AU2016269530B2 - Adjustable hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

OF THE I NVENTION An adjustable hinge for a door or gate comprising a first hinge member and a second hinge member rotatable relative to each other each including a substantially flat hinge base having at least one mounting aperture formed 5 therethrough and a pair of spaced apart collars extending outwardly from the outer surface thereof that cooperatively form a housing and a tension adjustment assembly to selectively adjust a bias disposed within the housing having a first adjustment assembly disposed at one end thereof and a second adjustment assembly disposed at the opposite end thereof to adjust the force of the 10 adjustable hinge from either end thereof. 8498996_1 (GHMatters) P104810.AU 2/3 16 42 68 38 4 66 1860 58-~ - - 56 54L 458 14 20 52 D 50 10 72 70 27 2:20 64 74276 62 24 25 52 50 22 54 T 48 12 U 58- 56 34 60 44 66 2I-11 40 32 42 68 38 FC.

Description

2/3

16 42 68 38

4 66 1860 58-~ - - 56 54L 458

20 52 D 50 10 14 72 70

27

2:20

64 74276

62 24 25 52 50 22 54 T 48 12 U 58- 56 34 60 44 662I-11 40 32 42 68 38 FC.

ADJUSTABLE HINGE TECHNICAL FIELD

An adjustable tension hinge for a door or gate.

BACKGROUND ART

Self-closing and self-opening gates are in common use, particularly in

situations which require increased safety. In deed, it is generally mandatory to

provide self-closing gates for swimming pool fences to prevent unsupervised

access by small children in the event that other persons have forgotten to close

the gate. Similarly, self-closing gates are often employed in households to secure

stairways and other potentially hazardous areas.

Gates of this type generally include a helical spring-loaded hinge which

produces a torque to bias the hinge towards the closed or open position. A

problem which arises in relation to such gates is that they vary in dimension and

weight, and so the spring tension in the hinge must be adjusted accordingly in

order to have the gate close or open at appropriate speed.

Examples of prior art are described below.

US 8,549,707 describes a hinge comprising a first hinge member including

a body portion having a longitudinal axis about which a second hinge member is

rotatable to move the hinge between an open position and a closed position. The

body portion houses biasing means having an end fixed relative to the second

hinge member engages an adjustment member fixed with respect to the first

hinge member. The adjustment member includes a ratchet means to move the

1 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU adjustment member in a first direction to increase the tension in the biasing means.

US 5,584,100 discloses a hinge comprising a first hinge member and a

second hinge member. The first hinge member comprises a cylindrical housing

disposed between flange members formed on the second hinge member. A

torsion spring is provided inside the cylindrical housing disposed in a recess at end

of the cylindrical housing and the other end fits into a recess in a coupling

element located at the other end of the cylindrical housing. The coupling element

has a hexagonal engagement surface which engages a matching engagement

surface in flange. By depressing the coupling element so that it is no longer in

engagement with flange member, the coupling element can be turned so that its

hexagonal external surface is in a different orientation with respect to the

matching hexagonal surface of the flange when pressure on the coupling element

is release.

US 2014/007520 shows a hinge comprising first and second hinges and coupling

connecting the first and second hinge parts. The first and second hinges are rotatable

relative to each other having a biasing member to impart a biasing force relative rotation

of the hinge parts. The coupling comprises a first coupling portion movable to change

the biasing force of the biasing member. The hinge further comprises a stop

arrangement to limit the adjustment movement to thereby restrict change to the biasing

force.

US 244,185 relates to a door-spring of two leaves, a pintle having an elongated

vertical recess or groove in its lower end, a ratchet-collar on the pintle and having a lug

engaging the recess or groove in the latter. A stationary stop is disposed one of the

2 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU hinge-leaves. The collar is connected to the coiled spring to rotate with, and slide vertically on, the pintle substantially as and for the purpose described.

US 5,651,536 shows a door closer or hinge including an upper adjustable torsion

spring/ratchet combination power to close the door and a lower adjustable rotary damper

to control the door closing speed.

US 4,073,038 discloses an adjustable tension spring to close a hinge after being

rotated to an open position comprising a pair of notched ratchet-like members.

