Template for aligning door hinge pins

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for aligning door hinges using a jig. The jig is shaped so that it can be temporarily attached to a door leaf installed on a door frame. The jig is contoured to have a predetermined position relative to the hinge. The jig has a groove that can receive the counter-hinge installed on the door. The groove is positioned to align with the hinge axis on the frame side. By positioning the door-side hinge in the groove, the axes are aligned, and the hinge parts can be joined.

Description

Title of the invention: Jig for aligning door hinge knuckles Technical field

[0001] The disclosed technology generally relates to a jig for aligning door hinge knuckles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Door hinges are mechanical devices used to secure a door to its frame, allowing the door to open and close. Door hinges are commonly made of two metal plates, commonly called leaves or wings. For each hinge, one leaf is attached to the frame where the door is to be installed and one leaf is attached to the door. The two leaves are joined together by placing a central pin inside a set of knuckles. Each leaf includes a set of knuckles, which act as a pivot point, allowing the door to rotate smoothly.

[0003] Other types of door hinges include two-part hinges or free-hinged hinges. The frame-side and door-side leaves of these types of hinges each include a single knuckle with a pin being integrated into the frame-side knuckle.

[0004] Regardless of the type of hinge used to secure a door to its frame, installing these door-hinge-frame configurations is often a difficult operation, especially when performed by one person. One of the difficulties lies in the installation of the frame-side and door-side leaves. These leaves must be positioned carefully to prevent the door from being misaligned, which could cause the door to scratch the floor or frame when opening and / or closing.

[0005] Another, much more neglected problem arises after the frame-side and door-side leaves have been installed, namely when aligning the frame-side and door-side knuckles. The frame-side and door-side knuckles must be carefully aligned to allow the center pin to be placed through them. Aligning these knuckles often involves lifting and carrying the door to an aligned position and placing the pin. To accomplish this, the user must align the frame-side and door-side knuckles not only in the x, y, and z directions, but must also ensure that the door maintains proper rotational alignment with the frame. Since doors are often very heavy and comprise a difficult-to-carry shape, this task is virtually impossible for a single (untrained) user to perform.

[0006] Even though the introduction of two-part hinges was intended to improve the ease of alignment of the knuckles by eliminating the need to position the central pin by incorporating it into the leaf on the frame side, the user must in reality still align the knuckles. DE 2020-08009019-U1 discloses a knuckle positioning aid with a central groove and a slot in a generally flat panel. IT-UB20160016A1 discloses a knuckle positioning aid with a cylindrical receiving space that has longitudinal openings on opposite sides and with at least one acute mouth. DE 2021-017004953-U1 discloses a knuckle positioning aid with a receiving space that has a U-shaped cross-section and a single slot. NL 1036508 C2, EP 1041231-A2, DE 2970676-U1, DE 10-2011-1051580-B4 and ES 1071617-U disclose other aids for positioning knuckles.All prior art positioning aids are designed to assist in the alignment of a leaf with a pin or a single shank.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the difficulty of aligning keys when installing door hinges by presenting a jig which allows a single user to carry out this arduous task.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention relates to a jig and method for aligning door hinge knuckles. The jig is formed such that it can be temporarily attached to a leaf of the door hinge that is installed on a door frame. The jig is profiled such that it will have a predetermined position relative to the knuckle. The jig comprises a body formed by two plate-like parts. Preferably, the two plate-like parts are connected to each other via a connecting line, such as a weld or a fold. Such a jig forms a groove along the connecting line of two plate-like parts. The connecting groove / line positions the plate-like parts such that the one or more (counter-knuckles) of the leaf installed on a door can be positioned and / or aligned and / or guided to engage the one or more knuckles of the leaf installed on the door frame.In embodiments, the jig is generally formed as an asymmetrical body comprising, preferably made of, two plate-like portions. The two plate-like portions may have different surface areas. The jig may be made of stainless steel. In embodiments, the jig comprises a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface at an angle, preferably 70 to 135 degrees, more preferably about 90 degrees, wherein the receiving groove is formed between the first and second surfaces.

[0010] In embodiments, the jig allows for alignment of one or more shanks of two parts of a door hinge. A door hinge may comprise at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles. The door hinge may also comprise an axle pin. A leaf with two or more knuckles may engage with the knuckles of the counter-leaf, by moving the knuckles laterally into the engaging position.

[0011] In embodiments, the jig comprises a body having a first surface where a first slot is formed between two fingers. In a jig comprising or consisting of two plate-like portions, the first plate-like portion has a first surface where a first slot is formed between two fingers. In embodiments, the first slot is arranged to receive a portion of the frame-side leaf. The slot and the fingers are arranged to align the jig with the one or more knuckles of the frame-side leaf. The slot allows for the reception of a portion of the frame-side leaf and allows for positioning of the jig between the one or more knuckles and a mounting plate of the leaf. In embodiments, the first slot extends generally parallel to the bond line. The slot is positioned relative to the groove such that the groove is aligned and / or parallel to the axis of the frame-side knuckle.In embodiments, the first slot and the fingers are arranged to align the template, and in particular the connecting line, with the one or more knuckles of the frame-side leaf. In embodiments, the first slot is formed to obtain an asymmetrical template.

