MXPA96005856A - Adjustable hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable hinge which includes a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve and a second hinge member having a guide, the door leaf coupled with the second hinge member and having at least a tongue received within the guide to guide movement along the same, the door leaf being also engaged with the first hinge member and being received inside the hinge sleeve, allowing a selective pivoting movement of the first member of the hinge. hinge relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction. The adjustable hinge has a vertical adjustment means received inside the hinge sleeve allowing selective movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in the vertical direction, and a horizontal adjustment means within a cavity formed within the second hinge member. hinge member with at least one tongue of the door leaf that is moved guiably along the guide, allowing selective movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member, in a horizontal direction

Description

"ADJUSTABLE HINGE" FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a hinge for a door or a similar article that provides independent adjustment of the vertical position and the horizontal position of the door relative to a mounting frame. The present invention also relates to a bi-directional adjustable hinge of a relatively simple construction having a horizontal adjustment mechanism incorporated within a first hinge member received in the door and a vertical adjustment mechanism incorporated within the hinge assembly which engages the first hinge member with a second hinge member mounted on the mounting frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Adjustable hinges for mounting a door or similar article in a mounting frame are generally known in the art. Some known adjustable hinges allow unidirectional adjustment of the position of the door relative to the mounting frame, in a vertical direction. (By the term "vertical" adjustment as used herein, is meant the adjustment in an essentially vertical direction typically aligned with the axis of the pivot rotation of the door). Other known adjustable hinges allow unidirectional adjustment of the door in a horizontal direction as disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 4,828,507, issued to Killingstad on May 2, 1989 (using two adjustment screws to adjust the position of a member of hinge with respect to the other and an assurance screw to retain the position). (By the term "horizontal" adjustment as used herein is meant the adjustment in an essentially horizontal direction, typically perpendicular to the axis of the pivot rotation of the door, which may also be called "transverse", "lateral" "or other similar terms by those persons who know the technique). Still other adjustable hinges, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5,339,493, issued in favor of MacIntyre on August 23, 1994, and British Patent Application Number 2032994, published May 14, 1980, allow adjustment Bidirectional position of the door relative to the mounting frame in both the vertical and horizontal directions. As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,339,493 and British Patent Application Number 2032994, these bi-directional adjustable hinges allow placement of the door within the frame after the door has been mounted to the frame. However, the adjustable hinge disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,339,493 is of a relatively complicated arrangement, incorporating both vertical and horizontal adjustment means within a base member received in a cover mounted within the door. The horizontal adjustment of the door relative to the mounting frame is made by adjusting the position of a door leaf of the coupling with a set screw received within a notch in the door leaf (between a head and a screw shoulder) of adjustment), which in turn is received within the threaded passage in the base member; the position of the door leaf relative to the base member is pivotally adjusted (lever arm) in a rib projecting into the cover. The vertical adjustment is effected by rotating an adjusting screw with an internal beveled end portion which is received inside the cover and which engages (in support contact in the bearing area) a flat upper surface of the base member (to which the door leaf is fixed) thus controlling its relative vertical position. When the vertical adjustment is made, all the horizontal adjustment means itself also moves vertically (ie, the base member moves inside the cover). This arrangement provides a relatively limited scale of horizontal adjustment of lever arm, given the limited depth within which the cover would typically be mounted inside the door. Furthermore, this arrangement, due to its relative complexity, is not particularly well suited for production by means of lower cost manufacturing methods such as die-cutting, nor for construction using first-rate materials such as brass. The adjustable hinge disclosed in British Patent Application No. 2032994 is also of a relatively complex arrangement, with both vertical and horizontal adjustment means contained within a single sliding member (base) movably received in a housing mounted within the door. The horizontal adjustment of the slide member relative to the housing (and therefore the door relative to the mounting frame) is achieved by rotating an adjustment spindle, which rotates through a screw thread bore in the mounting member. but it is fixed inside the inner wall of the housing, so that the sliding member slides horizontally inside the housing. Vertical adjustment is achieved by adjusting a set screw that retains a hinge member coupled with the mounting frame against the slide member through a vertically elongated slot, along which the vertical position of the hinge member can move with with respect to the sliding member. The relatively complex arrangement does not lend itself to lower cost manufacturing methods or to the use of premium materials. A bi-directional adjustable hinge (incorporating the horizontal adjustment arrangement of U.S. Patent Number 4,828,507) manufactured by the concessionaire of the present application, is disclosed in an Andersen Corp. sales catalog called "A Complete Guide to Anderson Windows and Patio Doors "on page 132, article 7 (catalog 65M 12-93 Number 941, revised 11/12/93) The device of Andersen employs a means of horizontal adjustment within the pivoting mechanism of the two hinge members. , the Andersen device employs a ball bearing arrangement (not visible in the catalog) that holds the vertical load, the first hinge member is welded on the hinge pin and is adjusted in its support position in the ball bearing Therefore, it would be advantageous if there was an adjustable hinge that is suitable for lower cost manufacturing methods. It is advantageous to have an adjustable hinge of aesthetically pleasing appearance which is of relatively simple construction of high strength. It would further be advantageous to have a compact design for an adjustable hinge that is more easily installed in a door or mounting frame that can be more easily adjusted after installation. It would also be advantageous to have an adjustable hinge that allows the use of wear-resistant materials and a maintenance-free operation (not requiring the oiling of the matching pieces). In addition, it would be advantageous to have an adjustable hinge that is designed to allow the use of a wide range of corrosion-resistant materials and prime materials (such as brass) or surface finishes that are compatible with the existing hardware. It would further be advantageous to have an adjustable hinge that incorporates the aforementioned advantages while allowing a relatively wide scale of independent adjustment in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

