A hinge arm for a vehicle door

Abstract

A hinge arm 210 for a vehicle door hinge, the hinge arm 210 comprising: a curved section 211; and a radial section 212 extending radially inwardly from the curved section 211, the radial section 212 t

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a hinge arm for a vehicle door. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle sub-assembly comprising the hinge arm and a vehicle comprising the sub-assembly. BACKGROUND On most passenger cars the doors are suspended from a hinge mounted on the door aperture. The door aperture is part of the vehicle frame that is disposed between the interior and exterior surfaces of the vehicle and is covered up when the door is closed. For conventionally opening doors, hinges are positioned on a vertical, forward pillar of the door aperture. Unless a complex hinging mechanism is used, the door rotates about the hinge through an arc lying in a horizontal plane. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a hinge arm for a vehicle door, a vehicle sub-assembly comprising the hinge arm and a vehicle comprising the sub-assembly as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge arm, the hinge arm comprising: a curved section; and a radial section, the radial section extending radially inwardly from the curved section, the radial section terminating at a distal end comprising a pivot connector; wherein the pivot connector is configured for connection to a bracket, the pivot connector defining an axis of rotation of the hinge arm ; and wherein the curved section describes an arc of constant radius about the axis of rotation. By providing a hinge arm having a curved section of constant radius configured to rotate about its centre, the hinge arm can be passed through an opening corresponding in size and shape to the cross section of the curved section as it rotates. In this way, a gap between the curved section of the hinge arm and an inner edge of the opening may be reduced. Such gaps might otherwise form a finger trap or provide an ingress point for dust or debris into the hinge mechanism. In an embodiment, the hinge arm is a hinge arm for a vehicle door hinge. Optionally, a first end of the curved section comprises a mount to mount a passenger door of a vehicle. Optionally, the curved section of the hinge arm comprises an internal conduit to enable a wiring loom to pass therethrough. In this way, a wiring loom extending from the vehicle body to the vehicle door may be completely concealed by the hinge arm. Optionally, a second end of the curved section comprises a pivot joint arranged to pivotally couple to a linear actuator. Optionally, the radial section extends from the curved section at the second end. By arranging the radial section at an end of the curved section, the radial section may not need to passthrough the opening, meaning that the entire curved section may pass through the opening. This may increase the range of movement of the hinge arm. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge assembly comprising: the hinge arm; a pivot; and a bracket, the hinge arm connected to the bracket at the pivot such that it is rotatable relative thereto. Optionally, the hinge assembly comprises an actuator configured to rotate the hinge arm around the axis of rotation. In this way, a door mounted to the hinge arm can be opened and closed by the actuator, reducing the burden on a vehicle operator. Optionally, the hinge arm comprises an elbow where the radial section intersects the curved section; and wherein the actuator is configured to apply a force to the hinge arm at the elbow. In this way, the bending stresses on the radial section of the hinge arm during movement of the actuator may be reduced. Optionally, the actuator is a linear actuator comprising a piston rod and a housing, the housing comprising opposing first end and second ends, the piston rod being extendable from the first end of the housing to rotate the hinge arm; wherein the actuator is connected to the hinge arm at a distal end of the piston rod by a first pivot, the actuator having a second pivot at the second end for connection to a vehicle body. In this way the actuator forms part of the mechanism for opening the door, eliminating the need for further structural elements. The linear actuator may also provide a smoother movement of the door, and by pivoting the linear actuator at both ends, internal stresses in the linear actuator may be reduced. