GB2590056A

GB2590056A - Hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2590056A
Application number: GB1914733.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Dave
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-11
Filing date: 2019-10-11
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Also published as: GB201914733D0

Abstract

An insert 300 for reinforcing an attachment between a leaf 104, such as a door or window, and hardware mounted thereon, such as a hinge 106. The insert comprises an anchoring portion 302 to be inserted into an aperture (115 Fig 1) of a channel 108 of the leaf, and an anchoring point 306 to engage a fastener 322a in a direction perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 302. Preferably the anchoring point(s) are configured to engage the fastener so a portion of the leaf frame is between the head of the fastener and the insert. At least one fastener 326a for the hinge may extend perpendicular to the fastener securing the insert to the frame and pass through an aperture in the side wall of the channel to engage the insert. A locating feature 312 may engage with the channel 108 through which the aperture is located. A profiled feature 316 may engage with a similarly profiled feature on the leaf frame adjacent to the channel. The insert may be made of a material with a greater hardness than the leaf frame, e.g. aluminium. The insert may be T shaped (Fig 3) or U shaped (Fig 5)

Description

HINGE

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to reinforcing an attachment between a leaf frame and hardware mounted thereon.

Background

It is often desired to mount hardware onto a leaf and a leaf frame. For example, the leaf may be a window or a door, the leaf frame may be a window frame or a door frame, respectively, and the hardware may be a hinge to attach the leaf to the leaf frame. The hardware may be attached to the leaf frame by a fastener such as a screw, which engages with at least a portion of the leaf frame.

In certain applications, the hardware may be exposed to unauthorised persons. Such unauthorised persons may attempt to forceably remove the hardware from the leaf frame in order to gain access to a property secured by the leaf. It is thus desirable to securely attach the hardware to the leaf frame. In some arrangements, the leaf frame may be formed of a material of relatively low hardness, such as unplasficised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). As such, the fastener may be engaged with a portion of the leaf frame that is relatively easy to deform on application of force in order to detach the hardware from the leaf frame.

Summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that can reinforce the attachment between hardware and a leaf frame.

According to the invention in a first aspect, there is provided an insert for mounting to a channel of a leaf frame and for reinforcing an attachment between the leaf frame and hardware mounted thereon, the hardware being mountable to the leaf frame by a fastener, the insert comprising: an anchoring portion configured to be inserted into an aperture of the channel, and at least one anchoring point located on the anchoring portion and configured to engage the fastener in a direction perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the anchoring portion.

Optionally, the at least one anchoring point is configured to engage the fastener such that a portion of the leaf frame is interposed between a head of the fastener and the insert.

Optionally, the at least one anchoring point is a hole configured to receive the fastener.

Optionally, the channel comprises inwardly extending shoulders and wherein the insert further comprises a locating feature corresponding to the shoulders for facilitating correct placement of the insert within the channel.

Optionally, the locating feature comprises a outwardly extending protrusion for abutting the shoulders of the channel.

Optionally, the insert further comprises at least one mounting point for engaging a fastener for attaching the insert to the channel.

Optionally, the at least one mounting point is configured to engage the fastener in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion.

Optionally, at least part of the anchoring portion comprises a material of greater hardness than a material from which the leaf frame is formed.

Optionally, the at least part of the anchoring portion is formed from aluminium and the leaf frame is formed from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, uPVC.

Optionally, the channel is an elongate channel extending along an edge of the leaf frame.

Optionally, the leaf frame is a door frame.

Optionally, the channel is a Eurogroove channel.

According to the invention in a further aspect, there is provided a fastening assembly comprising hardware for mounting to a leaf frame and configured to receive a fastener, and an insert according to any of claims 1 to 12.

Optionally, the hardware comprises a hinge.

Optionally, the fastening assembly further comprises the fastener.

Optionally, the fastener is configured to pass through the portion of the leaf frame before engaging the anchoring point, such that the portion of the leaf frame is interposed between a head of the fastener and the insert.

