Double leaf hinge provided with chained units

Abstract

The present invention relates to a double leaf hinge (1) configured to allow relative rotation of elements (21, 21'), such as panels. The hinge comprises at least one first unit (2) and a second unit (3) chained with each other at respective through openings (6, 7) having a closed profile. Each of the first and second units (2, 3) has a first engagement portion (2a, 3a), a second engagement portion (2b, 3b) and an intermediate engagement portion (2c, 3c) developing between the first and second engagement portions. A engagement portion (2a, 2b) of the first unit has at least one notch (8) communicating with a respective through opening (6) of the first unit (2). The intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) is chained with the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3); these intermediate portions (2c, 3c) cross each other at the through openings (6, 7).

Description

[0001] Double leaf hinge provided with chained units

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a double leaf hinge configured to allow relative rotation of elements, such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotary movement.

[0004] The invention also relates to: an assembly comprising said hinge and elements to be rotated relatively by said hinge, a process of making a double leaf hinge, and a method of setting up a hinge.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] International Patent Application W02022149009A1 in the name of the same Applicant is known. WO2022149009A1 discloses an adhesive double leaf hinge for fixtures, hatches, panels or the like.

[0007] Although WO2022149009A1 provides a hinge configured to rotate panels or shutters or hatches or the like effectively and smoothly, the Applicant has noted that this hinge could be further improved, particularly in terms of the production process.

[0008] Aims of the invention

[0009] The Applicant therefore set out to improve the hinge described in W02022149009A1 and conceived the hinge described herein. Further purposes of the invention are set out below.

[0010] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a hinge that can be made by a material-saving production process. By saving material, this manufacturing process allows the material saved to be used or reused; therefore, the hinge and its manufacturing process are environmentally sustainable.

[0011] An additional aim of the invention is to develop an improved hinge that is easier and quicker to produce and assemble than known hinges.

[0012] A further aim of the invention is to develop an improved hinge that can be put in place not only by an installer but by anyone, intuitively and preferably without the use of familiar tools such as alien keys and screwdrivers.

[0013] The invention also provides a highly effective alternative technical solution to the known art.

[0014] These and other purposes are achieved by a hinge, an assembly, a process for making a double leaf hinge, and a method of setting up a hinge in accordance with the following description, the attached claims and the following aspects.

[0015] Summary of the invention

[0016] Aspects of the invention, which form an integral part of the technical content of this patent text, are described herein. These aspects may be used to limit claims and / or define further claims during the life of this patent right.

[0017] Numbered aspects of the invention follow.

[0018] 1 . A double leaf hinge configured to permit the relative rotation of an angle of up to 360° of elements, such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotary movement, the hinge comprising at least a first unit and a second unit engaged with each other, wherein

[0019] - the first unit allows relative clockwise rotation of the elements to which it is configured to be engaged and the second unit allows relative anticlockwise rotation of the elements to which it is configured to be engaged, - each between the first and second units has a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion and an intermediate portion developed between the respective first and second engagement portions, each between the first and second engagement portions being configured to allow the engagement of the hinge to a first element and a second element to be rotated relatively.

[0020] 2. Aspect according to aspect 1 , in which each of the first unit and the second unit has at least one through opening, said at least one through opening having a closed or almost closed outline.

[0021] 3. Aspect according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein one of said first and second engagement portions of the first unit has at least one notch, said at least one notch of the first unit being communicating with said at least one through opening of the first unit, preferably in which a closed or almost closed outline of the through opening is understood to mean a profile in which the notch communicating with the through opening is defined by facing flaps that can be moved relatively, defining a space between them, when assembling the first and second units to make the hinge.

[0022] 4. Aspect according to aspect 1 or 2 or 3, in which the intermediate portion of the first unit is chained to the intermediate portion of the second unit, said intermediate portions of the first and second units crossing each other at said through openings.

[0023] 5. Aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the intermediate portion of the first unit crosses said at least one through opening of the second unit at said at least one through opening of the second unit and the intermediate portion of the second unit crosses said at least one through opening of the first unit at said at least one through opening of the first unit.

[0024] 6. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the first unit and the second unit are chained together.

[0025] 7. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the intermediate portions form a crossed structure or substantially 'X-shaped' structure arranged between the engagement portions.

[0026] 8. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the hinge does not have a ’double-Z’ conformation.

[0027] 9. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the hinge does not form a ’double-Z’ system.

[0028] 10. Aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein both one between said first and second engagement portions of the first unit and one between said first and second engagement portions of the second unit have at least one notch and said at least one notch of the second unit is communicating with said at least one through opening of the second unit.

[0029] 11 . Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which:

[0030] - each between the first unit and the second unit has a plurality of through openings,

[0031] - at least said engagement portion of the first unit, optionally also a engagement portion of the second unit, has a plurality of notches, each notch being communicating with a respective through opening.

[0032] 12. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which each notch is adjacent to the respective through opening with which it communicates.

[0033] 13. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which:

[0034] - the first unit and the second unit develop along a respective longitudinal direction, preferably said longitudinal directions being parallel to each other,

[0035] - the through openings of each between the first unit and the second unit are aligned with each other along their respective longitudinal direction. 14. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which the through openings of the plurality of through openings are made at the intermediate portion of the first unit and the intermediate portion of the second unit.

[0036] 15. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the through openings of the first unit are offset from the through openings of the second unit.

[0037] 16. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which the intermediate portion of the first and second units comprises a respective plurality of strips that are transverse to the respective engagement portions, each passing opening being defined between consecutive strips.

[0038] 17. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the first and second units intersect each other, the first unit passing through the second unit, and vice versa, at respective through openings.

[0039] 18. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which each through opening has a closed profile having a height and each intermediate portion has a respective height, each intermediate portion of the first unit passing through a respective through opening of the second unit and each intermediate portion of the second unit passing through a respective through opening of the first unit.

[0040] 19. Aspect according to aspect 18, wherein the height of the intermediate portion is less than or equal to the height of the corresponding through opening that is traversed by said intermediate portion.

[0041] 20. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which:

[0042] - each strip of the intermediate portion of the first unit has an operative segment that is transversal to the first and second portions of the first unit,

[0043] - each strip of the intermediate portion of the second unit has an operative segment that is transversal to the first and second portions of the second unit,

[0044] - the intermediate portions form a crossed structure or substantially 'X-shaped' structure arranged between the engagement portions, the crossed or substantially 'X-shaped' conformation of the intermediate portions being defined by the operative segments (their intersection) of the first unit and the second unit intersecting (or crossing) each other.

[0045] 21. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the operative segment is defined at a respective strip of the intermediate portion.

[0046] 22. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, where the hinge is structured and configured not to be engaged at the flanks of said elements facing each other.

[0047] 23. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which:

[0048] - the hinge is configured to be engaged in an operational configuration with elements to be rotated relatively, at said engagement portions,

[0049] - the hinge has engagement elements, e.g. adhesive engagement elements, at each engagement portion, the engagement elements being configured to engage the hinge to those elements to be rotated relatively.

[0050] 24. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, where the engagement elements are not defined at the intermediate portion of the first and second units.

[0051] 25. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the first and second engagement portions are opposed with reference to a lateral development of the respective unit.

[0052] 26. Aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, in which both one between said first and second engagement portions of the first unit and one between said first and second engagement portions of the second unit has a plurality of notches. 27. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, each notch being communicating with a respective through opening.

[0053] 28. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first unit is configured to be engaged at a first portion of a first element to be hinged and the second unit is configured to be engaged at a first portion of a second element to be hinged.

[0054] 29. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the first and second units have constraining elements, the constraining elements being defined by the engagement portions in cooperation with said through openings of the first and second units.

[0055] 30. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, the constraining elements being configured to prevent, e.g. by interference, disengagement between the first unit and the second unit.

[0056] 31. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which each constraining element has a conformation, e.g. substantially 'T-shaped', with:

[0057] - a stem having an attachment portion, and

[0058] - a head that is transverse to the stem and opposed to the attachment portion, the head having a larger footprint than the stem and greater than a dimension, such as a width, of a respective through opening with which it is associated.

[0059] 32. Aspect according to aspect 31 , wherein the stem of each constraining element of the first unit passes through a respective through opening of the second unit and the head and attachment portion of each constraining element of the first unit are opposed to said respective through opening of the second unit.

[0060] 33. Aspect according to aspect 31 or 32, wherein the stem of each constraining element of the second unit passes through a respective through opening of the first unit and the head and attachment portion of each constraining element of the second unit are opposed to said respective through opening of the first unit.

[0061] 34. Aspect according to aspect 31 or 32 or 33, in which the head is defined at a lateral end of the respective unit to which it belongs.

[0062] 35. Aspect according to any one of aspects 31 to 34, where the head of each constraining element is a constraining head.

