AU2004203672A1 - Hinge system - Google Patents

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

FOR A STANDARD

PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicants: Actual Inventors: Cecille Diane Weldon and Jonathan Marmion Ross Temple Cecille Diane Weldon and Jonathan Marmion Ross Temple Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP Margaret Street Telephone No: SYDNEY NSW 2000 Facsimile No.

CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Invention Title: HINGE SYSTEM (02) 97771111 (02) 9241 4666 Details of Associated Provisional Application No. 2003904224 dated 08 August 2003 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- File: 40021AUP00 5004074301.DOC/5844 -2- FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to hinge systems and in particular a system for the dynamic interconnection of two or more structures.

For the purposes of illustration, the present invention will be described with particular reference to folding screens for use as temporary partitions, exhibition displays or furniture items. However, it should be understood that the invention is no way limited to this specific application and has many other uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Hinged connections between structures are commonplace. They are used in any application requiring a solid connection together with the ability to rotate about a hinge axis.

Folding screens are a convenient and well known temporary barrier. A series of rectangular panels are hinged together along their adjacent sides so that the screen can expand and rest on the ends of the panels when in use or fold flat for convenient storage.

However, the panels are somewhat limited in the way that they can be arranged relative to each other because the side from which one panel is hinged to its adjacent panel is fixed. If the screen is being used for the purposes of an exhibition display, this can have disadvantages. A screen with enhanced versatility would be more adaptable to different exhibition venues and displays.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge system for joining two or more adjacent structures including: a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling the structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between the adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to the plane of the first ligature; such that, -3the adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to the plane of the first ligature and through a point at or near the cross over of the first ligature; wherein, the cross over of the first ligature is movable relative to each of the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between the adjacent structures is likewise movable joining two or more adjacent structures including: a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling the structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between the adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to the plane of the first ligature; such that, the adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to the plane of the first ligature and through a point at or near the cross over of the first ligature; wherein, the cross over of the first ligature is movable relative to each of the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between the adjacent structures is likewise movable.

Preferably, a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles the structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to the plane of the first ligature, the second ligature crosses over itself at a point between.the structures, the point being on or near the hinge axis of the adjacent structures.

In a preferred form of the first aspect the structures are rectangular flat panels and the first and second ligatures extend transversely to the sides of the panels; wherein the first ligature is adjacent one end of the panels and the second ligature is adjacent the other end.

Preferably, the ligatures are in the form of a m6bius strip.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen including: at least two adjacent structures; a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling the structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between the adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to the plane of the first ligature; such that, -4the adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to the plane of the first ligature and through a point at or near the cross over of the first ligature; wherein, the cross over of the first ligature is movable relative to each of the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between the adjacent structures is likewise movable.

Preferably, a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles the structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to the plane of the first ligature, the second ligature crosses over itself at a point between the structures, the point being on or near the hinge axis of the adjacent structures.

Preferably, the structures are rectangular flat panels and the first and second ligatures extend transversely to the sides of the panels; wherein the first ligature is adjacent one end of the panels and the second ligature is adjacent the other end.

In a particular form of the second aspect, the screen is configurable such that any of the panels can be selectively positioned to extend from either end of an adjacent panel or folded flat against an adjacent panel. Each of the panels preferably has a rigid peripheral frame with a decorative section extending between the sides of the frame, and between the first and second ligatures. The peripheral frame may be made from copper tubing or alternatively aluminium extrusions. In one convenient form, the sides of the frame connect to U-shaped portions forming the ends of the frame.

In this form, the U-shaped portions are adapted to adjust the distance between the sides wherein the ligature may be slid into place and subsequently tensioned.

The ligature may be a wire or polymer tendon.

Preferably, the ligatures are in the form of a m6bius strip.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a furniture item including: at least two adjacent structures; a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling the structures in a substantially common plane, and crossing over itself at a point between adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to the plane of the first ligature; such that, the adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to the plane of the first ligature and through a point at or near the cross over of the first ligature; wherein, the cross over of the first ligature is movable relative to each of the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between the adjacent structures is likewise movable.

