U.S. patent number 3,903,567 [Application Number 05/508,824] was granted by the patent office on 1975-09-09 for two knuckle hinges.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Stanley Works. Invention is credited to Charles R. Suska.
United States Patent |
3,903,567 |
Suska |
September 9, 1975 |
Two knuckle hinges
Abstract
An improved two knuckle hinge comprises a pair of adjacent hinge
leaves on which long and short axially aligned hinge knuckles are
formed. The long hinge knuckle houses a bushing in its end adjacent
the short hinge knuckle to act as an anti-friction bearing. A
torsion spring may also be housed in the portion of the long hinge
knuckle unoccupied by the bushing for urging the leaves together. A
pintle, about which the long hinge knuckle pivots, is supported in
the short hinge knuckle and extends into and cooperates with the
torsion spring, when the torsion spring is present in the long
knuckle. Also disclosed is a two knuckle hinge that simulates the
appearance of a three or more knuckle hinge. This is accomplished
through the use of one or more markings such as grooves in the long
hinge knuckle which simulate the appearance of gaps between
knuckles.
Inventors: |
Suska; Charles R. (Roxbury,
CT) |
Assignee: |
The Stanley Works (New Britain,
CT)
|
Family
ID: |
24024231 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/508,824 |
Filed: |
September 24, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/301; 16/307;
29/11; 49/381 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05F
1/1215 (20130101); Y10T 16/538633 (20150115); Y10T
29/24 (20150115); E05Y 2900/132 (20130101); Y10T
16/53888 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
E05F
1/00 (20060101); E05F 1/12 (20060101); E05F
001/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;16/189,128R,54,136,148,168,186,180 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,082,703 |
|
Jun 1954 |
|
FR |
|
1,338,240 |
|
Aug 1963 |
|
FR |
|
106,179 |
|
Mar 1965 |
|
NO |
|
Primary Examiner: Guest; Alfred R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brumbaugh, Graves, Donohue &
Raymond
Claims
I claim:
1. A two knuckle hinge comprising:
a pair of adjacent hinge leaves, long and short axially aligned
hinge knuckles formed respectively on the adjacent edges of said
hinge leaves;
an anti-friction bushing in the end of said long hinge knuckle
adjacent said short hinge knuckle for providing thrust and lateral
bearing surfaces for the hinge;
a pintle, about which said long hinge knuckle pivots, supported in
said short hinge knuckle and extending through said busing in said
long hinge knuckle, a flange on said pintle positioned between said
long and short hinge knuckles and in contact with said bushing for
providing an anti-friction surface for said bushing and for
preventing said pintle from being driven out of said hinge
knuckles; and
a torsion spring mechanism in said long hinge knuckle for urging
said hinge leaves together, means for non-rotatably fixing one end
of said torsion spring mechanism remote from said short hinge
knuckle in the end of said long hinge knuckle, means for fastening
said pintle to the other end of said torsion spring mechanism, and
means for non-rotatably supporting said short hinge knuckle.
2. A two knuckle spring hinge comprising:
a pair of adjacent hinge leaves, long and short axially aligned
hinge knuckles formed respectively on the adjacent edges of said
hinge leaves;
an anti-friction bushing in the end of said long hinge knuckle
adjacent said short hinge knuckle for providing thrust and lateral
bearing surfaces for the hinge;
a torsion spring mechanism in said long hinge knuckle for urging
said hinge leaves together;
means for non-rotatably fixing one end of said torsion spring
mechanism remote from said short hinge knuckle in the end of said
long hinge knuckle; and
a pintle, about which said long hinge knuckle pivots, non-rotatably
supported in said short hinge knuckle and extending through said
bushing in said long hinge knuckle, said pintle having means for
fastening said pintle to the other end of said torsion spring
mechanism.
3. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein said long hinge knuckle
further includes at least one marking simulating a gap between two
hinge knuckles extending around the exterior of said long hinge
knuckle at a distance from its end equal to the length of said
short hinge knuckle whereby the two knuckle spring hinge simulates
a three or more knuckle hinge.
4. A hinge according to claim 3, wherein said hinge leaves are
equal in length to the leaf of a conventional concealed bearing
hinge, the length of said short hinge knuckle is equal to the
length of a short hinge knuckle of a concealed bearing hinge, and
the combined length of said long and short hinge knuckles is equal
to the length of said hinge leaves, whereby the two knuckle spring
hinge simulates a three knuckle concealed bearing hinge.
5. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein said non-rotatably fixing
means comprises a capstan in the end of said long hinge knuckle,
means to non-rotatably support the capstan, said capstan being
fastened to said one end of said torsion spring mechanism to
non-rotatably fix said one end of said torsion spring
mechanism.
6. A hinge according to claim 5, wherein said non-rotatable support
means includes a first aperture extending through the long hinge
knuckle, a second aperture extending into the capstan and aligned
with said first aperture, and a pin extending through said first
and second apertures for securing the capstan against rotation; and
a recess in the end of said capstan, said recess cooperating with a
tool for rotating said capstan when the pin is out of said
apertures, whereby the torsion force of said spring mechanism is
adjustable.
7. A hinge according to claim 6, wherein said capstan includes a
plurality of circumferentially spaced second apertures capable of
receiving said pin, whereby finer torsional adjustment of said
spring mechanism is possible.
8. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein said long hinge knuckle
includes an internal shoulder at the end of said long hinge knuckle
adjacent said short hinge knuckle, said shoulder defining an
aperture having a first diameter; and wherein said torsion spring
mechanism has a second diameter larger than said first diameter,
whereby disassembly of said hinge is prevented.
9. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein said torsion spring
mechanism is a coil spring.
10. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein said bushing includes a
flange interposed between said long and short hinge knuckles acting
as a thrust bearing for the hinge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to two knuckle hinges and, more
particularly, to two knuckle spring and non-spring hinges which are
capable of simulating the appearance of a three or more knuckle
hinges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Doors are often hung using concealed bearing hinges. A typical
concealed bearing hinge comprises two hinge leaves, one attached to
the door and the other attached to a door jamb such as shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,183 to Parsons. Between the two hinge leaves of
a typical concealed bearing hinge there is generally a three
knuckle barrel, the top and bottom knuckles of which are connected
to one of the hinge leaves and the middle knuckle of which is
connected to the other hinge leaf. One of the hinge leaves is
generally attached with screws to the door and the other hinge leaf
is generally attached with screws to the jamb on which the door is
hung.
In recent years, some building codes have required new structures,
for example, apartment houses, to include door closing devices on
the entrance door of each housing unit. While in higher income
units concealed hydraulic closers have been utilized, the
requirements of the building codes can be satisfied by less
expensive spring hinges.
Heretofore, spring hinges have been developed which meet the
requirements of the building codes. A spring hinge is a hinge
having within its tubular section a torsion spring which urges the
door into a closed position. Prior spring hinges have been
manufactured with knuckles of large diameter and excessive length,
often longer than the leaves, to accommodate a spring sufficiently
strong to provide the necessary torque for closing the door. Such
hinges have a bulky and unattractive appearance wholly unlike that
of concealed bearing hinges or other aesthetically pleasing hinges.
Thus, although it has been permissible, under the building codes,
to use a bulky spring hinge in conjunction with a concealed bearing
hinge, such an arrangement has not generally been accepted for
aesthetic reasons. In particular, the reluctance to use the prior
spring hinges in combination with a concealed bearing hinge is due
primarily to the fact that such prior spring hinges have had an
appearance, described above, which differs considerably from that
of conventional concealed bearing hinges. Thus, if concealed
bearing hinges are deemed desirable for aesthetic reasons, a
concealed hydraulic door closer must be utilized. On the other
hand, if spring hinges are deemed desirable for economic reasons,
aesthetics may require that all hinges must be the unattractive
bulky spring hinges because of the difference in appearance between
them and the concealed bearing hinges.
Conventional two knuckle hinges comprise a pair of knuckles of
equal length. If such conventional two knuckle hinges are
transformed into a spring hinge, the maximum length of the spring
is equal to the length of a knuckle or one half of the total barrel
length. This restriction on the length of the spring prevents the
use of springs that deliver the requisite torque and spring life.
Accordingly, it is imperative that a spring hinge utilize a spring
which is long enough to provide adequate torque without impairing
either the performance or reliability of the spring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a novel and
improved two knuckle hinge capable of simulating a three or more
knuckle hinge, preferably of the concealed bearing type, which
normally includes a pair of adjacent hinge leaves and long and
short axially aligned hinge knuckles formed respectively on the
adjacent edges of the hinge leaves. The hinge of the present
invention includes an anti-friction bushing located in the end of
the long hinge knuckle adjacent the end of the short hinge knuckle
to act as an anti-friction bearing. A torsion spring mechanism may
be positioned in the long hinge knuckle for urging the hinge leaves
together. A pintle is held and supported by the short hinge
knuckle. The pintle, about which the long hinge knuckle pivots,
extends through the bushing in the long hinge knuckle and is
fastened to one end of the torsion spring mechanism, when the
torsion spring mechanism is present in the long hinge knuckle.
