AU2020204129A1 - Pin Assembly for a Hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

A pin assembly (33) for an end cap (24) to couple a shutter blade (12) to a frame (14) in a fitted condition, the pin assembly (33) includes a pin housing (38) adapted to fit with the end cap (24) and a moveable pin (30) resistantly fitted to the pin housing (38) so as to extend from the end cap (24) and engage with the frame (14) in the fitted condition, wherein the pin (30) includes a pin body (31) with an inner pin (60) extending axially of and substantially a length of the pin body (31), wherein the inner pin (60) is formed a material relatively stronger than a material of the remaining pin body (31). A pin (30), a hinge assembly (16), an end cap arrangement (18) and related methods are also disclosed.

Description

Pin Assembly for a Hinge

Related Applications

[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent applications nos. 2019902165 & 2019903200, filed on 21 June 2019, and 30 August 2019 respectively.

Technical Field

[002] The invention relates to a pin assembly for a hinge. More specifically, the invention relates to a pin assembly with a pin for hinge assembly to pivotally connect a shutter blade to a frame, an end cap arrangement including the pin assembly, and associated methods.

Background

[003] End caps are provided within the ends of shutter blades, such as aluminium shutter blades, to locate and couple the shutter blades to a frame. Such end caps may include a cap body that fits with an aperture of an end of the blade and a fixed locating lug that extends between the cap body and the frame. The lug providing a hinge or pivot point. The shutter blades may then pivot or hinge about the locating lug. The end caps are typically secured to the blade by a fastener such as a screw.

[004] A problem with this arrangement is that the lug may break, corrode and squeak. Another problem relates to the connection between the lug and the frame to maintain the lug and end cap in place.

[005] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[006] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a pin assembly for an end cap to couple a shutter blade to a frame in a fitted condition, the pin assembly including a pin housing adapted to fit with the end cap and a moveably pin resistantly fitted to the pin housing so as to extend from the end cap and be engageable with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin includes a pin body with an inner pin extending axially of and substantially a length of the pin body, the inner pin being formed a material relatively stronger than a material of the remaining pin body.

[007] In an aspect, the inner pin is formed of metal.

[008] In an aspect, the metal is stainless steel.

[009] In an aspect, the pin body is formed of a plastic substantially encapsulating the inner pin.

[0010] In an aspect, the pin body is formed of nylon.

[0011] In an aspect, a bias is provided between the pin and the pin housing.

[0012] In an aspect, the pin body includes a houseable section locatable within the pin housing and a head section extending from the houseable section.

[0013] In an aspect, the houseable section being adapted to inhibit rotation of the pin about its axis relative to the pin housing, and wherein the inner pin extends between the houseable section and the head section of the pin.

[0014] In an aspect, the head section is dimensioned to pass through an aperture of the frame and bear against a stop of the frame in the fitted condition.

[0015] In an aspect, the inner pin extends proud of the houseable section so as to provide a first free end and is encapsulated by the head section at a second opposing free end.

[0016] In an aspect, the head section at the second opposing free end is hemispherical in shape.

[0017] In an aspect, the inner pin terminates short of the second opposing free end.

[0018] In an aspect, the houseable section is non cylindrical.

[0019] In an aspect, the houseable section includes a least one flat surface to slide along a corresponding surface of the pin housing.

[0020] In an aspect, a shoulder is provided between the head section and the houseable section.

[0021] In an aspect, the bias is provided in the form of a spring fitted between the first free end and the pin housing.

[0022] In an aspect, the spring is located about the first fee end of the pin.

[0023] In an aspect, in the houseable section is resilient slidable within the pin housing.

[0024] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a method of forming a pin for a hinge, the method including: supporting a metal inner pin in a mould; and ntroducing a plastic material into the mould so as to form a pin body substantially encapsulating the metal inner pin.

[0025] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, an end cap arrangement for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the end cap arrangement including an end cap having an end cap body arranged to locate with an end of the shutter blade and a pin assembly as defined in any one of claim 1 to 18 with a pin arranged to extend from the end cap body so as to engage with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin is biased relative to the pin housing so as to urge the end cap body toward the shutter blade in the fitted condition.

