NL2029340B1

NL2029340B1 - Rotating plate hinge

Info

Publication number: NL2029340B1
Application number: NL2029340A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Schäfer Matthias; Adrianus Jacobus Schouten Michael; Lechner Michael; Dolf Hoekstra Hielke; Bohle Ulrich
Original assignee: Pipelife Nederland Bv
Priority date: 2021-10-07
Filing date: 2021-10-07
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Also published as: EP4163464A1

Abstract

A hinge comprises a first component comprising a plurality of spaced apart first component plates; and a second component comprising a plurality of spaced apart second component plates; wherein the first component plates fit together with the second component plates in an alternating and slidingly rotatable manner to form a hinge joining the first component to the second component around a rotation axis.

Description

ROTATING PLATE HINGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hinge, for rotatably joining two things together, for example, a hinge for a foldable box..

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hinges are mechanical bearings which allow for rotational movement between two parts, typically including a number of parts which allow for relative rotation around a fixed axis.

A typical barrel hinge includes two sleeves farming a hollow cylinder with a pin fitting through to secure the two components and allow for rotation along the axis of the pin. Sometimes locking mechanisms are included, which can be springs or catches (e.g., a plate or other protrusion) to hold the hinge in a certain rotational position.

Liquid receiving, storage and draining structures, also known as a storm box, drainage box or rainwater box, can be used for various purposes. Often, these structures are placed underground for temporarily storing and draining large amounts of water. The structure provides the possibility to collect and store large amounts of water, such as for instance occur as a result of heavy rain fall and the like.

The storage capacity thus obtained provides a temporary relief for the surface and underground, in such a way that flooding and erosion can be prevented or at least mitigated.

The water collected in the structure may subsequently be released in a controlled manner, whereby a buffer function is obtained. The release may be carried out in several ways, such as discharge through a sewer, by means of infiltration into the underground etc.

Conventionally, such boxes may simply be stacked one on top of each other and next to each other. This has a disadvantage that no overall volume decrease is achieved. Thus, storing and transporting the boxes can be expensive. Further, the stacked boxes by virtue of their relatively large total volume may be complex to handle. Thus, transport and storage costs may also be large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, a hinge comprises a first component comprising a plurality of spaced apart first component plates; a second component comprising a plurality of spaced apart second component plates; wherein the first component plates fit together with the second component plates in an alternating and slidingly rotatable manner to form a hinge joining the first component to the second component around a rotation axis.

Such a hinge can join two components in a rotatable manner, but still maintain a high level of strength, particularly under compression due to the stacking plate structure. There is little to no space between plates, causing them to have a similar strength to a component made of a single material when under compressive forces, but allowing for rotation between the components.

According to an embodiment, the hinge further comprises complementary features on the first component plates and second component plates for joining the plates together and guiding the rotational movement. Optionally, the complementary features comprise one or more of: a rail, a channel, a cavity, a protrusion, a groove, a slot, a slit. Such complementary features can have one part (e.g., a rail) located on a plate of the first component and a second part (e.g., a channel) on a plate of the second component so that the rail fits into the channel and slides along the channel for the rotational movement. The complementary feature configuration and placement can also ensure that the plates do not come apart from each other and/or that the rotation is only in the direction and/or amount desired for the specific rotations of the features.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of spaced apart first component plates comprises an outer first component plate forming an outer plate of the hinge, and one or more inner first component plates. Optionally, the plurality of spaced apart second component plates comprises an outer second component plate forming an outer plate of the hinge, and one or more inner second component plates. Further optionally, the outer first component plate and/or the outer second component plate has a different shape than the respective one or more inner first component plates and inner second component plates. Such a different outer first component and/or second component plate can help to provide a smooth transition from the component to the hinge and/or guide rotation in the desired manner, including stopping undesired rotations.

According to an embodiment, the first component plates fit together substantially flush with the second component plates to form the hinge. This means that there is little to no room between plates. In some embodiments, this means all or parts of plates physically connect to the adjacent plates. By forming such that the alternating plates fit together substantially flush, the hinge is very strong, particularly under compressive forces, while still allowing for relative rotation between the parts.

According to an embodiment, the hinge is configured to allow movement from a position where the first component is substantially parallel to or aligned with the second component to a position where the first component is substantially perpendicular to the second component.

The placement and/or shape of the hinge can facilitate this, thereby only enabling the rotation and degree of rotation desired for the specific parts.

