Locking hinge mechanism for a foldable structure
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SPLASHDOWN EVENT SERVICES
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
AI Technical Summary
Foldable structures face safety hazards due to unexpected movement, pinch points, and structural instability during erection and collapse, particularly when large and heavy components are manipulated by lifting equipment, posing risks to personnel and requiring improved strength and durability in hinge regions.
A locking hinge mechanism with offset apertures and a locking pin that can be slidably moved between locked and unlocked positions, featuring a detent mechanism for automatic locking and unlocking based on relative movement of structure sections, ensuring secure transitions between configurations.
The mechanism enhances safety by preventing abrupt movements and reducing manual intervention, maintaining structural integrity and stability during deployment and collapse, thereby minimizing risks to personnel and equipment.
Smart Images
Figure 00000017_0000 
Figure 00000017_0001 
Figure 00000018_0000
Abstract
Description
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to foldable or collapsible structures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a locking hinge mechanism for a foldable structure, and to a foldable structure incorporating such a locking hinge mechanism. Background of the Invention
[0002] Foldable or collapsible structures are used in a range of applications where transportability, compact storage and rapid deployment are important. Examples include temporary shelters, site enclosures, modular workspaces, storage structures, transportable buildings and other framed assemblies that can be moved between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration. Such structures commonly comprise a base frame, an upper frame and a series of foldable support members extending therebetween.
[0003] In many known arrangements, the support members are articulated so that the structure can be folded down for transport and subsequently raised into an operative condition using lifting equipment such as a forklift, crane or similar hoisting arrangement. During erection and collapse, significant loads may be transferred through the articulated support members and associated joints. The movement of the structure between configurations can therefore create hazards for personnel located near the structure, particularly if the structure moves unexpectedly or if a support member folds or shifts under load.
[0004] A further difficulty with some known collapsible structures is that erection and collapse procedures may involve personnel working in close proximity to moving frame components, pivot joints and column sections. This can expose personnel to pinch points, crush zones and other injury risks during handling and deployment. The risks may be increased where the structure is large, where the frame members are heavy, or where the structure is being manipulated by external lifting equipment. 2026204320 04 Jun 2026
[0005] Known collapsible structures may also be susceptible to abrupt or uncontrolled movement in certain circumstances, such as where a lifting connection is released, a component slips, or a frame member is not adequately secured during a transition between configurations. In these situations, the weight of the upper part of the structure can cause rapid folding or descent of one or more structural members, thereby creating a serious safety concern.
[0006] In addition to safety considerations, joints and hinge regions of collapsible structures are typically subject to repeated loading and impact during use. These regions may therefore require sufficient strength and durability to withstand operational loads while allowing reliable movement between folded and erected states. There is accordingly a need for improvements in relation to foldable structures of this general type, or at least to provide a useful alternative.
[0007] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Disclosure
[0008] According to one aspect, there is provided a locking hinge mechanism for a foldable structure comprising a base frame, a roof frame, and at least one foldable column extending between the base frame and the roof frame, the at least one foldable column comprising a first section and a second section, the locking hinge mechanism being configured to pivotally connect the first section and the second section, the locking hinge mechanism comprising a hinge comprising a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion pivotally connected about a pivot axis, the first hinge portion defining a first aperture and the second hinge portion defining a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being offset from the pivot axis, and a locking pin, wherein the locking hinge mechanism is configurable between a locked position wherein the locking pin extends through the first aperture and the second aperture to resist opening of the hinge about the pivot axis, and an unlocked position wherein the locking pin is withdrawn from the first aperture such that the first 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 hinge portion and the second hinge portion are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot axis.
[0009] In embodiments, the locking pin is slidably movable relative to the second hinge portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking pin may comprise an operative end arranged to extend through the second aperture and selectively into the first aperture. The second hinge portion may define a tube, the tube defining the second aperture and slidably retaining the locking pin therein. The locking pin may further comprise a proximal end which protrudes from the tube.
[0010] In embodiments, the first aperture is formed through a monobloc. The hinge may further comprise a first hinge leaf and a second hinge leaf, the first hinge leaf being connected to the monobloc. The second hinge leaf may define an opening through which the tube extends. The second hinge leaf may comprise at least one stand-off arranged to bear against the first hinge leaf.
