GB2559624A

GB2559624A - Hinge assemblies, method of installing same and gateways comprising same

Info

Publication number: GB2559624A
Application number: GB1702379.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Naylor Mark
Original assignee: BJA Trading Ltd
Current assignee: BJA Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2017-02-14
Publication date: 2018-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-14
Also published as: GB2559624B; GB201702379D0

Abstract

A hinge assembly, e.g. for a gate, comprises a gate support arm 120 pivotally coupled to a coupling mechanism which provides adjustment in at least two directions, a first adjustment in a first axis parallel to the hinge axis and a second adjustment in a second axis perpendicular to the hinge axis. Preferably the coupling mechanism comprises a first L-shaped bracket 130 with a plurality of elongate adjustment slots 132, 134 for vertical and horizontal adjustment and a second bracket 110 with an elongate slot providing adjustment in a third axis. Preferably the first axis may be mounted by a pivotal member allowing the azimuthal position to be adjusted.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Hinge assemblies, method of installing same and gateways comprising same Abstract Title: Adjustable hinge assembly (57) A hinge assembly, e.g. for a gate, comprises a gate support arm 120 pivotally coupled to a coupling mechanism which provides adjustment in at least two directions, a first adjustment in a first axis parallel to the hinge axis and a second adjustment in a second axis perpendicular to the hinge axis. Preferably the coupling mechanism comprises a first L-shaped bracket 130 with a plurality of elongate adjustment slots 132, 134 for vertical and horizontal adjustment and a second bracket 110 with an elongate slot providing adjustment in a third axis. Preferably the first axis may be mounted by a pivotal member allowing the azimuthal position to be adjusted.

100LB

122

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

05 18

Fig. 1

100L.B

Fig, 2A ϊ W+ ψ ΛΆ y’WKM>

\ NNr*?'—* cX <?

>' . ^AX ' --Ά- --- /----<™ξϊ^ΞΞΗ^ϊγ\;............'

..... /'‘ ',?'--------------------------------Γ4\

Art.wiwi«Hin«mi. ’''in / \ / ''Ά, <$» AXk r» X. X.

<0

3/5

120

122

124

_>φ|

05 18

131

133

130

132

4/5

134L

131

is;

05 18

5/5

05 18

111

Fig. 5B

HINGE ASSEMBLIES, METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME AND GATEWAYS COMPRISING SAME

This disclosure relates generally to hinge assemblies for attaching gates, doors or windows for example; particularly but not exclusively where operating risk associated with finger trapping should be reduced. The disclosure may be viewed as being relevant to safety doors, or anti-finger trapping door attachments.

Door panels or gates can be attached to posts, frames, casings, walls, fences and other barrier constructions by means of a hinge mechanism, which may allow the door panel or gate to swing about a pivot between open and closed positions. Some hinge mechanisms may exhibit a risk of trapping a user's finger when the door or gate is closed, the risk being especially high for children and babies. In particular, a person's finger may be trapped in a hinge gap between a hinge side of a door and a jamb to which the hinge is attached, as this gap narrows when the door closes. Risks may be relatively higher for automatic or powered gates and doors.

Various safety standards seek to reduce such so-called finger-trap risks; for example, the British standard BS EN 16005 provides a standard for finger-trap protection. According to certain standards, a hinge gap should not dose by more than 25% when the door or gate closes.

WO 2006134372 discloses a safety apparatus comprising a pivoting member pivotally attached to a frame, in which a pivot shaft extends between the pivoting member and the frame and can be retracted into the pivoting member and the frame.

US 8 499 418 discloses an anti-trap device for a door frame, in which a mounting of a hinge is configured and arranged such that the space between the door leaf and the frame will not change in use.

There is a need for attachment assemblies for doors, gates and widows, for example, comprising a hinge mechanism exhibiting reduced risk of injury to a user, particularly injuries arising from trapping or crushing of a body part, such as a finger, and particularly but not exclusively for automated doors and gates.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a hinge assembly for coupling a gate to a structure, comprising a gate support means and a coupling mechanism for coupling the gate support means to the structure; configured such that the gate support means can be fastened to the gate, the coupling mechanism can be fastened to the structure, the gate support means can be pivotally fastened to the coupling mechanism, operable to pivot about a hinge axis; and when the coupling mechanism is fastened to the structure, and the gate support means is fastened to the coupling mechanism as in use, the gate support means can be selectively positioned at any of a plurality of positions in response to selective arrangement of the coupling mechanism; in which the plurality of positions can be selected along a first axis, which is parallel to the hinge axis, and a second axis, which is perpendicular to the hinge axis.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a gate assembly (in assembled or nonassembled, or kit form) comprising one, two, or more hinge assemblies, a gate (or door panel or leaf) and a structure, for example a doorjamb, a gate post, a frame, or a wall; in which the gate can be coupled to the structure by means of the hinge assembly.

