Abstract:
A hinge apparatus includes a first support member for attachment along a first surface of a vertical member such as a fence post. The first support member includes at least one flange angularly extending from the first support member for attachment along a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the vertical member. A hinge coupled to the first support member, and a second support member includes an extended element coupled to the hinge. The second support member attaches to a first surface of a swinging member, such as a fence gate, opposite the first support member. The second support member includes at least one flange angularly extending from the second support member for attachment along a second surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to hinges, and more specifically, relates to a hinge assembly for a gate or door. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used in the manufacture of fencing and fence components. For example, fence gates may be built by first cutting each end of two standard length PVC gate posts and two standard length PVC gate rails. The ends of the fence posts and rails are then welded together to form a rectangular gate structure. One problem that arises with the use of PVC fence gates is caused by welded connections being weak, and thus the welded connections can open and/or crack under normal usage. Additionally, another problem with PVC gates, for example, arises when the user or installer attempts to attach metallic parts directly to the PVC material. In many instances, there is a tendency for the screws to tear out of the PVC material. 
         [0003]    In an attempt to strengthen PVC fences, support members are used and include bolting rail and post gate members to the PVC fence. However, if these support members are bolted too tightly, the gate rail and post members tend to cave in. In addition, the use of nuts and bolts results in a connection that is aesthetically unappealing. 
         [0004]    Therefore, a need exists for a hinge apparatus which will remain sturdily attached to a PVC fence gate and post. Further, it would be desirable for the hinge apparatus to be aesthetically pleasing and easy to assemble. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In an aspect of the invention, a hinge apparatus includes a first support member for attachment along a first surface of a vertical member. The first support member includes at least one flange angularly extending from the first support member for attachment along a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the vertical member. A hinge is coupled to the first support member; and a second support member including an extended element is coupled to the hinge and coupled to the second support member. The second support member is attached to a first surface of a swinging member opposite the first support member. The second support member includes at least one flange angularly extending from the second support member for attachment along a second surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. Alternatively, the flange may extend substantially perpendicular from the first support member. In one embodiment of the invention, the swinging member is a fence gate and the vertical member is a fence post. In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second support members each include a plurality of flanges in spaced relation to each other. 
         [0006]    In a related aspect, the apparatus further includes another second support member flange angularly extending from the second support member for attachment to a third surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0007]    In a related aspect, a plurality of first support member flanges angular extending from the first support member for attachment to the second surface of the vertical element. The second support member flange angularly extending from the second support member for attachment to the second surface of the swinging member, and another second support member flange angularly extends from the second support member for attachment to a third surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0008]    In a related aspect, the first and second support members are attached to the first surface of the vertical member and the first surface of the swinging member, respectively, using screws. Alternatively, the screws may only penetrate the first surfaces. 
         [0009]    In a related aspect, the vertical member is a door frame and the swinging member is a door. In one embodiment of the invention, the second support member includes an extended support arm for attachment to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0010]    In a related aspect, the second support member is substantially vertical and coupled to a substantially horizontal extended support arm in an L-shape for mating with the first surface of the swinging member. Alternatively, the vertical member and the swinging member are polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In an alternative embodiment, the hinge includes a resilient member for resiliently returning the swinging member to a beginning position. In another alternative embodiment, the second surface of the swinging member is opposite the second surface of the vertical member. 
         [0011]    In a related aspect, the apparatus further includes a plurality of first support members attached in spaced relation to the first surface of the vertical member. Each of the first support members includes at least one flange angularly extending from the first support members for attachment along the second surface adjacent to the first surface of the vertical member. A plurality of hinges are coupled to the plurality of first support members. A plurality of second support members are each including extended elements coupled to respective hinges and first support members. Each of the second support members are for attachment to the first surface of the swinging member opposite respective first support members. The second support members each include at least one flange angularly extending from the second support members for attachment along the second surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the invention a hinge system includes a top first support member for attachment to an upper region of a first surface of a vertical member. A bottom first support member for attachment to a lower region of the first surface of the vertical member. The top and bottom first support members each include at least one flange angularly extending from the top and bottom first support members for attachment along a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the vertical member. Hinges are coupled to the top and bottom first support members. Top and bottom second support members each include extended elements coupled to respective hinges. The top and bottom second support members attach to a first surface of a swinging member opposite respective top and bottom first support members. The top and bottom second support members each include at least one flange angularly extending from the top and bottom second support members for attachment along a second surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0013]    In a related aspect, the system further includes another second support member flange angularly extending from the second support member for attachment to a third surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0014]    In another aspect of the invention, a method of attaching a hinge apparatus includes attaching a first support member along a first surface of a vertical member; attaching to a second surface of the vertical member adjacent to the first surface of the vertical member at least one flange angularly extending from the first support member; coupling a hinge to the first support member; coupling a second support member including an extended element to the hinge; attaching the second support member to a first surface of a swinging member opposite the first support member; and attaching another flange angularly extending from the second support member along a second surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0015]    In a related aspect, the method further comprises attaching another flange angularly extending from the second support member to a top surface of the swinging member adjacent to the first surface of the swinging member. 