A marking such as a groove, which simulates the gap between
knuckles, is provided around the exterior of the long hinge knuckle
at a distance from its end, equal to the length of the short hinge
knuckle so that the two knuckle hinge simulates the appearance of a
three knuckle hinge for the aesthetic purposes previously
mentioned. Additional markings simulate hinges with a greater
number of knuckles. A plug or capstan is also provided in the end
of the long hinge knuckle opposite the end housing the bushing. The
capstan, which non-rotatably fixes the other end of the torsion
spring mechanism in the long hinge knuckle, when the torsion spring
mechanism is present in the long hinge knuckle, is also employed to
adjust the torsion spring mechanism.
The long hinge knuckle of at least the spring hinge is also
provided with an internal shoulder defining an aperture of a
diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the torsion spring to
prevent inadvertant disassembly of the hinge.
The anti-friction bushing, preferably of a plastic material, is
disposed coaxially about the pintle and includes an external flange
interposed between the long and short hinge knuckles to provide
thrust and lateral bearing surfaces for the hinge. The pintle
includes an external flange located in the end of the short hinge
knuckle adjacent the long hinge knuckle for providing an
anti-friction surface for the flange of the bushing. The flange
also provides greater security by preventing driving of the pintle
out of one of the knuckles.
The spring hinge of the invention may be used on the same door with
the non-spring hinge embodiment of the present invention or with
conventional three knuckle hinges. When the spring hinge is used in
combination with the non-spring hinge, there is provided an
apparatus comprising a plurality of hinges at least one of which is
a spring hinge and at least two of which are non-spring hinges.
Each of the hinges includes a pair of adjacent hinge leaves, long
and short axially aligned hinge knuckles formed respectively on
adjacent edges of the hinge leaves, and an anti-friction bushing in
the end of the long hinge knuckle adjacent the short hinge knuckle.
A flanged pintle, about which the long hinge knuckle pivots, is
supported in the short hinge knuckle and extends through the
bushing in the long hinge knuckle, the bushing providing thrust and
lateral bearing surfaces for the hinges. One or more markings such
as grooves extend around the exterior of the long hinge knuckles to
have the hinges simulate three or more knuckle hinges.
The spring hinge further includes a torsion spring in the long
hinge knuckle for urging the hinge leaves together, means for
non-rotatably fixing one end of the torsion spring remote from the
short hinge knuckle in the long hinge knuckle, and means for
fastening the pintle to the other end of the torsion spring. Thus,
a door is hingedly supported on a jamb by a plurality of hinges
having the appearance of identical three or more knuckle hinges,
and the door is resiliently urged to a closed position.
When the spring hinge is used with three knuckle concealed bearing
hinges, there is provided an apparatus for hingedly supporting a
door on a jamb by a plurality of hinges having the appearance of
three knuckle concealed bearing hinges, and the door is resiliently
urged into a closed position.
Another embodiment of the invention is a double action, two knuckle
spring hinge comprising a first hinge leaf, having a long hinge
knuckle formed on one edge thereof; a second hinge leaf adjacent
the first hinge leaf, having a short hinge knuckle formed on the
edge adjacent the first hinge leaf and axially aligned with the
long hinge knuckle of the first hinge leaf, and a long hinge
knuckle formed on an opposite edge of the second hinge leaf; and a
third hinge leaf adjacent the second hinge leaf, having a short
hinge knuckle formed on the edge adjacent the second hinge leaf and
axially aligned with the long hinge knuckle of the second hinge
leaf. A first bushing is provided in the end of the long hinge
knuckle of the first hinge leaf adjacent the short hinge knuckle of
the second hinge leaf. Also, a second bushing is provided in the
end of the long hinge knuckle of the second hinge leaf adjacent the
short hinge knuckle of the third hinge leaf.
