Adjustable hinge

Abstract

An adjustable hinge 10 comprising a first hinge leaf 12 and a second hinge leaf 14 connected together by a first eccentric hinge pin 16 and a second eccentric hinge pin 18. The first 16 and second 18 eccentric hinge pins are aligned and engage to form two halves of a hinge pin wherein rotation of either hinge pin causes rotation of both hinge pins in unison. Each hinge pin has a portion 20b with an axis offset from another portion 20a. Rotation of either eccentric hinge pin causes a central axis of the at least one knuckle 14b of the second hinge leaf 14 to move eccentrically with respect to a central axis of the at least two knuckles 12b, 12c of the first hinge leaf 12. Preferably each hinge pin includes a tool engaging polygonal recesses permitting adjustment from both either end. Grub screws 24 may secure the hinge pin in position.

Description

The present invention relates to an adjustable hinge and particularly but not exclusively to an adjustable hinge for use in hanging doors or windows. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A door or window frame is rarely perfectly square in form. It is generally necessary to adjust the alignment of the door or window within the frame to allow it to be moved to an ideal position. Over time, the hinge, door or window may also become bent or damaged which can prevent the door or window from closing properly. Therefore, this requires readjustment of the alignment of the door or window within the frame. There are different methods or mechanisms currently available for adjusting the alignment of the door or window, but these typically involve disassembly or removal of the hinge from the door, window or frame. This can be very time consuming, and at times, does not provide a very accurate adjustment. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable hinge for hanging doors or windows, the adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge wing and a second hinge wing, the first and second hinge wings comprising a leaf for fixing to a frame, door or window, the first hinge wing further comprising at least two knuckles disposed on one side or edge of the leaf of the first hinge wing, and the second hinge wing further comprising at least one knuckle disposed on one side or edge of the leaf of the second hinge wing and provided between two of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing, each knuckle of the first and second hinge wings having a bore extending through its length; and a first eccentric hinge pin and a second eccentric hinge pin for pivotally connecting the first and second hinge wings together, each eccentric hinge pin having a first portion with a first axis and a second portion with a second axis eccentric from the first axis, each eccentric hinge pin extending through the bore(s) of one or some of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing and through the bore(s) of one or some of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing; in which the first and second eccentric hinge pins are aligned and engaged together, rotation of one of the first or second eccentric hinge pins causing rotation of the other eccentric hinge pin, and the rotation of the engaged first and second eccentric hinge pins causing a central axis of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing to move eccentrically with respect to a central axis of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. Advantageously, the eccentric movement of the hinge allows an opening sash of a door or window to be moved side to side, or backwards and forwards. The adjustment allows the door or window to be fitted better within the frame and be closed properly, without needing to disassemble the hinge or without needing to detach the hinge from the frame, door or window. The rotation of one of the eccentric hinge pins causes rotation of the other hinge pin. This allows adjustment of the hinge even when only one end of the hinge is accessible to the user. This simplifies the method of adjustment and reduces the time required to adjust the hinge. The first portion of each eccentric hinge pin may extend through or may be disposed within the bore(s) of the corresponding one or some of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. The second portion may extend through or may be disposed within the bore(s) of the corresponding one or some of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing. Due to the eccentric characteristic of the second portion with respect to the first portion, the second hinge wing can move eccentrically with respect to the first hinge wing. The diameter or width of the first portion of each eccentric hinge pin may substantially match the diameter or width of the bores of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. This creates an interference fit to be formed between the first portion of each eccentric hinge pin and the corresponding one or some of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. This prevents the eccentric hinge pins from easily sliding out of the knuckles of the first hinge wing when unlocked for adjustment, as described further below. The diameter or width of the first portion of each eccentric hinge pin may be larger than the diameter or width of the second portion. A peripheral wall of the second portion may be inset from a peripheral wall of the first portion. This means that the second portion may not extend laterally outside the periphery of the first portion. The diameter or width of the bores of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing may be the same size or larger than the diameter or width of the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing. The smaller diameter or width of the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing allows the bore(s) to have a diameter or width closer to or substantially the same as the diameter or width of the second portion. At least one bushing may be disposed within the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing. The first and / or second eccentric hinge pin may extend through the at least one bushing disposed within