door hinge

Abstract

A door hinge assembly includes: a door frame defining a frame opening and a side post located on one side of the frame opening, the side post including two frame corners projecting into the frame opening and a side frame bracket connecting the two frame corners across the frame opening, the side post bracket defining two spaced-apart hinge holes therethrough; a door movable to selectively provide passage through the frame opening; and an elastic cord connecting the door to the door frame, the cord sequentially extending through a first of the two hinge holes, through a first of the two channel openings at the edge of the side post, through a first of the two hinge holes, across the side post bracket, through a second of the two hinge holes, through a second of the two channel openings at the edge of the side post, and through a second of the two hinge holes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on April 29, 2020, with application number 202080031882.1 and invention title "Door Hinges". Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to door hinge assemblies, and more specifically to hinges for doors intended to be opened by young children, such as door hinges on toys. Background Technology

[0003] Doors and door hinge assemblies are frequently found in many children's toys and products intended for children aged three and older, such as toy boxes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has imposed restrictions on toys with parts smaller than a certain size intended for children under three years of age because they may pose a choking, inhalation, or ingestion hazard. These restrictions apply to any small parts that may loosen during normal or reasonably foreseeable use. There is a ongoing pursuit of improvements in the design, configuration, and safety of children's toys and the components that make up such toys. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the invention features a door hinge assembly having a door frame, a door, and an elastic cord. The door frame defines a frame opening and a side post located on one side of the frame opening. The side post includes two frame corners projecting into the frame opening and a side post bracket connecting the two frame corners across the frame opening. The side post bracket defines two spaced-apart hinge holes passing through it. The door is movable to selectively provide passage through the frame opening. The door includes two wide side surfaces connected by a door edge that includes a door frame edge. The door defines two corner recesses configured to receive the two projecting frame corners of the side post. The door also defines two hinge channels, each hinge channel extending from the door frame edge to a corresponding channel opening at one of the wide side surfaces of the door. An elastic cord connects the door to the door frame. The cord extends sequentially through a first of the two hinge channels, through a first of the two channel openings at the door frame edge, through a first of the two hinge holes, through the door frame bracket, through a second of the two hinge holes, through a second of the two channel openings at the side post edge, and through the second of the two hinge channels.

[0005] In some embodiments, the corner recesses of the two protruding frame corners of the receiving side post prevent the door from separating from the door frame upon impact.

[0006] In some examples, the hinge channel allows the elastic cord to be relaxed (relieved) to move between the open and closed door positions.

[0007] In some cases, the first and second ends of the elastic rope are secured to the door and held in place by a first knot and a second knot.

[0008] In some arrangements, the first and second knots are concealed within a passageway opening on one of the wide surfaces of the door.

[0009] In some embodiments, the channel opening at one of the wide side surfaces of the door is smaller than the diameter of the first knot and the second knot.

[0010] In some cases, the first and second ends of the elastic cord are secured to the door and held in place by adhesive.

[0011] In some configurations, the elastic cord is taut when the door is in the closed or open position.

[0012] In some examples, the elastic cord facilitates the pivoting motion of the door about the hinge axis.

[0013] In some cases, doors define multiple hinge channels, ranging from two to five.

[0014] In some examples, the door frame bracket defines multiple hinge holes ranging from two to five.

[0015] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to door hinge assemblies preferably intended for use by children aged three years and under. More specifically, embodiments include door hinge assemblies characterized by component dimensions and composition that do not pose a choking, inhalation, or swallowing hazard to children under three years of age during use. Therefore, the door hinge assemblies of this disclosure are designed to be approved for use, for example, in the United States and the European Union (according to Code 16 of the Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1501 and the Toy Safety Directive 2009 / 48 / EC, respectively). For example, door hinge assemblies in some embodiments can be manufactured without conventional door hinges, which may produce small parts (as defined in 16C.FR Part 1501) during normal use. Furthermore, some embodiments provide door hinge assemblies that can be assembled (and disassembled) without special tools or fasteners. Further embodiments provide door hinge assemblies capable of withstanding foreseeable child use, damage, or misuse, such as impacts from impact media (e.g., the ground).

[0016] Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the door hinge assembly.

[0018] Figure 2 This is the rear view of the door.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front view of the door frame and side pillars.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the door hinge assembly.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the door hinge assembly.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the door hinge assembly, further showing details of the flexible hinge in a magnified view.

