A hinge includes a fixed component defining a vertical axis. The fixed component includes a first support surface with a circular lug path and a first recess formed in the first support surface at an end of the circular lug path. The hinge also includes a pivotable component pivotable about the vertical axis and translationally movable along the vertical axis. The pivotable component includes a first lug extending from the pivotable component in a first direction. The first recess receives and constrains movement of the first lug. The first support surface supports the first lug along the circular lug path and constrains translational movement of the pivotable component in the first direction as the pivotable component pivots about the vertical axis. In the open position, the pivotable component is translationally movable in the first direction and the first lug is receivable into the first recess.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to door hinges, and more particularly to gravity-based locking hinge assemblies.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, it is beneficial to have a door that can be secured in an open position. However, in order to secure a door in an open position, additional hardware, such as a stay, catch, or stop, is necessary. These systems increase cost and present challenges for door alignment, clearance, and maintenance.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional methods for supporting a door in an open position. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to support a door in an open position that overcomes at least some of the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques.

Described herein is a hinge. The hinge comprises a fixed component defining a vertical axis. The fixed component comprises a first support surface with a circular lug path defined thereon. The fixed component further comprises a first recess formed in the first support surface at an end of the circular lug path. The hinge further comprises a pivotable component pivotable, relative to the fixed component, about the vertical axis between an open position and a closed position, inclusively, and translationally movable, relative to the fixed component, along the vertical axis. The hinge further comprises a first lug non-moveably fixed on the pivotable component and extending from the pivotable component in a first direction. The first recess is configured to receive and constrain movement, along the circular lug path, of the first lug. The first support surface supports the first lug along the circular lug path and constrains translational movement of the pivotable component in the first direction as the pivotable component pivots about the vertical axis. In the open position, the pivotable component is translationally moveable in the first direction and the first lug is receivable into the first recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.

The hinge further comprises a lever pivotably mounted to the pivotable component in engagement with the fixed component. In the open position the lever is pivotable to translationally move the pivotable component along the vertical axis, in a second direction opposite the first direction, to remove the first lug from the first recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.

The lever further comprises a handle disposed at a first end of the lever. The lever further comprises a contact element disposed at a second end of the lever, opposite the first end, and engaged with the fixed component. The lever is pivotably mounted to the pivotable component at a pivot point between the first end and the second end of the lever. The lever is configured to pivot about the contact element as the lever pivots about the pivot point to translationally move the pivotable component along the vertical axis in the second direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 and 2, above.

The contact element of the lever engages with the fixed component at a guide element disposed on a guide surface of the fixed component. The guide surface is oriented perpendicular to the first support surface of the fixed component. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-3, above.

The hinge further comprises a pin coupled to the fixed component and the pivotable component and disposed at the vertical axis. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-4, above.

The pin is fixedly coupled to the fixed component. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-5, above.

The pin is fixedly coupled to the pivotable component. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-6, above.

The hinge is operable in an inverted orientation. The pivotable component further comprises a second lug extending from the pivotable component in the second direction. The fixed component further comprises a second support surface defined on the fixed component opposite the first support surface. The second support surface supports the second lug as the pivotable component pivots about the vertical axis. The fixed component further comprises a second recess formed in the second support surface to receive and constrain movement of the second lug when the hinge is in the open position. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-7, above.

The hinge is a spring-less hinge and operates under force of gravity. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-8, above.

Further described herein is a system. The system comprises a door frame. The system further comprises a door corresponding to the door frame. The system further comprises a fixed component coupled to the door frame. The fixed component defines a vertical axis. The fixed component comprises a first support surface with a circular lug path defined thereon. The fixed component further comprises a first recess formed in the first support surface at an end of the circular lug path. The system further comprises a pivotable component coupled to the door and pivotable, relative to the fixed component, about the vertical axis between an open position and a closed position, inclusively. The pivotable component is further translationally movable, relative to the fixed component, along the vertical axis. The system further comprises a first lug non-movably fixed to the pivotable component and extending from the pivotable component in a first direction. The first recess is configured to receive and constrain movement, along the circular lug path, of the first lug. The first support surface supports the first lug along the circular lug path and constrains translational movement of the pivotable component in the first direction as the pivotable component pivots about the vertical axis. In the open position, the pivotable component is translationally movable in the first direction and the first lug is receivable into the first recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure.

