Abstract:
An adjustable hinge assembly for swingably joining hinging panel members together, where improved mounting capability is provided, and adjustability of a pin and the hinge components in multiple directions relative to the hinging panels and to each other is provided, where a base member is mounted to a first hinging member and a pin-carrying member is connected to the base, and a base member mounted to a second hinging member and maintains an adjustable pin-receiving component thereon. Stops are provided to regulate the pivot of the members over a predetermined range.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/680,178, filed on Jul. 15, 1996, issued on Jun. 16, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,263, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to the field of hinges for supporting doors, panels, lids, covers and the like and, more particularly, to hinge devices which can be adjustably provided for mounting to a door or other supporting member. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     Lift-off hinge assemblies are known in the art and are particularly useful for securing a door, cover or the like to a frame or other hinging surface. However, one problem associated with the use of these types of hinges is the inability to make adjustments to accommodate door assemblies which employ gaskets or other seals between the frame and the door. In such circumstances, it is advantageous to have an adjustable hinge in order to accommodate a range of thicknesses of the gaskets and to maintain the gasket under compression, even if the gasket should undergo a change in thickness due to continuous compression during use. Adjustable hinges are needed to solve the problems associated with such hinge applications. 
     One type of hinge used in the art includes lateral slots as mounting apertures for mounting a hinge knuckle to the closure member, thus permitting side-to-side adjustment of the knuckle, which, in turn, varies the distance between the closure member and its frame. Another known adjustable hinge employs a two-piece base assembly in which the base of the two piece assembly is affixed to the closure member and second piece of the base is mounted to the first piece. The two pieces of the base are designed such that they are allowed to be adjusted with respect to each other before tightening. 
     Other hinge types, though not adjustable, feature shims which are used for spacing the axis of rotation from the frame. 
     One problem with prior art hinges is that when adjustment of the hinge is desired, while the hinge is still supporting the door, it is very difficult due to the load of the door. Misalignment can occur if the door hinge is not properly seated. This often requires loosening or removing the hinge and then re-tightening or securing it. 
     A need exists for a hinge that can be adjusted to accommodate various size panel installations, and which can be used with various gasketed door panels. There also exists a need to provide the adjustable features where the door panel can be mounted from a variety of positions, including perpendicular, coplanar or collinear, and from different directions. 
     It is also known to employ various types of hinge devices which operate to retain a door, lid, cover and the like, in an opened or closed position are known. For example, some types of hinge devices, including, in particular, those employed on vertically swinging kitchen cabinet doors, exert a torque to retain the door in a closed position. However, in certain circumstances, the amount of torque provided from the hinge is insufficient to maintain the door in a closed position, such as, for example, in response to inadvertent contact forces. Many of these types of hinges do not function to permit the door to remain in an open position. Another type of hinge known is used on vertically swinging doors and incorporates a wave-shaped cam surface which allows the door to rest in either an opened or closed position. However, the opened or closed positioning of the hinge is limited to the location of the downward sloped portion of the cam surface. In addition, the application of the hinge is limited to vertically swinging doors since the weight of the door on the cam surface functions to position the hinge. Still, another type of hinge in common use incorporates an adjustable knuckle member which generates a torque upon a hinge pin in order to retain a vertically or horizontally swinging door in an opened position. However, the torque which is generated by adjustment of a screw member creates drag throughout the entire range of motion of the hinge. In addition, the hinge has a tendency to spring open slightly when the door is closed, thereby necessitating an additional latch to retain the door in the closed position. 
     Another type of hinge is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,842 to Allen Riblett and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,842 is directed to a detent hinge for use with either vertically or horizontally swinging doors. The detent hinge incorporates detent balls and coil springs which operate to bias the detent balls in the direction of a pin assembly. The pin assembly is provided with a number of openings provided within its surface into which the detent balls are adapted to be received for retaining the door in a detent position relative to the frame. The detent hinge also incorporates means for adjusting the amount of torque which is required to move the hinge out of its detent positions, which is accomplished by varying the size, strength and/or number of coil springs and detent balls within the hinge. For this purpose, the detent hinge is provided with a removable retaining member which is opened to gain access for adjusting the amount of torque provided by the coil springs and detent balls. There have, however, been certain limitations noted with this particular detent hinge. One limitation is that the hinge must be of a sufficiently large enough size due to the arrangement of the coil springs and detent balls with the device. Accordingly, there is a limit in the types of applications that this particular detent hinge can be used; specifically, such hinge can not be used in certain applications where a small hinge would be required, such as with smaller doors or where space for mounting the hinge would be limited. Another limitation is that the detent hinge can be susceptible to corrosion due to the particular materials of the device; in particular, due to the coil springs and detent balls which are preferably manufactured of metal. For this same reason, the relative costs to manufacture the device can be higher since components manufactured of metal are utilized. 
