Hinge kit and related methods

Abstract

A hinge is provided that includes a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, and a pin. The first hinge plate includes a first knuckle having an appearance of a plurality of discrete knuckle portions that are directly adjacent to one another and intermesh with one another. The second hinge plate includes a second knuckle. The pin is configured to connect the first knuckle and the second knuckle to one another.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hinge kit which may be used to simplify door installation and/or door replacement, and related methods, including methods of installing and replacing a door.

BACKGROUND

A door can be coupled to a door frame using hinges. Generally, due to the difficulty in achieving vertical and angular alignment of the door within the frame, doors are frequently pre-hung within the frame at a factory prior to purchase and installation. However, it may be inconvenient to replace the door frame every time a new door is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention provides a hinge kit. The hinge kit can comprise a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge can include a first plate having a first knuckle coupled to the first plate and a second knuckle spaced from the first plate. The first hinge can further include a second plate having a first knuckle and a second knuckle coupled to the second plate and a third knuckle spaced from the second plate. A first pin can be fixedly coupled to the first hinge. The second hinge can include a first plate having a first knuckle and a second knuckle coupled to the first plate and a second plate having a first knuckle and a second knuckle coupled to the second plate. The second hinge can further include a second pin removably coupled to the second hinge.

Another aspect of the invention provides a hinge. The hinge can comprise a first plate having a first knuckle and a second knuckle and a second plate having a first knuckle and a second knuckle. The hinge can further comprise an alignment protrusion removably coupled to the second plate of the hinge. The alignment protrusion can be configured to deform based on a door to be removed during installation of a replacement door. A pin can be axially aligned within the first knuckle and the second knuckle of the first plate and the first knuckle and the second knuckle of the second plate of the hinge.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of installing a door. The method can include removing a first door comprising a first hinge and a second hinge from a door frame. The first hinge and the second hinge can remain attached to the first door after removal from the door frame. The first door can be aligned with a second door such that a top surface of the first door and a top surface of the second door are flush. The first hinge and the second hinge of the first door can extend toward the second door. A first mark can be provided on the second door in a location associated with the first hinge and a second mark can be provided on the second door in a location associated with the second hinge. A third hinge can be aligned with the first mark and a fourth hinge can be aligned with the second mark. The third hinge can comprise an alignment protrusion configured to be deformed based on the first door and the fourth hinge can comprise an alignment protrusion configured to be deformed based on the first door. The alignment protrusion of the third hinge can be coupled to the second door and the alignment protrusion of the fourth hinge can be coupled to the second door. The third hinge and the fourth hinge can be attached to the door using fasteners. The alignment protrusion of the third hinge and the alignment protrusion of the fourth hinge can be removed after the third hinge and the fourth hinge are attached to the second door. The second door can be hung within the door frame. A first pin can be associated with the third hinge and a second pin can be associated with the fourth hinge.

According an aspect of the invention, a hinge kit is provided which includes a first hinge having a permanent, fixed pin and a second hinge having a removable pin.

Another aspect of the invention provides a hinge kit including hinge plates with backset tabs for facilitating placement and alignment of the hinge plates.

A further aspect of the invention provides a hinge kit for simplifying door installation and replacement.

Another aspect of the invention provides methods for installing and replacing doors.

Other aspects of the invention, including apparatus, devices, systems, kits, assemblies, methods, processes, and the like which constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a from elevational assembly view of a supporting hinge assembly in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view a universal hinge, in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a pin suitable for use with the supporting hinge of FIG. 1 and the universal hinge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is front elevational view of a hinge kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of installing a replacement door according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of during installation of a door into an existing door frame in accordance with an embodied method of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view during installation of a door into an existing door frame in accordance with an embodied method of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view during installation of a door into an existing door frame in accordance with an embodied method of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view during installation of a door into an existing door frame in accordance with an embodied method of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an devotional view during installation of a door into an existing door frame in accordance with an embodied method of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND EXEMPLARY METHODS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not necessarily limited to the specific details, representative materials and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

A hinge kit according to an embodiment of the present invention is best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The hinge kit includes a supporting hinge generally designated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1 and a universal hinge generally designated by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge kit includes one supporting hinge 10 as the uppermost or top hinge of the hinge kit and one, two, or more universal hinges 30 located vertically below the supporting hinge 10. Typically, the hinge kit will include one supporting hinge 10 and two universal hinges 30 per door.

