Protective hinge cover

A hinge cover can be removably attachable to a hinge and include a snap on feature comprising a cylindrically shaped inner surface with a c-shaped cross-section, the c-shaped cross-section comprising an opening and a top portion opposite the opening configured to be releasably coupled to a hinge without adhesive, screws, or nails. The hinge cover can further include a deflecting feature, the deflecting feature further including a width extending in a direction of an axis of the cylindrically shaped inner surface of the snap on feature. The hinge cover can include a first ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a first direction. The hinge cover can include a second ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a second direction opposite the first direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a protective hinge cover and a system configured to reduce damage to objects and persons adjacent moving doors, such as closing vertical roll-up doors including garage doors.

BACKGROUND

Vertical roll-up doors are used in a number of applications for securing or enclosing a space, such as garage doors, moving truck doors, and storefront doors. The vertical roll up doors can include a plurality of segments or panels stacked or aligned one above the other. The plurality of segments or panels can be joined by hinges to allow for rotation or relative movement of the panels with respect to each other as the roll-up doors open up or close off access to the space behind the door as the roll-up door panels move along a track. In instances when objects are adjacent a path of the roll-up door, the object can be struck by, or come in contact with, the roll-up door, resulting in damage to the object, the door, or both.

SUMMARY

A need exists for preventing damage to objects and persons positioned adjacent closing doors. Accordingly, in an aspect, a removably attachable hinge cover can comprise a snap on feature comprising a cylindrically shaped inner surface with a c-shaped cross-section, the c-shaped cross-section comprising an opening and a top portion opposite the opening configured to be releasably coupled to a hinge without adhesive, screws, or nails. The hinge cover can further comprise a deflecting feature, the deflecting feature further comprising a width extending in a direction of an axis of the cylindrically shaped inner surface of the snap on feature. The deflecting feature can further comprise a first ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a first direction. The deflecting feature can further comprise a second ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The removably attachable hinge cover can further comprise the c-shaped cross-section of the snap on feature comprising a diameter greater than a distance of the opening. The width of the deflecting feature can be less than a width of 5 centimeters and can be configured to be coupled around a hinge fulcrum between tabs of the hinge without extending to the tabs of the hinge. The width of the deflecting feature can comprise a distance greater than 5 centimeters (cm) and can be configured to cover tabs of the hinge to which the hinge cover can be removably attached. The snap on feature and deflecting feature can be integrally formed of a same material. A relative angle between an outer surface of the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion can be in a range of 180-315 degrees. A thickness between the inner surface of the top portion of the snap on feature and an outer surface of the deflecting feature over the top portion can be greater than or equal to 9 millimeters (mm).

In other aspects, a removably attachable hinge cover can comprise a removably attachable hinge cover comprising a snap on feature comprising a c-shaped cross-section with an opening and a top portion opposite the opening configured to be releasably coupled to a hinge without adhesive, screws, or nails. The hinge cover can also comprise a deflecting feature, the deflecting feature further comprising a width extending in a direction of an axis of the cylindrically shaped inner surface of the snap on feature, and a first ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a first direction.

The removably attachable hinge cover can further comprise the snap on feature comprising a cylindrically shaped inner surface with a c-shaped cross-section. The deflecting feature can further comprise a second ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a second direction opposite the first direction. The snap on feature and deflecting feature can be integrally formed of a same material. A relative angle between an outer surface of the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion can be in a range of 180-315 degrees. The c-shaped cross-section of the snap on feature can also comprise a diameter greater than a distance of the opening. A thickness between the top portion of the snap on feature and an outer surface of the deflecting feature over the top portion can be greater than or equal to 9 millimeters.

In yet other aspects, a removably attachable hinge cover can comprise a snap on feature configured to be releasably coupled to a hinge without adhesive, screws, or nails, and a deflecting feature. The deflecting feature can further comprise a width extending in a direction of an axis of the cylindrically shaped inner surface of the snap on feature. The deflecting feature can further comprise a first ramp portion sloping away from the top of the snap on feature in a first direction.

