Multiple seam hinge

Abstract

A multiple seam hinge has two or more hinge members and a connector, pivot pins received in apertures in top and bottom hinge plates of each hinge member and in pivot pin receiving pin holes in top and bottom connector plates of the connector to define pivot axes about which the hinge members rotate, a hinge leaf extending between the top and bottom hinge plates of each hinge member, and a center support attached to at least one of the top and bottom connector plates disposed between the arcuate inner edges of the hinge leaves of the hinge members to form a hinge having multiple seams.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18 / 375,962, filed Oct. 2, 2023, and is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / 2024 / 039892, filed Jul. 24, 2024, and is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / 2025 / 018393, filed Mar. 4, 2025, and is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / 2025 / 022582, filed Apr. 1, 2025.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to hinges and more particularly to hinges with one or more components connecting the hinge members. Seams are formed at the intersection of each hinge member and a connector. Some embodiments of the invention hide the inner workings of the hinge from view.Description of Related Art

[0003] In many hinge mechanisms and applications (for example, hair accessories, jewelry, foldable electronics, cabinetry), it is desirable to hide or mask hinge knuckles or other inner workings of the hinge from view, such as behind a seam formed by close abutment of hinge leaves. In addition, in some embodiments the two leaves of the hinge move independently. In other embodiments each hinge has a large range of motion (>90°). Still other applications require a mechanism to hold the hinge in a specific position while others require a spring mechanism to return the leaves to their original positions. A limitation in prior art hinge mechanisms having closely abutting hinge leaves forming a single seam is that, while they hide the inner workings of the hinge, no structure is provided that is not directly connected to one of the hinge members of the hinge to which functional or design elements can be attached.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention disclosed herein relates to a functional hinge having at least two seams between the hinge leaves. In some configurations the hinge members may open more than 180° and hide the inner workings for the hinge mechanism from a front vantage point. This is accomplished by using two or more approximately parallel hinge pins. Some embodiments include a supplementary interior piece which fortifies the hinge and provides a structure not directly connected to either hinge member to which other elements can be attached if desired. This can be an additional body member, one or more springs, or a combination of body members and springs that allows the hinge leaves to readily open and close back to their original state. Importantly, the hinge leaves are not directly coupled and may move independently (although direct coupling is not precluded in the present invention) through a large range of motion that may be greater than 90°. One or more springs may be used to bias the hinge assembly to return the hinge members to their original positions. In some embodiments, friction (or other movement restriction mechanisms) may be used to hold the hinge in a specific position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1A is an upper front perspective view of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0006] FIG. 1B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0007] FIG. 1C is an upper right rear perspective view thereof showing the hinge in an assembled partially open configuration.

[0008] FIG. 1D is an upper front perspective view of a connector according to the invention.

[0009] FIG. 1E is a sectional view taken along lines 1E-1E of FIG. 1C.

[0010] FIG. 1F is an upper right perspective rear view thereof showing the assembled hinge in an open configuration.

[0011] FIGS. 1G and 1H are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the connector.

[0012] FIG. 1I is a representative diagram of the hinge members moving between open and closed positions.

[0013] FIG. 2A is an upper front perspective view of a second embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0014] FIG. 2B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0015] FIG. 3A is an upper front perspective view of a third embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0016] FIG. 3B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0017] FIG. 3C is an upper front perspective view of the connector.

[0018] FIG. 4A is an upper front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0019] FIG. 4B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0020] FIG. 4C is an upper front perspective of the connector thereof.

[0021] FIG. 5A is an upper front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0022] FIG. 5B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0023] FIG. 5C is an upper perspective view thereof shown in an assembled configuration.

[0024] FIG. 5D is a sectional view thereof taken along lines 5D-5D of FIG. 5C.

[0025] FIG. 5E is an upper front perspective view of the connector thereof.

[0026] FIG. 6A is an upper front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0027] FIG. 6B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0028] FIG. 6C is an upper left rear perspective view thereof showing the assembled hinge in a partially open configuration.

[0029] FIG. 7A is an upper front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention seen in a closed configuration.

[0030] FIG. 7B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof.

[0031] FIG. 7C is an upper left rear perspective view thereof shown in an assembled configuration and seen in a partly open configuration.

[0032] FIG. 7D is an upper front perspective view of a connector thereof.

[0033] FIG. 7E is an upper left rear perspective view thereof similar to FIG. 7C seen in an open configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[0034] A multiple seam hinge is now described with reference to the drawings. For simplicity a hinge having only two seams is described, but it will be understood that a hinge according to the invention could have more than two seams.

[0035] A hinge having two seams, referred to generally at 10 in FIGS. 1A-1C and 1E, includes two hinge members 12, each hinge member having retaining structures such as a top plate 14 and a bottom plate 16, and a hinge leaf 18 extending between the top and bottom plates. Each of the hinge leaves 18 includes a substantially arcuate inner edge 20 and an outer end 22. Each of the top and bottom plates 14, 16 includes an aperture 24 for receiving a pivot pin 26. In the illustrated embodiment, each aperture 24 is radially equidistant from all points along the arcuate inner edge 20, but variations in the distance relationship between the aperture and the arcuate edge are anticipated.

[0036] Two pivot pins 26, generally but not necessarily in parallel relation, are received in the apertures 24 in the top and bottom plates 14, 16 forming spaced-apart pivot axes A about which the hinge members 12 move independently of each other.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 1B, the hinge 10 includes a connector 30. With additional reference to FIG. 1D, it is seen that the connector 30 includes pin-receiving components such as top and bottom connector plates 32, 34, a back wall 36 extending between connector plate side walls 38, and a structural center support 40 projecting forwardly from the back wall 36. Each of the top and bottom connector plates 32, 34 of the connector 30 has two spaced-apart pin holes 42 for receiving the two pivot pins 26. The connector plates 32, 34 thus interconnect the pivot pins 26 and, hence, the hinge members 12.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1E, it is seen that the top and bottom connector plates, 32, 34, back wall 36, side walls 38, and a bridging member 39 having a center support 40 together define interior cavities 44 on opposite sides of the connector 30 for enclosing springs 28. Thus, in the assembled configuration, shown in FIG. 1C, the springs 28 are hidden by connector 30 thereby providing an aesthetic advantage over prior art hinges in which the inner workings of the hinge are readily visible. In the illustrated embodiment, center support 40 is of a height such that it has a top edge 46 flush with the top face 48 of the top plate 14 and a bottom edge 50 flush with the bottom face 52 of the bottom plate 16. However, in other embodiments, the support 40 may have a height that is shorter than the distance between the top and bottom faces of the top and bottom plates. While the connector 30 is shown as having a rectangular shape in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the connector 30 could be a portion of a cylinder or any shape that defines an interior cavity sized for enclosing the springs 28. In some embodiments the connector 30 is a solid piece such that the inner workings of the hinge are hidden from an outer vantage point. However, in other embodiments the connector may have one or more openings through which the inner workings may be visible. And while the illustrated embodiment shows helical springs as the biasing element, in other embodiments of the invention it will be understood that the biasing element could be another resilient material such as a metal leaf spring or an elastomer. In some embodiments, no biasing element may be needed as when the hinge members are held in position with respect to the connector by friction.

