AU2014218417B2

AU2014218417B2 - A hinge and method of installation

Info

Publication number: AU2014218417B2
Application number: AU2014218417A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Craig Lang
Original assignee: Mammoth Industries Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Mammoth Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-02
Filing date: 2014-08-28
Publication date: 2018-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-28
Also published as: AU2014218417A1

Abstract

A hinge comprising a first leaf for attachment to a closure, a second leaf for attachment to a frame, a pivot that forms an axis of rotation about which the first leaf rotates relative to the second leaf as the closure opens and closes, a load bearing means operable with the first or second leaf, wherein the first or second leaf is adapted to include a holding means separate from the load bearing means.

Description

A HINGE AND METHOD OF INSTALATION

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hinges for architectural closures.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to a hinge adapted to hang a door, gate, panel, window or the like.

[0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for providing an improved method for hanging closures, particularly doors.

[0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to its application to a door, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to doors and can be applied to a wide range of closures.

BACKGROUND ART

[0005] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor’s knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0006] In prior art arrangements, a hinge is often used to ‘hang’ a door. In other words, the hinge enables the door to move freely (open or close) by providing a pivot point about which an edge of the door can be rotated relative to a door frame or opening. The positioning of a hinge on the door frame also determines the height of the door, that is the relative spacing between the door fame and the door surface to ensure the door is relatively free to move.

[0007] In practice, it is often quite difficult for a person hanging a door to get the hinge position correct so that the door neatly opens and closes without catching on the door frame. Initial installation of the hinge and subsequent adjustment to properly hang the doors can be very time consuming. This problem is exacerbated if multiple doors need to be hung, such as during the initial fit-out or renovation of a large building having multiple closures.

[0008] Hinges for closures typically include a first leaf (in the form of a flat plate) fixed to the door, a second leaf fixed to the door frame. The two leaves are secured together by a pivot that forms an axis of rotation for one leaf to rotate relative to the other as the door opens and closes.

[0009] To ensure that a door opens and shuts easily, the hinges must be positioned correctly. Typical steps involved in hanging a door in a wooden frame are as follows: 1) the door is placed in the door frame and wedges used to lift it into the desired position; 2) on a new door, a line is marked to shows where the top of the hinges will be, on the door and on the frame. This is typically about 160mm from the top and about 300mm from the base. When an old door is being replaced, the new door is marked in positions that correspond to the existing hinge rebate; 3) the door is then removed. With the door oriented with the hinge side up, the hinge is placed against the marked line - making sure the pin sits flat, and as close to the edge as possible. A mark is drawn around the hinge; 4) the depth of each hinge is marked on the edge of the door and using a sharp chisel, the wood is carved out to form rebates into which each of the hinges fit snugly; 5) marks are made to indicate the positions of the screw holes, then drilled with a narrow drill bit to allow the hinges to be fixed to the door; 6) the door is then held up to the frame, at right angles, in the open position. It must also be held at the correct height with the hinge leaves in the open position; 7) a mark is traced around where the hinge will sit against the frame; 8) the door is removed and rebates carved where the hinge will sit in the frame; 9) the door is replaced, at right angles to the frame with the hinges sitting in the rebates; and 10) using one screw per hinge the door is attached. If it opens and closes properly, the remaining holes are drilled and the remaining fixing means used to secure the door. If the door sticks, it must be removed and planed until it opens and closes without catching the frame.

[0010] This procedure is relatively complex, time consuming and some of the steps requires two workers. For example, at steps 9 and 10, one worker typically lifts the door and hinges into position and holds the load while another worker applies the screws.

[0011] The above description refers to the leaves being attached to the door or door frame by screws, but the skilled person will readily appreciate that other devices such as rivets or nails may be used. The screw, rivet, nail (or the like) performs two functions, firstly holding the hinge in position and secondly, bearing substantially all the load on the hinge including the lateral forces that are generated as the hinge is operated. With repeated operation of the hinge over time, the attachment between the hinge and closure or frame tends to weaken, allowing the hinge leaf to shift. Ultimately the door is no longer hung properly within its frame because the hinging movement has failed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0013] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a hinge comprising: - a first leaf for attachment to a closure, - a second leaf for attachment to a frame, - a pivot that forms an axis of rotation about which the first leaf rotates relative to the second leaf as the closure opens and closes, - a load bearing means operable with the first or second leaf, wherein the first or second leaf is adapted to include a holding means separate from the load bearing means.

[0014] Typically the load bearing means comprises one or more pins that bear the weight of the closure including the lateral torque generated by movement of the closure.

