GB2407845A

GB2407845A - Hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2407845A
Application number: GB0502722A
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: 2005-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-04-26
Also published as: GB2407845B; GB0502722D0

Abstract

A hinge 10 comprises a frame fixture 12 and a sash fixture connected to one another by a pivot, the frame fixture 12 comprising a frame plate 68 and a frame portion 66, the frame portion 66 having the form of a yoke and being removably mounted on the frame plate 68, an adjustable stop is also provided for setting the position of the frame portion 66 relative to the frame plate 68. The stop may a threaded screw (84, fig 6) in threaded engagement with the frame portion 66. A rotatable cam 88 may be provided to lock the movement of the frame portion 66 relative to the frame plate 68. The frame portion 66 and the frame plate 68 may be in the form of dovetail slot and dovetail portion respectively.

Description

lheprcsent invention relates to ahingc, and moreparticularly, but not

exclusively, to an adjustable hinge for hanging a wing, such as a door or window.

It is already known loom the applicant's granted patent, GB 231 1095 B. to provide an adjustable hinge, which when used to hinge a winy to afrarne, enables "heel andtoe" adjustmentofthewing to be effected alter fitting ofthe hinge. Furthermore, this hinge enables lateral adjustment ofthe 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 I () adjustability.

Accordmg to 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 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 and further 1 5 comprising an adjustable stop for setting the position ofthe frame portion relative to the frame plate.

The adjustable stop Is preferablyathreaded screw in threaded engagement with the frameportion.

Preferably, the frame portion is provided with a dovetail slotwhich removablymounts on adovetail portion ofthe frameplate, enablingthe frame portion, pivot, sash fixture and awing, fastened to the sash fixture, to be lifted on and off the frame plate and frame.

The frame portion is preferably mounted for sliding movement relative to the frame plate, more preferably adirectionparallel with the pivotal axis ofthe pivotal connection between the sash fixture and lrame fixture, and the hinge further comprises a locking cam for locking the position of the frame plate relative to the frame portion.

The frame plate Is preferably formed as a dovetail slide which engages m a dovetail slot formed in the frame portion and the locking cam is preferably a rotatable cam, more 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 Is preferably provided for engagement with at least one end ofthe frame portion. More prcfcrably, 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.

The sash fixtuec preferably comprises a sash plate and a sash portion, and the sash portion is preferably mounted for sliding movement relative to the sash plate. An adjusting screw is preferably provided for adjusting the position of the sash portion relative to the sash plate.

The pivotal connection between the sash fixture end frame fixture ispreferablyprovidedbymeans of a pivot pin having an eccentric central region which mounts the sash fixture, and angular adjustment ofthe pivot pinpreferablycauses lateral movement ofthe pivotal axis between the sash fixture and the frame fixtuec.

It Is an advantage ofthe 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 relate ve sliding movement between the frame plate and the frame portion enable vertical adjustment ofthe wing position relative to the I'rame.

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.

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

The invention willnowbe described bywayofoxample onlywithreferenceto 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 1 to 3 in a closed position; Fig S 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 adiagrammatic explodedperspective view of a frame fixtureofthehinge shownin Figs 1 to6; 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 J4 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 and4. The frame fixtuec 12 and sash fixture 14 arepivotallyconnectedby the pivot I 6. A pair of spaced bosses 18,20 are formed at either end ofthe frame fixture 12, one end ofthe sash fixture 14 being pivotally mounted between the bosses on the pivot 16. Aligned bores 22,24 arc 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 ofthe frame fixture 12, the pins 32,34 being spaced either side of an eccentric portion 36 which is received in the bore 26 ofthe sash fixture 14. A pairofplastics bushes 38 extend into the bore 26 and act as abearing between the wall of the bore 26 and the pivot 16. The ends of the bushes 38 bear against the mside surfaces ofthe bosses 18, 20 in order to space the sash fixture equallybetween 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 1 (), the pivot 16 is raised until the hexagon head 30 is clear ofthe corresponding hexagonal recess 28. The pivot 16 is then rotated to a new position, and pushed back into the bores 32,34 with the hexagon head 30 located in anew angularposition in the recess 28. Dueto theeccentricityofthe portion36, the position ofthe pivotal axis ofthe sash fixture 14 relative to the frame fixtuec 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, amcans end method and adjustingthe "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 shding movement relative to a sash plate 42. A substantially C-shaped elongate channel 44 Is formed in the back ofthe 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 rctaimng 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 ofthe 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 orderto adjusttlleposition ofthe sash portion 40 relative to the sashplate42, 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 ofthe bolt, as indicated by arrow B in Fig 2. Alter adjustment, the sash portion 40 can be locked in a desired position relative to the sashplate42bymeansofagrub screw(not shown) inconventionalmanner.

The grub screw is provided in a threaded through bore (not shown) in one ofthe 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 ofthe sash portion 40 relative to the sash plate 42 is only possible when the wing is in an open position, because in a closedpositon it is not possible to gain access to the drivingrecess 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 ofthe 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 frameportion 66 in the formofa yoke mounted for shding movement relative to a frame plate 68. The pair of spaced bosses 18,20 ofthe frame fixture 12, best seen in Fig 7, fonm the arms ofthe yoke, and are provided atthe ends I () of a central portion 19 of the frame portion 66.

