GB2542415A

GB2542415A - Improved hinge for gates

Info

Publication number: GB2542415A
Application number: GB1516597.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Garth Naphine Simon
Original assignee: Gatesecure Ltd
Current assignee: Gatesecure Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-18
Filing date: 2015-09-18
Publication date: 2017-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-18
Also published as: GB201516597D0; GB2542415B; GB2542415A8

Abstract

A hinge for a gate comprises spigot 16 and a loop 12 for receiving the spigot wherein the shape of the inner surface of the loop 28a/b and the outer surface of the spigot cooperate to limit the opening of the hinge. Preferably the inner surface is substantially cylindrical from which projects at least one cam or stop 28a/b which engages with a face of the spigot which may be rectangular in cross section. The stops may be opposite each other, allowing the gate to move 90° in either direction. The hinge may also comprise a top cover 11, a stop plate incorporating the hinge loop, a bearing plate 14 comprising an inner cylindrical bearing surface 26, a bearing 13 with a hole 24 for receiving a portion of the spigot and an outer cylindrical bearing surface 25 that rotates against the inner bearing surface 26, and a bearing retaining plate 15 secured to the top cover to retain the stop plate, bearing and bearing plate within the bodywork of the cover.

Description

Improved Hinge For Gates

Introduction

The present invention relates to gate hinges, typically of the spigot and eye-bolt or spigot and loop type, and to gates having such a hinge.

Background to the Invention

It is known to provide gates, especially in parks, playgrounds or other public spaces that are pivotally mounted on a post or wall and include a closure mechanism so that the gate automatically closes after it has been opened and somebody has passed through. Various gate closures are known and include gas-struts and simpler spring-containing mechanisms. In use, a person opens the gate and walks through and the closure mechanism then returns the gate to its closed position. The gate may then latch automatically or simply push against its mounting.

The gate closure is generally located at or associated with the bottom hinge with the top hinge being simpler, e.g. spigot and loop, and exposed to the users and the weather.

Over opening of the gate can damage the closure mechanism. Over opening of the gate can lead to the gate obstructing a pathway or hitting a surface such as a wall and causing gate damage. There are thus many reasons for wishing to restrict the extent to which a gate can be opened. A small post can be used, which engages a lower portion of the gate distal from the hinge. This works well in stopping over opening of the gate but the post presents a trip hazard. When the gate is opened against a post there is a finger trap between the gate and the post. Similarly, when the gate opens against a wall or other surface there is, again, a trap for fingers or other parts of the body between the gate and that surface. In addition, opening the gate against any post or wall can be noisy each time the gate hits its post or the wall. It is further known to weld or bolt a further bracket to the gate post, proximal to the hinge. This also creates a finger trap.

It is known to provide a gate closure mechanism, for example based on internal springs, that incorporates a stop mechanism to prevent over rotation of the gate. This is usually a simple consequence of the closure mechanism only allowing for a certain amount of movement. The over opening of the gate is to a certain extent prevented but the mechanism is not intended to resist forcible or repeated over opening and is not intended to resist being vandalised or otherwise abused. A common problem, therefore, with automatic gate closure mechanisms is they become damaged by being over opened or, if a gate stop such as a post is provided then there is a trip hazard or finger trap, presenting a hazard to use in public.

It is an aim of the current invention to provide an alternative gate hinge, and in particular embodiments an improved hinge that addresses one or more of the above-identified problems.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides a hinge for mounting a gate on a support such as a wall or post, comprising: a spigot; and a loop that receives the spigot; wherein rotation of the spigot within the loop is limited.

In use the hinge prevents over rotation, or over opening, of a gate mounted using the hinge.

The respective inner conformation of the loop and outer conformation of the spigot can hence be designed to limit rotation of the two with respect to each other.

