Hinging device, modular building system and method

Abstract

A hinge 10 is disclosed, which attaches windows and doors to modular building constructions, such as wall modules for transportation. The hinging device has a first fixing component 37, which is L-sha

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a hinging device and to a modular building system in which 5 the hinging device is utilised. More specifically but not exclusively, the hinging device is configured for fixing an article in at least two spaced positions and the hinging device pivotally moves to move the article between those at least two spaced positions. The hinging device finds beneficial application in modular building systems and more specifically, but not exclusively, in timber frame building systems. In such systems articles, for example windows 10 and doors, can be pre-installed off-site within a wall module using the hinging device such that they are securely stowed for transportation to site and then, on-site, moved into an installation position using the hinging device. Aspects of the invention relate to a hinging device, to a wall module, to a modular building and 15 to a method. BACKGROUND It is known to construct modular buildings and to pre-fabricate the modular buildings off-site. Pre-fabricated modular parts are transported to site and assembled together on-site to form 20 the modular buildings. Further construction is then carried out on-site to complete the building; such further construction may include, for example, laying an exterior skin of brick work and applying an interior wall finishing, for example plasterboard. The benefits of such modular constructed buildings include the speed of construction of the modular buildings, the consistency of the quality in the finished product and the cost savings associated with, for 25 example, reduced labour costs and increased working efficiencies. It may be appreciated that there are many considerations in constructing modular buildings, including the transportation of the modular parts and the costs associated with their secure and timely transportation. The cost of fuel is high and increasing. It is important to minimise 30 the number of journeys required to transport the pre-fabricated modular parts to site. It is important therefore to optimise the number of building modules carried in the payload of each delivery vehicle (giving consideration to legal weight limits). It is also important to avoid return journeys to a site, for example to replace items damaged during transportation and / or to replace incorrect items. 35 Typically, modular buildings comprise wall modules, for example open and closed panel timber frames, structurally insulated panels (SIP), steel frames and cross-laminated timber 23 05 24 constructions, that are craned into a vertical and final fit position on site. Fenestration products, for example windows and doors, need to be installed within the wall modules. This is often done on-site. Advantageously however, off-site installation involves a decrease in on-site labour, a decrease in on-site deliveries, more rapid completion time, no requirement for onsite 5 storage of the fenestration products, an increase in security and a reduced fire risk due to the part-constructed building being secure straight away. Additionally, because some manufacturing mistakes in a fenestration product may not be noticed until the point of its installation, off-site installation additionally benefits from avoiding or minimising the cost of rectifying a manufacturing mistake, which can otherwise increase the completion time of the 10 modular building due to the delay involved in obtaining a correct fenestration product. It is advantageous therefore to factory-fit the fenestration products into wall modules. In the completed building the fenestration products typically do not stay entirely within the wall modules, but in their installation position, the windows and doors typically stand proud of an 15 outer surface of a wall module in order to account for a cavity between the wall module and the exterior skin of brickwork. Transportation of wall modules with fenestration products in their final installation position leaves the entire module vulnerable to damage during transportation and reduces the number of wall modules that can be contained within a single payload. It is therefore advantageous to stow the windows or doors within the aperture in the wall module 20 off-site. It is desirable to minimise the labour involved in the on-site installation of the windows and doors by having a hinging device that can hold the window or door in the stowed position and that can facilitate the movement and accurate placement of the window or door in the installation position. It is further desirable for such mechanisms to be strong and robust and capable of supporting the weight of the windows and doors without the need to have an 25 excessive number of such mechanisms. It is further desirable to have a mechanism that can accommodate different cavity depths. In some applications cavity depths of 150mm, 200mm or more may be required and it is desirable for such mechanisms to be capable of extending a window or door from its stowed position into an installation position wherein the window or door is held out at such a distance (150mm, 200mm or more). 30 To this end, brackets were developed, which are disclosed in detail in EP2789783, and GB 2512961. The brackets or hinging devices disclosed therein comprised: (i) a first fixing component for securely attaching the hinging device to a first article such as a wall panel having an aperture, the first fixing component comprising an 35 inner plate and an outer plate, the outer plate comprising an aperture for receiving a fastener for use in securely attaching the first fixing component to an outer face 23 05 24 of said first article and the first fixing component having a substantially “L”-shaped cross-section; (ii) a second fixing component for securely attaching the hinging device to a second article, the second fixing component comprising a main member that is 5 substantially planar and which comprises at least one leg portion unitarily formed with the main member and disposed in a plane offset from the plane of the main member, the at least one leg portion comprising an aperture for receiving a fastener for use in securely attaching the second fixing component to a second article; (iii) a first moveable arm pivotally coupled to the inner plate of the first fixing 10 component; (iv) a second moveable arm pivotally coupled to the first moveable arm and to the second fixing component; (v) means for pivotally coupling the first and second moveable arms to one another such that the first and second moveable arms moveably connect the first and 15 second fixing components to one another and such that the first and second moveable arms can partially cross over one another; and (vi) a slot formed in the main member of the second fixing component, by which the first movable arm is movably connected to the second fixing component, the slot controlling relative movement of the first moveable arm such that the second fixing 20 component can linearly move past the first fixing component; the hinging device thereby being structured and arranged for securing the first article to the second article in a first position; for securing the first article to the second article in a second position linearly spaced from the first position; and for controlling the relative linear movement of the first and second articles between said first and second positions. 