[0023] Figure 7A This is a front view of the door hinge assembly.

[0024] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the door, door frame, and elastic rope.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a toy including the door hinge assembly.

[0026] The same reference symbols in each figure represent the same element. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 An exploded view of a door hinge assembly 24 including a door frame 10, a door 2, and an elastic cord 14 is shown. The door frame 10 defines a frame opening 38 and a side post 26 located on one side of the frame opening 38. In this example, the door frame 10 is rectangular; however, the door frame 10 can be, for example, a square, circular, triangular, or any other suitable geometry. The side post 26 is a vertical portion of the door frame 10 to which the door 2 is secured. The side post 26 can be located on either side of the frame opening 38. The side post 26 includes two frame corners 12a and 12b projecting into the frame opening 38. The frame corners 12a and 12b can have square or rounded edges. The side post 26 also includes a side post bracket 18. The side post bracket 18 connects the two frame corners 12a and 12b across the frame opening 38. The side post bracket 18 defines two spaced-apart hinge holes 16a and 16b. In some examples, the side column bracket 18 defines a plurality of hinge holes ranging from two to five.

[0028] Door 2 is movable to selectively provide access through frame opening 38. Door 2 can be rectangular, square, circular, triangular, or any other suitable geometric shape. Door 2 can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material that provides durability. For example, door 2 can selectively provide access to boxes, toys, or items intended for children. Door 2 defines two corner recesses 6a and 6b and two door recesses 9a and 9b.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 Door 2 includes two wide side surfaces 28a (e.g., Figure 1 (shown) and 28b. Wide side surfaces 28a and 28b are connected by door edges 32a, 32b and 32c, including side post edges 34. Corner recesses 6a and 6b are configured to receive two projecting frame corners 12a and 12b. Each door recess 9a and 9b extends from the side post edge 34 to walls 11a and 11b, respectively. Walls 11a and 11b define passage openings 5a and 5b. Door 2 also defines two hinge passages 8a and 8b ( Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). Each hinge channel extends from the side post edge 34, more specifically from channel openings 5a and 5b, to corresponding channel openings 4a and 4b at the wide side surface 28b of the door 2. Hinge channels 8a and 8b allow the tension of the elastic cord 14 to be adjusted between the open and closed positions. In some examples, the door 2 defines multiple hinge channels ranging from two to five.

[0030] As part of normal or reasonably foreseeable use by children, doors and door hinge assemblies in children's toys and products are frequently subjected to mechanical shocks. Mechanical shocks to door hinges often result in the door breaking off from the hinges and / or the door frame.

[0031] The door hinge assembly of this disclosure is capable of withstanding impacts (i.e., high forces or impacts applied for a short period of time when the door hinge assembly and the second body collide) without disintegrating. The second body that may collide with the door hinge assembly can be an impact medium, such as a solid surface. Non-limiting examples of solid surfaces include floors, tiled surfaces, carpeted surfaces, and concrete surfaces. Furthermore, the impact medium can be a wall or an object that includes a solid surface. For example, the door hinge assembly described herein may be impacted due to damage and / or misuse by children. The door hinge assembly of this disclosure has high impact resistance. In other words, the door hinge assembly 24 resists mechanical impacts without experiencing physical damage (e.g., disintegration). For example, the door hinge assembly 24 can remain assembled after colliding with a solid surface (i.e., the door 2 is connected to the door frame 10 by the elastic cord 14).

[0032] When both corner recesses 6a and 6b receive the two protruding frame corners 12a and 12b of the side post 26, the corner recesses 6a and 6b prevent the door 2 from disconnecting from the door frame 10 in the event of a mechanical impact. The connection between the corner recesses 6a and 6b and the two protruding frame corners 12a and 12b acts as a reinforcement point, such that if, for example, a mechanical impact is applied to any of the top edge 32a, side edge 32b, bottom edge 32c, side post edge 34, or the wide side surface of the door 2, the door 2 can remain connected to the door frame 10. In some examples, the connection between the corner recesses 6a and 6b and the two protruding frame corners 12a and 12b absorbs the vibrations of impact forces applied to the components of the door hinge assembly 24.

[0033] For example, the channel openings 5a and 5b at the edge 34 of the side pillar can be circular, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it can be rectangular. In this embodiment, channel openings 4a and 4b extend through the wide side surface 28b but not through the wide side surface 28a. In this case, channel openings 4a and 4b are circular openings, but can be rectangular, square, triangular, or any other suitable geometry.

