• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A hinge mechanism 10 includes a body member 13 having a first elongate mounting portion 14 for mounting a first component 16. A second mounting portion 22 is fixed to the first mounting portion 14, at or proximate a first end of the first mounting portion 14, and extends transversely to the first mounting portion 14. The second mounting portion 22 defines a pivot point 24 for pivotal mounting to a second component 20 relative to which the first component 16 is to be hingedly attached. The second mounting portion 22 is shaped so that the pivot point 24 is offset, relative to a junction between the first mounting portion 14 and the second mounting portion 22, towards a second end of the first mounting portion 14. 00 N1- Cl N 0 M CAl N N N fl C-44 M ~ N~ LD 0
    公开号:AU2013204228A1
    申请号:U2013204228
    申请日:2013-04-12
    公开日:2013-11-28
    发明作者:David King
    申请人:King Furniture Australia Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:A47C7-58
    专利说明:
    1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 KING FURNITURE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Title: A hinge mechanism The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- 2 Cross-Reference to Related Applications [1] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2012901943 filed on 11 May 2012 and Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2012902318 filed on 4 June 2012, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Field [2] This disclosure relates, generally, to a hinge and, more particularly, to a hinge mechanism and to an article including the hinge mechanism. Background [3] There is a need for a hinge mechanism which renders the article in which the hinge mechanism is mounted easier and more convenient to use. In particular there is a need for a hinge mechanism which can be used in articles to be placed in locations where space is at a premium and/ or where it would be difficult to have to move the article prior to hingedly displacing a first component of the article relative to a second component of the article. Summary [4] In a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a hinge mechanism which includes a body member having a first elongate mounting portion for mounting a first component and a second mounting portion fixed to the first mounting portion, at or proximate a first end of the first mounting portion, and extending transversely to the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion defining a pivot point for pivotal mounting to a second component relative to which the first component is to be hingedly attached and the second mounting portion being shaped so that the pivot point is offset, relative to a junction between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, towards a second end of the first mounting portion. [5] It will be appreciated that, with this arrangement, when the first component is displaced relative to the second component via the hinge mechanism, the first component effectively moves laterally relative to the second component as it scribes an arc about the pivot point.
    3 [6] The first mounting portion may be in the form of a substantially straight arm and the second mounting portion may be in the form of a dog leg-shaped arm or substantially arcuate arm integrally formed with the first arm as a one-piece element. [7] The hinge mechanism may include a mounting formation carried by the body member, the mounting formation, in use, mounting a movement assisting mechanism which assists movement of the first component relative to the second component. The mounting formation may be in the form of a tab projecting from the first mounting portion. One end of the movement assisting element, which may be in the form of a fluid operated strut, may be attached to the tab with an opposed end of the movement assisting element being attached, in use, to the second component. [8] At least the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion may be substantially co-planar. The mounting formation may also lie in the plane of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. [9] In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an article which includes a first component; a second component to which the first component is mounted in a hinged configuration; and at least one hinge mechanism, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, hingedly attaching the first component to the second component, the pivot point of the hinge mechanism being secured to the second component via a pivot pin to permit hinged movement of the first component relative to the second component. [10] The article may be an article of furniture and the second component may be a base and rear sub-assembly of the article of furniture, a portion of the rear part of the sub-assembly being elevated with respect to the base and defining a void in which the pivot point of the at least one hinge mechanism is arranged. [11] The second component may define a storage volume and the first component may be a lid for covering the storage volume.
    4 [12] The first component may be hingedly attached to the second component by a plurality of spaced hinge mechanisms. For example, the first component may be hingedly attached to the second component by a pair of laterally spaced hinge mechanisms. Brief Description of Drawings [13] An embodiment of the disclosure is now described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [14] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an article of furniture including an embodiment of a hinge mechanism, the article of furniture being shown in a first configuration; and [15] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the article of furniture including the hinge mechanism, the article of furniture being shown in a second configuration. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiment [16] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates an embodiment of a hinge mechanism shown in use in an embodiment of an article in the form of an article of modular furniture and, more particularly, a storage unit 12 in the form of a chair or forming a part of a modular sofa. For the sake of brevity, the modular article of furniture will be referred to as a "storage unit" and the disclosure will be described with reference to its application to the storage unit 12. Those skilled in the art will, however, appreciate that the hinge mechanism 10 could be used with any other suitable article where movement between two components of the type afforded by the hinge mechanism 10 is applicable. [17] The hinge mechanism 10 comprises a body member 13 having a first mounting portion in the form of a first mounting arm 14 which carries a first component 16 of the storage unit 12. The component 16 is a combined lid, seat bottom and seat back of the storage unit 12 and will be referred to below, for the sake of brevity, as the "lid" 16. The lid 16 covers a storage volume 18 defined by a second component, in the form of a base and rear sub-assembly 20, of the storage unit 12. [18] The body member 13 of the hinge mechanism 10 includes a second mounting portion, or second mounting arm 22, fixed to and extending from a first end of the first mounting arm 14.
