A hinged mechanism includes: panels; and hinges connecting respective pairs of the panels to each other in a closed loop so that the hinged mechanism is non-planar, wherein at least one of the hinges is a rolling-contact hinge. All of the hinges can be rolling-contact hinges. The closed-loop hinged mechanism can comprise at least four hinges, each of the at least four hinges being a sole connection between a respective adjacent pair of the panels. A cross section of rolling surfaces of the rolling-contact hinge can be circular. A cross section of rolling surfaces of the rolling-contact hinge can be non-circular.

A uniform distribution support structure of rotary shaft link assembly includes a rotary shaft assembly and a support assembly. The rotary shaft assembly has multiple connection members. Each connection member is formed with a hollow section and a perforation. A guide face is disposed in each hollow section. A spacer shaft rod is disposed between each two adjacent connection members. Each spacer shaft rod is formed with a through hole. A guide arched face is disposed in each through hole. The support assembly has a support member and a lateral support member passing through the through holes and the hollow sections. Multiple opposite guide arched faces are disposed on the support member. Multiple opposite guide faces are disposed on the lateral support member. The guide faces and the guide arched faces respectively abut against the opposite guide faces and the opposite guide arched faces.

Biaxial hinge compatible with thinner terminal device capable of avoiding any hindrance to the use of various plugs, the biaxial hinge having an attaching part attached to a first casing of the terminal device, wherein the attaching part has an attaching plate section and a bearing section, a first hinge shaft, a second hinge shaft, wherein the second hinge shaft is in parallel to the first hinge shaft and rotatable, a synchronous rotation generator for rotating the first and the second hinge shafts in a synchronized manner in a direction different from each other, a friction torque generator provided on the second hinge shaft for generating a friction torque to rotation of both hinge shafts, and a rotational force generator provided on the second hinge shaft as well.

An improved bi-fold shutter that includes a more efficient coupling mechanism at a hinge point suited to facilitate opening and closing the bi-fold shutter with greater ease. In one embodiment, the shutter may be designed for a window such that the shutter, when closed, is relatively close to the face of the associated window, and when open, forms an awning or overhang. The shutter includes an improved coupling mechanism at a hinge point between a first shutter portion and a second shutter portion. The improved hinge point shifts a direction of force needed to maneuver the shutter when moving the shutter from one position to another. The shift in opening and closing force directions improves the efficiency by which the shutter can be operated. In some embodiments, the shutter may be hand-operated. In other embodiments, the shutter may be powered.

An improved bi-fold shutter that includes a more efficient coupling mechanism at a hinge point suited to facilitate opening and closing the bi-fold shutter with greater ease. In one embodiment, the shutter may be designed for a window such that the shutter, when closed, is relatively close to the face of the associated window, and when open, forms an awning or overhang. The shutter includes an improved coupling mechanism at a hinge point between a first shutter portion and a second shutter portion. The improved hinge point shifts a direction of force needed to maneuver the shutter when moving the shutter from one position to another. The shift in opening and closing force directions improves the efficiency by which the shutter can be operated. In some embodiments, the shutter may be hand-operated. In other embodiments, the shutter may be powered.

A hinge apparatus may include a plurality of plates configured to be rigidly coupled to a foldable component, and a plurality of gears mechanically coupling the plurality of plates to one another. The hinge apparatus may be operable to expand such that, when the hinge apparatus transitions from a flat state to a folded state, the plurality of gears are configured to cause the plurality of plates to translate laterally apart from one another at a selected rate.

A guide pin support system may include: a first support plate; a second support plate pivotally attached to the first support plate; a first guide pin supported by the first support plate; a second guide pin supported by the second support plate and the second guide pin pivotable with respect to the first guide pin.

A pivot device invention includes a base and a translating unit. The base includes a side having first and second connecting portions. The translating unit includes a first sliding seat, a pivot, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a first interlink. The sliding seat is mounted to the first connecting portion and is movable relative to the base. The pivot and the second wheel are pivotably mounted to the sliding seat. The first wheel is mounted to and jointly rotatable with the pivot. Rotation of the first wheel is in an interlocking relationship with rotation of the second wheel. The first interlink is mounted to and jointly rotatable with the second wheel. The first interlink includes a first sliding portion mounted to the second connecting portion and movable relative to the base. Rotation of the first interlink actuates the sliding seat to move relative to the base.

A washing machine includes a cabinet defining a lateral direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. The lateral, transverse, and vertical directions are mutually orthogonal. The washing machine appliance also includes a top panel on the cabinet that defines an opening. A wash chamber is defined within the cabinet below the opening of the top panel. The washing machine appliance also includes a lid which is rotatable through a plane defined by the transverse direction and the vertical direction between a closed position to sealingly enclose the wash chamber and an open position to permit access to the wash chamber. A hinge rotatably connects the lid to the top panel. The hinge defines a compound pivot axis. The lid rotates relative to the top panel about the compound pivot axis.

A hinge for movably attaching to parts together incudes: a first gear; a second gear; a cover configured to attach the first gear to the second gear; a first sliding surface on the cover; a second sliding surface on the cover wherein the first gear slides on the first sliding surface and the second gear slides on the second sliding surface when the hinge is operated; and an area on the first gear with no teeth and the area with no teeth is configured to slide past the second gear to allow the first gear to enter the cover. A method of assembling a hinge includes: moving a surface without gear teeth on a first gear past a toothed surface on a second gear; moving the first and second gears into a cover; meshing a tooth on the first gear with a tooth on the second gear; and holding the first and second gears together with the cover.