The supporting hinge 10 includes a frame side hinge plate 11 and a door side hinge plate 21. The frame side hinge plate 11 has mounting holes 12 for receiving screws or other fasteners to mount the frame side hinge plate 11 to a door frame/jamb. Likewise, the door side hinge plate 21 has mounting holes 22 for receiving screws or other fasteners to mount the door side hinge plate 21 to a stile of a door, frequently in a pocket formed in the stile. It should be understood that hinge plates 11 and 21 may be substituted for one another, such that the hinge plate 11 is mounted to the door and the hinge plate 21 is mounted to the door frame/jamb.

The frame side hinge plate 11 includes a knuckle 13 having a plurality of discrete knuckle portions, shown in FIG. 1 as upper and lower knuckle portions 13a, 13b, immediately adjacent to one another in vertically stacked relationship. As best shown in FIG. 1, the upper knuckle portion 13a is connected to an edge of the frame side hinge plate 11 by a stem 14, whereas the lower knuckle portion 13b is spaced from the edge of the frame side hinge plate 11. The lower knuckle portion 13b is welded or otherwise secured to the upper knuckle portion 13a. Alternatively, the upper and lower knuckle portions 13a, 13b may be a unitary tubular piece with a demarcation line to give the appearance that the knuckle 13 is composed of two or more discrete knuckle portions 13a, 13b. The knuckle portions 13a, 13b have through-holes that align with one another for receiving a pin 20, as described in further detail below.

The door side hinge plate 21 includes a knuckle 23 having the appearance of a plurality of discrete knuckle portions, shown in FIG. 1 as upper, middle, and lower knuckle portions 23a, 23b, and 23c immediately adjacent one another in a vertically stacked relationship. As best shown in FIG. 1, the upper knuckle portion 23a and lower knuckle portion 23c are connected to the edge of the door side hinge plate 21 by stems 24, whereas the middle knuckle portion 23b is spaced from the edge of the door side hinge plate 21. The middle knuckle portion 23b is welded or otherwise secured to the upper knuckle portion 23a and the lower knuckle portion 23c. Alternatively, the knuckle portions 23a, 23b, and 23c may be a unitary tubular piece with demarcation lines to give the appearance that the knuckle 23 is composed of two or more discrete knuckle portions 23a, 23b, and 23c. The knuckle portions 23a, 23b, and 23c have through-holes that align with one another and with the axially aligned knuckle portions 13a, 13b for receiving the pin 20.

An upper portion of the pin 20 is fixed in the knuckle 23 of the door side hinge plate 21. An adhesive, a press fit condition, and/or a fastener may be used to permanently fix the upper portion of the pin 20 relative to the knuckle 23. In the disassembled state shown in FIG. 1, a lower portion of the pin 20 extends from the lower knuckle portion 23c. In an assembled state, the lower portion of the pin 20 is received in and aligned with through-holes of the knuckle 13, such that knuckle 23 is seated on the knuckle 13. As an alternative, the pin 20 may be fixed in the knuckle 13 of the frame side hinge plate 11 and slidingly received by the knuckle 23 of the door side hinge plate 21.

The knuckle portions 13b and 23b are referred to herein as false knuckle portions. In the assembled state, the knuckle portions 23a, 23b, 23c, 13a, and 13b appear to alternatingly intermesh with one another. That is, the alternating knuckle portions 23a, 23c, and 13b have the appearance of being connected to the door side hinge plate 21, and the alternating knuckle portions 23b and 13a have the appearance of being connected to the frame side hinge plate 11. As described above, in actuality the knuckle 23 of the door side hinge plate 21 sits on the knuckle 13 of the frame side hinge plate 11, with the pin 20 received through the aligned knuckles 13, 23.

