GB2276199A

GB2276199A - Adjustable hinge assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2276199A
Application number: GB9305811A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Wilfred Pearce
Original assignee: WILLENHALL ENG Ltd
Current assignee: WILLENHALL ENG Ltd
Priority date: 1993-03-20
Filing date: 1993-03-20
Publication date: 1994-09-21
Also published as: GB9305811D0

Abstract

A hinge assembly for pivotally attaching a door to a door frame, comprising a first part (10) mountable to a door, a second part (12) mountable to a frame, a hinge pin (14) pivotally connecting the first and second parts (10, 12), and adjustment members (16) which enable adjustment of the relative positions of the first and second parts (10, 12) whilst the door is hingedly attached to the frame. The hinge pin (14) extends down a passage (36) having an elongate cross-section. The adjustment members (16) each comprise a cylindrical body (40) rotatably retained in passages (38) in the second part (12). The body (40) has a generally helical groove (56) across part of which the hinge pin (14) passes. A hexagonal recess (50) is provided in one end of each adjustment member (16). The assembly enables adjustment through selective turning of each member (16) using a hexagonal key to cause controlled movement of the hinge pin (14) across the elongate passage, through the action of the groove (56) on the pin (16). <IMAGE>

Description

Hinge Assembly The present invention relates to hinge assemblies, particularly but not exclusively to a hinge assembly for hinging a door to a door frame.

Doors are conventionally mounted on a door frame by two or more hinges connecting one edge of the door to the door frame. Correct alignment of the door within the door frame often requires adjustment of the hinges and their positions. Conventionally, adjustment is provided by bushes which define an off-set bore through which the hinge pin extends, such that repositioning the bushes allows the hinge to be reassembled with an adjusted position of the door relative to the frame.

Adjustment using this conventional arrangement requires the complete removal of the door from the frame before adjustment can be effected. This is inconvenient, time consuming and often involves several adjustment routines before correct alignment is achieved.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is prov ided a hinge assembly comprising a first part pivotally connectable to a second part by connecting means, and adjustment means to enable adjustment of the relative positions of the said first and second parts when the parts are connected by the connecting means.

Preferably the connecting means is removable from a connecting position to a non-connecting position in which the two parts may be separated. The connecting means may be elongate and preferably has a round cross-section.

Preferably the assembly is adapted to pivotally connect two members.

Preferably the first part comprises a body portion through which a passage extends, and desirably at least one mounting portion to enable mounting of the part to one of said members. The mounting portion(s) may comprise at least one aperture through which securing means, such as a threaded member, may pass to secure the part to the said one member.

Preferably a bush is provided at each end of the passage. The bush is preferably of plastics material.

Each bush may be locatable in a recess formed in the body portion in the region of the ends of the passage.

Preferably the second part comprises two body portions, each defining a passage. Preferably each passage is elongate in cross-section. Preferably the body portion of the first part, in use, is interposed between the body portions of the second part, with the respective passages aligned with the connecting member extending therethrough.

Preferably the adjustment means is operable to set the position of the connecting member along the elongate cross-section.

Preferably the connecting member comprises stop means, such as an enlarged head portion, to prevent the connecting member passing completely through the said passages. The stop means, in use, may locate in a suitable recess formed in the second part.

Preferably a further passage extends through one or each body portion of the second part to intersect the passage in the respective portion. Preferably the further passage and the respective said passage intersect generally at right angles, and preferably with the respective axes of the passages displaced relative to one another, such that only part of the circumferential areas of the passages intersect.

Preferably the adjustment means comprises a member located in the or each further passage. The member is preferably rotatably secured in the respective further passage, for instance by having both ends thereof enlarged.

Preferably the or each adjustment member comprises a generally cylindrical body between the generally enlarged ends, the body in use being located in the respective further passage.

Preferably the body comprises a groove extending at least partially around and partially along the body.

The groove preferably follows a generally helical path.

Preferably the width of the groove is sufficient to accommodate a portion of the connecting means therein.

Preferably the head portion, in use, locates in a recess formed at one end of the respective further passage. The head portion may comprise means to facilitate manual turning of the adjustment member in the respective further passage. The turning means may comprise a recess in which a suitably shaped portion of a key is locatable. The recess may be so formed as to receive a hexagonal key. Indicating means may also be provided on the head portion to indicate the relative position of the adjustment member in the respective further passage.

Preferably a passage and respective adjustment member is provided in each body portion of the second part.

Preferably the connecting member in use, extends across the adjustment member(s) and locates at least partially in the groove therein, such that selective turning of the or at least one of the adjustment members causes the relative position of the connecting member in the elongate passage of the body portions of the second part, and hence the relative positions of the first and second parts, to be selectively adjusted.