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle body and the hinge assembly, wherein the vehicle body comprises a vehicle frame. Optionally, the bracket is mounted directly to, or integrally formed with, the vehicle frame. Optionally, the vehicle is configured so that the hinge arm extends from an opening in the vehicle body during rotation of the hinge arm about the pivot axis; and wherein the opening corresponds in size and shape to the cross section of the curved section of the hinge arm so that substantially no gap exists between the curved section of the hinge arm and an inner edge of the opening throughout a range of movement of the hinge arm as it rotates about the pivot axis. In this way gaps between moving and stationary components of the car are eliminated. Such gaps might otherwise have formed a finger trap or provide an ingress for dust or debris into the hinge mechanism. Substantially no gap may comprise a gap of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. Substantially no gap may comprise a gap of about 0.5mm. Optionally, the pivot axis is parallel to an A-pillar of the vehicle frame. Therefore, the door opens through a compound angle, extending both upwards and outwards. This reduces the lateral distance traversed by the door as it opens, allowing it to open in smaller spaces. Optionally, a door is mounted to a first end of the curved section of the hinge arm; wherein the door is configured to overlap a portion of a door surround in the vehicle body when the door is in a closed position; and wherein the opening in the vehicle body is provided in the portion of the door surround. In this way, the hinge assembly is concealed when the door is closed. Optionally, the centre of gravity of the door in the closed position is disposed further from a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle than the pivot axis is. Therefore, the weight of the door urges the door against the door surround in the closed position. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A shows a hinge assembly for the vehicle with an actuator in a retracted position; Figure 2B shows the hinge assembly with the actuator in an extended position; Figure 3 shows the vehicle with a nearside front passenger door in an open position; Figure 4 shows a curved section of a hinge arm of the hinge assembly; and Figure 5 shows a vehicle frame of the vehicle and a hinge assembly attached to the vehicle frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure relates a hinge arm for a vehicle door, a vehicle sub-assembly comprising the hinge arm and a vehicle comprising the sub-assembly. As used herein, the terms ‘x-direction’, ‘y-direction’ and ‘z-direction’ denote, respectively, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a vertical direction. By ‘longitudinal direction’ it is meant a horizontal direction that extends between the front and rear of the vehicle, wherein the term ‘front of the vehicle’ is given its normal definition (i.e. the side of the vehicle facing the normal direction of travel). By ‘transverse direction’ it is meant a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e. a direction that extends between sides of the vehicle). The term ‘forward’ means in a direction toward the front of the vehicle. The relative terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ are used to mean relatively further from the ground and relatively closer to the ground, respectively. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 of Figure 1 is a passenger car, but may be any other type of vehicle to which embodiments described herein may apply such as a pickup truck, van or othertype of commercial vehicle. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a hinge assembly for a door 101 of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the door 101 is a nearside front passenger door 101 (of a right-hand drive vehicle), meaning that the door 101 provides access to a front passenger seat of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that the hinge arm and the vehicle sub-assembly comprising the hinge arm may be used for a front passenger door either side of the vehicle and also for other doors of the vehicle, such as rear passenger doors, a tailgate or a bonnet. As used herein, the term ‘vehicle body’ encompasses some parts of the vehicle 100 that make up the vehicle bodywork, which is to say, the (usually) painted exterior surfaces of the finished vehicle 100. The definition used herein includes exterior body panels, but excludes body closures such as the bonnet, the doors and the tailgate or boot. The term vehicle body also encompasses a vehicle frame, which is the structural part of the vehicle 100 to which other components of the vehicle 100 are attached, including the exterior body panels, the body closures, the powertrain, subframes for the wheel assemblies and suspension systems, and interior panels. A hinge assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The hinge assembly 200 is configured to attach the door 101 to the vehicle 100 and enable opening and closing of the door 101. The hinge assembly 200 comprises a hinge arm 210, a bracket 230 and an actuator 240. The hinge arm 210 comprises a curved section 211 and a radial section 212. The curved section 211 describes an arc of constant radius. In the illustrated example, the curved section 211 describes an arc of about 90 degrees, but in other examples the curved section 211 may extend through any arc needed for a particular vehicle geometry. The curved section 211 is configured to extend from an opening in the vehicle body