WO2001014671A1

WO2001014671A1 - Friction hinge

Info

Publication number: WO2001014671A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/023445
Authority: WO
Inventors: James J. Ford; Charles R. Scally; Edward A. Kurek Iii; David M. Fusina; Mark P. Riel; Peter B. Caratzas
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-08-25
Filing date: 2000-08-25
Publication date: 2001-03-01
Also published as: TW459097B; AU6939600A

Abstract

A hinge maintains a user-selected orientation between a pair of hinge leaves through controlled friction within the pivot between the hinge leaves. In a preferred embodiment, each of a first hinge leaf (200) and a second hinge leaf (100) includes a substantially flat mounting bracket (202), and a pair of pivot brackets (204) extending from the ends of the mounting bracket. Each pivot bracket of the first hinge leaf is elongated and has a hook-shaped structure. The mounting brackets of the hinge leaves are joined by a pair of pivot pins (300). A friction washer (400) is located between each joining point of the pivot brackets of the hinge leaves. The hinge leaves are biased toward the friction washers, preferably by a pair of spring washers (600, 700). At least one washer (500) on the end of each pin secures the hinge assembly together.

Description

FRICTION HINGE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U S Provisional Patent Application, Serial Number 60/1 50,628, Filed August 25, 1999

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 Field ofthe Invention

The present invention relates to hinges capable of holding a pivoting object in a predetermined position and, in particular, to friction hinges wherein friction is used for holding a pivoting object in a predetermined position

2 Brief Description ofthe Prior Art

Hinges and friction hinges are known in the art For example, an adjustable plastic friction hinge is described in U S Pat Nos 4,630,332 and Des 284,931 , issued to Robert Bisbing on Dec 23 , 1986 and Aug 5. 1986, respectively This hinge includes an odd number of resilient leaves joined by a resilient pin The pin includes a head dimensioned and configured to engage a screwdriver, and a threaded end dimensioned and configured to mate with threads inside the corresponding leaf Friction washers fit inside the leaves The coefficients of kinetic and static friction are similar to prevent squeaking Tightening the pin increases the level of friction within the hinge

U S Pat Nos 4,490,884, 4,630,333, and Des 278,309. issued to James H Vickers on Jan 1 , 1985, Dec 23, 1986, and April 9, 1985, respectively, describe another adjustable friction hinge This hinge comprises three leaves joined by a pin, with the pin having noncircular ends corresponding to the knuckles ofthe two end leaves The central leaf has a knuckle with an adjustable diameter for controlling the degree of friction

An example of a detent hinge is described m U S Pat Nos 5,412,842 and Des 344,667, issued to Allen Riblett on May 9, 1995 and March 1, 1994, respectively This hinge has three leaves and a pin The pin has a slot which is press-fitted over a boss in each end leaf, and a plurality of apertures The central leaf includes a plurality of members which are spring biased towards the pin, and dimensioned and configured to fit within the pin's apertures There is a continuing need for a friction hinge that has the concealabi ty, range of motion, and ability to be installed on a wide a variety of pivoting objects

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is a hinge using friction to hold a door, armrest, or other pivoting object in a predetermined position The hinge is particularly suited for objects pivoting on a horizontal

The friction hinge includes a pair of hinge leaves pivotally joined by a pair of pivot pins, with a friction washer and spring element therebetween the hinge leaves and each corresponding pivot pin Each spring element, preferably a spring washer, fits on a corresponding pin and is adjacent to one leaf The preferred location being between the corresponding pin's head and one hinge leaf Each spring washer thereby pushes that hinge leaf towards the corresponding friction washer and the other hinge leaf A third washer and an end washer preferably fit over the end of each corresponding pin opposite the corresponding spring washer, preferably between the end of the corresponding pin and the other hinge leaf Each end washer is secured to the end ofthe corresponding pin, thereby secunng the hinge together Although the preferred embodiment described herein includes the pair of pivot pins between the two hinge leaves, with one pivot pin at each end, a single pivot pin may be used for appropriate applications to better conceal the hinge It is therefore an object ofthe present invention to provide a hinge capable of holding a pivoting object in a predetermined position