[0039] As seen in FIGS. 1B and 1E, each of the two springs 28 includes a helical coil 54 that defines a center bore 56 and has first and second ends 58, 60. In the assembled configuration one of the two pivot pins 26 is received in the center bore 56 of one of the springs 28 so that each spring is axially retained between the top and bottom connector plates 32, 34 of the connector 30. The first end 58 of the spring 28 is captured in a recess 62 (see FIG. 1D) in one of the side walls 38 of the connector 30 and hence biased against the connector 30 and the other end 60 is biased against the hinge leaf 18 of one of the hinge members 12 so that the hinge leaves 18 are biased from an open configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1F, to a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A. Although a torsion spring is disclosed in FIGS. 1A-1F, it is understood that any manner or combination of helical springs, extension springs, clock springs, resilient or elastomeric materials may be used, but no spring or resilient material is required.

[0040] Some embodiments of the current invention may have a hinge that remains in a specific position; thus, not requiring a spring. One skilled in the art will understand that this can be accomplished by adding friction to the multiple seam hinge assembly, for example, between the connector plates 32, 34 of the connector 30 and the top and bottom hinge plates 14, 16 of the hinge members 12, and / or by biasing springs 28 in opposite directions.

[0041] As perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 1E, the arcuate inner edges 20 of the hinge leaves 18 slide in arcuate recesses 64 in the top and bottom connector plates 32, 34 adjacent the support 40 of the connector 30 as the hinge members 12 pivot between open and closed positions. The arcuate inner edges 20 are spaced apart a uniform distance and are continually disposed adjacent to the forward-projecting support 40 of the connector 30 at all degrees of rotation of the hinge leaves 18. This arrangement hides the springs 28 and other workings of the hinge behind double seams 66 (see FIG. 1A) formed by the inner edges 20 of the hinge leaves 18 and the center support 40.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1F-1G, it will be understood that a notable advantage of the arrangement of the hinge members 12 and interposed support 40 is that the base ends 68 are spaced apart but the free ends 70 are free to engage because the support 40 does not project forward between the facing edges 72 of the hinge members 12 where it would limit their further closure. As seen in FIG. 1I, each hinge member 12 has a hinge plane Po when the hinge members are in a closed configuration (as also shown in FIG. 1A) and has a hinge plane Pc in an open position (as also shown in FIGS. 1G-1H). Hinge members 12 are thus able to pivot more than 90° when rotating between closed and open configurations. This feature allows handles to open more than they would if the facing edges 72 were brought into direct abutting engagement when the hinge members 12 were opened. Although a broad range of motion enables certain applications, for others one may desire to limit the range of motion. One skilled in the art will understand that this can be accomplished, for example, by adjusting the shape of the support 40.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 40 has the same height as the hinge members 12, but in other embodiments the support 40 could have the height of the hinge leaves 18 or another height. The support 40 makes the connector 30 sturdier and provides a rigid structure against which to align the hinge members 12, especially in configurations in which the pivot axes of the hinge members are widely separated.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, connector 30 is shown as a single piece, but one skilled in the art will understand that the connector 30 may be assembled from multiple pieces. The center support 40 is shown as rectangular in the illustrated embodiment, but it may be concave, convex, organic, decorative, geometric, or some combination thereof. It should be assumed that any height or ratio of one or more connectors to hinge members, symmetrical or asymmetrical, are anticipated to be within the ambit of this invention.

[0045] A second embodiment of a multiple seam hinge 100 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. As seen, each of the two hinge members 102 has similar parts as in the first embodiment discussed above including hinge leaves 104, arcuate inner edges 106, apertures 108, pivot pins 110, a connector 112 having pivot pin-receiving holes 114, and multiple seams 122. This second embodiment has an external leaf spring 116 which covers the front faces of hinge leaves 104, a gap G between the hinge leaves 104, and connector 112. The leaf spring 116 can partially cover the hinge leaves 104 or connector 112 and may comprise one or more spring pieces covering the outermost portion, innermost portion, or some combination of the faces of the hinge leaves 104. In this embodiment, each end of spring 116 is attached to one of the hinge leaves 104 with fasteners 120. It is understood that any formation of mounting portions and methods including pins, screws, adhesives, and welds may be employed. The flexible member 116 may also be held in place by mounting structures attached to the hinge leaves 104 and not directly to the flexible member.

[0046] The intersection of each of the hinge members 102 and the connector 112 forms a seam 122 as seen about which the hinge members 102 pivot. As the hinge members 102 pivot from the closed configuration seen in FIG. 2A to a partially open configuration seen in FIG. 2B, the inner edges 106 of the hinge leaves 104 bend spring 116 which biases the hinge members 102 toward the closed configuration. It will be understood, however, that in some embodiments of the invention the connector 112 is optional, and that the leaf spring 116 may act as the connector while also biasing rotating hinge members 102 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In one embodiment the hinge members 102 can open more than 90° each as shown in the first embodiment above in FIGS. 1A-1F.

[0047] As seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, spring 116 is shown on the front face 118 of hinge members 102 but could be disposed on the rear face of hinge leaves 104. The leaf spring 116 may comprise any resilient or elastomeric material such as metal, plastic, rubber, polymer, or a combination thereof. A spring, such as one or more helical springs on the inner side of the connector 112 as disclosed in the first embodiment, may also be employed. As disclosed previously, friction and / or spring biasing may be added to the assembly of this second embodiment to hold the hinge in a specific position. This may be particularly useful for foldable electronics. In some embodiments where the biasing force of a leaf spring is not needed, the gap between the hinge members may be covered by a flexible material such as plastic or fabric thus covering seams 122.

[0048] A third embodiment 200 of the invention shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 202 including hinge leaves 204 having arcuate inner edges 206. Pivot pins 208 are received in apertures 210 in the top and bottom plates 212, 214 of the hinge members 202 and in pivot pin holes 226 in the top and bottom connector plates 228, 230 of connector 218. An open space 216 in the connector 218 is defined by top and bottom center support portions 220, 222. It will be understood that any shape and size of connector open space 216 can be employed, or the connector 218 may be divided into one or more pieces, creating one or more functional or decorative open spaces. An optional spring 224, and other aforementioned springs, elastomeric materials, and frictional mechanisms fall within the ambit of the invention and can be substituted in place of the illustrated torsion springs 224, biasing hinge members 202 from the open position shown in FIG. 3A to the partially closed position shown in FIG. 3B, and to the fully closed position as referenced in FIG. 1F.

