GB2484527A

GB2484527A - A self centering glass door hinge having at least one stop surface

Info

Publication number: GB2484527A
Application number: GB201017405A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chung Chow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-14
Filing date: 2010-10-14
Publication date: 2012-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-14
Also published as: HK1169469A1; GB2484527B; AU2011101327B4; GB201017405D0; AU2011101327A4; AU2011101327A6

Abstract

A glass door hinge comprising an axial spindle having one or more centering surfaces including a main centering surface 11, one or more biasing members including a main biasing member to engage a respective centering surface and return the hinge to a predetermined position; the main biasing member and centering surface returning the hinge to a closed position; when extended, the main biasing member does not intersect the spindle axis. The spindle having one or more stop surfaces 51 displaced relative to the main centering surface to hold the hinge in a predetermined position. The main centering surface may be planar or concave and preferably there are two stop surfaces perpendicular to the main centering surface such that the door may be held open at 90 degrees to the closed position. A cam surface 52 may be provided between the centering and stop surfaces. The stop surfaces may be constructed to require a small force to free the hinge from the held open position. Two secondary centering surfaces 12 may be provided with a secondary biasing member, the main biasing member may be stronger than the secondary bias. A hydraulic damping means may be included. Also claimed are glass door hinge spindles wherein one has a secondary centering surface comprising an cylindrical surface offset from the spindle axis.

Description

DAMPED DOOR HINGE

This invention relates to a hinge for a glass door, particularly but not exclusively for a frameless glass door.

Frameless glass doors require a door stop to locate the door in a closed position.

Internal door stops have been disclosed, for example in US 6560821. PCTIEP2O1O/055559 discloses a glass door binge having an internal door stop arrangement comprising; a housing; a mount for coupling the housing to a support member; a pair of clamps; an axial spindle; and plurality of biasing members arranged to engage the spindle to return the clamps to one of a plurality of positions selected from a closed position and one or more opened positions; wherein the spindle has a plurality of centering surfaces; each biasing member being arranged to apply a force to a respective centering surface to centre the clamps in one or more of said positions. The disclosure of this specification is incorporated by reference for all purposes into the disclosure of

the present specification.

According to the present invention a glass door hinge having an intemal door stop arrangement comprises: a housing; a mount for coupling the housing to a support member; a pair of clamps; an axial spindle; and one or more biasing members arranged to engage the spindle to return the clamps to one of a plurality of positions selected from a closed position and one or more opened positions; wherein the spindle has one or more centering surfaces; the or each biasing member being arranged to apply a force to a respective centering surface to centre the clamps in one or more of said positions; * wherein the hinge includes a main biasing member and a main spring arranged to extend ** the main biasing member to engage a main centering surface to urge the clamps into a closed :l position; wherein the biasing member when extended does not intersect the spindle axis; and * wherein the spindle includes one or more stop surfaces, the stop surface being angularly * displaced relative to the main centering surface and extending parallel to the spindle axis.

The or each stop surface is arranged to engage the main biasing member to hold the clamps of the hinge in an opened position. Preferably the hinge is held in an opened position perpendicular to the closed position.

Preferably the or each stop surface is perpendicular to the main centering surface.

Preferably two parallel stop surfaces are provided. In this arrangement the door may be held in an open position perpendicular on either side of the closed position. A door attached to the hinge may be held open in either direction unless a small closing force is applied to the door sufficient to overcome the force of the main spring.

There are preferably two open positions perpendicular on either side of the closed position.

The construction of the unit is frirther described so that a direction towards the biasing member or piston is referred to as proximal and a direction away from the biasing member or piston towards the spindle is referred to as distal.

In a preferred embodiment the spindle is arranged so that when the main centering surface is facing proximally towards the biasing member, the or each stop surface extends perpendicularly relative to the centering surface, the stop surface having a proximal edge facing towards the biasing member and a distal edge facing away from the baising member.

In this position the stop surface preferably extends from a location distally of the spindle 2. axis either to a location proximally of the spindle axis, or to a location on the axis, that is on the ° ° diameter of the spindle parallel to the main centering sUrface. In the latter arrangement, wherein * ****.

* the or both proximal edges are located on the spindle diameter in the closed position, the proximal edge is transverse or tangential to the spindle diameter, the or each stop surface * ** * preferably extends distally of the spindle axis. In this arrangement the hinge is prevented from angular rotation beyond the angle of the opened position, due to abutment between the biasing * member and the stop surface. Rotation of the hinge towards the closed position is facilitated * with the biasing member contacting the proximal edge of the stop surface before engagement with the main centering surface.

