GB2512832A

GB2512832A - Hinging device, modular building system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2512832A
Application number: GB1306264.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John England; Neil Robins; Martin Franklin
Original assignee: PROFINE UK Ltd
Current assignee: PROFINE UK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2013-04-08
Publication date: 2014-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-08
Also published as: GB201306264D0; EP2789783A1; GB2512961B; GB2512832B; EP2789783B1; GB2512961A; GB201318643D0

Abstract

An installation bracket 10 includes a first and second fixings 24, 25 for attachment to first and second articles. Two moveable arms 22a, b are pivotally mounted to the second fixing. Each arm has a slot 52, 54 and each are coupled via the slot to the first fixing and are also coupled via the slots to one another. The hinging device releasably maintains the first and second articles in a first position (e.g. stowed) and permanently secures the articles in a second position (e.g. installated). The device also imparts relative linear movement of the first and second articles between the positions. In a second aspect, a wall module (90, fig 1) such as a prefabricated panel timber frame, is provided. The wall module includes one or more of the installation brackets as well as an article, such as a window (80, fig 1).

Description

HINGING DEVICE, MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hinging device and to a modular building system in which the hinging device is utilised. More specifically but not exclusively, the hinging device is configured for fixing an article in at least two spaced positions and the hinging device pivotally moves to move the article between those at least two spaced positions. The hinging device finds beneficial application in modular building systems and more specifically, but not exclusively in timber frame building systems. In such systems, articles for example windows and doors, can be pre-installed oft-site within a wall module using the hinging device such that they are securely stowed for transportation to site and then on site moved into an installation position using the hinging device.

Aspects of the invention relate to a hinging device, to a wall module, to a modular building andtoamethod.

BACKGROUND

It is known to construct modular buildings and to pre-fabricate the modular buildings off-site.

Pre-fabricated modular parts are transported to site and assembled together on-site to form the modular buildings. Further construction is then carried out on site to complete the building such further construction may include, for example, laying an exterior skin of brick work and applying an interior wall finishing, for example plasterboard. The benefits of such modular constructed buildings include the speed of construction of the modular buildings, the consistency of the quality in the finished product and the cost savings associated with, for example, reduced labour costs and increased working efficiencies.

It may be appreciated that there are many considerations in constructing modular buildings, including the transportation of the modular parts and the costs associated with their secure and timely transportation. The cost of fuel is high and increasing. It is important to minimise the number of journeys required to transport the pre-fabricated modular parts to site. It is important therefore to optimise the number of building modules carried in the payload of each delivery vehicle, (giving consideration to legal weight limits). It is also important to avoid return journeys to a site for example to replace items damaged during transportation and/or to replace incorrect items.

Typically, modular buildings comprise wall modules, for example open and closed panel timber frames, structurally insulated panels (SIP), steel frames and cross-laminated timber constructions, that are craned into a vertical and final I it position on site. Fenestration products, for example, windows and doors need to be installed within the wall modules. This is often done on-site. Advantageously however, off-site installation involves a decrease in on-site labour, a decrease in on-site deliveries, more rapid completion time, no requirement for onsite storage of the fenestration products, an increase in security and a reduced fire risk duo to the part constructed building being secure straight away. Additionally, because some manufacturing mistakes in a fenestration product may not be noticed until the point of its installation, off-site installation additionally benefits from avoiding or minimising the cost of rectifying a manufacturing mistake which can otherwise increase the completion time of the modular building due to the delay involved in obtaining a correct fenestration product.

It is advantageous therefore to factory-fit the fenestration products into wall modules. In the completed building the fenestration products typically do not stay entirely within the wall modules, but in their installation position, the windows and doors typically stand proud of an outer surface of a wall module in order to account for a cavity between the wall module and the exterior skin of brickwork. Transportation of wall modules with fenestration products in their final installation position leaves the entire module vulnerable to damage during transportation and reduces the number of wall modules that can be contained within a single payload. It is therefore advantageous to stow the windows or doors within the aperture in the wall module off-site. It is desirable to minimise the labour involved in the on-site installation of the windows and doors by having a hinging device that can hold the window or door in the stowed position and that oan facilitate the movement and acourate placement of the window or door in the installation position. It is further desirable for such mechanisms to be strong and robust and capable of supporting the weight of the windows and doors without the need to have an excessive number of such mechanisms. It is further desirable to have a mechanism that can accommodate different cavity depths. In some applications cavity depths of 150mm, 200mm or more may be required and it is desirable for such mechanisms to be capable of extending a window or door from its stowed position into an installation position wherein the window or door is held out at such a distance (1 50mm, 200mm or more).

An aim of the present invention is to at least mitigate the above mentioned problems and/or to provide an improvement in the field of modular building constructions.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention relate to a hinging device, to a wall module, to a modular building, and to a method as claimed in the appended claims.

