The invention relates to a hinge.

Hinges are known in various types. Basically, a hinge consists of two hinge leafs, having knuckles that pivotally couple the leafs together via a hinge pin.

Known hinges can be mass-produced from plate (i.e. sheet) material, e.g. metal or steel plate material, by cutting out leaf preforms from a plate and deforming lateral sections of the preforms (by curling, bending or rolling) to form respective knuckles. Next, the knuckles of the two preforms of a hinge, to be assembled, can be axially aligned for receiving the hinge pin. The knuckles can be provided with low-friction bearings/bushings or the like, e.g. for improving hinge action and durability. A disadvantage of such common-type hinges is that they are relatively weak, and can be forced open during burglary attempts e.g. by simply peeling open the hinge knuckles.

It is also desired to provide relatively heavy-duty hinges, for heavy- duty operation such as the pivotally coupling of a large/ heavy panel to a frame (e.g. a window to a window frame or a heavy door to a door frame), utilizing only a relatively small number (e.g. only three or only two) of hinges. This leads to a relatively swift, efficient and economical mounting of the panel, compared to a mounting operation wherein a large number of hinges is required for swiveably connecting a panel to a frame. The application of sturdy, heavy-duty hinges also becomes desirable to replace standard hinges when relatively heavy panels, e.g. including relatively heavy insulating glass panes are to be carried by the hinge.

Heavy-duty hinges are known, that include double-wrapped leaf sections (the so called double wrap hinge). In this type of hinge, each leaf consists of two layers of plate material, the respective one or more knuckles being made in one-piece with the two layers (which is inherent of the respective deforming process). An advantage of this type of hinge is its high strength (also in a lateral direction), wherein the hinge can still be manufactured economically using the (preferably cold)

deformation/wrapping technique. A serious disadvantage is that the double- wrapped leaf has double the thickness of a regular (single plated) hinge. Besides, the manufacturing of these hinges leads to relatively large loss of sheet material, in view of the leaf preform shapes required to provide such type of hinge.

Besides, it is desired to provide burglary-proof hinges. Various features are known in the prior art to prevent unauthorized opening of a panel that is swiveably connected to a frame by a number of hinges. For example, to that aim, hinges are known (: security hinges") that include blocking pins, extending from one hinge leaf via an opening of the opposite hinge leaf into the respective panel/frame-assembly. However, such hinges usually require drilling additional pin receiving openings in the respective panel/frame-assembly. The security hinge also requires additional hinge manufacturing steps for welding the security pin on one leaf and providing the respective pin receiving opening in the other leaf.

US 122088 discloses a sheet metal (T) strap hinge, wherein the ends of both the straps or strap and leaf extend around and beyond the pintle, and are secured by rivots or screws or bolts with which the hinge is put on. The hinge is made double at its weakest point, viz. at the pintje and at the screw or nail holes nearest to the pintle.

GB2405902 discloses a security hinge having a a U-shaped part for mounting in a door frame, and a T-shaped part for mounting in a door.

The present invention aims to solve or alleviate the above- mentioned problems. In particular, the invention aims to provide a relatively sturdy, durable (heavy duty) hinge that can be manufactured in an economical manner, wherein the hinge can still be relatively compact (particularly relatively thin). Also it is desired to provide a hinge that can provide good protection against burglary.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.

In particular, according to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge, including a first leaf and a second leaf pivotally

interconnected via respective knuckles and coupling means, in particular a hinge pin,

wherein the first leaf includes a first outer plate section, at least one first inner plate section extending over an inner side of the first outer plate section, and at least one first knuckle, the inner side of the first outer plate section being partly covered by the at least one first inner plate section.

In this way a relatively strong hinge can be provided (that may effectively counter mechanical burglary attacks on the hinge, and that has a relatively high lateral strength), with relatively little material and consequently relatively low production costs. In particular, the inner side of the first outer plate section is not entirely covered by the respective one or more first inner plate sections. In an embodiment, it may be covered for example only for about 30%-70% by the one or more first inner plate sections, providing a significant reduction of use of material as compared to e.g. known double wrap hinges.