25 In this way two rigid arms, preferably formed from metal, are used to support the first article. Beneficially, the robust structure of the hinging device may be highly reliable and may enable greater cavity depths to be accommodated. Such hinging devices or brackets have worked well. 30 Alternative hinging devices for the specific use in modular building construction are disclosed in GB2,552,955 and GB2,562,152 to Caldwell. The devices disclosed comprise: a first attachment part, comprising an elongate body with substantially planar surface and a pair of fixing apertures, a pair of channel walls extending from opposing edges of the surface forming 35 a channel; and a packing member housed at least partially within the channel; and a second attachment part comprising an aperture. The first and second attachment parts are connected by a hinge comprising: a first arm pivotally connected to the first and second attachment parts, 23 05 24 and a second arm pivotally connected the first attachment part and the first arm. A slot is defined by at least either arm and / or the first attachment part, and a pivot point defined by at least one of the connections between the first arm, the second arm and / or the first attachment part is moveable within the slot. It is not known whether devices were made available 5 commercially but both patent applications were terminated before grant. An aim of the present invention is to provide a further an improvement in the specific field of hinging devices for modular building construction, which allow for a fenestration to be mounted to a modular building panel and held securely in a stowed position for transportation and then 10 moved out of the plane of the modular building panel and into an installation position, on site. It is important that the hinging devices are fit for purpose, strong, reliable and capable of taking the weight of the fenestration. Whereas multiple hinging devices can be used to spread the load of the fenestration; it is nevertheless important for safety reasons as well as to protect the fenestration and panels against damage, that the hinging devices are sufficiently strong and 15 reliable. It is desirable to mitigate against jamming of the hinging devices; it is desirable that the hinging devices provide for a smooth lateral movement of the fenestration when it is moved from the stowed to the installation position. Furthermore, it is desirable to lower failure rates and for the hinging devices to have a greater load-bearing capability 20 SUMMARY Aspects of the invention relate to a hinging device, to a wall module, to a modular building, and to a method as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought, there is provided 25 a hinging device for use in a modular building construction, the hinging device comprising: (i) a first fixing component for securely attaching the hinging device to a first article such as a wall panel having an aperture, the first fixing component comprising an inner plate and an outer plate, the outer plate comprising an aperture for receiving a fastener for use in securely attaching the first fixing component to an outer face of said first article and the first 30 fixing component having a substantially “L”-shaped cross-section; (ii) a second fixing component for securely attaching the hinging device to a second article such as a window, the second fixing component comprising: a main member that is substantially planar and which comprises at least one aperture for receiving a fastener for use in securely attaching the second fixing 35 component to a second article; 23 05 24 a pair of channel walls which extend from opposing edges of the substantially planar main member forming a channel, the channel walls each having a lip portion that extends over and above the main member; and a carriage held at least partially within the channel and retained by said lip 5 portions, the carriage disposed adjacent the main member for sliding movement within the channel; (iii) a first moveable arm pivotally coupled to the inner plate of the first fixing component; and pivotally coupled to the carriage; (iv) a second moveable arm pivotally coupled to the first moveable arm and to the second fixing component; (v) means for pivotally coupling the first and second moveable arms to one another such that the first and second moveable arms moveably connect the first and second fixing components to one another and such that the first and second moveable arms can partially 10 cross over one another; and (vi) a retaining unit, disposed at least partially within the channel of the second fixing component, linearly spaced from the carriage, and affixed to the main member of the second fixing component, the second movable arm being pivotally coupled to the retaining unit, but the retaining unit being fixedly coupled to the second fixing component, 15 the retaining unit comprises an outer surface that is substantially planar; a bore therethrough for supporting a rivet coupling the second moveable arm to the retaining unit; and shoulder portions disposed upon and seated on upper surfaces of the lip portions of the channel walls; and the main member of the second fixing component comprises a substantially circular 20 mounting upstanding therefrom, the mounting having a conical wall and an open top, which open top is aligned with the bore extending through the retaining unit, the configuration of the device being such that the first fixing component can linearly move from being spaced from a first side of the second fixing component, toward, on top over, over and past the second fixing component to being spaced from a second side of the second 25 fixing component. Optionally, an inner surface of the retaining unit is shaped for fitting onto and mating with the mounting upstanding from the main member. 30 Optionally, the retaining unit comprises first and second end walls, each at least in part defining part of the shoulder portions that are disposed on the lip portions of the channel walls. 23 05 24 Optionally, each end wall is sized, shaped and configured such that a lower surface of each end wall contacts the main member. Optionally, the retaining unit is sized such that the end walls of the retaining unit are located 5 either side of the substantially circular mounting upstanding from the main member. Optionally, a rivet coupling the second moveable arm to the second fixing component, extends through an aperture in the second moveable arm, through the bore in the retaining unit and into the open top of the mounting unit. 10 Optionally, there further comprises a buffer member which protrudes from the main member of the second fixing component, and which includes a surface for abutting an end portion of the carriage for limiting the extent to which the carriage is slideable within the channel. 15 Optionally, the buffer member is disposed nearer to the substantially circular mounting than it is to the opposite end of the channel. Optionally, each of the first and second moveable arms is substantially planar and at least a portion of the first moveable arm rests in a different plane to the plane in which the second 20 moveable arm rests. Optionally, the inner plate of the first fixing component and the main member of the second fixing component are disposed in parallel planes. 