GB2424449A

GB2424449A - Restrictor located within groove of scissor hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2424449A
Application number: GB0516420A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Whitfield
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-23
Filing date: 2005-08-10
Publication date: 2006-09-27
Also published as: GB0516420D0; GB0505947D0

Abstract

An elongate member 10 is mounted in the groove of a scissor hinge or stay of the type having a runner and a fixed pivot point. The elongate member 10 acts as a restrictor blocking the sliding movement of the runner towards the fixed pivot point, thereby stopping the hinge being opened beyond a certain point. Two such elongate members 10, 11 may be provided. The elongate members 10, 11 do not need to be secured in place. Threaded holes may be provided such that a threaded rod may be inserted for convenient removal of the elongate members. In one embodiment, the elongate member is mounted on the fixed pivot.

Description

I

Novel Window Hinge The invention relates to window hinge mechanisms, in particular means for restricting the extent to which a window can open.

Many windows, for example those of the double glazed fanlight type, when unlocked can be opened so wide as to enable a person to obtain access through the window into the dwelling. Figure Ia illustrates a style of window and hinge, often referred to as a scissor hinge, and which is in common use in the field. The hinge consists of a number of elongate bars which are interconnected. The number and specific arrangement of elongate bars may be varied widely, but for the present purposes the hinge may be I 0 characterised by the fact that upon opening of the window (20) a runner (2) moves within a groove (3) towards a fixed pivot point (7). As the degree to which the window (20) opens is increased, the runner (2) moves closer to the fixed pivot point (7). Upon closing of the window the runner (2) returns to its original location. Typically, the groove (3) contains a stud (9) which prevents the hinge being opened to such an extent that it cannot be easily closed again (excessive opening of a scissor hinge means that forces applied to the window (20) in an attempt at closure are inefficiently directed towards the movement of the runner (2) to its original position.

The above described prior art window and hinge, however, does not allow for the determination of one or more intermediate "stopped" positions between the "fully open" and the "fully closed" position.

Currently available devices for restricting the opening of windows with scissor hinges include standard locks, wherein the window may be maintained in a closed position (when locked) or is freely movable between closed an fully open (when unlocked).

Other restriction devices include two part locking mechanisms, wherein a fixture attached to the window itself is connected by a connecting arm to a fixture attached to the window frame, the degree to which the window can be opened being limited by the length of the connecting arm. Such devices suffer from the disadvantages in that although they adequately restrict opening, they require rigid attachment to the window and frame (which may not be possible, or desirable, in all circumstances) and unless the connecting arm is very short (thereby restricting opening significantly) in a closed position the connecting arm may be an inconvenient and unsightly protrusion.

There is therefore a need for a cheap, simple method by which the degree to which a window having a scissor hinge can be opened may be restricted. Furthermore, in light of the large base of installed windows, there is a need for a means which can be retrofitted without significant modification of the existing windows. Preferably such means would also be physically robust and difficult to tamper with.

To overcome the problems associated with prior art hinges and so that the window, for example a double glazed fanlight window, can be opened wider than that permitted by the existing closing lock shown in Figure Ia and lb at (I) the present invention is intended to prevent certain windows, for example a double glazed fanlight window, being opened beyond the distance that is desired. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a hinge mechanism comprising one or more stop elements.

According to the present invention there is provided a scissor hinge mechanism having a groove, runner and fixed pivot point and which is adapted for restricted opening, characterised in that it comprises at least one elongate member which is located within said groove between the runner and pivot point such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.

As mentioned above, Figures la and lb illustrate side views of an existing window and hinge, as may be found in a typical double glazed fanlight, in two different open positions The window operates by means of the runner (2), typically made from metal, which is fitted into the groove (3) (typically formed from a ribbed metal strip which is screwed into the window frame) moving in conjunction with a number of interconnected elongate bars (in this case, the three bars (4), (5) and (6)) which attach the window to the frame and cause the window, for example a double glazed fanlight window, to open as the runner (2) moves down (i.e. towards the fixed pivot point (7)) and close as the runner (2) moves up (i.e. away from the fixed pivot point (7)). Bar (4) is fixed to the window frame at fixed pivot point (7), such as by means of a rivet through a stud raised in the groove (3), which rivet passes through the stud into the window frame. Shown at (8) in the groove (3) is the position of a screw holding the groove (3) to the window frame (the location and number of screws being variable, for example three screws) and at (9) a n optional stud in the groove (3) which prevents the runner (2) from moving further down the groove. The position of stud (9) may therefore determine the permitted "fully open" position of the window.