     An “Adjustable Lift-Off Hinge” is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,500 to Robert H. Bisbing, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This hinge assembly employs a longitudinal adjustable knuckle member which is rotatably coupled to a support member along the longitudinal axis, and a longitudinal fixed base member having a convex outer surface pivotally connected to a longitudinal side of the adjustable knuckle member. 
     A need exists for providing a hinge assembly which can be utilized for applications where panel mounting surfaces are parallel to each other, or even coplanar with each other. Such situations generally do not permit a perpendicular positioning of the members on which the hinge components are to be mounted. A need therefore exists to provide a hinge assembly which can be utilized in installations where one panel is either parallel or coplanar to another panel. 
     In addition, hinge installation generally requires that panels which are to carry the hinge components be precisely aligned to permit uninhibited swinging of the panel, and operation of the hinging mechanism, by eliminating interference from the stress or imbalance of an improperly positioned hinge or panel. A need exists for a versatile hinge mechanism which permits adjustment of the hinge components relative to vertical and horizontal directions. 
     In addition, there are generally limitations on the mounting of known hinges. For example, in some prior art type hinges, mounting of the hinge components requires particular orientation of the panels. In some instances, for example, hinges can only be mounted to a mounting surface in one direction, from the front or from the rear, but not either direction. Such devices do not meet the needs of installations requiring mounting from a specified direction relative to the hinge operation. There further exists a need for a versatile hinge assembly which provides greater adaptation for mounting the hinge onto a door panel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a novel hinge assembly which is adjustably for installations to a first panel which is to be swingably maintained in relation to a second panel. For example, a door panel and a frame is an application for which the present invention can be utilized. The hinge assembly has a first component which is mounted to a door, and a second component which is mounted to a doorframe or other panel. The hinge assembly provides elements which can be regulated to accommodate a variety of door installations. For example, the hinge assembly can include elements which facilitate adjustment of the hinge by controlling one or more of the hinge components which are to be mounted on a door or panel. 
     A mounting element is provided to be mounted on each panel which is to be connected by the hinge. A pin-carrying member is attached to one of the mounting elements and a pivot member to the other mounting element. The present invention facilitates installation by providing the ability to install the mounting member to the panel, and then install the hinge pivot members to the mounting members. Adjustment features are also provided whereby one or more of the pivot and pin members attached to the mounting element can be aligned for proper orientation with respect to a panel or another of these members. A vertical adjustment of the pin member can be performed relative to the other members. Further, the pivot member can be adjusted vertically and laterally to properly position the hinge components for receipt of the pin within the pivot member. 
     A positioning element can also be provided to align with an element disposed in or located on a frame or panel to facilitate proper seating of one or more of the hinge components. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a hinge assembly which is adjustable in relation to the panels which the hinge is to operate in conjunction therewith. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for facilitating the alignment of the hinge assembly. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a hinge which is adjustable over a range of vertical positions. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge which is adjustable in along the axial length of a panel, and perpendicular with respect to the door hinge axis. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hinge with improved installation features for mounting to surface or panel. 
     Another object of the present invention is to accomplish the above objects, wherein a hinge includes a plurality of stops for maintaining a hinging panel in various positions between fully opened and fully closed. 
     It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the above objects wherein a separately securable mounting member can be attached to a panel to mount one or more hinge parts thereto. 
     It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the above objects by providing a novel hinge has improved resistance to dust and debris. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge which can be constructed by snap-fit installation of parts to a mounted member. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to accomplish the above objects by providing an adjustable pivot member. 
     A further object of the present invention is to accomplish the above objects wherein the hinge assembly is configured as a lift-off hinge assembly. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 is a left side, parallel perspective view of a hinge assembly according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded, parallel perspective view of the pin knuckle and base member of the hinge assembly shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a left side, parallel perspective view of the pin knuckle base member of the hinge assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a left side, parallel perspective view of the pin knuckle shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the base member shown in FIGS. 2-3. 
     FIG. 6 is a left side, parallel perspective view of the pivot knuckle shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a right side, parallel perspective view of the pin knuckle shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  4 . 
     FIG. 8 is a left side, exploded, parallel perspective view of the pivot knuckle assembly of the hinge assembly of FIG. 1 shown with an adjustable base member. 
     FIG. 9 is a longitudinal, partial-sectional, parallel perspective view of the pivot knuckle assembly and adjustable base member of FIG. 8 shown in an assembled condition. 
     FIG. 10 is a right side elevation view of the pivot knuckle of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the pivot knuckle shown in FIGS.  1 , 6 , and  8 - 10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the adjustable base member shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. 
     FIG. 13 is a left side, parallel perspective view of the positioning member shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. 