25 Optionally, in part by virtue of the pivotal connection between the inner plate of the first fixing component and the first moveable arm, when the hinging device is in use and the inner plate of the first fixing component is securely attached to a first article and the second fixing component is attached to a second article, the outer plate of the first fixing component and the main member of the second fixing component are maintained in substantially orthogonal 30 planes relative to one other. Optionally, the first moveable arm comprises a first aperture and a first rivet, which first rivet pivotally couples the first moveable arm to the second fixing component via said carriage; wherein the first moveable arm comprises a second aperture and a second rivet, which second 35 rivet pivotally couples the first moveable arm to the second moveable arm; and wherein the first moveable arm comprises a third aperture and a third rivet, which third rivet pivotally couples the first moveable arm to the inner plate of the first fixing component. 23 05 24 Optionally, the second moveable arm comprises a fourth aperture and a fourth rivet which fourth rivet pivotally couples the second moveable arm to the retaining unit of the second fixing component, and wherein the second moveable arm comprises a fifth aperture which receives 5 said second rivet for pivotally coupling the first moveable arm to the second moveable arm. Optionally, the second moveable arm has a length between the fourth and fifth apertures that is shorter than a length of the first moveable arm between the first aperture and the third aperture. 10 According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a wall module comprising an aperture, a fenestration and one or more hinging devices according to any of the relevant preceding paragraphs, the one or more hinging devices for maintaining a secure attachment of the fenestration to the wall module; for releasably securing 15 the fenestration to the wall module in a first position wherein the fenestration is stowed entirely within the aperture; for permanently securing the fenestration to the wall module in a second installation position wherein at least a portion of the fenestration stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module, the second installation position being linearly spaced from the first position by a distance; and for controlling the linear movement of the fenestration relative to 20 the wall module from the first, stowed, position to the second, installation, position. According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a modular building construction comprising a plurality of wall modules according to the previous paragraph assembled together, wherein the fenestrations of each wall module are 25 permanently held by said one or more hinging devices in the second installation position. According to yet an even further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided method of constructing a modular building, the method comprising: (i) using one or more hinging devices according to the above relevant paragraphs to 30 attach an article to a wall module in a first stowed position wherein the article is disposed entirely within an aperture in the wall module; (ii) transporting said wall module to a building site; (iii) assembling said wall module into a final position; and (iv) applying a force to the article to cause the first and second moveable arms of the 35 or each hinging device to pivot and cross-over the first fixing component of the or each hinging device and thereby move the article into a second, installation position wherein the article stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module. 23 05 24 Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs and / or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all 5 embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: 10 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a timber frame panel in which a first window is held by hinging devices according to the disclosure in a first, stowed position and in which a second window has been moved into and is held in a second, installation position, by hinging devices according to the disclosure; 15 FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of hinging device according to the present invention; FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspective view of the hinging device of Figure 1; 20 FIGURE 4A is a plan view of a side elevation of the hinging device of Figure 1 when disposed in an intermediate position transitioning between the window-unit-stowed and window-unit-installation positions. The hinging device may be shipped from its manufacturing site to a customer, in this intermediate position; 25 FIGURE 4B is a plan view from the top of the hinging device of Figure 1 in a first extended position, which may be correspond to the installation position of Figure 1; and FIGURE 4C is a plan view from an end of the hinging device of Figure 4A. 30 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the hinging devices, wall modules, modular building systems, modular buildings and methods are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways 35 the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it 23 05 24 will be understood that the hinging devices, wall modules, modular building systems, modular buildings and methods described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are 5 not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. 10 In the embodiments detailed herein, the term “hinging device” is used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to a device structured and arranged for securing a first article to a second article in a first position; for securing the first article to the second article in a second position; and for controlling the relative movement of the first and second articles from the first position to the second position whilst maintaining a secure attachment of the first and second articles. 15 The hinging device to be described herein, is a mounting means or mounting bracket that is described in the context of modular buildings. The second article may be a fenestration product and the first article may be a wall module. In the first position (which may also be referred to as a “pre-installation position” or a “stowed position”), the fenestration product may be attached to the wall module and held completely within an aperture of the wall module such that no 20 portion of the fenestration product projects beyond an outer surface of the wall module. In this way, the wall module and fenestration product are hinged together and can be manipulated as a unitary item for safe transportation from a factory to a building site. In the second position, (which may also be referred to as “an installation position”) at least a portion of the fenestration product stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module. The movement of the fenestration 25 product relative to the wall module between the stowed position and the installation position is achieved by the pivotal hinging movement of the hinging device. Upon reading the foregoing, it will be recognised that the hinging devices described and illustrated herein may have many and various applications outside the specific context of 30 modular building construction. