GB2363160A

GB2363160A - Friction hinge & window fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2363160A
Application number: GB0013675A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Giovanni Maria Laporta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-06-05
Filing date: 2000-06-05
Publication date: 2001-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-05
Also published as: AU2001260505A1; WO2001094730A1; GB2363160B; GB2404692A; GB0013675D0; GB2404692B; GB0419659D0

Abstract

A friction hinge e.g. for a sash window, comprises a pivoting member (34) coupled to a fixed channel member 32 by an arrangement of stays. A restrictor blocking device (120) is securable in one or more predetermined blocking positions in the channel member to enable users to predetermine variably the extent to which the window can be opened. The blocking device (120) may be removably received in the channel. A locating abutment leg 100 is provided at the proximal end of the pivoting member (34) to assist correct positioning of the window sash relative to the pivoting member during installation.

Description

2363160 FRICTION HINGE & WINDOW FITTING This invention relates to hinges,

and to fittings for windows. hi one aspect, the invention relates to so-called fiction hinges (also known as "friction stays"). Typically, 5 such hinges include sliding stays and are commonly used in window assemblies.

However, the invention is applicable to other types of ffiction binge, and is not necessarily limited only to the field of windows - for example, the invention could equally well be applied to doors.

10 Fig. I of the apcompanying drawings illustrates a conventional friction hinge with a "restrictor" mechanism, which limits opening movement of the hinge. This is useful in child safety applications, to ensure that the window is not opened so far that a young child may be in danger of falling through it.

15 In Fig. 1, the friction hinge includes a fixed member 10, and a lightweight pivoting member 12 coupled to the fixed member by an arrangement of lightweight stays 14. A slider 16 slides in a channel of the fixed member 10. The front lips of the channel are formed with recesses 18 at predetermined positions corresponding to predetermined open positions of the hinge. Attached to the slider 16 is a spring biased lever 20 with 20 locking ramps 22 which lock in the recesses 18.

In use, as the hinge is opened progressively, the slider 16 descends from its uppermost position shown until the ramps 22 snap into locking engagement with the uppermost recesses 18. In this position, ftirther downward movement of the slider, and 25 hence further opening movement of the hinge, is blocked. In order to overcome the restrictor, the person opening the window has to press the lever 20 inwardly (i.e. towards the fixed member), to release the ramps 22 from the recesses 18, and to allow further downward movement of the slider in the channel. The shape of the ramps 22 enables the slider 16 and lever 20 to move past the recesses when travelling upwardly (i.e. during a 3-0 closing movement of the hinge), but automatically locks the ramps 22 in the recesses 18 when the slider is moving downwardly.

Although safe in use, such hinges do suffer from a number of drawbacks in terms of construction, and flexibility of use.

One drawback that has been appreciated with the type of hinge illustrated in Fig.

5 1 is that it can be difficult to align the pivoting member with the window sash during initial installation of the window assembly.

Usually, the pivoting member is received in a longitudinal channel of the sash profile, which thus determines its position accurately in a transverse direction (i.e. in a 10 direction roughly parallel to the member opening/closing direction). However, the installer has to determine the correct longitudinal position for the pivoting member. The hinge needs to be in an open condition when the sash is being slid into place, and this can make it difficult to align the upper edge of the window so that it will close properly in the frame. The procedure for checking, and readjusting the sash position is time consuming, 15 and the effectiveness of the window seal can be reduced if the sash is misaligned. This drawback applies to any form of friction hinge, irrespective of whether a restrictor mechanism is fitted.

Accordingly, in an aspect which addresses this and other problems, the invention 20 provides a fiiction hinge comprising a channel, a first slide movable in the channel, a second slide movable in the channel, a load support arm for supporting a load, one or more linkage members coupled directly or indirectly to the slides to provide a friction hinge movement of the load support arm relative to the channel, the first slide being securable to the channel to prevent sliding movement thereof, at one or a plurality of 25 different positions, in order to enable ad ustment of the position of the load support arm relative to the channel, in the closed position of the hinge.

Stated differently, this aspect of the invention provides a friction hinge having means for enabling positive locating or aligning a leaf or sash relative to the proximal, or 30 convergent, end of the hinge. For example, such means may comprise an abutment which, in use, provides a stop against which the leaf or sash is advanced or placed during installation.

Therefore, in contrast to the prior art, the above arrangements can enable adjustment of the sash position relative to the fixed frame, without having to unscrew the sash from the load support arm of the hinge. In one arrangement, it is simply necessary

5 for the fitting engineer to loosen the first slide, and to position the first slide at a desired position to provide the necessary alignment, and finally to resecure the first slide in the correct position.

Another drawback with this previously proposed restrictor hinge is that the extent 10 to which the window can be opened is preset when the hinge is constructed, and thus cannot be changed by the user.

To alleviate this problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a friction hinge, or means for use with a friction hinge, which enables a user to set (or 15 predetermine variably) the extent(s) to which the hinge can be opened. Therefore, this aspect of the present invention enables the extent to which the hinge can be opened to be set beforehand by the user. This is in contrast to the prior art design described above, in which it is impossible to adjust the restrictor positions which are permanently defined by the positions of the recesses 18.

A further drawback with previously proposed restrictor hinges is that opening of the pivoting member is always interrupted by the action of the restrictor with the frame or in other words, once the restrictor window has been purchased and installed the only way to remove the restricting function (as one might want to do when an open window no 25 longer poses a potential danger to one's children, for example) is to install a new, nonrestricted window.

