Door positioning hinge

A door positioning hinge supports two closure members, and also allows the closure members to be rotated to open or to close. The door positioning hinge can be adapted to allow free-swinging of the closure members or alternatively to hold the closure members in various detent positions. In addition, the particular amount of force can be selected where desired which operates to hold the closure members in the respective detent positions. The operation of the door positioning hinge accommodates use with both vertically swinging or horizontally swinging closure members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to hinge devices for supporting 
doors, lids, covers and the like and more particularly to hinge devices 
which can retain a door, lid, cover and the like in an opened or closed 
position relative to a frame. 
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
Various types of hinge devices which function to retain a door, lid, cover 
and the like in an opened or closed position are known. Some types used on 
vertically swinging kitchen cabinet doors exert a torque in order to 
retain the door in a closed position. However, the amount of torque 
provided from the hinge is not sufficient in some circumstances to retain 
the door in the closed position; for example, in response to inadvertent 
contact forces. In addition, these types of hinges do not function to 
retain the door in an open position. Another type of hinge used on 
vertically swinging doors 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, thus requiring 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, and is incorporated 
by reference herein. 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 within 
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 smaller 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 
suspectable to corrosion due to the particular materials of the device; in 
particular, due to the coil springs and detent balls which are preferably 
manufacturered of metal. For this same reason, the relative costs to 
manufacture the device can be higher since components manufacturered of 
metal are utilized. 
There is a need for a door positioning hinge which is versatile in 
application, can be manufacturered in smaller sizes and of cheaper 
materials, and which would not be susceptible to corrosion. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a door positioning hinge. The door 
positioning hinge comprises a hinge assembly including a first hinge means 
and a second hinge means, and each of the hinge means have at least one 
bore. A pin assembly is provided disposed within the bores of the first 
and second hinge means in order to connect the hinge assembly so that the 
first hinge means will be rotatable relative to the second hinge means. 
In accordance with the present invention, an object is to provide a novel 
door positioning hinge. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a versatile door 
positioning hinge which can be adapted for use in a number of different 
applications. For example, adapted to be used to support a closure member, 
such as a door, cover or lid, and also operate as a "free-swinging" hinge, 
which allows the closure member to rotate freely, or as a "detent" hinge, 
which is adapted to hold the closure member in any desired position as the 
door is opened or closed. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a door positioning 
hinge operable as a "detent" hinge and capable of being adjusted in order 
to vary the amount of force provided by the hinge which holds the closure 
member in a given position. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door positioning 
hinge which, when operating as a "detent" hinge, is resistant to corrosion 
occurring in the device. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a door 
positioning hinge in which the parts are few and which can be 
manufacturered from inexpensive materials. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door positioning 
hinge which provides for easier assembly and disassembly. 
These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily 
apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and 
the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals 
indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in 
FIGS. 1-16 a door positioning hinge in accordance with an embodiment of 
the present invention. The door positioning hinge 10 as is shown 
comprises, as portions thereof, a hinge assembly which includes a first 
hinge means comprising a first hinge leaf 12 and a second hinge means 
comprising a second hinge leaf 14, and a pin assembly 15. The door 
positioning hinge 10 can also comprise a cover preferably comprising two 
covers 23. The details of each of these elements will be more fully 
described in the following paragraphs. In the perspective view of FIG. 1 
and top plan, side and bottom plan views of FIGS. 2a-c, the door 
positioning hinge 10 is shown secured to closure members 150 and 152 in 
dotted lines, with the first hinge leaf 12 being secured to the closure 
member 150 and the second hinge leaf 14 being secured to the closure 
member 152. In the present embodiment, as is shown in the partly exploded 
view of FIG. 1a, the first hinge leaf 12 and second hinge leaf 14 are 
secured to the closure members 150 and 152 by four screws 154 (only two of 
which are visible), with a pair of the screws 154 extending through each 
of the first and second hinge leaves 12 and 14 in the manner shown and 
then into the respective closure members 150 and 152, as shown in FIG. 1. 
It should be understood that, while the screws 154 are illustrated in the 
present embodiment, other suitable securing mechanisms can also be used, 
such as rivets, adhesives such as glue or double-sided adhesive tape, to 
name a few. The closure members 150 and 152 can be closure members of any 
type, such as those which are adapted to swing on either vertically or 
horizontally positioned hinges, examples of which are vertically swinging 
doors that are mounted to a frame such as kitchen cabinet doors, or 
horizontally swinging covers or lids mounted to a container, such as a 
storage chest. 
As shown in FIG. 3, the first hinge leaf 12 comprises a base 16 and first 
and second knuckles 18 and 20, respectively. The base 16 as shown includes 
a generally U-shaped outer surface 22 opposite the knuckles 18 and 20 and 
a substantially planar inner surface 24 connected with the outer surface 
22 and adjacent the knuckles 18 and 20. As best seen in FIG. 4, the base 
16 further includes an upper surface 26 which slopes downward from the 
first knuckle 18 to the outer surface 22, and a generally planar bottom 
surface 28 opposite the upper surface 26. Further, in this embodiment, the 
base 16 further includes two screw receiving apertures 30 extending 
completely therethrough from the upper surface 26 to the bottom surface 
28, as is best seen in FIG. 3. Each of the screw receiving apertures 30 
define a substantially cylindrical shaped cavity within the upper surface 
26 and which terminates by an annular seating member between the upper 
surface 26 and bottom surface 28, which defines a second generally 
cylindrical cavity of a smaller diameter extending through the bottom 
surface 28. The base 16 also includes at least one and preferably four 
pockets comprising cavities 32, each generally rectangular in 
configuration, provided within the bottom surface 28 and extending upward 
in the direction of the upper surface 26 which terminates within a portion 
of the outer surface 22. As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two of the cavities 
32 are positioned adjacent to one another and on the portion of the outer 
surface 22 which is generally opposite the inner portion 24. The remaining 
two cavities 32 are positioned on opposite sides of the outer surface 22 
and adjacent each of the knuckles 18 and 20. 