[0049] A fourth embodiment 300 of the invention shown in FIG. 4, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 302, having hinge leaves 304 having arcuate inner edges 306, pivot pins 308 received in apertures 310 in the top and bottom plates 312, 314 of the hinge members. A connector 316 includes top and bottom connector plates 318, 320 having pivot-pin receiving holes 322 and a back wall 324. The inner edges 306 of the hinge members 302 abut to form a seam 326. Breaks in the hinge members form an opening 328 and indents 330 in the front faces 336 of the hinge leaves 304 as seen. As seen in FIG. 4A, a protrusion 332 is received in open space 328. Protrusion 332 can add structural support, and in other embodiments there can be any formation of one or more springs or spring like material, and two or more pins creating two or more rotational axis. Protrusion 332 may also act as a stopper for hinge leaves 302, depending on the size and formation of leaf indents 330, protrusion 332, and arcuate recesses 334 of the connector 316. The protrusion 332, can be decorative or functional, and can be deployed in a range of shapes and formations, allowing the hinge leaves 302 to rotate about the connector 316 from the closed position shown in FIG. 4A to the partially open position shown in FIG. 4B. It should also be mentioned that indents 330, to accommodate one or more optional protrusions 332, can be entirely open spaces to receive or stop one or more optional protrusions 332, exposing additional portions of the connector. It should be understood that the protrusion can have receiving bores for one or more pins, one or more springs, resilient members, or pieces of elastomeric or flexible material. Optionally, additional functional or decorative components may be mounted to the one or more protrusions 332.

[0050] A fifth embodiment 400 of the invention shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 402 having hinge leaves 404 with arcuate inner edges 406, pivot pins 408, top and bottom plates 412, 414, and a connector 416, the pivot pins 408 received in apertures 410 in the top and bottom plates 412, 414 of the hinge members and in pin-receiving holes 422 in top and bottom connector plates 418, 420 of the connector 416, the connector having a back wall 424. It should be noted that top and bottom plates 412, 414 can have any manner of shapes and formations as long as they receive pins 408. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B top and bottom plates 412, 414 are shown as circles, but in other embodiments they may have a rectangular shape. Any combination or range of ends or borders should be expected to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0051] Extending forward from the back wall 424 is center body 426. Center pin 428 is received in top and bottom pivot-pin receiving holes 432 of center body 426. Center pin 428 retains an optional spring 430 that is captured in connector 416. An opening 434 is shown in connector 416 to receive spring 430, and an optional pin receiving aperture, 432 is shown, with the understanding that any manner of spring, elastomeric materials, friction, and connector options is anticipated to be within the scope of this invention for biasing hinge leaves 404 from the closed configuration in FIG. 5A to an open configuration.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5D, it can be seen that as hinge leaves 404 pivot between open and closed positions, arcuate inner edges 406 move in arcuate recesses 440 and engage the top and bottom spring ends 431T, 431B of spring 430, thereby increasing tension on spring 430 and drag on hinge leaves 404.

[0053] A sixth embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6A-6C, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 502 having hinge leaves 504 having arcuate inner edges 506, pivot pins 508 received in apertures 510 in the top and bottom plates 512, 514 of the hinge members, and a connector 516 including top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 having pivot-pin receiving holes 522 in which pivot pins 508 are received, a back wall 524. However, additionally, connector 516 forms a recess 526 that contains and orients the hinge members 502. The hinge leaves 504 also include mounting holes 528 as seen which can be used to mount the hinge mechanism to other materials. It is understood that any combination of holes, pins, and mounting structures may be employed. A center support 532 extends between the top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 and is interposed between hinge leaves 504 as seen in FIG. 6A. The junctures between center support 532 and hinge leaves 504 form seams 534. Connector 516 can hide seams 534 when viewed from the connector side of the hinge such as seen in FIG. 6C.

[0054] Springs 530 are retained by pivot pins 508 as seen in FIG. 6B, but other embodiments may include one or more springs and two or more pins creating two or more rotational axes. The use of springs is optional. The connector 516 can also act as an external stopper or support for hinge members 502, depending on the size and formation of the hinge leaves 504 and connector 516, which allows the hinge mechanism 500 to rotate from closed configuration, shown in FIG. 6A, to the open configuration, such as shown in the first embodiment in FIG. 1F. Friction between the connector 516 and the hinge leaves 504 and / or spring biasing may be used to hold the multiple seam hinge assembly in a specific position.

[0055] A seventh embodiment of the invention 600 shown in FIGS. 7A-7E includes hinge members 612 having hinge leaves 614, and an arcuate inner edge 616. Each hinge member 612 includes retaining structures such as top and bottom barrels 618, 620, each barrel having an aperture 622 for receiving a pivot pin 624.

[0056] A connector 626 includes two spaced-apart pin-receiving components such as cylinders 628 interconnected by bridging member 630; each cylinder 628 having a pivot-pin hole 632 for receiving a pivot pin 624. While in the illustrated embodiment, bridging member 630 has a height shorter than that of the cylinders 628, in other embodiments the bridging member can have a different height such as equal to or greater than the height of the cylinders or equal to the height of the hinge leaves.

[0057] In the assembled configuration seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7E, a pivot pin 624 is received in the apertures 622 of each of the top and bottom barrels 618 of each hinge member 612 and in the pivot-pin hole 632 of one of the pin-receiving cylinders 628 of connector 626, thereby connecting the hinge members 612 and enabling each to pivot independently of the other.

[0058] As seen by comparing the closed configuration of the hinge seen in FIG. 7A with the open configuration seen in FIG. 7E, it will be understood that the hinge members are able to pivot between open and closed positions more than 90° because the base ends 634 of the hinge members 612 are spaced apart whereas the free ends 636 can directly abut as shown.

[0059] A multiple seam hinge with multiple seams according to the invention has several advantages over the prior art including hiding the spring mechanism, allowing the hinge members to open more than 180° in some embodiments, enhanced structural connector support and stoppers, allowing each hinge member to move independently of the other hinge member, and the ability to hold a specific position—all with less complexity than many current hinge assemblies.

[0060] There have thus been described and illustrated certain embodiments of a multiple seam hinge according to the invention. Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that the disclosure is illustrative only and is not to be taken as limiting, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Examples

first embodiment

[0046]The intersection of each of the hinge members 102 and the connector 112 forms a seam 122 as seen about which the hinge members 102 pivot. As the hinge members 102 pivot from the closed configuration seen in FIG. 2A to a partially open configuration seen in FIG. 2B, the inner edges 106 of the hinge leaves 104 bend spring 116 which biases the hinge members 102 toward the closed configuration. It will be understood, however, that in some embodiments of the invention the connector 112 is optional, and that the leaf spring 116 may act as the connector while also biasing rotating hinge members 102 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In one embodiment the hinge members 102 can open more than 90° each as shown in the first embodiment above in FIGS. 1A-1F.