[0012] In embodiments, the body of the jig further comprises a receiving groove or a connecting line between two plate-like parts which extends parallel to the slot. The slot allows the alignment of the jig with the leaf and in particular with the axis of the knuckles. Since the groove is aligned with the slot, the groove will be aligned with the axis of the knuckles. The receiving groove is arranged to abut against the one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf of the door hinge, when the jig is installed on the frame-side leaf. By receiving knuckles from the frame-side leaf part of the door hinge, the one or more counter-knuckles of the door-side leaf can be guided by the groove.Such a template allows, on the one hand, the guidance and alignment of the axis of a single knuckle leaf in the groove with the axis of the knuckle of the other leaf on the frame side on which the template is positioned, and allows, on the other hand, the guidance of two or more knuckles of a leaf in nesting arrangements with the two or more knuckles of the other leaf on the frame side on which the template is positioned.

[0013] The receiving groove may be a corner between two plate-like surfaces of the jig. The receiving groove has a length that is at least greater than that of the knuckles. In embodiments, the two surfaces of the two plate-like parts on either side of the connecting line are arranged for guiding the one or more links of the door-side leaf of the door hinge towards the connecting line. By guiding the one or more door-side knuckles towards the connecting line / groove and then positioning the door-side knuckle in the groove, the axes of the groove and the knuckle(s) are aligned. This will connect the hinge parts.

[0014] In embodiments, the receiving groove is sized according to a size of the door hinge. The receiving groove is positioned at a distance from the slot. In embodiments, the distance between the slot and the groove is sized according to a cross-section of the knuckles of the door hinge.

[0015] In embodiments, the slot is formed to receive a portion of the shanks. In embodiments, the width of the slot is less than the diameter of the shanks.

[0016] In embodiments, the fingers have a thickness of less than 0.5 cm. The fingers allow the positioning of the template between the mounting plate of the leaf and the axis (formed by an opening or a pin) of the knuckles. In embodiments, the thickness is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, less than a bridge between the one or more knuckles and a mounting plate of the frame-side leaf or the door-side leaf of the door hinge.

[0017] In embodiments, the jig includes a second slot. In embodiments, the second slot extends generally parallel to the first slot and, more preferably, a distance between the first slot and the receiving groove being different from a distance between the second slot and the receiving groove.

[0018] In embodiments, the first slot and the second slot are formed in the same plate-like portion of the jig body.

[0019] In embodiments, the first slot and / or the second slot are rectangular, preferably with rounded corners. In embodiments, the first or second slot has a V-shaped profile. A V-shaped slot allows the template to slide over the leaf until further sliding is prevented / blocked.

[0020] In embodiments, the first slot and / or the second slot comprises a recess, extending the slot in a longitudinal direction, the recess having a width that is different from a width of the slot, the recess being arranged to receive a second type of frame-side shanks.

[0021] Aspects of the invention provide a door hinge and jig assembly according to any of the disclosed embodiments. In embodiments, the door hinge may be any of several types of hinges: a normal hinge (such as a corner hinge or a piano hinge), a two-part hinge, a lift-off hinge or a free-hinged hinge (pumelle). Embodiments of the invention, in particular the asymmetrical jig comprising / consisting of two plate-like parts, the surfaces of which from guide surfaces for one or more knuckles to the connecting line / groove, allows the jig to be used in combination with these three different types of hinges. The door hinge may comprise at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles. The door hinge may also comprise a pin. In embodiments, the pin may be part of the knuckle, as in the case of lift-off or free-hinged hinges.The one or more knuckles may have an opening for receiving the pin. The pin is arranged to join one or more aligned knuckles of the frame-side leaf and one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf.

[0022] In embodiments, the frame-side leaf and / or the door-side leaf have a mounting plate for mounting the portion to a door frame and / or a door respectively, wherein the one or more knuckles extend away from the mounting plate.

[0023] According to other aspects, a method for aligning knuckles of a door hinge is disclosed. The door hinge comprises at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles.

[0024] In embodiments, the method includes connecting a mounting plate of the frame-side leaf to a door frame, the one or more knuckles extending away from / protruding from the mounting plate. The door for which hinges are installed is to be supported by the frame-side leaf.

[0025] In embodiments, the method further comprises connecting a mounting plate of the door-side leaf to a door, the one or more knuckles extending away from the mounting plate. The door will be able to pivot if the knuckles of the respective leaves are connected to each other via the axle pin.

[0026] In embodiments, the method includes providing a jig having a slot and a receiving groove. In embodiments, an asymmetrical jig is provided. The asymmetrical jig may be formed or comprised of two plate-like portions connected via a bond line. The two plate-like portions are positioned at an angle of 70 to 135 degrees relative to each other, preferably about 90 degrees. In embodiments, the first plate-like portion having a first slot extending generally parallel to the bond line. In embodiments, the jig is positioned between the plate mounting and the knuckles of the frame-side leaf of the door hinge by receiving a part of the frame-side leaf in the slot of the template. The slot will cause the template to adopt a predetermined position relative to the frame-side leaf and in particular relative to the axis of the knuckles.

