Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adjustable hinge for doors, windows and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a hinge which provides for in-situ adjustment of the door leaf, window casement or the like, relative to the frame. While the specification and preferred embodiments may have particular application to doors and windows, the invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to any situation in which a hinge is employed.

Background to the invention

Adjustable hinges are known. In one known type, the hinge pin is provided within a cylindrical space of larger dimensions so that the pin can move within. However, such adjustment brings about movement in the horizontal direction aligned with the plane of the door together with movement in a horizontal direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the door. Movement along a substantially horizontal axis in the plane of the door is generally referred to x-axis adjustment. Movement along a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the plane of the door is referred to as y-axis adjustment. The difficulty with the described prior art is that x-axis adjustment is not independent from y-axis adjustment.

Adjustment along a single axis is known in the prior art. In one known form, the hinge pin is received within a bush 8 which is housed within a hinge knuckle having a gap 15 sufficient to enable movement of the hinge knuckle along the x-axis. An adjustment mechanism is provided to bring about relative adjustment between two parts which have oblique engaging surfaces. With the oblique engaging surfaces, relative adjustment along one axis brings about relative adjustment along a perpendicular axis to achieve the desired adjustment for the hinge. In most of the embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is located to the side of the bush 8 which leads to a bulky arrangement for the knuckle 42. Additionally, having the screw 50 on the side may lead to instability with more force applied to that side of the hinge axis. Finally, many of the illustrated embodiments would be difficult, if not impossible to manufacture and assemble. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable hinge which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the above mentioned problems. An alternative object is to provide the public with a useful choice over known hinges.

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment, or any form of suggestion, that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.

Summary of the Invention

Two-part inner guide and mutually engaging surfaces on both sides In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable hinge for doors windows and the like, the hinge including: at least two relatively moveable hinge parts, at least one of which is for attachment to the door leaf, window casement or the like and at least one other is for attachment to the frame of the door, window or the like, the at least two relatively moveable hinge parts each including a knuckle portion, the at least first and second knuckle portions being arranged one above the other; a pin assembly defining a hinge axis, the pin assembly extending through at least said first and second knuckle portions, said pin assembly permitting relative rotation of said first and second knuckle portions about said hinge axis, said pin assembly including an axially moveable portion received within the first knuckle portion, the axially moveable portion being moveable relative to the first knuckle portion in a longitudinal direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis; the first knuckle portion including an outer portion and an inner guide which is rotationally fixed relative to the outer portion, the inner guide being formed in two parts, the axially moveable portion and the inner guide being provided with mutually engaging surfaces arranged obliquely to the hinge axis, with a first set of the mutually engaging surfaces being arranged on one side of the axially movable portion and one part of the inner guide with a second set of the mutually engaging surfaces being arranged on the other side of the axially movable portion and the other part of the inner guide, wherein the axially moveable portion is selectively moveable relative to the inner guide in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis with consequent movement of said first knuckle portion relative to the hinge axis along a first axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis.

Any of the features set out below in connection with the second aspect of the invention may have application to the first aspect of the invention.

Adjustment features coaxial with hinge axis and two part inner guide In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided, an adjustable hinge for doors windows and the like, the hinge including: at least two relatively moveable hinge parts, at least one of which is for attachment to the door leaf, window casement or the like and at least one other is for attachment to the frame of the door, window or the like, the at least two relatively moveable hinge parts each including a knuckle portion, the at least first and second knuckle portions being arranged one above the other; a pin assembly defining a hinge axis, the pin assembly extending through at least said first and second knuckle portions, said pin assembly permitting relative rotation of said first and second knuckle portions about said hinge axis, said pin assembly including an axially moveable portion received within the first knuckle portion, the axially moveable portion being moveable relative to the first knuckle portion in a longitudinal direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis; the first knuckle portion including an outer portion and an inner guide which is rotationally fixed relative to the outer portion, the inner guide being formed in two parts, the axially moveable portion and the inner guide being provided with mutually engaging surfaces arranged obliquely to the hinge axis such that relative movement of the axially moveable portion and the inner guide in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis facilitates movement of the first knuckle portion relative to the hinge axis along a first axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis; wherein the pin assembly includes one or more adjustment features which are coaxial with the hinge axis, the adjustment features being selectively operable to move the axially moveable portion relative to the inner guide in a direction along or

substantially parallel to the hinge axis, with consequent movement of said first knuckle portion relative to the hinge axis along said first axis.

