GB2447061A - Hinge including first and second links having meshed cog wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

A hinge comprises a first link having a first toothed cog-wheel at a first end and a second link having a second toothed cog-wheel at a first end. The first and second toothed cog wheels are rotatably mounted on a base unit and meshed together. The hinge supports a vent between a closed position in which it lies within a fixed frame and an open position in which it extends at an angle to the fixed frame. A vent arm is attached to the support track via the first and second links. The incorporation of toothed cog-wheels allows the hinge to move in a smooth and predictable manner. The hinge can be arranged to provide minimal obstruction when the vent is open so that a user can have an unobstructed view out of the vent opening and the vent opening can be used as an escape route in an emergency situation.

Description

A HINGE

Description

The present invention relates to a window/awning hinge designed to overcome problems inherent in hinges currently in use throughout the window industry. A major contribution is anticipated to be its ability to provide the widest possible window openings with none ofthe obstructiveness displayed by existing friction stays and hinges when opened to their fullest opening positions.

The vast majority of window hinges presently in use rely on friction to control movement and levers to obtain the windows position within the supporting frame members. The so called open positions' mostly describe the open ventilator frame moving to a position of interference, almost totally obstructing any prospects of a view and completely preventing escape via the window opening in any emergency situation.

The flat or stack-type hinge works well in windows, particularly those whose outer edges, or flanges, are designed to contain seals which lie flush against the containing frame when the ventilator frame is closed against it, however there are also many disadvantages and some of these are serious faults producing dangerous situations which are entirely avoidable. This new hinge concept endeavours to rectify the errors and introduce a better, safer and all round more competent non-friction hinge.

Briefly described: A hinge system which combines different means and methods of movement to provide a unique and individual example of motivation comprised of matched geared cog-wheels enmeshed together in synchronized formation in concert with attached lever-end parts, which are moveably conjoined to a base unit forming a five-part whole.

In its most basic form the geared cog-wheel and levered combination hinge provides for windows and awnings, for example, in a similar way to the butt hinge on a door. A simple method of opening, usually to a maximum 90 degrees, close up against the window jamb for optimum clearance and closing using the reverse geared cog-wheel motion. Furthermore, the height or thickness requirements of such hinges is readily accommodated in this hinge formation and, additionally, much of the stiffness and jerkiness of movement particularly associated with the friction stay or hinge, is absent completely from the present geared cog-wheel means of motivation and control.

The creation and introduction of cog-wheels geared and enmeshed together in a synchronized formation, bring regularity, harmony and rhythm, where only stifThess, jerkiness and awkwardness were the results produced by the friction hinge movements.

Crucially sited at the interacting and pivotal points of the two primary levers of the hinge, the two geared cog-wheels interact with each other to produce a radically different and noticeably smoother, easier and better controlled movement.

Predictably, the vast majority of standard friction stays and hinges will fail to accomplish more than a basic means of opening and closing the window. Later versions attempt to overcome the endemic resistance to change by slight alterations or adaptations and with varying degrees of success.

Integral to the new hinge specification are the geared cog-wheels at the nucleus of the system. The two geared and conjoined cog-wheels are permanently engaged to provide impetus in both opening and closing operations. Direction, speed, smoothness of movement, predictable accuracy, reliability and consistency; all relate in some measure at least to and are dependent upon, the geared control unit. This inventive step provides a uniquely different, non-friction hinge. The mobile base or platform, upon which the geared cog-wheels are mounted and attached through and with, the end parts of the linked lever bars; is itself housed and secured in a channel along which the whole unit can slide.

The new concept provides a clear view outwards and is uncluttered and without obstruction by hinge parts bridging the opening span.

The introduction of a new motivational forte, i.e. the geared cog-wheels; promotes another dimension in hinge design. The extending lever-bars are separately and independently each attached to a single cog-wheel before being united and fitted to the mobile platform and joined together to form their geared engagement and permanent union.

Another of the many options available is to cut the gearing cog-wheels into the ends, or tips, of the extending bars; producing a saving in time and costs.

Moulded gearing cog-wheels are another likely option. Modem moulding methods and materials compare favourably with metals.

