Abstract:
A hinge with a main body and first and second connector parts for mounting the hinge to a respective one of a jamb or panel, the main body being formed of first and second aligned hinge components arranged to rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis, wherein the hinge further includes an adjustment mechanism carried by one of the components to adjust the relative position of the connector parts.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from Australian Patent Application Number AU2013202517, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an adjustable hinge particularly but not exclusively an adjustable architectural door hinge. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vertical and lateral adjustment of a door hinge to suit a position of a door panel can be achieved with a mechanism that is mortised or recessed in the door panel. The mechanism allows the position of a leaf of the hinge to be adjusted and then fixed relative to the door panel, which effectively adjusts the position of the hinge itself relative to the panel. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide an alternative mechanism for adjusting a hinge. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, there is provided hinge with a main body and first and second connector parts for mounting the hinge to a respective one of a jamb or panel, the main body being formed of first and second components arranged to rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis, the hinge further including an adjustment mechanism carried by one of the components to adjust the relative position of the connector parts, wherein: 
     the hinge components are fixed against relative axial movement and are coupled by a pivot connection that allows rotation of the components about the pivot axis; 
     the adjustment mechanism is housed within the first component, to adjust the position of the associated first connector part relative to the first component, independently of the pivot connection; and wherein 
     the adjustment mechanism allows the position of the first connector part to be adjusted in a first direction, while allowing the connector part to float relative to the first component in a second direction, transverse to the first direction. 
     Preferably, the adjustment mechanism operates to move the first connector part relative to the first connector component, to displace the first connector component relative to the associated jamb or panel. 
     Preferably, the adjustment mechanism acts between a housing of the first connector component and an arm extension of the first connector part. 
     Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes a device for transmitting rotary adjustment input to linear movement of the arm relative to the first component. 
     Preferably, the device includes a screw threaded shaft and a slide block threaded onto the shaft, the slide block engaging and driving the arm relative to the first component. 
     Preferably, the arm includes a slot to couple with the slide block. 
     Preferably, the slot has a lateral dimension to accommodate lateral play between the device and the arm. 
     Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is contained within a housing of the first component. 
     Preferably, the housing includes an aperture through which a tool is able to operate the adjustment mechanism. 
     Preferably, the aperture is positioned in a side wall of the housing and the mechanism is arranged to adjust the first component in a horizontal direction. 
     Preferably, the aperture is in an end of the housing and the mechanism is arranged to adjust the component in a vertical direction. 
     Preferably, the housing includes an elongate opening to receive the arm of the first connector part and accommodate movement of the arm relative to the first component. 
     Preferably, the parts form leaves of the hinge, wherein the second part is integrally connected to the second component and the first part is connected into the first component by the arm, which is moveably received through the aperture. 
     Preferably, the pivot connection is provided by a pivot pin that is rigidly fixed to the first component and projects into the second component. 
     Preferably, the hinge further includes a third connector part and associated third component mounted to a second end of the first component, the third component being supported on a second pivot pin that projects from the second end of the first component. 
     Preferably, the first component is configured to have substantially the same external visual appearance as a conventional hinge component. 
     In another aspect, there is provided an adjustable hinge set including multiple hinges, as described above, once hinge being configured to allow for horizontal adjustment and another hinge being configured for vertical adjustment. 
     Preferably, the adjustable hinge set includes a third hinge allowing for horizontal adjustment, the first and third hinges being arranged to mount a top and bottom of a panel to an adjacent jamb, while the second hinge is an intermediate hinge, located between the first and third hinges. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a folding panel assembly, including one or more panels and an adjustable hinge set, as described above, mounting one of the panels to an adjacent jamb. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a component for a hinge including a housing with an axially extending pivot pin projecting from one end of the housing, an elongate opening along a side of the housing, an internal recess for accommodating an adjustment mechanism and an aperture formed in a wall of the housing for operating the adjustment mechanism, wherein the elongate opening allows an extension arm of a connector part, used to attach the component to a jamb or panel, to extend into the recess for connection to the adjustment mechanism. 
     Preferably, the pivot pin is integrally formed with and fixed relative to the housing. 
     Preferably, the pivot pin projects outwardly from the end of the housing and does not extend through the recess whereby the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the connector part internally of the housing, free of direct connection to the pivot pin. 
