GB2382841A

GB2382841A - Adjustable frame fixture for a hinge with cam locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2382841A
Application number: GB0209540A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Philip Shenton
Original assignee: Window Fabrication & Fixing Supplies Ltd; Window Fabrication and Fixing Supplies Ltd
Current assignee: Window Fabrication & Fixing Supplies Ltd; Window Fabrication and Fixing Supplies Ltd
Priority date: 2001-04-27
Filing date: 2002-04-26
Publication date: 2003-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-04-26
Also published as: GB2382841B; GB0209540D0; GB0110359D0

Abstract

A hinge for mounting a wing (not shown) to a frame (not shown) comprises a frame plate 68 to be mounted to the frame and a frame portion 66 which is adjustably mounted to the frame plate 68. The frame portion 66 can be locked relative to the frame plate 68 by means of a rotatable cam 88. The frame portion 66 may have the form of a yoke. The relative sliding movement between the frame plate 68 and the frame portion 66 enable vertical adjustment of the wing position relative to the frame.

Description

Hinge The present invention relates to a hinge, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an adjustable hinge for hanging a wing, such as a door or window.

It is already known from the applicant's granted patent, GB 2311095 B, to provide an adjustable hinge, which when used to hinge a wing to a frame, enables"heel and toe"adjustment ofthe wing to be effected after fitting of the hinge. Furthermore, this hinge enables lateral adjustment of the wing in the frame, for adjusting the pinch on a seal mounted on the frame, when the wing is in a closed position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hinge with a further degree adjustability.

According to the present invention there is provided a hinge comprising a frame fixture for attaching to a frame, a sash fixture for attaching to a wing, the sash fixture being pivotally connected to the frame fixture, the frame fixture having a frame plate and a frame portion, the frame portion being mounted for sliding movement relative to the frame plate, and a locking cam for locking the position of the frame plate relative to the frame portion.

It is an advantage of the hinge according to the invention, that when one or more of such hinges are used to hinge a wing, such as a window or door, to a frame, the relative sliding movement between the frame plate and the frame portion enable vertical adjustment ofthe wing position relative to the frame.

It is also an advantage ofthe hinge according to the invention that the hinge or hinges enable"heel and toe"adjustment of the wing in the frame.

The hinge according to the invention is further advantageous in that it enables lateral adjustment of the wing in the frame, for adjusting the pinch on a seal mounted on the frame, when the wing is in a closed position.

Preferably the sliding movement is in a direction parallel with the pivotal axis of the pivotal connection between the sash fixture and frame fixture. An adjustable stop maybe provided for

setting the position of the frame portion relative to the frame plate. Preferably the adjustable stop is a threaded screw in threaded engagement with the frame portion.

The frame plate is preferably formed as a dovetail slide which engages in a dovetail slot formed in the frame portion. Preferably, the locking cam is a rotatable cam.

The locking cam is preferably rotatable between an unlocked position in which the cam is located in the frame portion, and a locked position in which the cam is wedged between the frame portion and frame plate.

An end cap may be provided for engagement with at least one end of the frame portion. When the locking cam is in an unlocked position, the end cap may be prevented from engagement with the frame portion, and when the lock is in a locked position, the end cap may be engaged with the frame portion.

In a further preferred arrangement, the sash fixture comprises a sash plate and a sash portion. The sash portion is preferably mounted for sliding movement relative to the sash plate. An adjusting screw may be provided for adjusting the position of the sash portion relative to the sash plate.

In a yet further preferred arrangement of the invention, the pivotal connection between the sash fixture and frame fixture is provided by means of a pivot pin having an eccentric central region which mounts the sash fixture. Angular adjustment of the pivot pin causes lateral movement of the pivotal axis between the sash fixture and the frame fixture.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge comprising a frame fixture for attaching to a frame, and a sash fixture for attaching to a wing, the sash fixture being connected to the frame fixture by apivot, the frame fixture having a frame plate and a frame portion, the frame portion having the form of a yoke and being removably mounted on the frame plate.

Preferably, the frame portion is provided with a dovetail slot which removably mounts on a dovetail portion of the frame plate, enabling the frame portion, pivot, sash fixture and a wing, fastened to the sash fixture, to be lifted on and off the frame plate and frame.