According to a third aspect, there is disclosed a method of assembling a disclosed gate assembly, the method including fastening a disclosed hinge assembly to the structure such that the hinge axis is spaced apart from the structure by a gap of at least about 10 mm and at most about 100 mm.

Various configurations and arrangements of hinge mechanisms and doorways are envisaged by this disclosure, some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of which are described below.

Examples of structures may include gate posts, door jamb, or wall. The gate may comprise a door panel or door leaf. For example, the structure may comprise or consist of a post or jamb, which may stand substantially vertically; and / or a side of the structure may be substantially vertical. The hinge axis may lie substantially vertically; and / or the pivot axis may extend substantially parallel to a side of the post or jamb, or to a longitudinal axis thereof.

In some examples, it may be possible to adjust the position of the hinge axis, and consequently of a gate coupled to (or mounted on) the support member, towards or away from the structure along an axis lying in a gateway plane, and / or along an axis perpendicular to the gateway plane. As used herein, a 'gateway plane' will be defined by the gate when the gate is closed, and it may normally pass through (or connect, geometrically) a pair of structures, each on a respective side of a passage formed by the gateway; when the gate begins to open from its closed position, a leading edge of the gate or door panel (that is, an edge that will be furthest from the structure) may move along an arc having a tangent that is perpendicular to the gateway plane.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may be configured such that the plurality of positions (in which the gate support means can be arranged) can be selected along a third axis, which is perpendicular to both the first and second axes, the first, second and third axes being orthogonal.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may be configured such that the azimuthal position of the hinge axis about a longitudinal axis can be selected (while the coupling mechanism is fastened to the structure), in which the longitudinal axis is parallel to the first axis.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may be configured such that the coupling mechanism can be releasably fastened to the structure by means of a fastening mechanism, such as a bolt or screw, operable to fasten the coupling mechanism to the structure with variable force, including a force that is sufficiently small that the coupling mechanism can be moved relative to the structure while the position of the fastening means relative to the structure remains fixed. For example, the coupling mechanism may include a slot and the fastening mechanism may comprise a bolt or screw, which can pass through the slot and be attached to the structure (for example, screwed into a hole provided in the structure), such that when the bolt or screw is tightened, the fastening mechanism will be fixed in position relative to the structure; and when the bolt or screw is loosened while remaining attached to the structure, the coupling mechanism can be moved relative to the structure within limits set by the slot.

In some example arrangements, the structure may have a side surface, the coupling mechanism can be fastened to the side surface, and the first axis may be substantially parallel to the side surface. The side surface may be disposed substantially vertically relative to the ground. The coupling mechanism can be arranged such that the hinge axis is parallel to the first axis, or is disposed non-parallel to the first axis.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may comprise a bracket and a fastening mechanism, configured such that the bracket can be fastened to the structure, arranged in any of a plurality of positions relative to the structure while the position ofthe fastening mechanism relative to the structure remains unchanged. For example, the bracket to be fastened to the structure may be an L-bracket comprising a slot for accommodating the fastening mechanism.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may comprise a plurality of brackets and respective fastening mechanisms, configured such that the brackets can be fastened to each other, in any of a plurality of arrangements relative to each other. For example, the coupling mechanism may comprise two or more L-shaped brackets, which can be fastened to each other.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may comprise first and second brackets, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the brackets to each other, configured such that the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket in a plurality of positions relative to the first bracket, the plurality of positions being constrained linearly between limits.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may comprise a first bracket and a second bracket, in which the first bracket can be fastened to the structure, the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket, and the gate support means can be fastened to the second bracket; configured such that the first bracket can be fastened to the structure at relative positions constrained linearly between limits, and the position of the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket at relative positions constrained linearly between limits.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may comprise a first fastening mechanism for fastening the first bracket to the structure, a second fastening mechanism for fastening the second bracket to the first bracket; the first and second brackets and first and second fastening mechanisms being configured such that the first fastening mechanism can be attached to the structure at a position on the structure, operable to fasten the first bracket to the structure at any of a plurality of relative positions that are constrained to lie parallel to the first axis; and the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket at relative positions that are constrained to lie parallel to the second axis. In other words, for a given position at which the first fastening mechanism is attached to the structure, the first bracket can be fastened to the structure by the first fastening mechanism, such that the position of the first bracket relative to the structure may be constrained between limits.