In an alternative embodiment the proximal edge is located proximally of the spindle diameter. In this arrangement the stop surface extends proximally by a sufficient distance to provide a restoring force to resist rotation of the hinge into the closed position. The distance between the proximal edge and the diameter (or spindle axis) may be selected so that the biasing member provides a restoring force sufficient to allow a door secured to the hinge to be held in the opened position but with the force not being so large that a user would have difficulty in closing the door. The magnitude of the distance and consequently of the restoring force may depend on the width of the door, the weight of the door and the strength of an intended user.

In preferred embodiments the main centering surface is located proximally of the spindle diameter. This confers several advantages. Closing of the hinge is facilitated. The length of the extension the spring or other biasing member in use is reduced. This permits use of a more powerful but less expensive spring. The volume of lubricating oil displaced during rotation of the spindle is reduced. This provides a longer working life for the oil.

A cam surface may be provided between the proximal edge of the stop surface and on adjacent edge of the main centering surface. The cam surface may be rounded to facilitate smooth opening and closing of the hinge, reducing wear of the contact surface. This permits use of a lower grade of steel for manufacture of the spindle.

The clamps may be adapted to securely engage a glass door panel. The glass panel may have holes to receive bolts passing through the clamps. Alternatively or in addition the clamps may engage the glass panel by friction or by use of an adhesive.

The hinge preferably includes damping means for damping the opening and closing * : movements of the hinge. Preferably the biasing means includes a damping arrangement to limit S.....

* the rate of rotation of the hinge particularly from the opened to the closed position. The damping **. . . . . means may also limit the rate of rotation from a partially opened position to a fully opened ! position. * ..

In a first preferred embodiment the hinge includes a secondary biasing member and a * : " secondary spring arranged to engage one or more secondary centering surfaces to urge the door into one of two opened positions.

The secondary centering surface may be a planar or cylindrically concave surface.

Alternatively the secondary centering surface may comprise a cylindrical member parallel to and displaced from the spindle axis. Use of a cylindrical surface has the advantage that smooth damping is achieved with low wear of the moving parts. The cylindrical member preferably is external to the circumference of the spindle.

In a second alternative preferred embodiment two hinge units include two biasing members, a first unit including a main biasing member and a second unit including a secondary biasing member. The two units may comprise the lower and upper hinges of a door.

In the first preferred embodiment, the main and secondary biasing members are preferably located in horizontal bores arranged in vertically spaced relation extending radially relative to the spindle axis.

Preferably the two biasing members are integral within a single unit and have a common spindle.

Preferably the two opened positions of the hinge are perpendicular to the closed position, and the two secondary centering surfaces are orthogonal to the main centering surface and are diametrically opposed to each other. That is the secondary surfaces may be arranged to face in opposite directions perpendicular to the main centering surface.

The force of the main spring is preferably greater than the force of the secondary spring.

In this way the hinge moves to the closed position unless the door is adjacent either of the opened positions. The hinge may comprise an overcentre anangement wherein it moves either * into the closed position or an open position when, opened in either direction. The angular ° location of each centre point on each side of the ëlosed position is preferably closed to the * .* * opened position. *�ee * *

* ** * The main spring may comprise a pair of concentric springs. The outer spring may be a relatively powerful spring to provide the closing force for the hinge. The inner spring may be * ° relatively less powerful than the outer spring and is arranged to provide a closing force for a non- * : return valve in the face of the biasing member. The non return valve is described further below.

Each biasing member may comprise a piston mounted in a cylindrical bore for movement radially with respect to the spindle.

The piston preferably comprises a hollow cylindrical member having a head arranged to engage a respective centering surface, and having a cavity, a spring being located in the cavity within the cylindrical member to urge the piston outwardly of the bore.

The spindle may be mounted in a vertical guideway in the housing, the guideway communicating with one or more passageways within which the or each of the biasing members are located to allow circulation of hydraulic fluid or other oil during actuation of the hinge.

The spindle preferably includes an attachment adapted to engage to the clamps. An end of the spindle may include a head configured to engage a socket in one of the clamps so that the spindle and clamps are constrained to rotate together.

According to a further aspect of the present invention a glass door hinge spindle comprises an axial shaft including an attachment for engagement to a door so that the spindle and door are constrained to rotate together in use; wherein the spindle further comprises; a main centering surface parallel to the axis of the shaft and two secondary centering surfaces orthogonal to the main centering surface; wherein the two secondary centering surfaces extend axially of the shaft in diametrically opposed relation; wherein the spindle includes one or more stop surfaces angularly displaced from the main centering surface, perpendicular to the main centering surface and parallel to the spindle axis. z.

The or each stop surface is preferably perpendicular to the main centering surface.

S..... * .

Preferably the spindle includes upper and lower bearing surfaces adapted to cooperate * :° * with bearings in the hinge body. * **

* In a preferred embodiment in which the housing contains two biasing members the main S.....