the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing. The at least one bushing allows the second portion of each eccentric hinge pin to be centralised within or extend along a central axis of the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing when the diameter of the bore(s) is substantially larger than diameter of the second portion. The diameter of the second portion of each eccentric hinge pin may substantially match the diameter of the bore(s) of the at least one bushing. This allows the second portion to fit within the bore(s) of the at least one bushing. This also allows the at least one bushing to form an interference fit with the second portion. A countersunk head may be provided at one end of each eccentric hinge pin. The countersunk head may be an exposed or visible part of each eccentric pin at one end of the hinge. The countersunk head may provide an area where the eccentric hinge pin can be engaged with a rotation means e.g. hex key to allow rotation of the hinge pin for adjustment. Releasable and optionally removable fixing means e.g. grub screws may be provided for preventing movement of the first and second eccentric hinge pins within the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing and the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing. This allows the eccentric hinge pins to be fully secured to the hinge wings, and prevents rotation of the eccentric hinge pins in normal use of the hinge. The releasable fixing means may be provided on the first hinge wing. The releasable fixing means may be provided on one, some or all of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. In a preferred embodiment, the first hinge wing may comprise two knuckles, and the second hinge wing may comprise one knuckle. Each eccentric hinge pin may extend through the bore of one of the two knuckles of the first hinge wing, and through at least a portion of the bore of the knuckle of the second hinge wing. The first and second eccentric hinge pins may be engaged with each other within the bore of the knuckle of the second hinge wing. This allows the engagement of the eccentric hinge pins to be provided substantially at the centre of the knuckle of the second hinge wing. This allows for a more stable eccentric movement of the second hinge wing to the desired position or orientation through the rotation of the first and second eccentric hinge pins. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting an adjustable hinge according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the step of: rotating one of the first or second eccentric hinge pins, thereby causing rotation of the other eccentric hinge pin and causing a central axis of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing to move eccentrically with respect to a central axis of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. Rotation means, e.g. a hex key, may be used to engage with the head of one of the eccentric hinge pins to adjust their position, by rotation. The rotation means may be engaged with the head or counter-sunk head of the one of the first or second eccentric hinge pin. Releasable fixing means locking the eccentric hinge pins in position in the knuckles of the first hinge wing, may be released, for allowing the rotational adjustment of the eccentric hinge pin position. The fixing means may be tightened after adjustment of the hinge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a shows a perspective view of an adjustable hinge in a first configuration with hinge wings in a closed position; Figure 1b shows a side view of the adjustable hinge of Figure 1a; Figure 2 shows another side view (a top or bottom view when in use) of the adjustable hinge of Figures 1a and 1b; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the adjustable hinge of Figures 1 to 2 with the hinge wings in an open position; Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the adjustable hinge of Figures 1a to 3 in a second configuration with the hinge wings in the closed position; Figure 4b shows a side view of the adjustable hinge of Figure 4a; Figure 5 shows another side view (a top or bottom view when in use) of the adjustable hinge of Figures 4a and 4b; Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the adjustable hinge of Figures 1a to 5; Figure 7a shows a side view of a hinge pin of the adjustable hinge of Figures 1a to 6; and Figure 7b shows another side view of the hinge pin of Figure 7a. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figures 1a to 6, an adjustable hinge for use in hanging doors or windows is generally indicated at 10. Figures 1a to 3 show the hinge 10 in a first configuration and Figures 4a to 5 show the hinge 10 in a second configuration. The first and second configurations are discussed in more detail below. The adjustable hinge 10 comprises a first hinge wing 12 and a second hinge wing 14. In use, the first hinge wing 12 may be fixed to a door frame or a window frame, and the second hinge wing may be fixed to a door or a window, or vice versa. The adjustable hinge 10 allows the door or window to be hung within the door or window frame and be moved to an open or closed position. Furthermore, the axis of rotation of the hinge can be adjusted, in situ. The first 12 and second 14 hinge wings, each include a substantially rectangular leaf 12a, 14a for fixing to the frame, door or window. The leaf 12a, 14a has a substantially planar surface which abuts or contacts a surface of the frame, door or window, in use. A plurality of apertures 13 is provided through the leaf 12a, 14a of each hinge wing 12, 14. The apertures 13 are adapted to receive fixing means, such as screws or bolts, to extend through the leaf 12a, 14a and fix the hinge wing 12, 14 to the frame, door or window. In this embodiment, three equally spaced apertures 13 are provided along the length of the leaf 12a, 14a, as can be more clearly seen in Figures 3 and 6. In this embodiment, the first hinge wing 12 includes two knuckles 12b, 12c disposed on a longitudinal side or edge of the leaf 12a and spaced apart from each other. In other words, a first knuckle 12b is disposed