According to another aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a hinging device comprising: a first fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to a first article and for releasably attaching the hinging device to a second article; a second fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to the second article; a first moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means; and a second moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means, the first moveable arm and the second moveable arm each comprising a slot and each being coupled via said slot to the first fixing means and being coupled via said slot to one another, the hinging device thereby being structured and arranged to maintain a secure attachment of the first and second articles; to releasably secure the first article to the second article in a first position; to permanently secure the first article to the second article in a second position, the second position being linearly spaced from the first position; and to control the relative linear movement of the first and second articles between the first and second positions. In this way, two rigid arms, preferably formed from metal are used to support the first article. Beneficially, the robust structure of the hinging device may be highly reliable and may enable greater cavity depths to be accommodated.

Optionally, the first and second moveable arms may be simultaneously pivotally moveable with respect to both the first and second fixing means and may be simultaneously linearly moveable with respect to the first article fixing means such that the first article and second article are moveable with respect to one another by virtue of the first and second moveable arms at least partially crossing over one another and the second fixing means thereby moving past the first fixing means.

Optionally, the second fixing means may comprise a main member that is substantially planar and which may comprise leg portions at each end thereof, the leg portions may be unitarily formed with the main member and may stand proud of a surface of the main member.

Optionally a first rivet, for example a blind rivet, may pass through an aperture in the first fixing means, may pass through the slot of the first moveable arm and may pass through the slot of the second moveable arm to couple the first fixing means to each of the first and second moveable arms and to couple the first and second moveable arms to one another.

Optionally, each of the first and second moveable aims may be substantially planar and may be pivotally mounted to a leg portion of the second fixing means by further rivets and the first fixing means, second moveable aim and first moveable aim may be stacked on top of each other in the iegion of said fiist nvet.

Advantageously, the hinging device has a tnangular configuiation in both the lust and second positions. The triangular structure provides strength and robustness in addition to the inherent stiength of the material from which it is formed. This is especially beneficial where large cavity depths aie requiied (for example 150mm or more) because the tnangular structure 01 the hinging device can support a significant weight in the extended second position.

The fiist moveable arm, second moveable aim and first fixing means may each compnse a first aperture and in said first position, the first apertures in each of the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and first fixing means may overlap to a sufficient degree such that a single locking means can releasably secure the first article to the second article in said first position.

Additionally or alternatively, the first moveable arm and second moveable arm may each comprise a second aperture and in said second position, the second apertures in each of the first moveable arm and second moveable arm and the first aperture in the first fixing means may overlap to a sufficient degree such that a single locking means can permanently secure the first article to the second article in said second position.

The locking means may comprise a lock-off screw that passes through each of the first moveable arm, the second moveable arm and the first fixing means and into the first article and releasably secures the first article to the second article in the first position by virtue of the lock-off screw being unscrewable and permanently secures the first article to the second article in said second position by virture of the screwed attachment.

The term "releasably secure" is used since the lock-off screw can be unscrewed in order to permit the hinging device to move into the second installation position, however, it will be recognised that the use of a screw in this way to lock the hinge is not necessarily a temporary or weak fixing. Similarly the term permanently secure" should not necessarily be interpreted to mean, utterly irrevocable, rather, it will be recognised that the use of a screw in this way to lock the hinge can be permanent until such a fixing is deliberately un-done.

Optionally, the first aperture in the first fixing means is a slot; wherein the first aperture in the first moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the first aperture in the second nioveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the second aperture in the first moveablo arm is slot-shaped and wherein the second aperture in the second moveable arm is slot-shaped.

Shaping the first aperture as a slot means that beneficially, it can be used to lock the hinging device in the first and second positions and provides a degree of alignment tolerance.

Optionally, a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the first moveable arm is disposed at between 3Q° and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the first moveable arm and wherein a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the second moveable arm is disposed at between 300 and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the second moveable arm.

According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a wall module comprising an aperture, an article and one or more hinging devices, each of said hinging devices comprising: a first fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to the wall module and for releasably attaching the hinging device to the article; a second fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to the article; a first moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means; and a second moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means, the first moveable arm and the second moveable arm each comprising a slot and each being coupled via said slot to the first fixing means and being coupled via said slot to one another, the hinging device thereby maintains a secure attachment of the article to the wall module, releasably secures the article to the wall module in a first position wherein the article is stowed entirely within the aperture, permanently secures the article to the wall module in a second installation position wherein at least a portion of the article stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module, the second installation position being linearly spaced from the first position by a distance and controls the linear movement of the articlo relative to the wall module from the first, stowed, position to the second, installation, position.

Optionally, the article is four-sided, the aperture is four-sided and at least one hinging device is affixed to each side ot the article and each side of the aperture.

Optionally, the wall module is an open timber frame, a closed panel timber frame, a structurally insulated panel (SIP), a steel frame or a cross-laminated timber construction.

Optionally, the article is any one of: a wooden, metal, plastics, glazed or un-glazed, fully-furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished, window or door.