According to the invention in a further aspect, there is provided a leaf frame comprising the fastening assembly of any of claims 13 to 16.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a leaf frame and leaf; Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a channel of a leaf frame; Figure 3 shows an exemplary insert; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary insert of Figure 3 mounted in a channel of a leaf frame; Figure 5 shows an exemplary insert; and Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary insert of Figure 5 mounted in a channel of a leaf frame.

Detailed description

Generally disclosed herein is an insert for mounting to a channel of a leaf frame (such as a door frame) and for reinforcing an attachment between the leaf frame and hardware mounted thereon. The hardware may be a hinge and may be mounted to the leaf frame by a fastener (for example, a screw). The insert may comprise an anchoring portion configured to be inserted into an aperture of the channel of the leaf frame, and at least one anchoring point located on the anchoring portion. The at least one anchoring point may be configured to engage the fastener in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion into the aperture of the channel.

As described above, the leaf frame may be formed from a material of relatively low hardness, such as uPVC. In such instances, an unauthorised person may be able to forceably detach the hardware from the leaf frame by, for example, applying sufficient force to the hardware to deform or break the material immediately surrounding the fastener. By providing an additional component with which the fastener can engage, such as the insert, the attachment between the leaf frame and the hardware mounted on the leaf frame can be reinforced. This is because an unauthorised user is required to overcome two points of engagement to detach the hardware from the leaf frame, which may require a greater amount of force than the unauthorised user is able to apply.

In some arrangements, the insert may comprise a material of greater hardness than the hardness of the material from which the leaf frame is formed. In such arrangements, the force required to compromise the engagement between the fastener and the insert may be far greater than the force required to compromise the engagement between the fastener and the leaf frame. This further reinforces the attachment between the hardware and the leaf frame since even if the unauthorised user is able to apply sufficient force to overcome the engagement between the fastener and the leaf frame, the attachment between the fastener and the insert may remain intact. As such, the hardware remains attached to the insert, and therefore the leaf frame.

A further advantage of the invention is that the insert may be retrofitted, for example, to a door already owned by the user.

Throughout the specification, the term "leaf' is used to encompass an openable and closable member, such as a door or a window. The term "leaf frame" is used to encompass the surrounding structure that receives the leaf, such as a door frame or a window frame, the leaf being openable and closable with respect thereto.

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of an exemplary leaf 102 and leaf frame 104, with the leaf 102 closed into the leaf frame 104. In Figure 1, the leaf 102 is a door and the leaf frame 104 is a door frame. The leaf 102 may be pivotally mounted to the leaf frame 104 by a hinge 106. The hinge 106 allows the leaf 102 to be rotated with respect to the leaf frame 104 in order for the leaf 102 to be closed into and opened out of the leaf frame 104.

The leaf frame may be made from an extruded material such as unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) or aluminium. The leaf frame may also be formed from materials such as timber or steel. The skilled person will appreciate that the leaf frame may be made from many different materials. The leaf frame 104 may have a constant cross-sectional profile along its length.

To enable hardware, such as multi-point locks or espagnolettes to be fitted to an edge of the leaf frame 104, the leaf frame 104 may be provided with a channel 108. The channel 108 extends along a face of the leaf frame 104, substantially over the whole length of the leaf frame 104. The channel 108 is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the leaf frame (the longitudinal axis of the leaf frame extending into the page in Figure 1). Specifically, the channel 108 extends along an inner face 110 of the leaf frame 104.

The inner face 110 of the leaf frame 104 is the face that is adjacent to the leaf 102 when the leaf 102 is in a closed position.

The channel 108 may be substantially U-shaped, comprising sidewalls 112a, 112b, a base 114 and an aperture 115. A detailed view of the channel 108 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2.

The channel 108 comprises a pair of shoulders 116a, 116b. The shoulders 116a, 116b are opposed and extend inwardly into the channel from corresponding sidewalls 112a, 112b. The shoulders 116a, 116b define an undercut portion 120 in the channel 108. In alternative arrangements, the channel 108 may not have an undercut, but rather the shoulders may extend to the base of the channel to form a substantially T-shaped channel.