A first torsion spring mechanism may be positioned in the long
hinge knuckle of the first hinge leaf for urging the first and
second hinge leaves together. One end of the first torsion spring
mechanism, remote from the short hinge knuckle of the second hinge
leaf, is non-rotatably fixed in the long hinge knuckle of the first
hinge leaf. Similarly, a second torsion spring mechanism may be
provided in the long hinge knuckle of the second hinge leaf for
urging the second and third hinge leaves together.
A first pintle, about which the long hinge knuckle of the first
hinge leaf pivots, is non-rotatably supported in the short hinge
knuckle of the second hinge leaf and extends through the first
bushing, whereby the first bushing provides thrust and lateral
bearing surfaces for the hinge. The first pintle includes means for
fastening the first pintle to the other end of the first torsion
spring mechanism. Likewise, a second pintle, about which the long
hinge knuckle of the second hinge leaf pivots, is non-rotatably
supported in the short hinge knuckle of the third hinge leaf and
extends through the second bushing, whereby the second bushing
provides thrust and lateral bearing surfaces for the hinge. The
second pintle includes means for fastening the second pintle to the
other end of the second torsion spring mechanism.
The invention also includes a method of making a two knuckle spring
hinge that simulates a three or more knuckle hinge. The method
includes the steps of forming a long knuckle on one hinge leaf
equal in length to a plurality of knuckles of a multi-knuckle
hinge. A short knuckle is formed on the other hinge leaf equal in
length to an end knuckle of a multi-knuckle hinge. One or more
grooves or markings are provided around the exterior of the long
hinge knuckle at a distance from its end, equal in length to the
short hinge knuckle. In this manner, the long hinge knuckle is made
to simulate a plurality of knuckles of a multi-knuckle concealed
bearing hinge by the addition of one or more markings simulating
the gap between the long and short knuckle.
The short and long hinge knuckles are aligned and an anti-friction
bushing is inserted into the long hinge knuckle to act as a bearing
between the knuckles. A torsion spring mechanism, when used, and a
pintle are then inserted into the long hinge knuckle, and the hinge
is assembled by locking the pintle into the short hinge knuckle in
a non-rotatable manner. Torsion is then applied to the spring
mechanism by winding, and the spring mechanism is locked into
position in the long hinge knuckle. The one or more grooves or
markings provided in the long knuckle serves to create the
appearance of a multi-knuckle hinge so that the hinge made by this
method has the appearance of a three or more knuckle hinge and may
be utilized aesthetically with such hinges on one door.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made
to the following description of three exemplary embodiments, taken
in conjunction with the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the two knuckle spring hinge of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional concealed bearing
hinge;
FIG. 3 is an elevation, partially cut away, of the spring hinge
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an elevation, partially cut away, of the two knuckle
non-spring hinge of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a double action two knuckle spring
hinge of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view, partially cut away, of the double action
spring hinge of FIG. 5 shown in a closed position;
FIG. 7 is a top view, partially cut away, of the double action
spring hinge of FIG. 5 shown opened in a counterclockwise
direction;
FIG. 8 is a top view, partially cut away, of the double action
spring hinge of FIG. 5 shown opened in a clockwise direction;
FIG. 9 is an elevation of the adjustable capstan of the instant
invention;
FIG. 10 is a top view of the capstan shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the capstan taken along lines
11--11 of FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a door hung on a jamb by one
spring hinge and two non-spring hinges, all identical in
appearance, in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring generally to FIG. 1, a spring hinge 10 embodying the
present invention is shown. The spring hinge 10 comprises a first
hinge leaf 12 and a second hinge leaf 14 with a central barrel 16
therebetween. The central barrel 16 is divided into a simulated
upper hinge knuckle 18, a simulated middle hinge knuckle 20, and a
lower hinge knuckle 22 by a gap 26 and a groove or marking 24
simulating a gap between knuckles.
As will be further explained hereinafter, the central barrel 16
receives a torsion spring 60 which may typically be a coil spring.
The spring 60 tends to urge the hinge leaves 12 and 14 together.
Thus a door supported by the hinge 10 is resiliently urged to its
closed position.
The lower hinge knuckle 22 of the barrel 16 is formed at the edge
of the first hinge leaf 12. The simulated upper and middle hinge
knuckles 18, 20 are formed at the edge of the second hinge leaf 14.
A groove 24 is provided between the upper and middle hinge knuckles
18, 20. The gap 26, extending between the simulated middle and
lower hinge knuckles 20, 22, is formed by the juncture of these
knuckles 20, 22.