     FIG. 14 is an enlarged top plan view of the pin member shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the flexible member of the pin shown in FIGS. 2 and 14. 
     FIG. 16 is a parallel perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a pin member according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 a  is radial cross-sectional view of a bore of a pivot knuckle with the pin member of FIG. 16 shown received in a bore of a pin knuckle member with the pawl means extended into the receiving detent. 
     FIG. 16 b  is a radial cross-sectional view of a bore of a pivot knuckle with the pin member of FIG. 16 shown received in a bore of a pin knuckle member with the pawl means retracting from the receiving detent. 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded, right side, parallel perspective view of an alternate pin member embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded parallel perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a latch assembly according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the base member shown in FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 20 is a left side, parallel perspective view of the base member of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 21 is an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is an exploded, left side, parallel perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 is a left side, parallel perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 22, showing the assembly of the components on the pin. 
     FIG. 24 is another alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly according to the present invention, showing an alternate pin adjustment assembly in an exploded view with a pivot knuckle. 
     FIG. 25 is yet another alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly according to the present invention, showing an alternate pin adjustment assembly in an exploded view with a pivot knuckle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of an adjustable hinge assembly  10  according to the present invention is shown. The hinge assembly  10  has receiving means and insert means which are rotatable relative to each other to provide hinging action when each component is installed on a panel. In a preferred installation, one of the receiving means and the insert means can be installed on a door panel (not shown) with the other being installed on a doorframe (not shown). The insert means is shown comprising the pin knuckle  11  which includes a pin  12  extending therefrom (FIG. 2) which is received in a socket of the receiving means, shown comprising the pivot knuckle  13 . 
     FIG.  2 . shows the hinge assembly  10  in an exploded view. The pin knuckle  11  is shown with a base member  14  which includes a mounting portion  15 . The mounting portion  15  includes mounting means, such as, for example, one or more bores  16 , for facilitating mounting of the base member  14  to a panel, such as a door, or a cabinet or doorway. The pin knuckle  11  has a body portion  17  and is shown with an associated pin member  12 . Connecting means is provided to connect the pin member  12  to the pin knuckle  11 . The pin connecting means is preferably provided as an adjustable means, which is shown comprising a series of threads  18  disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pin member  12 . The pin member  12  also includes a pivot portion  19  which is provided to extend outwardly from the pin knuckle body portion  17  and be received in the pivot bore  56  (FIG. 6) of the pivot knuckle  13 . The connecting means further comprises a pin retaining member  21  which is received in an enlarged portion  57  of the bore  56  disposed in the body portion  66  of the pivot knuckle  13 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, the base member  14  is shown having mounting bores  16  disposed therein. While not shown, fastening members, such as, for example, bolts, screws, and the like, can be utilized to attach the base member  14  to a panel. Preferably, the mounting bores  16  can comprise a hexagonally configured recess  27  and a shelf portion  28  on which the head of a fastening member, while not shown, can be seated. An aperture  29  is provided in each mounting bore through which the shaft of a fastening member, not shown, can pass to eventually be fastened to a panel. The recessed configuration permits the fastening member to reside below the upper surface  30  of the base member  14 . The base member  14  has an end plate  31 , which as shown in FIG. 1, seals the interior of the pin knuckle assembly  11  from dirt and debris entry therein. A clamping tab  20  is provided to facilitate securing of the pin knuckle  11  onto the base member  14 . The tab  20  is shown in a preferred configuration as a generally L-shaped member, and can snap over a receiving boss (not shown) provided on the pin knuckle  11  to retain the components together. While shown as a hexagonal recess, it will be understood that other recess configurations can be provided. For example, a standard round recess to retain the head of a screw, rivet or other fastening member can be employed. Mounting of the base member  14  can be therefore achieved from the front or rear of the panel to which the base member  14  is to be mounted. Additionally, while not shown, hex bolts can be used for fastening the base member  14  to a panel or other hinging member from the rear of the panel or member. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, connecting means is provided on the base member  14 . The connecting means is shown, preferably, including a retaining element comprising the dovetail  35 . The dovetail  35  has a pair of retaining wings  36 ,  37  which protrude outwardly on each side of the base member  14 . Preferably, the connecting means further includes a pair of guide flanges  38 , 39  provided to facilitate coupling of the base member  14  with the pin knuckle body  17 . The pin knuckle member  11  is provided with matingly associated coupling means to secure the base member  14  thereto. Referring to FIG. 4, coupling means is provided on the pin knuckle member  11  to receive the mounting portion  15  of the base member  14 . Preferably, the coupling means comprises track means including a pair of tracks  25 , 26  for facilitating seating of the pin knuckle  11  on the mounting portion  15  of the base member  14 . The tracks  25 , 26  each includes a notched recess, respectively,  33 , 34  which receives the dovetail wings  36 , 37 , respectively, of the base member  14 . 