An improved adjustable hinge incorporating the aforementioned advantages would be a significant advance in the art.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an adjustable hinge that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member, with a pivot coupling means for coupling the first hinge member with the second hinge member and to allow pivot movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction. The adjustable hinge also includes a vertical adjustment means contained within the pivoting coupling means in order to selectively allow movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in the vertical direction, and a horizontal adjustment means contained therein. of the first hinge member to selectively allow movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction. The present invention also relates to an adjustable hinge that includes a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve with an upper portion and a lower portion, and a second hinge member having a guide, with a door leaf having a hinge. first end and a second end, the first end being coupled with the second hinge member and having at least one tongue received within the guide of the second hinge member to guide movement therealong, and the second end coupled with the first hinge member, the second end has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve and the lower extension is received within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve, allowing selectively the pivoting movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis d e rotation that extends in a vertical direction. The adjustable hinge also includes a vertical adjustment screw screwed into the lower portion of the hinge sleeve below the lower extension of the door leaf to move inside the hinge sleeve, to allow selective movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in the vertical direction, and a horizontal adjusting screw screwed into a threaded hole in the first end of the door leaf as the first end of the door leaf being retained by the horizontal adjusting screw within a cavity formed within the second hinge member, so that the rotation of the horizontal adjustment screw moves the tongue along the guide, to allow selective movement of the first hinge member in relation to to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction. The present invention further relates to an adjustable hinge that includes a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve with an upper portion and a lower portion, a second hinge member having a guide recess, and a door leaf having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled with the second hinge member and being received within guide recess to move along it, and the second end being pivotally coupled with the first member of the hinge member. hinge with a pivot pin, the pivot pin has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension is received within an upper portion of the hinge sleeve and the lower extension is received within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve, selectively allow the pivoting movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation which extends in a vertical direction. The adjustable hinge also includes a vertical adjustment screw screwed into the lower portion of the hinge sleeve below the lower extension of the door leaf to move inside the hinge sleeve, in order to allow the selective movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in the vertical direction, and a horizontal adjustment screw screwed into a threaded hole in the first end of the door leaf, and first The end of the door leaf is engaged by the horizontal adjustment screw with the second hinge member so that the rotation of the horizontal adjustment screw moves the first end of the door leaf along the guide recess to allow movement. selective of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a bidirectional adjustable hinge in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position (which also shows in silhouette a cut-away view of a door and a mounting frame); FIGURE 2 is a detailed perspective view of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position; FIGURE 3 is a front view of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position; FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position that also shows the horizontal adjustment scale; FIGURE 5 is a bottom view of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in a closed position that also shows the horizontal adjustment scale; FIGURE 6 is a sectional and cut away view of the bidirectional adjustable hinge showing the hinge assembly and the vertical adjustment mechanism (with the vertical adjustment scale); FIGURE 7 is a sectional lower cut away view of the bidirectional adjustment hinge in an open position showing the horizontal adjustment mechanism in an intermed position; FIGURE 8 is a sectional, cut-away bottom view of a bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position showing the horizontal adjustment mechanism in a nearly fully adjusted position; FIGURE 9 is a top view of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position; FIGURE 10 is a front view of a bidirectional adjustable hinge in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in an open position also showing a cut-away view of the hinge assembly and the vertical adjustment mechanism (with the vertical adjustment scale ); FIGURE 11 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position; FIGURE 12 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the bidirectional adjustable hinge in an open position that also shows the horizontal adjustment scale; FIGURE 13 is a sectional and cut away view of the horizontal adjustment mechanism of an alternative mode of the bidirectional adjustable hinge; and FIGURE 14 is a cut-away view of the arrangement through the caal the bidirectional adjustable hinge is assembled. In the different FIGURES, the same reference numbers are used to show equal components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring now to the figures, FIGURES 1 to 9 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a bidirectional adjustable hinge in accordance with the present invention (shown with a door and a silhouette mounting frame in FIGURE 1). FIGURE 2 illustrates the bidirectional adjustable hinge 100 in a detailed perspective view, which allows to easily examine its arrangement. Adjustable hinge 100 comprises a first hinge member 102 (shown by a hinged or leaf leaf 102a) and a second hinge member 104a (shown by a cover plate 104a and a backrest member 104b) pivotally engaged within of a hinge assembly 106 by a door leaf 120. The hinge assembly 106 includes a hinge sleeve 108 comprising an upper sleeve portion 108a and a lower sleeve portion 108b (e.g., upper and lower curved hinges integrally formed of the leaflet 102a), each portion having a circular perforation extending axially therethrough to define an axis of rotation (shown by line 10).

