Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: "A VARIABLE TORQUE HINGE MECHANISM"
TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to field of mechanics. Particularly but
not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a hinge mechanism. Further,
embodiments
of the disclosure discloses a hinge mechanism with variable and customizable
torque
angle characteristics.
BACKGROUND
Generally, hinge mechanisms are employed for mounting a closure means, such as
but
not limiting to decks, doors and any other members onto a support member. The
hinge
mechanism, facilitates pivot or swiveling movement between two positions such
as an
open position and a closed position. The hinge mechanism or simply referred to
as
hinge is a mechanical bearing that connects two solid objects, typically
allowing only
a limited angle of rotation between the objects. Conventional hinge mechanisms
may
include a cylinder and a pin disposed in the cylinder. The cylinder rotates
around the
pin during operation of the hinge. This involves rubbing of surfaces of
components of
the hinge, due to which friction may be generated, and thus leading to wear of
the pin
or the cylinder.
Conventionally, hinges are equipped with resilient members such as a torsion
spring at
the pivotal regions, in order to reduce the effort of the user and/or to limit
the relative
rotational movement between two members to a required angle of rotation. The
torsion
spring in the hinge may also assist in return movement upon removal of applied
force.
Though the effort of the user may be reduced by using torsion spring, it can
only provide
linear or constant torque proportional to its angle of rotation since, the
stiffness of the
torsion spring is constant. However, depending on the application, the
requirement of
the torque-angle characteristic/profile of the hinge may vary from a constant
or linear
torque to a nonlinear torque value. Further, some applications may demand a
variety of
torque characteristic/profiles during loading and unloading conditions, which
cannot be
achieved by the conventional hinges, which are adapted with torsion springs.
Hence,
torsion springs with different stiffness co-efficient are to be used in the
hinges to meet
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the requirement of different applications, and thus limits the usage of the
hinge to a
specific application.
With the on-going efforts, various mechanisms have evolved, and one such hinge
mechanism is a variable torque hinge mechanism. The variable torque hinge
mechanism as the name specifies is a flexible mechanism, which does not
involve
rubbing surfaces, unlike the conventional hinge mechanisms. Though the
variable
torque hinge mechanisms provide flexibility to vary the torque-angle
characteristics,
the range of variation of the torque-angle characteristic may be limited i.e.
these
mechanisms provide more linear torque angle characteristic and less non-linear
torque
angle characteristic, due to rotational constraints of the components used in
the hinge
mechanism. Moreover, these mechanisms should be accompanied by an external
bearing support member in order to vary the torque-angle characteristic within
the
prescribed range. However, incorporating the external bearing member in the
hinge
mechanism, makes the hinge mechanism bulky and expensive.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated
above and
any other limitations associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a hinge mechanism as
disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the hinge mechanism
as
described in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the
present
disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in
detail
herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a variable torque
hinge
mechanism [herein after referred as hinge mechanism] offers user specified
torque-
angle characteristic with a large range of torque is disclosed. The hinge
mechanism
comprises a pair of rigid end brackets. The hinge mechanism further comprises
a
plurality of elastically deformable members, wherein each end of each of the
plurality
of elastically deformable members is coupled to one of the pair of rigid end
brackets.
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Furthermore, the hinge mechanism comprises a free bracket, coupled to each of
the
plurality of elastically deformable members, wherein the free bracket is
configured to
traverse about an imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A). Additionally, the
hinge
mechanism comprises a pair of guide members positioned adjacent to the free
bracket,
wherein each of the pair of guide members define a cam profile. At least one
follower,
extends from the free bracket, wherein, at least one follower is configured to
trace the
cam profile defined on one of the pair of guide members, during a forward
travel and a
return travel, to attain variable and customizable torque angle
characteristics.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of elastically deformable members is
an open
section shell of variable cross-section.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of elastically deformable members
comprises
a stack of open section shells.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of elastically deformable members are
configured to undergo twisting and bending, upon traversing of the free
bracket about
the imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A) of the variable torque hinge
mechanism.
In an embodiment, an angle of twist of each of the plurality of elastically
deformable
members ranges from about 50 degrees to 90 degrees.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of elastically deformable members are
of a
spring steel, Beryllium copper, polymers and carbon fibre.
