DOOR HINGE ASSEMBLY

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a door hinge assembly and a door mounted upon such a hinge assembly.

Background of Invention

There is a desire for improvements relating to door operation, since experience reveals that there are many avoidable injuries caused by doors mounted on conventional door hinges, and that such hinges do not last long enough. Injuries often occur because people get their fingers caught between the gap left at the hinged edge of the door and the frame.

A further problem with prior art doors is that they can remain open during a fire and as such a fire can become fanned by air passing through the open doorway. Automatic door closing mechanisms are know which close doors in the event of a fire but these are not as convenient as may be desired.

One such hinge assembly is shown in GB 2 363 417. However, users of the hinge shown in this document can still get their fingers caught between the rotating part between an extension of the hinge 22 and the door frame.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a door hinge assembly comprising a frame-support portion arranged to be fitted, in use, to a door frame, and a door-support portion arranged, in use, to be fitted to a door, the door support portion comprising a cylindrical

portion, an arm portion and a door attachment means arranged to attach to the door, the arm portion being arranged to support the attachment means at a distance from the cylindrical portion, the hinge assembly having an open position and a closed position and being further arranged such that a gap between the frame-support portion and the cylindrical portion remains substantially the same when the hinge assembly is in either the open or the closed positions and also substantially at any position in between the open and closed positions.

Such a hinge assembly is advantageous because it helps to ensure that a person cannot get his/her fingers trapped in a hinge of the door.

Conveniently the arm portion is arranged such that an axis of the arm portion either extends along a radius of the cylindrical portion or along a line parallel to a radius of the cylindrical portion. Arranging the arm portion such that an axis of the arm portion is parallel to a radius of the cylindrical portion is advantageous because it can help to extend the range over which the door can rotate before the arm portion contacts the frame- support portion thereby preventing further rotation.

The width of the arm portion may be less than diameter of the cylindrical portion. Again, such an arrangement is convenient because it can help to extend the range over which the door can be moved.

An axis of the arm portion conveniently intersects a radius of the cylindrical portion, substantially orthogonal to the axis, at a distance roughly two thirds of the distance from the centre of the cylindrical portion to the circumference of the cylindrical portion.

The cylindrical portion is substantially a hollow cylinder. Fabricating the cylindrical portion in this manner is convenient since it provides for a

lighter hinge assembly which helps to reduce the weight of door on which the hinge assembly is mounted.

The arm portion may further comprise a neck portion and a tapered portion, the tapered portion widening to substantially the width of the attachment means from the narrower neck portion. Providing an arm portion which is tapered is advantageous as it helps to increase the range of movement of a door attached to the hinge assembly; it can provide more movement before the arm portion contact the frame-support portion. A further advantage is that the amount of material used in the hinge assembly may be reduced.

The tapered portion mat be hollow and again, this helps to reduce the amount of material used in the hinge assembly and thereby reduces the weight of the hinge assembly.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical portion, the arm portion and the attachment means may be fabricated as a one piece extrusion. Such an arrangement provides for a strong door-support portion.

In a further embodiment the arm portion and the attachment means are separable from one another and such an arrangement is convenient as it allows a door to be removed from the hinge assembly without having the remove the attachment means to be removed from the door or the frame- support portion to be removed from the frame.

The arm portion and the attachment means may be provided with one or more connecting means allowing them to be releasably connected to one another.

The connecting means may further comprises a male portion on one of the

arm portion and the attachment means and a female receiving portion on the other of the arm portion and the attachment means. Such an arrangement is mechanically simple.

The female receiving portion may comprise a channel having a first end at which the male portion can enter the channel and a second end, distal from the first, at which the male portion cannot enter the channel. Such an arrangement allows a door to be hung or removed without the need for tools. Generally, the male portion will have a protrusion at an end region thereof which can be passed into the channel at the first end, moved toward the second end at which the protrusion cannot be removed from the channel thereby retaining the male member within the channel.

The first end of the channel is generally arranged to be above, and generally substantially vertically above, the second end of the channel.

The frame-support portion may comprise a portion having a curved portion of generally circular curvature of complimentary dimension to the door-support portion. Such an arrangement is a convenient way of keeping the gap between the frame support portion and the cylindrical portion constant.

The frame-support portion conveniently comprises a channel recessed into the surface of the curved portion which provides a convenient location in which to locate means used to attach the frame-support to a frame such as screw heads and the like without interfering with the operation of the hinge assembly.