[0011] In embodiments, the locking hinge mechanism further comprises a detent mechanism configured to releasably retain the locking pin in the locked position and the unlocked position. The detent mechanism may comprise a ball member biased by a compression spring. The locking pin may define a first groove configured to receive the ball member in the unlocked position and a second groove configured to receive the ball member in the locked position. Each of the first groove and the second groove may extend peripherally around the locking pin. The detent mechanism may further comprise a set screw configured to adjust a compression force applied by the compression spring.
[0012] In embodiments, the locking hinge mechanism further comprises an actuation arrangement configured to move the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position in response to relative movement between the first and second sections. The second section may comprise an actuation web engaging the locking pin such that movement of the second section relative to the first section causes corresponding movement of the locking pin. The second section may further comprise a stopper web. The stopper web may define an opening through which the tube extends. The locking hinge mechanism may further comprise a stopper formation 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 connected to the first section and configured to engage the stopper web to limit relative movement between the first and second sections. The stopper formation may comprise a stopper nut mounted to the tube.
[0013] In embodiments, movement of the second section away from the first section withdraws the locking pin from the first aperture. Movement of the second section towards the first section may advance the locking pin through the first aperture. The locking hinge mechanism may be configured to automatically unlock during collapse of the foldable structure. The locking hinge mechanism may be configured to automatically lock during erection of the foldable structure.
[0014] According to another aspect, there is provided a foldable structure comprising a base frame, a roof frame, at least one foldable column extending between the base frame and the roof frame, and a locking hinge mechanism as described herein connecting a first section and a second section of the at least one foldable column.
[0015] In embodiments, the foldable structure is movable between a folded configuration and an erected configuration. In the erected configuration, the first section and the second section may be arranged substantially straight relative to one another. In the folded configuration, the first section and the second section may be folded relative to one another. The foldable structure may comprise a plurality of said foldable columns. Each of the first section and the second section may comprise a channel section.
[0016] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of operating a foldable structure, the method comprising moving a roof frame relative to a base frame so as to move a first section and a second section of a foldable column relative to one another, and moving a locking pin of a locking hinge mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to said relative movement between the first section and the second section.
[0017] In embodiments, the method comprises withdrawing the locking pin from a first aperture as the second section moves away from the first section, thereby permitting pivotal movement of a first hinge portion relative to a second hinge portion. The method may further comprise advancing the locking pin through the first aperture as 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 the second section moves towards the first section, thereby resisting opening of the hinge about a pivot axis.
[0018] Other aspects of the disclosure are also described and claimed.
[0019] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0020] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] Figure 1 shows a side view of a prior art foldable structure in a folded configuration.
[0022] Figure 2 shows a side view of the prior art foldable structure of Figure 1 in a partially erected configuration during lifting.
[0023] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a locking hinge mechanism in an unlocked position.
[0024] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the locking hinge mechanism of Figure 3 in a locked position.
[0025] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the locking hinge mechanism in a locked position with a locking pin retained by a detent mechanism.
[0026] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the locking hinge mechanism of Figure 5 with the locking pin in an intermediate position.
[0027] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the locking hinge mechanism of Figure 5 in an unlocked position.
[0028] Figure 8 shows a side view of a foldable column in an erected configuration with the locking hinge mechanism in the locked position.
[0029] Figure 9 shows a side view of the foldable column of Figure 8 with the locking hinge mechanism in the unlocked position.
[0030] Figure 10 shows a side view of a foldable column comprising a first section, a second section and the locking hinge mechanism.
[0031] Figure 11 shows a detailed perspective view of the locking hinge mechanism and associated components of the foldable column. 2026204320 04 Jun 2026
[0032] Figure 12 shows an enlarged side view of the foldable column in the erected configuration.
[0033] Figure 13 shows an enlarged side view of the foldable column with the locking hinge mechanism in the unlocked position.
[0034] Figure 14 shows an enlarged perspective view of the foldable column in the erected configuration.