The majority of friction stays or hinges have remained relatively unchanged over the last four decades. A single long-reach bar extends to the end of the channel section and is secured there. Its function is a vital one because it exerts control over all movement -pushing the other linked levers to open and pulling them back again to close. This same operation applies when the friction hinge is fitted with further slide able movement in order to provide egress to the window.

Conveniently the geared cog-wheel and levered system provides all movement necessary throughout. Primarily designed to provide full window clearances with no obvious or unsightly interruptions and a clear escape area for quick and safe evacuation. This provision applies to top and side hung windows. This hinge is unobtrusive in the fully open position -thus providing maximum ventilation advantage and best possible exit ability.

Their replacement potential is significant and may provide those with poor and restrictive hinges already fitted with a new and vastly improved alternative, without the need and cost of changing the existing windows but simply fitting these new hinges in replacement of the old ones.

A pair of matched and synchronized geared cog-wheels propels the hinge into forward or reverse motion, thus driving and directing the window into any required position. The gearing may be enclosed or exposed. From its maximum 90 degree open position, which is achieved with ease and comfort of momentum, the hinge further allows cross frame movement via the secure platforms' sliding ability. Once at the opposite side of the aperture, all the outside areas of glass and frame are readily available for the purposes of cleaning or other maintenance, as easy to reach, clean and polish as the inside areas were without the reluctance and stiffhess of movement invariably associated with friction hinges, this hinge glides gracefully, smoothly, silently and lightly in any chosen direction.

Appendages, always a common sight with onjinary friction hinges when occupying an open position, are entirely absent in the present invention. Mostly, this is because the appendages referred to are these parts of the friction stay or hinge, which remain exposed and bridging the area of open space presented by the open window. Such is the intrusion of this vital space (essential as an emergency escape route), that it effectively prevents it from being used in such a situation. This barrier is compounded by friction hinges which fail to open fully against the frame (as a door does on butt hinges) but, instead, actually move the window into a central or off-set position and providing an even more formidable blockage preventing any possible emergency escape.

The geared cog-wheels are the dominant feature of this unique hinge and are an integral part of any and all modifications or variations. The geared cog-wheel assembly may be varied to suit specific requirements; exposure to excessive weather conditions, for example thus requiring encasement and insulation, or other protection as may be needed.

Initially anticipated to be manufactured from steel, the geared cog-wheels may be constructed by other appropriate means and other suitable materials. Beneficially, nylon and plastic and other synthetic materials may be used, or moulded for use, in another embodiment of the cog-wheel and gearing union.

Likewise concerning the levers used, their lengths, numbers, thicknesses, shapes, angles, cranked, crimped or otherwise formed profile may vary according to the specification or desired finish. As also may the materials from which they are formed. The same criteria applies to the means and methods ofjoining the levers and linkages together so that freedom of movement is retained but unnecessary or unwanted friction or tension is avoided. A means other than riveting may be employed here.

The platform upon which the two separating levers are joined at their respective ends, are here attached to their own geared cog-wheels; which are then also revolvably attached to the platform and forming a single unit. This five-part unit is engaged by insertion of the platform into a width and length of channel section in which the platform is slide ably attached.

Immediately noticeable is the feel factor. The gearing mechanics provide a smoothness ofoperation and lightness of touch not experienced in the friction hinge range. The jerkiness and stiffness always present when friction is the sole motivation force, is distinctly absent from this new and exciting hinge system. The mobile platform will incorporate a locking mechanism providing stability wherever required in the system.

The long-reach lever which provides the movement in the friction hinge system, is maintained in some top-hung versions where additional tension may be desirable to prevent accidental or premature closing of an open ventilator. The long-reach arm would, however, almost certainly be one that was totally removable so that maximum opening positions could still be obtained and the full cleaning facility still available.

The insertion of a geared mechanism into the new hinge concept also provides the bonus of making the system operable, via the geared cog-wheels, of remote control. An automatic means of locking and unlocking would be required.