For future reference in this specification, the plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis will be referred to as the transverse plane. Adjustment in this plane may include either x-axis adjustment or y-axis adjustment. Movement along this transverse plane in a direction aligned with the plane of the door is generally referred to x-axis adjustment. Movement along this transverse plane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the door is referred to as y-axis adjustment. Movement in the height direction, i.e. along or parallel to the hinge axis, is referred to as z-axis adjustment. Each hinge part may include a knuckle portion and a plate portion. Thus, y-axis adjustment occurs in the plane of the plate portion whereas x-axis adjustment occurs substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate portion.

The one or more adjustment features may take a variety of forms which are coaxial with the hinge axis. For example, the axially moveable member may be threadingly engaged with the pin such that rotation of the pin gives rise to movement of the axially moveable member in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis. This avoids use of a separate adjustment member. To facilitate rotation of the pin, the end of the pin may be provided with a key hole such as an alien key or hex key socket, for adjustment with a suitable transverse adjustment tool.

In another form of the invention, a separate transverse adjustment member may be provided, the transverse adjustment member being coaxial with the hinge axis so that it does not add to the overall footprint of the first knuckle portion or the hinge. Preferably, the transverse adjustment member is a threaded adjustment member such as a screw which engages in an internally threaded bore of the axially moveable portion. The threaded adjustment member is suitably fixed against axial movement relative to the knuckle portion in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis. Accordingly, the axially moveable portion is moved along the hinge axis as the transverse adjustment member is operated. Preferably, the head of the screw is fixed against axial movement relative to the first knuckle portion by being received in a substantially annular recess of the first knuckle portion.

One benefit of the adjustment features or adjustment member being coaxial, is that the sides of the axially moveable portion are free for arrangement of the mutually engaging surfaces on both sides. This provides a greater level of stability as the axially moveable portion moves within the first knuckle portion.

The pin assembly may include a pin with bushes, one bush corresponding to each knuckle portion. One of the bushes may define the axially moveable portion of the pin assembly. One of the bushes may be fixed relative to the pin sinc6 it is only necessary that one of the bushes is able to rotate relative to the pin to enable the pin assembly to function. In another alternative form of the pin assembly, the axially moveable portion and the pin may be unitary. Provided that the pin is rotatable within another bush, then the hinge will still function to permit relative rotation between the knuckle portions. While in some embodiments, the axially movement portion may be in the form of a bush, the invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the axially moveable portion may comprise a collar or sleeve with one or more internal bushes permitting relative rotation between the pin and the collar or sleeve.

In one preferred embodiment, there may be independent axial adjustment permitted in each knuckle portion. For example, one knuckle portion may permit x-axis adjustment and another knuckle portion may permit y-axis adjustment. For this purpose, each knuckle portion may have an associated axially moveable portion which is moveable relative to its associated knuckle portion in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis. On each axially moveable portion and its associated knuckle portion, there may be mutually engaging surfaces arranged at an oblique angle to bring about the required adjustment.

The inner guide is provided in two parts for assembly with the axially moveable portion and assembly into the outer portion. For example, the division of the inner guide may be along a diametrical plane to form two half-annular shells. Suitably, the inner guide and the outer portion are shaped to prevent relative rotational movement therebetween. For example, a key may be provided on one part with a keyway on the other. The inner guide and the outer portion may have complementary splines.

The inner guide may be moveable relative to the outer portion in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis, in order to achieve z-axis adjustment. Thus, a z-axis adjustment mechanism may be provided to adjust the relative axial relationship between the inner guide and the outer portion. This is preferably in the form of an adjustable spacer which threadingly engages with the outer portion and bears against the inner guide to hold the inner guide in position while the outer portion is moved along the z-axis.

Preferably, the spacer has a keyhole shaped for a tool such as an alien key (also known as a hex key). Suitably, the transverse adjustment feature/member also has a keyhole shaped for a tool. In a most preferred form of the invention, the keyhole in the spacer is larger than the keyhole for transverse adjustment so that transverse adjustment can be achieved by inserting the transverse adjustment tool through the keyhole of the spacer to access the keyhole for transverse adjustment. The mutually engaging surfaces may come in various different forms. In a first form of the invention, a projection may be provided on the axially moveable portion which engages with a ramp surface on the first knuckle portion. Alternatively, a ramp surface may be provided on the axially moveable portion to engage with a projection on the first knuckle portion.

