Patent Publication Number: US-10316561-B2

Title: Playless hinge system with releasable hinge pin

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to hinges and more particularly relates to hinges that reduce play, periodic motion and abrasive and rotational abrasion on a hinge with bearings and pins having a smooth outer surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     Hinges are well-known in the art and operable to support a door for opening and closing in a pivoting motion. Broadly speaking, the hinge is a type of bearing that connects two solid objects, allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. Two objects connected by an ideal hinge rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation. 
     In many instances, there are various types of hinges used to connect a door separating two rooms, or the open part of a piece of furniture, with the respective jamb in such a way that the door or open furniture part can rotate about an ideal axis of rotation to provide access to the space on the other side of the door. 
     Often, hinges comprise two fastening members. One of the members can be recessed in the door or open furniture part, for example in the outer edge of it, and the other member can be recessed in the jamb. The members are joined to each other by a connecting device, such as arms which are articulated to varying degrees, which allows them to move relative to each other between two limit positions corresponding to the open and closed positions of the door or open furniture part. 
     An axial load is a force administered along the lines of an axis. It is also commonly used to describe a specific strength of materials known as their uniaxial compressive or tensile strength and also to find the variation of their strength with increasing confining pressure. A bookcase can have heavy doors and books that place a heavy axial force on the hinges. 
     Often, the axial load can cause a hinge to sag and deform after a duration. If the load is heavy enough, such as in a bookcase door carrying books, the hinges may deteriorate, forming spaces between the pivoting members. This extra space can cause vibrations and abrasive wear on the hinge components. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional hinges having weak structural integrity and threaded outer surfaces as connecting arms are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches to dampening the periodic motions and abrasive wear in the hinge, especially the bookcase hinge. 
     SUMMARY 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a dampening hinge system that suppresses periodic motions and abrasive wear on a hinge supporting an axial load. The present invention applies various components in novel ways to achieve this. In some embodiments, the connector arms for the hinge system may include bearings, smooth outer surfaces, and tight fittings to help suppress the periodic motions and abrasive wear. Additionally, adjustable mounting apertures provide flexibility during mounting, which reduces stress on the hinge system. 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention provides: a hinge for reducing a periodic motion while supporting an axial load, the hinge comprising: a first hinge member configured to at least partially support an axial load, and rotatable to move a door between an open position and a closed position, the first hinge member comprising a first jamb member disposed to attach to one of a door and a jamb, the first jamb member defining a first jamb hinge aperture, the first jamb member further defining a plurality of first jamb mounting apertures configured to enable passage of at least one fastener for fastening the first hinge assembly to one of the jamb and the door, wherein at least one of the first jamb mounting apertures having a noncircular cross section for enabling adjustable mounting of the first hinge member, wherein a periodic motion is at least partially reduced by the adjustable mounting, a second hinge member configured to cooperate with the first hinge member and having a common longitudinal axis so that the first and second hinge members are rotatable to move the door between the open position and the closed position, wherein the second hinge member comprises a second jamb member disposed to attach to one of a door and the jamb, the second hinge member defining a second jamb hinge aperture, the second jamb hinge aperture comprising a jamb slot adapted to enable passage of a releasable hinge pin for fastening the second hinge member to the first hinge member, wherein first hinge member and second hinge member are adapted to enable passage of the releasable hinge pin, the releasable hinge pin comprising: a depressible, spring-loaded button protruding upwardly from a proximal top end of the hinge pin, the depressible, spring-loaded button adapted to retract two latch pins protruding laterally from a cylindrical body of the hinge pin. 
     The door and the jamb may be configured for a bookcase. The axial force may comprise a weight of the bookcase and at least one item in the bookcase. The periodic motion may comprise excessive spacing and vibrations between the first hinge member and the second hinge member. 
     The noncircular cross section may enables a vertical adjustment during mounting. The axial load arm may be configured to support up to a three hundred pound load. 
     A second hinge for reducing a periodic motion while supporting an axial load is also provided, the hinge system comprising: a first jamb member defining a first jamb hinge aperture, the first jamb hinge adapted to enable passage of a releasable hinge pin; a second jamb member defining a second jamb hinge aperture, the second jamb hinge adapted to enable passage of a releasable hinge pin; a releasable hinge pin, the releasable hinge pin comprising: a depressible, spring-loaded button protruding upwardly from a proximal top end of the hinge pin, the depressible, spring-loaded button adapted to retract two latch pins into a cylindrical body of the hinge pin; wherein the hinge is configured to at least partially support an axial load, and rotatable to move a door between an open position and a closed position. 