In some example arrangements, the coupling mechanism may be configured such that the hinge axis, or the hinge edge of the gate may be spaced apart from the structure (from a nearest side of the structure) by a gap of at least about 20 mm, at least about 40 mm, or at least about 60 mm; and / or by a gap of at most about 100 mm, or at most about 80 mm.

In some example arrangements, the gate may be able to pivot through an angle of at least about 80 degrees, or at least about 90 degrees; and / or at most about 120 degrees in use.

In some example arrangements, the gate assembly may comprise a drive motor, which may be housed in a drive box, and which may be coupled to the gate, or to the coupling mechanism such that it can drive the gate to move between open and dosed positions in use. In other words, some example gates, or coupling mechanisms may be mechanised, or automated.

Example disclosed arrangements of hinge and gate assemblies may have the aspect of exhibiting reduced risk of injury to a user, in particular because ofthe gap between a hinge edge ofthe gate (in other words, a side, edge or end ofthe gate, which includes a door, as used herein) and the structure (for example a jamb, post or wall) may not change sufficiently for a person's finger to be trapped between them when the gate swings between open and closed positions; in some examples, this gap may not vary substantially. The magnitude and / or configuration of the gap may be set or arranged when the hinge assembly is installed, such that the risk of a person's finger being trapped is reduced.

Example disclosed arrangements of hinge and gate assemblies may have the aspect of flexibility in instalment, since the position ofthe door or gate, and the pivot mechanism to which it is coupled can be adjusted relative to the jamb, post or wall (or other examples of structures), when the gate assembly is installed. Therefore, an installer can arrange and position the gate according to circumstances prevailing at the installation site, reducing or eliminating a need to pre-configure the hinge mechanism beforehand, for example by welding components together or fixing a pivot pin to a post at a factory.

Non-limiting example arrangements of throw lock and throw bolt assemblies will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an example gateway; and

Fig. 2A shows an exploded perspective view of an example lower hinge assembly; and Fig. 2B shows an exploded perspective view of an example upper hinge assembly;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a gate support arm for an example upper hinge assembly;

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of an example first bracket for a coupling mechanism; and Fig. 4B shows a top view (upper drawing) and a front view (lower drawing) of the example first bracket; and

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of an example second bracket for a coupling mechanism, and Fig. 5B shows a plan view of the example second bracket.

With reference to Fig. 1, an example gateway 200 may comprise walls 210L, 210R forming fixed barriers having a passage between them, and a pair of respective gates 220L, 220R capable of closing to form a barrier across the passage, and of opening. Gate 220R is shown in a closed position and gate 220L is shown in an open position. In the illustrated example, respective gate posts 212L, 212R are provided at respective ends of each of the walls 210L, 210R. Each of the gates 220L, 220R is coupled to a respective gate post 212L, 212R by means of a respective set of hinge mechanisms 100L, 100R; each set of hinge mechanisms may comprise respective top and respective bottom hinges (not visible in Fig. 1). Example lower and upper hinge assemblies 100LB, 100LT are shown in Fig. 2A and 2B respectively. A gateway plane 214 geometrically connects the pair of gate posts 212L, 212R across the passage. In this example, the gate posts 212L, 212R and the walls 210L, 210R are oriented vertically, parallel to a first axis Z (not evident in Fig. 1). A horizontal second axis Y lies perpendicular to the gateway plane 214, and a horizontal third axis X lies parallel to the gateway plane 214. The horizontal second and third axes Y, X and the vertical first axis Z are orthogonal.

With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5B, an example hinge assembly 100 (referring to each of 100L, 100LB, 100R, 100LT) for coupling a gate 220L, 220R to a respective gate post 212L, 212R, may comprise a support arm 120 that can be fastened to the gate 220L, 220R, and pivotally to a bracket 110 of a coupling mechanism, such that the support arm 120 will be able to pivot about a hinge axis P when the respective gate 220L, 220R swings between open and closed positions. In this example, the hinge axis P is vertical, and substantially parallel to the first axis Z. The support arm 120 may comprise a strap or plate member 124 that can be fastened to the gate 220L, 220R by means of screws. The example coupling mechanism comprises a first bracket 130 and a second bracket 110.