The same preferably holds for the second leaf of the hinge. That is, in a preferred embodiment, the second leaf can include a second outer plate section, wherein at least one second inner plate section can extends over an inner side of the second outer plate section, the inner side of the second outer plate section being partly covered by the at least one second inner plate section. A respective second (integral) knuckle can be provided linking the second outer plate section to a second inner plate section. Regarding the second leaf, therefore, again, a relatively strong hinge can be provided, with relatively little material and consequently relatively low production costs. In particular, the inner side of the second outer plate section is not entirely covered by the respective one or more second inner plate sections. In an embodiment, it may be covered for example only for about 30%- 70% by the one or more second inner plate sections, again providing a significant reduction of use of material as compared to e.g. known double wrap hinges.

According to a preferred embodiment, part of the second leaf mates with or nests in the at least one first inner plate section of the first leaf when the hinge is in a closed condition.

In this way a very strong proof hinge is provided, wherein the nested parts of the hinge can hold the hinge together in axial direction (i.e. in parallel to the respective hinge axis) when the hinge is in a closed hinge state. The hinge can be made relatively compact yet sturdy. Also, the nested parts can provide a relatively thin hinge (e.g. having a nominal maximum thickness smaller than 10 mm, e.g. only 8 mm) when it is in the closest state, so that it can be easily applied in common hinge applications (e.g. replacing existing hinges).

For example, the hinge can include at least two spaced- apart first inner plate sections, in particularly spaced-apart viewed in a direction in parallel with a hinge axis, the at least two spaced-apart first inner plate sections defining an intermediate space there -between, wherein part of the second leaf is arranged to be received by the intermediate space between the spaced-apart first inner plate sections when the hinge is in a closed state.

According to a preferred embodiment, in case both the first and second leaf of the hinge include the configuration of an outer plate section being only partly covered by one or more respective inner plate sections, it is highly preferred that the inner plate sections of the two leafs are arranged such that they can fall in place on of top of the other (e.g. they mate or nest with one another as mentioned above), when the hinge is in a closed hinge state and viewed in axial direction, in parallel with the respective hinge axis. In this way, a very sturdy yet compact (relatively thin) heavy duty hinge can be achieved in an straight -forward manner, and cost-efficiently.

For example, the at least one first inner plate section and the at least one second inner plate section can extend next to each other, viewed in a direction in parallel with a respective hinge axis, when the hinge is in a closed hinge state (all the inner plate sections of the hinge in particular extending in parallel, along the same virtual plane). In this way, a very compact hinge construction is achieved.

For example, according to a non-limiting embodiment, a maximum thickness T of the hinge, measured perpendicularly through the leafs) when the hinge is in a closed condition, can be at most 10 mm, for example at most 9 mm, and is preferably 8 mm. These are dimensions that are commonly used by the relatively weak prior art hinges for pivotally connecting a panel to a frame. The present embodiment of the invention can provide the same hinge thickness dimensions, via a significantly stronger hinge constriction. For example (or in other words): a maximum thickness T of the hinge, measured perpendicularly through the leafs when the hinge is in a closed condition, can be smaller than the sum of the maximum thicknesses of the hinge leafs as such.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first leaf includes two spaced-apart first inner plate sections, having opposite edges adjoining an intermediate space for receiving a second inner plate section of the second leaf.

For example, the hinge can include only two spaced-apart first inner plate sections, and only one second inner plate section can move into a space between the two first inner plate sections when the hinge is in a closed state (i.e. when the two hinge leafs have been pivoted towards and onto each other). In this way, a relatively simple and durable construction is achieved. As follows from the embodiment described below, for example, an intermediate second inner plate section can be provided with optional blocking means for engaging a coupling member (hinge pin), such that the blocking means can be nicely integrated within the hinge, out of reach from an environment when the hinge has been closed.