Preferably, a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles the structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to the plane of the first ligature, the second ligature crosses over itself at a point between the structures, the point being on or near the hinge axis of the adjacent structures.

Preferably, the ligatures are in the form of a m6bius strip.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage unit including: at least two adjacent structures; a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling the structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to the plane of the first ligature; such that, the adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to the plane of the first ligature and through a point at or near the cross over of the first ligature; wherein, the cross over of the first ligature is movable relative to each of the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between the adjacent structures is likewise movable.

Preferably, a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles the structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to the plane of the first ligature, the second ligature crosses over itself at a point between the structures, the point being on or near the hinge axis of the adjacent structures.

Preferably, the ligatures are in the form of a m6bius strip.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided in a display stand including: at least two adjacent structures; -6a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling the structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to the plane of the first ligature; such that, the adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to the plane of the first ligature and through a point at or near the cross over of the first ligature; wherein, the cross over of the first ligature is movable relative to each of the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between the adjacent structures is likewise movable.

Preferably, a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles the structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to the plane of the first ligature, the second ligature crosses over itself at a point between the structures, the point being on or near the hinge axis of the adjacent structures.

Preferably, the ligatures are in the form of a mobius strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic section plan view according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of a four panelled screen according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of the screen shown in Figure 1 configured in a standard free standing zigzag arrangement.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the screen of Figure 1 configured as a square column.

Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 show the sequence of movements to change the screen from the configuration shown in Figure 2 to the star configuration shown in Figure 8.

Figures 9 and 10 show a sequence of movement to configure the screen of Figure 1 in an alternative arrangement.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the screen of Figure 1 opening from its collapsed configuration.

Figure 12 shows the screen opening in the opposite direction to Figure 1.

Figure 13 shows the screen of Figure 1 moving to yet another configuration.

Figure 14 is a schematic section plan view of the screen shown in Figure 1.

Figure 15 is a schematic section plan view of the screen shown in Figure 2.

Figure 16 is a schematic section plan view of the screen of Figure 1 in a U-shaped configuration.

Figure 17 shows a schematic sectioned plan view of the screen in the configurations shown in Figure 3; and, Figures 18 to 22 are schematic section plan views showing the series of movements corresponding to those shown in Figures 2 to 8.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a furniture item according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in five different configurations.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of another version of the furniture item of Figure 23, illustrated in four different configurations.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a furniture item according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in four different configurations.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a furniture item according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of another version of the furniture item of Figure 26.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of a furniture item according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is an elevation view of a display stand according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, the hinge system 25 according to the present invention can be used to join two or more structures 26 and includes a first and second tensioned ligatures 27 tightly encircling the structures. Both ligatures encircling the structures in -8- The arrangement allowing adjacent structures 26 to hingedly move relative to each other about a hinge axis extending normal to the planes through a point near the ligature cross over points. Moreover, the ligature cross over points are relatively movable with respect to the adjacent structures so that the hinge axis is likewise movable.

Preferably, the ligatures described are formed from any continuous flexible type material such as (but not limited to) wire, polymer tendon or flat strip, or a combination thereof Additionally, in some circumstances it may be preferable that the ligatures may include a material that has elastic properties.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the ligatures take the form of m6bius strips. A m6bius strip is an elongate rectangular strip having its ends joined, with one end being twisted through 1800 before the join is made. Moreover, it should be understood that when the ligatures are in the form of a flat strip, the strip must of a m6bius type for the invention to operate.

Referring now to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a screen. The screen includes four panels 1, 2, 3 and 4 joined by ligatures 5 and 6. Each panel has a peripheral frame 7 and the ligatures encircle the exterior of the frame of one panel and then cross over to tightly encircle the frame of the adjacent panel in a figure-eight manner. The ligatures 5 and 6 are tensioned in order to maintain their position on the frames 7 of each panel and to provide a firm hinging action.

