AU2023200942A1 - An Improved Hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

A hinge assembly for mounting a gate to a support post, the hinge assembly comprising a mount comprising a fastening arrangement located at an in-use lower portion of the mount for being affixed to the support post, and a bracket member being structured to be affixed to the gate, the bracket member being rotatably engaged with the mount by a coupling mechanism located above the fastening arrangement, the coupling mechanism comprising an upper bearing located at an in use upper portion of the mount and a lower bearing located at an in-use mid portion of the mount respectively; wherein when assembled the fastening arrangement retains the bracket member between the upper bearing and the lower bearing such that the bracket member is rotatably engaged relative to the mount. 1/3 68 1 62 II64 10 66 I 60 I1 18 30 28 26 20 32 FIGURE 1

Description

1/3

68 1

62 II64

66 I 60

I1

18 30 28 26

20 32

FIGURE 1

AN IMPROVED HINGE TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates a hinge assembly for mounting a gate to a

support post.

BACKGROUND

[2] Hinges are used to produce rotational motion relative to a stationary support.

There are a number of hinges which are configured and assembled for a specific

use.

[3] Gate hinges are subject to continuous loads, heavy winds and loads applied

on the gate during opening and closing or when articles are attached to said gate.

Over time, wear and tear can result in hinges wearing out, bowing of the gate from

fatigue and in some cases failure of the hinge.

[4] Improved hinges which reduce friction, improve efficiency or reduce

maintenance required over a period of time are sought.

[5] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a gate to

a support post, the hinge assembly comprising:

a mount comprising a fastening arrangement located at an in-use lower

portion of the mount for being affixed to the support post, and a bracket member being structured to be affixed to the gate, the bracket member being rotatably engaged with the mount by a coupling mechanism located above the fastening arrangement, the coupling mechanism comprising an upper bearing located at an in-use upper portion of the mount and a lower bearing located at an in-use mid portion of the mount respectively; wherein when assembled the fastening arrangement retains the bracket member between the upper bearing and the lower bearing such that the bracket member is rotatably engaged relative to the mount.

[7] In an embodiment, the lower bearing is installed on the mount at or below the

bracket member and substantially concentric with a passage of the bracket member

so as to substantially support an axial load on the mount.

[8] In an embodiment, the upper bearing is installed on the mount at or above the

bracket member and substantially concentric with the passage of the bracket

member so as to substantially support a torque on the bracket member.

[9] In an embodiment, the mount further comprises a first substantially cylindrical

body extending away from the mount.

[10] In an embodiment, the mount further comprises a frustoconical body

extending away from the mount or the first substantially cylindrical body.

[11] In an embodiment, the frustoconical portion assists in aligning the bracket

member relative to the mount.

[12] In an embodiment, a second substantially cylindrical portion extends upwards

from the apex of the frustoconical portion.

[13] In an embodiment, the second substantially cylindrical portion comprises a

threaded connection.

:3

[14] In an embodiment, the passage extends longitudinally through the bracket

member for receiving the mount or a portion thereof.

[15] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of mounting a hinge

assembly on a support post, the method comprising:

affixing a fastening arrangement of a mount to the support post;

sliding a lower bearing onto the mount to an in-use mid portion of the

mount;

installing a bracket member onto the mount so as to engage with the

lower bearing; and

sliding an upper bearing onto the mount to an in-use upper portion of

the mount thereby rotatably engaging the bracket member between the lower

bearing and the upper bearing.

[16] In an embodiment, the method further comprises securing the bracket

member between the upper bearing and the lower bearing by installing a nut on a

threaded connection of the mount.