Either way, a tongue and groove arrangement is possible. The tongue may include two oblique surfaces which are received within a groove having two spaced walls, each of which define an oblique surface. > Instead of a groove, there may be a through-slot.

In an alternative arrangement, one part may have shoulders which extend obliquely and the other part may have an undercut which extends obliquely.

The oblique surfaces may be planar or helical. The groove or slot may have a defined length, with the end points defining the extent of permitted transverse adjustment. Preferably, a first set of the mutually engaging surfaces is arranged on one side of the axially movable portion and a corresponding side of the first knuckle portion with a second set of the mutually engaging surfaces being arranged on the other side of the axially movable portion and a corresponding side of the first knuckle portion. The arrangement of the mutually engaging surfaces may be such to permit adjustment in any direction in a plane transverse to the hinge axis. However, it is preferred that the adjustment occurs either in the direction aligned with the plate portion of the hinge part (this facilitates y- axis adjustment) or alternatively, a direction perpendicular to this (x-axis adjustment). As will be appreciated, x-axis adjustment ensures that the door is able to close within the frame and that the locks or latches work correctly. Y-axis adjustment ensures that the door rests against the abutting surface of the frame or adjusts the sealing action of the door.

In a most preferred form of the invention, the second knuckle portion houses a second axiajly moveable portion, the second knuckle portion and the second axially moveable portion having mutually engaging surfaces arranged obliquely to the hinge axis, wherein the axial position of the second axially moveable portion is adjustable relative to the second knuckle portion in a direction substantially along or parallel to the hinge axis to effect adjustment of the second knuckle portion along a second axis in the plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis.

Preferably the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. Thus, x-axis adjustment may be achieved in the first knuckle portion and y-axis adjustment may be achieved in the second knuckle portion.

Since the two knuckle portions are located one above the other, the y-axis adjustment is preferably achieved through the top of the hinge and X-axis adjustment is preferably achieved through the bottom of the hinge or vice versa. As explained previously, z-axis adjustment is also possible by moving the inner guide relative to the outer portion of the knuckle portion. This z- axis adjustment may be operable in both knuckle portions of a two-knuckle portion hinge and in the upper and lower knuckle portions of a three-knuckle portion hinge. Accordingly, z-axis adjustment may be achieved through the top of the upper knuckle portion and the bottom of the lower knuckle portion. Independent x- and y-axis adjustment

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable hinge for doors windows and the like, the hinge including: at least two relatively moveable hinge parts, at least one of which is for attachment to the door leaf, window casement or the like and at least one other is for attachment to the frame of the door, window or the like, the at least two relatively moveable hinge parts each including a knuckle portion, the at least first and second knuckle portions being arranged one above the other and being relatively pivotable about a hinge axis; . wherein a first adjustment mechanism is provided within the first knuckle portion for adjustment of the first knuckle portion along a first axis in a transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis; and a second adjustment mechanism is provided within the second knuckle portion for adjustment of the second knuckle portion along a second axis in said transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis; wherein adjustment along the first axis is independent from adjustment along the second axis.

Preferably, the first and second axes are perpendicular, the first axis defining the x-axis and the second axis defining the y-axis. Any of the features described above in connection with the first or second aspects of the invention may be applied to the third aspect of the invention.

As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Brief description of the figures

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described by way of example, with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of an adjustable hinge according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partly assembled view of the adjustable hinge of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a top view of the hinge of Figure 1 , when assembled;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable hinge according to Figure 1, when assembled; Figure 5 is an exploded view of an adjustable hinge according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable hinge of Figure 5, except shown in assembled configuration;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of an adjustable hinge according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of an adjustable hinge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 9 is an exploded view of an adjustable hinge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an adjustable hinge 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The adjustable hinge 10 includes two relatively movable hinge parts 12, 14, disposed one on top of the other in the conventional fashion. The knuckle portions 12, 14 are relatively rotatable about a hinge axis which is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the pin 16. The hinge axis is not shown in this embodiment but see Figure 5. The upper hinge part 12 includes a first knuckle portion 13 and a plate portion 18. The lower hinge part 14 includes a second knuckle portion 17 and a plate portion 18. One of the plate portions 18 is mounted to the door leaf, window casement or the like whereas the other plate portion 18 is mounted to the frame of the door leaf, window casement or the like.

