GB2520951A - An adjustable hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable hinge comprising a first hinge plate 12, having a support plate 16 rotatably attached thereto by a pin 18, a second, separate hinge plate 20 (figure 3A) having a recess 24 (figure 3B) for slidably receiving the support plate, and a lock plate 28 for securing the support plate in a fixed position relative to the second hinge plate, a position of the support plate being adjustable within a predefined range of adjustment, at least one stop member 34 (figure 2C), 134 (figure 6C) acting between the lock plate and the support plate, over a lengthwise distance greater than a widthwise distance. The stop member may be a protrusion projecting from the lock plate which engages one of a plurality of disco-rectangular (stadium) apertures in the support plate, the apertures forming a cruciform defining discrete, incremental adjustment positions, or a plurality of saw-tooth ribs mating with complimentary protrusions on a surface of the support plate. The hinge allows for adjustment by the unskilled person.

Description

I

An Adjustable Hinge.

The invention relates generally to an improved adjustable hinge and particularly, but not exclusively, to an adj ustable hinge for a door.

Background

Hanging doors in door frames by hinges is a task which usually requires a skilled tradesman. Conventional hinges do not normally afford any adjustment within the hinges themselves. Consequently, it is necessary that the hinges are accurately set on the door and frame. If, once the door has been hung on its hinges, it is found that some adjustment is needed, this often requires removal of the door. This can become an iterative process which is time consuming. Furthermore, doors, windows or the like supported for opening by hinges may move over time relative to their frames through sagging, twisting of the frame, warping of the door or window panel, or even settlement of the building containing them.

Consequently, this can lead to the door (orwindow) catching' or sticking' in its frame when being opened or closed, Consequently, adjustment of the door's position is required to alleviate this issue. With traditional hinges, which typically provide no means within the hinge mechanism itself for effecting any adjustment of the position of the door relative to its frame, it is usually necessary to reset the hinge positions at either or both of the door or door frame to address the problem. This may include re-mortising the hinge plates in the door frame and door panel and is therefore a task that again requires the skilled tradesman which is both inconvenient and costly for the property owner.

Some modern hinges have mechanisms incorporated therein which afford some adj ustment of a door or window in its frame without the need for a skilled tradesman, In other words, adjustment becomes a do-it-yourself (DIY) task which avoids the costs of employing skilled work-people. However, many of the adjustment mechanisms found in such hinges have one or more of the following disadvantages: they are complex; they are prone to malifinctioning; and they are costly, putting the pike of such hinges beyond the means of most consumers.

General.

Preferably in one embodiment the invention mitigates or obviates to some degree one or more problems associated with known adjustable hinges.

The above may be met by the combination of features of the main claims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention Preferably in one embodiment the invention provides an improved adjustable hinge which can be adjusted by an unskilled person.

Preferably in one embodiment the invention provides an adjustable hinge in which the means for adjusting the hinge are relatively simple and robust, One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention, Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention.

Summary.

Provided is an adjustable hinge, the hinge comprising a first hinge plate adapted to be fixed to one of a frame or a panel and having a support plate rotatably attached thereto by a hinge pin. Also provided is a second, separate hinge plate adapted to be fixed to the other of the frame or panel. The second hinge plate has a recess or a slot for slidably receiving the support plate. A lock plate is provided for securing the support plate in a fixed position relative to the second hinge plate when the support plate is received in the recess or slot.

The support plate can rotate relative to the first hinge plate about the hinge pin. A position of the support plate is adj ustable within a predefined range of adjustment relative to the second hinge plate, The second hinge plate is adapted to receive the lock plate such that at least one stop member of the hinge acts between the lock plate and the support plate to fix the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate. The at least one stop member is elongate and is arranged to act between the lock plate and the support plate over its length and width, where its length is greater than its width. The at least one stop member preferably comprises at least one protrusion or protruding member projecting from the lock plate. The protrusion or protruding member may be formed integrally with the lock plate.

In a main aspect according to the invention, there is provided an adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge plate adapted to be fixed to one of a frame or a panel and having a support plate rotatably attached thereto by a hinge pin; a second, separate hinge plate adapted to be fixed to the other of the frame or panel and having a recess for slidably receiving the support plate of the first hinge plate; and a lock plate for securing the support plate in a fixed position relative to the second hinge plate such that the support plate can rotate relative to the first hinge plate about the hinge pin; the arrangement being such that a position of the support plate is adjustable within a predefined range of adjustment relative to the second hinge plate and the second hinge plate is adapted to receive the lock plate such at least one stop member acts between the lock plate and the support plate to fix the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate, the at least one stop member acting between the lock plate and the support plate over a lengthwise distance greater than a widthwise distance of said stop member.