[0063] 36. Aspect according to any one of aspects 31 to 35, in which the head of each constraining element defines a constraint end of the respective unit of which said constraining element is a part.

[0064] 37. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which the attaching portion connects or attaches the constraining element to the engagement portion opposite it.

[0065] 38. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the head has a greater size than a corresponding size of the through opening with which it is associated.

[0066] 39. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the head has a greater width than the width of the through opening with which it is associated.

[0067] 40. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which each constraining element has a substantially 'T-shaped' conformation.

[0068] 41 . Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which each constraining element consists of a single piece or two pieces, e.g. a first piece forming the stem and attachment portion and a second piece forming the head.

[0069] 42. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the first unit is in one piece. 43. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the second unit is in one piece.

[0070] 44. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the constraining portions are in one piece.

[0071] 45. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the first and second engagement portions of the first unit are in one piece with the intermediate portion of the first unit.

[0072] 46. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which the intermediate portion and / or the first engagement portion and / or the second engagement portion of the first unit are formed by respective separate pieces that are assembled or can be assembled together.

[0073] 47. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the first and second engagement portions of the second unit are in one piece with the intermediate portion of the first unit.

[0074] 48. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which the intermediate portion and / or the first engagement portion and / or the second engagement portion of the second unit are formed by respective separate pieces that are assembled or can be assembled together.

[0075] 49. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which:

[0076] - at least one of the first and second units, preferably both the first and second units, is associated with a handle configured to tighten the hinge on at least one hinge element, preferably on both hinge elements,

[0077] - the hinge includes at least one reversible fixing element configured to bind a respective handle when the hinge is in an operational configuration in which it is hinged to said elements to be hinged.

[0078] 50. Aspect according to aspect 49, said hinge being configured to assume at least:

[0079] - a loose configuration,

[0080] - a tightened operative configuration in which the handle is engaged on said at least one reversible fixing element and tightens the hinge on said elements to be hinged.

[0081] 51 . Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the hinge comprises a first handle engaged to the first unit and a second handle engaged to the second unit.

[0082] 52. Aspect according to aspect 49 or 50 or 51 , in which the handle and said at least one reversible fixing element are configured to be engaged and disengaged from each other, thus ensuring the reversibility of the fixing element.

[0083] 53. Aspect according to any one of aspects 49 to 52, in which each reversible fixing element is of the tear-off type.

[0084] 54. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the first and second engagement portions of the first and second units are lateral end portions of the first and second units and, in operational configuration, are defined in different planes, preferably in planes parallel to each other.

[0085] ASSEMBLY

[0086] 55. Assembly comprising:

[0087] - a first and second element, such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotary movement,

[0088] - a hinge in accordance with any of the preceding claims, the first and second elements being hinged to each other, and being configured to rotate by up to 360°, via said hinge.

[0089] 56. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second elements have a respective flank, said flanks of the elements being facing each other and the intermediate portions of the first and second hinge units developing at least partially between said flanks, the hinge not being engaged with said elements at said facing flanks.

[0090] 57. Aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, in which the flanks of said elements present at least one uncovered portion, preferably a plurality of uncovered portions, each uncovered portion being defined at a respective through opening.

[0091] 58. Aspect according to aspect 57, in which the uncovered portions are portions of the flanks that are not covered by the hinge.

[0092] 59. Aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second elements have respective flanks facing each other, each element further having a respective first surface and a respective second surface between which the respective flank is interposed, each flank being transverse to the respective first surface and the respective second surface, the flank not being completely covered by said intermediate portions and having uncovered portions, the uncovered portions corresponding to said at least one through opening or to said plurality of through openings.

[0093] 60. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, with each of the first and second elements being a panel with a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0094] 61 . Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which:

[0095] - the first and second elements have flanks with a respective thickness,

[0096] - the intermediate portion of the first unit surmounts the flanks of the first element and the intermediate portion of the second unit surmounts the flanks of the second element,

[0097] - each intermediate portion comprises at least two strips with a length, preferably of the same length, the length of each strip being greater than the thickness of the respective flank of the first or second element surmounting it.

[0098] PROCESS FOR MAKING A HINGE

[0099] 62. Process for making a double leaf hinge in accordance with any one of aspects 1 to 54 and / or claims relating to a hinge comprising the following steps:

[0100] - providing a first unit and a second unit, each between said first unit and said second unit having a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion and an intermediate engagement portion extending between said first and second engagement portions, said first and second engagement portions being configured to allow engagement of the hinge (1 ) to a first element and a second element to be rotated relatively, each between said first unit and said second unit having at least one through opening, wherein one of said first and second engagement portions of said first unit has at least one notch, said at least one notch being communicating with said at least one through opening of said first unit,

[0101] - chaining the intermediate portion of the first unit with the intermediate portion of the second unit, said step comprising having said intermediate portions of the first and second units cross each other at said through openings.

[0102] 63. Aspect according to aspect 62, in which the step of chaining the intermediate portion of the first unit with the intermediate portion of the second unit includes staggering the through openings of the first unit with respect to the through openings of the second unit.

[0103] 64. Aspect according to aspect 62 or 63, in which the step of chaining the intermediate portion of the first unit with the intermediate portion of the second unit comprises:

[0104] - inserting a head and / or a stem of a bonding element of the second unit between flaps forming said at least one notch of said engagement portion of the first unit, - optionally, inserting a head and / or a stem of a constraining element of the first unit between flaps forming at least a notch of an engagement portion of the second unit.

[0105] 65. Aspect according to aspect 64, wherein the step of inserting a head and / or a stem of a constraining element of the second unit between said flaps forming said at least one notch of said engagement portion of the first unit comprises spacing said flaps.

[0106] 66. Aspect according to aspect 64 or 65, wherein the step of inserting a head and / or stem of a constraining element of the first unit between flaps forming at least a notch of an engagement portion of the second unit comprises spacing said flaps.

[0107] 67. Aspect according to aspect 64 or 65 or 66, wherein the step of inserting a head and / or a stem of a constraining element of the second unit between flaps forming said at least one notch of said engagement portion of the first unit comprises arranging a constraining element of the second unit straddling the respective through opening of the first unit.

[0108] 68. Aspect according to aspect 64 or 65 or 66 or 67, wherein the step of inserting a head and / or a stem of a constraining element of the first unit between flaps forming at least a notch of an engagement portion of the second unit comprises arranging a constraining element of the first unit across the respective through opening of the second unit.

[0109] 69. Aspect according to any one of aspects 62 to 68, wherein the process comprises the step of orienting the engagement portions and the intermediate portions in such a way that the intermediate portions form a crossed structure or substantially "X-shaped" structure arranged between the engagement portions.

[0110] 70. Aspect according to aspect 69, in which the step of orienting the engagement portions and intermediate portions includes folding the intermediate portions.

[0111] 71. Aspect according to any one of aspects 62 to 70, wherein the step of providing a first unit and a second unit comprises providing at least one sheet or at least one piece of planar conformation material and further comprises:

[0112] - making said through openings at at least one sheet or section, and / or

[0113] - making said at least one notch in said at least one sheet or section.

[0114] 72. Aspect according to any one of aspects 62 to 71 , in which the step of preparing a first unit and a second unit includes:

[0115] - providing at least one piece of material comprising a portion intended to form the first unit and a portion intended to form the second unit,

[0116] - making at least one through opening, preferably a plurality of through openings, in both the portion intended to form the first unit and the portion intended to form the second unit,

[0117] - making at least one notch in both the portion intended to form the first unit and the portion intended to form the second unit.

[0118] 73. Aspect according to aspect 72, wherein the steps of obtaining the at least one through opening and obtaining the at least one notch are performed in such a manner that said at least one notch or each notch is communicating with said at least one through opening or a respective through opening.

[0119] 74. Aspect according to aspect 72 or 73, in which the step of obtaining at least one through opening is achieved by removal of material, e.g. by die-cutting or cutting.

[0120] USE

[0121] 75. Use of a hinge, in accordance with any one of aspects 1 to 54 and / or the claims relating to a hinge and / or made according to the process in accordance with any one of aspects 62 to 74 and / or the process claims, for hinging two elements, such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements, to be rotated relatively.

[0122] 76. Aspect according to aspect 75, in which the hinge, during use, is engaged at both elements.

[0123] 77. Aspect according to aspect 75 or 76, in which the hinge is adhesively engaged to both elements to be rotated relatively.

[0124] METHOD OF SETTING UP A HINGE

[0125] 78. A method of setting up a hinge, the hinge being in accordance with any one of aspects 1 to 54 and / or of the claims relating to a hinge and / or made according to the process in accordance with any one of aspects 62 to 74 and / or of the process claims, the method comprising the step of engaging the engagement portions of the first unit and the second unit to a first and a second element to be made relatively rotatable, each element being for example a panel or a shutter or a hatch or a tubular or the like.

[0126] 79. Aspect According to Aspect 78, the method does not involve engaging the hinge at the flanks of the elements facing each other.