Referring to a specific embodiment, described in more detail below, the hinge may allow rotation only up to about 90 degrees. More generally, however, the hinge can provide for a maximum rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop of up to about 130 degrees or less, more suitably a maximum of up to about 110 degrees or less. The maximum travel can also be less, e.g. 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, or 60 degrees or less. To protect, say, a gate closure associated with the gate, the hinge is chosen and mounted so that its maximum rotation or travel is reached before damage is caused to the gate closure mechanism.

Components of the hinge can also be made reversible. In preferred hinges, reversing one or more internal components changes the hinge between left hand opening and right hand opening. After taken delivery of the hinge the user can choose how to assemble the reversible component to chosen the handedness of the hinge.

Limiting rotation of the hinge can be achieved using a spigot that is not circular in cross section or has a portion that is non-circular. Rotation of the non-circular portion within the loop engages an inner stop surface of the loop, meaning further rotation is prevented. As will be appreciated from the examples below, the loop may be partially incomplete, for example to incorporate other hinge structural elements such as fittings for attachment to a bracket.

In embodiments of the invention, the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which projects at least one inwards cam surface; rotation of the spigot in the loop causes an eccentric portion of the spigot to engage the cam surface. This locks the spigot in the loop, thereby limiting spigot rotation. In an example below, the loop with inwardly projecting cam surface is provided on a stop plate.

In preferred embodiments, the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which project two inward cam surfaces, rotation of the spigot in the loop causing respective, corresponding eccentric portions of the spigot to engage the cam surfaces thereby limiting spigot rotation. The two cam surfaces are suitably spaced apart and substantially opposite each other around the loop, and the eccentric spigot portions are similarly substantially opposite each other. In use, the respective cams and eccentric portions meet simultaneously as the spigot turns in the loop.

In other embodiments of the invention, the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which a stop projects inwardly, i.e. towards the centre of the loop; the spigot has a generally cylindrical portion from which a stop projects outwardly, such that rotation of the spigot in the loop causes the respective stops to engage and prevent further rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop. In an example below, the loop with inwardly projecting stop is provided on a stop plate.

In further preferred embodiments, the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which two stops project inwardly, the spigot comprises a generally cylindrical portion from which two stops project outwardly, such that rotation of the spigot in the loop causes the respective stops to engage and prevent further rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop. The two loop stops are preferably substantially opposite each other, and the spigot stops are similarly substantially opposite each other. In use, the respective stop meet and engage substantially simultaneously as the spigot turns in the loop.

The spigot can be generally rectangular in cross-section. In such spigots there can nevertheless be identified a generally circular central portion from which projections emanate in the above rectangular-shaped embodiments. Alternatively, spigots for the invention can have largely circular central portions with smaller projections that engage the inside of the loop.

The above described features of the spigot provide for its restricted rotation in the loop (or eye) of the hinge. When gates are mounted on these hinges, there is no need for a separate stop post, thus the problems associated with the posts, such as trap points and trip hazards are avoided. Similarly, the gates on these hinges can be prevented from banging against adjacent walls or from creating finger traps between walls and the gates panel - as the hinge and gate can be mounted so the two will not meet.

The spigot as described with respect to the hinge may be included as part of a gate. Alternatively, the spigot can be attached to a gate e.g. to a gate panel. Metal spigots can for example be welded to or bolted or screwed to the gate. The spigot may also be included as part of or attached to a support, such as a post or wall, with the loop or eye portion part of or attached to the gate.

Separately from limited axial rotation, features of the hinge optionally assist in maintain the spigot location within the hinge loop. This aids hinge integrity and promotes long life operation.

As shown in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments, the spigot may comprises or engage (upon rotation) a bearing mounted within a track such that rotation of the bearing within the track holds the spigot approximately concentrically within the hinge loop. This can hence keep the spigot in a suitable location, noting that the spigot generally does not engage or does not engage with substantial force the inside of the loop, other than when its rotation is prevented by specifically designed stop features of the loop.