The hinge assembly 106 also includes a shield 110 having a circular bore extending axially therethrough along the axis of rotation 10. As shown in FIGURE 2, the shield 110 fits within a space between the upper sleeve portion 108a and the lower sleeve portion 108b and the hinge sleeve 108. An upper hinge lid 150 fits within the circular bore within the portion 108a of the upper sleeve of the hinge sleeve 108. (In an alternative mode (not illustrated), the hinge assembly may have a lower hinge cover). As shown in FIGURE 2, the door leaf 120 is of an arched construction with a central arch 124. The door leaf 120 also has door leaf extensions 128a and 128b extending toward the upper sleeve portion 108a and the lower sleeve portion 108b of the hinge sleeve 108, respectively. The central portion of the door leaf 128 between the extensions 128a and 128b of the door leaf is received within a slot 110a in the protector 110. In the preferred embodiment, the door leaf 120 is of unitary construction, and of strength appropriate to support the weight of the largest doors.

The first hinge member 102 and the second hinge member 104 each have a plurality of mounting holes (typically shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 with reference to numbers 102x and 104x, respectively) into which holes fasteners are fastened as threaded screws (typically shown in FIGURE 1 with reference numerals 102y and 104y, respectively) to hold each respective member with a mounting frame and a door (shown in silhouette lines in FIGURE 1). When the adjustable hinge 100 is installed, the first hinge member 102 is mounted within a properly formed recess (not shown) in the mounting frame and the second hinge member 104 is mounted within a properly formed recess (not shown) in the corresponding door.

(In an alternative embodiment, the mounting arrangement of the first and second hinge members with respect to the mounting frame and the door can be inverted). After the adjustable hinge 100 has been installed, the leg is allowed to pivot about the axis of rotation 10, which defines the center line of the hinge assembly 106, to allow the rotational movement of the door relative to the frame of the hinge. assembly, typically between a closed position and a fully open position.

The cover plate 104a (shown in FIGURE 2) and the backing member 104b of the second hinge member 104 are held together by a series of die-cut enhancements (as typically shown in FIGURE 14 with the reference numeral 103) in FIG. a particularly preferred embodiment suitable for lower cost manufacturing. Other fastening means known to those skilled in the art to provide appropriate strength may also be employed in assembling the second hinge member. A horizontal adjustment mechanism 130 is contained in a generally orthogonal cavity 132 formed in a central portion of a second hinge member 104 between the cover plate 104a and the backing member 104b, wherein a first end 122 of the sheet is received. 120 of door. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 130 includes a horizontal adjustment screw 134 with a threaded end 134a and an opposing screw head 134b through a horizontal adjustment hole 136 (unthreaded) in the cover plate 104a. The door leaf 120 contains at the first end 122 a threaded hole 121, which receives the threaded end 134a of the horizontal adjustment screw 134, and a pair of door leaf tabs 126a and 126b in close proximity to the first end 122 (see FIG. FIGURES 2 and 4). The backup member 104b contains a pair of arcuate slots 138a and 138b on opposite sides of the orthogonal cavity 132 (which are configured as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 to 8), each receiving the tabs 126a and 126b of the door leaf. The backup member 104b also has a flange 133; a cover plate 104a has a flange 137 containing a recess 139. The door leaf 120 extends through a support groove (not shown) formed between the flange 133 of the backing member 104b and the recess 139 of the plate 104th of cover. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 130 also includes a horizontal adjustment indicator (not shown). As shown in FIGURE 4, the horizontal adjustment is effected by rotating the threaded horizontal adjustment screw 134 within a corresponding threaded hole 121 of the door leaf 120, which causes a relative movement of the first end 122 of the leaf 120 door with respect to the second hinge member 104 in an arcuate path defined by arcuate slots 138a and 138b that retain the tabs 126a and 126b of the door leaf, respectively, and also by movement of the central arch 124 of the door leaf 120 , between the flange 133 and the flange 137 and through the support groove, thereby defining an essentially horizontal trajectory of the travel of the first hinge member 102 relative to the second hinge member 104. (The horizontal adjustment screw 134 is screwed in only with the door leaf 120). As shown by comparison of FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 and 8, a first end 122 of the door leaf 120 runs in its guided path through the relative position of the first hinge member 102 with respect to the second member 104 of hinge which adjusts correspondingly (as does the angle at which the horizontal adjustment screw 134 is retained within the horizontal adjustment mechanism 130. The door leaf 120 moves within the cavity 132 between the backrest member 104b and the cover plate 104a, due to the fact that the tabs 126a and 126b of the door leaf follow the grooves 138a and 138b arched in the backrest member 104b.The door leaf 120 is retained in and extends through the slot of support formed between the recess 139 of the cover plate 104a and the rim 133 of the backrest member 104b at a distance that varies as the movement of movement follows the arcuate grooves 138a and 138b. The surface of the support created between the door leaf 120 and the support groove (at or near the central arch 124) therefore also varies as the door leaf 120 is guided along the groove 138a and 138b arched.

