Patent Application
20200123822
The present application relates to a hinge assembly for a shower door, and in particular to a hinge assembly that can be attached to a shower door and another shower cubicle panel without requiring either the door or the panel to have a frame. More specifically, the application relates to a hinge assembly for a frameless shower door, and a shower cubicle comprising such a hinge assembly.
In the prior art, framed and frameless shower doors are known. Framed shower doors fit engagingly within their frames when closed, so reducing or preventing the escape of water from a shower cubicle. Frameless shower doors are popular due to their aesthetics, but, as there is not a frame to receive the shower door engagingly, water can escape between the shower door and a shower cubicle panel to which it is attached.
Additionally, relative movement of moveable parts of a hinge assembly can lead to surface scratches on components, which are ugly and particularly deleterious in the warm and wet environment associated with showers, which increases the likelihood of rust or mould developing in the scratches.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved hinge assembly that addresses one or more of the above-identified issues. These and other advantages will be apparent to those reviewing the present disclosure.
An exemplary embodiment relates to a hinge assembly for a shower door that includes a first panel rotatably connected to a second panel The hinge assembly includes a first hinge member having a first body portion arranged to be attached to the first panel and also having a first neck portion, the first hinge member being arranged to allow rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinge axis, wherein at least a portion of the first body portion is arranged to be connected to the first panel so as to lie at least partially within a recessed region of the first panel, such that the hinge axis lies within a footprint of the first panel. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member having a second body portion arranged to be attached to the second panel such that the hinge axis lies outside a footprint of the second panel, and also having a second neck portion arranged to be rotatably connected to the first neck portion to allow the rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about the hinge axis. The first and second neck portions have narrower widths than the first and second body portions and are shaped to prevent the hinge members from colliding with each other as the panels rotate towards each other, the widths being measured parallel to panel width of the respective first or second panel, and wherein cooperating surfaces of the body portion and the neck portion are shaped to cooperate with each other such that, as the angle between the panels decreases, the cooperating surface of the body portion of one hinge member is received within a space provided by the narrowing of the other hinge member in the region of the neck portion.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a shower door that includes a first panel comprising a recessed region, a second panel, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge member having a first body portion arranged to be attached to the first panel and also having a first neck portion, the first hinge member being arranged to allow rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinge axis, wherein at least a portion of the first body portion is arranged to be connected to the first panel so as to lie at least partially within a recessed region of the first panel, such that the hinge axis lies within a footprint of the first panel. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member having a second body portion arranged to be attached to the second panel such that the hinge axis lies outside a footprint of the second panel, and also having a second neck portion arranged to be rotatably connected to the first neck portion to allow the rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about the hinge axis. The first and second neck portions have narrower widths than the first and second body portions and are shaped to prevent the hinge members from colliding with each other as the panels rotate towards each other, the widths being measured parallel to panel width of the respective first or second panel, and wherein cooperating surfaces of the body portion and the neck portion are shaped to cooperate with each other such that, as the angle between the panels decreases, the cooperating surface of the body portion of one hinge member is received within a space provided by the narrowing of the other hinge member in the region of the neck portion.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a shower cubicle comprising a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge member having a first body portion arranged to be attached to the first panel and also having a first neck portion, the first hinge member being arranged to allow rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinge axis, wherein at least a portion of the first body portion is arranged to be connected to the first panel so as to lie at least partially within a recessed region of the first panel, such that the hinge axis lies within a footprint of the first panel. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member having a second body portion arranged to be attached to the second panel such that the hinge axis lies outside a footprint of the second panel, and also having a second neck portion arranged to be rotatably connected to the first neck portion to allow the rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about the hinge axis. The first and second neck portions have narrower widths than the first and second body portions and are shaped to prevent the hinge members from colliding with each other as the panels rotate towards each other, the widths being measured parallel to panel width of the respective first or second panel, and wherein cooperating surfaces of the body portion and the neck portion are shaped to cooperate with each other such that, as the angle between the panels decreases, the cooperating surface of the body portion of one hinge member is received within a space provided by the narrowing of the other hinge member in the region of the neck portion.
