Patent Publication Number: US-8535128-B2

Title: Hinge assembly for supporting a fan on a roof

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/931,311 filed Jan. 28, 2011, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/657,918 filed Jan. 29, 2010, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/551,285 filed Oct. 20, 2006. All of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     This invention relates to a hinge assembly for supporting a fan on a roof and, more particularly, to a buttressed or flexible hinge assembly, which supports the fan on the roof, while providing for an easy cleaning procedure for both the fan and the vent on the roof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ventilation is very important in a building. To that end, at least one fan may be installed in order to assist air circulation. In a large building, the fan is required to be quite powerful. This power requirement leads to large and heavy fans. Typically, such a fan is mounted over a vent on a roof. By moving air through the vent, both the vent and the fan will become contaminated. When a fan or a vent is contaminated, air flow is compromised. 
     Most hinge systems are fastened to the fan by attaching hardware in a very concentrated and limited area on the fan base and duct. This causes a great deal of stress in the affected area, which leads to equipment breakdown and damage to the fan housing. In fact, current hinge systems can be installed only on fans, which that have a configuration that matches up with those of the hinge system. These hinge systems are operable only with a small percentage of the fans in use today and cannot be modified to adapt to other fans. 
     It is thus desirable to clean the fan and improve the air flow. As the fan size increases, movement thereof becomes even more difficult, which further complicates the cleaning process. Movement of the fan for cleaning and service purposes must therefore be simplified. 
     Cleanliness is also very important in the restaurant business. The more easily such cleanliness can be achieved, the more profitable and efficient restaurant can be. Critical to achieving these desired advantages is providing effective and simplified access to areas which need to be cleaned. This is especially critical with the vents at the restaurant. 
     Because of new mandates requiring commercial food processing facilities and all restaurants to install a hinging system on their roof top ventilators, it is important for these businesses to find a system that can adapt to their specific needs. The only hinging systems available are compatible with just a small percentage of existing roof top ventilation systems. The effectiveness of these systems, and in many cases the possibility of installing them at all, is limited by a number of factors including the weight and dimensions of the fan, low grade material and components, which leads to a lack of durability, and a lack of versatility, meaning an inability to adapt to a variety of different situations that may be involved with hinge installation on any given fan. 
     Typically, a vent at a restaurant permits an exhaust to be withdrawn from the kitchen. Assisting the exhaust is usually a fan. This vent generally passes from the kitchen through the roof. Mounted on the kitchen roof over the vent is usually a fan. Through this vent, are generally passed grease and other cooking residue. 
     After a period of use, this vent and the fan become contaminated with that grease. Other cooking residue also becomes adhered thereto. This basically flammable residue is at least a fire hazard, or worse. Such residue can also attract undesirable microbes and illness causing bacteria. The closeness of such contamination to a food source is a clear danger to those food consumers and food handlers, who are at the restaurant. 
     It is thus necessary to clean both the vent and the fan after a period of use. While the fan is necessary for the vent to work, the fan causes many problems, when the time to clean the vent and the fan comes. Any device, which simplifies removal of such contamination and cleaning of the affected area, provides many great advantages. Still, there are many problems with such a cleaning process and the related device. 
     A first problem is that the fan must be moved, in order to clean the vent. A properly mounted fan is difficult to move and reinstall properly. The mounting for the fan must be solid enough to hold the fan, while leaving the fan easily movable for cleaning purposes. This fan must also be simple to reinstall in order for that fan to function with the exhaust vent in a proper fashion. 
     To that end, a restaurant fan is sometimes mounted on a hinge. The hinges of the prior art weaken the mounting of the fan, especially if the fan is easily movable. If the hinge is strong enough to firmly support the fan, the fan is not easily moved, and access to the vent becomes more complicated. 
     The hinge kits of the prior art are constructed from thin gauge steel and inadequate hardware. This leads to premature equipment failure and can cause the fan to overextend or even fall off of the duct. Most hinges cannot support the weight of heavier fans. 
     Current hinges use holding devices such chains, cables, or similar devices to prevent fans from falling backwards. These components are the source of a number of problems. First, those holding devices, especially the chains, have a tendency to fail. When they do fail, the fan can fall backward violently, damaging the fan and posing an injury risk. They must be precisely measured and installed, adding a time-consuming factor to the installation process. Also they are a major inconvenience and obstruction to workers that clean and service the fan. 
     With the many variations in a roof and the plurality on different fan structures, adjustability of the hinge is also desired. Yet obtaining adjustability can interfere with both strength and access to both the fan and the vent. Emphasizing one desired feature can interfere with the other. 
     Thus, it is very desirable to provide access to the vent, while supporting the fan on the roof at the same time. It is also very useful if the hinge assembly can be adjustable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which supports a fan on a roof, while providing for an easy cleaning procedure for both the fan and the vent on the roof. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which greatly simplifies cleaning of a vent for a restaurant. 
     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which greatly simplifies cleaning of a fan. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which is easily adjustable on a roof. 
     Another objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which is strong. 
     Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which support the fan. 
     Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which simplifies cleaning of the fan. 
     Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a buttressed hinge assembly, which simplifies cleaning of the vent. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of a flexible hinge assembly with a rotational lower bar which can accommodate a variety of fan to duct combinations. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a flexible hinge assembly which can balance the weight of the fan behind the fan base, the fan, and the vent wall. 