[17] In another aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts comprising:

a mount affixable to a support post;

a bracket member comprising a fastening arrangement for affixing to a

gate, the bracket member comprising a passage therethrough for receiving

the mount or a portion thereof;

an upper bearing configured to abut and engage with an in-use upper

portion of the bracket member;

a lower bearing configured to abut and engage with an in-use lower

portion of the bracket member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[18] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient

information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of

the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number

of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the

present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a mount according to an embodiment of the present

invention;

Figure 3 is a top view of the bracket member of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the bracket member of Figure 1; and

Figure 5 is a side view of a bracket member according to an embodiment of the

present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[19] Figures 1 illustrates an exploded view of the hinge assembly 10 having a

mount 20 and a bracket member 60. The mount 20 is affixed to a support post (not

shown). The bracket member 60 is affixable to a gate. The bracket member 60 may

be affixed to the gate before or after mounting the bracket member 60 on the mount

20. The bracket member 60 comprises a passage 66 therethrough for receiving the

mount 20 or a portion thereof. The hinge assembly 10 comprises at least an upper

bearing 12 and a lower bearing 16 on opposing sides of the passage 66 of the bracket member 60. The upper bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16 engage with the bracket member 60 to allow rotational movement of the bracket member 60 relative to the mount 20. The upper bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16 may abut the ends of the bracket member 60. The upper bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16 may abut a radial surface of the passage 66 of the bracket member 60. The bracket member may comprise a shoulder or recess on opposing ends each for receiving one of the upper bearing 12 or the lower bearing 16.

[20] The bracket member 60 may be frictionally engaged with each of the upper

bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16. Alternatively, the bracket member 60 may be

engaged with each of the upper bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16 by way of an

adhesive or other securing means. Preferably, the mount 20 and the bracket

member 60 of the hinge assembly 10 are coupled together by way of a threaded

connection 30 and a nut 68. In addition, the hinge assembly 10 may comprise a

washer 14 located between the upper bearing 12 and the nut 68 to assist in coupling

the bracket member 60 to the mount 20. The washer 14 may assist in more evenly

applying the securing force from the threaded connection 30 and the nut 68.

[21] The mount 20 comprises a fastening arrangement in the form of a connection

plate 22 for affixing the mount 20 to a support post. The support post may be a

stand-alone post, a wall or part of a post for the gate. The mount 20 may be

permanently or releasably affixed to the support post. For example, there may be

connections for the mount 20 to be bolted to the support post. Alternatively, as seen

in Figure 2 an alternative mount 20 is shown having a connection plate 22 which is

designed to be welded to the gate support. The person skilled in the art would readily

appreciate that there are a large number of ways in which the fastening arrangement of the mount 20 may be configured so as to be affixable to the support post and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[22] The lower bearing 16 is slid into position and seated on the mount 20. In use,

the bracket member 60 abuts or receives the lower bearing 16 in a lower portion of

the passage 66 of the bracket member 60. As such when the bracket member 60 is

installed onto the mount 20, the lower bearing 16 substantially supports an axial load

on the mount 20. The axial load on the mount 20 may be a combination of the weight

of the gate, weight of the bracket member 60, fixtures supported by the gate and/or

other weights applied on or by the gate.

[23] The upper bearing 12 in-use is positioned above the lower bearing 16

providing a second point of engagement with the bracket member 60 such that a

load applied to the bracket member 60 (such as a force applied to a gate affixed to

the bracket member 60) results in a torque applied to the bracket member 60 as it

tries to pivot about the lower bearing 16. The upper bearing 12 therefore prevents

the pivoting of the bracket member 60 and substantially supports the torque on the

bracket member 60. The torque on the mount 20 may be a combination of the weight

of the gate and any fixtures supported by the gate located at a horizontal distance

from an axis of rotation of the hinge assembly 10. The combination of the upper

bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16 centralise the bracket member 60 as well as

assist in preventing bowing of the gate under a continuous load, vibrations and

impacts on the gate.