[0027] In embodiments, the one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf are aligned with the one or more knuckles of the frame-side leaf by guiding the one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf toward the connecting line (or receiving groove) by either surface of the two plate-like portions. Guidance is provided because, in mounting the jig to the door-frame leaf, the two plate-like portions act as a gutter. The two plate-like portions act as a guide for the door-side leaf having a single knuckle, such as a free-hinge hinge, as well as for a leaf having multiple knuckles. The surface guides the one or more knuckles to align the door-side and frame-side leaves. The surfaces may provide a guide for the knuckles of the door to be installed.Regardless of the approach angle of the one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf, the surfaces will guide the one or more knuckles toward the connecting line or receiving groove. The groove may help align the knuckles of the door-side leaf with the knuckles of the frame-side leaf. In the case of a free hinge (hinge), the knuckle will align with the pin and the hinge can be connected. In the case of a corner or piano hinge, the knuckles will be guided by the surface to allow the knuckles to engage. In embodiments, the groove generally runs parallel to the slot. The slot is profiled to be positioned on the frame-side leaf in a direction that generally corresponds to the axis of the knuckles of the frame-side leaf.

[0028] In embodiments, the method further comprises providing an axle pin and placing the axle pin through the at least one frame-side knuckle and the at least one door-side knuckle.

[0029] The foregoing and the following present a basic understanding for those skilled in the art. This summary is not intended to be a complete overview of the disclosure and is not intended to identify key / critical elements of embodiments of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. This summary is intended only to present certain concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form, as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments of the invention. However, this invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is complete and comprehensive, and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and where:

[0031] FIGS. 1a to 1d show an exemplary embodiment of a jig for aligning door hinge knuckles;

[0032] FIG. 1c shows an exemplary embodiment of a door hinge;

[0033] [Fig.2A] to 2F show an exemplary embodiment of a method for aligning frame-side knuckles with door-side knuckles of a normal hinge; and

[0034] [Fig. 3A] to 3E show an exemplary embodiment of a method for aligning frame-side knuckles with door-side knuckles of a two-part hinge;

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] For the purposes of simplicity and illustration, the present invention is described with reference primarily to exemplary embodiments thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In this description, well-known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 1a-d show an exemplary embodiment of a jig 100 for aligning door hinge knuckles 199. An exemplary piano door hinge 199 is shown in FIG. 1c.

[0038] A door hinge 199 may be a normal hinge, a two-part hinge, or a free-hinged hinge. A normal door hinge 199 comprises two leaves: a frame-side leaf 101 and a door-side leaf 102. The two hinge leaves 199 may be used interchangeably, meaning that either hinge may be a frame-side leaf or a door-side leaf.

[0039] The frame-side and door-side leaves 101 and 102 are separate parts that can be fixed, screwed, bolted, and / or bolted to a door and / or a frame of door for receiving a door. For securing frame-side and door-side leaves 101 and 102 to a door frame and / or a door, one or more holes 103 and 104 are provided on mounting plates of the frame-side and door-side leaves 101 and 102, respectively. Holes 103 and 104 are arranged to receive a screw or bolt for securing frame-side and door-side leaves 101 and 102 to a frame or a door, respectively.

[0040] Frame-side and door-side leaves 101 and 102 each further comprise one or more knuckles: frame-side knuckles 105 and door-side knuckles 106, respectively. In this embodiment, frame-side knuckles 105 and door-side knuckles 106 are composed of hollow cylindrical portions arranged to receive an axle pin 107. An axle pin 107 serves as an axis along which frame-side and door-side leaves 101 and 102 can rotate with the opening and closing of the door.

[0041] Frame-side and / or door-side knuckles 105 and / or 106 may each comprise a single knuckle, commonly at least two knuckles. Most often, either the frame-side knuckle set 105 or the door-side knuckle set 106 comprises three knuckles, while the other set of knuckles comprises two knuckles. This is shown in FIG. 1c, where the three hatched knuckles 106 are part of the door-side leaf 102 and the two unhatched knuckles 105 are part of the frame-side leaf 101.

[0042] After securing the frame-side leaf 101 to the door frame and the door-side leaf 102 to the door, the two leaves can be connected together by installing the center pin 107. To install the center pin 107, the frame-side knuckle assembly 105 and the door-side knuckle assembly 106 must be aligned such that the hollow openings of the knuckles can all receive the center pin 107 at the same time in a single movement without obstruction. If the frame-side knuckle assembly 105 and the door-side knuckle assembly 106 are not properly aligned, the center pin 107 will be able to enter the first knuckle into which it engages, but will be obstructed by the second misaligned knuckle into which it attempts to enter. This will result in a failed installation attempt or require fine adjustment of the knuckle alignment, which is difficult to achieve by a single user.

[0043] In addition to the normal 199 hinge, there are other types of hinges, namely two-part hinges or free-hinged hinges. The frame-side and door-side leaves of these types of hinges each comprise a single knuckle with a straight pin being integrated into the frame-side knuckle. In turn, the door-side knuckle of these hinges comprises a hollow opening arranged to receive the straight pin of the frame-side knuckle. In these types of hinges, the need for manually installing a pin is eliminated. Instead, the frame-side knuckle and the door-side link must be aligned and placed one on top of the other, which remains a difficult task for a single user to perform.