A pin assembly 20 comprises the pin 16 and a first axially movable portion 22 and a second axially movable portion 24. The pin assembly 20 extends through the first and second knuckle portions 13, 17 in the manner most clearly illustrated in Figure 4. The pin 16 is secured to the second axially movable portion by means of securing pin 26. The first axially movable portion 22 is in the form of a bush which is rotatable relative to hinge pin 16. The second axially movable portion 24 is also in the form of bush 24, although this does not rotate relative to hinge pin 16 by virtue of securing pin 26.

The first knuckle portion 1 is made up of an outer portion 28 and an inner guide 30 in the form of two hollow half-annular shells 32, 34. The shells 32, 34 form a hollow cylindrical enclosure about the first axially movable portion 22. Likewise, the second knuckle portion 17 is also formed of an outer portion 36 and an inner guide 38 made up of two hollow half-annular shells 40, 42 which form a hollow enclosure about the second axially movable portion 24.

Each inner guide 30, 38 has an associated washer 44, 46. Each washer has two _< projections 48, 50 which locate in a respective recess 52, 54, one on each shell 32, 34. In the assembled configuration, the washers 44, 46 bear against each other. Since the knuckle portions 13, 17 with their inner guides 30,.38 rotate relative to one another, the washers 44, 46 reduce the frictional resistance therebetween and for this purpose are preferably constructed of nylon or a similar material.

Each of the inner guides 30, 38 includes four male splines 56 each of which locate in corresponding female spline 58 in the associated outer portion 28, 36. This prevents the inner guides 30, 38 from rotating relative to their associated knuckle portions 28, 36.

The first axially movable member 22 includes a first set of projections 60 located on one side thereof and a second set of projections 62 located on the other side thereof. Each of the second projections 62 locates in a respective groove 64 on the inside of the facing shell 34. Likewise, each of the projections 60 locates in a respective groove on the inside of the facing shell 32. However, these grooves cannot be seen in Figure 1. Each projection 60, 62 with its corresponding groove 64, defines mutually engaging surfaces arranged obliquely to the hinge axis. 45° is a preferred angle, although other angles are permissible. The angles on the projection and the groove are complementary. The first axially movable portion 22 is internally threaded at a top end to receive a transverse adjustment member 68 in the form of a screw. The screw 68 has a head 70 which is received within recesses 72 provided at the top end of shells 32, 34. The screw 68 is therefore constrained against movement in a direction along or parallel to the hinge axis. Therefore, rotation of the screw 68 will move the first axially adjustable member 22 either up or down, depending upon the direction of rotation of the screw 68. Because of the mutually engaging projections 60, 62 and grooves 64, the first axially movable member 22 does not rotate within the inner guide 30. Instead, the first axially adjustable member 22 will move either up or down, depending upon the direction of rotation of the screw 68, in a direction aligned with or parallel to the hinge axis. Because of the movement of the projections 60, 62 within the grooves 64, this will bring about consequent movement of the inner guide 30 along a first axis indicated by arrows Y in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis. As the adjustment will be in the direction corresponding to the plate portion 18 of the hinge part 12, this will correspond to y-axis adjustment. The screw 68 is adjusted by inserting a transverse adjustment tool (not shown) into the hex slot 73 in the head 70 of the screw 68. The direction along the first axis Y will depend upon the direction of rotation of the screw 68. The permissible adjustment along the y axis is +/- 2mm.

Likewise, the second axially movable portion 24 also engages with screw 74 which has a head 76 received within recesses 78 at the bottom end of shells 40, 42.