* centering surface is located below the secondary centering surfaces. Alternatively the main centering surface may be above the secondary surfaces. 1'

Preferably a cylindrical collar is disposed between the main and secondary centering surfaces, the surface of the cylindrical collar being arranged to cooperate with an internal cylindrical surface of the hinge body to prevent deformation of the spindle in use.

Rotation of the spindle as the hinge is rotated causes retraction of one piston against the restoring force of the respective spring, but permits expansion of the other piston. Similarly when the hinge and door are approaching a closed or opened position, expansion of a piston under the action of its spring causes the door to continue rotation until it is fully centered in the opened or closed position.

The cavity within the piston is preferably filled with hydraulic fluid, for example lubricating oil.

The piston and cylindrical sleeve may each provide a damping arrangement. The piston and sleeve may be dimensioned to provide a sliding fit but substantially prevent escape of oil between their surfaces as the piston is compressed by rotation of the spindle. Therefore oil may be forced through a constricted channel to damp the movement of the hinge.

A channel may be provided to allow oil to pass from the piston cavity to a cavity within the housing as the piston is compressed into the cylindrical sleeve.

The channel may include an adjustable valve to regulate a maximum flow of oil.

Adjustment of the valve allows the rate of closure of the hinge to be regulated so that the rotational movement of the hinge and door is damped in use.

° The valve may comprise a needle valve, having a screw thread.

*e. S*� * This may be provided to control the dimension of the passageway leading from the piston and C* cylinder into a passageway in the hinge housing. *

****.s * S *530 Oil passing through the needle valve may be allowed to flow to a cavity between the * " spindle and the head of the piston. * S

A permanent magnet may be located within the cavity within the or each sleeve or piston. The permanent magnet may serve to collect any metal particles which are formed by wear of the moving surfaces in use of the hinge. This presents further damage to the hinge components during use. For example the spring seat may be magnetic.

In a preferred embodiment the piston of the or each biasing means includes a non-return valve arranged to permit a flow of oil into the cavity as the piston and cylinder expand. In this way oil is circulated from the cavity of the piston into a cavity between the piston and spindle and back into the piston cavity during the compression and expansion cycle of the piston.

During this cycle the volume of the cavity available between the centering surface of the spindle and piston increases as the piston is compressed and decreases as the piston expands to fully engage the centering surface. This change in volume serves to pump oil through the non-return valve to cause circulation of the oil during opening and closing of the hinge and door.

Circulation of the oil contributes to efficient dlamping of the hinge.

The main piston may be provided with one or more apertures to allow a flow of oil from the cavity during initial compression of the piston.

In a preferred embodiment the piston has a head and a cylindrical body dimensioned to be slidably received within a cylindrical bore of the sleeve, and one or more apertures provided at a predetermined axial distance from the head, the aperture or apertures being blocked by the sleeve after sliding of the body by a predetermined distance into the cylindrical sleeve. In this arrangement oil can flow easily from the piston cavity until the piston has retracted to a* predetermined extent, after which flow of oil is impeded or prevented, thereby providing a two speed damping effect.

The main non-return valve may be urged distally into a closed position by the inner 0 spring of the main biasing means. *The length of the inner spring may be selected to provide an * SS*s * appropriate closing force to the valve. Preferably the inner spring has a greater length than the * . outer spring. S...

S S. * S

* 30 A cut-away portion may be provided at the distal end of the cylindrical body of the * piston to allow a flow of oil into the piston cavity as the piston is fully extended. At this stage * : the non-return valve is in engagement with the centering surface of the spindle.

The hinge of this invention has several advantages. The opening and closing of the hinge are both damped by circulation of oil through the biasing means. This restricts slamming I. of a door during opening or closing. Such slamming may shatter a glass door or may cause injury. The extent of damping during closing can be controlled by adjustment of the valve in the secondary biasing means. Circulation of oil within the biasing means is promoted by the pumping action of rotation of the spindle.

This invention is further described by means of example but not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first hinge in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the components of the hinge; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge in the opened position; Figure 4 is several cross-sectional views of the hinge in the various positions; Figure 5 comprises various views of the spindle; Figure 6 comprises various cross-sectional views of an alternative spindle; Figure 7 comprises various views of the spindle; Figure 8 is an exploded view of a further hinge unit; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the unit; Figure 10 comprises various views of the spindle; Figure 11 is an exploded view of a further hinge unit; Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the unit; Figure 13 comprises various views of the spindle; Figure 14 comprises various views of a Farther spindle; and Figure 15 comprises various views of the piston of the hinge in accordance with this invention.

In the description of the embodiments of the invention the same reference numerals are S.. S..

