GB2293625A

GB2293625A - Hinge assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2293625A
Application number: GB9419838A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Frederick Witts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-10-01
Filing date: 1994-10-01
Publication date: 1996-04-03
Also published as: GB9419838D0

Abstract

In a hinge assembly comprising two members 1, 2 to be hinged together, the edge of one member 1 is formed with or has fixed thereto a cylindrical bead 3 of a diameter greater than the thickness of the member, and the edge of the other member 2 having a cross-section with a concave curvature matching that of the cylindrical bead so that it nests therein, the ends of the bead have central sockets 6 and the member 2 has pintles 5 secured to the transverse edges of the member 2 projecting to engage in the sockets. The assembly maintains apparent symmetry without any gap. Also disclosed is a gap concealer which comprises T-form clips (13, Fig 3) for securing to a wall at the gapped junction of the wall with a floor, the stem of the T projecting out from the wall to overlie the edge of the floor and being provided with upstanding studs (16) for snap engagement with sockets in a bead (17). <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements relating to Gap Concealers This invention relates to gap concealers. One aspect of it relates to hinges, and in particular, to screen hinges which enable two adjacent leaves to pivot either side of a co-planar position.

Hitherto, such hinges have almost invariably caused a gap to form, particularly when the leaves are at an angle to each other. They can be difficult and tedious to fit, and they do not enhance the usual appearance.

It is the aim of this invention to provide a hinging system which should overcome these drawbacks.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge assembly comprising two members to be hinged together along adjacent equal length edges, the edge of one member being formed with or having fixed thereto a cylindrical bead of a diameter greater than the thickness of said member, the edge of the other member having a cross section with a curvature matching that of the cylindrical bead, so that the latter nests snugly therein, the ends of the bead having central sockets, and said other member having pintles secured to the edges transverse to concave edge and projecting to engage in the sockets.

The bead will generally be symmetrical to the central plane of said one member; in other words it will be proud to an equal amount on either side the faces of that member.

The pintles will conventionally each take the form of an elongate plate with a projecting pin near one end, perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The plate will be drilled and countersunk at least twice towards the other end, in order to be screwed to said other member. It may be considered slim enough not to be sunk flush into the transverse edges, although that may be preferred. In that case the bead will have to be marginally short of each end of the edge of its member.

Assuming the hinged edges are upright, the lower pintle is fitted first, and the bead is lowered for its socket to receive this form. Then the upper pintle is secured in place.

While the sockets may simply be blind holes drilled in the ends of the bead, it will be preferred that they are formed by sunk bushes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a gap concealer comprising a plurality of clips, each of T-form and adapted for securing to a wall at the gapped function of the wall with a floor, the stem of the T projecting out from the wall to overlie the edge of the floor and being provided with upstanding means for snap engagement with and retention of the bead.

For a better understanding of the invention one embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of adjacent portions of two hinged panels, Figure 2 is a side view corresponding to Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a vertical section through a floor/wall corner.

Two panels 1 and 2 are each formed with concave edges of the same arc in cross-section. Nesting in this edge of the panel 1, and glued to it, there is a cylindrical rod or bead 3. Its diameter is such that it is slightly proud of each face of the panel 1. The panel 2 mates to this bead 3.

At the upper end as shown (the lower end is simply an inversion of it) the panel 2 has an elongate plate 4 recessed into its horizontal top edge and screwed to it.

The plate projects beyond the concave vertical edge and has a downwardly projecting pin 5 which engages a bush 6 recessed centrally into the end of the bead 3.

It will be seen that the panels will be able mutually to hinge about the pin 5 and its lower counterpart to either side of the aligned position shown while the bead 3 will rotate within the concave edge of the panel 2. No gap will appear, symmetry will be preserved and no hinge will be apparent unless the panels are viewed from above.

Referring to Figure 3, a wooden floor 10 "meets" a wall 11. In practice there is usually a gap 12, which can vary with temperature and humidity. To conceal this while allowing the floor to move, there are fitted at intervals Tform clips 13, the stem 14 being horizontal and projecting out from the wall 11 to overlie the floor 10. The cross bar lies flat against the wall with one end projecting down through the gap and the other end having an aperture for a wall fastening 15. On the upper side of the stem 14 there is an upstanding stud 16.

A bead 17 is fitted to these clips. Its underside is drilled and equipped with sockets 18 to receive the studs 16 in snap engagement. It will also have transverse grooves 19 cut from its underside to receive the stems 16 and thus fit closely to the floor 10. Similar grooves 20 will enable it to fit closely to the wall 11.

With these clips in place, the bead can be laid over them and then tapped along its length for the studs 16 to engage.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly comprising two members to be hinged together along adjacent equal length edges, the edge of one member being formed with or having fixed thereto a cylindrical bead of a diameter greater than the thickness of said member, the edge of the other member having a cross section with a concave curvature matching that of the cylindrical bead so that the latter nests snugly therein, the ends of the bead having central sockets and said other member having pintles secured to the edges transverse to the concave edge and projecting to engage in the sockets.

2. A hinge assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bead is symmetrical with respect to the central plane of said one member.

3. An assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein each pintle is formed by an elongate plate drilled for fastening to the associated transverse edge and with a projecting pin near the end that projects beyond said edge, the pin being perpendicular to the plane of the plate.

4. An assembly as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the plates are sunk into the associated edges to be flush therewith, and the bead is marginally shorter than the edge of said one member to accommodate the thickness of the plates.

5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the sockets are formed by sunk bushes.