[0044] To achieve alignment of frame-side leaf shanks and door-side leaves of different types of door hinges, an asymmetrical jig 100 is provided. FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the jig 100. FIG. 1b is a side view of the jig 100. FIG. 1c is another side view of the jig 100. FIG. 1d is a top view of the jig 100.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the template 100 is formed, preferably made of, a metal plate and comprises a first surface 108 and a second surface 109 connected by means of a corner 111, thereby forming an L-shaped structure when the template 100 is viewed from above.

[0046] The first and second surfaces 108 and 109 are preferably substantially flat and square, but may also include curved surfaces that have other geometries. First and second surfaces 108 and 109 intersect and are connected by a corner 111, extending as a connecting line between the two plate-like surfaces. The surfaces 108, 109 may be of different sizes and surface areas. As shown, surface 109 is larger than surface area 108. By providing different surface areas, the template 100 has an asymmetrical profile.

[0047] First and second surfaces 108 and 109 may be perpendicular to each other, resulting in a corner 111 that is 90 degrees, but may also be lower or higher, preferably 70 to 135 degrees. The interior of the corner 111 may be pointed, but it may also be rounded or curved.

[0048] A jig 100 can be made from metals, such as (stainless) steel, but it can also be made from wood and plastic.

[0049] A first surface 108 of template 100 includes a slot 110. The slot 110 forms a guide which is provided in the first surface 108. By forming a slot 110, two fingers 110a, 110b are formed in the first surface. By providing a slot in at most one surface of the plate-like surfaces 108, 109, preferably in the lower first surface 108, an asymmetrical template is provided.

[0050] The slot 110 generally extends straight in a first direction 120. The slot 110 preferably has a rectangular shape, possibly with rounded corners.

[0051] The slot 110 has a width 121. The width 121 is preferably less than 2 cm, more preferably 1 cm. The slot 110 has a length 122. The length is preferably greater than 2 cm, preferably greater than 3 cm.

[0052] The slot 110 extends generally parallel to the wedge 111, which forms a receiving groove. The slot 110 and the receiving groove 111 extend generally parallel to the arrow 120.

[0053] The slot 110 is arranged to receive a portion of the frame-side leaf 101. The slot 110 may be positioned between the mounting plate with the holes 103 and the knuckles 105. The slot 110 has a width 121 less than the width of the hinge knuckles 199. The width 121 may be such that a portion of the knuckle is received in the slot.

[0054] The slot 110 can slide between the frame-side leaf 101 and the frame-side knuckles 105, while being constrained by the frame-side knuckles 105. To allow the jig 100 to be placed between the mounting plate and the knuckles, the first surface has a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

[0055] To accommodate knuckle diameters of varying widths, the slot 110 may include an extension or recess 113 formed at the end of the slot 110. The second slot or recess 113 has a width less than the width 121 of the slot 110. In embodiments, the second slot or recess 113 may be positioned offset from the central axis of the slot 110 (thus to the side according to the arrow 122).

[0056] In one embodiment, the second slot or recess 113 is brought closer to the second surface 109. In embodiments, the second slot or recess 113 is used for conventional hinges, such as hinge 199. In a conventional hinge, the knuckle 105 is connected directly to the leaf 102, providing a narrow width over which the slot must be positioned. The wider slot 110 may be used to be positioned over the connection or bridge between a knuckle and a plate of a two-part hinge or a free-hinged hinge.

[0057] In embodiments, the slot 110 or 113 may be formed with a V-shaped profile, converging toward the end of the slot. This allows positioning of the open mouth of the slot between the mounting plate and the knuckles and movement of the jig between the mounting plate and the knuckles until the width of the slot at the V-shaped profile blocks further movement.

[0058] The recess 113 may have a profile similar to the slot 110, but with a shorter length and width. The length of the slot 110 may be twice the length of the recess 113. The depth ratio between the slot 110 and the recess 113 may be 50 / 50, but other configurations are possible, such as 60 / 40, 70 / 30, 80 / 20, 90 / 10, and any other ratio in between.

[0059] Instead of having a single recess 113, in some embodiments, another recess may be provided within recess 113 to accommodate even more different shank diameters.

[0060] In addition to the slot 110, a second slot may be provided on a surface 108 opposite the slot 110. Depending on the orientation of the door to be installed, specifically on the side of the door where the hinges are to be installed, the slot 110 or the second slot may be positioned to receive the frame-side shams 105.

[0061] As shown in the top view of FIG. 1d, a centerline of the slot 110 on the first surface 108 is located at a distance 112 from the second surface 109 / corner / receiving groove 111. The distance 112 is dimensioned such that the distance allows for positioning of the frame-side leaf shanks 101 near / beside / in the receiving groove. The axis passing through the one or more frame-side leaf shanks will extend parallel to the receiving groove 111 when the slot receives the frame-side leaf.

[0062] In the case of large knuckles, the distance 112 is increased. Generally, the distance 112 is greater than the radius of the knuckle, preferably at least 1 mm or at least 2.5 mm greater than the radius of the knuckle. Generally, the distance 112 is minimized to allow the knuckles to be received in the receiving groove. In a jig 100 and door hinge 199 assembly, the distance 112 in the jig 100 is sized (oversized by at least 1 mm) in accordance with the size of the knuckle(s) of the hinge 199.