The universal hinge 30 is best shown in FIG. 2. The universal hinge 30 includes a frame side hinge plate 31 and a door side hinge plate 41. The frame side hinge plate 31 has mounting holes 32 for receiving screws or other fasteners to mount the frame side hinge plate 31 to a door frame/jamb. Likewise, the door side hinge plate 41 has mounting holes 42 for receiving screws or other fasteners to mount the door side hinge plate 41 to the stile of a door, frequently in a pocket formed into the stile. It should be understood that hinge plates 31 and 41 may be substituted for one another, such that the hinge plate 31 is mounted to the door and the hinge plate 41 is mounted to the door frame/jamb.

The frame side hinge plate 31 of the universal hinge 30 includes discrete knuckles 33, 34 spaced apart from one another. The knuckles 33, 34 are both connected to the edge of the frame side hinge plate 31 by stems 36. The knuckles 33, 34 have through-holes aligned with one another for receiving a pin 40.

The door side hinge plate 41 of the universal hinge 30 includes discrete knuckles 43, 44, and 45 spaced from one another. The knuckles 43, 44, and 45 are connected to the edge of the door side hinge plate 41 by stems 46. The knuckles 33 and 34 alternatingly intermesh with the corresponding through-holes of knuckles 43, 44, and 45. The knuckles 43, 44, and 45 have through-holes aligned with one another and aligned with the knuckles 33, 34 of the frame side hinge plate 31 for receiving the pin 40. The pins 20 and 40 may be identical to one another, except that the pin 40 of the universal hinge 30 is not permanently fixed in place to the hinge.

The supporting hinge 10 further includes a sight line 27 on the face of the door side hinge plate 21. Similarly, the universal fringe 30 includes a sight line 47 on the face of the door side hinge plate 41. The sight lines 27 and 47 are parallel and spaced from edges of the door side hinge plates 21 and 41, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, sight lines 27 and/or 47 are alignment indicators such that the sight lines 27 and/or 47 can be aligned with the edge of a new door during installation of that door. The sight lines 27 and 47 can be provided on the hinge plates 21 and 41, respectively, using various methods. For example, sight lines 27 and 47 can be etched, scribed or printed on the surface of the hinge plates 21 and 41, or sight lines 27 and 47 can be formed separately, such as a label, and then adhered to the surface of the hinge plates 21 and 41.

The door side hinge plate 41 also includes an adjustment slot 48 extending vertically. The adjustment slot 48 is elongated so as to have a length longer than its width. During assembly, a screw or other mechanical fastener can be placed in the adjustment slot 48 to loosely mount the door side hinge plate 41 to a door while allowing for vertical adjustment of the door side hinge plate 41 for ensuring proper alignment.

The door side hinge plates 21 and 41 each include an alignment protrusion, such as backset tabs 29 and 49, respectively. The backset tabs 29, 49 may be made of any material configured to maintain a shape after being deformed or creased, such as, cardboard, paperboard or other material that may be creased, and is suitable to performing the function of establishing a backset gap. The backset tabs 29, 49 include first adhesive strips 29a, 49a for temporarily attaching the backset tabs 29, 49 to the door side hinge plates 21, 41, respectively. The backset tabs 29, 49 are also provided with second adhesive strips 29b, 49b covered by a removable/peelable backing for temporarily attaching the door side hinge plates 21 and 41 to the replacement door during installment, as described below. During assembly, the door side hinge plates 21, 41 are placed onto an outgoing or “old” door so that the mount holes 22, 42 align with the holes in the existing screw holes in the outgoing door. The backset tabs 29, 49 are folded over the edge of the side of the outgoing door to crease the backset tab material and thus create a backset gap where the backset gap is the space defined between the backset tab and the hinge plates 21, 41 that is created when the backset tabs 29, 49 are deformed over the edge of the side of the outgoing door. The peel-away backings of the adhesive strips 29b, 49b may then be removed, and the door side hinge plates 21, 41 with the creased tabs 29, 49 placed onto the replacement (new) door to align the crease with the edge of the replacement door. The adhesive temporarily holds the door side hinge plates 21, 41 in place on the replacement door as screws are used to attach the door side hinge plates 21, 41 to the replacement door. In an exemplary embodiment, the backset tabs 29, 49 can be formed separately from the hinge plates 21, 41 and then be removably coupled to hinge plates 21, 41. For example, hinge plates 21, 41 can include an indication on where backset tabs 29, 49 can be removably coupled to the surface of the hinge plates 21, 41 such as in a position in alignment with mounting holes 22. The backset tabs 29, 49 can be removably coupled using various techniques such as removable or non-permanent adhesives, etc.

