Self-closing gate hinge

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a self-closing hinge for a gate, comprising a fence mount, a gate mount, a hinge axle operatively connecting the fence mount and the gate mount to facilitate pivoting gate movement between an open position and a closed position, a bias element mounted on the hinge axle and operative on the fence mount and gate mount to bias the gate mount to the closed position, and a soft close mechanism to control relative pivoting movement of the fence mount and the gate mount from the open position to the closed position. The soft close mechanism includes a cam, a cam follower, and a bias mechanism for biasing the cam follower onto the cam, wherein the cam follower provides a variable resistance to the bias element during movement between the open position and the closed position.

Description

SELF-CLOSING GATE HINGEFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to self-closing gate hinges, and more particularly to a self-closing hinge for pool fencing gates.BACKGROUND

[0002] Pool safety is a significant concern for property owners, particularly those with young children or pets. Fencing around swimming pools is often required by local regulations to prevent unauthorized access and potential accidents. A key component of pool fencing systems is the gate, which allows controlled entry to the pool area while maintaining the safety barrier when closed.

[0003] Self-closing gates are commonly used in pool fencing applications. These gates incorporate mechanisms that automatically return the gate to a closed position after being opened. This feature helps ensure the pool area remains secured even if users forget to manually close the gate behind them.

[0004] Traditional self-closing gate hinges typically use spring mechanisms to provide the closing force. While effective, these designs can have limitations. The closing action may be too forceful, causing the gate to slam shut. This can create noise disturbances and potentially damage the gate or surrounding structures over time, especially with glass pool fencing panels which have become popular for their aesthetic appeal.

[0005] Conversely, if the closing force is too weak, the gate may not reliably return to the fully closed position, compromising the safety barrier. Environmental factors like wind can also affect the closing action of spring-loaded gates.

[0006] Additionally, the closing speed of conventional self-closing gates tends to be constant throughout the closing arc. This can lead to pinch hazards, particularly for children's fingers, as the gate approaches the closed position at full speed.

[0007] Efforts have been made to address these issues through various damping and soft- close mechanisms. However, many existing solutions have drawbacks such as complexity, high manufacturing costs, or reduced durability in outdoor pool environments.

[0008] The present inventor seeks to ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or at least provide a new self-closing gate hinge.SUMMARY

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a self-closing hinge for a gate is provided. The self-closing hinge includes a fence mount, a gate mount, a hinge axle operatively connecting the fence mount and the gate mount to facilitate pivoting gate movement between an open position and a closed position, a bias element mounted on the hinge axle and operative on the fence mount and gate mount to bias the gate mount to the closed position, and a soft close mechanism to control relative pivoting movement of the fence mount and the gate mount from the open position to the closed position. The soft close mechanism includes a cam, a cam follower, and a bias mechanism for biasing the cam follower onto the cam, wherein the cam follower provides a variable resistance to the bias element during movement between the open position and the closed position.

[0010] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the self-closing hinge may include one or more of the following features.

[0011] The cam may include a cam surface which is variable radially from a hinge axis as it extends angularly around the hinge axis.

[0012] The cam may be multi-lobed, comprising a major lobe and at least one minor lobe. A major axis of the major lobe may extend along a gate axis, parallel to a gate panel.The major axis of the major lobe may extend radially from the hinge axis and be parallel to and offset from the gate panel.

[0013] The minor lobe may be configured to provide a first closing stage. The minor lobe axis may extend at 90 degrees from the major lobe to facilitate the first closing stage which extends radially from a wide open position to a pause at a predetermined angle. The first closing stage may extend until the gate is disposed at 30 degrees from wide open.

[0014] There may be a detent between the major lobe and the minor lobe on the cam to provide a stop in the closing cycle of the gate. The cam follower may include a roller which in operation abuts the cam surface to reduce friction losses during the movement of the gate to the closed position.

[0015] The bias mechanism may include a follower bias element to bias the cam follower against the cam surface. The follower bias element may comprise a damper to extend the cam follower along a follower axis and against the cam. The follower bias element may further comprise an axial spring to extend the cam follower along the follower axis and against the cam. The follower axis may extend at an angle such that when the gate is at a selected open angle almost at the closed position, the cam follower is at a nose of the cam.