     Preferably, the aperture is formed in a side wall of the housing, opposite the elongate opening. 
     Preferably, the aperture is formed in a second end wall of the housing. 
     Preferably, the aperture is formed in a side wall of the housing and a second aperture is provided in a second end wall of the housing. 
     Preferably, a second pivot pin projects from the second end wall, in an opposite direction to the first pivot pin. 
     Preferably, the first and second pivot pins are integrally formed with and fixed relative to the housing. 
     Preferably, the aperture in the second end wall communicates with an axial passage through the second pivot pin. 
     Preferably, the component further includes a cover plate that forms a side wall of the housing and restricts the opening to an elongate slot, for receipt of the arm. 
     Preferably, the component further includes the adjustment mechanism, to adjust the position of the connector part relative to the component, independently of the pivot pin. 
     Preferably, the adjustment mechanism allows the position of the connector part to be adjusted in a first direction, while allowing the connector part to float relative to the first component in a second direction, transverse to the first direction. 
     Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes a device for transmitting rotary adjustment input to linear movement of the arm relative to the component. 
     Preferably, the device includes a screw threaded shaft and a slide block to engage and drive the arm relative to the component. 
     Preferably, the aperture is formed in a side wall of the housing, opposite the elongate opening, and the screw threaded shaft is adjustable through the aperture, to move the connector part in and out of the housing. 
     Preferably, the aperture is formed in a second end wall of the housing and the screw threaded shaft is adjustable though the aperture to drive the connector part up and down the housing. 
     Preferably, the component further includes a second pivot pin that projects from the second end wall, in an opposite direction to the first pivot pin, wherein the aperture in the second end wall communicates with an axial passage through the second pivot pin and the shaft extends through the passage and is operable via a remote end of the second pivot pin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is described, by way on non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a hinge; 
         FIG. 2 a    is an end view of the hinge; 
         FIG. 2 b    is a front view of the hinge; 
         FIG. 2 c    is a plan view of the hinge; 
         FIG. 2 d    is a perspective view of the hinge; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a rear perspective view of the hinge; 
         FIG. 3 b    is an end view of the hinge; 
         FIG. 3 c    illustrates a second component of the hinge displaced horizontally relative to a first component; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a second hinge; 
         FIG. 5 a    is an end view of the second hinge; 
         FIG. 5 b    is a front view of the second hinge; 
         FIG. 5 c    is a plan view of the second hinge; 
         FIG. 5 d    is a perspective view of the second hinge; 
         FIG. 6 a    is a rear perspective view of the second hinge; 
         FIG. 6 b    is an end view of the second hinge; 
         FIG. 6 c    illustrates a second component of the second hinge displaced vertically relative to a first component; and 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of a folding panel system and adjustable hinge set. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring firstly to  FIG. 1 , a hinge  1  is shown as including a first component  2  and an aligned second component  3  and third component  3 ′, arranged to rotate about a common pivot axis  4  defined by a hinge pins  5 ,  5 ′. 
     The hinge pins  5 ,  5 ′ are fixed to and formed integrally with the first component  2 , so as to project from respective first and second ends  27 ,  27 ′. The hinge pins  5 ,  5 ′ extend co-axially though the second and third components  3 ,  3 ′ and thereby provide pivot connections between the first, second and third components  2 ,  3 ,  3 ′. 
     The hinge  1  also includes first, second and third connecting parts  8 ,  9 ,  9 ′ forming hinge leaves  10 ,  11 ,  11 ′. The second and third connecting parts  9 ,  9 ′ are integrally formed with the second and third component  3 ,  3 ′. The first part  8  is integrally formed with an angled extension arm  12  that is received in a elongate opening  13  of the first component  2 . 
     The first component  2  includes a housing  14  formed of a cover  15  fixed to a side wall  16  by fasteners  17 . When the cover is secured in place, the opening  13  is restricted to an elongate slot  6  to receive the arm  12 . 
     The housing  14  accommodates an adjustment mechanism  18  in an internal recess  40 . It should be noted the pivot pins  5 ,  5 ′ do not pass through the recess  40  so there is no direct, connection between the mechanism  18  and the pivot pins  5 ,  5 ′ and the mechanism operates independently of the pivot pins  5 ,  5 ′ as a result. 