The shoulders 116a, 116b are offset from the outermost ends of the sidewalls 112a, 112b (that is, the ends opposite to the base 114) to define a recess 122 between the outer surfaces of the shoulders 116a, 116b and the outer ends of the sidewalls 112a, 112b.

Typically, hardware (such as multi-point locks and espagnolettes) comprises a faceplate which is received within the recess 122 while the main part of the hardware projects through the gap defined by the shoulders 116a, 116b and into the undercut portion 120 of the channel 108.

A commonly used channel is the "Eurogroove" channel. This is a standard feature on many uPVC and aluminium leaf frames. A Eurogroove channel may be substantially 16-17 mm wide and 2.0 -2.5 mm deep. The shoulders may be substantially 2 mm in length, forming a gap therebetween of substantially 12.0 -12.4 mm wide. The dimensions given are exemplary, and different frames may comprise channels/Eurogrooves of different dimensions and/or shapes.

Turning back to Figure 1, the hinge 106 comprises a pair of hinge portions 126a, 126b pivotably connected to one another. The hinge portions 126a, 126b are mounted to the leaf 102 and the leaf frame 104 respectively.

The hinge portion 126a can typically be mounted relatively securely to the leaf 102, since the leaf 102 typically comprises a reinforcing portion (not shown in Figure 1). The reinforcing portion (which may be formed of a relatively strong material, such as aluminium), is disposed in the area depicted by the reference numeral 128A fastener 130, such as a screw, can securely engage with the reinforcing portion when attaching the hinge portion 126a to the leaf 102.

The leaf frame 104 may also comprise a reinforcing portion (not shown in Figure 1) similar to that of the leaf 102. However, the reinforcing portion of the leaf frame 104 is typically located in the area depicted by reference numeral 132. This area 132 may not be accessible when mounting hinge portion 126b to the leaf frame 104. For example, the hinge portion 126b may be mounted to the leaf frame 104 by a fastener 134 orientated parallel to the plane of the leaf frame 104. The fastener does not engage with the reinforcing portion located in area 132 and, therefore, the attachment between the hinge portion 126b and the leaf frame 104 may be less secure than the attachment between the leaf 102 and the hinge portion 126a.

The inventors have appreciated that there exists a need to provide a more secure attachment between hardware, such as hinges, and leaf frames.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary insert 300. The insert 300 is for mounting to a channel of a leaf frame and for reinforcing an attachment between the leaf frame and hardware mounted thereon. For example, the insert 300 may be for mounting to the channel 108 shown in Figure 1 and for reinforcing an attachment between the leaf frame 104 and the hinge 106.

The exemplary insert 300 comprises an anchoring portion 302 and anchoring points 306a-d. The exemplary insert 300 shown in Figure 3 comprises four anchoring points 306a-d. However, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, any number of anchoring points may be utilised.

The anchoring portion 302 may be configured for insertion into a channel of a leaf frame. For example, the anchoring portion 302 may be configured for insertion into the aperture 115 of the channel 108.

The exemplary anchoring portion 302 shown in Figure 3 is configured such that when the anchoring portion 302 is inserted into the channel 108, a face of the anchoring portion 302 abuts the base 114 of the channel 108. In alternative inserts, the anchoring portion 302 may be configured to extend at least partially into the channel 108 when the insert is mounted to the channel 108. In such arrangements, the anchoring portion may be configured to extend into the channel 108 without abutting the base 114 of the channel 108. The skilled person will appreciate that the anchoring portion 302 may extend substantially any distance into the channel as long as the anchoring points 306a-d can engage with a fastener, as described below.

At least part of the anchoring portion 302 may comprise a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed. For example, the anchoring portion 302 may comprise a portion formed from aluminium and the leaf frame 104 may be formed from uPVC. The term "hardness" is used within the specification to encompass the property of a material that enables that material to resist plastic deformation (that is, permanent deformation). As such, the greater the hardness of the material, the greater the resistance to deformation.

In exemplary inserts 300, substantially all of the insert 300 may be formed from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed.