[0016] The cam follower may be disposed on the nose of the cam when the gate is open at about 8 degrees from the closed position.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a self-closing hinge for a gate is provided. The method includes pivoting a gate mount relative to a fence mount about a hinge axle from an open position towards a closed position, biasing the gate mount towards the closed position using a bias element mounted on the hinge axle, and controlling the pivoting movement using a soft close mechanism. The soft close mechanism includes a cam and a cam follower, and controlling the pivoting movement comprises biasing the cam follower against the cam and providing a variable resistance to the bias element via the cam follower during movement between the open position and the closed position.

[0018] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of the following features. The cam may include a cam surface which is variable radially from a hinge axis as it extends angularly around the hinge axis.

[0019] The cam may be multi-lobed, comprising a major lobe and at least one minor lobe. A major axis of the major lobe may extend along a gate axis, parallel to a gate panel. The major axis of the major lobe may extend radially from the hinge axis and be parallel to and offset from the gate panel.

[0020] The minor lobe may be configured to provide a first closing stage. The minor lobe axis may extend at 90 degrees from the major lobe to facilitate the first closing stage which extends radially from a wide open position to a pause at a predetermined angle.

[0021] The first closing stage may extend until the gate is disposed at 30 degrees from wide open. The method may further comprise providing a stop in the closing cycle of the gate using a detent between the major lobe and the minor lobe on the cam.

[0022] The cam follower may include a roller, and controlling the pivoting movement may further comprise abutting the roller against the cam surface to reduce friction losses during the movement of the gate to the closed position. Biasing the cam follower against the cam may comprise using a follower bias element. The follower bias element may comprise a damper, and biasing the cam follower against the cam may comprise extending the cam follower along a follower axis and against the cam using the damper. The follower bias element may further comprise an axial spring, and biasing the cam follower against the cam may further comprise extending the cam follower along the follower axis and against the cam using the axial spring. The follower axis may extend at an angle such that when the gate is at a selected open angle almost at the closed position, the cam follower is at a nose of the cam.

[0023] The cam follower may be disposed on the nose of the cam when the gate is open at about 8 degrees from the closed position.

[0024] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0025] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0026] FIGURE 1 illustrates a self-closing hinge assembly with fence and gate mounts, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGURE 2 depicts a side view of the fence mount and gate mount of FIGURE 1, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIGURE 3 shows internal components of the self-closing hinge assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGURE 4 illustrates the hinge assembly with a soft close mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGURE 5 depicts details of the soft close mechanism and hinge axle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGURE 6 shows components of the cam and roller assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIGURE 7 illustrates the cam follower and associated bias elements, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGURE 8 depicts a dimensional view of an axial spring component, according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIGURE 9 shows details of a cam detent feature, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGURE 10 illustrates radial and angular dimensions of the cam assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIGURE 11 depicts another view of the self-closing hinge assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description sets forth exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0038] The present disclosure relates generally to a self-closing hinge for gates, particularly suitable for pool fencing gates. Embodiments of the self-closing hinge provide a controlled closing mechanism that enhances certainty of operation, reliability, safety and convenience.

[0039] In some cases, the self-closing hinge may include a fence mount and a gate mount connected by a hinge axle. A bias element may be incorporated to urge the gate towards a closed position. The hinge may also feature a soft close mechanism that controls the closing motion of the gate.

[0040] The soft close mechanism may include a cam and cam follower arrangement. In some implementations, the cam may be single-lobed. This configuration may allow for a specific closing profile tailored to the desired gate operation.

[0041] To enhance safety, particularly in pool environments, the self-closing hinge may incorporate features to discourage climbing. In some cases, a hinge cap may be provided.This hinge cap may be angled in a manner that makes it difficult to use the hinge as a foothold or handhold for climbing over the gate.

[0042] The self-closing hinge may be designed to provide a balance between reliable closing action and controlled, safe operation. This combination of features may make thehinge particularly suitable for applications where both security and user safety are important considerations.

[0043] In some embodiments, the self-closing hinge 10 may include a fence mount 12, as shown in FIGURE 1. The fence mount 12 may be configured for attachment to a fixed structure, such as a fence, panel, post, or other stationary element.