As best seen in FIG. 3, the first and second knuckles 18 and 20 are 
connected with the inner surface 24 of the base 16. Generally, each of the 
knuckles 18 and 20 have generally cylindrical outer surfaces and a bore 
extending therein which defines an inner surface. The second knuckle 20 
also includes an end wall 34 connected with its outer surface and which 
terminates adjacent the bore within its inner surface, which is not shown 
in FIG. 3. As is best shown in the left side elevational view of FIG. 4, 
the first knuckle 18 includes a bore 36 therein and the second knuckle 20 
includes a bore 38 therein. As is shown, each of the bores 36 and 38 are 
generally cylindrical in configuration and of substantially constant 
diameter in the longitudinal direction of each knuckle. In the present 
embodiment, the diameter of the bore extending through the second knuckle 
20 defined by the inner surface 38 is slightly smaller than that of the 
bore extending through the first knuckle 18 defined by the inner surface 
36. In addition, provided within the bores of each of the knuckles 18 and 
20 within their respective inner surfaces 36 and 38 is at least one groove 
or cavity 42 which extends the entire longitudinal direction of each 
knuckle. In the present embodiment, two opposing cavities 42 generally 
180.degree. apart are provided within each knuckle 18 and 20. Further, in 
this embodiment, the radius of each of the cavities 42 are the same when 
measured from an imaginary central axis extending longitudinally through 
each of the knuckles 18 and 20 to the outer most portion of the cavity 42. 
Preferably, the cavities 42 are substantially semi-circular or U-shaped in 
cross section, however, as should be understood, other suitable 
configurations of the cavities 42 can also be utilized, such as wedge or 
V-shaped. In addition, although in the present embodiment two cavities 42 
are shown provided within each knuckle and spaced generally 180.degree. 
apart, it should be understood that any number of cavities 42 and spaced 
at any desired interval within each knuckle can also be utilized in 
accordance with the present invention. 
The first hinge leaf 12 also includes a terminating end portion 31 adjacent 
the first knuckle 18. The end portion 31 is formed by a portion of the 
upper surface 26 and a portion of the bottom surface 28. In particular, a 
portion of the bottom surface 28 extends outwardly past the position of 
the upper surface 26, which substantially corresponds to the position of 
the front surface 24, and the upper surface 26 and bottom surface 28 of 
the end portion 31 are connected by a substantially concave surface 33. 
The second hinge leaf 14 is best shown in FIG. 3, the perspective view of 
FIG. 5 and the right side elevational view of FIG. 6. The second hinge 
leaf 14 includes a base 44 which substantially corresponds to the base 16 
of the first hinge leaf 12. In particular, the second hinge leaf 14 
includes a substantially U-shaped outer surface 46 connected with a front 
surface 48. The second hinge leaf 14 also includes a sloped upper surface 
50 and a bottom surface 52, with screw receiving apertures 54 extending 
within each of these surfaces and through the base 44, similar to the 
upper and bottom surfaces 26 and 28, and screw receiving apertures 30 of 
the first hinge leaf 12. In addition, the second hinge leaf 14 includes at 
least one and preferably four pockets comprising cavities 56 within its 
bottom surface 52 and extending into a portion of its outer surface 46 
which correspond to the cavities 32 of the first hinge leaf 12. 
Specifically, the four cavities are, in this embodiment, generally square 
in shape and are each provided positioned within the outer surface 46 of 
the base 44. Further, two of the cavities 56 are on terminating ends of 
the outer surface 46 adjacent the front surface 48, with the remaining two 
cavities 56 being positioned on the outer surface 46 opposite the front 
surface 48 and generally adjacent to each other and between the first two 
cavities 56. The primary difference of the base 44 is that the front 
surface 48 is not substantially planar, but rather the bottom surface 52 
extends outward past the position of the terminating end of the upper 
surface 50, with a generally convex surface 58 connecting the upper 
surfaces 50 and bottom surface 52, which is similar to the concave surface 
33 of the first hinge leaf 12. 
The second hinge leaf 14 also includes one knuckle comprising a detent 
knuckle 60 connected with the front surface 48 of the base 44. The detent 
knuckle 60 is a generally elongated member having a generally cylindrical 
outer service and a bore therein defining an inner surface 62. As best 
shown in FIG. 6, the detent knuckle 60 is connected by its outer surface 
to the generally concave surface 58 of the base 44. The inner surface 62 
defines a generally cylindrical bore extending longitudinally completely 
through the detent knuckle 60. In addition, there is provided within the 
inner surface 62 at least one groove or cavity which, in this embodiment, 
extends longitudinally the entire length of the bore. Furthermore, the 
radius of the cavity is constant over its entire length, which is measured 
from an imaginary central axis extending longitudinally through the bore. 
