A hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a lever pivotally connected to the arm. The lever and arm are adapted to pivot relative to each other about a main pivot axis between a first position that corresponds to a closed position of the associated appliance door and a second position that corresponds to an opened position of the associated appliance door. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. A damper engagement structure is connected to the slide link. A biasing system urges the arm and lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps pivoting movement between the arm and the lever for at least part of the movement between the arm and the lever when the arm and lever pivot relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.
A household appliance hinge includes a mounting portion and a mounting tab including a cam profile. A door mounting lever is pivotally connected to the mounting tab of the mounting portion. A spring-biased control system is connected to the door mounting lever and includes a spring-biased cam follower system including a cam follower that: (i) engages the cam profile in an engagement position and for all positions of the door mounting lever between the engagement position and a first operative position; and, (ii) separates from the cam profile for all positions of said door mounting lever located between the engagement position and a second operative position. The hinge is self-latching.
An appliance lid hinge assembly includes a cam arm pivotally connected a base. A cam arm control system includes a spring rod adapted to move in a sliding reciprocal manner. A spring urges the spring rod toward an extended position. The spring rod is movable toward a retracted position. The cam arm is engaged with the spring rod through a cam follower such that: (i) pivoting movement of the cam arm in an opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the retracted position toward the extended position; and, (ii) pivoting movement of the cam arm in a closing direction opposite the opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the extended position toward the retracted position. An optional damper exerts a damping force on the spring rod or other part of the cam arm control system when the cam arm moves in a closing direction.
An adjustable appliance hinge receiver includes a base including spaced-apart first and second lateral walls. A slide body is slidably connected to the base and located between the lateral walls. The slide body slides relative to the base along an adjustment axis. At least one hinge mounting structure is connected to the slide body and is adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge. An adjustment system includes a first inclined ramp connected to the slide body and an adjustment shaft that extends between and that is rotatably supported by the first and second lateral walls of the base. The adjustment shaft is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The adjustment system also includes an adjustment member engaged with the adjustment shaft and selectively movable along the axis of rotation in opposite first and second directions in response to rotational movement of the adjustment shaft in opposite first and second rotational directions such that rotation of the adjustment shaft in one of the first and second rotational directions causes the adjustment member to bear against the first ramp and induce sliding movement of the slide body relative to the base along the adjustment axis.
In accordance with one aspect of the present development, an adjustable receiver for an associated appliance hinge includes a base adapted to be secured to an associated appliance body. A first cross-member is connected to the base and is movable relative to the base. The first cross-member provides a first hinge mounting structure for an associated appliance hinge. A second cross-member is connected to the base and is movable relative to the base. At least one link extends between and interconnects the first and second cross-members. The first and second cross-members and the at least one link define an adjustable hinge mount that is selectively movable relative to the base along an adjustment axis. The adjustable receiver further includes an adjustment system for selectively altering a position of the adjustable hinge mount relative to the base along the adjustment axis.
An appliance lid hinge assembly includes a cam arm pivotally connected a base. A cam arm control system includes a spring rod adapted to move in a sliding reciprocal manner. A spring urges the spring rod toward an extended position. The spring rod is movable toward a retracted position. The cam arm is engaged with the spring rod through a cam follower such that: (i) pivoting movement of the cam arm in an opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the retracted position toward the extended position; and, (ii) pivoting movement of the cam arm in a closing direction opposite the opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod from the extended position toward the retracted position. An optional damper exerts a damping force on the spring rod or other part of the cam arm control system when the cam arm moves in a closing direction.
A hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a lever pivotally connected to the arm. The lever and arm are adapted to pivot relative to each other about a main pivot axis between a first position that corresponds to a closed position of the associated appliance door and a second position that corresponds to an opened position of the associated appliance door. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. A damper engagement structure is connected to the slide link. A biasing system urges the arm and lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps pivoting movement between the arm and the lever for at least part of the movement between the arm and the lever when the arm and lever pivot relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.
An appliance hinge includes a control link subassembly operably connected between a base and a door mounting arm. The control link subassembly includes a control link with a first end pivotally connected to the door mounting arm and a second end spaced from the first end. The control link subassembly also includes a spring-arm including an outer end pivotally connected to the second end of the control link and an inner end engaged with the base and adapted for both pivoting and sliding movement relative to the base. The control link subassembly also includes a spring engaged with the spring-arm and exerting a biasing force on the spring-arm that urges said spring-arm toward its extended position. The spring-arm selectively moveable toward a retracted position. The hinge assembly further includes a link controller connected to the base. The spring biases the control link into abutment with the link controller.