[0047]As seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, spring 116 is shown on the front face 118 of hinge members 102 but could be disposed on the rear face of hinge leaves 104. The leaf spring 116 may comprise any resilient or elastomeric ...

sixth embodiment

[0053]the invention shown in FIG. 6A-6C, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 502 having hinge leaves 504 having arcuate inner edges 506, pivot pins 508 received in apertures 510 in the top and bottom plates 512, 514 of the hinge members, and a connector 516 including top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 having pivot-pin receiving holes 522 in which pivot pins 508 are received, a back wall 524. However, additionally, connector 516 forms a recess 526 that contains and orients the hinge members 502. The hinge leaves 504 also include mounting holes 528 as seen which can be used to mount the hinge mechanism to other materials. It is understood that any combination of holes, pins, and mounting structures may be employed. A center support 532 extends between the top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 and is interposed between hinge leaves 504 as seen in FIG. 6A. The junctures between center support 532 and hinge leaves 504 form seams 534. Conn...

seventh embodiment

[0055]the invention 600 shown in FIGS. 7A-7E includes hinge members 612 having hinge leaves 614, and an arcuate inner edge 616. Each hinge member 612 includes retaining structures such as top and bottom barrels 618, 620, each barrel having an aperture 622 for receiving a pivot pin 624.

[0056]A connector 626 includes two spaced-apart pin-receiving components such as cylinders 628 interconnected by bridging member 630; each cylinder 628 having a pivot-pin hole 632 for receiving a pivot pin 624. While in the illustrated embodiment, bridging member 630 has a height shorter than that of the cylinders 628, in other embodiments the bridging member can have a different height such as equal to or greater than the height of the cylinders or equal to the height of the hinge leaves.

[0057]In the assembled configuration seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7E, a pivot pin 624 is received in the apertures 622 of each of the top and bottom barrels 618 of each hinge member 612 and in the pivot-pin hole 632 of on...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18 / 375,962, filed Oct. 2, 2023, and is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / 2024 / 039892, filed Jul. 24, 2024, and is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / 2025 / 018393, filed Mar. 4, 2025, and is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / 2025 / 022582, filed Apr. 1, 2025.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to hinges and more particularly to hinges with one or more components connecting the hinge members. Seams are formed at the intersection of each hinge member and a connector. Some embodiments of the invention hide the inner workings of the hinge from view.Description of Related Art

[0003] In many hinge mechanisms and applications (for example, hair accessories, jewelry, foldable electronics, cabinetry), it is desirable to hide or mask hinge knuckles or other inner workings of the hinge from view, such as behind a seam formed by close abutment of hinge leaves. In addition, in some embodiments the two leaves of the hinge move independently. In other embodiments each hinge has a large range of motion (>90°). Still other applications require a mechanism to hold the hinge in a specific position while others require a spring mechanism to return the leaves to their original positions. A limitation in prior art hinge mechanisms having closely abutting hinge leaves forming a single seam is that, while they hide the inner workings of the hinge, no structure is provided that is not directly connected to one of the hinge members of the hinge to which functional or design elements can be attached.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention disclosed herein relates to a functional hinge having at least two seams between the hinge leaves. In some configurations the hinge members may open more than 180° and hide the inner workings for the hinge mechanism from a front vantage point. This is accomplished by using two or more approximately parallel hinge pins. Some embodiments include a supplementary interior piece which fortifies the hinge and provides a structure not directly connected to either hinge member to which other elements can be attached if desired. This can be an additional body member, one or more springs, or a combination of body members and springs that allows the hinge leaves to readily open and close back to their original state. Importantly, the hinge leaves are not directly coupled and may move independently (although direct coupling is not precluded in the present invention) through a large range of motion that may be greater than 90°. One or more springs may be used to bias the hinge assembly to return the hinge members to their original positions. In some embodiments, friction (or other movement restriction mechanisms) may be used to hold the hinge in a specific position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1A is an upper front perspective view of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0006] FIG. 1B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0007] FIG. 1C is an upper right rear perspective view thereof showing the hinge in an assembled partially open configuration.

[0008] FIG. 1D is an upper front perspective view of a connector according to the invention.

[0009] FIG. 1E is a sectional view taken along lines 1E-1E of FIG. 1C.

[0010] FIG. 1F is an upper right perspective rear view thereof showing the assembled hinge in an open configuration.

[0011] FIGS. 1G and 1H are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the connector.

[0012] FIG. 1I is a representative diagram of the hinge members moving between open and closed positions.

[0013] FIG. 2A is an upper front perspective view of a second embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0014] FIG. 2B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0015] FIG. 3A is an upper front perspective view of a third embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0016] FIG. 3B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0017] FIG. 3C is an upper front perspective view of the connector.

[0018] FIG. 4A is an upper front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0019] FIG. 4B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0020] FIG. 4C is an upper front perspective of the connector thereof.

[0021] FIG. 5A is an upper front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0022] FIG. 5B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0023] FIG. 5C is an upper perspective view thereof shown in an assembled configuration.

[0024] FIG. 5D is a sectional view thereof taken along lines 5D-5D of FIG. 5C.

[0025] FIG. 5E is an upper front perspective view of the connector thereof.

[0026] FIG. 6A is an upper front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of double seam hinge according to the invention shown in a closed configuration.

[0027] FIG. 6B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof shown in a partially open configuration.

[0028] FIG. 6C is an upper left rear perspective view thereof showing the assembled hinge in a partially open configuration.

[0029] FIG. 7A is an upper front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a double seam hinge according to the invention seen in a closed configuration.

[0030] FIG. 7B is an exploded upper rear perspective view thereof.

[0031] FIG. 7C is an upper left rear perspective view thereof shown in an assembled configuration and seen in a partly open configuration.

[0032] FIG. 7D is an upper front perspective view of a connector thereof.

[0033] FIG. 7E is an upper left rear perspective view thereof similar to FIG. 7C seen in an open configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[0034] A multiple seam hinge is now described with reference to the drawings. For simplicity a hinge having only two seams is described, but it will be understood that a hinge according to the invention could have more than two seams.

[0035] A hinge having two seams, referred to generally at 10 in FIGS. 1A-1C and 1E, includes two hinge members 12, each hinge member having retaining structures such as a top plate 14 and a bottom plate 16, and a hinge leaf 18 extending between the top and bottom plates. Each of the hinge leaves 18 includes a substantially arcuate inner edge 20 and an outer end 22. Each of the top and bottom plates 14, 16 includes an aperture 24 for receiving a pivot pin 26. In the illustrated embodiment, each aperture 24 is radially equidistant from all points along the arcuate inner edge 20, but variations in the distance relationship between the aperture and the arcuate edge are anticipated.