In the present embodiment, four cavities 64a-d are provided within the 
inner surface 62, with the cavities 64a and c being positioned generally 
180.degree. apart and substantially aligned with each other, and the 
cavities 64b and d being positioned generally 180.degree. apart and 
substantially aligned with each other. Furthermore, the cavities 64a and b 
are positioned generally adjacent each other and the cavities 64c and d 
are similarly positioned generally opposing the cavities 64a and b. In 
this embodiment, while the four cavities 64a-d are shown, it should be 
understood that any number of cavities and at any desired location or 
spacing can be provided for the same purpose, which will be described in 
detail below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of each 
of the cavities is substantially wedge or V-shaped in configuration, 
however, it should be understood that other suitable configurations can 
also be utilized, such as semi-circular or U-shaped in cross-section, as 
an example. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a slightly larger bore 
is provided through a small portion of the detent knuckle 60. 
Specifically, a larger diameter extends inward from one end 66 and 
terminates by a substantially annular seat 67. Accordingly, the diameter 
of the bore defined by the inner surface 62 is slightly larger between an 
end portion 66 and the seating member 67 than the portion of the bore 
extending between the seating member 67 and an opposing end 70 of the 
detent knuckle 60. 
In accordance with the present embodiment, the first and second hinge 
leaves 12 and 14 preferably are comprised of conventional thermoplastic or 
thermosetting materials, such as nylon. However, other suitable materials 
can also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the 
present invention. 
The pin assembly 15 as shown in FIG. 3 in this embodiment comprises a hinge 
pin 17, a hinge pin insert 19 and a spring 21. The hinge pin 17 is shown 
in FIG. 3 and the top plan view of FIG. 7. The hinge pin 17 as shown is 
generally T-shaped in configuration defined by a substantially elongated 
portion 72, which is generally cylindrical in cross section, and a disk 
shaped top 74. The disk 74 comprises a substantially circular member 
connected with one end of the portion 72. The generally elongated portion 
72 further includes a slot or cavity 76 extending within its outer surface 
77. In this embodiment, the cavity 76 extends entirely through the 
generally elongated portion 72 and is substantially rectangular in 
configuration defining a substantially rectangular-shaped inner surface of 
the hinge pin 17 extending longitudinally from proximate the disk 74 and 
terminating proximate the free end of the generally elongated portion 72. 
In addition, in this embodiment, preferably the portions of the inner 
surface adjacent the disk 74 and free end of the portion 72 are slightly 
V-shaped inwardly towards each other at 73. The generally elongated 
portion 72 is divided into three substantially equal sized portions 80, 82 
and 84. The portions 80 and 82 are separated by a slightly raised boss 86 
and the portions 82 and 84 are separated by slightly raised boss 88. Each 
of the bosses 86 and 88 extend completely around the hinge pin 17. The 
portion 80 is included with a substantially triangular shaped boss 81 
extending from its outer surface. In this embodiment, the portions 80 and 
82 are of substantially constant diameter and the portion 84 is of a 
diameter less than both of the portions 80 and 82. Generally, the smaller 
diameter of the portion 84 is provided by an inwardly shaped taper 
extending from the boss 88. The hinge pin 17 in accordance with the 
present embodiment can be manufacturered from standard thermoplastic and 
thermosetting materials, such as acetal, however other suitable materials 
can also be utilized. 
The hinge pin insert 19 is shown in FIG. 3, the front elevational view of 
FIG. 8 and the side elevational view of FIG. 9. The hinge pin insert 19 is 
generally rectangular in shape defined by a pair of end surfaces 90 and 92 
and outer surfaces 94 and 96. In this embodiment, the hinge pin insert 19 
is generally hourglass in shape defined by two opposing concave shaped 
portions 100 provided within the center of each of the opposing outer 
surfaces 94 and 96. The concave shaped portions 100 can also be positioned 
at any other location along the insert 19 or be of other suitable 
configurations, such as planar or convex, to name a few. Furthermore, in 
this embodiment a chamfer 98 is provided within each of the four corners 
of the hinge pin insert 19. In addition, perferrably a window or cavity 
102 is provided within the insert and between the opposing concave 
portions 100. In the present embodiment, the cavity 102 is generally 
rectangular in shape. In addition, extending from opposite ends of the 
cavity 102 are two arrow shaped cavities 104 which terminate proximate the 
end surfaces 90 and 92. As should be understood, other suitable 
configurations of cavities 102 and 104 can also be utilized. As is shown 
in the side view of FIG. 9, each of the outer surfaces 94 and 96 are 
generally radiused in cross-section, although other shapes can also be 
used, such as straight, planar or wedge shaped. In the present embodiment, 
the hinge pin insert 19 is preferably manufacturered of conventional 
thermosetting or thermoplastic materials such as acetal, however, as 
should be understood, other suitable materials could also be utilized 
where desired. 
The spring 21 is best shown in the exploded prospective view of FIG. 3. In 
this embodiment, the spring 21 is generally rectangular in shape and is 
comprised of conventional elastomer or elastomeric material, an example of 
which is urethane rubber. As it will be understood, the spring 21 can be 
provided in either larger or smaller sizes, of other shapes, or of other 
materials; for example, a range from softer or harder elastomers can be 
utilized. 
As indicated earlier, preferably a cover is provided, which in the present 
embodiment comprises two identical covers 23. One cover 23 is shown in 
FIG. 1 and FIGS. 10-12. In the present embodiment, the configuration of 
each cover 23 generally corresponds to that of the base portions 16 and 50 
of the first and second hinge leaves 12 and 14 however this is not 
required. Specifically, the cover 23 includes a substantially U-shaped 
outer portion 106 and a substantially planar inner portion 108 connected 
with the U-shaped portion 106. The cover 23 is defined by an upper surface 
110 and a substantially U-shaped side portion 112 connected to and 
extending from the upper surface 110. The U-shaped side portion 112 in 
turn defines a bottom surface 114 opposite the upper surface 110. 