* used to denote like components in each embodiment. **. * * *.

* :.: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hinge in accordance with this invention. A housing (1) is mounted on a mounting block (2) having an upright member (3) with apertures (4) * S. * for bolts, screws or other fixing means (not shown).

*5.5.S * * A pair of clamps (5) are pivotally attached to the housing (I). The clamps (5) provide an aperture dimensioned to receive a glass plate. * 9

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows the hinge in cross sectional view.

A spindle (6) is received in a vertical bore (7) of the housing (1). The spindle is mounted on bearings (8, 9) sealed by gaskets (10) and a threaded sealing member (43) to allow rotation of the spindle in use.

The spindle is generally elongate and includes cut-away portions which define centering surfaces. A main centering surface (11) is located at a lower part of the spindle. Two diametrically opposed secondary centering surfaces (12) are disposed perpendicular to the main centering surface (11) and above the latter on the spindle. A cylindrical collar is located between the main and secondary centering surfaces. The surface of the collar cooperates with an internal cylindrical surface of the housing to maintain the spindle in alignment and to transmit the forces from the springs to the housing. This serves to prevent deformation of the spindle due to the forces applied by the pistons in use.

A rectangular head (13) allows coupling of the spindle to a correspondingly shaped rebate (23) in one of the clamping members so that the spindle and clamping members are constrained to rotate together in use.

Two biasing means are located in vertically spaced horizontal bores in the housing (1) arranged radially in respect to the axis of the spindle (6). A main biasing means is located in a lower bore (14) and a secondary biasing means is located in an upper bore (15).

?. The main biasing means, comprises a cylindrical piston (16) having a head (17) and an internal cavity (18) as shown in Figure 3. The centre of the head (17) has an aperture (19) S.. S* * communicating with the cavity (18). The aperture (19) is dimensioned to control the rate of oil *::::* flow in use of the hinge. A spring seat (24) carries a pair of springs (25, 25a). The distal ends of the springs remote from the spindle are received in a cylindrical sleeve (26). The pair of springs (25, 25a) exert an axial force to urge the piston (16) towards the centering surface (11) of the * 5 * .00.0 spindle. The pair of springs (25,25a) are selected to provide an even extension force over their 00.0.0 * operating range.

A secondary biasing means comprises a secondary piston (27) having a hollow cylindrical body and a head (28) and defining an internal cavity (29) as shown in Figure 3. A p disc (30) having a central aperture (31) cooperates with a non-return valve member (32). The disc (30) is sealed by a gasket (33). The aperture (31) in the disc (30) serves to regulate flow of oil through aperture (35) in the head of the piston. A main outer helical spring (36) engages a spring seat (37) to urge the piston (27) in engagement with the spindle (6). A secondary inner spring (36a) has a length selected to urge the valve member (32) against the valve seat (20) and the disc (30) to close the valve.

In a similar way to the main biasing means, a sleeve (38) has a cylindrical bore to receive the cylindrical piston body (27) pennitting sliding movement of the piston in a radial direction with respect to the spindle axis.

The upper secondary piston anangement serves to damp the closing motion of the hinge. A sleeve (38) has a cylindrical bore to receive piston (27). The piston (27) has a head (28) and internal cavity (29). A cut-away portion (21) is provided at the distal end of the cylindrical piston body remote from the head and the spindle. A spring (36) urges the piston towards the spindle. As rotation of the spindle causes retraction of the piston into the sleeve as shown in Figure 3, the non-return valve (32) closes the aperture (31) so that oil is driven from the distal end of the piston through the cut-away portion (21), and annular channel (45), past needle valve (47), allowing the oil to circulate into the cavity adjacent the spindle and particularly the cavity formed by centering surface (12). Adjustment of the needle valve (47) controls the maximum rate of flow of oil to provide a desired damping effect suitable for the weight of the glass door or other factors. Rotation of the spindle and centering surface (12) allows the piston to extend and simultaneously forces oil through the non-return valve into the piston cavity for another cycle. *n*

0** As shown in Figure 15, the piston (27) of the secondary biasing member has a cut-away 00000* * * portion (21) on the exterior of the cylindrical body (27) of the piston. This cut away portion * communicates with the channel (39) and aperture (22) when the piston is extended towards the : spindle so that the head (28) engages the secondary centering surface (12). In this position oil * can flow from the internal cavity (29) of the piston (27) through the cut away portion (21), channel (39), aperture (22) and into the cavity (40) surrounding the head of the piston. When the :: piston (27) is retracted, flow through the cut-away portion (21) is restricted and then cut off entirely.