There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
According to a first aspect, there is provided a frameless shower door which allows for a reduced gap between the door and a panel to which it is hinged. There is provided a hinge assembly for a shower door comprising a first panel rotatably connected to a second panel. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge member having a first body portion arranged to be attached to the first panel and also having a first neck portion, the first hinge member being arranged to allow rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinge axis, wherein at least a portion of the first body portion is arranged to be connected to the first panel so as to lie at least partially within a recessed region of the first panel, such that the hinge axis lies within a footprint of the first panel. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member having a second body portion arranged to be attached to the second panel such that the hinge axis lies outside a footprint of the second panel, and also having a second neck portion arranged to be rotatably connected to the first neck portion to allow the rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about the hinge axis. The first and second neck portions are narrower than the first and second body portions and shaped to prevent the hinge members from colliding with each other.
The first and second neck portions are narrower than the body portions in that the neck portions have narrower widths than the first and second body portions, the widths being measured parallel to panel width of the respective first or second panel (i.e. perpendicular to the large face of the panel to which the relevant hinge member is connected). An arrow marked W is shown in
Each hinge member may be thought of as having a length extending from one end of the body portion, across that body portion, and across the neck portion extending therefrom. The width of the hinge narrows from the body portion region of this length to the neck portion region of this length. The narrowing may be staged—for example having a constant width for at least a portion of the body portion, narrowing where the neck meets the body, a second (smaller) constant width for at least a portion of the neck portion, and narrowing to a curved end region. The neck portion may not have a portion of constant width in some embodiments.
The first and second neck portions are connected at the hinge axis; the hinge members are therefore narrower where they connect to each other than where they connect to the panels. The skilled person will appreciate that, to enclose the panel, the body portions are wider than the panel in the embodiment shown. By contrast, the neck portion extends away from the panel and/or within a recessed region of the first panel, so does not need to be wider than the panel.
The first and second neck portions may be shaped to prevent the hinge members from colliding at any angle of rotation of the panels.
The first and second neck portions may be shaped to prevent collision as the panels rotate towards each other. In particular, this may assist in avoiding collision when the angle between the panels reduces, for example approaching 120°, or 90°. In particular, collision is avoided as the panels are moved closer together. In some embodiments, the angle between the panels may reduce to below 90°.
The body portion of one hinge member may lie adjacent to a side of a neck portion of the other hinge member at some angles in some embodiments (for example when the angle between the panels is around 90°)—the body portion may be received in a space provided by the narrowing of the other hinge member in its neck portion. The narrowing may allow the hinge portions to adopt a configuration that would otherwise be blocked or cause a collision.
Advantageously, collisions as the angle between the panels becomes smaller, e.g. moves away from 180°, can therefore be avoided. Scraping or collisions of the panels as the shower door is opened and/or closed can therefore be reduced or avoided. The skilled person will appreciate that for panels which are adjacent at one edge and parallel when the panel forming the door is in a closed position (180° angle between the panels), a decrease in angle occurs as the door is opened. By contrast, for panels which are adjacent at one edge and perpendicular when the panel forming the door is in a closed position, a reduction in angle may occur when the door is either opened or closed. In many such cases, the fully open position would have a 180° angle between the panels. The skilled person will appreciate that other angles between panels when in a closed position may occur in other designs falling within the scope of this disclosure.
The hinge assembly may have a cooperating surface of the body portion of each hinge member shaped to cooperate with a surface of the neck portion of the other hinge member such that water egress between the cooperating surface and the neck is substantially blocked at any angle of rotation of the panels.
The first hinge member and the second hinge member may be symmetrical and be at least substantially shaped to be mirror images of each other, such that the hinge assembly is unhanded.