The frame plate 68 is formed as a dovetail slide, and comprises an elongate rectangular member having a dovetail portion 72 extending along the rear side thereof. A flat bottomed channel 74, which extends along the length ofthe frame plate 68, is formed between angular tips forming the dovetai I portion 72. The frame plate 68 is provided with countersunk through holes 76, in the same malmeras the sash plate42, for attaching the frameplate 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 ofthe frame plate 68, which rests against the frame, may be recessed (not shown), in 2() order to improve the lie ofthe frame plate against the frame, in applications when the surface ofthe frame is not flat and/or smooth.

A dovetail slot 80, best seen in Fig 7, is provided in the back ofthe 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. Furthennore,the frameplate 68 is a loose fitinthe frame portion66,which also assists in assembly, as discussed further below. The dovetail slot 80 does not extend fully along the entire length ofthe frame portion 66, but terminates in a web 82, best seen in Fig 6. A threaded bore is provided m the web 82 in axial alignment with the frameplate 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 ofthe frameplate 68, thus preventing furtherslidingofthe frameplate towards the web 84. Rotation ofthe screw 84 from its free end adjusts its longitudinal position relative to the web 82 and dovetail slot 80.

In orderto lock the Irame 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 ispart circularin section, and liesadjacentthechannel 74 ofthe frameplate68. The cam 88 is also part ci rcular 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 a hexagonal driving recess 92 for receiving a tool, and a radial arm 94.

Paral Icl slots 96 and 98 are provided in an end of the frame portion 66 for receiving a pair of retaining arms 100ofanendcap 102,seeFigs3to5. A corresponding pair ofslots 104 and 106 are provided et the other end ofthe frame portion 66, which receive the retaining arms of a further end cap 108.

Relerring in particular to Figs 8 to 11, when the screw 84 has been adjusted, thus setting the position ofthe frame plate 70 relative to the frame portion 66, the cam 88 can be rotated from the unlocked position, as shown m 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 ofthe 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 blockingthe entryofone ofthe 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 ofthe 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 arc 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 fla tbottom ofthe channel 74 in the frame plate 70, the cam being wedged between the frame portion 66 and frame plate G8.

The fitting o l'a wing to a frame, and more particularly a door to a door frame, using one or more hinges lO will now be described.

A gudingtemplate is used todrillapairofLolesinthe 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 receivedin the countersunk holes 76. Similarly, a guiding template is used to drill aparot'holes in the door, sized to receive the pins 64 of each corresponding sash plate 68. Each l O 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 ofthe 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 substantiallyC-shapedelongatechannel 44 of each sash portion40 is slidingly fisted l 5 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 theninserted 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 dooroffered 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 ofthc frame plates 68 in the frame portions 66 compensates for any alignment inaccuracies between the door and frame for case of fitting. The position ofthe doorrelative to the frame Is now adjusted.

It'll 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 ofthe doorrelative 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 l O. l 5 Thirdly, and finally, the lateral movement ofthe door In and out ofthe frame at the hinge end is adj usted by raising the pivot 16 as previously described, and rotating the pivot to a new position.

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

After adj ustment of each hinge 10 is complete, the end caps 102, l 08 are placed into position, thus obscuring the pivot 16, cam 88 and adjustment screw 84. Should furtheradjustmentofahinge 10 be required at a later date, lor 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 ofthe invention that the end cap l 02 of each hinge to can beremoved, 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 ofthe door is achievedby lowering the door beck onto the franc, thus re-engaging the frame portions 66 with the respective frame plates 68 of each hinge 10.

Thus it is an advantage ofthe invention that the frame portion 66, pivot 16, sash fixture l 4 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.

1 () It Is a further advantage of the 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

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I. 1\ 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 t'rame plate and a frame portion, the frame portion having the form of a yoke and being removably mounted on the frame plate and an adjustable stop is provided for setting the position of the frame portion relative to the frame plate.
2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 in which the adjustable stop is a threaded screw inthreaded engagement with the l'rame portion.
3. A hinge as claimed in claim I or claim 2 in which the frame portion is provided with a dovetail slot which removably mounts on a dovetail portion ofthe frame plate, enabling the frame portion, pivot, sash fixture and a wing, fastened to the sash fixture, to be lifted on and offthe Moraine plate and frame.
4. A hinge as claimed in anyofclaims 1 to 3 in which the frameportionismounted for sliding movement relative to the frame plate, and the hinge further comprises a locking cam for locking the position of the frame plate relative to the frame portion.
5. A hinge as claimed in claim 4 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.
6. A hinge as claimed m claim4 or claim 5 in which the frame plate is formed as adovetail slide which engages in a dovetail slot formed in the frame portion.
7. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 in which the locking cam is a rotatable cam.
8. A hinge as claimed in anyofclaims 4 to 7 in which the locking cam is rotatablebetween an unlocked position m 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.
9. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim in which an end cap is provided for engagement with at least one end of the frame portion.
10. A hinge as claimed in claim 9 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.
1 1. A hinge es claimed inanyprecedingelaim 1 inwhieh the sash fixture comprises asashplate and a sash portion.
12. A hinge as claimed in claim 11 in which the sash portion is mounted for sliding movement 1 () relative to the sash plate
13. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12 in which an adjusting screw is provided for adjusting the position of the sash portion relative to the sash plate.
14. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim in which the pivotal connection between the sash fixture and frame fixture sprovidedbymeansofapivotpinhavinganeceentrie central region which mounts the sash fixture.
15. A hinge as claimed in claim 14 in which angular adjustment ofthe pivot pin causes lateral movement of the pivotal axis between the sash fixture and the frame fixture.

1 6. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as described herein with reference to and as i llustrated in Figs I to 9 of the accompanying drawings.