During the centering of the spindle in the closed position, as piston (16) is extended by action of spring (25), oil contained in the cavity (40) of the spindle passes through the aperture (19) into the internal cavity (18) of the piston. During the return stroke as the piston is compressed into the sleeve (26), oil returns into the cavity (40), the volume of which increases as the spindle is rotated in use.

Figures 4 and 5 further illustrate the construction and function of a hinge in accordance with this invention. Figure 4 contains cross sectional views showing the stages in operation of the hinge unit. The construction of the spindle is shown in greater detail in Figure 5. The same reference numerals are used to denote the parts shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The spindle shown in Figure 5 comprises a rectangular head (13) from which depends a shaft having an axis (53). The secondary centering surfaces (12) are parallel to each other and extend on opposite sides of the axis (53). The secondary centering surface has a tapered or pointed end (58) to facilitate engagement with the head of the piston (27) as shown in the cross sections A-A of Figure 4.

The main centering surface (11) is generally planar and is displaced proximally with relation to the piston (16) so that the piston (16) cannot extend beyond the axis (53) and at its greatest extent is not located beyond the axis (53). The rear surface (50) is cylindrical to cooperate with the corresponding cylindrical bore (7) of the housing (1). Cylindrical collar (54) forms an additional bearing surface between the two centering surfaces.

In the embodiment shown in Section B-B of Figure 5 the main centering surface (11) is *j!*5 planar and extends parallel to the axis (53). Two stop surfaces (51) are also planar and extend °.. perpendicular to the main centering surface (11) parallel to the axis (53). Curved cam surfaces * (52) extend between the leading proximal edge (55) of the stop surface (51) and the adjacent edge (57) of the main centering surface (11). The cam surface (52) provides smoother operation n.e of the hinge unit and reduces wear on the edges (55, 57). The stop surface (51) extends between a proximal edge (55) and a distal edge (56) as shown in Section B-B of Figure 5. * ** Cr * 0

* : . In the embodiment shown the spindle has two opposed stop surfaces (51). In alternative embodiments only a single stop surface (51) may be employed for hinge units which are adapted to open in one direction.

Section B"-B" of Figure 5 shows an alternative construction wherein the main centering surface (59) is concave in cross section and generally cylindrical. The concave surface (59) may cooperate with a correspondingly rounded piston head. Alternatively a planar disc shaped piston head may be used.

The function of the hinge is illustrated in Figure 4 in the upper cross section B-B the hinge is shown slightly opened. In this position the piston is pushed proximally and the spring (25) partially compressed. As rotation continues as shown in the middle cross sectional view the door reaches a frilly opened position. In this position the stop surface (51) is aligned with the head (17) of the piston (16) the spring (25) is fully compressed. The alignment of the planar stop surface (51) with the head of the piston prevents rotation of the spindle so that a user may release the door to leave the door in an opened position. Slight dislodgement of the door as shown in the lower section B-B allows the door to be opened more frilly. However cooperation of the piston head (17) and the cylindrical rear surface (50) of the spindle has the effect that the door can rotate freely without being urged into an opened or closed position. On the other hand dislodgement towards the closed position as shown in the upper cross sectional view allows the piston to expand and urge the door towards the fully closed position wherein the piston head (17) is aligned with the centering surface (11). In this position the door comes to rest.

In a first embodiment the proximal edge (55) of the stop surface (51) is located on a diameter parallel to the main centering surface. (11). In this arrangement further opening of a door beyond the perpendicular position as shown in the lower cross section B-B requires application of force to further compress the spring (25). However closing of the door to the position shown in the upper cross sectional view does not require application of additional force. p..

" In an alternative embodiment the proximal edge (55) extends proximally of the axis a''...

* (53). In this arrangement a small force is required to dislodge the door from the perpendicular * * opened position to commence the closing movement. *0e*

S.....

A door including a hinge in accordance with this invention requires manual force to be *: opened from the closed position to a perpendicular position. Opening beyond the perpendicular t position may require a small additional force but further compression of the spring does not occur due to the cylindrical shape of the rear surface (50) of the spindle. Thus the door may be moved freely beyond the perpendicular position but will automatically close when moved from the perpendicular position towards the closed position.

Figure 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment wherein the secondary centering surface (60) of the spindle is cylindrical and offset from the spindle axis (53). Preferably the cylindrical surface (60) is located circumferentially of the main spindle body so as to form a continuous surface with the collar (54). In this embodiment the secondary centering surface (60) precesses as the spindle is rotated causing compression or release of the secondary spring (36).

The centering surface may be tangential to the spindle surface. This arrangement may be less prone to mechanical wear than the arrangement shown in Figures 4 and 5. Smoother damping is provided due to a lower flow of displaced oil.

Figures 8 to 14 illustrate embodiments of the invention wherein the hinge unit is provided in two parts, a first part containing the main centering surface and the second part containing the secondary damping arrangement.

