Hinge assembly for use with a movable barrier

Abstract

This invention relates to a hinge assembly (1) having a first leaf (2) and second leaf (4) which is biased towards a closed position by a torsion spring (11). The second leaf (4) includes a cylinder (10) with a cam (30) formed integrally therewith which acts on a follower (24) to adjust actuator elements (25, 26) within the first leaf (2). Movement of the actuator elements (25, 26) cause a dampener element (27) to compress so as to reduce a closing speed of the hinge assembly as it approaches a closed position.

Description

Title of InventionHinge assembly for use with a movable barrier.Priority Cross-Reference

[0001] This application claims priority from Australian Patent Application 2024904251 filed on 20 December 2024, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a hinge assembly for use with a moveable barrier. The invention particularly relates to a leaf hinge assembly with a biassing arrangement that is adapted to urge the leaves towards a closed position and a dampener arrangement adapted to produce a resisting force to the biasing arrangement. The applicant has developed the hinge for use on movable barriers such as gates, and in particular glass gates for use with pool fences, where it is desired to minimise the slamming of the gate when closing. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to this particular application however it ought to be appreciated that the hinge may have other applications particularly where self-closing devices are recommended to prevent the gate from being held in an open position.Background of Invention

[0003] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] The applicant is aware of self-closing hinges which include various spring biasing arrangements to apply a closing force to close a gate. These may be referredto as self-closing hinges and can be utilised with pool fences where, for safety purposes, the gate needs to be biased towards a closed position. They tend to be used in conjunction with a latching device to self-latch the gate, without any manual assistance, when the gate is in the closed position. The functionality of the self-close hinge / latch often needs to comply with local standards, such as in Australia AS 1926.1-2024 including that the magnitude of the biasing force needs to be sufficient to cause the gate needs to self-close. Further the biasing arrangement may require a cushioned back-checking operation to prevent shock when the gate is closing.

[0005] The biasing arrangement adopted for self-closing hinges needs to have sufficient magnitude to move the gate to a closed position generally without the application of a manual force. The magnitude selected will take into consideration the weight of the gate, which can be significant particularly where the gate panel is solid glass. If the selected magnitude is too great it can result in the gate slamming closed, which can injure bystanders, cause damage to the gate and / or the gate latch and cause the gate hardware to come lose over time. A solution known to the applicant is the use of dampening arrangements to resist the biasing arrangement providing a ‘soft-close’ function so as to slow down the closing speed of the gate.

[0006] However, over time, performance of the dampening arrangements can change, sometimes as a result in increase in friction between the dampening components, causing the gate to fail to reach a closed position which compromises the safety purpose of the self-closing hinge. The dampening arrangements know to the applicant can have the components, particularly the damper element, exposed to the elements. The exposure to the elements can allow the ingress of water, dirt and debris (hereinafter referred to as foreign matter) that can cause the function of the deepener element to deteriorate prematurely. Further, the applicant has appreciated that generally the magnitude of the biasing arrangements reduces when approaching the closed position which is when the magnitude of the dampening arrangement is at its maximum. This makes it difficult in setting the relative magnitudes so that the gate closes in a controlled manner.Summary of Invention

[0007] In view of the above, it is desirable to provide a hinge assembly with improved soft close functionality and / or which provides an alternative choice for users.

[0008] Before turning to a summary of the invention, it is useful to provide an explanation of some of the terms that will be used to define the spatial relationship of various parts thereof. In this respect, spatial references throughout this specification will generally be based upon a hinge when mounted to a movable barrier, such as a gate.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge assembly for installation on a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement that acts generally in opposition to the biasing force, the dampener arrangement including a casing that is adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to move therewith, the casing houses a dampener element having a compression axis that is oriented by the casing to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis, an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element, and a follower that interacts with the cam that is adapted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis on interaction with the cam, the follower also being adapted to operate the actuator, the casing being adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to facilitate replacement of the dampener arrangement.

[0010] The casing may be secured to the second leaf in any suitable manner however it is preferred that the second leaf includes a recess adapted to accommodate the casing and a lid for fixing to the second leaf over the recess so asto removably secure the casing to the second leaf. This facilitates accurately locating the casing, and in turn the follower, relative to the cam of the first leaf. It is further preferred that the recess is adapted to interact with the casing such that while the cam engages the follower the casing is not prevented from being removed from the recess.