[0026] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a pin for a hinge assembly, the pin having a pin body with an inner pin extending axially of and substantially a length of the pin body, wherein the inner pin is formed a material relatively stronger than the pin body.

[0027] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, a pin assembly for an end cap to couple a shutter blade to a frame in a fitted condition, the pin assembly including a pin housing adapted to fit with the end cap and a moveably pin resistantly fitted to the pin housing so as to extend from the end cap and be engageable with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin includes a pin body with an inner pin extending axially of the pin body, the inner pin being formed a relatively stronger material so as to provide a strengthening spine.

[0028] In accordance with a sixth broad aspect there is provided, a hinge assembly for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the hinge assembly including an end cap arrangement with a pin assembly as defined above and herein and a frame with an internal end stop against which the pin bears in the fitted condition.

[0029] In accordance with a seventh broad aspect there is provided, an end cap arrangement for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the end cap arrangement including an end cap having an end cap body arranged to locate with an end of the shutter blade and a pin arranged to extend from the end cap body so as to engage with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin is biased so as to urge the end cap body toward the shutter blade in the fitted condition.

[0030] In accordance with an eighth broad aspect there is provided, a hinge assembly for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the hinge assembly including: an end cap arrangement having an end cap body arranged to locate with an end of the shutter blade and a pin arranged to extend from the end cap body; and a frame adapted to locate with the pin to support the shutter blade, wherein the pin is biased so as to engage with an end stop of the frame in a fitted condition so as to urge the end cap body toward the shutter blade.

[0031] In accordance with an ninth broad aspect there is provided, a method of fitting a shutter blade to a frame, the method including the steps of: locating an end cap arrangement with an end of the shutter blade with a pin extending from an end cap body; and locating the pin with the frame such that the pin is engaged with an end stop of the frame so as to energise a bias associated with the pin thereby urging the end cap body toward the shutter blade.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0032] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0033] Figure 1 is a side part hidden detail view illustrating a coupling assembly for a shutter blade having an end cap arrangement and a frame;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling assembly;

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the end cap assembly fitted to the shutter blade;

[0036] Figure 4 is a side part hidden detail view illustrating a shutter assembly including the coupling assembly at each opposing end of the shutter blade;

[0037] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the shutter assembly;

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second example of the end cap arrangement;

[0039] Figure 7 is a side view illustrating the second example of the end cap arrangement;

[0040] Figure 8 is a bottom view illustrating the second example of the end cap arrangement;

[0041] Figure 9 is a top view illustrating the second example of the end cap arrangement;

[0042] Figure 10a is a side end view illustrating the second example of the end cap arrangement;

[0043] Figure lOb is a perspective exploded parts view illustrating the pin housing and retainer removed from the end cap;

[0044] Figure 11 is a side view illustrating the second example of the end cap arrangement being fitted to a shutter blade;

[0045] Figure 12 is an end view illustrating the second example of the end cap arrangement being fitted to the shutter blade;

[001] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a pin of the coupling assembly;

[0046] Figure 14 is a perspective hidden detail view illustrating the pin;

[0047] Figure 15 is a top side view illustrating the pin;

[0048] Figure 16 is a side sectional view illustrating the pin;

[0049] Figure 17 is a bottom side view illustrating the pin;

[0050] Figure 18 is an end review illustrating the pin; and

[0051] Figure 19 is an opposing end view illustrating the pin.

Detailed Description

[0052] Referring initially to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a shutter assembly 10 including one or more shutter blades 12 (shown in Figure 3), a frame 14 and a coupling or hinge assembly 16 adapted to pivotally couple the one or more shutter blades 12 to the frame 14. The shutter blades 12 being, for example, aluminium shutter blades that are arranged within the frame 14 to provide, but not limited to, plantation shutters or the like.

[0053] The hinge assembly 16 includes an end cap arrangement 18 for locating the shutter blade 12 with the frame 14. The hinge assembly 16 may also include parts of the frame 14 such as an aperture 20 and an end stop 22 that function with the end cap arrangement 18, as is further detailed below.