The removably attachable hinge cover can further comprise the snap on feature being configured to couple to tabs at side portions of a hinge without contacting a cylindrically shaped fulcrum portion of the hinge. The deflecting feature can be configured to couple to inner and outer opposing surfaces of a tabs extending from a lower hinge leaf, and is further configured to couple to outer surfaces and not inner surfaces of tabs extending from an upper hinge leaf. The snap on feature can further comprise a c-shaped cross-section with an opening and a top portion opposite the opening configured to be releasably coupled around a fulcrum of a hinge. The deflecting feature can include the first ramp portion without a second ramp portion opposite the first ramp portion. The snap on feature and deflecting feature can be integrally formed of a same material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, or other system component examples, or methods disclosed herein. Many additional components, manufacturing and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with principles and practices of manufacture are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

While this disclosure comprises a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

This disclosure provides a protective hinge cover and a system configured to reduce damage to objects adjacent moving doors, such as closing vertical roll-up doors including garage doors. As contemplated herein, the hinge guard of the present disclosure can be removably attached to garage door hinges, hinges on doors of moving trucks/vans, or other hinges allowing for upward movement, other translation movement, rotational movement of a door or fixture, or a combination of movements, whether with or without a center pin and knuckles. While the protective hinge cover is applicable to a plurality of different hinges and door types, particular mention is made of hinge covers and garage doors for brevity, clarity, and convenience, and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1illustrates a number of exemplary garage door hinges10attached to a garage door12to rotatably couple together a plurality of panels14to form the garage door12. For convenience, and without limitation, directions and dimensions of the garage door hinges10, the garage door12, as well as the removably attachable hinge guards described herein, will be described with respect to orientations and directions shown with respect to the garage door and hinges shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, a distance or direction along a width of the door extending between the opposing sides or walls of the garage opening will be referred to as a width or x-direction. A distance or direction along a height of the door, or the door opening, between the floor and the ceiling will be referred to as a height or y-direction. Additionally, a distance or direction along a thickness of the door, or the door opening, in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to the x-direction and y-directions will be referred to as a height a z-direction.

The garage door12can be raised, or moved upwards in the y-direction by moving roller hinges or second hinges10bup along track16with both the roller hinges10band the panel hinges10aallowing rotation of the panels14to accommodate movement from a vertical section of the track16to the horizontal section of the track16. As shown inFIG. 1, the panel hinges10acan be coupled to adjacent upper and lower garage door panels14at a central horizontal portion of the panels between opposing left and right tracks16, and at upper and lower edges of the panels14. The roller hinges10bcan be coupled to adjacent upper and lower garage door panels14at opposing left and right edges of the of the panels14, as well as being coupled to left and right tracks16.

Sensors18can be placed at a base of the garage door12or an opening filled by the garage door10to sense if an object occupies a space within the opening to be filled by the garage door10. The sensors18can operate by both emitting and receiving a signal, optical signal, or laser20can also interrupt or stop automatic closing of the garage door12, such as by a motor, when the signal is broken or interfered with, indicating an object that is near, or within, the path of the garage door along the tracks16. Stopping the descent or close of the garage door12when an object is near or within a path of the garage door can prevent contact between the garage door and the object, and resultant damage to both the garage door12and the object.

However, in some instances, an object may be outside detection of the sensor, such as when a vehicle is parked within a garage with the vehicle bumper disposed above or away from the sensor, but still within a path of a portion of the garage door12, such as the garage door hinge10.

For example, a car bumper (including paint on the car bumper) can be damaged by portions of the garage door12, such as by a garage door hinge10coming in contact with the car or car bumper. Panel hinges10a, being more centrally located on the garage door12than roller hinges10b, can more frequently contact or damage car bumpers. As such, bumper damage can result from the garage door12being lowered with hinges10protruding in a z-direction from a thickness of the garage door12so that one or more of the hinges10come in contact with the vehicle or bumper as the garage door is being lowered.