The bearing can be integral to the spigot - in which case the spigot comprises a first portion, non-circular in cross section, that has limited rotation in the loop and a second portion spaced from the first that is circular in cross section and turns within a corresponding circular bearing track, holding the spigot so that it rotates about an axis concentric with the centre of the loop. The track is thus usually axially aligned with and spaced from the loop. Suitably, the bearing and track are circular in cross section. The bearing can comprise an outer cylindrical bearing surface that rotates within a corresponding inner cylindrical bearing surface forming the track. Lubrication can be provided between the respective bearing surfaces.

In practice, however, it may not be possible for a sealed hinge to be regularly lubricated by the user / owner. Once initially lubricated, therefore, the hinge may be assembled and then left as more or less maintenance free. Low need for maintenance can be affected by choice of hinge material - as described elsewhere herein. A cover is optionally provided, that can sit on top of the hinge components, providing protection from weather, stopping dirt ingress and also reducing accidents caused by people bumping into projecting components of the hinge - the cover being generally smooth on the outside. Bodywork of the cover can be provided that extends downwardly to envelop and encase the hinge components, and a lower plate can be fitted to keep these inside the bodywork, giving a sealed, self-contained hinge assembly. The internal stop mechanism can create a finger trap, e.g. between eccentric portions of the spigot and projecting components of the stop plate; access to this potential hazard from above is prevented by a top cover, and access from below is further prevented by the lower plate, usually also acting as a bearing retaining plate, described in more detail elsewhere.

Hence in a particular example of the invention, described below in more detail, a hinge comprises: a top cover; a stop plate, incorporating the loop and having inwardly projecting stops mounted on an inner, generally cylindrical surface; a bearing plate comprising an inner cylindrical bearing surface; a spigot that comprises or engages upon rotation a bearing having an outer cylindrical bearing surface that rotates against the inner bearing surface of the bearing plate; and a bearing retaining plate that is secured to the top cover and retains the stop plate, the bearing and the bearing plate within bodywork of the cover.

The hinge can be made of various materials and combinations of materials, including e.g. metals and alloys, and mixtures thereof for different components. One suitable material is or comprises mild steel, e.g. UK grade S275. The hinge can also be made out of stainless steel, though this is harder to machine and drill, or of aluminium if the hinge does not need to be too strong. For bearing surfaces, aluminium is not a good bearing on aluminium. Steel on steel is a better bearing and particularly suitable is a brass bearing on steel, e.g. mild steel. Using brass increases the costs, however. In a more expensive or higher specification gate, a stainless steel hinge may include a brass bearing. It is also optional to make the hinge out of plastic(s) and/or composite materials.

Further provided by the invention is a gate comprising the hinge, and in particular a gate comprising a gate panel fixed to a first hinge according to any embodiment of the invention and to a second hinge comprising an auto-close mechanism.

The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a left-hand hinge of the invention on a gate (shown partially cut away here and in other figures);

Fig. 2 is a schematic, exploded view of the hinge of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a right hand hinge of the invention in closed position with cover and other components removed to show internal features; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the hinge of Fig. 3 in an open position with cover and other components removed to show internal features;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the hinge of Fig.s 1 and 2 in open position with cover and other components removed to show internal features; and Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a gate (shown in full) mounted on a top hinge of the invention with a bottom, auto-close hinge.

Referring to all figures, a hinge shown generally as 10 is made up of cover 11, stop plate 12 incorporating the (incomplete) loop of the hinge, bearing 13, bearing plate 14 and bearing retaining plate 15 which retains all the above-mentioned components within cover 11 when through-nuts and bolts 19a,b are secured in place.

On gate 21 is fixed a gate spigot 16 which fits into spigot slot 24 in bearing 13, hence movement of the gate 21 results in corresponding movement of the spigot 16 which then engages and turns the bearing 13 within the cylindrical track of its plate 14.

Hinge bracket 17 having integral brace 18 is shown fixed (fixings not shown) to gate post 20. The bracket can be fixed alternatively to other surfaces or supports, e.g. a wall, or the bracket can be on the gate and the spigot on the support.