[0036] Two pivot pins 26, generally but not necessarily in parallel relation, are received in the apertures 24 in the top and bottom plates 14, 16 forming spaced-apart pivot axes A about which the hinge members 12 move independently of each other.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 1B, the hinge 10 includes a connector 30. With additional reference to FIG. 1D, it is seen that the connector 30 includes pin-receiving components such as top and bottom connector plates 32, 34, a back wall 36 extending between connector plate side walls 38, and a structural center support 40 projecting forwardly from the back wall 36. Each of the top and bottom connector plates 32, 34 of the connector 30 has two spaced-apart pin holes 42 for receiving the two pivot pins 26. The connector plates 32, 34 thus interconnect the pivot pins 26 and, hence, the hinge members 12.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1E, it is seen that the top and bottom connector plates, 32, 34, back wall 36, side walls 38, and a bridging member 39 having a center support 40 together define interior cavities 44 on opposite sides of the connector 30 for enclosing springs 28. Thus, in the assembled configuration, shown in FIG. 1C, the springs 28 are hidden by connector 30 thereby providing an aesthetic advantage over prior art hinges in which the inner workings of the hinge are readily visible. In the illustrated embodiment, center support 40 is of a height such that it has a top edge 46 flush with the top face 48 of the top plate 14 and a bottom edge 50 flush with the bottom face 52 of the bottom plate 16. However, in other embodiments, the support 40 may have a height that is shorter than the distance between the top and bottom faces of the top and bottom plates. While the connector 30 is shown as having a rectangular shape in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the connector 30 could be a portion of a cylinder or any shape that defines an interior cavity sized for enclosing the springs 28. In some embodiments the connector 30 is a solid piece such that the inner workings of the hinge are hidden from an outer vantage point. However, in other embodiments the connector may have one or more openings through which the inner workings may be visible. And while the illustrated embodiment shows helical springs as the biasing element, in other embodiments of the invention it will be understood that the biasing element could be another resilient material such as a metal leaf spring or an elastomer. In some embodiments, no biasing element may be needed as when the hinge members are held in position with respect to the connector by friction.

[0039] As seen in FIGS. 1B and 1E, each of the two springs 28 includes a helical coil 54 that defines a center bore 56 and has first and second ends 58, 60. In the assembled configuration one of the two pivot pins 26 is received in the center bore 56 of one of the springs 28 so that each spring is axially retained between the top and bottom connector plates 32, 34 of the connector 30. The first end 58 of the spring 28 is captured in a recess 62 (see FIG. 1D) in one of the side walls 38 of the connector 30 and hence biased against the connector 30 and the other end 60 is biased against the hinge leaf 18 of one of the hinge members 12 so that the hinge leaves 18 are biased from an open configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1F, to a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A. Although a torsion spring is disclosed in FIGS. 1A-1F, it is understood that any manner or combination of helical springs, extension springs, clock springs, resilient or elastomeric materials may be used, but no spring or resilient material is required.

[0040] Some embodiments of the current invention may have a hinge that remains in a specific position; thus, not requiring a spring. One skilled in the art will understand that this can be accomplished by adding friction to the multiple seam hinge assembly, for example, between the connector plates 32, 34 of the connector 30 and the top and bottom hinge plates 14, 16 of the hinge members 12, and / or by biasing springs 28 in opposite directions.

[0041] As perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 1E, the arcuate inner edges 20 of the hinge leaves 18 slide in arcuate recesses 64 in the top and bottom connector plates 32, 34 adjacent the support 40 of the connector 30 as the hinge members 12 pivot between open and closed positions. The arcuate inner edges 20 are spaced apart a uniform distance and are continually disposed adjacent to the forward-projecting support 40 of the connector 30 at all degrees of rotation of the hinge leaves 18. This arrangement hides the springs 28 and other workings of the hinge behind double seams 66 (see FIG. 1A) formed by the inner edges 20 of the hinge leaves 18 and the center support 40.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1F-1G, it will be understood that a notable advantage of the arrangement of the hinge members 12 and interposed support 40 is that the base ends 68 are spaced apart but the free ends 70 are free to engage because the support 40 does not project forward between the facing edges 72 of the hinge members 12 where it would limit their further closure. As seen in FIG. 1I, each hinge member 12 has a hinge plane Po when the hinge members are in a closed configuration (as also shown in FIG. 1A) and has a hinge plane Pc in an open position (as also shown in FIGS. 1G-1H). Hinge members 12 are thus able to pivot more than 90° when rotating between closed and open configurations. This feature allows handles to open more than they would if the facing edges 72 were brought into direct abutting engagement when the hinge members 12 were opened. Although a broad range of motion enables certain applications, for others one may desire to limit the range of motion. One skilled in the art will understand that this can be accomplished, for example, by adjusting the shape of the support 40.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 40 has the same height as the hinge members 12, but in other embodiments the support 40 could have the height of the hinge leaves 18 or another height. The support 40 makes the connector 30 sturdier and provides a rigid structure against which to align the hinge members 12, especially in configurations in which the pivot axes of the hinge members are widely separated.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, connector 30 is shown as a single piece, but one skilled in the art will understand that the connector 30 may be assembled from multiple pieces. The center support 40 is shown as rectangular in the illustrated embodiment, but it may be concave, convex, organic, decorative, geometric, or some combination thereof. It should be assumed that any height or ratio of one or more connectors to hinge members, symmetrical or asymmetrical, are anticipated to be within the ambit of this invention.

[0045] A second embodiment of a multiple seam hinge 100 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. As seen, each of the two hinge members 102 has similar parts as in the first embodiment discussed above including hinge leaves 104, arcuate inner edges 106, apertures 108, pivot pins 110, a connector 112 having pivot pin-receiving holes 114, and multiple seams 122. This second embodiment has an external leaf spring 116 which covers the front faces of hinge leaves 104, a gap G between the hinge leaves 104, and connector 112. The leaf spring 116 can partially cover the hinge leaves 104 or connector 112 and may comprise one or more spring pieces covering the outermost portion, innermost portion, or some combination of the faces of the hinge leaves 104. In this embodiment, each end of spring 116 is attached to one of the hinge leaves 104 with fasteners 120. It is understood that any formation of mounting portions and methods including pins, screws, adhesives, and welds may be employed. The flexible member 116 may also be held in place by mounting structures attached to the hinge leaves 104 and not directly to the flexible member.

[0046] The intersection of each of the hinge members 102 and the connector 112 forms a seam 122 as seen about which the hinge members 102 pivot. As the hinge members 102 pivot from the closed configuration seen in FIG. 2A to a partially open configuration seen in FIG. 2B, the inner edges 106 of the hinge leaves 104 bend spring 116 which biases the hinge members 102 toward the closed configuration. It will be understood, however, that in some embodiments of the invention the connector 112 is optional, and that the leaf spring 116 may act as the connector while also biasing rotating hinge members 102 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In one embodiment the hinge members 102 can open more than 90° each as shown in the first embodiment above in FIGS. 1A-1F.