The first bracket 130 of the coupling mechanism is an L-bracket, having a minor plate-like arm 131 extending perpendicularly from an end of a major plate-like arm 133. The major arm 133 and the minor arm 131 include respective elongate slots 132, 134 for accommodating bolts.

When the hinge assembly is installed for use, the major arm 130 will be fastened to the gate post 2121 by means of at least one bolt (not shown) through the slot 132, which will be aligned with the vertical, longitudinal axis of the gate post 2121, parallel to the first axis Z. The bolt can be partially tightened so that the first bracket 130 will be loosely fastened to the gate post 212L, and translated up or down along the first axis Z to adjust its vertical position. When the position of the first bracket 130 is satisfactory, the bolt can be fully tightened to secure the first bracket 130 to the gate post 212L at a fixed position. The vertical position of the first bracket 130 along the first axis Z can be adjusted over a distance 132L (see Fig. 4B), in this example about 215 mm, determined by the length of the slot 132. The horizontal position of the second bracket 110 along the second axis Y can be adjusted relative to the first bracket

130 over a distance 134L (Fig. 4B), in this example about 85 mm, determined by the length of the slots 134.

The second bracket 110 of the coupling mechanism also has an L-shape, having a minor arm 113 extending a right angle to a major arm 111, the minor and major arms 113, 111 lying on the same plane. In this example, the length 113L of the minor arm 113 is about 70 mm, and the length 111L of the major arm 111 is about 140 mm (Fig. 5B). The major arm 111 may include an elongate slot 112 and the minor arm 113 may include a circular though-hole 114. When the coupling mechanism is assembled for use, the major arm 111 of the second bracket 110 will be fastened to the minor arm 131 of the first bracket 130, by means of a pair of bolts

140 extending through respective slots 134 in the first bracket 130 and the elongate slot 112 of the second bracket 110. The horizontal position of the second bracket 110 can be adjusted along the second axis X over a distance 112L, in this example about 100 mm, within limits set by the length of the slot 112.

The gate support means 120 comprises a circular boss 122 that can be inserted into the circular through-hole 114 provided in the minor arm 113 of the second bracket 110, and pivotally fastened to the second bracket 110 by means of washers, bushes and screws, for example. Once fastened, the support arm 120 can pivot about a hinge axis P, which is parallel to the vertical first axis Z and spaced apart from the gate post 212L, 212R.

The position of the support arm 120, and specifically the boss 122 for pivoting the gate 220L, can be selectively adjusted horizontally parallel to the second axis Y by sliding the second bracket 110 along the slots 134 of the minor arm 131 of the first bracket 130, and horizontally parallel to the third axis X by sliding the second bracket 110 along the slot 112 of its own major arm ill. These degrees of freedom are provided by the elongate geometries of the slots 112, 134. The position of the support arm 120 can also be selectively adjusted by the sliding the first bracket 130 vertically along the first axis Z, owing to the elongate geometry of the slot 132. Thus, the coupling mechanism allows the gate support arm 120 to be positioned along two or three orthogonal axes X, Y, Z, providing two or three degrees of freedom.

In some example arrangements, the first bracket 130 may be fastened to a pivotal member (not illustrated), which may be attachable to the gate post 212L, 212R. The pivotal member may allow first bracket 130 to be arranged selectively in various azimuthal directions (in relation to an axis that is parallel to the first axis Z). This may provide a fourth degree of freedom for positioning the gate support arm 120, and the hinge axis P, azimuthally relative to the gate post 212L, 212R.

Certain terms and concepts as used herein are briefly explained below.

As used herein, 'gateway' and 'doorway' may be used interchangeably, and may refer to indoor or outdoor access systems for buildings, gardens, driveways or real estate generally, in residential, industrial, or agricultural constructions, for example. A gateway may comprise a moveable barrier that can be arranged to prevent or enable access through another barrier, which may be fixed, such as a wall, fence, or hedge. The moveable barrier may comprise or consist of door, gate, panel, leaf, stile or rail, for example, side of which may be coupled to the fixed barrier, a frame, door casing, or gate post by means of rotating, or hinge mechanism, for example. A lock assembly may be installed on the gateway to prevent or resist the moveable barrier from being moved relative to the fixed barrier, thus locking the door or gate.