The first and second moveable arms of the hinging device may be simultaneously pivotally moveable with respect to both the first and second fixing means and may be simultaneously linearly moveable with respect to the first fixing means such that the article is moveable relative to the wall module by virtue of the first and second moveable arms at least partially crossing over one another and the second fixing means thereby moving past the first fixing means.

The second fixing means of the hinging device may comprise a main member that is substantially planar and which may comprise leg portions at each end thereof, the leg portions may be unitarily formed with the main member and may stand proud of a surface of the main member.

Optionally, a first rivet passing through an aperture in the first fixing means, passing through the slot of the first moveable arm and passing through the slot of the second moveable arm couples the first fixing means to each of the first and second moveable arms and couples the tirst and second moveable arms to one another.

Optionally, each of the first and second moveable arms is substantially planar in shape and is pivotally mounted to a leg portion of the first fixing means by further rivets and wherein the first fixing means, second moveable arm and first moveable arm are stacked on top of each other in the region of said first rivet.

Optionally, the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and first fixing means each comprise a first aperture and in said first stowed position, the first apertures in each of the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and second fixing means overlap to a sufficient degree such that a lock-off screw passing through each of the first moveable arm, the second moveable arm and the first fixing means and into a reveal of the aperture in the wall module releasably secures the article to the wall module in said first stowed position.

The first moveable arm and second moveable arm may each additionally comprise a second aperture and in said second installation position, the second apertures in each of the first moveable arm and second moveable arm and the first aperture in the first fixing means overlap to a sufficient degree such that a lock-off screw passing through each of the first moveable arm, the second moveable arm and the second fixing means and into the reveal of the aperture of the wall module permanently secures the first article to the wall module in said second installation position.

As a matter of practicality, on-site, the same lock-off screw may be re-used such that after transportation of the wall module, the lock-off screw is removed from the first apertures, the hinging device moved to cause a window or door to move into the predetermined installation position and once at that position, the same lock-oft screw can be re-used to permanently fix the hinging device and thereby the window or door in the installation position.

Optionally, the first aperture in the first fixing means is a slot; wherein the first aperture in the first moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the lirst aperture in the second moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the second aperture in the first moveable arm is slot-shaped and wherein the second aperture in the second moveable arm is a slot-shaped.

Optionally, a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the lust moveable arm is disposed at between 300 and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the first moveable arm and wherein a notional central longitudinal axis 01 the slot of the second moveable arm is disposed at between 30° and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the second moveable arm.

Optionally, the distance between the first and second positions is determined by the length of the slot of each of the first and second moveable arms and/or the working length of the first and second moveable arms.

Optionally, the wall module may comprise more than one aperture, an article for each aperture and one or more hinging devices for each article, each of said articles being attached to the wall module in the second installation position by said one or more hinging devices.

According to a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a modular building construction comprising a plurality of wall modules according to any of the relevant preceding paragraphs assembled together, wherein the articles of each wall module are permanently held by said one or more hinging devices in the second installation position.

According to yet another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a modular building construction comprising a wall module according to any of the relevant preceding paragraphs and comprising an exterior skin, which exterior skin is spaced by a cavity from an outer surface of the wall module and wherein said distance between the second installation position and the first stowed position is proportional to the depth of said cavity.

According to yet an even further aspect of the invention, there is provided, a method of constructing a modular building, the method comprising: (i) using one or more hinging devices according to any of the relevant preceding paragraphs to attach an article to a wall module in a first stowed position wherein the article is disposed entirely within an aperture in the wall module; (ii) locking said one or more hinging devices; (Vi) transporting said wall module to a building site; (iv) assembling said wall module into a final position; (v) unlocking said one or more hinging devices; (vi) applying a force to the article to cause the first and second moveable arms of the or each hinging device to pivot and cross-over the first fixing means of the or each hinging device and thereby moving the article into a second, installation position wherein the article stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module; (vU) re-locking said one or more hinging devices in the second, installation position to permanently attach the article to the wall module in the second installation position.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: FIGURE I is a perspective view of a timber frame panel in which a first window is held by hinging devices according to the disclosure in a first, stowed position and in which a second window has been moved into and is held in a second, installation position, by hinging

devices according to the disclosure;