Without adequate replacement, the long-reach lever which features so prominently in the friction hinge system because it creates the opening and closing movements; prompts and encourages the rest of the linked levers to move and provides friction which is partially controlled -but; adequate replacement is now abundantly available in the fonn of a geared cog-wheel in complete contml of the entire system. Although not entirely obsolete, the long-reach friction lever can be fully removed where only it's ability to provide movement was required.

When the geared and levered hinge is specified, especially for its easy-clean properties, the length of channel will be required to extend to the full measure of the aperture. This is to accommodate the slide ably attached platform upon which the geared cog-wheels and conjoined lever-ends are mounted for transportation across the whole of the exposed frame area to the opposite side, whereupon it is securely held in the optimum position for cleaning the outside of the window.

The main method of supplying friction or tension in this new hinge is anticipated to be via the geared cog-wheels. This may be done via the individual attachment to the lever-ends or by one or two additional, albeit smaller geared cog-wheels strategically placed to integrate and re-act with the major cog-wheels. One such extra geared cog-wheel would probably be sufficient to add any necessary stiffness or braking to the arrangement but provision is provided for more if needed.

The ever present long-reach lever of the friction hinge is essential to all of its operational needs. Without it the hinge would cease to be the force it has been over the last forty years. No viable opposition has presented itself over this long period -primarily due to lack of foresight and, or, investment in alternatives.

Over the half century or so that friction hinges have been fitted, there must be an incalculable number of homes, the windows in which cannot readily be looked out of and more importantly, windows that would actually prevent escape through them in the event of a fire or other emergency situation. A chilling thought.

Elbows or joint-supports may be added anywhere throughout the system, from a single moving joint to however many joints may be employed in any given hinge arrangement.

These elbows or joint-supports may act in concert with the geared cog-wheels and their additional means of providing control at this junction, or they may act independently and entirely separate from that control point. Also, such elbows or joint supports may be spring-loaded if required.

Additional gearing may be introduced, either connected to the geared cog-wheels already described or entirely separated or in another location altogether within the system this additional gearing may act in tandem with existing geared cog-wheels or separately and independently to provide further momentum or balance to the operation.

The disarray engendered by disarticulation of the only secured lever housed toward one end of the channel section, identified as the long-bar or lever; is immediately, effectively and advantageously, redressed by the introduction of a new motivational force. The balance and purpose of this new concept promotes another dimension in hinge design.

Sited at the tips of the two separator levers and mounted with them upon a mobile sliding platform, a unique five-part union is formed i.e. two levers attached individually to a geared cog-wheel, are then integrated and enmeshed as they are then fitted to the mobile platform.

Many additional configurations may now be applicable since the introduction of the new, novel and unique geared cog-wheels and lever combination hinge, which replaces the restrictive movements imposed by the standard friction stay or hinge arrangement, which relied so massively upon the one major energiser -the long-reach lever. Not least among these transforming alterations to the new geared cog-wheel and levered operations, is the prospect of closing, or radically narrowing, all the levers used until they form a second flat-pack position beneath the open ventilator (much as they exist in the closed hinge configuration). The effect of such a massed gathering of all the levels underneath a fully degree open window adds enormously to the weigh-carrying potential and therefore extends the usefulness of the system.

A major and radical difference exists between this new geared and levered hinge and other existing window hinge products. The creation and introduction of geared movement at a crucial and pivotal point of interaction between the primary levers; thus promoting smooth and predictable movement in a system otherwise noted for its stiffness and jerkiness due to its want of symmetry and lack of proportion.

The disconnected geometxy consisting of two member levers, differing in rhythm, is absorbed and overcome by the geared cog-wheels placed and controlled at the heart of this new synchronized method of controlled movement.

Although essential in the friction hinge construction, the tension lever may be omitted in the new hinge concept because its tasks are advantageously encompassed by the unique geared cog-wheels advent.

Various other and quite different linkage arrangements may be beneficially engaged to compliment the new hinges advantages and different means of mobility and poise.

At the point where the long-reach tension lever is cropped, an alternative means of restriction may be introduced, such as an elbow joint at the point where the lever was cropped and shortened, or other means of support.

Essentially a non-friction geared and levered flat-stack assembly, providing easy to reach and clean outside areas of window.