[0127] 80. Aspect according to aspect 78 or 79, wherein the method comprises the step of forming a crossed structure or substantially 'X-shaped' structure arranged between the engagement portions.

[0128] 81 . Aspect according to aspect 78 or 79 or 80, where the method does not involve forming a hinge with a 'double-Z' system.

[0129] 82. Aspect according to aspect 78 or 79 or 80 or 81 , in which the method comprises the steps of:

[0130] - arranging a hinge in accordance with the aspect and / or claim providing that the hinge may assume a loose configuration (aspect 50, claim 13), said step providing for arranging the hinge in a loose configuration,

[0131] - tightening, by means of said at least one handle, the hinge to at least one respective element to be made rotatable, preferably to both.

[0132] 83. Aspect according to aspect 82, in which the hinge comprises a first handle engaged to the first unit and a second handle engaged to the second unit, the step of tightening the hinge comprises tightening the hinge to both elements to be made rotatable by pulling the first and second handles in opposite directions.

[0133] 84. Aspect according to any one of aspects 78 to 82, wherein at least one of the steps of engaging the first and second engagement portions of the first unit to a respective element to be rendered rotatable and engaging the first and second engagement portions of the second unit to a respective element to be rendered rotatable comprises engaging the hinge to at least one respective element to be rendered rotatable, preferably to both, by engagement between said at least one handle and said at least one reversible fixing element.

[0134] 85. Aspect according to aspect 83 or 84, wherein the step of tightening the hinge to both elements to be made rotatable involves engaging the first and second handles to a first and second reversible fixing element respectively, each reversible fixing element being engaged to a respective element to be made rotatable.

[0135] OTHER ASPECTS

[0136] 86. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the hinge is configured to operate and / or is engaged at a plurality of portions of the elements to be rotated.

[0137] 87. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the hinge is adhesive.

[0138] 88. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the hinge is configured to be adhesively engaged to two elements to be hinged in at least four different portions of said elements.

[0139] 89. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where each hinge unit is configured to be adhesively engaged to both elements to be hinged.

[0140] 90. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the first and second units are essentially identical.

[0141] 91. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, where the first and second units correspond to each other.

[0142] 92. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the first and second units are engaged symmetrically to the elements to be hinged.

[0143] 93. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, where the hinge has only two units.

[0144] 94. Aspect according to any of the previous aspects, in which the hinge is made of flexible material, preferably entirely of flexible material.

[0145] 95. Aspect according to any of the above aspects, in which the first and / or second units are made of flexible material, preferably entirely of flexible material.

[0146] Conventions and Definitions

[0147] Note that in the following detailed description corresponding parts / components / elements are indicated with the same numerical references. The figures may illustrate the subject matter of the invention by means of representations that are not to scale; therefore, parts / components / elements illustrated in the accompanying figures and relating to the subject matter of the invention may relate only to schematic representations.

[0148] In the context of the present discussion, the use of terms such as "above", "superiorly", "over", "below", "inferiorly", "sideways", "laterally", "internal", "internally", "external", "externally", "horizontal", "horizontally", “vertical”, "vertically", "frontal", "frontally", "rear", "rearwards", "right", "left", similar terms and variations thereof refer, unless otherwise specifically indicated, to at least one spatial orientation that the object of the invention may assume under conditions of use (see, for example, one or more of the appended figures).

[0149] Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the terms "condition" or "configuration" may be used interchangeably in the context of this discussion. The expression "said at least one" is interchangeable with "each". The expression "each" and the like does not necessarily imply that there is more than one plurality of elements to which it refers; e.g. "each element / component" may refer to a single element / component or to a plurality of elements / components, depending on the context in which it is used and the embodiment to which it refers.

[0150] - ‘double-leaf hinge' means a hinge configured to rotate relatively two elements to which the hinge is engaged (or to which it is configured to be engaged) by an angle of up to 360°;

[0151] - units or portions 'chained together', or similar terms, means that these units or portions are engaged to each other to form a stable 'chain-like' connection;

[0152] - to 'chain together' portions or units means to reciprocally engage such portions or units in such a way as to form a stable 'chain-like' connection; in the 'chain-like' connection of the hinge units, engagement portions (links of the chain) and hollow portions (through openings defined by the engagement portions, i.e. the chain links) can be identified, functionally and / or structurally, which define this connection; - the intermediate portions of the first and second units present a crossed or substantially 'X-shaped' structure; this conformation is in accordance with a lateral view (see, for example, Figures 5A and 6C and 9C),

[0153] - the through openings pass through the thickness of the portion of the unit or hinge in which they are defined;

[0154] - “adhesive hinge" means a hinge configured to be adhesively engaged to at least one element, preferably both elements, to be rotated. The adhesive hinge may be equipped with an adhesive system already provided at the production stage (preferred embodiment) or it may be adhesively bonded, i.e. made adhesive, after its production, e.g. prior to its use;

[0155] - an "element" to which the hinge may be engaged means a fixture, a shutter, a hatch, a panel, a tubular or the like, or a portion thereof (this list is obviously illustrative and not exhaustive); in this text, such elements are also referred to as "hinged elements" or "elements to be hinged" or similar expressions. Preferably, the elements to be hinged by means of the hinge are of the lightweight type, whereby a lightweight element (in particular panel) is understood to mean an element (or panel) whose weight is of the order of magnitude of a few kilograms or less than ten kilograms; this mass, and thus the corresponding weight, may be understood as mass / weight per linear metre of length of the hinge (unit mass / weight per unit length);

[0156] - “adhesive" means "configured to adhere" (e.g. by means of an adherent or adhesive substance or by similar means); similar reasoning is applicable, mutatis mutandis, to terms such as "adhesively", "make adhesive" and the like; in Figures 5, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B and 6C, which are described below, the different textures used for the first and second hinge units are intended to graphically differentiate these units in order to better illustrate the mutual interpenetration that determines their chaining and is therefore not indicative, per se, of the use of different materials for the first and second units; it is therefore understood that the first and second units may be in the same material (preferred solution) or in different materials. The aforesaid conventions and definitions may be used, where necessary, to interpret the claims. If necessary, one or more of said conventions and definitions may be included in one or more of the following claims and / or in one or more of the preceding aspects, in particular when said claims and / or aspects use one or more expressions covered by one or more conventions or definitions.

[0157] Brief description of the drawings

[0158] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, some of its embodiments are described below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a unit of a double-leaf hinge according to an embodiment of the invention; this unit has through openings but no notches, which may be absent or made at a later stage;

[0159] Figure 2 illustrates a blank comprising a first and second unit intended to form a double leaf hinge according to an embodiment of the invention; the first and second units are engaged at a shared longitudinal edge and have a respective plurality of notches and through-openings;

[0160] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate successive steps in a process of making a double leaf hinge according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein: Figure 3 shows the first and second units of Figure 2 after being separated (along the shared longitudinal edge) and chained together, and Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a hinge according to an embodiment of the invention, where the intermediate portions have been oriented or bent to achieve the illustrated operational configuration;

[0161] Figure 5A shows a perspective side view of the hinge in Figure 5. Note how the intermediate portions form an essentially 'X-shaped' conformation, due to the orientation of their operative segments;

[0162] Figure 5B is a top view of the hinge in Figure 5A;

[0163] Figure 6A illustrates an assembly with a double leaf hinge engaged with two panels to be rotated, where both the assembly and the hinge are in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The panels are shown in a "closed" configuration, wherein they are closed "as a book";

[0164] Figure 6B illustrates a step of rotation of the panels of Figure 6A; the relative rotation between the panels occurs thanks to the hinge in accordance with the invention and allows the panels to "open";

[0165] Figure 6C illustrates, from a side view, a rotation step following the configuration illustrated in figure 6B; in the assembly configuration illustrated in figure 6C, the panels are aligned along one direction of development and the intermediate portions of the first and second units form a substantially 'X-shaped' conformation (as already illustrated in figure 5A);

[0166] Figure 6D shows a front view of a variant of a double leaf hinge according to the invention and of the relative assembly comprising two panels hinged by said hinge; the variant envisages that the lateral edges of the through openings of the hinge units terminate at and are aligned with the edges delimiting the flanks of the panel (whereas in Figures 6A and 6B said lateral edges of the through openings are positioned on the main faces of the panels and are therefore spaced from the edges delimiting the flanks of the panels);

[0167] Figure 6E shows the rear view of the variant of figure 6D, where the notches communicating with the through openings of the first and second hinge units of figure 6D are illustrated;

[0168] Figures 7A-7F show variants of how at least one or both units of the hinge can be realised in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention,

[0169] Figures 8A-8D show variants of how at least one or both units of the hinge can be realised in accordance with further possible embodiments of the invention. In particular, in such variants, the through openings have a partially curved profile;

[0170] Figures 9A-9C show an embodiment of a double-leaf hinge and its assembly, which in said figures comprises two panels with curvilinear flanks. In greater detail, both the first and second units of such a hinge have a respective handle configured to tighten the hinge on the panels, and Figures 9A-9C show steps of a method of setting up a hinge that involves tightening the hinge, starting from a loose configuration (Figure 9A) passing through an intermediate configuration in which the handles are pulled to tighten the hinge (figure 9B), ending with the operative configuration in which the hinge is tightened and adhered to the panels (figure 9C, where the intermediate portions of the first and second units form a crossed or substantially 'X-shaped' structure).

