GB1596598A

GB1596598A - Quick release hinge device

Info

Publication number: GB1596598A
Application number: GB18194/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Le Van E B
Current assignee: Le Van E B
Priority date: 1977-05-20
Filing date: 1978-05-08
Publication date: 1981-08-26

Description

(54) QUICK RELEASE HINGE DEVICE (71) I, EUGENE BENEDICT LE VAN of 14923 Proctor Avenue, City of Industry, California 91746, United States of America, a citizen of the United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates generally to a hinge mechanism and, more particularly, to a quick release-hinge device to allow a fast and simple means for removing a movable closure member such as a hinged cover or partition from a frame structure.

As is well known in the art, various problems and difficulties are encountered in providing suitable means for releasably hinging covers, partitions, panels, and like closure members-especially where a closure member is hinged to a frame structure having a peripheral seal positioned to engage the peripheral edge of the closure member.

One particular field or industry having problems associated with removable hinges is in automobile roof vents (also known as sun roofs) which require that the closure panels or covers not only be hinged so as to open at various degrees but must also be completed sealed from the elements. A still further requirement is that these covers be easily and simply removable from the vent-frame structure, whereby an individual can, without any relative difficulty, disconnect and release the closure panel-and then afterwards reconnect the hinge members, thus permitting the closure to again be hinged to the frame structure.

A problem found with the disconnectinghinge devices used at the present time is that they are located or mounted on the exterior surface of the panel-and-frame structure.

Thus, they are exposed to the elements and are easily tampered with. Further, they do not present designs having overall eye appeal.

The present invention aims to provide a quick-release-hinge device which overcomes these disadvantages and which can be used in conjunction with automobile-roof-vent units, otherwise referred to as sun roofs, although the hinge device according to the invention is not restricted to such use.

According to the invention, there is provided a frame structure and a movable closure member detachably connected to said frame structure by a quick-release hinge device, wherein the frame structure includes a peripheral seal and wherein the hinge device comprises a fixed-hinge member carried by said frame structure; a releasable-hinge member connected to said closure member and releasably engageable with said fixed-hinge member to permit pivotting of said closure member with respect to said frame structure; fastener means mounted on said closure member to support said releasable-hinge member in both a locked stationary position and a movable position relative to said closure member, said releasable hinge member being releasable from engagement with said fixed-hinge member when said fastener means is supporting said releasable hinge member in the movable position; means for releasably clamping said releasable-hinge member in said locked stationary posiaion; and stop means mounted on said releasable-hinge member to restrict movement thereof when said releasable-hinge member is in the movable position.

Preferably, the releasable hinge member comprises an elongated tongue member having disposed at one end thereof an elongated aperture arranged to be supported in a nonrotatable manner on said fastener means, and including a transversely arranged slot disposed in the end opposite said elongated aperture; and wherein said fixed hinge member comprises a jaw member adapted to be removably received in said transverse slot of said tongue member.

By means of the invention, the tongue member can be mounted on the underside of the closure member, which may take the form of a glass panel, with the jaw member provided on the frame structure. The tongue member is preferably held in a substantially stationary position relative to the panel by a releasable handle which can either be in the form of a cam-latchìng arm or a rotatableengaging keeper, wherein both are movably connected to the panel by a bolt having a depending lug member.

When the panel is used as a controlled vent opening, the tongue member is fixedly held in place by the latching arm or keeper, thereby allowing the tongue to move and rotate about the axis of the stationary jaw member.

However, when the closure panel is to be completely removed from the vent-frame structure, the latching arm or keeper is disengaged from the tongue member, allowing it to freely move on the bolt lug and thus permitting the panel to move substantially away from the frame structure prior to the removal of the latching tongue from the mating jaw member.

It should be noted that the frame structure includes a peripheral sealing device which would in fact prevent removal of the panel when the tongue member is substantially affixed thereto in a permanent manner, as is now found in this type of hinge. That is, when the panel is hinged upwardly, the rearward panel edge is forced downwardly into the sealing material-thus forcing it against the hinging device and preventing the two hinge sections from being separated from each other. Thus, the present device prevents the panel from forceably engaging the sealing member, allowing the latching tongue to be readily removed from the connecting jaw member.

Accordingly, the latching tongue can be readily connected to the jaw member when it is not rigidly secured to the closure panel.