[0011] The casing may take any suitable form. In a preferred arrangement the casing includes a base having a cavity formed to accommodate the dampener element, actuator and follower, the base having an open front through which the dampener element, actuator and follower can be loaded into the base, and a cover adapted to be fastened to the base to close the open front. This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the components into the base. It is further preferred to include a seal between the base and the cover so as to inhibit the ingress of foreign matter between the base and cover into the cavity. It is further preferred for the base to include an aperture on one side thereof through which the follower projects, the cavity being formed to accommodate the dampener element on a side of the base spaced from the aperture. Locating the dampener element remote from the aperture reduces the likelihood of foreign matter hindering its functionality.

[0012] The biasing arrangement may take any suitable form and in one preferred arrangement it includes a torsion spring a first end of which is operably coupled with the first leaf and a second end of which is operably coupled with the second leaf so that the hinge assembly is biased towards the closed position whereby the casing is adapted to interact with the second leaf so that replacement of the dampener arrangement can be achieved without decoupling the torsion spring from either the first end or second end. This arrangement avoids the need to reset the torsion spring when replacing the dampener arrangement, so it simplifies the process of performing maintenance on the hinge assembly.

[0013] The actuator may take any suitable form and in one preferred arrangement the actuator includes a pair of actuator elements adapted to capture the damper element therebetween so that relative movement between the pair of actuator elements towards each other causes compression of the dampener element. Alternatively, the actuator may include a single movable actuator element however byhaving a pair of actuator elements the actuator and in turn the dampener arrangement can be made more compact. It is also preferred that the casing be formed with a track and the pair of actuator elements being formed with guides so as to facilitate linear movement of each of the actuator elements within the casing. The track and guide arrangement can facilitate axial compression of the dampener element which increases the likelihood that the dampener element will function as expected. In one embodiment the hinge assembly includes at least one spring acting between the casing and the follower adapted to bias the follower towards an extended position. Alternatively, the follower could be connected to the cam so as to move therewith however the use of the spring allows the dampener arrangement to be detached from the second leaf without having to disconnect the follower from the cam. In one embodiment the follower includes at least one tongue and the casing includes at least one slot adapted to receive the tongue whereby the tongue and slot are adapted to limit movement of the follower relative to the casing between the extended position and a retracted position. Alternatively, the casing could have the tongue and the follower could have the slot so long as the arrangement of slot and tongue limit the movement between the extended and retracted position.

[0014] In one embodiment the dampener arrangement is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement of the first leaf and the second leaf moving in a closing direction between the open position and the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement, and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement. The combination of braking and approach having different magnitudes facilitates swiftly slowing the momentum of the barrier during the braking range whilst freeing up the barrier during the approach range so as to reach the closed position without slamming.

[0015] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a hinge assembly for installation on a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier andeach being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement including a dampening element acting generally in opposition to the biasing force associated with the second leaf, wherein the dampener arrangement is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement of the first leaf and the second leaf moving in a closing direction between the open position and the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement, and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement. The combination of braking and approach ranges of movement having different magnitudes facilitates swiftly slowing the momentum of the barrier during the braking range whilst freeing up the barrier during the approach range so as to still reach the closed position without slamming.

[0016] In one embodiment the dampening arrangement includes a follower adapted to that interact with the cam. The interaction may include engagement, particularly during the braking range of movement so as to move the follower. The ranges of movement may also include a free range of movement being movement from the open position to the braking range of movement, whereby the interaction of the follower with the cam may include disengagement during the free range of movement so that the follower does not move. Alternatively, the cam may be so shaped so as to engage the follower during the free range of movement without causing the follower to move, however this is less desirable.

[0017] In one embodiment the dampener arrangement includes an actuator that is adapted to interact with the dampener element whereby the actuator is operable to compress the dampener element during at least the braking range of movement. The compression of the dampener element may be achieved in any suitable manner andin one embodiment either the actuator or the follower has at least one ramp surface at which the actuator and follower abut and slide relative to one another there along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range. In a further embodiment the at least one ramp surface includes a steep ramp surface and a shallow ramp surface at which the actuator and follower abut and slide along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range and approach range respectively, whereby sliding along the steep ramp surface produces greater magnitude of resisting force by the dampening arrangement than sliding along the shallow ramp. In a further embodiment the actuator includes a pair of actuator elements said pair of actuator elements also adapted to capture the damper element therebetween so that relative movement between the pair of actuator elements towards each other causes compression of the dampener element. Whilst having a pair of actuator elements can facilitate a more compact dampener arrangement, a single actuator element may also be suitable.