[24] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the mount 20 comprises a number of cylindrical

portions which extend away from the mount 20. A first substantially cylindrical portion

24 extends away from the mount 20 so as to define a mandrel for the bracket

member 60 to be rotatably mounted. A frustoconical portion 26 extends from the end of and in the same direction as the first substantially cylindrical portion 24. The frustoconical portion 26 is tapered to a diameter of a second substantially cylindrical portion 28. The second substantially cylindrical portion 28 extends from an apex of and in the same direction as the frustoconical portion 26. The distinct cylindrical portions may define one or more shoulders or seats for receiving the upper bearing

12 and/or the lower bearing 16.

[25] The frustoconical portion 26 assists may assist in locating the seal 18, the

lower bearing 16, the bracket member 60, the upper bearing 12 and the washer 14

on the mount 20. Preferably, each of the components are substantially concentric

when located during installation.

[26] The mount 20 may comprise a shoulder 32 which reduces interference

between the mount 20 and the bracket member 60. The shoulder 32 may be defined

as another substantially cylindrical portion in addition to the first and second

substantially cylindrical portions 24, 28.

[27] The second substantially cylindrical portion 28 comprises a threaded

connection 30. The threaded connection 30 may traverse a portion of or the entirety

of the second substantially cylindrical portion 28. The person skilled in the art would

readily appreciate there are a number of means in which the hinge assembly 10 may

be secured together instead of or in combination with the threaded connection 30

and the nut 68.

[28] Referring to Figure 3, there is provided a top view of the bracket member 60

showing spaced apart first and second projections 62, 64. The first and second

projections 62, 64 are spaced apart to define a recess 70. To affix the gate to the

bracket member 60, the gate is received in the recess 70. The shape and size of the

recess 70 may be configured to match a specific gate type.

[29] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 there is provided alternative bracket members

60. Figure 4 shows a side view of the bracket member 60 of Figure 3. The gate may

be received in the recess 70 (as seen in Figure 3). After being positioned in the

recess 70, the gate is welded in place. Alternatively, as seen in Figure 5, the bracket

member 60 comprises connection means to releasably affix the gate thereto. For

example, the gate may be bolted to the bracket member 60.

[30] In addition to the above, one or more hinge assemblies 10 may be employed

depending on the size and shape of the gate. Accordingly, a hinge assembly 10 may

be affixed to an upper portion of the gate and another hinge assembly 10 affixed to a

lower portion of the gate. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that the

number and positioning of the hinge assemblies 10 will be determined based on a

particular application.

[31] As discussed above, the method of mounting a hinge assembly 10 to a

support post will now be described with reference to the drawings generally.

[32] The mount 20 is affixed to the support post at the desired height. The desired

height is determined by considering the dimensions of the gate to be fitted into the

bracket member 60. The lower bearing 16 is installed on the mount 20 by sliding the

second substantially cylindrical portion 28 therethrough until it is seated. In the

preferred embodiment, the lower bearing 16 when in position is approximately

midway between the bottom of the mount 20 and the top of the mount 20.

[33] The lower bearing 16 may comprise a seal 18 (as seen in Figure 1) which is

installed prior to the lower bearing 16 or alternatively, the lower bearing 16 may have

the seal 18 integrally formed in a single unit. The bracket member 60 is then installed

on the mount 20 by allowing the first and second cylindrical portions 24, 28 and

frustoconical portion 26 of the mount 20 to be inserted through the passage 66 of the bracket member 60. The bracket member 60 is installed when the lower bearing 16 abuts and engages with the bracket member 60. The lower bearing 16 may engage with an end surface of the bracket member 60 or with a radial surface of the passage

66 of the bracket member 60.

[34] The upper bearing 12 is then installed by sliding the second substantially

cylindrical portion 28 therethrough until the upper bearing 12 seated on or in the

bracket member 60. The upper bearing 12 may abut and engage with an end

surface of the bracket member 60 or a radial surface of the passage 66 of the

bracket member 60.

[35] Finally, the bracket member 60 is secured to the mount 20 by the nut 68 being

screwed onto the threaded connection 30 of the second substantially cylindrical

portion 28 of the mount 20. The washer 14 may be used to assist in more evenly

distributing the securing force applied by tightening the nut 68 to the threaded

connection 30 of the second substantially cylindrical portion 28.