The pivotable component further comprises a door mounting location which is coplanar with a first frame mounting location of the fixed component when the door is in the closed position. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to examples 10, above.

The fixed component and the pivotable component form an interior hinge configured to support the door on an interior surface of the door and facilitate an outward opening of the door. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 10 and 11, above.

At least one of the fixed component and the pivotable component is symmetrical in at least one dimension. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 10-12, above.

The first support surface is perpendicular to the vertical axis. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 10-13, above.

The first support surface is tilted relative to the vertical axis. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 10-14, above.

Further described herein is a method. The method comprises pivoting a pivotable component of a hinge relative to a fixed component of the hinge. The fixed component defines a vertical axis. The method further comprises sliding a first lug of the pivotable component along a circular lug path defined on a first support surface of the fixed component. The method further comprises engaging the first lug of the pivotable component with a first recess disposed in the first support surface at an end of the circular lug path, the pivotable component translationally moving along the vertical axis in a first direction in response to the first lug engaging with the first recess. The method further comprises applying a force to the pivotable component in a second direction opposite the first direction to disengage the first lug from the first recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure.

Applying the force to the pivotable component to disengage the first lug from the first recess comprises operating a lever coupled to the pivotable component. Operating the lever comprises applying the force to a handle of the lever to translationally move the pivotable component along the vertical axis in the second direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to example 16, above.

Operating the lever coupled to the pivotable component further comprises pivoting the lever about a pivot point, the lever being coupled to the pivotable component and comprising a contact element, the contact element engaging with a guide element to apply the force to the fixed component and cause a displacement of the pivotable component relative to the fixed component. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 16 and 17, above.

Applying the force to the pivotable component to disengage the first lug from the first recess comprises applying a force to a door coupled to the pivotable component to translationally move the pivotable component along the vertical axis in the second direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 16-18, above.

Engaging the first lug of the pivotable component with the first recess comprises translationally moving the pivotable component along the vertical axis in the first direction under force of gravity. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 16-19, above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described below relate to a gravity-based hinge. The hinge provides the ability to open a door and access a compartment with the door secured open by the door hinge itself. While other solutions include catches or stops to secure the door, these introduce complexity and cost into the door system. With this gravity-based approach, the operation of the hinge is automatic and relatively simple. As the user opens the door, a pivotable component of the hinge glides along a support surface of a fixed component of the hinge. As the door reaches the fully open position, gravity, acting on the door and the hinge, engages the pivotable component into a recess formed in the first support surface of the fixed component of the hinge. The first recess prevents the door from closing until a lifting force is applied to the door or the pivotable component of the hinge. In response to the lifting force, the pivotable component disengages from the first recess formed in the first support surface and the door can then be closed. Embodiments of the hinge can be incorporated with other embodiments of the hinge to support a door at multiple locations. In embodiments involving multiple hinges, a single hinge may receive the lifting force to disengage the pivotable components of all the hinges attached to the door and release the door to close. Embodiments of the hinge are also invertible for use in multiple orientations. Features and aspects of the hinge described herein reduce cost, complexity, and chance for error and provide a single hinge design which is deployable in a plurality of orientations and in combination with one another.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1A, the hinge100includes a fixed component102and a pivotable component104. The fixed component102is mountable to a door frame at one or more of the frame mounting location134of the fixed component102. For example, the fixed component102may include mounting hardware103, such as screws, screw holes, pins, bolts, or other mounting hardware or structures, that help facilitate mounting of the frame mounting location134of the fixed component102to the door frame or other anchoring structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed component102forms an angle to facilitate mounting of the fixed component102in a corner formed by a door frame. The frame mounting location134of the fixed component102may also have a flat geometry, include an angle that is more acute or obtuse, or have a curved geometry to complement a shape of the surface of the door frame to which the frame mounting location134is mounted.