     In a preferred installation, the base member  14  is mounted to a door, panel or other mounting surface. The pin knuckle  11  can then be installed to the base member  14  by sliding. The tracks  25 , 26  are slidably moved along the guide flanges  38 , 39  of the base member  14 . The dovetail  35  preferably is installed by sliding and snapping the pin knuckle member  11  along the base  14  to force the wings  36 , 37  into position within the respective retaining notches  33 , 34 . Preferably, snap-fit installation is facilitated by providing a pair of spring wall portions  41 , 42  on the pin knuckle member  11  as shown in FIG.  4 . These wall portions provide flexibility to permit the dovetail wings  36 , 37  to be received within the respective retaining notches  33 , 34  of the pin knuckle  11 . Preferably, a positioning tab  39  is provided on the pin knuckle body  45  to further facilitate the positioning of the pin knuckle  11  on the base member  14 . For example, while not shown, the base member  14  can have a receiving slot or notched portion to accommodate the positioning tab  39 . In addition, the end plate  31  can be provided with connecting means to secure the connection between the base member  14  and the pin-knuckle  11 . For example, while not shown, the connecting means can comprise a mating ridge and groove configuration provided in the base member  14  and the pin knuckle  11 , or other suitable retention elements. 
     Locating means is provided to facilitate location of the hinge components on a panel or other member during installation. Preferably, the locating means further comprises orientation means for facilitating the proper orientation of a hinge component of the present invention, such as, for example, the base member  14 , which is to be installed on a panel. The locating and orientation means facilitates installation of the base member  14  in the appropriate position relative to the pin knuckle, carrying member, or pivot knuckle which is to be connected to the base. The locating means is shown in FIG. 5 comprising a positioning bore or orientation core configuration  43 . Preferably, while not shown, a panel can include or be provided with a matingly associated element, (which can, for example, include a boss or detent), which can be received in the positioning bore  43  of the base member  14 . This enables the base  14  to be aligned for proper location of the hinge assembly for installation at a particular position on a panel. 
     The pin knuckle  11  of the hinge assembly  10  is shown with a housing  44  in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  4  and  7 , which partially surrounds the pin knuckle body  17 . Preferably, the housing  44  comprises a flexible material to provide a member which can be installed on the pin knuckle  11  by snap-fitting. However, it is also conceivable that the housing  44  can be attached to the pin knuckle body  17  by sliding. Further, it will be understood that the housing can be provided integral with the pin knuckle body  17 . In FIG. 4, the pin knuckle body portion  17  is shown having pin-retaining bore  46  therein. While a pin member can be fixedly mounted within the pin knuckle  11 , preferably, an adjustable pin-connecting means is provided to permit installation of the pin member  12  to the pin knuckle  11 . The pin-connecting means is shown in FIG. 4 comprising threads  47  which are matingly provided to receive the threaded portion  18  of the pin  12 . The threads  47  of the pin-retaining bore  46  extend through the pin knuckle body  17  and terminate at the opposite end of the bore  46  (FIG.  7 ). Pin adjustment means is provided to regulate the extension of the pin  12  from the pin knuckle  11 . Preferably, the pin adjustment means comprises the mounting member  21  which is matingly threaded in relation to the pin threaded portion  18 . The pin threaded portion  18  can be screwed into the matingly provided threaded bore  46  to protrude from the pin knuckle  11  over a range of positions. The mounting member  21  facilitates the retention of the pin  12  to the pin knuckle  11  at a particular extended length of the range available. As shown in FIG. 7, a retaining shoulder  48  is provided at the end of the bore  46  against which the retaining member  21  can be tightened to secure the pin  13  therein. The retaining shoulder  48  provides clearance between the pin knuckle  11  and pivot knuckle  13  components. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the pivot knuckle  13  is provided having a housing  55  and pin-receiving means such as, for example, the pin-receiving bore  56 , which receives the pin member  12  of the pin-knuckle  11 . A pin mounting member recess  57  is provided at the opening of the pin-receiving bore  56  to accommodate the mounting member  21  when the hinge assembly is installed on a door and panel. The recess  57  provides clearance for the mounting member  21 . 