To alleviate this particular problem, a blocking device (also referred to herein as a restrictor blocking device) may be provided which is locatable in (or securable to) a 30 member of the friction hinge in a user selectable blocking position, such that, on opening the hinge, movement of a movable part of the hinge is blocked by the blocking device as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to the blocking position. The blocking device may be locatable and/or securable to the hinge member in any desirable manner, for example, by ffictional engagement, or by a latching or locking arrangement. In one of the preferred embodiments, the blocking device is associated captively with the hinge, by being captive in a channel member. On the other hand, in another preferred embodiment, 5 the blocking device is removably fitted to the hinge member so that it can be removed and re-fitted as desired. Such a blocking device could also be provided separately as an accessory to be retrofitted to existing (non-restrictor) friction hinges to provide a restrictor function.

10 Two further aspects of the invention provide, respectively, a ffiction hinge, and a restrictor which may be fitted to the fhction hinge after assembly of the hinge; and a friction hinge having a restrictor, the restrictor being removably carried by the hinge.

The above aspects can provide a more versatile hinge arrangement than the prior 15 art. In particular, a window manufacturer or fitter need only stock a single type of hinge which can provide both a restricted, or non-restricted, opening function according to the intended application of the hinge. Furthermore, a customer can change the operation of the hinge by manually adding, or removing, the restrictor as desired.

20 Aspects of the present invention also seek to address problems associated with two other types of previously proposed hinges which are commonly referred to as "easy clean" hinges and "egress" (or "fire escape") hinges, respectively.

"Easy-clean" hinges differ from the hinge of Figure I in that they comprise a first 25 slider which is normally secured in the channel towards the proximal end of the fixed member (i.e. at the apex or nose end of the hinge - see reference numeral 1 in Figure 1), and a second slider which is normally movably located towards the distal. end of the fixed member channel. In normal use, opening and closing the window causes the second slider to move towards and away from, respectively, the stationary first slider.

In addition to this normal operation, the hinge is also operable in a socalled "easy-clean" mode where the normally fixed first slider can be released so that it can be moved along the channel towards the second slider until a point is reached where the first and second sliders abut one another (or are closely located with respect to one another) towards the distal end of the fixed member channel. When the window is in this position, access to the outside surface of the window is greatly improved so that it can easily be 5 cleaned, for example, from inside the house.

With these previously proposed "easy-clean" hinges it has not previously been possible to provide a restrictor function to limit opening of the hinge.

10 One might think that a potential solution to this problem would be to provide a restrictor mechanism on the distal side of the second slider. To provide such an arrangement one would have to lengthen the channel, without lengthening the pivoting member, so that there is room in the channel for the restrictor mechanism. This lengthened arrangement would be highly disadvantageous, however, as the window sash 15 would then no longer be supported by the pivoting member along the entire length of the sash with the result that the load on the hinge (when the sash is installed) would be greatly increased.

One aspect of the present invention seeks to alleviate this problem by providing a 20 hinge which is provided with both easy-clean and restrictor functionality whilst avoiding the attendant load problems described above.

To this end, this aspect of the invention provides a friction hinge comprising a channel, a first slide movable in the channel, a second slide movable in the channel, a 25 load support arm for supporting a load, one or more linkage members coupled directly or indirectly to the slides to provide a friction hinge movement of the load support arm relative to the channel, means for releasably securing the first slide to the channel to prevent sliding movement thereof, and a blocking device locatable in the channel (preferably in one or more user selectable blocking positions), such that on opening the 30 hinge, movement of the second slide is blocked by the blocking device as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to the blocking position.

Preferably, the blocking device is carried by the second slide. The blocking device may, alternatively or additionally, be removable from the friction hinge.

As mentioned above, the present invention also seeks to avoid problems 5 associated with previously proposed so-called "egress" hinges. Egress hinges are those hinges which can be fully opened to a point where the pivoting member is roughly at 90' to the fixed member. These hinges are particularly useful for fire escapes and the like as the hinge - when in its fully opened position - reduces the extent to which the sash obscures the open window and hence the extent to which an exit from a building, for 10 example, is obscured.

Egress hinges have a similar construction to easy-clean hinges in that they comprise a first slider which is stationary and a second slider, normally located towards the distal. end of the fixed member channel, which is movable along the channel back and 15 forth towards and away from the first slider to open and close the window.

As with easy-clean hinges, it has not previously been proposed to provide an egress hinge with restrictor functionality as there is typically insufficient room between the two sliders to allow a restrictor to be inserted. As a result of this, a problem has been 20 noted - particularly when egress hinges are used in a vertical configuration - in that the weight of the sash can cause the window to close by itself once it has been fully opened to the egress position. Clearly, this is highly inconvenient, and it could be dangerous if it were to delay or injure persons attempting to use the window to exit a building during an emergency for example.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention seeks to alleviate this problem by providing a hinge which is provided with both egress and restrictor functionality. To this end, this aspect of the invention provides a friction hinge comprising a channel, a first slide movable in the channel, a second slide movable in the 30 channel, a load support arm for supporting a load, one or more linkage members coupled directly or indirectly to the slides to provide a friction hinge movement of the load support arm relative to the channel, and a blocking device locatable in the channel to resist movement of the second slide and load arm to open or close the hinge, the arrangement being such that said blocking device is locatable in the channel at a plurality of positions including an egress position where the angle between said load arm and said channel approaches a right angle.

Advantageously, the various aspects of the invention described herein may be combined in any way with one or more other aspects of the invention, with the result that one such combination could provide a hinge with restrictor, egress and easy-clean functionality.