Figures 8 to 10 show the main centering unit. This may be located for example at the bottom of a door. A base plate (61) is screwed to a housing (62) containing a pair of cylindrical bores (63). A pair of pistons (64) are located within the bores and urged distally by axial spring (65). A spindle (66) mounted in bearings (67, 68) is disposed within a vertical bore (69) within the housing (62). The construction of the spindle is shown in detail in Figure 10. The spindle (66) has rectangular heads (79, 70) with a single main centering surface (71) extending proximally of the axis (72) so that a piston (not shown) cannot extend as far as the axis in use of the hinge. Stop surfaces (73) have proximal (75) and distal (76) edges connected by earn surfaces (74) to adjacent edges (77) of the main centering surface (71). The main centering surface (71) is cylindrically concave as shown in section B-B of Figure 10. *0*

In an alternative embodiment the main centering surface as shown in Section B"-B" of S.....

* Figure 10 may be planar (78). S.. * S 55.

Figures 11 to 13 show a secondary damping unit in accordance with this invention.

This may be located for example at a central or upper part of a door to provide efficient damping.

:5 The construction of the unit is similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 3 although a single piston : (80) is located within housing (81). The construction of the spindle (82) is shown in greater detail in Figure 13. Opposed planar centering surfaces (83) are disposed on either side of the spindle axis. The region between the centering surfaces has a tapered or pointed projection (84) to provide a smooth wearing surface for contacting the piston head (85). $ 14

Figure 14 shows an alternative spindle having a cylindrical cam surface (90) disposed between the bearing collars (91, 92). The cylindrical cam surface (90) is offset from the spindle axis to lie adjacent the circumference of the spindle. Rotation of the spindle provides a smooth cylindrical surface (90) affording smooth application of the damping force as the door closes or opens.

Figure 15 shows the construction of the piston of the damping arrangement as described with reference to Figure 2. One or more, preferably two cut away portions (21) comprise flat or planar sections removed from the proximal ends of the cylindrical piston (27). Concave sections may be used. * * So.

* SW S SS * S * S 5*S5

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*5I555 * S * SS * S.

S

5SSS5S

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Claims

CLAIMS1. A glass door hinge having an internal door stop arrangement comprises: a housing; a mount for coupling the housing to a support member; a pair of clamps; an axial spindle; and one or more biasing members arranged to engage the spindle to return the clamps to one of a plurality of positions selected from a closed position and one or more opened positions; wherein the spindle has one or more centering surfaces; the or each biasing member being arranged to apply a force to a respective centering surface to centre the clamps in one or more of said positions; wherein the hinge includes a main biasing member and a main spring arranged to extend the main biasing member to engage a main centering surface to urge the clamps into a closed position; wherein the biasing member when extended does not intersect the spindle axis; and wherein the spindle includes one or more stop surfaces, the stop surface being angularly displaced relative to the main centering surface and extending parallel to the spindle axis.
2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the or each stop surface is arranged to engage the main biasing member to hold the binge in an opened position.