     Another provision of this invention is the provision of a flexible or buttressed hinge assembly which eliminates the safety concerns of removing the fan from the vent wall and placing it directly on a roof top. 
     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a buttressed hinge assembly, which adjusts to fit a roof in order to hold a fan thereon, which is especially suitable for a restaurant roof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention for supporting a fan  110  on a roof  112  in a closed hinge position  114 . 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side view for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention in partially opened hinge position  116 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention in fully opened hinge position  118 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a side view for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a bottom view of fan base  111  for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 8  depicts an exploded, perspective view of a buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention with fan  110  in a partially opened hinge position  116 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of side hinge  120  for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of side hinge  120  for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of side hinge  120  for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 12  depicts a top plan view of side hinge  120  for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 13  depicts a rear plan view of side hinge  120  for buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention based on  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 14  depicts a block diagram of buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this invention, depicting a variety of hinge structures permitting an efficient use thereof. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  of this invention showing the swing adjustment functionality of mounting support bar  102 . 
         FIG. 16  depicts a front plan view of flexible hinge assembly  200  in narrow width adjustment  250 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a front plan view of flexible hinge assembly  200  in wide width adjustment  248 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a front plan view of flexible hinge assembly  200  with spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  withdrawing from locking position  252 . 
         FIG. 19  depicts an exploded perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  of this invention. 
         FIG. 20  depicts a frontal perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  installed on square vent wall  234 . 
         FIG. 21  depicts a frontal perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  installed on tapered vent wall  236 . 
         FIG. 22  depicts a frontal perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  accommodating wall mount configuration  238 . 
         FIG. 23  depicts a rear perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  installed on square vent wall  334  with support brace  246  reinforcement. 
         FIG. 24  depicts a frontal perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  with two open angles for easy maintenance. 
         FIG. 25  depicts a front perspective view of flexible hinge assembly  200  in closed position  260 . 
         FIG. 26  depicts a front perspective view of fan  110  installed on vent wall  108  with quick mount hinge  300 . 
         FIG. 27  depicts a front, bottom perspective view of set screw  314  cooperating with threaded aperture  316  and locking dimple  320 . 
         FIG. 28  depicts a front perspective view, partially in phantom, of fan support bar  404  affixed to fan base  111  with set screw  316  cooperating with locking dimple  320 . 
         FIG. 29  depicts a front perspective view of set screw  314  which is depicted as cone point tip  340  in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  depicts a front perspective view of set screw  314  which is depicted as flat tip  342  in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  depicts a front perspective view of set screw  314  which is depicted as cup tip  344  in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  depicts a front perspective view of set screw  314  which is depicted as oval tip  346  in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  depicts a front perspective view of set screw  314  which is depicted as knurl tip  348  in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  depicts a front perspective view of set screw  314  which is depicted as half dog tip  350  in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 35  depicts an exploded perspective view of the outside angle of quick mount hinge  300 . 
         FIG. 36  depicts an exploded perspective view of the inside angle of quick mount hinge  300 . 
         FIG. 37  depicts a side perspective view of quick mount hinge  300  locked in closed position  522  and a cut away view of spring loaded locking pin  440  cooperating with threaded pin aperture  436 . 
         FIG. 38  depicts a side, perspective view of quick mount hinge  300  locked in open position  520  and spring loaded locking pin  440  cooperating with pin apertures  436 . 
         FIG. 39  depicts an exploded, front perspective view of fan  110  installed on tapered vent wall  236  with quick mount hinge with pivot  600 . 
         FIG. 40  depicts an exploded perspective view of the inside angle of quick mount hinge with pivot  600 . 
         FIG. 41  depicts an exploded perspective view of the outside angle of quick mount hinge with pivot  600 . 
         FIG. 42  depicts an exploded perspective view of quick mount hinge with tabs  700 . 
         FIG. 43  depicts an inside perspective view of tabs  702  attached to fan base  111 . 
         FIG. 44  depicts a front perspective view of quick mount hinge with tabs  700  in open position  712 . 
         FIG. 45  depicts a rear perspective view of quick mount hinge with tabs  700  in lockdown position  714 . 
         FIG. 46  depicts a rear perspective view featuring a close up of fan rest  706  resting against locking plate  708 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with the present invention, the buttressed hinge assembly is depicted. The buttressed hinge assembly consists of a mounting support bar and a fan support bar connected together through a hinge. The fan support bar is also connected to the fan in order to hold the fan in a position and within a relationship to the roof duct. The hinge allows that fan to be securely held in multiple positions to provide easier access to the fan and duct walls during cleaning, while at the same providing a strong support for the fan as it works in a proper position on the roof. 
     This hinge is fastened and clamped over a much larger area of the fan base and duct. This causes stress to be more evenly distributed, which protects the fan housing and prolongs the life of the hinge system. This hinge can be installed on most fans and has a number of adjustment capabilities that allow it to be installed on almost all other fan duct combinations. 
     This hinge is preferably made of rust resistant heavy grade steel and the assembly thereof is accomplished with rust resistant hardware. Preferably, the hinge is powder coated to resist rust. Hardware is preferably made from hardened stainless steel. This hinge uses a holding pin to lock the fan in place. It is strong and easy to install, and is completely out of the way of service providers. An additional benefit is that the fan can be locked into position at a 45-degree angle as well as a 90-degree angle, which makes it easier for service personnel to clean and service it. This hinge can handle fans weighing about 200 to 300 kilograms or more. 