at a first end of the leaf 12a and a second knuckle 12c is disposed at a second end of the leaf 12a. The second hinge wing 14 includes one knuckle 14b disposed centrally on a longitudinal side or edge of the leaf 14a. When the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings are assembled together, the knuckle 14b of second hinge wing 14 is disposed between the two knuckles 12b, 12c of the first hinge wing 12. However, in other embodiments, the first 12 and / or second 14 hinge wing may include a different number of knuckles, wherein the knuckles of the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings are positioned alternately. Each knuckle 12b, 12c, 14b of the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings includes a substantially L-shaped member and cylindrical member having a bore or aperture extending through its whole length. The L-shaped member of each knuckle 12b, 12c, 14b is formed by a first flange and a second flange connected perpendicularly to each other. An end of the first flange is connected to a surface of the leaf 12a, 14a, wherein the first flange extends perpendicularly to the leaf 12a, 14a. An end of the second flange is connected to the cylindrical member, wherein the second flange extends perpendicularly to the first flange and parallel to the leaf 12a, 14a. In other words, the hinge is of the general type known as a cranked hinge. The cylindrical member of each knuckle 12b, 12c, 14b extends in a direction parallel to the plane of the leaf 12a, 14a. In other words, the bore of the cylindrical member extends parallel to the plane of the leaf 12a, 14a. The cylindrical member is substantially disposed between the leaf 12a, 14a and the second flange of the L-shaped member when viewed from the side shown in Figures 2 and 5. Note that the views shown in Figures 2 and 5 are end views of the hinge in different adjusted positions. The first flange of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14 is substantially longer than the first flange of the knuckles 12b, 14c of the first hinge wing 12. This allows a gap to be formed between the leaves 12a, 14a of the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings when the hinge wings 12, 14 are in a closed position as shown in Figures 2 and 5. This gap may, in use, accommodate a seal, for example. A first eccentric hinge pin 16 and a second eccentric hinge pin 18 extend through the bores of the cylindrical members of the knuckles 12b, 12c, 14b of the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings. This allows the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings to be pivotally connected with each other. In this embodiment, the first eccentric hinge pin 18 extends through the bore of the cylindrical member of the first knuckle 12a of the first hinge wing 12 and partially through the bore of the cylindrical member of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14. The second eccentric hinge pin 18 extends through the bore of the cylindrical member of the second knuckle 12c of the first hinge wing 12 and partially through the bore of the cylindrical member of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14. The eccentric hinge pins 16, 18 can be more clearly seen in Figures 6, 7a and 7b. The two eccentric hinge pins 16, 18 meet and are engaged with each other within the bore of the cylindrical member of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14. Referring to Figures 6, 7a and 7b, the two eccentric hinge pins 16, 18 are identical to each other. Each eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 has a first portion 20a with a first axis and a second portion 20b with a second axis eccentric from the first axis of the first portion 20a. In other words, this means that the first 20a and second 20b portions extend in a direction parallel to each other, but a central axis of the second portion 20b is offset from a central axis of the first portion 20a. The second portion 20b extends from one end of the first portion 20a, and a countersunk head 20c is provided at the other end of the first portion 20a. The countersunk head 20c is the visible part of the eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 when the hinge 10 is assembled. The countersunk head 20c is formed with an engagement profile for a tool. It allows a rotation means, such as a hex key, to be engaged with the head of the eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 for rotating the hinge pin 16, 18 within the knuckles 12b, 12c, 14b of the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings. The first portion 20a has a larger diameter than the second portion 20b. This allows a peripheral wall of the second portion 20b to be inset from a peripheral wall of the first portion 20a. That is the diameter of the second portion 20b is within the diameter of the first portion 20a. The diameter of the first portion 20a of each eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 substantially matches the diameter of the bore of the cylindrical members of the knuckles 12b, 12c of the first hinge wing 12. This provides an interference fit between the knuckles 12b, 12c of the first hinge wing 12 and the eccentric hinge pins 16, 18. This prevents the hinge pins 16, 18 from easily sliding out of the knuckles 12b, 12c when the hinge 10 is assembled, but unlocked for adjustment. A free end of the second portion 20b of each eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 has a cut forming a semi-cylindrical end section. The flat surface of the semi-cylindrical section of the first eccentric hinge pin 16 abuts the flat surface of the semi-cylindrical section of the second eccentric hinge pin 18. This allows the hinge pins 16, 18 to be aligned and engaged with each other. Two bushings 22a, 22b are provided within the bore of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14, as shown in the exploded view of the adjustable hinge in Figure 6. Each bushing 22a, 22b has a substantially cylindrical body with a bore extending through its length and a flange extending perpendicular to the surface atone end of the cylindrical body. Within the bore, the