In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of horizontal adjustment screws can be used in a coordinate arrangement to effect horizontal adjustment; similarly, the equivalent function of the arcuate slots 138a and 138b shown in the preferred embodiment can be achieved with alternative arrangements of any type of guide or guidance system already known in the art such as a rail (or rails) or path. Due to the shape of the arcuate grooves 138a and 138b of the door leaf 120 (with the central arc 124), the horizontal adjustment is essentially limited in a single horizontal direction whereby the hinge assembly 106 runs in an essentially perpendicular direction to the face of the second hinge member 104. The adjustment can be made in any way in the horizontal direction (ie, from one end of the arcuate path to the other). With reference to Figure 4 it is evident that a relatively considerable total horizontal adjustment scale (shown by the letter A) can be effected by the operation of the horizontal adjustment mechanism 130 (see also FIGURE 5). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the horizontal adjustment screw 134 may be provided with a protective cap (not shown) such as a mushroom head at the threaded end 134a (opposite the head 134b of the screw) in order to prevent the horizontal adjustment screw 134 is retracted completely out of threaded hole 121 as it approaches the adjustment limit. Referring to FIGURE 6, the set Hinge 106 is shown in a sectional view and cut away to reveal a vertical adjustment mechanism 140. The vertical adjustment mechanism 140 includes a pair of cups which are shown as upper and lower hubs 142a and 142b which fit within and are free to rotate within the axial bore of the hinge sleeve 108 and guard 110. Referring now to FIG. new to FIGURE 2 the bushings 142a and 142b each have an axial bore (typically shown by a rectangular slot 144a) extending to an appropriate depth to receive the door leaf extensions 128a and 128b (rectangular ends) ), respectively. The door leaf 120 in this manner is properly retained by the door leaf extensions 128a and 128b (and their respective bushings 142a and 142b) within the hinge sleeve 108 and guard 110 to allow pivotal movement of the first member 102 of hinge with respect to the second hinge member 104 about the axis of rotation 10. The vertical adjustment mechanism 140 also includes a vertical adjustment screw 146 (an adjusting screw or the like) that engages a threaded section 108c within the axial bore in the portion 108b of the lower sleeve of the hinge sleeve 108 (is say, the lid 150 of opposite hinge) along the axis of rotation 10. As evident in FIGURE 6, the vertical adjustment is effected by rotating the vertical adjustment screw 146 which engages the threaded section 108c and which effects a relative vertical movement (up or down) of the lower bushing 142b with respect to the member 102 of articulation first and hence the linear movement of the door leaf 120 in a substantially vertical direction along the axis of rotation 10 within the hinge sleeve 108 and the protector 110. The vertical adjustment (shown in FIGURE 1). 3 by the letter B) can be made either in the vertical direction within a scale defined by the specific design of the vertical adjustment mechanism 140. The vertical downward adjustment of the door leaf 120 is aided by the weight of the door; the vertical upward adjustment must overcome the weight of the door. Due to the adjustment and configuration of the bushings 142a and 142b within the hinge sleeve 108 and guard 110, and of the door leaf extensions 128a and 128b within the bushings 142a and 142b, the "play" or twist of the The door leaf 120 within the hinge assembly 106 is minimized. Referring to FIGURE 3, when the adjustable hinge 100 is installed, the weight of the door (not shown) is carried by the door leaf 120 extending from the second hinge member 104.; the lower door leaf extension 128b forces downwardly on the lower hub 142b. During the pivoting movement of the door relative to the mounting frame (ie, opening and closing), a bearing area is therefore created on the mating surfaces of the upper end of the vertical adjustment screw 146 and the lower end of the lower 142b bushing. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the configuration of the lower bushing 142b can be adjusted within available space limits to adjust the size of the support area (and to adjust the corresponding support forces). Bushings 142a and 142b can be made of plastic or metal. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, they are made of a plastic ("DELRIN 500" or similar material) to provide a quiet, uniform and maintenance-free operation, eliminating the need for lubrication of internal matching parts that rest one on top of the other during the use of the door. In any preferred embodiment, the bushings 142a and 142b are made of a material that is appropriately wear resistant and allows relatively uniform and silent opening and closing of the door. As seen in FIGURE 2, the lower bushing 142b has a pair of alignment slots 144b and 144c that facilitate assembly indicating the rotational orientation of the rectangular axial slot 144a within the lower sleeve portion 108b of the sleeve 108, to facilitate the insertion of the upper and lower door leaf extensions 128a and 128b during assembly. Referring again to FIGURE 2, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the door leaf 120 is formed of a single piece of material that includes the door leaf extensions 128a and 128b, the central arch 124, the tabs 126a and 126b of door leaf and hole 121 threaded. In the preferred embodiment, the door leaf 120, leaf flap 102a, guard 110, cover plate 104a and backing member 104b are formed of corrosion resistant materials or provided with a corrosion resistant finish . (Exemplary bidirectional adjustable joints generally known in the art are molded into a zinc die, when brass electroplating is required the cover is terminated by brushing apparently to hide defects in the cast or molded part). Since the cover plate 104b in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be cold rolled steel, it may be provided with a glossy brass finish. The lid 150 of the hinge in the upper part of the upper sleeve portion 108a of the hinge sleeve 108 could also be provided with a matching finish. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second hinge members 102 and 104 (i.e., the building components), as well as the unitary door leaf 120 are formed of brass in a punching operation. An alternative embodiment of a bi-directional adjustable hinge 200 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. Referring now to FIGURE 10, the adjustable hinge 200 comprises a first hinge member 202 (shown by the sheet 202a of the hinge) and a second hinge member 204 (shown by a cover plate 204a) pivotally engaged within the hinge assembly 206 by a door leaf 220. The hinge assembly 206 includes an upper hinge cap 250a and a lower hinge cap 250b. The first hinge member 202 and the second hinge member 204 each have a plurality of mounting holes (typically shown in FIGURE 10 with reference numerals 202x and 204x, respectively), into which holes the holes are adjusted. fasteners such as threaded screws (not shown) for securing each respective member in a mounting frame and a door such as for the preferred embodiment). According to this embodiment, a horizontal adjustment mechanism 230 includes a generally orthogonal recess 232 within the cover plate 204 (see FIGURE 13) to receive a first end 222 correspondingly of the substantially planar door leaf 220 (see FIG. FIGURES 11 and 12). The horizontal adjustment mechanism 230 also includes a horizontal adjustment screw 234 with a threaded end 234a and an opposite screw head 234b received within the cover plate 204a through a horizontal adjustment hole 236 which is partially screwed in and also is hazelnut to receive the screw head 234b (see FIGURE 13). The door leaf 220 also contains a threaded hole 221 which receives the horizontal adjustment screw 234 which couples the door leaf 220 with the cover plate 204 a. (In an alternative mode, a plurality of horizontal adjustment screws can be used in a coordinate arrangement). A washer or similar article shown as the retaining clip 235 is seated in the horizontal adjustment screw 234 between the cover plate 204a and the door leaf 220. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal adjustment screw 234 may be provided with a cap (not shown) at an end opposite the screw head 234a in order to prevent the horizontal adjustment screw 234 from retracting from the tapped hole 221. that approaches the adjustment limit. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 230 also includes a horizontal adjustment indicator (not shown). As shown in FIGURE 10, the horizontal adjustment is effected by rotating the horizontal adjustment screw 234 which causes a relative movement of the first end 222 of the door leaf 220, in an essentially horizontal direction of an axial path to the hole 221. threaded and the horizontal adjustment screw 234 along the edges 232a and 232b of the recess 232 which retain and guide the edges 222a and 222b of the door leaf 220. The linear path of travel of the door leaf 220 follows the axis of the horizontal adjustment screw 234. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as the first end 222 of the door leaf 220 marches in the linear path defined by the edges 232a and 232b of the recess 232, the position of the door leaf 220 relative to leaf 202a of the leaf (i.e., first hinge member 202 relative to a second hinge member 204) is adjusted in a horizontal direction. Referring to FIGURE 12, it is clear that a relatively significant scale of total horizontal adjustment (shown by the letter A ') can be made in any operating direction of the horizontal adjustment mechanism 230. Referring to FIGURE 10 the hinge assembly 206 is shown in a cut away view to reveal a vertical adjustment mechanism 240. The vertical adjustment mechanism 240 includes a pair of support sleeves that are shown as the upper and lower bushings 242a and 242b, which fit within the axial bore of the hinge sleeve 208 and guard 210. The bushings 242a and 242b each one has an axial bore (not shown) for receiving a pivot pin 244. The pivot pin 244 is also received in a sleeve (not shown) formed by an axial bore in the door leaf 220. The pivot pin 244 extends completely through the sleeve formed in the door leaf 220 to expose the extensions 244a and 244b of the upper and lower pivot pin, retained in the bushings 242a and 242b, respectively which in turn are received inside. of hinge sleeve 208 and guard 210 to allow pivotal movement about a rotation axis 20 of hinge assembly 206. (The door leaf 220 is free to rotate about the pivot pin 244). The pivotal movement of the door leaf 220 about the axis of rotation 20 corresponds to the pivoting movement of the first hinge member 202 relative to the second hinge member 204. The vertical adjustment mechanism 240 also includes a vertical adjustment screw 246 (an adjustment screw or the like) that couples a threaded section 208c of the hinge sleeve 208 below the lower extension 244b of the pivot pin 244. The lower surface of the lower extension 244b of the pivot pin 244 rests on the upper surface of the vertical adjustment screw 246. A flat flange 262 formed on the pivot pin 244 as part of the lower extension 244b creates a horizontal support surface with the door leaf 220 whereby the door leaf 220 is held and can therefore be raised or lowered. Referring to FIGURE 10, when the adjustable hinge 200 is installed, the weight of the door (not shown) is carried by the door leaf 220 which forces the shoulder 262 of the pivot pin 244 downwardly and therefore forces the bottom surface of the pivot pin 244 down to the screw 246 of Vertical adjustment.