Further aspects of the invention are defined in the independent claims, and preferred features of those aspects are defined in the dependent claims. It should be noted in this regard that features of one or more of the claims, independent or dependent, may be combined with features of one or more other claims in any combination or 15 permutation irrespective of whether those combinations and permutations have been explicitly enumerated in the claim set attached hereto.

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

20 Fig. I is a plan view of a previously proposed hinge; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a ffiction hinge according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line III of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a detail of the hinge of Fig. 2; 25 Fig. 5 is a plan view of a second embodiment of friction hinge; Fig. 6 is an end view of a blocking device of the, hinge of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a restrictor; Fig. 8 is an end view of the restrictor shown in Fig.7; Figs. 9 & 10 are plan views of a hinge according to a third embodiment of the 30 invention; Fig. 11 a is a plan view of a blocking device of the hinge of Figs. 9 & 10; Fig. 1 lb is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X of Fig. I l a; Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of the allocator of Figs. 9 & 10; Fig. 13 is a schematic elevation part of the channel shaped member of Figs. 9 & 10; Figs. 14 & 15 are plan views of a hinge according to a fourth embodiment of the 5 invention with a stop block removed and installed respectively; Fig. 16 is a schematic elevation of part of the channel shaped member of Fig. 14; and Fig. 17 is a plan view of a blocking device of the hinge of Figs. 14 and 15; Fig. 18 is a plan view of a hinge according to a fift embodiment of the invention; 10 Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lower slider of the hinge of Fig. 18 along the line IV; Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a stop block; and Fig. 21 is a schematic plan view of apparatus for adjusting the position of an upper slider in a hinge.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, a friction hinge 30 comprises a channel shaped member 32 and a pivoting member 34 coupled to the channel shaped member by an arrangement of pivoting stays 36. A plastics slider 38 is slidable downwardly in the channel member 32 with opening movement of the hinge, and is slidable upwardly in the 20 channel member 32 with closing movement of the hinge. These features represent a standard construction of friction hinge.

In order to permit a user to restrict the range of opening movement of the hinge, and to predetermine the extent to which the hinge can be opened, a blocking device 40 is 25 provided. The blocking device in this embodiment consists of a stop member 42 with spaced apart integral lugs 44 and 46. One of the lugs 44 is formed with a recess which receives a lip 48 of the channel member 32 to hold the stop member 42 captive on the channel member 32. The other lug 46 includes a rectangular locking projection 50 which, in use, is received within one of a series of rectangular openings 52 formed in the 30 base of the channel member 32. The stop member 40 also includes a sideways extension which forms a handle or lever 54 by which a user can manipulate the stop member 40.

In use, to release the stop member 42, a user presses on the lever 54 in the direction shown by arrow 56, to cause the stop member to pivot about a projection 58 adjacent to the first lug 44, whereby the locking projection 50 lifts out of the rectangular opening 52 in the channel member 32 (as illustrated by arrow 60). The stop member can 5 now be slid up or down in the channel by a user to a new desired blocking position. When in position (adjacent to a rectangular opening 52), the locking projection can engage in the opening 52 to lock the stop member in position. The stop member can be made to snap into locking engagement, for example, by being made of resilient plastics, or by including a spring element (not shown).

In use, when the hinge is opened, downward movement of the slider 38 is blocked when the slider reaches the stop member 42. Thus, the extent to which the hinge can be opened can be predetermined adjustably by the user. If the user decides to disable or release the restrictor feature, it is necessary simply to press the lever 54 inwardly, and to 15 move the stop member 42 to a new position. In order to completely disable the restrictor feature, the stop member 42 is moved to its lowest possible position (illustrated schematically at 62) such that the hinge is movable without obstruction throughout its entire range of movement. It will be appreciated that the user can then open the hinge without having repeatedly to release the restrictor catch, as in the prior art design shown

20 in Fig. 1.

It will also be appreciated that the hinge of this embodiment may be supplied and used as a conventional hinge if the stop element is placed in its lowest position 62.

Alternatively, by positioning the stop member 42 as desired, the hinge may be used as a 25 child safety restrictor hinge.

As best seen in Fig. 4, the uppermost or proximal end of the pivoting member is formed with a right-angled leg 100. The leg acts as a position aligner, or "a sash allocator" for accurate positioning of the pivoting member relative to a window leaf 102.

30 The leaf frame 104 has a profile which includes a channel 106 in which the pivoting member 34 is slidably received.

% i During installation of the window assembly, the fixed members 32 of each friction hinge would normally be fitted firstly to the fixed window surround (not shown). Thereafter, the sash frame 102 would be aligned with the lower (distal) end of the pivoting member 34 of each hinge on the opposite sides of the sash, in register with the 5 respective channel 106, and the sash advanced in the direction of arrow 108. When the sash reaches its correct uppermost position relative to the pivoting member 34, the leg 100 abuts the sash frame, thereby preventing further movement. In this embodiment, the leg 100 is received in a corTesponding channel 106' (similar to the channel 106) which extends along the upper edge of the sash.