In yet other instances, a vertical roll-up door may be without a sensor, such as a door on a moving truck. In the case of a moving truck, the truck may be filled as full as possible, and objects to be transported by the truck may be near the door and its hinges such that the hinges of the door may strike or come in contact with the goods within the truck, causing damage to the goods. Additionally, persons moving in and out of a moving truck with a low ceiling or in other instances in which a person or a person's head will be near the door, door hinges, or both, can also benefit from protection provided by the hinge cover in preventing the person from hitting his head, or otherwise coming into unwanted or unexpected contact with a hinge.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a close up of a garage door hinge10partially covered by a removably attachable hinge cover50. The garage door hinge10acomprises a fulcrum, pivot, or axis30around which the hinge10awill pivot. When attached to a garage door12, the panel hinge10aand the fulcrum30will be oriented in an x-direction, and be aligned with top and bottom edges of garage door panels14. The fulcrum30can be formed as a cylindrical shaped barrel, bar, or tube that may or may not include a pin disposed within the hollow of the barrel. In embodiments when the fulcrum30is defined by a barrel without a pin, the barrel can be hollow or solid. The barrel can have any cross-sectional size or shape including circular. When the barrel is formed as a hollow structure or body configured to hold a pin, the hinge can be segmented and comprise a number of segments or knuckles that allow for the joining of two or more portions or leaves of the hinge to be joined together and rotate around, or with respect to, the fulcrum or pin of the hinge.

The garage door hinge10acan also comprise leaves, such as an upper leaf32and a lower leaf34. Leaves32and34are referred to, for convenience and not by way of limitation, as upper and lower leaves, but the relative positioning and designation of upper and lower could be reversed. Leaves32and34can be, or can include, substantially flat or planar portions configured to be attached to adjacent garage door panels14. The upper leaf32and the lower leaf34can, without limitation comprise tapered or triangular shapes that narrow as they extend away from the fulcrum of the hinge, only any other shape is also possible.

The upper leaf32of the garage door hinge10acan be coupled to the fulcrum30through a left tab, flange, bracket, arm, or projection36and a right tab, flange, bracket, arm, or projection38. Tabs36and38are referred to, for convenience and not by way of limitation, as left and right tabs, but the relative positioning and designation of left and right could be reversed. Similarly, the lower leaf34of the garage door hinge10acan be coupled to the fulcrum30through a left tab, flange, bracket, arm, or projection40and a right tab, flange, bracket, arm, or projection42. Tabs40and42are referred to, for convenience and not by way of limitation, as left and right tabs, but the relative positioning and designation of left and right could be reversed.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the tabs36,38,40, and42of the upper leaf32and the lower leaf34, respectively, can extend away from the upper and lower leaves32,34in a z-direction. The tabs36,38,40, and42can also be coupled to, or disposed around, the fulcrum30or left and right ends of the fulcrum30. The tabs36and38of the hinge10acan be integrally formed with the leaf32such that a single piece is formed, angled, or bent to include each of the features32,36, and38. Similarly, the tabs40and42of the hinge10acan be integrally formed with the leaf34such that a single piece is formed, angled, or bent to include each of the features34,40, and42. Alternatively, the tabs36,38,40, and42can be separate pieces from the leaves32and34. The tabs36,38,40, and42can also be substantially perpendicular to the leaves32,34, and the fulcrum30.

Roller hinges10bcan also include detail similar to the detail included above for panel hinges10a, including fulcrums, upper and lower leaves, and left and right tabs. Roller hinges10balso comprise the additional feature of a shaft, roller, or cylindrical tube44parallel to the fulcrum30and held by the same or similar left and right tabs for holding a wheel within a track, such as track16. The garage door hinges10, including panel hinges10and roller hinges10bcan be made of metal, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, nickel, copper, bronze, or any other suitable or similar material.

FIG. 2Aalso shows a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge guard50for a garage door hinge10. The hinge guard50can, without limitation, comprise or be formed of one or more durable flexible materials comprising polymers or thermoplastics such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide; polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, or the like, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl nitrile (VN), other plastics, resins, fibers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other similar or suitable material. The hinge guard50can be stamped, in-molded, injection molded, vacuum formed, or formed by another suitable process. The hinge guard can comprise a single material integrally formed. Alternatively, the hinge guard can comprise additional layers that can also be formed with, or added to, the hinge guard. Any and all of the materials used can comprise suitable stiffness, rigidity, and flexibility to allow enough flex for the hinge guard to be releasably and mechanically coupled to a hinge without glue or other adhesives while being firmly attached to the hinge during operation.

The hinge guard50can comprise a snap on feature or connecting portion60and a deflecting feature or protective portion80. The snap on feature60can comprise a cylindrically shaped inner surface62with a c-shaped cross-section64, the c-shaped cross-section64comprising an opening66and a top portion68opposite the opening66configured or designed to be mateably and releasably coupled with the fulcrum30of the hinge10without a use of adhesive, screws, or nails. The snap on feature60can comprise a width Ws, measured in an x-direction, that can be the same as, less than, or greater than, a width Wd of the deflecting feature80.