     A third hinge for reducing a periodic motion while supporting an axial load is also provided, the hinge system comprising: a first jamb member defining a first jamb hinge aperture, the first jamb hinge adapted to enable passage of a releasable hinge pin; a second jamb member defining a second jamb hinge aperture, the second jamb hinge adapted to enable passage of a releasable hinge pin; a releasable hinge pin, the releasable hinge pin comprising: a depressible, spring-loaded button protruding upwardly from a proximal top end of the hinge pin, the depressible, spring-loaded button adapted to retract two latch pins into a cylindrical body of the hinge pin; wherein the hinge is configured to at least partially support an axial load, and rotatable to move a door between an open position and a closed position. 
     One objective of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate periodic motion, vibration, and excessive space between the members of the first and second hinge assemblies. The tighter, load distributing bearing provides a pivoting motion that also minimizes sagging by the door and potential maintenance problems. 
     Another objective is to provide a cost effective hinge system for bookcases, Murphy Doors™, and invisible doors. These types of doors may carry a heavy axial load and operate to pivot at a slow rotational speed. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D  are various views illustrating an exemplary first hinge assembly, where  FIG. 1A  is a top view of an exemplary first jamb member,  FIG. 1B  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary first jamb member,  FIG. 1C  is a top view of an exemplary first door member, and  FIG. 1D  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary first door member, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 1E and 1F  are various views illustrating a second embodiment of an exemplary first hinge assembly, where  FIG. 1E  is a top side view of an exemplary first jamb member and  FIG. 1F  is a detailed top perspective view of the second embodiment of the exemplary first door member, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D  are various views illustrating an exemplary second hinge assembly, where  FIG. 2A  is a top view of an exemplary second jamb member,  FIG. 2B  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary second jamb member,  FIG. 2C  is a top view of an exemplary second door member, and  FIG. 2D  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary second door member, in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 2E and 2F  are various views illustrating a second embodiment of an exemplary second hinge assembly, where  FIG. 2E  is a top side view of the exemplary second jamb member and  FIG. 2F  is a detailed top perspective view of the second embodiment of the exemplary second door member, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C  are various views illustrating an exemplary lock arm engaging an exemplary second hinge assembly, where  FIG. 3A  is a top view of an exemplary second jamb member having a protruding portion moving between a lock position and a release position,  FIG. 3B  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary second door member, and  FIG. 3C  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary lock arm, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D  illustrate various perspective views of an elongated releasable hinge pin with retractable latch pins; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D  illustrate various perspective views of a shortened releasable hinge pin with retractable latch pins; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a sectioned environmental perspective view of an elongated releasable hinge pin and extraction tool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
       FIGS. 1A to 3C  illustrate various views of an exemplary hinge system  100  with novel components, configurations, and operational positions. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hinge system  100  helps suppress periodic motions and rotational abrasion on a hinged door and jamb. The hinge system  100  may include a bookcase hinge supporting an axial load. The axial load may include the weight from gravity, a door, a bookcase, and any item in the bookcase. The hinge system  100  may serve to support the axial load and dampen or reduce the periodic motions while the door pivots between an open position and a closed position. Increasing the structural capacity and efficiency of the load bearing pivot mechanisms enables the hinge system  100  to perform the reducing functions. 
     The hinge system  100  includes a first and second hinge assembly  102 ,  200  that cooperate along a common longitudinal axis of a door, and position at different elevations on a jamb. The first hinge assembly  102  utilizes an axial load arm  104  having a bearing to dampen the periodic motions and inhibit sagging on the door. A second hinge assembly  200  uses a lock arm  300  having a substantially smooth outer surface to inhibit abrasive wear while pivoting. The lock arm  300  may also have sufficient structural integrity as to help reduce the play or the periodic motions. Each hinge assembly  102 ,  200  may be adjusted during mounting to the jamb and the door. The capacity to adjust the alignment and orientation of the assemblies  102 ,  200  during mounting helps reduce stress on the hinge system  100 , and also aligns the members  102 ,  200  more accurately for enhancing the dampening effect. In this manner, the door may pivot between an open position and a closed position in a smooth, tight pivoting motion, with minimal damage to the hinge system  100 . Suitable materials for the hinge system  100  may include, without limitation, brass, aluminum, steel, iron, metal alloy, wood, and a rigid polymer. 