[0063] As shown in more detail in Figures 2a to 2f, positioning the door-side shims 106 near the receiving groove 111 will make it possible to align the door-side shims 106 in the receiving groove 111 and therefore to align these shims 106 with the frame-side shims 105.

[0064] By sliding the template 100 onto the connection between frame-side shims 105 and the mounting plate of the frame-side leaf 101 of the hinge 199, the template 100 is temporarily positioned on the frame-side leaf 101.

[0065] Multiple frame-side leaves 101 may be connected to the frame. The shanks of the multiple frame-side leaves 101 are mounted such that their axes are all aligned with the arrow 120. Each of the frame-side leaves may receive a jig 100. The multiple jigs 100 will each have a receiving groove 111 and these respective receiving grooves will be aligned with each other along the arrow 120. Each of the receiving grooves of the respective jigs will form an abutment surface for the shanks of the respective door-side leaves. By bringing multiple door-side leaves into abutment against the respective receiving grooves, the door as a whole will adopt a position where the shanks of the door-side leaves will become aligned with the shanks of the frame-side leaves.

[0066] By positioning the template 100 on the frame-side leaves 101, the receiving groove 111 of the template 100 forms a stop surface for the door-side knuckles 106. In this way, the frame-side knuckles 105 will be aligned with door-side knuckles 106. A general overview of this engagement and alignment is provided in FIG. 2.

[0067] [Fig. 2A] to 2F show an exemplary embodiment of a method 200 for aligning frame-side knuckles 204 with door-side knuckles 206 of a normal door hinge. FIGS. 2a to 2f illustrate a door 208 in a door frame 205 connected via a normal door hinge. The normal door hinge comprises at least three parts: a frame-side part 203, a door-side part 207, and an axle pin 209.

[0068] In this method 200, a door frame 205 is provided. The door frame 205 will generally be rectangular. A single fixed frame bar 205 is shown in FIGS. 2a-2f. The door frame 205 will surround a pivoting door 208. Other types of hinges (non-pivoting) may also be installed. The door frame 205 is often made of wood, which allows for easy installation of a hinge necessary to install a door 208.

[0069] When using normal door hinges, the frame-side leaf 203 may be installed on an edge of the frame 205 that faces the door 208, as shown in [Fig. 2A]. Attachment of the frame-side leaf 203 to the frame 205 may be accomplished by driving screws or bolts through holes provided in the frame-side leaf 203. Similarly, the door-side leaf 207 may be attached to the door 208 by driving screws or bolts through holes provided in the door-side leaf 207.

[0070] The leaves 203, 207 are connected to their respective parts. To create a functional hinge, the pin must be inserted through the openings in the respective knuckles. To allow for placement of the pin 209, the frame-side knuckles 204 and the door-side knuckles 206 must be aligned. To overcome this difficulty, the jig 201 is provided. The jig 201 has many similarities to the jig 100 of FIGS. 1a to 1d.

[0071] The template 201 comprises two main surfaces 201a, 201b, connected at an angle. The connecting line between the two surfaces forms a receiving groove 210. The first surface 201a of the template 201 comprises a slot 202 formed between two fingers 202a, 202b. The slot 202 is arranged to receive frame-side knuckles 204. The receiving groove 210 of the template 201 is arranged to form a stop surface for door-side knuckles 206.

[0072] The connecting line / receiving groove 210 and the slot 202 are generally aligned. Therefore, by mounting the jig 201 on the knuckles extending away from the leaf mounting plate 203, the receiving groove will be aligned with the axis of the knuckles.

[0073] By guiding the door-side knuckles 206 by one or other of the surfaces 201a, 201b on either side of the connecting line towards the receiving groove 210 of the template 201, the door-side knuckles can fit together with the frame-side knuckles 204, due to the geometry of the template 201. Both surfaces guide the door-side knuckles towards the knuckles held in the slot.

[0074] [Fig.2A] shows a step of the method 200 for aligning frame-side knuckles 204 with door-side knuckles 206. The method 200 comprises sliding, according to the arrow 220, the template 201 onto the frame-side leaf 201. The slot 202 receives the portion 203 of the leaf connecting the mounting plate of the leaf 201 with the knuckles 204. Depending on the length of the slot 202, the slot 202 may completely surround the frame-side knuckles 204 or partially surround them. In any case, sliding the slot 202 over the frame-side knuckles 204 involves bringing the template 201, and in particular the receiving groove 210, into a predetermined position relative to the frame-side knuckles 204. The template 201 is constrained in 4 or 5 directions. There remains one direction of freedom in accordance with the arrow 220.By engaging the door-side knuckles 206 in the jig 201, the jig, and in particular the two plate-like surfaces 201a, 201b, is arranged to function as a stop for guiding the door-side knuckles 206 to a position where they are aligned with the frame-side knuckles 204.

[0075] [Fig.2B] shows a top view where the jig 201 can be seen mounted above frame-side knuckles 204 extending away from the leaf mounting plate 203. The mounting plate 203 is connected to the door frame 205. It should be noted that the mounting of the leaf 203 can be accomplished in many different ways. In most embodiments, the mounting plate 203 will be received in a recess formed in the door frame. In order to more clearly demonstrate the invention, this recessed position of the mounting plate is not shown in the figures.