[0018] In one embodiment the dampener arrangement includes a casing being formed with a track and the pair of actuator elements being formed with guides so as to facilitate linear movement of each of the pair of actuator elements within the casing. Clearly the alternate arrangement of the actuator elements having the tracks and the casing having the guides is also possible. In one embodiment the follower includes at least one tongue and the casing includes at least one slot adapted to receive the tongue whereby the tongue and sot are adapted to limit movement of the follower relative to the casing. Again, in an alternate embodiment the casing may include the tongue, and the follower may include the slot. In one embodiment at least one spring is provided acting between the casing and the follower biasing the follower to return to an extended position. In one embodiment the casing is adapted to orient a longitudinal axis of the dampener element substantially parallel with the rotational axis. This arrangement can facilitate a more compact dampener arrangement compared to one where the dampener element is oriented perpendicularly to the rotational axis.

[0019] In one embodiment the biasing arrangement includes a torsion spring a first end of which is operably coupled with the first leaf and a second end of which isoperably coupled with the second leaf so that the hinge assembly is biased towards the closed position. Further, the first leaf may be adapted to enable adjustment at the first end of the torsion spring relative to the first leaf so as to manually adjust a magnitude of the biasing force.

[0020] The dampening arrangement may be adapted so that the braking range of movement is approximately 40° and the approach range of movement is approximately 5° however the degree of movement of each range may vary, say depending upon the installation of the barrier.

[0021] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a movable barrier including a hinge assembly as herein before described mounted to one edge of the barrier, and a self-latching assembly associated with an opposed edge of the barrier wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to facilitate movement of the barrier towards the closed position once the first leaf and second leaf enter the approach range of movement.

[0022] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a movable barrier including a hinge assembly as herein before described mounted to one edge of the barrier, and a self-latching assembly associated with an opposed edge of the barrier wherein the self-latching assembly is adapted to secure the barrier when the first leaf and second leaf are in the approach range of movement.

[0023] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a dampener arrangement for a hinge assembly including a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the hinge in a closing direction towards a closed position, the dampener arrangement includes a dampener element is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement towards the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position, whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement.

[0024] In one embodiment the dampener arrangement includes an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element during the braking range of movement and the approach range of movement. The dampening arrangement may also include a follower adapted for interacting with a cam of the hinge assembly, either the actuator or the follower having at least one ramp surface at which the actuator and follower abut and slide relative to one another there along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range. In one embodiment the at least one ramp surface includes a steep ramp surface and a shallow ramp surface, whereby sliding along the steep ramp surface creates the greater magnitude of resisting force produced by the dampening arrangement than produced when sliding along the shallow ramp. The dampener arrangement may also include a casing which houses the dampener element, actuator and follower, the casing being adapted to be removably secured a leaf of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment the casing includes a seal adapted to inhibit ingress of foreign matter. In one embodiment the dampening arrangement is adapted so that the braking range of movement is approximately 40° and the approach range of movement is approximately 5°.

[0025] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a hinge assembly for installation on or in a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including, a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement that acts generally in opposition to the biasing force, the dampener arrangement including a dampener element having a compression axis that is oriented by the casing to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis, an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element, the actuator also interacts with the cam and is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement towards the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement and an approach range of movement being further movement inthe closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position, whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement.

[0026] In one embodiment the actuator includes an of actuator element having at least one ramp surface at which the actuator element and cam abut and slide relative to one another there along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range. It is preferred that the at least one ramp surface includes a steep ramp surface and a shallow ramp surface, whereby when the cam slides along the steep ramp surface the interaction creates the greater magnitude of resisting force produced by the dampening arrangement than produced when the cam slides along the shallow ramp surface.

[0027] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a hinge assembly for installation on or in a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including, a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement that acts generally in opposition to the biasing force, the dampener arrangement including a casing that is adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to move therewith, the casing houses a dampener element having a compression axis that is oriented by the casing to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis, an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element, and a follower that interacts with the cam that is adapted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis on interaction with the cam, the follower also being adapted to operate the actuator.