In an embodiment, the free bracket is coupled on each of the plurality of
elastically
deformable members, at a substantially equal distance from each of the pair of
rigid end
brackets.
In an embodiment, the cam profiles of each of the pair of guide members are
non-
identical and the non-identical cam profiles of each of the pair of guide
members,
facilitates in attaining different torque angle characteristics during a
loading cycle and
an unloading cycle.
In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises an arrangement to selectively shift
position of one of the pair of guide members, to contact the at least one
follower.
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It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure
described
above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects
and
embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the
disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
way limiting.
In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
above,
further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference
to the
drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the
appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of
use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the
accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like
reference
numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a variable torque hinge mechanism,
in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 2 illustrate a perspective view of the hinge mechanism of Figure. 1
with a
connection frame.
Figures. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a chair employed with the
variable torque
hinge mechanism of Figure. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the
present disclosure.
Figure. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a variable torque hinge mechanism,
in
accordance to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration
only. One
skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that
alternative
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embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed
without
departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
5
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of
the present
disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that
follows may be
better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will
be
described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the
disclosure. It
should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent
methods do not
depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed
to be
characteristic of the disclosure, as to the hinge mechanism, together with
further objects
and advantages will be better understood from the following description when
considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of
illustration
and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the
present
disclosure.
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving
as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the
present
subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings
and
will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is
not
intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary,
the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative
falling within
the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that the mechanism that comprises a list
of acts
does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly
listed or
inherent to such mechanisms. In other words, one or more acts in the mechanism
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proceeded by "comprises.., a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other acts or additional acts in the mechanism.
Embodiments of the disclosure discloses a variable torque hinge mechanism
[hereinafter referred as hinge mechanism], which offers user specified torque-
angle
characteristic with a range of torque values. The hinge mechanism of the
present
disclosure may be used in wide variety of applications, where two members or
bodies
are required to be connected to one other, and also to permit a relative
rotational
movement between the two bodies up to a certain angle. As an example, some of
the
applications of the variable torque hinge mechanism may include but not
limiting to
machine tools, robotics and automation, consumer products, exoskeletons and
prostheses, home and hospital furniture, sun trackers for solar panels and the
like.
The hinge mechanism according to embodiments of the disclosure may broadly
comprises a pair of rigid end brackets and a plurality of elastically
deformable
members. Each end of the plurality of elastically deformable members is
coupled to
one of the pair of rigid end brackets. Further, the hinge mechanism comprises
a free
bracket, coupled to each of the plurality of elastically deformable members.
The free
bracket is configured to traverse about an imaginary elastic axis of rotation
(A-A).
Furthermore, the hinge mechanism comprises a pair of guide members, which are
positioned adjacent to the free bracket. Each of the pair of guide members
defines a
cam profile. Additionally, the mechanism comprises at least one follower,
which
extends from the free bracket. The at least one follower is configured to
trace the cam
profile defined on one of the pair of guide members, during a forward travel
and a return
travel, to attain variable torque angle characteristics, during operation of
the hinge
mechanism.
In an embodiment, under loading condition, the free bracket coupled to each of
the
plurality of elastically deformable members, traverses about an imaginary
elastic axis
of rotation (A-A) of the hinge mechanism. As the free bracket traverses about
the
imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A), each of the plurality of elastically
deformable
members undergo twisting, and bending simultaneously. The at least one
follower
traces on one of the pair of guide members, defined with a predefined cam
profile. This
tracing of the at least one follower on and thus attaining a specific torque
angle
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characteristics. Further, each of the plurality of elastic deformable members
undergo
orthogonal bending, induced by the pair of guide members along the imaginary
elastic
axis of rotation (A-A).
In an embodiment, the hinge mechanism includes an arrangement, to selectively
shift a
position of one of the pair of guide members. The arrangement may include a
lever
coupled to one of the pair of rigid segments, which extends between the pair
of rigid
end brackets. The lever may be optionally operated to selectively shift a
position of one
of the pair of guide members, such that the corresponding guide member
contacts the
at least one follower, to attain a different and customizable torque angle
characteristics
during unloading. Further, during unloading, the free bracket traverses in a
backward
direction, about the same imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A).
