This invention relates to axis dampers for dampening the closure of doors and similar devices which are closed into a frame or cabinet, and is more particularly related to such an axis damper which has a resilient sleeve arranged over a plastic axis damper skeletal member, and which simplifies the structure of the device and yet provided suitable controlled dampening of the closing action of the device. Such a plastic and resilient axis damper device may be co-molded and fabricated in one piece.
Conventional axis dampers are frequently fairly complex devices, usually requiring internal springs and cylinders or discs that move through silicone grease or similar materials or structure to accomplish consistent closing and softening and spring-like opening action to accomplish the desired result.
In the present invention, there are no internal springs or cylinders and there is no structure requiring discs or other elements to move though a dampening agent, and the desired dampening is provided by a resilient sleeve over the dampening device in such a way that torque forces absorb the closing action to suitably move the door or other component home against its frame or cabinet and provide ease of re-opening. Such a simple system is particularly suitable to slow the opening and closing speed of such devices as automobile ashtrays, front panels of television sets, covers for laptop computers and like applications.
By providing a resilient sleeve on an axis damper, suitable dampening and spring action is achieved using molded rubber and plastic, and the rubber or similar resilient cylinder on the device provides torque and return characteristics for closing and opening action at a substantially lower cost than existing axis dampers. The resilient axis damper disclosed in this application can be co-molded in one operation and requires only means for mounting it in place, but no other substantial installation or operational elements.
The resilient axis damper embodying the present invention consists of a plastic skeletal member, which includes structure for mounting the axis damper on a door, panel or cover to be closed or on a frame against which the door, panel or cover is to be closed. The skeletal member includes an axle device for mounting on the door, panel, cover or frame. This axle device has means for receiving a resilient sleeve secured thereover, and this resilient sleeve can be co-molded with the plastic skeletal member.
It is the object of the invention to provide a resilient axis damper of the character described.
Another object is to provide an axis damper having a resilient sleeve which absorbs torque and is spring-like for use to dampen the closing or opening of a door, panel or cover against a frame.
Another object is to provide a resilient member for a axis damper which can be co-molded with the axis damper.
Another object is to provide an axis damper which does not require internal springs, cylinders, discs or similar structure to accomplish consistent closing and softening action to open or close a door, panel or cover.
Another object is to provide an axis damper which can be secured on a frame or door without special members to enhance its dampening action.
Another object is to provide an axis damper which can be fabricated in one piece.
Another object is to provide an axis damper which is simple and efficient to manufacture and use and which can accomplish suitable dampening efficiently and at low cost.
These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent as this description proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings and description.
In the drawings:
With reference to the accompanying drawing, and particularly to
The axis damper device 10 embodying the present invention has a skeleton 11, as shown in
The damper restraining member 13 on the skeleton 11 may comprise a pair of fork tines 16 and 17 remote and extending from the hinge member 12. These tines 16 are connected together at a base 18 extending from a shaft 19 preferably secured to the hinge member 12, and the remote ends of the tines 16 may form barbs 20 having locking tabs 21 for snap-in connection to structure in the cover C.
Secured to the hinge member 12 of the device 10 is a resilient sleeve 25, which is secured to the hinge member by means of an upstanding brace 26 connected to the shaft 19 and a to a sleeve securing member 27, so that the area of the sleeve between the brace and securing member can absorb torque when the axis damper device is connected to the cover C and body F as the cover is moved toward the frame and release torsion forces as the cover is moved away from the frame. This resilient sleeve 25 may be co-molded with the skeleton member in a single molding operation.
The resilient sleeve maybe made from rubber or other flexible torque absorbing or elastomer material. Skeleton and sleeve arrangements other than as shown and described may be made to similarly lock into a suitable cover and frame so long as these parts are suitable for holding the hinge member 12 and damper restraining member 13 in a position to absorb and release torsion forces while the cover C is moved into closed or open position against the body or fame F.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in considerable detail, it should be understood that many changes and modifications may be made in the device without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention Accordingly, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the exact structure disclosed.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US06/30683 | 8/7/2006 | WO | 00 | 10/19/2009 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60707482 | Aug 2005 | US |