Furthermore, at least one, and in the present embodiment, four tabs 116 
are provided which extend inward from the bottom surface 114. Generally, 
the position of the tabs 116 correspond to that of the cavities 32 and 56 
provided within the first and second leaves 12 and 14. Specifically, a 
first pair of tabs 116 are positioned proximate the planar inner portion 
108 and generally opposite each other and a second pair of tabs 116 are 
adjacent to one another and between the first pair of tabs 116. In this 
embodiment, each of the tabs 116 are generally rectangular in 
configuration and beveled at their terminating ends opposite the bottom 
surface 114. The cover 23, in accordance with the present embodiment, can 
be manufacturered from conventional thermoplastic or thermosetting 
materials, an example of which is nylon. 
The assembly of the door positioning hinge 10 of the present invention will 
now be described. The spring 21 is positioned within the cavity 102 of the 
hinge insert 19, and the hinge pin insert 19 is mounted within the slot 76 
within the hinge pin 17, such as is shown in the sectional view of FIG. 
13. In the present embodiment, each of the two outer surfaces 94 and 96 of 
the insert 19 define a boss and the concave surfaces 100 define bearing 
members on a section of the opposing bosses, the operation of each will be 
more fully described hereinafter. Preferably, at least the bearing members 
defined by the concave surfaces 100 in the present embodiment terminate at 
a distance further from the central axis of the hinge pin 17 than does the 
outer pin surface 77 relative to the central axis of the hinge pin 17. 
Specifically, this is accomplished in the present embodiment by having at 
least the diameter of the insert 19 between the bearing members 100 to be 
larger than that of the hinge pin 17, at least proximate the cavity 76 
extending therethrough. Preferably, in the present embodiment, the 
diameter between the outer surfaces 94 and 96 along the entire length of 
the insert 19 is greater than that of the hinge pin 17; in particular, 
which is attributed to the hourglass configuration of the insert 19. 
The assembly of the first and second hinge leaves 12 and 14 is accomplished 
by inserting the detent knuckle 60 between the first and second knuckles 
18 and 20 so that each of the bores within the respective knuckles are 
aligned with one another. At this point, the pin assembly 15 is then 
inserted into the bores of the hinge leaves 12 and 14 for connection of 
the hinge assembly. In accordance with one feature of the present 
invention, means are provided between the pin assembly 15 and the first 
hinge leaf 12 for retaining the pin assembly 15. Specifically, in the 
present embodiment, this is accomplished by the relationship between the 
bosses 94 and 96 of the insert 19 and the cavities 42 provided within the 
respective inner surfaces 36 and 38 of the first and second knuckles 18 
and 20. In particular, the pin assembly 15 is mounted so that the bosses 
94 and 96 are received within the cavities 42 of each knuckle 18 and 20 
which operates to retain the position of the pin assembly 15 relative to 
the first hinge leaf 12. In FIG. 14 is illustrated the foregoing position 
of the insert 19 relative to the first knuckle 18. Furthermore, although 
not shown in FIG. 14, the generally triangular shaped boss 81 extending 
from the first portion 80 of the hinge pin 17 exerts additional retaining 
force against the inner surface 36 of the first knuckle 18. The retaining 
means feature of the present invention will become more readily apparent 
in the following paragraphs describing the operation of the door 
positioning hinge 10. 
As indicated earlier, the door positioning hinge 10 of the present 
embodiment is mounted to the closure members 150 and 152 by the four 
screws 104. From that mounted position, two covers 23 can be secured to 
the hinge assembly, with one cover 23 being mounted with the first hinge 
leaf 12 and the second cover 23 being mounted with the second hinge leaf 
14, as is shown in FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, preferably the 
covers 23 operate to conceal substantially the entire upper surfaces of 
the bases 16 and 44 of the first and second hinge leaves 12 and 14, 
respectively. The attachment of the cover 23 with the respective hinge 
leaves 12 and 14 is accomplished through the engagement of the tabs 116 
with the cavities 32 and 56 of the hinge leaves 12 and 14, respectively. 
In particular, each of the two covers 23 are secured with the respective 
hinge leaves by the snap-fit engagement between the tabs 116 and the 
respective cavities 32 and 56 in the hinge leaves 12 and 14. The snap-fit 
engagement is facilitated by the flexibility of the tabs 116 which, on 
initial engagement with the respective hinge leaves 12 and 14, can undergo 
an amount of flexion and then move back toward its original position when 
in engagement with the respective cavities 32 and 56, thus providing the 
snapping action. In the present embodiment, the two covers 23 can be 
snapped onto the respective hinge leaves 12 and 14 from either the top, 
such as above the upper surfaces 26 or 50, from the side, such as 
proximate the outer surfaces 16 or 46, or from any angle between these two 
directions. For example, the two covers 23 when mounted from directly on 
top of the upper surfaces 26 or 50 will initially come into engagement 
with the outer surfaces 22 and 46 of the respective hinge leaves and then, 
when positioned adjacent the respective cavities 32 and 56, are snapped 
into the mounted position. The beveled surfaces of the tabs 116 facilitate 
the mounting of the covers 23; for example, when the door positioning 
hinge 10 is mounted onto closure members 150 and 152, the closure members 
can operate to provide a certain amount of interference in some instances. 
One example of which is when the door positioning hinge 10 is mounted on a 
carpeted surface, and the carpet pile can, in this situation, operate to 
interfere with the mounting operation of the respective covers 23. 
Mounting is accomplished since the beveled surfaces of the tabs 116 will 
initially engage and then move past the edges of the cavities 32 and 56. 