[0054] The end cap arrangement 18 includes an end cap 24 having an end cap body 26 arranged to locate with an end 25 of the shutter blade 12 and a pivot pin 30 arranged to extend from the end cap body 26 so as to engage with the frame 14 in a fitted condition, as shown in Figure 1. The pin 30 is biased so as to urge the end cap body 26 toward the shutter blade 12 in the fitted condition thereby assisting to retain the end cap body 26 within the end 25 of the shutter blade 12.

[0055] In more detail, the end cap body 26 includes a blade shaped section 36 and the pin 30 is provided as part of a pin assembly 33 including a pin housing 38 in which the pin 30 is moveably fitted. The end cap body 26 has locating projections 39 to fit into the shutter 12, and the opposing face 37 of the end cap body 26 toward the shutter 12, is relatively flat. The end cap body 26 may be metal, plastic or other suitable material, but is preferably aluminium.

[0056] The face 37 includes a recessed section 29 to which a control bar (not shown) used to open and close the shutters 12 is able to be attached. The recessed section 29 includes an aperture 54 to allow coupling of the control bar to the end cap 24 using a fastener (not shown) or the like. The pin housing 38 extends from the blade shaped section 36 in a direction into the shutter blade 12. The pin housing 38 serves to locate, guide and retain the pin 30 to provide the pin 30 with a limited range of movement. The housing 38 may be metal, plastic or other suitable material.

[0057] Referring now additionally to Figures 6 to 12, there is shown a second example of a shutter assembly 10 in which like numerals denote like part. This example of the shutter assembly 10 functions in a similar way to that described above in relation to the first example. However, the end cap arrangement 18 includes an end cap 24 with a differently shaped end cap body 26 and an insertable retaining part or insert 81 fitted to the end cap body 26 at the recessed section 29. The retaining part 81 may be formed of a non-corrosive material such as plastic, Nylon or a non-metal material.

[0058] The retaining part 81 includes a housing 85 with an aperture 83 in which a fastener (not shown) may be passed to secure the control bar to the end cap 24. The fastener may be a screw. The retaining part 81 thereby provides and enclosed corrosive barrier between the fastener, end cap 24, shutter 12 and the frame 14. Other parts of the shutter assembly 10 remain the same as the first example, and are not again described here.

[0059] Referring to Figure 10b, it may be seen that the pin assembly 33 may be a cartridge fitted into the aperture 41 of the end cap 24 that is retained against the end cap 24 via the biasing force of the pin 30 against the frame in the fitted condition. It is noted the housing 38 of the pin assembly 33 does not require fastening and the parts such as the spring 34 are retained within the housing 38.

[0060] Turning now to the pin 30 in more detail, and referring additionally to Figures 13 to 19, the pin 30 is shown removed from the housing 38 and has an elongate pin body 31 having a free end tip 44 that bears on the end stop 22 when fitted, and an opposing end 45. The pin 30 includes a housed section 40 moveably retained by the pin housing 38 with a neck and head section 42 extending the housed section 40 to the free end tip 44. The head 42 is dimensioned to extend through the aperture 20 of the frame 14 and engage with the end stop 22 thereof in the fitted condition. The pin 30 may be one part or several parts.

[0061] A biasing element 34 such as a spring 34 is associated with the pin 30 so as to bias the pin 30 outwardly of the pin housing 38 toward the frame 14. The arrangement is such that the pin 30 is at least partially depressible in the fitted condition to energise the biasing element 34.

[0062] In more detail, in this example, the housed section 40 of the pin 30 includes a guide section 43 between a first shoulder 47 and a second shoulder 46, and a cylindrical section 58 extending to the opposing end 45. The spring 34 may be concentrically located about the cylindrical section 58 between the shoulder 46 and an end stop 50 of the pin housing 38 that in this example may be a base 52 of the pin housing 38. The cylindrical section 58 may include a step 49 to retain the spring 34 with the spring 34 concentrically fitted at least partially about the cylindrical section 48.

