US Patent 10451291 Hinge assembly with slow close and optional slow open characteristics

An appliance hinge assembly includes an arm to mate with a receiver. A door mounting lever is adapted to be connected to an appliance door, and the lever includes an inner end pivotally connected to the arm. The lever pivots relative to the arm between a first position and a second position, through an intermediate position. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. The slide link inner end is pivotally connected to the arm at a location that is offset from the main pivot axis such that pivoting movement of the lever results in movement of the slide link relative to the lever. A biasing system includes a spring that urges the lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps movement of the lever. Alternatively, the arm connects to the appliance door and the lever connects to the appliance body.