Once the latching tongue is in place, it is again latched into a stationary relationship with the panel; wherein the panel again is hingedly connected to the frame structure.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the releasable-clamping means comprises a movable handle operably connected to said fastener means; cam means formed on said handle, causing said handle to engage said relesable-hinge member; and con necting means connecting said movable handle to said fastener means. The movable handle may comprise an elongated arm member having one end rotatably attached to the connecting means and the cam means may comprise at least one cam head positioned adjacent said releasable-hinge member, whereby said releasable-hinge member can be released from a fixed position to a floating position so as to be disconnected from said fixed-hinge member thereby permitting said closure member to be removed from said frame structure.

The cam means may comprise a pair of depending cam members having centrally located detents formed therein and a keeper head secured to said fastener means; said keeper head including a pair of cam ear members arranged to engage said depending cam members and be removably received in said detents, whereby said handle is releasably engaged with said releasable hinge member.

Alternatively, the cam means may comprise a Bellville washer interposed between the handle and the releasable hinge member and the connecting means may comprise a threaded lug member having a step member affixed thereto for preventing the handle from being separated from the lug member.

In another embodiment of the invention, the releasable clamping means comprises a movable elongated arm member having a free end, the opposite end thereof being rotatably attached to said fastener means and a cam head formed on the attached end of said elongated arm member for engagement with said releasable hinge member, whereby said releasable hinge member is releasably locked into a stationary position relative to said closure member, in order to permit said closure member to pivot about said hinge members.

The fastener means may comprise a nuthead member supported in said closure member, a connecting means carried by said nut-head member; and means for securing said nut head to said closure member. Preferably, the connecting means comprises a depending eyelet lug having a bore disposed therein and a pin member received in said bore of said eyelet to operably connect said releasable clamping means to said eyelet lug.

The fastener means may further include a ring member disposed between the closure member and the releasable hinge member. Preferably, the ring member comprises an annular nut having a depending boss adapted to be received in an elongated opening of said releasable hinge member.

The stop means may comprise a resilient bumper member mounted on the releasable hinge member so as to engage said movableclosure member, limiting movement of said releasable hinge member towards said closure member.

Alternatively, the stop means may comprise a flexible leaf spring member mounted on the releasable hinge member to provide a downward tension on said releasable hinge member so as to control movement of said releasable hinge member towards said closure member.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hinged glass panel and its associated frame structure mounted in the roof of a vehicle; Figure 2 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, showing a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the clamping means are in a locked mode thus holding the releasable hinged member in a fixed position; Figure 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing further details of the construction of the releasable hinge member shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, corresponding to Figure 3, but showing the clamping means in a released position, thus allowing the releasable hinge member to float freely on its mounting lug; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is an exploded, perspective view of parts of the hinge device shown in Figures 2 to 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a quick-release hinge device according to the invention shown in a latched position; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view, corresponding to Figure 7 but showing the device in a released position; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in Figures 7 to 9; Figure 11 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a hinge device according to the invention in which the clamping means comprise a threaded handle; Figure 12 is a sectional view of a still further embodiment of a hinge device according to the invention in which the clamping means comprise a cam-surfaced rotatable handle shown in a locked mode; Figure 13 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 12 but showing the clamping means in a released position; Figure 14 is a perspective of the handle and an associated cam-head memberformingparts of the device shown in Figures 12 and 13; Figure 15 is a sectional view similar to Figure 3 of yet another embodiment of a hinge device according to the invention in which the stop means comprise a leaf-spring member shown in a locked mode; Figure 16 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 15 but showing the releasable hinge member in a free position, but under tension to prevent free motion thereof; and Figure 17 is a perspective view of the leaf spring shown in Figures 15 and 16.

In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

Referring to the drawings and more particu- larly to Figure 1, there is shown a roof por tion 10 of a vehicle, generally indicated at 12, having a frame structure 14 mounted in an opening 22 disposed in the roof 10 as shown in Figure 2. The frame structure and an associated glass panel 16 is generally referred to in the art as a "sun roof". However, it should be understood that the present inven tion may be employed wherever a closure member, such as 16, is required to be hinged and further to be released and separated from the frame structure.

The sun-roof apparatus comprises a frame structure 14 of extruded aluminium having a generally rectangular configuration, and includes a resilient rubber moulding 18 extending around the perimeter of the frame structure 14 so as to sealingly engage the panel 16 along its peripheral edge 20. The frame structure 14 is affixed in the opening or aperture 22 by means of a frame collar 24 and fastening means such as screws 25.