     The hinge assembly of this invention is extremely useful for holding a heavy fan of any type in a desired position over a vent. The fan can be easily moved and support, so that both the fan and the vent are more easily cleaned. This is especially effective, for cleaning a fan on the roof of a restaurant, where grease from the cooking processes complicate the cleaning process. 
     The buttressed hinge assembly and the flexible hinge assembly provide another great safety feature. Previously, the fan would be completely removed from the vent and placed on the roof top. This method provided many safety concerns. First, the power conduit leads to the fan would be damaged, causing exposed wires or shorted wires. The damage from the power conduits would be caused by awkward tensions on the conduit when removing the fan unhinged. These damaged conduits cause great fire hazards when placed on a roof top which under most circumstance are greasy due to exhaust fan smoke and grease discharge. Furthermore, place heavy fans on the roof top caused damage and punctures or holes in the roof top. The hinge assembly of this invention eliminates all of these safety concerns. 
     Furthermore, other than providing ease of use and addressing safety concerns, the laws of many, if not all states, require a hinge assembly which can move the fan and can also be secured in a lock down position. So, the hinge assembly of this invention also allows the user to be in compliance with the law. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7 , the structure of buttressed hinge assembly  100  of this assembly can be clearly seen. Buttressed hinge assembly  100  has mounting support bar  102  and fan support bar  104 . Buttressed hinge assembly  100  has mounting support bar  102  and fan support bar  104 , which are mutually connected through their attachment on hinge locking plate  106  to form hinge  120 . 
     Mounting support bar  102  is designed to attach to the duct or vent wall  108  on a roof  112 . Vent wall and duct are used interchangeable and refer to the same component. Fan support bar  104  is also designed to attach to fan base  111 , which supports fan  110  and provide for a temporary hinged movement of the same. Hinge locking plate  106  is between mounting support bar  102  and fan support bar  104 . Hinge locking plate  106  provides a cam action between mounting support bar  102  and fan support bar  104 . 
     Hinge locking plate  106  includes adjustment apertures  158 , in order provide flexibility in the positioning of mounting support bar  102 . Hinge bolt  162  permits movement of fan support arm  104  relative to mounting support bar  102 . Plate bolt  164  secures mounting plate  106  to mounting support bar  102 . Hinge nut  166  secures hinge bolt  162  in position to movably connect fan support arm  104  and mounting support bar  102 . Plate nut  168  secures hinge locking plate  106  to mounting support bar  102  through plate bolt  164 . 
     If desired, one or more of shim  160  ( FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 ) may be placed on hinge bolt  162  in order to space fan support arm  104  from mounting support bar  102 . This is another factor providing flexibility and adjustability to the buttressed hinge assembly  100 , especially in the positioning of fan  110  relative to vent wall  108 . 
     As an option, mounting bar brace  154  may connect a pair of mounting support bars  102  in a U-shape. The connection is by welding, bolting or other suitable fasteners. This structure may add strength to the buttressed hinge assembly  100 . So it is possible that mounting bar brace  154  may include brace apertures  156 , which can receive fasteners  142  in order to secure mounting bar brace  154  and the pair of mounting support bars  102  to the vent wall  108 . 
     Adding  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 12 , and  FIG. 13  to the consideration, along the length of mounting support bar  102  is a series of mounting bar securing apertures  140 . Mounting bar securing apertures  140  are designed to cooperate with fastening device  142  ( FIG. 14 ); in the form of hinge bolt  162 , plate bolt  164 , hinge nut  166  and plate nut  168 ; to secure the buttressed hinge assembly  100  to the fan  110 . 
     More particularly, mounting support bar  102  is secured with plate bolt  164  and plate nut  168  to duct wall  108  in a secure and stable manner as in  FIG. 9 . Mounting bar securing apertures  140  cross a majority of the length of mounting support bar  102  so that stress from the weight of the fan  110  is not concentrated in one area. This increases the life and efficiency of buttressed hinge assembly  100 . 
     In a similar fashion hinge  162  and hinge nut  164  cooperate to join fan support bar  104  and mounting support bar  102  in at least a partially rotational relationship. Mounting support bar  102  is fixed to vent wall  108 , with fan support bar  104  movable relative thereto, so that fan  110  is movable for cleaning and other purposes. 
     Along the length of fan support bar  104  is a series of fan support bar securing apertures  150 . Fan support bar securing apertures  150  are designed to cooperate with fan fastening device  152  to secure fan  110  to fan support bar  104  in a secure and stable attachment as shown in  FIG. 8 . Fan support bar securing apertures  150  cross a majority of the length of fan support bar  104  so that the stress from the weight of the fan  110  is not concentrated in one area, thus increasing the life and efficiency of buttressed hinge assembly  100 . This factor also increases the flexibility of buttressed hinge assembly  100  because heavier fans can be supported. 
     Furthermore, hinge  120  and locking pin  126  allow fan  110  to be repositioned in order to facilitate cleaning. Locking pin  126  is held to fan support bar  104  by flexible line  128 . Oppositely disposed form locking pin  126 , line fastener  130  cooperates with a holding device such as a rivet or a plate nut  168  and a plate bolt  164  in order to hold flexible line  128  on fan support bar  104 . However, fan  110  can be moved, but does not have to be removed from hinge  120 , thus making it much easier to clean both fan  110  and duct wall  108 . 