Preferably means is provided to selectively prevent removal of the connecting means from the connecting position. The means may comprise a threaded member which passes through a threaded aperture in the body portion of the first part, to enter the passage formed in the first part and in use, to locate a recess formed on the connecting member thereby preventing removal of the member from the connecting position whilst permitting relative pivotal movement of the part about the connecting member. Preferably the threaded member is located in the body portion of the first part to be accessible from only one side of the assembly.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a door hinge assembly according to any of the preceding sixteen paragraphs.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of part of a hinge assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is an end view of the part shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an end view of a further part of a hinge assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view along the line IV-IV of Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of a further part of the hinge assembly according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a hinge assembly for attaching a door to a door frame, the assembly comprising a first part 10 mountable to a door (not shown) to be pivotally attached to a frame (not shown), a second part 12 mountable to the frame, a hinge pin 14 pivotally connecting the first and second parts, and adjustment means 16 to enable manual adjustment of the relative positions of the said first and second parts 10, 12 whilst the door is hingedly attached to the frame.

In more detail, the first part 10 comprises a generally rectangular portion 18 comprising four countersunk apertures 20 to enable mounting of the first part 10 to an edge of a door. Securing means, such as screws (not shown) are used to secure the first part 10 to the door, using the apertures 20.

The first part 10 also comprises a substantially cylindrical body portion 22 located generally midway along the length of the rectangular portion 18. A passage 24 extends generally centrally along the length of the body portion 22, and is spaced from the portion 18. Recesses 26 are provided at each end of the passage 24, to accommodate bushes 28 made of plastics material.

A grub screw 30 is provided in one side of the body portion 22, to be selectively extendable at least part way into the passage 24. The body portion 22 is off-set relative to the rectangular portion 18, and the grub screw 30 is provided on the side of the body portion 22 generally above the rectangular portion 18.

This enables access to the grub screw 30 from only one side of a door.

The second part 12 (Figs. 1 and 2) comprises two similar body portions 32 separated by a generally rectangular portion 34. The portion 34 incorporates three countersunk apertures 35 which in use receive countersunk screws (not shown) to securely mount the second part 12 to the door frame (not shown).

A passage 36 extends through each body portion 32.

Each passage 36 is elongate in cross-section when viewed at the viewing plane of Fig. 4 or planes parallel to that plane. The passage cross-section has generally semi-circular end walls 36a connected by straight side walls 36b. The radius of the end walls is substantially the same as the radius of the pin 14.

A further passage 38 (Fig. 4) extends laterally through each body portion 32 to intersect the respective passage 36. The respective passage 36 and further passage 38 intersect generally perpendicularly, with the axis of each being relatively displaced so that the passages 36, 38 cross over one another and intersect only through a part, preferably about a third, of their respective cross-sections.

An adjustment member (Fig. 5) is located in each of the said further passages 38. Each adjustment member comprises a cylindrical body 40 having a head portion 42 at one end thereof and similar enlarged portion 44 at the other end. When the adjustment members are located in the respective further passages 38, the head portions 42 are located in respective recesses 46 in the second part 12, and the enlarged portions 44 are located in corresponding recess 48 to permanently secure the adjustment member 16 in position, whilst allowing rotation of the member 16 in the respective further passage 38.

A hexagonal recess 50 is provided in the head portion of each adjustment member 16 to receive a hexagonal portion of a key (not shown) to enable manual turning of the adjustment member 16 in the respective further passage 38, for instance using an Allen key. A marking 52 is provided on each portion to indicate the relative position of each adjustment member 16 in the respective further passage 38.

A groove 56 extends along and at least partially around the body portion 40 of the adjustment member 16.

The groove 56 follows a generally helical path around the member 16. The cross-section of the groove 56 is approximately arcuate, with the same radius as the end walls 36a and pin 14. It is to be appreciated that although in the particular example illustrated, the groove does not extend wholly around the body portion 40, it is possible to provide a body portion 40 in which the groove 56 does extend wholly therearound, according to the desired amount of adjustment.

In use, the first and second parts 10, 12 are securely mounted to the door (not shown) and frame (not shown) using screws in the conventional manner.

Preferably at least two hinge assemblies according to the present invention are used to mount a door.

The door is then introduced to the door frame, such that the body portion 22 of the first part 10 is interposed between the body portions 32 of the second part 12. The passages 24, 36 align, and the hinge pin 14 is passed down through the first passage 36, the passage 24, and the other passage 36. The door is then pivotally connected to the frame to pivot about the hinge pin 14.

The first part 10 is secured to the door such that the grub screw 30 is located on the inside of the opening to be closed by the door, and in use is threaded to engage with the recess 54 in the hinge pin 14 to prevent unauthorised removal of the hinge pin 14 from position. Since the grub screw 30 is only accessible from one side of the opening, it prevents unauthorised removal of the door by a person on the other side. This is particularly useful for outside doors, for instance on buildings where it is desirable to prevent removal of the door from outside the building.

With the hinge pin 14 is located in pivotally connecting the first and second parts 10, 12, the pin 14 is located in the groove 56 in each of the adjustment members 16. Alignment of the groove 56 with the hinge pin 14, by turning the adjustment members 16 may be necessary when initially inserting the hinge pin 14 into position. The pin is constrained by the groove against movement across the passage except by rotation of the members 16, as follows.