[0028] In one preferred embodiment the casing is adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to facilitate replacement of the dampener arrangement.Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the hinge assembly according to the invention when installed on a movable barrier.

[0031] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the hinge assembly from Figure 1 from a reverse perspective.

[0032] Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the hinge assembly from Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly from Figure 2 shown in an open position.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at the end of the free range of movement, and at the start of the breaking range of movement.

[0035] Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the dampener arrangement corresponding to Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross -sectional view of the hinge assembly at the end of the breaking range of movement and at the start of the approach range of movement.

[0037] Figure 8 is front elevation view of the dampener arrangement corresponding to Figure 7.

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in the closed position.

[0039] Figure 10 is a front elevation view of the dampener arrangement corresponding to Figure 9.

[0040] Figure 11 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the hinge assembly according to the invention when installed on a movable barrier.

[0041] Figure 12 is an isometric view of the hinge assembly from Figure 1 1 from a reverse perspective.

[0042] Figure 13 is a partially exploded isometric view of the hinge assembly from Figure 12.

[0043] Figure 14 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the hinge assembly according to the invention.

[0044] Figure 15 is an exploded isometric view of the hinge assembly from Figure 14.

[0045] Figure 16 is a side elevation view of the interaction between the cam, the actuator element and the dampener element from figure 14 when starting the braking range of movement towards the closed position.

[0046] Figure 17 is Figure 16 is a side elevation view of the interaction between the cam, the actuator element and the dampener element from figure 16 when nearing the end of the braking range of movement towards the closed position.

[0047] Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the interaction between the cam, the actuator element and the dampener element from figure 17 when starting the approach range of movement towards the closed position.Detailed Description

[0048] In the following description, functionally similar parts carry the same reference numerals between different embodiments. The drawings are intended to be schematic, and dimensions, scale and / or angles may not be determined accurately from them unless otherwise stated.

[0049] It is understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms docking and selflatching when used in the self-latching devices describe the ability of the device having functions or features that allows the gate or movable barrier to self-latch when the latch and keeper / striker are brought together within a defined envelope.

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a hinge assembly 1 having a first leaf 2 secured to a movable barrier 3 and a second leaf 4 fixed to a fixed barrier 5. A latch assembly 6 is secured to a distal edge of the movable barrier 5 and a further fixed barrier 7. Whilst Figure 1 illustrates the hinge assembly 1 and latch assembly 6 secured to a fixed barrier 5 and further fixed barrier 7, they may alternatively be secured to some other form of structure such as a fence post or wall. Furthermore, the latch assembly 6 is preferably in the form of a self-latching device of the kind described in the applicant’s earlier application WO2010 / 017576, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] It can be noted from Figure 1 that the first leaf 2 and second leaf 4 each have a pair of bore holes 8, which from Figure 2 are shown to extend through each leaf. Each bore hole 8 is adapted to receive a fastener (not shown) for securing the respective leaf to the respective barrier. It ought to be appreciated that when the latch assembly 6 is in a release condition the movable barrier 5 can be moved from the closed position as illustrated in Figure 1 towards an open position (not shown). As a result of the second leaf 4 pivoting about a rotational axis X-X relative to the first leaf 2.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 3 which illustrates the hinge assembly 1 in an exploded view, the first leaf illustrated includes a body 9 which is substantially rectangular in shape having a cylinder 10 attached to a side edge thereof. The cylinder 10 is adapted to accommodate a torsion spring 11 that interacts with a bottom cap 12 and a top cap 13 to enable adjustment of the tension in the torsion spring to suit the conditions in which the hinge will operate, i.e., to vary the self-closing force to suit gates of different weights. The second leaf 4 also includes a body 14 which is substantially rectangular having a bottom ring 15 and a top ring 16 formed on a side edge of the body 14. The bottom ring 15 and top ring 16 are adapted to interact with the bottom cap 12 and top cap 13 respectively in combination with the torsion spring 11 so as to create a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf 2 to rotate towards the second leaf 4. The manner in which this is achieved is more clearly illustrated in the applicant’s earlier application WO2012 / 103572, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates the second leaf defining a recess 17 in the body 14 which is adapted to be closed by a lid 18 (see also Figure 2), thereby closing the recess 17. The recess 17 is adapted to accommodate a dampening arrangement 19 which includes a casing formed by the combination of a base 20 and a cover 21 . A seal 22 may be provided for positioning between the base 20 and the cover 21 so as to inhibit the ingress of foreign matter into a cavity 23 defined in the base 20. The cavity 23 is adapted to accommodate the various components therein including a follower 24, actuator elements 25, 26, a dampener element 27 and a compression spring 28. The follower 24 is located within the cavity 23 so that it projects out an aperture 29 on one side of the base which in use interacts with a cam 30 located on the cylinder 10 in a manner that will be described later in the specification. Figure 3 also illustrates the follower having a pair of projections on upper and lower sides thereof hereinafter referred to as tongues 31 for location in slots 32 formed within the cavity 23. The width of each tongue 31 is less than the length of each slot 32 thereby limiting the extent to which the follower 24 can move within the base 20. Again, this movement of the follower 24 within the base 20 will be described later in the specification.