In alternative arrangements, the anchoring portion 302 may be formed from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed. In further arrangements, a portion of the anchoring portion 302 may be formed from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed.

For example, the anchoring points may comprise holes reinforced with a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed.

The anchoring points 306a-d may be located on the anchoring portion 302. At least one of the anchoring points 306a-d is configured to engage a fastener in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 302 into the channel 108. In the exemplary insert 300 the anchoring points 304a-d are orientated perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis 307 of the insert 300. The anchoring points 306a-d are spaced along the anchoring portion 302.

In the exemplary insert 300, the anchoring points 306a-d comprise a hole configured to receive a fastener. The fastener may be a screw, a bolt, a nail or any other suitable type of fastener. The holes are orientated such that they receive the fastener in the direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 302 into the channel 108. In the exemplary insert 300 of Figure 3, the hole extends across the anchoring portion 302 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insert 300. In the exemplary insert 300, the holes extend all the way through the anchoring portion 302. In alternative arrangements, the holes may be blind holes. At least one of the anchoring points may comprise a threaded hole configured to engage a corresponding thread on a fastener.

The insert 300 may further comprise a base 310. In the exemplary insert 300 shown in Figure 3, the anchoring portion 302 extends from the base 310.

The base 310 may comprise a locating feature 312 configured to facilitate correct placement of the anchoring portion 302 within the aperture 115 of the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104.

The locating feature 312 may comprise a profiled portion corresponding to a profile of at least a portion of the channel 108. For example, the locating feature 312 may comprise shoulders 314a, 314b corresponding to the shoulders 116a, 116b of the channel 108. The shoulders 314a, 314b of the insert 300 may be configured to abut the shoulders 116a, 116b of the channel 108. The profiled portion of the locating feature 312 may further comprise a portion 316 corresponding to at least a portion of the geometry of the leaf frame adjacent to the channel 108.

The exemplary insert 300 may further comprise securing points 318a, 318b. The exemplary insert 300 comprises two securing points 318a, 318b. However, the insert may comprise any number of securing points. The securing points 318a, 318b may be located on the base 310. In the exemplary insert 300, the securing points 318a, 318b are located substantially at either end of the base 310.

The securing points 318a, 318b may be configured to engage a fastener for attaching the insert 300 to the channel 108. The securing points 318a, 318b may be configured to engage the fastener in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the insert 300 within the channel 108. In the exemplary insert 300, the securing points 318a, 318b comprise holes configured to receive corresponding fasteners therein. The holes may be threaded holes configured to engage a corresponding thread on a fastener.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the insert 300 of Figure 3 inserted within the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104 of Figure 1. In Figure 4, the hardware mounted to the leaf frame 104 comprises the hinge 106. In the exemplary arrangement of Figure 3 a length of the insert 300 may be dimensioned such that the insert extends partially along the length of the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104. The skilled person will appreciate in alternative arrangements, the insert 300 may extend along substantially the whole length of the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104. Such an arrangement may allow the insert to provide additional reinforcement for the leaf frame 104.

The anchoring portion 302 is located within the channel 108. In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, a face of the anchoring portion 302 abuts the base 114 of the channel 108. As described above, in alternative arrangements, the anchoring portion 302 may be configured to extend at least partially into the channel 108 (for example, without touching the base 114). In such arrangements, the anchoring portion 302 may extend into the channel such that the anchoring points 306a-d (not visible in Figure 4) are able to engage a fastener.

The locating feature 312 is engaged with the channel 108. Specifically, the shoulders 314a, 314b of the locating feature abut the shoulders 116a, 116b of the channel 108.

Further, the profiled portion 316 of the locating feature may be engaged with a corresponding portion of the leaf frame adjacent to the channel 108.