US 8,683,654 describes an adjustable torque hinge including a torque adjustment

member and spring combination. The outer end of the torque adjustment member

includes a hexagonal adjustment hole to receive a hex key to adjust the torque force. The

torque adjustment member can then release the torque spring to return the adjustable

torque hinge to the original tension.

Australian patent 666491 describes a coupling element connected to a spring. The

coupling element includes a head portion with a circular top section and a hexagonal

intermediate section which engages a matching hexagonal engagement surface in an

aperture of the spring housing. To adjust the spring tension, a tool is inserted into the

slot and pressure is applied to disengage the coupling element so that it can be turned to

a different orientation. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that it requires the

simultaneous application of a linear force along the spring axis and a rotational force

about the spring axis. This is a relatively unnatural movement which can cause

inconvenience to the installer.

Additional examples of the prior are found in US 244,185; US 255,938; US

308,337; US 3,316,582; US 3,735,724; US 4,817,242; US 5,715,574 and US 8,160,287.

3 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a hinge to maintain a gate or door in a

normally close position. As discussed hereinafter, the closing force of the hinge is

adjustable and may be used on either a left or right hand gate or door.

The hinge can comprise a first and second hinge member rotatably coupled

relative to each other, said first hinge member and said second hinge member

each including a hinge base and a pair of space apart collars extending outwardly

from the outer surface of said hinge base that cooperatively form a housing and a

tension adjustment assembly partially disposed within said housing to selectively

adjust the tension, the tension adjustment assembly comprising a bias comprising

a helical spring having a straight pin extending outwardly from each end portion

thereof. Said bias can be disposed within said housing having a first adjustment

assembly disposed at one end thereof and a second adjustment assembly

disposed at the opposite end thereof to adjust the force of said adjustable hinge

from either end thereof, wherein said first adjustment assembly and said second

adjustment assembly each comprises an end cap and a rotatable hinge pin

disposed relative to said end cap, each said end cap comprises a body having a

centrally disposed longitudinal channel formed therethrough and a first set of

ratchet teeth formed on an inner end portion thereof and each said rotatable

hinge pin comprises a cap including a bias receiving recess to receive a portion of

a corresponding helical spring and a pin receiving channel formed in an inner

surface of said bias receiving recess and disposed parallel to the corresponding

centrally disposed longitudinal end cap receiving channel to receive a

4 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU corresponding straight pin therein to secure the corresponding helical spring to the corresponding cap to facilitate assembly of said adjustable hinge in said housing and a second set of ratchet teeth formed on an outer end portion thereof to operatively engage said first set of ratchet to cooperatively form a hinge pin directional control to control the direction of rotation of each said rotatable hinge pin relative to the corresponding end cap.

Each hinge member may comprise a hinge plate having an outer collar

including a centrally disposed longitudinal end cap receiving channel to receive at

least a portion of the corresponding end cap therein and an inner or interior collar

including a centrally disposed longitudinal hinge pin receiving channel extending

or projecting outwardly from the front face or surface thereof. In some

embodiments, each said end cap may be secured within said centrally disposed

longitudinal end cap receiving channel of the corresponding outer collar by a

corresponding pin fitted through a channel formed through the side of said

corresponding outer collar and seated in a recess formed in the corresponding end

cap.

In some embodiments, the outer end portion of said body may have an

inclined or slanted surface and the end portion of each said outer collar may have

an inclined or slanted surface adjacent said inclined or slanted surface of the

corresponding body of the corresponding end cap in substantially the same

diagonal plane.

5 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU

The outer and inner or interior collars overlap relative to each other to

cooperatively form a housing for the first and second adjustment assembly and

the adjustable bias when the outer collars and inner or interior collars are axially

aligned along the longitudinal axis when the hinge is fully assembled. In some

embodiments, said inner or interior collar of said first hinge member is at least

partially disposed between said outer collar and said inner or interior collar of said

second hinge member; while, said inner or interior collar of said second hinge

member is at least partially disposed between said outer collar and said inner or

interior collar of said first hinge member to cooperatively form said housing for

said first adjustment assembly, said second adjustment assembly and said

adjustable bias when said outer collars and said inner or interior collars are axially

aligned along the longitudinal axis when said hinge is assembled.