The fixed component102defines a vertical axis106. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical axis106corresponds (e.g., is coaxial) with a pin124, or other structure, of the fixed component102that is capable of supporting or facilitating rotation of the pivotable component104relative to the fixed component102. The pin124may be non-movably fixed or coupled to the fixed component102or be coupled to the fixed component while having at least one of a rotational and a translational freedom.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed component102includes a first support surface110. The first support surface110provides upwardly directed support during movement of the pivotable component104. More specifically, the first support surface110reduces or constrains translational movement of the pivotable component104in a first direction105. The first support surface110may be made of a plastic, metal, composite, or other material. Additionally, the first support surface110may be coated, lubricated, polished, hardened, doped, or otherwise treated to reduce the friction and/or increase the durability of the first support surface110. The first support surface110is described in greater detail below.

The fixed component102also includes a guide surface123. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide surface123is a surface of the fixed component102that is oriented at some non-zero angle relative to the first support surface110. For example, the guide surface123may be a surface oriented at a right angle or perpendicular relative to the first support surface110.

In the illustrated embodiment, a guide element122is formed in the guide surface123. The guide element122is a physical structure that is a variation in the structure or form of the guide surface123. The guide element122, as shown, is a channel or groove formed in the guide surface123. In other embodiments, the guide element122is a raised portion, rail, capture, or other structure formed in or on the guide surface123.

The pivotable component104is pivotable relative to the fixed component102. The pivotable component104includes a door mounting location132at which the pivotable component104may be mounted to a door. In some embodiments, the door mounting location132is parallel or coplanar to the frame mounting location134in the closed position. The door mounting location132of the pivotable component104may also be offset or disposed at an angle relative to the frame mounting location134of the fixed component102. The door mounting location132is parallel to the vertical axis106and, in some embodiments, rotates about the vertical axis106as the pivotable component104moves between the closed position and the open position, inclusively.

The pivotable component104pivots about the vertical axis106. The pivotable arrangement of the pivotable component104relative to the fixed component102allows for the pivotable component104to pivotably move between a closed position and an open position, inclusively. Additionally, the pivotable component104is translationally moveable relative to the fixed component102. The translational movement of the pivotable component104relative to the fixed component102is along (e.g., parallel to) the vertical axis106. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable component104can move in the upward or second direction107and downward or first direction105along the vertical axis106. To accommodate translational movement, the pivotable component104is sized to allow the translational movement within the constraints of the fixed component102.

The pivotable component104includes a first lug108(see, e.g.,FIG. 1B). The first lug108is fixedly coupled to the pivotable component104. The first lug108may be integrally co-formed with the pivotable component104or formed separately and attached to the pivotable component104. The first lug108forms a projection extending from the pivotable component104in the first direction105. In other embodiment, the first lug108may be the structure of the pivotable component itself sized to engage with the first recess112.

In some embodiments, depending on the orientation of the fixed component102, the first direction105is a gravitationally downward direction (i.e., a vertically downward direction). However, the fixed component102may be oriented such that the first direction105is non-vertical, but also non-horizontal, so as to at least partially receive gravitational assistance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge100also includes a lever114. The lever114is pivotably mounted to the pivotable component104at a pivot point120. The pivot point120allows for pivotal motion of the lever114relative to the pivotable component104. The pivot point120may include a bearing, a bolt and nut, a post and clip, or other hardware or structure forming part of one or more of the pivotable component104or the lever114.

The lever114includes a handle116disposed at a first end117of the lever114. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle116is a flattened portion of the lever114to provide a physical interface for a user to operate the lever114. The flattened shape of the illustrated handle116improves the ease of lifting or manipulating the lever114. The handle116may further include surface texturing, grip material, or other features to improve the user interface to reduce slipping, improve feel, or reduce chance of injury or failure at the handle116.

The lever114includes a contact element118disposed at a second end119of the lever114opposite the first end117of the lever114. The contact element118engages the fixed component102at the guide element122formed in the guide surface123. The engagement between the contact element118and the guide element122allows translational movement of the pivotable component104relative to the fixed component102and pivotal movement of the lever114relative to the fixed component102. With the first lug108in contact with the first support surface110, the lever114is maintained in a neutral position at which the lever is neither depressed nor elevated. This arrangement is facilitated by the engagement of the contact element118with the guide element122.