[0034] Figure 3 A box 20 is depicted, including a side surface 40. The side surface 40 includes a door frame 10. The door frame 10 further defines a frame opening 38. The box 20 may be a toy or item for use by a child. In some examples, the child using the box 20 may be three years old or younger. In some cases, the person using the box 20 may be three years old or older. The box 20 may be made of plastic, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. In yet another example, the box 20 may be a furniture box or a decorative box.

[0035] Figure 4 The door hinge assembly 24 is shown in its fully assembled state with door 2 open. Side post 26 ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the image) and side pillar brackets 18 support the door 2 to rotate about hinge axis 30. In other words, elastic cord 14 facilitates the pivoting movement of the door 2 about hinge axis 30. Hinge axis 30 extends substantially parallel to door frame bracket 18, as shown in the image. Figure 4 As shown. Side pillar 26 and side pillar bracket 18 bear the weight of door 2 via elastic cord 14. Therefore, elastic cord 14 acts as a door hinge by connecting door frame 10 to door 2 and allowing door 2 a limited rotation angle about hinge axis 30. Elastic cord 14 extends through door recesses 9a and 9b, as... Figure 4 As shown. The elastic cord 14 can be a braided elastic cord. The elastic cord 14 can be made of polyester, textured polyester, cotton, nylon, polypropylene, glazed cotton, neoprene rubber, latex rubber, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 are located within the passage openings 4a and 4b on the wide side surface 28b of the door 2. The ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 can be secured to the door 2 and can be held in place by a knot. In other words, the elastic cord 14 may include a knotted end. In some examples, the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 are secured to the door 2 and held in place by adhesive. In some embodiments, the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 are tied together with a knot (not shown) to secure the elastic cord 14. In some embodiments, the elastic cord 14 includes one knot. In some embodiments, the elastic cord 14 includes two knots. In some embodiments, the diameter of the knot is larger than the diameter of the passage opening 4a or 4b.

[0037] In other arrangements, beads (not shown) are attached to each of the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 to secure the ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14. The beads may be made of plastic, metal, wood, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the diameter of the beads is larger than the diameter of the channel opening 4a or 4b. In some examples, a crimp piece (not shown), such as a crimp tube, is attached to each of the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 to secure the ends to the door 2 and hold them in place. In some embodiments, the crimp piece increases the diameter of the elastic cord 14 such that the increased diameter of the elastic cord 14 including the crimp piece is larger than the diameter of the channel opening 4a or 4b.

[0038] In another embodiment, a toggle wing fastener (not shown) is attached to each of the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 to secure the ends to the door 2 and hold them in place. The toggle wing fastener may include a toggle member in a radially expanded position when at rest. When a force is applied to the toggle member, it may move to a radially contracted position. For example, the toggle member contracts when the toggle wing fastener is inserted into the channel opening 4a or 4b. In some embodiments, the toggle wing fastener including the contracted toggle member has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the channel opening 4a or 4b. Upon insertion through the channel openings 4a and 4b, the toggle member moves to a radially expanded position, thereby securing the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 to the door 2.

[0039] Figure 5 A rear view of the door hinge assembly 24 with door 2 closed and fully assembled is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the elastic cord 14 extends across the back surface of the side post bracket 18 and passes through hinge holes 16a and 16b. Hinge holes 16a and 16b are vertically aligned along the length of the side post bracket 18. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, hinge holes 16a and 16b are horizontally aligned with channel openings 4a and 4b on the wide side surface 28b of door 2.

[0040] Figure 6 The connection between the elastic cord 14 and the door frame 10 and the door 2 is shown in more detail. When the door is in the closed or open position, the elastic cord 14 is taut. In operation, the door hinge assembly 24 can be installed as follows: The elastic cord 14 extends sequentially through the first of the two hinge channels 8a and 8b. Figure 6 (not shown in the image) and through the first of two channel openings 5a and 5b located at the edge 34 of the side column in walls 11a and 11b. Figure 6(Not shown in the image). Next, the elastic cord 14 extends through the first of the two door recesses 9a and 9b. Then, the elastic cord 14 sequentially extends through the first of the two hinge holes 16a and 16b and across the side post bracket 18. Next, the elastic cord 14 sequentially extends through the second of the two hinge holes 16a and 16b, through the first of the two door recesses 11a and 11b, and through the second of the two channel openings 5a and 5b at the side post edge 34. Finally, the elastic cord 14 extends through the second of the two hinge channels 8a and 8b.

