WO2001016450A1

WO2001016450A1 - Hinge

Info

Publication number: WO2001016450A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/023724
Authority: WO
Inventors: James J. Ford; Charles R. Scally; Edward A. Kurek, Iii; David M. Fusina; Mark P. Riel; Peter B. Caratzas; Gary Fellows
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-08-31
Filing date: 2000-08-30
Publication date: 2001-03-08
Also published as: AU6945600A; TW442610B

Abstract

A hinge provides for concealment of the hinge, and for removal of the door leaf from the frame leaf. A spring-biased one-piece pin (12) includes a finger tab (24) between the first and second knuckles of the door leaf (14). The pin reciprocates between an engaged position wherein it is contained within the first, second, and third knuckles (32, 34, 36), and a retracted position wherein it is contained only within the first and second knuckles. A frame leaf (16) fits between the second and third knuckles, and is retained there by the pin. A tab (38) having a concave depression at each end (40, 41), combined with the spring-biasing of the pin so that the finger tab is held within these depressions, ensures that the pin will not move from one position to the other unless it is first disengaged and rotated, thereby securing the frame leaf and door leaf together until separation is desired.

Description

HINGE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/151 ,796, filed August 31 , 1999 and U.S. Patent Application No. 09/498,042, filed February 4, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention.

The invention is a heavy duty, concealed, removable hinge. 2. Description of the related art.

Although other inventors have proposed various hinges that are concealable and/or removable, the present inventors are unaware of any other hinge using a one piece pin moving between a disengaged and engaged position to secure and unsecure the two hinge leaves together, and which rotates into a locked position in either the engaged or disengaged positions. An example of a concealable, removable hinge is described in Southco's catalog no. 48

NA, page M-6. This hinge appears to use a pair of retractable pins, with each pin being spring- biased towards the engaged position, and each pin having a separate tab for grasping with the fingers. The hinge is detached by retracting the hinge pins inward, rotating the finger tabs within their channels to secure the pins in the disengaged position, and separating the two leaves. The spring compression force maintains the pins in the engaged position.

Another example of a hinge is described in a handbook published by Pinet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a heavy duty, concealed, removable hinge. The hinge includes a pair of leaves hereinafter designated the frame leaf and door leaf, although the location of the leaves may be reversed. The hinge also includes a spring-biased, one-piece pin.

The pin includes an integral finger tab and opposing spring retainer along its central section. The pin may either be made from rolled sheet metal with a folded finger tab and punched spring retainer, or entirely solid of one-piece construction. A short spring and a long spring surround the pin, assisting in securing it in the desired location.

The door leaf includes a mounting bracket and three knuckles defining the channel for the pin. A tab extends outward, adjacent to the pin, between the first and second (middle) knuckles. Each end of the tab includes a concave depression. The frame leaf includes a mounting bracket and a single knuckle dimensioned and configured to fit between the door leafs second and third knuckles, also defining a channel for the pin.

Within the hinge assembly, the pin will always pass through the first and second knuckles of the door leaf, with the finger tab between these knuckles. The short spring fits between the second knuckle and the finger tab, and the long spring fits between the first knuckle and the finger tab. The pin may be moved between a disengaged position wherein the finger tab is in the concave depression closest to the first knuckle, and an engaged position wherein the finger tab is in the concave depression closest to the second knuckle. To move the pin from one position to the other, the pin must be pulled out of the concave depression towards the nearest knuckle, against the spring pressure, rotated so that the finger tab moves past the frame leafs tab, moved to the opposing position, rotated so that the finger tab engages the frame leafs tab, and allowed to move into the concave depression under spring pressure. The result is a spring-loaded positive detent securing the pin in the desired position. In the disengaged position, the pin passes only through the first and second knuckles, allowing for insertion and removal of the frame leafs knuckle between the second and third knuckles. In the engaged position, the pin passes through all three of the door leaf's knuckles, so that the frame leaf, if present, is secured to the door leaf.

It is preferred and suggested that one of the two springs be sufficiently long so that it is always in compression. By constantly applying a force to the pin, the pin is prevented from rattling.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a removable hinge.

It is another object of the invention to provide a concealable hinge.

A third object of the invention is to provide a hinge having a one-piece pin, thereby enhancing durability.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a positive spring-loaded detent securing the pin in both the engaged and disengaged positions.