The insert 300 has been attached to the channel 108. Fasteners 322a, 322b (only a single fastener 322a is visible in Figure 4) have been received in the securing points 318a, 318b of the insert 300. The fasteners 322a, 322b engage the securing points 318a, 318b and the base 114 of the channel 108 to attach the insert 300 thereto. Attaching the insert 300 to the channel 108 may allow a user to engage fasteners 326a-d with the anchoring points 304a-d more easily when installing the hinge 106. In alternative arrangements, the insert 300 may not comprise securing points 322a, 322b and instead may be held in place by other means (for example, by force applied by the user) while the user engages the fasteners 326a-d and the anchoring points 306a-d.

The anchoring points 306a-d are engaged with the fasteners 326a-d in the arrangement shown in Figure 4 (only the fastener 326a is visible in Figure 4). As described above, the anchoring points 304a-d receive the fasteners in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 302. In the exemplary arrangement shown in Figure 4, the anchoring portion 302 is inserted into the aperture 115 of the channel 108 in a direction towards the base 114 of the channel.

The fasteners 326a-d are received by the anchoring points 306a-d in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion, such that the fasteners extend sidewall 112a to sidewall 112b of the channel 108.

The anchoring points 306a-d engage the fasteners 326a-d such that a portion of the leaf frame 104 is interposed between a head of the fasteners 326a-d and the insert 300. Within the specification, the term "head" of the fastener encompasses the end of the fastener to which force is applied to engage the fastener with the insert 300. For example, the head of the fastener may be the end of the fastener with which a user engages a screwdriver or the end of the fastener that the user hammers in order to engage the fastener with the insert 300. As shown in Figure 4, during insertion, the fasteners 326a-d engage the hinge 106, a portion of the leaf frame 104, and the anchoring points 306a-d of the insert 300. The fasteners 326a-d may pass through the portion of the leaf frame before engaging with the corresponding anchoring points 306a-d, such that the portion of the leaf frame is interposed between the head of the fastener and the insert 300. The fasteners 326a-d may additionally engage a further portion of the leaf frame 104. For example, in the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the fasteners 326a-d engage the hinge 106, a first portion of the leaf frame 104, the anchoring points 304a-d of the insert 300, and a further portion of the leaf frame 104 opposed to the first portion of the leaf frame 104.

The exemplary insert 300 is formed from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed. In the arrangement of Figure 4, at least a portion of the anchoring portion 304 of the insert 300 is formed from aluminium and the leaf frame is formed from uPVC. In this way, an attachment between the hinge 106 and the leaf frame 104 may be reinforced. By engaging the fastener with the insert 300, formed of a less deformable material, the attachment between the hinge 106 and the leaf frame 104 is reinforced.

The attachment between the leaf frame 104 and the hinge 106 may be further reinforced by fasteners 330a, 330b (only fastener 330a is visible in Figure 4). The fasteners 330a, 330b engage the leaf frame 104 in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the insert 300 with the channel. As such, the hinge 106 is secured to the leaf frame 104 in two dimensions (a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the insert, and a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the insert).

Figure 5 shows a further exemplary insert 500. Similar to the insert 300 of Figure 3, the insert 500 is for mounting to a channel of a leaf frame and for reinforcing an attachment between the leaf frame and hardware mounted thereon. However, the insert 500 is substantially U-shaped instead of T-shaped. The skilled person will appreciate that substantially any shape of insert may be utilised. For example, in alternative arrangements, the insert may comprise a rectangular block, or a cross section that substantially matches the cross section of the channel of the leaf frame.

Many of the features of the insert 500 shown in Figure 5 are similar to those described above in respect of the insert 300 shown in Figure 3. As such, a description of these features is not given again here and corresponding reference numerals are used to identify them in Figure 5.

The insert 500 comprises an anchoring portion 502 and anchoring points 506a-d. In the exemplary insert 500, the anchoring portion 502 comprises opposed sidewalls 540a, 540b. The sidewalls 540a, 540b may extend from a base 542. The sidewalls 540a, 540b and the base 542 form a substantially U-shaped structure.

Similar to the insert 300, at least a portion of the anchoring portion 502 may comprise a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed.

For example, the anchoring portion 502 may comprise a portion formed from aluminium and the leaf frame 104 may be formed from uPVC.