As such, the hinge guard50can be releasably coupled or snapped into place around the fulcrum30of the hinge10by lowering or snapping the hinge guard50onto the hinge10as shown inFIG. 2Aso that the inner surface62of the snap on feature60is mateably coupled with, or at least partially, or completely, in contact with the surface of the fulcrum30. Thus, the hinge guard50can be snapped onto the hinge10, as shown inFIG. 2B, by expanding sidewalls or a deformable portion70of the snap on feature60so that a size of the opening66is expanded to a size or distance that that is at least equal to, or larger than, a diameter of the fulcrum Df. Accordingly, the snap on feature60can be disposed over the fulcrum30and the sidewalls70can subsequently contract, shrink, or return to a relaxed state in which the opening66comprises a distance less than the fulcrum diameter Df. In its relaxed state, the diameter of the inner surface62Ds can be equal to or larger than a diameter of the fulcrum30. When the diameter Ds is greater than the diameter Df, a resulting gap or offset G is formed between the fulcrum30and the inner surface62which can allow for the hinge guard50to rotate around the fulcrum30. The hinge guard50can rotate around the fulcrum30in a direction radially perpendicular to an axis Af of the fulcrum30, wherein the axis Af is defined by a line formed by the centers of the two bases or ends of the fulcrum30. Similarly, the hinge guard50can rotate around the fulcrum30in a direction radially perpendicular to an axis As of the inner surface62of the snap on feature60, wherein the axis As is defined by a line formed by the centers of the two bases or ends of the cylindrically shaped inner surface62. Additionally, the hinge guard50can rotate around the fulcrum30within the y-z plane.

In some instances, the gap G, an amount of deformation of the sidewalls70, or both, can be in a range of 0.2-10 mm, or 0.5-5 mm, or about 1-3 mm, so that the hinge guard is coupled to the hinge, such as by friction, and will not be accidently or inadvertently removed during normal operation of the garage door or with incidental or minimal contact between the hinge cover50and an object in a path of the closing garage door12, such as a car bumper. In some instances, an amount of force required to remove the hinge guard50from the hinge10will be less than is required to prevent the garage door12to continue closing, such as by activation of a safety feature of the garage door.

The hinge guard50can also comprise a deflecting feature or protective portion80. The deflecting feature80can further comprise a width W extending in a direction of the axis As of the cylindrically shaped inner surface62of the snap on feature60, or in the x-direction. The deflecting feature80can further comprise an upper or first ramp portion82that slopes, extends, or tapers away from the top portion68of the snap feature60in a first direction above the snap on feature60in the y-direction perpendicular to the axis As of the snap on feature60, or in a y-direction. The deflecting feature80can further comprise a second ramp portion84that slopes, extends, or tapers away from the top portion68of the snap feature60in a second direction opposite the first direction below the snap on feature60in the y-direction or perpendicular to the axis As of the snap on feature60.

In some embodiments, the lower ramp portion84can be larger than a size of the upper ramp portion82. Stated another way, the lower ramp portion84can comprise a mass or weight that is greater than the mass or weight of the upper ramp portion82such that a force of gravity acting on the hinge guard50will cause the hinge guard50to rotate around the fulcrum30and be oriented with the lower ramp portion84aligned or oriented in downwards direction to prevent objects near the garage door12to strike, come in contact with, or be damaged by the hinge10. In some instances, a weight or counterbalance86can be embedded or disposed within the lower ramp portion84to make the lower ramp portion significantly heavier than the upper ramp portion, such as greater than 20% heavier, 60% heavier, or 100% heavier. The weight or counterbalance can be formed of one or more portions and be disposed at one or more locations on or within the lower ramp portion84. The weight86can be disposed or embedded within a portion of the deflecting feature80that is opposite, off-set, or away from the snap on feature60, so as to more readily induce pivoting of the hinge guard50around the hinge10and the fulcrum30.