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure can be applied to various first and second articles where it is required to control the relative positioning of first and second articles and required to secure those first and second articles together. 35 The term “first article” may be used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to a component of a modular building system, for example, but not limited to a wall module, roof module, panel or frame. The terms “wall module”, “panel” and “frame”, are used for the non-limiting purpose 23 05 24 of referring to components of modular building systems, for example, but not limited to, open and closed panel timber frames, structurally insulated panels (SIP), steel frames and crosslaminated timber constructions. 5 The terms “article” and “second article” may be used for the non-limiting purpose of referring to a component of a modular building system, for example, but not limited to: a fenestration, a window, a door (for example, a fire door, a patio door and a pair of French doors), a louvre, vent, skylight or roof light, any of which may be glazed or unglazed and any of which may be fully, partly or unfurnished (but preferably fully furnished) and any of which may be formed 10 from plastics material (for example PVCu), metal (for example aluminium), timber (for example hardwood) or any other suitable material. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a timber frame panel 90. The timber frame panel is shown with three apertures: a first window aperture 95, a door aperture 97 and 15 a second window aperture 99. In the first window aperture 95, a first framed window unit 80a is shown being held by hinging devices 10 in a first, stowed position. The first window unit 80a has a maximum depth that is less than the depth of the first window aperture 95 and the first window unit 80a is positioned, optionally, centrally within the first window aperture 95. In this way, the first window unit 80a is positioned such that the first window unit 80a is disposed fully 20 within the first window aperture 95 such that no part of it, including the furniture provided for opening, closing and locking the window, projects beyond either outer surface 90a, 90b of the timber frame panel 90. The depth of the first window unit 80a may be about 70mm, a depth of the first window aperture 95 may be about 140mm and the window 80a may be positioned such that about a 35mm gap exists between each face of the window unit 80a and each 25 surface 90a, 90b of the timber frame panel 90. Additionally in Figure 1, a second window unit 80b is shown. The second window unit 80b has been moved into a second, installation position 78 by similar hinging devices 10 that are disposed and affixed to either side of the second window unit 80b. The second window 80b is 30 held in the second position by the hinging devices 10. In the installation position 78, at least a portion of the second window 80b stands proud of an outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel 90. Preferably, in the installed position 78, the second window 80b is moved fully clear of the outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel 90 (as shown in Figures 1 and 8). This provides a gap for a building cavity. In accordance with building regulations and / or building 35 specifications, the depth of the cavity may vary. For example, standard cavities are typically 50mm, 100mm, 150mm and 200mm. In this arrangement, the hinging device 10 is structured and arranged to locate the second window 80b substantially centrally within the second 23 05 24 window aperture 99 of the timber frame panel 90 and then to locate the second window 80b, 50mm from the outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel 90. Brickwork or other exterior finishing B’ is then laid up to and about the window 80b (only partly shown in Figure 1). In other embodiments, the hinging device 10 is structured and sized to locate the second window 5 80b, a different distance, for example, 100mm, 150mm, or 200mm beyond the plane 90b of the timber frame panel 90 Hinging devices 10 may be provided on one or more or all sides of the profile or frame of the window units 80a, 80b. Preferably, at least one hinging device 10 is provided on each side 10 edge of each unit 80a, 80b fixed within the timber frame panel 90. In Figure 1, the door aperture 97 is illustrated without a door being affixed therein in order to illustrate an aperture 97 within the timber frame panel 90 more clearly. However, it will be understood that in accordance with the invention, a wall module 90 may comprise a factory-fitted fenestration product, stowed within each of its apertures 95, 97, 99. It will also be understood that the number, position and 15 type of fenestration product will vary dependent upon the building design. It will be recognised that the hinging devices 10 taught herein differ from window hinges or window stays that may be incorporated within a window unit for repeatedly permitting a degree of opening and then closing of an opening unit of the window relative to its frame. In contrast, 20 the hinging devices 10 taught herein serve to hold an entire window unit 80a, 80b (including its window frame, its window and any opening units, its hinges, handles and locks (furniture), all in an assembled, fully manufactured condition), in a first stowed condition for safe and secure transportation of the assembled fully manufactured window unit 80a, 80b, with and inside the timber panel 90. Then, once on site, and once the timber panel 90 is in its installed, 25 constructed position as part of a timber-frame building, the hinging devices 10 are operable to allow, smooth, supported, linear movement of the entire assembled window unit 80a, 80b into its installation position where it projects beyond the outer surface 90b of the timber panel 90. In both the stowed and installed positions, the hinging device 10 can be locked to prevent inadvertent movement of the hinging device 10. Throughout the process, the hinging device 30 10 is securely affixed to an outer surface of the fully assembled window unit 80a, 80b; and is securely affixed to the timber frame panel 90. Preferably, the hinging device 10 is securely affixed to an outer surface 90b of the timber frame panel 90. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, perspective and exploded views of a hinging device 10 35 according to the present disclosure are shown. The hinging device 10 is formed from a suitable material of sufficient strength and robustness for its application. In the presently described embodiment, it is envisaged that the hinging device 10 is formed from austenitic grade 23 05 24 stainless steel. However, it is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable material” includes all manner of suitable materials such as, but not limited to, metal (including steel, stainless steel, aluminium and metal alloys, any of which may be coated or galvanised), plastic and suitable combinations thereof and the like. 5 In Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the hinging device 10 comprises: a first fixing component 37 for securely affixing the hinging device 10 to the timber frame panel 90 (preferably to the outer surface 90b thereof); a second fixing component 25 for securely affixing the hinging device 10 to a 10 fenestration 80a, 80b (fully assembled window unit); a first moveable arm 22a (the first moveable arm 22a has a trailing end 45, a leading end 43 and an outer edge 40); and a second moveable arm 22b (the second moveable arm 22b has a trailing end 49 and a leading end 47). 