As is evident in FIGURE 10, the vertical adjustment is effected by rotating the vertical adjustment screw 246 which couples the threaded section 208c of the lower portion of the hinge sleeve 208, thereby effecting a relative vertical movement co-ordinated (ascending or descending ) of the flange 262 and therefore, the linear movement of the door leaf 220 in a substantially vertical direction along the axis of rotation 20 within the hinge sleeve 208 and the protector 210. (The vertical downward adjustment is assisted by the weight of the door, the ascending vertical adjustment must exceed the weight of the door). The vertical adjustment can be made in any direction within a scale (shown by B ') defined by the specific design of the vertical adjustment mechanism 240. The lower hinge lid 250b inserted into the lower portion 208b of the sleeve 208 can improve the aesthetic appearance; it can also limit the downward movement of the vertical adjustment screw 246. Without the lower hinge lid 250b, it may be possible for the vertical adjustment screw 246 to be retracted (due to the support forces transmitted from the pivot pin 244) to the point where the upper extension 244a is no longer within the the upper sleeve portion 208a of the sleeve 208. This condition can be prevented by using a stop (not shown) inside the sleeve 208. However, the stop would cause screeching and also require that the door leaf 220 be for "two hands" ( that is, configured differently depending on the side on which the mounting frame is mounted). The hinge in accordance with a preferred embodiment could also develop a chirp if the door is lowered too far below the position. When the door is too lowered, the door leaf 220 can scrape over the upper edge of the lower sleeve portion 208b of the sleeve 208 (instead of the rim 262 of the pivot pin 244 if the rim 262 is lowered below). of the lower edge of the lower sleeve portion 208b). In any particularly preferred embodiment of the adjustable hinge, the possibility of these potential difficulties can be minimized by monitoring the position of the door with respect to the upper frame or the lower frame (or using the vertical adjustment indicator). The adjustment of the vertical adjustment screw 246 within the threaded lower portion 208b of the sleeve 208 can be adjusted to prevent movement beyond a desirable scale. The alternative embodiment is also suitable for manufacturing by means of lower cost methods as described for the preferred embodiment; Any material of sufficient strength (as would be well known to a person skilled in the art), including prime materials such as brass, can be used for any mode. In any preferred embodiment, the first hinge member (i.e., the leaf leaf) adjusts the existing leaf path of the conventional mounting frames. In contrast, some of the generally known adjustable joints require a two-step path to the door edge (ie, the first path is dimensioned to fit the visible hinge cover; the second path clears the hidden parts within the mouth). of base). In a conventional arrangement of the preferred or alternative embodiment, a door path (for the second hinge member) is necessary; the trajectory is placed backwards at a distance of not less than .476 cm from the face of the door. The exposed edge from the backing member is lowered (by approximately .102 cm and a particularly preferred embodiment) from the face of the door in order to hide the appearance of this edge, which in some alternative embodiments has not been galvanized with brass. Lowering the edge makes the edge less noticeable. The adjustable hinge in accordance with the preferred embodiment is assembled in an "on the right" and "on the left" arrangement depending on the orientation necessary for the desired installation. After the assembly and assembly of the door in a conventional arrangement of the preferred or alternative modality, the installer adjusts the vertice.1 position of (ie, lifts) the door relative to the mounting frame by rotating the vertical adjustment screw of a hinge (probably the central hinge) of the used hinges (three are typically used) to install the door. After the door is at the correct height, the installer then rotates the vertical adjustment screws of the two hinges, stopping when they no longer rotate freely (otherwise the door would rise too much). Properly adjusted, each vertical adjustment screw is tightly adjusted against its support surface so that the weight of the door is carried by all the hinges (ie, all three) instead of just one hinge. Similarly, if the door needs to be lowered, the installer would first back off the vertical adjustment screws of the upper and lower hinges causing the door to rest on the central hinge only. After lowering the door with the vertical adjustment screw of the central hinge, the installer would then tighten the vertical adjustment screws of the other (two hinges).