Simultaneously, the
elastically deformable members untwists and the at least one follower traces
the
corresponding guide member, which defines a different cam profile from that of
the
cam profile defined by the guide member on which the follower traces during
loading
condition. This facilitates in attaining a different torque angle
characteristic from that
of the torque angle characteristics attained during loading condition. Hence,
the hinge
mechanism facilitates in achieving two different and customizable torque angle
characteristics in a single loading and unloading cycle.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure,
reference is
made to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are
shown by
way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be
practiced.
These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled
in the art
to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be
utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
present
disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense.
Figures 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrating
perspective
views of a variable torque hinge mechanism (100). The hinge mechanism (100)
may
broadly comprises a pair of rigid end brackets (101) and a plurality of
elastically
deformable members (102). In an embodiment, each of the pair of rigid end
brackets
(101) may include a pair of bracket halves connected by fasteners such as
bolts and
nuts. The bracket halves may be configured to receive an end of each of the
plurality of
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elastically deformable members (102). Each end of the plurality of elastically
deformable members (102) are held and secured between the pair of bracket
halves, in
order to effectively couple each of the plurality of elastically deformable
members
(102) with each of the pair of the rigid end brackets (101). In an embodiment,
each of
the plurality of elastically deformable members (102) is an open section
shells having
a variable cross-section. Further, each of the plurality of elastically
deformable
members (102) may include a stack of open section shells. During operation of
the
hinge mechanism (100), each of the plurality of elastically deformable members
(102)
are configured to undergo twisting and bending about an imaginary elastic axis
of
rotation (A-A). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of elastically
deformable
members (102) are coupled to the pair of rigid end brackets (101), in a manner
to
achieve kinematic symmetry between each of the plurality of elastic deformable
members (102). Further, each of the plurality of elastically deformable
members (102)
are provisioned with suitable cutouts on the geometry, and reinforcement
members may
be provided to facilitate equal stress distribution throughout the entire
structure of the
plurality of elastically deformable members (102).
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of elastically deformable members
(102) are
configured to serve the purpose of a nonlinear torsional spring and are
designed to attain
uniform and permissible stress distribution under both transverse and
rotational strains.
The dimensions of the each of the plurality of elastically deformable members
(102)
may be selected based on value of torque-angle characteristic required for a
specific
application. Since, each of the plurality of elastically deformable members
(102)
undergo both twisting and bending. The mechanism (100) eliminates the use of
external
bearing support, thus making the mechanism (100) compact, modular and cost
effective. Further, the hinge mechanism (100) is easy to maintain in outdoor
and harsh
environmental conditions. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of
elastically
deformable members (102) may be made of materials with high stiffness co-
efficient,
but not limiting to spring steel, beryllium copper, polymers, carbon fiber and
the like.
The hinge mechanism (100) further comprises a free bracket (103) coupled to
each of
the plurality of elastically deformable members (102). The free bracket (103)
is
configured to traverse about an imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A) of
the hinge
mechanism (100). In an embodiment, the free bracket (103) is coupled on each
of the
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plurality of elastically deformable members (102) at a substantially equal
distance from
each of the pair of rigid end brackets (101). In an embodiment, traversing of
the free
bracket (103) about the imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A), results in
twisting and
bending of each of the plurality of elastically deformable members (102).
Further, the
mechanism (100) comprises a pair of guide members (104a, 104b), which are
positioned adjacent to the free bracket (103). In an embodiment, each of the
pair of
guide members (104a, 104b) define a cam profile. Each of the pair of guide
members
(104a, 104b) are removably accommodated on each of the pair of clamps (106).
Each
of the pair of clamps (106) are coupled to each of a pair of rigid segments
(108). As an
example, each of the pair of rigid segments (108) may be bolted or welded onto
the pair
of rigid end brackets (101). In an embodiment, each of the pair of clamps
(106) may be
of any configuration such as, but not limiting to U-shape, C-shape and the
like and
depends on the type of application. Each of the pair of rigid segments (108)
may be of
any geometrical shape, but not limiting to cylindrical, square and the like.