15 The first fixing component 37 comprises two plates 24, 66 and has a right-angled, or “L”-shaped configuration, such that it can be affixed to an outer surface 90b of the modular wall panel 90. 20 The first moveable arm 22a is affixed to and is pivotally moveable with respect to the first fixing component 37. The first moveable arm is slidably affixed to and is pivotally moveable with respect to the second fixing component 25. 25 The second moveable arm 22b is affixed to and pivotally moveable relative to both the first moveable arm 22a; and the second fixing component 25. The second moveable arm 22b is not configured for sliding movement with respect to the second fixing component 25. 30 The first and second fixing components 37, 25 are configured to be moved relative to one another to such an extent that the second fixing component 25 can start spaced away from one side of the first fixing component 37 and can be moved closer to the first fixing component 37, in line with it, past it and then away from the first fixing component 37 such that the second fixing component 25 can complete its sequence of linear movement and finish spaced away 35 from an opposite side of the first fixing component 37 to where the second fixing component 25 started. This sequence of linear movement enables the second fixing component 25 of the hinging devices 10 taught herein to be securely affixed to a window unit 80a, 80b; and for the 23 05 24 first fixing component 37 to be attached to an outer surface 90b of the panel 90. The window unit 80a, being attached to the second fixing component 25, can be held on one side of the first fixing component 37, in the stowed position; and can be controllably, smoothly and evenly moved laterally such that it moves closer to the first fixing component 37, in line with it, past it 5 and then beyond the first fixing component 37 and outer surface 90b, such that the window unit 80a, 80b by virtue of its attachment to the second fixing component 25 can complete its sequence of movement and end up on the opposite side of the first fixing component 37 to where it started; i.e. in the installation position spaced from the timber panel 90. 10 This is in stark contrast to typical window hinges or window stays that permit an opening unit of a window unit to be moved relative to a frame, from a closed position, out to an open position and then return to the closed position within the frame. Accordingly, the requirements for smooth linear movement, and load bearing capability of the hinging devices 10 discussed herein are of paramount importance. It is important to mitigate against jamming and to avoid 15 any tolerance within the movement of the hinging devices 10. This is because a number of hinges 10, typically at least four, will be operating in synchrony to allow a window unit 80a, 80b attached thereto to be laterally moved from the stowed, to the installation position. Any tilting, jamming or wobble within the operation of any of the hinges 10 could cause the window unit 80a to either reach its installation position not uniformly spaced from the panel 90; not well 20 aligned with respect to the aperture; or could cause the window unit 80a to not be moved into its installation position at all; any of these “failures” could result in additional on-site labour and on-site fitting of the window being required, which not only is time consuming but may also necessitate more skilled labour. With these functional factors in mind, the applicant has provided an improved hinging device 10 compared to those known in the art. 25 Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the second fixing component 25 is shown (also referred to as a second article fixing plate 25), which is used to attach the hinging device 10 to a side of the article 80 (window, door etc.), which side is disposed adjacent to a reveal ‘R’ of an aperture 95, 97, 99 of a wall module 90. The second fixing component 25 has a main member 20; 30 integrally formed therewith are first and second lipped side walls 21, 23. The first and second lipped side walls 21,23 form, with the main member 20, a track or channel‘T’. In exploded view of the hinging device 10 provided in Figure 3, the shape of the second fixing component 25 can be more clearly seen. The main member 20 of the second fixing component 35 25 is dimensioned in correspondence with the dimension and shape of a portion of the side of the article 80 to which it is attached. In other words, the width and depth of the main member 20 may be selected so that the main member 20 fits to the frame of a door or window 80a, 23 05 24 80b. The length of the main member 20 may be determined in proportion to the distance between the first stowed position and the second installation position 78, which distance may be determined by the depth of cavity required. Optionally the main member 20 is generally planar and has a generally rectangular footprint. 5 The second article fixing component 25 comprises fixing means 62d, 62e. In this embodiment the fixing means 62d, 62e take the form of substantially circular apertures, through which fixing members (not shown), for example, but not limited to screws, can be placed to affix the second fixing component 25 directly to the second article 80 (window). In other embodiments, the 10 fixing means 62d, 62e may, in other embodiments take the form of slots to provide additional tolerance for the location of screws into the profile of the window 80. The second fixing component 25 comprises a carriage 168, which is sized and shaped to fit into the track ‘T formed in the second fixing component 25 by the main member 20 and lipped 15 side walls 21 / 21 a, 23 / 23a. The carriage 168 is slideably movable along the track T. A bore or aperture 139 is provided in the carriage 168. The first moveable arm 22a is coupled to the second fixing component 25 by means of a fastener 32a which may, for example, be a rivet, such as a blind rivet, that passes through an aperture 62a formed proximate to the leading end 43 of the first moveable arm; and into the aperture 139 in the carriage 168. The carriage 168 20 is optionally a substantially solid construct with the bore 139 extending therethrough. The carriage 168 is optionally formed of metal. The carriage 168 has a wider bottom, a narrower top and an inverted “T”-shaped cross-section. A bottom surface of the carriage 168 can slide along the main member 20. The wider bottom portion of the carriage 168 is retained within the track T by means of the lip portions 21a, 23a. A top surface of the carriage 168 is disposed 25 in a plane that has an elevation that is higher than a plane containing the lip portions 21 a, 23a. In other words, the top surface of the carriage 168 protrudes above or beyond the track T. The second fixing component 25 optionally comprises a buffer member 31 which protrudes from the normal plane of the main member 20 of the second fixing component 25, and which 30 includes a surface for abutting an end portion of the carriage 168 for limiting the extent to which the carriage 168 is slideable within the channel or track T. The buffer member is 31 disposed nearer to the fixing means 62e than it is to the fixing means 62d.The buffer 31 may be press formed out of material from the main member 20. The buffer 31 may be formed as a two-sided, inverted “v”-shape. 