Crescent hinge

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6292981
  • Patent Number
    6,292,981
  • Date Filed
    Friday, April 14, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 25, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
This invention relates to hinges in general. More particularly, the invention is concerned with hinges wherein it is desired to have no parts of the hinge visible on the outside of a door or enclosure, where, typically in prior art hinges, a hinge pin is located about which the door rotates about the enclosure frame. The hinge of the present invention is visible from only one side of a door and has a first crescent member having a mounting means for mounting to the door and an arcuate cutout, the arcuate cutout describing a radius about a point that is an actual hinge point of the door relative to the frame, a second crescent member having a mounting means for mounting to a frame, and a pair of protruding cylindrical members adapted to be received within the arcuate cut out, the cylindrical members adapted to secure the first crescent member to the second crescent member. The first crescent member is movable about the actual hinge point with respect to said second crescent member.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




This invention pertains to the art of hinges, and more particularly to an improvement in hinges wherein the hinge is concealed on the inside of an enclosure.




2. Description of the Related Art




It is well known to pivotally join a pair of members, such as panels, using a hinge comprising two leaves joined by a pivot pin. The uniqueness of the present invention results from replacing the pivot pin with a crescent-shaped channel in a first leaf, and a pair of studs attached to the first leaf slidably secured within the crescent-shaped channel. The resulting virtual pivot point is not located on the hinge itself.




The invention is particularly applicable to hinges for enclosures or cabinet doors wherein it is desirable to have a clean, hardware-free appearance on the outside of the enclosure or doors, with the hinge components located entirely on the inside of the door.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates to hinges in general. More particularly, the invention is concerned with hinges wherein it is desired to have no parts of the hinge visible on the outside of a door or enclosure, where, typically in prior art hinges, a hinge pin is located about which the door rotates about the enclosure frame. The hinge of the present invention is visible from only one side of a door and has a first crescent member having a mounting means for mounting to the door and an arcuate cutout, the arcuate cutout describing a radius about a point that is an actual hinge point of the door relative to the frame, a second crescent member having a mounting means for mounting to a frame, and a pair of protruding cylindrical members adapted to be received within the arcuate cut out, the cylindrical members adapted to secure the first crescent member to the second crescent member. The first crescent member is movable about the actual hinge point with respect to said second crescent member.




It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hinge having an invisible point of rotation.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hinge for mounting a door to a frame, that is invisible on one side of the door and frame.




It is another object of the present invention to provide a hinge for mounting a door to a frame, that is invisible on one side of the door and frame, that may be held in an open position by the hinge.




It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a hinge for mounting a door to a frame, that is invisible on one side of the door and frame, that opens and closes smoothly with relatively little friction.




It is another object of the present invention to provide a hinge for mounting a door to a frame, that is invisible on one side of the door and frame, that may be opened at least 180 degrees.




Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 2

is an end view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 3

is a side view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 4

is a top view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 5

is an end view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 6

is a side view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 7

is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the closed position.





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the resent invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 9

is an end view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 10

is a side view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 11

is a top view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 12

is an end view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 13

is a side view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 14

is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 15

is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 16

is an end view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 17

is a side view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 18

is a top view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 19

is a side view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 20

is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 21

is an end view of a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing the hinge in the open position.





FIG. 22

is a perspective view of a second crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 23

is a perspective view of a third crescent member for a third embodiment of a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 24

is perspective view of a first crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 25

is a side view of a first crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 26

is a top view of a first crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 27

is a perspective view of a first crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing a dog leg projection in the cutout.





FIG. 28

is a side view of a first crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing a dog leg projection in the cutout.





FIG. 29

is a top view of a first crescent member for a crescent hinge according to the present invention, showing a dog leg projection in the cutout.





FIG. 30

is a perspective view of a rivet for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 31

is a perspective view of a washer for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.





FIG. 32

is a perspective view of a bushing for a crescent hinge according to the present invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in

FIGS. 1-14

a crescent hinge


10


in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The crescent hinge


10


is typically mounted to a frame and a door (not shown). A first crescent member


20


is mounted to the door, while a second crescent member


30


is mounted to the frame, although this may be reversed.




In this first embodiment, the crescent hinge


10


comprises the first crescent member


20


(see FIGS.


24


-


26


)., the second crescent member


30


(see

FIG. 22

) and a pair of rivets


40


(see FIG.


30


). Each of the first crescent member


20


and second crescent member


30


has a mounting flange


22


,


32


respectively that are mounted to the frame. For example, these mounting flanges


22


,


32


may contain through holes


21


,


31


for accepting threaded studs protruding from the door or frame, or may use any mounting means as known in the art. The mounting flanges


22


,


32


may also extend around the interior curved surfaces


23


,


33


of the first crescent member


20


and second crescent member


30


, thereby strengthening the first crescent member


20


and second crescent member


30


.




A unique aspect of the present invention is the removal of the pivot pin as was previously used in hinges and its replacement with of a “virtual pivot point” of the present invention. Here, the pivot pin is replaced by a guide, preferably an arcuate cutout


24


, in the first and crescent member


20


and a pair of protruding studs or rivets


40


located on the second crescent member


30


, preferably within holes


35


. Crescent member


20


attached to door is free to move within the limits of arcuate cutout


24


limited to a certain movement by rivets


40


.. Thus, door must generally travel only along the arc of arcuate cutout


24


and door may not independently rotate due to there not being a single point of rotation. Of course rivets


40


may be replaced by a single elongate protruding member that achieves the same result.




Thus, as can be seen in

FIGS. 8-14

, the door may be opened the full length of arcuate cutout


24


. The door still pivots about a single pivot point; however, that pivot point is not a point on the hinge itself, but is a point that is at the center of the radius of the arcuate cutout


24


.