When mounted, the tabs 116 provide a secure engagement in order to hold 
the covers 23 in position on the respective hinge leaves 12 and 14. 
Thereafter, the covers 23 can be removed by moving the tabs 116 away from 
the cavities 32 and 56. An example of how this can be accomplished will 
now be described in relation to the cover 23 mounted on the first hinge 
leaf 12. Initially, two of the tabs 116 proximate one of the knuckles, for 
instance the two tabs proximate the knuckle 18, are engaged and then 
flexed away from the bottom surface 114 of the cover 23. Thereafter, that 
particular end of the cover 23 can be raised, which is then followed by 
the two opposite pairs of tabs 116 proximate the knuckle 20 being moved 
out of the position with the respective cavities 32. 
The operation of the door positioning hinge 10 will now be described in 
reference to the sectional views of FIGS. 15 and 16 taken across the 
detent knuckle 60 of the second hinge leaf 14. In accordance with the 
present embodiment, retaining means is provided between the pin assembly 
15 and the hinge assembly in order for holding the hinge assembly when the 
first and second hinge leaves 12 and 14 are rotated to at least one 
predefined position. For this purpose, the hinge assembly includes at 
least one detent means for engaging at least one bearing member, which in 
the present embodiment comprises the two bearing members 100 of the hinge 
pin insert 19 and the detent means comprises the cavities 64a-d within the 
inner surface 62 of the detent knuckle 60 of the second hinge leaf 14. As 
is shown in FIG. 15, the bearing members 100 are positioned within the 
opposing cavities 64b and d, which defines a detent position for holding 
the respective closure members 150 and 152 connected with the hinge 
assembly as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the cavities 64b and d 
are positioned so as to engage the bearing members 100 when the closure 
members 150 and 152 are in a closed position, with the first and second 
hinge leaves 12 and 14 being spaced generally 180.degree. apart. The 
cavities 64a and c in this embodiment are spaced approximately 50.degree. 
from the respective cavities 64b and d, and operates to hold the door when 
the closure members are rotated the approximately 50.degree. from the 
closed position toward the open position, at which point the bearing 
members move into the position within the cavities 64a and c. As indicated 
earlier, the number, shape, and angular spacing of the cavities 64 can be 
varied where desired in order to have the closure members 150 and 152 
retained in more or less detent positions and at any desired angular 
displacement. 
As is shown in FIG. 16, movement of the hinge assembly between the various 
detent positions operates to compress the bearing members 100 due to the 
reduced diameter of the bore of the detent knuckle 60. For example, the 
bearing members 100 shown in FIG. 16 are slightly compressed and in 
engagement with the inner surface 62. Thereafter, corresponding rotation 
of the closure members toward the position of FIG. 15 moves the bearing 
members 100 against the inner surface 62 and then, when in the position 
shown in FIG. 15, expand outwardly to engage the cavities 64b and d. In 
the present embodiment, the particular V-shaped configuration of the 
cavities operates to not allow the bearing members 100 to fully extend, 
but rather the bearing members 100 remain preloaded when positioned within 
either cavities 64a,c or 64b,d. The closure members 150 and 152 are thus 
held in position due to the force exerted by the bearing members 100. A 
corresponding amount of torque is then required to rotate the closure 
members in order to move the bearing members 100 out of the respective 
cavities 64b,d. Generally, the amount of torque required to rotate the 
closure members is dependent on the amount of force which is exerted by 
the bearing members 100 on the cavities 64a-d within the detent knuckle 
60. 
In accordance with the present embodiment, means for varying the particular 
amount of force exerted by the bearing members 100, when positioned within 
the respective cavities, is provided in order to adjust the corresponding 
amount of torque, which is required for rotation of the hinge assembly and 
accordingly the closure members from a given detent position. Generally, 
in the present embodiment there are several ways which this can be 
accomplished. One way is to change the resiliency of the bearing members 
100. For example, in the present embodiment, the bearing members are 
preferably comprised of plastic, and either the thickness or composition 
of the plastic can be varied. For instance, as noted earlier, the insert 
19 is provided with a generally rectangular cavity 102 between the bearing 
members 100, which results in each of the bearing members 100 being of a 
defined diameter between the end of the cavity 102 and the outer surfaces 
of the bearing members 100. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the size of 
the cavity 102 can be adjusted to be either larger or smaller in order to 
vary the resiliency of the bearing members 100 and accordingly the amount 
of force exerted thereby. In addition, the composition of the bearing 
members 100 can be changed to comprise materials of more or less 
resiliency, such as harder or softer plastics. Finally, the amount of 
force exerted by the bearing members 100 can be varied by the spring 21. 
In a preferred embodiment, the amount of force exerted by the bearing 
members 100 is made variable through the elastomer spring 21. In 
particular, as indicated earlier, this can be accomplished by varying the 
material of the spring 21, size of the spring 21, shape of the spring 21, 
or any combination thereof. For example, utilizing a softer elastomer 
spring of the same size would operate to reduce the amount of force 
exerted by the bearing members 100. Further, either reducing the size of 
the spring 21 or in combination with selecting a softer elastomer spring, 
would also operate to reduce the amount of force exerted by the bearing 
members 100. In addition, other materials can also be utilized, such as 
plastic, metal, for example a coil spring, to name a few. In the present 
embodiment, preferably, the composition of the spring 21 is of a 
non-corrosive type of material, however, this can be altered where 
desired. Other combinations are also possible to either increase or 
decrease the amount of force, and by no way are these examples limiting in 
any regard. 