35 The second fixing component 25 further comprises a retaining unit 153, disposed at least partially within the track or channel T defined by the main member 20, side walls 21, 23 and 23 05 24 lip portions 21a, 23a. The retaining unit 153 is linearly spaced from the carriage 168, and is affixed to the main member 20 of the second fixing component 25. The retaining unit 153 is not moveable. The second movable arm 22b is pivotally coupled to the retaining unit 153, but with the retaining unit 153 being fixedly attached to the main member 20 of the second fixing 5 component 25, the pivotally coupled end 47 of the second moveable arm 22b is not slidably moveable within the track ‘T’. As illustrated in Figure 3, the retaining unit 153 comprises an outer surface that is substantially planar. The retaining unit 153 is optionally a solid construct albeit, with a bore 139 extending 10 therethrough for receiving and supporting a rivet 32d coupling the second moveable arm 22b to the retaining unit 153. The retaining unit 153 comprises an at least partially “T”-shaped cross-section with wider upper shoulder portions 35 that are disposed upon and seated on upper surfaces of the lip portions 21a, 23a of the channel walls 21,23. 15 As also illustrated in Figure 3, the main member 20 of the second fixing component 25 comprises a generally circular mounting 79 upstanding therefrom. The mounting 79 may be press formed from the main member 20. The mounting 79 has a conical wall 79 and an open top 77. The open top 77 is aligned with the bore extending 39 through the retaining unit 153. The mounting member 79 may be press formed out of material from the main member 20. The 20 hole 77 for the mounting member 79 may be punched or cut out of the main member 20 and then the conical wall 79 pressed out of the main member 20. A curved cut 33 may be formed near the crease for the side walls 21, 23. Conical wall 79 may be pressed out of the main member 20 before the side walls 21,23 are folded and formed. 25 A lower, inner surface of the retaining unit 153 is shaped for fitting onto and mating with the mounting 79 that is upstanding from the main member 20. In this way, the retaining unit 153 as well as being mechanically and physically coupled to the main member 20, optionally by rivet 32d; is also physically formed in a complimentary manner to the shape of the mounting 79 such that the retaining unit 153, even when in use and bearing load, cannot move under 30 an acceptable range of load forces and cannot move within the track T. This is partially illustrated in Figure 3, where it can be seen that the retaining unit 153 comprises first and second end walls 37. Each end wall 37 at least in part defines part of the shoulder portions 35 that are disposed on the lip portions 21a, 23a of the channel walls 21,23. Each end wall 37 is sized, shaped and configured such that a lower surface of each end wall contacts the main 35 member 20. The retaining unit 153 is sized such that the end walls 37 are located either side of the generally circular mounting 70 upstanding from the main member. 23 05 24 Advantageously, during assembly of the hinging device 10, the press-formed mounting member 79 and complimentarily formed retaining unit 153 are easy to assemble together. The two components are effectively self-aligning; with the retaining unit 153 easily being located accurately onto the mounting member 79, without the retaining unit 153 needing to be slid 5 along the track T for its installation. The end walls 37 provide a clear alignment location so that the retaining unit 153 is directly mounted onto the mount 79. The retaining unit 153 being so mounted and robustly affixed additionally provides greater weight bearing capability than has been found with prior art devices. In the installation position, the load of a window unit 80a, 80b, to which the second fixing component 25 is attached, will hang from the hinging 10 device 10. It is known for devices of the prior art to drop under such load and this can disadvantageously cause poor location of the window unit 80a, 80b in the modular build; and / or can lead to bending, buckling and / or jamming of hinge. Testing of the present hinging device 10 demonstrated only a very low level of drop of the hanging window unit 80a, 80b under very heavy load and good operation with accurate installation of window units 80a, 80b. Without 15 being limited to any particular theory, it is considered that the solid metal construct of the retaining unit 153; it being robustly and securely mounted to mounting unit 79 and unable to move within the track T; along with its height and additional clearance above the channel walls 21, 23 contribute to the increased load bearing capability of hinging devices 10 of the present invention. 20 The leading end 47 of the second moveable arm 22b is coupled to the second fixing component 25 by means of a fastener 32d, for example, a rivet 32d that passes through an aperture 62d in the second moveable arm 22b; through the bore 39 in the retaining unit 153 and into the open top 77 of the mounting unit 79. A tail-end of rivet 62d may be guided by the 25 conical wall 79 of the mounting 79 to ensure unhindered, free, pivotal rotation of the rivet 32d and free, unfettered, smooth pivotal movement of the second moveable arm 22b about rivet 32d. The buffer member 31 is disposed nearer to the generally circular mounting 79 than it is to the 30 opposite end of the channel‘T’ indicated by aperture 62d. In Figure 4B, it can be seen how abutment of the slidably moveable carriage 168 in track T against the buffer 31 limits the amount of travel of the carriage 168 in the channel T. 35 As mentioned, the hinging device 10 comprises a first fixing component 37 (also referred to as first article fixing plate 37) which is used to attach the hinging device 10 to an outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 (first article). The first fixing component 37 is preferably “L”-shaped 23 05 24 in cross-section (see Figures 2 and 3). The first fixing component 37 comprises an outer plate 66 that is for affixing the hinging device 10 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 and an inner plate 24 that is pivotally coupled to the second moveable arm 22b. 5 The outer plate 66 and inner plate 24 are optionally, integrally and contiguously formed from the same sheet of material, such as steel sheet, and a corner 26 connects the two plates 24, 66 in a substantially orthogonal arrangement. In other embodiments other affixing arrangements are envisaged. However, the first fixing component 37 being a unitary formed metal component provides strength and robustness to the hinging device 10. This, as 10 described below, is especially advantageous in applications where the cavity depth of the building construction requires the first article 80 to be extended, for example, 150mm or more beyond the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90 since the load imparted on the hinging device 10 may be significant and weaker hinge arrangements and / or weaker materials (such as plastic) may be of insufficient strength to support the window 80 in the second, installation, 15 position 78. The hinging device 10 optionally only comprises a single fixing means 68 through which a fixing, such as a screw can be inserted for affixing the outer plate 66 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that a second fixing aperture may 20 be provided on the inner plate 44 for also affixing the hinging device to a reveal ‘R’ of the window aperture 95, 99. However, a single fixing means optionally comprising only the aperture 68 formed in the outer surface 66 of the first article fixing plate 37 may be sufficient to securely attach the outer plate 66 of the first fixing component 37 to the outer surface 90b of the wall module 90. 