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a hinge using friction to hold the hinge leaves in the desired position relative to each other

A third object ofthe invention is to provide a concealable hinge A fourth object ofthe invention is to provide a hinge having greater durability than past hinges

These and other objects ofthe invention will become apparent through the following description and claims BRIEF DESCRD7TION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a friction hinge according to the present invention FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 4 is a rear view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 5 is a top view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 6 is a right side view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 8 is a front view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 9 is a left side view of a second hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 10 is a front view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 12 is a right side view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 13 is a top view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 14 is a rear view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 15 is a left side view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a first hinge leaf of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a friction washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 18 is a side view of a friction washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 19 is a front view of a friction washer of the friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a spring washer of the friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 21 is a front view of a spring washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 22 is a side view of a spring washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 23 is a rear view of a spring washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a third washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 25 is a side view of a third washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 26 is a front view of a third washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an end washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 28 is a side view of an end washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 29 is a front view of an end washer ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 31 is an end view of a pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 , viewed from the end including the pin's head

FIG. 32 is a side view of a pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1

FIG. 33 is an end view of a pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 , viewed from the end opposite the pin's head

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a semi-tubular pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 FIG. 35 is an end view of a semi-tubular pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1 , viewed from the end opposite the pin's head

FIG. 36 is a side cross sectional view of a semi-tubular pivot pin ofthe friction hinge of FIG 1

Like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a hinge 10 using friction to hold a door, armrest, or other pivoting object (not illustrated) in a predetermined position Referring to FIGS 1 -36, the hinge 10 includes a first hinge leaf 200, a second hinge leaf 100, pivotal attachment means for joining the hinge leaves 100, 200, means for creating friction between the hinge leaves 100, 200, biasing means for creating friction between the hinge leaves 100, 200, and means for securing the hinge 10 together The first hinge leaf 200 is best illustrated in FIGS 2-9 The first hinge leaf 200 includes a central elongated mounting bracket 202 and a pair of pivot brackets 204 The mounting bracket 202 has a substantially rectangular shape, and a plurality of holes 206 for facilitating the attachment ofthe first hinge leaf 200 to a desired surface, such as a door, armrest, or other pivoting object (not illustrated) The pivot brackets 204 are elongated, extend in opposed relationship, and are substantially identical to one another Each pivot bracket 204 has an aperture 208, a dished region 210 surrounding the aperture 208, and a reinforcement nb 216 along the length ofthe pivot bracket 204 Each pivot bracket 204 is attached to a corresponding end ofthe mounting bracket 202 Each pivot bracket 204 initially extends away from the plane defined by the mounting bracket 202, and then curves back toward the plane defined by the mounting bracket 202 such that a hook-shaped structure is formed The end portion of each hook-shaped pivot bracket 204 having the aperture 208 is located closer to the plane defined by the mounting bracket 202 as compared to the curved medial portion ofthe hook-shaped pivot bracket 204 Each dished region 210 has a convex surface 212 facing outwardly away from the opposing pivot bracket 204, and a concave surface 214 facing the opposing pivot bracket 204 Each reinforcement nb 216 has a convex surface 218 facing outwardly away from the opposing pivot bracket 204, and a concave surface 220 facing the opposing pivot bracket 204 The pivot brackets 204 are in superimposed relationship relative to one another when the first hinge leaf 200 is viewed from one end ofthe mounting bracket 202