In the illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 1B, the pivotable component104is pivoted clockwise as shown, into the open position. As the pivotable component104is pivoted in the clockwise direction toward the open position, the first lug108moves across the first support surface110following a circular lug path113defined on the first support surface110. At the end of the circular lug path113, a first recess112is formed in the first support surface110. As the pivotable component104reaches the open position, the first lug108aligns, and engages, with the first recess112. The first recess112is configured to receive and constrain movement of the first lug108along the circular lug path113.

In some embodiments, the first lug108engages with the first recess112under the force of gravity. In other words, once the pivotable component104reaches the open position, gravity effectively pulls the pivotable component104downward causing a translational movement of the pivotable component104along the vertical axis106, which causes the first lug108to drop into the first recess112. While in other embodiments, magnets, springs, and other force elements may be incorporated, the use of a gravity operated system reduces weight, complexity, and cost.

Constraining movement of the first lug108within the first recess112results in the pivotable component104being self-retained in the open position relative to the fixed component102. This allows the pivotable component104to maintain a door in the open position without user intervention. Additionally, engagement of the first lug108in the first recess112occurs smoothly in response to the pivotable component104reaching the open position without the need for user interaction at the lever114or the rest of the hinge100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable component104also includes a second lug126extending from the pivotable component104in a second direction107. The second direction107is opposite the first direction105and is parallel to the vertical axis106. The second lug126corresponds to a second support surface128of the fixed component102and a second recess130formed in the second support surface128.

In the illustrated embodiment, the symmetrical arrangement of the first lug108and the second lug126, the first support surface110and the second support surface128, and the first recess112and the second recess130allows for the hinge100to be installed in a right-hand or left-hand configuration. In other words, the hinge100may be invertible without modification or adjustment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first lug108and the second lug126are shown as protrusions having an elongated geometry extending towards the vertical axis106. At least one of the first lug108and the second lug126may also be circular, rounded, sloped, square, or the like. The shape of one or more of the first lug108and the second lug126may correspond to the first recess112and the second recess130. While the first recess112and the second recess130are shown with straight and orthogonal boundaries, one or both of the first recess112and the second recess130may have a sloped boundary. For example, the first recess112may have a sloped boundary on the side of the first recess112proximate the first support surface110so that engagement of the first lug108with the first recess112is less abrupt. The same boundary may also have a non-linear or curved geometry to provide a less abrupt engagement while improving retention of the first lug108. Other geometries and arrangements may provide other advantages and performance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable component104is pivoted around the vertical axis to a disengaged open position, as shown. In the disengaged open position, the first lug108has left the circular lug path113and is aligned with but disengaged from the first recess112.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1C, the pivotable component104has translationally moved relative to the fixed component102to engage the first lug108with the first recess112. As described above, the first lug108may engage with the first recess112under the force of gravity. As the first lug108engages with the first recess112, the pivotable component104moves downward, as indicated inFIG. 1C.

As the pivotable component104translates downward, the guide element122of the fixed component102directs the contact element118of the pivotable component104upward relative to the pivotable component104. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element122extends along and entire path of travel of the contact element118. Alternatively, the guide element122may be omitted in the region of the guide surface123distal from the first recess112. For example, the contact element118may be free to move on the guide surface123near the first support surface110and then engage the guide element122to interface with and align the contact element118as the first lug108approaches the first recess112.

The depicted upward movement of the contact element118causes the lever114to pivot about the pivot point120. The pivoting of the lever114lowers the handle116of the lever114, as illustrated. In the depicted state, the hinge100is in the open engaged position and the pivotable component104is restrained relative to the fixed component102.

Force applied to the pivotable component104to pivot the pivotable component104toward the closed position is resisted by the first lug108with the first lug108engaged in the first recess112. To release the pivotable component104to pivot towards the closed position, the first lug108is lifted or disengaged from the first recess112.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1D, a lifting or upward force in the second direction107is applied to the handle116of the lever114. The lever114rotates in a clockwise manner about the pivot point120in response to the force applied to lift the handle116. The rotation of the lever114forces the contact element118downward in the first direction105. The downward movement of the contact element118within the guide element122translates the pivotable component104in the second direction107or upward along the vertical axis106. As the pivotable component104translates upward, the first lug108is disengaged from or lifted out of the first recess112.