In accordance with the present embodiment, the amount of force exerted by 
the bearing members 100 can be varied in the manner set forth above by 
either removing the pin assembly 15 from an already operational device and 
then making the desired changes, or, when assembling the door positioning 
hinge 10, by selecting particular elements corresponding to the desired 
amount of torque to be provided by the device. For example, with reference 
to the assembled door positioning hinge 10 shown in FIG. 1, this process 
can be accomplished by first removing the covers 23, removing the screws 
154, removing the pin assembly 15 from within the bores of the two hinge 
leaves 12 and 14, then making the desired changes, reinserting the pin 
assembly 15 or another pin assembly, remounting the hinge assembly by the 
four screws 154, and then reattaching the covers 23. Alternatively, when 
the door positioning hinge 10 is initially assembled, the particular 
elements can be chosen depending on the desired resulting amount of force 
to be provided by the bearing members 100. In a preferred embodiment, the 
foregoing would be accomplished by simply making changes to or by 
selecting a particular type of elastomer spring 21, however, any other 
manner for accomplishing this, such as those set forth above, can also be 
utilized for the same purpose. 
In FIGS. 17 and 18 are shown another embodiment of a hinge pin insert in 
accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 17 is shown a front 
sectional view and in FIG. 18 is a side view of a hinge pin insert 219. 
The primary difference in the hinge pin insert 219 from the hinge pin 
insert 19 is that the hinge pin insert 219 includes a spring 221 
integrated within its structure rather than having a separate spring, such 
as the spring 21 shown in FIG. 3. In the present embodiment, the spring 
221 comprises a living hinge connected directly with the hinge pin insert 
219 providing a one-piece arrangement. As shown in FIG. 17, the living 
hinge 221 is comprised of two portions 212, each generally semi-circular 
in cross section. Between each of the two semi-circular portions 212 is a 
generally circular cavity 214 and two cavities 215 are provided adjacent 
the sides of the portions 212 opposite the cavity 214. Generally, the 
cavities 215 are semi-circular at one end adjacent the portions 212, are 
substantially planar along upper and lower portions, and are tapered 
inwardly at its end portions opposite the portions 212 of the living hinge 
221. In this embodiment, the two bearing members 218 are generally planar, 
however, as it should be understood, these members can also be 
substantially concave similar to that shown in relation to the bearing 
members 100 or alternatively convex. In addition, in this embodiment, the 
corners do not include a chamfer, however, a chamfer may be included where 
desired. 
The operation of the hinge pin insert 219 in combination with the door 
positioning hinge 10 will provide a similar function as that of the hinge 
pin insert 19. In operation, inward force exerted on the bearing members 
218 would compress the living hinge 221 resulting with the opposing ends 
of the semi-circular portions 212 coming closer together. The opposite 
would be true corresponding with movement of the bearing members 218 from 
the compressed position to an expanded position. In this embodiment, 
either the diameter of the portions 212 of the living hinge 221, size or 
shape of the cavities 214 and 215, can be varied in any manner in order to 
adjust the amount of force provided by the bearing members 218. 
In FIGS. 19 and 20 are a perspective and side elevational views of another 
embodiment of an hinge pin insert in accordance with the present 
invention. In this embodiment, the hinge pin insert 319 is similar to that 
disclosed above in relation to the hinge pin insert 219. In this 
embodiment, the difference from the hinge pin insert 219 is that portions 
312 of the living hinge 321 are provided of different shape, which is 
generally sinusoidal in configuration. Furthermore, the configuration of 
the cavities 314 and 315 are provided corresponding to the configuration 
of the portions 312 of the living hinge 321. The operation of the hinge 
pin insert 319 is the same as that set forth above and is not more fully 
described for this reason. 
In FIGS. 21 and 22 is illustrated another embodiment of a pin assembly in 
accordance with the present invention. In the present embodiment, the pin 
assembly 415 comprises an integral hinge pin and hinge pin insert 
connected as one piece and a spring 421. In the present embodiment, the 
pin assembly 415 is a substantially elongated member having a generally 
cylindrical cross section, as is shown in the side view of FIG. 22. 
Further, in this embodiment, four bosses 412a-d are preferably provided 
connected to an outer pin surface 414 and extending outward therefrom and 
are positioned proximate opposing ends of the pin assembly 415. In 
addition, positioned between the bosses 412a,b and bosses 412c,d are two 
opposing bosses 416a,b which comprise bearing members positioned proximate 
the central axis of the pin assembly 415 extending between its terminating 
ends. The pin assembly 415 also includes a cavity 418 disposed therein, 
which is generally rectangular in this embodiment. Further, positioned 
within the cavity 418 and between the bearing members 416 is a spring 421, 
which preferably comprises a metal coil spring, for instance 
manufacturered from either steel or stainless steel. In this embodiment, 
one end of the coil spring 421 is secured within the cavity 418 proximate 
the bearing member 416a, and the opposite end of the coil spring 421 is 
secured within the cavity 418 opposite the bearing member 416b. For this 
purpose, any suitable coupling arrangement can be provided for securing 
the terminating ends of the coil spring, for instance, the pin assembly 
415 can be formed with a slight opening within its inner surface provided 
by the cavity 418 opposite the bearing members 416, into which the 
terminating ends of the coil spring 421 are inserted. Other than the 
spring 421, preferably the pin assembly 415 is manufacturered of plastic, 
however, other materials can also be used. 
In the operation of the pin assembly 415 in combination with the door 
positioning hinge 10, the bearing members 416 operate in a similar manner 
as that of the bearing members 100. Further, the bosses 412 operate in the 
same manner as that of the portions of the outer surfaces 94 and 96 of the 
insert 19, which are received within the opposing cavities 42 in the first 
and second knuckles 18 and 20 for retaining the pin assembly therein. 