[0171] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0172] Double leaf hinge

[0173] A double leaf hinge according to the invention is indicated as a whole in the figures by the numerical reference 1 . The hinge 1 is configured to allow rotation, by an angular excursion a of up to 360°, of elements 21 , 21 ' to which it is configured to be hinged. Examples of such elements 21 , 21 ' hinged by means of the hinge 1 are: panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotational movement. The hinge 1 comprises at least a first unit 2 and a second unit 3 engaged with each other. The first unit 2 allows relative clockwise rotation of the elements to which, in use, it is engaged and the second unit 3 allows relative anticlockwise rotation of the elements 21 , 21 ' to which, in use, it is engaged. The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 may be in one piece or may be formed by a plurality of separate portions and assembled together; embodiments in which one of the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are in one piece and the other unit 2, 3 is formed by separate portions and assembled together are not excluded. The attached figures show a first and a second unit 2, 3 that are monolithic.

[0174] Preferably, as illustrated in the attached figures, the first and second units 2, 3 are substantially identical. In other words, the first and second units 2, 3 have a symmetrical outline (or shape or design), in particular perfectly symmetrical; in essence, with a single outline or die, both units 2, 3 can be produced. This leads to advantages in terms of the production process as having the same outline or die for both units 2, 3 optimizes and simplifies workflows; this advantage can be seen with respect to hinges and production processes that use two or more outlines or dies to produce two or more different hinge units. In addition, the resulting hinge 1 with identical hinge units 2, 3 has a better hold and stress distribution and is more aesthetically pleasing.

[0175] Each of the first and second engagement portions 2, 3 has a first engagement portion 2a, 3a, a second engagement portion 2b, 3b and an intermediate engagement portion 2c, 3c developing between the first engagement portion 2a, 3a and the second engagement portion 2b, 3b. The first and second engagement portions 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b are configured to allow engagement of the hinge 1 to a first element 21 and a second element 21 ' to be rotated relatively. The first 2a, 3a and second engagement portions 2b, 3b are opposed with reference to the lateral development of the respective unit 2, 3.

[0176] The intermediate portion 2c, 3c of each of the units 2, 3 comprises strips 4, 5 that run transversally to the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b; the strips 4, 5 connect the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b to each other and allow for structural union between them. The strips 4, 5 are intended to surmount portions, in particular flanks, of the elements 21 , 21 ' to which the hinge 1 is engaged.

[0177] As illustrated in Figure 5, which shows an operational configuration of the hinge 1 (without illustrating hinge elements that would have covered portions of the hinge), each strip 4, 5 has an operative segment 4a, 5a. The operative segment 4a of the first unit 2 is transverse to the first 2a and second 2b engagement portions of the first unit 2 and the operative segment 5a of the second unit 3 is transverse to the first 3a and second 3b engagement portions of the second unit 3. As illustrated, the intermediate portions 2c, 3c form a crossed or substantially "X-shaped" structure arranged between the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b. The crossed or substantially "X-shaped" structure of the intermediate portions 2c, 3c is defined by the intersecting or criss-crossing operative segments 4a, 5a of the first unit 2 and the second unit 3.

[0178] Each of the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 has at least one through opening 6, 7 having a closed or almost closed profile. In the attached figures, units 2, 3 are shown each having a plurality of through openings 6, 7 aligned along a main longitudinal direction of development D2, D3 of the respective unit 2, 3 on which they are defined; note how the main longitudinal direction of development D2, D3 is orthogonal to the lateral development of the respective unit 2, 3. As illustrated in the attached figures, the through openings 6, 7 are defined between the strips 4, 5 of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c. With regard to the shape of the through-openings 6, 7, it should be noted that in the attached figures 1 to 7F and 9A-9C, through-openings having a rectangular profile are shown; in other variants, the profile of the through- openings 6, 7 may be polygonal, but not rectangular. In the variant shown in Figures 8A to 8D, through- openings 6, 7 having an at least partially curvilinear profile are shown; in particular, the profile of such through-openings 6, 7 has opposing ends which define a circumferential arc, delimit the through-openings 6, 7 laterally and are separated by a pair of parallel lines delimiting the through-openings 6, 7 superiorly and inferiorly. In possible embodiments, the same unit 2, 3 may have either one or more through openings 6, 7 with a polygonal or rectangular profile or one or more through openings 6, 7 with an at least partially curvilinear profile.

[0179] Providing at least one through opening or a plurality of through openings 6, 7 in correspondence with both the first and the second units 2, 3 allows to realise the hinge 1 by saving material, which can then be used for other purposes. Furthermore, obtaining at least one through opening or a plurality of through openings 6, 7 in correspondence with both the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 makes it possible to engage, in correspondence precisely with said through openings 6, 7, portions of the other unit 2, 3 in order to chain the first and the second units 2, 3, thereby structurally realising the hinge 1 in accordance with the invention.

[0180] Furthermore, at least the engagement portion 2b of the first unit 2 has at least one notch 8 communicating with said at least one through opening 6, 7 of the first unit. The closed profile of the through opening 6, 7, communicating with said notch 8, can be seen as an almost closed profile since the notch 8 is defined by facing flaps which can be moved relatively, defining a space between them, when assembling the first and second units 2, 3 to make the hinge 1 . The fact that the at least the at least the engagement portion 2b of the first unit 2 has at least one notch 8 allows the chaining of the first and second units 2, 3. Preferably, both the engagement portion 2b of the first unit 2 and the engagement portion 3b of the second unit 3 have at least one respective notch 8, 9 communicating with a respective through opening 6, 7.

[0181] In the appended figures, hinges 1 are shown in which each unit 2, 3 has a plurality of notches 8, 9, each of which is communicating with a respective through opening 6, 7 of the same unit 2, 3 on which the notch 8, 9 is realised. As illustrated in the attached figures, the notches 8, 9 are preferably adjacent to the respective through-openings 6, 7. The through openings 6, 7 are defined at the intermediate portion 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3 and are aligned along it.

[0182] As illustrated in Figures 5, 5A and 6E, all of the notches 8, 9 are preferably defined at the same portion of the hinge 1 , for example at the same front portion or at the same rear portion; embodiments in which one or more notches 8, 9 are defined at the same portion of the hinge and one or more notches 8, 9 are defined at the opposite portion of the hinge 1 are not excluded. The notches 8 of the first unit 2 and the notches 9 of the second unit 3 are preferably offset from each other; in this regard, see Figure 6E.

[0183] In essence, as illustrated in the attached figures, the intermediate portion 2c of the first unit 2 is chained to the intermediate portion 3c of the second unit 3; the intermediate portions 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3 thus cross each other at the respective through openings 6, 7.

[0184] The first and second units 2, 3 are chained with each other such that the through openings 6 of the first unit 2 are offset from the through openings 7 of the second unit 3. Staggering the through openings 6, 7 allows the first and second units 2, 3 to intersect each other since each through opening 6, 7 of one unit 2, 3 is facing, and intersected by, a portion of the other unit 2, 3. This intersection between the first and second units 2, 3 at the through openings 6, 7 allows for the chaining of the first and second units 6, 7. Intersection and chaining between first and second units 2, 3 are related concepts; in fact, the chaining provides that the intermediate portions 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3 cross each other at the respective through openings 6, 7. As illustrated in the attached figures, the first and second engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b of the first and second units 2, 3 are preferably lateral end portions of the first and second units 2, 3 and, in the operational configuration and thus in use, are defined in different planes, preferably in planes parallel to each other (see Figures 5 and 5A, which illustrate the operational configuration).

[0185] The first and second engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b of the first and second units 2, 3 define, in cooperation with the respective through openings 6, 7, constraining elements 10, 11 of the hinge 1 configured to prevent disengagement between the first unit 2 and the second unit 3. The first unit 2 therefore has constraining elements 10 and the second unit 3 has constraining elements 11 . As detailed below, the constraining elements 10, 1 1 prevent, preferably by interference, disengagement between the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 after the units 2, 3 have been chained with each other. For this purpose, each constraining element 10, 11 has a conformation having:

[0186] - a stern 12 having an attachment portion 12a, and

[0187] - a head 13 that is transverse to the stem 12 and opposed to the attachment portion 12a, the head 13 having a size greater than the stem 12 and greater than a dimension, such as a width, of a respective through opening 6, 7 which it is associated to.