     Once mounting support bar  102  is securely fastened to duct wall  108 , fan support bar  104  can be locked in place at either a 45-degree angle (partially opened hinge position  116 ) or a 90-degree angle (fully opened hinge position  118 ). Hinge  120  allows for this variation in position. On hinge  120  are hinge locking pin apertures  127  and on fan support bar  104  are fan support bar locking pin apertures  124 . 
     The user places fan  110  at either the 45-degree or 90-degree position and aligns fan support bar locking pin aperture  124  and hinge locking pin aperture  122  and secures the position by sliding locking pin  126  through the thus aligned apertures. With each set of apertures either the partially opened hinge position  116  or the fully opened hinge position  118  may be set as desired. 
     With  FIG. 14 , a multitude of variations may be seen for buttressed hinge assembly  100  as set forth in previous figures. Mounting support bar  102  and fan support bar  104 , combine with appropriate mounting devices or fasteners, so that fan  110  may be secured to roof  112  in a suitable fashion, which in turn permits fan  110  to provide the desired exhaust, while buttressed hinge assembly  100  permits support, movement and cleaning of fan  110  and vent wall  108 . Inherently, the vent formed by vent wall  108  can also be cleaned. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , a series of mounting bar securing apertures  140  permit flexibility in attaching fan  110 . Mounting bar securing apertures  140  are designed to cooperate with fastening device  142 ; which can be used in place of hinge bolt  162 , plate bolt  164 , hinge nut  166 , and plate nut  168 ; to secure mounting support bar  102  to duct wall  108  in a secure and stable manner as in  FIG. 9 . Mounting bar securing apertures  140  cross a majority of the length of mounting support bar  102  so that stress from the weight of the fan  110  is not concentrated in one area. This increases the life and efficiency of buttressed hinge assembly  100 . 
     Now adding  FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 , and  FIG. 19  to the consideration, flexible hinge assembly  200  can be clearly seen. In this embodiment, hinged mounting support bar  280  and angled fan support bar  278  attach as previously described in the earlier embodiment. Hinged mounting support bar  280  has mounting support bar attachment apertures  274  which cooperate with attachment fasteners to attach the hinged mounting support bar  280  to the vent wall  108 . While angled fan support bar  278  has fan support bar attachment apertures  272  which cooperate with attachment fasteners to attach the angled fan support bar  278  to the fan base  111 . Angled fan support bar  278  is angled at the upper end to accommodate the radius of the fan  110 . Hinged mounting support bar  280  has the hinging flexibility seen in  FIG. 15 . Fan base  111  can have a wide range of sizes, shapes, and widths which can make it quite challenging to attach quick mount hinge  300 , or any of the other embodiment present in this application. This flexibility accommodates a wide range of fan to duct combinations. 
     Hinge  222  is attached between angled fan support bar  278  and hinged mounting support bar  280 . Hinge  222  has a hinged locking plate  202  and hinge plate  204 . Angled fan support bar  278  has securing aperture  228  which cooperates with securing bolt  224 , securing nut  226 , and hinged locking plate aperture  230  to securely connect angled fan support bar  278  to hinged locking plate  202 . Hinged locking plate  202  has threaded locking plate apertures  206  while hinge plate  204  has hinge plate apertures  208 . 
     Hinged locking plate  202  serves as a cam locking plate. Hinge plate  204  has a series of attachment apertures  240  which cooperate and align with hinged locking plate apertures  230  and attachment fasteners  242  to secure hinged locking plate  202  to hinge plate  204 . The two component system of hinged locking plate  202  and hinge plate  204  provides even greater flexibility for height adjustment to accommodate a variety of fan to duct combinations. The series of attachment apertures  240  provides the height adjustment. 
     On hinged mounting support bar  280  is pin collar  210 . Pin collar  210  cooperates and aligns with hinge plate  204 . Hinge pin  212  inserts through collar apertures  286  and hinge plate apertures  208  to secure hinged mounting support bar  280  to the hinge plate  204  in a pivotal relationship. This pivotal relationship provides great flexibility to accommodate a variety of fan to duct combinations. 
     On angled fan support bar  278  is threaded fan support bar aperture  216 . Threaded fan support bar aperture  216  aligns and cooperates with threaded locking plate apertures  206 , spring loaded threaded locking pin  214 , and threaded locking pin nuts  218  to secure the fan support bar to the hinged locking plate  202  in a secure but releaseable relationship. This cooperative relationship allows fan base  111  to be secured in partially open position  254 , fully open position  256 , locking position  252 , or closed position  260  and provides great efficiency in the cleaning and service process of the fan to which it is mounted. Spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  has an optional tether  276  which securely attaches it to the flexible hinge assembly  200 . 
     Spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  has a release ring  220  which is spring loaded. Release ring  220  allows a user to pull the release ring outward and release the connection between the angled fan support bar  278  and the hinged locking plate  202  in a safe and efficient manner. The release of threaded locking pin  214  allows the fan base  111  to cover and protected vent wall  108 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 17 , and  FIG. 18 , the function of adjustment shims  244  can be clearly seen. Between angled fan support bar  278  and hinged locking plate  202  is a series of adjustment shims  244  which are preferably made of nylon but any other suitable material can be used. Adjustment shims  244  can be added or removed to increase or decrease the space between angled fan support bar  104  and hinged locking plate  202 . Adjustment shims  244  provide greater flexibility and allow for wider or narrower fan to duct combinations. If fan base  111  is wider than duct  108 , more adjustment shim  244  will be needed to fill the increased space and accommodate this combination. If fan base  111 , is not significantly wider than duct  108 , then fewer adjustment shims  244  will be needed to accommodate this situation. 
     Spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  has to be adjusted as the number of adjustment shims  244  are adjusted. In  FIG. 16 , when fewer adjustment shims  244  are used, spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  does not have to be screwed further into threaded locking plate aperture  206  and threaded fan support bar aperture  216 . In contrast, when more adjustment shims  244  are used, spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  has to be screwed further into threaded apertures  206  and  216  to accommodate the added distance. Spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  is secured into position by threaded locking pin nut  218 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 18 , spring loaded locking pin  218  is withdrawing from locking position  252 . Once the spring loaded locking pin  218  is withdrawn, the angled fan support bar  278  can be moved into another position and secured again by spring loaded locking pin  218 . 
     Now adding  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 21 , and  FIG. 22  to the consideration, the advantages of hinge  222 , hinged locking plate  202 , hinge plate  204  and hinged mounting support bar  280  can be clearly seen. In the industry, there are a variety of fan to duct combinations. In  FIG. 20 , square fan base  232  fits substantially squarely on square vent wall  234 . In these combinations, hinge  222  remains substantially vertical and little angular movement of hinged mounting support bar  280  is required. 
     However in  FIG. 21 , square fan base  232  is broader than tapered vent wall  236 . In this fan to duct combination, hinge  222  allows hinged mounting support bar  280  to angle inward to obtain a secure connection between the square fan base  232  and tapered vent wall  236 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , wall mount configuration  238  can be clearly seen. In wall mount configuration  238 , hinged mounting support bar  280  moves 90 degrees and rests on the top of vent wall  108 . Wall mount configuration  238  helps to accommodate a wide variety of wall mounted ducts  108 . 
     Adding  FIG. 23  to the consideration, an optional feature of flexible hinge assembly  200  can be clearly seen. Support brace  246  aids in supporting hinged mounting bar  280  and hinged locking plate  202  when fan  110  is in partially open position  254  or fully open position  256 . Support brace  246  acts as a stabilizing component when dealing with the weight of fan  110 . 
     Support brace  246  has support brace apertures  264  while hinged mounting support bar  280  has mounting support bar attachment apertures  274 . Apertures  264  and  274  cooperate with support brace fasteners  268  to securely attach support brace  246  to hinged mounting support bar  280 . In this embodiment, nuts bolts are used as support brace fasteners  268 . However, support brace fastener  268  can be any other suitable fastener which can securely fasten the support brace  246  to the hinged mounting support bar  280 . 
     Also, the positioning of hinged locking plate  202  can be clearly seen in  FIG. 23 . Hinged locking plate  202  is positioned behind the fan  110 , fan base  111 , and vent wall  108 . This positioning allows for the weight of the fan to be balanced behind the fan  110 , fan base  111 , and vent wall  108  but not on the vent wall  108 . Due to the enormous weights of fan  108 , this position helps to manage the weight, as fan  108  is moved. 
     Adding  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  to the consideration, the adjustability of flexible hinge assembly  200  can be clearly seen. Flexible hinge assembly  200  can adjust fan  110  to partially open position  254  and fully open position  256  in relation to vent wall  108 . Finally, fan  110  can be placed in closed and locking position  252  and  260 . Spring loaded threaded locking pin  214  can be placed in locking position  252  to further secure fan  110  in closed position  260 . Closed and locked position  252  and  260  provides for great safety features from weather, changes in barometric pressure, wind, or other unforeseen conditions. 
     Now adding  FIG. 26  through  FIG. 41  to the consideration, further embodiments, the quick mount hinge  300  and quick mount hinge with pivot  600 , can be clearly seen. Quick mount hinge  300  and quick mount hinge with pivot  600  are designed to be installed while the fan is still in use. As such, the restaurant or other business does not have to cease cooking or other restaurant or business activity so that quick mount hinge  300  or the quick mount hinge with pivot  600  may be properly installed. This results in a great savings in time and money for the restaurant or business. 
     As seen in previous embodiments, quick mount hinge  300  and quick mount hinge with pivot  600  have the pivot point and hingeable motion behind the fan  110 . The ends of fan support bar  404 , vent bar  410 , and locking plates  556  are behind fan  510 . This allows the fan base  111  to lift up, off and back of the vent wall  108  to prevent any binding from the overlap of the fan base  111  and the vent wall  108 . 
     Specifically referring to  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , the structure of quick mount hinge  300  can be clearly seen. Quick mount hinge  300  is inserted between and hinges fan  110  and vent wall  108 . Fan support bar  404  is secured to fan  110  through fan base  111  and mounting support bar  416  (See  FIG. 35 ) is secured to vent wall  108 . Fan base  111  has a lip  312  at its securing edge. Fan bar  404  is designed to saddle mount  310  the fan base  111  to aid in easy and quick installation. Fan support bar  404  has a U-shaped saddle mount  310  which cooperates with fan base  111  to form a secure and stable attachment. While in this embodiment a U-shaped saddle mount  310  is preferred, saddle mount  310  can be any suitable shape for securing the fan base  111  to fan support bar  404 . Spring loaded locking pin  440  aids in positioning fan support bar  404  at a variety of angles relative to mounting support bar  416 . 