FIGURE 2A is a plan view of a hinging device according to an embodiment of the disclosure wherein the hinging device is located in the first, stowed, position; FIGURE 2B is an end view of the hinging device, wherein the hinging device is located in the first, stowed, position; FIGURE 3A is an end view of a section through a window aperture of a wall module, wherein part of the profile of a window is disposed in a first stowed position within the aperture and is held there and attached to the wall module by the hinging device of Figure 1; FIGURE 3B is an end view of the hinging device, viewed as though from the outer side of a wall module, wherein the hinging device is located in a half-way position between its first stowed position and its second installation position; FIGURE 4A is a plan view of the hinging device of Figure 1 wherein the hinging device is located in the second, installation, position; FIGURE 4B is an end view of a section through a window aperture of a wall module, wherein part of the profile of a window is disposed in the second, installation, position standing proud of an outer surface of the wall module, the window is held in position and is attached to the wall module by the hinging device of Figure 1; FIGURE 40 is an end view of the hinging device, wherein the hinging device is located in the second, installation, position; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of part of a wall module showing part of a window aperture of the wall module and showing part of a window, a hinging device according to the disclosure is shown affixing the window to the wall module and holding the window in a first, stowed position; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the wall module of Figure 5, wherein the hinging device has facilitated the repositioning of the window relative to the wall module and the window is located in a position between the first, stowed position and second installation position; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the wall module of Figure 6, wherein the hinging device has facilitated the further repositioning of the window further toward the second installation position; and FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the wall module of Figure 7, wherein the hinging device has facilitated the complete repositioning of the window into the second installation position, a lock-off screw is not shown, but a lock off-screw is used to secure the window in the second, installation, position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the hinging devices, wall modules, modular building systems, modular buildings and methods are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the hinging devices, wall modules, modular building systems, modular buildings and methods described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the term "hinging device" is used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to a device structured and arranged for securing a first article to a second article in a first position; for securing the first article to the second article in a second position; and for controlling the relative movement of the first and second articles from the first position to the second position whilst maintaining a secure attachment of the first and second articles. The hinging device, to be described herein, is a mounting means or mounting bracket that is described in the context of modular buildings. The second article may be a fenestration product and the first article may be a wall module. In the first position (which may also be referred to as a pre-installation position" or a "stowed position"), the fenestration product may be attached to the wall module and held completely within an aperture of the wall module such that no portion of the fenestration product projects beyond an outer surface of the wall module. In this way, the wall module and fenestration product are hinged together and can be manipulated as a unitary item for safe transportation from a factory to a building site. In the second position, (which may also be referred to as "an installation position") at least a portion of the fenestration product stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module. The movement of the fenestration product relative to the wall module between the stowed position and the installation position is achieved by the pivotal hinging movement of the hinging device.

Upon reading the foregoing, it will be recognised that the hinging device or mounting means described and illustrated herein may have many and various applications outside of the specific context of modular building constructions. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure can be applied to various first and second articles where it is required to control the relative positioning of first and second articles and required to secure those first and second articles together.

The term "first article" may be used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to a component of a modular building system, for example, but not limited to a wall module, roof module, panel or frame. The terms "wall module", "panel" and frame", are used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to components of modular building systems, for example, but not limited to, open and closed panel timber frames, structurally insulated panels (SIP), steel frames and cross-laminated timber constructions.

The terms "article" and second article" may be used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to a component of a modular building system, for example, but not limited to: a fenestraton, a window, a door (for example, a fire door, a patio door and a pair of French doors), a louvre, vent, skylight or roof light any of which may be glazed or unglazed and any of which may be fully, part or unfurnished (but preferably fully furnished) and any of which may be formed from plastics material (for example PVCu), metal (for example aluminium), timber (for example hardwood) or any other suitable material.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a timber frame panel 90. The timber frame panel is shown with three apertures: a first window aperture 95, a door aperture 97 and a second window aperture 99. In the first window aperture 95, a first window BOa is shown being held by hinging devices 10 in a first, stowed position. The first window BOa has a maximum width that is less than the depth of the first window aperture 95 and is positioned, optionally, centrally within the first window aperture 95. The first window 80a is positioned such that the first window 80a is disposed fully within the first window aperture 95 such that no part of it, including the furniture provided for opening, closing and locking the window, projects beyond either outer surface 90a, 90b of the timber frame panel 90. A width of the first window BOa may be about 70mm, a depth of the first window aperture 95 may be about 140mm and the window Boa may be positioned such that a 35mm space exists between each edge of the window BOa and each surface of the timer frame panel 90.

Additionally in Figure 1, a second window 80b is shown, the second window 80b has been moved into a second, installed position, by hinging devices 10 that are disposed and affixed to either side of the second window 8Gb. The second window 8Gb is held in the second position by the hinging devioes 10. In the installed position, at least a portion of the second window 8Gb stands proud of an outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel 90. Preferably, in the installed position, the second window BOb is moved fully clear of the outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel 90 (as shown in Figures 1 and 9). This provides space for a building cavity. In accordance with building regulations and/or specifications, the depth of the cavity may vary. For example, standard cavities are typically 50mm, 100mm, 150mm and 200mm. The hinging device 10 is structured and arranged to locate the second window 80b substantially centrally within the second window aperture 99 of the timber frame panel 90 and then to locate the second window BOb, 50 mm from the outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel. Brickwork or other exterior finishing B' is then laid up to and about the window BOb (only partly shown in Figure 1).