Similarly, with respect to the spring 421, either the size, shape or 
material can be varied in order to adjust the amount of force exerted by 
the bearing members 416, similar to that provided by the spring 21 earlier 
described. 
In FIGS. 23 and 24 is shown still another embodiment of a pin assembly in 
accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, no separate 
spring is provided and the hinge pin and hinge pin insert are provided as 
one-piece. In accordance with this embodiment, the function of the spring 
is provided due to the elastic properties of the pin assembly 515, which 
is preferably of plastic in this embodiment. As is shown in the front 
elevational view of FIG. 23, the pin assembly 515 is substantially 
elongated and is generally cylindrical in cross-section, as is shown in 
the side view of FIG. 24. Also, two opposing bearing members 516a & b are 
provided similar to that shown in connection with the bearing members 416. 
In this embodiment, preferably four bosses 512a-d are provided proximate 
the opposing ends similar to the bosses 412. The primary difference of the 
bosses 512a-d from the bosses 412a-d is that the position of the bosses 
512a-d are positioned approximately 90.degree. from the position of the 
bosses 412a-d. Specifically, the bosses 412a-d are substantially aligned 
with the bearing members 416a, b, as is shown in FIG. 21, and the bosses 
512a-d are off-set from the position of the bearing members 516a, b, which 
are approximately 90.degree. off-set in this embodiment, as best seen in 
FIG. 24. As is shown in FIG. 23, a cavity 518 is provided within a central 
position of the pin assembly 515 and is substantially rectangular in 
shape, with terminating ends adjacent to the position of the bosses 
512a-d. As is shown in the side view of FIG. 24, the cavity 518 extending 
through the pin assembly 515 results with a reduced cross-sectional 
diameter of the bearing members 516a, b. 
The operation of the pin assembly 515 in relation to the door positioning 
hinge 10 is similar to that described above in relation to the pin 
assembly 415. The primary difference is that the position of the pin 
assembly 515 is rotated generally 90.degree. in order to be inserted 
within the bores of the hinge leaf knuckles 18 and 20 due to the off-set 
position of the bosses 512a-d. 
In FIGS. 25 and 26 is still another embodiment of a pin assembly in 
accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the pin 
assembly 615 similar to the pin assembly 515 incorporates a hinge pin and 
hinge pin insert as one-piece. Also, similar to the hinge pin insert in 
FIG. 17 the pin assembly 615 also includes a living hinge connected to the 
pin assembly as one-piece. As shown in the front elevational view of FIG. 
25, preferably four bosses 612a-d are provided similar to the bosses 
412a-d shown in FIG. 21. Similarly, bearing members 616a, b are provided 
comprising opposing generally elongated bosses connected with the outer 
surface of the hinge pin corresponding to the bearing members 416a, b. 
Generally, the internal structure of the pin assembly 615 is similar to 
that of the pin assembly 215. Specifically, a living hinge 621 comprising 
two opposing substantially semi-circular portions 613, with a generally 
circular cavity 618 provided between the two portions. Also, two 
additional cavities 617 are provided on the opposite side of the two 
portions 613 of the living hinge 621 similar to the cavities 216. In this 
embodiment, the pin assembly 615 is also preferably comprised of plastic 
or other suitable materials. The operation of the pin assembly 615 is 
similar to that described above in relation to the pin assembly 415, and 
will not be further described for this reason. 
In FIGS. 27 and 28 is shown still another embodiment of a pin assembly in 
accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the pin 
assembly 715 is shown which is similar to the pin assembly 615 described 
above. In particular, the pin assembly 715 incorporates an integral 
one-piece living hinge 721 which is comprised of two portions 713. In this 
embodiment, the living hinge 721 is provided by having each of the 
portions 713 formed to and extending outward from the inner cavity surface 
opposite the bearing member 716a, and which extend in the direction of and 
engage the opposing inner cavity surface opposite the bearing member 716b. 
In this manner, the biasing force is provided through the interaction 
between the terminating ends of the two portions 713 of the living hinge 
721 with the inner cavity surface of the cavity 718 proximate the bearing 
member 716b. The remaining structure and operation of the pin assembly 715 
is the same as the pin assembly 615. 
In FIG. 29 is shown a front elevational view of another pin assembly in 
accordance with the present invention. The pin assembly 815 in this 
embodiment differs from the earlier pin assembly 15 in that there is no 
portion operating as a bearing member. The pin assembly 815 comprises in 
the present embodiment a substantially elongated portion 872 and a disc 
shaped top 874 connected to one end of the portion 872 and which is 
substantially circular in configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the 
portion 872 is provided with a series of substantially angular bosses 
extending from its outer surface, and in the present embodiment, 10 bosses 
875a-j are provided as is shown in FIG. 29. Preferably, the diameter of 
each of the bosses 875a-j are sized corresponding to the diameter of the 
bores through the knuckles into which the bosses 875a-j are received. For 
example, with reference to the knuckles 12 and 14 shown in FIG. 3, the 
bosses 875a-g are of substantially the same diameter and sized in order to 
be received within the bores through the first knuckle 18 and detent 
knuckle 60, and the bosses 875h-j are of a slightly smaller diameter than 
the bosses 875a-g in order to be received within the second knuckle 20, 
which is of a correspondingly smaller diameter in the present embodiment. 
The bosses 875a-j may be separate elements inserted onto the portion 872 
or, alternatively, may be formed integral with the portion 872 as is shown 
in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, two triangular 
shaped bosses 881 are also provided that are similar in configuration to 
one another and extend outward from the outer surface of the portion 872, 
and which are similar to the triangular shaped boss 881 in FIG. 3. In FIG. 