[0035] Figure 15 shows an enlarged perspective view of the foldable column with the locking hinge mechanism in the unlocked position. Description of Embodiments
[0036] Figures 1 and 2 show a foldable structure 100 in accordance with the prior art. Figure 1 shows the structure 100 in a folded-down configuration, and Figure 2 shows the structure 100 in a partially erected configuration whilst being raised by a forklift 101. The structure 100 comprises a roof frame 101, a base frame 102, and foldable columns 105. Each foldable column 105 comprises a first section 103A, a second section 103B, and a locking hinge mechanism 104 located therebetween. In the folded-down configuration, the first section 103A and the second section 103B lie generally parallel against each other, with the locking hinge mechanism 104 open at approximately 180°. In the erected configuration, the first section 103A and the second section 103B are arranged substantially in line with each other, with the locking hinge mechanism 104 closed at approximately 0°.
[0037] In the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, the structure 100 is erected by attaching hoisting cables 106 to tines 107 of the forklift 101 and lifting the roof frame 101.
[0038] Figure 10 shows a side view of a foldable column 105 comprising the first section 103A and the second section 103B. In embodiments, the first section 103A and the second section 103B may each be formed as C-channel members for structural resilience. The first section 103A may be connected to the base frame 102 by a first hinge 108A, whilst the second section 103B may be connected to the roof frame 101 by a second hinge 108B. The first section 103A and the second section 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 103B are pivotally connected to one another by the locking hinge mechanism 104 so as to be movable between a folded configuration and a straight configuration.
[0039] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the locking hinge mechanism 104 is shown in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, respectively. The locking hinge mechanism 104 comprises a hinge 109 having a first hinge portion 110A and a second hinge portion 110B. The first hinge portion 110A defines a first aperture 111A, and the second hinge portion 110B defines a second aperture 111B. The first hinge portion 110A and the second hinge portion 110B are pivotally connected by a hinge pin 112 extending through a hinge knuckle or barrel 113, thereby defining a pivot axis 114. The first aperture 111A and the second aperture 111B are offset from the pivot axis 114. When the hinge 109 is open, as shown in Figure 3, the first hinge portion 110A and the second hinge portion 110B are angled relative to each other and the first aperture 111A and the second aperture 111B are not positioned for reception of the locking pin 115 through both apertures 111A, 111B. When the hinge 109 is closed, as shown in Figure 4, the first hinge portion 110A and the second hinge portion 110B are brought closer together such that the locking pin 115 can extend through both apertures 111A, 111B.
[0040] The locking hinge mechanism 104 further comprises a locking pin 115 having an operative end 116. The operative end 116 is arranged to pass through the second aperture 111B and selectively into the first aperture 111A. When the locking hinge mechanism 104 is in the locked configuration, the operative end 116 extends through both apertures 111A, 111B, thereby resisting opening of the hinge 109 about the pivot axis 114. When the locking hinge mechanism 104 is in the unlocked configuration, the locking pin 115 is retracted such that the operative end 116 does not extend into the first aperture 111A, thereby permitting the first hinge portion 110A and the second hinge portion 110B to pivot relative to each other about the pivot axis 114.
[0041] In embodiments, the second hinge portion 110B defines a tube 117. The tube 117 defines the second aperture 111B and slidably retains the locking pin 115 therein. The tube 117 may be shorter than the locking pin 115 such that a proximal end 118 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 of the locking pin 115 protrudes accessibly from the tube 117 whilst the operative end 116 remains operable at the second aperture 111B.
[0042] In embodiments, the first aperture 111A is formed through a monobloc 120. The monobloc 120 may provide increased structural strength against folding loads in cooperation with the tube 117. In embodiments, the hinge 109 may further comprise hinge leaves 119, including a first hinge leaf 119A and a second hinge leaf 119B. The first hinge leaf 119A may be bolted or otherwise secured to the monobloc 120. The second hinge leaf 119B may define an opening through which the tube 117 extends at least partially. The second hinge leaf 119B may further comprise one or more stand-offs 121 arranged to bear against the opposing first hinge leaf 119A so as to support the protruding end of the tube 117 and resist deformation.
[0043] The locking hinge mechanism 104 is preferably configured to automatically lock during erection of the structure 100 and to automatically unlock during collapse of the structure 100. In this embodiment, and with reference to Figure 11 showing the locking hinge mechanism 104 in more detail, the locking pin 115 is operatively connected to the second section 103B such that movement of the second section 103B relative to the first section 103A causes corresponding movement of the locking pin 115 relative to the hinge 109. In this manner, the second aperture 111B remains fixed with respect to the second hinge portion 110B, whilst the locking pin 115 is displaced by relative movement of the second section 103B.