[0044] The fence mount 12 may include various components to facilitate secure attachment and proper functioning within the hinge assembly. In some implementations, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, the fence mount 12 may comprise a clamp assembly 13. The clamp assembly 13 may include a front body 15 and a backing body 16. These components may be fastened together to securely grip a panel, such as a glass panel, providing a stable mounting point for the hinge.

[0045] In some cases, the fence mount 12 may include a fence mount base body for fastening to a base structure such as a post, wall, or fence panel. This configuration may allow for versatile installation options, accommodating different types of fixed structures commonly found in fencing applications.

[0046] As shown in FIGURE 3, the fence mount 12 may also include a hinge axle mount 31. The hinge axle mount 31 may be designed to rotatably support a hinge axle 30, facilitating the pivoting motion of the gate relative to the fixed structure.

[0047] The fence mount 12 may play a crucial role in the overall functionality of the self-closing hinge 10. By providing a stable connection to the fixed structure, the fence mount 12 may serve as the stationary reference point around which the gate can pivot. This arrangement may allow for smooth and controlled gate operation while maintaining the integrity of the fence or barrier system.

[0048] In some cases, the self-closing hinge 10 may include a gate mount 14, as shown in FIGURE 1. The gate mount 14 may be configured for attachment to a movable gate panel, allowing the gate to pivot relative to the fence mount 12.

[0049] The gate mount 14 may comprise various components to facilitate secure attachment to the gate and proper functioning within the hinge assembly. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, the gate mount 14 may include a clamp assembly 17. The clamp assembly 17 may include a front body 18 and a backing body 19. These components may be fastened together to securely grip a gate panel, such as a glass panel, providing a stable mounting point for the gate side of the hinge.

[0050] In some cases, the gate mount 14 may include a gate mount base body for fastening to a gate panel. This configuration may allow for versatile installation options, accommodating different types of gate materials and designs commonly used in fencing applications.

[0051] As shown in FIGURE 4, the gate mount 14 may include a panel mounting space 99. The panel mounting space 99 may be designed to accommodate the thickness of a gate panel, ensuring a secure and flush attachment of the gate mount 14 to the gate.

[0052] The gate mount 14 may also include a hinge axle mount, similar to the hinge axle mount 31 of the fence mount 12. This hinge axle mount on the gate mount 14 may be designed to rotatably support the hinge axle 30, facilitating the pivoting motion of the gate relative to the fixed structure.

[0053] The gate mount 14 may play a useful role in the overall functionality of the selfclosing hinge 10. By providing a secure connection to the gate panel, the gate mount 14 may serve as the movable component around which the gate can pivot. This arrangement may allow for smooth and controlled gate operation while maintaining the integrity of the gate and hinge assembly.

[0054] In some cases, the self-closing hinge 10 may include a hinge axle 30, as shown in FIGURE 3. The hinge axle 30 may operatively connect the fence mount 12 and the gate mount 14, facilitating pivoting gate movement between an open position and a closed position.

[0055] The hinge axle 30 may be rotatably supported by the hinge axle mount 31 of the fence mount 12, as illustrated in FIGURE 3. In some cases, the gate mount 14 may also include a similar hinge axle mount for supporting the opposite end of the hinge axle 30.

[0056] As depicted in FIGURE 5, the self-closing hinge 10 may include a bias element 40 mounted on the hinge axle 30. The bias element 40 may be operative on the fence mount 12 and the gate mount 14 to bias the gate mount 14 towards the closed position.

[0057] In some implementations, as shown in FIGURE 7, the bias element 40 may comprise a torsion spring 41. The torsion spring 41 may be disposed around the hinge axle 30. When the gate is opened, the torsion spring 41 may be wound, storing potential energy. As the gate is released, this stored energy may be converted into rotational force, causing the gate mount 14 to pivot towards the closed position relative to the fence mount 12.

[0058] The torsion spring 41 may provide a closing force that urges the gate towards the closed position from any open angular position. This closing force may help ensure that the gate consistently returns to the closed position after being opened, enhancing the safety and security features of the self-closing hinge 10.

[0059] In some cases, the strength of the torsion spring 41 may be selected based on factors such as the weight of the gate, desired closing speed, and safety considerations. The configuration of the torsion spring 41 around the hinge axle 30 may allow for efficient transfer of the spring force to the gate mount 14, facilitating smooth and reliable closing action.