The modified hinge according to the present invention thus comprises at least one elongate member which may be located within the groove (3) between the runner (2) and pivot point (7) such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.

The elongate member(s) may be made from any material having sufficient strength to maintain a minimum separation of runner (2) and the pivot point (7), thereby stopping the hinge being opened beyond a certain point. Suitable materials include plastics and metals, preferably metals. Particularly preferred metals are those which are resistant to corrosion, for example stainless steel.

The elongate member(s) are sized according to two restrictions. Firstly, the member must be of sufficient depth and width that it may be inserted into the groove (3), the exact size being dependent upon the hinge with which the elongate member(s) are to be used. The length of the elongate member(s) is selected depending upon the desired extent of opening, longer members maintain a greater separation of the runner (2) and pivot point (7), thereby restricting the opening of the hinge to a greater degree.

The elongate members may be designed for use with hinges which are already in place on fitted windows. As such, the elongate members are required to fit around the physical features of such windows, for example having a hole or holes to allow access to screws in attaching the hinge to the frame (8), and/or to fit around the stud (9).

A short single elongate member may be used on its own to limit the opening of the hinge, such a short single elongate member being inserted into the groove (3) while the hinge is in a partially open configuration. However, in such cases the degree to which the hinge opening is limited may not be sufficient for the desired purpose. It is generally not possible to fit a long single elongate member, since this would require the hinge to be in a largely closed position during filling, and as such, access to the lower end of the groove (3) is significantly impinged where the elongate bar (4) meets with the pivot point (7). Where it is desirable that hinge opening is limited to a small amount, it is preferable that a number of elongate elements (for example 2) are used to maintain the separation of the runner (2) and pivot point (7). A first elongate member may be inserted into the groove (3) when the hinge is in a partially open position, and then located in contact with the pivot point (7). A second elongate member may then be located between the first elongate member and the runner (2). Multiple elongate members may be adapted such that they engage with each other and with the runner (2) and pivot point (7) in a secure and reliable manner, for example by having shaped ends.

The use of elongate members which rest in the groove (3) to restrict the opening of the hinge is a particularly beneficial approach when security is considered. When the opening of the hinge is restricted sufficiently, it is not possible for ingress to occur and neither is it possible to remove the elongate members from an external location (the hinge will usually need to be substantially closed before the elongate members can be removed from the groove (3)).

However, in considering the potential safety aspects of the invention, the elongate members do not need to be secured in place for functioning and can therefore readily be removed from the groove in case of emergency (for example if a window is to be used as an escape route). To facilitate the convenient removal of the elongate member(s) they may have, for example, threaded holes or such like into which a threaded rod can be inserted. Where the alternative applies, and the hinges are used in locations where it would never be desirable for them to be opened fully (e.g. in high rise buildings), the elongate members may simply be secured in place (for example by screws which penetrate the elongate member and pass through the groove (3) into the supporting frame.

Exemplary stop elements (elongate members) of use in one embodiment of the invention are shown in Figure 2a. In this case, they consist of two metal pieces each having a width of 11mm and a depth of 3mm (if the groove is not of similar size to that which is currently in common use, they would be sized at slightly less than the width and depth of such other sized groove).

The first elongate member is a metal piece (10) on Figure 2a of 44mm in length and has three holes in it (for example drilled holes) shown at (12) , (13) and (14) on Figure 2a.

The lower end of the elongate member (10) may be shaped for engagement with the mounting of the pivot point (7), for example, the under side of the elongate member (10) at the end nearest hole (12) is wedge shaped, such as at an angle of 45 degrees, and when inserted into groove (3) rests on the mounting of the pivot point at (7).