Referring generally to FIG. 2, a conventional three knuckle
concealed bearing hinge 30 is shown. The concealed bearing hinge 30
comprises a first hinge leaf 32, a second hinge leaf 34, and a
central barrel 36. The central barrel 36 is comprised of a top
knuckle 38, a middle knuckle 40, and a bottom knuckle 42. Gaps 44,
46 between the middle knuckle 40 and the top and bottom knuckles
38, 42 respectively, are formed by the junctures of the three
knuckles 38, 40, 42.
The top and bottom knuckles 38, 42 are formed at the edge of the
first hinge leaf 32. The middle knuckle 40 is formed at the edge of
the second hinge leaf 34. The hinge leaves 32, 34 are hinged
together by aligning the middle knuckle 40 of the second hinge leaf
34 between the top and bottom knuckles 38, 42 of the first hinge
leaf 32. A pin 48 is inserted through the top knuckle 38, middle
knuckle 40, and bottom knuckle 42 which form the central barrel 36.
The pin 48 holds the hinge 30 together and allows the hinge leaves
32, 34 to pivot around the central barrel 36.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the appearance of the spring hinge 10 of
the present invention is shown to simulate that of the concealed
bearing hinge 30 of FIG. 2. Thus, the spring hinge 10 of the
present invention may be utilized aesthetically on a door which
also utilizes conventional concealed bearing hinges of the type
shown in FIG. 2.
Referring now generally to FIG. 3, to make the spring hinge 10 of
the present invention, the first hinge leaf 12 is formed from a
strong material such as steel. A series of countersunk mounting
holes 50, adapted to receive screws, are drilled in the hinge leaf
12. The short or lower hinge knuckle 22 having a length equal to an
end knuckle of a like-sized three knuckle concealed bearing hinge
is formed at the lowermost edge of the hinge leaf 12.
In operation, the hinge leaf 12 with the short hinge knuckle 22 is
attached to the jamb, while the other hinge leaf 14 is attached to
the door. Thus, the short hinge knuckle 22 and its pintle 58,
described below, actually support the rest of the hinge in a normal
door installation.
The second hinge leaf 14 is formed from the same material as the
first hinge leaf 12. The second hinge leaf 14 also is provided with
a series of mounting holes 50, countersunk to receive mounting
screws. Formed as part of the uppermost portion of the second hinge
leaf 14 is the long hinge knuckle 54 having a length equal to the
end and a middle knuckle of a like-sized three knuckle concealed
bearing hinge. To simulate a three knuckle hinge, the long hinge
knuckle 54 is divided into a simulated upper hinge knuckle 18 and a
simulated middle hinge knuckle 20 by a marking simulating the gap
between knuckles. It will be understood that additional markings
may be used to simulate hinges with, for example, five knuckles. In
the preferred embodiment the marking is a groove 24 that is cut or
coined in the material at a distance from the end of the long hinge
knuckle 54 equal in length to the end knuckle of a like-sized three
knuckle concealed bearing hinge. The long hinge knuckle 54 has a
hole 56 therethrough receiving a small pin 68. The pin 68 extends
into and secures a capstan 62 for purposes explained hereinafter.
Alternatively, it may be desirable to provide the hole 56 with
internal threads capable of receiving a headless set screw rather
than a pin.
It is important to include an anti-friction bearing to enable free
pivoting of the hinge leaves 12 and 14. In furtherance of this
objective, the portion of the long hinge knuckle 54 adjacent the
short hinge knuckle 22 is adapted to receive an anti-friction
bushing 70. The bushing 70 is essentially a tubular member having a
radially extending flange 71 at its end which bears against the
short hinge knuckle 22. The end of the long hinge knuckle 54
adjacent the short hinge knuckle 22 is counter-bored to accommodate
the flange 71 of the bushing 70. Also, the internal surface of the
bushing 70, which is disposed coaxially about the pintle 58, bears
directly on the external surface of the pintle 58. Therefore the
bushing 70, which is preferably manufactured out of an
anti-friction plastic or other anti-friction material, provides
both lateral and thrust bearing surfaces.
To assemble the hinge, the pintle 58 is press fitted into place in
the short hinge knuckle 22 until its flange 74 seats into a
counter-bore in the knuckle 22. The pintle 58 is then inserted into
the long hinge knuckle 54. Since the pintle 58 is inserted prior to
the attachment of the spring 60 thereto, the force required to
insert the pintle 58 can be supplied by any suitable tool directly
on the end of the pintle 58. This procedure avoids subjecting the
spring 60 to the considerable force required to secure the pintle
58 to the short hinge knuckle 22. With the pintle 58 in place, the
spring 60 is pressed into position on the pintle and capstan.