[0060] The combination of the hinge axle 30 and the bias element 40 forms a useful functional unit within the self-closing hinge 10. This arrangement may allow for pivoting movement of the gate while simultaneously providing the necessary closing force to return the gate to its closed position.

[0061] In some cases, the self-closing hinge 10 may include a soft close mechanism 50, as shown in FIGURE 4. The soft close mechanism 50 may be provided to control the relativepivoting movement of the fence mount 12 and the gate mount 14 from the open position to the closed position.

[0062] The soft close mechanism 50 may include a cam 52, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. The cam 52 may include a cam surface 20 which may be variable radially from a hinge axis of the hinge axle 30 as the cam surface 20 extends angularly around the hinge axis.

[0063] In some implementations, the soft close mechanism 50 may also include a cam follower 54, as depicted in FIGURE 5. The cam follower 54 may be configured to interact with the cam surface 20 of the cam 52.

[0064] As shown in FIGURE 6, the cam 52 may be multi-lobed, comprising a major lobe 53 and at least one minor lobe 55. The major lobe 53 and minor lobe 55 may provide different profiles for the cam surface 20, allowing for variable resistance during different stages of gate closure.

[0065] The soft close mechanism 50 may further include a bias mechanism for biasing the cam follower 54 onto the cam 52. In some cases, this bias mechanism may include a follower bias element 49, as illustrated in FIGURE 6. The follower bias element 49 may be configured to maintain contact between the cam follower 54 and the cam surface 20 throughout the gate's range of motion.

[0066] In some implementations, as shown in FIGURE 7, the follower bias element 49 may include a damper 48. The damper 48 may be configured to extend the cam follower 54 along a follower axis and against the cam 52. Additionally, as depicted in FIGURE 8, the follower bias element 49 may include an axial spring 45. The axial spring 45 may work in conjunction with the damper 48 to extend the cam follower 54 along the follower axis and against the cam 52.

[0067] The cam follower 54 may include a roller 51, as shown in FIGURE 5. The roller 51 may be configured to abut the cam surface 20 during operation. This arrangement may help reduce friction losses during the movement of the gate mount 14 to the closed position.

[0068] By biasing the cam follower 54 against the cam 52, the soft close mechanism 50 may provide a variable resistance to the bias element 40 during movement between the open position and the closed position. This variable resistance may be achieved through the interaction of the cam follower 54 with the varying profile of the cam surface 20 as the gate moves through its range of motion.

[0069] In some cases, the variable resistance provided by the soft close mechanism 50 may result in controlled pivoting movement of the gate mount 14 relative to the fence mount 12. This controlled movement may allow for a smooth and gradual closure of the gate, through different phases of the closing angle of the gate, enhancing both safety and user experience.

[0070] The minor lobe 55 is provided to provide a first closing stage. The minor lobe 55 axis extends at 90° from the major lobe 53 to facilitate a first closing stage which extends radially from a wide open position to a pause at a predetermined angle. In operation the first closing stage extends until the gate is disposed at 30° from wide open. In this first closing stage, the lobe has about the same curvature as the hinge and the roller doesn’t really provide much resistance to the closing force of the torsion spring 41. The main closing force 41 is not much resisted by the minor lobe 55. The axial spring 45 does not really change the force on the roller or follower in the first closing stag; only the torsion spring 41 closes the gate.

[0071] The minor lobe 55 has a shorter nose than the major lobe 53.

[0072] There is a detent 95 between the major lobe 53 and the minor lobe 55 on the cam 52 to provide a stop in the closing cycle of the gate. The detent 95 is disposed at 30° from wide open.

[0073] As shown, the major lobe 53 includes a side wall of wide radius adjacent the detent 95, which then transitions to a nose of a small radius. This arrangement provides a slow close while the follower 54 traverses from the detent 95 pause along the (reasonably straight or wide radius) side wall until about 8° from closed, and then at that time there is a slight increase in angular speed for the remainder of the closing cycle, at which time there is a slight acceleration to close.

[0074] In operation, the reduction in acceleration is brought about because the torsion spring 41 on the hinge axle is indirectly driving the axial spring 45 and / or damper back intoits pocket or seat to increase its potential energy. This costs the gate in kinetic energy and the gate angular velocity is reduced. When the change in radius of the lobe 53 surface releases the follower from the pocket, the kinetic energy in the gate is increased and the gate is driven more easily shut. The detent in operation provides a local energy well.