[0076] FIG. 2b also shows a knuckle 204 at a distance from the door frame. It is understood, however, that the slot 202 may be formed to receive a portion of the knuckle that faces the leaf mounting plate.

[0077] The thickness of the first surface 201a where the slot 202 is formed is such that the first surface can be positioned between the door frame 205 and the opening in the knuckles which will receive the axle pin 209.

[0078] The slot width 202 is less than the diameter of the frame-side knuckles 204, thereby wedging the jig 201 between the frame 205 and the frame-side knuckles 204. In embodiments, the slot has a width of about 4 to 10 mm, preferably 6 to 9 mm, more preferably 7 to 8 mm. Preferably, the middle of the slot is positioned about 4 to 9 mm, preferably 5 to 7.5 mm, more preferably 6 to 6.5 mm from the bond line 210.

[0079] By sliding the slot 202 of the first surface of the template 201 onto the frame-side shims 204, the first surface of the template 201 is parallel to the axis of the shims 204. The receiving groove 210 of the template 201 is also parallel to the axis of the shims.

[0080] In embodiments, the second surface 201b is formed perpendicular to the first surface 201a. In some embodiments, the angle between the first and second surfaces 201a, b of the template 201 may be less than or greater than 90 degrees, such that the second surface of the template 201 is not perpendicular to the frame 205.

[0081] [Fig.2C] shows a top view with a door 208. [Fig.2C] shows a door 208 only partially and in cross-section. The door 208 is provided with one or more door-side leaves 207, apart from which door-side shims 206 extend. To install the door hinge that connects the frame 205 to the door 208, the frame-side shims 204 and the door-side shims 206 are aligned, which allows the axle pin 209 to be installed.

[0082] After positioning the slot 202 of the template 201 over the frame-side shims 204, the door-side shims 206 can be moved in the general direction of the receiving groove 210. Regardless of the approach angle, the first and second surfaces of the template 201 are relatively large surfaces, the user simply needs to reach one or the other surface of the template 201. The surfaces 201a, 201b then act as guides to bring the shims toward the corner / connecting line 210.

[0083] Accordingly, the method 200 further comprises engaging the door-side shims 206 in the corner 210 that connects the first and second surfaces of the template 201. This engaging step may comprise first engaging the first and / or second surfaces of the template 201, or directly engaging the groove 210 of the template 201. After engaging either surface of the template 201, the door-side shims 206 are guided toward the groove 210 of the template 201 by pushing the door 208 in the general direction of the template 201. During the guiding by the surfaces 201a, 201b, the door may be raised or lowered to align the shims to fit together before allowing the shims to reach the connecting line / receiving groove 210.

[0084] Following the first contact of the door-side shims with the template, the movement of the entire door 208 will be guided toward the receiving groove 210. When the shims 206 abut against the surface 201a or 201b, and in particular when the shims 206 of multiple door-side leaves abut against the respective surfaces 201a or 201b of the respective templates 201 placed on the respective frame-side leaves, alignment with the door-side shims 204 is being performed. The open structure of the 201 template with two plates allows the movement of the interlocking knuckles.

[0085] [Fig. 2D] shows the door-side knuckles 206 in the groove 210. The axis of the door-side knuckles is generally aligned with the axis of the frame-side knuckles. For pivot joints having multiple frame-side knuckles 204 and multiple door-side knuckles 206, such as that shown in [Fig. 2A] to 2F, the practice is to bring the door-side knuckles 206 to the desired height so that the frame-side knuckles 204 and the door-side knuckles 206 are located between each other.

[0086] In performing the guidance and alignment, the user positions the door using one hand, which frees up his second hand to place the axle pin 209, which is shown in [Fig.2E]. The user may also use an auxiliary jig to hold the door in the aligned position.

[0087] Installing the axle pin 209 may include sliding the center pin 209 through the frame-side 204 and door-side 206 hinges. It may further include securing the center pin 209 with a nut. To complete the installation of the door 208 within the frame 205, the jig 201 may be removed by sliding the jig 201 in the direction 221 of the installed hinge, as shown in [Fig. 2F]. For illustration purposes, the door 208 is not shown in [Fig. 2F].

[0088] The same jig 201 may also be used for aligning a frame-side knuckle with a door-side knuckle of a two-part hinge, a lift-off hinge, or a free-hinged hinge. [Fig. 3A] to 3E show an exemplary embodiment of a method 300 for aligning a frame-side knuckle 304 with a door-side knuckle 306 of a two-part hinge. Two-part or free-hinged hinges comprise a single frame-side knuckle 304 and a single door-side knuckle 306. The frame-side knuckle 304 further comprises an integrated straight pin 311 onto which the door-side knuckle 306 can be slid.

[0089] While the knuckles and leaves of normal hinges are commonly connected directly to each other, two-part, free-hinged hinges commonly comprise a frame-side connecting element (or bridge) 312 and a door-side connecting element (or bridge) 313. The connecting elements 312, 313 connect the respective leaves 303 / 307 with the respective knuckles 304 / 306 respectively. When using two-part, free-hinged hinges, the slot 302 of the jig 301 is slid over the frame-side connecting element 312.