     Now considering  FIG. 27 ,  FIG. 28 ,  FIG. 29 ,  FIG. 30 ,  FIG. 31 ,  FIG. 32 ,  FIG. 33 , and  FIG. 34 , the saddle mount  310  is more clearly depicted. Fan support bar  404  has a series of threaded apertures  316  which cooperate with set screw  314  to securely attach fan support bar  404  to fan base  111 . An optional, but preferred, embodiment can be seen in  FIG. 28 . In this embodiment, fan support bar  404  has a locking dimple  320  which cooperates with set screw  314  to further push lip  312  of fan base  111  against fan support bar  404  thus increasing the stability of the attachment. 
     Set screw  314  can be any suitable attachment mechanism capable of forming a secure and stable relationship in saddle mount  310 . However, a few exemplary embodiments are provided.  FIG. 29  depicts cone point tip  340 ,  FIG. 30  depicts flat tip  342 ,  FIG. 31  depicts cup tip  344 ,  FIG. 32  depicts oval tip  346 ,  FIG. 33  depicts knurl tip  348 , and  FIG. 34  depicts half dog tip  350 . These examples are not intended to limit the scope of set screws  314  but provide examples as to suitable methods. 
     Referring to  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36 , the structure of quick mount hinge  300  can be more clearly seen. The flexibility of quick mount hinge  300  is also depicted. 
     Fan support bar  404  and mounting support bar  416  connect to form a movable relationship. Fan support bar  404  has a series of set screws  314  and threaded apertures  316  to secure it to fan base  111  of fan  110 . The staggered positioning of threaded apertures  316  adds to the strength and stability of the grip of set screws  314  into fan base  111 . Mounting support bar  416  is mounted to vent  108  through either one or a plurality of lower bar fasteners  560 . Fan support bar  404  also has hinge aperture  430  which cooperates with hinge bolt  414 , adjustment shims  420 , fastener washer  438 , and fastener nut  500  to form a secure and stable relationship. Fan support bar  404  also has first stiffener strut  330  which helps add support and prevents fan support bar  404  and the entire quick mount hinge  300  from flexing due to the weight of the fan  110 . Fan support bar  404  has saddle mount  310  which cooperates with lip  312  on fan base  111 . 
     Adjustment shims  420  can be as few or as many as needed to accommodate different fan base  111  and vent wall  108  combinations. For narrower vent walls  108  than fan bases  111  more adjustment shims  420  are necessary and fewer adjustment shims  420  are needed the wider the vent wall becomes. 
     Fan support bar  404  also has a series of threaded pin apertures  436  which align with threaded pin apertures  436  on mounting support bar  416  and accept spring loaded locking pin  440  (as seen in  FIG. 37  and  FIG. 38 ). This series of threaded pin apertures  436  allows fan base  111  to be positioned at different angles relative to vent wall  108  (as depicted in  FIG. 38  and  FIG. 39 ). Mounting support bar  416  has travel slot  410  and fan support bar  404  has travel bolt aperture  432 . Travel slot  410  and travel bolt aperture  432  align and cooperate with travel bolt  412 , lock nut  422 , fastener washer  438  and fastener nut  500  to form a secure yet pivotable relationship. Travel slot  410  permits quick mount hinge  300  to move fan  110  with fan base  111  at various angles relative to vent wall  108  and these angles are secured with spring loaded locking pin  440 . 
     Mounting support bar  416  has a series of top mount apertures  512  which cooperate with top mount aperture screws  560  to securely attach mounting support bar  416  to vent wall  108 . Mounting support bar  416  has second stiffener strut  406  and third stiffener strut  408  which help add support and prevent fan support bar  404  and the entire quick mount hinge  300  from flexing due to the weight of the fan  110 . Mounting support bar  416  also has hinge aperture  430  which cooperates with adjustment shims  420 , the hinge aperture  430  on fan support bar  404 , fastener washer  438 , and fastener nut  500  to form a secure attachment. Mounting support bar  416  also has a travel bolt slot  410  which cooperates with travel bolt  412 , travel aperture  432 , lock nut  422 , fastener washer  438 , and fastener nut  500  to allow fan  110  with fan base  111  to travel and be placed in various angles relative to vent wall  108 . Finally, mounting support bar  416  has threaded pin apertures  436  which cooperate with spring loaded locking pin  440  and threaded pin apertures  436  on fan support bar  404  to allow the fan  110  with fan base  111  to be securely placed and held in angles relative to vent wall  108  (as depicted in  FIG. 37  and  FIG. 38 ). 
     Spring loaded locking pin  440  can be any suitable pin for forming the secure relationship mounting support bar  416  and fan support bar  404 . However, the preferred embodiment is a spring loaded locking pin  440 . 
     Now adding  FIG. 37  and  FIG. 38  to the consideration, the use of spring loaded locking pin  440  is utilized in this embodiment. Fan support bar  404  and mounting support bar  416  each have a threaded pin aperture  436  which align to accept spring loaded locking pin  440 .  FIG. 37  depicts spring loaded locking pin  440  securely holding the combination in swing lock closed position  522 .  FIG. 38  depicts spring loaded locking pin  440  securely holding the combination in swing lock open position  520 . Spring loaded locking pin  440  allows fan support bar  404  to be held in a variety of positions or angles relative to mounting support bar  416  which facilitates cleaning and maintenance. The examples depicted in  FIG. 37  and  FIG. 38  are intended to demonstrate possible positions and not limit the scope to only these illustrations. 