The effect of the geared cog-wheels, aside from those already mentioned, will be particularly noticeable when the new system is seen in the fully extended or open window position. The absence of the long-reach tensioning and motivating lever bar is immediately noticeable because of its high profile image in all friction hinges. The prominence of that part in particular, in obstructing the space between opening ventilator and frame, was a major factor in removing or curtailing its activity in the new geared cog-wheel and levered assembly. Also, once that lever was removed the remainder that complete the hinge operation, are able to unite more readily around the geared cog-wheel unit and thus form a more compact, neater and more structured assembly, which can barely be seen from beneath the open window and which occupies none of the space in between -therefore displaying none of the usual obstructions preventing easy exit from the window opening in cases of emergency. Plus, advantageously, the accumulative effect of the levers and linkages in the new system becoming more closely compacted together, adds considerably to its strength and weight-carrying capacity.

Until now, standard friction stays and hinges have been at their most robust when their strength has been least needed or useful, i.e. when closed. Now, that usefulness and strength have become employable. The new hinge concept endeavours to gather the hinge-parts as closely together as space will allow beneath the open window frame in a formation akin to the closed compactness.

Without the attachment of the long-reach tension lever and with all other hinge-parts marshalled closely together -the geared cog-wheel hinge demonstrates near invisibility beneath the open frame as complete invisibility with the window fully closed.

A special mention is here included to describe another of the many possible adaptations:-cranked versions of levers directly attached to the geared cog-wheel assembly may prove beneficial as a possible means of reducing the number of linked levers in a system, particularly in openings that do not require extended separation, such as timber units and the wider widths of extrusion used to house treble glazing, for instance.

Many other modification and variations of the invention, falling within the terms of the foregoing claims and description, will be apparent to those persons skilled in the art and thus the forgoing description should be regarded as a description only of the preferred embodiments.

IDENTIFICATIONS OF DRAWINGS

1. A standard example of a friction hinge such as those used world wide in the window and awning markets. The long-reach lever is identified with the letter a.

2. New hinge concept with geared cog-wheels and a single monitor geared cog-wheel. A shortened version of the long-reach lever is shown in dotted lines and is removeably attached.

3. Is a plan and elevated view of drawing No. 2.

4. New hinge system with two monitor geared cog-wheels. Long-reach lever completely removed and adequately replaced by the matched geared cog-wheels.

5. A sample only of a geared cog-wheel system in a cranked lever combination hinge. to

Claims (14)

1. A hinge for supporting a vent between a closed position in which it lies within a fixed frame and an open position in which it extends at an angle to the fixed frame, the hinge comprising: a base unit; a first link having a first toothed cog-wheel at a first end thereof, wherein the first toothed cog-wheel is rotatably mounted to the base unit; a second link having a second toothed cog-wheel at a first end thereof, wherein the second toothed cog-wheel is rotatably mounted to the base unit; and a vent arm attached to the base unit via the first and second links, wherein the first and second toothed cog-wheels are meshed together.

2. The hinge according to claim 1, and further comprising: a channel, wherein the base unit slidably housed within the channel.

3. The hinge according to claim 1 wherein the first toothed cog-wheel is formed integrally with the first link.

4. The hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the second toothed cog-wheel is formed integrally with the second link.

5. The hinge according to claim 2 further comprising a third link pivotally mounted to the channel and the second link.

6. The hinge according to claim 5 wherein the third link is removably mounted to the channel and the second link.

7. The hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second toothed cog-wheels are encased and/or insulated to provide protection.

8. The hinge according to claim 2 wherein the base unit includes a locking mechanism for locking the base unit relative to the channel.

II

9. The hinge according to claim 2 further comprising a remote control system for controlling movement of the base unit relative to the channel.

10. The hinge according to any preceding claim further comprising a third toothed cog-wheel rotatably mounted to the base unit, wherein the third toothed cog-wheel meshes with the first toothed cog-wheel.

11. The hinge according to any preceding claim further comprising a fourth toothed cog-wheel rotatably mounted to the base unit, wherein the fourth toothed cog-wheel meshes with the second toothed cog-wheel.

12. A hinge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 2 and 3.

13. A hinge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figure 4.

14. A hinge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figure 5.