A receptacle for an associated appliance hinge includes a receptacle base and a breakaway lever movably connected to the receptacle base. The breakaway lever includes a cam edge. A first mounting structure is connected to the receptacle base and adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge arm. A second mounting structure connected to the breakaway lever such that the second mounting structure is movable relative to the receptacle base. The second mounting structure is adapted to be engaged by the associated hinge arm. A breakaway latch is connected to the base and includes a cam follower engaged with the cam edge. The breakaway latch further includes a spring that biases the cam follower into abutment with the cam edge. The breakaway lever is selectively movable from a first position where the cam follower is engaged with a first location on the cam edge to a second position where the cam follower is engaged with a second location on the cam edge.
An appliance hinge assembly includes an arm to mate with a receiver. A door mounting lever is adapted to be connected to an appliance door, and the lever includes an inner end pivotally connected to the arm. The lever pivots relative to the arm between a first position and a second position, through an intermediate position. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. The slide link inner end is pivotally connected to the arm at a location that is offset from the main pivot axis such that pivoting movement of the lever results in movement of the slide link relative to the lever. A biasing system includes a spring that urges the lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps movement of the lever. Alternatively, the arm connects to the appliance door and the lever connects to the appliance body.
A hinge assembly includes a lever arm and a channel connected to the lever arm. The channel is adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A control link is pivotally connected to the lever arm. A slide body includes an inner end connected to the control link. The slide body is adapted for sliding movement in response to pivoting movement of the channel relative to the lever arm between a first (door-closed) position and a second (door-opened) position. A spring resiliently biases the channel toward the first position. A snubber system includes at least one snubber with a piston that is biased to an extended position and moveable to a retracted position against a fluid or other damping resistance during movement of the slide body away when the channel moves from the first position to the second position.
E05F 1/08 - Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated
E05F 3/20 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices in hinges
E05F 3/10 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with liquid piston brakes with a spring, other than a torsion spring, and a piston, the axes of which are the same or lie in the same direction
E05F 3/02 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with pneumatic piston brakes
E05F 3/18 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with counteracting springs
12.
Hinge assembly with slow close and optional slow open characteristics
An appliance hinge assembly includes an arm to be mated with a receiver. A door mounting lever is adapted to be connected to an appliance door, and the lever includes an inner end pivotally connected to the arm. The lever pivots relative to the arm between a first position and a second position, through an intermediate position. A slide link is located adjacent the lever and includes an inner end and outer end. The slide link inner end is pivotally connected to the arm at a location that is offset from the main pivot axis such that pivoting movement of the lever about the main pivot axis results in movement of the slide link relative to the lever. A biasing system includes a spring that urges the lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps movement of the lever.
A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting an associated appliance lid to an associated appliance body includes a base adapted to be connected to the associated appliance body. The hinge assembly also includes a snubber housing connected to the base. A cam is rotatably supported on the snubber housing, and the cam is adapted to be engaged by the associated appliance lid and rotate about a lid pivot axis in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A snubber is operatively connected to the snubber housing. The cam exerts a snubber activation force on the snubber when the cam rotates about the lid pivot axis in the second direction corresponding to movement of the associated appliance lid from an opened position toward a closed position and such that the snubber damps movement of the cam when the cam rotates in the second direction. A counterbalance spring is operatively engaged between the base and the cam and exerts a counterbalance force on the cam that biases the cam in the first direction.
E05F 3/20 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices in hinges
E05D 7/00 - Hinges or pivots of special construction
E05F 3/18 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with counteracting springs
E05F 3/10 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with liquid piston brakes with a spring, other than a torsion spring, and a piston, the axes of which are the same or lie in the same direction
A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting an associated appliance lid to an associated appliance body includes a base adapted to be connected to the associated appliance body. A cam is rotatably supported on the base and is adapted to be engaged by the associated appliance lid and is rotatable about a lid pivot axis. A snubber/damper is operatively connected to the base. The cam exerts a snubber activation force on the snubber when said cam rotates about the lid pivot axis in a first direction corresponding to movement of the associated appliance lid from an opened position toward a closed position such that the snubber damps movement of the cam when the cam rotates in the first direction.
E05F 3/10 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with liquid piston brakes with a spring, other than a torsion spring, and a piston, the axes of which are the same or lie in the same direction
D06F 39/14 - Doors or coversSecuring means therefor
D06F 37/18 - Doors or coversSecuring means therefor
D06F 37/24 - Mountings, e.g. resilient mountings, for the rotary receptacle, motor, tub or casingPreventing or damping vibrations in machines with a receptacle rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
D06F 58/20 - General details of domestic laundry dryers
15.