The spring 60 includes several closed turns 72, 73 at each end for
providing maximum gripping power on the capstan 62 and the pintle
58. By utilizing a spring wound in a direction appropriate to the
direction in which the hinge 10 opens, the spring grips the capstan
62 and the pintle 58 with increasing force as the spring torsion
increases.
The spring 60 is secured to the pintle 58 by providing the end of
the pintle 58 extending into the long hinge knuckle 54 with a
taper. A chamfer 78 at the end of the pintle 58 facilitates
insertion of the pintle 58 into the spring 60, while the tapered
portion 80 of the pintle 58 expands the closed turns 72 of the
spring 60. After the spring 60 is forced onto the pintle 58, the
winding of the spring 60, to be described more fully hereinbelow,
causes it to more tightly grip the pintle 58. A knurled portion 66
of the pintle 58 grips the interior of the short hinge knuckle 22
to secure the pintle 58 in the short hinge knuckle 22 after the
pintle 58 is pressed into position. Alternatively, the pintle 58
may be secured in the short hinge knuckle 22 by a pin in a manner
similar to that by which the capstan 62 is secured in the long
hinge knuckle, described hereinafter.
The capstan 62 is then inserted into the long hinge knuckle 54 of
the second hinge leaf 14. A hole 52 in the capstan 62, aligned with
the hole 56 in the long hinge knuckle 54 by drilling the holes
together or by drilling through the hole 56, receives a small pin
68 slip fitted through the hole 56 in the long hinge knuckle 54 and
into the hole 52 in the capstan 62 to secure the capstan 62 in
place after the spring 60 has been wound to the proper torque
value. The capstan 62, like the pintle 58, is provided with a taper
for securing the spring 60 to the capstan 62. A chamfer 82 at the
end of the capstan 62 extending into the long knuckle 54
facilitates insertion of the capstan into the spring, while the
tapered portion 84 of capstan 62 expands the closed turns 73 of the
spring 60.
To wind the spring 60, the jamb leaf 12 is held while a drive
device cooperating with a recess 63 in the capstan 62, for example
a screwdriver inserted into a slot, is used to rotate the capstan.
After the spring 60 has been wound to the proper torque value, and
the hole 52 drilled as discussed above, the small pin 68 is
inserted through the long hinge knuckle 54 and into the capstan 62
to secure it in place. The torque on the pin 68 created by the
torsion of spring 60 prevents its inadvertent movement.
To prevent disassembly of the hinge 10 and unauthorized removal of
the door, the long hinge knuckle 54 is provided with an internal
shoulder 76. The outer diameter of the spring 60 is greater than
the diameter of an opening defined by the shoulder 76. As a result,
the spring 60 cannot pass through the smaller diameter opening
defined by the shoulder 76, and the hinge knuckles 22, 54 are
effectively held together.
Furthermore, the pintle 58 is provided with a flange 74 by a
turning or upset operation. The flange 74 is positioned in the
counter-bored portion of the end of the short hinge knuckle 22
adjacent the bushing 70. Thus, not only does the flange 74 prevent
the pintle 58 from being driven out of either knuckle, but it also
provides a bearing surface for the flange 71 of the bushing 70.
The two knuckle spring hinge 10 thus formed simulates the
appearance of the three knuckle concealed bearing hinge of FIG. 2.
The provision of the groove 24 in the long hinge knuckle 54 divides
that section into a simulated upper hinge knuckle 18 and a
simulated middle hinge knuckle 20. With the groove 24 and the gap
26 between the long knuckle 54 and the short knuckle 22, the hinge
10 has the appearance of and cannot readily be distinguished from
the concealed bearing hinge 30. Thus, unlike prior spring hinges,
the spring hinge 10 of the present invention may be aesthetically
utilized in conjunction with three knuckle concealed bearing hinges
of the type 30 shown in FIG. 2.
It should be understood that it is possible to form the marking 24
by cutting a groove. Alternatively, if the hinge is made by
blanking and forming wrought metal, for example, the groove 24 may
be coined in a flat blank prior to forming the long hinge knuckle
54. Or the marking 24 may be provided in any other desired
manner.