[0075] In operation the combination of the cam 52, cam follower 54, and follower bias element 49 within the soft close mechanism 50 work together to modulate the closing force provided by the bias element 40. This modulation may allow for a faster initial closing speed when the gate is wide open, followed by a gradual deceleration as the gate approaches the closed position, and then a slight increase in velocity to close in the final dew degrees of gate swing.

[0076] In some cases, the cam 52 of the soft close mechanism 50 may include a complex structure with multiple features designed to provide variable resistance during gate closure. As shown in FIGURE 5, the cam 52 may include a cam surface 20 which may be variable radially from a hinge axis 30 as it extends angularly around the hinge axis.

[0077] The cam 52 may be multi-lobed, as illustrated in FIGURE 6. In some implementations, the cam 52 may comprise a major lobe 53 and at least one minor lobe 55. This multi-lobed structure may contribute to the variable resistance experienced during different stages of gate closure.

[0078] In some cases, a major axis 58 of the major lobe 53 may extend along a gate axis, parallel to a gate panel. As depicted in FIGURE 5, the major axis 58 of the major lobe 53 may extend radially from the hinge axis and may be parallel to and offset from the gate panel.

[0079] The minor lobe 55 may be configured to provide a first closing stage. In some implementations, a minor lobe axis 44 may extend at 90 degrees from the major lobe 53, as shown in FIGURE 6. This arrangement may facilitate the first closing stage which may extend radially from a wide open position to a pause at a predetermined angle.

[0080] In some cases, the first closing stage may extend until the gate is disposed at 30 degrees from wide open. This may be illustrated in FIGURE 9, where the cam follower 54 may be positioned at a specific point on the cam surface 20.

[0081] The major lobe 53 may include a side wall surface 20a of wide radius adjacent a cam detent 95, which may then transition to a nose surface 20b of a small radius, as depicted in FIGURE 9. This configuration may contribute to the variable resistance experienced during gate closure.

[0082] In some implementations, the cam detent 95 may be located between the major lobe 53 and the minor lobe 55 on the cam 52, as shown in FIGURE 9. The cam detent 95 may provide a stop in the closing cycle of the gate.

[0083] The minor lobe 55 may have a shorter nose than the major lobe 53. This difference in lobe structure may contribute to the varying resistance experienced at different stages of gate closure.

[0084] As illustrated in FIGURE 10, when the gate is in a wide open position, the cam follower 54 may interact with the minor lobe 55, initiating the first closing stage. As the gate continues to close, the cam follower 54 may transition to interacting with the major lobe 53, as shown in FIGURE 9, providing a different resistance profile for the latter stages of closure.

[0085] The complex structure of the cam 52, including its multi-lobed design, varying radial distances, and specific lobe configurations, may work in conjunction with the cam follower 54 and other components of the soft close mechanism 50 to provide a controlled and variable resistance throughout the gate's closing cycle.

[0086] In some cases, the soft close mechanism 50 may include a cam follower 54, as shown in FIGURE 5. The cam follower 54 may be configured to interact with the cam surface 20 of the cam 52.

[0087] The cam follower 54 may include a roller 51, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. The roller 51 may be configured to abut the cam surface 20 during operation. This arrangement may help reduce friction losses during the movement of the gate mount 14 to the closed position.

[0088] In some implementations, the soft close mechanism 50 may include a bias mechanism for biasing the cam follower 54 onto the cam 52. The bias mechanism mayinclude a follower bias element 49, as depicted in FIGURE 6. The follower bias element 49 may be configured to maintain contact between the cam follower 54 and the cam surface 20 throughout the gate's range of motion.

[0089] As shown in FIGURE 7, the follower bias element 49 may include a damper 48. The damper 48 may be configured to extend the cam follower 54 along a follower axis 46 and against the cam 52. The follower axis 46 may define the direction along which the cam follower 54 moves relative to the cam 52.

[0090] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGURE 8, the follower bias element 49 may include an axial spring 45. The axial spring 45 may work in conjunction with the damper 48 to extend the cam follower 54 along the follower axis 46 and against the cam 52. This combination of the damper 48 and axial spring 45 may provide a balanced and controlled biasing force on the cam follower 54.