Each end cap may comprise a substantially cylindrical body having a first

set of ratchet teeth formed on the inner end portion thereof.

Each hinge pin may comprise a cap including a bias receiving recess and a

pin receiving channel to receive portions of the adjustable bias described

hereinafter and a second set of ratchet teeth formed on the outer end portion

thereof to operatively engage the first set of ratchet teeth.

The hinge pin may further comprise a tool receiving projection including a

tool receiving channel extends outwardly from each cap to selectively receive a

tool to rotate one or the other of the hinge pins to adjust the tension of the

adjustable bias.

6 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU

The adjustable bias may comprise a helical or torsion spring disposed

within the bias receiving recess formed in each hinge pin having a pin extending

outwardly from each end thereof to fit into the corresponding pin receiving

channel formed in each hinge pin to secure or lock each helical or torsion spring

rotationally relative to the cap of the corresponding hinge pin.

Each tooth of the second set of ratchet teeth of each hinge pin may include

a leading face or surface that is inclined or slanged rearwardly or in a first

direction; while, each tooth of the first set of ratchet teeth may include a blocking

face or surface that may be inclined or slanted in a second direction such that

when the upper hinge pin is rotated in a first direction, the teeth of the second set

of ratchet teeth engage the teeth of the first set of ratchet teeth depressing the

helical or torsion spring and more tightly winding the helical or torsion spring to

increase the tension on the helical or torsion spring to increase the closing force of

the hinge.

In some embodiments, each said first set of ratchet teeth and said

corresponding second set of ratchet teeth of each said adjustment may allow

rotational movement of said upper hinge pin of said adjustment member in one

direction only and wherein the spring tension is released when said rotatable

hinge pin is depressed disengaging said second set of ratchet teeth from said

corresponding first set of ratchet teeth allowing said corresponding rotatable

hinge pin to rotate causing the helical or torsion spring to return to the original

position.

7 18463919_2(GHMtters) P104810.AU

In some embodiments, said first set of ratchet teeth and said second set of

ratchet teeth may be disposed in parallel horizontal planes relative to each other.

Once the desired tension or torque is reached, the tool is removed from the

tool receiving channel. The leading faces or edges of the first set of ratchet teeth

engage the trailing faces or edges of the second set of ratchet teeth to lock either

upper adjustment assembly in position.

In other words, the teeth of the first set of ratchet teeth and the second

set of ratchet teeth act as a ratchet means by allowing rotational movement of the

hinge pins in one direction only (in this example, the clockwise direction).

Since the pins of the helical or torsion spring are fixed with respect to the

first and second hinge members, rotational movement of the first and second

hinge members with respect to each other, for example by opening a gate to

which the hinge is attached, will tend to create a torsional restoring force to move

or force the hinge back to the original closed position.

The direction of the door or gate closing can be reversed simply by

repositioning the first and second hinge members from left to right or right to left.

In some embodiments, the adjustable hinge may further comprise a

floating spacer having said adjustable bias at least partially disposed therein

slidably disposed between said caps of said rotatable hinge pins within said

housing cooperatively formed by said outer collars and said inner or interior collars

to overlap the crease or seam between said two inner or interior collars such that

said end caps, said caps, said rotatable hinge pins and said floating spacer

8 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU substantially isolate the interior of said housing from the exterior environs protecting said adjustable bias from the surrounding elements.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,

combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in

the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be

indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the invention, reference should

be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the

accompanying drawings, provided by way of example only, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable tension hinge of an

embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the adjustable tension hinge of an

embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable tension hinge of an

embodiment of the present invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of

the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a gate or door hinge is configured to swing closed in a single (left

to right or right to left) direction. In order to have the gate or door swing or close

9 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU in the opposite direction a different gate or door hinge is required. Otherwise, the gate or door hinge may be turned upside down. This requires any spring or bias adjustment to be accomplished from the bottom of the gate or door hinge. This is generally awkward and difficult.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention relates to a hinge

generally indicated as 10 to maintain a gate or door (not shown) in a normally

closed position. As discussed hereinafter, the closing force of the hinge 10 is

adjustable for use with either a left or right hand gate or door (not shown).