[0188] The attachment portion 12a connects or attaches the constraining element 10, 11 to the engagement portion 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b opposed thereto. The head 13 of each constraining element 10,1 1 is defined at a lateral end of the unit 2, 3, in particular it is part of the respective engagement portion 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b displaced therein (see figure 5).

[0189] Providing that the head 13 has a dimension, such as a width, which is greater than the stem 12 and a respective through opening 6, 7 with which the constraining element 10, 1 1 is associated allows the stem 12 to cross, during assembly and chaining of the first and second units 2, 3 (thus before the installation of the hinge 1 ), the respective through opening 6, 7 and allows the head 13, once it has passed the respective through opening 6, 7, not to turn back and not to pass through the respective through opening 6, 7 again, thus preventing the disengagement of the first and second units 2, 3.

[0190] In chained configuration of the first and second units 2, 3, the arrangement is therefore as follows:

[0191] - the stem 12 of each constraining element 10 of the first unit 2 passes through a respective through opening 7 of the second unit 3, and the head 13 and the attachment portion 12a of each constraining element 10 of the first unit 2 are opposed to the respective through opening 7 of the second unit 3, and

[0192] - the stem 12 of each constraining element 1 1 of the second unit 3 passes through a respective through opening 6 of the first unit 2, and the head 13 and the attachment portion 12a of each constraining element 1 1 of the second unit 3 are opposed to the respective through opening 6 of the first unit 2.

[0193] Preferably, as illustrated in the appended Figures, each constraining element 10, 11 may present a substantially "T" conformation, wherein the stem 12 constitutes the long segment of the "T", the head 13 constitutes the short segment of the "T", which is orthogonal to the long segment, and the attachment portion 12a is represented by the final segment of the stem 12 opposed to the short segment of the 'T'. In accordance with other embodiments, one or more or each of the constraining elements 10, 1 1 may have a different conformation from the "T" but still defining interference with the associated through opening 6, 7. In essence, the head 13 of each constraining element 10, 1 1 defines a constraint end of the respective unit 2, 3 which the constraining element 10, 1 1 is a part of. The hinge 1 also has engagement elements 14 which allow it to be engaged to the elements 21 , 21' to be hinged. Preferably, the engagement elements 14 are of an adhesive type and may be arranged at inner surfaces of the engagement portions; the inner surfaces of the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b are surfaces defining an inner space 15, 16 (see Figures 5 and 5A) wherein the elements 21 , 21 ' are configured to be engaged. With reference to figure 5A, IT should be indicated that the interior space 15 is intended to engage a first panel 21 and is formed between the first engagement portion 2a of the first unit 2 and the second engagement portion 3b of the second unit 3 and the interior space 16 is intended to engage a second panel 21 ' and is formed between the first engagement portion 3a of the second unit 3 and the second engagement portion 2b of the first unit 2. In some embodiments, the one or more engagement elements 14 may be of a different type, for example of the tear-off type, or comprise one or more seams, etc. Preferably, the engagement elements 14 are continuous adhesive strips. In the embodiment in which the hinge 1 comprises only two units 2, 3 the engagement elements 14 are only four (preferably four continuous adhesive strips), i.e. two engagement elements 14 (preferably two continuous adhesive strips) for each unit 2, 3.

[0194] One of the peculiarities of the hinge 1 according to the invention, which is a difference from the hinge of W02022149009A1 , is that the engagement elements are not defined at the intermediate portion 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3.

[0195] For this purpose, the strips 4, 5 of the intermediate portions 2c, 3c have a length L4, L5 (see figure 2) equal to or greater than a thickness S21 , S21 ' (see figure 6A) of a flank of an element 21 , 21 ' which they are intended to surmount in conditions of use of the hinge 1 , so as to distance the engagement portion 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b to which these strips are engaged from the flank of the element 21 , 21 '. The length of the through openings 6, 7, which corresponds to the length L4, L5 of the respective strips 4, 5 between which they are defined, is therefore also equal to or greater than the thickness of the flanks of the elements 21 , 21 '.

[0196] The engagement of hinge 1 to the panels 21 , 21 ' does not occur at the flanks of panels 21 , 21 this can be seen from figure 6C, whose hinge 1 has the structure shown in figure 5A. This is a significant difference from the hinge of W02022149009A1 , which engages to the elements to be rotated at the flanks of the elements. In fact, the engagement of the hinge 1 according to the invention to the elements to be rotated takes place exclusively at the main surfaces 21 a, 21 a', 21 b, 21 b' (front surfaces 21 a, 21 a' rear surfaces 21 b, 21 b') of said elements 21 , 21 ' and not at the flanks as is the case with the hinge of W02022149009A1 . The fact that the hinge 1 can only be engaged at the main surfaces 21 a, 21 a', 21 b, 21b' of the elements 21 , 21 ' allows it to be more resistant to tearing than hinge 1 engaged at the flanks.

[0197] The through-openings 6, 7 have side edges delimiting them laterally. With reference to the enclosed Figures 6A and 6B, it should be noted that the through-openings 6, 7 of the hinge 1 have a length greater than a width of the respective flanks of the panels 21 , 21 ' to which the hinge 1 is engaged; in fact, the lateral edges of the through-openings 6, 7 are positioned on the main faces 21 a, 21 a', 21 b, 21 b' of the panels 21 , 21' illustrated therein and are therefore spaced from the edges delimiting the flanks of the panels 21 , 21 '.

[0198] Figures 6D and 6E, on the other hand, illustrate a variant of the embodiment of Figures 6A and 6B. The variant envisages that the lateral edges of the through openings 6, 7 of the hinge units terminate at and are aligned with the edges delimiting the sides of the panels 21 , 21 ’; in such a variant, the length L4, L5 of the strips 4, 5 is substantially equal to or comparable with the thickness of the sides of the panels 21 , 21 '. Figure 6E further shows that the notches 8, 9 of the first and second units 2, 3 are defined by the same part of the hinge 1 and of the panels 21 , 21 ', in particular at a rear surface thereof 21 b, 21 b' so as to be hidden from view; for some applications, this may be an advantage from an aesthetic point of view.

[0199] Figures 7A-7F show possible variants of a hinge unit, where:

[0200] Figure 7A shows a one-piece unit 2, 3, which differs from unit 2, 3 in figure 1 in the conformation of the upper and lower ends,

[0201] - Figure 7B shows a unit 2, 3 in which the engagement portions 2a, 3a are defined by a respective elongated strip of material and the strips 4, 5 joining them, which are part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c and define the through openings 6, 7 between them, are defined by a respective plurality of strips (or strips having a shorter length than the elongated strips),

[0202] - Figure 7C shows a unit 2, 3 in which the first engagement portion 2a, 3a is formed as a single piece with the plurality of strips 4, 5 of the intermediate engagement portion 2c, 3c, while the second engagement portion 2b, 3b is defined by an elongated strip of material, formed from a separate piece and assembled with respect to said single piece, having a length greater than the length of the first engagement portion 2a, 3a,

[0203] - Figure 7D shows a unit 2, 3 formed by a plurality of pieces 17, 17' having the shape of an elongated head "T", wherein precisely the head 17a of the "T" is longer than the stem 17b of the "T", wherein each piece having the shape of an elongated head "T" forms a part of an engagement portion 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c; from top to bottom, a piece 17 forming a part of the first engagement portion 2a, 3a and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c, a piece 17' forming a part of the second engagement portion 2b, 3b and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c, a piece 17 forming a part of the first engagement portion 2a, 3a and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c, a piece 17' forming a part of the second engagement portion 2b, 3b and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c, a piece 17' forming a part of the first engagement portion 2a, 3a and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c and a piece 17' forming a part of the second engagement portion 2b, 3b and a part of the intermediate portion 2c, 3c,

[0204] - Figure 7E shows a unit 2, 3 consisting of a plurality of pieces 18 in the shape of an 'S',

[0205] - Figure 7F shows a unit 2, 3 made up of a plurality of pieces 19 shaped essentially like a ’ U’ , where the ’U’ has a width greater than its length.

[0206] In Figures 7D, 7E and 7F, the respective pieces 17, 18, 19 forming the unit 2, 3 of hinge 1 are six; however, the provision for one or both units of six pieces or another specific number of pieces is in no way limiting. In fact, more generally, in the case where one or both units are formed by a plurality of pieces, the number of pieces is a function of the respective dimensions and of the absolute dimensions of the hinge 1 , which are typically a function of the dimensions of the elements 21 , 21 ' to be hinged, including the thickness of the flanks which determines the minimum length L4, L5 of the strips 4, 5.