Additionally,
the hinge mechanism (100) comprises at least one follower (105), extending
from the
free bracket (103). In an embodiment, the follower (105) may extend from
either sides
of the free bracket (103). The at least one follower (105) is configured to
trace the
respective guide member (104a, 104b) during forward and return travel, to
attain
variable torque angle characteristics in a single cycle. The hinge mechanism
(100) may
also be configured with an arrangement, which may be configured to selectively
shift
position of one of the pair of guide members (104a, 104b), to contact the at
least one
follower (105), during loading and unloading condition.
In an embodiment, cam profile of each of the pair of guide members (104a,
104b) is
not identical, and may be define with a predetermined inclination to help in
achieving
varying and customizable torque angle characteristics.
Since, each of the pair of guide members (104a, 104b) assists in achieving
different
torque-angle value, defining the profile of each of the pair of guide members
(104a,
104b) is predominant. In an embodiment, the pair of guide members (104a, 104b)
may
include an input guide member (104a) and an output guide member (104b), which
may
be defined with non-identical cam profiles. The cam profile may be designed by
analyzing the strain energy stored in the system for discrete bending and
twisting values
of each of the plurality of elastically deformable members (102), which is
termed as
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characteristic energy. The target energy obtained by integrating the required
target
torque based on the application, may be mapped on to the characteristic energy
data to
obtain a unique cam profile for each of the guide members (104a, 104b). Thus,
the
profile of the guide members (104a, 104b) determines the torque-angle
characteristic.
5 Hence, the hinge mechanism (100) may be provisioned in a wide variety of
applications, which requires different torque-angle characteristics, by
replacing the pair
of guide members (104a, 104b).
During, loading, the free bracket (103) may traverse about the elastic axis of
rotation
(A-A), which may result in twisting of each of the pair of elastically
deformable
10 members (102) and simultaneously the at least one follower (105) may
trace the input
guide member (104a), which have a predefined cam profile and thus attaining a
specific
torque angle characteristics. Further, each of the plurality of elastic
deformable
members (102) may undergo orthogonal bending, induced by the pair of guide
members
(104a, 104b).
During unloading condition, the free bracket (103) traverses in a backward
direction,
about the elastic axis of rotation (A-A) and each of the elastically
deformable members
(102) that may untwist and, simultaneously the at least one follower (105) may
trace
the output guide member (104b). In an embodiment, the at least one follower
(105) may
trace the input guide way, during unloading condition of the hinge mechanism
(100).
The at least one follower (105) and each of the elastically deformable members
(102)
may untwist and, simultaneously at least one follower (105) may trace the
output guide
member (104b). In an embodiment, the at least one follower (105) may even
trace the
input guide member (104a), during unloading condition. The position of one of
the pair
guide members (140a, 104b), may be selectively shifted by the arrangement
adapted in
the hinge mechanism (100). The arrangement may include a lever (107) coupled
to one
of a pair of rigid segments (108). The lever (107) may be pivotally operated,
to shift the
position of the corresponding guide member to contact the at least one
follower (105).
Hence, the hinge mechanism (100) facilitates to achieve two different torque-
angle
variations in a single loading and unloading conditions. Further, the
kinematic elastic
mechanics of the hinge mechanism (100) enables to achieve large rotations
ranging
between 50 degrees to 90 degrees with high off-axis stiffness and with optimum
shift
in the imaginary elastic axis of rotation (A-A).
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In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) may be conceptualized to impart torque
values
ranging from a negative infinity to a positive infinity and also zero torque.