The panel 16 is shown being releasably attached to the frame structure 14 by a quick release hinge device, generally indicated at 26.

As seen in Figure 1, a pair of hinge devices are mounted along the pivoting forward edge of panel 16; while the opposite edgereferred to as the trailing or rearward edgeof the panel is provided with a pair of latch mechanisms, designated at 30. Since various types of latch mechanisms can be used with the hinge device 26, the latch mechanisms are not shown in detail as they do not form part of the present invention.

Each quick-release hinge device 26 comprises a suitable hinge members-one being a hinged tongue member defined by an elongated plate 32, and the other being hinge member 34 carried by the frame structure 14.

The hinge member 34 is integrally formed in the frame structure 14 and defined as a receiving jaw member adapted to operably receive tongue member 32 therein. The tongue member 32 is formed from an elongated flat plate having its extended, hinge-connecting, forward end 38 bent downwardly at a slight inclination. The rear portion 33 of the tongue member 32 is connected to the panel 16 while the forward portion of the tongue member extends downwardly so as to be spaced from the adjacent edge 20 of the panel 16. This arrangement allows the peripheral edge of the panel 16 to engage the sealing member 18 in a positive manner, as shown in Figure 2. The flat portion 33 of the tongue member 32 is provided with an elongated aperture 36 (Figure 6) while the forward bent portion 38 includes a transversely arranged slot 40 wherein a portion of hinge member 34 is received therein, said portion having the shape of a jaw formed in a somewhat "C" shaped configuration. Also secured to the tongue member 32 is a stop means, designated at 41, which is defined as a resilient bumper member arranged to engage the underside of panel 16.

The tongue member 32 is connected to the panel 16 by a fastener means, generally indicated at 42, which is supported in a bore 44 provided in the panel 16. The fastener means 42 comprises a nut-head member 46 having a threaded bore 47 in which is received the threaded end 49 of a connecting means defining an eyelet-lug member 48, the eyelet lug being arranged to depend downwardly on the underside of the panel 16. Included as an integral part of lug 48 is a ring member or flange 50 disposed adjacent the threaded end 49. Interposed between the nut head 46 and flange 50 are a pair of washers 52 and 54, the washers being preferably of a plastics material such as nylon having an annular sleeve member which projects into the bore 44 in the panel 16, thereby protecting and preventing contact between the fastener means, which generally will be made of metal, and the glass panel.

The eyelet lug 48 is formed having oppositely disposed flat sides so as to accept the elongated aperture 36 in the tongue member 32. Thus, the tongue member 32 cannot rotate about the lug 48, it must remain projecting rearwardly at all times. However, the length of aperture 36 is slightly longer than the width of lug 48, in order to allow for play or movement of the tongue member 32 when not locked in position (see Figure 4.) Movably connected to the lug 48 is a clamp means, which in this embodiment comprises a clamp arm 56 having a camhead member 58, the cam head being slotted in order to define a yoke 59 in which is received the eyelet lug 48 positioned between opposite cam-head sections, whereby a pin 61 is placed in and through aligned holes 60 and 62 of lug 48 and cam-head member 58, respectively.

In Figures 2 and 3, the latching arm 56 is shown in a latched locking mode; i.e. the arm 56 is positioned upwardly against the underside of the frame structure 14. The arm 56 is bent so as to be as flush as possible-thus preventing it from being accidentally unlatched. When arm 56 is latched as stated, the cam head 58 engages the underside of the tongue member 32 at portion 33 thus clamping the tongue member 32 against the flange 50 and locking the tongue portion 33 in a substantially fixed position relative to the panel 16 and, at the same time, forcing the resilient bumper 41 into engagement with the panel 16.

Once the tongue member 32 is connected to the jaw 34 and locked in a stationary mode, the panel 16 can then be hingedly rotated when latch mechanisms 30 are released. As panel 16 is rotated through hinge members 32 and 34, the forward edge of panel 16 engages seal 18 and compresses the leading edge 60 thereof, thus preventing the tongue 32 from being disengaged from the jaw 34.