Alternatively, the lower end of the elongate member (10) may be shaped with in inward curve which when inserted into groove 3 rests around the pivot at (7). The hole (12) suitably coincides with screw (8) and hole (13) with the stud at (9), the respective holes being sized (for example by drilling) as will accommodate the respective screws (8) and stud (9). The hole at (12) may be oval in shape, which will allow for the fact that the screw (8) may vary slightly in its position in the groove (3) from one window to another.

The second elongate member is also a metal piece (11) and can be of varying length depending on the width to which it is desired to open the hinge (for example when fitted to a double glazed fanlight window). On a typical double glazed fanlight window, to provide for the window to open with a gap of approximately 100mm the metal piece (11) will be 66mm in length.

The holes at (14) in each of the elongate members (10) and (11) are threaded to enable the key shown at (15) on Figure 3 to be inserted into the respective metal pieces in order to assist with the installation and removal of those metal pieces from the groove (3) The invention is put into operation by opening the double glazed fanlight window wide and inserting the first elongate member (10) in the groove (3) so that it rests upon the mount of the pivot (7). The hinge is then pulled towards the closed position which causes the runner (2) to rise and so that it is possible for the second elongate member (11) to be inserted in the groove (3) with the top thereof just below the runner (2) and the bottom resting upon the top of the first elongate member (10). With bar (4) partially covering the first elongate member (10) and bar (5) partia Ily coverin g the second elongate member (11) these bars assist in keeping the metal pieces (10) and (11) in place. The hinge is then opened as far as is possible and having regard to the fact that the two elongate members in the groove (3) with elongate member (10) pressing down upon the mount of the pivot (7) and the elongate member (11) being pressed down by the runner (2), this prevents the runner (2) from moving down any further, in turn preventing the hinge (for example on a double glazed fanlight window) opening any further.

The hinge (for example on a double glazed fanlight window) can be fully closed with the elongate members (10) and (11), or the alternative pieces which are mentioned below, in situ, as the bars (4) and (5) can pass over the metal pieces which are below the top of groove (3). Also, if the elongate member (11) or the alternative piece mentioned below are removed from the groove (3) the hinge can be opened wide even with the elongate member (10) still in situ.

As indicated above the invention using the two metal pieces (10) and (11) merely rest in the groove (3) and although this has been found to be satisfactory, in order to ensure that the pieces are more securely fixed in the groove the invention can, for example, be modified as follows: (a) in respect of an elongate member similar to (10) the hole (12) can be drilled and counter sunk to a width to accommodate a counter sunk flat headed screw of similar diameter and length as that of screw (8) in the existing window frame, but otherwise having similar holes and shape as the elongate member (10) detailed above. This alternative elongate member is then inserted in groove (3) resting upon the mount for the pivot at (7) and the counter sunk flat headed screw is put through the elongate member and the existing hole in the groove at point (8) and screwed into the window frame; or (b) the elongate member (11) may be replaced the metal pieces such as (16) and (17) shown on Figure 4. Piece (16) being inserted in the left hand groove and piece (17) in the right hand groove, there being two hinges on typical windows. The width of each metal piece on the lower half thereof is 13mm (or if the groove is of a different size to that in present common use a width equal to the width of the inside of the bottom of the groove (3) less the width of one side of the upper lip of that groove). A cross section of the groove (3) is shown in Figure 5. The width of the upper half of each of the metal pieces, which are rectangular, is 11mm, and each have a depth of 3mm or if the groove is of a different size to that at present in common use slightly less than the width and depth of such other sized groove. On piece (16) the lower right hand side is chamfered to an angle between the width of 11mm on the top side to 13mm on the under side (or such other measurements as appropriate if the groove is of a size not at present in common use). On piece (17) the lower left hand side is treated similarly to that of (16), though as a mirror image. Both pieces have a hole drilled in them similar to and for the same purpose as hole (14) on the elongate member (11). When inserting piece (16) into the groove (3) it is tilted with the top end going under bar 5 and the chamfered edge of the lower half going under the lip of groove (3). Piece (17) is inserted in a similar manner into the right hand groove.