Turning to Figure 3, which illustrates a perspective view of a chair (200)
employed
with the variable torque hinge mechanism (100), according to one exemplary
application of the present disclosure. In the chair (200) [hereinafter
referred as chair],
the hinge mechanism (100) may be utilized to maintain right level of resistive
force
while being seated and the right level of assistive force, while rising from
the seated
position. This facilitates in ergonomic sitting and rising from the chair
(200). The
mechanism (100) may be positioned on the platform (203), which is supported by
a pair
of front legs (202) of the chair (200). In an embodiment, the mechanism (100)
may be
rigidly fixed to the frame of the chair (200) by a suitable fastening
arrangement or may
be integrated with the frame of the chair (200). Further, a seat portion (201)
of the chair
(200) may be integrated with the hinge mechanism (100) through rigid
structures, in
order to achieve resistive and assistive forces while sitting and rising from
the chair
(200) respectively. In a seated position, the load may be applied on to the
free bracket
(103) via a link (109) (best seen in figure. 2). Due to the load applied, the
free bracket
(103) traverse about the imaginary axis of rotation (A-A). Due to the
transverse
movement of the free bracket (103), each of the plurality of elastically
deformable
members (102) undergo twisting and the at least one follower (105) traces a
corresponding guide member (104a, 104b) simultaneously and thus offering
necessary
resistive force. Further, while rising from the seated position, the free
bracket (103)
traverses in an opposite direction about the imaginary elastic axis of
rotation, resulting
in untwisting of each of the plurality of elastically deformable members
(102), and the
follower (105) may trace an output guide member (104b) and providing necessary
assistive force for rising. Hence, the hinge mechanism (100) provisioned in
any of
application, provides different and customizable torque-angle characteristic
in a single
operating cycle.
It is to be noted that, the application of the hinge mechanism (100) may not
be limited
to the chair (200), as the hinge mechanism (100) may be used in applications
including,
but not limited to robotics and automation, exoskeletons and prostheses, home
and
hospital furniture, and sun tracker for a solar panel.
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Now referring to Figure. 4, which illustrates a perspective view of a variable
torque
hinge mechanism (100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The
hinge mechanism (100) comprises a pair of building blocks (99). Each building
block
(99) comprises an elastically deformable member (102) such as an open-section
shell
(301), which is stacked and bolted rigidly between the warping restrained
fixed end
bracket (304) and a free end bracket (303). The free end bracket (303) of the
building
block (99) are connected to one another through a rigid link (302). During
operation,
the rigid link (302) rotates about an elastic axis (A-A). Both the building
blocks (99)
and the open section shells (301) share a common elastic axis (A-A). The open
section
shells (301) may be configured to undergo warping, twisting and bending to
impart
necessary stiffness to rigid link (302) during circular arc rotation of the
rigid link (202)
about the elastic axis (A-A). The dimensions of the open section shells (301)
may be
chosen based on value of torque-angle characteristic in accordance to the
requirement
of an application. The open section shells (301) may undergo both twisting and
bending.
The hinge mechanism (100) further comprises of a pair of guide members (306a,
306b)
provided on either sides, such that followers (305) coupled to free end
bracket (303)
traces on the guide members (306a and 306b) during loading and unloading
condition.
In an embodiment, the guide members (306a and 306b) may include input guide
member (306a1) and output guide member (306b) be defined with different the
cam
profile. The cam profile of the guide member (306a, 306b) determines the
torque-angle
characteristic.
It should be construed that the various aspects and embodiments have been
disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The
various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of
illustration and
are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being
indicated by the
following claims.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms
herein, those
having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or
from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application.
The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of
clarity.
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It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are
generally
intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including
but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at
least," the
term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to,"
etc.). It will
be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an
introduced
claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the
claim, and in
the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to
understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the
introductory
phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations.
However, the
use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of
a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim
containing
such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even
when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one"
and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should
typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for
the use of
definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled
in the art
will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at
least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other
modifiers,
typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C,
etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill
in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C
alone, A and
B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together,
etc.). In
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C,
etc." is
used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
or C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C
alone, A and
B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together,
etc.). It
will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word
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14
and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the
description,
claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of
including
one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B"
will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in
terms of
Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is
also thereby
described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the
Markush
group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other
aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects
and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not
intended to
be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following
claims.
Referral Numerals
Referral Numerals Description
100 Variable torque hinge mechanism
101 Rigid end brackets
102 Plurality of elastically deformable members
103 Free bracket
104a, 104b Guide members
105 Follower
106 Clamps
107 Lever
108 Rigid segment
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109 Link
200 Chair
201 Seat portion
202 Legs
203 Platform
301 Open section shells
302 Rigid link
303 Free end plate
304 Fixed end plate
305 Follower
306a, 306b Guide members