[0044] In the embodiment shown, the second section 103B defines an actuation web 122 through which the proximal end 118 of the locking pin 115 is retained, for example by a locking nut 123 or similar engagement arrangement. In embodiments, the second section 103B further defines a stopper web 124 which moves with the second section 103B relative to the hinge 109. The stopper web 124 may define an opening through which the tube 117 extends.
[0045] With reference to Figure 5, the locking hinge mechanism 104 preferably comprises a biasing mechanism configured to releasably retain the locking pin 115 in either the locked position shown in Figure 5 or the unlocked position shown in Figure 7. In the embodiment shown, the biasing mechanism comprises a detent mechanism 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 125. The detent mechanism 125 comprises a ball bearing 126 urged outwardly from a passage of a side tube 127 by a compression spring 128. A set screw 129 located at an open end of the side tube 127 may be adjusted to control the compression force of the compression spring 128.
[0046] In the locked position shown in Figure 5, the ball bearing 126 engages a locking groove 130B of the locking pin 115, thereby retaining the locking pin 115 in the locked position. The locking groove 130B is preferably arranged peripherally around the locking pin 115 to facilitate reliable engagement irrespective of the rotational orientation of the locking pin 115. In the unlocked position shown in Figure 7, the ball bearing 126 engages an unlocking groove 130A of the locking pin 115, thereby retaining the locking pin 115 in the unlocked position.
[0047] Automatic unlocking of the locking hinge mechanism 104 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 15. Figures 5, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 14 show the foldable column 105 in the erected configuration, wherein the locking hinge mechanism 104 is locked. Figures 7, 9, 13 and 15 show the foldable column 105 with the locking hinge mechanism 104 unlocked.
[0048] Initially the structure 100 is fully erected, with all foldable columns 105 straight and all locking hinge mechanisms 104 locked, thereby holding the roof frame 101 spaced above the base frame 102. To commence collapse of the structure 100, the hoisting cables 106 are attached to corners of the roof frame 101, such as by engagement with the tines 107 of the forklift 101, although cranes or other lifting arrangements may be used in alternative embodiments. In embodiments, the structure 100 may comprise standard shipping container corner lugs able to be engaged by the hoisting cables 106. In the initial position shown in Figures 5 and 8, the operative end 116 of the locking pin 115 protrudes through the first aperture 111A, thereby locking the hinge 109. With reference to Figures 12 and 14, the first section 103A and the second section 103B are in a straight arrangement and may be in direct contact with each other, preferably with only a very small gap, or no gap, at an intersection 131 defined between the first section 103A and the second section 103B at an outer face of the foldable column 105. Figure 14 also shows that the set screw 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 129 is preferably positioned on an outside side face of the locking hinge mechanism 104 so as to permit adjustment of the compression force of the compression spring 128 without requiring personnel to stand within the interior of the structure 100.
[0049] The tines 107 are then raised, thereby lifting the roof frame 101 away from the base frame 102. During this procedure, the second section 103B moves away from the first section 103A, and the actuation web 122 pulls the locking pin 115 outwardly relative to the tube 117, which remains fixed relative to the hinge 109. This lifting force overcomes the retaining force of the detent mechanism 125 at the locking groove 130B, thereby permitting the locking pin 115 to move to the intermediate position shown in Figure 6. The locking pin 115 continues to move relative to the tube 117 until the operative end 116 is fully withdrawn from the first aperture 111A.
[0050] During this movement, the stopper web 124 may travel along the tube 117 until the stopper web 124 engages a stopper nut 132, thereby limiting further relative movement between the first section 103A and the second section 103B. In embodiments, the stopper web 124 and the stopper nut 132 may be sufficiently robust to temporarily support structural loads, for example in the event of excessive lifting by the forklift 101. At this fully extended position, the detent mechanism 125 engages the unlocking groove 130A, as shown in Figure 9, thereby retaining the locking hinge mechanism 104 in the unlocked position.
[0051] The roof frame 101 can then be lowered, whereupon the foldable columns 105 bow inwardly to collapse the structure 100 and allow the roof frame 101 to be lowered onto the base frame 102.