The invention will now be described byway of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a front view of a hinge according to the invention in an open position; Fig 2 is a rear view of the hinge shown in Fig 1; Fig 3 is a part sectional rear view of the hinge shown in Figs 1 and 2; Fig 4 is a part sectional side view of the hinge shown in Figs I to 3 in a closed position; Fig 5 is a plan view of the hinge shown in Figs 1 to 4 in an open position; Fig 6 is an end view of the hinge shown in Figs 1 to 5 in an open position; Fig 7 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a frame fixture of the hinge shown in Figs 1 to 6 ; Fig 8 is a plan view ofthe frame fixture of Fig 7, with an end cap removed, and a rotatable cam in a locked position;

Fig 9 is a similar view to that of Fig 8 with the rotatable cam in an unlocked position; Fig 10 is a diagrammatic section through the frame fixture of Figs 7 to 9, with the rotatable cam in an unlocked position; and Fig 11 is a similar view to that of Fig 10 with the rotatable cam in a locked position.

Referring firstly to Figs 1 to 4, a hinge generally indicated at 10 comprises a frame fixture 12 for attaching to a frame (not shown), a sash fixture 14 for attaching to a wing (not shown), and a pivot 16, shown in Figs 3 and 4. The frame fixture 12 and sash fixture 14 are pivotally connected by the pivot 16. A pair of spaced bosses 18,20 are formed at either end ofthe frame fixture 12, one end of the sash fixture 14 being pivotally mounted between the bosses on the pivot 16. Aligned bores 22,24 are provided in the bosses 18,20, which also align with a bore 26 provided in the sash fixture 14. The bore 22 is of a larger diameter than the bore 24, and extends into a hexagonal recess 28 formed in the end of the boss 18, best seen in Fig 7.

The pivot 16 is formed in four portions, including a hexagon head 30 sized to fit snugly in the hexagonal recess 28, and aligned pins 32 and 34 for location in the bores 22,24 of the frame fixture 12, the pins 32,34 being spaced either side of an eccentric portion 36 which is received in the bore 26 of the sash fixture 14. A pair of plastics bushes 38 extend into the bore 26 and act as a bearing between the wall of the bore 26 and the pivot 16. The ends of the bushes 38 bear against the inside surfaces of the bosses 18,20 in order to space the sash fixture equally between the bosses, and to absorb any slackness in the hinge due to manufacturing tolerances.

In order to adjust the pinch of a wing, such as a door or window, on a seal fitted in a mounting frame using one or more hinges 10, the pivot 16 is raised until the hexagon head 30 is clear ofthe corresponding hexagonal recess 28. The pivot 16 is then rotated to anew position, and pushed back into the bores 32,34 with the hexagon head 30 located in a new angular position in the recess 28. Due to the eccentricity of the portion 36, the position of the pivotal axis of the sash fixture 14 relative to the frame fixture 12 is moved in or out of

the bosses 18,20, as indicated by arrow A in Fig 4. This means and method of hinge adjustment is also described in the applicant's granted patent GB 2311095 B.

Referring now to Figs 2,3 and 6, a means and method and adjusting the"toe and heel"of a door or window using the hinge 10 will be described. The sash fixture 14 comprises a sash portion 40 mounted for sliding movement relative to a sash plate 42. A substantially C-shaped elongate channel 44 is formed in the back of the sash portion 40, which includes a rear wall 46, side walls 48 and inwardly facing retaining lips 50, best seen in Fig 6. The sash plate 42 is shaped as an elongated T-section, the head of the T-section being retained between the rear wall 46 and retaining lips 50 of the sash portion 40.

A threaded bore 52 is provided parallel with the longitudinal sliding axis ofthe sash plate 42 in line with a slot 56 and an adjacent recess 58 provided in the sash portion 40, best seen in Fig 2. A bolt 54 has a shaft which is partly engaged in the threaded bore 52 and partly located in the slot 56. The head ofthe bolt 54 is located in the recess 58, which prevents longitudinal movement ofthe bolt. A hexagonal driving recess 60 is provided in the end ofthe shaft of the bolt 54, for receiving a drive tool, by which the bolt 54 can be rotated.