[0054] Figure 3 also illustrates the base 20 being formed with an abutment 33 against which the compression spring 28 can urge the follower 24 towards an extended position, whereby the compression spring 28 acts between the follower 24 and the base 20.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates the actuator elements 25, 26 each having guide formation 34 on an outer side thereof adapted to interact with tracks 35 formed in the base 20 and cover 21 . This guide and track arrangement facilitates the linear movement of each of the actuator elements 25, 26 towards and away from each other so as to compress the dampener element 27. The dampener element 27 is of the type formed with a shaft 36 and a plunger 37 and this form of dampener element having hydraulic fluid and a spring within the shaft will be familiar to those skilled in the industry.

[0056] The movement of the first leaf 2 relative to the second leaf 4 will now be described with refence to figures 4 to 10. Whilst figures 4, 5, 7 and 9 give the appearance that second leaf 4 is moving it is understood that the second leaf 4 is secured to the fixed barrier 5. The first leaf 2 is shown remaining in the same positionfor ease of understanding how the follower 24 and compression spring 28 move within the base 20. Referring now to Figure 4 which illustrates the first leaf 2 rotated relative to the second leaf 4 in a manner that would be expected when the movable barrier 3 is in an open condition. Figure 4 illustrates the cam 30 spaced from the follower 24 and with the compression spring 28 urging the follower 24 towards the extended position.

[0057] Comparing now Figure 5 with Figure 4 it can be appreciated that the first leaf 2 is rotated about the axis X-X under the influence of the torsion spring 11 (see figure 3), moving the first leaf 2 in a closing direction so that the cam 30 engages the follower 24. This range of movement of the first leaf 2 relative to the second leaf 4 is referred to hereinafter as the free range of movement so allowing the movable barrier to move most “freely” from the open position in the closing direction. The follower 24 is still in the extended position which is also illustrated in Figure 6. In summary Figure 6 illustrates the follower 24, the actuator elements 25, 26, the dampener element 27 and the compression spring 28. It can be appreciated from Figure 6 that each of the actuator elements 25, 26 includes a ramp surface 38 which each abut ramp surfaces 39 formed on the follower 24. Each of the ramp surfaces 38 are considered relatively steep for reasons that will be explained later in the specification.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 7 which illustrates the first leaf 2 further rotated in the closing direction so that the cam 30 causes the follower to move towards a retracted position. It can be appreciated from Figure 8 that each tongue 31 has moved within its respective slot 32 through the majority of the length of each slot 32. Further each steep ramp surface 38 of each actuator 25, 26 has slid over each ramp surface 39 of the follower 24 thereby causing the actuator elements 25, 26 to move towards each other to compress the dampener element 27. The movement of the follower 24 from the extended position illustrated in Figure 6 toward the retracted position as illustrated in Figure 8 is considered to correspond with the braking range of movement of the first leaf 2 relative to the second leaf 4. Given the relative steepness of the ramp surfaces 38 on the actuator elements 25, 26 greater compression of the dampener element 27 is achieved during this range of movement than compared with the subsequent range of movement of the follower 24 illustrated when comparing Figures 8 and 10.