The second hinge leaf 100 is best illustrated in FIGS 2 and 10-16 The second hinge leaf 100 includes a central elongated mounting bracket 102 and a pair of pivot brackets 104 The mounting bracket 102 is dimensioned and configured to bring the pivot brackets 104 adjacent to the pivot brackets 204 ofthe first hinge leaf 200, preferably by being either slightly longer or slightly shorter than the mounting bracket 202 ofthe first hinge leaf 200 The mounting bracket 102 has a substantially rectangular shape, and a plurality of holes 106 for facilitating the attachment ofthe second hinge leaf 100 to a desired surface, such as a door, armrest, or other pivoting object (not illustrated) The pivot brackets 104 extend in opposed relationship and are substantially identical to one another Each pivot bracket 104 has an aperture 108, a dished region 1 10 surrounding the aperture 108, and a reinforcement extension 122 for helping the second hinge leaf 100 to maintain its shape under stress Each pivot bracket 104 is attached to a corresponding end ofthe mounting bracket 102 Each dished region 1 10 has a convex surface 1 12 facing the opposing pivot bracket 104, and a concave surface 1 14 facing outwardly away from the opposing pivot bracket 104 Each reinforcement extension 122 is located at or about the attachment point ofthe corresponding pivot bracket 104 and the mounting bracket 102 The pivot brackets 104 are in superimposed relationship relative to one another when the second hinge leaf 100 is viewed from one end ofthe mounting bracket 102 As best illustrated in FIGS 2 and 30-36, the pivotal attachment means are preferably a pair of pivot pins 300, 800 Each pin 300, 800 includes a shaft 302, 802 that is dimensioned and configured to pass through the apertures 108, 208 ofthe hinge leaves 100, 200, a head 304, 804 having a diameter larger than the diameter ofthe apertures 108, 208, and a deformable end 306, 806 The pin 800 is semi-tubular and has a central bore 808 about its end 806 The central bore 808 is coaxial with the shaft 802 and facilitates the deformation ofthe end 806 by a deforming tool Such deforming tool is well known in the art The pins 300, 800 are interchangeable, so any combination ofthe pins 300, 800 may be used within the hinge 10

As best illustrated in FIGS 2 and 17-19, the means for creating friction between the hinge leaves 100, 200 is preferably a pair of friction washers 400 Each friction washer 400 has a central aperture 402 that is dimensioned and configured to accept the shaft 302, 802 ofthe corresponding pin 300, 800 Each friction washer 400 is preferably made from a fluorocarbon resin, such as the one marketed under the trademark, TEFLON, or a phosphor bronze Either of these materials, or other materials, may be selected to achieve a desired coefficient of friction between the friction washers 400 and hinge leaves 100, 200 The biasing means for creating friction between the hinge leaves 100, 200 is preferably a pair of spring elements As best illustrated in FIGS 2 and 20-23, the spring elements are preferably a pair of spring washers 500 Each spring washer 500 has a central aperture 502 that is dimensioned and configured to accept the shaft 302, 802 ofthe corresponding pin 300, 800 Each spring washer 500 is dished, and has a convex surface 504 and a concave surface 506 Compressing a spring washer 500 will cause at least some flattening of that spring washer 500, and cause that spring washer 500 to exert an opposing force such that friction between the hinge leaves 100, 200 is created

As best illustrated in FIGS 2 and 24-29, the means for securing the hinge 10 together are preferably a pair of third washers 600 and a pair of end washers 700 Each washer 600, 700 has a central aperture 602, 702 that is dimensioned and configured to receive the shaft 302, 802 of the corresponding pin 300, 800 Each aperture 702 may be dimensioned and configured to fπctionally engage the shaft 302, 802 ofthe corresponding pin 300, 800, thereby making removal ofthe corresponding end washer 700 difficult once it is installed Each third washer 600 is preferably made of a fluorocarbon resin, such as the one marketed under the trademark, TEFLON, or a phosphor bronze Each end washer 700 is preferably made of steel