Through-slots 29 in each of the stop plate 12, bearing plate 14 and bearing retaining plate 15 accommodate brace 18 on the hinge bracket 17, and thus rotational movement of the hinge with respect to the hinge bracket is prevented whilst the slots 30 in the bracket allow the displacement of the hinge from the post to be adjusted, e.g. to take into account necessary alignment of the gate 21 with respect to the post or wall or other surface on which it is mounted.

During operation of the hinge, spigot 16 engaged in slot 24 of the bearing 13 rotates and hence rotates the bearing 13, such that the external cylindrical bearing surface 25 on bearing 13 slides against the internal cylindrical bearing surface 26 on the bearing plate 14. Generally in use, lubricant is provided between these two respective bearing surfaces and the location and attachment of the cover prevents or at least reduces washing away of the lubricant by weather, e.g. rain.

The internal cylindrical diameter of the bearing retaining plate 15 is less than that of the bearing 13, hence the bearing is held in position and prevented from falling out of the hinge mechanism.

Spigot 16 is rectangular in cross section and when inserted into the hinge mechanism extends upwardly through the bearing 13 and also into and through the stop plate 12. Referring in particular to Fig.s 3 and 4, with the cover 11 and other components not shown, solely for the purpose of illustrating internal working of the hinge, the rectangular-cross section spigot 16 is shown passing through the stop plate 12. In Fig.3 the gate is in the closed position. Stop surfaces 28a and 28b, located opposite each other and projecting from the inner cylindrical surface 27 of the stop plate, are engaged respectively when the gate is in the closed position as shown in Fig.3, so no further anticlockwise rotation is permitted. Engagement of both opposing stops at the same time by respective surfaces of the spigot increases the stopping strength, compared e.g. with just a single stop; it also balances the absorption of the turning forces, balancing the internal mechanism. Fience, a hardier hinge is provided and the hinge components have reduced propensity to be pushed laterally out of the mechanism, increasing the hinge integrity and durability under repeated use. In Fig.4 the gate has been rotated 90° in a clockwise direction, for a right-hand opening gate, such that the spigot 16 is prevented from further rotation by the other sides of stops 28a and 28b.

The hinge of Figs 1-6 illustrates a mechanism in which rotation of the spigot is limited to 90° as a result of the location of stops 28a and 28b on the inner surface of the stop plate 12. As will be appreciated, stops 28a and 28b can be of reduced angle, hence increasing the maximum rotation of the spigot with respect to the stop plate.

At the limit of its clockwise rotation, the spigot engages both internal stops, transmitting a rotational force to the hinge, and provision of the brace 18 prevents rotation of the hinge with respect to the bracket on which it is mounted.

Referring specifically to Fig.5, this shows the same hinge as in Fig.s 3 and 4 except that the stop plate 12 (being a reversible component) has been mounted in a left-hand configuration, having been turned 180°. In the arrangement shown in Fig.5, the gate can be opened or rotated up to 90° in an anticlockwise direction. Again, at the limit of the anticlockwise rotation the spigot 16 engages both stops 28a and 28b on the stop plate (the stop plate being in Fig.5 reversed with respect to its position shown in Figs. 3 and 4).

Provision of bolts 19a to hold the hinge together may make disassembly of the hinge easy in circumstances when this is not desired. One option is to include security nuts. Known such nuts include a conical and a hexagonal section with weak points joining the two. The hexagonal section enables the nut to be screwed onto the bolt. Once the turning force required to turn the nut rises above a certain level the weak points are broken, leaving the nut firmly in place but with only the conical section remaining, this conical section being very hard to undo.

The hinge shown in the figures has been made of mild steel, making it robust and suitable to withstand severe and repeated opening and closing without damage. As discussed more generally above other materials are also suitable for making the hinge. Although not indicated by a reference numeral, it is seen in the figures that a lower portion of the spigot, adjacent the post, is cut away. This prevents a finger trap that might otherwise appear when the hinge is mounted close to the post, with the bolts securing the hinge via the bracket as close as possible to the post. The cut away ensures there is no finger trap of 15mm or less as a result of opening and closing the gate.