According to an embodiment, the number of first component plates is equal to the number of second component plates. This can enable balanced rotation between the components. Optionally, the first component is the same as the second component and just at an opposite orientation. Such a configuration can enable the manufacture of fewer different parts, as well as easier assembly not having to find an “A” part to fit into a “B” part.

According to an embodiment, wherein the first component is a panel, and the axis of rotation lays outside the panel. Such a configuration can help to guide rotation in the desired directions and amounts. Taking the axis of rotation outside the panel can also help to increase the strength of the overall panel and hinge.

According to an embodiment, the first component plates and/or the second component plates protrude transverse to the first component and second component, respectively. This enables easy interconnection of the plates, as well as a vertical axis of rotation.

According to an embodiment, the hinge further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the hinge from rotation in one or more positions. Such a locking mechanism can be, for example, a protrusion and recess, the shape of one or more panels (e.g., the outer panel), a slot and latch.

According to an embodiment, a first panel and a second panel can be joined with a hinge as previously described. This provides a strong and simple way of rotatingly connecting two panels.

A rainwater box includes a first side panel and a second side panel forming opposing sides of the box in a use state, and a first end panel and a second end panel forming opposing ends of the box in the use state. The adjacent panels are rotatably connected with a hinge as previously described. Such a box is able to be folded into a compact state for storage and/or transport while maintaining a high amount of strength in use due to the alternating plate hinge construction. This can be especially useful in large liquid storage areas where a number of boxes are stacked on top of each other and thus some boxes experience large compressive forces. Thus, the boxes are able to be folded into a compact state, and easily and quickly unfolded into a use state through the use of one or more hinges to connect end and side panels.

Optionally, a first set of hinges in opposing corners are configured to allow rotation between a folded state where adjacent panels are in a line and a use state where adjacent panels are substantially perpendicular, and a second set of hinges in opposing corners are configured to allow rotation between a folded state where adjacent panels lay parallel to each other and a use state where adjacent panels are substantially perpendicular. Such sets of hinges can help to ensure that panels only fold into the desired shape and move in the desired rotational amounts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described further with respect to embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a view of a folded box with panels connected by hinges;

FIG. 1B shows a perspective top side view of the box of FIG. 1B in a partially expanded state;

FIG. 1C shows a perspective bottom side view of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of the box in a use state;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective bottom view of a panel with a first hinge part on a first side and a second hinge part on a second side;

FIG. 2B shows a perspective top view of the panel of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a close up view of the first hinge part;

FIG. 2D shows a close up view of the second hinge part;

FIG. 2E show a close-up perspective view of one hinge;

FIG. 3A shows a view of a full box in a use state; and

FIG. 3B shows a view of a full box in a folded state.

DESCRIPTION

The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a view of a folded box 10; FIG. 1B shows a view of box 10 in a partially expanded state from a top side; FIG. 1C shows a view of box 10 in the partially expanded state from a bottom side; and FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of box 10 in a use state.

Box 10 is formed by first and second side panels 12, 14, and first and second end panels 16, 18, forming the four sides of the box 10 in a use state (see FIG. 1D). Panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are rotatably connected by hinges 20, 22 to be able to move from the folded state shown in Fig. 1A through the intermediate state shown in FIGS. 1B-1C to the use state shown in FIG. 1D.

Hinges 20, 22 rotatably connect adjacent panels to allow and guide the rotation from a folded state to a use state, and back to folded. Hinges 20 are formed such that panels 12 and 16, and panels 14 and 18, respectively, can rotate from a use position where the adjacent panels are substantially perpendicular to a folded position where the pairs of panels lay in parallel adjacent planes. For example, hinges 20 can facilitate rotation from zero degrees with respect to each other (Fig. 1A) to 90 degrees (Fig. 1D). This can be through the specific shape, guiding features and/or a stop mechanism such as a protrusion or end of a channel. 5 Hinges 22 can facilitate rotation from a position where panels 12 and 18, and panels 14 and 16, respectively, are substantially in line with each other (FIG. 1A) to a use state where the pairs of panels are perpendicular to each other. For example, the rotation can be from 180 degrees to 90 degrees. This can be through the specific shape, guiding features and/or a stop mechanism such as a protrusion or end of a channel.

Panels and/or hinges can be made of a polymer material. A polymer material is relatively easy to use and produce into complex shapes, such as the panel with hinges.