The deflecting feature80can comprise, or be formed with, an outer or upper surface88that is opposite the inner surface62or opposite the top portion68of the inner surface62. The outer surface88can include an offset O, shown for example inFIG. 2B, that extends between the outer surface88of the deflecting feature80and the tops of tabs36,38,40, and42. The offset O can comprise a distance greater than or equal to 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, or other suitable distance. The hinge guard50can comprise a thickness T, shown for example inFIG. 2C, that extends between the inner surface62or the top portion68of the inner surface62and the outer surface88of the deflecting feature80. The thickness T can comprise a distance greater than or equal to 8 mm, 10 mm, 13 mm, or any suitable distance that provides for a suitable offset O. As such, the offset O provided by the hinge guard50blocks the hinge10and the tops of tabs36,38,40, and42from contacting or damaging objects such as car bumpers, and allows the softer, more deformable, and protective material of the hinge guard50to contact the objects to prevent damaging the object.

As a removable hinge guard, the hinge guard50can be applied to the garage door hinge10without an adhesive or permanent adhesive so that the hinge guard50can be applied, or snapped on, to cover the hinge10and then be subsequently removed without damaging the hinge guard50, and without preventing the hinge guard50from being subsequently reattached to a same of different hinge50, without leaving any sticky residue or adhesive on the hinge10. By being removable, the hinge guard50can also be releasably coupled to a the hinge10without screws, nails, or other similar mechanical fasteners, by forming the hinge guard50of a deformable material that is substantially identical in size and shape to at least a portion of the hinge10that will be covered. The deformable hinge guard50can then be disposed over and friction fit to at least a portion of the hinge10, such as the fulcrum 3, without tools and without additional mechanical fasteners such as screws, nails, clips, latches, rivets, or other device.

A height Hc of the hinge cover50, as measured in the y-direction, can be less than, equal to, or greater than a height Hh of the hinge10, as measured in the y-direction. In various instances, the deflecting feature can80can cover an entire height Hh, or less than entire height Hh, of the hinge10. In some instances, none, one, or both of the upper ramp portion82and the lower ramp portion84can comprise the same or different heights. As a non-limiting example,FIG. 2Bshows an embodiment in which the lower ramp portion84includes a height greater than the lower leaf34of the hinge10so that a distal end of the lower leaf is covered by the lower ramp portion84. Conversely,FIG. 2Bshows an embodiment in which the upper ramp portion82includes a height less than a height of the upper leaf32of the hinge10so that a distal end33of the upper leaf32is exposed by the upper ramp portion82. An amount or a height of the upper leaf32and lower leaf34covered by the upper ramp portion82and the lower ramp portion84, respectively, can vary based on particular applications, and can include amounts of a half, two-thirds, three-fourths, or other desirable amount of coverage of the hinge10.

An relative angle θ between the outer surface88of the upper ramp portion82and the lower ramp portion84can change based on the height and slope of the ramp portions. However, in some instances the angle θ can be in a range of 180-315 degrees, or 220-300 degrees.

FIG. 2Cshows a cross-sectional profile view taken along the cross-sectional line2C-2C shown inFIG. 2A.FIG. 2Calso provides additional detail of the c-shaped cross-section64of the snap on feature64, which comprises a diameter Ds that can be equal or substantially equal to the diameter Df of the fulcrum30. As used herein, substantially equal can include distances that are equal or distances that differ by 0-20% or 0-10%. The opening60can comprise a distance that is less than the distance of the diameter Ds when the sidewalls70are in a relaxed or at rest state. When at rest, the opening66can comprise a distance that is 50-90%, 60-80%, or about 70% of a distance of the diameter Ds.

FIG. 2Calso shows that the lower ramp portion84can comprise a greater size or volume than the upper ramp portion82. The greater volume or robustness of the lower ramp portion84can comprise a sidewall or thickened sidewall90that extends in a z-direction away from the outer surface88. The increased or greater volume of the lower ramp portion84with respect to the lesser volume of the upper ramp portion82can help facilitate the hanging or positioning of the lower ramp portion84in a position that is down and away from the fulcrum30. The increased or greater volume of the lower ramp portion84with respect to the lesser volume of the upper ramp portion82also makes the hinge guard50more robust for impacts that occur between an object and the lower ramp portion84when the hinge guard50is being lowered with a closing door.

FIG. 2Dshows an underside of the hinge guard50in the x-y plane. While the lower ramp portion84is shown with thickened sidewall90and the upper ramp portion82is shown without sidewalls, other embodiments of the hinge guard50can comprise the upper ramp portion82also including sidewalls. Similarly,FIG. 2Eshows a topside of the hinge guard50in the x-y plane, opposite the view of the underside of the hinge guard50shown inFIG. 2D, in which the outer surface88of the upper ramp portion82and the lower ramp portion84are visible.FIG. 2Fshows a perspective view of the underside of the hinge guard50, similar to the view shown inFIG. 2D.