(In a particularly preferred embodiment, the installer is able to "feel" the tight fit of each vertical adjustment screw because the screws are not designed to rotate tightly as is the case when a nylon insert or patch is used within the locking mechanism. Vertical adjustment) . Sometimes it may be necessary to remove a door from the mounting frame (that is, from its hinges). On conventional hinges, this is commonly done by "pulling" (ie, completely removing) the hinge pin. Some known adjustable hinges usually have removable hinge pins that can also be removed, even though the internal elements may be disassembled and lost. The hinge in accordance with the preferred (and alternative) embodiment does not have a removable hinge pin and therefore can not be disassembled in the manner of a conventional hinge. The door can only be removed by unscrewing the first hinge member or the second hinge member (both secured in a plurality of screws) from the door or the mounting frame. (This provision provides additional security in the preferred mode). In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the removal of the door from the hinges) without having to unscrew all the fasteners (could be more easily accommodated by attaching an additional mounting plate to the mounting frame, with the The first hinge member mounted on the plate with a screw (or similar fastener) The installer would then remove or loosen this (individual) screw when the door needs to be removed (with the hinges fixed to the door) The screw could also be configured to allow position adjustments In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the vertical and horizontal adjustment screws have an Allen (or hexagonal) head to reduce the possibility of detaching the screw head during adjustment, however, any other fasteners of similar effect known to those skilled in the art could also be used. This invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments, the invention may be encompassed in several other ways. For example, the adjustable hinge may be configured to include only the vertical adjustment mechanism or only the horizontal adjustment mechanism; the mounting arrangement of the first hinge member and the second hinge member can also be reversed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the scope of the claims that will be given below. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications to the exemplary embodiments are possible without the materials deviating from the teachings and novel advantages of this invention. All these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, each clause of the medium-plus-function is intended to cover the structures described herein as carrying out the aforementioned function and not only the structural equivalents, but also the equivalent structures.