Alternatively, the first lug108may be lifted out of the first recess112in response to a force applied in the second or upward direction on a door to which the pivotable component104is coupled. For example, if a user wishes to close the door from the secured open position, the use may lift up on the door. This disengages the first lug108from the first recess112and allows the pivotable component104to pivot relative to the fixed component102to move the door to the closed position.

With the first lug108disengaged from the first recess112, the pivotable component104is free to pivot about the vertical axis106relative to the fixed component102. The pivotable component104may then be pivoted towards and into the closed position with the first lug108supported by and moving along the first support surface110. Therefore, in some embodiments, the illustrated embodiment allows a user to quickly and easily operate a hinge100that is capable of securing a door in an open position under the force of gravity without user intervention.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2A, a support arrangement200is shown. The support arrangement200includes a first lug108movable along a first support surface110and engageable with a first recess112. In the illustrated embodiment, a transition201between the first support surface110and the first recess112is a right angle. With this transition201, the first lug108passes along the first support surface110and drops in to engage with the first recess112.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2B, another embodiment of a support arrangement202is shown. The support arrangement202includes a first lug108movable along a first support surface110and engageable with a first recess112. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition201is a hybrid of the transition201ofFIG. 2Aand that ofFIG. 2Bin that the angled portion of the transition201is smaller. This results in a less abrupt engagement with improved retention of the first lug108by the first recess112.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2C, another embodiment of a support arrangement204is shown. The support arrangement204includes a first lug108movable along a first support surface110and engageable with a first recess112. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition201includes a non-linear or curved geometry to provide a smooth engagement of the first lug108with the first recess112. This embodiment may provide improved wear characteristics.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3, the system300includes a hinge100coupled to a door frame302and door304to operably secure the door304relative to the door frame302. The fixed component102is coupled to the door frame302. The pivotable component104is coupled to the door304. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable component104positions the door304so that an inside surface306of the door304is aligned with an inside surface of the door frame302. In other embodiments, the pivotable component104positions the door304so that the inside surface306of the door304aligns with an outside surface of the door frame302.

In some embodiments, a second hinge308is coupled to the door frame302and the door304. The second hinge308may be incorporated with or without all of the structure and elements described above with respect to the preceding figures. For example, the second hinge308may include or omit the lever114as described above. In some embodiments, one of the hinge100and the second hinge308includes a lever114while the other does not. In other embodiments, both the hinge100and second hinge308each include a lever114. While the illustrated embodiment shows the hinge100and the second hinge308, one or more than two levers may be used on a door frame302and door304. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge100and second hinge308are located on an inside surface306of the door304and facilitate outward swinging of the door304to reach an open position. In other embodiments, the hinge100and second hinge308may be located on the outside of a door and door frame and facilitate outward opening of the door304. Other arrangements, such as incorporating the hinges with one or more inward opening doors are also within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, the compartment400has the door304in the closed position. The compartment400includes the door304, a hinge-side vertical wall402, and a floor404(a back wall, door-side vertical wall, and ceiling are omitted for clarity). The door304is configured to open in a clockwise direction406to provide access to the compartment400. The door304may reach an engaged open position before coming parallel with the hinge-side vertical wall402, as it comes parallel with the hinge-side vertical wall402, or after passing parallel with the hinge-side vertical wall402. In some embodiments, the hinge100may be adjustable to change the orientation of the engaged open position of the door304relative to the hinge-side vertical wall402.

The method500, shown inFIG. 5, begins and pivots502a pivotable component104of a hinge100relative to a fixed component102of the hinge100. The fixed component102defines a vertical axis106. The method500, in some embodiments, slides504a first lug108of the pivotable component104along a circular lug path113defined on a first support surface110of the fixed component102. The method500, in various embodiments, engages506the first lug108of the pivotable component104with a first recess112disposed in the first support surface110at an end of the circular lug path113. The pivotable component104translationally moves along the vertical axis106in a first direction105in response to the first lug108engaging with the first recess112. The method500, in certain embodiments, applies508a force to the pivotable component104in a second direction107opposite the first direction105to disengage the first lug108from the first recess112. The illustrated method500then ends.