The hinge 10 comprises a first hinge member generally indicated as 12 and

a second hinge member generally indicated as 14 rotatably coupled by a tension

adjustment assembly including a first adjustment assembly generally indicated as

16 and a second adjustment assembly generally indicated as 18 disposed at

opposite ends thereof and operatively coupled by an adjustable bias generally

indicated as 20.

The first hinge member 12 and the second hinge member 14 are similarly

constructed. Specifically, each hinge member 12/14 comprises a substantially flat

hinge plate 22 having an outer collar 24 including a centrally disposed longitudinal

end cap receiving channel 25 and an inner or interior collar 26 including a

centrally disposed longitudinal hinge pin receiving channel 27 extending or

projecting outwardly from the front face or surface 28 thereof.

The inner or interior collar 26 of the first hinge member 12 is at least

partially disposed between the outer collar 24 and inner or interior collar 26 of the

second hinge member 14; while, the inner or interior collar 26 of the second hinge

10 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU member 14 is at least partially disposed between the outer collar 24 and inner or interior collar 26 of the first hinge member 12 to cooperatively form a housing for the first adjustment assembly 16, the second adjustment assembly 18 and the adjustable bias 20 when the outer collars 24 and inner or interior collars 26 are axially aligned along the longitudinal axis 30 when the hinge 10 is fully assembled.

The first adjustment assembly 16 and the second adjustment assembly 18

are also similarly configured. Specifically, each comprises an end cap and a hinge

pin generally indicated as 32 and 34 respectively.

Each end cap 32 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 36 having a

centrally disposed longitudinal channel 38 formed therethrough. The outer end

portion 40 of the substantially cylindrical body 36 has an inclined or slanted

surface 42; while a first set of ratchet teeth generally indicated as 44 is formed on

the inner end portion 46 of the substantially cylindrical body 36.

Each hinge pin 34 comprises cap 48 including a bias receiving recess 50

and a pin receiving channel 52 to receive portions of the adjustable bias 20 as

described hereinafter and a second set of ratchet teeth generally indicated as 54

formed on the outer end portion 56 thereof to operatively engage said first set of

ratchet teeth to cooperatively form a ratchet or hinge pin directional control as

described hereinafter. A tool receiving projection 58 including a tool receiving

channel 60 extends outwardly from the outer end portion 56 of each cap 48 to

selectively receive a tool such as an Allen wrench (not shown) therein to rotate

one or the other of the hinge pins 34 to adjust the tension of the adjustable bias

20 as discussed hereinafter.

11 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU

When assembled, the end caps 32 are secured within the centerally

disposed longitudinal end cap receiving channel 25 of the corresponding outer

collar 24 by a corresponding pin 62 press fitted through a hole or channel 64

formed through the side of the corresponding outer collar 24 and seated in a

recess or hole 66 formed in the corresponding end cap 32.

The end portion of each outer collar 24 has an inclined or slanted surface

68 adjacent the inclined or slanted surface of the corresponding substantially

cylindrical body 36 of the corresponding end cap 32 in substantially the same

diagonal plane.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable bias 20 comprises a helical or

torsion spring 70 dimensioned to snuggly fit into the bias receiving recess 50

formed in each hinge pin 34 having a pin 72 extending outwardly from each end

thereof to fit into the corresponding pin receiving channel 52 formed in each hinge

pin 34 to secure the helical or torsion spring 70 of the adjustable bias 20

rotationally relative to the cap 48 of the corresponding hinge pin 34.

Each tooth of said second set of ratchet teeth of each hinge pin 34 includes

a leading face or surface inclined or slanted in a first or rearwardly relative to the

direction of rotation of the hinge pin 34 when increasing tension or torque of the

helical or torsion spring 70; while, each tooth of said first set of ratchet teeth of

each end cap 32 includes a trailing face or surface that may be inclined or slanted

in a second direction such that when the top hinge pin 34 is rotated in the first

direction the teeth of said second set of ratchet teeth glide or slip past the teeth

of said first set of ratchet teeth twisting the helical or torsion spring 70 increasing

12 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU the tension on the helical or torsion spring 70 to increase the closing force of the hinge 10.

