Patent ID: 8733782

Claim:
A hinge mechanism comprising: a first hinge element including a first plate portion and a first plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another; a second hinge element including a second plate portion and a second plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another, wherein the first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers interlock with one another along a pivot axis whereby the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position; and a locking element extending substantially parallel to the pivot axis and configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in at least one of the first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another; wherein the locking element comprises a substantially cylindrical member positioned within a through hole of one of the first and second hinge elements, and wherein the locking element is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position; wherein the locking element comprises a cam surface configured to engage the receiving portion in each finger of the other of the first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when in the locked position to positively lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another in the extended position; and wherein a first portion of the locking element includes the cam surface and a second portion of the locking element includes alternating guide surfaces and gaps, wherein when the locking element is in the unlocked position the gaps are configured to allow passage of each finger of the other of the first and second pluralities of substantially parallel fingers as the hinge elements are pivoted relative to one another to the folded position.