Turning the screw 74 will also move the second axially movable portion 24 up or down, depending upon the direction of rotation of the screw 74. As can be seen from Figure 1, the second axially movable member has a set of projections 80 on one side thereof, each of which engages in respective groove 82 on the inside of facing shell 42. The other side also has a second set of projections 84, each of which engage in a respective groove 86 in the other shell 40 (see Figure 4). Upon rotation of the screw 74, the second axially movable member 24 will move up or down with consequent movement of the inner guide 38 along a second axis X along a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis. The inner guide 38 is fitted within the outer portion 36 to bring about a corresponding movement of the outer portion 36. As the movement in the direction indicated by arrows X is perpendicular to the plane of the plate portion 18, this will bring about movement of the door leaf along the x-axis. The direction of movement along the x-axis will depend upon the direction of rotation of the screw 74. The permissible adjustment along the x axis is +/- 1mm.

As has already been explained, the inner guides 30, 38 are received within their respective outer portions 28, 36. Male splines 56 which locate within female splines 58 prevent relative rotational movement. However, relative axial movement in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis is possible. The shell 32 is shaped with a base portion 90 which seats within a recess of the outer portion 28. The base 90 thus defines a seat or a lower limit for the outer portion 28. The upper end of the outer portion 28 has an internal thread which threadingly receives an externally threaded spacer 92. The spacer 92 has a keyhole 94 in the form of hex slot into which a correspondingly shaped tool may be inserted to adjust the position of the spacer 92. As the spacer 92 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the spacer 92 will bear against an upper part of the inner guide 30 while moving the outer portion 28 upwardly. This permits adjustment in one direction along the z axis as indicated by arrow Z _\ . The permissible adjustment along the z axis is + 3mm.

The keyhole 94 is a through-slot. It will be observed that keyhole 94 is larger than keyhole 72, which enables access to the keyhole 72 through the keyhole 94. See also Figure 3.

Likewise, the shells 40, 42 are provided with upper flanges 98 which seat within a corresponding recess in outer portion 36. Threaded spacer 96 is received within a lower end of the outer portion 36. As the spacer 96 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the top of the spacer 96 will bear against the bottom of the inner guide 38, maintaining the inner guide 38 in position while the outer portion 36 moves downwardly in a direction indicated by arrow Z ₂ . The permissible adjustment along the z axis is + 3mm. Accordingly, the sum total of permissible adjustment in the Z direction will be a combination of Zj and Z ₂ = 6mm.

The spacer 96 has a through-keyhole 100 to enable access to screw 74. Both of the spacers 92, 96 are capped by a respective cap 102, 104. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment which has many features in common with the first embodiment. Accordingly, where the parts are the same or substantially the same, like reference numerals will be used to represent like parts. Where parts have been changed or adapted for the second embodiment, the prime symbol (') will be used to indicate where a particular part has been changed for the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the outer portion 28 and the plate portion 18 of the first hinge part 12 are the same as with the first embodiment. Likewise, the outer portion 36 and the plate portion 18 of the second hinge part 14 are also the same as the first embodiment. The z axis adjustment achieved with spacers 92 and 96 is the same. The main changes are to be found in the pin assembly 20'. The pin 16' is no longer separate from the two axially movable portions. Rather, the pin 16' is unitary with the second axially movable portion 24'. The first axially movable portion 22' is still rotatably mounted on pin 16' such that the hinge parts 12, 14 can rotate about the hinge axis 15. Additionally, the first axially movable portion 22' can move axially along the pin 16' which permits axial movement of the first axially movable portion 22' relative to the inner guide 30' in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis 15. This relative axial movement also permits the second axially movable portion 24' and the pin 16' to move relative to the inner guide 38' in a direction along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis 15.

Another difference is that the axially movable portion 22' is provided with grooves 61 on both sides (only one of which can be seen). Shells 32', 34' are each provided with cooperating projections 63 (only one of which can be seen). These grooves 61 and projections 63 define the mutually engaging surfaces arranged obliquely to the hinge axis 15. The screw 68 operates in a similar fashion to the first embodiment by adjusting the axial position of the first axially movable member 22' relative to the inner guide 30'. This brings about Y axis adjustment as indicated by arrows Y. The actual direction of movement along the y axis depends upon the direction of rotation of the screw 68.

There is one feature which is also found in the first embodiment but is probably more apparent from Figure 6. It will be understood that the inner guide 30', made up of shells 32', 34' is fitted within the outer portion 28 (and similarly for inner guide 38' within outer portion 36). As the adjustment within the first hinge part 12 takes place, it will be appreciated that the hinge axis 15 is fixed by virtue of the lower part of the pin assembly 20' (including pin 16' and second axially moveable portion 24') being fixed within the lower hinge part 14. Thus, any relative movement along a transverse plane perpendicular to the hinge axis occurs with movement of the inner guide 30' and the outer portion 28 relative to the first axially moveable portion 22'. The gap to accommodate such movement is indicated in Figure 6 by reference numeral 23.