flange is in contact the part of the bushing in contact with the surface of the knuckle of the second hinge wing 14. One of the bushings is substantially disposed at a first end of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing and the other bushing is substantially disposed at a second end of the knuckle 14b. The second portion 20b of each eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 extends through one of the bushings 22a, 22b. The bushings 22a, 22b allow the second portion 20b of the hinge pins 16, 18 to be disposed at the centre of the bore of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14. The diameter of the bores of the knuckles 12b, 12c of the first hinge wing 12 is the same size or larger than the diameter of the bore of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing. The diameter of the second portion 20b of the eccentric hinge pins 16, 18 substantially matches the diameter of the bores of the bushings 22a, 22b. This also provides an interference fit between the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14 and the eccentric hinge pins 16, 18 and prevents the hinge pins 16, 18 from easily sliding out of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14. Each knuckle 12b, 12c of the first hinge wing 12 includes a threaded aperture 24a through its cylindrical member. Fixing means 24b, such as a grub screw, is threaded into each aperture and bears against the portion 20a of the respective hinge pin, to lock the rotational position of the hinge pin within the knuckle of the first 12 hinge wing. When adjusting the adjustable hinge 10, the fixing means 22 are unscrewed to release the hinge pins within the first hinge wing. The rotation means is engaged with the countersunk head 20c of one of the eccentric hinge pins 16, 18. As the user rotates one of the eccentric hinge pins 16, 18, the engagement of the eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 with the other eccentric hinge pin 16, 18 causes the other hinge pin 16, 18 to also rotate with the hinge pin 16, 18 being rotated by the user. Due to the eccentric nature of the second portion 20b of the hinge pins 16, 18 with respect with the first portion 20a, the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14 can move eccentrically with respect to the knuckles 12b, 12c of the first hinge wing 12. In other words, the axis of hinging is adjusted laterally as the hinge pins rotate. In Figure 2, the adjustable hinge 10 is in a first configuration wherein the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14 is substantially off-set to the left and upwardly of the first hinge wing 12, as viewed. In Figure 5, the adjustable hinge 10 is in a second configuration wherein the central axis of the knuckle 14b of the second hinge wing 14 is substantially off-set to the right and downwardly of the first hinge wing 12, as viewed. When the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings are in a closed position, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the offset to left and right as viewed, ie the distance between the surfaces of leaves 12a, 14b of the first 12 and second 14 hinge wings can be adjusted by 2.55 mm. The offset in the other direction can be adjusted by 0.85 mm. Note that a number of other configurations of the adjustable hinge is possible. The configuration depends on the orientation or position of the second portion 20b of the hinge pin 16,18. The eccentric hinge pins 16, 18 allow the second hinge wing 14 to be moved side to side, or backwards and forwards to allow the position of the door or window to be changed or adjusted with respect to the frame, s Overall, the present invention allows a hinge to be adjusted without needing to be 5 disassembled or detached from a frame, door or window. This also allows the hinge to be adjusted even when only one end of the hinge is accessible to a user. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable hinge for hanging doors or windows, the adjustable hinge comprising: a first hinge wing and a second hinge wing, the first and second hinge wings 5 comprising a leaf for fixing to a frame, door or window, the first hinge wing further comprising at least two knuckles disposed on one side or edge of the leaf of the first hinge wing, and the second hinge wing further comprising at least one knuckle disposed on one side or edge of the leaf of the second hinge wing and provided between two of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge 10 wing, each knuckle of the first and second hinge wing having a bore extending through its length; a first eccentric hinge pin and a second eccentric hinge pin for pivotally connecting the first and second hinge wings together, each eccentric hinge pin having a first portion with a first central axis and a second portion with a second xf is CM i— central axis, the second central axis being eccentric from the first central axis, each eccentric hinge pin extending through one or some of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing and through one or some of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing; in which the first and second eccentric hinge pins are aligned and engaged 20 together, rotation of one of the first or second hinge pins causing rotation of the other eccentric hinge pin, and the rotation of the engaged first and second eccentric hinge pins causing a central axis of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing to move eccentrically with respect to a central axis of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing. 25 2. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 1, in which the first portion of each eccentric hinge pin extends through the corresponding one or some of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing, and the second portion extends through the corresponding one or some of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing. 30 3. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the diameter of the first portion of each eccentric hinge pin is substantially an interference fit within the bores of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing.