     The mechanism  18  is formed of a device  19  for transmitting rotary adjustment input into linear motion. For that purpose, the device  19  includes a threaded shaft  20  and an internally threaded slide block  21  designed to move lengthwise along the shaft  20  when the shaft  20  is rotated. The housing  14  includes an aperture  28  in a side wall  7  to provide access to the shaft  20 . 
     The slide block  21  includes a tongue  22  that is received in a slot  23  of the arm  12  so that linear movement of the slide block  21  results in corresponding linear movement of the arm  12 . The slot  23  has a lateral dimension to accommodate lateral/vertical play between the arm  12  and the slide block  21 . As such, the adjustment mechanism  18  can move the arm  12  in and out of the opening  13  so that the first part  8  is displaced relative to the housing  14 . This has the effect of laterally moving the first part  8  relative to the second and third parts  9 ,  9 ′, providing relative horizontal adjustment between the parts  8  and  9 ,  9 ′ whilst allowing for limited free or floating movement between the parts  8  and  9 ,  9 ′ in a vertical direction. 
     The hinge  1  also includes washers  24  and a hinge cap o-ring and a hinge cap  25  to close off the remote ends  26  of the second and third components. A cover  27  may be provided as decorative trim that clips over the housing  14 , so that the exterior of the component  2  has the same visual aesthetic as the conventional hinge and provides substantially the same finish as the second and third components  3 ,  3 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the hinge  1  is shown in an assembled condition. As may be appreciated, the hinge  1  has a conventional appearance although the front and perspective views of  FIGS. 2 b  and 2 d    show the elongate slot  6  through which the arm  12  moves in and out, for horizontal adjustment, and up and down to allow the first part  8  to float and establish a rest position relative to the second and third parts  9 ,  9 ′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 a   , the aperture  28  can be clearly seen in the first component  2 . The aperture  28  provides access for a tool  29  to engage the device  19  of the adjustment mechanism  18  and provide a rotational input to the shaft  20 . 
     In  FIG. 3 b   , the first component  8 , in the form of hinge leaf  10 , is face mounted to a jamb  30 . The second and third components  9 ,  9 ′, in the form of hinge leaves  11 ,  11 ′, are edge mounted to a panel  31 . The hinge leaves  10  and  11 ,  11 ′ are shown in an offset condition, where the panel  31  is positioned close to the jamb, such as by a distance of 9 mm. The tool  29  can then be rotated so that the adjustment mechanism  18  drives the arm laterally to displace the hinge leaf  10  horizontally relative to the hinge leaves  11 ,  11 ′, to the condition shown in  FIG. 3 c   , where the hinge leaves  10  and  11 ,  11 ′ are aligned and the panel  31  is located much closer to the jamb  30 , such as in the order of 3 mm. 
       FIG. 3 b    also shows the leaf  10  in a slightly elevated position relative to that shown in  FIG. 3 a   , such that a distance “D” between the two hinge leaves  10 ,  11  is reduced, as a result of the panel  31  and jamb  30  being slightly offset from an ideal position, that requires the first part to float higher in order to self-adjust in the vertical direction and maintain proper functioning of the hinge  1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a second hinge  32  is shown, to allow for vertical adjustment and horizontal floating. The hinge  32  is generally similar to the hinge  1  and like parts are denoted with like reference numerals. 
     The difference between the hinges  1  and  32  is the adjustment mechanism operates in a vertical direction. In particular, the shaft  20  is arranged vertically and the aperture  28  for accessing the shaft  20  is provided in a second end  26  of the first component  2 . The shaft  20  is mounted in an axially extending passage  38  formed in the pivot pin  5 ′ and is operable through a remote end  41  of the pivot pin  5 ′. 
     The arm  12  has a horizontally extending slot  33  to receive the tongue  22  of the slide block  21  so that linear movement of slide block  21  drives the arm in a vertical direction. The horizontal configuration of the slot  33  accommodates free lateral movement between the arm  12  and the adjustment mechanism  18 , to allow the first connecting part  8  to “float” in a horizontal direction relative to the first component  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the hinge  32  has an identical appearance to the hinge  1 , even though the hinge allows for adjustment in the vertical direction, as opposed to horizontal adjustment. As with the hinge  1 , a cover  42  provides an aesthetic similar to a conventional hinge. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 a   , the tool  29  is shown inserted in an opening  43  in the end  26  of the third component  3 ′, in order to access the adjustment mechanism, to rotate the shaft  20 . 