A fifth object of the invention is to provide a hinge having quiet operation.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent through the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly having a right hand door leaf and flat frame leaf according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly having a right hand door leaf and formed frame leaf according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly having a right hand door leaf and flat frame leaf according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly having a right hand door leaf and flat frame leaf according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly having a left hand door leaf and formed frame leaf according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a hinge having a left hand door leaf and formed frame leaf assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly having a left hand door leaf and flat frame leaf according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly having a left hand door leaf and flat frame leaf according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a right hand door leaf for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a left hand door leaf for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a formed frame leaf for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a back view of a formed frame leaf for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a flat frame leaf for a hinge assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pin for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a first embodiment of a pin for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an end view of a first embodiment of a pin for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a short spring for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a long spring for a hinge assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pin for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a second embodiment of a pin for a hinge assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 21 is an end view of a second embodiment of a pin for a hinge assembly according to the present invention.

Like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention is a concealable, removable hinge. Referring to the FIGURES, the hinge

10 includes a pin 12, a door leaf 14, a frame leaf 16, a long spring 18, and a short spring 20. Although the leaves 14,16 are designated the frame leaf 16 and door leaf 14 for simplicity of reference, either leaf 14,16 may be attached to either the door or frame without deviating from the present invention. The pin 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, and FIGS 19-21. The pin 12 includes a shaft 22 with a pair of ends 26 and a finger tab 24, extending from a location along the central portion of and perpendicular to the shaft 22. A spring retainer 58 may extend from and preferably perpendicular to the shaft 22, and opposite the finger tab 24. One preferred pin, illustrated in FIGS. 19-21 , is made from punching (cold forming) a piece of sheet metal to form the spring retainer 58, then rolling the sheet metal to form the shaft 22, and folding an extended, T-shaped piece of the same sheet metal to form the finger tab 24. Folding the finger tab 24 in this manner provides a comfortable, convenient gripping surface devoid of sharp edges. Another preferred pin, illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, is completely solid and made from one-piece construction.

The door leaf 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-10. FIGURE 9 illustrates a right hand door leaf 14a, and FIG. 10 illustrates a left hand door leaf 14b, both of which will be collectively referred to as 14. The right hand leaf 14a and left hand leaf 14b are mirror images of each other, with the only difference being the orientation of the elements to facilitate mounting in a desired orientation on the selected side of the doorframe. The door leaf 14 includes a mounting bracket 28, having a plurality of mounting holes 30, with a preferred and suggested number of holes 30 being three. At least a first knuckle 32, a second (middle) knuckle 34, and a third knuckle 36 extend from the mounting bracket 28. The knuckles 32,34,36 are dimensioned and configured to define a channel for containing the pin 12. The door leaf 14 also includes a tab 38, extending from the mounting bracket 28 from between the first knuckle 32 and second knuckle 34, directly over the path of the pin 12. Each end of the tab 38 includes a concave depression 40,41, dimensioned and configured to receive the finger tab 24 of the pin 12.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the frame leaf 16 is illustrated. The frame leaf 16 includes a mounting bracket 42 defining a plurality of mounting holes 44 and preferably strengthening gussets 46. FIGURES 11-12 illustrate a preferred and suggested formed frame leaf 16a, having a mounting bracket 42a, which preferably includes a top-mounting surface 48, a rear surface 50a, and a bottom surface 52a. Alternatively, a preferred and suggested flat frame leaf 16b is illustrated in FIG. 13, having a mounting bracket 42b, which preferably includes a rear mounting surface 50b and bottom surface 52b. A knuckle 54 extends from the mounting bracket 42, preferably from the bottom surface 52. The knuckle 54 is dimensioned and configured to contain the pin 12 and to fit between the second knuckle 34 and third knuckle 36 of the door leaf 14.

The pin 12 is spring-biased in both lengthwise directions. FIGURE 18 illustrates a long spring 18, which is dimensioned and configured to fit between the pin's finger tab 24 and the door leafs first knuckle 32. FIGURE 17 illustrates a short spring 20 which is dimensioned and configured to fit between the pin's finger tab 24 and the door leafs second knuckle 34.