The relative positions of the first and second parts 10, 12 and hence of the door in the frame, can be adjusted by turning the adjustment members 16. Turning of the adjustment member 16 forces the hinge pin 14 to move along the elongate passage 36, as a result of an action similar to that of a screw thread. Referring to Fig. 4, it can be seen that rotation of the adjustment member 16 in the clockwise direction causes the hinge pin 14 to move along the passage 36 in a generally upward direction as shown in the drawing. It may be necessary to turn each adjustment means 16 by small amounts alternately, to enable a large adjustment to be achieved.

The marking 52 on the head of each adjustment member 16 indicates the relative orientation of the respective adjustment members, to facilitate adjustment.

It is to be appreciated that adjustment of the position of the door can be effected whilst the door remains hingedly connected to the frame.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

For example, the hexagonal recess 50 may be replaced by any other suitable formation to enable manual turning of the adjustment members. The assembly has been described as a hinge for doors, but it is to be understood that although the assembly is expected to be particularly useful in that application, other applications are possible.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing Specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly comprising a first part pivotally connectable to a second part by connecting means, and adjustment means to enable adjustment of the relative positions of the said first and second parts when the parts are connected by the connecting means.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, in which the connecting means is removable from a connecting position to a non-connecting position in which the two parts may be separated.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the connecting means is elongate.

4. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the connecting means has a round cross-section.

5. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the assembly is adapted to pivotally connect two members.

6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the first part comprises a body portion through which a passage extends.

7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the first part comprises at least one mounting portion to enable mounting of the part to one of said members.

8. An assembly according to claim 7, in which the mounting portion(s) comprise at least one aperture through which securing means may pass to secure the part to the said one member.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, in which the securing means comprises a threaded member.

10. An assembly according to any of claims 6 to 9, in which a bush is provided at each end of the passage.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, in which each bush is made of plastics material.

12. An assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which each bush is locatable in a recess formed in the body portion in the region of the ends of the passage.

13. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the second part comprises two body portions, each defining a passage.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, in which each passage is elongate in cross-section.

15. An assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14, in which the body portion of the first part, in use, is interposed between the body portions of the second part, with the respective passages aligned and with the connecting member extending therethrough.

16. An assembly according to claim 14 or claim 15, in which the adjustment means is operable to set the position of the connecting member along the elongate cross-section.

17. An assembly according to any of claims 13 to 16, in which the connecting member comprises stop means to prevent the connecting member passing completely through the said passages.

18. An assembly according to claim 17, in which the stop means, in use, locates in a suitable recess formed in the second part.

19. An assembly according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which the stop means comprises an enlarged head portion of the connecting member.

20. An assembly according to any of claims 13 to 19, in which a further passage extends through one or each body portion of the second part to intersect the passage in the respective portion.

21. An assembly according to claim 20, in which the further passage and the respective said passage intersect generally at right angles.

22. An assembly according to claim 20 or claim 21, in which the further passage and the respective said passage intersect with the respective axes of the passages displaced relative to one another such that only part of the circumferential areas of the passages intersect.

23. An assembly according to any of claims 20 to 22, in which the adjustment means comprises a member located in the or each further passage.

24. An assembly according to claim 23, in which the member is rotatably secured in the respective further passage.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, in which the member is secured by having both ends thereof enlarged.

26. An assembly according to claim 25, in which the or each adjustment member comprises a generally cylindrical body between the generally enlarged ends, the body in use being located in the respective further passage.

27. An assembly according to claim 26, in which the body comprises a groove extending at least partially around and partially along the body.

28. An assembly according to claim 27, in which the groove follows a generally helical path.

29. An assembly according to claim 27 or claim 28, in which the width of the groove is sufficient to accommodate a portion of the connecting means therein.

30. An assembly according to any of claims 25 to 29, in which one enlarged end of each adjustment member in use, locates in a recess formed at one end of the respective further passage.

31. An assembly according to claim 30, in which the enlarged end comprises means to facilitate manual turning of the adjustment member in the respective further passage.

32. An assembly according to claim 31, in which the turning means comprises a recess in which a suitably shaped portion of a key is locatable.

33. An assembly according to claim 32, in which the recess is so formed as to receive a hexagonal key.

34. An assembly according to any of claims 25 to 33, in which indicating means is also provided on the end to indicate the relative position of the adjustment member in the respective further passage.

35. An assembly according to any of claims 23 to 34, in which a passage and respective adjustment member is provided in each body portion of the second part.

36. An assembly according to any of claims 27 to 35, in which the connecting member in use, extends across the adjustment member(s) and locates at least partially in the groove therein, such that selective turning of the or at least one of the adjustment members causes the relative position of the connecting member in the elongate passage of the body portions of the second part, and hence the relative positions of the first and second parts, to be selectively adjusted.

37. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which means is provided to selectively prevent removal of the connecting means from the connecting position.

38. An assembly according to claim 37, in which the means comprises a threaded member which passes through a threaded aperture in the body portion of the first part, to enter the passage formed in the first part and in use, to locate a recess formed on the connecting member thereby preventing removal of the member from the connecting position whilst permitting relative pivotal movement of the part about the connecting member.

39. An assembly according to claim 38, in which the threaded member is located in the body portion of the first part to be accessible from only one side of the assembly.

40. A door hinge assembly according to any of the preceding claims.

41. A hinge assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

42. A door hinge assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.