[0052] For the reverse procedure, namely erection of the structure 100 from the folded configuration, the locking hinge mechanisms 104 are initially in the unlocked position with the hinges 109 fully open at approximately 180° and with the first sections 103A folded against the second sections 103B. As the roof frame 101 is lifted, the foldable columns 105 move through the intermediate position shown in Figure 2 until the first sections 103A and the second sections 103B are straight. In this fully raised position, the first sections 103A and the second sections 103B may be slightly offset from one 2026204320 04 Jun 2026 another, as shown in Figures 13 and 15, with the stopper web 124 bearing against the stopper nut 132.
[0053] The roof frame 101 is then lowered whilst the foldable columns 105 remain substantially straight, whereupon the actuation web 122 pushes the locking pin 115 inwardly through the tube 117 until the operative end 116 enters the first aperture 111A. In this manner, the locking hinge mechanism 104 automatically returns to the locked position without requiring manual manipulation. As such, personnel are not required to stand inside the structure 100 or manually operate the locking hinge mechanisms 104 during erection or collapse of the structure 100.
[0054] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A locking hinge mechanism for a foldable structure comprising a base frame, aroof frame, and at least one foldable column extending between the base frame and the roof frame, the at least one foldable column comprising a first section and a second section, the locking hinge mechanism being configured to pivotally connect the first section and the second section, the locking hinge mechanism comprising:a hinge comprising a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion pivotally connected about a pivot axis, the first hinge portion defining a first aperture and the second hinge portion defining a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being offset from the pivot axis; anda locking pin;wherein the locking hinge mechanism is configurable between:a locked position wherein the locking pin extends through the first aperture and the second aperture to resist opening of the hinge about the pivot axis; andan unlocked position wherein the locking pin is withdrawn from the first aperture such that the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot axis.
2. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking pin is slidably movable relative to the second hinge portion between the locked position and the unlocked position.
3. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 2, wherein the locking pin comprises an operative end arranged to extend through the second aperture and selectively into the first aperture.
4. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 3, wherein the second hinge portion defines a tube, the tube defining the second aperture and slidably retaining the locking pin therein.2026204320 04 Jun 20265. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 4, wherein the locking pin further comprises a proximal end which protrudes from the tube.
6. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first aperture is formed through a monobloc.
7. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 6, wherein the hinge further comprises a first hinge leaf and a second hinge leaf, the first hinge leaf being connected to the monobloc.
8. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 7, wherein the second hinge leaf defines an opening through which the tube extends.
9. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 8, wherein the second hinge leaf comprises at least one stand-off arranged to bear against the first hinge leaf.
10. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a detent mechanism configured to releasably retain the locking pin in the locked position and the unlocked position.
11. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 10, wherein the detent mechanism comprises a ball member biased by a compression spring.
12. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 11, wherein the locking pin defines a first groove configured to receive the ball member in the unlocked position and a second groove configured to receive the ball member in the locked position.
13. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 12, wherein each of the first groove and the second groove extends peripherally around the locking pin.2026204320 04 Jun 202614. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 11, wherein the detent mechanism further comprises a set screw configured to adjust a compression force applied by the compression spring.
15. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 1, further comprising an actuation arrangement configured to move the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position in response to relative movement between the first and second sections.
16. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 15, wherein the second section comprises an actuation web engaging the locking pin such that movement of the second section relative to the first section causes corresponding movement of the locking pin.
17. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 16, wherein the second section further comprises a stopper web.
18. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 17, wherein the stopper web defines an opening through which the tube extends.
19. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 18, further comprising a stopper formation connected to the first section and configured to engage the stopper web to limit relative movement between the first and second sections.
20. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 19, wherein the stopper formation comprises a stopper nut mounted to the tube.
21. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 15, wherein movement of the second section away from the first section withdraws the locking pin from the first aperture.2026204320 04 Jun 202622. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 15, wherein movement of the second section towards the first section advances the locking pin through the first aperture.
23. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking hinge mechanism is configured to automatically unlock during collapse of the foldable structure.
24. The locking hinge mechanism of claim 23, wherein the locking hinge mechanism is configured to automatically lock during erection of the foldable structure.