave nesting depression42has a concave surface48extending a length LD1of the concave nesting depression42and is oriented substantially parallel to the hinge axis17. As shown inFIGS. 5B and 5D, the concave surface48of the nesting depression42extends between the second hinge knuckles38and the outer surface36of the second hinge leaf32. Specifically, the concave surface48extends between the inner edge32iof the second hinge leaf32and an outer edge50of the nesting depression42.

In operation, when the lid14of the container10is lifted and opened, and the hinge assembly16is pivotally moved from the flattened position to the folded position thereof, the convex surface44of the convex edge portion40of the upper hinge half18pivots and nestably engages the concave surface48of the nesting depression42of the lower hinge half20along a full length thereof, resulting in an extremely high strength due to full body nesting, positive stop, self-resting locating with a pre-determined angle δ of restraint.

Therefore, the nesting depression42of the lower hinge half20functions as a positive stop for the upper hinge half18of the hinge assembly16. The resulting pre-determined angle δ creates an opening angle of the lid14that limits the pressure on the hinge screws22. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the resulting pre-determined angle δ is 100°-110°.

Moreover, each of the first hinge knuckles30has an outer surface forming an eccentric cam surface52including at an apex54. The apex54forms a high point of the cam surface52, i.e., the point on the cam surface52farthest from the hinge axis17. The distance between the hinge axis17and the cam surface52is less than the distance between the hinge axis17and an inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20for the whole length of the cam surface52except the apex54. In other words, the distance between the hinge axis17and the apex54of the first hinge knuckle30is more than the distance between the hinge axis17and an inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20.

Therefore, upon an upward swinging of the lid14from a closed horizontal position resulting from an upward force, the cam surfaces52of the first hinge knuckles30engage the inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20at the apex54of the eccentric cam surface52, which restrains the opening movement of the lid14. In order for the lid14to be opened, sufficient opening force must be applied to the lid14so that t the apex54of the cam surface52slides over the inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20. The amount of opening force required may be predetermined by the amount of resilience formed in the inner side surface56iand the amount of eccentricity of the apex54.

Likewise, upon pivoting movement to the full open position shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20is past the apex54and the apex54resists pivoting movement of the lid14to a closed position. The amount of closing force required is likewise determined by the amount of resilience in the inner side surface56iand the height or eccentricity of the apex54of the cam surface52. The hinge assembly16of the present invention provides a snap-like latching action adjacent the fully opened and closed positions of the lid14with the apex54acting as a latch member against the adjacent inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20.

Similarly, each of the second hinge knuckles38has an outer surface forming an eccentric cam surface60including at an apex62. The apex62forms a high point of the cam surface60, i.e., the point on the cam surface60farthest from the hinge axis17. The distance between the hinge axis17and the cam surface60is less than the distance between the hinge axis17and an inner side surface58iof the first hinge half18for the whole length of the cam surface60except the apex62. In other words, the distance between the hinge axis17and the apex62of the second hinge knuckle38is more than the distance between the hinge axis17and the inner side surface58iof the first hinge half18. The second hinge knuckles38functions similarly in conjunction with the inner side surface58iof the first hinge half18, as the first hinge knuckles30functions in conjunction with the inner side surface56iof the second hinge half20.

FIGS. 6-12Dof the drawings illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a hinge assembly, generally depicted by the reference character116. In the interest of brevity, components, which are unchanged from the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention and are discussed above in connection withFIGS. 1-5D, are labeled with the same reference characters and are not further elaborated upon below, except to the extent necessary or useful to explain the additional embodiments ofFIGS. 6-12D. Modified components and parts, which function in the same way as in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIGS. 1-5D, are designated by the same reference numerals to some of which 100 has been added, sometimes without being described in detail since similarities between the corresponding parts in the two embodiments will be readily perceived by the reader.

The hinge assemblies116, according to the second exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are identical. Each of the hinge assemblies116includes a pair of inter-fitting first (or upper) and second (or lower) hinge halves118and120, respectively. The hinge halves118and120are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge pin19and secured by hinge screws22to the container10. The hinge halves18and20are pivotally connected to each other by the hinge pin19so as to be pivotable between a flattened position (as illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B) and a folded position (as illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B).

The hinge halves118and120may be formed of a suitable molded, self-lubricating, non-corrosive plastic material, such as nylon, styrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or reinforced plastic. The hinge halves118and120, according to the second exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are formed of the acetal plastic material, which is self-lubricating on the hinge pin made of the 304 stainless steel. The acetal plastic material is also food grade, non-corrosive and offers UV protection.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 7A-8B and 11A-11B, the first hinge half118comprises a first hinge leaf124and a plurality of first hinge knuckles130. The first hinge leaf124has a plurality of openings126extending therethrough for receiving the hinge screws22or other customary fasteners for attaching the first hinge half118to the lid14. The hinge assemblies116are designed to replace factory installed hinges on containers, such as coolers, made by various manufacturers. The first hinge leaf124also has a planar inner surface127configured to engage the rear edge of the lid14and an outer surface128.