According to a further embodiment, an outer side of the at least one first inner plate section, that is faced away from the inner side of the first outer plate section, extends over the inner side of the second outer plate section when the hinge is in a closed hinge state.

Also, it is preferred that the knuckle of at least one of the leafs (and preferably all knuckles of all leafs) are made in one piece with the respective leaf by a plate deformation/bending method, for example by rolling, folding or the-like. The plate deformation can be carried out e.g. in an

environmentally friendly low temperature deformation process, e.g. a process at or near room temperature (wherein no particular plate heating is carried out for raising the temperature of the plate material to be

processed), are will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Moreover, it is preferred that the manufacturing of the hinge can be carried out without using any sheet welding process. In particular, after plate material has been deformed to form one or more knuckles and respective inner and outer leaf plate sections, these leaf plate sections can extend along one another without requiring additional fixation welds therebetween, the resulting hinge being sufficiently strong for hinge operation. Naturally, in an alternative configuration there can be provided one or more welds between the plate sections of a hinge (and in case the hinge is made of weldable material), for example in case very high hinge loading is expected during hinge operation.

In a preferred embodiment, the hinge includes blocking means for preventing axial removal of the coupling means from the knuckles. In this way, unauthorized hinge disassembly can be achieved, providing good anti-burglary protection. Also, this can prevent undesired axial movement of the hinge coupling means (e.g. hinge pin) during normal hinge operation.

The blocking means can be configured in various ways. For example, the blocking means can be provided by a rigid blocking member that can be moved between a blocking state to engage to coupling means and a release state to release the coupling means.

In a further embodiment, the blocking member is a relatively flat blocking finger/platelet, that is slidably installed in the hinge. Thus, a reliable blocking of the coupling means can be achieved by relatively compact, preferably integrated blocking means. The blocking member can e.g. be manufactured from the same material as the hinge sections, but that is not required.

It is preferred that the blocking means are arranged such, that they are entirely covered by the hinge plate material when the hinge is in a closed position (i.e. with opposite sides of the first and second leaf being swiveled onto each other). For example, as is mentioned above, e.g. one of said inner plate sections of one of the hinge leafs can include the blocking means to that aim.

Moreover, the configuration can be such that access to the blocking means (from an environment) is still prevented, or blocked, in case the hinge has been opened over a relatively small hinge opening angle, e.g. over an angle of 20° with respect to a closed hinge condition. Thus, the hinge is suitable to be used in combination with e.g. means for holding a respective panel in a panel ventilation position with respect to a frame (the hinge connecting the panel to the frame, after mounting), the ventilation position allowing a small gap or slit between the panel and frame for ventilation purposes. For example, according to a further embodiment, the coupling means can be a hinge pin having a dedicated blocking recess for engagement of the blocking means.

In this manner, a firm blocking of the hinge pin can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the blocking means can be embedded in one of the inner plate sections of the hinge, for example in case that inner plate section includes an opening for receiving the blocking means. For example, a respective outer plate section (that extends along the inner plate section that embeds the blocking means) can cover the blocking means, and may even function has a supporting section for supporting part or a back side of the blocking means.

Advantageously, one of the knuckles of the hinge can include an opening for passage of the blocking means towards the coupling means, wherein said opening is associated with a recess of the inner plate section adjoining that knuckle, the recess slideably holding the blocking means , such that the blocking means can slide between a blocking position for engaging the coupling means and a release position for releasing of the coupling means. Moreover, for example, when the blocking means cover part of an outer plate section of the hinge, the blocking means including a through-hole that is aligned with a through-hole of the respective outer plate section for receiving a locking element. In this way, the blocking position of the blocking means can be locked in a straight-forward manner via such a locking element (e.g. a screw of bolt), during mounting of the hinge.