Conveniently the channel contains fastening means arranged to allow the frame-support portion to be attached, in use, to a frame.

The fastening means may comprises one or more holes arranged to receive an attachment means such as a screw, a nail, a bolt or the like.

In one embodiment the frame-support portion comprises an extrusion which is convenient because it provides a structure having good properties .

A door operating system may be provided which comprises a motive means arranged, in use, to move a door supported by the hinge assembly between the open and closed positions and/or visa versa.

The door operating system may be arranged, in use, to be mounted substantially beneath a lowermost edge of a door and/or substantially above an upper most edge of a door supported, in use, by the hinge assembly. Such an arrangement is convenient because it mounts the door operating system out of the way so that it does not obstruct the door / door hinge assembly. Moreover, it may be convenient to divide the door operating system into two portions (one at the upper end region and one at the lower end region of the door hinge assembly) since this may allow each portion to be smaller than otherwise would be the case.

The door operating system may be arranged, in use, mounted substantially beneath floor level and/or substantially above ceiling level. Such an arrangement is advantageous as it allows the door operating system to be concealed which can help to increase the security thereof (i.e. prevent intruders and the like from tampering with it) and it may also help to protect the door operating system from fires, etc.

The motive means may comprise any one of the following: a fluid operated actuator, such as a gas spring; an electric motor; a spring.

The door operating system may comprise an arm arranged to act as a lever through which the motive means can act upon the hinge assembly. Such a lever is advantageous as it can increase the mechanical advantage of the motive means thereby facilitating control of the door.

The door operating system may comprise a locking mechanism arranged, in use, to prevent a door supported by the hinge assembly from moving. Such an arrangement is useful as it can allow the door to be locked in any one position. The locking mechanism may be arranged to prevent movement or may be arranged to prevent movement until a predetermined force has been applied thereto. Allowing movement after a predetermined force has been applied may be advantageous in situations in which the door is being used as a fire door. For example it may be desirable to allow movement of a door to allow people to escape or emergency services to enter even though it is desirable that the door is shut to prevent spread of the fire.

The locking mechanism may be arranged to lock the door in at least one of the open and closed positions. Further, the locking mechanism may comprise a solenoid.

Conveniently, the hinge assembly comprises a sensor arranged to determine, in use, when the hinge assembly is in the closed position. Such a sensor is convenient to provide an input to a means arranged to detect whether the door is open or closed, such as for example a burglar alarm, a prevention system, or the like.

The sensor may conveniently comprise any of one of the following: contact sensors; an optical sensor; a capacitive sensor or any other suitable sensing means.

In some embodiments rotation of the cylindrical portion may be constrained such that the arm portion cannot be moved closer than a predetermined distance from the frame-support portion. Such an arrangement is convenient as it further helps ensure that fingers cannot be trapped.

The predetermined distance may be on the order of 5mm to 12mm or any distance in between these extremes.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a door supported by a hinge assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a door- operating system which comprises a motive means arranged, in use, to move a door controlled thereby, the mechanism being characterised in that it is mounted substantially beneath a lowermost edge of a door and/or substantially above an upper most edge of a door controlled thereby.

A door-operating system which comprises a motive means arranged, in use, to move a door controlled thereby, the mechanism being characterised in that it is mounted substantially beneath a lowermost edge of a door and/or substantially above an upper most edge of a door controlled thereby.

The system may comprise an arm arranged to be rotated about an axis by the motive means. The axis may be substantially aligned with an axis about which the door rotates.

In embodiments of the invention the motive means may comprise any of the following: an electric motor; a pneumatic cylinder; an hydraulic

cylinder; a means of storing potential energy.

The door-operating system may be arranged, in use, to drive a hinge of a door operated by the system.

The door operating system may have any and advantages described in relation to the door-operating system of the first aspect of the invention and visa versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided, a specially designed, "long hinge" assembly, arranged to extend from the bottom of the door, to its top, along the vertical face of the door which normally carries the conventional hinge. The shape of the movable part of the hinge is such as to stand the hinge off, the said face of the door, so that fingers do not become trapped between the door and the door frame, when it is closed. Door hinge "finger protection" devices are known, but the present invention offers distinct advantages over such devices.