25 The first fixing component 24 / 66 is fixed in its position relative to the wall module 90 by virtue of its being screwed to the wall module 90. Movement of the moveable arms 22a, 22b translates into movement of the window 80 because the window 80 is screw-fixed to the main member 20 of the second fixing component 25. 30 It is expected that for a wall module 90 of known depth, several hinging devices 10 will be configured, as required, to provide the appropriate fixed distance of travel from the stowed position to the installation position taking account of the desired cavity, which may be about 50mm, about 100mm, about 150mm, about 200mm or more, or less as required. 35 In Figure 2 it can be seen that the inner plate 24 of the first fixing component 37 and the main member 20 of the second fixing component 25 are disposed in parallel planes. By virtue of the 23 05 24 pivotal connection between the inner plate 24 of the first fixing component 37 and the first moveable arm 22a, when the hinging device 10 is in use and the outer plate 66 of the first fixing component 37 is securely attached to a first article 90, and the second fixing component 25 is attached to a second article 80, the outer plate 66 of the first fixing component 37 and 5 the main member 20 of the second fixing component 25 are maintained substantially orthogonal relative to one other. Each of the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b is substantially planar and at least a portion of the first moveable arm 22a rests in a different plane to the plane in which the second 10 moveable arm 22b rests. As can be seen, the first moveable arm 22a comprises a bend or kink 201 such that the first moveable arm 22a has two planar sections at slightly different elevations. The trailing end 45 of the first moveable arm 22a that is coupled to the first fixing component 37 is at a highest elevation and rests in a plane above (as viewed in Figure 2) the plane of the second moveable arm 22b. The leading end 43 of the first moveable arm 22a that 15 is coupled to the second fixing component 25 is at a lower elevation and rests in the same plane as the second moveable arm 22b (as viewed in Figure 2). Top of the carriage 168 and the top of the retaining unit 153 are in the same plane as one another. To achieve the required degree of articulation and pivotal movement, in addition to the the first 20 moveable arm 22a comprising the first aperture 62a and a first rivet 32a, (which first rivet 32a pivotally couples the first moveable arm 22a to carriage 168 of the second fixing component 25 via said aperture139 formed in the carriage); the first moveable arm 22a can also move linearly, which movement is controlled in part by the first rivet 32a being secured to the carriage 168 which is guided linearly within the track T. The first moveable arm 22a additionally 25 comprises a second aperture 62b and a second rivet 32b. The second rivet 32b pivotally couples the first moveable arm 22a to the second moveable arm 22b. The first moveable arm 22a also comprises a third aperture 62c and a third rivet 32c. The third rivet 32c as discussed above, pivotally couples the first moveable arm 22a to the inner plate 24 of the first fixing component 37. As can be seen in Figures 2, 3, 4A and 4B, the second moveable arm 22b has 30 a length between the leading and trailing ends 47, 49 that is shorter than a length of the first moveable arm 22a between its leading and trailing ends 43, 45. As best viewed in Figure 3, the second moveable arm 22b comprises a fourth aperture 62d and a fourth rivet 32d. The fourth rivet 32d pivotally couples the second moveable arm 22b to 35 the retaining unit 153 of the second fixing component 25. The second moveable arm 22b comprises a fifth aperture which receives the second rivet 32b for pivotally coupling the first moveable arm 22a to the second moveable arm 22b. The first and second moveable arms 23 05 24 22a, 22b are pivotally coupled to one another and thereby provide a moveable connection between the first and second fixing components 37, 25. In this way, the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b are configured to partially cross over one another. The track T and carriage 168 controls linear movement of the first moveable arms 22a. Pivotal movement 5 between the first and second moveable arms 22a, 22b; pivotal between the first moveable arm 22a and the first fixing component 37; and pivotal movement between the second moveable arm 22b and the second fixing component, enables the second fixing component 25 to linearly move past the first fixing component 37. The hinging device 10 is thereby structured and arranged for attaching a fenestration 80 to a timber frame 90 and is able to move the 10 fenestration 80 relative to the timber frame 90 from a first, stowed position to a second, installation, position. The second installation position is linearly spaced from the first position by a distance. The hinging device 10 is structured and arranged to provide a robust, strong and reliable 15 mechanism for moving a window or other fenestration 80 relative to an aperture within a timber frame panel 90. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to 20 accommodate articles of differing size or shape. It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective components to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these components from 25 one another. 23 05 24

Claims

1. A hinging device for use in a modular building construction, the hinging device comprising: (i) a first fixing component for securely attaching the hinging device to a first article such as a wall panel having an aperture, the first fixing component comprising an inner plate 5 and an outer plate, the outer plate comprising an aperture for receiving a fastener for use in securely attaching the first fixing component to an outer face of said first article and the first fixing component having a substantially “L”-shaped cross-section;(ii) a second fixing component for securely attaching the hinging device to a second article such as a window, the second fixing component comprising:10 a main member that is substantially planar and which comprises at least oneaperture for receiving a fastener for use in securely attaching the second fixing component to a second article;a pair of channel walls which extend from opposing edges of the substantially planar main member forming a channel, the channel walls each having a lip portion 15 that extends over and above the main member; anda carriage held at least partially within the channel and retained by said lip portions, the carriage