Hinging devices 10 may be provided on one or more or all sides of the profile or frame of the windows BOa, 80b. Preferably, at least one hinging device 10 is provided on each side edge of each product fixed within the timber frame panel 90. In Figure 1, the door aperture 97 is illustrated without a door being affixed therein in order to illustrate an aperture 97 within the timber frame panel 90 more clearly. However, it will be understood that in accordance with the invention, a wall module 90 typically would comprise a factory-fitted fenestration product, stowed within each of its apertures 95, 97 99. It will also be understood that the number, position and type of fenestration product will vary dependent upon the building design Referring now to Figure 2A, there is shown a plan view of an upper side 15 of a hinging device 10. The hinging device 10 is formed from a suitable material of sufficient strength and robustness for its application. In the presently described embodiment, it is envisaged that the hinging device 10 is formed from austenitic grade stainless steel. However, it is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable material" includes all manner of suitable materials such as, but not limited to, metal (including steel, stainless steel, aluminium and metal alloys, any of which may be coated or galvanised), plastic and suitable combinations thereof and the like.

Hinging device 10 comprises a second fixing means 25 (also referred to as a second article fixing plate 25) which is used to attach the hinging device 10 to a side of the article 80 (window, door etc.), which side is disposed adjacent to a reveal 90c of an aperture 95, 97, 99 of the wall module. The second fixing means 25 has main member 20, integrally formed therewith are tirst and second leg portions 21, 23. The leg portions 21, 23 of the main member are not in the same plane as the main member 25. Each leg portion 21, 23 comprises an aperture 62a, 62b.

In Figures 2A and 4A plan views of the hinging device 10 are provided. In Figure 3B an end view of the hinging device 10 is provided and in this Figure the shape of the second fixing means 25 can be more clearly seen. The main member of the fixing plate 25 is dimensioned in correspondence with the dimension and shape of a portion of the side of the article 80 to which it is attached. In other words, the width and depth of the main member 25 may be selected so that the main member 20 fits within a channel shape of a PVCu profile forming the frame of a door or window. The length of the main member 25 may be determined by the distance between the first stowed position and the second installation position, which distance may be determined by the depth of cavity required.

The second article fixing plate 25 (second fixing means 25) comprises fixing means 34, 36.

In this embodiment the fixing means 34,36 takes the form of substantially circular apertures, through which fixing members 33, for example, but not limited to screws, can be placed to affix the second article fixing plate 25 to the profile of the second article 80. Preferably the screws 33 extend into a metal reinforcement 53 (formed from, for example, aluminium or galvanised steel) within the profile of the window 80 (see Figures GA and 4B). Thereby the second article fixing plate 25 is securely attached to the second article, the window 80. In other embodiments, the fixing means 34, 36 may take the form of slots to provide additional tolerance for the location of screws into the profile of the window 80.

The hinging device 10 comprises a first fixing means 2466 (also referred to as first article fixing plate 24/66) which is used to attach the hinging device 10 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 (first article). The first fixing plate is preferably "L"-shaped in cross-section (see Figures 3A, 2B, 4B and 5). The second fixing plate 24 comprises an outer plate 66 that is for affixing the hinging device 10 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 and an inner plate 24 that is for affixing the hinging device 10 to the reveal 90c of the window aperture 95, 99 of the wall module 90. The inner plate 24 also comprises an aperture 56 (which may be formed as a circle or slot) that accommodates a lock-off screw L' that is used to lock the hinging device 10 in either the first stowed position or the second installation position.

The outer plate 66 and inner plate 24 are integrally formed from the same sheet of steel material and a corner 26 interconnects the two. In other embodiments other affixing arrangements are envisaged. However, the first article affixing plate 24/66 being a unitary formed metal component provides strength and robustness to the hinging device 10. This, as is described below, is especially advantageous in applications where the cavity depth of the building construction requires the first article 80 to be extended 150mm or more beyond the outer surface 9Db of the wall module 90 since the load imparted on the hinging device 10 may be significant and weaker hinge arrangements and/or weaker materials (such as plastic) may be of insufficient strength to support the window 80 in the second, installation, position.

The hinging devioe 10 comprises two or more fixing means for affixing the first article fixing plate 24 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 and to the reveal 90c of the window aperture 95, 99. The fixing means optionally comprises an aperture 68 formed in the outer surface 66 of the first article fixing plate 24/66. A screw or other suitable affixing means 70 is used to securely attach the outer surface 66 of the first article fixing plate 24/66 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90. Additionally the fixing means comprises an aperture 58c formed in the inner surface 24 of the first article fixing plate 24/66.

The hinging device 10 additionally comprises a first moveable arm 22a and a second moveable arm 22b. The first moveable arm 22a has a trailing end 45 and a leading end 43.