         [0016]    In a related aspect, the method further includes covering welds in a PVC vertical member and a PVC swinging gate by attaching the flanges over the welds. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the invention depicting upper and lower hinge assemblies each having multiple flanges and attached to a fence gate and fence post; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the upper hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lower hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the upper hinge shown in  FIG. 2  attached to a fence gate or swinging door and a wall; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of the lower hinge shown in  FIG. 3  attached to the fence gate or swinging door and the wall shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , wherein like elements have the same reference numerals, a hinge apparatus according to the invention is shown in the illustrative embodiments as upper and lower hinge apparatuses  10   a ,  10   b . The upper and lower hinge apparatuses  10   a ,  10   b  include top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b , respectively, for attachment along a first surface  20  of a vertical member embodied as a fence post  18 , shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b  can be attached to a door frame or a first surface  82  of a wall  80 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Both the top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b  include two flanges  16  in spaced relation from each other, as best seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the flanges  16  extend from the first support members  14   a ,  14   b  and are each bent at a ninety degree (90°) angle defining a first portion  16   a  contiguous with the top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b , and a second portion  16   b  at about a 90° angle from the top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b . The first portion  16   a  is arcuate or bent so that the second portion  16   b  extends at about a 90° angle from the top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b . The second portions  16   b  of the flanges  16  are attached to a second surface  22 , of the post  18  adjacent to the first surface  20  of the post  18  using, for example, screws  24   a , nails or other securing means through a hole  24  in the second portion  16   b  of the flange  16 . The second surface  22  is adjacent and generally at about a 90° angle from the first surface  20  of the post  18 . The top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b  are also attached to the first surface  20  of the post  18  ( FIGS. 1-3 ), or alternatively the first surface  82  of the wall  80  ( FIGS. 4 ,  5 ) using screws  24   a  or other means through the holes  24  in the top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a pivot cylinder  30  of the hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  rotates freely within a first frame  33  having ears  34  attached to the first support members  14   a ,  14   b . The pivot cylinder  30  is positioned towards the top of the top first support member  14   a  to provide an upper hinge assembly  10   a , and towards the bottom of the bottom first support member  14   b  to provide a lower hinge assembly  10   b . The pivot cylinder  30  defines an axis of rotation  32  coincident with its longitudinal axis  32 . 
         [0026]    Second frames  43  having ears  44  are coupled to top and bottom second support members  50   a ,  50   b . Extended elements  48  have external threads for attachment to the ears  44  using bolts  47  and rotates freely within sleeves  46 . The support members  50   a ,  50   b  can rotate about a second axis of rotation  42  coincident with the extended element&#39;s  48  longitudinal axis  42 . The extended elements  48  couple to the pivot cylinder  30  to attach together the first and second support members  14   a ,  14   b  and  50   a ,  50   b , respectively. Once coupled together, the upper and lower hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  are adjustable, as, illustratively, the first support member  14   a  can rotate about the axis  32  defined by the rotating/pivoting cylinder  30 , and about the axis  42  defined by the sleeve  46  by rotating on the threaded extended element  48 , before the first support member is screwed to the fence post  18  and the nuts  47  secured to the ears  44  locking the threaded extended element into position. Further, the second support member  50   a  can rotate about the axis  42  defined by the sleeve  46  before the second support member  50   a  is screwed to the first surface  64  of the fence  60  and the nuts  47  secured to the ears  44  locking the threaded extended element into position. Additionally, the proximity of the first and second support members  14   a ,  14   b  and  50   a ,  50   b , respectively, can be adjusted by threading the threaded extended element  48  through the ears  44 . 