The assembly ofthe hinge 10 is illustrated in FIGS 1 and 2 Each pin 300 passes through the corresponding apertures 108, 208 ofthe hinge leaves 100, 200 Each friction washer 400 is located on a corresponding pin 300 and between the hinge leaves 100, 200 Each spring washer 500 is located on a corresponding pin 300 and adjacent to one ofthe hinge leaves 100, 200 Each third washer 600 is located on a corresponding pin 300 and adjacent to the opposing hinge leaf 100, 200 Each pin 300 terminates at one end with its head 304 and at the other end with the corresponding end washer 700 Each pin 300 may be deformed at its end 306 to retain the corresponding end washer 700 A preferred assembly ofthe hinge 10 is made by first inserting each pin 300 through the corresponding spring washer 500 Next, each aperture 208 of the first hinge leaf 200 is passed over the corresponding pin 300 Each friction washer 400 is then placed on the corresponding pin 300, followed by the second hinge leaf 100 Lastly, the third and end washers 600, 700 are placed on the corresponding pin 300 Each end washer 700 is secured on the corresponding pin 300 to hold the hinge 10 together, preferably by a friction fit or by deforming the end ofthe pin 300

In use, one ofthe hinge leaves 100, 200 is fastened to a nonmoving object, and the corresponding hinge leaf 100, 200 is fastened to a moving object, such as a door or an armrest (not illustrated) Each spring washer 500 will bias the first hinge leaf 200 towards the corresponding friction washer 400 and first hinge leaf 100, thereby creating friction and holding the two hinge leaves 100, 200 in the desired position relative to each other When a rotational force sufficient to overcome the friction is applied to one of the hinge leaves 100, 200, the hinge leaves 100, 200 pivot relative to each other, thus holding the next user-selected position once the force is no longer applied The degree of force required to move the hinge leaves 100, 200 relative to each other may be varied by varying the strength ofthe spring washers 500

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein, but encompasses all embodiments within the scope ofthe following claims

Claims

We claim

1 A friction hinge comprising a first hinge leaf having a mounting bracket and at least one pivot bracket, a second hinge leaf having a mounting bracket and at least one pivot bracket, said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf being dimensioned and configured to bring said pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf adjacent to said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf, pivotal attachment means for joining said first and second hinge leaves, and biasing means for creating friction between said first and second hinge leaves

2 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf is elongated

3 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf has a substantially rectangular shape 4 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf has a plurality of holes

5 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf is elongated

6 The friction hinge according to claim 1, wherein said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf being is attached to a corresponding end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf

7 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf initially extends away from a plane defined by said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf, and then curves back toward the plane defined by said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf whereby a hook-shaped structure is formed and an end portion of said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf is located closer to the plane defined by said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf as compared to a curved medial portion of said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf

8 The friction hinge according to claim 1, wherein said first hinge leaf has a pair of pivot brackets

9 The friction hinge according to claim 8, wherein said pivot brackets of said first hinge leaf extend in opposed relationship 10 The friction hinge according to claim 8, wherein said pivot brackets of said first hinge leaf are substantially similar to one another

1 1 The friction hinge according to claim 8, wherein said pivot brackets of said first hinge leaf are in superimposed relationship relative to one another when said first hinge leaf is viewed from one end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf

12 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf has an aperture

13 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf has a dished region, said dished region has a convex surface facing outwardly away from an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said dished region, and a concave surface facing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said dished region

14 The friction hinge according to claim 13, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf further has an aperture wherein said aperture is surrounded by said dished region

15 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf has a reinforcement nb along said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf, said nb has a convex surface facing outwardly away from an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf, and a concave surface facing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf

16 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf is shorter than said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf 17 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf is longer than said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf

18 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf is elongated

19 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf has a substantially rectangular shape 20 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf has a plurality of holes

21 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf is elongated 22 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf being is attached to a corresponding end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf

23 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said second hinge leaf has a pair of pivot brackets 24 The friction hinge according to claim 23, wherein said pivot brackets of said second hinge leaf extend in opposed relationship

25 The friction hinge according to claim 23, wherein said pivot brackets of said second hinge leaf are substantially similar to one another