Examples of polymer materials include Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and

Polyethylene (PE), among others. The foldable rainwater box 10 is typically made from a rigid material, preferable Polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, the foldable rainwater box can be made from another material, or a combination of materials.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective bottom view of a panel 12 with a first hinge part 20a on a first side and a second hinge part 22a on a second side; FIG. 2B shows a perspective top view of the panel 12 and hinge parts 20a, 22a; FIG. 2C shows a close up view of the first hinge part 20a; FIG. 2D shows a close up view of the second hinge part 22a; and FIG. 2E show a close- up perspective view of two first hinge parts 20a joined together to form a hinge 20.

First hinge part 20a is formed of a plurality of plates 24, parallel and spaced apart extending transversely to panel 12. The space between each plate 24 is approximately equal to but slightly larger than the thickness of a plate 24, such that a plate of the same thickness can fit between two plates 24 on a first hinge part 20a. Each plate 24 includes a guide channel 26 and rail 28. In this embodiment, the channel 26 extends from a side of the plate 24 to a place in a center of the plate on one side of the plate and the rail 28 extends only at a center portion of the plate 24. This guides the rotation to the degree which hinges 20 should rotate, for example 0-90 degrees. The guide rails 28 and channels 26 alternate position with every plate, forming a structure which can fit together with another hinge part 20a that is formed in a substantially similar configuration. Hinge plates 24 are shaped somewhat triangular in the embodiment shown, though can have different shapes for facilitating different rotations.

To form the hinge 20, a first hinge part 20a at a first orientation (e.g., channels 26 and rails 28 facing up) is joined to another first hinge part 20a at the opposite orientation (e.g., channels 26 and rails facing down) as shown in Fig. 2E. The guide channels 26 of one set of plates 24 align with the rails 28 of the plates 24 of the other first hinge part 20a, and vice versa.

The plates 24 are spaced such that when joined together, they connect to each other with little to no space between adjacent plates, and slide with respect to one another around an axis of rotation guided by the channels 26 and rails 28. In some embodiments, an outer plate 24a can be differently shaped to guide and/or stop rotation. This can be an extra extension, protrusion and/or some other feature.

Second hinge part 22a is formed of a plurality of plates 30, parallel and spaced apart extending transversely to panel 12. Each plate 30 includes a guide channel 32 and rail 34. In this embodiment, each of the channel 32 and rail 34 is in a dovetail shape, and extends in a semi-circular arc from a first side of the plate 30 to a second side of the plate 30. This guides and allows the rotation to the degree which hinges 22 should rotate, for example 0-180 degrees. The guide rails 32 and channels 34 alternate position with every plate 30. Hinge plates 30 are shaped as approximately a quarter of a circle in the embodiment shown, though can have different shapes for facilitating different rotations.

To form the hinge 22, a first hinge part 22a at a first orientation is joined to another first hinge part 22a at the opposite orientation. The guide channels 32 of one set of plates 30 align with the rails 34 of the plates 30 of the other first hinge part 22a, and vice versa. The plates 30 are spaced such that when joined together, they connect to each other in an alternating manner with little to no space between adjacent plates, and slide with respect to one another around an axis of rotation guided by the channels 32 and rails 34.

Panel 12 and hinge parts 20a, 22a can be formed integrally, for example, through moulding. The panel can then be joined with other like or similar panels with the same hinge parts such that first hinge parts 20a are joined to first hinge parts 20a at the opposite orientations; and second hinge parts 22a are joined to second hinge parts 22a at the opposite orientation to form the rotating corners of box 10.

In some embodiments, the axis of rotation can be formed such that it is located outside of the corner. In the embodiment shown, the axis of rotation of hinges 20 are outside the corner. This helps to ensure the corner has sufficient strength despite the box being formed with rotating hinges.

In some embodiments, the plates 24, 30 could have a coating and/or be formed of a different material to facilitate easier rotating movement of the hinge.

By forming hinges 20, 22 of two parts, each with a plurality of spaced apart plates with complementary features, hinges 20, 22 provide a strong and stable connection at the corners of boxes while allowing for the flexibility of rotating to collapse boxes when needed, for example for storage and/or transport. The complementary features on the plates (channels 28, 32 and rails 28, 34) ensure plates are guided in the correct rotations and can provide stopping mechanisms so that the panels do not over-rotate with respect to each other. The complementary features can also provide a locking feature, to lock the panels in place with respect to each other, for example, in the use position to ensure the box does not unintentionally fold. Such features could be, for example, a protrusion and recess, click finger integration, different shapes and receiving portions, etc.