Also, an aspect of the invention provides a hinge, for example a hinge that optionally includes also the first aspect of the invention, wherein the second aspect is characterized in that the hinge includes a first leaf and a second leaf pivotally interconnected via respective knuckles and coupling means (in particular a hinge pin), wherein the first leaf includes a first outer plate section, at least one first inner plate section extending over an inner side of the first outer plate section, and at least one first knuckle, the hinge further including blocking means for preventing axial removal of the coupling means from the knuckles,

wherein one of the knuckles of the hinge includes an opening for passage of the blocking means towards the coupling means, wherein said opening is associated with a recess of the inner plate section adjoining that knuckle, the recess slideably holding the blocking means, such that the blocking means can slide between a blocking position for engaging the coupling means and a release position for releasing of the coupling means.

Thus, a firm an reliably blocking of the coupling means can be achieved by a blocking means, that is preferably only accessible when the hinge has swiveled to an open hinge condition.

Further, there is provided a method for manufacturing at least one hinge, the method including in suitable order:

-providing plate (e.g. sheet) material;

-providing a first leaf preform and a second leaf preform from the plate material, the first leaf preform and second leaf preform having respective inner plate sections as well as knuckle sections for forming respective knuckles, wherein the first leaf preform also includes at least one first inner plate section, reaching away from the respective first outer plate section viewed from the respective knuckle section;

-forming knuckles from the knuckle sections;

-arranging a said first inner plate section along an inner side of a respective outer plate section, the first inner plate section being shaped to cover only part of the respective first outer plate section; and

-providing coupling means, and coupling the formed knuckles via the coupling means to assemble the hinge.

In this way, a relatively compact yet strong hinge can be manufactured. The material used can be e.g. metal, aluminum, steel, an alloy, or the-like, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. According to a further embodiment, a thickness of the plate material can be e.g. in the range of 1-5 mm, in particular 1 -3 mm. for example a thickness of about 2 mm. Such material can be properly deformed (e.g. rolled or curled) to form the respective knuckles and other hinge sections.

It is preferred that both leafs of the hinge are made from the same plate material.

For example, both leafs can be manufactured from the same piece of the plate material, or from different pieces of the plate material. In a further embodiment, a plurality of first leaf preforms is manufactured from a first piece of the plate material, and a plurality of corresponding second leaf preforms is manufactured from a second (different, optionally separate) piece of the plate material.

In an embodiment, the first leaf preform can be substantially U- shaped. Also, in an embodiment, the second leaf preform can be

substantially T-shaped. Then, it is highly preferred, in view of a low material consumption, that the T-shaped preform reaches into the U-shaped preform before separation of the preforms (e.g. out of respective plate material).

Further advantageous are described in the dependent claims. The invention will now be explained in more detail, referring to the drawings that show a non-limiting example of the invention.

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a hinge according to the invention, wherein the hinge leafs are in an open hinge position;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, the hinge leafs being in a 180° opened position;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, the hinge leafs being in closed hinge position; Figure 4 shows a top view of the embodiment of Fig 1, the hinge leafs being in a closed position and without the hinge pin;

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a first step of assembly of the embodiment, in front view;

Figure 7A is a cross-section over line VII-VII of Fig. 6

Figure 7B is similar to Fig. 7A, showing a second step of hinge assembly;

Figure 7C is similar to Fig. 7A, showing a third step of hinge assembly;

Figure 8 schematically shows a top view of part of sheet material for manufacturing of an embodiment of a hinge, according to an example of the invention; and

Figure 9 schematically shows a top view of parts of sheet material for manufacturing of an embodiment of a hinge, according to an alternative example of the invention.

In the present application, corresponding or similar features are denoted by corresponding or similar reference signs.

