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Hinge with tandem pivot structure motion lock and override

  • US 7,418,766 B2
  • Filed: 12/22/2004
  • Issued: 09/02/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A hinge pivot and motion lock for tandemly coupled upper and lower pivoting functional units, comprising:

  • a lower pivoting functional unit positionable between a first substantially horizontal position and a second non-horizontal position;

    an upper pivoting functional unit positionable between a first substantially horizontal position and a second non-horizontal position;

    a hinge assembly coupling the upper pivoting functional unit to the lower pivoting functional unit and including a gear member allowing at least pivotal movement of the upper pivoting functional unit relative to the lower pivoting functional unit; and

    at least one gravity-actuated motion lock that engages the gear member to inhibit movement of the upper pivoting functional unit relative to the lower pivoting functional unit when the lower pivoting functional unit is in the second non-horizontal position and disengages from the gear member when the lower pivoting functional unit is positioned at the first substantially horizontal position.

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