Referring now generally to FIGS. 9-11, in the event that a spring
hinge adapted for field adjustment is desired, a plurality of
circumferentially spaced holes are drilled radially into the
capstan. The number of holes provided depends upon the fineness of
torsional adjustment desired. Thus, provision of two diametrically
opposed holes allows the capstan to be turned 180.degree. in either
a counterclockwise direction or a clockwise direction to adjust the
tension on the spring. If six spaced holes 88 are employed, as
shown in FIGS. 9-11, the capstan 86 may be turned in increments of
60.degree. in either a counterclockwise or clockwise direction,
thereby providing for finer adjustments of the spring. Also, the
rectangular slot 63 in the capstan 62 of FIGS. 1 and 3 may be
replaced with a hexagonal slot 90 so that the capstan 86 may be
adjusted by means of an Allen wrench rather than a screwdriver.
It is permissible, under some building codes, to hang lighter
weight doors by one spring hinge and two conventional butt hinges.
For heavier doors, two or three spring hinges would be used as
required. When spring and non-spring hinges are used together on
the same door, they must be similar in basic dimensions to maintain
proper door action and for aesthetic purposes. To achieve optimum
mechanical compatability, it may be desirable to utilize a
non-spring and aesthetic counterpart of the spring hinge of FIG. 1
with such spring hinge.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a non-spring hinge 110,
which is a counterpart of the spring hinge 10 of FIGS. 1 and 3
described above. The non-spring hinge 110 comprises a first hinge
leaf 112 and a second hinge leaf 114 with a central barrel 116
therebetween. The central barrel 116 is divided into a simulated
upper hinge knuckle 118, a simulated middle hinge knuckle 120 and a
lower hinge knuckle 122 by a gap 126 and a marking 124 such as a
groove simulating a gap.
The lower or short hinge knuckle 122 of the barrel 116 is formed at
the edge of the first hinge leaf 112. The simulated upper and
middle hinge knuckles 118 and 120 are formed at the edge of the
second hinge leaf 114. The hinge leaves 112, 114 include a series
of countersunk mounting holes 150, adapted to receive screws.
As in the spring hinge 10, it is important to have an anti-friction
bearing included to enable the hinge leaves 112, 114 to pivot
freely. Therefore, the portion of the long hinge knuckle 154
adjacent the short hinge knuckle 122 is adapted to receive an
anti-friction bushing 170. The bushing 170 is essentially a tubular
member having a radially extending flange 171 at the end of the
bushing 170 which bears against the short hinge knuckle 122. The
end of the long hinge knuckle 154 adjacent the short hinge knuckle
122 is counter-bored to accomodate the flange 171 of the bushing
170. Also, the internal surface of the bushing 170, which is
disposed coaxially about a pintle 158, bears directly on the
external surface of the pintle 158. Therefore, the bushing 170
provides both lateral and thrust bearing surfaces.
A plug or capstan 162 of the non-spring hinge 110 is generally of
the type of the capstan 62 of the spring hinge 10. However, the
capstan 162 is pressed into the long hinge knuckle 154 rather than
pinned. The pintle 158 is also similar to the pintle 58 of the
spring hinge 10, although it need not have a knurled portion, so
that the flange 174 is positioned in a counter-bored portion of the
end of the short hinge knuckle 122 adjacent the bushing 170. Not
only does the flange 174 prevent the pintle 158 from being driven
out of either hinge knuckle, but it also provides a bearing surface
for the flange 171 of the bushing 170. However, since there is no
spring in the long hinge knuckle 154, the knuckle 118 need not be
bored out to receive such spring, and the non-spring hinge 110 is
separable. Thus, the long hinge knuckle 154 of the hinge leaf 114
may be lifted off or lowered onto the pintle 158 which is press
fitted into the short hinge knuckle 122 of the hinge leaf 112.
Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a door 190 hung from a
jamb 192 by a spring hinge 10 positioned between a pair of
non-spring hinges 110, 110. The hinge leaf 14 of the spring hinge
10 is attached to the door 190, while the hinge leaf 12 of the
spring hinge 10 is attached to the jamb 192. When the non-spring
hinges 110, 110 are used on the same door as the spring hinge 10,
the hinge leaves 114, 114 with the long hinge knuckle 154 are
attached to the door 190, while the hinge leaves 112, 112 with the
short hinge knuckle 122 are attached to the jamb 192. Thus, optimum
mechanical and aesthetic compatibility is achieved.