[0090] [Fig.3A] shows a step of the method 300 for aligning a frame-side knuckle 204 with a door-side knuckle 306 of a two-part hinge or a free-jointed hinge. The method 300 comprises sliding the slot 302 of the template onto the frame-side connecting element 312, between the mounting plate and the frame-side shank 304 of the leaf 303.

[0091] By sliding 320 the slot 302 onto the frame-side leaf 303, the template consisting of two plate-like surfaces 301a and 301b is brought into a predetermined position relative to the knuckle 304. The template 301 is constrained in all directions except in the 320 / 321 direction. By engaging the door-side knuckle 306 in the template 301, the template is arranged to function as a stop for guiding the door-side knuckle 306 to a position where it is aligned with the frame-side knuckle 304. The receiving groove 310 will generally extend parallel to the axis of the knuckle 304.

[0092] [Fig.3B] shows a top view where the template 301 can be seen slid onto the frame-side leaf 303. By sliding the slot 302 onto the leaf 303, the first surface 301a of the template 301 is parallel to the frame 305. The groove 310 will generally extend along the frame 305.

[0093] [Fig.3C] shows a top view where the door 308 is brought close to the frame 305. The door 308 has a door-side leaf 307 from which a door-side knuckle 306 protrudes. The door-side connecting member 313 bridges the distance between the knuckle and the mounting plate. To install the door hinge that connects the frame 305 with the door 308, the frame-side knuckle 304 and the door-side knuckle 306 are aligned. After sliding the slot 302 onto the frame-side leaf 303, the door-side knuckle 306 can be moved in the general direction of the frame-side knuckle 304 and the receiving groove 310.

[0094] Either of the first and second surfaces 301a-301b of the jig 301 will guide the door-side knuckle 306 toward the groove 310 of the jig 301 by pushing the door 208 in the general direction of the jig 301.

[0095] After the door-side knuckle 306 is guided toward and abuts against the groove 310, the door-side knuckle 306 is pushed into a final position where it is aligned with the frame-side knuckle 304, shown in [Fig. 3D]. Advantageously, the user now only has to lower the door 308 slightly so that the straight pin 311 enters the door-side knuckle 306. After the straight pin 311 enters the door-side knuckle 306, the installation is complete.

[0096] As a final step, the template 301 can be removed by sliding the template 301 according to the arrow 321 of the installed hinge, as shown in [Fig. 3E]. For illustration purposes, the door 308 is not shown in [Fig. 3E].

[0097] The method of aligning and fitting a door hinge using a jig 201, 301, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, shows that the jig according to the invention can be used in conjunction with a hinged door hinge (Figure 3) and a piano door hinge (FIG. 2). This results from the fact that the two surfaces 201a, 201b and 301a, 301b of the template 201, 301 are arranged to guide the knuckle(s) of the door-side leaf towards the connecting line 210, 310, while the same slot 302 is used for positioning the template on the frame-side leaf. The asymmetrical shape of the template 201, 301 results in a first plate-like portion 201a, 301a being arranged to guide the one or more knuckles towards the connecting line and having a slot for receiving the frame-side leaf. The second plate-like portion 201b, 301b is arranged to guide the one or more knuckles towards the connecting line and preferably has no slot. The template 201, 301 is preferably made up of two plate-like parts.

[0098] The present invention may, of course, be practiced in ways other than those specifically set forth herein without departing from the essential features of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications falling within the meaning and equivalence of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.

[0099] The invention is described in the following clauses.

[0100] Clause 1. A jig for aligning knuckles of a door hinge which comprises at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles, wherein the jig comprises a body having a first surface where a first slot is formed between two fingers, wherein the first slot is arranged to receive a portion of the frame-side leaf, wherein the slot and the fingers are arranged to align the jig with the one or more knuckles of the frame-side leaf, wherein the body of the jig further comprises a receiving groove which extends parallel to the slot, wherein the receiving groove is arranged to abut against the one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf of the door hinge.

[0101] Clause 2. A template according to clause 1, wherein a distance between the parallel extending slot and the receiving groove is dimensioned according to a size of the door hinge.

[0102] Clause 3. Template according to clause 2, wherein the distance preferably depends on a cross-section of the knuckles of the door hinge.

[0103] Clause 4. A jig according to any preceding clause, wherein the fingers have a thickness which is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, less than an extension of the one or more knuckles from a mounting plate of the frame-side leaf or the door-side leaf of the door hinge.

[0104] Clause 5. A jig according to any preceding clause, wherein the jig comprises a second slot, wherein preferably the second slot extends generally parallel to the first slot and wherein more preferably a distance between the first slot and the receiving groove differs from a distance between the second slot and the receiving groove; and / or the first slot and the second slot are formed in the same plate-like portion of the body; and / or the first slot and / or the second slot are rectangular, preferably with rounded corners; and / or the first slot and / or the second slot comprise a recess arranged to receive a second type of frame-side shanks.

[0105] Clause 6. A jig according to any preceding clause, wherein the jig is generally formed as a plate, e.g. of stainless steel, and comprises a second surface connected to the first surface at an angle, preferably 70 to 135 degrees, more preferably about 90 degrees, wherein the receiving groove is formed between the first and second surfaces.