FIGS. 3A-3Cshow hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover150similar to the hinge guard50shown inFIGS. 2A-2E, where similar features are indicated by similar reference number (plus 100). The hinge guard150can differ from the hinge guard50in a number of respects, which may be the same or different to the features shown embodied in the hinge cover50, and are provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Various differences are shown with respect to the perspective view ofFIG. 3A, the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3Bin the y-z plane, taken along the section line3B-3B shown inFIG. 3A, and in the bottom view in the x-y plane shown inFIG. 3C.

As such,FIGS. 3A-3Cshow a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover150, a snap on feature or connecting feature160, an inner surface or cylindrically shaped inner surface162, a width Ws1of snap on feature160, a thickness T1that extends between the inner surface162or the top portion168of the inner surface162and the outer surface188of the deflecting feature180, a diameter Ds1of the inner surface162, an axis As1of the snap on feature160, a c-shaped cross-section164, an opening166, a top portion168, sidewalls or a deformable portion170of snap on feature160, a deflecting feature or protective portion180, a width Wd1of deflecting feature180, an upper or first ramp portion182, a lower or second ramp portion184, a weight or counterbalance186, an outer or upper surface188, an offset between top of tabs36,38,40,42and the outer surface188, a height Hc1of the hinge cover150in y-direction, and a relative angle θ1between the outer surface188of upper ramp portion182and lower ramp portion184.

Differences between the hinge guard50and the hinge guard150can include, for example, the snap on feature160of hinge guard150comprising a width Ws1that is less than a width Wd1of the deflecting feature180. Additionally, a thickness of T1that extends between the inner surface162or the top portion168of the inner surface162and the outer surface188of the deflecting feature180can be greater than the thickness T of the hinge guard50.

The hinge guard150can also differ from the hinge guard50by forming the deflecting feature180, both the upper or first ramp portion182and the lower or second ramp portion184, being formed without a thickened sidewall, such as the thickened sidewalls90of hinge guard50.

FIGS. 4A-4Cshow hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover250similar to the hinge guards50and150shown inFIGS. 2A-2EandFIGS. 3A-3C, respectively, where similar features are indicated by similar reference numbers (plus 200, or plus 100, respectively). The hinge guard250can differ from the hinge guards50,150in a number of respects, which may be the same or different to the features shown embodied in the hinge covers50,150and are provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Various differences are shown with respect to the perspective view ofFIG. 4A, the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4Bin the y-z plane, taken along the section line4B-4B shown inFIG. 4A, and in the bottom view in the x-y plane shown inFIG. 4C.

As such,FIGS. 4A-4Cshow a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover250, a snap on feature or connecting feature260, an inner surface or cylindrically shaped inner surface262, a width Ws2of snap on feature260, a thickness T2that extends between the inner surface262or the top portion268of the inner surface262and the outer surface288of the deflecting feature280, a diameter Ds2of the inner surface262, an axis As2of the snap on feature260, a c-shaped cross-section264, an opening266, a top portion268, sidewalls or a deformable portion270of snap on feature260, a deflecting feature or protective portion280, a width Wd2of deflecting feature280, an upper or first ramp portion282, a lower or second ramp portion284, a weight or counterbalance286, an outer or upper surface288, an offset between top of tabs36,38,40,42and the outer surface288, a height Hc2of the hinge cover250in y-direction, and a relative angle θ2between the outer surface288of upper ramp portion282and lower ramp portion284.

Differences between the hinge guard250and the hinge guards50,150can include, for example, the snap on feature260of hinge guard250comprising a width Ws2that is equal to the width Wd2of the deflecting feature280. As such the width Wd2of the deflecting feature280can be less than a width of 5 cm and configured to be coupled around a hinge fulcrum30between tabs36,38,40,42of the hinge10without extending to the tabs36,38,40,42of the hinge10.

Additionally, a thickness of T2that extends between the inner surface162or the top portion168of the inner surface162and the outer surface188of the deflecting feature180can be the same, less than, or greater than the thicknesses T and T1of the hinge guards50,150. Furthermore, the hinge guard250can also be formed with the snap on feature260, the deflecting feature280, including both the upper or first ramp portion282and the lower or second ramp portion284, being integrally formed as a single unit as shown.