In assembling the hinges to the door and jamb, the hinges 110, 110
are readily disassembled, the hinge leaves 112, 112 are
disassembled from hinge leaves 114, 114 and attached to the jamb
192. Similarly, the separated hinge leaves 114, 114 are attached to
the door 190 which may be located remote from the jamb 192. After
attachment of the hinge leaves 112, 112 to the jamb 192 and the
hinge leaves 114, 114 to the door 190, the door 190 can be readily
hung on the jamb 192 by simply positioning the door 190 such that
the long hinge knuckles 154, 154 are above and in alignment with
the pintles 158, 158 (see FIG. 4) in the short hinge knuckles 122,
122. The door 190 is then juxtaposed with the jamb and lowered in
such a manner that the long hinge knuckles 154, 154 are lowered
onto the pintles 158, 158 (see FIG. 4). Note that the chamfer and
taper on ends of the pintles protruding from the short hinge
knuckles on the jamb help lead the pintles into the long hinge
knuckles on the door. Finally, the hinge leaf 14 and the hinge leaf
12 of the spring hinge 10 are simply and easily attached to the
door 190 and the jamb 192, respectively, between the non-spring
hinges. Thus, utilization of the two knuckle non-spring hinges 110,
110 in conjunction with a spring hinge 10 facilates hanging the
door 190 on the jamb 192. The invention also contemplates using
conventional concealed bearing hinges in place of the non-spring
hinges 110, 110.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, there is shown a double action spring
hinge 210 capable of permitting a door 280 mounted thereon to
rotate 180.degree. in either a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. The double action spring hinge 210 comprises a first
hinge leaf 212 and a second hinge leaf 213 with a barrel 216
therebetween. The barrel 216 is divided into a simulated upper
hinge knuckle 218, a simulated middle hinge knuckle 220 and a lower
hinge knuckle 222 by a gap 226 and a marking 224 such as a groove
simulating a gap. The double action spring hinge 210 further
comprises a third hinge leaf 214 with a barrel 236 between it and
the second hinge leaf 213. The barrel 236 is divided into a
simulated upper hinge knuckle 238, a simulated middle hinge knuckle
240, and a lower hinge knuckle 242 by a gap 246 and a marking 244
simulating a gap. The first hinge leaf 212 and the third hinge leaf
214 are provided with a series of countersunk mounting holes 250,
adapted to receive screws, as indicated by the dotted lines in
FIGS. 6-8.
Similar to the single action spring hinge of FIGS. 1 and 3, the
barrels 216, 236 each receive a torsion spring (not shown) of the
type used in the spring hinge of FIG. 3. The spring located in the
barrel 216 tends to urge the hinge leaves 212, 213 together, while
the spring located in the barrel 236 tends to urge the hinge leaves
213, 214 together. To provide these actions, the springs have
different hands. Thus, a door 280 supported by the hinge 210 may be
automatically closed whether it is swung open in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction.
The long hinge knuckle 254 of the first hinge leaf 212 and the long
hinge knuckle 252 of the second hinge leaf 213 accommodate capstans
262, 248, respectively, which are similar in construction to the
capstan of the single action spring hinge 10 of FIGS. 1 and 3.
Thus, the capstans 262, 248 are provided with slots 263, 249,
respectively, for adjusting the torsion of the springs (not shown)
located in the long hinge knuckles 254, 252, respectively, of the
hinge 210. The short hinge knuckles 222, 242 also house pintles
(not shown) which are similar in construction to the pintle of the
single action spring hinge of FIGS. 1 and 3. It should be noted
that the adjustable capstan of FIGS. 9-11 may also be utilized in
place of the capstans 262, 248.
In operation, the hinge leaf 212 with the long hinge knuckle 254 is
screwed to the door 280, while the hinge leaf 214 with the short
hinge knuckle 242 is screwed to the jamb 270. Thus, the short hinge
knuckle 242 and its pintle actually support the rest of the double
action hinge in a normal door installation.
It should be understood that the non-spring embodiment of FIG. 4
and the double action embodiment of FIGS. 5-8 may be manufactured
from the same materials and in the same manner as the single action
spring hinge of FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, the same method may be
employed to simulate a five knuckle hinge or a hinge having any
number of knuckles as mentioned heretofore.
It will be understood that the above described embodiments are
merely exemplary and that those skilled in the art may make many
variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and
the scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations
are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined in
the appended claims.
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