The accompanying, door-closure part, of the invention, may facilitate automatic door closure via an under-the -floor system which utilises a gas- spring assembly together with a solenoid-operated locking device. This latter holds the door in the open position against the operating force of the gas spring, by means of a pin which engages in a hole in a rotating plate attached to a shaft to which the door hinge assembly is fixed. In the closed configuration of the door assembly, the rotating plate may be arranged to also engage with a burglar alarm sensor switch which, in the activated, door-closed configuration of the door assembly, has its electrical contacts in the open configuration and will close its contacts in the event that the door is opened without permission.

Convenience of fitting the associated products in various environments is

important and this will dictate the various designs which are possible.

Since any such assembly must allow safe, and easy, opening and closing of the door associated with it, the mechanism must allow for this and, moreover, must not cause the door to close under a force, and in a manner, which is potentially injurious.

The design will vary according to whether or not the door is to open approximately or more, degrees, one way only; or 90 degrees or more, in either direction.

The loading of the bearings by the weight of the door may be a factor and the actual design may be dictated by this.

Although a gas-spring assembly can be used in the suggested way, it will be worth investigating methods which minimise the space required for the assembly. Thus, for instance, a motor driven gearbox could be used to open and close the door. The probable reason for conventional door closers being situated externally, is the accompanying ease of maintenance and ease of leverage.

Where an electric motor is being used, there will be heat developed, and this may necessitate cooling. One method would be to use a Peltier cooler (used in medical applications and for cooling microcomputer chips) which is based on the application of the Peltier Effect. Other embodiments may use other cooling means which includes one or more of the following: heat pumps, heat sink, fans and the like.

In order to describe the invention in more detail, reference will now be made to the accompanying diagrams, which are provided by way of example only, in which:

Figure 1 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of embodiments of the invention in the door open, configuration.

Figure 2 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of embodiments of the invention in the door closed, and door open, configurations.

Figure 3 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of embodiments of the invention in the door open, configuration.

Figure 4 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of particular embodiments of the invention.

Figure 5 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of particular embodiments of the invention.

Figure 6 shows, in schematic form, two diagrams of particular embodiments of the invention, with the door in the closed and open positions.

Figure 7 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door open configuration.

Figure 8 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door open configuration.

Figure 9 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of the various components of door operating system.

Figure 10 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door open, configuration.

Figure 11 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of the components of the door operating system in the door open, configuration.

Figure 12 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of the components of the door operating system in the door closed, configuration.

Figure 13 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door closed, configuration.

Figure 14 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door closed, configuration.

Figure 15 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional and two- dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door closed, configuration.

Figure 16 shows, in schematic form, two-dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door open, and door closed, configuration.

Figure 17 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional and two- dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating

system in the door open, configuration.

Figure 18 shows, in schematic form, three-dimensional and two- dimensional diagrams of the components of the door operating system in the door open, configuration but with an additional component which offers support within the system.

Figure 19 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, comprising a connecting means; and

Figure 20 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a door hinge assembly of an embodiment of the present invention mounted upon a door frame 7 and a door 2. The hinge assembly, the door 2 and the door frame 7 may be thought of a door system 1. The hinge assembly comprises a frame- support portion 6 which may be thought of as a support frame. In the present embodiment the support frame 6 is arranged to be mounted to an inner face of a door frame 7, and the hinge assembly is arranged to be mounted to an edge of the door 2 via a door-support portion.

In Figure 1 the hinge assembly extends for substantially the full height of the door 2. Similarly the support frame 6 extends for substantially the height of inner face of the door frame 7.

The door system of the present embodiment further comprises two bearing systems, BAU BAL which are attached to the door frame, 7. The bearing systems BAU BAL are arranged such that, when in use, they attach to the hinge assembly such that the door may rotate about a hinge axis with reduced friction.

Figure 1 further shows a door operating system 3 of an embodiment of the present invention. The door operating system 3 may be arranged to move the hinge assembly. In the present embodiment the door operating system is located beneath the hinge assembly and particularly beneath the floor underneath the hinge assembly. However in further embodiments the door operating system may be arranged above the hinge assembly. Furthermore the door operating system may be attached to any further part of the door frame or the door. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how to adapt the following embodiment accordingly.

The door operating system may be arranged to open the door, or may be arranged to close the door, or indeed both. The door operating system may further be arranged to maintain the door in either or an open or closed position. The activation means may be arranged to maintain the door in a partially ajar position. In the present embodiment the door operating system is provided by a gas-spring assembly, although it will readily be appreciated by a person skilled in the art how to adapt the present embodiment accordingly.