Figures 1-7 depict a hinge 1, consisting of a first leaf 3 and a second leaf 5 pivotally interconnected via respective knuckles 13, 15 and a hinge pin 4. In the present example, the first leaf 3 only has two (first) outer knuckles 13, the second leaf 5 having a single (second) knuckle 15 being arranged centrally between the knuckles 13 of the first leaf 3. The pin 4 extends in direction X through the knuckles 13, 15, thereby pivotally interconnecting the leafs 3, 5. The present hinge 1 also includes a number of bearing sections (bushings) 31, 32, 33, 34 (see Fig. 5), having bearing flanges (reaching between opposite knuckle edges), the bearing sections reaching between the inner sides of the knuckles and the hinge pin 4. The bearing sections 31, 32, 33, 34 can provide a more durable and smooth hinge action, and can be made e.g. from a relatively smooth, rigid (e.g. plastic) material or the-like as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

In this example, each leaf 3, 5 consists of an outer plate section, a number of inner plate sections (extending in parallel on an inner side of the respective outer plate section) and respective knuckles extending between (or interconnecting) the respective outer and respective inner plate sections. In each leaf 3, 5, the outer plate section is only covered partly by the respective inner plate section(s). As will be described in more detail here- below, the two hinge leafs can be manufactured in an efficient manner utilizing a sheet deformation (e.g. bending) process. As a result, the knuckle 13, 15 of the leafs 3, 5 can be made in one piece with the respective leaf.

Each leaf 4, 5 (particular respective plate sections 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B of each leaf 3, 5) includes a number of through-holes for receiving fasteners (not shown), e.g. fastening screws for securing the leaf to a panel or a frame. Both leafs 3, 5 are advantageously made entirely of steel plate material or metal plate material.

Referring to Figures 1-2, particularly, the first leaf 3 includes a first outer plate section 3A and two first inner plate sections 3B extending over an inner side Si of the first outer plate section 3A. Two first knuckles 13 are provided, the knuckles being associated with the inner plate sections 3A. The inner side Si of the first outer plate section 3A is only partly covered by the two first inner plate sections 3B, in particular covered by less than 50% (and more than 25%), in this example. It should be observed that the invention is not limited to these exemplary, extra-advantageous plate- coverage-percentages, but that the inner side Si of the first outer plate section 3A can e.g. also be partly covered by the first inner plate sections, by less than 25%.

The inner plate sections 3B are integrally connected to the outer plate section 3A only via the respective, knuckles 13 made in one-piece therewith (i.e. without other connecting means such as e.g. welds or adhesive).

The second leaf 5 of the hinge 1 includes a second outer plate section 5A, and a single second inner plate section 5B extending over an inner side S2 of the second outer plate section 5A. A single second knuckle 15 is present, made in-one piece with the second inner and second outer plate sections. The inner side S2 of the second outer plate section 5 A is also only partly covered by the respective (in this case single) second inner plate section 5B. As follows from the drawing, the shape of the second inner plate section is such that it covers less than 50% of the surface S2 of the outer plate section (and more than 25% of that surface).

Also, the arrangement of the inner plate sections of the leafs 3, 5 is such that they can move into a substantially stacked state when the hinge is closed, see e.g. Figure 3 and Figure 4. In other words: the first inner plate sections 3B and the second inner plate section 5B extend next to each other, viewed in a direction X in parallel with the respective hinge axis, when the hinge 1 is in the closed hinge state. The two spaced-apart first inner plate sections 3B of the first leaf 3 have opposite edges (extending in parallel in this example), adjoining an intermediate space for receiving the second inner plate section 5B of the second leaf 5. It follows that an outer side S3 of the at least one first inner plate section 3B, that is faced away from the inner side Si of the first outer plate section 3 A, extends over the inner side S2 of the second outer plate section (and e.g. mechanically contacts that inner side S2) when the hinge 1 is in a closed hinge state, providing hinge compactness.

Also, an outer side S4 of the at least one second inner plate section 5B, that is faced away from the inner side S2 of the second outer plate section 5A, extends over the inner side Si of the first outer plate section (and e.g. mechanically contacts that inner side Si) when the hinge 1 is in the closed hinge state. The gap between the two first inner plate sections provides a recess of the first leaf, wherein the second inner plate section acts as a

corresponding, substantially matching, protrusion that can be received by the recess.