The hinge kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is best shown in FIG. 4. The hinge kit 400 can include a supporting hinge 402 and universal hinges 404, 406. The supporting hinge 402 can include a pin 403 fixedly coupled to the supporting hinge 402 to be installed in a top location with respect to a door. Universal hinges 404, 406 can include a removable pin 408, 410 respectively to be installed in a middle (or central) anchor a bottom position with respect to the door. Any number of hinges can be included in hinge kit 400 provided that one hinge is a supporting hinge 402 and one hinge is a universal hinge 404, 406. Supporting hinge 402 is different from universal hinges 404, 406 and universal hinges 404, 406 can be identical to one another.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of installing a door into an existing door frame according to the present invention. Installation may be performed, for example, using various instruments such as a screw driver, a ruler or measuring tape, and a pencil or pen.

The method will be discussed with reference to the exemplary supporting hinge 10 and universal hinge 30, as well as hinge kit 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. However, the method can be implemented with any suitable installation device for a door. In addition, although FIG. 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods can be omitted, rearranged, combined and/or adapted in various ways.

At 502, a width and height of a door opening of a door frame are measured. For example, a measuring instrument such as a measuring tape, ruler, or comparable device can be used to measure the width and height of a replacement door to determine whether the replacement door will fit into the opening of the door frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the opening in the door frame should be at least about 0.8 cm ( 5/16 inch) larger than the width of the replacement door.

The door to be replaced is removed from the door frame at 504. For example, the existing hinges of the outgoing door are removed from the frame using a power or manual screwdriver while leaving the existing hinges attached to the side of the outgoing door.

At 506, the outgoing door is aligned with the replacement door. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the outgoing door 602 including hinge 604, is aligned such that the top surface 608 of outgoing door 602 is parallel to the top surface 610 of the replacement door 606. In an exemplary embodiment, the outgoing door 602 is positioned on its side such that the hinges 604 face upward and the hinge pins face outward. The outgoing door 602 may be leaned against a table or other structure to hold it in place. The replacement door 606 is positioned hinge-side up in side-by-side relationship with the outgoing door 602, with the outgoing and replacement doors facing in the same direction. The outgoing and replacement doors 602, 606 are aligned at their top edges 608, 610, respectively, as best shown in FIG. 6.

A hinge location is marked on the replacement door based on the location of the hinge on the outgoing door at 508. As best shown in FIG. 7, while the doors 602, 606 remain aligned, the existing hinges 604 of the outgoing door are opened and laid across the side of the replacement door 606 (e.g., the portion of the hinge previously coupled to the frame). A mark 612 is applied to the side of the replacement door 606 at the top edge of each existing hinge 604. The mark 612 can be made using various instruments such as a pen, pencil, etc. While only one hinge 604 and one mark 612 are illustrated in FIG. 7, corresponding marks can be applied to replacement door 606 based on the number of hinges originally coupled to the outgoing door 602. After mark 612 is applied to the replacement door 606, hinge 604 can be removed from the outgoing door 602.

The frame side hinge plates of the supporting/top hinge 402 and the universal hinges 404, 406 are mounted into the existing mortise (hinge) pockets of the door frame. The mortise pockets will already exist, having been formed previously when the outgoing door was originally hung on the door frame. It is noted that the hinge kit 400 can also be used where a mortise pocket is omitted from the frame and/or the replacement door. In the event that the previous door did not include hinge pockets, the mounting holes of the frame side hinge plates are aligned with the existing screw holes in the door frame.