     Force handling means are provided on the pin  12  to facilitate distribution of a force load. Referring to FIG. 14, the force handling means is shown comprising a shoulder  50  which is provided to sit on the rim  59  of the pivot knuckle receiving bore  56  when the pin  12  is installed. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, the pivot knuckle mounting base  60  is shown with components of the pivot knuckle  13  in an exploded view. The pivot knuckle mounting base  60  includes mounting means such as those described above in relation to the pin knuckle mounting base  14 . For example, the mounting bores  61  are provided, and can have the hexagonally configured recess  62  and shelf  63  for receipt of a mounting member, such as, for example, a fastening member, not shown. However, the pivot knuckle mounting base  60  is configured for adjustability of the pivot member which it mounts. Pivot adjustment means is provided to facilitate alignment of the pivot knuckle  13  with respect to the door or panel on which it is installed. The pivot adjustment means further can regulate the positioning of the pivot knuckle  13  relative to the pin  12 . Preferably, the pivot knuckle adjustment means includes a positioning member  65  which aligns the pivot knuckle body element  66  relative to the base member  60 . The positioning member  65  includes a first bore  67  which is preferably threaded to receive the vertical adjustment screw  68 . The base member  60  is provided with an aperture  70  through which to access the vertical adjustment screw  68 . A seat  71  is provided in the base member  60  which defines an area within which the head  72  of the adjustment screw  68  resides. As shown in FIG. 9, the vertical adjustment screw  68  is received in the first bore  67  of the positioning member  65 . The positioning member  65  includes engaging means for engaging the pivot knuckle body element  66 . The engaging means is shown in a preferred wedge configuration comprising the wedge portions  73 , 74 . The wedge portions  73 , 74  are provided with stop means to control the positioning of the positioning member  65  within the pivot knuckle assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the stop means are shown comprising a series of ridges  75 , 76  disposed on the engaging surfaces of the wedge portions  73 , 74 , respectively. The pivot knuckle body element  66  is provided with flanges  77 , 78  extending inwardly into the body. Each flange  77 , 78  is provided with stop means, shown comprising a series of stepped ridges  80 , 81 , which are matingly associated with the positioning member ridges  75 , 76 , respectively. The positioning member stop means is provided to facilitate alignment of the pivot knuckle  13  with respect to one or more other hinge elements and the hinge panel members on which the assembly  10  is to be installed. 
     As mentioned above, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the positioning member  65  can also be adjusted in the longitudinal direction with respect to the pivot knuckle  13 , with the vertical adjustment screw  68 . Preferably, in addition to the vertical or longitudinal adjustment feature, the alignment means further can provide the pivot knuckle  13  with a lateral adjustment capability. The pivot knuckle body  66  includes a bore  82  disposed therein and having a seat  83 . Preferably, the bore  82  is provided on a location of the pivot knuckle body  66  which can be accessed when the hinge assembly  10  is installed on a door, or other hinging member. The positioning member  65  is shown having a second bore  85  disposed therein, as is shown in the dotted-line outline in FIG. 8, and in the top view of FIG.  13 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 8, a clamping screw  86  is provided having a head  87  and a threaded portion  88 . A threaded bore  89  is provided in the base member  60  to receive the threaded portion  88  of the clamping screw  86  therein. The clamping screw  86  regulates the level of the positioning member  65  in the direction relative to the clamping screw  86  axis. This facilitates adjustment of a hinging member in a perpendicular direction relative to the door or panel to which the pivot knuckle  13  is mounted, or laterally in relation to the door or panel. The adjustment means provides a plurality of positions for aligning the pivot knuckle body  66  relative to the base member  60 . For example, if the door or panel, by itself does not adequately align with the pin  12 , then the adjustment means can be utilized to maneuver the pivot knuckle  13  to improve the connection with the pin  12 . Alignment is facilitated by the vertical and lateral adjustment capabilities. 
     As shown in FIGS. 6, and  8 - 10 , a plurality of locating detents  91 , 92 , 93 , 94  are provided longitudinally on the inner circumferential portion of the pin-receiving bore  56  and are circumferentially spaced apart. Referring once again to FIG. 2, the pin  12  is provided with pawl means shown, for example, comprising protruding vanes  98 , 99  extending outwardly from the pivot portion  19  of the pin  12 . Preferably, the protruding vanes  98 , 99  are resiliently provided to accommodate a force load directed axially toward the central axis of the pin  12 . When the protruding vanes  98 , 99  receive a force load, they recede against their biasing force, into the pawl holding space  101  (FIG.  14 ). The force load is generally provided by the inner wall of the receiving bore  56 . The protruding vanes  98 , 99  return to their raised position (the FIG. 2 position) upon being rotated to align with one of the plurality of locating detents  91 , 92 , 93 , 94  on the longitudinal receiving bore  56 . As shown in FIG. 15, the vanes  98 , 99  are provided as components of a flexible member  102  which includes a flex accommodation zone  103 ,  104  between each of the vanes  98 , 99  proximate to the valleys  105 , 106  located between vane pairs  98  and  99 . The arrows “a” indicate the flex direction. Retaining means are also provided to hold the flexible member  102  within the pivot portion  19  of the pin  12 . Preferably, as shown in FIG. 15, the joined end  107  and the legs  108 , 109  of the flexible member  102  are held in place within the pivot portion  19  of the pin  12 , or preferably can be retained with holding members, generally  111 , which can be disposed within the pin  12  to secure the flexible member  102  in place therein. The flexible member  102  is further supported by the pin  12  against lateral displacements with support means. The support means are shown comprising fingers  112  which extend along opposite edges of the slot  113  of the pin  12  through which the flexible member  102  extends. Referring to FIG. 14, although shown only on one side of the pin  12 , the flexible pawl member  102  preferably includes a similar configuration on the bottom of the pin  12 , as that described in FIG.  15 . The flexible member  102 , while shown as a separately provided element, can alternately be provided integral with the pin  12 . 