In exemplary insert 500, all of the insert 500 may be formed fully from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed. In alternative arrangements, at least one of the sidewalls 540a, 540b of the anchoring portion 502 may be formed from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed. In further arrangements, a portion of at least one of the sidewalls 540a, 540b of the anchoring portion 502 may be formed from a material of greater hardness than the material from which the leaf frame 104 is formed.

The anchoring portion 502 may comprise at least one anchoring point. In the exemplary insert 500 the anchoring portion 502 comprises four anchoring points 506a-d. At least one of the anchoring points 506a-d is configured to engage a fastener in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 502 into the channel 108. In the exemplary inserts, each of the sidewalls 540a, 540b may comprise at least one anchoring point 506a-d. The insert 500 shown in Figure 5 comprises two anchoring points on each sidewall 540a, 540b. The anchoring point 506a on the sidewall 540a is opposed to the anchoring point 506c on the sidewall 540b. The anchoring point 506b on the sidewall 540a is opposed to the anchoring point 506d on the sidewall 540b. The opposed anchoring points 506a, 506c and 506b, 506d may be configured to engage a corresponding fastener. For example, a first fastener may be received by the opposed anchoring points 506a, 506c and a second fastener may be received by the opposed anchoring points 506b, 506d.

In the exemplary insert 500, the anchoring points 506a-d comprise a hole configured to receive the fastener (which may be a screw, a bolt, a nail or any other suitable fastener). The holes are orientated such that they receive the fastener in the direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 502 into the channel 108.

The insert 500 may further comprise a locating feature 512 configured to facilitate correct placement of the anchoring portion 502 within the aperture 115 of the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104. The locating feature 512 may comprise a profiled portion corresponding to a profile of at least a portion of the channel 108. For example, the locating feature 512 may comprise shoulders 514a, 514b corresponding to the shoulders 116a, 116b of the channel 108. The shoulders 514a, 514b of the insert 500 may be configured to abut the shoulders 116a, 116b of the channel 108. Although not shown in the exemplary insert 500 of Figure 5, in alternative arrangements, the locating feature 512 may further comprise a portion corresponding to at least a portion of the geometry of the leaf frame adjacent to the channel 108.

The exemplary insert 500 may further comprise securing points (not shown in Figure 5) configured to engage with fasteners to attach the insert 500 to the channel 108. Exemplary inserts may comprise two securing points. However, the insert 500 may comprise any number of securing points. The securing points may be located on the base 542 of the insert 500.

The securing points may be configured to engage the fastener in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the insert 500 within the channel 108. In the exemplary insert 500, the securing points comprise holes configured to receive corresponding fasteners therein. The holes may be threaded holes configured to engage a corresponding thread on a fastener.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the insert 500 of Figure 5 inserted within the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104 of Figure 1. In Figure 6, the hardware mounted to the leaf frame 104 comprises the hinge 106. In the exemplary arrangement of Figure 5, the insert 500 may be dimensioned to extend partially along the length of the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104. The skilled person will appreciate in alternative arrangements, the insert 500 may extend along substantially the whole length of the channel 108 of the leaf frame 104. Such an arrangement may allow the insert to provide additional reinforcement for the leaf frame 104.

The anchoring portion 502 is located within the channel 108. In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the base 542 of the insert 500 abuts the base 114 of the channel 108. In alternative arrangements, the base 542 of the insert 500 may not abut the base 114 of the channel 108. The skilled person will appreciate that the insert 500 may extend into the channel 108 by substantially any distance as long as the anchoring points 506a-d of the anchoring portion 502 are able to engage with the fasteners 526a, 526b (only the fastener 526a is visible in Figure 6).

The locating feature 512 is engaged with the channel 108. Specifically, the shoulders 514a, 514b of the locating feature abut the shoulders 116a, 116b of the channel 108.