The neck portion of each hinge member may extend from the body portion. The neck portion of each hinge member may be arranged to lie vertically adjacent to the neck portion extending from the other hinge member and horizontally adjacent to a/the cooperating surface of the body portion of the other hinge member.
The cooperating surface of the body portion and the neck portion may be shaped to cooperate with each other such that, as the angle between the panels decreases, the cooperating surface of the body portion of one hinge member is received within a space provided by the narrowing of the other hinge member in the region of the neck portion.
The cooperating surface may be substantially flat for at least 50% of the width of the body portion.
The neck portion may be curved. The cooperating surface may be substantially parallel to the tangent to the curve of the neck portion of the opposing hinge member at the closest point between the neck portion and the cooperating surface at all angles of rotation.
The end region of the neck portion arranged to cooperate with the opposing hinge member may be curved.
The end region of the neck portion arranged to cooperate with the opposing hinge member may be substantially semi-circular in cross-section. The diameter of the substantially semi-circular end region may be between 45% and 75% of the thickness of the body portion, preferably between 60% and 70%, and more preferably around 65% of the thickness.
The hinge assembly may be arranged such that a gap between the panels is narrow, and optionally has a maximum width of 13 mm at any angle of rotation.
The hinge assembly may comprise at least one stop-pad, the or each stop-pad being arranged to be attached to either the first hinge member of the second hinge member and arranged to prevent contact between a surface of the first hinge member and a surface of the second hinge member at any angle of rotation.
The hinge assembly may comprise two stop-pads, one on the cooperating surface of the first hinge member and one on the cooperating surface of the second hinge member.
Each hinge member may comprise a screw cover arranged to follow the profile of the hinge member, cover any screws, and provide a uniform, unhanded shape to the hinge member.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a shower door comprising:
a first panel comprising a recessed region;
a second panel; and
a hinge assembly comprising:
a first hinge member having a first body portion arranged to be attached to the first panel and also having a first neck portion, the first hinge member being arranged to allow rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinge axis, wherein at least a portion of the first body portion is arranged to be connected to the first panel so as to lie at least partially within a recessed region of the first panel, such that the hinge axis lies within a footprint of the first panel; and
a second hinge member having a second body portion arranged to be attached the second panel such that the hinge axis lies outside a footprint of the second panel, and also having a second neck portion arranged to be rotatably connected to the first neck portion to allow the rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel about the hinge axis,
wherein the first and second neck portions are narrower than the first and second body portions and shaped to prevent the hinge members from colliding with each other.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a shower cubicle including at least one of the following:
(i) one or more hinge assemblies according the first aspect; and/or
(ii) a shower door according to the second aspect.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a hinge assembly for a shower door comprising a first panel rotatably connected to a second panel, the hinge assembly comprising:
a first hinge member arranged to be attached to the first panel;
a second hinge member arranged to be attached to the second panel and to be rotatably connected to the first hinge member so as to allow the rotation of the first panel with respect to the second panel; and
one or more stop-pads, each arranged to be attached to either the first hinge member of the second hinge member and arranged to prevent contact between a surface of the first hinge member and a surface of the second hinge member at any angle of rotation.
The stop-pad may comprise one or more protrusions arranges to cooperate with indentations in the hinge member to which it is arranged to be attached so as to secure the stop-pad to the hinge member.
The stop-pad may be made of a compressible, resilient material.
The stop-pad may be made of Acetal or Nylon, particularly Nylon 6,6.
The stop-pad may be around 1 mm thick.
The stop-pad may be less than or equal to 1.5 mm in thickness.
Each hinge member may have a body portion arranged to be attached to a panel and a neck portion extending from the body portion, wherein a cooperating surface of the body portion of each hinge member may be shaped to cooperate with a surface of the neck portion of the other hinge member. The stop-pad may be attached to the cooperating surface of the body portion, or to the neck portion.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a shower door assembly comprising:
a first panel;
a second panel; and
a hinge assembly according to the fourth aspect.