     A further advantage of the pin  12  includes the ability to adjust the pin stops provided by the detents  91 , 92 , 93 , 94 . For example, the pin  12  can be installed or positioned to align the vanes  98 , 99  of the pawl  102  to engage one or more of the detents  91 , 92 , 93 , 94  with the door or first hinge panel member maintained at a specific angle or opening, relative to the doorframe or second hinge panel member. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8,  11  and  12 , preferably, in addition to the clamping screw  86  utilized to secure the pivot knuckle  13  to the pivot knuckle base  60 , supporting connecting means are provided for maintaining the pivot knuckle  13  on the base member  60 . Preferably, the supporting connecting means can comprise dovetail means. The supporting connecting means are shown comprising dovetail means including a first pair of interfitting legs  114  and a second pair of interfitting legs  115  disposed on the pivot knuckle  13 . The dovetail means further comprises matingly associated leg recesses  117 , 118  disposed in the adjustable pivot knuckle base  60  which receive, respectively, the legs  114 , 115  of the pivot knuckle  13 . 
     In addition to those mentioned above, it will be further understood that alternate pawl embodiments can be utilized consistent with the principals of the present invention. For example, while not shown, the pawl member can comprise vanes which are provided with a separately furnished spring for enabling the vanes to retract within the pin and extend therefrom. Furthermore, the vanes may also be torsionally controlled, wherein they are retracted and extended in conjunction with the rotation of the pin  12 . A further alternate embodiment, includes providing integral vanes on the pin pivot portion  19  which can be moved into and out of the longitudinal channels disposed on the bore of the pivot knuckle  13 . 
     Referring to FIG. 16, an alternate pin embodiment is shown, wherein a pin member  120  is provided having a pivot portion  119  and a torsionally configured vane member  121  including a vane stem  122  connected to a resilient vane base  123  which forms a portion of the circumference of the pin pivot portion  119 , as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b . While not shown, it will be understood that stiffening ribs can be longitudinally disposed along the length of the vane  122  on the portion thereof disposed between the circumference of the pivot portion  119 . The pin  120  preferably can be utilized with the pin knuckle  11  and pivot knuckle  13 , as described above. As shown in FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b , the vane  123  is received in a locating detent  124  provided on a pin-receiving bore  125 , such as the detents  91 , 92 , 93 , 94  and bore  56  described above. Although one vane  120  is shown, it is conceivable that if desired, a plurality of vanes can be used. In addition, a plurality of detents can also be provided along the bore. When the bore  125  is rotated relative to the pin  120 , as shown for example by the movement indicated in the direction of arrow “b,” from the FIG. 16 a  to the FIG. 16 b  position, the vane  122  moves out of the detent  124  and collapses to permit relative rotation of the pin  120  with respect to the bore  125 . The collapsing movement of the vane  122  is torsional as shown by arrow “c.” 
     Referring to FIG. 17, an alternate embodiment of a pin member  130  in accordance with the present invention is shown including a threaded mounting portion  131  and a pivot portion  132 . The pin member  130  has a slot therein  134  for receiving an insert member  133 . Preferably, a spring member  135  is provided for receipt within the insert member  133 . The spring member  135  preferably is comprised of a resilient material, such as, for example, urethane, rubber or other elastomers. Vanes  136 , 137  provided on the insert member  133  can be utilized, as described above, in association with longitudinal detents in the pin-receiving bore of the pivot knuckle. A collar  138  is also provided on the pin member  130  to operate as described herein with respect to force distribution. It will be understood that alternate configurations of the insert member can be employed with the present invention. For example, the spring element  135 , while shown as a separately provided member, can be integrally provide with the insert member. 