Appliance hinge counterbalance assembly with snubber
A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge has a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. A channel is located between the first and second side walls. First and second notch portions are respectively located in the first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base and has a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, a first end located in the first notch portion and a second end located in the second notch portion. A biasing spring has an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. A spring rod includes an outer end operatively coupled to the spring and an inner end operatively coupled to the lever. The lever also pivotally connects to the lobe of the cam. A damper assembly is connected to the base and having a piston which is moved between a first position and a second position by the lever contacting the piston. The piston damps movement of the counterbalance assembly.
A hinge assembly includes a lever arm and a channel connected to the lever arm. The channel is adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A control link is pivotally connected to the lever arm. A slide body includes an inner end connected to the control link. The slide body is adapted for sliding movement in response to pivoting movement of the channel relative to the lever arm between a first (door-closed) position and a second (door-opened) position. A spring resiliently biases the channel toward the first position. A snubber system includes at least one snubber with a piston that is biased to an extended position and moveable to a retracted position against a fluid or other damping resistance during movement of the slide body away when the channel moves from the first position to the second position.
E05F 5/02 - Braking devices, e.g. checksStopsBuffers specially for preventing the slamming of wings
E05F 3/20 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices in hinges
E05F 3/02 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with pneumatic piston brakes
E05F 3/10 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with liquid piston brakes with a spring, other than a torsion spring, and a piston, the axes of which are the same or lie in the same direction
17.
Slow open and/or slow close hinge assembly and hinge system
A damped hinge assembly includes a hinge arm adapted to be connected to an associated appliance body. A channel is pivotally connected to the hinge arm and is adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A damper is operatively connected between the channel and the hinge arm. The damper includes a body defining a bore and a piston slidably received in the bore. A rod is connected to the piston and projects outward from the bore. A damper fluid is contained in the bore and acts on the piston to dampen sliding movement of the piston in at least one direction in the bore. A spring is located in the bore and acts on the piston to bias the piston toward one end of the bore. An oven or other appliance includes at least one damped hinge assembly. The appliance can include two damped hinge assemblies, each with or without the spring, arranged such that one hinge assembly provides damping primarily during opening of the appliance door and the other hinge assembly provides damping primarily during closing of the appliance door.
A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge has a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. A channel is located between the first and second side walls. First and second notch portions are respectively located in the first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base and has a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, a first end located in the first notch portion and a second end located in the second notch portion. A biasing spring has an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. A spring rod includes an outer end operatively coupled to the spring and an inner end operatively coupled to the lever. The lever also pivotally connects to the lobe of the cam. A damper assembly is connected to the base and having a piston which is moved between a first position and a second position by the lever contacting the piston. The piston in turn compresses fluid in the damper assembly thus dampening movement of the lid hinge.
A receptacle for an associated appliance hinge includes a receptacle base and a breakaway lever movably connected to the receptacle base. The breakaway lever includes a cam edge. A first mounting structure is connected to the receptacle base and adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge arm. A second mounting structure connected to the breakaway lever such that the second mounting structure is movable relative to the receptacle base. The second mounting structure is adapted to be engaged by the associated hinge arm. A breakaway latch is connected to the base and includes a cam follower engaged with the cam edge. The breakaway latch further includes a spring that biases the cam follower into abutment with the cam edge. The breakaway lever is selectively movable from a first position where the cam follower is engaged with a first location on the cam edge to a second position where the cam follower is engaged with a second location on the cam edge.
An appliance lid hinge assembly has a channel housing including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face walls, a cavity located between the first and second side walls and a slot having first and second slot portions respectively located in said first and second side walls. The channel housing is pivotally connected to a cam via a rivet or other pivot fastener at a pivot point. A biasing element acts between the housing and the cam in order to control the movement of housing relative to the cam about the pivot point. Alternatively, a damper can be used to control movement of the housing relative to the cam about the pivot point. A snubber subsystem can also be added to provide further damping resistance.
A door closure device includes a pivot pin adapted to engage an associated appliance hinge, and a channel rotatably connected to the pivot pin and adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A cam is non-rotatably engaged with the pivot pin. The cam comprises a lobed edge including a closing portion. A spring rod is slidably engaged with the channel, and a cam follower is operably engaged with the spring rod. A spring is engaged between the spring rod and the channel and biases the cam follower into engagement with the lobed edge of the cam. The follower moves along the lobed edge of the cam when the channel is rotated relative to the cam and the spring induces a door-closing torque on the channel when the follower is engaged with the closing portion of the cam lobed edge.