As further illustrated inFIGS. 7A-8B and 12A-12B, the second hinge half120comprises a second hinge leaf132and a plurality of second hinge knuckles138. The second hinge leaf132has a plurality of openings133extending therethrough for receiving the hinge screws22or other customary fasteners for attaching the second hinge half120to the receptacle12. The second hinge leaf132also has a planar inner surface134configured to engage the rear edge of the receptacle12and an outer surface136.

The first hinge knuckles130are integrally molded with the first hinge leaf124so as to extend from an inner edge124iof the first hinge leaf24(shown inFIG. 11B). Moreover, each of the first hinge knuckles130has a passage131therethrough defining a hinge axis17. Similarly, the second hinge knuckles138are integrally molded with the second hinge leaf132so as to extend from an inner edge132iof the second hinge leaf132(shown inFIG. 12B). Each of the second hinge knuckles138has a passage139therethrough coaxial with the hinge axis17when assembled, as best shown inFIG. 7A.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7A, 8A, 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B, the first and second hinge knuckles130and138, respectively, are axially spaced apart and, when assembled, inter-fit to provide a substantially continuous passageway for receiving the hinge pin19. Although the first hinge half118is illustrated as comprising three first hinge knuckles130and the second hinge half120is illustrated as comprising two second hinge knuckles138, it will be apparent that the number and placement of the hinge knuckles is subject to modification.

The first hinge leaf124of the first hinge half118is formed with a convex edge portion140, while the second hinge leaf132of the second hinge half120includes a concave nesting depression142.

The convex edge portion140has a convex surface144including a tip (or apex)146thereof. In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apex146extends substantially a full length LE2of the convex surface144of the convex edge portion140and is oriented substantially parallel to the hinge axis17.

In turn, the concave nesting depression142has a concave surface148extending a length LD2and is oriented substantially parallel to the hinge axis17. As shown inFIGS. 12B and 12D, the concave surface148of the nesting depression142extends between the second hinge knuckles138and the outer surface136of the second hinge leaf32. Specifically, the concave surface148extends between the inner edge132iof the second hinge leaf132and an outer edge150of the nesting depression142.

In operation, when the lid14of the container10is lifted and opened, and the hinge assembly116is pivotally moved from the flattened position to the folded position thereof, the convex surface144of the edge portion140of the upper hinge half118pivots and nestably engages the concave surface148of the nesting depression142of the lower hinge half120along a full length thereof, resulting in an extremely high strength due to full body nesting, positive stop, self-resting locating with a pre-determined angle δ of restraint.

Therefore, the nesting depression142of the lower hinge half120functions as a positive stop for the upper hinge half118of the hinge assembly116. The resulting pre-determined angle δ creates an opening angle of the lid114that limits the pressure on the hinge screws22. According to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the resulting pre-determined angle δ2is about 70°-80°.

Moreover, each of the first hinge knuckles130has an outer surface forming an eccentric cam surface152including at an apex154. The apex154forms a high point of the cam surface152, i.e., the point on the cam surface152farthest from the hinge axis17. The distance between the hinge axis17and the cam surface152is less than the distance between the hinge axis17and an inner side surface156iof the second hinge half120for the whole length of the cam surface152except the apex154. In other words, the distance between the hinge axis17and the apex154of the first hinge knuckle130is more than the distance between the hinge axis117and an inner side surface156iof the second hinge half120.

Therefore, upon an upward swinging of the lid14from a closed horizontal position resulting from an upward force, the cam surfaces152of the first hinge knuckles130engage the inner side surface156iof the second hinge half20at the apex154of the eccentric cam surface152, which restrains the opening movement of the lid14. In order for the lid14to be opened, sufficient opening force must be applied to the lid14so that t the apex154of the cam surface152slides over the inner side surface156iof the second hinge half120. The amount of opening force required may be predetermined by the amount of resilience formed in the inner side surface156iand the amount of eccentricity of the apex154.

Likewise, upon pivoting movement to the full open position shown inFIGS. 8A, 8B, 9 and 10, the inner side surface156iof the second hinge half120is past the apex154and the apex154resists pivoting movement of the lid14to a closed position. The amount of closing force required is likewise determined by the amount of resilience in the inner side surface156iand the height or eccentricity of the apex154of the cam surface152. The hinge assembly116of the present invention provides a snap-like latching action adjacent the fully opened and closed positions of the lid14with the apex154acting as a latch member against the adjacent inner side surface156iof the second hinge half120.

Similarly, each of the second hinge knuckles138has an outer surface forming an eccentric cam surface160including at an apex162. The apex162forms a high point of the cam surface160, i.e., the point on the cam surface160farthest from the hinge axis17. The distance between the hinge axis17and the cam surface160is less than the distance between the hinge axis17and an inner side surface158iof the first hinge half118for the whole length of the cam surface160except the apex162. In other words, the distance between the hinge axis17and the apex162of the second hinge knuckle138is more than the distance between the hinge axis17and the inner side surface158iof the first hinge half118. The second hinge knuckles138functions similarly in conjunction with the inner side surface158iof the first hinge half118, as the first hinge knuckles130functions in conjunction with the inner side surface156iof the second hinge half120.

The hinge assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages over the conventional practice in the art: high strength and full body nesting, positive stop, self resting, controlled motion, pre-determined angle restraint, self lubrication, UV protective acetal injection molded material, food grade, corrosion resistance.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosen in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are followed. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is also intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the claims appended thereto.