Similarly, the second moveable arm 22b has a trailing end 49 and a leading end 47. The leading end 43 of the first moveable arm 22a is coupled to the leg portion 21 of the second article fixing plate 25 by means of a fastener 32a, which may, for example, be a rivet, such as a blind rivet, that passes though the aperture 62a formed in the leg portion 21 and though an aperture 64a formed in the first moveable arm 22a. Similarly, the leading end 47 of the second moveable arm 22b is coupled to the leg portion 23 of the second article fixing plate by means of a fastener 32b, for example, a rivet that passes though the aperture 62b that is formed in the leg portion 23 and though an aperture 64b that is formed in the second moveable arm 22a. The first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b are not disposed in the same plane as one another. The first moveable arm 22a is disposed above, but substantially in face contacting relationship with the second moveable arm 22b. Each trailing end 45, 49 of the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b respectively, comprises a slot 54, 52. The slots 54, 52 are shaped, sized and configured to overlap one another and to overlap an aperture 50 formed in the inner plate 24 of the first article fixing plate 24/66. The slots 54, 53 permit the moveable arms 22a, 22b to move relative to the first article fixing plate 24'66. The first article fixing plate 24/66 is fixed in its position relative to the wall module 90 by virtue of it being screwed to the wall module 90 by screw 70. Movement of the moveable arms 22a, 22b translates into movement of the window 80 because the window 80 is screw-fixed to the main member 20 of the second article fixing plate 25.

A comparison of Figures 2A and 4A illustrates how the pivotal movement of the moveable arms 22a, 22b, due to the provision of slots 54, 52, permits the second article fixing plate 25 to be moved relative to the first article fixing plate 24166. In Figure 2A, the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b form a V' shape. A force F' applied to the second article fixing plate 25 in a direction toward the first article fixing plate 24/66, causes the moveable arms 22a, 22b to pivot and travel about the rivet 51, and move over one other such that they overlap to a greater degree. The "V-shaped previously formed by the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b is contracted and at a mid-way point in the hinging action of the pivotal hinge 10, the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b are substantially aligned in an overlaying relationship, this is illustrated in Figure 3B. The continuing application of force F' (which may for example by achieved by pushing against the window 80 from the inside of the wall module 90 (i.e. from inner surface 90a toward outer surface BOb)), causes the moveable arms 22a, 22b to further pivot and travel about the rivet 51, and move over one other such that together they form an inverted-"V-shape (see Figure 4A). At this point the second article fixing plate 25 has been moved over and beyond the first article fixing plate 24/66.

The window 80 that is attached to the second article fixing plate 25 has also thereby been moved and the second, installation position that is then adopted by the window 80 is illustrated in Figure 4B.

A locking means, such as a lock-off screw L', is optionally used to lock the hinging device 10 in the first, stowed position. In the first stowed position, a first aperture 56 in the first article fixing plate 24/66 is partially overlapped with first aperture 58b in the second moveable arm 22b and partially overlapped with first aperture 58a in the first moveable arm 22a such that the lock-off screw L' can be passed through the first apertures 56, 58b, 58a in each of the first article fixing plate 24/66, the second moveable arm 22b and the first moveable arm 22a and into the reveal 90c of the wall module 90. This is illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 5, albeit, the lock-off screw L' is not actually shown in all of them. The first aperture 56 in the first article fixing plate 24166 is preferably formed as a slot so that the first aperture 56 can accommodate the lock-off screw L' for locking the hinging device 10 in both the first, stowed, position and the second, installation, position. Optionally, the first apertures 58a, 58b in the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b are circular.

Similarly, the locking means, such as a lock-off screw L' is optionally used to lock the hinging device 10 in the second installation position. In the second installation position, slot 56 (first aperture 56) of the first article fixing plate 24/66 is partially overlapped with second aperture 46 in the second moveable arm 22b and partially overlapped with second aperture 48 in the first moveable arm 22a such that the lock-off screw L' can be passed through the first aperture 56 of the second article fixing plate 24/66 and the second apertures 48, 46 in eaoh of the second moveable arm 22b and the first moveable arm 22a and into the reveal 90c of the wall module 90. This is illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B and 8, (albeit, the lock-off screw L' is not actually shown in Figures 4A and 8). Optionally the second apertures 48, 46 in the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b may be slotted to provide an additional tolerance in locating the lock-off screw L' once the window 80 has been moved into the second installation position.

A notional central longitudinal axis of the slot 54 in the first moveable arm 22a is optionally disposed at between about 30° and about 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture 48 in the first moveable arm 22a. Similarly, a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot 52 in the second moveable arm 22b is disposed at between about 30° and about 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture 46 in the second moveable arm 22b.