     As referenced in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D , the hinge system  100  comprises a first hinge assembly  102 . The first hinge assembly  102  forms one of the two hinge assemblies  102 ,  200  that make up the hinge system  100 . The first hinge assembly  102  includes a first jamb member  106  and a first door member  112  that pivotally join through an axial load arm  104 . The first jamb member  106  and the first door member  112  may be similar, comprising substantially planar brackets having differently sized and positioned apertures for receiving the axial load arm  104 , and for mounting to the jamb or door. In essence, the first hinge assembly  102  comprises two members, or brackets that pivot in relation to each other. The two members may include the first jamb member  106  that fastens to the jamb, and the first door member  112  that fastens to the door. 
     In some embodiments, the first jamb member  106  may be configured to mount to the jamb. The jamb may include a frame on a bookcase, a doorjamb, and a cabinet frame. The first jamb member  106  includes a first jamb hinge aperture  108  for receiving the axial load arm  104  and enabling rotation of the first hinge assembly  102 . The axial load arm  104 , in the form of a bearing, provides enhanced structural support for the axial load and inhibits movement between the members. In this manner, periodic motion, excess spacing, play, vibrations, or abrasive deterioration in the first hinge assembly  102  during operation and while supporting the door may be dampened. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the thrust bearing is efficacious for supporting heavier axial loads and slow rotational movement, such as found in a bookcase. In one embodiment, the axial load arm  104  may support an axial load of at least three hundred pounds. 
     The axial load arm  104  may include a bearing, such as a ball thrust bearing to rotatably connect the different members. However in other embodiments, the bearing may include, without limitation, a spherical roller thrust bearing, a cylindrical roller thrust bearing, a tapered thrust bearing, and a needle thrust bearing. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the axial load is more efficiently supported on the axial load arm  104  in the form of a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the axial load transfers to a bearing outer race. The axial load on the bearing outer race transfers to a spherical ball inside the bearing outer race. The axial force on the spherical ball transfers to a bearing inner race. This transfer of loads results in a more evenly distributed axial load on the hinge system  100 . In one embodiment, the bearing may include a thrust bearing that supports at least three hundred pounds of load, including the case door and any items in the case. The axial load arm  104  may also include a smooth outer surface. The smooth surface enables pivoting of the first hinge assembly  102  and inhibiting abrasive wear on the axial load arm  104 . 
     The first jamb member  106  further includes a plurality of first jamb mounting apertures  110  for adjustably mounting to the jamb. The plurality of first jamb mounting apertures  110  enable at least one fastener to pass through for securing the first jamb member  106  to the jamb. The at least one fastener may include, without limitation, threaded screws, bolts, and nails. The jamb mounting apertures  110  may include both circular, and non-circular cross sections. The non-circular cross section apertures enable fasteners in the members to be adjusted during mounting. The extra space provided by the non-circular apertures during mounting helps inhibit the periodic motions and facilitates installation. In one embodiment, the first jamb member  106  includes five circular jamb mounting apertures, and two non-circular, or slot shaped, jamb mounting apertures ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ). 
     In some embodiments, the first door member  112  may be configured to mount to the door. The door may include, without limitation, a bookcase door, a Murphy Door™, and an invisible door. The first door member  112  includes a first door hinge aperture  114  for receiving the axial load arm  104  and enabling rotation of the first hinge assembly  102 . The axial load arm  104  may pass through the first door hinge aperture  114  and the first jamb hinge aperture  108 , forming a connection that enables the first jamb member  106  and the first door member  112  to pivot in relation to each other. In some embodiments, the first jamb member  106  and the first door member  112  may be pressed together to firmly secure the axial load arm  104  therebetween. This pressing force further reduces periodic motion and extra space between the first jamb member  106  and the first door member  112 . 