[0015] In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a hinge comprising: - a first leaf for attachment to a closure, - a second leaf for attachment to a frame, - a pivot that forms an axis of rotation about which the first leaf rotates relative to the second leaf as the closure opens and closes, - one or more load bearing pins operable with the first or second leaf, wherein the first or second leaf is adapted to include a holding means separate from the load bearing pins.

[0016] The holding means typically comprises well known devices such as screws, rivets, masonry anchors, barbed carpentry anchors, plugs or nails, and may include fixatives such as adhesives. Preferably the holding means operate as clamps without providing substantial lateral bracing.

[0017] The pin may be in any desired form such as a peg, stake or dowel and is typically configured to fit into a hole of complementary shape in the closure or frame. The peg may for example be cylindrical, conical or wedge shaped.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment the one or more pins are integral with the leaf. They may for example, be formed when the leaf is cast or moulded, or riveted into the leaf or screwed into a threaded hole in the leaf.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment the one or more pins may be independently manufactured and inserted through holes in a leaf aligned with holes in the closure or frame.

[0020] The holes are typically included in the frame or closure during manufacture or may be drilled at positions indicated by a template.

[0021] As such the pins can be used to bear load, including the weight of the door and torque as it opens and closes. The pins can also be readily located in corresponding holes to locate and hang the door in the correct position. Thus a door can be hung by one person and without using a jig. In a particularly preferred embodiment the door or frame are (pre-)fabricated with holes. Pins associated with the first or second leaf can then be pushed or tapped into the holes, allowing faster hanging of doors.

[0022] The pins and corresponding holes may be arranged in any convenient conformation. For example, for a given leaf they may be arranged in a triangular or other pattern that accepts substantially all the lateral forces generated by the hinging moment. The configurations and numbers of pins may be varied as appropriate for different load ratings, and different materials of construction.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment a template can be used to drill holes in appropriate patterns in anticipation of receiving pins and this may be carried out during manufacture of closures or closure frames. This can considerably reduce the time taken for hanging a single door, or more particularly, for hanging multiple doors in a single building.

[0024] The hinge of the present invention may additionally comprise spacers which include pins and/or holes for receiving the pins.

[0025] In a third aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a hinge comprising: - a first leaf, - a second leaf, - a pivot that forms an axis of rotation about which the first leaf rotates relative to the second leaf, - a spacer for location intermediate the first leaf and a closure or frame, - one or more pins for attachment of the first leaf to the closure or frame wherein the pins bear the load of the closure or a frame, and - a holding means separate from the pins.

[0026] Typically the spacer is substantially planar having a first planar surface and a second planar surface, but some or all of the perimeter may be upturned to receive a hinge leaf. In one preferred embodiment the first planar surface includes pins to locate the spacer on the closure or frame. Alternatively or in addition, the second planar surface includes pins to locate a hinge leaf on the spacer.

[0027] The spacer is particularly useful when the hinge leaves, closure or closure frame comprise different materials of construction. In particular, contact between different metals can facilitate electrolytic reactions that cause corrosion. This can be prevented by using a spacer of non-metallic material between a hinge leaf and closure or closure frame. Alternatively the spacer can have different electro-coatings on each surface where it contacts the leaf and the closure or closure frame.

[0028] In one embodiment the spacer can be attached to a hinge leaf by interference, preferably snap fitting.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of hanging a closure using the hinge of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) locating one or more holes in a closure or closure frame, b) optionally, locating said spacer intermediate the first leaf or second leaf and the closure or closure frame, c) inserting said pins in said holes, and d) applying said holding means.

[0030] A further embodiment of the method of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) locating spacers in position on one or more closure frames and closures, b) attaching a hinge according to the present invention on the closures, c) hanging the hinged closures on the spacers attached to the closure frames, and d) inserting a holding means to one or more of the hinges attached to each closure.

[0031] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0032] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that the lateral forces generated by the hinging moment can be borne by pins, instead of clamping means holding the leaves and the closure or frame.

[0033] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: • allows doors and frames to be pre-fabricated with positioning holes, • provides for more accurate location of hinges on doors and door frames, • can be configured to keep the hinge from contacting the frame to avoid electrolytic damage caused by reaction between the hinge and frame, • reduces or eliminates the effect of lateral forces on the fixing means so that they operate principally as clamping devices, • can be manufactured from a variety of materials with comparatively little machining, yet still allows for snap or interference fitting of cover plates, • allows for positioning of the hinge without the need to apply clamping force, thus allowing fitting of the closure by one person, • permits faster hanging of doors, • removes the need for using a jig to hang doors.