     Reference now being made to FIG. 18, an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly  150  according to the present invention is shown in an exploded view. The hinge assembly  150  comprises a pin knuckle  151  and a base member  152  having a mounting portion  153  thereon for connection to the pin knuckle  151 . The mounting portion  153  includes apertures  154 ,  155  for facilitating mounting of the base member  152  to a panel, such as a door, cabinet, doorway, or the like. The pin knuckle  151  has a pin  158  extending therefrom. The pin  158  can be fixedly mounted to the pin knuckle  151 , or may be adjustably provided, as described above in relation to the threaded pin  12 . Connecting means is also provided on the pin knuckle member  151  to receive the mounting portion  153  of the base member  152 . Preferably, the connecting means can comprise track means  160  having a pair of tracks  161 ,  162  for facilitating seating of the pin knuckle  151  on the mounting portion  153  of the base member  152 . As shown in FIG. 19, the connecting means provided on the base member  152  preferably, additionally or alternately, can include a retaining element, such as, for example, the dovetail  185 . A pair of retaining wings  186 , 187  are provided which protrude outwardly from each side of the base member  152 . Mounting means are provided on the base member  152  for mounting the member  152  to a panel, such as, for example, a door panel, cabinet or doorway. The mounting means comprise apertures  154 , 155  which receive fastening members (not shown) therein for attachment to the panel surface. Preferably, the apertures  154 , 155  can be recessed within the base member  152 , as shown in FIG.  20 . Additionally, the apertures  154 , 155  can be provided in a hexagonal configuration to receive a hex nut or bolt head therein, as described above. 
     As shown in FIG. 18, the pin knuckle member  151  is provided with coupling means to secure the pin knuckle  151  to the base member  152 . The coupling means is shown comprising retaining notches  191 , 192  which are matingly provided to receive the wings  186 , 187  of the dovetail  185  therein. As shown in FIG. 20, the dovetail  185  also includes a pair of guide flanges  193 , 194  which serve as rails over which the tracks  161 , 162 , respectively, are guided for installation of the pin knuckle member  151  on the base member  152 . The dovetail  185  preferably is installed by snapping the pin knuckle member  151  over the base  152  to force the wings  161 , 162  into position within the respective retaining notches  191 , 192 . In the embodiment shown, the base member  152  can be mounted on a first hinging surface, such as, for example, a door, panel, door jamb or the like, and the pin knuckle  151  slidably mounted to the mounted base  152  by sliding it over the wings  186 , 187  of the dovetail  185 . 
     Reference being made again to FIG. 18, the pivot knuckle  164  is provided having a housing  165  which includes receiving means such as, for example, the pin-receiving bore  167  which receives the pin member  158  of the pin-knuckle  151 . In this embodiment, a second base member, which can comprise the base member  152 , as described in relation to the pin knuckle  151 , can be utilized for securing the pivot knuckle  164  to a panel, in the same manner. Thus, a pair of base members, such as those  152 , in the hinge assembly  150  can secure the hinging members to a door or panel surface. Preferably, also shown, are locating stops comprising a plurality of locating detents  175 , 176 , 177 , 178  disposed longitudinally on the inner circumferential portion  179  of the bore  167 . The locating detents  175 , 176 , 177 , 178  are circumferentially spaced apart. The pin  158  is provided with pawl means shown, for example, comprising a pawl member  180  having protruding elements  181 ,  182  which are resiliently provided to accommodate a force load directed axially to the center of the pin  158  upon receipt of which the elements  181 ,  182  recede into the pawl holding space  183 . The force is generally provided by the inner wall  179  of the bore  167 . The elements  181 , 182  return to their raised position (the FIG. 18 position) upon being rotated to align with one of the plurality of locating detents  175 , 176 , 177 , 178  on the longitudinal bore  167  to maintain the pin position until the pawl member  180  is forcibly moved (usually by the application of a further force applied to the swinging door panel to which the hinge assembly is attached). As described above, other pawl means can be used in connection with the invention, consistent with the spirit and scope thereof, including, for example, springs, torsional members, retracting members, and the like. 
     Preferably, as shown in FIG. 18, the housing  165  is secured to a base member  152 . The base member  152  functions as described above. While not shown, it will be understood that the pivot knuckle  164  can be provided with coupling means, which, for example, can include track means with a pair of tracks on the pivot knuckle  164 , for facilitating seating of the knuckle  164  on a base member  152 , as described above. Therefore, it will be understood that a base member, such as that base member  152  which mounts the pin knuckle  151 , can be used to mount the pivot knuckle  164  to a hinge panel in the manner described above in relation to the coupling of the base  152  and pin-knuckle member  151 . 