     In  FIG. 6 b   , the hinge leaf  10  is mounted to the jamb  30  and the hinge leaves  11 ,  11 ′ is edge mounted to the panel  31 . The distance “D” between the hinge leaves  10  and  11  is in the order of 2 mm. In order to adjust the distance between the hinge leaves  10  and  11 , the tool  29  is rotated to drive the leaf  10  downwardly, which serves to increase the distance D by up to, for example, 12 mm, as shown in  FIG. 6 c   . The hinge  32  also allows for the hinge leaf  10  float relative to the hinge leaves  11 ,  11 ′, in order to accommodate any horizontal offset between the panel  31  and jamb  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a folding panel assembly  34  is shown with the panel  31  mounted to the jamb  30  with an adjustable hinge set  35 . The panel assembly may include one or more panels (not shown), as required. More particularly, the panel  31  may be any one of a hinged door, single, bi-parting (French) or part of a multi panel folding door system. 
     The adjustable hinge set includes two hinges  1  positioned about 100 mm from a top  36  and a bottom  37  of the panel  31 . The hinges  1  allow for horizontal adjustment and vertical floating between the panel  31  and jamb  30 . A hinge  32  forms an intermediate hinge  38 , positioned between the hinges  1 , to provide vertical adjustment and horizontal floating. 
     To mount the panel  31  to the jamb  30  using conventional adjustment techniques would be extremely difficult for a single person to easily achieve. However, the adjustable hinge set  35  enables one person to readily adjust all of the hinges independently, with the hinges  1  providing horizontal adjustment, with vertical floating, while the hinge  32  provides horizontal adjustment and vertical floating. This configuration allows for the panel  31  to be hinged to the jamb  30  without any adverse forces between the panel  31  and jamb  30 . 
     The height adjustment provided by the hinge  32  is preferably in the range of 10 mm and the horizontal adjustment is preferably in the order of 6 mm. However, these ranges may be less or more, as required. Many other modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described. 
     As may be appreciated, the invention provides a convenient mechanism for fine thread type adjustment of a panel and there is no need for the conventional morticing of the adjustment mechanism in the panel since the mechanism itself is carried within the hinge component  2 . As such, the adjustable hinge of the invention can be face or edge mounted and used on a metallic jamb and door panel, such as made of aluminium, without the need for morticing, which would otherwise be difficult with an aluminium door. 
     It should also be appreciated the hinges  1 ,  32  may be provided with only first and second components  2 ,  3  and the third component  3 ′ may be omitted, if required. 
     Lastly, the component  2  is preferably formed with apertures  28  in both the side wall  7  and second end wall  27 ′ so that the housing  14  is universal and can be used for either vertical or horizontal adjustment, dependent only in the configuration of the adjustment mechanism  18  and shaft  20  inside the housing  14 . 
     LIST OF PARTS 
     
         
           1 . Hinge 
           2 . First component 
           3 . Second component 
           3 ′. Third component 
           4 . Thrust bearing 
           5 . Hinge pin 
           5 ′. Hinge pin 
           6 . Slot 
           7 . Side wall 
           8 . First connecting part 
           9 . Second connecting part 
           9 ′. Third connecting part 
           10 . Hinge leaf 
           11 . Hinge leaf 
           11 ′. Hinge leaf 
           12 . Arm 
           13 . Aperture 
           14 . Housing 
           15 . Cover 
           16 . Side wall 
           17 . Fasteners 
           18 . Adjustment mechanism 
           19 . Device 
           20 . Threaded shaft 
           21 . Slide block 
           22 . Tongue 
           23 . Slot 
           24 . Washer 
           25 . Hinge cap 
           26 . End 
           27 . First end 
           27 ′. Second end 
           28 . Aperture 
           29 . Tool 
           30 . Jamb 
           31 . Panel 
           32 . Hinge 
           33 . Slot 
           34 . Folding panel assembly 
           35 . Adjustable hinge set 
           36 . Top 
           37 . Bottom 
           38 . Intermediate hinge 
           39 . Passage 
           40 . Recess 
           41 . Remote end 
           42 . Cover 
           43 . Opening