The insert 500 has been attached to the channel 108. Fasteners (not visible in Figure 6) have been received in the securing points of the insert 500. The fasteners first engage the securing points and then engage the base 114 of the channel 108 to attach the insert 500 thereto. Attaching the insert 500 to the channel 108 may allow a user to engage fasteners 526a, 526b with the anchoring points 506a-d more easily when installing the hinge 106. In alternative arrangements, the insert 500 may not comprise securing points and instead may be held in place by other means (for example, by force applied by the user) while the user engages the fasteners 526a, 526b and the anchoring points 506a-d.

The anchoring points 506a-d are engaged with the fasteners 526a, 526b in the arrangement shown in Figure 4. As described above, the opposed anchoring points 506a, 506c and 506b, 506d may each receive a corresponding fastener 526a. 526b in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion 502. In the exemplary arrangement shown in Figure 4, the anchoring portion 502 is inserted into the aperture 115 of the channel 108 in a direction towards the base 114 of the channel. The fasteners 526a, 526b are received by the anchoring points 506a-d in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion, such that the fasteners extend sidewall 112a to sidewall 112b of the channel 108.

The anchoring points 506a-d engage the fasteners 526a, 526b such that a portion of the leaf frame 104 is interposed between a head of the fasteners 526a, 526bd and the insert 500. As shown in Figure 6, during insertion, the fasteners 526a, 526b engage the hinge 106, a portion of the leaf frame 104, and the anchoring points 506a-d of the insert 500. Specifically, the fasteners may engage the anchoring points 506a, 506b located on a first sidewall 540a and then the anchoring points 506c, 506d located on a second sidewall 540b. Similarly to the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the anchoring points 506a-d engage the fasteners 526a, 526b such that a portion of the leaf frame 104 is interposed between a head of the fasteners 526a, 526b and the insert 500.

The fasteners 526a, 526b may additionally engage a further portion of the leaf frame 104. For example, in the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the fasteners 526a, 526b engage the hinge 106 first, then the a first portion of the leaf frame 104, then the anchoring points 506a-d of the insert 500, and then a further portion of the leaf frame 104.

The skilled person will be able to envisage other inserts and features thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In particular, it is noted that one or more features included in one or more drawings may be integrated inserts shown in other drawings, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An insert for mounting to a channel of a leaf frame and for reinforcing an attachment between the leaf frame and hardware mounted thereon, the hardware being mountable to the leaf frame by a fastener, the insert comprising: an anchoring portion configured to be inserted into an aperture of the channel; and at least one anchoring point located on the anchoring portion and configured to engage the fastener in a direction perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the anchoring portion.
2. An insert according to claim 1, wherein the at least one anchoring point is configured to engage the fastener such that a portion of the leaf frame is interposed between a head of the fastener and the insert.
3. An insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one anchoring point is a hole configured to receive the fastener.
4. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel comprises inwardly extending shoulders and wherein the insert further comprises a locating feature corresponding to the shoulders for facilitating correct placement of the insert within the channel.
5. An insert according to claim 4, wherein the locating feature comprises a outwardly extending protrusion for abutting the shoulders of the channel.
6. An insert according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one mounting point for engaging a fastener for attaching the insert to the channel.
7. An insert according the claim 6, wherein the at least one mounting point is configured to engage the fastener in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the anchoring portion.
8. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the anchoring portion comprises a material of greater hardness than a material from which the leaf frame is formed.
9. An insert according to claim 8, wherein the at least part of the anchoring portion is formed from aluminium and the leaf frame is formed from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, uPVC.
10. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel is an elongate channel extending along an edge of the leaf frame.
11. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the leaf frame is a door frame.
12. An insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel is a Eurogroove channel.
13. A fastening assembly comprising: hardware for mounting to a leaf frame and configured to receive a fastener; and an insert according to any of claims 1 to 12.
14. A fastening assembly according to claim 13, wherein the hardware comprises a hinge.
15. A fastening assembly according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the fastener.
16. A fastening assembly according to claim 15, wherein the fastener is configured to pass through the portion of the leaf frame before engaging the anchoring point, such that the portion of the leaf frame is interposed between a head of the fastener and the insert.
17. A leaf frame comprising the fastening assembly of any of claims 13 to 16.