GB2456144A

GB2456144A - Door hinge with integrated finger guard

Info

Publication number: GB2456144A
Application number: GB0800054A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Iain Stamp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-03
Filing date: 2008-01-03
Publication date: 2009-07-08
Also published as: GB0800054D0

Abstract

A door hinge with an integrated guard that protects fingers or other objects from becoming trapped when the door is moved from an open to a closed position. The door 305 405 is secured to one side of the hinge 306 406. A guard 309 409 has a common hinge 306 406 and pivots about the hinge 306 406 (see Figures 5/6). The guard 309 409 may extend the full length of the door. The guard is free to move about the pivot 306 406 but is constrained by the inner surfaces of the hinge mechanism 307/308 407/408. The shape of the guard 309 409 prevents the hinge gap from being exposed regardless of how wide the door is opened. The guard may be retrofitted to existing doors or may be built into new doors.

Description

DOOR HINGE WITH INTEGRATED FINGER GUARD

Background

The present invention relates to the field of door finger guards preventing fingers from being crushed in door gaps and particularly but not exclusively, to interior doors.

In the UK during 2002, over 101,900 children required hospital treatment as a result of trapping their fingers in doors (Source: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). More than 1500 of these children needed surgery.

As is commonly known, a door can be attached to a frame using a number of discrete hinges such that the door pivots relative to the frame via the hinges. When the door is in an open position, a gap is typically formed between the door and the frame on both sides of the hinged edge of the door. Fingers and other objects can fit into either gap and can be pinched or crushed due to the considerable forces generated when the door is closed.

Many attempts have been made to reduce the risk posed by doors, especially for children who are apt to get their fingers caught in doors. But these devices are subsequent additions to an already installed door and are prone to damage, may not protect both sides of the hinge gap, look aesthetically poor, do not necessarily protect the smallest of fingers and are difficult to clean (particularly important when used in medical environments).

Statement of invention

Specific implementations of the present invention aim to provide a door hinge with integrated finger guard.

In the best mode implementation, the finger guard comprising of extruded sections for attaching to a doorfraine and door, a half round extruded section forming a gap barrier and a pin, which locates the separate components and provides a pivot. Regardless of the door position, both hinge gaps remain covered at all times, preventing fingers from becoming crushed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device to be used with a door of a type having a planar surface and pivotally attached to a door frame allowing the door to open and close about the pivot.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integrated fmger guard that creates a barrier in the hinge gap created between the door and door frame when the door is in the open position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a continuous pivot along the length of the door and door frame.

Further features of the invention are as recited in the claims herein. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims herein.

Advantages The design of doors, door frames and door hinges has remained unchanged for a considerable period yet the potential hazard to fingers being crushed in the hinge gap has remained significant. Prior art devices to limit such finger damage do not address the underlying problem of the hinge and associated gap.

The invention described herein replaces conventional door hinges with a system providing a pivot and an integrated finger guard. This system is easier to install, offers complete protection to even the smallest of fingers, uses a few common extruded parts and exposed surfaces are easy to clean, especially important in medical institutions where hygiene and safety are paramount.

Introduction to drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried out into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to accompanying drawings which: Figure 1 Illustrates schematically in plan view a closed prior art door configuration.

Figure 2 Illustrates schematically in plan view an open prior art door configuration.

Figure 3 Illustrates schematically in plan view a closed door hinge with integrated finger guard configuration according to a first specific implementation of the present invention.

Figure 4 Illustrates schematically in plan view a part open door hinge with integrated finger guard configuration according to a first specific implementation of the present invention.

Figure 5 Illustrates schematically in plan view a part open door hinge with integrated finger guard configuration comprising of common extrusions and barrier guard.

Figure 6 Illustrates schematically in plan view a fully open door hinge with integrated fmger guard configuration comprising of common extrusions and barrier guard.

Figure 7 Illustrates schematically in perspective view a fully open prior art door configuration Figure 8 Illustrates schematically in perspective view a fully open door hinge with integrated fmger guard configuration according to a first specific implementation of the present invention Figure 9 Illustrates schematically in perspective view the hinge and guard component parts comprising of two common extrusions, a guard barrier and locating pin according to a first specific implementation of the present invention.

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Detailed description

There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details including but not limited to, methods that apply material selection and fabrication techniques. In other instances, other well-known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Specific implementations according to the present invention provide for an integrated door hinge and finger guard system:-in particular allowing conventional doors to operate normally but provide protection from the possibility of finger or other small objects being crushed between the door frame and door about the hinge.