The tongue 32 must be able to float freely with respect to the panel 16 in order to permit the panel 16 to be lifted away from the sealing edge 60 and allow the tongue 32 to be separated from the jaw-hinge member- 34. In Figure 4, the tongue 32 is shown moved out of the stationary mode, whereby the latching arm 56 has been lowered so as to disengage the cam head 58 from the flat portion 33 of the tongue 32. Thus, the tongue 32 is allowed to be moved or float freely with respect to the panel 16. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the distance "a" between the centre of the pin 61 and the cam head 58 is greater in a locked position than in an unlocked position (shown in Figure 4). When in the unlocked position, the tongue can be disengaged from the jaw 34 to enable the panel to be removed from the roof 10.

However, there is a need to prevent the tongue 32, when in a free mode, from moving upwardly against the peripheral edge 20 of the panel 16 in order to permit the panel to be again hingedly connected to the roof. This is achieved by means of the stop means 41 which abuts the panel 16 and ensures that the tongue member 32 is located at the angle shown in Figures 2 and 3 thereby allowing the slotted forward end portion 38 of the tongue 32 to be forced under the sealing edge 60 and hooked over the jaw 34.

Another form of stop means is shown in Figures 15 and 16, wherein the stop means generally indicated at 43 comprises a leaf spring 45 having an opening 47 to conform to the shape of the lug 48, so as to readily allow the lug 48 to pass therethrough. The leaf spring 45 has a bowed, elongated section and a forward, bent section 51, as shown in Figure 17. Together, the sections provide a downward tension on tongue 32, thus holding the tongue in a downwardly and substantially fixed position, whereby the forward free end of the tongue 32 is held at its greatest distance from the underside of the edge 20 of the panel 16. Thus, in Figure 16 the device is shown in a released mode; this mode is necessary to separate tongue 32 from jaw 34, and is also necessary to allow the tongue 32 to be re-engaged with the jaw 34. Once the tongue 32 is pivotally connected to the jaw 34, the latching or clamp arm 56 is closed, causing the cam-head member 58 to engage the portion 33 of the tongue member 32. At this time, the leaf spring 45 is substantially flattened between the tongue portion 33 and the flange 50. Hence, a continuous biasing load is applied to the clamp arm 56 Referring now to Figures 7 to 10, there is shown a panel 16, as previously described, having a similar fastening means 42 comprising a nut head 46 with threaded bore 47, and including a threaded stud member 70. In this particular arrangement, an eyelet lug 72 is threaded into bore 47 of head 46 but does not include a flange member. In place thereof, there is provided a locking ring member 74 having a lower projecting boss member 76 having oppositely disposed flat sides 77 so as to be received in elongated aperture 36. Locking ring 74 is threaded to be received on the threaded stud end 70 of head 46s and is tightened against washer 54, thus securing fastening means 42 to panel 16.

The latching or clamp arm 56 isidentical to that previously described and is connected to the lug 72 by a pin 78, wherein the cam head 58 engages the tongue member 32 and clamps it against the locking ring 74 (as shown in Figures 7 and 9), and can release the tongue 32 if moved to the position shown in Figure 8.

Referring now to the embodiment found in Figure 11, there is shown panel 16 having a nut-head member 46 mounted in the panel by means of a threaded lug 80 secured to the nut head member 46 with the interposition of washers 52 and 54. The lug 80 includes an annular flange 82 having a depending projecting boss 84, the boss having flat sides 86 which are adapted to fit within the elongated aperture 36 of the tongue 32. A handle 88 having a screw-threaded bore is screwed onto the lug 80 and is prevented from being separated therefrom by a stop member 89 affixed to the free end of the lug. Interposed between the tongue 32 and the extended body portion 90 of handle 88 is a Bellville spring washer 92.

When the handle is rotated in one direction, its upper surface 94 forces spring washer 92 against tongue 32, thus clamping it in a stationary locked position. If the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the force is released-allowing the tongue 32 to fall freely so as to be easily disconnected from the jaw member 34 of the frame structure 14.

In Figures 12 to 14, another embodiment of a quick release hinge device is shown mounted to a panel 16, wherein the fastener means 42 comprises a bolt 100 including a threaded stud 102 on which a locking ring 104 is threaded.

The locking ring 104 acts as a nut to fasten the bolt 100 to the panel 16. The locking ring 104 includes a downwardly projecting boss 105 having flat sides to receive the tongue 32 as previously described.

The clamp means used in this embodiment comprises a knob 106 which is mounted on the stud 102 so as to be freely rotatable thereon. The upper portion of the knob 106 is arranged to directly engage tongue member 32, as shown in Figure 12. The engaging force of knob 106 against tongue 32 is caused by a pair of depending cam members 110 formed on the bottom of knob 106 which are engageable by cam lobes provided on a cam-head keeper 114 which is screwed into the stud 102.