With reference to Figure 1 , which contains a schematic, three- dimensional, view, and enlarged views within circled areas, a door system, 1 , is shown with the door, 2, having a handle, H, held in its open configuration by means of a gas-spring assembly, 3, situated below floor level (the latter represented by plane, F) in a specially designed self- contained shallow rectangular box, 4, which is approximately 2 inches in depth. The box 4 may be thought of as a housing to contain the door- operating system. A specially shaped, long, hinge assembly, (door- support portion) 5, in the form of a hollow extrusion (i.e. door-support portion) , is attached to the door, 2, along an edge face, by means of screws (not shown) and is held within a supporting metal frame (i.e. a frame support portion) , 6 (which is itself attached to the door frame, 7)

having a U-shaped cross-section, by means of two parallel, rectangular shaped, oiled, felt pads, 8 A and 8B (not shown in the diagram; but shown in later diagrams) . The extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, is located within the door fame, 7, via upper and lower bearing assemblies, BAU and BAL, respectively. More detailed views of the door system are shown in later diagrams.

With reference to Figure 2, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, and enlarged views within circled areas, this is similar to Figure 1, but shows the door system as viewed from a slightly different direction, and also shows the door in the closed position. It also provides a slightly more detailed view of the extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, in shaded form. Other parts have already been described with reference to Figure 1 , and so are not described again.

With reference to Figure 3, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, and enlarged views within circled areas, this shows detailed views of the upper and lower regions of the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, and of the under floor operating system 3 contained within shallow rectangular box, 4. Other parts have already been described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and so are not described again. Other embodiments may or may not provide the box 4 although this is convenient in order to allow easy access to the door operating system 3.

With reference to Figure 4, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, this shows the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, and parts of the upper and lower bearing assemblies, BAU and BAL, which hold the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, in place within the supporting metal frame, 6. The upper bearing assembly, BAU, contains an upper, parallel bearing, UB, whilst the lower bearing assembly, BAL, contains a lower, taper bearing, LB. These bearing assemblies each

contain cylindrical and tapered holes, respectively, which accept the upper and lower bearing, respectively. The outer region of each bearing fits into a circular shaped void formed throughout the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, such that the upper end-face of the extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, is in contact with the lower horizontal face of a collar, UC, formed on the upper bearing, UB, and such that the lower end-face of the extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, is in contact with the upper horizontal face of a collar, LC, formed on the lower bearing, LB.

With reference to Figure 5, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, this is similar to Figure 4, but shows upper and lower, door locating pegs, UP and LP, respectively, together with oiled felt, hinge extrusion, supports, 8 A and 8B. The pegs, UP and LP, are utilised in fitting the door to the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, by locating them in corresponding holes in the end-face of the door which is eventually to be screwed to the flat face, FF, of the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, via screws fitting in pairs of holes such as HO.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention. From the Figure it is apparent that the hinge assembly 5 comprises a cylindrical portion 80, an arm portion 82, and a door attachment means 84. In the present embodiment the cylindrical portion 80 comprises a hollow cylinder, although it with be appreciated that a solid cylindrical portion may also be used. In this embodiment the cylindrical portion is cylindrical for substantially 270° although in other embodiments this may be different.

The arm portion 82 of the hinge assembly extends from cylindrical portion 80, and attaches to the door attachment means 84. It will be appreciated that an axis of the arm portion 82 may extend from various sections of the cylindrical portion. In the present embodiment an axis of

the arm portion 82 extends roughly at a tangent to the curvature of the cylinder portion. Although the invention need not be so limited, and the arm portion 82 may extend at any alternative angle.

The door attachment means 84 is arranged to attach the hinge assembly to the door 2, as indicted in Figure 6. The arm portion 82 is arranged to distance the cylindrical portion from the door attachment means; the arm portion 82 supports the attachment means at a distance from the cylindrical portion 80.

In the present embodiment the hinge assembly is constructed from an extruded material. However it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the cylindrical portion, the arm portion and the attachment means may be constructed as separate components and joined to one another.

Figure 6 further shows a plan view of one embodiment of the support frame 6, and the door frame 7. In this embodiment the support frame comprises the U-shaped portion. The U-shape portion comprising a frame attachment portion 86 arranged to abut a door frame 7 and two sealing arms 90,92. The frame attachment portion 86 is arranged such that the support frame may be attached to the door frame 7. The sealing arms 90,92 extend from the frame attachment portion 86 and are arranged to accommodate the cylindrical portion 80 of the hinge assembly. Sealing means 8 is positioned at inner end regions of the sealing arms 90,92, such that a seal is provided between the sealing arms 90,92 and the cylindrical portion 80 of the hinge assembly. It will be appreciated that in the present embodiment two sealing arms 90,92 are provided, however in further embodiments only one sealing arm may be provided.