The frame may be any form of lightweight tubing such as copper pipe or aluminium extrusion. The end portions 8 of each panel are detachable from the central decorative portions 9 via connector pieces 10. End sections 8 are adjustable in length so that the ligature loops can be slid over the panels and then tensioned by lengthening end sections sections 8.

Referring to Figures 2 and 15, the screen is arranged in a typical format with each panel connected in series and placed in a shallow configuration for the ability to stand. As best seen in Figure 15, the hinge axis between panel 1 and panel 2 is at the cross over point 19 in between side members 12 and 13. Likewise the hinge axis between panels 2 and 3 runs through the cross over points 20 of the ligatures 5 and 6 between the side members 14 and 15. Similarly the hinge axis between panels 3 and 4 is at the point 21 between side frame members 16 and 17.

-9- As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the hinge connection between each panel allows the screen to be arranged into a U-shaped configuration (Figure 16) or a square column configuration (Figure 17). This is possible because the hinge connections at 19, 20 and 21 allow each panel to rotate at least 3600 relative to the adjacent panel. Many conventional screens will not allow adjacent panels to rotate more than 1800 relative to each other.

Referring to Figures 4 to 9 and Figures 18 to 22, the screen is shown being moved from a flat configuration into a star arrangement. In Figure 1, panel 4 is rotated about a hinge axis at or near the ligature cross over point 21. As shown Figure 19, panel 4 can be folded flat against panel 3 and the cross over point 21 of ligature 6 moves away from the side frame members 16 and 17 towards the side frame members 15 and 18.

In Figure 20, panel 4 is then rotated so that sides 16 and 17 are remote from each other. The cross over point 21 and hinge axis have moved between the sides 15 and 18.

Likewise in Figures 21 and 22, panel 1 is rotated flat against panel 2 so that the cross over point 19 of the ligature 6 moves away from side frame members 12 and 13 and towards sides 11 and 14.

Figure 22 shows side 12 rotating away from side 13 to form the screen into a star configuration. In this configuration, the cross over points 19, 20 and 21 of the ligature 6 have moved to the centre of the four radially extending panels.

Folding screens incorporating the dynamic hinging system of the present invention have enhanced flexibility and versatility together with greater ease of movement. The individual panels of the screen can be placed in a greater variety of configurations without needing to disconnect and reconnect individual panels. This allows the screen to overcome the limitations of traditional screens, which have a fixed order of panels and can only fold in one direction. Furthermore, the invention lends itself to a light, elegant design as the ligature has minimal visual impact and is not an obvious hinge mechanism.

The hinge provided by the crossed over ligatures is not only multi- directional but strong and provides a fluid movement while remaining unobtrusive to the overall visual appearance of the screen.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to a folding screen, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Some further embodiments and variations are discussed below.

Figures 23 and 24 show a second embodiment of the present invention in the form of a seat 30. The seat includes two panels 31 and 32 joined by ligatures 33 and 34. Each panel includes an outer frame 35, 36 and a cushion portion 37, 38. The ligatures, which in this embodiment take the form of continuous flat strips, encircle the exterior of the frame of one panel and then cross over to tightly encircle the frame of the adjacent panel in a figure-eight m6bius strip manner. The ligatures 35 and 36 are tensioned in order to maintain their position on the frame of each panel and to provide a firm hinging action.

It will be observed that, in a similar way to the screen of the first embodiment, the hinge system provided by ligatures 33 and 34 allows each panel to rotate at least 3600 relative to the adjacent panel such that seat 30 may take different forms. For example, it may be reconfigured to form a single bed 40, or a coffee table 60 or even a low table or, when positioned against a vertical surface, a lounge seat It is proposed that the outer frames 35, 36 be made from a rigid material commonly known in the art, such as plastic, timber or metallic material.

It will be appreciated, that seat 30 may be in the form of a double seat 35 to thereby reconfigure to form double bed 45, couch 55 or bench 65, as shown on Figure 24.

Figure 25 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in the form of a desk 100. The desk 100 includes two panels 101 and 102 joined by ligatures 103 and 104.

The desk further includes a pair of C-shaped support legs 105, 106, which hingedly support panel 101 at pin joint 107.