Countersunk through holes 62 are provided in the sash plate 42, which enable attachment ofthe sash plate to a door or window with screw fixings. Furthermore, a pair of pins 64 extending perpendicularly from the sash plate 42 can be located in holes, to assist in positioning the sash plate on a door or window before fixing. Usually these holes are drilled with the aid of a guiding template which is supplied with the hinge 10.

In order to adjust the position of the sash portion 40 relative to the sash plate 42, when the sash plate is fixed in position on a wing, the bolt 54 is rotated using a drive tool located in the driving recess 60. The bolt, being prevented from axial movement, simply rotates and the sash plate 42 is drawn along the bolt in a direction which depends on the direction of rotation of the bolt, as indicated by arrow B in Fig 2. After adjustment, the sash portion 40 can be locked in a desired position relative to the sash plate 42 by means of a grub screw (not shown) in conventional manner.

The grub screw is provided in a threaded through bore (not shown) in one of the side walls 48 of the sash portion 40, and extends through the bore into locking engagement with an edge ofthe sash plate 42, when tightened. This means and method of hinge adjustment is also described in the applicant's granted patent GB 2311095 B.

It should be noted that"heel and toe"adjustment of a wing by adjustment of the sash portion 40 relative to the sash plate 42 is only possible when the wing is in an open position, because in a closed position it is not possible to gain access to the driving recess 60 ofthe bolt 54. To increase the security of the hinge 10 further, a plug (not shown) can be pushed into and engaged in the end of the threaded bore 52, after adjustment ofthe bolt 54. Such a plug prevents access to the driving recess 60, and must be removed before further adjustment of the bolt 54 is possible.

Referring now to Figs 6 to 11, the frame fixture 12 comprises a frame portion 66 in the form of a yoke mounted for sliding movement relative to a frame plate 68. The pair of spaced bosses 18, 20 of the frame fixture 12, best seen in Fig 7, form the arms ofthe yoke, and are provided at the ends of a central portion 19 of the frame portion 66.

The frame plate 68 is formed as dovetail slide, and comprises an elongate rectangular member 70 having a dovetail portion 72 extending along the rear side thereof. A flat bottomed channel 74, which extends along the length of the frame plate 68, is formed between angular tips forming the dovetail portion 72. The frame plate 68 is provided with countersunk through holes 76, in the same manner as the sash plate 42, for attaching the frame plate 68 to a fixed frame using screw fixings. A pair of pins 78 also extend perpendicularly from the frame plate 68, which can be located in holes to assist in positioning the frame plate on a frame before fixing. As with the sash plate 42, a guiding template may be supplied for drilling the frame.

The face of the frame plate 68, which rests against the frame, may be recessed (not shown), in order to improve the lie of the frame plate against the frame, in applications when the surface of the frame is not flat and/or smooth.

A dovetail slot 80, best seen in Fig 7, is provided in the back of the frame portion 66, into which the frame plate 68 is slidingly received, and the leading edges of the dovetail portion 72 are chamfered (not shown) to assist in guiding the frame portion 66 onto the frame plate 68 during assembly. Furthermore, the frame plate 68 is a loose fit in the frame portion 66, which also assists in assembly, as discussed further below. The dovetail slot 80 does not extend fully along the entire length of the frame portion 66, but terminates in a web 82, best seen in Fig 6. A threaded bore is provided in the web 82 in axial alignment with the frame plate 68, and a threaded screw 84, which is engaged in the threaded bore, acts as an adjustable stop for the frame plate 68. One end 86 of the screw 84 contacts an end of the frame plate 68, thus preventing further sliding of the frame plate towards the web 84. Rotation of the screw 84 from its free end adjusts its longitudinal position relative to the web 82 and dovetail slot 80.

In order to lock the frame plate 68 relative to the frame portion 66, a locking cam 88 is provided in a channel 67 in the frame portion 66, shown in dotted outline in Figs 3 and 4. The channel 67 is part circular in section, and lies adjacent the channel 74 of the frame plate 68. The cam 88 is also part circular in section, and can be seen in Figs 10 and 11. A head 90 is provided at the end of the cam 88, shown in Figs 7 to 9, which includes ahexagonal driving recess 92 for receiving a tool, and a radial arm 94.