[0063] The guide section 43 of the pin 30 is shaped to slidably move along the pin housing 38 and may be shaped to inhibit rotation of the pin 30 about its axis. In this example, the pin housing 38 has at least one flat surface or may be rectangular in shape, and the guide section 43 of the pin 30 has a matching flat surface 62 or rectangular shape to inhibit rotation. The overall length of the pin housing 38 is such that the head 42 can be depressed enough to slide into an already formed frame 14 thus there is a relatively large space between the end 45 and the base 52 of the pin housing 38.

[0064] In this example, the pin 30 includes an inner pin 60 that provides a spine for structural support to the pin 30 thus making the pin 30 strong and difficult to break or damage. The inner pin 60 extends between the housed section 40 and the head section 42.

[0065] The inner pin 60 may be formed of a stronger material to the remainder of the pin body 31 and, in this example, the inner pin 60 is formed of dissimilar material such as a metal, for example, stainless steel. The inner pin 60 is preferably a single part. Other suitable materials may be used. The remainder of the pin body 31 may be formed of a plastic or other suitable material. In this example, the pin body 31 may be formed of nylon.

[0066] A method of making the pin 60 may include holding or fitting the inner pin 60 in a mould and then injection moulding the nylon material to encapsulate most of the inner pin 60, with some of the inner pin 60 overhanging to provide the cylindrical section 48 extending to the free end 45.

[0067] In the fitted condition, the pin 30 extends through the aperture 20 and is engaged with the end stop 22 located internally of the frame 14. The dimensional relationship is such that engagement with the end stop 22 at least slightly depresses the pin 30 into the pin housing 38 which in turn energises and compresses the spring 34. The end stop 22 is provided in this example as an internal channel 51 with an open top or open slot, that is narrower than, fits with and captures the pin 30. This allows the aperture 20 to be drilled as required along the internal channel 51, and the open top allows the pin 30 to be manually depressed if need be. The end stop 22 may have any suitable size, shape and dimension to achieve the same function. The resulting biasing force thereby urging the end cap body 26 further into the blade 12 which assists to retain the end cap body in the blade 12.

[0068] Turning to a method of use, in both of the above examples, a method of fitting the shutter blade 12 to the frame 14 may include the steps of, firstly, locating the end cap arrangement 18 with the end 25 of the shutter blade 12 with the pin 30 extending from the end cap body 26. Then, locating the pin 30 with the frame 14 such that the pin is engaged with the end stop 22 of the frame 14 so as to energise the biasing element 32 associated with the pin 30 thereby urging the end cap body 26 toward the shutter blade 12. It is noted that in the Figures only a section of the frame 14 is shown for explanatory purposes, and in use the frame 14 may be a rectangular in shape and fitted to a window, doorway or the like.

[0069] Accordingly, the end cap body 26 may be fitted, loosely, or even press fitted, with the end 25 of the shutter blade 12 and the bias of the pin 30 provides enough force to keep the end cap body 26 within the shutter blade 12. Further, the bias of the pin 30 assists to provide for clearance and freedom of movement when the shutter blade 12 is pivoted.

[0070] Advantageously, there has been described an end cap arrangement for a shutter, a coupling assembly including an end cap arrangement, a shutter assembly including an end cap arrangement, an associated frame, and an associated method of use that employ a biased pin to enable an end cap to be fitted to a shutter within less, minimal or preferably without the use of fasteners. This assists to reduce corrosion between the end cap and the shutters.

[0071] Further, the use of a pin that is biased provides for ease of installation and smooth operation of the shutters as the pivot may be depressed to fit the shutters to the frame and then assist to maintain a clearance between the shutters and the frame of ease of movement of the shutters. The fit between the end caps and the frame may also be flush and aesthetically pleasing. Further still, the end cap having a non-metallic insert to allow a control bar to be secured to the end cap without metal-to-metal contact also assists to provide resistance to corrosion. The pin having a stronger metal inner pin also provided security advantages due to the increase strength of the pin.

[0072] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0073] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0074] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0075] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (27)

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A pin assembly for an end cap to couple a shutter blade to a frame in a fitted condition, the pin assembly including a pin housing adapted to fit with the end cap and a moveably pin resistantly fitted to the pin housing so as to extend from the end cap and be engageable with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin includes a pin body with an inner pin extending axially of and substantially a length of the pin body, the inner pin being formed a material relatively stronger than a material of the remaining pin body.