disposed adjacent the main member for sliding movement within the channel;(iii) a first moveable arm pivotally coupled to the inner plate of the first fixing component; and pivotally coupled to the carriage;(iv) a second moveable arm pivotally coupled to the first moveable arm and to the second fixing component;(v) means for pivotally coupling the first and second moveable arms to one another 20 such that the first and second moveable arms moveably connect the first and second fixing components to one another and such that the first and second moveable arms can partially cross over one another; and(vi) a retaining unit, disposed at least partially within the channel of the second fixing component, linearly spaced from the carriage, and affixed to the main member of the second 25 fixing component, the second movable arm being pivotally coupled to the retaining unit, but the retaining unit being fixedly coupled to the second fixing component,wherein the retaining unit comprises an outer surface that is substantially planar; a bore therethrough for supporting a rivet coupling the second moveable arm to the retaining unit; and shoulder portions disposed upon and seated on upper surfaces of the lip portions of 30 the channel walls; and23 05 24wherein the main member of the second fixing component comprises a substantially circular mounting upstanding therefrom, the mounting having a conical wall and an open top, which open top is aligned with the bore extending through the retaining unit.the configuration of the device being such that the first fixing component can linearly 5 move from being spaced from a first side of the second fixing component, toward, on top over, over and past the second fixing component to being spaced from a second side of the second fixing component.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein an inner surface of the retaining unit is shaped 10 for fitting onto and mating with the mounting upstanding from the main member.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the retaining unit comprises first and second end walls, each at least in part defining part of the shoulder portions that are disposed on the lip portions of the channel walls.

154. A device according to claim 3 wherein each end wall is sized, shaped and configured such that a lower surface of each end wall contacts the main member.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the retaining unit is sized such that the end walls 20 of the retaining unit are located either side of the substantially circular mounting upstanding from the main member.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein a rivet coupling the second moveable arm to the second fixing component, extends through an aperture in the second moveable arm, through 25 the bore in the retaining unit and into the open top of the mounting unit.

7. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a buffer member which protrudes from the main member of the second fixing component, and which includes a surface for abutting an end portion of the carriage for limiting the extent to which the carriage is 30 slideable within the channel.

8. A device according to claim 6 wherein the buffer member is disposed nearer to the substantially circular mounting than it is to the opposite end of the channel.35 9. A hinging device according to any preceding claim wherein each of the first and secondmoveable arms is substantially planar and at least a portion of the first moveable arm rests in a different plane to the plane in which the second moveable arm rests.23 05 2410. A hinging device according to any preceding claim wherein the inner plate of the first fixing component and the main member of the second fixing component are disposed in parallel planes.

511. A hinging device according to claim 10 wherein, in part by virtue of the pivotal connection between the inner plate of the first fixing component and the first moveable arm, when the hinging device is in use and the inner plate of the first fixing component is securely attached to a first article and the second fixing component is attached to a second article, the outer plate 10 of the first fixing component and the main member of the second fixing component are maintained in substantially orthogonal planes relative to one other.

12. A hinging device according to any preceding claim wherein the first moveable arm comprises a first aperture and a first rivet, which first rivet pivotally couples the first moveable 15 arm to the second fixing component via said carriage; wherein the first moveable arm comprises a second aperture and a second rivet, which second rivet pivotally couples the first moveable arm to the second moveable arm; and wherein the first moveable arm comprises a third aperture and a third rivet, which third rivet pivotally couples the first moveable arm to the inner plate of the first fixing component.2013. A hinging device according to claim 12 wherein the second moveable arm comprises a fourth aperture and a fourth rivet which fourth rivet pivotally couples the second moveable arm to the retaining unit of the second fixing component, and wherein the second moveable arm comprises a fifth aperture which receives said second rivet for pivotally coupling the first 25 moveable arm to the second moveable arm.

14. A hinging device according to claim 13 wherein the second moveable arm has a length between the fourth and fifth apertures that is shorter than a length of the first moveable arm between the first aperture and the third aperture.3015. A wall module comprising an aperture, a fenestration and one or more hinging devices according to any of claims 1 to 14, the one or more hinging devices for maintaining a secure attachment of the fenestration to the wall module; for releasably securing the fenestration to the wall module in a first position wherein the fenestration is stowed entirely within the aperture;35 for permanently securing the fenestration to the wall module in a second installation position wherein at least a portion of the fenestration stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module, the second installation position being linearly spaced from the first position by adistance; and for controlling the linear movement of the fenestration relative to the wall module from the first, stowed, position to the second, installation, position.

16. A modular building construction comprising a plurality of wall modules according to claim 5 15 assembled together, wherein the fenestrations of each wall module are permanently heldby said one or more hinging devices in the second installation position.

17. A method of constructing a modular building, the method comprising:(i) using one or more hinging devices according to any of claims 1 to 14 to attach an 10 article to a wall module in a first stowed position wherein the article is disposed entirely within an aperture in the wall module;(ii) transporting said wall module to a building site;(iii) assembling said wall module into a final position; and(iv) applying a force to the article to cause the first and second moveable arms of the 15 or each hinging device to pivot and cross-over the first fixing component of the or each hinging device and thereby move the article into a second, installation position wherein the article stands proud of an outer surface of the wall module.23 05 24

Images