[36] Preferably, when installed, the mount 20 has minimal to no contact with the

bracket member 60. Ideally, the bracket member 60 is formed such that, when

installed, the only contact is with the upper bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16. This

assists in reducing friction which creates or assists in a smoother rotation of the

bracket member 60 relative to the mount 20.

[37] The hinge assembly 10 may be employed with a manually operated gate or

with an automatic gate system. The hinge assembly 10 may have application in

areas outside of use with gates where efficient pivoting rotation is desirable.

[38] The hinge assembly 10 is used to allow the opening and closing of a gate in a

smooth operation while also providing the support required over time to prevent

bowing of a gate due to normal wear and tear on traditional hinges. The preferred embodiment of the hinge assembly 10 comprises components which are slid into place in order and then secured together to define the hinge assembly 10. The bracket member 60 coupled to the mount 20 preferably only at the upper bearing 12 and the lower bearing 16. This allows the bracket member 60 to rotate relative to the mount 20. The amount of rotation will be limited by adjacent objects such as additional fencing or posts.

[39] Throughout the specification orientation terms such as 'upper' and 'lower'

refer to the relative orientation of the invention in its preferred use as well as seen in

the figures. The invention may be used or installed in a different orientation in which

the person skilled in the art would readily appreciate the effect that such a change

would have on these orientation terms.

[40] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[41] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features

shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of

putting the invention into effect.

[42] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims (12)

1. A hinge assembly for mounting a gate to a support post, the hinge assembly

comprising:

a mount comprising a fastening arrangement located at an in-use lower

portion of the mount for being affixed to the support post, and

a bracket member being structured to be affixed to the gate, the bracket

member being rotatably engaged with the mount by a coupling mechanism located

above the fastening arrangement, the coupling mechanism comprising an upper

bearing located at an in-use upper portion of the mount and a lower bearing located

at an in-use mid portion of the mount respectively;

wherein when assembled the fastening arrangement retains the bracket

member between the upper bearing and the lower bearing such that the bracket

member is rotatably engaged relative to the mount.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower bearing is

installed on the mount at or below the bracket member and substantially concentric

with a passage of the bracket member so as to substantially support an axial load on

the mount.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein the upper bearing is

installed on the mount at or above the bracket member and substantially concentric

with the passage of the bracket member so as to substantially support a torque on

the bracket member.

4. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mount

further comprises a first substantially cylindrical body extending away from the

mount.

5. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mount

further comprises a frustoconical body extending away from the mount or the first

substantially cylindrical body.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein the frustoconical portion

assists in aligning the bracket member relative to the mount.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a second substantially

cylindrical portion extends upwards from the apex of the frustoconical portion.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second substantially

cylindrical portion comprises a threaded connection.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 8 when

dependent on claim 2, wherein the passage extends longitudinally through the

bracket member for receiving the mount or a portion thereof.

10. A method of mounting a hinge assembly on a support post, the method

comprising:

affixing a fastening arrangement of a mount to the support post; sliding a lower bearing onto the mount to an in-use mid portion of the mount; installing a bracket member onto the mount so as to engage with the lower bearing; and sliding an upper bearing onto the mount to an in-use upper portion of the mount thereby rotatably engaging the bracket member between the lower bearing and the upper bearing.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises

securing the bracket member between the upper bearing and the lower bearing by

installing a nut on a threaded connection of the mount.

12. A kit of parts comprising:

a mount affixable to a support post;

a bracket member comprising a fastening arrangement for affixing to a

gate, the bracket member comprising a passage therethrough for receiving

the mount or a portion thereof;

an upper bearing configured to abut and engage with an in-use upper

portion of the bracket member;

a lower bearing configured to abut and engage with an in-use lower

portion of the bracket member.