E05F 3/00 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices
A47B 96/00 - Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups General details of furniture
E05F 1/12 - Mechanisms in the shape of hinges or pivots, operated by springs
E05D 7/081 - Hinges or pivots of special construction for use in suspensions comprising two spigots placed at opposite edges of the wing, especially at the top and the bottom, e.g. trunnions the pivot axis of the wing being situated near one edge of the wing
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Metal hinges, metal closure mechanisms for doors, lids and panels; metal multi-bar and dampened motion hinges for use in the appliance, transportation, medical and industrial markets Custom manufacture of functional metal products for use in appliance, transportation, medical and industrial markets Design of functional metal products for others
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Metal hinges, metal closure mechanisms for doors, lids and panels; metal multi-bar and dampened motion hinges for use in the appliance, transportation, medical and industrial markets Custom manufacture of functional metal products for use in appliance, transportation, medical and industrial markets Design of functional metal products for others
24.
Slow open and/or slow close hinge assembly and hinge system
A damped hinge assembly includes a hinge arm adapted to be connected to an associated appliance body. A channel is pivotally connected to the hinge arm and is adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A damper is operatively connected between the channel and the hinge arm. The damper includes a body defining a bore and a piston slidably received in the bore. A rod is connected to the piston and projects outward from the bore. A damper fluid is contained in the bore and acts on the piston to dampen sliding movement of the piston in at least one direction in the bore. A spring is located in the bore and acts on the piston to bias the piston toward one end of the bore. An oven or other appliance includes at least one damped hinge assembly. The appliance can include two damped hinge assemblies, each with or without the spring, arranged such that one hinge assembly provides damping primarily during opening of the appliance door and the other hinge assembly provides damping primarily during closing of the appliance door.
A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge includes a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. The base includes: (i) a channel located between the first and second side walls; and, (ii) a notch comprising first and second notch portions respectively located in said first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base. The cam includes: (i) a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, with a first end of the camshaft located in the first notch portion and a second end of the camshaft located in the second notch portion; and, (ii) a lobe that projects from the camshaft. The hinge assembly includes a biasing spring that comprising an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. The outer end of said spring is located outside the channel. A spring rod includes an outer end operatively coupled to the spring and an inner end operatively coupled to the lobe of the cam such that the spring biases the spring rod to an extended position.
A breakaway hinge receptacle includes a base including first and second hinge arm mounting structures. The second hinge arm mounting structure is movable between an operative position and a breakaway position. A breakaway lever is connected to the base and includes inner and outer ends, wherein the inner end is operatively engaged with the second hinge arm mounting structure. A spring is operatively engaged between the breakaway lever and the base. The spring biases the breakaway lever to a first position in which the inner end of the breakaway lever biases the second mounting structure to its operative position. The second hinge arm mounting structure is selectively movable from its operative position to its breakaway position against the biasing force exerted by the inner end of said breakaway lever and the spring. Alternatively, the second hinge arm mounting structure is defined by or is connected to or is otherwise included on the inner end of the breakaway lever.
A French door oven includes a body defining a cooking chamber with an open mouth. First and second doors are respectively connected to the body adjacent opposite first and second opposite lateral sides of the mouth and are adapted to pivot about respective first and second vertical pivot axes between an opened position in which the first and second doors are pivoted away from the mouth and a closed position in which the first and second doors cover the mouth and define a seam between their adjacent respective inner edges. The oven includes a door movement control system for controlling movement of the doors between their opened and closed positions. The door movement control system includes a door movement control plate including a door movement slot including an inner portion and an outer portion, the outer portion closer to the mouth than the inner portion.
A motorized hinge system for an oven door includes first and second hinge assemblies. At least one hinge assembly is motorized. In the motorized hinge assembly, a first hinge portion is connected to the oven door and a second hinge portion connected to the oven body. A door control arm has first end connected to the first hinge portion and a second end spaced from the first end. A motor is connected to the oven body and includes an actuator that is driven by the motor. The actuator is operably coupled to the door control arm and is movable in first and second directions by the motor to move the door control arm and door in corresponding first and second directions pivotally relative to the second hinge portion. In one example, the actuator is a lead screw type actuator. A non-motorized hinge assembly is also used together with the motorized hinge assembly to connect the oven door to the body. The non-motorized hinge assembly is spring-biased to urge the door toward its closed position.
