Patent attributes
A self-locking hinge for agricultural machine panels includes a receptacle configured to slidingly receive an insert along a receiving axis. A hinge with fixed and movable portions and pivot axis transverse to the receiving axis is connected to the insert. A locking retainer is connected to the movable portion and engages an opening in the receptacle as the movable portion is moved toward a first position corresponding with panel closure. Engagement of the locking retainer in the opening precludes movement of the insert portion along the receiving axis. Moving the hinge in an opposite direction disengages the locking retainer from the opening and permits sliding movement of the insert. The locking retainer further includes an arcuate surface configured to engage an edge of the opening which may further be eccentrically arranged about the hinge axis to enable the locking retainer to move the insert into a desired position as the hinge is moved toward the first position.