[0047] As seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, spring 116 is shown on the front face 118 of hinge members 102 but could be disposed on the rear face of hinge leaves 104. The leaf spring 116 may comprise any resilient or elastomeric material such as metal, plastic, rubber, polymer, or a combination thereof. A spring, such as one or more helical springs on the inner side of the connector 112 as disclosed in the first embodiment, may also be employed. As disclosed previously, friction and / or spring biasing may be added to the assembly of this second embodiment to hold the hinge in a specific position. This may be particularly useful for foldable electronics. In some embodiments where the biasing force of a leaf spring is not needed, the gap between the hinge members may be covered by a flexible material such as plastic or fabric thus covering seams 122.

[0048] A third embodiment 200 of the invention shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 202 including hinge leaves 204 having arcuate inner edges 206. Pivot pins 208 are received in apertures 210 in the top and bottom plates 212, 214 of the hinge members 202 and in pivot pin holes 226 in the top and bottom connector plates 228, 230 of connector 218. An open space 216 in the connector 218 is defined by top and bottom center support portions 220, 222. It will be understood that any shape and size of connector open space 216 can be employed, or the connector 218 may be divided into one or more pieces, creating one or more functional or decorative open spaces. An optional spring 224, and other aforementioned springs, elastomeric materials, and frictional mechanisms fall within the ambit of the invention and can be substituted in place of the illustrated torsion springs 224, biasing hinge members 202 from the open position shown in FIG. 3A to the partially closed position shown in FIG. 3B, and to the fully closed position as referenced in FIG. 1F.

[0049] A fourth embodiment 300 of the invention shown in FIG. 4, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 302, having hinge leaves 304 having arcuate inner edges 306, pivot pins 308 received in apertures 310 in the top and bottom plates 312, 314 of the hinge members. A connector 316 includes top and bottom connector plates 318, 320 having pivot-pin receiving holes 322 and a back wall 324. The inner edges 306 of the hinge members 302 abut to form a seam 326. Breaks in the hinge members form an opening 328 and indents 330 in the front faces 336 of the hinge leaves 304 as seen. As seen in FIG. 4A, a protrusion 332 is received in open space 328. Protrusion 332 can add structural support, and in other embodiments there can be any formation of one or more springs or spring like material, and two or more pins creating two or more rotational axis. Protrusion 332 may also act as a stopper for hinge leaves 302, depending on the size and formation of leaf indents 330, protrusion 332, and arcuate recesses 334 of the connector 316. The protrusion 332, can be decorative or functional, and can be deployed in a range of shapes and formations, allowing the hinge leaves 302 to rotate about the connector 316 from the closed position shown in FIG. 4A to the partially open position shown in FIG. 4B. It should also be mentioned that indents 330, to accommodate one or more optional protrusions 332, can be entirely open spaces to receive or stop one or more optional protrusions 332, exposing additional portions of the connector. It should be understood that the protrusion can have receiving bores for one or more pins, one or more springs, resilient members, or pieces of elastomeric or flexible material. Optionally, additional functional or decorative components may be mounted to the one or more protrusions 332.

[0050] A fifth embodiment 400 of the invention shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 402 having hinge leaves 404 with arcuate inner edges 406, pivot pins 408, top and bottom plates 412, 414, and a connector 416, the pivot pins 408 received in apertures 410 in the top and bottom plates 412, 414 of the hinge members and in pin-receiving holes 422 in top and bottom connector plates 418, 420 of the connector 416, the connector having a back wall 424. It should be noted that top and bottom plates 412, 414 can have any manner of shapes and formations as long as they receive pins 408. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B top and bottom plates 412, 414 are shown as circles, but in other embodiments they may have a rectangular shape. Any combination or range of ends or borders should be expected to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0051] Extending forward from the back wall 424 is center body 426. Center pin 428 is received in top and bottom pivot-pin receiving holes 432 of center body 426. Center pin 428 retains an optional spring 430 that is captured in connector 416. An opening 434 is shown in connector 416 to receive spring 430, and an optional pin receiving aperture, 432 is shown, with the understanding that any manner of spring, elastomeric materials, friction, and connector options is anticipated to be within the scope of this invention for biasing hinge leaves 404 from the closed configuration in FIG. 5A to an open configuration.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5D, it can be seen that as hinge leaves 404 pivot between open and closed positions, arcuate inner edges 406 move in arcuate recesses 440 and engage the top and bottom spring ends 431T, 431B of spring 430, thereby increasing tension on spring 430 and drag on hinge leaves 404.

[0053] A sixth embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6A-6C, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 502 having hinge leaves 504 having arcuate inner edges 506, pivot pins 508 received in apertures 510 in the top and bottom plates 512, 514 of the hinge members, and a connector 516 including top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 having pivot-pin receiving holes 522 in which pivot pins 508 are received, a back wall 524. However, additionally, connector 516 forms a recess 526 that contains and orients the hinge members 502. The hinge leaves 504 also include mounting holes 528 as seen which can be used to mount the hinge mechanism to other materials. It is understood that any combination of holes, pins, and mounting structures may be employed. A center support 532 extends between the top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 and is interposed between hinge leaves 504 as seen in FIG. 6A. The junctures between center support 532 and hinge leaves 504 form seams 534. Connector 516 can hide seams 534 when viewed from the connector side of the hinge such as seen in FIG. 6C.

[0054] Springs 530 are retained by pivot pins 508 as seen in FIG. 6B, but other embodiments may include one or more springs and two or more pins creating two or more rotational axes. The use of springs is optional. The connector 516 can also act as an external stopper or support for hinge members 502, depending on the size and formation of the hinge leaves 504 and connector 516, which allows the hinge mechanism 500 to rotate from closed configuration, shown in FIG. 6A, to the open configuration, such as shown in the first embodiment in FIG. 1F. Friction between the connector 516 and the hinge leaves 504 and / or spring biasing may be used to hold the multiple seam hinge assembly in a specific position.

[0055] A seventh embodiment of the invention 600 shown in FIGS. 7A-7E includes hinge members 612 having hinge leaves 614, and an arcuate inner edge 616. Each hinge member 612 includes retaining structures such as top and bottom barrels 618, 620, each barrel having an aperture 622 for receiving a pivot pin 624.

[0056] A connector 626 includes two spaced-apart pin-receiving components such as cylinders 628 interconnected by bridging member 630; each cylinder 628 having a pivot-pin hole 632 for receiving a pivot pin 624. While in the illustrated embodiment, bridging member 630 has a height shorter than that of the cylinders 628, in other embodiments the bridging member can have a different height such as equal to or greater than the height of the cylinders or equal to the height of the hinge leaves.

[0057] In the assembled configuration seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7E, a pivot pin 624 is received in the apertures 622 of each of the top and bottom barrels 618 of each hinge member 612 and in the pivot-pin hole 632 of one of the pin-receiving cylinders 628 of connector 626, thereby connecting the hinge members 612 and enabling each to pivot independently of the other.