[0034] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a hinge in one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates, in an exploded view, the parts comprising the hinge of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates the hinge of Figure 1 viewed from the front (Figure 3(a)), from the side along AA (Figure 3(b)), and in cross-section along AA from the end (Figure 3(c)); and

Figure 4 illustrates the hinge of Figure 1 viewed from the back (Figure 4(a)), in cross-section along BB viewed from the side (Figure 4(b)), and from the end along BB (Figure 3(c)).

[0036] The numbers used in the figures refer to the following parts:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention relates to a hinge for hanging an architectural closure such as a door, gate, panel or window or the like. Figure 1 illustrates an assembled hinge according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this view much of the first leaf (2) and second leaf (6) are overlaid by cover plates (1a, 1b) so that the only parts of the leaves that are visible are the of circular barrels that receive an axle about which the first leaf (2) and second leaf (6) rotate.

[0038] Figure 2 depicts the hinge of Figure 1 in an exploded view. In this view it can be seen that the spacers (8a, 8b) are generally planar rectangles, having upturned edges around three sides for receiving the leaves (2 and 6). A first surface of the spacer includes three pins (10a,10b,10c) that fit in correspondingly shaped holes (12a,12b,12c) in a leaf of the hinge. Accordingly, a spacer (8) can be attached to a closure or closure frame by any convenient means. A hinge leaf (2) can then be located on the spacer (8), such that the pins (10) bear substantially all the load imparted to the hinge. Holding means such as screws or rivets can then be inserted through holes in the leaf (2) where they align with holes in the spacer (8). Thus the load bearing pins are separate from the holding means. Finally the cover (1) can be snap fitted onto the leaf (2).

[0039] In an alternate embodiment, there is no spacer (8) and the hinge leaf (2) includes one or more pins that can be located in appropriately positioned holes in the closure or closure frame.

[0040] The cover plates (1), bush (4) and spacer (8) are manufactured of plastic resin, with a stainless steel washer (5). The first leaf (2), end plugs (3) and second leaf (6) are

manufactured of an extruded aluminium section that has been machined on a CNC mill for extrusions. This method of production is very low cost, but can be readily adapted for customisation and any desired volume of production.

[0041] In use, spacers can be rapidly located into position on multiple closure frames and closures, optionally using a template to drill any required holes. For example, an entire building can be fitted with spacers quite rapidly. A single workman can then attach hinges to the spacers on each of the closures, and finally hang the hinged closures on the spacers attached to the closure frames. Finally a holding means may be inserted in one or more of the hinges on each door.

[0042] Figure 3 illustrates the hinge of Figure 1 viewed from the front (Figure 3(a)), from the side along AA (Figure 3(b)), and in cross-section along AA from the end (Figure 3(c)). In this view the first surface of the spacers (8a,8b) bears two of the pins (10) that fit in correspondingly shaped holes (12) in the leaves (2,6) of the hinge. The second surface of the spacers bears three pins (15a,15b,15c) that fit in correspondingly shaped holes in the closure or closure frame and in use are load bearing.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates the hinge of Figure 1 viewed from the back (Figure 4(a)), in cross-section along BB viewed from the side (Figure 4(b)), and from the end along BB (Figure 3(c)). The pins (15) in this embodiment have greater width than length. For example, when inserted into a closure frame, they may not need to extend the entire thickness of the frame.

[0044] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0045] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0046] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

[0047] “Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A hinge comprising: -a first leaf having a planar face, a fastener hole, and one or more protrusionreceiving holes, -a second leaf, -a pivot that forms an axis of rotation about which the first leaf rotates relative to the second leaf, -a spacer for location intermediate the first leaf and a closure or a frame to which the hinge is applied, the spacer having: (i) a planar face adapted to make flush contact with the planar face of the first leaf, (ii) one or more protrusions extending therefrom in a direction generally away from the first leaf for insertion into a hole of the closure or the frame, the one or more protrusions being configured to bear at least a majority of the load occasioned on the closure or the frame by the weight of the closure, (iii) a fastener hole in register with the fastener hole of the first leaf, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending from the planar face in a direction generally toward the first leaf for insertion into the one or more protrusionreceiving holes of the first leaf, wherein the hinge is configured such that in the course of installation a fastener is passed through the fastener hole of the first leaf and the fastener hole of the spacer before insertion into the closure or the frame so as to hold the spacer and the first leaf on the closure or the frame.
2. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises two or more protrusions extending therefrom in a direction generally toward the first leaf for insertion into a hole of the first leaf.
3. The hinge of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spacer comprises a flange about an edge, the flange adapted to locate laterally to an edge of the first leaf.
4. A method of hanging a closure, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the hinge of any one of claims 1 to 3, b) locating one or more holes in a closure or closure frame, c) locating the spacer intermediate the first leaf or second leaf and the closure or closure frame, d) inserting said protrusions into said holes, and e) applying said holding means.