[0091] The interaction between the cam follower 54 and the cam surface 20 may be influenced by the follower bias element 49. As the gate mount 14 pivots relative to the fence mount 12, the cam follower 54 may traverse the cam surface 20. The follower bias element 49 may maintain contact between the roller 51 and the cam surface 20, ensuring consistent interaction throughout the closing cycle.

[0092] In some cases, the damper 48 may provide resistance to rapid movement of the cam follower 54, while the axial spring 45 may provide a constant biasing force. This combination may result in a controlled and smooth movement of the cam follower 54 along the cam surface 20, which may in turn contribute to the controlled closing action of the selfclosing hinge 10.

[0093] The configuration of the cam follower 54 and its associated bias mechanism may allow for variable resistance during the closing cycle. As the cam follower 54 interacts with different portions of the cam surface 20, such as the major lobe 53 or minor lobe 55, the resistance provided by the follower bias element 49 may vary, contributing to the soft close functionality of the mechanism.

[0094] In some cases, the self-closing hinge 10 may operate through the interaction of various components to achieve a self-closing action with variable resistance. The operation of the self-closing hinge 10 may involve the movement of the gate mount 14 relative to the fence mount 12 from a fully open position to a closed position.

[0095] As shown in FIGURE 4, the gate mount 14 may be connected to the fence mount 12 via the hinge axle 30. A mounting gap 8 may be present between the fence mount 12 and the gate mount 14 to allow for pivoting movement. The gate mount 14 may pivot about a gate axis 59, which may be parallel to the hinge axle 30.

[0096] In some cases, when the gate is in a fully open position, as illustrated in FIGURE 10, the cam follower 54 may be in contact with the minor lobe 55 of the cam 52. As the gate begins to close, the torsion spring 41 mounted on the hinge axle 30 may exert a closing force on the gate mount 14.

[0097] The closing movement may be controlled by the interaction between the cam 52 and the cam follower 54. As depicted in FIGURE 9, the cam 52 may include a cam detent 95 between the major lobe 53 and the minor lobe 55. This cam detent 95 may provide a stop in the closing cycle of the gate when the gate is at an angular position 90 of approximately 60 degrees from the closed position.

[0098] As the gate continues to close, the cam follower 54 may move along the side wall surface 20a of the major lobe 53, as shown in FIGURE 7. The follower axis 46 may extend at an angle relative to the cam surface 20. This angled orientation may contribute to the variable resistance experienced during the closing cycle.

[0099] FIGURE 8 illustrates the axial spring 45 and damper 48 components of the follower bias element 49. These components may work together to maintain contact between the roller 51 of the cam follower 54 and the cam surface 20. The axial spring 45 may have a dimensional measurement 6.4, which may influence the biasing force applied to the cam follower 54.

[0100] As the gate approaches the closed position, the cam follower 54 may reach the nose surface 20b of the major lobe 53. In some cases, the cam follower 54 may be disposed on the nose surface 20b when the gate is open at about 8 degrees from the closed position, as depicted in FIGURE 6. However, this angular position may vary, and the cam follower 54 may be disposed on the nose surface 20b when the gate is open at about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 degrees from the closed position.

[0101] The interaction between the cam follower 54 and the nose surface 20b may result in a final controlled deceleration of the gate before reaching the fully closed position.FIGURE 5 illustrates the cam 52 and cam follower 54 arrangement, showing how the radial distance 0.85 of the cam surface 20 from the hinge axis may vary, contributing to the variable resistance during the closing cycle.

[0102] Throughout the closing process, the soft close mechanism 50 may modulate the closing force provided by the bias element 40. This modulation may result from the changing radial dimension 8.5 of the cam surface 20 relative to the hinge axis, as shown in FIGURE 9. The variable resistance provided by the soft close mechanism 50 may allow for a controlled and gradual closure of the gate, enhancing both safety and user experience.

[0103] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A self-closing hinge for a gate, comprising: a fence mount; a gate mount; a hinge axle operatively connecting the fence mount and the gate mount to facilitate pivoting gate movement between an open position and a closed position; a bias element mounted on the hinge axle and operative on the fence mount and gate mount to bias the gate mount to the closed position; and a soft close mechanism to control relative pivoting movement of the fence mount and the gate mount from the open position to the closed position, the soft close mechanism including: a mechanism to provide a variable pivoting resistance to the bias element to vary an angular velocity or net force on the bias element during the movement between the open and closed positions.