     Similar to the first jamb member  106 , the first door member  112  includes a plurality of first door mounting apertures  116  for adjustably mounting to the door. The plurality of first door mounting apertures  116  are positioned to align with the plurality of first jamb mounting apertures  110  ( FIGS. 1C and 1D ). The plurality of first door mounting apertures  116  enable the at least one fastener to pass through the plurality of first door mounting apertures  116  for securing the first door member  112  to the door. The first door mounting apertures  116  may include both circular, and non-circular cross sections. The non-circular cross section apertures enable fasteners in the members  106 ,  112  to be adjusted during mounting. The extra space provided by the non-circular apertures during mounting helps inhibit the periodic motions and facilitates installation. In one embodiment, the first jamb member  106  includes five circular jamb mounting apertures, and two non-circular, or slot shaped jamb mounting apertures. 
       FIGS. 1E and 1F  are various views illustrating a second embodiment of an exemplary first hinge assembly, where  FIG. 1E  is a top side view of an exemplary first hinge member  180  and  FIG. 1F  is a detailed top perspective view of the second embodiment of the exemplary first door member  190 , in accordance with the present invention. 
     The jamb mounting apertures  110  are shown. Unlike the first embodiment  100 , the hinge member  180  defines a first hinge member aperture  182  similar to the first jamb hinge aperture  108 . The hinge member  180  defines an aperture  182 , or passageway, through which a hinge pin (further described below) traverses. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , similar in most regards, except for the connecting arm and the height of elevation, a second hinge assembly  200  comprises two members, or brackets that pivot in relation to each other. The two members include the second jamb member  202  that fastens to the jamb, and the second door member  210  that fastens to the door. The lock arm  300  along with the second adjustable mounting apertures  208 ,  214  provide the substantial part of the novelty for reducing the play or periodic motion and abrasive wear between the second jamb member  202  and the second door member  210 . In this manner, at least partial elimination of periodic motion, vibration, and excessive space between the second jamb member  202  and the second door member  210  may be realized. The tighter pivot that this invention offers may also minimize sagging by the door and potential maintenance problems. 
     The second jamb member  202  may be configured to mount to the jamb, often at a height beneath the first jamb member  106 . However in other embodiments, the positions of the members  106 ,  202  may be reversed. The second jamb member  202  includes a second jamb hinge aperture  204  for receiving the lock arm  300  and enabling rotation of the second hinge assembly  200 . 
     As referenced in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the second jamb hinge aperture  204  comprises a jamb slot  206  for regulating the lock arm  300  between a release position  306  and a lock position  304  in relation to the second hinge assembly  200 . The lock arm  300  may include a smooth surfaced lock arm  300 , such as a locking pin, to rotatably connect the different members  202 ,  210 . The lock arm  300  does not use teeth or ridges to fasten the second jamb member  202  to the second door member  210 , but rather, has a substantially smooth outer surface to pivot through the second jamb hinge aperture  204 . The smooth surface may be less susceptible to abrasive wear during rotational operation. In one embodiment, the lock arm  300  comprises a locking pin. 
     The second jamb member  202  further includes a plurality of second jamb mounting apertures  208  for adjustably mounting to the jamb. The plurality of second jamb mounting apertures  208  enable the at least one fastener to pass through for securing the second jamb member  202  to the jamb. The plurality of second jamb mounting apertures  208  may include both circular, and non-circular cross sections. The non-circular cross section apertures enable fasteners in the second jamb member  202  to be adjusted during mounting. The extra space provided by the non-circular apertures during mounting helps inhibit the periodic motions and facilitates installation. In one embodiment, the second jamb member  202  includes five circular jamb mounting apertures, and two non-circular, or slot shaped jamb mounting apertures ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ). 
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  illustrate the second door member  210  that attaches to the door. The second door member  210  includes a second door hinge aperture  212  for receiving the lock arm  300  and enabling rotation of the second hinge assembly  200 . The lock arm  300  passes through the second door hinge aperture  212  and the second jamb hinge aperture  204 , forming a connection that enables the second jamb member  202  and the second door member  210  to pivot in relation to each other. The second door hinge aperture  212  comprises a door slot  216  that aligns with the jamb slot  206 . A protruding portion  302  from the lock arm  300  rotates between a release position  306 , in alignment with both slots; to a lock position  304 , in misalignment with the jamb slot  206  and the door slot  216 . In this manner, the second members  202 ,  210  lock and release from each other. The efficient manner of disengaging the second door member  210  from the second jamb member  202  by rotating the lock arm  300  to move to the release position  306  provides efficient and fast installation and replacement. 