[0058] As seen by comparing the closed configuration of the hinge seen in FIG. 7A with the open configuration seen in FIG. 7E, it will be understood that the hinge members are able to pivot between open and closed positions more than 90° because the base ends 634 of the hinge members 612 are spaced apart whereas the free ends 636 can directly abut as shown.

[0059] A multiple seam hinge with multiple seams according to the invention has several advantages over the prior art including hiding the spring mechanism, allowing the hinge members to open more than 180° in some embodiments, enhanced structural connector support and stoppers, allowing each hinge member to move independently of the other hinge member, and the ability to hold a specific position—all with less complexity than many current hinge assemblies.

[0060] There have thus been described and illustrated certain embodiments of a multiple seam hinge according to the invention. Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that the disclosure is illustrative only and is not to be taken as limiting, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Examples

first embodiment

[0046]The intersection of each of the hinge members 102 and the connector 112 forms a seam 122 as seen about which the hinge members 102 pivot. As the hinge members 102 pivot from the closed configuration seen in FIG. 2A to a partially open configuration seen in FIG. 2B, the inner edges 106 of the hinge leaves 104 bend spring 116 which biases the hinge members 102 toward the closed configuration. It will be understood, however, that in some embodiments of the invention the connector 112 is optional, and that the leaf spring 116 may act as the connector while also biasing rotating hinge members 102 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In one embodiment the hinge members 102 can open more than 90° each as shown in the first embodiment above in FIGS. 1A-1F.

[0047]As seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, spring 116 is shown on the front face 118 of hinge members 102 but could be disposed on the rear face of hinge leaves 104. The leaf spring 116 may comprise any resilient or elastomeric ...

sixth embodiment

[0053]the invention shown in FIG. 6A-6C, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, includes hinge members 502 having hinge leaves 504 having arcuate inner edges 506, pivot pins 508 received in apertures 510 in the top and bottom plates 512, 514 of the hinge members, and a connector 516 including top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 having pivot-pin receiving holes 522 in which pivot pins 508 are received, a back wall 524. However, additionally, connector 516 forms a recess 526 that contains and orients the hinge members 502. The hinge leaves 504 also include mounting holes 528 as seen which can be used to mount the hinge mechanism to other materials. It is understood that any combination of holes, pins, and mounting structures may be employed. A center support 532 extends between the top and bottom connector plates 518, 520 and is interposed between hinge leaves 504 as seen in FIG. 6A. The junctures between center support 532 and hinge leaves 504 form seams 534. Conn...

seventh embodiment

[0055]the invention 600 shown in FIGS. 7A-7E includes hinge members 612 having hinge leaves 614, and an arcuate inner edge 616. Each hinge member 612 includes retaining structures such as top and bottom barrels 618, 620, each barrel having an aperture 622 for receiving a pivot pin 624.

[0056]A connector 626 includes two spaced-apart pin-receiving components such as cylinders 628 interconnected by bridging member 630; each cylinder 628 having a pivot-pin hole 632 for receiving a pivot pin 624. While in the illustrated embodiment, bridging member 630 has a height shorter than that of the cylinders 628, in other embodiments the bridging member can have a different height such as equal to or greater than the height of the cylinders or equal to the height of the hinge leaves.

[0057]In the assembled configuration seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7E, a pivot pin 624 is received in the apertures 622 of each of the top and bottom barrels 618 of each hinge member 612 and in the pivot-pin hole 632 of on...

Claims

27. A multiple seam hinge comprising:a plurality of hinge members including first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members having one or more retaining structures and a hinge leaf including a substantially arcuate inner edge, each of said retaining structures having an aperture,a plurality of pivot pins,one or more connectors, each of said one or more connectors having two or more pin-receiving components, at least two of said two or more pin-receiving components connected by a bridging member, each of said two or more pin-receiving components having one or more pin holes, at least one of the plurality of pivot pins received (a) in the aperture of one of the one or more retaining structures of each of said first and second hinge members and (b) received in one of said one or more pin holes of each one of the two or more pin-receiving components of one of said one or more connectors thereby interconnecting said first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members independently rotatable about a pivot axis formed by one of said plurality of pivot pins thereby enabling each of said first and second hinge members to pivot independently of the other between open and closed configurations, andthe arcuate inner edges of the hinge leaves of said first and second hinge members spaced apart a substantially uniform distance at all degrees of rotation of each of said first and second hinge members between said open and closed configurations,said arcuate inner edges forming one or more seams.

28. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:said one or more retaining structures comprising two or more retaining structures including a top retaining structure and a bottom retaining structure.

29. The multiple seam hinge of claim 2 further comprising:said top retaining structure comprising a top plate, andsaid bottom retaining structure comprising a bottom plate.

30. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:said one or more connectors comprising two or more connectors.

31. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:at least one of said two or more pin-receiving components comprising a top connector plate and a bottom connector plate spaced from said top connector plate.

32. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:said one or more seams comprises a plurality of seams, anda center support attached to said one of said one or more connectors, said center support disposed between and adjacent to the arcuate inner edges of each of the hinge leaves of said first and second hinge members so that said center support and the arcuate inner edge of each of said hinge leaves forms a seam, such that said center support and said first and second hinge members collectively form said plurality of seams.

33. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:each hinge member having a hinge plane, the pivot axis of each hinge member disposed in said hinge plane, the pivot axes of said two hinge members spaced apart,in said closed configuration the hinge planes of said two hinge members in coplanar disposition, andin said open configuration the hinge plane of at least one of said hinge members disposed at more than 90° of rotation relative to its disposition in said open configuration.

34. The multiple seam hinge of claim 7 further comprising:each hinge leaf having a free end opposite said arcuate inner edge,in the open configuration, the free ends of the hinge leaves of said two hinge members in abutting engagement.

35. The multiple seam hinge of claim 5 further comprising:one of said one or more connector plates having opposite side walls extending between said top and bottom connector plates, said side walls each having a front edge,in said closed configuration the front edges of said side walls in abutting engagement with the hinge leaves of said hinge members thereby limiting rotation of said hinge members.

36. The multiple seam hinge of claim 6 further comprising:the bridging member of said connector having a back wall extending between said top and bottom connector plates, andsaid center support extending forwardly from said back wall.

37. The multiple seam hinge of claim 6 further comprising:said one or more retaining structures comprising two or more retaining structures including a top plate having a top face, and a bottom plate having a bottom face, andsaid center support having a top edge and a bottom edge, said top edge flush with said top face, and said bottom edge flush with said bottom face.

38. The multiple seam hinge of claim 6 further comprising:at least one of said two or more pin-receiving components comprising a top connector plate and a bottom connector plate spaced from said top connector plate, each of said top and bottom connector plates having substantially arcuate recesses disposed adjacent said center support, said substantially arcuate inner edges sliding in said arcuate recesses as the hinge members rotate between open and closed configurations.