Panels 101, 102 include a hard side 101a, 102a and a cushioned side 101b, 102b so as to facilitate different uses. In a similar way to the screen and seat of the first and second embodiments, the hinge system provided by ligatures 103 and 104 allows each panel to rotate at least 3600 relative to the adjacent panel such that the desk 100 may take different forms. For example, desk 100 may be reconfigured by rotating panel 102 up against a wall to form desk with notice board 110. Alternatively, desk 100 may be reconfigured to form a couch 120 or even a bed 130.

-11- It should be understood that Figures 23 to 25 do not show extra supports that may be required retain the furniture items shown in position.

Figure 26 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a storage unit 200. Storage unit 200 includes a pair of generally semicircular doors 201 joined by a pair of ligatures 203. Each door includes a main body 202 and inwardly directed shelves 204 extending from the body. The ligatures, which in this embodiment take the form of continuous flat strips, encircle the periphery of one door and then cross over to tightly encircle the periphery of the adjacent door in a figure-eight m6bius strip manner. The ligatures 203 are tensioned in order to maintain their position on the periphery of each door and to provide a firm hinging action.

Storage unit 200 further includes a top 205, which allows items to rest on top of the storage unit without having to be relocated when opening doors 201.

In use, the storage unit 200 acts as a typical storage cupboard unit with the extra functionality of being easily operable with the ability of having the doors 201 being able to rotate back to back, as best shown in Figure 26d. Additionally, due to manner in which the hinge system provided by the ligatures 203 operates, there is a reduced risk for a user to jam their hands between the doors 201, as any object that enters the pinch zone 206 will simply cause doors 201 to separate from each other. This feature advantageously makes the storage unit 200 ideally suited for young children.

An altemrnative aspect of the fourth embodiment is shown in Figure 27. Storage unit 250 is a smaller version of storage unit 200 with only one inwardly directed shelf per door. It is proposed that storage unit 250 may also be used as a small stool.

Figure 28 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a rocking chair 300. As best shown in Figure 28a, the rocking chair includes a base 301 and cradle 302 joined by a pair of ligatures 303. The ligatures 303, which in this embodiment take the form of continuous flat strips, encircle the exterior of the cradle 302 and then cross over to tightly encircle the base 301 in a figure-eight m6bius strip manner. The ligatures 303 are tensioned in order to maintain their position on the cradle and base to provide a firm hinging action.

12- In a similar way to the screen and seat of the first and second embodiments, the hinge system provided by ligatures 303 allows cradle to almost at least 3600 relative to the base 301 such that the rocking chair 300 may take different forms.

Figures 28b to 28e depict the various movements and/or configurations of the rocking chair 300. It should be observed that the rocking chair 300 may act as a lounge or sunbaking chair (Figure 28c) or alternatively, a typical rocking chair (Figures 28d and 28e).

Figure 29 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a display stand 340, which may be used to display printed advertising panels 350. Display stand is similar to the screen of the first embodiment in that it includes four panels 341 with two ligatures 342 at adjacent ends. However, the construction of each panel in this embodiment may be of any form to facilitate attaching the advertising media to be used.

It will be appreciated that display stand 340 provides a novel and interesting way to display any printed advertising material. It will be further appreciated that display stand 340 may also be in the form of a kit.

Although the invention has been described with reference to six embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Accordingly, there will be many readily apparent variations and modifications to the system, which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the broad inventive concept.

Claims (28)

1. A hinge system for joining two or more adjacent structures including: a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling said structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between said adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to said plane of said first ligature;, such that, said adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to said plane of said first ligature and through a point at or near said cross over of said first ligature; wherein, said cross over of said first ligature is movable relative to each of said adjacent structures so that said hinge axis between said adjacent structures is likewise movable.

2. A hinge system according to claim 1, wherein a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles said structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to said plane of said first ligature; said second ligature crosses over itself at a point between said structures, said point being on or near said hinge axis of said adjacent structures.