The hinge is suitable for use on a gate with a separate top or bottom (usually bottom) auto-closure mechanism 31 (see Fig. 6). This can have and often does have its own stop mechanism but harsh treatment or vandalism can result in the mechanism being pushed all the way round to the stop and the closure mechanism being damaged. Repeated over-opening can have the same effect over time. The bottom closure often has a stop at, say about 100 degrees so in just one example of use, the top hinge, being a hinge of the invention, is chosen with a maximum rotation of about 90 degrees. The hinge of the invention can also be used as a retrofit on existing gates with a gate closure mechanism on one hinge.

Many components are shown in the example as individual components; as will be appreciated some can be combined into single, integrated pieces.

Accordingly the invention provides gate hinges with an internal stop.

Claims

1. A hinge for mounting a gate on a support such as a wall or post, comprising: a spigot; and a loop that receives the spigot; wherein rotation of the spigot within the loop is limited.

2. A hinge according to claim 1, wherein the respective inner conformation of the loop and outer conformation of the spigot limits rotation of the two with respect to each other.

3. A hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop is 130 degrees or less.

4. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein the maximum rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop is about 90 degrees.

5. A hinge according to any previous claim, wherein the spigot is not circular in cross section.

6. A hinge according to any previous claim, wherein the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which projects at least one inward cam surface, rotation of the spigot in the loop causing an eccentric portion of the spigot to engage the cam surface thereby limiting spigot rotation.

7. A hinge according to any previous claim, wherein the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which project two inward cam surfaces, rotation of the spigot in the loop causing corresponding eccentric portions of the spigot to engage the cam surfaces thereby limiting spigot rotation.

8. A hinge according to claim 7, wherein the cam surfaces are substantially opposite each other.

9. A hinge according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which a stop projects inwardly, the spigot comprises a generally cylindrical portion from which a stop projects outwardly, such that rotation of the spigot in the loop causes the respective stops to engage and prevent further rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop.

10. A hinge according to any of claims 1 to 5 or 9, wherein the loop comprises an inner, generally cylindrical surface from which two stops project inwardly, the spigot comprises a generally cylindrical portion from which two stops project outwardly, such that rotation of the spigot in the loop causes the respective stops to engage and prevent further rotation of the spigot with respect to the loop.

11. A hinge according to claim 10, wherein the stops are substantially opposite each other.

12. A hinge according to any previous claim, wherein the spigot is or comprises a portion that is generally rectangular in cross-section.

13. A hinge according to any previous claim, wherein the spigot comprises or engages upon rotation a bearing mounted within a track, rotation of the bearing within the track holding the spigot approximately concentrically within the loop.

14. A hinge according to claim 13, wherein the track is axially aligned with and spaced from the loop.

15. A hinge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the bearing and track are circular in cross section.

16. A hinge according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the bearing comprises an outer cylindrical bearing surface that rotates within a corresponding inner cylindrical bearing surface forming the track.

17. A hinge according to any previous claim, comprising a top cover; a stop plate, incorporating the loop and having inwardly projecting stops mounted on an inner, generally cylindrical surface; a bearing plate comprising an inner cylindrical bearing surface; a spigot that comprises or engages upon rotation a bearing having an outer cylindrical bearing surface that rotates against the inner bearing surface of the bearing plate; and a bearing retaining plate that is secured to the top cover and retains the stop plate, the bearing and the bearing plate within bodywork of the cover.

18. A hinge according to claim 17, comprising lubricant between the bearing surfaces.

19. A hinge according to any previous claim, made of steel.

20. A hinge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.

21. A gate comprising a gate panel fixed to a first hinge according to any previous claim and to a second hinge comprising an auto-close mechanism.