Patent ID: 8123709

Claim:
A hinge assembly comprising: a first member movably connected to a second member to allow angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member between extension and flexion positions; and a spring housing including at least one elastomeric spring, and including at least one mechanism extending into the spring housing and being movable in relation thereto; wherein angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member causes a bearing engagement between the at least one mechanism and the at least one elastomeric spring resulting in compression of the at least one elastomeric spring within the spring housing and against the at least one mechanism; wherein the compression of the at least one elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member from an extension to a flexion position, or from a flexion to an extension position; and wherein decompression of the at least one elastomeric spring within the spring housing and against the at least one mechanism assists angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member from a flexion to an extension position, or from an extension to a flexion position.