30 is shown the relationship between the bosses 881, boss 875d and disc 
874, which is taken along the line 30--30 of FIG. 29. In the present 
embodiment, the diameter of the disc 874 is larger than that of the bosses 
881, and the bosses 881, in turn, are larger in diameter than that of the 
boss 875d. In addition, as best seen in FIG. 30, in the present embodiment 
the cross-section of the portion 872 between each of the bosses 875a-j is 
substantially in the shape of a cross or "plus" sign. 
Generally, the pin assembly 815 is utilized where it is desired that the 
hinge be free-swinging in operation. In operation in connection with the 
door positioning hinge 10, the pin assembly 815 is inserted in the same 
manner through the bores of the knuckles provided in the two hinge leaves 
12 and 14. Since there are no bearing members in the pin assembly 815, 
there is nothing to come into engagement with the cavities 64A-d of the 
detent knuckle 60. Accordingly, in operation the first hinge leaf 12 is 
freely rotatable relative to the second hinge leaf 14, thus providing the 
same corresponding operation of the closure members 150 and 152. 
In view of the foregoing description, it should be understood that there 
are several advantages of the present invention. In particular, one 
advantage is that the present invention provides a door positioning hinge 
which is versatile and can be used for a number of different applications. 
For instance, the door positioning hinge of the present invention can be 
utilized as a free-swinging hinge by incorporating the pin assembly 815. 
In addition, the door positioning hinge of the present invention can be 
utilized as a detent hinge which operates to hold the closure members in 
any number of predefined detent positions. The detent operation of the 
door positioning hinge of the present invention is accomplished by 
incorporating various pin assemblies which provide retaining means between 
the pin assembly and the hinge assembly. Various pin assembly arrangements 
are disclosed in FIGS. 1-27 which are desirable for this purpose, for 
example, various single piece and multiple piece arrangements are shown. 
Another advantage of the door positioning hinge of the present invention 
which contributes to its versatility is that means are provided for 
adjusting the amount of force exerted by the pin assembly which operates 
to hold the hinge in the detent positions. In the present invention, this 
can be accomplished in a number of different ways, for example, by 
selecting different materials, sizes and/or shapes of the various 
components comprising the pin assembly. 
Another feature attributing to the versatility of the door positioning 
hinge of the present invention is that the device can be comprised of 
non-corrosive materials, which ensures continued proper operation of the 
hinge, which is in contrast to prior art devices which undergo corrosion 
over time and which can occur from moisture or other environmental 
conditions. 
Still another advantage of the present invention is that the device can be 
easily and quickly assembled together. For example, the pin assembly is 
inserted into the bores in the knuckles of the hinge leaves in order to 
join together the hinge assembly and then the two covers are mounted over 
the hinge leaves after the door positioning hinge has been mounted to the 
respective closure members. Another advantage here is that attachment 
means are provided between the covers and the hinge leaves which enables 
the covers to be easily snap-fit with the hinge leaves and also allows the 
covers to be mounted from a number of different directions relative to 
each respective hinge leaf. The mounting of the covers operates to both 
conceal the mounting screws which are utilized in the present embodiment 
and also provide a slight deterrent against hinge removal since the screws 
are covered from view. Also, the covers can be easily removed from the 
hinge means which allows quick disassembly of the hinge for any desired 
repair or change of components corresponding with altering the amount of 
retaining force exerted by the hinge. 
Still another advantage is that the mechanism by which the detent feature 
is accomplished is all provided as a part of the pin assembly, which 
allows for a smaller hinge construction. Specifically, in U.S. Pat. No. 
5,412,842, there is additional space required within the hinge leaves in 
order to accommodate coil springs and detent balls which increases the 
required size of the hinge. In addition, the pin assembly not only 
incorporates the mechanism providing the detent feature of the present 
door positioning hinge, but also the pin assembly incorporates retaining 
means which, together with the first hinge leaf, operates to retain the 
position of the pin assembly within the first hinge leaf. 
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made 
by the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from 
the broad inventive concepts thereof. For example, other embodiments of 
the present invention can incorporate only one or any number of the 
features which are disclosed in connection with the door positioning hinge 
10. In addition, the position of the detent means and bearing member(s) 
may be switched in that the detent means provided as a part of the pin 
assembly and the bearing member(s) provided as a part of the detent 
knuckle of the second hinge leaf. Further, the position of the retaining 
means between the pin assembly and the knuckles of the first hinge leaf 
may be switched in that the boss(es) provided as a part of the knuckles of 
the first hinge leaf and the cavity or cavities provided as a part of the 
pin assembly. Also, the retaining means may be provided within only one of 
the two knuckles of the first hinge leaf. The retaining means may also be 
provided within the detent knuckle in the second hinge leaf in addition to 
being present in one or both of the knuckles of the first hinge leaf or, 
alternatively, may be provided in the detent knuckle instead of in the 
knuckles of the first hinge leaf. In addition, the position of the bearing 
member(s) and detent means may be switched from the detent knuckle to 
enter one or both of the knuckles of the first hinge leaf, or may be 
provided in one or both of the knuckles of the first hinge leaf in 
addition to being present in the detent knuckle of the second hinge leaf. 
The number of knuckles of the first and second hinge leaves may also be 
varied to be more or less, where desired. The positions of the first and 
second hinge leaves on the respective closure members may also be 
exchanged. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited 
to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all 
modifications which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as 
defined by the appended claims.