Parallel slots 96 and 98 are provided in an end of the frame portion 66 for receiving a pair of retaining arms 100 of an end cap 102, see Figs 3 to 5. A corresponding pair of slots 104 and 106 are provided at the other end ofthe frame portion 66, which receive the retaining arms of a further end cap 108.

Referring in particular to Figs 8 to 11, when the screw 84 has been adjusted, thus setting the position of the frame plate 70 relative to the frame portion 66, the cam 88 can be rotated from the unlocked position, as shown in Figs 9 and 10, to the locked position, as shown in Figs 8 and 11.

In the unlocked position, the cam 88 is received wholly in the channel 67 in the frame portion 66, and the radial arm 94 at the head 90 of the cam 88 overlies part ofthe slot 96. The radial arm 94 therefore prevents fitting of the end cap 102, when the cam 88 is in the unlocked position, by

blocking the entry of one of the retaining arms 100 into the slot 96. As the cam 88 is rotated to the locked position, the radial arm 94 moves through 90 , leaving the path of the retaining arm 100 into the slot 96 unimpeded for fitting of the end cap 102. This safeguard ensures that the frame portion 66 and frame plate 68 are always locked together before the end cap 102 is fitted. Both of the end caps 102,108 are fitted as a push fit. In the locked position, the cam 88 engages the flat bottom of the channel 74 in the frame plate 70, the cam being wedged between the frame portion 66 and frame plate 68.

The fitting of a wing to a frame, and more particularly a door to a door frame, using one or more hinges 10 will now be described.

A guiding template is used to drill a pair of holes in the frame, sized to receive the pins 78 of each frame plate 68. Each frame plate 68 is then positioned on the door frame, and fastened using screw fixings which are received in the countersunk holes 76. Similarly, a guiding template is used to drill a pair of holes in the door, sized to receive the pins 64 of each corresponding sash plate 68. Each sash plate 68 is then attached to the door using screw fixings received in the countersunk holes 62.

In one method of assembly, the sash portion 40 and frame portion 66 of each hinge 10 are separated, by removal of the pivot 16. The cam 88 is moved to the unlocked position, and the dovetail slot 80 of each frame portion 66 is slidingly fitted onto a corresponding frame plate 68. Similarly, the substantially C-shaped elongate channel 44 of each sash portion 40 is slidingly fitted onto a corresponding sash plate 42. The bolt 54 is rotated using a tool, to engage the bolt in the threaded bore 52 in the sash plate 42, thus connecting the sash plate 42 and sash portion 40 together.

The door is then offered up to the frame, with the sash fixtures 14 positioned between the bosses 18, 20 ofthe frame fixtures 12. The pivot 16 of each hinge 10 is then inserted into the bores 32, 34 and 36 of its respective frame portion 66 and sash portion 40 in order to hang the door. The position of the door relative to the frame is now adjusted as described further below.

In an alternative method of assembly, after each frame plate 68 has been attached to a door frame, and each respective sash plate 42 attached to a door to be hung, the substantially C-shaped elongate channel 44 of each sash portion 40 is slidingly fitted onto a corresponding sash plate 42.

Each sash portion 40 remains assembled with a respective frame portion 66 and pivot 16. As in the first method described, the bolt 54 is rotated using a tool, to engage the bolt in the threaded bore 52 in the sash plate 42, thus connecting the sash plate 42 and sash portion 40 together.

The or each cam 88 is then moved to the unlocked position, and the door offered up to the frame.

Each frame portion 66 is slidingly fitted onto a corresponding frame plate 68 by lowering the door,

and the loose fit of the frame plates 68 in the frame portions 66 compensates for any alignment inaccuracies between the door and frame for ease of fitting. The position of the door relative to the frame is now adjusted.

It will be understood that if more than one hinge 10 is being adjusted, that it maybe necessary to adjust the hinges in turn a small amount at a time in order to prevent damaging the hinges, door or frame.

Firstly, the height of the door relative to the frame is adjusted using the screw 84 of each hinge 10.