By engaging the support plate over its length and width where its length is greater than its width, i.e. the stop member is not round, the improved arrangement greatly reduces the likelihood of further sagging of the door after adjustment of its hinge positions.

Preferably, the at least one stop member of the lock plate comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface thereof which mate with a plurality of complementary shaped protrusions provided on a surface of the support plate. This arrangement maximizes or substantially increases the area of contact between the lock plate and the support plate to provide a more rigid connection, The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed features.

Brief Description of the Drawins.

The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which: Figure IA is a plan view from above of a first hinge plate with its hinged support plate in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure lB is an end view of the first hinge plate of Fig. IA; Figure 2A is a plan from above view of a lock plate in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2B is an end view of the lock plate of Fig. 2A; Figure 2C is a plan view from below of the lock plate of Fig. 2A; Figure 3A is a plan view from above of a second hinge plate according to any of the embodiments of the invention; Figure 3B is a plan view from below of the second hinge plate of Fig. 3A; Figure 3C is a side view from the left of the second hinge plate of Fig. 3A; Figure 3D is a side view from the right of the second hinge plate of Fig. 3A; Figure 4 is an exploded plan view of an adjustable hinge in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; Figure SA is a plan view from above of a first hinge plate with its hinged support plate in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure SB is an end view of the first hinge plate of Fig. SA; Figure 6A is a plan from above view of a lock plate in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6B is an end view of the lock plate of Fig. 6A; Figure 6C is a plan view from below of the lock plate of Fig. ÔA; Figure 7 is an exploded plan view of an adjustable hinge in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention; Figure SA is a plan view from above of a first hinge plate with its hinged support plate in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 8B is an end view of the first hinge plate of Fig. 8A; Figure 9A is a plan from above view of a lock plate in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 9B is an end view of the lock plate of Fig. 9A; Figure 9C is a plan view from below of the lock plate of Fig. 9A; Figure 10 is a plan view from below of a lock plate in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 11 is a plan view from below of a lock plate in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments.

The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect, Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others, Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

It will be understood that, whilst the following description of preferred embodiments refers to the hinge of the invention being used in connection with a door, the hinge of the invention may comprise a hinge for a window or the like, Referring to Figs. ito 4, shown is an adjustable hinge 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention, The hinge 10 comprises a first hinge plate 12 adapted to be fixed to one of a door frame or a door panel (not shown), although, in preferred embodiments, the first hinge plate is adapted to be fixed to a door frame. A plurality of screw holes 14 are provided in the first hinge plate 12 for enabling the first hinge plate 12 to be fixed to a door frame in a known manner, The first hinge plate U includes a support plate 16. The support plate 16 is rotatably, i.e. hingedly, attached to the first hinge plate 12 by a hinge pin 18. The support plate 16 has preferably less height (in plan view) than the first hinge plate 12, but may generally be of the same width as the first hinge plate 12.

A second, separate hinge plate 20, shown in Fig. 3. This hinge plate 20 is common to all of the preferred embodiments of hinge 10 according to the invention. It is adapted to be fixed to the other of the door frame or door panel, although, in preferred embodiments, it is preferably adapted to be fixed to a door panel back edge and is provided with a number of screw holes 22 for this purpose. The second hinge plate 20 has a recess 24 formed in its underside for slidably receiving in use the support plate 16 of the first hinge plate 12, although in some embodiments a slot rather than a recess may be provided. In any event, the recess 24 forms a slot with the back edge surface of the door panel when the second hinge plate 20 is affixed to the door panel. The second hinge plate 20 includes an aperture 26 in its front surface which communicates with the recess 24, but is smaller than the recess 24.

The aperture 26 is adapted to receive a lock plate 28 (Fig. 2) of the hinge 10. The aperture 26 is preferably shaped and dimensioned such that its shape and size conform to those of the lock plate 28. As such, the lock plate 28 is received snugly in the aperture 26 and prevented from rotating within the aperture 26. The aperture 26 and lock plate 28 are preferably not circular in shape, but each preferably comprises a regular shape such that the lock plate 28 can be received in the aperture 26 in a number of different orientations, A square shape as shown is one preferred conforming shape for the aperture 26 and the lock plate 28.

The lock plate 28 functions to secure or lock the support plate 16 in a fixed, adjusted position relative to the second hinge plate 20.