to open the door 101, as will be explained further below. One end of the curved section 211 (herein referred to as the ‘first end 213’) comprises a mount 218 which is attached to the door 101 of the vehicle 100; while the other end (herein referred to as the ‘second end 214’) comprises a pivot joint 215 that is pivotally coupled to the linear actuator 240. The radial section 212 extends radially inward from the second end 214 of the curved section 211. Where the radial section 212 and curved section 211 intersect is referred to herein as the ‘elbow 217’ of the hinge arm 210. The radial section 212 extends from the elbow 217 and terminates at a pivot (216) connector 216 (herein also referred to simply as ‘pivot 216) which is attached to the bracket 230. The pivot 216 defines a pivot axis 216X about which the hinge arm 210 and the door 101 rotate when the hinge assembly is in use on the vehicle 100. By arranging the radial section 212 at an end 214 of the curved section 211, the radial section 212 may not need to pass through the opening, meaning that the entire curved section 211 may pass through the opening to increase the range of movement of the hinge arm 210. The mount 218 may be a plate that extends across the first end 213 of the curved section 211. The plate provides a planar mounting surface that abuts a corresponding planar surface of the door 101 when fixed thereto. Through holes are provided in the plate and bolts passed therethrough to attach the hinge arm 210 to the door 101. By ‘across the first end 213’ it meant that the plate may be attached to any face of the first end 213 such as an end face of the curved section 211 or, as illustrated, a portion of a lateral face of the curved section 211 extending to the first end 213. The hinge arm 210 may be made of any suitable material for supporting the weight of the door 101. For example, the hinge arm 210 may be made from a suitable metal or metal alloy. The hinge arm 210 may be manufactured from shaped sheets of metal or metal alloy that are attached along their edges to form the curved section 211 and radial section 212. The shaped sheets may be attached to each other by welding or adhesive. As illustrated, the curved section 211 and radial section 212 have quadrilateral cross sections meaning that the curved section 211 and radial section 212 can each be formed from four separate shaped sheets, each shaped sheet making up one side of the curved section 211 or radial section 212. In another example, the hinge arm 210 and the radial section 212 are machined from a single solid billet of metal or metal alloy such as steel or aluminium alloy. In the above examples, the plate for the mount 218 may be welded or adhered to the first end 213 of the curved section 211. The bracket 230 may by integrally formed with the vehicle body or, as illustrated, is a separate component for mounting to a vehicle frame of the vehicle body during vehicle assembly. The bracket 230 provides a barrel 231 in which the pivot 216 of the hinge arm 210 is received. The pivot 216 takes the form of an axle 216 that spins in the barrel 231 as the hinge arm 210 rotates about the pivot axis 216X. Any kind of suitable bearing arrangement may be provided in the barrel 231 to support the hinge arm 210 and the door 101. For example, a roller bearing or plain bearing may be used. Regardless, the bracket 230 and bearing should be specified to support the expected loads of the door 101 and hinge assembly 200. For example, the bracket 230 may be manufactured from a suitable metal or metal alloy. The bracket 230 may be machined from billet, cast or forged as appropriate. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 230 is configured for mounting behind a body panel so that the bracket 230 is concealed from an operator of the vehicle 100 when the vehicle 100 is in a complete assembled state. It is important that the connection between the pivot 216 and the radial section 212 supports the load of the door 101 throughout the door’s 101 range of movement. In one example, the pivot 216 is a solid round bar of metal or metal allow that is welded, adhered or otherwise attached to the radial section 212. The actuator 240 is a linear actuator 240 comprising a piston rod 241 and a housing 242 through which the piston rod 241 is movable. The piston rod 241 extends from a longitudinal end 243 of the housing 242 (herein referred to as the ‘first end 243’ of the housing 242) and is movable between retracted and extended positions (shown by figures 2A and 2B, respectively). The piston rod 241 in the retracted position corresponds to the door 101 in a closed position. The piston rod 241 in the extended position corresponds to the door 101 in an open position. As the piston rod 241 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the actuator 240 applies a force to the elbow 217 of the hinge arm 210 causing the hinge arm to rotate about the pivot axis 216X. By applying a force to the elbow 217 of the hinge arm 210, the bending stresses on the radial section 