It will be appreciated that the leg 100 provides a simple, yet highly effective, means of positively aligning the sash frame relative to the pivoting member 34. The installing engineer has simply to advance the sash up to the leg 100. It will be appreciated that without the leg 100, it would be difficult for the installer to ascertain 15 when the sash was positioned accurately with respect to the pivoting member 34. This potential for misalignment has not been appreciated prior to this invention, and is believed to represent a significant factor in window seal performance.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, a second embodiment of friction hinge is illustrated 20 which is firrictionally similar to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a modified blocking device 120 is used. The blocking device comprises a base 122 from which a locking tab 124 projects on one side, and a staggered, raised handle 126 projects on the other side. As best seen in Fig. 5, the base 122 of the blocking device is received within the channel member 32, and the handle 126 projects over the side wall of the 25 channel member 32. The side wall of the channel member 32 adjacent to the tab 124 comprises slots 128 (similar to the slots 52 of the first embodiment) for engaging the locking tab 124.

By manipulating the handle 126 in the direction of arrow 130 (i.e. to the right in 30 Fig. 5), the tab 124 can be engaged in one of the series of slots 128, to lock the blocking device in position. By manipulating the handle in the direction of arrow 132 (i.e. to the left in Fig. 5), the tab 24 can be withdrawn from the slot 128, and the blocking device 1 4 moved up or down the channel member 32 to a new position (adjacent to another of the slots 128).

It will be appreciated that, in the second embodiment, the handle 126 is moved 5 laterally relative to the channel member, rather than being lifted away from the channel member 32 as in the first embodiment. The first embodiment would require clearance between the pivoting stays 36 and the front lips of the channel member 32 to accommodate such lifting movement. However, the lateral blocking member movement used in the second embodiment needs much less clearance, and can therefore allow a 10 more compact, or thinner, hinge to be produced.

The blocking member 120 may be captively retained in the channel member 32, or it may be removable, for example, if the restrictor function is optional. In one form, the blocking device is snap-fittable in the channel member 32.

In contrast to the previous embodiment in which the slider 38 moved above the blocking device 40 during operation of the hinge, in the present embodiment a lower slider 134 is movable in the channel member 32 below the blocking device 120. When the hinge is in its fully closed position, the slider 134 is at the lower end of the channel 20 member 32; the slider 134 moves upwardly towards the blocking device 120 with opening movement of the hinge. The lower slider is the main slider during normal operation of the hinge.

The upper slider 38' is retained in this embodiment, but is fitted with a locking 25 screw 136 which can be tightened by means of a screwdriver or key (depicted schematically at 138) to lock the slider 38' in position in normal use. However, if it is desired to move the sash downwardly away from the upper end of the hinge the screw 136 can be loosened to release the slider 38'. This is particularly useU for allowing access to the outer face of the sash, for example, for cleaning.

As in the previous embodiment, the pivoting member 34 carries a leg 100 for accurate positioning of the sash during installation of the window assembly.

A further embodiment of blocking device 40 is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. In the further embodiment, the blocking device is held in position in the channel member 32 by frictional engagement, which avoids the need for rectangular openings (52 and 128) used 5 in the earlier embodiments.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the alternative blocking device comprises a stop member 70 which consists of a front portion 72 and a rear portion 74 integrally joined to have a generally H-shaped cross section (as best seen in Fig. 8). The front portion 72 sits 10 outside the lips of the channel member 32, and the rear portion 74 is received within the channel member 32. A keyed opening 76 extends through the centre of the stop member 70 for receiving a key 80 with a right angled handle or lever 82. The key is removably insertable into the opening 76 and, when inserted, allows a user to rotate the stop member between a released position in the channel, and a frictionally engaged position. The 15 opening 76 may be formed with slots, or surfaces for making a keyed connection with complementary edges or surfaces of the key 80.

As best seen in Fig. 7, the rear portion 74 is wider in one dimension (horizontally in the orientation shown in Fig. 7) than in the other dimension. The ends of the lower 20 portion are formed with toothed gripping edges 84, and have diametrically opposed square comers 86, and diametrically opposed curved edges 88. In order to secure the stop member in position, the stop member is rotated in the direction of arrow 90 into the position shown in Fig. 7. As the stop member is rotated, the toothed edges 84 grip the inner walls of the channel member 32 progressively more tightly as the square comers 86 25 come into alignment. In the position shown in Fig. 7, the tight frictional engagement holds the stop member 70 firmly in position, even when engaged by, and blocking further movement of, the slider of the friction hinge.

In order to release the stop member, the stop member is rotated in the direction of 30 arrow 92 out of tight frictional engagement, to an orientation approximately orthogonal to that shown in Fig. 7. The curved edges 88 provide the necessary clearance for the rear portion 74 to be rotated in that direction. The stop member 70 is then free to be slid up or down the channel member 32 to be re-positioned as desired, as in the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the rear portion 74 is dimensioned to be removable from, and reinsertable in, the channel when in the released orientation, the rear portion 74 being smaller in width (dimension "y" in Fig. 7) than the gap between the lips of the channel 5 member 32. This enables the stop member 70 to be removed when not required, or to be supplied or retrofitted separately as a hinge accessory. In alternative embodiments, the stop member 70 could be dimensioned so that it is held captive by the channel in all orientations, as a permanent part of the hinge, or it could be dimensioned to be a snap fit to the channel member 32.

It will be appreciated that the ftirther embodiment described above enables the stop member 70 to be fitted in any position. It is not limited by the positions of catch openings as in the first embodiment, although the first embodiment may provide greater fixing strength for securing the stop member in position. If desired, the further 15 embodiment may be modified by employing a toothed, or ridged, engagement surface on the interior walls of the channel member in addition to, or as an alternative to, providing the toothed edge 86 of the rear portion 74. Improved grip can be achieved by providing such frictional engagement surfaces on both the stop member 70 and the channel member 32.