In use, as the door rotates about the hinge axis (which in this embodiment

is substantially about an axis of the cylindrical portion 80) , the sealing arms90,92 remain in close proximity to the cylindrical portion 80 of the hinge assembly. Furthermore the arm portion 82 of the hinge assembly allows the door to be distanced from the rotation axis of the hinge assembly.

It will be appreciated that alternative configurations of support frame may be provided and Figure 20 details one such embodiment.

With reference to Figure 6, which contains schematic, two-dimensional, views, this shows plan views of the door hinge assembly in the open and closed configurations, and hence serves to demonstrate how the door system prevents entrapment of fingers between the hinge extrusion, (door- support portion) 5, and the door frame, 7, due to the extent of the stand- off effected by the design of the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5.

With reference to Figure 7, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, this shows the mechanism of the under-the-floor, door operating system. The door operating system comprises a motive means which in this embodiment is provided by a gas from spring assembly, GSA, which has a cylinder, CYL, a piston, P, and an operating rod, R, and is held in a cradle (not shown) which is supported on the floor of the rectangular box, 4. The outer end of the rod, R, is connected to the door operating arm, A, which can be rotated about an axis which is in the form of a splined shaft, SS, locked into arm, A, 5 and also locked into lower taper bearing, LB. Thus, since bearing, LB, is keyed to splined shaft, SS, and since the former is also locked, via keying, to hinge extrusion, (door- support portion) 5, arm, A, moves the door, 2. The connection between rod, R, and arm, A, is implemented via a locking pin, PN, which passes through corresponding holes, RHl and AHl in R, and A, respectively,

whilst the other end of the arm, A, has a hole, AH2 (not visible in this diagram) through which a solenoid operated locking-pin, SOLP (not visible in this diagram) passes, and which, in its locking configuration, prevents the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, and its associated door, 2, from rotating. The associated solenoid, shown as item, SOL, is mounted on the floor of the rectangular box, 4, whilst the lower bearing support, LBS, is bolted to the cover plate of the rectangular shaped box, 4.

In the configuration shown, the door is thus held in its open position. With further reference to Figure 7, the flat face of the hinge extrusion (door support portion) is shown as 5F, the cylindrical shaped void is shown as 5 V, and the cylindrical shaped outer section is shown as 5T.

With reference to Figure 8, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, this shows the mechanism of the under-the-floor, door operating system, as viewed from a different direction. This view thus clearly shows the solenoid, SOL, and the solenoid operated locking pin, SOLP. Other parts have already been described with reference to earlier Figures, and so are not described again.

With reference to Figure 9, which contains schematic, three-dimensional, views, this shows a "cut-down" representation of hinge extrusion, (door- support portion) 5, so that the upper and lower bearing supports, UBS and LBS, respectively, can be better seen in relation to other components. Other parts have already been described with reference to earlier Figures, and so are not described again.

With reference to Figure 10, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, views, this shows two orientations of the lower part of the door system, with the door in the open configuration. An additional

component which has not been referred to, so far, is the power supply unit, PSU, which converts mains voltage, to a safer, low voltage direct current supply, for operation of the solenoid. Mains Power Lines and other electrical cabling are not shown in the diagram, and since other parts shown in this diagram have already been described with reference to earlier Figures, they are not described again.

In other embodiments the motive means of the door operating system need not be electrically powered. For example, the motive means may store potential energy as the door is moved such as via compression and/or extension of a spring. The motive means may be hydraulically powered or via any other suitable power source.

With reference to Figure 11, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, views, this shows an enlarged view of one of the orientations shown in Figure 10, and since other parts shown in this diagram have already been described with reference to Figure 10, they are not described again.

With reference to Figure 12, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, views, this shows an enlarged view of the lower part of the door operating system, with the door in the closed position, and it can be seen that the piston, P, of the gas spring assembly, GSA, has now moved forwards, inside the cylinder, CYL, because the solenoid has pulled the solenoid locking pin, SOLP, out of the hole, AH2, in the door operating arm, A, thereby allowing the gas spring mechanism to open the door.

With reference to Figure 13, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, views, this is similar to Figure 12, but has the door removed in order to show more detail of the gas spring assembly.