According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a shower cubicle including at least one of the following:
(i) one or more hinge assemblies according to the fourth aspect; and/or
(ii) a shower door assembly according to the fifth aspect.
The skilled person would understand that features described with respect to one aspect may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to the other aspect.
Referring to
The shower door assembly 100 further comprises a first hinge member 106. The first hinge member 106 is rigidly attached to the first panel 102, i.e. to the shower door 102.
The shower door assembly 100 further comprises a second hinge member 108. The second hinge member 108 is rigidly attached to the second panel 104, i.e. to the cubicle panel 104.
The second hinge member 108 is rotatably connected to the first hinge member 106. The second hinge member 108 and the first hinge member 106 together may be referred to as a hinge assembly.
The cooperation of the first hinge member 106 and the second hinge member 108 allows rotation of the shower door 102 with respect to the cubicle panel 104.
Rotation is about a hinge axis. The hinge axis lies within the footprint of the cubicle panel 104 and outside of the footprint of the shower door 102.
In the embodiment being described, the first and second hinge members 106, 108 are each made of two parts 106a, 106b, 108a, 108b
In the embodiment being described, the first part 106a, 108a is larger than the second part 106b, 108b. The second part 106b, 108b may be thought of as a cover, as can be seen more clearly in
The panel 102, 104 is clamped and thereby held in place; the hinge assembly 100 may therefore be described as a clamp hinge.
In alternative embodiments, such as that shown in
In such embodiments, each part 706a, 706b, 708a, 708b comprises a plate 706c, 706d extending from a joining portion. When two parts 706a, 706b are connected to form the hinge member 706, the plates 706c, 706d extend parallel to, and spaced from, each other. The joining portions are sized such that connecting the two parts 706a spaces the plates 706c, 706d correctly to grip the panel 702 (so forming an equivalent of the trough 600 of the embodiment shown in
By contrast, in alternative embodiments, such as hinge member 708 shown in
In the embodiments being described with respect to
In alternative embodiments, each hinge member 106, 108, 706 may be formed from a single part having an equivalent shape. The plates of such a single part may have a certain amount of flexibility such that a panel can be pushed between them, and gripped. Again, screws or any other suitable adjustment means may be used to clamp the panel 102, 104, 702 between the plates 108c, 108d, 706d.
In the embodiment shown in
The recessed region 112 of the cubicle panel 104 is approximately rectangular in the embodiment shown, and located in a top corner region of the cubicle panel 104. In alternative embodiments, the recessed region 112 may be sized or shaped differently, and/or may be located away from a corner region of the cubicle panel 104.
In the embodiment being described, the recessed region 112 is located at the top of a panel 104, and a further recessed region (not shown) and further hinge assembly (not shown) are located at the bottom of the panel 104. In alternative or additional embodiments, the recessed regions 112 may be spaced from the top and bottom of the panel 104.
In the embodiment being described, the shower door 102 is closed when the shower door 102 is perpendicular to the cubicle panel 104. This arrangement may be used, for example, when two panels 102, 104 are used to enclose a corner of a room, walls of the room providing the remaining two sides of a shower cubicle with a rectangular cross section. In alternative embodiments, the shower door 102 is closed when the shower door 102 is parallel to the cubicle panel 104. This arrangement may be used, for example, when a wall of the shower cubicle has a length of two or more panels 102, 104. The skilled person will appreciate that other angles may be appropriate for other shower cubicle geometries.
In the embodiment being described, the first and second hinge members 106, 108 are substantially symmetrical (in overall shape, even if the parts 106a, 106b are not symmetrical). Each hinge member 106, 108 has a body portion 118a, 118b arranged to be connected to a panel 102, 104. Each hinge member 106, 108 has a neck portion 116a, 116b, extending from its respective body portion 118a, 118b.