    5 The first mounting arm 14 is substantially straight and therefore lies in a plane. The second mounting arm 22 extends transversely relative to the first mounting arm 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting arm 14 and the second mounting arm 22 are integrally formed as a one-piece element with the first mounting arm 14 and the second mounting arm 22 being co planar. It will, however, be appreciated that , instead of a one-piece element, the first mounting arm 14 and the second mounting arm 22 could be separate components which are fixed to each other to form a substantially rigid structure. [19] A pivot point 24 is defined proximate a free end of the second arm 22. The second arm 22 is dog leg shaped having a kink 26 defined approximately midway along the length of the second mounting arm 22. A part 28 of the second mounting arm 22 intermediate the junction between the first mounting arm 14 and the kink 26 extends substantially at right angles to the first arm 14. A part 30 of the second mounting arm 22 outwardly of the kink 26 extends at an obtuse included angle between the parts 28 and 30 so that, relative to the junction between the first mounting arm 14 and the second mounting arm 22, the pivot point 24 is offset towards a second, free end of the first mounting arm 14. [20] This results in the pivot point 24 being arranged inwardly of the junction between the first mounting arm 14 and the second mounting arm 22. In use, the pivot point 24 is also spaced from the first mounting arm 14 and, in this embodiment, is at an operatively elevated position relative to the first mounting arm 14. Thus, when the lid 16 is raised relative to the sub-assembly 20, the lid 16 effectively moves laterally towards an operatively front region of the sub-assembly 20 while rising. [21] The pivot point 24 is located in a rear part of the sub-assembly 20 which is in the form of a spacer member 32. The spacer member 32 spaces a seat back 34 of the lid 16 from a rear member 36 of the sub-assembly 20. The hinge mechanism 10 ensures that, when the lid 16 is raised relative to the sub-assembly 20, an operatively upper, rear edge 38 of the seat back 34 does not protrude to any significant extent beyond a plane defined by a rear surface 40 of the rear member 36 of the sub-assembly 20. As a result, it is not necessary first to move the storage unit 12 away from a wall against which the storage unit 12 may be arranged before raising the lid 16. This makes the storage unit 12 far more convenient to use and inhibits damage being caused to the wall, in use.
    6 [22] By "significant extent" is meant that the operatively upper, rear edge 38 of the seat back 34 does not protrude at all, or protrudes only an insignificant amount, beyond the plane defined by the rear surface 40 of the rear member 36 when the lid 16 is raised. If the rear edge 38 does protrude beyond the plane, the amount is insignificant due to the fact that cushions of the seat back 34 is/are recoverably crushable. [23] In use, the lid 16 is generally supported by two laterally spaced hinge mechanisms 10 to facilitate smoother operation of the lid 16, only one hinge mechanism 10 being illustrated in the drawings. [24] To facilitate operation of the lid 16 further, when it is raised and lowered relative to the sub-assembly 20, the hinge mechanism 10 includes a mounting formation in the form of a tab 42 standing proud of the first arm 14 and lying substantially in the plane of the first mounting arm 14 and the second mounting arm 22. [25] The tab 42 mounts a first end of a fluid operated movement assisting element in the form of gas strut 44. An opposed end (not shown) of the gas strut 44 is mounted to a wall of a base part of the sub-assembly 20 defining the storage volume 18. The gas strut 44 reduces the effort required to raise the lid 16 and also damps motion of the lid 16 as it is lowered giving a more satisfactory experience to an operator and reducing the likelihood of damage to the storage unit 12 and articles stored in the storage volume 18. A gas strut 44 is associated with each hinge mechanism of the storage unit 12. [26] It is therefore an advantage of the described embodiment that a hinge mechanism 10 is provided which renders the article in which the hinge mechanism 10 is mounted easier and more convenient to use. In the case where the article is a modular article of furniture, the hinge mechanism 10 renders such modular article of furniture suitable for use where space is at a premium and/ or where it would be difficult to have to move the modular article of furniture away from a wall prior to raising the lid. [27] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1] 1. A hinge mechanism which includes a body member having a first elongate mounting portion for mounting a first component; and a second mounting portion fixed to the first mounting portion, at or proximate a first end of the first mounting portion, and extending transversely to the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion defining a pivot point for pivotal mounting to a second component relative to which the first component is to be hingedly attached and the second mounting portion being shaped so that the pivot point is offset, relative to a junction between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, towards a second end of the first mounting portion.