     Now referring specifically to  FIG. 39 ,  FIG. 40 , and  FIG. 41 , quick mount hinge with pivot  600  can be clearly seen. Quick mount hinge with pivot  600  has fan support bar  404  and vent bar  534 . Fan support bar  404  has saddle mount  310  which attaches to fan base  111  at lip  312 . Fan support bar  404  is held in a variety of angles relative to vent wall  108  and secured in place with spring loaded locking pin  440 . 
     Fan support bar  404  attaches to fan base  111  through the cooperation of threaded apertures  316 , set screws  314  (as depicted in  FIGS. 29 through 34 ), and the optional locking dimples  320 . Locking dimples  320  aid in securing the connection between the set screws  314  and fan base  111  to provide further strength and support. Fan support bar  404  has first stiffener strut  330  which helps add support and prevents fan support bar  404  and the entire quick mount hinge with pivot  600  from flexing due to the weight of the fan  110 . 
     Vent bar  534  attaches to vent wall  108  through a series of top mount apertures  512 . Vent bar  534  has second stiffener strut  406  and third stiffener strut  408  which adds to the support and stability to entire quick mount hinge with pivot  600  from flexing due to the weight of the fan  110 . Top mount apertures  512  are staggered which helps support and balance the weight of fan  110  over the entire length of vent bar  534 . Vent bar  534  has bar apertures  546 . 
     Swing hinge bracket  556  inserts between vent bar  534  and fan support bar  404  to form the hinge relationship. Swing hinge bracket  556  has a hinge flange  536  which attaches in a hingeable relationship. Swing hinge bracket  556  allows greater flexibility for different fan  110  with fan base  111  to vent wall  108  combinations and can accommodate for tapered, irregular, or straight combinations (See  FIG. 21  through  FIG. 24 ). Swing hinge bracket has mount stiffener strut  530  which helps the entire quick mount hinge with pivot  600  from flexing due to the weight of the fan  110 . Hinge flange  536  has flange apertures  544 . Flange apertures  544  cooperate with bar apertures  546 , flange screw  538 , flange washer  540 , and flange nut  542  to secure hinge flange  536  to vent bar  534 . 
     Fan support bar  404  has travel bolt aperture  432  which cooperates with travel slot  410  on swing hinge bracket  556 . Travel bolt  412  inserts through travel bolt aperture  432  and travel slot  410  and is secured in a movable relationship with fastener washer  438  and fastener nut  500 . 
     Fan support bar  404  also has hinge aperture  430  which cooperates with hinge bolt  414 , adjustment shims  420 , fastener washer  438 , fastener nut  500 , and mount hinge aperture  550  to secure fan support bar  404  to swing hinge bracket  556 . Finally, fan support bar  404  has threaded pin aperture  436  which cooperates with lock pin receiving apertures  552  on swing hinge bracket  556 . This alignment accepts spring loaded locking pin  440  to secure the fan support bar  404  in various angle relative to vent bar  534 . 
     Now adding  FIG. 42 ,  FIG. 43 ,  FIG. 44 ,  FIG. 45 , and  FIG. 46  to the consideration, the structure of quick mount hinge with tabs  700  can be clearly seen. The quick mount hinge with tabs  700  greatly simplifies the installation process and requires a single worker instead of multiple ones. The structure of quick mount hinge with tabs  700  is specially designed to support the weight of fan  110 . 
     Quick mount hinge with tabs  700  has fan support bar or also referred to as the fan base support bar  704  and mounting support bar or also referred to as the surface support bar  710 . Fasteners  720  which may or may not be set screws  314 , cooperate with threaded apertures  722  and dimples  718  to secure fan base support bar  704  to fan base  111 . Dimples  718  are an optional, but preferred feature to further strengthen the connection between fan base support bar  704  and fan base  111 . Furthermore, fasteners  720  can also be bolts or any other suitable fastener that can form a secure and stable relationship between fan base support bar  704  and fan base  111 . The fan base support bar  704  includes a fan base mounting section  7042  and a fan base support arm  7044  that extends from the fan base mounting section  7402  and which includes the at least one tab  700  that extend upwardly and outwardly from a lower portion  7048  of the fan base support arm  7044  to create a channel  7046  between the at least one tab  700  and the fan base support arm  7044 . The cannel being configured to permit a portion of the fan base to be secured easily and properly therein ( FIG. 44 .) 
     Mounting support bar or the surface support bar  710  is secured to vent wall  108  or another surface through its cooperation with fasteners  720  and apertures  724 . Fasteners  720  may be threaded or unthreaded screws, bolts, or any other suitable fastener to form a secure and stable relationship between mounting support bar  710  and vent wall  108  or other surface. The surface support bar  710  includes a surface support arm  7104  which extends from a surface support mounting section  7102 . As noted herein the surface support arm  7104  includes apertures that aid in securing the surface support bar  710  to a surface or vent wall. 
