US3262149A

US3262149A - Hinge latch

Info

Publication number: US3262149A
Application number: US339379A
Authority: US
Inventors: Howard B Gorton; Jr Henry Arias
Original assignee: Ajax Hardware Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Ajax Hardware Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 1964-01-22
Filing date: 1964-01-22
Publication date: 1966-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 1983-07-26

Description

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 w r l ii\ 0 M TJ 2 -i- Ii 2 23 r e 5E W W {I Ill 14/ 5 2 M a as M 4 I 1 EF 11 I: 0 u 56A L Z M 4 2 a AR N WMW

- HH m A TTOI-Z/VE Y5 July 26, 1966 H. B. GORTON ETAL HINGE LATCH Filed Jan. 22, 1964 July 26, 1966 H. B. GORTON ETAL 3,262,149

HINGE LATCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 22, 1964 lNVEA/TOZS HOWARD B. 60270, HENRY Ae/As JR.

BY MAHO/VEY, HALEERT &

H0 ,QNBA KER A'r'ro/z/vzys United States Patent 3,262,149 HINGE LATCH Howard B. Gorton, West 'Covina, and Henry Arias, In,

La Puente, Calif., assignors to Ajax Hardware Manufacturing Corp., City of Industry, Calif, a corporation of California Filed Jan. 22, 1964, Ser. No. 339,379 Claims. (Cl. 16-147) This invention relates to a hinge latch and, more particularly, to a hinge latch adapted to perform the dual functions of hingedly supporting a closure and latching the same in'closed position.

It is a common practice to mount cabinet and other doors on two or more hinges and to provide latch components on the door jamb and door edge to maintain the door in closed position. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase the latch components and hinges and to install the same.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a hinge latch which, when installed in the manner of conventional hinges, will function both as a hinge to support the associated door and as a latch to maintain the door in latched and closed position on the associated cabinet.

Therefore, the expenditures entailed in the purchase and the installation of conventional latches are eliminated as are the labor costs incident to the installation of the latches. Furthermore, more effective latching of the associated door is achieved since each hinge incorporates the latching function inherent in the hinge of the invention.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a hinge latch of the aforementioned character which is adapted, in addition to performing the hinge and latch functions adverted to hereinabove, to partially close the door with the hinge latch is associated since the hinge latch is characterized by a spring action which, during the final movement of the door toward the closed position, acts to automatically close the door.

Consequently, the necessity for providing auxiliary springs or similar devices to facilitate the closing of the door with which the hinge latches of the invention are associated is eliminated.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a hinge latch of the aforementioned character which, to the eye of the ordinary observer, is a conventional hinge construction since the keeper and strike components of the hinge latch of the invention are incorporated in the hinge leaves mounted on the door and door frame, respectively. Therefore, the necessity for providing bulky construction of an unesthetic appearance is eliminated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings, which are for the purpose of illustration only, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a hinge latch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and illustrating the hinge latch with the component parts thereof in closed position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG; 3 showing the component parts of the hinge latch in the partially closed position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing the initiation of the latching operation;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the frame leaf of the hinge latch;

FIG. 7 is a vertical, partly sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the hinge latch of the invention;

ice

FIG. 8 is a transverse, sectional view taken on the broken line of 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a vertical, partly sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the frame leaf of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a partly sectional view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal, sectional view taken on the line 13--13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a vertical, sectional view taken on the line 1414 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a vertical, sectional view of another embodiment of the hinge latch of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a vertical, sectional view of yet another embodiment of the hinge latch of the invention;

FIG. 18 is an end elevational view taken on the broken line 1818 of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a side, elevational view of an alternative form of spring strike construction adapted to be utilized in conjunction with the hinge latch of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-6 thereof, we show a hinge latch 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention and including a door leaf 12 and a door frame leaf 14, the door leaf 12 incorporating a plurality of openings 16 through which screws or similar fasteners may be inserted to fasten said door leaf in operative relationship with the interior surface of the door. The door frame leaf 14 incorporates openings 18 adapted to facilitate the affixation of the frame leaf 14 in operative engagement with the frame of the associated door.

While the invention is disclosed as incorporated in a hinge of a particular configuration, it will, of course, be obvious to those skilled in the art that the teachings of the invention may be applied with equal cogcncy to any type of hinge configuration.