The position of the support plate 6, and consequently that of the first hinge plate 12, relative to the second hinge plate 20 is slidably adjustable by inserting the support plate 16 horizontally into the recess 24 of the second hinge plate 20 and securing the lock plate 28 when the support plate 16 is at a desired adjusted position relative to the second hinge plate 20. The amount or range of horizontal adjustment falls within a predefined range. In this embodiment, the second hinge plate recess 24 is shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive the support plate 16 without affording any vertical adjustment in the position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20.

The lock plate 28 has a central aperture 30 for receiving a screw to thereby secure the lock plate 28 within the aperture 26. The lock plate screw, in use, is screwed into the back edge of the door panel. It is therefore necessary that the support plate 16 has an aperture 32 (shown in broken outline in Fig. tA) to afford insertion, i.e. screwing, of the lock plate screw into the back edge of the door panel.

The aperture 32 provided in the support plate 16 is elongate, being preferably of a disco-rectangular shape. As shown in Fig. IA, a length x of a straight side of said aperture 32 delimits the range of adjustment of the position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20. Namely, the range of adjustment is delimited by the length of the aperture 32 less the diameter of a shank of the lock plate screw.

In order to secure the adjusted position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20, a stop member 34 is provided which acts between the lock plate 28 and the support plate 20. In this embodiment, the stop member 34 preferably comprises an elongate stop member 34 of preferably disco-rectangular shape which protmdes from a bottom surface of the lock plate 28 to extend into the recess 24 of the second hinge member 20 to engage the support plate 6, An advantage of using an elongate stop member 34 is that it has a longer length than its width and, as such, it acts on the support plate 16 over a lengthwise distance greater than a widthwise distance. This provides the technical benefit of reducing or preventing rotation of the support plate 16 around the elongate stop 34 and thus reducing or preventing further sagging of the door once the hinge has been positionally adjusted. This advantage is particularly evident where the protruding stop member 34 is arranged to engage a suitably formed aperture or slot 36 in the support plate 16.

As can be seen in Figs. 1 to 4, the support plate 16 comprises a plurality of horizontally displaced adjustment slots 36, each adapted to receive the protruding stop member 34 of the lock plate 28 and each defining a horizontally adjusted position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20 when engaged by the protruding stop member 34. The horizontal adjustment positions of the plurality of adjustment slots 36 are respectively denoted by a, b, c & din Fig. IA. These represent positive and negative discrete horizontal adjustments of the position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20. The different horizontal adjustment positions may be indexed on the lock plate 28 by reference to an indicator element 40 provided on a top surface of the lock plate 28. The indicator element 40 allows a user to insert the lock plate 28 into the aperture 26 of the second hinge plate 20 in a correct rotational orientation for a selected horizontal adjustment position a, b, c or d.

In Fig. 1A, the plurality of horizontally displaced adjustment slots 36 are arranged such that they merge to form a single cruciform shaped aperture 38 in the support plate 16, each arm of the cruciform aperture 38 comprising one of the adjustment slots 36. As such, each adjustment slot 36 has a shape which generally conforms to that of the elongate protruding stop member 34.

An advantage provided by this embodiment is that the lock plate 28 does not need to be entirely removed from the hinge 10 to adjust the hinge position. It is only necessary that the lock plate screw is unscrewed a sufficient amount to allow the stop member 34 to disengage the adjustment slot 36 and to allow the lock plate 28 to be able to be rotated to another indexed position corresponding to another horizontal adjustment position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20.

Whilst in this embodiment there is no provision for vertical adjustment of the position of the support plate 16 relative to the second hinge plate 20, this may be provided for in some embodiments by providing suitably located vertical adjustment slots 36 in the support plate 16 and by making provision for some vertical adjustment of the support plate 16 in the recess or slot 24 of the second hinge plate 20, Referring now to Figs. 5 to 7, shown is a second embodiment of a hinge in accordance with the invention, The following description of the second embodiment uses the same numerals for like parts as used in the description of the first embodiment, but preceded by the numeral 1".

In this embodiment, the hinge 110 is of generally the same structure as that of the first embodiment except for the support plate t t6' and the lock plate 128'.