[0059] Figure 9 illustrates the first leaf 2 rotated to the open position whereby the cam 30 has moved the follower 24 to a retracted position. Figure 10 illustrates each tongue 31 at the distal end of the slots 32 providing the maximum compression of the dampener element 27. It should also be noted that the ramp surfaces 39 of the follower are sliding along a shallower ramp surface 40 of each actuator element 25, 26 so as to cause less compression of the dampener element 27 as caused by the sliding across the steeper ramp surfaces 38 illustrated when comparing Figure 6 and Figure 8. This movement of the ramp surfaces 39 across the shallow ramp surfaces 40 of the actuator is considered to correspond with the first leaf moving within an approach range of movement towards the closed position.

[0060] It ought to be appreciated that the dampener arrangement 19 produces a greater magnitude of resisting force whilst the first leaf 2 is moving through the braking range of movement compared to the approach range of movement. Whilst the degree of movement during each range may vary depending upon the circumstances in which the hinge assembly 1 is installed, the applicant has appreciated that a braking range of approximately 40 degrees is generally sufficient to reduce the likelihood that the movable barrier 3 will have excessive momentum causing it to slam. Furthermore, an approach range of approximately 5 degrees during which the dampener arrangement has a lower resisting force can facilitate the latch assembly 6 to secure the movable barrier 3 in a closed position. Furthermore, by providing a free range movement of the first leaf 2, whereby the cam 30 does not engage the follower 24 gives the torsion spring 11 an opportunity to swiftly move the movable barrier 5 towards the closed position.

[0061] Referring now to Figure 11 which illustrates another embodiment of a hinge assembly 101 according to the invention having a first leaf 102 secured to a movable barrier 103 and a second leaf 104 fixed to a fixed barrier 105. A latch assembly 106 is secured to a distal edge of the movable barrier 103 and a further fixed barrier 107. Whilst the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 included bore holes 8 in first leaf 2 and second leaf 4 adapted to receive a fastener (not shown) for attaching the respective leaf onto the respective barrier, the embodiment of the hinge assembly 101 illustrated in figures 11 to 13 is designed to fit in a cutout formed (not shown) in the movable barrier 103 and fixed barrier 105. This is achieved by clamping the moveable barrier103 between the first leaf 102 and a first cover plate 108 (see figure 12) and clamping the fixed barrier 105 between the second leaf 104 and a second cover plate 118 by way of a plurality of screws 121. The remainder of the features of the embodiment illustrated in figures 11 to 13 are substantially that same as the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 10.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 14 which illustrates another embodiment of a hinge assembly 201 according to the invention having a first leaf 202 and a second leaf 204 that is movable relative to the first leaf 202 about an axis in the same manner as described with refence to figures 1 to 10.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 15, the first leaf 202 illustrated includes a body 209 which is substantially rectangular in shape having a cylinder 210 attached to a side edge thereof. The cylinder 210 is adapted to accommodate a torsion spring 211 that interacts with a bottom cap 212 and a top cap 213 to enable adjustment of the tension in the torsion spring to suit the conditions in which the hinge will operate, i.e. , to vary the self-closing force to suit gates of different weights. The second leaf 204 also includes a body 214 which is substantially rectangular having a bottom ring 215 and a top ring 216 formed on a side edge of the body 214. The bottom ring 215 and top ring 216 are adapted to interact with the bottom cap 212 and top cap 213 respectively in combination with the torsion spring 211 so as to create a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf 202 to rotate towards the second leaf 204.

[0064] Figure 15 also illustrates an actuator element 225 and a dampener element 227. It can be appreciated from figure 14 that the actuator element 225 is positioned at a proximal end of the dampener element 227 while a distal end of the dampener element 227 engages a wall of the body 214. A cam 230 is associated with the cylinder 210 so as to rotate therewith and engage the actuator element 225 when the hinge assembly returns towards the closed position.

[0065] Figure 16 illustrates the cam 230 engaging the actuator element 225 and in particular a steep ramp surface 238. Figure 17 shows the cam 230 having slid further across the steep ramp surface 238 and given the relative steepness of the rampsurfaces 238, greater compression of the dampener element 227 is achieved during this range of movement than compared with the subsequent range of movement illustrated in figure 18. Figure 18 illustrates the cam 230 engaging a relatively shallow ramp surface 240, so that movement of the cam 230 there along will cause relatively less or slower compression of the dampener element 238.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0067] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:1 . A hinge assembly for installation on or in a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including: a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement that acts generally in opposition to the biasing force, the dampener arrangement including a casing that is adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to move therewith, the casing houses a dampener element having a compression axis that is oriented by the casing to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis, an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element, and a follower that interacts with the cam that is adapted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis on interaction with the cam, the follower also being adapted to operate the actuator, the casing being adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to facilitate replacement of the dampener arrangement.