When the height is correct, the cam 88 of each hinge is rotated to the locked position, thus securing the frame portion 66 to the frame plate 68.

Secondly, the"heel and toe"of the door is adjusted by rotation of the bolt 54 of each hinge 10.

Thirdly, and finally, the lateral movement ofthe door in and out of the frame at the hinge end is adjusted byraising the pivot 16 as previously described, and rotating the pivot to a new position.

This adjustment is required to ensure that the pinch of the door on a seal mounted in the frame is optimised.

After adjustment of each hinge 10 is complete, the end caps 102,108 are placed into position, thus obscuring the pivot 16, cam 88 and adjustment screw 84. Shouldfurtheradjustmentofahinge 10

be required at a later date, for example, due to warping of a wooden door, then the end caps 102, 108 are simply prised away from the frame portion 66 using a suitable implement. Further adjustment can then be effected as required, and the end caps 102,108 replaced.

It is common for a hinged wing, for example, a door, to be factory assembled to a frame. It is a particular advantage of the invention that the end cap 102 of each hinge 10 can be removed, the cam 88 rotated to the unlocked position, and the door removed from the frame by simply lifting the door relative to the frame. Re-mounting of the door is achieved by lowering the door back onto the frame, thus re-engaging the frame portions 66 with the respective frame plates 68 of each hinge 10.

Thus it is an advantage of the invention that the frame portion 66, pivot 16, sash fixture 14 and wing, eg a door, fastened to the sash fixture, can be lifted on and offthe frame plate 68 and hence the frame, as desired, in a single movement.

It is a further advantage ofthe invention that the hinge settings, or adjustments, are not altered by the removal or subsequent refitting of a wing, eg a door, from or to its frame.

Claims

1. A hinge comprising a frame fixture for attaching to a frame, a sash fixture for attaching to a wing, the sash fixture being pivotally connected to the frame fixture, the frame fixture having a frame plate and a frame portion, the frame portion being mounted for sliding movement relative to the frame plate, and a locking cam for locking the position of the frame plate relative to the frame portion.

2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 in which the sliding movement is in a direction parallel with the pivotal axis of the pivotal connection between the sash fixture and frame fixture.

3. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which an adjustable stop is provided for setting the position of the frame portion relative to the frame plate.

4. A hinge as claimed in claim 3 in which the adjustable stop is a threaded screw in threaded engagement with the frame portion.

5. A hinge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the frame plate is formed as a dovetail slide which engages in a dovetail slot formed in the frame portion.

6. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking cam is a rotatable cam.

7. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking cam is rotatable between an unlocked position in which the cam is located in the frame portion, and a locked position in which the cam is wedged between the frame portion and frame plate.

8. A hinge as claimed in any preceding c1aim in which an end cap is provided for engagement with at least one end of the frame portion.

9. A hinge as claimed in claim 8 in which when the locking cam is in an unlocked position, the end cap is prevented from engagement with the frame portion, and when the lock is in a locked position, the end cap can be engaged with the frame portion.

10. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim 1 in which the sash fixture comprises a sash plate and a sash portion.

11. A hinge as claimed in claim 10 in which the sash portion is mounted for sliding movement relative to the sash plate

12. A hinge as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which an adjusting screw is provided for adjusting the position of the sash portion relative to the sash plate.

13. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim in which the pivotal connection between the sash fixture and frame fixture is provided by means of a pivot pin having an eccentric central region which mounts the sash fixture.

14. A hinge as claimed in claim 13 in which angular adjustment of the pivot pin causes lateral movement of the pivotal axis between the sash fixture and the frame fixture.

15. A hinge comprising a frame fixture for attaching to a frame, and a sash fixture for attaching to a wing, the sash fixture being connected to the frame fixture by a pivot, the frame fixture having a frame plate and a frame portion, the frame portion having the form of a yoke and being removably mounted on the frame plate.

16. A hinge as claimed in claim 15 in which the frame portion is provided with a dovetail slot which removably mounts on a dovetail portion of the frame plate, enabling the frame portion, pivot, sash fixture and a wing, fastened to the sash fixture, to be lifted on and off the frame plate and frame.

17. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A hinge as claimed in claim 15 and substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.