Claims (28)

CLAIMS:

1. An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member; a second hinge member; a pivotal coupling means for coupling the first hinge member with the second hinge member and for enabling the pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in one direction vertical; a vertical adjustment means contained within the pivoting coupling means for selectively permitting movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in the vertical direction; and a horizontal adjustment means contained within the first hinge member to selectively allow movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction.

2. An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member; a second hinge member; a pivotal coupling means for coupling the first hinge member with the second hinge member and for enabling the pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in one direction vertical; and a horizontal adjustment means contained within the first hinge member to selectively allow movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein the vertical adjustment means comprises: a door leaf pivotally coupled with the first hinge member with the second hinge member; and a vertical adjustment screw received within the bisatera sleeve for selectively adjusting the position of the door leaf within the hinge sleeve and thus the position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member.

4. The adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein the vertical adjustment member comprises: a door leaf having a body leaf sleeve pivotally engaged with the first hinge member and with a hinge member; a pivot pin received within the hinge sleeve and inside the sleeve of the door leaf; and a vertical adjusting screw received within the hinge sleeve to selectively adjust the position of the door leaf within the hinge sleeve and thus the position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein the vertical adjustment means comprises: a door leaf having a door leaf sleeve pivotally coupled with the first hinge member and with the second hinge member; a pivot pin having a flange wherein the lower edge of the door leaf sleeve abuts and is received within the hinge sleeve and inside the door leaf sleeve; and a vertical adjustment device received within the hinge sleeve for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the pivot pin within the hinge sleeve, and thus the vertical position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member.

6. The adjustable hinge according to claim 5, wherein the vertical adjustment device is a screw.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal adjustment means comprises: a door leaf received at least partially within the second hinge member that pivots the first hinge member with the second hinge member; hinge; and a horizontal adjustment device coupled with the door leaf to selectively adjust the position of the door leaf relative to the second hinge member and thus the horizontal position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal adjustment means comprises: a guide inside the second hinge member; a door leaf pivotally coupling the first hinge member with the second hinge member, the door leaf is received at least partially within the guide; and a horizontal adjustment device coupled with the door leaf to selectively adjust the position of the door leaf within the guide and thus to the horizontal position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 7, wherein the horizontal adjustment device is a screw received within a threaded hole in the door leaf.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 8, wherein the guide comprises a pair of slots.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 8, wherein the guide comprises a pair of tabs defining a recess in the second hinge member.