212 of the hinge arm 210 during movement of the piston rod 214 may be reduced The distal end 244 of the piston rod 241 is joined to the hinge arm 210 by a first pivot connector 245 at the pivot joint 215. The housing 242 is joined at a second end 246 to a second pivot joint 251 of a second bracket 250 by a second pivot connector 247. In this way the actuator 240 is constrained at either end by a pivot 245, 251 so that the actuator 240 forms part of a two-bar linkage with the hinge arm 210 being the other bar of the linkage. As the piston rod 241 moves into the extended position, the hinge arm 210 rotates about the pivot axis 216X. This means that the actuator 240 forms part of simple mechanism for opening the door 101, eliminating the need for further structural elements. The linear actuator 240 may also provide a smoother movement of the door 101, and by pivoting the linear actuator 240 at both ends, internal stresses in the linear actuator 240 may be reduced. Figure 3 shows the vehicle 100 with the door 101 in the open position. The hinge arm 210 extends from an opening 140 in a door surround 120 of the vehicle body. The door surround 120 extends between interior surfaces and exterior surfaces of the vehicle 100 and comprises the surfaces of the vehicle body that are concealed when the door 101 is closed and visible to an operator of the vehicle when the door 101 is open. A seal is provided around the door surround 120 to seal the interior of the vehicle 100 from water and other weather when the door 101 is closed. By providing the opening 140 in the door surround 120, the hinge assembly is concealed when the door 101 is closed. The door 101 comprises at least one exterior and interior panel 102,103. The exterior and interior panels 102, 103 enclose interior components of the door 101 such as locking mechanisms, window operating systems, and a frame to which other components are attached. The interior panel 103 and / or frame comprises surfaces that overlap the door surround 120 when the door 101 is in the closed position. In the illustrated example, the hinge arm 210 connects to the doorframe adjacent a forward surface 104 of the door 101. The forward surface 104 of the door 101 is a surface of the interior panel 103 and / or frame that overlaps a forward surface 121 of the door surround 120. In the example illustrated by Figure 3, the pivot axis 216X extends at an oblique angle to the z-direction and is canted rearward. In one example, the pivot axis 216X extends substantially parallel to the A-pillar of the vehicle 6 100. By disposing the pivot axis 216X at an oblique angle to the z-direction, the door 101 is caused to travel through a compound angle, moving in all three x, y and z directions as the door 101 is opened and closed. By travelling through a compound angle, the lateral distance traversed by the door 101 as it opens is reduced, allowing the door 101 to be opened in smaller spaces. The hinge arm 210 is configured so that the pivot axis 216X extends through the centre of the arc defined by the curved section 211. This means that the curved section 211 rotates about its centre as the actuator extends and retracts. Because the hinge arm 210 comprises a curved section 211 of constant radius configured to rotate about its centre, the hinge arm 210 can be passed through an opening corresponding in size and shape to the cross section of the curved section 211 as it rotates. In this way, a gap between the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210 and an inner edge of the opening 140 in the vehicle body may be reduced. This gap is illustrated in Figure. 3 where it can be seen that an inner edge 141 of the opening 140 is closely spaced to the outer surface of the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210. By closely spaced, it is meant the gap between the inner edge of the opening and the outer surface of the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210 is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. In one example, the gap is around 0.5mm. By limiting the size of the gap between the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210 and the inner edge 141 of the opening 140, an ingress point for dust or debris is removed and a finger trap is prevented. A brush seal orsimilar may be provided inside the opening to further limit the dust and debris that may make it through the gap. Figure 4 shows the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210 in isolation. The curved section 211 comprises an arc of a hollow conical frustrum (herein after simply referred to as ‘frustrum’) with a quadrilateral cross section. In the present example the quadrilateral cross section is a rectangular cross section. The acute angle a of the pivot axis 216X from the vertical is arranged so that outer and inner surfaces 21T, 211 ” of the frustrum are vertical where the curved section 211 passes through the opening 140 in the vehicle body. This means that the opening 140 in the vehicle body may be a rectangle with vertical