[0207] Turning now to Figures 8A-8D, it should be indicated how they illustrate variants of units 2, 3 of a hinge 1 according to the invention. According to these variants, the through openings 6, 7 have curvilinear through openings, the lateral ends of which are defined by an arc of circumference, and edges or lateral portions conformed in a certain manner, as detailed below:

[0208] - In Figure 8A, the lateral edges of the engagement portions 2a, 3a are straight,

[0209] - In Figure 8B, the lateral edges of the engagement portions 2a, 3a show a plurality of protuberances 20 in the shape of an arc of a circumference alternating with straight portions,

[0210] - in figure 8C the lateral edges of the engagement portions 2a, 3a are straight and connect with the upper and lower edges of the unit at curved corner portions; in figure 8C at the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b are defined as through openings 22,

[0211] - In Figure 8D, the lateral end portions of the unit are irregular (jagged) and have a plurality of protrusions 23 which allow the hinge to be given a desired shape, for technical and / or aesthetic reasons. The protrusions 23 may or may not follow a particular pattern.

[0212] Clearly, Figures 8A-8D illustrate only possible conformations among the substantially infinite conformations of the side portions of the units 2, 3 forming the hinge 1 . Furthermore, in accordance with further variants, one or both of the units 2, 3 may have side portions of the type illustrated (or of another type) irrespective of the through openings 6, 7 having an at least partially curved profile and vice versa.

[0213] The hinge 1 in accordance with the invention may comprise at least one handle 24, 25 associated with at least one of the first unit 2 and the second unit 3, the handle 24, 25 being configured to tighten the hinge 1 on at least one element 21 , 2T to be hinged, preferably on both elements 21 , 21 ' to be hinged. The hinge 1 may further comprise at least one fixing element 26, 27 configured to engage and secure at least one handle 24, 25.

[0214] In greater detail, the hinge 1 may have two handles 24, 25; in this regard, see Figures 9A-9C, which illustrate a hinge 1 having a first and a second handle 24, 25 and a first and a second fixing element 26, 27 each of which is configured to engage and secure the respective handle 24, 25. These fixing elements may be arranged on a surface of the handle that, in use, faces an element 21 , 21 ’ to which the handle 24, 25 is to be fastened. In further detail, in accordance with this embodiment:

[0215] - the hinge 1 comprises a first and a second handle 24, 25, each handle 24, 25 being configured to clamp the hinge 1 on at least one element 21 , 21 ’ to be hinged, preferably on both elements 21 , 21 ',

[0216] - the first unit 2 is associated with the first handle 24 and the second unit 3 is associated with the second handle 25,

[0217] - the hinge 1 comprises at least one pair of reversible fixing elements 26, 27 each of which is configured to bind a respective handle 24, 25 to a respective element 21 , 21 ' when the hinge 1 is in an operating configuration in which it is hinged to the elements 21 , 21 '.

[0218] The hinge 1 in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 9A-9C is configured to assume at least:

[0219] - a loose configuration (Figure 9A),

[0220] - a tightened operative configuration (figure 9C) in which the handles 24, 25 are engaged by their respective reversible fixing elements 26, 27 to a corresponding fixing element 28, 29 (see the following description of the assembly 100), which is in turn engaged to the element 21 , 21 ' to be hinged and tightens the hinge 1 on the elements 21 , 21 '.

[0221] The reversible fixing elements 26, 27 enable the reversible engagement and disengagement of hinge 1 to the elements 21 , 21 ' to be rotated; they can be either tear-off fasteners (see Figures 9A-9C) or interference or hook fasteners, etc.

[0222] This hinge 1 may assume a loose configuration because the intermediate portions 2c, 3c (and the through openings 6, 7) of the first and second units 2, 3 have a length that is greater than a thickness of the flanks of the elements 21 , 21 ', in particular of the panels, to which the hinge 1 may be engaged. The length of the intermediate portions 2c, 3c is a function of the need to distance, more or less, the elements 21 , 21 '.

[0223] The hinge 1 in accordance with the embodiment described herein provides that it can be engaged, from a side that is opposite to the side of the elements 21 , 21 ' to be hinged on which the reversible fixing elements 28, 29 are arranged, in some other manner, for example adhesively. For example, figure 9C shows reversible fixing elements 28, 29 arranged on the upper surfaces 21 a, 21 a' of the elements 21 , 21 ' and the hinge 1 is engaged adhesively at the lower surfaces 21 b' of the elements 21 , 21 This embodiment is also described hereinbelow with reference to the method of setting up the hinge 1 , which describes the steps of engaging the hinge 1 on the elements 21 , 21 ' to be hinged.

[0224] With regard to the possible materials of the hinge 1 , it should be noted that it is preferably made of a flexible material, so as to allow chaining between the intermediate portions 2c, 3c and to be able to adapt to the elements 21 , 21 '. In particular, the hinge 1 can be made entirely of paper or plastic or polymeric material (e.g. rubber) or of other materials, such as leather, fabric, etc. Preferably, the first and second units 2, 3 are in the same material; however, embodiments in which the first and second units 2, 3 are in different materials are not excluded. Furthermore, embodiments in which the first unit 2 and / or the second unit 3 are made of more than one material are not excluded. Furthermore, each unit 2, 3 may be layered, i.e. comprise several layers. The engagement elements 14 may be selected according to the material(s) of the hinge 1 ; thus, the hinge 1 may have the engagement elements 14 of a type most suitable for the material(s) of the first and second units 2, 3.

[0225] Use

[0226] The invention further relates to a use of hinge 1 of the type previously described for hinging two elements 21 , 21' to be rotated relatively. In use, the hinge 1 is engaged to both elements 21 , 21' to be rotated relatively.

[0227] Preferably, the engagement to at least one or both elements 21 , 2T is of the adhesive type. Additionally or alternatively, the hinge is engaged to at least one element, or both, by means of one or more handles 24, 25 and one or more respective and / or corresponding reversible fixing elements 26, 27, 28, 29.

[0228] Assembly

[0229] The invention also relates to an assembly 100 comprising:

[0230] - a first and second element 21 , 21 ', such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotary movement,

[0231] - a hinge 1 of the type described above.

[0232] The first and second elements 21 , 21 ' are hinged to each other via hinge 1 and, thanks to this, are configured to rotate by an angle a of up to 360°.

[0233] As illustrated in Figures 9A-9C, the assembly 100 may further comprise at least one reversible fixing element 28, 29 configured to engage to a corresponding fixing element 26, 27 of the handle 24, 25. As illustrated in Figures 9A-9C, preferably the assembly 100 comprises a first and a second reversible fixing element 28, 29 configured to be respectively engaged to the first and second fixing elements 26, 27 of the handles 24, 25. The first and second fixing elements 28, 29 are preferably engaged at the upper surface 21 a, 21 a' or the lower surface 21 b, 21 b' of the panels 21 , 21 '. Such fixing elements 28, 29 may be of the tear-off type (as illustrated in Figures 9A-9C) or of another type, for example interference or hook type, etc.

[0234] The assembly 100 does not provide for engaging the hinge 1 at the elements 21 , 21 ' at the mutually facing flanks of the elements 21 , 21 '. For this purpose, the hinge 1 has strips 4, 5 whose length L4, L5 is at least equal to or greater than the thickness of the mutually facing flanks of the elements 21 , 21 '. Thus, in embodiments in which the first and second elements 21 , 21 ' have a respective flank and in the use configuration of Hinge 1 these flanks face each other, despite the fact that the intermediate portions of the first and second units 2, 3 develop at least partially between the flanks, Hinge 1 is not engaged to the rotatable elements 21 , 21 ' at their flanks facing each other.

[0235] In essence, in embodiments in which each element 21 , 21 ' has a respective first surface (e.g., a front surface 21 a, 21 a’) and a respective second surface (e.g., a rear surface 21 b, 21 b’) opposite the first surface and between which the respective flank is interposed and each flank is transverse to the respective first surface and the respective second surface, the flank is not completely covered by the intermediate portions and therefore has uncovered portions 21 c, 21c’. As illustrated in Figure 6A and Figure 9C, the uncovered portions 21 c, 21c' of the flanks correspond to, i.e. are defined at the through openings 6, 7 of the units 2, 3.

[0236] As illustrated in Figures 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C and 9A-9C, the elements hinged by means of hinge 1 in accordance with the invention may preferably be panels on whose main front surfaces 21 a, 21 a' or rear surfaces 21 b, 21 b' (not on the flanks) the engagement portions of the units are engaged, leaving unengaged portions 21 c, 21 c' of the flanks.