     Locking plate or hinge plate  708  is positioned to allow fan support bar  104  and mounting support bar  710  to form a hingeable relationship. The locking plate or hinge plate  708  includes hinge plate openings  7082  and hinge support openings  7084 . The hinge plate opening  7082  are used in conjunction with fasteners to secure the hinge plate  708  to the fan base support bar  704 , while hinge support openings  7084  are used with fasteners to secure the hinge plate  708  to the surface support bar  710 . Fasteners  720  cooperate with locking plate apertures  726 , threaded apertures  722  on both fan support bar  704  and mounting support bar  710 , to configure quick mount hinge with tabs  700 . Spring loaded locking pin  440  cooperates with locking pin apertures  726  to position the fan support bar  704  in different angles relative to mounting support bar  710  (See also,  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 40 ). Spring loaded locking pin  440  is preferably spring loaded, however any suitable locking pin may be utilized as long as it forms a secure yet releaseable relationship between locking plate or hinge plate  708  and fan base support bar  704 . 
     As seen and described in previous embodiments, quick mount hinge with tabs  700  has optional adjustment shims  730 . Adjustment shims  730  add to the flexibility of quick mount hinge with tabs  700  to accommodate varying fan base  111  to vent wall  108  combinations (See also,  FIG. 20  through  FIG. 24 ). While adjustment shims  730  are not required, they are preferred, to provide greater flexibility of quick mount hinge with tabs  700 . Adjustment shims  730  can be added or removed to increase or decrease the space between fan base support bar  704  and locking plate or hinge plate  708 . If fan base  111  is wider than vent wall  108 , more adjustment shim  730  will be needed to fill the increased space and accommodate this combination. If fan base  111 , is not significantly wider than vent wall  108 , then fewer adjustment shims  730  will be needed to accommodate this situation. 
     In this embodiment, tabs  702  replace saddle mount  310  and are offset so there is a space between the tabs  702  and fan base support bar  704  to accommodate fan base  111 . Again, in this embodiment, the hinge  700  can be installed while the restaurant, business, or other establishment is still in operation, thereby saving the consumer time and money. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 42 ,  FIG. 45 , and  FIG. 46  the function and structure of fan rest  706  can be clearly seen. When fan base  111  is lifted for cleaning or other purposes, fan rest  706  prevents fan base  111  and fan  110  from tipping too far behind the hinge. This is a great advantage because due to the weight of fan  110 , if the fan base  111  tips too far backwards, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to lift without the help of machinery. Also, as seen in  FIG. 46 , fan rest  706  abuts locking plate or hinge plate  708 . The locking plate or hinge plate  708  helps to handle the weight of fan  110  and relieves some of the pressure on fan rest  706 . 
     Now referring specifically to  FIG. 43 , the structure of fan support bar  704  can be clearly seen. Fan support bar  704  has tabs  702  secured to it. Welding  716  is the preferred method of securing tabs  702  to fan support bar  704 . However any suitable securing mechanism, such as rivets and other fasteners, or any other method which provides a strong and stable connection between fan support bar  704  and tabs  702  can be utilized. 
     Tabs  702  are offset so they can accommodate fan base  111 . Once fan base  111  is positioned, tabs  702  squeeze against fan base  111  to securely hold it in place. The connect between fasteners on fan support bar  704  and dimples  718  aid in creating a secure connection with fan base  111 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 44 , quick mount hinge with tabs  700  is depicted in open position  712 . Once again, the interaction between fan rest  706  and locking plate  708 , prevents the fan  110  from falling too far backwards. Open position  712  aids in cleaning vent and vent wall  108  for safety and cleanliness. Open position  712  can be any angle between fan support base  704  and mounting support bar  710 . However, it is preferable that the angle be between 45 and 90 degrees. More preferably, the angle is between 60 and 85 degrees. Most preferable, the angle is between 81 and 84 degrees to support the weight of the fan  110  in open position  712 . Spring loaded locking pin  440  also can position the fan  110  in other desired cleaning positions. Preferably, fan  110  is positioned between a 20 and 60 degree angle relative to mounting support bar  710 . More preferably, fan  110  is positioned between a 30 and 50 degree angle relative to mounting support bar  710 . Most preferably, fan  110  is positioned between a 41 and 46 degree angle relative to mounting support bar  710 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 45 , the lockdown position  714  of quick mount hinge with tabs  700  can be clearly seen. Quick mount hinge with tabs  700  remains in lockdown position  714  unless it is opened for cleaning, maintenance, or other purposes. The lockdown position  714  can also be applied to the hinges depicted in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 41 . 
     Lockdown position  714  creates a secure and stable position for safety and security issues. When quick mount hinge with tabs  700  is in lockdown position  714 , spring loaded locking pin  440  securely locks it in position. Thus, hinge  700  cannot be opened by trespassers or other unauthorized individuals, or high winds or other environment factors. 
     Also  FIG. 45 , shows the geometry of quick mount hinge with tabs  700 . As seen in the previous embodiments, the locking plate  708 , the fan rest  706 , and the ends of fan support bar  704  and mounting support bar  710  are clearly behind the vent wall  108 . Quick mount hinge with tabs  700  hinges due to interactions with locking plate  708 . Since the hinging, and positioning of spring loaded locking pin  440 ), occurs behind vent wall  108 , it allows the fan base  111  to lift up, off, and back to prevent any binding due to the over lap of fan base  111  and vent wall  108 . 
     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.