longitudinal edges. In turn, this means that the space that the opening 140 occupies in the x-direction is equal to the width of the opening 140 and is not required to be any larger than the width of the opening 140. Equally, in examples where the mount 218 extends across an end face of the first end 213, the space that the mount 218 occupies where the hinge arm 210 attaches to the door 101 is limited to the width of the mounting plate in the x-direction (when the door is in the closed position). It will be appreciated that, while the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210 in the illustrated embodiments comprises a frustrum, the curved section 211 may also be simple annulus. An example vehicle frame 110 is illustrated in Figure 5. The frame 110 of the present example is of a monocoque design that is substantially symmetric about a centreline C-C of the vehicle 100. Each side of the frame 110 comprises a rocker 111 (or sill) that extends in the x direction along the edge of a floor panel 112, a roof rail 113 that extends in the x-direction along the edge of a roof panel (not shown); a front hinge pillar 114 that upstands from a forward section of the sill in the z-direction; a B-pillar 115 that extends in the z-direction between a mid-section of the sill 111 and the roof rail 113; and an A-pillar 116 that extends between an upper end of the front hinge pillar 114 and a front end of the roof rail 113. A scuttle 117 extends between the upper ends of the front hinge pillars 114. The A-pillar, B-pillar, front hinge pillar and forward portions of the 7 rocker and roof rail surround a door aperture. The door aperture provides access to the passenger compartment when the door is in the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 230 is integrally formed with or directly attached to an inwardly facing surface of the front hinge pillar. The second bracket 250 is integrally formed with or directly attached to a forward-facing surface of the scuttle. Therefore, the hinge assembly 200 is retained by the brackets 230, 250 in a space inboard of the front hinge pillar 114 and in front of the scuttle 117. The opening 140 for the hinge arm 210 is provided in the front hinge pillar 114. Specifically, the opening 140 extends through the front hinge pillar 114 between the inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface. The opening 140 is disposed adjacent the upper end of the front hinge pillar 114. By attaching the hinge assembly 200 to the scuttle 117 and front hinge pillar 114 of the vehicle frame 110, the actuator 240 is provided with a structurally solid platform capable of reacting large forces. This means the actuator 240 can be specified to open the door 101 without any physical assistance from the vehicle operator. In this way, the door 101 can be opened and closed by the actuator 240, reducing the burden on a vehicle operator. In embodiments, the vehicle 100 is provided with an electronic controller configured to receive a signal from a user input device and to translate the signal into an output configured to cause the actuator 240 to move the door 101 into any of the closed position, open position or any position in between. The user input device may be any of a remote device (such as a key fob), an interior control panel or an electronic communication device (such as a smartphone). In embodiments, the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210 comprises an internal conduit (not shown) to enable a wiring loom to pass therethrough. The wiring loom may be for connecting a control panel provided in the door 101 with the controller. The control panel may be for operating any functions of the door including but not limited to, the opening and closing of the door and / or the opening and closing of a window in the door. By providing an internal conduit in the curved section 211 of the hinge arm 210, the wiring loom may extend from the vehicle body to the vehicle door 101 while never being visible to an operator of the vehicle 100. In embodiments, the centre of gravity of the door 101 in the closed position is disposed further from a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle than the pivot axis 216X is. This means that the weight of the door 101 urges the door 101 against the vehicle body in the closed position. In turn, this means that the actuator 240 does not have to provide a pulling force to close the door 101, but instead may control the closing of the door 101 by resisting the weight of the door 101. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge arm for a vehicle door hinge, the hinge arm comprising: a curved section; anda radial section, the radial section extending radially inwardly from the curved section, the radial section terminating at a distal end comprising a pivot connector;wherein the pivot connector is configured for connection to a bracket, the pivot connector defining an axis of rotation of the hinge arm; andwherein the curved section describes an arc of constant radius about the axis of rotation.