If the knob 106 is rotated in either direction, the cam ears 112 on the member 114 engage inclined cam surfaces 116 of cam members 110 whereby knob 106 is pressed upwardly against tongue 32, thus locking it in a stationary mode. To prevent accidental movement of knob 106, the cam members 110 are provided with detents 118 in which the cam ears 112 are received.

When the tongue 32 is to be released and is free to move, knob 106 is rotated to cause cam ears 112 to sparate from detents 118, thus allowing knob 106 to be lowered as shown in Figure 13.

It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the above described embodiments but various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the various components of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

WHAT I CLAIM IS:- 1. A frame structure and a movable closure member detachably connected to said frame structure by a quick-release hinge device, wherein the frame structure includes a peripheral seal and wherein the hinge device comprises a fixed-hinge member carried by said frame structure; a releasable-hinge member connected to said closure member and releasably engageable with said fixedhinge member to permit pivotting of said closure member with respect to said frame structure; fastener means mounted on said closure member to support said releasablehinge member in both a locked stationary position and a movable position relative to said closure member, said releasable-hinge member being releasable from engagement with said fixed-hinge member when said fastener means is supporting said releasablehinge member in the movable position; means for relasably clamping said releasablehinge member in said locked stationary position; and stop means mounted on said releasable-hinge member is in the movable position.

2. The combination claimed in claim 1, wherein said releasable hinge member comprises an elongated tongue member having disposed at one end thereof an elongated aperture arranged to be supported in a nonrotatable manner on said fastener means, and including a transversely arranged slot disposed in the end opposite said elongated aperture; and wherein said fixed hinge member comprises a jaw member adapted to be removably received in said transverse slot of said tongue member.

3. The combination claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said releasable clamping means comprises a movable handle operably connected to said fastener means; cam means formed on said handle, causing said handle to engage said releasable hinge member; and connecting means connecting said movable handle to said fastener means.

4. The combination claimed in claim 3, wherein said movable handle comprises an elongated arm member having one end rotatably attached to said connecting means and wherein said cam means comprises at least one cam head positioned adjacent said releasable hinge member, whereby said releasable hinge member can be released from a fixed position to a floating position so as to be disconnected from said fixed hinge member thereby permitting said closure member to be removed from said frame structure.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

that previously described and is connected to the lug 72 by a pin 78, wherein the cam head 58 engages the tongue member 32 and clamps it against the locking ring 74 (as shown in Figures 7 and 9), and can release the tongue 32 if moved to the position shown in Figure 8.

Referring now to the embodiment found in Figure 11, there is shown panel 16 having a nut-head member 46 mounted in the panel by means of a threaded lug 80 secured to the nut head member 46 with the interposition of washers 52 and 54. The lug 80 includes an annular flange 82 having a depending projecting boss 84, the boss having flat sides 86 which are adapted to fit within the elongated aperture 36 of the tongue 32. A handle 88 having a screw-threaded bore is screwed onto the lug 80 and is prevented from being separated therefrom by a stop member 89 affixed to the free end of the lug. Interposed between the tongue 32 and the extended body portion 90 of handle 88 is a Bellville spring washer 92.

When the handle is rotated in one direction, its upper surface 94 forces spring washer 92 against tongue 32, thus clamping it in a stationary locked position. If the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the force is released-allowing the tongue 32 to fall freely so as to be easily disconnected from the jaw member 34 of the frame structure 14.

In Figures 12 to 14, another embodiment of a quick release hinge device is shown mounted to a panel 16, wherein the fastener means 42 comprises a bolt 100 including a threaded stud

102 on which a locking ring 104 is threaded.

The locking ring 104 acts as a nut to fasten the bolt 100 to the panel 16. The locking ring 104 includes a downwardly projecting boss 105 having flat sides to receive the tongue 32 as previously described.

The clamp means used in this embodiment comprises a knob 106 which is mounted on the stud 102 so as to be freely rotatable thereon. The upper portion of the knob 106 is arranged to directly engage tongue member 32, as shown in Figure 12. The engaging force of knob 106 against tongue 32 is caused by a pair of depending cam members 110 formed on the bottom of knob 106 which are engageable by cam lobes provided on a cam-head keeper 114 which is screwed into the stud 102.