Figure 6 shows the hinge (e.g. for use on a double glazed fanlight window) with the elongate members (10) and (11), which are shown hatched so far as they are not partially covered by bars (4) and (5), inserted.

The invention detailed above relates to its use in hinges (for example for use with double glazed fanlight windows) which have already been constructed or for use with new hinges.

However, the elongate member (10) may be modified so that the invention is suitable for incorporation into the hinge mechanism, e.g. for controlling the opening and closing of a fanlight window, during the construction thereof but not for retro-fitting. For example, an alternative elongate member in substitution for the elongate member (10) is shown numbered (18) in Figure 2b. The elongate member (18) will be of similar width and depth to that of (10). It will however be, for example, 80mm long, the additional length from that of elongate member (10) being at the bottom below hole (12) and there will be a further hole shown on the alternative elongate member (18) at (19), which will coincide with the position of the mounting for the pivot (7) when holes (12) and (13) coincide with respectively the screw at (8) and the stud at (9). In constructing such a hinge mechanism, there need not be a stud raised in the groove (3) for mounting the pivot at point (7). Instead of that stud there will be laid in the groove the elongate member (18) with the holes (12) and (13) coinciding with respectively the screw (8) and the stud (9), so that hole (19) will be where the rivet for (7) passes through the groove (3) to secure bar (4). There will typically be a washer on the rivet between the alternative elongate member (18) and bar (4), so that bar (4) can pass over the alternative elongate member (18) with ease. When the mechanism has been integrated into the hinge the window stop position can be adapted by inserting into the groove (3) of the hinge an elongate member such as (11) described above, with (11) resting upon the alternative elongate member (18).

According to a further aspect of the present invention is provided the use of a hinge according to the present invention for restricting the opening of a window.

Also provided is a kit of parts comprising a scissor hinge mechanism having a groove, runner and fixed pivot point, and which further comprises at least one elongate member which is suitable for location within said groove between the runner and pivot point such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.

Furthermore, there is provided the use of at least one elongate member to restrict the opening of a scissor hinge mechanism wherein the scissor hinge mechanism has a groove, runner and fixed pivot point and wherein the elongate member may be located within said groove between the runner and pivot point such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.

There is also provided a window comprising at least one hinge mechanism according to the present invention. For reasons of symmetry and reliability windows will typically comprise two hinges although they may comprise one. It is only necessary that one hinge on a window is adapted for restricted opening (i.e. a hinge according to the present invention) although it is desirable that a windows comprises two hinges, each of which is adapted for restricted opening.

Throughout the 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, step, group of integers or group of steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, group of integers or group of steps.

The application of which this description and claims forms part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described herein.

They may take the form of product, composition, process, or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, the following claims:

Claims

Claims I. A scissor hinge mechanism having a groove, runner and fixed

pivot point and which is adapted for restricted opening, characterised in that it comprises at least one elongate member which is located within said groove between the runner and pivot point such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.
2. A hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises two elongate members which are located within the groove.
3. Use of a hinge mechanism according to either claim I or claim 2 to restrict the opening of a window.
4. Use of at least one elongate member to restrict the opening of a scissor hinge mechanism wherein the scissor hinge mechanism has a groove, runner and fixed pivot point and wherein the elongate member may be located within said groove between the runner and pivot point such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.
5. A kit of parts comprising a scissor hinge mechanism having a groove, runner and fixed pivot point, and which further comprises at least one elongate member which is suitable for location within said groove between the runner and pivot point such that the movement of the runner towards the pivot point is restricted.
6. A window comprising at least one hinge mechanism according to either claim I orclaim2.
7. A scissor hinge mechanism which is adapted for restricted opening substantially as described herein by reference to Figures 2a, 2b, 3, 4 and 5.
8. A scissor hinge mechanism which is adapted for restricted opening substantially as described herein by reference to Figures 2a, 3, 4 and 5.