26 The friction hinge according to claim 23, wherein said pivot brackets of said second hinge leaf are in superimposed relationship relative to one another when said second hinge leaf is viewed from one end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf

27 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf has an aperture

28 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf further has a dished region, said dished region has a convex surface facing outwardly away from an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf with said dished region, and a concave surface facing an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf with said dished region 29 The friction hinge according to claim 28, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf further has an aperture wherein said aperture is surrounded by said dished region

30 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf has a reinforcement extension located about an attachment point of said pivot bracket and said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf 31 The friction hinge according to claim 12, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf has an aperture, said biasing means is at least one spnng element, said pivotal attachment means is at least one pivot pin wherein said pin includes a shaft, a head, and a deformable end, said shaft is dimensioned and configured to pass through said apertures and said spring element, said head has a diameter larger than a diameter of each of said apertures

32 The friction hinge according to claim 31 , wherein said pin is semi-tubular and further has a central bore about said end of said pin, said central bore is coaxial with said shaft

33 The friction hinge according to claim 31 , wherein said spring element is a spring washer having an aperture

34 The friction hinge according to claim 33, wherein said spring washer is dished and has a convex surface and a concave surface 35 The friction hinge according to claim 31 , further comprising means for creating friction between said first and second hinge leaves

36 The friction hinge according to claim 35, wherein said means for creating friction is at least one friction washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft

37 The friction hinge according to claim 36. wherein said friction washer is made from a mateπal selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon resin and phosphor bronze

38 The friction hinge according to claim 31 , further comprising means for securing said hinge together

39 The friction hinge according to claim 38, wherein said means for securing said hinge together is at least one third washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft of said pin

40 The friction hinge according to claim 39, wherein said third washer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon resin and phosphor bronze

41 The friction hinge according to claim 38, wherein said means for securing said hinge together is at least one end washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft of said pin 42 The friction hinge according to claim 41, wherein said end washer is made from steel

43 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said biasing means is at least one spring element 44 The friction hinge according to claim 43, wherein said spring element is a spring washer

45 The friction hinge according to claim 44, wherein said spring washer has an aperture

46 The friction hinge according to claim 44, wherein said spring washer is dished and has a convex surface and a concave surface 47 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , further comprising means for creating friction between said first and second hinge leaves

48 The friction hinge according to claim 47, wherein said means for creating friction is at least one friction washer

49 The friction hinge according to claim 1 , further comprising means for securing said hinge together

50 The friction hinge according to claim 49, wherein said means for securing said hinge together is at least one third washer

51 The friction hinge according to claim 50, wherein said third washer has an aperture

52 The friction hinge according to claim 50, wherein said third washer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon resin and phosphor bronze

53 The friction hinge according to claim 49, wherein said means for securing said hinge together is at least one end washer

54 The friction hinge according to claim 53, wherein said end washer has an aperture

55 The friction hinge according to claim 53, wherein said end washer is made from steel

56 A friction hinge comprising a first hinge leaf having a mounting bracket and at least one pivot bracket, a second hinge leaf having a mounting bracket and at least one pivot bracket, said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf being dimensioned and configured to bring said pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf adjacent to said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf, wherein at least one pivot bracket of one of said first and second hinge leaves initially extends away from a plane defined by a corresponding mounting bracket of a corresponding hinge leaf, and then curves back toward the plane defined by said corresponding mounting bracket of said corresponding hinge leaf whereby a hook-shaped structure is formed and an end portion of said at least one pivot bracket of one of said first and second hinge leaves is located closer to the plane defined by said corresponding mounting bracket of said corresponding hinge leaf as compared to a curved medial portion of said at least one pivot bracket of one of said first and second hinge leaves, and pivotal attachment means for joining said first and second hinge leaves

57 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one of said pivot bracket of one of said first and second leaves has an aperture

