Friction hinge for openable closure member

Abstract

 A friction hinge assembly (10) for mounting an openable closure member, such as a side hung window frame, on a fixed frame member of a fixed frame, said hinge assembly having a fixed guide track (11) which is securable to said fixed frame member and a linkage (12) which is connectable to a frame element of said openable closure member, in which the linkage comprises: a first arm (13) securable to the frame element; a short second connecting arm (16) pivoted at one end (17) to an end region of the first arm (13) and mounted pivotally at its opposite end (18) on the guide track (11); a longer third connecting arm (19) pivoted at one end (20) to the first arm (13) and pivoted at its opposite end to a slide block (not shown) mounted for slidable movement lengthwise of the guide track (11) during opening and closing movement of the closure member; and, a fourth control arm (21) mounted pivotally at one end (22) on the guide track (11) close to the pivot mounting (18) of the second arm (16) on the guide track (11), and pivoted at its opposite end (23) to the third arm (19) at a position intermediate the ends thereof so that the fourth arm (21) extends generally parallel to the first arm (13) to form an approximate parallelogram linkage therewith; and, in which: the second and fourth arms (16, 21) are pivotally connected to a mounting block (25) which is positioned on the guide track (11) at a mounting position close to one end (15) of the guide track (11) to determine a required position for the hinge axis of the closure member for usual opening and closing movements of the closure member relative to the fixed frame, said mounting block (25) being adjustable lengthwise of the guide track (11) from said mounting position when it is required to increase the spacing of the hinge axis from the end (15) of the guide track (11) and thereby allow easier access for cleaning purposes to the outer face of the closure member, when the latter is moved to an open position.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a friction hinge assembly for mounting an openable closure member in a fixed frame.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily, though not exclusively, in connection with a friction hinge assembly for mounting an openable window frame in a fixed window frame, and in which a respective hinge assembly is mounted on each of the top and bottom horizontal frame members of the openable window frame so that the window frame can pivot through approximately 90° between a closed position and an open position with respect to the fixed window frame.

[0003] In existing designs of friction hinge assembly, there is a guide track which can be secured on the respective horizontal frame member of the fixed frame, and to which a four or five bar linkage is connected, with the arms of the linkage being connected (directly or indirectly) to a horizontal frame member of an openable window frame or sash. Linkages of this type are well known in the art, and comprise a long arm which is securable to the horizontal frame member of the openable window frame, a short connecting arm connected to one end of the long arm at one end, and pivotally connected at its other end to the fixed guide track, and a further pivot arm pivotally connected at one end to an intermediate position along the length of the long arm connected to the horizontal frame member of the movable frame, and with the other end of this arm being pivotally connected to a slide block which is movable lengthwise of the fixed guide track during opening and closing movement of the window. A fourth arm or bar of the linkage comprises a connecting arm pivoted at one end to the fixed guide track (close to the pivot connection of the short arm to the fixed guide track), and pivotally connected at its other end to an intermediate position along the length of the connecting arm. The fourth arm, together with the long arm, effectively comprise an approximate parallelogram linkage, which exert control over the opening and closing movement of the window frame, in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide block along the guide track.

[0004] Linkages of the type described above are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Since the pair of friction hinge assemblies usually provided to mount an openable window frame in a fixed frame effective provide a "side hung" arrangement, a hinge axis is defined, which is close to one of the vertical side frame members of the fixed frame, and when the openable window frame is fully open, it usually extends outwardly away from the fixed guide track at an angle of about 90°, and with the hinge axis located close to one end of the fixed guide track, and also to the adjacent vertical frame member of the fixed frame. In practice, the hinge axis is actually a moving axis, in that the long arm (connected to the moving frame) usually has a projecting nose at one end, which moves into locking engagement with an end cap secured in one end of the fixed guide track, when the window is in the closed position, and which serves to provide resistance against any attempt at forced opening of the window by an intruder using a jemmy or the like.