2. The pin assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner pin is formed of metal.

3. The pin assembly according to claim 2, wherein the metal is stainless steel.

4. The pin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pin body is formed of a plastic substantially encapsulating the inner pin.

5. The pin assembly according to claim 4, wherein the pin body is formed ofnylon.

6. The pin assembly according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a bias is provided between the pin and the pin housing.

7. The pin assembly according to claim 6, wherein the pin body includes a houseable section locatable within the pin housing and a head section extending from the houseable section.

8. The pin assembly according to claim 7, wherein the houseable section being adapted to inhibit rotation of the pin about its axis relative to the pin housing, and wherein the inner pin extends between the houseable section and the head section of the pin.

9. The pin assembly according to claim 8, wherein the head section is dimensioned to pass through an aperture of the frame and bear against a stop of the frame in the fitted condition.

10. The pin assembly according to claim 9, wherein the inner pin extends proud of the houseable section so as to provide a first free end and is encapsulated by the head section at a second opposing free end.

11. The pin assembly according to claim 10, wherein the head section at the second opposing free end is hemispherical in shape.

12. The pin assembly according to claim 11, wherein the inner pin terminates short of the second opposing free end.

13. The pin assembly according to claim 8, wherein the houseable section is non cylindrical.

14. The pin assembly according to claim 8, wherein the houseable section includes a least one flat surface to slide along a corresponding surface of the pin housing.

15. The pin assembly according to claim 8, wherein a shoulder is provided between the head section and the houseable section.

16. The pin assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bias is provided in the form of a spring fitted between the first free end and the pin housing.

17. The pin assembly according to claim 16, wherein the spring is located about the first fee end of the pin.

18. The pin assembly according to claim 7, wherein the houseable section is resilient slidable within the pin housing.

19. A method of forming a pin for a hinge, the method including:

a. Supporting a metal inner pin in a mould; and b. Introducing a plastic material into the mould so as to form a pin body substantially encapsulating the metal inner pin.

20. An end cap arrangement for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the end cap arrangement including an end cap having an end cap body arranged to locate with an end of the shutter blade and a pin assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18 with a pin arranged to extend from the end cap body so as to engage with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin is biased relative to the pin housing so as to urge the end cap body toward the shutter blade in the fitted condition.

21. A pin for a pin assembly as defined in any one of claims I to 18.

22. A pin for a hinge assembly, the pin having a pin body with an inner pin extending axially of and substantially a length of the pin body, wherein the inner pin is formed a material relatively stronger than the pin body.

23. A pin assembly for an end cap to couple a shutter blade to a frame in a fitted condition, the pin assembly including a pin housing adapted to fit with the end cap and a moveably pin resistantly fitted to the pin housing so as to extend from the end cap and be engageable with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin includes a pin body with an inner pin extending axially of the pin body, the inner pin being formed a relatively stronger material so as to provide strengthening spine.

24. A hinge assembly for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the hinge assembly including an end cap arrangement with a pin assembly as defined in claim 1 and a frame with an internal end stop against which the pin bears in the fitted condition.

25. An end cap arrangement for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the end cap arrangement including an end cap having an end cap body arranged to locate with an end of the shutter blade and a pin arranged to extend from the end cap body so as to engage with the frame in a fitted condition, wherein the pin is biased so as to urge the end cap body toward the shutter blade in the fitted condition.

26. A hinge assembly for locating a shutter blade with a frame, the hinge assembly including: an end cap arrangement having an end cap body arranged to locate with an end of the shutter blade and a pin arranged to extend from the end cap body; and a frame adapted to locate with the pin to support the shutter blade, wherein the pin is biased so as to engage with an end stop of the frame in a fitted condition so as to urge the end cap body toward the shutter blade.

27. A method of fitting a shutter blade to a frame, the method including the steps of: c. Locating an end cap arrangement with an end of the shutter blade with a pin extending from an end cap body; and d. Locating the pin with the frame such that the pin is engaged with an end stop of the frame so as to energise a bias associated with the pin thereby urging the end cap body toward the shutter blade.