Patent ID: 7533446

Claim:
A variable resistance hinge comprising a stationary leaf having a proximal end; a distal end; an inner surface being formed perpendicularly on the distal end of the stationary leaf; and a shaft being formed on and extending coaxially from the distal end of the stationary leaf, being keyed and having a proximal end; and a distal end; a pivoting leaf being mounted rotatably on the shaft, abutting the inner surface of the stationary leaf and having a pivoting hole being formed coaxially through the pivoting leaf and being mounted rotatably around the shaft; and a mounting bracket being formed on and protruding from the pivoting leaf; and a pressing assembly being mounted around the shaft, pressing the pivoting leaf against the inner surface of the stationary leaf and having a pivoting ring being mounted rotatably around the shaft, being connected to the pivoting leaf and having an outer surface; a through hole being formed longitudinally through the pivoting ring and being mounted rotatably around the shaft; and at least one stepped detent being formed radially in the outer surface of the pivoting ring, concentric to the through hole of the pivoting ring and having a central recess; at least one step recess being sequentially shallower than and adjacent to the central recess of the pivoting ring; and multiple gradient surfaces graduating from the central recess to the at least one step recess and then from the at least one step recess to the outer surface of the pivoting ring the gradient surfaces being separated by the at least one step recess; and a stationary ring being mounted around and engaging the shaft, abutting and pressing against the outer surface of the pivoting ring and having an inner surface; an outer surface; a keyed hole being formed through the stationary ring, corresponding to and engaging the shaft; and at least one friction protrusion being formed on and protruding from the inner surface of the stationary ring, corresponding to and abutting the stepped detent, selectively abutting the outer surface of the pivoting ring and selectively sliding along the gradient surfaces of the at least one stepped detent.