If the knob 106 is rotated in either direction, the cam ears 112 on the member 114 engage inclined cam surfaces 116 of cam members 110 whereby knob 106 is pressed upwardly against tongue 32, thus locking it in a stationary mode. To prevent accidental movement of knob 106, the cam members 110 are provided with detents 118 in which the cam ears 112 are received.

When the tongue 32 is to be released and is free to move, knob 106 is rotated to cause cam ears 112 to sparate from detents 118, thus allowing knob 106 to be lowered as shown in Figure 13.

It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the above described embodiments but various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the various components of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

WHAT I CLAIM IS:- 1. A frame structure and a movable closure member detachably connected to said frame structure by a quick-release hinge device, wherein the frame structure includes a peripheral seal and wherein the hinge device comprises a fixed-hinge member carried by said frame structure; a releasable-hinge member connected to said closure member and releasably engageable with said fixedhinge member to permit pivotting of said closure member with respect to said frame structure; fastener means mounted on said closure member to support said releasablehinge member in both a locked stationary position and a movable position relative to said closure member, said releasable-hinge member being releasable from engagement with said fixed-hinge member when said fastener means is supporting said releasablehinge member in the movable position; means for relasably clamping said releasablehinge member in said locked stationary position; and stop means mounted on said releasable-hinge member is in the movable position.
2. The combination claimed in claim 1, wherein said releasable hinge member comprises an elongated tongue member having disposed at one end thereof an elongated aperture arranged to be supported in a nonrotatable manner on said fastener means, and including a transversely arranged slot disposed in the end opposite said elongated aperture; and wherein said fixed hinge member comprises a jaw member adapted to be removably received in said transverse slot of said tongue member.
3. The combination claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said releasable clamping means comprises a movable handle operably connected to said fastener means; cam means formed on said handle, causing said handle to engage said releasable hinge member; and connecting means connecting said movable handle to said fastener means.
4. The combination claimed in claim 3, wherein said movable handle comprises an elongated arm member having one end rotatably attached to said connecting means and wherein said cam means comprises at least one cam head positioned adjacent said releasable hinge member, whereby said releasable hinge member can be released from a fixed position to a floating position so as to be disconnected from said fixed hinge member thereby permitting said closure member to be removed from said frame structure.
5. The combination claimed in claim 1 or

claim 2, wherein said releasable clamping means comprises a movable elongated arm member having a free end, the opposite end thereof being rotatably attached to said fastener means and a cam head formed on the attached end of said elongated arm member for engagement with said releasable hinge member, whereby said releasable hinge member is releasably locked into a stationary position relative to said closure member, in order to permit said closure member to pivot about said hinge members.
6. The combination claimed in claim 5, wherein said fastener means comprises a nuthead member supported in said closure member, a connecting means carried by said nuthead member; and means for securing said nut head to said closure member.
7. The combination claimed in claim 6, wherein said connecting means comprises a depending eyelet lug having a bore disposed therein and a pin member received in said bore of said eyelet to operably connect said releasable clamping means to said eyelet lug.
8. The combination claimed in claim 7, wherein said fastener means includes a ring member disposed between said closure member and said releasable hinge member.
9. The combination claimed in claim 8, wherein said ring member comprises an annular nut having a depending boss adapted to be received in an elongated opening of said releasable hinge member.
10. The combination claimed in claim 3, wherein said cam means comprises a pair of depending cam members having centrally located detents formed therein and a keeper head secured to said fastener means; said keeper head including a pair of cam ear members arranged to engage said depending cam members and be removably received in said detents, whereby said handle is releasably engaged with said releasable hinge member.
11. The combination claimed in claim 3, wherein said cam means comprises a Bellville washer interposed between said handle and said releasable hinge member; and wherein said connecting means comprises a threaded lug member having a stop member affixed thereto for preventing said handle from being separated from said lug member.
12. The combination claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said stop means comprises a resilient bumper member affixed to said releasable hinge member so as to engage said movable closure member, limiting movement of said releasable hinge member towards said closure member.
13. The combination claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said stop means comprises a flexible, leaf-spring member mounted on said releasable hinge member to provide a downward tension on said releasable hinge member so as to control movement of said releasable hinge member towards said closure member.
14. A frame structure and a movable closure member detachably connected to said frame structure by a quick-release hinge device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.