In the embodiment being described with respect to
In the embodiment being described with respect to
Each neck portion 116a, 116b extends over a portion of the height of the respective body portion 118a, 118b from which it extends. In the embodiment being described, each neck portion 116a, 116b extends over half of the height of the respective body portion 118a, 118b. As such, when the body portions 118a, 118b are vertically aligned and oriented for connection, the neck portions 116a, 116b are vertically adjacent to each other. The neck portions 116a, 116b are coupled together so as to form the hinge.
The portion of the height of the body portion 118a, 118b from which the neck portion 116a, 116b does not extend forms a cooperating surface 114a, 114b arranged to cooperate with the neck portion 116b, 116a of the opposing hinge member 108, 106. The neck portion 116a, 116b of each hinge member 106, 108 therefore extends from the respective body portion 118a, 118b and is arranged to lie vertically adjacent to the neck portion 116b, 116a extending from the other hinge member 108, 106 and horizontally adjacent to the cooperating surface 114b, 114a of the body portion 118b, 118a of the other hinge member 108, 106.
The cooperating surface 114a, 114b of each body portion 118a, 118b and a surface of the opposing neck portion 116b, 116a are shaped to cooperate with each other, as shown in
In the embodiments being described, the first hinge member 106 and the second hinge member 108 are at least substantially symmetrical and at least substantially are mirror images of each other, such that the hinge assembly 100 is unhanded.
The cooperating surface 114a, 114b of the body portion 118a, 118b and the opposing neck portion 116b, 116a are shaped to cooperate with each other such that, as the angle between the panels 102, 104 decreases, the cooperating surface of the body portion 118a, 118b of one hinge member 106, 108 is received within a space provided by the narrowing of the other hinge member 108, 106 in the region of the neck portion 116b, 116a of that hinge member. The neck portion 116a, 116b being narrower than the body portion 118a, 118b therefore provides additional space for the opposing body portion 118b, 118a to move into, as compared to a neck portion having the same width as the body portion.
In the embodiment being described, the cooperating surface 114a, 114b of each body portion 118a, 118b is substantially flat for at least 50% of the width of the body portion. The end region of each body portion 118a, 118b is curved at each side, bringing the sides in to meet the substantially flat area of the cooperating surface 114a, 114b. In the embodiment being described, the curvature is relatively gradual (around point D in
In the embodiment being described, the curvature can be modelled as two adjacent segments of semi-circles. The segment leading away from the bulk of the body portion 118a, 118b has an effective diameter of 20 mm. The segment leading on from that to the substantially flat area has an effective diameter of 6 mm.
In the embodiment being described, the neck portion 116a, 116b is curved. In particular, the neck portion 116a, 116b is substantially semi-circular.
In the embodiment being described, the neck portion 116a, 116b is narrower than the body portion 118a, 118b. As a result, space is provided for the opposing body portion 118b, 118a, as shown in
Where the neck portion 116a, 116b joins the body portion 118a, 118b, the hinge member 106, 108 is curved. In the embodiment being described, a substantially S-shaped curve is formed at each side of the hinge member 106, 108. Modelling the curve as a combination of two segments of semi-circles, facing in opposite directions, the effective diameter is 20 mm at both point B and point C, as marked in
The cooperating surface 114b, 114a of each body portion 118b, 118a is substantially parallel to the tangent (line marked T in
A hinge pin 110 forms the hinge axis of the hinge assembly 106, 108. The hinge pin 110 is connected between the first and second neck portions 116a, 116b.
In the embodiment being described, the hinge pin 110 is a separable element which is engagingly received in a cavity within each of the first and second hinge members 106, 108. In alternative embodiments, the hinge pin 110 may be formed integrally with either the first hinge member 106 or the second hinge member 108, and be engagingly received by the other.
A pad 111 is provided between the neck portions 116a, 116b. The pad may be described as an anti-abrasion pad 111 as it is arranged to provide a low-friction and hard-wearing surface to facilitate relative rotation of the neck portions 116a, 116b in use. The anti-abrasion pad 111 is connected to the uppermost surface of the second neck portion 116b and allows the first neck portion 116a to rotate smoothly above it. In addition, the pad is arranged to reduce or prevent any frictional movement, and to reduce or prevent movement of the return panel when it is released.