In this embodiment, the at least one stop member of the lock plate 128' comprises a plurality of protrusions 134' (not all of the protrusions are enumerated in the drawings for reasons of clarity) extending from a bottom surface of the lock plate 128' The protrusions 134' engage a surface of the support plate 116' to thereby fix the position of the support plate 116' relative to the second hinge plate 120. The support plate 116' has a plurality of complementary protrusions 121' on a surface thereof which mate with the plurality of protrusions 134' of the lock plate t28' to set the adjusted horizontal position of the support plate 116' relative to the second hinge plate 120. Preferably, the plurality of protrusions I TI' on the support plate 116' do not extend above the plane of a blank portion II 6'a of the support plate 116'. This allows for easier insertion of the support plate 116' into the recess 124 of the second hinge plate 120 and with a closer fit than would be the case if said protrusions 121' did extend above the normal plane of the support plate 120.

The protrusions 121' of the support plate 116' and the protrusions 134' of the lock plate 128' are arranged vertically and are able to mate at a plurality of horizontal offset positions, i.e. at a plurality of discrete, incremental horizontal adjustment positions within the limited range of horizontal adjustment afforded by the support plate aperture 132'. The number and size of the horizontal adjustment positions is dependent on the spacing of the rib4ike protrusions 121', 134', but affords a considerably greater number of adjustment positions of much finer scale than the first embodiment thereby affording a finer adjustment or readjustment of the hinge position than provided for with the first embodiment, The mating protrusions ITI', 134' provide much greater locking surface contact between the lock plate 128' and the support plate 116' such that a much more rigid adjustment of the hinge position is provided than in the first embodiment or the prior art.

The mating of the complementary sets of protrusions 121', 134' is such as to resist movement of the support plate 116' relative to the second hinge plate 120.

It will be seen that the sets of protruding saw-tooth ribs t21', 134' of this embodiment define repeating patterns on the surfaces of the support plate 116' and the lock plate 128' which can be mated at a plurality of offset positions within the adjustment of position range.

An advantage provided by this embodiment is that the lock plate 128' does not need to be entirely removed from the hinge 10 to adjust the hinge position. It is only necessary that the lock plate screw is unscrewed a sufficient amount to allow the sets of protruding saw-tooth ribs 121', 134' to disengage. A further advantage is that it is also not necessary to rotate the lock plate 128' to any indexed position on readjustment of the hinge 110 in contrast to the first embodiment.

Whilst in this embodiment there is no provision for vertical adjustment of the position of the support plate 116' relative to the second hinge plate 120, this may be provided for in some embodiments by providing a suitably shaped aperture in the support plate 116' and by making provision for some vertical adjustment of the support plate 116' in the recess or slot 124 of the second hinge plate 120. In such a modification, the sets of vertically extending protrusions 121', 134' would allow an infinite number of adjustment positions within any allowed range of vertical adjustment as the sets of protrusions I 2P, 134' could be slid relative to one another to accommodate any vertical adjustment within the allowed range.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, shown is a third embodiment of a hinge in accordance with the invention. The following description of the third embodiment uses the same numerals for like parts as used in the description of the second embodiment, but replacing the first numeral "1" by the numeral "2".

In this embodiment, the hinge is of generally the same structure as that of the second embodiment except that the sets of protrusions 221', 234' are arranged to extend horizontally. As such, these afford an infinite number of horizontal adjustment positions within the allowed range for horizontal hinge position readjustment. In the event that this embodiment were modified to allow vertical adjustment by providing a suitably shaped aperture in the support plate 216' and by making provision for some vertical adjustment of the support plate 216' in the recess or slot of the second hinge plate, this would afford a plurality of discrete, incremental vertical adjustments positions for the hinge within an allowed vertical adjustment range.

Referring now to Fig. 10, shown is a fourth embodiment of a hinge in accordance with the invention. The following description of the fourth embodiment uses the same numerals for like parts as used in the description of the second embodiment, but replacing the first numeral "F' by the numeral "3". I0

Tn this embodiment, the hinge is of generally the same structure as that of the second embodiment. However, Fig. 0 shows a plan view of a bottom surface of a lock plate 328' showing a pattern of protrusions 334' set at an angle to the sides of the lock plate 328'. A complementary pattern of obliquely orientated protrusions is provided on the support plate of the first hinge plate.

Referring now to Fig. II, shown is a fifth embodiment of a hinge in accordance with the invention. The following description of the fourth embodiment uses the same numerals for like parts as used in the description of the second embodiment, but replacing the first numeral "1" by the numeral "4".

In this embodiment, the hinge is of generally the same structure as that of the second embodiment. However, Fig. 11 shows a plan view of a bottom surface of a lock plate 428' showing a pattern of protrusions 434' formed from two groups of intersecting ribs, each set at an angle to the sides of the lock plate 328'. A complementary pattern of obliquely orientated protrusions is provided on the support plate of the first hinge plate.