     Similar to the second jamb member  202 , the second door member  210  includes a plurality of second door mounting apertures  214  for adjustably mounting to the door. The plurality of second door mounting apertures  214  are positioned to align with the plurality of second jamb mounting apertures  208 . The plurality of second door mounting apertures  214  enable the at least one fastener to pass through the plurality of second door mounting apertures  214  for securing the second door member  210  to the door. The plurality of second door mounting apertures  214  may include both circular, and non-circular cross sections. The non-circular cross section apertures enable fasteners in the members to be adjusted during mounting. The extra space provided by the non-circular apertures during mounting helps inhibit the periodic motions and facilitates installation. In one embodiment, the first jamb member  106  includes five circular jamb mounting apertures, and two non-circular, or slot shaped jamb mounting apertures ( FIG. 2C ). 
       FIGS. 2E and 2F  are various views illustrating a second embodiment of an exemplary second hinge assembly, where  FIG. 2E  is a top side view of the exemplary second hinge member  280  and  FIG. 2F  is a detailed top perspective view of the second embodiment of the exemplary second hinge member, in accordance with the present invention. 
     The second hinge member  280  defines a second hinge member aperture  282  through which a hinge pin traverses. The second hinge member aperture  282  is circumscribed by an annular recess  284  for receiving a corresponding protruding recess of a mating first hinge member  180 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C , the lock arm  300  may include a protruding portion  302 , such as a rod, that extends from a terminal end. The protruding portion  302  is configured to align with and move in and out of the jamb slot  206  and the door slot  216  in the respective member  202 ,  210 . The orientation of the protruding portion  302  in relation to the slots  206 ,  216  enables the second members  202 ,  210  to separate or securely join. In yet another aspect referenced in  FIG. 3C , the lock arm  300  may have sufficient structural integrity to at least partially provide additional support for the axial load and inhibit movement between the second jamb member  202  and the second door member  210 . In this manner, any periodic motion, excess spacing, play, vibrations, or abrasive deterioration between the second members  202 ,  210  during operation and while supporting the door may be reduced from both the first and second hinge assembly  102 ,  200 . 
     In one embodiment referenced in  FIG. 3A , the release position  306  comprises the protruding portion  302  in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the jamb slot  206  and the door slot  216 . The protruding portion  302  may then be free to move through the second jamb hinge aperture  204  and the second door hinge aperture  212 , wherein the second jamb member  202  and the second door member  210  separate in the release position  306 . In another embodiment, the lock position  304  comprises the protruding portion  302  misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the jamb slot  206  and the door slot  216 . The protruding portion  302  is then blocked from free movement by the second jamb member  202  or the second door member  210 , wherein the second jamb member  202  and the second door member  210  securely fasten in the lock position  304 . 
       FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D  illustrate various perspective views of an elongated releasable hinge pin  400  with retractable latch pins. The releasable hinge pin  400  comprises a hollow cylindrical shaft  402 , two retractable latch pins  404 , a proximal sleeve  406  defining an axial recess  408 , and a depressible button  410  extending upwardly from a proximal top end of the hinge pin  100 . 
     The shaft  402  defines a hollow passageway. The pin  400  is adapted to retract latch pins  404  when a depressible button  410  is depressed. In this manner, a hinge assembly can be easily disassembled and reassembled quickly. The extended latch pins  404  prevent extraction of the pin  400  from a hinge assembly while retracted latch pins  404  permit extraction. 
     The proximal sleeve  406  is disposed on the proximal end of the pin  400 . 
       FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D  illustrate various perspective views of a shortened releasable hinge pin  500  with retractable latch pins. The hinge pin  500  comprises a shaft  402 , retractable latch pins  504 , a proximal sleeve  506 , and annular rim  510 . 
     The annular rim  510  comprises an uninterrupted annular ring circumscribing the sleeve  506  gripable by a polymeric implement for extracting the pin  500  from a hinge assembly. 
     Like the pin  400 , the pin  500  is adapted to retract the latch pins  504  when the depressible button  522  is depressed using a polymeric implement. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a sectioned environmental perspective view of an elongated releasable hinge pin and extraction tool  600 . The tool  600  comprises a cylindrical polymeric body  602  having an open bottom end  608 . The open bottom end  608  is defined by an uninterrupted cylindrical sidewall  604  having a cantilevered interior rim for gripping a sleeve  406 ,  506  while depressing the button  410 ,  522 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.