With reference to Figure 14, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, views, this is similar to Figure 13, but has the door removed in order to show more detail of the gas spring assembly.

With reference to Figure 15, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, and two-dimensional views, this shows how the piston, P, in the gas spring assembly, GSA, has moved the rod, R, connected to arm, A, thereby rotating the hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5, and the door, 2, connected to it, to its closed position.

With reference to Figure 16, which contains schematic, two-dimensional views, this shows the positions of the piston, P, in the gas spring assembly, GSA, in the open and closed positions of the door, 2. Since parts shown in this diagram have already been described with reference to earlier diagrams, they are not described again.

With reference to Figure 17, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, and two-dimensional views, this shows detailed views of the upper part of the door operating system with the door in the partially open position. Since parts shown in this diagram have already been described with reference to earlier diagrams, they are not described again.

With reference to Figure 18, which contains schematic, three- dimensional, and two-dimensional views, this shows detailed views of the upper part of the door operating system but with an additional oiled felt strip, 8C, which provides more support for the hinge extrusion, (door- support portion) 5.

It is pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that the design of the U- shaped support, 6, can be such as to facilitate fitting and removal of the

hinge extrusion, (door-support portion) 5. Thus it can comprise separate components which can be screwed or bolted together.

Figure 19 details an arrangement whereby the door support portion 190 is provided as two separate components; the door attachment means 192 as one component and the cylindrical portion 194 and the arm portion 196 being provided as the second component. There is further provided a connection means, comprising two male portions 198 and two female, receiving, portions 200. The male portion 198 may be releasably received within the female receiving portion 200.

In the present embodiment the key portion is arranged as lug, while the receiving portion is arranged as a channel at which at a first end region 202 the male portion 198 can enter the channel and at a second end region 204 the male portion cannot enter the channel. I.e. the lug is arranged such that it is narrower than the upper region of the tapered channel, yet wider than the lower region of the tapered channel. The lug may therefore be introduced into the upper region of the channel, and moved so as to be secured in the lower region of the channel. Preferably the door attachment means is provided with three such tapered channels, while the arm portion is provided with three complementary lugs . Such an arrangement allows for, generally when a door is open, for the door to be lifted and thus removing the securing of the lug from within the channel, which allowing removal and replacement of the door. This is similar in manner to the way that a rising butt hinge operates. When a door is in a closed condition the door frame prevents the door from being raised and therefore prevents removal of the door.

In some embodiments a protrusion is provided on an end region of the male portion to facilitate its retention in the channel.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art how to readily implement similar connecting means. It will also be appreciated that any number of connecting means may be used, such as 1, 2, 5, 10 etc. It will also be appreciated that the arm portion and cylindrical portion may further, or instead of, be provided with a connection means, arranged to connect the arm portion to the cylindrical portion in a similar manner as described above.

Figure 20 details a further arrangement of the support frame (i.e. the frame-support portion) . In this embodiment, the support frame comprises a curved portion which is of complimentary curvature to the cylindrical portion of the door-support portion. The curved portion is arranged to abut the cylindrical portion of the hinge assembly. A substantially constant gap is provided between the hinge assembly and the support frame. This gap is maintained to substantially the same size regardless of the position of the door.

In one embodiment the gap is less than roughly lmm, which is advantageous since a user cannot pass his/her fingers into such a dimensioned gap. However, in other embodiment the gap may be on the order of 2mm or 3mm.

The arm portion 196 of the hinge assemble, is further arranged to comprise a neck portion 200 and a tapered portion 202 which tapers from the width of the neck portion 200 to the width of the door attachment means 204. In combination, the neck portion 200 and the tapered portion 202 are arranged such that they allow the door to rotate open by roughly 145 degrees about the hinge axis (e.g. the axis of the cylindrical portion) . It will be appreciated that other angles of rotation may be provided. It will also be appreciated that due to the arrangement of the cylindrical portion of the hinge assembly, the gap between the cylindrical

portion and the support frame remains substantially constant regardless of the angle that the door rotates through.

A channel 206 is provided within the curved portion. Although not seen in Figure 20 a number of holes are provided along the channel 206 and each of these holes may be thought of as a fastening means since they allow a screw or the like to be passed therethrough to hold the frame support portion against the door frame. The channel allows the head of the screw, etc. to be recessed so that it does not interfere with the cylindrical portion of the door support portion of the hinge assembly.