39. The multiple seam hinge of claim 6 further comprising:said center support having top and bottom support portions and an opening therebetween.

40. The multiple seam hinge of claim 6 further comprising:said center support having an axially extending pin-receiving aperture, a spring, a recess for receiving said spring, and a pin received in the aperture, said pin also received in a center bore of said spring, said spring retained by said pin in said aperture,said spring biasing said hinge members toward said closed configuration.

41. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 wherein each of said hinge leaves is capable of rotating more than 90° between open and closed positions.

42. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:one or more springs, each spring axially retained by one of said pivot pins and disposed between said top and bottom connector plates, each of said one or more springs biasing said hinge members toward said closed configuration.

43. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:a flexible material attached to said hinge members.

44. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:a resilient material attached to said hinge members, said resilient material biasing said hinge members toward said closed configuration.

45. The multiple seam hinge of claim 1 further comprising:a flexible material attached to said hinge members.

46. A multiple seam hinge comprising:a plurality of hinge members including first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a hinge leaf extending between said top and bottom plates, each of said top and bottom plates having an aperture, said hinge leaf including a substantially arcuate inner edge,a plurality of pivot pins,one or more connectors, each of said one or more connectors having top and bottom connector plates, one or both of said top and bottom connector plates having two spaced apart pin holes, each one of the plurality of pivot pins received in the aperture of one or both of the top and bottom plates of one of said first and second hinge members and received in one of the pin holes of each of said top and bottom connector plates, said one of the plurality of pivot pins defining a pivot axis about which one of said first and second hinge members pivots, each of said first and second hinge members independently rotatable about the pivot axis of one of the plurality of pivot pins thereby enabling each of the first and second hinge members to pivot independently relative to one another between open and closed configurations,one of said one or more connectors connecting said first and second hinge members, the arcuate inner edges of the hinge leaves of said first and second hinge members spaced apart a substantially uniform distance at all degrees of rotation of each of said first and second hinge members between said open and closed configurations, anda center support attached to said one of said one or more connectors, said center support disposed between and adjacent to the arcuate inner edges of each of the hinge leaves of said first and second hinge members so that said center support and the arcuate inner edge of each of said hinge leaves forms a seam, such that said center support and said first and second hinge members collectively form a plurality of seams.

47. A multiple seam hinge comprising:a plurality of hinge members including first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a hinge leaf extending between said top and bottom plates, said first and second hinge members spaced apart forming a gap therebetween,one or more flexible connectors extending between and connecting said first and second hinge members, one of said one or more flexible connectors covering said gap, said connector and the inner edges of each of said first and second hinge members forming one or more seams, andsaid first and second hinge members each rotatable about one of said one or more seams thereby enabling each of the hinge leaves to pivot independently relative to one another between open and closed configurations.

48. The multiple seam hinge of claim 21 further comprising:each of said first and second hinge members having a front face,one of said one or more connectors attached to at least a portion of the front face of one of said first and second hinge members.

49. A multiple seam hinge comprising:a plurality of hinge members including first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a hinge leaf extending between said top and bottom plates, each of said top and bottom plates having an aperture, the hinge leaf including a substantially arcuate inner edge,a plurality of pivot pins,one or more connectors, each of said one or more connectors having top and bottom connector plates, each of said top and bottom connector plates having a plurality of spaced apart pin holes, one of the plurality of pivot pins received in the apertures of each of the top and bottom plates of one of the first and second hinge members and received in one of the plurality of pin holes of each of the top and bottom connector plates of one of said one or more connectors, each pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which one of said first and second hinge members pivots, each of said first and second hinge members independently rotatable about the pivot axis of one of the plurality of pivot pins thereby enabling each of the first and second hinge members to pivot independently relative to one another between open and closed configurations,the arcuate inner edges of each of the hinge leaves of said first and second hinge members in immediately adjacent disposition at all degrees of rotation of each of said first and second hinge members between said open and closed configurations thereby forming a seam,the arcuate inner edges of the hinge leaves of each hinge member having a recess, said recesses of each hinge member cooperating to form an opening in said seam,a protrusion connected to at least one of said one or more connector plates, said protrusion received in said opening.

50. The multiple seam hinge of claim 23 further comprising:the hinge leaf of each of said first and second hinge members having a forward face including an indent, said indent sized to accommodate said protrusion when the hinge members are in an open configuration.

51. A multiple seam hinge comprising:a plurality of hinge members including first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members having a top hinge plate, a bottom hinge plate, and a hinge leaf extending between said top and bottom hinge plates, each of said top and bottom hinge plates having an aperture, said hinge leaf including a substantially arcuate inner edge,a plurality of pivot pins, andone or more connectors, one of said one or more connectors having top and bottom connector plates, a back plate extending between said top and bottom connector plates, and a center support extending between said top and bottom connector plates and said top and bottom hinge plates of one of said first and second hinge members disposed between said top and bottom connector plates,each of said top and bottom connector plates having a plurality of spaced apart pin holes, each one of said plurality of pivot pins received in the apertures of said both of said top and bottom hinge plates of one of said first and second hinge members and received in one of the plurality of pin holes of each of the top and bottom connector plates of one of said one or more connectors, each pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which one of the hinge members pivots, each of said hinge members independently rotatable about the pivot axis of one of the plurality of pivot pins thereby enabling each of the hinge members to pivot independently relative to one another between open and closed configurations,the substantially arcuate inner edges of the hinge leaves of each of said first and second hinge members in immediately adjacent disposition to said center support at all degrees of rotation of each of said first and second hinge members between said open and closed configurations thereby forming one or more seams,in said closed configuration said top and bottom hinge plates in abutting engagement with said back plate thereby limiting rotation of said hinge members.

52. A multiple seam hinge comprising:a plurality of hinge members each having one or more retaining structures and a hinge leaf including a substantially arcuate inner edge, each of said retaining structures having an aperture,a plurality of pivot pins,one or more connectors, each of said one or more connectors having two or more pin-receiving components, at least two of said two or more pin-receiving components connected by a bridging member, each of said two or more pin-receiving components having one or more pin holes, at least one of the plurality of pivot pins received (a) in the aperture of one of the one or more retaining structures of each of said first and second hinge members and (b) received in one of said one or more pin holes of each one of the two or more pin-receiving components of one of said one or more connectors thereby interconnecting said first and second hinge members, each of said first and second hinge members independently rotatable about a pivot axis formed by one of said plurality of pivot pins thereby enabling each of said first and second hinge members to pivot independently of the other between open and closed configurations, andthe arcuate inner edges of the hinge leaves of said first and second hinge members spaced apart a substantially uniform distance at all degrees of rotation of each of said first and second hinge members between said open and closed configurations.

Images