[0005] Then, upon permitted opening movement of the window frame, the nose is first withdrawn from the end cap, simultaneously with the openable window frame starting to pivot outwardly.

[0006] The geometry of existing friction hinge assemblies which allow up to 90° of opening movement is such that the hinge axis is located close to one end of the fixed guide track, and also to the adjacent vertical frame member of the fixed frame. Therefore, when the window is fully opened through 90°, there is very little space available between the outer face of the glass of the openable window and the vertical fixed side frame member, and therefore it is very difficult, with existing designs, to clean the outside face of the window glass from internally of a building, when the window is in the open position.

[0007] The invention therefore seeks, by simple means, to provide an arrangement whereby the effective hinge axis can be displaced lengthwise of the guide track, to provide greater access to the outer face of the window glass for cleaning purposes, from internally of the building when the window is in the open position.

[0008] According to the invention there is provided a friction hinge assembly for mounting an openable closure member, such as a side hung window frame, on a fixed frame member of a fixed frame, said hinge assembly having a fixed guide track which is securable to said fixed frame member and a linkage which is connectable to a frame element of said openable closure member, in which the linkage comprises:

a first arm securable to the frame element;

a short second connecting arm pivoted at one end to an end region of the first arm and mounted pivotally at its opposite end on the guide track;

a longer third connecting arm pivoted at one end to the first arm and pivoted at its opposite end to a slide block mounted for slidable movement lengthwise of the guide track during opening and closing movement of the closure member; and,

a fourth control arm mounted pivotally at one end on the guide track close to the pivot mounting of the second arm on the guide track, and pivoted at its opposite end to the third arm at a position intermediate the ends thereof so that the fourth arm extends generally parallel to the first arm to form an approximate parallelogram linkage therewith; and,

   in which:
   the second and fourth arms are pivotally connected to a mounting block which is positioned on the guide track at a mounting position close to one end of the guide track to determine a required position for the hinge axis of the closure member for usual opening and closing movements of the closure member relative to the fixed frame, said mounting block being adjustable lengthwise of the guide track from said mounting position when it is required to increase the spacing of the hinge axis from the end of the guide track and thereby allow easier access for cleaning purposes to the outer face of the closure member, when the latter is moved to an open position.

[0009] The mounting block therefore takes up its usual mounting position on the guide track when usual opening and closing movements of the closure member are required, and in which the hinge axis will be located close to one end of the guide track (and therefore also close to a vertical side frame member of the fixed frame).

[0010] The geometry of the arms of the linkage is preferably such that approximately 90° of angular movement of the closure member relative to the fixed guide is permitted.

[0011] However, when cleaning of the outer face of the closure member is required e.g. when the latter is a side hung window, the mounting block is adjusted lengthwise of the guide track from the mounting position and in a direction away from the end of the guide track by a sufficient amount to allow easy access from internally of the window for a hand and arm of a cleaner.

[0012] Preferably, a releasable catch determines the mounting position of the block on the guide track, and which can be released to allow adjustment of the block when required.

[0013] The releasable catch may be connected to the mounting block for movement therewith upon release of the catch, and with the catch being engageable with an abutment located on the guide track at a position to determine the usual mounting position of the block.

[0014] Alternatively, the catch may be mounted on the guide track, and have releasable engagement with an abutment on the block.

[0015] The catch is preferably finger or thumb operable, to release the catch from the abutment.

[0016] In a preferred arrangement, the catch is resiliently biased to a catching or holding position, and is self-latching to hold the block captive upon readjustment of the block lengthwise of the guide track to take-up the mounting position again.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of friction hinge assembly according to the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing.

[0018] Referring to the drawing, this is a diagrammatic illustration of a friction hinge assembly for mounting an openable closure member, such as a side hung window frame, on a fixed frame member of a fixed frame. The fixed frame and the openable closure member are not shown in the drawing.