     Referring to FIG. 21, an alternate embodiment of a hinge assembly  210  according to the present invention is shown. The hinge assembly  220  includes a pin knuckle  211  and a pivot knuckle  212 . Base members  213  and  214  are provided respectively to secure the pin knuckle  211  and pivot knuckle  212  to respective panel members, such as, for example, a door panel and a frame or enclosure. The base members  213 , 214  can be provided as those described above. For example, the base members  213 , 214  can comprise the same configuration so that the same member can be utilized for mounting a pin knuckle or a pivot knuckle. The pin knuckle  211  includes a pin  215  extending therefrom. The pin  215  is shown comprising a conical configuration. A pin-receiving bore  216  is provided on the pivot knuckle  212  to receive the pin  215  therein. The pin  215  can pivot relative to the receiving bore  216 . Mounting means is provided to mount the pin knuckle  211  and pivot knuckle  212  to respective base members  213 , 214 . A dovetail configuration is shown provided on the base members  213 , 214 . The base member  213  securing the pin knuckle includes wings  217 , 218  which are received in matingly configured recesses, respectively,  220 , 221 . Similarly, the dovetail configuration of the pivot knuckle base member  214  also includes wings  222  (only one side being shown) and a matingly configured recess  223  to secure the wing  222  therein. Furthermore, while not shown, the coupling means and retaining means described above in relation to alternate embodiments of the present invention, can be utilized with the hinge assembly  210  shown in FIG. 21 consistent with the disclosure herein. 
     Referring to FIG. 22, an alternate hinge assembly  230  is shown with a pin knuckle  231  having a pin  235  extending outwardly therefrom. A stationary cam  237  is provided having a bore  238  therethrough with retaining elements  240  thereon. The stationary cam  237  is further provided with a wave configuration  241  profiled at one end thereof. A moving cam  242  is provided with mounting means for fixedly mounting the member relative to the pin  235 . Preferably, the mounting means comprises a square bore  243  which is matingly provided for disposal on the pin  235 . As shown, preferably, the pin  235  comprises a configuration, such as, for example, the square configuration, which is keyed with the bore  243  of the moving cam  242 . It is conceivable that other configurations can also be employed to fix the moving cam  242  relative to the pin  235 . The moving cam  242  further comprises a matingly profiled wave configuration  244  at one end thereof for following the surface of the stationary cam profile  241 . A pivot knuckle  232  is shown having a longitudinal bore  245  extending therethrough with retaining notches  246  disposed therein to receive the retaining elements  240  and hold them against relative movement. A spring member  247  is provided and biases against the anterior end  248  of the moving cam  242  and shaft button or spring loading element  250 . 
     As shown in FIG. 23, the hinge assembly  230  is shown with the stationary cam  237  and moving cam  242  connected. The spring  247  is shown biasing the moving cam  242  into engagement with the stationary cam  237 . When one of the pin knuckle  231  and pivot knuckle  232  is rotated with a hinge panel to which it is mounted, relative to the other of the pin knuckle  231  and pivot knuckle  232 , the moving cam  242  is moved toward the loading element  250  to compress the spring  247 . The pivot knuckle  232  retains the stationary cam  237  while the relative pivoting movement of the pin knuckle relative to the pivot knuckle  232  rotates the moving cam  242  throughout a series of predetermined stops provided by the mating of the wave profile surfaces, respectively,  241 , 244  of the stationary cam  237  and moving cam  242 , respectively. Preferably, a shoulder  251  is provided to facilitate force load handling from one or more panel members. While not shown, it will be understood that the pin knuckle  231  and pivot knuckle  232  can be mounted with the mounting means described herein in relation to other embodiments of the invention. For example, a base member can be provided with connecting means for connecting to and securing the pin knuckle  231  and pivot knuckle  232  to a hinge panel, such as, for example, a door or other member. 
     Reference now being made to FIG. 24, an alternate pin member  310  with a pin adjustment means is shown. The pin member  310  includes a pivot portion  311  and a shaft  312 . The shaft  312  is provided to be received within a pivot bushing  313  which is secured within a bore  314  of a pin knuckle member  315 . Securing means is provided to retain the pin  310  within the pin knuckle  315 . As shown the securing means preferably comprises a series of threads  316  on the bore of the bushing member  313  and a matingly threaded portion  317  of the pin shaft  312  which can be used to regulate the extension of the pivot portion  311  from the pivot knuckle  315 . A retaining member  318  is also shown and can be used to facilitate retention of the pin  310  at the desired level. A pivot member  319  is shown having a bore therein  320  within which the pivot portion  311  of the pin can be received. 
     In another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 25, a pin member  350  is provided including a pivot portion  351  and a shaft  352 . The shaft  352  is provided with threads  353  thereon for receipt within a threaded bore  354  of a pin knuckle member  355 . Securing means is provided to retain the pin  350  within the pin knuckle  355  at varying lengths of extension therefrom. The securing means is shown comprising a securing member  356  having threads thereon, which tightens against the pin knuckle  355  to retain the pin  350  therein. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures, the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and the appended claims. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is subject to modification, variation and change, without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the present invention. In this regard, while the various features of the present invention have been shown and described in relation to a door and frame, it will be understood that many of these features are suitable in connection with hinging of other members.