         [0027]    The top and bottom second support members  50   a ,  50   b  are connected to horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b , respectively forming an L-shape. The horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b  are attached towards the top of the top second support member  50   a , and towards the bottom of the bottom second support member  50   b . The horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b  are attached to a first surface  64  of the fence gate  60 , shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b  are attached to a first surface  72  of a door  70 , shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b  may be of various lengths differing from the proportions shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . The horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b  are advantageous for securing the top and bottom second support members  50   a ,  50   b , respectively, and thereby the hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b , respectively, to a PVC fence gate by securing the hinge assembly over a greater surface area to reduce the probability of the hinge assembly tearing away from the fence. 
         [0028]    The top and bottom second support members  50   a ,  50   b  each include a flange  16  facing the top and bottom first support members  14   a ,  14   b , respectively. Additionally the top and bottom second support members  50   a ,  50   b , have a top and bottom flange  16 , respectively. The top flange  16  of the top second support member  50   a  mates with a top surface  68  of the fence gate  60 , and the bottom flange  16  of the bottom second support member  50   b  mates with a bottom surface  69  of the fence gate  60 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the top flange of the top second support member  50   a  mates with a top surface  74  of the door  70 , and the bottom flange  16  of the bottom second support member  50   b  mates with a bottom surface  78  of the door  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The flanges  16  are each bent at ninety degree (90°) angles defining the first portion  16   a  contiguous with the second support members  50   a ,  50   b , and a second portion  16   b  at about a 90° angle from the second support members  50   a ,  50   b , as with the flanges  16  on the first support members  14   a ,  14   b . The second portions  16   b  of the flanges  16  are attached to the top and bottom surfaces  68 ,  69 , respectively, of the fence gate  60 , or alternatively the top and bottom surfaces  74 ,  78 , respectively, of the door  70  using, for example, screws  24   a , nails or other securing means through the holes  24  in the second portions  16   b  of the flanges  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 . Alternatively, the second portions  16   b  of the flanges  16  of the top and bottom second support members  50   a ,  50   b  are similarly attached to the top and bottom surfaces  68 ,  69 , respectively, of the gate  60 , and the top and bottom surfaces  74 ,  78 , respectively, of the door  70  using, for example, screws  24   a , nails, or other securing means through the hole  24  in the second portion  16   b  of the flange  16 . 
         [0029]    Thus, the hinge assembly may be secured to PVC fencing without tearing the PVC material. As the gate  60  or the door  70  are open and shut, the pivot cylinder  30  allows the swinging motion of the gate  60  or door  70 . The vibration associated with the closing or slamming shut of the gate  60  or door  70  does not tear or loosen the hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  from the fence or door because the flanges  16  and first and second top and bottom support members  14   a ,  14   b ,  50   a ,  50   b , respectively, and arms  52   a ,  52   b  are screwed into the fence post  18  and fence gate  60 , or alternatively, the wall  80  and door  70 . The thus secured hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  are better able to resist the wear and tear, e.g., vibrational forces, resulting from opening and closing the gate or door, and rotational and shear forces resulting from the weight of the gate, because of the extra support and distribution of forces provided by the flanges  16  and support members  14   a ,  14   b ,  50   a ,  50   b , and horizontal arms  52   a ,  52   b.    
         [0030]    Further, flanges  16  of the hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  according to the present invention cover any corner welds  19  of the PVC fencing as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Thus, the welds  19  are less likely to separate from the forces and vibration of the gate opening and closing because the flanges  16  cover the corner weld  19  area and secure to the adjacent flat surface to strengthen the PVC fencing at the attachment area of the hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b . In the present invention, the use of the flanges occurs on both the post side and the gate side of the fence using surface screws to secure the hinge assemblies  10   a ,  10   b , which are aesthetically pleasing, faster to implement, and less invasive to the fence than other types of securing means, such as, bolting or screwing a hinge assembly through the fence gate and/or post. 
         [0031]    While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. It is therefore intended that the present invention not be limited to the exact forms and details described and illustrated herein, but falls within the scope of the appended claims.