The hinge assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. Four different hinge assemblies 10 are illustrated. FIGURES 1-2 illustrate a hinge assembly 10a having a right hand door leaf 14a and formed frame leaf 16a. FIGURES 3-4 illustrate a hinge assembly 10b, having a right hand door leaf 14a and flat frame leaf 16b. FIGURES 5-6 illustrate a hinge assembly 10c, having a left hand door leaf 14b and formed frame leaf 16a. Likewise, FIGS. 7-8 illustrate a hinge assembly 10d, having a left hand door leaf 14b and flat frame leaf 16b. All the hinge assemblies 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are assembled and operated in the same manner, as described below, and are referred to collectively as 10. The hinge assembly 10 comprises two separable, mating components: a door leaf assembly 56 and the frame leaf 16. The door leaf assembly 56 includes the door leaf 14, the pin 12, and the springs 18,20. The pin 12 is contained within the knuckles 32,34.36 of the door leaf 14, with the finger tab 24 located between the knuckles 32 and 34. Spring 18 surrounds the pin 12, fitting between the knuckle 32 and finger tab 24, with the spring retainer 58 providing additional support for the spring 18. Spring 20 also surrounds the pin 12, fitting between the knuckle 34 and finger tab 24, with the spring retainer 58 providing additional support for the spring 20. The pin 12 reciprocates between a disengaged position, wherein the finger tab is held within the concave depression 40 of the door leaf s tab 38 by the spring 18, and an engaged position, wherein the finger tab is held within the concave depression 41 by the spring 20. When in the disengaged position, the pin 12 is contained within the knuckles 32,34 only, so that one end 26 of pin 12 is within knuckle 34. The tab 38 prevents the pin 12 from moving longitudinally towards its engaged position, the concave depression 40 prevents the pin 12 from rotating to allow movement towards the engaged position, and the long spring 18 prevents the finger tab 24 from leaving the concave depression 40. The pin 12 is thereby secured in place. When in the engaged position, the pin 12 passes through all three knuckles 32,34,36. The tab 38 prevents the pin 12 from moving longitudinally towards the disengaged position, the concave depression 41 prevents the pin 12 from rotating to allow movement towards the engaged position, and the short spring 20 prevents the finger tab 24 from leaving the concave depression 41. The pin 12 is thereby secured in place.

The operation of the hinge assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. The door leaf assembly 56 will typically be secured to a door (not shown), and the frame leaf 16 will typically be secured to a doorframe (not shown). During use, the hinge 10 will typically appear as illustrated in FIG. 1 , with the frame leaf 14 and door leaf 16 secured together. The pin 12 is in its engaged position, wherein pin's shaft 22 passes through all three knuckles 32,34,36 of the door leaf 14 and the knuckle 54 of the frame leaf 16. Moving the pin 12 from the engaged position to the disengaged position retracts the end 26 of the pin 12 from the knuckle 54 of frame leaf 16, allowing the frame leaf 16 to separate from the door assembly 56, thereby allowing removal of the door from the doorframe. When the frame leafs knuckle 54 is reinserted between the door leafs second and third knuckles 34,36, and the pin 12 is moved from its disengaged position to its engaged position, the pin 12 will again pass through all three knuckles 32,34,36 of the door leaf 14 and the knuckle 54 of the frame leaf 16, thereby securing the knuckle 54 in place. The door is thereby secured to the doorframe.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein, but encompasses all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A hinge, comprising: a door leaf assembly having a door leaf and a pin, said pin reciprocating between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and said pin being spring-biased towards each of said positions; and a frame leaf mating with and separable from said frame component.

2. The hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said door leaf further comprises a plurality of knuckles, said knuckles being dimensioned and configured to define a channel for containing said one-piece pin.

3. The hinge according to claim 2, wherein said door leafs knuckles include a first knuckle, a second knuckle, and a third knuckle.

4. The hinge according to claim 3, wherein said door leaf further comprises a tab extending between said first knuckle and said second knuckle, directly over said channel for containing said pin, said tab having a pair of ends.

5. The hinge according to claim 4, wherein each of said tab's ends includes a concave depression.

6. The hinge according to claim 5, wherein said pin includes a finger tab.

7. The hinge according to claim 6, wherein said pin's finger tab includes at least one spring retainer.

8. The hinge according to claim 3, wherein said frame leaf includes a knuckle, said knuckle being dimensioned and configured to contain said pin and to fit between said door leaf's second and third knuckles.

9. The hinge according to claim 8, wherein said frame leaf further comprises a mounting bracket.

10. The hinge according to claim 9, wherein said frame leafs mounting bracket defines a plurality of mounting holes.

11. The hinge according to claim 9, wherein said frame leaf's mounting bracket defines a plurality of strengthening gussets.

12. The hinge according to claim 9, wherein said frame leaf's mounting bracket includes a rear mounting surface.

13. The hinge according to claim 9, wherein said frame leaf's mounting bracket further includes a top mounting surface.

14. The hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said door leaf includes a mounting bracket.

15. The hinge according to claim 14 wherein said door leaf's mounting bracket includes a plurality of mounting holes.

16. The hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said pin is of one-piece construction.

17. The hinge according to claim 1 , wherein said pin is made from rolled sheet metal.

18. The hinge according to claim 17, wherein said pin includes a spring retainer made from cold forming said sheet metal.

19. The hinge according to claim 17, wherein said sheet metal includes an engaged piece, and said finger tab is made from folding said engaged piece.