[0106] Clause 7. A kit of part of a door hinge and jig according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the door hinge comprises: a pin, at least one frame-side leaf having one or more shims and at least one door-side leaf having one or more shims, wherein the pin is arranged to join one or more aligned shims of the frame-side leaf and one or more shims of the door-side leaf.

[0107] Clause 8. An assembly according to clause 7, wherein the frame-side leaf and / or the door-side leaf have a mounting plate for mounting the part to a door frame and / or a door respectively, wherein the one or more shanks extend away from the mounting plate.

[0108] Clause 9. A method for aligning knuckles of a door hinge which comprises at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles, the method comprising: connecting a mounting plate of the frame-side leaf to a door frame, the one or more knuckles extending away from the mounting plate; connecting a mounting plate of the door-side leaf to a door, the one or more knuckles extending away from the mounting plate; providing a jig having a slot and a receiving groove; positioning the jig between the mounting plate and the knuckles of the frame-side leaf of the door hinge by receiving a portion of the frame-side leaf in the slot of the jig;the alignment of the one or more shanks of the door-side leaf with the one or more shanks of the frame-side leaf by bringing the one or more shanks of the door-side leaf into abutment and guiding them into the receiving groove.;

[0109] Clause 10. The method of clause 9, further comprising providing an axle pin and placing the axle pin through the at least one frame-side shank and the at least one door-side shank.

Claims

Claims

1. A jig for aligning knuckles of a door hinge which comprises at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles, wherein the jig comprises a body formed of two plate-like parts, wherein the two plate-like parts are connected to each other by means of a connecting line, such as a weld or a fold, which positions the two plate-like parts at an angle of between 70 and 135 degrees, preferably at a perpendicular angle, wherein the first plate-like part has a first surface where a first slot is formed between two fingers, wherein the first slot extends generally parallel to the connecting line and is arranged to receive a portion of the frame-side leaf, wherein the first slot and the fingers are arranged to align the jig with the one or more knuckles of the frame-side leaf,wherein the first slot is formed to obtain an asymmetrical template, wherein the two surfaces of the two plate-like parts on either side of the connecting line are arranged for guiding the one or more shanks of the door-side leaf of the door hinge towards the connecting line.,

2. A jig according to claim 1, wherein a distance (112) between a center line of the first slot and the connecting line is 5 to 8 mm, preferably 5.5 to 7 mm, more preferably 6 to 7 mm.

3. A jig according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the first slot and the connecting line is dimensioned according to a size of the door hinge, wherein the distance preferably depends on a cross-section of the shanks of the door hinge.

4. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the first plate-like portion has a thickness of about 0.3 mm to 2 mm, wherein preferably the fingers have a thickness which is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, less than an extension of the one or more shanks from a mounting plate of the frame-side leaf or the door-side leaf of the door hinge, wherein preferably the asymmetrical template consists of two plate-like parts.

5. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the jig comprises a second slot, wherein preferably - the second slot extends generally parallel to the first slot and wherein more preferably a distance between the first slot and the receiving groove differs from a distance between the second slot and the receiving groove; and / or - the first slot and the second slot are formed in the first plate-like portion of the body; and / or - the first slot and / or the second slot are rectangular, preferably with rounded corners; and / or - the first slot and / or the second slot comprise a recess, formed at one end of the slot away from a mouth of the slot formed on an edge of the plate-like portion, wherein the recess is arranged to receive a second type of frame-side knuckles.

6. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the jig is generally formed from a plate, e.g. formed from stainless steel by bending.

7. A part kit of a door hinge and jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the door hinge comprises: - at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and - at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles, wherein the door hinge preferably comprises an axle pin which is arranged to join one or more aligned knuckles of the frame-side leaf and one or more knuckles of the door-side leaf.

8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein the frame-side leaf and / or the door-side leaf have a mounting plate for mounting the part to a door frame and / or a door respectively, wherein the one or more knuckles extend away from the mounting plate.

9. A method for aligning knuckles of a door hinge which comprises at least one frame-side leaf having one or more knuckles and at least one door-side leaf having one or more knuckles, the method comprising: - connecting a mounting plate of the frame-side leaf to a door frame, the one or more knuckles extending away from the mounting plate; - connecting a mounting plate of the door-side leaf to a door, the one or more knuckles extending away from the mounting plate; - providing an asymmetrical jig formed of, and preferably consisting of, two plate-like portions connected by means of a connecting line, such that the two plate-like portions are positioned at an angle of 70 to 135 degrees to each other, preferably about 90 degrees, the first plate-like portion having a first slot extending generally parallel to the connecting line;- positioning the template between the mounting plate and the one or more shanks of the frame-side leaf of the door hinge by receiving a portion of the frame-side leaf in the slot of the template; - guiding the one or more shanks of the door-side leaf by one or other of the surfaces of the plate-like portions towards the connecting line, thereby aligning the one or more shanks of the door-side leaf with the one or more shanks of the frame-side leaf.;

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing an axle pin and placing the axle pin through the at least one frame-side knuckle and the at least one door-side knuckle.

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