In the described embodiments, it is necessary to release the stop member 42 or 70 from the channel member 32 if it is desired to open the hinge beyond the "restrictor" position. In modified embodiments, a manually operable mechanism may also be provided for enabling the slider to pass the stop member when the mechanism is operated 25 or released, in order to open the hinge fin-ther without having to re- position the stop member. For example, a mechanism including a spring lever similar to that illustrated in Fig. I could be used. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement would still provide the advantages of the invention by enabling the user to predetermine the position of the stop member, and hence the extent to which the hinge may be opened before the 30 mechanism has to be operated or released to pass the stop member.

Although the preferred embodiments described above all relate torestrictor type hinges, it will be appreciated that the principles of the abutment leg 100 may be used with any type of friction hinge to aid positive location of the leaf or sash during installation.

Friction hinges according to the invention can be used in any application where 5 conventional or restrictor hinges may normally be used. A particular application is in window assemblies, such as PVC-U assemblies.

A third embodiment of hinge is shown in Figures 9 and 10, and this hinge is functionally similar to the hinge of the second embodiment. As with the second 10 embodiment, the hinge of the third embodiment comprises a channel shaped member 200, and a pivoting member 202 coupled to the channel shaped member 200 by an arrangement of stays 204. An upper slider 206 and a lower slider 208 are mounted within a channel 210 in the channel shaped member 200, and a blocking device 211 is provided for limiting opening of the hinge.

In common with the second embodiment, and in contrast to the first embodiment, during normal use the lower slider 208 is slidable within the channel 210 and the upper slider 206 is fixed with respect thereto. Thus when the hinge is in a fully closed position, the lower slider 208 is at the lower end of the channel shaped member 200, and as the 20 hinge is opened the lower slider 208 moves upwardly towards the stationary upper slider 206. The upper slider 208 is fixed to the channel shaped member 200 by way of a screw fixing 212 (or some sort of other removable fixing) so that the upper slider may be released should one wish to move the upper slider downwards to provide an easy-clean functionality, for example, which facilitates access to the outer face of the sash.

The blocking device 211 of this embodiment is similar to that shown in Figure 6, and comprises (as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11) a base 222 from which a locking tab 224 projects on one side, and a staggered, raised handle 226 projects on the other side.

As best seen in Figs. 9 and 10, the base 222 of the blocking device is received within the 30 channel 210 of the channel shaped member 200, and the handle 226 projects over the side wall of the channel shaped member 200. In common with the second embodiment, the side wall of the channel shaped member 200 adjacent to the tab 224 comprises slots 228 (similar to the slots 52 of the first embodiment) for engaging the locking tab 224. In addition, the other side wall opposite to the tab 224 is also provided with slots and a gap 214, so that the blocking device 211 may be removed from the channel 2 10 by way of the gap 214 in the channel side wall, and reversed (the significance of which will be 5 explained later). As an alternative, the blocking device 211 may be removed from the channel altogether by way of the gap 214, if it is not necessary to restrict the degree to which the hinge may be opened.

It will be apparent from Figs. 11 a & I I b, that by manipulating the handle 226 in 10 the direction of arrow 23 0 (i.e. to the right in Fig. 11 b), the tab 224 can be engaged in one of the series of slots 228, to lock the blocking device 211 in position. By manipulating the handle in the direction of arrow 232 (i.e. to the left in Fig. I lb) - possibly against the action of a spring (not shown), the tab 224 can be withdrawn from the slot 228, and the blocking device moved up or down the channel shaped member 200 to a new position 15 (adjacent to another of the slots 228). In addition, as the tab 224 of this embodiment is ramp shaped, the pivoting member 202 may be moved towards the channel shaped member 200 (i.e. moved to close the hinge) without having to release the blocking mechanism, this is particularly advantageous when the blocking member is carried by the lower slider as will now be described.

The blocking device 211 is provided with a transverse engaging arm 225 by means of which it may be engaged with the lower slider 208 for movement with the slider. Connection to the lower slider 208 may however, not always be preferred as the blocking member will always lock in the first of the slots 228 and will have to be released 25 if it is desired to open the hinge further. As an advantageous alternative to this arrangement, the blocking device may be decoupled from the lower slider and engaged with a predetermined one of the slots so that the hinge always opens a predetermined amount.

30 It will also be appreciated that, in this embodiment (in common with the second embodiment), the handle 226 is moved laterally relative to the channel 210, rather than being lifted away from the channel 210 as in the first embodiment. The first embodiment would require clearance between the pivoting stays and the front lips of the channel to accommodate such lifting movement. However, the lateral blocking member movement used in this embodiment needs much less clearance, and can therefore allow a more compact, or thinner, hinge to be produced.

As with the first and second embodiments, the uppermost or proximal end of the pivoting member is formed with a right-angled leg 216 which acts as a position aligner, or an "allocator", when one is attempting to align a window leaf with the hinge. In the third embodiment, the uppermost or proximal end of the channel shaped member 200 is 10 also formed with a right-angled leg 218, each face of which is provided with a plurality of fixing apertures.

During installation of a window assembly including the hinge of the third embodiment, screws (or other fixings) are passed through respective fixing apertures (not 15 shown) of each face of the channel shaped member leg 218 and into the window surround. By virtue of this arrangement, the channel shaped member 200 may be secured to the window surround in a first direction parallel to the channel 210, as well as in a second direction perpendicular to the first. Securing the channel shaped member in two directions allows the hinge to be more securely mounted to the window surround, and 20 this increases the weight (and hence the size) of window leaf that may be supported on the hinge.

