| Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic -> Monitor Keywords |
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Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplasticShearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070212162, Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/780,114 entitled "CROSS-LINKED THERMOPLASTIC TORQUE ENGINE," having a filing date of Mar. 8, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND [0002]Many applications require controlled movement between two elements. For example, hinges are often used for providing a movable connection between different portions of an apparatus. This movement often requires repeated cycles of smooth and substantially repeatable force exerted by the user of the device to position one element relative to another element. The result of this movement is positioning of the device in a way that resists further movement against disturbing environmental forces such as imposed by gravity or vibration. [0003]One such example of such a hinge mechanism is in conjunction with a laptop computer, which hinges a screen relative to a base. Other applications may include relative linear motion between two elements. For example, it may be desired to control the up and down motion of a headrest relative to a seat. [0004]Unlike simpler bearing applications, whose object is to minimize wear by minimizing friction, controlled movement and positioning devices must generate significant and substantially repeatable forces or torques through controlled friction, often over many thousands of operating cycles. Furthermore, the need to minimize the size of these elements relative to these forces and torques results in the generation of internal stresses hundreds of times greater than those experienced by typical bearing applications. [0005]For these reasons, the preferred technology set for such devices has been precision-formed hardened steel surfaces lubricated with grease. However, this technology results in higher than desired cost, complexity of manufacture, and complications attendant to grease application. [0006]Engineering plastics, while finding wide use in bearing applications, have found only limited use in such controlled movement and positioning applications. While eliminating the need for grease with their self-lubricating properties, these engineering plastics typically cannot withstand high internal stresses without stress relaxation or creep, making them unsuitable for applications requiring both small size and large repeatable forces and torques. A few engineering plastics such as UHMW-PE have partially overcome this size drawback, but require more expensive manufacturing operations than molded or extruded plastics to achieve a finished, functional shape. [0007]For these and other reasons, there exists a need for the present invention. SUMMARY [0008]On embodiment includes a device having first and second elements. The first element includes a cross-linked thermoplastic. The second element is configured to engage and to strain the first element by a predetermined amount. The first and second elements are configured to move relative to each other and such that movement of the first and second elements produces a substantially repeatable shearing force between the first and second elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009]The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. [0010]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate prospective and cross-sectional views of a shearing-force mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. [0011]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate prospective and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. [0012]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate prospective and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. [0013]FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exploded and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in a torque hinge application in accordance with one embodiment. [0014]FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate prospective and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in a linear-force device in accordance with one embodiment. [0015]FIGS. 6A through 6C illustrate cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of shearing-force mechanisms. [0016]FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exploded and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in a torque hinge application in accordance with one embodiment. [0017]FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate exploded and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in a torque hinge application in accordance with one embodiment. [0018]FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate exploded and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in a torque hinge application in accordance with one embodiment. [0019]FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate exploded and cross-sectional views of an alternative shearing-force mechanism in accordance with one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Continue reading about Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic... Full patent description for Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Pool tile cleaning device and method Next Patent Application: Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features Industry Class: Joints and connections ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Shearing-force mechanism with cross-linked thermoplastic patent info. 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