It will be appreciated from the embodiments of Figs. 10 and 11 that any arrangement of complementary sets of protrusions can be utilized on the lock plate and the support plate in an embodiment of the invention provided that such sets of protrusions comprise repeating patterns that can mate with the other at many different positions horizontally and/or vertically, All of the second to fifth embodiments share the feature of substantially increased surface contact between the lock plate and the support plate to provide a much more rigidly fixture for the hinge of the invention when its position is readjusted.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment, The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein, Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above, Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

II

Tn the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of ifirther features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art,

Claims (2)

1. Claims.1. An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge plate adapted to be fixed to one of a frame or a panel and having a support plate rotatably attached thereto by a hinge pin; a second, separate hinge plate adapted to be fixed to the other of the frame or panel and having a recess for slidably receiving the support plate of the first hinge plate; and a lock plate for securing the support plate in a fixed position relative to the second hinge plate such that the support plate can rotate relative to the first hinge plate about the hinge pin; the arrangement being such that a position of the support plate is adjustable within a predefined range of adjustment relative to the second hinge plate and the second hinge plate is adapted to receive the lock plate such at least one stop member acts between the lock plate and the support plate to fix the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate, the at least one stop member acting between the lock plate and the support plate over a lengthwise distance greater than a widthwise distance of said stop member.
2. 2. The adjustable hinge of claim 2, wherein the at least one stop members comprises at least one protrusion pro] ecting from the lock plate, the at least one protrusion engaging the support plate over a lengthwise distance greater than a widthwise distance of said protrusion to thereby fix the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate 3, The adjustable hinge of claim I or claim 2, wherein the first hinge plate is adapted to be fixed to a door frame and the second hinge plate is adapted to be fixed to a panel of a door.4, The adjustable hinge of any one of claims Ito 3, wherein the second hinge plate recess is formed in an underside of the second hinge plate.5. The adjustable hinge of claim 4, wherein the second hinge plate has a lock plate aperture in its upper surface, said aperture in communication with said recess, said aperture being shaped and dimensioned to receive the lock plate snugly therein. In I.-6. The adjustable hinge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess of the second hinge plate is adapted to slidably receive the first hinge plate support plate in a horizontal direction.7, The adjustable hinge of claim 6, wherein the second hinge plate recess is shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive the support plate without affording any vertical adjustment in the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate.8. The adjustable hinge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lengthwise dimension of an elongate aperture of the support plate defines the range of adjustment of the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate.9. The adjustable hinge of claim 8, wherein the elongate aperture of the support plate comprises a disco-rectangle (stadium) and a length of a straight side of the disco-rectangle defines the adjustment of position range.10. The adjustable hinge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one stop member comprises at least one protmding member of the lock plate which extends into the recess of the second hinge member to engage the support member.11. The adjustable hinge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support plate has a plurality of horizontally displaced adjustment slots, each adapted to receive the protruding member of the lock plate and each defining a horizontally adjusted position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate when engaged by the protruding member.12. The adjustable hinge of claim 11, wherein the plurality of horizontally displaced adjustment slots are arranged such that they merge to fonn a single cruciform shaped aperture in the support plate, each ann of the cruciform aperture comprising one of the adjustment slots.13. The adjustable hinge of claim tt or claim 12, wherein the protruding member of the lock plate has a shape which generally conforms to the shape of each adjustment slot.14. The adjustable hinge of any one of claims Ito 0, wherein the at least one stop member of the lock plate comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface thereof which engage a surface of the support plate to thereby fix the position of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate.15, The adjustable hinge of claim 14, wherein the support plate has a plurality of complementary protrusions on a surface thereof which mate with the plurality of protrusions of the lock plate.16. The adjustable hinge of claim 15, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the lock plate arid the plurality of complementary protrusions of the support plate each comprise repeat patterns of protrusions which can be mated at a plurality of offset positions within the adjustment of position range, said offset positions defining a plurality of adjustment positions of the support plate relative to the second hinge plate.17. The adjustable hinge of claim 16, wherein the patterns of protrusions on the lock plate and the support plate define a plurality of discrete, incremental adjustment positions.18. The adjustable hinge of claim 16, wherein the patterns of protrusions on the lock plate and the support plate define an infinite number of adjustment positions within the adjustment of position range.19. The adjustable hinge of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the patterns of protrusions on the lock plate and the support plate comprise a plurality of vertically arranged ribs.20. The adjustable hinge of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the patterns of protrusions on the lock plate and the support plate comprise a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs.21. The adjustable hinge of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein each of the ribs comprises a saw-tooth rib,