The use of a hinge formed of a plurality of stacked plates which alternate with little to no space between adjacent plates produces a very strong hinge and corner section, despite being rotatable and foldable. Because the plates 24, 30 connect to each other and sit substantially flush with each other, when in a use state they have a strength very similar to if the part were formed by a single piece of material. This is especially useful in the case of boxes which will be stacked with other boxes and/or are required to withstand large compressive forces, for example rainwater boxes which are stacked to form a water storage system.

FIG. 3A shows a view of a full box 100 in a use state; and FIG. 3B shows a view of a full box 100 in a folded state. Box 100 could be used as a box for water storage, for example in an underwater storage system.

The foldable rainwater box 100 comprises a first side panel 101, a second side panel 102, afirst end panel 103 and a second end panel 104, each panel substantially perpendicular to adjacent panels. The first side panel 101 and the second side panel 102 form opposing sides of the foldable rainwater box 10 in the use state, and the first end panel 103 and the second end panel 104 form opposing ends of the foldable rainwater box 100 in the use state.

Each panel is rotatably connected to its adjacent panels by hinges 20, 22. This embodiment shows the use of three hinges 20 or 22 at each corner. Hinges 20, 22 are formed and work according to the description with respect to Figs. 1A-2E.

Hinges 20, 22, through the use of stacked alternating rotatable plates 24, 30, form a strong and stable connection (particularly with respect to compressive forces) for box 100 in a use state (Fig. 3A), and allow for folding of box 100 for easier storage and transport when not in use. As described above, hinges 20, 22 with complementary features also help to ensure that the panels 101, 102, 103, 104 rotate with respect to each other only in the desired rotational movements and amounts.

While each of hinges 20, 22 are shown as using two hinge parts with four plates 24, 30 each (to form a hinge of 8 plates), a different number of plates could be used depending on the application. Additionally, in some hinges 20, 22, the number of plates from the first hinge part to the second hinge part may vary, for example, three plates on a first hinge part and two plate on a second hinge part. Additionally, the shape and/or complementary features could also vary in configuration depending on the desired use for hinge.

While hinges 20, 22 are shown as part of a foldable box, hinges 20, 22 could be used for other applications where two parts need to be securely and rotatably connected together such that a large amount of strength is still retained in the hinge area.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.

Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

ConclusiesConclusions

1. Een scharnier omvattend: een eerste onderdeel omvattende een veelvoud aan uit elkaar geplaatste eerste onderdeelplaten; en een tweede onderdeel omvattende een veelvoud aan uit elkaar geplaatste tweede onderdeelplaten; waarbij de eerste onderdeelplaten op een afwisselende en schuivend-roteerbare manier in de tweede onderdeelplaten passen om een scharnier te vormen die het eerste onderdeel aan het tweede onderdeel vastmaakt rondom een rotatie-as.CLAIMS 1. A hinge comprising: a first component comprising a plurality of spaced first component plates; and a second component comprising a plurality of spaced-apart second component plates; wherein the first component plates fit into the second component plates in an alternate and sliding-rotatable fashion to form a hinge that secures the first component to the second component about an axis of rotation.

2. De scharnier volgens conclusie 1, en verder omvattend complementaire kenmerken aan de eerste onderdeelplaten en tweede onderdeelplaten voor het vastmaken van de platen aan elkaar en het geleiden van de roterende beweging.The hinge of claim 1, and further comprising complementary features on the first component plates and second component plates for securing the plates together and guiding rotational movement.

3. De scharnier volgens conclusie 2, waarbij de complementaire kenmerken een of meer van de volgende omvatten: een rails, een kanaal, een holte, een uitstulping, een groef, een gleuf, een spleet.The hinge of claim 2, wherein the complementary features include one or more of the following: a rail, a channel, a cavity, a bulge, a groove, a slot, a gap.

4. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de veelvoud aan uit elkaar geplaatste eerste onderdeelplaten een buitenste eerste onderdeelplaat omvat die een buitenste plaat van de scharnier vormt en een of meer binnenste eerste onderdeelplaten.The hinge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spaced first component plates comprises an outer first component plate forming an outer plate of the hinge and one or more inner first component plates.

5. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de veelvoud aan uit elkaar geplaatste tweede onderdeelplaten een buitenste tweede onderdeelplaat omvat die een buitenste plaat van de scharnier vormt en een of meer binnenste tweede onderdeelplaten.The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spaced second component plates comprises an outer second component plate forming an outer plate of the hinge and one or more inner second component plates.

6. De scharnier volgens een van conclusies 4-5, waarbij de buitenste eerste onderdeelplaat en/of de buitenste tweede onderdeelplaat een andere vorm hebben dan de respectievelijk een of meer binnenste eerste onderdeelplaten en binnenste tweede onderdeelplaten.The hinge according to any one of claims 4-5, wherein the outer first component plate and/or the outer second component plate have a different shape than the one or more inner first component plates and inner second component plates, respectively.

7. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de eerste onderdeelplaten hoofdzakelijk zonder speling in elkaar passen met de tweede onderdeelplaten om een scharnier te vormen.The hinge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component plates mate substantially snugly with the second component plates to form a hinge.

8. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de scharnier ingericht is om beweging toe te staan vanaf een positie waarop het eerste onderdeel hoofdzakelijk parallel aan of uitgelijnd is met het tweede onderdeel, naar een positie waarop het eerste onderdeel hoofzakelijk loodrecht staat op het tweede onderdeel.The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge is arranged to allow movement from a position where the first part is substantially parallel or aligned with the second part, to a position where the first part is substantially perpendicular to the second part.

9. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het aantal eerste onderdeelplaten gelijk is aan het aantal tweede onderdeelplaten.The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of first component plates is equal to the number of second component plates.

10. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het eerste onderdeel hetzelfde is als het tweede onderdeel en enkel in een tegengestelde oriéntatie.The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part is the same as the second part and only in an opposite orientation.

11. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het eerste onderdeel een paneel is, en waarbij de rotatie-as buiten het paneel ligt.The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part is a panel, and the axis of rotation is outside the panel.

12. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de eerste onderdeelplaten en/of de tweede onderdeelplaten dwars uitsteken naar het eerste onderdeel en tweede onderdeel, respectievelijk.The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component plates and/or the second component plates project transversely to the first component and second component, respectively.

13. De scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, en verder omvattend een vergrendelingsmechaniek voor het vergrendelen van rotatie van de scharnier in een of meerdere posities.The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, and further comprising a locking mechanism for locking rotation of the hinge in one or more positions.

14. Een eerste paneel en een tweede paneel met elkaar verbonden door een scharnier volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies.A first panel and a second panel joined together by a hinge according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Een regenwaterkrat omvattend: - een eerste zijpaneel en een tweede zijpaneel welke tegenovergelegen zijdes van een krat in een gebruiksstaat vormen, en - een eerste eindpaneel en een tweede eindpaneel welke tegenovergelegen uiteindes van de krat vormen in de gebruikstoestand, waarbij naastgelegen panelen roteerbaar verbonden zijn met een scharnier volgens een van conclusies 1-10.15. A rainwater crate comprising: - a first side panel and a second side panel forming opposite sides of a crate in a state of use, and - a first end panel and a second end panel forming opposite ends of the crate in the state of use, adjacent panels being rotatably connected are with a hinge according to any one of claims 1-10.

16. De regenwaterkrat volgens conclusie 15, waarbij een eerste set scharnieren in tegenovergelegen hoeken ingericht is om rotatie toe te staan tussen een gevouwen toestand waarbij naastgelegen panelen in een lijn zijn en een gebruikstoestand waarbij naastgelegen panelen hoofdzakelijk loodrecht zijn; en een tweede set van scharnieren in tegenovergelegen hoeken zijn ingericht om rotatie toe te staan tussen een gevouwen toestand waarbij de naastgelegen panelen parallel aan elkaar zijn en een gebruiksstaat waarbij de naastgelegen panelen hoofzakelijk loodrecht zijn.The rainwater crate of claim 15, wherein a first set of hinges at opposite corners are arranged to allow rotation between a folded state where adjacent panels are aligned and a use state where adjacent panels are substantially perpendicular; and a second set of hinges at opposite corners are arranged to allow rotation between a folded state where the adjacent panels are parallel to each other and a use state where the adjacent panels are substantially perpendicular.