*:r.
3. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the opened position is perpendicular to the closed position. S.. * S
4. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each stop surface is perpendicular to * the main centering surface.*S 5555 S * *: :!
5. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are two parallel stop surfaces.1'* 1 6. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spindle is arranged so that when the main centering surface is facing proximally towards the biasing member, the or each stop surface extends perpendicularly relative to the centering surface, the stop surface having a proximal edge facing towards the biasing member and a distal edge facing away from the biasing member.7. A hinge as claimed in claim 6 wherein the stop surface extends from a location distally of the spindle axis to a location either proximally of the spindle axis relative to the biasing member or to a location on a diameter of the spindle parallel to the main centering surface.8. A hinge as claimed in claim 7 wherein the proximal edge is transverse to the spindle diameter.9. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the proximal edge is located proximally of the spindle diameter.10. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the main centering surface is located proximally of the spindle diameter.11. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10 wherein a cam surface is provided between the proximal edge of the stop surface and adjacent edge of the main centering surface.12. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 including damping means for damping the opening and closing movements of the hinge.13. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 or 2 whereas the biasing means includes a damping arrangement to limit the rate of rotation of the hinge.14. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim including a main biasing member and a main spring arranged to engage a main centering surface to urge the door into a closed position; and a, secondary biasing member and a secondary spring arranged to engage one of two * * secondary centering surfaces to urge the door into one of two opened positions. **** * I S...: 15. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the main and secondary biasing members are located in horizontal bores arranged in vertical spaced relation extending * I. radially relative to the spindle axis.* *.*.. * 016. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the two opened positions of the hinge are perpendicular to the closed position, and the two secondary centering surfaces are orthogonal to the main centering surface and are diametrically opposed to each other. 4 1717. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each biasing member comprises a piston mounted in a cylindrical bore for movement radially with respect to the spindle.18. A hinge as claimed in claim 7, comprising a hollow cylindrical member having a head arranged to engage a respective centering surface and having a cavity, a spring being located in the cavity to urge piston outwardly of the bore.19. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the spindle is mounted in a vertical guideway in the housing, the guideway communicating with passageways within which the biasing members are located to allow circulation of hydraulic fluid or other oil during actuation of the hinge.20. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the piston and sleeve each provide a damping arrangement.21. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the secondary centering surface is cylindrical, concave and offset from the spindle axis.22. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a channel is provided to allow oil to pass from the piston cavity to a cavity within the housing as the piston is compressed into the sleeve.23. A hinge as claimed in claim 12 including an adjustable valve to regulate a maximum flow of oil.24. A hinge as claimed in claim 13 including a needle valve having a screw thread to **s.control the dimension of the passageway leading from the piston and cylinder into a * passageway in the hinge housing. ten* . 25. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a piston of a biasing means includes * a non-return valve arranged to permit a flow of oil into the cavity as the piston and cylinder expand.* 26. A hinge as claimed in claim 25, wherein the biasing means includes inner and outer helical springs, the outer spring engaging the piston to urge the piston proximally towards the spindle and the inner spring engaging the non-return valve to urge the valve into a closed position.27. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the main piston is provided with one or more apertures to allow a flow of oil from the cavity of the piston.28. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the piston has a head and a cylindrical body dimensioned to be slidably received within a cylindrical bore of the sleeve, and one or more apertures provided at a predetermined axial distance from the head, the aperture or apertures being blocked by the sleeve after sliding the body by a predetermined distance into the cylindrical sleeve.29. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a cut-away portion is provided at the distal end of the cylindrical body.30. A hinge as claimed in claims 28 or 29 wherein the cut away portion comprises one or more flat sections removed from the outer wall of the proximal end of the sleeve.31. A hinge as claimed in claims 17 to 30 wherein a permanent magnet is located within the piston or sleeve.32. A glass door hinge spindle comprising an axial shaft including an attachment for engagement to a door so that the spindle and door are constrained to rotate together in use; wherein the spindle further comprises: a main centering surface parallel to the axis of the shaft and one or more stop surfaces, the stop surface being angularly displaced relative to the main centering surface and extending parallel to the spindle axis.33. A glass door hinge spindle comprising an axial shaft including an attachment for *s..* engagement to a door so that the pindIe and door are constrained to rotate together in use; wherein the spindle further comprises: * *.*. a secondary centering surface comprising a cylindrical member parallel to and * displaced from the spindle axis. * 0 * * ** * 34. A glass door hinge spindle as claimed in claim 33 wherein the cylindrical member Ins..* extends to the circumference of the spindle.35. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 17 to 30 wherein the piston has one or more cut-away portions at the proximal ends of the cylindrical sleeve. 1 1936. A hinge as claimed in claim 35 wherein the or each cutaway portion comprises a planar section removed from the proximal end of the sleeve. soe * S * * I SI. * . *es*S *5.* * S S S. * I * S.S1555.. * *Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A glass door hinge having an internal door stop arrangement comprises: a housing; a mount for coupling the housing to a support member; a pair of clamps; an axial spindle; and one or more biasing members arranged to engage the spindle to return the clamps to one of a plurality of positions selected from a closed position and one or more opened positions; wherein the spindle has one or more centering surfaces;wherein the spindle includes one or more stop surfaces, wherein the spindle includes one or more stop surfaces, the or each top surface being angularly displaced relative to the main centering surface and extending parallel to the spindle axis; the or each biasing member being arranged to apply a force to a respective centering surface to centre the clamps in one or more of said positions; wherein the hinge includes a main biasing member and a main spring arranged to extend the main biasing member to engage a main centering surface to urge the clamps into a closed position; 29 wherein the or each stop surface is arranged to engage the main biasing member; and SsO*S * wherein the biasing member when extended does not intersect the spindle axis.* ***.. * *2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the or each stop surface is arranged to engage the main biasing member to hold the hinge in an opened position.3. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the opened position is perpendicular to the * closed position.4. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each stop surface is perpendicular to the main centering surface, 5. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are two parallel stop surfaces.
6. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spindle is arranged so that when the main centering surface is facing proximally towards the biasing member, the or each stop surface extends perpendicularly relative to the centering surface, the or each stop surface having a proximal edge facing towards the biasing member and a distal edge facing away from the biasing member.
7. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the main centering surface is located proximally of the spindle diameter.
8. A hinge as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein the stop surface extends from a location distally of the spindle axis to a location proximally of the spindle axis relative to the biasing member.
9. A hinge as claimed in claim 8 wherein the stop surface extends from a location distally of the spindle axis to a location on a diameter of the spindle, the diameter extending parallel to the main centering surface.
10. A hinge as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the proximal edge is transverse to the spindle diameter.
11. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10 wherein the proximal edge is located proximally of the spindle diameter.
12. A hinge as claimed in claims 6 to 11 wherein a cam surface is provided between the proximal edge of the stop surface and adjacent edge of the main centering surface. * . I'S..*
13. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim including damping means for damping the opening and closing movements of the hinge.
14. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the biasing means includes a * : damping arrangement to limit the rate of rotation of the hinge.IS.....* 3b
15. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim including a secondary biasing member and a secondary spring arranged to engage one of two secondary centering surfaces to urge the door into one of two opened positions.
16. A hinge as claimed in claim 15 wherein the main and secondary biasing members are located in horizontal bores arranged in vertical spaced relation extending radially relative to the spindle axis.
17. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein two opened positions of the hinge are perpendicular to the closed position, and two secondary centering surfaces are orthogonal to the main centering surface and are diametrically opposed to each other.
18. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each biasing member comprises a piston mounted in a cylindrical bore for movement radially with respect to the spindle.
19. A hinge as claimed in claim 14 comprising a hollow cylindrical member having a head arranged to engage a respective centering surface and having a cavity, a spring being located in the cavity to urge the piston outwardly of the bore.
20. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the spindle is mounted in a vertical guideway in the housing, the guideway communicating with passageways within which the biasing members are located to allow circulation of hydraulic fluid or other oil during actuation of the hinge.
21. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20 wherein the secondary centering surface is cylindrical, concave and offset from the spindle axis.
22. A hinge as claimed in claim 15 or any claim dependent on claim 15 wherein a channel is provided to allow oil to pass from the piston cavity to a cavity within the housing as the S.....* : piston is compressed into the sleeve.* ** * S. * I
23. A hinge as claimed in claim 22 including an adjustable valve to regulate a maximum flow of oil.: **.
24. A hinge as claimed in claim 22 including a needle valve having a screw thread to * * control the dimension of the passageway leading from the piston and cylinder into a *SSS*S * 3b passageway in the hinge housing.
25. A hinge as claimed in claim 15 or any claim dependent on claim 15 wherein a piston of a biasing means includes a non-return valve arranged to permit a flow of oil into the cavity as the piston and cylinder expand.
26. A hinge as claimed in claim 25, wherein the biasing means includes inner and outer helical springs, the outer spring engaging the piston to urge the piston proximally towards the spindle at the inner spring engaging the non-return valve to urge the valve into a closed position.
27. A hinge as claimed in claim 18 or any claim dependent on claim 18 wherein a main piston is provided with one or more apertures to allow a flow of oil from the cavity of the piston.
28. A hinge as claimed in claim 18 or any claim dependent on claim 18 wherein the piston has a head and a cylindrical body dimensioned to be slidably received within a cylindrical bore of a sleeve, and one or more apertures provided at a predetermined axial distance from the head, the aperture or apertures being blocked by the sleeve after sliding the body by a predetermined distance into the cylindrical sleeve.
29. A hinge as claimed in claim 28 wherein a cut-away portion is provided at the distal end of the cylindrical bOdy.
30. A hinge as claimed in claims 27 or 28 wherein the cut away portion comprises one or more flat sections removed from the outer wall of a proximal end of thecylindrical body.
31. A hinge as claimed in claim 18 or any claim dependent on claim 18 wherein a permanent magnet is located within the piston or sleeve.S.....*
32. A glass door hinge spindle comprises an axial shaft including an attachment for * S. **S * engagement to a door so that the spindle and door are constrained to rotate together in use; . 25 wherein the spindle further comprises; a main centering surface parallel to the axis of the shaft and two secondary centering surfaces orthogonal to the main centering surface; r * wherein the two secondary centering surfaces extend axially of the shaft in diametrically * opposed relation; wherein the spindle includes one or more stop surfaces angularly displaced from the main centering surface, perpendicular to the main centering surface and parallel to the spindle axis.
33. A glass door hinge spindle as claimed in claim 32 wherein the cylindrical member extends to the circumference of the spindle.
34. A hinge as claimed in claim 18 or any claim dependent on claim 18 wherein the piston has one or more cutaway portions at the proximal ends of the cylindrical sleeve.
35. A hinge as claimed in claim 34 wherein the or each cutaway portion comprises a planar section removed from the proximal end of the sleeve.I..... * * ** .* *** * S *s S. * S S * 85 *eSSsS