Additionally, the screw 68 will move in a corresponding fashion within the recesses 72 of the shells 32', 34'.

The second axially movable portion 24' also has grooves 81 on both sides thereof, while the shells 40', 42' each have corresponding projections 83. The screw 74 is substantially the same as the screw 74 in the first embodiment and rotation of this screw 74 will cause the second axially movable portion 24' to move along or substantially parallel to the hinge axis 15, bringing about corresponding movement of the shells 40', 42' in a direction along the x axis as indicated by arrows X. The actual direction of movement along the x axis depends upon the direction of rotation of the screw 74. Figure 7 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Where the parts are the same or substantially the same, like reference numerals have been used. Where the parts differ, the prime symbol (") will indicate where they differ for the third embodiment.

The outer portion 28 and the plate portion 18 of the upper hinge part 12 are substantially the same as with the first and second embodiments. Likewise, the outer portion 36 and the plate portion 18 of the lower hinge part 14 are also substantially the same as with the first two embodiments.

In this embodiment, the pin has a threaded portion 100 which threadingly engages with an internally threaded portion on the axially movable portion 24". Thus, rotation of the pin 16" moves the axially movable portion 24" up or down relative to the inner guide 38". As with the first embodiment, projections 80, 84 engage within grooves 82, 86 in the shells 40", 42" of the inner guide 38".

The pin 16" has a hex socket (not shown) at the bottom which can be accessed by an appropriate tool to rotate the pin 16" which moves the axially adjustable portion 24" up or down, with consequent movement of the inner guide 38" in the x axis direction as indicated by arrows X. The actual direction of movement along the x axis depends upon the direction of rotation of the pin 16 " .

Figure 8 is a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The overall architecture of the adjustable hinge 110 is substantially different. The hinge includes a first part 112 which includes a plate portion 1 14 integrally connected to two knuckle portions 116, 118 which are spaced one above each other. A second hinge part 120 has a plate portion 122 and a knuckle portion 124. The plate portion 114 of the first hinge part 112 is shaped as a C shape with the knuckle portions 116, 118 arranged at the ends thereof. This provides an intermediate gap into which the second hinge part 120 is received. The plate portion 122 fits within the gap of the plate portion 114 and the knuckle portion 124 aligns with the upper and lower knuckle portions 116, 118.

Pin assembly 130 comprises a pin 132 which defines a hinge axis. The pin has an externally threaded portion 134 which threadingly engages with an internally threaded portion on axially movable portion 136. Like the previous embodiment, the pin 132 includes a hex socket 138 so that rotation of the pin 132 moves the axially movable portion 136 up or down in a direction along the hinge axis, depending upon the direction of rotation of the pin 132. The knuckle portion 124 includes an outer portion 138 and an inner guide 140 made up of two part cylindrical guides 142, 144. Each of the guides have an elongate projection 146 arranged obliquely to the hinge axis. The axially movable portion 136 has complementary grooves 148 located on both sides, only one of which can be seen in Figure 8.

The guides 142, 144 have male splines which engage in female splines on the outer portion 138 to prevent rotational movement within the outer portion 138. When the axially movable portion 136 moves up and down along the hinge axis, the guides 142, 144 will move in a direction along the x axis as indicated by arrows X, bringing about a consequent adjustment of the second hinge part 120.

The pin assembly 130 also includes a first inner bush 150 and a second outer bush 152. The inner bush includes a lower projection 154 which locates between the two guides 142, 144 to prevent turning of the inner bush 150 relative to the guides. Outer bush 152 is rotatable relative to the inner bush 150 and allows pivoting of the upper knuckle portion 116 relative to the hinge axis. The outer bush 152 includes male splines which are located within female splines (not shown) in an upper guide 156. Upper guide 156 is also splined with the outer portion 158 of upper knuckle portion 1 16. Thus, upper guide 156 is precluded from rotating relative to the outer portion 158. However, the upper guide 156 may move axially relative to the outer portion 158 to achieve the z axis adjustment as with previous embodiments. The lower knuckle portion 118 also includes an outer portion 160 and an inner guide 162, with splined engagement therebetween. Inner guide 162 is movable relative to the outer portion 160 to achieve z axis adjustment as described with previous embodiments. Received within the inner guide 162 is second outer bush 164. The second outer bush 164 has a splined engagement with the inner guide 162. Second inner bush 166 is received within second outer bush 164 for rotational movement therebetween.