Integrally formed upon one edge of the door leaf 12 are hinge knuckles 20 adapted to be inserted into operative relationship with corresponding knuckles 22 provided on the frame leaf 14. Hinge pintles 24 are driven into the corresponding openings in the

knuckles

20 and 22 to permit pivotal movement between the door leaf 12 and the frame leaf 14. The frame leaf 14 is of substantially arcuate configuration in longitudinal cross section, as best shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, and incorporates an elongated opening 28 whose opposite extremities terminate in slots 34]. Located in the opening 28 is strike means 32, said strike means being constituted by an elongated spring 34 having a strike portion 36 intermediate its extremities. The strike portion 36 is, as best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, of substantially V-shaped cross section and provides an exterior cam surface, for a purpose which will be described in greater detail below.

The strike portion 36 is located intermediate the extremities 38 of the elongated spring 34. The extremities 38 of the elongated spring 34 extend upwardly through the slots 30 and incorporate openings 40 through which the pintles 24 extend. Therefore, the strike means 32 is maintained in operative relationship with the door frame leaf 14 by the securement of the extremities 38 thereof to the pintles 24 and by the location of the extremities 38 in the slots 30.

The door leaf 12 incorporates a keeper 42 which is constituted by a substantially arcuate tang or tongue 44 and which is, in the present embodiment of the invention, formed integrally with said leaf.

The position assumed by the door and

frame leaves

12 and 14 is shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings wherein the keeper 42 is disposed in overlying relationship with the strike means 32 and maintained in operative relationship with said strike because of the substantial correspondence between the cam surface provided by the V-shaped configuration of said strike and the substantially arcuate interior surface of said keeper. Therefore, the strike means 32 and keeper 42 cooperate to maintain the door, not shown, in closed relationship with the door opening.

On the other hand, when the door is open and the closing of the door is initiated, the extremity of the keeper 42 will initially engage the cam surface of the strike portion 36 of the strike means 32 in the manner shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. As the extremity of the keeper 42 traverses the cam surface of the strike portion 36 of the strike means 32, the elongated spring 34 will be gradually depressed inwardly until the extremity of the keeper 42 engages the apex of the strike portion 36 in the manner shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. When the apex of the cam surface of the strike portion 36 is passed by the extremity of the keeper 42, the bias of the elongated spring 34 forces the spring 34 against the inner arcuate surface of the keeper 42 and earns the door leaf 12 into the position shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

In this manner, the hinge latch of the invention serves not only as a hinge and a latch, but also serves as a door closing means for the associated door whereby the door will be urged inwardly when the extremity of the keeper 42 traverses the apex of the associated strike portion 36 incorporated in the elongated spring 34 constituting the strike means 32. Another desirable aspect of the spring action of the strike means 32 upon the keeper 42 of the door leaf 12 is the fact that the associated door is continuously biased by the action of the elongated spring 34 into contact with the associated door frame and the rattling and movement of doors characteristic of those which are closed with conventional latching devices is eliminated.

It will, of course, be obvious to those skilled in the art that the function and location of the strike means 32 and keeper 42 may be reversed, that is, the keeper 42 may be incorporated in the frame leaf 14 and the strike means 32 incorporated in the door leaf 12 without department from the scope of the present invention.

Another embodiment 50 of the hinge latch of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, parts corresponding to those previously discussed in considering the hinge latch 10 being designated by identical reference numerals to avoid the repetitive description thereof.

The basic difference between the hinge latch 10 and the hinge latch 50 is that the door frame leaf 52 of the hinge latch 50 incorporates lugs 54 adapted to preload the elongated spring 34. The lugs 54, by preloading the elongated spring 34, substantially reduce the drag encountered when the keeper 42 engages the strike portion 36 of the strike means 32.

At this juncture, it should be pointed out that while the elongated spring 34 is shown as fabricated from spring leaf stock, it is within the contemplation of the invention that spring material having cross sections other than spring leaf stock may be utilized in substitution therefor. For instance, it would be possible to utilize Wire springs having square, triangular, ovoid and other cross-sectional configurations, which would achieve the camming action attained by the deformation of the intermediate portion of the elongated spring 34 to provide the cam surface characterizing the strike portion 36 of the elongated spring 34.

Another embodiment 60 of the hinge latch of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings and the component parts thereof which are identical with the component parts of the previously discussed embodiments are, once again, designated by the identical reference numerals. In the hinge latch 60, the mode of aflixation and the configuration of the extremities of the strike means 62 have been altered to eliminate the right angular extremities characteristic of the previously discussed embodiments of the invention and providing openings 64 in said extremities. Formed integrally with the underside of the door frame leaf 66 are bosses or rivets 68, adapted to be received in the corresponding Openings 64 and to be subsequently headed to permanently afiix the strike means 62 in operative relationship with the door frame leaf 66.