As mentioned above, the upper slider 206 is fixed to the channel shaped member 200 by way of a screw fixing 212 so that the upper slider may be released should one 25 wish to move the upper slider downwards to gain access to the outer face of the sash, for example. Advantageously, the channel shaped member 200 is provided with a plurality of fixing apertures 220 with which the screw fixing 212 of the upper slider may be engaged. This novel arrangement greatly eases the installation of a leaf attached to the pivoting member, as the position of the pivoting member (and leaf) with respect to the 30 channel shaped member may easily be adjusted simply by undoing the screw fixing 212, and subsequently re-engaging it with another one of the plurality of fixing apertures 220. WUlst the provision of a plurality of discrete fixing apertures is preferred, it will be appreciated that a slot may instead be provided so that the screw fixing 212 may be engaged with the channel shaped member 210 at any one of a plurality of different positions. This arrangement finther reduces the likelihood of the leaf being misaligned with the channel shaped member 200. The lower slider 208 also includes a screw fixing 5 209 by means of which the frictional force between the slider and the channel shaped member 200 may be adjusted.

Once the preferred position for the pivoting member 2 10 (and leaf) with respect to the channel shaped member 200 has been selected, a stop block 230 may be inserted 10 into the channel 210 (as shown in Figure 10) so that the upper slider 206 may easily be relocated. In this way, if someone should release the screw fixing 212 and move the upper slider 208 downwards (as they might do if they wanted to gain access to the outside of the sash, for example) then the upper slider may easily be relocated to the correct position by sliding it back up the channel until it abuts against the stop block 230.

15 Fastening the screw fixing 212 once more would then secure the upper slider in the correct position.

As mentioned above, both side walls of the channel 210 in the channel shaped member 200 are provided with slots 228 so that the blocking device can engage with the 20 slots regardless of which channel side the handle 226 projects over. By virtue of this arrangement, it is no longer necessary to provide left and right handed hinges as the blocking mechanism can be reversed so that the same hinge may be used in either a left handed mode or a right handed mode as desired. This provides great advantages as retailers, manufacturers or installers now no longer have to stock both sorts of hinge, as a 25 single hinge may be used for both left and right handed configurations.

As will be appreciated from the figures, the hinge of this embodiment, as well as having a restrictor function, can also have an egress function as the pivoting member can be opened (once the restrictor has been disengaged from the slots 228 - but not 30 necessarily from the channel 210) until it is at approximately 90' to the channel shaped member with the upper and lower sliders close to one another, and possibly with the blocking device in between.

VVhilst the arrangement of Figures 9 to 13 is highly preferred, it has been noted that problems can arise particularly if the hinge is used as an egress hinge with the pivoting member moving upwards to open the hinge. In such a situation the hinge is held 5 in the egress position by virtue of the ftictional engagement of the screw fixing 209 with the channel shaped member 200, and if the fhctional force is too small (as might happen if the screw fixing 209 is not sufficiently tightened) then there is a danger that the window hinge may collapse and possible injure someone exiting through the hinge. The arrangement of Figs. 14 to 17 has been proposed to address these problems, and like 10 features have been referenced with like reference numerals.

Figs. 14 and 15 show the hinge of this embodiment with the stop block 230 removed and installed, respectively. The hinge 300 of this embodiment includes a blocking device 3 10 (which is ftirther illustrated in Fig. 17) which is finictionally similar 15 to that of the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 13.

The principal difference between the blocking device of this embodiment of and those of previous embodiments is that the tab 312 comprises a substantially c-shaped member which a cut-out that positively engages and interlocks with the sides of the slots 20 formed in the channel shaped member 200.

In this embodiment, the hinge will lock in an open position and cannot be closed without first releasing the blocking device 3 10 by opening the pivoting member 202 slightly (to disengage the c-shaped member from the wall of one of the slots) and pulling 25 on a handle 226 of the blocking device.

Preferably, two slots 314 are provided in each side of the channel shaped member (see Fig. 16) - one slot 318 towards the lower end of the channel shaped member 200 and one 320 towards the upper end of the channel shaped member 200. When the 30 blocking device 310 locks in the lower slot 318 the hinge will be locked in a partly opened position, and when the blocking device 3 10 locks in the upper slot 3 20 the hinge will be locked in an egress position with the pivoting member 202 at approximately 90' to the channel shaped member 200. When in the egress position, the upper and lower sliders 206, 20 8 and the blocking device 3 10 will be closely located to one another with the blocking device 3 10 in between the sliders 206, 208.

5 As mentioned above, two slots are preferably provided in the channel shaped member. To better illustrate the positioning of these two slots, reference numerals 318 and 320 have been included in Figs. 14 and 15, however it should be noted that the channel shaped member shown in those figures has a plurality of slots provided along its length, and not just two slots as shown in Fig. 16.

As shown in Fig. 17, the blocking device 310 may comprise a barbed male engagement formation 330 which is capable of engaging with a complementary female engagement formation (not shown) formed in the lower slider. When engaged together, the blocking device will then move with the lower slider until it locks in one of the slots.

15 As an alternative, the blocking device could be provided with a hook such as that of the third embodiment and the blocking device could also be used without engaging it with the lower slider (although in such an arrangement the hinge would not be locked in an open position).

20 As with the third embodiment, the blocking device 3 10 may be removable from the channel 210 of the channel shaped member 200 via a slot 322 (shown in phantom) formed in the channel member 200 - but it is preferred that no slot is provided and that the blocking device is instead snap-fittable in the channel 210.