At 510, alignment protrusions of a hinge are deformed based on the outgoing door. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, the door side hinge plate of the top/supporting hinge 614 is placed into the top hinge pocket of the outgoing door 602. Alternatively, when no top hinge pocket is present, the mounting holes of the hinge can be aligned with screw holes of the outgoing door previously made by hinge fasteners. The alignment protrusion 616 or backset tab of hinge 614 is folded over the side edge of the outgoing door 602 edge to crease the backset tab at line 618.

The hinge can then be aligned on the replacement door at 512. After the door side hinge plate of hinge 614 with its alignment protrusion 616 creased at line 618 is removed from the outgoing door 602, hinge 614 is aligned and oriented on the replacement door 606. For example, hinge 614 can be aligned such that the top edge of hinge 614 is aligned with mark 612 alignment indicators 620, or sight lines are aligned with a first edge of the replacement door 606, and the crease 618 of the alignment protrusion 616 can be aligned with a second edge of the replacement door 606. The exposed portion of the fixed hinge pin should point towards the bottom of the door.

At 514, the alignment protrusion of the hinge is coupled to the replacement door. For example, an adhesive backing (not shown) can be removed from an adhesive strip formed on the back of the alignment protrusion 616, such that the alignment protrusion 616 can be removably coupled to the replacement door 606 in order to maintain alignment during installation.

The hinge is installed on replacement door at 516. For example, screws can be inserted into the mourn holes of the top door side hinge plate to secure it in position. At 518, the alignment protrusions are removed from the hinge. For example, the backset tab may be removed from the door side hinge plate.

While one hinge is discussed above, all of the door side hinge plates such as supporting hinge 402 and universal hinges 404, 406 may be attached to the replacement door 606 in similar fashion. For example, middle and bottom universal hinges can be positioned into the middle and bottom hinge pockets, respectively, of the outgoing door 602 and their respective backset tabs folded over to crease them at the edge of the outgoing door 602. The backing of the second adhesive strip is removed from the backset tabs, the middle and bottom universal hinges are aligned with the marks on the side of the replacement door 606, and the creases are aligned with the side edge of the replacement door. A screw is inserted into the adjustment slot of the door side hinge plate of the middle hinge, but is not tightened initially in order to assist in vertically aligning the replacement door 606 within the door frame. The screw should not be so tight as to prevent the door side hinge plate from moving upwardly and downwardly (as the adjustment slot 48 slides along the screw) with relatively little effort. Although not shown, a screw is similarly inserted in the adjustment slot 48 of the door side hinge plate of the bottom hinge.

At 518, the alignment protrusions are removed from the hinges. For example, the alignment protrusions are removed after each hinge is installed onto the replacement door. Alternatively, the alignment protrusions can be removed after all of the hinges are installed onto the replacement door. The replacement door is hung in the door frame at 520. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 10, the replacement door 606 is hung on the door frame 622 by inserting the fixed pin of the top/supporting hinge 614 into the knuckle of the frame side door plate. Once hung, the door may be closed. The door side hinges of the middle and bottom hinges may be shimmed, so that the knuckles of the door side hinges and frame side hinges properly intermesh. The length of the adjustment slots 48 through which the screws are inserted, as described above, allows the door side hinge plates of the middle and lower hinges to be adjusted upwardly or downwardly so that their knuckles are positioned into intermeshing relationship with the knuckles of the frame side hinge plates of the middle and lower hinges, respectively. The door 606 may then be opened, and screws are inserted into the mount holes of the door side hinge plates of the middle and bottom hinges. The screws in the adjustment slots 48 may then be tightened.

Advantageously, exemplary embodiments described herein may reduce or eliminate the need for mortise pockets on door sides and offer the flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of existing door frames. The hinge kit can also simplify door replacement, making it easier for installation of a door, even by a single person without assistance. Once the hinge kit is installed, it provides an easier way to manage the removal and re-installation of doors for future tasks such as painting, refurbishing, moving, etc. by following the installation procedure without the removable backset tabs since they will not be needed or available.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

Claims

1. A hinge comprising: a first hinge plate having a first edge and comprising a first knuckle having an appearance of a plurality of discrete knuckles that are directly adjacent to one another and intermesh with one another, the plurality of discrete knuckles comprising a first knuckle portion directly connected to the first edge and a second knuckle portion spaced apart from the first edge by a gap and directly connected to the first knuckle portion;a second hinge plate having a second edge and comprising a second knuckle; anda pin configured to connect the first knuckle and the second knuckle to one another.

2. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises a first pin portion received in and permanently fixed to a through hole of the first knuckle and a second pin portion receivable in a second through hole of the second knuckle to connect the first knuckle and the second knuckle to one another.

3. The hinge of claim 1, wherein a stem directly connects the first knuckle portion to an edge of the first hinge plate.

4. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the first knuckle portion and the second knuckle portion are a unitary tubular piece, and wherein the first knuckle further comprises a first demarcation line between the first knuckle portion and the second knuckle portion.

5. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the first knuckle portion and the second knuckle portion are welded to one another.

6. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete knuckles further comprises a third knuckle portion connected and immediately adjacent the second knuckle portion, wherein the second knuckle portion is interposed between the first knuckle portion and the third knuckle portion.

7. The hinge of claim 6, wherein stems directly connect the first knuckle portion and the third knuckle portion to the first edge of the first hinge plate.

8. The hinge of claim 6, wherein: the first knuckle portion, the second knuckle portion, and the third knuckle portion are a unitary tubular piece;the first knuckle further comprises a first demarcation line between the first knuckle portion and the second knuckle portion, and a second demarcation line between the second knuckle portion and the third knuckle portion.

9. The hinge of claim 6, wherein the second knuckle portion is welded to the first knuckle portion and the third knuckle portion.

10. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the first and second knuckle portions are tubular with aligned through holes configured to receive the pin.

11. A hinge, comprising: a first hinge plate having a first edge and comprising a first knuckle having an appearance of a first plurality of discrete upper knuckles that are directly adjacent to one another and intermesh with one another, the first plurality of discrete upper knuckles comprising a first upper knuckle portion directly connected to the first edge and a second upper knuckle portion spaced apart from the first edge by a first gap and directly connected to the first upper knuckle portion;a second hinge plate having a second edge and comprising a second knuckle having an appearance of a second plurality of discrete lower knuckles that are directly adjacent to one another and intermesh with one another, the second plurality of discrete lower knuckles comprising a first lower knuckle portion directly connected to the second edge and a second lower knuckle portion spaced apart from the second edge by a second gap and directly connected to the first lower knuckle portion; anda pin configured to connect the first knuckle and the second knuckle to one another.

12. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the pin comprises a first pin portion received in and permanently fixed to a through hole of the first knuckle and a second pin portion receivable in a second through hole of the second knuckle to connect the first knuckle and the second knuckle to one another.

13. The hinge of claim 11, wherein a stem directly connects the first upper knuckle portion to the first edge of the first hinge plate.

14. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first upper knuckle portion and the second upper knuckle portion are a unitary tubular piece, and wherein the first upper knuckle further comprises a first demarcation line between the first upper knuckle portion and the second upper knuckle portion.

15. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first upper knuckle portion and the second upper knuckle portion are welded to one another.

16. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of discrete upper knuckles further comprises a third upper knuckle portion connected and immediately adjacent the second upper knuckle portion, wherein the second upper knuckle portion is interposed between the first upper knuckle portion and the third upper knuckle portion.

17. The hinge of claim 16, wherein stems directly connect the first upper knuckle portion and the third upper knuckle portion to the first edge of the first hinge plate.

18. The hinge of claim 16, wherein: the first upper knuckle portion, the second upper knuckle portion, and the third upper knuckle portion are a unitary tubular piece;the first upper knuckle further comprises a first demarcation line between the first upper knuckle portion and the second upper knuckle portion, and a second demarcation line between the second upper knuckle portion and the third upper knuckle portion.

19. The hinge of claim 16, wherein the second upper knuckle portion is welded to the first upper knuckle portion and the third upper knuckle portion.

20. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first and second knuckle portions are tubular with aligned through holes configured to receive the pin.