12. An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve with an upper portion and a lower portion; a second hinge member having a guide; a door leaf having a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled with the second hinge member and has at least one tongue received within the guide of the second hinge member to guide movement along the same, and the second end is coupled with the first hinge member, the second end has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve and the lower extension is received inside the hinge. lower portion of the hinge sleeve, selectively allowing pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction; a vertical adjustment screw screwed into the lower portion of the hinge sleeve below the lower extension of the door leaf to move inside the hinge sleeve, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member. hinge in the vertical direction; and a horizontal adjustment screw screwed into a threaded hole in the first end of the door leaf, the first end of the door leaf is retained by the horizontal adjustment screw within a cavity formed within the second hinge member , whereby rotation of the horizontal adjustment screw moves at least one tab along the guide, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member, in a horizontal direction.

An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve with an upper portion and a lower portion; a second hinge member having a guide; a door leaf having a first end and a second end with the first end coupled with the second hinge member and having at least one tongue received within the guide of the backing member for guide movement along the same, and the second end is coupled with the first hinge member, the second end has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve and the lower extension is received within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve, and selectively allowing the pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction; and a horizontal adjustment screw screwed into a threaded hole in the first end of the door leaf, the first end of the door leaf is retained by the horizontal adjustment screw inside the guide of the second hinge member, whereby the rotation of the horizontal adjustment screw moves at least one tab along the guide, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction.

An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve with an upper portion and a lower portion; a second hinge member; a door leaf having a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled with the second hinge member and the second end is coupled with the first hinge member, the second end has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve, and the lower portion is received within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve, which selectively allows pivoting movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member around an axis of rotation that extends in a vertical direction; and a vertical adjustment screw screwed into the lower portion of the sleeve is hinged below the lower extent of the door leaf to move inside the hinge sleeve, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second member of hinge in the vertical direction.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 12, wherein the second hinge member includes a cover plate and a backing member, and with the guide positioned within the backing member and the cavity placed between the cover plate and the backup member

16. The adjustable hinge according to claim 12, further comprising at least one hinge cover received within the hinge sleeve.

17. The adjustable hinge according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal adjusting screw has a cover to prevent it from retracting out of the threaded hole.

18. The adjustable hinge according to claim 12, wherein the guide is of arcuate configuration.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 12, wherein the upper door leaf extension is received within an upper bushing, and the lower door leaf extension is received within a lower bushing, the upper bushing is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve, and the lower bushing is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the upper bushing and the lower bushing is made of a plastic material that does not require lubrication.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 19, wherein at least one lower hub includes a recess wherein the extension of the lower door leaf is received and a means for indicating the rotation orientation of the lower hub within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve.

22. An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member having a hinge magnet with an upper portion and a lower portion; a second hinge member having a cover plate and a backing member, the backing member has a guide; a door leaf having a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled with the second hinge member and has at least one tongue received within the guide of the backing member to guide the movement therethrough , and the second end is coupled with the first hinge member, the second end has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension is received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve, and the lower extension is received within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve, selectively permitting pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member, about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction; and a vertical adjustment screw screwed into the lower portion of the hinge sleeve below the lower extension of the door leaf to move inside the hinge sleeve, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second member Hinge in the vertical direction; and a horizontal adjustment screw screwed into a threaded hole in the first end of the door leaf, the first end of the door leaf is retained by the horizontal adjustment screw within the guide of the second hinge member, by means of which rotation of the horizontal adjustment screw moves at least one tongue along the guide selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member in a horizontal direction.

23. An adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge member having a hinge sleeve with an upper portion and a lower portion; a second hinge member having a guide • recess; a door leaf having a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled by the second hinge member and is received within the guide recess, for movement along the same, and the second end is pivotally coupled with the first hinge member with a pivot pin, the pivot pin has an upper extension and a lower extension, the upper extension being received within the upper portion of the hinge sleeve, and the lower portion being received within the portion bottom of the hinge sleeve, selectively allowing pivotal movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction; a vertical adjustment screw screwed into the lower portion of the hinge sleeve below the lower extension of the door leaf for movement within the hinge sleeve, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member. hinge in the vertical direction; and a horizontal adjustment screw screwed into a threaded hole in the first end of the door leaf, the first end of the door leaf is coupled by the horizontal adjustment screw with the second hinge member, whereby the rotation of the horizontal adjustment screw moves the first end of the door leaf along the guide recess, selectively allowing movement of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member, in a horizontal direction.

24. The adjustable hinge according to claim 22, wherein the guide is arcuate in shape.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 22, wherein the extension of the upper door leaf is placed inside an upper bushing and the extension of the lower door leaf is placed inside a lower bushing, the upper bushing is received inside the upper portion of the hinge sleeve, and the lower hub being received within the upper portion and the hinge sleeve.

26. The adjustable hinge according to claim 22, wherein at least one upper bushing and one lower bushing is made of a plastic material that does not require lubrication.

The adjustable hinge according to claim 22, wherein at least one lower bushing includes a recess in which the lower door leaf extension is received and a means for indicating the rotation orientation of the lower bushing within the lower portion of the hinge sleeve.

28. The adjustable hinge according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge member is mounted on a door, and the second hinge member is mounted on a mounting frame for the door.