End cap for multi bar linkage hinge assembly
View Patent ↗An end cap for a supporting bracket having a multi bar linkage includes at least one reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib extends along a seating portion of the end cap, which engages a track of the supporting bracket and along a length of an upstanding portion of the end cap. End caps configured for offset or inline supporting brackets can include the reinforcing ribs.
1. An improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly including a supporting bracket having an elongate track, the improvement comprising:
(a) an end cap having a seating portion and an upright portion, the seating portion configured to engage the track; and
(b) at least one reinforcing rib extending from the seating portion to the upright portion, the reinforcing rib including added metal.
2. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seating portion; the upright portion and the reinforcing rib are formed of an integral single piece of metal.
3. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the upright portion includes at least two facets, and a reinforcing rib extending along each facet.
4. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seating portion and the upright portion include a recess on an outside surface corresponding to the reinforcing rib.
5. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the upright portion includes a pair of camming facets, each camming facet including a pair of camming surfaces.
6. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein reinforcing rib extends along the seating portion a greater length than the reinforcing rib extends along the upright portion.
7. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing rib, the seating portion and the upright portion are sized to withstand 170 pounds per square inch acting on the upright portion in a direction parallel to the seating portion.
8. The improved multi-bar linkage hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing rib has a height between approximately 25% to 60% a thickness of one of the seating portion and the upright portion.
9. An end cap for a multi bar linkage supporting bracket having a track, the end cap comprising:
(a) a seating portion selected to cooperatively engage the track;
(b) an integral upright portion extending from the seating portion; and
(c) an integral reinforcing rib extending along a length of the seating portion and the upright portion, the reinforcing rib including added metal.
10. The end cap of claim 9 , wherein the upright portion includes at least two facets.
11. The end cap of claim 9 , wherein each facet includes a reinforcing rib.