2. The hinge arm of claim 1, wherein a first end of the curved section comprises a mount to mount a passenger door of a vehicle.

3. The hinge arm of claim 1 or 2, wherein the curved section of the hinge arm comprises an internal conduit to enable a wiring loom to pass therethrough.

4. The hinge arm of any preceding claim, wherein a second end of the curved section comprises a pivot joint arranged to pivotally couple to a linear actuator.

5. The hinge arm of claim 4, wherein the radial section extends from the curved section at the second end.

6. A hinge assembly comprising:the hinge arm of claim 1;a pivot; anda bracket, the hinge arm connected to the bracket at the pivot such that it is rotatable relative thereto.

7. The hinge assembly of any preceding claim further comprising an actuator configured to rotate the hinge arm around the axis of rotation.

8. The hinge assembly of claim 7, wherein the hinge arm comprises an elbow where the radial section intersects the curved section; and wherein the actuator is configured to apply a force to the hinge arm at the elbow.

9. The hinge assembly of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator comprising a piston rod and a housing, the housing comprising opposing first and second ends, the piston rod being extendable from the first end of the housing to rotate the hinge arm; wherein the actuator is connected to the hinge arm at a distal end of the piston rod by a first pivot connector, the actuator having a second pivot connector at the second end for connection to a vehicle body.

10. A vehicle comprising a vehicle body and the hinge assembly of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the vehicle body comprises a vehicle frame.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the bracket is mounted directly to, or integrally formed with, the vehicle frame.

12. The vehicle of claim 10 or 11, wherein the vehicle is configured so that the hinge arm extends from an opening in the vehicle body during rotation of the hinge arm about the pivot axis; and wherein the opening corresponds in size and shape to the cross section of the curved section of the hinge arm so that substantially no gap exists between the curved section of the hinge arm and an inner edge of the opening throughout a range of movement of the hinge arm as it rotates about the pivot axis.

13. The vehicle of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the pivot axis is parallel to an A-pillar of the vehicle frame.

14. The vehicle of claim 12 or claim 13 when dependent on claim 12, further comprising a door mounted to a first end of the curved section of the hinge arm; wherein the door is configured to overlap a portion of a door surround in the vehicle body when the door is in a closed position; and wherein the opening in the vehicle body is provided in the portion of the door surround.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the centre of gravity of the door in the closed position is disposed further from a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle than the pivot axis is.Application No: GB2413370.4Examiner: Mr Philip LawrenceClaims searched: 1-15Date of search: 11 March 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-15 DE 19734320 C2 (BAYERISCHE M0T0REN WERKE AG) see Figure 2 noting reference 'r' and col. 2 lines 47-64. X 1-15 DE 102012213299 Al (BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG) see Figure noting reference 'R', and paragraph [0010], X 1-15 DE 29809448 UI (FISCHER DIETER) see Figure 6a / 6b and page 14 lines 3-12. X 1-15 DE 20006903 UI (HAHN GMBH &CO KG DR) see Figure 2, noting radius 36 and page 4 lines 19-30. X 1-15 EP 0947654 Al (FISCHER DIETER) see Figure 8 and paragraph [0044] noting circular template piece. X 1-15 FR 773896 A (ANCIENS ETABLISSEMENTS PANHARD) see Figures 2-4 and page 2 lines 10-13. X 1-15 US 2138463 A (VINCENT) see Figure 4 and col. 2 lines 51-61 noting 'arcuate' arm 37.Categories:v Au Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if p Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC_____________E05D___________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportSEARCH-PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From E05D 0005 / 06 01 / 01 / 2006 E05D 0005 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006

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