As previously described, said first set of ratchet teeth and second set of

ratchet teeth 54 cooperatively for a ratchet or hinge pin directional control.

Specifically, when a hex key or similar tool (not shown) is placed in the tool

receiving channel 60 of the tool receiving projection 58 of the corresponding hinge

pin 34 and turned clockwise as indicated by the arrow on the inclined or slanted

surface 42, the leading edges or faces of said second set of ratchet teeth slip or

glide past said first set of ratchet teeth. Once the desired tension or torque is

reached, the tool (not shown) is removed from the tool receiving channel 60. The

leading faces or edges of said first set of ratchet teeth engage the trailing faces or

edges of said second set of ratchet teeth to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of

the hinge pin 34 to securely lock the hinge pin 34 of the upper adjustment

assembly 16/18 in position.

In other words, the first set of ratchet teeth 44 and the second set of

ratchet teeth 54 of the adjustment member 40 act together as a ratchet allowing

rotational movement of the upper hinge pin 34 of adjustment member 40 in one

direction only (in this example, the clockwise direction). To release the spring

tension, the hinge pin 34 is depressed disengaging said second set of ratchet

teeth from the first set of ratchet teeth 44 allowing the upper hinge pin 34 to

rotate counter-clockwise causing the helical or torsion spring 70 to return to the

original position.

13 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU

The teeth of the first set of ratchet teeth 44 and the teeth of the second

set of ratchet 54 are sized and configured to permit either hinge pin 34 to be

incrementally rotated or ratcheted in the first or clockwise direction to increase the

helical or torsion spring tension or incrementally ratcheted in the second or

counter-clockwise direction to decrease the helical or torsion spring tension. For

example, the teeth of the first set of ratchet teeth 44 and the teeth of said second

set of ratchet teeth 54 may comprise substantially equally sized and substantially

isosceles or equilateral triangular shapes or configurations.

Since the pins 72 of the helical or torsion spring 70 are fixed with respect to

the first hinge pin member 12 and the second hinge member 14, rotational

movement of the first hinge member 12 and the second hinge member 14 with

respect to each other for example by opening a gate to which the hinge 10 is

attached, will tend to create a torsional restoring force to move or return the

hinge 10 and door or gate (not shown) to the original closed position.

A floating axial alignment hollow sleeve or spacer 74 having the bias or

helical or torsion spring 70 at least partially disposed therein is slidably disposed

between the caps 48 of the hinge pins 34 within the housing cooperatively formed

by the outer collars 24 and inner or interior collars 26 disposed to selectively

engage the adjacent inner ends of the inner or interior collars 26 as well as

overlay the joint or seam 76 between the two inner or interior collars 26

regardless of which adjustment assembly 16/18 is on top. The weight of the gate

or door (not shown) may create a bending movement between the inner or

interior collars 26 causing the inner or interior collars 26 to become axially

14 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU misaligned relative to each other. Since the floating axial alignment hollow sleeve or spacer 74 is disposed to selectively engage the adjustment inner ends of the inner or interior collars 26, the floating axial alignment hollow sleeve or spacer 74 prevents or limits the bending to maintain the axial alignment between the inner or interior collars 26 and outer collars 24. In addition, the end caps 32, the caps

48, the hinge pins 34 and the floating axial alignment spacer 74 substantially

isolate the interior of the housing from the exterior environs protecting the bias or

helical or torsion spring 70 from the surrounding elements.

Holes 78 to affix or fasten the hinge 10 to the gate or door (not shown) to

the fence post or door jam (not shown) are formed through the substantially flat

hinge plates 22 to the first hinge member 12 and the second hinge member 14.