A further embodiment 70 of the hinge latch of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10 of the drawings as incorporating a door leaf 72 which has strike means 74 operatively connected thereto by means of rivets 76. The strike means is constituted by a rectangular spring 78, said rectangular spring having an outer extremity of substantially V-shaped cross section.

Formed integrally with the door frame leaf 82 of the hinge latch 70 is a keeper 84 which is adapted to cooperate with the outer extremity 80 of the hinge latch 70.

Furthermore, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, that if the door leaf 72 were fabricated from spring stock, the strike 74 could be formed integrally therewith for cooperation with keeper 84.

Another embodiment of the spring latch of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings, and incorporates a door frame leaf 92 which is provided with an elongated opening 94 at the opposite extremities of which are formed notches 96. Mounted in operative relationship with the door frame leaf 92 is strike means 98 constituted by an elongated spring 102 of spring wire of circular cross section.

Formed upon the opposite extremities of the elongated spring 102 are right-angle bends having eyes 104 provided thereupon, adapted to be disposed immediately adjacent the outermost knuckles 106 of the door frame leaf 92.

When the door frame leaf 92 is assembled in operative relationship with a door leaf identical with the leaf 12 of the hinge latch 10, the keeper 42 thereof will cooperate with the intermediate portion of the strike means 98 constituted by the elongated spring 102 to retain the associated door in closed position.

The elongated spring 102 is maintained in operative relationship with the door frame leaf 92 by the location of the extremities of the elongated spring 102 in the corresponding notches 96 and by the pintles 24 which are encompassed by the eyes 104, provided at the extremities of the elongated spring 102.

A further embodiment 110 of the hinge latch of the invention, is illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 of the drawings as including a door leaf 112 which incorporates a keeper 114 and is generally of the same construction as the door leaf 12 of the hinge latch 10. Assembled in operative relationship with the door leaf 112 is a door frame leaf 116, said door frame leaf being fabricated from spring steel or similar material and incorporating an elongated slit or slot 118 which defines strike means 120 at the edge of the door frame leaf. The strike means 120 is thus constituted by an integral portion of the door frame leaf 116 and is constituted, essentially, by an elongated spring 122 which has a strike portion 124 formed intermediate the extremities thereof for engagement by the keeper 114 of the door leaf 112.

Another embodiment of the hinge latch of the invention is illustrated fragmentarily in FIG. 15 of the drawings as including a door leaf 132 incorporating an integral keeper 134 of the same substantial configuration as that incorporated in the door frame leaf 12 of the hinge latch 10. However, the door frame leaf 136 of the hinge latch 130 is fabricated from resilient material such as spring steel and incorporates a relatively rigid strike portion 138 formed integrally with the mounting plate thereof.

The knuckles 140 of the door frame leaf 136 incorporate elongated portions 142 which are subject to deflection because of the resilient character of the material from which the door frame leaf 136 is fabricated. T herefore, as best illustrated in FIG. 15 of the drawings, when the keeper 134 engages the corresponding integral strike 138 of the door frame leaf 136, the knuckles 140 of the door frame leaf 136 are flexed to the left in the manner shown in the phantom lines 144 in FIG. of the drawings. Therefore, the door frame leaf 136, itself, provides spring means for urging the keeper 134 and strike 138 into operative engagement with each other whereby the associated door may be continuously maintained in latched position with the associated door opening.

An alternative embodiment 15%) of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 16 of the drawings and is basically similar to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings, with the exception that the spring 152 which constitutes the strike 154 is provided with right-angularly bent legs 156 at its opposite extremities, said legs having elongated slots 158 therein adapted to receive up-standing bosses 162 formed in the surface of the frame leaf 164.

Therefore, instead of mounting the opposite extremities of the elongated spring 152 constituting the strike 154 upon the pintles of the hinge 150, the opposite extremities of the spring 152 are engaged upon the bosses 162 and the natural bias of the spring urges the extremities of the slots 158 into engagement with the corresponding bosses 162.

Another embodiment 170 of the invention is basically similar in configuration to previously discussed embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings, with the exception that, as best shown in FIG. 17 of the drawings, the elongated spring 172 constituting the strike 174 is provided with hooks 176 on its opposite extremities, the typical configuration of such a hook being shown in FIG. 18 of the drawings in end elevation. Corresponding slots 178 are formed in the door frame leaf 182 and the hooks 176 are inserted therein to maintain the elongated spring 172 in operative relationship with the door frame leaf 182.