The perspective views of Figures 5 to 8 further illustrate how the hinging device 10 is used to move a window 80 relative to a wall module 90. In Figure 5, a section of a window 80 is illustrated in the first, stowed, position relative to a section of a wall module 90. The window is securely fixed and held entirely within an aperture of a wall module 90 by a hinging device 10. Preferably1 the window 80 is positioned substantially centrally of the window aperture 95, 99 formed in the wall module. The window aperture 95, 99 is illustrated having a depth B' (see Figure 5). It can be seen that the leading edge of the window 80 is spaced inwardly of the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 by a distance Si' and that the trailing edge of the window 80 is spaced inwardly of the other outer surface 90a of the wall module 90 by a distance S2'. Preferably Si'is about equal to S2'.

In Figures 4B and 9, the section of the window 80 is disposed in the second, installation position, relative to the timber panel 90, wherein the window 80 is securely fixed and held in an extended position by the hinging device 10. The window 80 projects beyond the outer surface 90b of the timber frame by a predetermined distance. The distance may be determined by: the length of the moveable arms 22a, 22b, the length of the slots 54, 52, the end-to-end length of the first article fixing means 25 between legs 2i and 23. The working length of the first moveable arm may be defined as the distance between the centre of rivet 32a and the centre of rivet Si. Similarly, the working length of the second moveable arm 22b may be defined as the distance between the centre of rivet 32b and the centre of rivet 51.