Base plate 168 is assembled at the base of the guides 142, 144. The base plate 168 has a lower recess 170 which engages with the projection 172 on the second inner bush 166. This prevents the second inner bush 166 from turning relative to the inner guide 140. However, the second inner bush 166 and the second outer bush 164 will rotate relative to one another to permit rotation of the lower knuckle portion 118 about the hinge axis.

Figure 9 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of an adjustable hinge 180. The architecture of the three-part hinge is substantially the same as with the previous embodiment and therefore like numerals will be used to represent like parts. The pin assembly 182 includes a pin 184 which has a threaded lower portion 186 received in first inner bush 206. The pin 184 is retrained from axially movement. A first axially movable portion 188 which is internally threaded is received on the pin 184 for up and down movement depending on rotation of the pin 184. The first axially movable portion 188 has projections 190 on both sides thereof which are received within respective grooves 192 on the two shells 194 of the inner guide 195. The inner guide 195 is splined within the outer portion 138 as with previous embodiments. Rotation of the pin 184 by a suitable tool being inserted into the hex socket 196 will move the first axially movable portion 188 up or down on the pin 184, bringing about consequent x axis adjustment of the guide 195 and the associated hinge part 120 in a direction along the x axis, as indicated by arrows X.

The two shells 194 have a base 200 which defines a recess 202 therebetween for receiving a complementary projection 204 on the top of a first inner bush 206. The inner bush 206 is thus prevented from rotating relative to the pin 184. The inner bush 206 is received within an outer bush 208 and the first inner bush 206 and the first outer bush 208 are relatively rotatable to effect rotation of the lower knuckle portion 118 about the hinge axis. The outer bush 208 is received within threaded member 210 which threadingly engages with second axially movable portion 212. The second axially movable portion 212 is received within the second inner guide 214 which is non-rotatingly received within the outer portion 160.

The threaded member 210 is selectively rotatable by using a suitable tool (not shown) inserted into the keyhole (not shown) in a lower part thereof. Rotation of the threaded member 210 brings about axial movement of the second axially movable portion 212 along the hinge axis, with consequent adjustment of the inner guide 214 and the outer portion 160 along the y axis as indicated by arrows Y ₂ . The direction depends upon the direction of rotation of the threaded portion 210.

An upper plate 198 has a pair of pins 214 which locate the plate 198 relative to the shells 194 of the inner guide 195. A second inner bush 216 has a lower projection 218 which engages within a corresponding shaped recess in the plate 198, preventing rotation of the second inner bush 216.

The second inner bush 216 is received within a second outer bush 222. The second outer bush 222 has a base plate 224 which is complementary in shape to a recess provided on the shells 226 of the inner guide 228. The relative rotation permissible between the inner bush 216 and the outer bush 222 enables the knuckle portion 116 to rotate about the hinge axis. The inner guide 228 is splined within the outer portion 158.

Mounted on the outer bush 222 is externally threaded member 230 which has a keyhole slot 232 to permit rotation of the threaded member 230. The threaded member threadingly engages with the third axially movable portion 234. Adjustment of the threaded member 230 through the use of a suitable tool permits the second axially movable portion 234 to move up or down along the hinge axis and achieve the desired y axis adjustment as indicated by arrows Y _t .

At the top of the hinge 180, it can be seen that there are three permissible adjustments and three corresponding hex sockets 196, 232 and 94 to facilitate the necessary adjustments. The hex socket 196 at the top of the pin 184 is the smallest, with the hex socket 232 being larger. Finally, hex socket 94 is the largest. This permits adjustment by an appropriately sized tool into the appropriate hex socket for adjustment. In other words, to access hex socket 196, a tool can be inserted through hex sockets 94, 232, to be fittingly received in hex socket 196.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and further improvements or modifications are permissible within the scope of the present invention.