[0237] In use, the first and second units 2, 3 may be engaged to the elements to be hinged 21 , 21 ' symmetrically to each other (see, for example, Figures 6A to 6E, wherein the lateral ends of the hinge 1 are equally spaced with respect to the flanks of the elements) or asymmetrically to each other. The asymmetry is due to the fact that the strips 4, 5 can be made to "slide" (when engaging the hinge to the elements) within the respective through openings 7, 6 of the other unit 3, 2 at which they are engaged. For example, at least one of the first and second units 2, 3 may be slid to one side (with respect to a symmetrical configuration of the hinge 1 with respect to the elements 21 , 21 '), for example to the left or to the right, thereby making the hinge 1 asymmetrical with respect to the elements 21 , 21 ' and thus making the assembly 100 asymmetrical. The symmetry or asymmetry of the hinge 1 and / or the assembly 100 can be realised by tightening the hinge by means of the handles 24, 25; for example, the asymmetry can be realised by pulling one handle 24 in a different way with respect to the other handle 25.

[0238] Process for making a double leaf hinge

[0239] The present invention also relates to a process for producing the above-described double leaf hinge 1.

[0240] The process includes the following steps:

[0241] - prepare a first unit 2 and a second unit 3 of the type described above,

[0242] - chain the intermediate portion 2c of the first unit 2 with the intermediate portion 3c of the second unit 3.

[0243] The step of chaining the intermediate portion 2c of the first unit 2 with the intermediate portion 3c of the second unit 3 is realised by staggering the through openings 6 of the first unit 2 and the through openings 7 of the second unit 3.

[0244] The chaining step is realised by making the intermediate portions 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3 cross each other at the through openings 6, 7.

[0245] Furthermore, the step of chaining the intermediate portions 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3 includes:

[0246] - inserting the head 13 and stem 12 of a constraining element 11 of the second unit 3 between flaps forming at least a notch 8 of at least one engagement portion 2a, 2b of the first unit 1 ,

[0247] - inserting the head 13 and stem 12 of a constraining element 10 of the first unit 2 between flaps forming the at least one notch 9 of the at least one engagement portion 3a, 3b of the second unit 3.

[0248] Each step of inserting the head 13 and the stem 12 of a constraining element 10, 11 between the flaps may involve spacing the flaps.

[0249] The step of inserting the head 13 and the stem 12 of a constraining element 11 of the second unit 3 between flaps forming a respective notch 8 is carried out by arranging the stem 12 of each constraining element 11 of the second unit 2 straddling the respective through opening 6 of the first unit 2, preferably in such a way that the head 13 and the attachment portion 12a of each constraining element 11 are opposed to the respective through opening 6.

[0250] The step of inserting the head 13 and the stem 12 of a constraining element 10 of the first unit 2 between flaps forming a respective notch 9 is carried out by arranging the stem 12 of each constraining element 10 of the first unit 3 straddling the respective through opening 7 of the second unit 3, preferably in such a way that the head 13 and the attachment portion 12a of each constraining element 10 are opposite the respective through opening 7.

[0251] The process may further comprise the step of orienting, for example by bending, the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b and / or the intermediate portions 2c, 3c in such a way that the intermediate portions form a substantially "X-shaped" conformation arranged between the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b. In some embodiments such as those of Figures 9A-9C, the orientation of such portions is performed by tensioning and tightening the intermediate portions 2c, 3c by means of the handles 24, 25 starting from a loose starting configuration, in which the intermediate portions 2c, 3c of the first and second units 2, 3 are neither bent nor oriented (see Figure 9A) as they will be after tightening the hinge on the panels (see Figure 9C).

[0252] The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 can be realised by preparing at least one sheet or at least one piece of material with a planar conformation and by making by removal of material the through openings 6, 7 and the slots 8, 9 at the sheet or the piece. Such operations may be carried out by die-cutting or cutting. As described above, a single outline or die cut can be provided to make both units 2, 3; this has the advantages described above. Each notch 8, 9 is made in such a way that it communicates with a respective through opening 6, 7.

[0253] As illustrated in figure 2, the first and second units 2, 3 can be provided in one piece, e.g. in one piece of paper, and can therefore share an edge along which they are subsequently separated in order to realise chaining.

[0254] Method of setting up a double leaf hinge

[0255] The present invention also relates to a method of installing a double leaf hinge 1 of the type described above. The method comprises engaging the engagement portions 2a, 2b of the first unit 2 and the engagement portions 3a, 3b of the second unit 3 to a first and second element 21 , 21 ' to be made relatively rotatable.

[0256] The method includes adhesively engaging the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b to the elements 21 , 21 ' and / or by other engagement means, such as the reversible fixing elements 26, 27, 28, 29 described above. The method may comprise sealing (e.g., heat-sealing) or sewing the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b to the elements 21 , 21 '; such a step is particularly suitable when the units 2, 3, or at least the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b, are made of plastic or polymeric material or suitable for sealing or fabric suitable for sewing. The step of sealing or sewing may take place before adhesively engaging the engagement portions 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b; in particular, this step may take place at the heads 13 of the constraining elements 10, 1 1 , so as to make said constraining elements 10, 11 integral with each other. The sealing or sewing reinforces the engagement of the hinge 1 to the elements 21 , 2T to be rotated and, in the case of units 2, 3 having several layers, has the task of joining such layers together.

[0257] The method does not involve engaging the hinge 1 to the elements at the flanks of elements 21 , 21' facing each other.

[0258] With reference to the embodiment of Figures 9A-9C, the method comprises the steps of tightening, by means of at least one handle 24, 25, the hinge 1 to at least one respective element 21 , 21 to be rotatable, preferably to both. In more detail, the method comprises the following steps:

[0259] - engaging at two panels 21 , 2T a hinge 1 having a length L4, L5 of the intermediate portions 2c, 3c (of the strips 4, 5) of the first and second units 2, 3 which is greater than the thickness of the flanks of the panels 21 , 21 '. This engagement can be realised at the lower surfaces 21 b, 21 b' of the elements 21 , 21'; at this stage, the hinge is loose (see figure 9A) and the two panels 21 , 2T are spaced with respect to the reciprocal positioning they assume in the operative configuration illustrated in figure 9C,

[0260] - tightening, by means of handles 24, 25, hinge 1 on panels 21 , 2T to be hinged (see figure 9 B) ; this step involves pulling handles 24, 25 and consequently bringing panels 21 , 21 ' closer to each other than the reciprocal positioning shown in figure 9A,

[0261] - engaging handles 24, 25, by means of fixing elements 26, 27, to corresponding fixing elements 28, 29 arranged at the respective main surfaces of the panels (see figure 9C, where fixing elements 28, 29 are arranged on the upper surfaces 21 a, 21 a' of the panels).

[0262] The step of engaging the hinge 1 to the panels 21 , 2T takes place prior to the tightening of the handles 24, 25 and may be carried out by means of adhesive, or otherwise. The step of engaging the hinge 1 to the panels 21 , 2T may be carried out on the opposite side from the side where the handles 24, 25 are engaged to the respective fixing elements 28, 29. For example, with reference to Figures 9A-9C, the engagement between the two panels 21 , 2T takes place at the engagement portions of the lower arranged units 2, 3 (which are covered by the panels themselves and are engaged at the lower surfaces 21 b, 21 b'), while the engagement of the handles 24, 25 to the fixing elements 28, 29 takes place at the upper surface 21a, 21 a' of the panels, as the fixing elements 28, 29 are arranged at the upper surfaces of the panels. As mentioned above, in accordance with this embodiment, it can be envisaged that it is not necessary to bend the operative segments 4a, 5a of the intermediate portions 4, 5, as they assume the operative configuration due to the operation of tightening the handles 24, 25, by pulling them.

[0263] Further advantages and concluding remarks

[0264] To summarise, the invention provides a hinge 1 that allows 21 , 2T elements to be hinged to rotate relatively easily and efficiently.

[0265] The hinge 1 is advantageously made of lightweight materials, such as paper, and at the same time, thanks to its structural features (through-openings, notches, etc.), in particular those allowing for the chaining of units 2, 3, it is also robust. The hinge 1 is also manufactured according to a material-saving production process compared to the production process of the hinge described in W02022149009A1 .

[0266] The protection conferred by the claims extends to each element, component and / or step of the invention equivalent to the one(s) claimed. It is understood that each element, component and / or step of the product / method according to the invention may be substituted with an equivalent element, component and / or step (hereinafter, "equivalent(s)"); such equivalent(s) may already exist at the filing or priority date of this patent text or may be of subsequent conception / development.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Double leaf hinge (1 ) configured to enable a relative rotation by an angle (a) up to 360° of elements (21 , 21 ’), such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotative movement, the hinge (1 ) comprising at least a first unit (2) and a second unit (3) engaged with each other, wherein:- the first unit (2) enables a relative clockwise rotation of the elements (21 , 21 ’) which is configured to be engaged with, and the second unit (3) enables a relative counterclockwise rotation of the elements (21 , 21 ’) which is configured to be engaged with,- each between the first and second units (2, 3) exhibits a first engagement portion (2a, 3a), a second engagement portion (2b, 3b), and an intermediate portion (2c, 3c) developing between the respective first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b), the first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) being configured to enable the engagement of the hinge (1 ) with a first element (21 ) and a second element (21 ') to be relatively rotated, the hinge (1 ) being characterized by the fact that:- each between the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) exhibits at least one through opening (6, 7), said at least one through opening (6, 7) exhibiting a closed or almost closed outline,- one between said first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2) exhibits at least one notch (8), said at least one notch (8) of the first unit (2) communicating with said at least one through opening (6) of the first unit (2),- the intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) is chained to the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3), said intermediate portions (2c, 3c) of the first and second units (2, 3) reciprocally crossing at said through openings (6, 7).