It is expected that for a wall module 90 of known depth, several hinging devices 10 will be configured, as required, to provide the appropriate fixed distance of travel from the stowed position to the installation position taking account of the desired cavity, which may be about 50mm, about 100mm, about 150mm, about 200mm or more, or less as required.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective components to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these components from one another.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hinging device comprising: a first fixing moans for securely attaching the hinging device to a first article and for releasably attaching the hinging device to a second article; a second fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to the second article; a first moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means; and a second moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means, the first moveable arm and the second moveable arm each comprising a slot and each being coupled via said slot to the first fixing means and being coupled via said slot to one another, the hinging device thereby being structured and arranged to maintain a secure attachment of the first and second articles; to releasably secure the first article to the second article in a first position; to permanently secure the first article to the second article in a second position, the second position being linearly spaced from the first position; and to control the relative linear movement of the first and second articles between the first and second positions.
2. A hinging device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second moveable arms simultaneously are pivotally moveable with respect to both the tirst and second fixing means and simultaneously are linearly moveable with respect to the tirst fixing means such that the first article and the second article are moveable with respect to one another by virtue of the first and second moveable arms at least partially crossing over one another and the second fixing means thereby moving past the first fixing means.
3. A hinging device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the second fixing means comprises a main member that is substantially planar and which comprises leg portions at each end thereof, the leg portions being unitarily formed with the main member and standing proud of a surface of the main member.
4. A hinging device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a first rivet passing through an aperture in the first fixing means, passing through the slot of the first moveable arm and passing through the slot of the second moveable arm couples the first fixing means to each of the first and second moveable arms and couples the first and second moveable arms to one another.
5. A hinging device according to claim 4 wherein each of the first and second moveable arms is substantially planar and is pivotally mounted to a leg portion of the second fixing means by further rivets and wherein the first fixing means, second moveable arm and first moveable arm are stacked on top of each other in the region of said first rivet.
6. A hinging device according to any preceding claim wherein the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and first fixing means each comprise a first aperture and in said first position, the first apertures in each of the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and first fixing means overlap to a sufficient degree such that a single locking means can releasably secure the first article to the second article in said first position.
7. A hinging device according to claim 6 wherein the first moveable arm and second moveable arm each additionally comprise a second aperture and in said second position, the second apertures in each of the first moveable arm and second moveable arm and the first aperture in the first fixing means overlap to a sufficient degree such that a single locking means can permanently secure the first article to the second article in said second position.
8. A hinging device according to claim 7 wherein the locking means comprises a lock-off screw that passes through each of the first moveable arm! the second moveable arm and the first fixing means and into the first article and releasably secures the first article to the second article in the first position by virtue of the lock-off screw being unscrewable and permanently secures the first article to the second article in said second position by virtue of the screwed attachment.
9. A hinging device according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the first aperture in the first fixing means is a slot; wherein the first aperture in the first moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the first aperture in the second moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the second aperture in the first moveable arm is slot-shaped and wherein the second aperture in the second moveable arm is slot-shaped.
10. A hinging device according to claim 9 wherein a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the first moveable arm is disposed at between 30° and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the first moveable arm and wherein a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the second moveable arm is disposed at between 30°and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the second moveable arm.
11. A wall module comprising an aperture, an article and one or more hinging devices, each of said hinging devices comprising: a first fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to the wall module and for releasably attaching the hinging device to the article; a second fixing means for securely attaching the hinging device to the article; a first moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means; and a second moveable arm pivotally mounted to the second fixing means, the first moveable arm and the second moveable arm each comprising a slot and each being coupled via said slot to the first fixing means and being coupled via said slot to one another, the hinging device thereby maintains a secure attachment of the article to the wall module; releasably secures the article to the wall module in a first position wherein the article is stowed entirely within the aperture; permanently secures the article to the wall module in a second installation position wherein at least a portion of the first article stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module, the second installation position being linearly spaced from the first position by a distance; and controls the linear movement of the article relative to the wall module from the first, stowed, position to the second, installation, position.
12. A wall module according to claim 11 wherein the article is four-sided, the aperture is four-sided and at least one hinging device is affixed to each side of the article and each side of the aperture.
13. A wall module according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the wall module is an open timber frame, a closed panel timber trame, a structurally insulated panel (SIP), a steel frame or a cross-laminated timber construction.
14. A wall module according to claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein the article is any one of: a wooden, metal, plastics, glazed or un-glazed, fully-furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished, window or door.
15. A wall module according to any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the first and second moveable arms simultaneously are pivotally moveable with respect to both the first and second fixing means and simultaneously are linearly moveable with respect to the first fixing means such that the article is moveable relative to the wall module by virtue of the first and second moveable arms at least partially crossing over one another and the second fixing means thereby moving past the first fixing means.
16. A wall module according to any of claims 11 to 15 wherein the second fixing means comprises a main member that is substantially planar and which comprises leg portions at each end thereof, the leg portions being unitarily formed with the main member and standing proud of a surface of the main member.
17. A wall module according to claim 16 wherein a rivet passing through an aperture in the first fixing means, passing through the slot of the first moveable arm and passing through the slot of the second moveable arm couples the first fixing means to each of the first and second moveable arms and couples the first and second moveable arms to one another.
18. A wall module according to claim 17 wherein each of the first and second moveable arms is substantially planar in shape and is pivotally mounted to a leg portion of the second fixing means by further rivets and wherein the first fixing means, second moveable arm and first moveable arm are stacked on top of each other in the region of said first rivet.
19. A wall module according to any of claims 11 to 18 wherein the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and first fixing means each comprise a first aperture and in said first stowed position, the first apertures in each of the first moveable arm, second moveable arm and first fixing means overlap to a sufficient degree such that a locking means passing through each of the first moveable arm, the second moveable arm and the first fixing means and into a reveal of the aperture in the wall module releasably secures the article to the wall module in said first stowed position.
20. A wall module according to claim 19 wherein the first moveable arm and second moveable arm each additionally comprise a second aperture and in said second installation position, the second apertures in each of the first moveable arm and second moveable arm and the first aperture in the first fixing means overlap to a sufficient degree such that a locking means passing through each of the first moveable arm, the second moveable arm and the first fixing means and into the reveal of the aperture of the wall module permanently secures the article to the wall module in said second installation position.
21. A wall module according to claim 20 wherein said locking means is a lock-off screw.
22. A wall module according to claim 19, 20 or 21 wherein the first aperture in the second fixing means is a slot; wherein the first aperture in the first moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the first aperture in the second moveable arm is substantially circular; wherein the second aperture in the first moveable arm is slot-shaped and wherein the second aperture in the second moveable arm is slot-shaped.
23. A wall module according to claim 22 wherein a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the first moveable arm is disposed at between 30° and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the first moveable arm and wherein a notional central longitudinal axis of the slot of the second moveable arm is disposed at between 30°and 55° relative to a notional central longitudinal axis of the second aperture in the second moveable arm.
24. A wall module according to any preceding claim ii to 23 wherein the distance between the first and second positions is determined by the length of the slot of each of the first and second moveable arms and/or the working length of the first and second moveable arms.
25. A wall module according to any of claims ii to 24 comprising more than one aperture, an article for each aperture and one or more hinging devices for each article, each of said articles being attached to the wall module in the second installation position by said one or more hinging devices.
26. A modular building construction comprising a plurality of wall modules according to any of claims ii to 25 assembled together, wherein the articles of each wall module are permanently held by said one or more hinging devices in the second installation position.
27. A modular building construction comprising a wall module according to any of claims 11 to 25 and comprising an exterior skin, which exterior skin is spaced by a cavity from an outer surface of the wall module and wherein said distance between the second installation position and the first stowed position is proportional to the depth of said cavity.
28. A method of constructing a modular building, the method comprising: (i) using one or more hinging devices according to any of claims ito ii to attach an article to a wall module in a first stowed position wherein the article is disposed entirely within an aperture in the wall module; (U) locking said one or more hinging devices; (Ui) transporting said wall module to a building site; (iv) assembling said wall module into a final position; (v) unlocking said one or more hinging devices; (vi) applying a force to the article to cause the first and second moveable arms of the or each hinging device to pivot and cross-over the first fixing means of the or each hinging device and thereby moving the article into a second, installation position wherein the article stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module; (vii) re-locking said one or more hinging devices in the second, installation position to permanently attach the article to the wall module in the second installation position.
29. A hinging device, a wall module having a first article mounted in a stowed position, a wall module having a first article mounted in an installation position, a modular building system, a modular building or a method, substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated by the accompanying Figures.