There will now be described in detail, a specific integrated door hinge and finger guard system and method of operation, according to a specific implementation of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1. herein, there is illustrated a prior art door and hinge configuration. The door 1105 is positioned between the frame 11031 and 11041. The door frame is secured to the wall lOfl and 11021. A hinge 11061 connects the door 11051 to the door frame 1031.

Referring to Figure 2. herein, there is illustrated a prior art door and hinge configuration. The door 12051 is positioned between the frame 12031 and 12041. A hinge 12061 connects the door 12051 to the door frame 12031 and allows the door to pivot open and closed about the hinge 11061. When open, the door 12051 exposes a primary hinge gap 12071 and a secondary hinge gap 12081 between the hinges 1206I where fingers or small objects can become crushed as the door f205 is closed.

Referring to Figure 3. herein, there is illustrated an integrated hinge and finger guard system. The door 1305) is connected to the hinge system 1307113081 and positioned between the door frame)303) and)304). The door frame is secured to the wall)301J and)302).

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Referring to Figure 4. herein, there is illustrated an integrated hinge and finger guard system. The door 1405) is positioned between the frame 14031 and 14041. A hinge is constructed from 1407) and 14081. One half of the hinge 1407) is attached to the frame )403J and the other half)408) is attached to the door (405) and allows the door to pivot open and closed about the hinge 1406). A guard (409) is captive between the two hinge sections 1407JJ408) and seals the primary hinge gap)410) with the secondary hinge gap 14111 being sealed by a continuous hinge construction along the length of the door (407)14081 preventing fmgers or small objects becoming crushed as the door 1405) is closed.

Referring to Figure 5. herein, there is illustrated an integrated hinge and finger guard system. The door)503) is secured to one half of the hinge j505(. The other half of the hinge)504) is secured to the door frame 502). Both parts of the hinge)504) and (505) are secured together by a pin (507) which provides the pivot. A guard)506j pivots about the pin J507) and is free to move about the pivot but is constrained by area defmed by the inner surfaces of the hinge 1508115101)511115091.

Referring to Figure 6. herein, there is illustrated an integrated hinge and finger guard system. The door (603) is secured to the hinge 16051. The hinge 16041 is secured to the door frame (602). A guard 1606) pivots about the hinge)607J and is free to move about the pivot but is constrained by area defined by the inner surfaces of the hinge.

Throughout the full movement of the door 1603) from closed to open, the degree of constraint applied to the guard)606( will vary. However, at no time will the hinge gap become exposed, preventing fingers or small objects becoming crushed as the door 603(isclosed.

Referring to Figure 7. herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view a prior art door and hinge configuration comprising a door frame 170111703,1 a door 17021 and several hinge mechanisms 17041. When the door is open, a primary hinge gap is created J705j and a secondary hinge gap J706J allowing fingers or small objects to become crushed as the door 17021 is closed.

Referring to Figure 8. herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view an integrated hinge and finger guard system comprising a door frame 1801118031, a door 18021 and a hinge mechanism 18041. When the door is open, the primary hinge gap is protected by the guard 18051 and the secondary hinge gap is protected by a continuous hinge down the length of the door 18041 preventing fingers or small objects becoming crushed as the door 18021 is closed.

Referring to Figure 9. herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view the component parts for an integrated hinge and finger guard system comprising of a common hinge extrusion 19011 and the same extrusion rotated by I 8Odegrees I903 a guard extrusion 19041 and a pin 19021 which fastens the assembly and provides the pivot. -q

Claims

Claims Claim 1. A hinge and guard system to prevent a finger or other object from being pinched or crushed when the door is closed.
Claim 2. A hinge and guard as claimed in claim I, wherein said guard is integrated into the hinge mechanism.
Claim 3. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, said hinge and guard are continuous and formed from common extrusions.
Claim 4. The system described in claim 3, wherein the exposed surfaces are easy to access and clean Claim
5. The system described in claim 3, wherein the system can be fitted to existing installed doors and door frames.
Claim 6. The system described in claim 3, wherein the system can be integrated into new door and door frames.
Claim 7. The system described in claim 3, wherein the continuous hinge forms a smoke barrier as part of a fire rated door.
Claim 8. The system described in claim 3, wherein the continuous hinge forms a draft barrier.