US Patent 7828167 Articulated hinge apparatus and related methods

Apparatus and methods for hinging or otherwise easily engaging and disengaging various members to each other include a spring-actuated pin element to selectively extend and retract a pin from one hinge leaf to engage an adjacent structure. A variety of spring elements may be used, and the hinge may be combined with other hinge elements in a variety of ways, including an articulated hinge. Methods of fabrication and assembly are disclosed.