As previously indicated, a variety of different kinds of springs may be utilized as strikes, and there is illustrated in FIG. 19 of the drawings a spring 184, which incorporates a central strike portion 186 which is connected with the opposite extremity of the spring by means of integral outwardly directed bows 188. The bows 188 facilitate the utilization of the spring 184 as a strike because they permit greater deflection of the strike portion 186 of the spring 184 than can be obtained with the relatively flat profile of the springs disclosed in the previously discussed embodiments of the invention.

There is thus provided by our invention a hinge latch which is characterized by its simplicity of construction and ease of installation. In addition, the hinge latch may be manufactured at a relatively low cost because of the minimum number of component parts incorporated therein. Thus, the hinge latch of the invention is characterized by the performance of three functions, namely, it is adapted to hinge an associated door in operative relationship with a door opening, to latch the door in closed position and to perform a door closing function during the last increments of closing movement of the door.

We claim:

1. In a hinge, the combination of: a first leaf having a spring, said first leaf incorporating an elongated opening and said spring being elongated and spanning said opening, said spring having securement means on its opposite extremities to secure it in operative relationship with said first leaf; a second leaf having a keeper engageable with said spring to retain said second leaf in a predetermined orientation with respect to said first leaf; and a pintle connecting said leaves.

2. In a hinge, the combination of: a first leaf having a resilient strike, said first leaf having an elongated opening therein and said resilient strike being disposed in spanning relationship with said opening, said resilient strike and said first leaf having co-operative means for securing said resilient strike in operative relationship with said first leaf; a second leaf having a keeper engageable with said strike to maintain said second leaf in a predetermined orientation with respect to said first leaf; and a pintle connecting said leaves.

3. In a latch hinge, the combination of: a first leaf having an elongated resilient strike incorporating a strike portion, said first leaf having an elongated opening therein and said elongated resilient strike being disposed in spanning relationship with said opening, said elongated resilient strike having mounting means on its opposite extremities; a second leaf having a keeper thereupon constituted by a tongue engageable with said strike portion to latch said leaves in a predetermined orientation to each other; and a pivotal connection between said leaves, said mounting means of said elongated resilient strike being engaged upon said pivotal connection to secure said strike in operative relationship with said first leaf.

4. In a latch, the combination of: a first hinge leaf including a mounting plate and hinge knuckles formed on said plate, said plate having an elongated opening therein below said knuckles; a second hinge leaf including a mounting plate and hinge knuckles interposed between said knuckles of said first hinge leaf, said second hinge leaf having a keeper thereupon; a hinge pin located in said knuckles of said first and second hinge leaf for pivotally connecting said leaves; and an elongated resilient strike disposed in spanning relationship with said elongated opening in said first hinge leaf mounting plate, said elongated resilient strike having its opposite extremities carried by said hinge pin to maintain said strike in operative relationship with said first hinge leaf.

5. In a latch, the combination of: a first hinge leaf including a mounting plate and binge knuckles formed on said plate, said plate having an elongated opening therein below said knuckles; a second hinge leaf including a mounting plate and hinge knuckles interposed between said knuckles of said first hinge leaf, said second hinge leaf having a keeper thereupon; a hinge pin located in said knuckles of said first and second hinge leaf for pivotally connecting said leaves; and an elongated resilient strike juxtaposed to said opening in said first hinge leaf mounting plate and having its opposite extremities secured in operative relationship with said first hinge leaf.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 588,642 8/1897 Hoffman 16-142 1,589,613 6/1926 Mountford et a1 16142 2,571,430 11/1951 Durup 16145 PATRICK A. CLIFFORD, Primary Examiner.

D. TROUTMAN, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A HINGE, THE COMBINATION OF: A FIRST LEAF HAVING A SPRING, SAID FIRST LEAF INCORPORATING AN ELONGATED OPENING AND SAID SPRING BEING ELONGATED AND SPANNING SAID OPENING, SAID SPRING HAVINGH SECUREMENT MEANS ON ITS OPPOSITE EXTREMITIES TO SECURE IT IN OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID FIRST LEAF; A SECOND LEAF HAVING A KEEPER ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID SPRING TO RETAIN SAID SECOND LEAF IN A PREDETERMINED ORIENTATION WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIRST LEAF; AND A PINTLE CONNECTING SAID LEAVES.