In the embodiment being described, a locking screw 113 is provided. The locking screw 113 is arranged to prevent the hinge pivot from moving out of position.
In the embodiment being described, a stop-pad 120 is provided on each cooperating surface 114a, 114b. Each stop-pad 120 extends across the substantially flat area of the cooperating surface 114a, 114b in this embodiment; in alternative or additional embodiments, the stop-pad 120 may extend across the whole of the cooperating surface 114a, 114b, and/or multiple separate stop-pads 120 may be provided to cover different areas of the cooperating surface 114a, 114b.
In alternative or additional embodiments, one or more stop-pads 120 may be provided on the surface of the neck portion 116a, 116b instead of, or as well as, on the cooperating surface 114a, 114b of the body portion 118a, 118b.
The stop-pad 120 is arranged to cushion the hinge. In particular, the stop-pad 120 is arranged to reduce scratching or scraping between the neck portion 116a, 116b and the opposing cooperating surface 114b, 114a.
The stop-pad 120 is made of a resilient material. In the embodiment being described, Acetal is used. In alternative or additional embodiments, Nylon 6,6 or another suitable material may be used.
In the embodiment being described, the stop-pad 120 is substantially planar.
The stop-pad 120 comprises two projections 122a, 122b from its rear face. In use, the projections 122a, 122b fit engagingly into corresponding indentations 124a, 124b in the cooperating surface 114a, 114b. In the embodiment being described, the projections 122a, 122b are made of the same resilient, compliant material as the rest of the stop-pad 120, and are held into the indentations 124a, 124b by friction, after being compressed to fit within the indentations 124a, 124b. In additional or alternative embodiments, adhesive and/or a different connection means may be used to connect the stop-pad 120 to the cooperating surface (or to the surface of the neck portion 116a, 116b, in relevant embodiments).
In
As can be seen in
In the embodiment being described, the cover 300 is made of plastic. In the embodiment being described, the cover 300 has a colour and surface finish chosen based on aesthetic considerations. The skilled person will appreciate that additional or alternative materials could be used in additional or alternative embodiments, for example metal.
In alternative embodiments, the second hinge member 108 is provided as a single body, without a plastic cover 300/second part. In such embodiments, no step 130 may be present and the hinge member 108 may instead have a smooth profile. The skilled person will appreciate that the same can apply to the first hinge member 106.
As shown in
The hinge member 706 therefore has an integrated bottom H-section to allow the end of the aluminium section 770 to be enclosed within the hinge member 706. The plates 706a, 706b are spaced so as to allow the frame 770 to fit therebetween, and shaped to match the step between the frame 770 and the face of the panel 702, so that the hinge member 706 forms an engaging fit to both the frame 770 and the panel 702. There is therefore no need to remove the aluminium section 770 before fitting the hinge member. The hinge member 706 provides the required space to incorporate and hide a part of the bottom aluminium section 770. End piece 770a of the aluminium section 770 may be removed to allow the hinge member 706 to be fitted flush with the edge of the panel 702.
The installation of the hinge member 706 is therefore a simple procedure, and a neat transition from the aluminium section 770 to the hinge member 706. The bottom aluminium section 770 remains water-tight even after the installation of the hinge 706, as no seals are removed or cut.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1710442.3 | Jun 2017 | GB | national |
This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/GB2018/051820, filed Jun. 28, 2018, which claims the benefit of and priority to United Kingdom Priority Application No. 1710442.3, filed Jun. 29, 2017. The entire disclosures of International Application No. PCT/GB2018/051820 and United Kingdom Priority Application No. 1710442.3, including their specifications, drawings, claims and abstracts, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/GB2018/051820 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Child | 16723849 | US |