58 The friction hinge according to claim 57, wherein said pivotal attachment means is at least one pivot pin wherein said pin includes a shaft, a head, and a deformable end, said shaft is dimensioned and configured to pass through said aperture, said head has a diameter larger than a diameter of said aperture

59 The friction hinge according to claim 58, wherein said pin is semi-tubular and further has a central bore about said end of said pin, said central bore is coaxial with said shaft

60 The friction hinge according to claim 56, further comprising biasing means for creating friction between said first and second hinge leaves

61 The friction hinge according to claim 60, wherein said biasing means is at least one spring element

62 The friction hinge according to claim 61, wherein said spring element is a spring washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft of said pin 63 The friction hinge according to claim 61 , wherein said spring washer is dished and has a convex surface and a concave surface 64 The friction hinge according to claim 56, further comprising means for creating friction between said first and second hinge leaves

65 The friction hinge according to claim 64, wherein said means for creating friction is at least one friction washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft

66 The friction hinge according to claim 65, wherein said friction washer is made from a mateπal selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon resin and phosphor bronze

67 The friction hinge according to claim 56, further comprising means for securing said hinge together 68 The friction hinge according to claim 67, wherein said means for securing said hinge together is at least one third washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft of said pin

69 The friction hinge according to claim 68, wherein said third washer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon resin and phosphor bronze 70 The friction hinge according to claim 67, wherein said means for securing said hinge together is at least one end washer having an aperture dimensioned and configured to accept said shaft of said pin

71 The friction hinge according to claim 70, wherein said end washer is made from steel 72 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf is elongated

73 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf has a substantially rectangular shape

74 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf has a plurality of holes

75 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf is elongated

76 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf being is attached to a corresponding end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf 77 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf initially extends away from a plane defined by said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf, and then curves back toward the plane defined by said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf whereby a hook-shaped structure is formed and an end portion of said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf is located closer to the plane defined by said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf as compared to a curved medial portion of said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf

78 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said first hinge leaf has a pair of pivot brackets

79 The friction hinge according to claim 78, wherein said pivot brackets of said first hinge leaf extend in opposed relationship

80 The friction hinge according to claim 78, wherein said pivot brackets of said first hinge leaf are substantially similar to one another

81 The friction hinge according to claim 78, wherein said pivot brackets of said first hinge leaf are in superimposed relationship relative to one another when said first hinge leaf is viewed from one end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf

82 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf has a dished region, said dished region has a convex surface facing outwardly away from an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said dished region, and a concave surface facing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said dished region

83 The friction hinge according to claim 82, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf further has an aperture wherein said aperture is surrounded by said dished region

84 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf has a reinforcement nb along said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf, said nb has a convex surface facing outwardly away from an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf, and a concave surface facing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf with said pivot bracket of said first hinge leaf 85 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf is shorter than said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf

86 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf is longer than said mounting bracket of said first hinge leaf 87 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf is elongated

88 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf has a substantially rectangular shape

89 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf has a plurality of holes

90 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf is elongated

91 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf being is attached to a corresponding end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf

92 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein said second hinge leaf has a pair of pivot brackets

93 The friction hinge according to claim 92, wherein said pivot brackets of said second hinge leaf extend in opposed relationship 94 The friction hinge according to claim 92, wherein said pivot brackets of said second hinge leaf are substantially similar to one another

95 The friction hinge according to claim 92, wherein said pivot brackets of said second hinge leaf are in superimposed relationship relative to one another when said second hinge leaf is viewed from one end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf 96 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf further has a dished region, said dished region has a convex surface facing outwardly away from an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf with said dished region, and a concave surface facing an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf opposing an end of said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf with said dished region 97 The friction hinge according to claim 96, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hmge leaf further has an aperture wherein said aperture is surrounded by said dished region

98 The friction hinge according to claim 56, wherein at least one pivot bracket of said second hinge leaf has a reinforcement extension located about an attachment point of said pivot bracket and said mounting bracket of said second hinge leaf