4. An adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the diameter of the first portion of each eccentric hinge pin is larger than the diameter of the second portion.

5. An adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the diameter 5 of the bores of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing is the same sizeor larger than the diameter of the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing.

6. An adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one bushing is disposed within the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second 10 hinge wing.

7. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 6, in which the first and / or second eccentric hinge pins extend through the at least one bushing disposed within the bore(s) of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing.

8. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which the diameter of 15 the second portion of each eccentric hinge pin is substantially an interferencefit within the bore of the at least one bushing.

9. An adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a countersunk head is provided at one end of each eccentric hinge pin.

10. An adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, in which releasable 20 fixing means is provided for preventing movement of the first and secondeccentric hinge pins within the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing and the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing.

11. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 10, in which the releasable fixing means is provided to one, some or all of the at least two knuckles of the first 25 hinge wing.

12. An adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first hinge wing comprises two knuckles, and the second hinge wing comprises one knuckle.

13. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 12, in which each eccentric hinge pin30 extends through one of the two knuckle bores of the first hinge wing, andthrough at least a portion of the knuckle bore of the second hinge wing.07 10 2414. An adjustable hinge as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the first and second eccentric hinge pins are engaged together within the bore of the knuckle of the second hinge wing.

15. A method of adjusting an adjustable hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, 5 the method comprising the steps of:rotating one of the first or second eccentric hinge pins, thereby causing rotation of the other eccentric hinge pin and causing a central axis of the at least one knuckle of the second hinge wing to move eccentrically with respect to a central axis of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing.10 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, in which the one of the first or secondeccentric hinge pins is rotated using a tool.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, in which releasable fixing means are first released from the first hinge wing, from one, some or all of the at least two knuckles of the first hinge wing before rotating the one of the first or second15 eccentric hinge pin.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, in which the releasable fixing means are tightened against the hinge pin(s) after they have been rotationally adjusted.

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