25 The hinge of this embodiment is also preferably provided with the other features of the hinge of the third embodiment such as the easy-clean functionality and the allocator functionality, for example.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of a hinge according to a fifth embodiment of the 30 invention. As shown, the hinge 400 according to this embodiment comprises a fixed member 402 and a pivoting member 404 movable to open and close the hinge 400.

The fixed member 402 is formed with a channel 406 in which an upper slider 408 and a lower slider 410 are provided. The upper and lower sliders 408, 410 are connected to the pivoting member 404 by way of a number of lightweight stays 412 so that the hinge may be opened and closed in a similar fashion to the hinges of preceding 5 embodiments.

In common with the hinges of earlier embodiments, the pivoting member 404 is provided with a sash allocator 414 to aid alignment with a sash frame, and the fixed member 402 is provided with a right angled leg 416 so that it may more firmly be secured 10 into the window surround. In addition, the upper slider 408 is provided with a screw fixing 418 by means of which it may be released from and engaged with the channel 406 of the fixed member 402 (to provide easy-clean functionality). The lower slider 410 also includes a screw fixing 409 by means of which the ffictional force between the slider and the channel shaped fixed member 402 may be adjusted.

As with the other embodiments, the hinge of this embodiment is provided with a blocking device 420 for blocking movement of the lower slider 410, and hence for controlling the extent to which the hinge can be opened. The blocking device 420 is carried by and movable with the lower slider 410.

In this embodiment, the blocking device 420 comprises a substantially Tshaped member 422 which is attached to a distal end 424 of the lower slider 410 by means of a screw 426, for example. By removing the screw 426, it is possible to decouple the T shaped member from the lower slider 410 and from the hinge 400 to remove restrictor 25 functionality from the hinge 400.

Transversely extending end portions 428 of the T-shaped member 422 are capable of engaging with suitable slots 430 provided in the walls of the fixed member 402 to block movement of the lower slider 410 and hence to block opening or closing of 30 the hinge 400. As can be seen from Figure 19, a portion of the T- shaped member 422 is unsupported by the lower slider 410 so that the end of the T-shaped member 422 can be pushed downwards to disengage the transversely extending end portions 428 of the T- shaped member 422 from the slots, and hence to allow the lower slider 410 to move so that the hinge may be opened or closed.

In a difference from other embodiments, the hinge of this embodiment includes a 5 stop block 440 which is substantially T-shaped in cross section (see figure 20), and which comprises a barbed tip 432. The barbed tip 432 is engageable with holes 434 formed in the channel to retain the stop block 430 within the channel to provide easy relocation of the upper slider after the slider has been moved.

10 Figure 21 is a schematic representation of a mechanism by means of which the position of the pivoting member with respect to the fixed member can easily be adjusted.

As shown, the channel 406 is provided with a cam 452 which can be rotated to vary the distance between the upper slider 408 and the right angled leg 416 of the fixed member 402, and hence to vary the position the pivoting member with respect to the fixed 15 member. Once the pivoting member is in the correct location, a grub screw 450 can be tightened to frictionally engage the channel of the fixed member to retain the slider 408 in position.

As with other embodiments, it is preferred that the hinge of this embodiment is 20 provided with the other features of the hinge of the third and fourth embodiments such as the easy-clean functionality and the allocator functionality, for example.

It should also be noted that embodiments of the invention have been described herein by way of example only, and that modifications may be made within the scope of 25 the claims. It should further be noted that each of the many advantageous features described above may be employed in isolation, or in combination with any one or more other features.

Claims

1. A friction hinge comprising means for enabling a user to set (or predetermine variably) the extent or extents to which the hinge can be opened.

2. A hinge according to claim 1, wherein the means comprises means for enabling a blocking device to be secured in one or more predetermined blocking positions such that, when the hinge is opened, movement of a movable part of the hinge is blocked by the blocking device as the hinge reaches a corresponding open position.

3. A hinge according to claim 2, wherein a member of the hinge comprises means defining the different blocking positions in which the blocking device is securable.

4. A hinge according to claim 3, wherein the means on the hinge member comprise 15 an opening or recess associated with each blocking position for receiving an engagement part of the blocking device.

5. A friction hinge assembly comprising manually settable or adjustable means for enabling a user to set (or predetermine variably) the extent or extents to which the hinge 20 can be opened.

6. A friction hinge assembly comprising means for enabling the hinge to be adjustably configured such that the extent to which the hinge can be opened can be predetermined, the hinge being configurable in a first configuration in which opening 25 movement of the hinge is blocked when the hinge is only partway open, and in a second configuration in which free movement of the hinge is allowed substantially all of the way open.

7. A hinge assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the means comprises a 30 blocking device locatable (preferably in a member of the hinge) in a blocking position such that, when the hinge is opened, movement of a movable part of the hinge is blocked by the blocking device as the hinge reaches a corresponding open position.

8. A hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein the blocking device is locatable (or securable) in a plurality of different blocking positions.

5 9. A hinge assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the blocking device comprises engagement means for releasably engaging the hinge member for securing the blocking device in position on the hinge member.

10. A hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein the different blocking positions 10 are defmed by the member of the hinge.

11. A hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein the hinge member comprises a plurality of recesses or openings for receiving the engagement means of the blocking device at each position.

12. A hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein the hinge member comprises a frictional engagement surface for fitictionally engaging the blocking device.

13. A hinge assembly according to claim 12, wherein the frictional engagement 20 surface of the hinge member comprises a toothed or ridged surface.

14. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the engagement means comprises an engagement surface for frictionally engaging the member.

25 15. A hinge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the frictional engagement surface of the blocking device comprises a toothed or ridged surface.

16. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 7 to 15, wherein the hinge member comprises a channel member, and the blocking device is slidable within the channel.

17. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 7 to 16, wherein the blocking device is removable from the member.

18. A hinge assembly according to claim 17, wherein the blocking device is, in use, rotatable and, in a first angular orientation can be fitted to and/or removed from the hinge member, and when rotated into a second angular orientation is secured to the hinge member.

19. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 7 to 17, wherein the blocking device comprises a latch mechanism for engaging the hinge member to lock the blocking device in position.

20. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 7 to 19, wherein the blocking device comprises a manual lever for securing and/or releasing the blocking device relative to the hinge member.

15 21. A hinge assembly according to any of Claims 7 to 17, wherein the blocking device is capable of being coupled to a moving part of the hinge for movement therewith.

22. A hinge mechanism according to Claim 21 when dependent upon Claim 9, wherein the engagement means comprises a tapered tab arranged so that the hinge can be 20 closed to move the blocking device without engaging the blocking device with the hinge member.

23. A hinge assembly according to Claim 21 when dependent upon Claim 9, wherein the engagement means comprises a tab which engages with the hinge member to resist 25 opening or closing of the hinge.

24. A hinge assembly according to Claim 23, wherein the tab includes a cut-out portion (i.e. is substantially c-shaped) interlockingly engageable with the hinge member.

30 25. A restrictor blocking device for use in the assembly of claim 7, the device being securable to a member of a friction hinge for cooperating with the hinge to enable a user to manually predetermine the extent to which the hinge can be opened, in use.

26. A restrictor blocking device according to claim 22, wherein the blocking device is configured for attachment to a channel of the friction hinge.

5 27. A restrictor blocking device according to claim 26, comprising a frictional engagement surface for frictionally engaging a channel into which it is placed.

28. A restrictor blocking device according to claim 27, wherein the frictional engagement surface is formed on one or more lateral projections of the device.

29. A restrictor blocking device according to Claim 28, wherein the lateral projection is tapered so that movement of the device along the channel is resisted in only one direction.

15 29. A restrictor blocking device according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the frictional engagement surface include a cut-out portion interlockingly engageahle with slots formed in walls of the channel.

30. A restrictor blocking device according to any of claims 25 to 29, configured to be 20 removably coupled to a friction hinge.

31. A restrictor blocking device according to claim 30, configured to be coupled to a moving component of a friction hinge.

25 31. A restrictor blocking device according to any of claims 25 to 28, comprising a lever by which the device can be turned between a loose orientation, and an engagement orientation.

32. A friction hinge comprising a pivoting member coupled to a fixed member by an 30 arrangement of stays, the pivoting member comprising means for enabling positive positioning of a sash edge relative to the proximal end of the pivoting member.

33. A friction hinge according to claim 32, wherein said means is or are located at or adjacent to the proximal end of the pivoting member.

A friction hinge according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the means comprises a stop. 5 35. A friction hinge according to claim 34, wherein the stop comprises a projecting extension of the pivoting member.

36. A ftiction hinge according to any of Claims 32 to 35, wherein the fixed member 10 is provided with a stop, said fixed member being securable to a fixed support by means of fixing means engageable with said fixed member and fixing means engageable with said fixed member stop.

37. A ffiction hinge according to Claim 36, wherein the fixed member stop comprises 15 a projecting extension of the fixed member.

38. A friction hinge according to Claim 35 and Claim 37 wherein the projecting extensions project in the same direction ftorn the fixed member and the pivoting member, respectively.

39. A window assembly comprising at least one hinge or hinge assembly as defined in any of claims I to 24, or 32 to 38.

40. A friction hinge comprising a channel, a first slide movable in the channel, a 25 second slide movable in the channel, a load support arm for supporting a load, one or more linkage members coupled directly or indirectly to the slides to provide a friction hinge movement of the load support arm relative to the channel, means for releasably securing the first slide to the channel to prevent sliding movement thereof, and a blocking device locatable in the channel (preferably in one or more user selectable blocking 30 positions), such that, on opening the hinge, movement of the second slide is blocked by the blocking device as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to the blocking position.

1 4 41. A friction hinge comprising a channel, a first slide movable in the channel, a second slide movable in the channel, a load support arm for supporting a load, one or more linkage members coupled directly or indirectly to the slides to provide a fhction 5 hinge movement of the load support arm relative to the channel, and a blocking device locatable in the channel to resist movement of the second slide and load arm to close the hinge, the arrangement being such that said blocking device is locatable in the channel at a plurality of positions including an egress position where the angle between said load arm and said channel approaches a right angle.

A ftiction hinge according to Claim 4 1, wherein the blocking device is configured to resist movement of the second slide and load ann to open the hinge, 43. A friction hinge comprising a channel, a first slide movable in the channel, a 15 second slide movable in the channel, a load support arm for supporting a load, one or more linkage members coupled directly or indirectly to the slides to provide a friction hinge movement of the load support arm relative to the channel, the first slide being securable to the channel to prevent sliding movement thereof, at one or a plurality of different positions, in order to enable ad ustment of the position of the load support an-n Ii 20 relative to the channel, in the closed position of the.hinge.

44. A friction hinge according to any of Claims 40 to 43, wherein the blocking device is removable from the channel.

25 45. A hinge, or hinge assembly, or a restrictor blocking device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.