    [2] 2. The hinge mechanism of claim 1 in which the first mounting portion is in the form of a substantially straight arm and in which the second mounting portion is in the form of a dog leg shaped arm or substantially arcuate arm integrally formed with the first arm as a one-piece element.
    [3] 3. The hinge mechanism of claim 1 or claim 2 which includes a mounting formation carried by the body member, the mounting formation, in use, mounting a movement assisting mechanism which assists movement of the first component relative to the second component.
    [4] 4. The hinge mechanism of any one of the preceding claims in which at least the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are substantially co-planar.
    [5] 5. An article which includes a first component; a second component to which the first component is mounted in a hinged configuration; and at least one hinge mechanism, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, hingedly attaching the first component to the second component, the pivot point of the hinge mechanism being secured to the second component via a pivot pin to permit hinged movement of the first component relative to the second component.
    [6] 6. The article of claim 5 which is an article of furniture and in which the second component is a base and rear sub-assembly of the article of furniture, a portion of the rear part of the sub- 8 assembly being elevated with respect to the base and defining a void in which the pivot point of the at least one hinge mechanism is arranged.
    [7] 7. The article of claim 6 in which the second component defines a storage volume and in which the first component is a lid for covering the storage volume.
    [8] 8. The article of any one of claims 5 to 7 in which the first component is hingedly attached to the second component by a plurality of spaced hinge mechanisms.
    [9] 9. A hinge mechanism substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
    [10] 10. An article substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    WO2013020088A3|2013-06-13|Ergonomic seating assemblies and methods
    CN106031563B|2018-11-09|Cabinet
    US8006327B1|2011-08-30|Pivoting leg assembly for folding furniture
    WO2009098040A3|2010-05-27|Piece of furniture for sitting on, and mounting therefor
    US8566980B2|2013-10-29|Folding bed with a control lever arranged between a cabinet unit and a head part
    WO2006041603A3|2006-11-30|Barbecue grill assembly
    EP1969974A3|2009-12-02|Device for transporting a child
    US10779641B2|2020-09-22|Foldaway shelving with movable end caps
    USD500666S1|2005-01-11|Double beam corner support bracket
    AU2013204228B2|2016-05-12|A hinge mechanism
    US9271574B2|2016-03-01|Fitting for an item of seating furniture
    USD618420S1|2010-06-22|Convertible platform truck
    US20160262546A1|2016-09-15|Convertible chair
    US7269865B2|2007-09-18|Sofa with flip-up spring deck
    JP5448505B2|2014-03-19|Storage
    JP5140574B2|2013-02-06|Kitchen cabinet
    CN108236237B|2020-10-27|Slide rail mechanism and adjustment assembly for slide rail
    WO2012006661A1|2012-01-19|An adjustment mechanism
    JP4424121B2|2010-03-03|desk
    US20150061348A1|2015-03-05|Chair Position Adjuster
    JP6119174B2|2017-04-26|Furniture with a top plate
    JP4604972B2|2011-01-05|Wagon on casters
    JP4696267B2|2011-06-08|furniture
    JP5639630B2|2014-12-10|Furniture with flap top
    JP2007135617A|2007-06-07|Cart with casters
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013204228B2|2016-05-12|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US1402871A|1921-04-20|1922-01-10|John B Kunkel|Hinge|
    US1573231A|1924-06-19|1926-02-16|Michael J Economides|Hinge|
    US20020130535A1|2001-03-16|2002-09-19|Norco Industries, Inc.|Convertible sofa|
    法律状态:
    2016-09-08| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012901943||2012-05-11||
    AU2012901943A|AU2012901943A0||2012-05-11|An article of furniture|
    AU2012902318||2012-06-04||
    AU2012902318A|AU2012902318A0||2012-06-04|A hinge mechanism|
    AU2013204228A|AU2013204228B2|2012-05-11|2013-04-12|A hinge mechanism|AU2013204228A| AU2013204228B2|2012-05-11|2013-04-12|A hinge mechanism|
    [返回顶部]