2. The self-closing hinge of claim 1, further including; a cam; a cam follower; and a bias mechanism for biasing the cam follower onto the cam, wherein the cam follower provides a variable resistance to the bias element during movement between the open position and the closed position.

3. The self-closing hinge of claim 2, wherein the cam includes a cam surface which is variable radially from a hinge axis as it extends angularly around the hinge axis.

4. The self-closing hinge of claim 2 or 3, wherein the cam is multi-lobed, comprising a major lobe and at least one minor lobe.

5. The self-closing hinge of claim 4, wherein a major axis of the major lobe extends along a gate axis, parallel to a gate panel.

6. The self-closing hinge of claim 5, wherein the major axis of the major lobe extends radially from the hinge axis and is parallel to and offset from the gate panel.

7. The self-closing hinge of claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein the minor lobe is configured to provide a first closing stage.

8. The self-closing hinge of claim 7, wherein the minor lobe axis extends radially at 90 degrees from the major lobe to facilitate the first closing stage which extends radially from a wide open position to a pause at a predetermined angle.

9. The self-closing hinge of claim 8, wherein the first closing stage extends until the gate is disposed at 30 degrees from wide open.

10. The self-closing hinge of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein there is a detent between the major lobe and the minor lobe on the cam to provide a stop in the closing cycle of the gate.

11. The self-closing hinge of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the cam follower includes a roller which in operation abuts the cam surface to reduce friction losses during the movement of the gate to the closed position.

12. The self-closing hinge of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the bias mechanism includes a follower bias element to bias the cam follower against the cam surface.

13. The self-closing hinge of claim 12, wherein the follower bias element comprises a damper to extend the cam follower along a follower axis and against the cam.

14. The self-closing hinge of claim 12 or 13, wherein the follower bias element further comprises an axial spring to extend the cam follower along the follower axis and against the cam.

15. The self-closing hinge of claim 14, wherein the follower axis extends at an angle such that when the gate is at a selected open angle almost at the closed position, the cam follower is at a nose of the cam.

16. The self-closing hinge of claim 15, wherein the cam follower is disposed on the nose of the cam when the gate is open at about 8 degrees from the closed position.

17. A method of operating a self-closing hinge for a gate, comprising: pivoting a gate mount relative to a fence mount about a hinge axle from an open position towards a closed position; biasing the gate mount towards the closed position using a bias element mounted on the hinge axle; and controlling the bias element using a soft close mechanism, wherein the soft close mechanism includes a cam and a cam follower mounted on a hinge axle, and wherein controlling the pivoting movement comprises: biasing the cam follower against the cam to provide a variable resistance to the bias element during movement between the open position and the closed position.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cam includes a cam surface which is variable radially from a hinge axis as it extends angularly around the hinge axis.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the cam is multi-lobed, comprising a major lobe and at least one minor lobe.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein a major axis of the major lobe extends along a gate axis, parallel to a gate panel.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the major axis of the major lobe extends radially from the hinge axis and is parallel to and offset from the gate panel.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the minor lobe is configured to provide a first closing stage.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the minor lobe axis extends at 90 degrees from the major lobe to facilitate the first closing stage which extends radially from a wide open position to a pause at a predetermined angle.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first closing stage extends until the gate is disposed at 30 degrees from wide open.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising providing a stop in the closing cycle of the gate using a detent between the major lobe and the minor lobe on the cam.

26. The method of any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the cam follower includes a roller, and wherein controlling the pivoting movement further comprises abutting the roller against the cam surface to reduce friction losses during the movement of the gate to the closed position.

27. The method of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein biasing the cam follower against the cam comprises using a follower bias element.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the follower bias element comprises a damper, and wherein biasing the cam follower against the cam comprises extending the cam follower along a follower axis and against the cam using the damper.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the follower bias element further comprises an axial spring, and wherein biasing the cam follower against the cam further comprises extending the cam follower along the follower axis and against the cam using the axial spring.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the follower axis extends at an angle such that when the gate is at a selected open angle almost at the closed position, the cam follower is at a nose of the cam.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the cam follower is disposed on the nose of the cam when the gate is open at about 8 degrees from the closed position.

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