[0019] The friction hinge assembly is shown in a partly open position, and usually a pair of friction hinge assemblies will be provided, one being mounted on a top horizontal frame member of a fixed window frame, and the other being mounted on a bottom horizontal frame member of the fixed frame. Each hinge assembly will also be connected to a corresponding horizontal frame element of the closure member.

[0020] A hinge assembly according to the invention is designated generally by reference 10, and has a fixed guide track 11 which is securable to a respective fixed frame member by screws or the like taken through mounting holes arranged along the length of the guide track. The hinge assembly 10 also includes a linkage, designated generally by reference 12, which is connectable to a frame element of the openable closure member, and which is also connected to the fixed guide track 11.

[0021] The linkage 12 comprises a first arm 13 which can be secured to the horizontal frame element of the closure member, and which has a security nose 14 at one end which can engage and be held captive with an end cap 15 at one end of the guide track 11, when the window is in the closed position, and so as to provide resistance against any attempt at unauthorised forced opening of the window by an intruder.

[0022] A short second connecting arm 16 is pivoted at one end 17 to an end region of the first arm 13, and is also pivoted at its opposite end 18 to the guide track 11, at a mounting position which is close to the end cap 15.

[0023] A longer third connecting arm 19 is pivoted at one end 20 to the first arm 13, and is pivoted at its opposite end to a slide block (not shown) mounted for slidable movement lengthwise of the guide track 11 during opening and closing movement of the window. The slide block can be of a design which will be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0024] The linkage 12 is completed by a fourth control arm 21 which is pivoted at one end 22 to the guide track 11 at a position close to the pivot connection 18 of the second arm 16 to the guide track 11. The fourth arm 21 is also pivoted at its opposite end 23 to the third arm 19, and at a position intermediate the ends of the arm 19 so that the fourth arm 21 extends generally parallel to the first arm 13 so as to form an approximate parallelogram linkage therewith. A strengthening link 24 may also pivotally interconnect the first arm 13 and fourth arm 21, to assist in controlling the opening and closing movement of the linkage 12.

[0025] The drawing shows a usual mounting position of the linkage 12 on the guide track 11, and which will be utilised when usual opening and closing movement of the window is required, and when the effective vertical hinge axis (provided by the pair of friction hinge assemblies arranged top and bottom of the fixed frame) is located close to the end cap 15 on the guide track 11, and therefore also close to the vertical side frame member of the fixed frame.

[0026] This usual mounting position is provided by means of a mounting block or skid 25 which is positioned on the guide track 11 at a defined mounting position close to the end of the guide track, thereby to determine the required position for the hinge axis of the window for usual opening and closing movements relative to the fixed frame. The second arm 16 and fourth arm 21 of the linkage 12 are therefore pivotally connected to the mounting block 25, and the geometry of the linkage 12 is such that approximately 90° of angular movement of the window is permitted relative to the guide track 11, during opening and closing movements.

[0027] However, in this usual mounting position of the mounting block 25, the hinge axis will be located close to the fixed vertical side frame member, and therefore there will not usually be easy access from internally of the window, for cleaning purposes, through the gap which will be defined between the outer face of the window and the fixed vertical side frame member when the window has been moved through approximately 90° to a fully opened position. Therefore, to provide access for cleaning purposes when required, the mounting block 25 is mounted on the guide track 11 so as to be adjustable lengthwise of the guide track from the mounting position when required. This then allows the spacing of the hinge axis from the end of the guide track to be increased, and thereby allowing the hand and arm of a cleaner to pass through the enlarged space in order to clean the outer face of the window.