If the hinge 10 is to be used or placed on a door or gate to swing from the

opposite side of a fence or door jamb, the hinge 10 is rotated "upside" down and

secured in place.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made

apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain

changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope

of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description

or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not

in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover

all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all

15 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention,

except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or

necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or

"comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the

stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in

various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein,

such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part

of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

16 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU

Claims (9)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An adjustable hinge for a door or gate comprising a first hinge member and

a second hinge member rotatable relative to each other, said first hinge member

and said second hinge member each including a hinge base and a pair of spaced

apart collars extending outwardly from the outer surface of said hinge base that

cooperatively form a housing and a tension adjustment assembly partially

disposed within said housing to selectively adjust the tension, the tension

adjustment assembly comprising a bias comprising a helical spring having a

straight pin extending outwardly from each end portion thereof, said bias disposed

within said housing having a first adjustment assembly disposed at one end

thereof and a second adjustment assembly disposed at the opposite end thereof

to adjust the force of said adjustable hinge from either end thereof, wherein said

first adjustment assembly and said second adjustment assembly each comprises

an end cap and a rotatable hinge pin disposed relative to said end cap, each said

end cap comprises a body having a centrally disposed longitudinal channel formed

therethrough and a first set of ratchet teeth formed on an inner end portion

thereof and each said rotatable hinge pin comprises a cap including a bias

receiving recess to receive a portion of a corresponding helical spring and a pin

receiving channel formed in an inner surface of said bias receiving recess and

disposed parallel to the corresponding centrally disposed longitudinal end cap

receiving channel to receive a corresponding straight pin therein to secure the

corresponding helical spring to the corresponding cap to facilitate assembly of said

adjustable hinge in said housing and a second set of ratchet teeth formed on an

17 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU outer end portion thereof to operatively engage said first set of ratchet to cooperatively form a hinge pin directional control to control the direction of rotation of each said rotatable hinge pin relative to the corresponding end cap.

2. An adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein each hinge member

comprises a hinge plate having an outer collar including a centrally disposed

longitudinal end cap receiving channel to receive at least a portion of the

corresponding end cap therein and an inner or interior collar including a centrally

disposed longitudinal hinge pin receiving channel to receive at least a portion of

the corresponding hinge pin thereon extending or projecting outwardly from the

front face or surface of said hinge plate.

3. An adjustable hinge according to claim 2, wherein said inner or interior

collar of said first hinge member is at least partially disposed between said outer

collar and said inner or interior collar of said second hinge member; while, said

inner or interior collar of said second hinge member is at least partially disposed

between said outer collar and said inner or interior collar of said first hinge

member to cooperatively form said housing for said first adjustment assembly,

said second adjustment assembly and said adjustable bias when said outer collars

and said inner or interior collars are axially aligned along the longitudinal axis

when said hinge is assembled.

4. An adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein a tool receiving

projection including a tool receiving channel extends outwardly from the outer end

portion of each said end cap to selectively receive a tool to rotate one or the other

18 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU of said rotatable hinge pins to selectively increase or decrease the tension of said adjustable bias.

5. An adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein each said end cap is

secured within said centrally disposed longitudinal end cap receiving channel of

the corresponding outer collar by a corresponding pin fitted through a channel

formed through the side of said corresponding outer collar and seated in a recess

formed in the corresponding end cap.

6. An adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein each said first set of

ratchet teeth and said corresponding second set of ratchet teeth of each said

adjustment allow rotational movement of said upper hinge pin of said adjustment

member in one direction only and wherein the spring tension is released when

said rotatable hinge pin is depressed disengaging said second set of ratchet teeth

from said corresponding first set of ratchet teeth allowing said corresponding

rotatable hinge pin to rotate causing the helical or torsion spring to return to the

original position.

7. An adjustable hinge according to claim 1, further including a floating spacer

having said adjustable bias at least partially disposed therein slidably disposed

between said caps of said rotatable hinge pins within said housing cooperatively

formed by said outer collars and said inner or interior collars to overlap the crease

or seam between said two inner or interior collars such that said end caps, said

caps, said rotatable hinge pins and said floating spacer substantially isolate the

19 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU interior of said housing from the exterior environs protecting said adjustable bias from the surrounding elements.

8. An adjustable hinge according to claim 2, wherein the outer end portion of

said body has an inclined or slanted surface and the end portion of each said

outer collar has an inclined or slanted surface adjacent said inclined or slanted

surface of the corresponding body of the corresponding end cap in substantially

the same diagonal plane.

9. An adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein said first set of ratchet

teeth and said second set of ratchet teeth are disposed in parallel horizontal

planes relative to each other.

20 18463919_2 (GHMatters) P104810.AU