FIGS. 5A-5Dshow a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover350similar to the hinge guards50,150, and250shown inFIGS. 2A-2EandFIGS. 3A-3C, and 4A-4C, respectively, where similar features are indicated by similar reference numbers (plus 300, 200, or 100, respectively). The hinge guard350can differ from the hinge guards50,150,250in a number of respects, which may be the same or different to the features shown embodied in the hinge covers50,150,250, and are provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Various differences are shown with respect to the perspective view ofFIG. 5A, the top view ofFIG. 5Bin the x-y plane, in the bottom view in the x-y plane shown inFIG. 5C, and in the side view in the y-z plane shown inFIG. 5D.

As such,FIGS. 5A-5Cshow a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover350, a snap on feature or connecting feature360, an inner surface or cylindrically shaped inner surface362, a width Ws3of snap on feature360, a thickness T3that extends between the inner surface362or the top portion368of the inner surface362and the outer surface388of the deflecting feature380, a diameter Ds3of the inner surface362, an axis As3of the snap on feature360, a c-shaped cross-section364, an opening366, a top portion368, sidewalls or a deformable portion370of snap on feature360, deflecting features or protective portions380, a width Wd3of deflecting feature380, an upper or first ramp portion382, a lower or second ramp portion384, a weight or counterbalance386, an outer or upper surface388, an offset between top of tabs36,38,40,42and the outer surface388, a height Hc3of the hinge cover350in y-direction, and a relative angle θ3between the outer surface288of upper ramp portion382and lower ramp portion384.

Differences between the hinge guard350and the hinge guards50,150, and250can include, for example, the deflecting feature380being divided into two separate portions, such as right deflecting feature380rand a left deflecting feature3801, which can be configured to be releasably coupled to tabs36and40, as well as tabs38and42, respectively. In such an instance, the deflecting feature380can be configured to couple to inner and outer opposing surfaces of tabs40and42extending from a lower hinge leaf34, and is further configured to couple to outer surfaces and not inner surfaces of tabs36,38extending from an upper hinge leaf32. The tabs36,38can move within the hinge guard350without the hinge guard350contacting the inner surfaces of the tabs36,38because of notches or cut-outs383, formed in the divided deflecting features380, such as upper or first ramp portions382.

FIG. 6shows a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover450similar to the hinge guards50,150,250, and350shown inFIGS. 2A-2E,FIGS. 3A-3C,FIGS. 4A-4C, and5A-5D, respectively, where similar features are indicated by similar reference numbers (plus 400, 300, 200, or 100, respectively). The hinge guard450can differ from the hinge guards50,150,250,350in a number of respects, which may be the same or different to the features shown embodied in the hinge covers50,150,250,350and are provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Various differences are shown with respect to the top view ofFIG. 6.

As such,FIG. 6shows a hinge guard or removably attachable hinge cover450, a snap on feature or connecting feature460, including a left snap on feature460land a right snap on features460r, a width Ws4of snap on feature460, a thickness that extends between the inner surface and the outer surface488of the deflecting feature480, an opening466, a top portion468, sidewalls or a deformable portion470of snap on feature460, a deflecting feature or protective portion480, a width Wd4of deflecting feature480, a lower or second ramp portion484, a weight or counterbalance486, an outer or upper surface488, and an offset between top of tabs36,38,40,42and the outer surface488.

Differences between the hinge guard250and the hinge guards50,150can include, for example, the hinge cover450further comprising the snap on feature460being configured to couple to tabs36,38,40,42at side portions of a hinge10without contacting a cylindrically shaped fulcrum portion30of the hinge10. Differences can further include the deflecting feature470being formed only a lower ramp portion482or with only one ramp, omitting an upper ramp portion. Thus the snap on portion360can be formed without a cylindrically shaped inner surface or c-shaped cross-section.

Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations reference examples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other covers and manufacturing devices and examples could be intermixed or substituted with those provided. In places where the description above refers to particular embodiments and methods, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied to other embodiments as well. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

Any dimensions presented in this document are for example only and not a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of the method or system may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular materials, structures, and couplings may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, or the like consistent with the intended operation of a cover or hinge cover.