Several optional features may also be incorporated into the present design. First, as can be seen in the second embodiment


110


of

FIGS. 8-14

, the second embodiment of the first crescent member


120


may have a “dog leg” projection


126


in the arcuate cutout that provides a position to allow a lid to be held in an open position. This embodiment requires that the virtual pivot point be defined by a horizontal axis, and is particularly useful when it is desired to have a hidden hinge on a trunk or other top opening enclosure. This “dog leg”


126


may be used in lieu of an additional door stay to prop the door opened. Multiple dog legs


126


can be incorporated into the design, if desired, to accommodate holding the lid in more than one position.




Second, as can be seen in the third embodiment


210


of

FIGS. 15-21

, a similar hinge design is depicted that provides for a greater than 180 degree opening. Here, two first crescent members


20


are used in combination with a third crescent member


230


(FIG.


23


). This third crescent member


230


includes holes


35


dimensioned and configured to receive a pair of rivets


40


at each end. This embodiment has twice the travel due to use of two arcuate cutouts


24


. It is noted that both members


20


may be identical. Additionally, if the third crescent member


230


is designed to slide more freely in one of the two crescent members, for example, by greater friction created by rivets


40


, the lid stay feature of the second embodiment may be utilized.




Optional for use in all of the above embodiments is use of bushing


45


as depicted in

FIG. 32

in combination with a rivet


40


. The use of the bushing


45


is pivotally secured between the rivet


40


and first crescent member


20


, allowing for a rolling surface to provide for greater wear resistance and smoother and easier operation.




Additionally, a washer


50


(

FIG. 31

) may be used between the crescent members


20


,


30


to reduce friction. The washer preferably defines a hole


52


corresponding to, and dimensioned and configured to receive, each rivet


40


. The preferred embodiment will therefore include two holes


52


. Preferred and suggested materials for the washer


50


are nylon and bronze, both of which will have a low coefficient of friction.




Finally, the arcuate cut out of the above embodiments can also have a somewhat more free form shape to allow the door to open following a prescribed free form arc to accommodate clearances or other required geometry during the rotation of the door to opened and closed positions.




It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A hinge visible from only one side of a door, for mounting a door to a frame, comprising:(a) a first crescent member having mounting means for mounting to the door and an arcuate cutout, said arcuate cutout describing a radius about a point that is an actual hinge point of the door relative to the frame; and (b) a second crescent member having mounting means for mounting to the frame, and a pair of protruding members adapted to be received within said arcuate cutout, said protruding members adapted to secure said first crescent member to said second crescent member, whereby said first crescent member is movable about said actual hinge point with respect to said second crescent member.
  • 2. The hinge according to claim 1, including a dog leg projection in said arcuate cutout for securing the door in an open position.
  • 3. The hinge according to claim 1, including bushings surrounding said protruding members to provide a sliding action of said first crescent member with respect to said second crescent member.
  • 4. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein said hinge further comprises a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange, said first mounting flange is attached to said first crescent member and said second mounting flange is attached to said second crescent member.
  • 5. The hinge according to claim 4, wherein:said first crescent member and said second crescent member each define an interior crescent surface; and said mounting flanges extend around said interior crescent surfaces.
  • 6. The hinge according to claim 1, further comprising a washer between said first crescent member and said second crescent member, said washer defining a hole corresponding to each protruding member of said second crescent member, said washer having a low coefficient of friction.
  • 7. A hinge visible from only one side of a door, for mounting a door to a frame, comprising:(a) a first crescent member having mounting means for mounting to the door and an arcuate cutout, said arcuate cutout describing a radius about a point that is an actual hinge point of the door relative to the frame; (b) a second crescent member, having two pairs of protruding members, said first pair of protruding members adapted to be received within said arcuate cutout of said first crescent member, said first pair of protruding members adapted to secure said first crescent member to said second crescent member; and (c) a third crescent member having mounting means for mounting to the frame and an arcuate cutout, said arcuate cutout describing a radius about a point that is an actual hinge point of the door relative to the frame, said second pair of protruding members of said second crescent member adapted to be received within said arcuate cutout of said third crescent member, said second pair of protruding members adapted to secure said second crescent member to said third crescent member, whereby said first and third crescent members are movable about said actual hinge point with respect to said second crescent member allowing the door to open at least 180 degrees with respect to the frame.
  • 8. The hinge according to claim 7, including a dog leg projection in at least one of said arcuate cutouts for securing the door in an open position.
  • 9. The hinge according to claim 7, including bushings surrounding said protruding members to provide a sliding action of said first crescent member with respect to said second crescent member.
  • 10. The hinge according to claim 7, wherein said hinge further comprises a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange, said first mounting flange is attached to said first crescent member and said second mounting flange is attached to said third crescent member.
  • 11. The hinge according to claim 10, wherein:said first crescent member and said third crescent member each define an interior crescent surface; and said mounting flanges extend around said interior crescent surfaces.
  • 12. The hinge according to claim 7, further comprising a washer between said first crescent member and said second crescent member, said washer defining a hole corresponding to each protruding member of said second crescent member, said washer having a low coefficient of friction.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/129,220, filed Apr. 14, 1999.

US Referenced Citations (6)
Number Name Date Kind
2056805 Reichard Oct 1936
2770834 Jannace Nov 1956
5107401 Youn Apr 1992
5169221 Wheeler Dec 1992
5735021 Briggs Apr 1998
5946774 Ramsey et al. Sep 1999
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry
Unknown handbook, by Lamp, unknown date, and unknown catalogue page.
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/129220 Apr 1999 US