[0028] A releasable catch determines the mounting position of the block 25 on the guide track 11, and which can be released to allow adjustment movement of the block when required. The releasable catch is shown generally by reference 26, and in the illustrated arrangement comprises a catch element 27 which is connected to the mounting block 25 for movement therewith upon release of the catch. The catch 27 is engageable with an abutment lug 28 located on the guide track 11 at a position to determine the usual mounting position of the block 25. The catch 26 is finger or thumb operable for release purposes, and has an upstanding lug which can be displaced laterally against resilient opposition, to disengage from the lug 28, and thereby allow manual adjustment of the block 25 lengthwise of the guide track 11. Evidently, lengthwise adjustment of block 25 will carry the linkage 12 with it, and thereby adjust the spacing of the hinge axis from the end of the guide track 11 when cleaning access to the outside face of the window is required.

[0029] As an alternative to the illustrated arrangement of releasable catch, evidently the catch could be mounted at a suitable position on the guide track, and be arranged to have releasable engagement with an abutment on the block.

[0030] In a preferred arrangement, the catch 26 is resiliently biased to a catching or holding position, and is self-latching to hold the block captive upon readjustment of the block lengthwise of the guide track to take-up the mounting position again.

[0031] Although the slide block which mounts the longer third connecting arm 19 to the guide track 11 is not shown, it should be understood that the slide block is still able to move lengthwise of the guide track (a) during the adjustment of the mounting block 25 lengthwise of the guide track when required and (b) to permit opening and closing movement of the linkage 12 for any adjusted position of the mounting block 25. The slide block also of course allows the hinge assembly 10 to be readjusted on the guide track 11 in order to take-up the usual mounting position again after cleaning has been completed.

Claims

1. A friction hinge assembly (10) for mounting an openable closure member, such as a side hung window frame, on a fixed frame member of a fixed frame, said hinge assembly having a fixed guide track (11) which is securable to said fixed frame member and a linkage (12) which is connectable to a frame element of said openable closure member, in which the linkage comprises:

a first arm (13) securable to the frame element;

a short second connecting arm (16) pivoted at one end (17) to an end region of the first arm (13) and mounted pivotally at its opposite end (18) on the guide track (11);

a longer third connecting arm (19) pivoted at one end (20) to the first arm (13) and pivoted at its opposite end to a slide block (not shown) mounted for slidable movement lengthwise of the guide track (11) during opening and closing movement of the closure member; and,

a fourth control arm (21) mounted pivotally at one end (22) on the guide track (11) close to the pivot mounting (18) of the second arm (16) on the guide track (11), and pivoted at its opposite end (23) to the third arm (19) at a position intermediate the ends thereof so that the fourth arm (21) extends generally parallel to the first arm (13) to form an approximate parallelogram linkage therewith; and,

   in which:
   the second and fourth arms (16, 21) are pivotally connected to a mounting block (25) which is positioned on the guide track (11) at a mounting position close to one end (15) of the guide track (11) to determine a required position for the hinge axis of the closure member for usual opening and closing movements of the closure member relative to the fixed frame, said mounting block (25) being adjustable lengthwise of the guide track (11) from said mounting position when it is required to increase the spacing of the hinge axis from the end (15) of the guide track (11) and thereby allow easier access for cleaning purposes to the outer face of the closure member, when the latter is moved to an open position.

2. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 1, in which the geometry of the arms of the linkage (12) is such that approximately 90° of angular movement of the closure member relative to the fixed guide is permitted.

3. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, in which a releasable catch (26) determines the mounting position of the block (25) on the guide track (11), and which can be released to allow adjustment of the block (25) when required.

4. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 3, in which the releasable catch (27) is connected to the mounting block (25) for movement therewith upon release of the catch, and with the catch (27) being engageable with an abutment (28) located on the guide track (11) at a position to determine the usual mounting position of the block (25).

5. A friction hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the catch is mounted on the guide track (11), and has releasable engagement with an abutment on the block (25).

6. A friction hinge assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the catch is finger or thumb operable, to release the catch (27) from the abutment (28).

7. A friction hinge assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in which the catch (26) is resiliently biased to a catching or holding position, and it self-latching to hold the block (25) captive upon readjustment of the block lengthwise of the guide track (11) to take-up the mounting position again.

Drawing