[0041] Next refer to Figure 7A and 7B , Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The cross section on line 36. Figure 7B The position of the elastic cord 14 is shown when door 2 is in the closed position, as follows: Figure 7A As shown. One of the two ends 22a of the elastic rope 14 is located within one of the two channel openings 4a at one of the wide surfaces of the door 2. Figure 7A Further shown is one of the two ends 22a, which includes a knot 42 such that the knot 42 prevents the elastic cord 14 from slipping through one of the hinge channels 8a. In some embodiments, the knot 42 located at the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 prevents the elastic cord 14 from slipping through one of the hinge holes 16a and 16b. In some examples, the channel openings 4a and 4b at one of the wide side surfaces of the door 2 are smaller than the diameter of the knot 42 at the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14. In some cases, the channel openings 5a and 5b at the side post edge 34 are smaller than the diameter of the knot 42 at the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14. In some cases, the hinge holes 16a and 16b are smaller than the diameter of the knot 42 at the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14. In some arrangements, the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic cord 14 are knotted after the elastic cord 14 is installed, as previously described. In some cases, the two ends 22a and 22b of the elastic rope 14 are concealed within the passage openings 4a and 4b on one of the wide surfaces of the door 2.

[0042] Figure 8A child's toy 44 including the door hinge assembly of this disclosure is shown. The child's toy 44 includes side surfaces 40a and 40b. Side surface 40a includes a door frame 10a that further defines a frame opening. Door 2a is attached to door frame 10a by an elastic cord 14. Similarly, side surface 40b includes door frame 10b that further defines a frame opening. Door 2b is attached to door frame 10b by an elastic cord 14. Doors 2a and 2b are shown in a closed position, with corner recesses 6a and 6b receiving two projecting frame corners 12a and 12b. Door 2a includes a door handle 48. Door 2b includes a door handle 46. In some examples, door 2 and door frame 10 each also include one or more magnets configured to function as magnetic door closers. In some cases, door 2 also defines an opening (not shown) extending through both wide side surfaces 28a and 28b, which serves as a door opening mechanism. For example, when door 2 is in the closed position, a child can put their hand through the opening of door 2 and further open door 2 by grabbing the edge of the opening and pulling door 2 open.

[0043] While several examples have been described for illustrative purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Other examples and modifications will be, and will be, within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A door hinge assembly, comprising: A door frame (10) defines a frame opening (38) and a side post (26) located on one side of the frame opening. The side post includes a side post bracket (18) that spans the frame opening and defines two spaced hinge holes (16a, 16b) that pass through it. Door (2), movable to selectively provide passage through an opening in the frame, the door comprising two wide side surfaces (28a, 28b) connected by door edges (32a, 32b, 32c), the door edges including side post edges (34), the door defining: Two hinge channels (8a, 8b), each hinge channel extending from a corresponding channel opening at the edge of the side post to a corresponding channel opening (4a, 4b) at one of the wide side surfaces of the door; and An elastic cord (14) connects the door to the door frame and extends through the hinge channel.

2. The door hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The hinge channels (8a, 8b) allow the elastic cord (14) to be adjusted to move between the open and closed positions.

3. The door hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first and second ends of the elastic rope (14) are fixed to the door (2) and held in place by the first knot (42) and the second knot (42).

4. The door hinge assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The first knot (42) and the second knot (42) are hidden in the passage openings (4a, 4b) on one of the wide surfaces of the door (2).

5. The door hinge assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The channel opening (4a, 4b) at one of the wide side surfaces of the door is smaller than the diameter of the first knot (42) and the second knot (42).

6. The door hinge assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first end (22a) of the elastic rope (14) is fixed to the door (2) and held in place by adhesive.

7. The door hinge assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the door (2) is in the closed or open position, the elastic rope (14) is in a taut state.

8. The door hinge assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The elastic rope (14) facilitates the pivoting motion of the door (2) about the hinge axis.

9. The door hinge assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first end (22a) and the second end (22b) of the elastic rope (14) are fixed to the door (2) and held in place by the first bead and the second bead.

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