As used herein, the term 'gate' generally includes moveable barriers suitable for use in a gateway, including a door panel, or door leaf.

As used herein, a hinge is a component of a gateway that may be attachable to one edge (the hinge edge) of a door leaf to a frame, gate post, or gateway structure, while allowing an opposite edge (the leading edge) to swing from it, operable to open or close the door. A hinge may be regarded as a type of attachment device that can connect two bodies together, while allowingfor limited swinging, or pivoting movement of one of the bodies relative to the other body. For example, a door hinge can attach a door leaf to a door frame wall, such that the door leaf can swing between open and closed positions. As used herein, a leading edge of a door or gate is the edge of a door panel or gate, for example, that will generally be furthest from the hinge, and which will travel over the longest arc per degree of rotation about the pivot axis as the door leaf or gate swings open or closed; and a 'hinge edge' will be the edge of the door or gate that is closest to the hinge (the hinge and leading edges may generally be on opposite ends of the door leaf or gate). As used herein, a jamb is the vertical member of a door or window frame.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for coupling a gate to a structure, comprising: a gate support means and

5 a coupling mechanism for coupling the gate support means to the structure;

configured such that the gate support means can be fastened to the gate, the coupling mechanism can be fastened to the structure, the gate support means can be pivotally fastened to the coupling mechanism, 10 operable to pivot about a hinge axis; and when the coupling mechanism is fastened to the structure, and the gate support means is fastened to the coupling mechanism as in use, the gate support means can be selectively positioned at any of a plurality of positions in response to selective arrangement of the coupling mechanism; in which the

15 plurality of positions can be selected along a first axis, which is parallel to the hinge axis, and a second axis, which is perpendicular to the hinge axis.

2. A hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the plurality of positions can be

20 selected along a third axis, which is perpendicular to both the first and second axes, the first, second and third axes being orthogonal.

3. A hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the azimuthal position of the hinge axis about a longitudinal axis can be selected, in which the longitudinal axis is

25 parallel to the first axis.

4. A hinge assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling mechanism can be releasably fastened to the structure, operable to fasten the coupling mechanism to the structure with variable force, including a force that is sufficiently small that the coupling mechanism can be moved relative to structure while remaining fastened to the structure.

5. A hinge assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling mechanism comprises a bracket and a fastening mechanism, configured such that the bracket can be fastened to the structure, arranged in any of a plurality of positions relative to the structure while the position of the fastening mechanism relative to the structure remains unchanged.

6. A hinge assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling mechanism comprises a plurality of brackets and respective fastening mechanisms, configured such that the brackets can be fastened to each other, in any of a plurality of arrangements relative to each other.

7. A hinge assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling mechanism comprises first and second brackets, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the brackets to each other, configured such that the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket in a plurality of positions relative to the first bracket, the plurality of positions being constrained linearly between limits.

8. A hinge assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling mechanism comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, in which the first bracket can be fastened to the structure at relative positions constrained linearly between limits, the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket at relative positions constrained linearly between limits, and the gate support means can be fastened to the second bracket.

3. A hinge assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which the coupling mechanism comprises a first fastening mechanism for fastening the first bracket to the structure, a second fastening mechanism for fastening the second bracket to the first bracket;

the first and second brackets and first and second fastening mechanisms being 5 configured such that the first fastening mechanism can be attached to the structure at a position on the structure, operable to fasten the first bracket to the structure at any of a plurality of relative positions that are constrained to lie parallel to the first axis; and

10 the second bracket can be fastened to the first bracket at relative positions that are constrained to lie parallel to the second axis.

10. A gate assembly comprising a gate, a structure and a hinge assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the gate can be coupled to the structure by means

15 of the hinge assembly.

11. A gate assembly as claimed in claim 10, comprising at least two hinge assemblies.

12. A gate assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in non-assembled form, or in assembled

20 form.

13. A gate assembly as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, in which the structure is a door jamb, gate post, frame, or wall.

25 14. A method of assembling a gate assembly as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13, the method including fastening the hinge assembly to the structure such that the hinge axis is spaced apart from the structure by a gap of at least 10 mm and at most 100 mm.

15.

A hinge assembly or a gate assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1702379.7