2. Hinge according to claim 1 , wherein both one between said first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2) and one between said first and second engagement portions (3a, 3b) of the second unit (3) exhibit at least one notch (8, 9) and said at least one notch (9) of the second unit (3) communicates with said at least one through opening (7) of the second unit (3).

3. Hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:- each between the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) exhibits a plurality of through openings (6, 7).- at least said engagement portion (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2), optionally also one engagement portion (3a, 3b) of the second unit (3), exhibits a plurality of notches (8, 9), each notch (8, 9) communicating with a respective through opening (6, 7).

4. Hinge according to claim 3, wherein:- the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) develop along a respective longitudinal direction (D2, D3),- the through openings (6, 7) of each between the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) are aligned with each other along the respective longitudinal direction (D2, D3).

5. Hinge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the through openings (6, 7) of the plurality of through openings are made at the intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) and at the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3), and wherein the through openings (6) of the first unit (2) are offset from the through openings (7) of the second unit (3).

6. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portion (2c, 3c) of the first and second units (2, 3) comprises a respective plurality of strips (4, 5) that are transversal to the respective engagement portions (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b), each through opening (6, 7) being defined between consecutive strips (4, 5).

7. Hinge according to claim 6, wherein:- each strip (4) of the intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) has an operative segment (4a) which is transversal to the first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2),- each strip (5) of the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3) exhibits an operative segment (5a) transversal to the first and second engagement portions (3a, 3b) of the second unit (3),- the intermediate portions (2c, 3c) form a crossed structure or substantially “X” structure placed between the engagement portions (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b), said crossed structure or substantially “X” structure of the intermediate portions (2c, 3c) being defined by operative segments (4a, 5a) of the first unit and of the second unit (2, 3) which intersect with each other.

8. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein:- the hinge (1 ) is configured to be engaged in an operative configuration with said elements (21 , 21 ’) at said engagement portions (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b),- the hinge (1 ) exhibits engagement elements (14), for example adhesive engagement elements, at each engagement portion (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b), the engagement elements (14) being configured to engage the hinge (1 ) to said elements (21 , 21 ’),- the engagement elements (14) are not defined at the intermediate portion (2c, 3c) of the first and second units (2, 3).

9. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second engagement portions (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b) are opposite with reference to a lateral development of the respective unit (2, 3).

10. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein both an engagement portion (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2) and an engagement portion (3a, 3b) of the second unit (3) exhibits a plurality of notches (8, 9), each notch (8, 9) communicating with a respective through opening (6, 7).

11. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second units (2, 3) exhibit constraining elements (10, 1 1 ), the constraining elements (10, 11 ) being defined by the engagement portions (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b) in cooperation with said through openings (6, 7) of the first and second units (2, 3). the constraining elements (10, 1 1 ) being configured to prevent, for example by interference, the disengagement between the first unit (2) and the second unit (3).

12. Hinge according to claim 1 1 , wherein each constraining element (10, 11 ) exhibits a structure, for example a substantially “T” structure, provided with:- a stem (12) having an attachment portion (12a), and- a head (13) that is transversal to the stem (12) and opposite to the attachment portion (12a), the head (13) exhibiting a size greater than the one of the stem (12) and greater than a dimension, such as a width, of a respective through opening (6, 7) which it is associated to, the stem (12) of each constraining element (10) of the first unit (2) crossing a respective through opening (7) of the second unit (3), and the head (13) and the attachment portion (12a) of each constrainingelement (10) of the first unit (2) being opposite with respect to said through opening (7) of the second unit (3), the stem (12) of each constraining element (1 1 ) of the second unit (3) crossing a respective through opening (6) of the first unit (2), and the head (13) and the attachment portion (12a) of each constraining element (1 1 ) of the second unit (3) being opposite with respect to said through opening (6) of the first unit (2), preferably the head (13) being defined at a lateral end of the respective unit (2, 3).

13. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein:- at least one between the first unit (2) and the second unit (3), preferably both the first and second units (2, 3), is associated to a handle (24, 25) configured to tighten the hinge (1 ) to at least one element (21 , 21 ’) to be hinged, preferably to both the elements (21 , 21 ’) to be hinged,- the hinge (1 ) comprises at least one reversible fixing element (26, 27) configured to constrain a respective handle (24, 25) when the hinge (1 ) is operative configuration wherein it is hinged to said elements to be hinged (21 , 21 ’), said hinge (1 ) being configured to take at least:- a loose configuration,- a tightened operative configuration wherein the handle (24, 25) is engaged with said at least one reversible fixing element (26, 27) and tightens the hinge (1 ) to said elements (21 , 21 ’) to be hinged.

14. Hinge according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) are lateral end portions of the first and second units (2, 3) and, in operative configuration, are defined on different planes, preferably on planes parallel to each other.

15. Assembly (100) comprising:- a first and second elements (21 , 21 ’), such as panels or shutters or hatches or tubulars or similar elements requiring relative rotative movement,- a hinge (1 ) according to anyone of the preceding claims, the first and second elements (21 , 21 ’) being hinged to each other, and being configured to rotate by a rotation up to 360°, by said hinge (1 ).

16. Assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first and second elements (21 , 21 ’) exhibit a respective flank, said flanks of the elements facing each other, and the intermediate portions of the first and second units (2, 3) of the hinge (1 ) developing at least partially between said flanks, the hinge being not engaged with said elements at said reciprocally facing flanks, the flanks of said elements (21 , 21 ') exhibit at least one uncovered portion (21 c, 21 c’), preferably a plurality of uncovered portions (21 c, 21c’), each uncovered portion being defined at a respective through opening (6, 7).

17. Assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein:- the first and second elements (21 , 21 ’) exhibit flanks provided with a respective thickness,- the intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) surmounts the flanks of the first element (21 ) and the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3) surmounts the flanks of the second element,- each intermediate portion (2c, 3c) comprises at least two strips (4, 5) provided with a length (L4, L5), the length (L4, L5) of each strip (4, 5) being greater than the thickness of the respective flank of the first or second element (21 , 21 ’) which surmounts.

18. Process of making a double leaf hinge (1 ) according to anyone of claims from 1 to 14 comprising the following steps:- providing a first unit (2) and a second unit (3), each between the first and second units (2, 3) exhibiting a first engagement portion (2a, 3a), a second engagement portion (2b, 3b) and an intermediate portion (2c, 3c) developing between the respective first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b), the first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) being configured to enable the engagement of the hinge (1 ) to a first element (21 ) and to a second element (21 ’) to be relatively rotated, each between the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) exhibiting at least one through opening (6, 7), wherein one between said first and second engagement portions (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2) exhibits at least one notch (8), said at least one notch (8) communicating with said at least one through opening (6) of the first unit (2),- chaining the intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) with the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3), said step comprising causing said intermediate portions (2c, 3c) of the first and second units (2, 3) to reciprocally cross at said through openings (6, 7).

19. Process according to claim 18, wherein the step of chaining the intermediate portion (2c) of the first unit (2) with the intermediate portion (3c) of the second unit (3) comprises:- inserting a head (13) and / or a stem (12) of a constraining element (11 ) of the second unit (3) between flaps forming said at least one notch (8) of said engagement portion (2a, 2b) of the first unit (2),- optionally, inserting a head (13) and / or stem (12) of a constraining element (10) of the first unit (2) between flaps forming a notch (9) of said one engagement portion (3a, 3b) of the second unit (3).

20. Method of setting up a hinge (1 ), the hinge (1 ) being according to anyone of claims from 1 to 14 and / or being made according to the process according to claim 18 or 19, the method comprising the step of engaging the engagement portions (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) of the first unit (2) and of the second unit (3) with a first and second elements (21 , 21 ’) to be made relatively rotatable, each element (21 , 21 ’) being for example a panel or a shutter or a hatch or a tubular or a similar element, the method not providing to engage the hinge (1 ) with said elements (21 , 21 ’) at reciprocally facing flanks of the elements (21 , 21 ’).21 . Hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or assembly according to claim 15 or 16 or 17 or process according to claim 18 or 19 or method according to claim 20, wherein the hinge (1 ) has exclusively said two units (2, 3).

22. Hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 14or 21 or assembly according to claim 15 or 16 or 17 or 21 or process according to claim 18 or 19 or 21 or method according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein said two units (2, 3) are substantially identical to each other.

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