3. A hinge system according to claim 2, wherein said structures are rectangular flat panels and said first and second ligatures extend transversely to said sides of said panels; wherein said first ligature is adjacent one end of said panels and said second ligature is adjacent said other end.

4. A hinge system according to claim 3, wherein said panels form a folding screen configurable such that any of said panels can be selectively positioned to extend from either end of an adjacent panel or folded flat against an adjacent panel.

A hinge system according to claim 4, wherein each of said panels has a rigid peripheral frame with a decorative section extending between said sides of said frame, and between said first and second ligatures.

6. A hinge system according to claim 5, wherein said peripheral frame may be made from copper tubing or alternatively aluminium extrusions. -14-

7. A hinge system according to claim 6, wherein said sides of said frame connect to U-shaped portions forming said ends of said frame.

8. A hinge system according to claim 7, wherein said U-shaped portions are adapted to adjust said distance between said sides wherein said ligature may be slid into place and subsequently tensioned.

9. A hinge system according to claim 1, wherein said ligature may be a wire or polymer tendon.

A hinge system according to claim 1, wherein said structures are frame elements within a fold out bed.

11. A hinge system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said ligature is in the form of a mobius strip.

12. A hinge system substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

13. A screen including: at least two adjacent structures; a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling said structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between said adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to said plane of said first ligature; such that, said adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to said plane of said first ligature and through a point at or near said cross over of said first ligature; wherein, said cross over of said first ligature is movable relative to each of said adjacent structures so that said hinge axis between said adjacent structures is likewise movable.

14. A screen according to claim 13, wherein a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles said adjacent structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to said plane of said first ligature; said second ligature crosses over itself at a point between said structures, said point being on or near said hinge axis of said adjacent structures.

A screen according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein said ligature is in the form of a mobius strip.

16. A screen substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

17. A furniture item including: at least two adjacent structures; a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling said structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to said plane of said first ligature; such that, said adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to said plane of said first ligature and through a point at or near said cross over of said first ligature; wherein, said cross over of said first ligature is movable relative to each of said adjacent structures so that said hinge axis between said adjacent structures is likewise movable.

18. A furniture item according to claim 17, wherein a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles said adjacent structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to said plane of said first ligature; said second ligature crosses over itself at a point between said structures, said point being on or near said hinge axis of said adjacent structures.

19. A furniture item according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein said ligature is in the form of a mibius strip.

A furniture item substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

21. A storage unit including: at least two adjacent structures; -16- a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling said structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to said plane of said first ligature; such that, said adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, the hinge axis extending normal to said plane of said first ligature and through a point at or near said cross over of said first ligature; wherein, said cross over of said first ligature is movable relative to each of said adjacent structures so that said hinge axis between said adjacent structures is likewise movable.

22. A storage unit according to claim 21, wherein a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles said structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to said plane of said first ligature; said second ligature crosses over itself at a point between said structures, said point being on or near said hinge axis of said adjacent structures.

23. A storage unit according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein said ligature is in the form of a mobius strip.

24. A storage unit substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

An advertising display system including: at least two adjacent structures; a first tensioned ligature tightly encircling said structures in a substantially common plane and crossing over itself at a point between adjacent structures when viewed from a direction normal to said plane of said first ligature; such that, said adjacent structures can hingedly move relative to each other, said hinge axis extending normal to said plane of said first ligature and through a point at or near said cross over of said first ligature; wherein, said cross over of said first ligature is movable relative to each of said adjacent structures so that the hinge axis between said adjacent structures is likewise movable -17-

26. An advertising display system according to claim 25, wherein a second tensioned ligature tightly encircles said adjacent structures in a second plane spaced from and substantially parallel to said plane of said first ligature; said second ligature crosses over itself at a point between said structures, said point being on or near said hinge axis of said adjacent structures.

27. An advertising display system according to claim 25 or claim 26 wherein said ligature is in the form of a mibius strip.

28. An advertising display system substantially as herein described with reference to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. DATED this 9th day of August 2004 Shelston IP Attorneys for: Cecille Dianne Weldon, and Jonathan Marmion Ross Temple