2. A hinge assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second leaf includes a recess adapted to accommodate the casing and a lid for fixing to the second leaf over the recess so as to removably secure the casing to the second leaf.

3. A hinge assembly according to claim 2 wherein the recess is adapted to interact with the casing such that while the cam engages the follower the casing is not prevented from being removed from the recess.

4. A hinge assembly according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the casing includes a base having a cavity formed to accommodate the dampener element, actuator andfollower, the base having an open front through which the dampener element, actuator and follower can be loaded into the base, and a cover adapted to be fastened to the base to close the open front.

5. A hinge assembly according to claim 4 including a seal between the base and the cover so as to inhibit the ingress of foreign matter between the base and cover into the cavity.

6. A hinge assembly according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the base includes an aperture on one side thereof through which the follower projects, the cavity being formed to accommodate the dampener element on a side of the base spaced from the aperture.

7. A hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biasing arrangement includes a torsion spring a first end of which is operably coupled with the first leaf and a second end of which is operably coupled with the second leaf so that the hinge assembly is biased towards the closed position whereby the casing is adapted to interact with the second leaf so that replacement of the dampener arrangement can be achieved without decoupling the torsion spring from either the first end or second end.

8. A hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator includes a pair of actuator elements adapted to capture the damper element therebetween so that relative movement between the pair of actuator elements towards each other causes compression of the dampener element.

9. A hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein the casing being formed with a track and the pair of actuator elements being formed with guides so as to facilitate linear movement of each of the actuator elements within the casing.

10. A hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims including at least one spring acting between the casing and the follower adapted to bias the follower towards an extended position.

11. A hinge assembly according to claim 10 wherein the follower includes at least one tongue and the casing includes at least one slot adapted to receive the tonguewhereby the tongue and slot are adapted to limit movement of the follower relative to the casing between the extended position and a retracted position.

12. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the dampener arrangement is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement of the first leaf and the second leaf moving in a closing direction between the open position and the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement, and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement13. A hinge assembly for installation on or in a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including: a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement including a dampening element acting generally in opposition to the biasing force associated with the second leaf, wherein the dampener arrangement is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement of the first leaf and the second leaf moving in a closing direction between the open position and the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement, and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement.

14. A hinge assembly according to claim 13 wherein the dampening arrangement includes a follower adapted to that interact with the cam, whereby the ranges of movement also includes a free range of movement being movement from the open position to the braking range of movement, whereby the cam engages the follower during the breaking range and the approach range, and the cam is disengaged from the follower during the free range of movement.

15. A hinge assembly according to claim 14 wherein the dampener arrangement includes an actuator that is adapted to interact with the dampener element whereby the actuator is operable to compress the dampener element during at least the braking range of movement.

16. A hinge assembly according to claim 14 or 15 wherein either the actuator or the follower having at least one ramp surface at which the actuator and follower abut and slide relative to one another there along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range.

17. A hinge assembly according to claim 16 wherein the at least one ramp surface includes a steep ramp surface and a shallow ramp surface at which the actuator and follower abut and slide along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range and approach range respectively, whereby sliding along the steep ramp surface produces greater magnitude of resisting force by the dampening arrangement than sliding along the shallow ramp.

18. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the actuator includes a pair of actuator elements said pair of actuator elements also adapted to capture the damper element therebetween so that relative movement between the pair of actuator elements towards each other causes compression of the dampener element.

19. A hinge assembly according to claim 18 including a casing being formed with a track and the pair of actuator elements being formed with guides so as to facilitate linear movement of each of the pair of actuator elements within the casing.

20. A hinge assembly according to claim 19 wherein the follower includes at least one tongue and the casing includes at least one slot adapted to receive the tongue whereby the tongue and sot are adapted to limit movement of the follower relative to the casing.21 . A hinge assembly according to claim 19 or 20 including at least one spring acting between the casing and the follower biasing the follower to return to an extended position.

22. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the casing is adapted to orient a longitudinal axis of the dampener element substantially parallel with the rotational axis.

23. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 22 wherein the biasing arrangement includes a torsion spring a first end of which is operably coupled with the first leaf and a second end of which is operably coupled with the second leaf so that the hinge assembly is biased towards the closed position.

24. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 23 wherein the first leaf is adapted to enable adjustment at the first end of the torsion spring relative to the first leaf so as to manually adjust a magnitude of the biasing force.

25. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 24 wherein the dampening arrangement is adapted so that the braking range of movement is approximately 40° and the approach range of movement is approximately 5°.

26. A movable barrier including a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 25 mounted to one edge of the barrier, and a self-latching assembly associated with an opposed edge of the barrier wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to facilitate movement of the barrier towards the closed position once the first leaf and second leaf enter the approach range of movement.

27. A movable barrier including a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 26 mounted to one edge of the barrier, and a self-latching assembly associated with an opposed edge of the barrier wherein the self-latching assembly is adapted to securethe movable barrier when the first leaf and second leaf are in the approach range of movement.

28. A dampener arrangement for a hinge assembly including a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the hinge in a closing direction towards a closed position, the dampener arrangement includes a dampener element is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement towards the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position, whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement.

29. A dampener arrangement according to claim 28 including an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element during the braking range of movement and the approach range of movement.

30. A dampener arrangement according to claim 29 wherein the dampening arrangement includes a follower adapted for interacting with a cam of the hinge assembly, either the actuator or the follower having at least one ramp surface at which the actuator and follower abut and slide relative to one another there along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range.31 . A dampener arrangement according to claim 30 wherein the at least one ramp surface includes a steep ramp surface and a shallow ramp surface, whereby sliding along the steep ramp surface creates the greater magnitude of resisting force produced by the dampening arrangement than produced when sliding along the shallow ramp.

32. A dampener arrangement according any one of claims 31 including a casing which houses the dampener element, actuator and follower, the casing being adapted to be removably secured a leaf of the hinge assembly.

33. A dampener arrangement according to claim 32 wherein the casing includes a seal adapted to inhibit ingress of foreign matter.

34. A hinge assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 33 wherein the dampening arrangement is adapted so that the braking range of movement is approximately 40° and the approach range of movement is approximately 5°.

35. A hinge assembly for installation on or in a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including: a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement that acts generally in opposition to the biasing force, the dampener arrangement including a dampener element having a compression axis that is oriented by the casing to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis, an actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element, the actuator also interacts with the cam and is adapted to produce a variable resisting force relative to ranges of movement towards the closed position, the ranges of movement including a braking range of movement and an approach range of movement being further movement in the closing direction from the braking range towards the closed position, whereby a magnitude of the resisting force produced by the dampener arrangement is arrangement is greater in the braking range than in the approach range of movement.

36. A hinge assembly according to claim 35 wherein the actuator includes an of actuator element having at least one ramp surface at which the actuator element and cam abut and slide relative to one another there along whilst the first leaf and the second leaf move through the braking range.

37. A hinge assembly according to claim 36 wherein the at least one ramp surface includes a steep ramp surface and a shallow ramp surface, whereby when the camslides along the steep ramp surface the interaction creates the greater magnitude of resisting force produced by the dampening arrangement than produced when the cam slides along the shallow ramp surface.

38. A hinge assembly for installation on a barrier which is movable, the hinge assembly including: a first leaf and a second leaf either one being adapted for mounting to the barrier and each being adapted for relative rotation between one another about a rotational axis when manually moving the barrier between a closed position towards an open position, the first leaf having a cam that is rotatable about the rotational axis along with rotation of the first leaf, a biasing arrangement that is adapted to produce a biasing force to urge the first leaf to rotate towards the second leaf for returning the barrier back to the closed position, and a dampener arrangement that acts generally in opposition to the biasing force, the dampener arrangement including a casing that is adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to move therewith, the casing houses a dampener element having a compression axis that is oriented by the casing to be substantially parallel or perpendicular to the rotation axis, at least one actuator that interacts with the dampener element that is operable to compress the dampener element, and a follower that interacts with the cam that is adapted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis on interaction with the cam, the follower also being adapted to operate the at least one actuator.

39. A hinge assembly according to claim 38 wherein the casing is adapted to interact with the second leaf so as to facilitate replacement of the dampener arrangement.

Images