The resulting hinge is relatively thin and relatively strong, wherein a maximum thickness T of the hinge 1, measured perpendicularly through the leafs 3, 5 when the hinge is in a (nested) closed condition, is e.g. at most 10 mm, for example at most 9 mm (depending on the plate thicknesses).

Also, in this example, each of the inner plate sections 3B, 5B has rounded-off lateral edges (facing away from the respective knuckles).

Besides, in the present example, the central axis of the knuckles (i.e. the virtual line extending axially, centrally, through the knuckles) is located off- axis with respect to a central plane of the stack of plate sections (see Fig. 4), said central plane being defined by a middle plane of the inner plate sections, -in this case-.

Referring to Figures 4, 5, 7A, advantageously, a central axis of each knuckle 13 of the first hinge leaf 3 is located off- axis with respect to a central plane of that leaf 3 and each respective first plate section 3A, 3B. From the drawings it in particular follows that the central axis of these knuckles 13 is located off-axis with respect to each plate section 3A, 3B0 of the first leaf 3 (viewed in top view).

Besides, as follows from Figure 4, advantageously, a central axis of each knuckle 15 of the second hinge leaf 5 is located substantially in-line with (in the same plane as) each respective second outer plate section 5A.

In this way, the hinge can take up relatively little space when it is closed, e.g. it can be mounted in an embedded position between a panel and a frame, for pivotally connecting the panel to the frame.

Besides, advantageously, a width of each of the inner plate sections (measured in a direction Y that is normal to the X-axis) is substantially the same as the width of the respective outer plate section, providing sturdiness. In an alternative embodiment, an inner plate section have another width than the respective outer plate section.

In order to prevent unauthorized axial removal of the hinge pin 4, the present hinge 1 also includes blocking means 51. In the present example, the blocking means are provided by a slidable, flat blocking finger (or platelet) 51. Details concerning and operation of the blocking means are depicted in Figures 6-7.

To that aim, the hinge pin 4 has a—in this case circumferential- blocking recess 4A (see Fig. 6) for engagement of the blocking finger 51. One of the knuckles 15 of the hinge 1 includes an opening 55 for passage of the blocking finger 51 towards the pin 4. The opening 55 is associated with a recess 52 of the inner plate section 5B adjoining that knuckle 15, the recess 52 slideably holding the blocking finger 51, such that the blocking means can slide between a blocking position (see Fig. 7 C) for engaging the pin 4 and a release position (see Fig. 7B) for releasing of the pin 4.

In the example, the blocking finger 51 is embedded in the inner plate section 5B of the second leaf 5 of the hinge 1, the finger 51 covering part of an the respective outer plate section. Through-holes 51A, 52A are provided in the finger 51 and outer plate section 5 A, the holes being aligned for receiving a locking element (e.g. screw) to hold the finger 51 in place after mounting.

Referring to Figures 6-7, assembly of the hinge 1 can involve positioning the blocking finger 51 to its release position in the second leaf 5 (see Fig. 7A). The hinge pin 4 can be inserted into the pin opening that is defined within the aligned knuckles (and optional bearing members 31-34) to interconnect the hinge leafs 3, 5, leading to the situation depicted in Fig. 7B. Next, the blocking finger 51 can be sled towards the pin 4, to a pin blocking position, the distal end 5 IB of the finger 51 entering the blocking groove 4 A of the pin 4. Next, the blocking position of the blocking finger 51 can be locked by introduction of the afore-mentioned locking element into the respective locking holes 51 A, 52A (the locking element e.g. engaging a panel or a frame onto which the hinge 1 is mounted during use). As is shown in Fig. 7C, the distal tip of the blocking finger 51 can have a rounded or tapered shape allowing a relatively tight fit onto an opposite inner side of the finger receiving knuckle 15 of the hinge 1. The unlocking of the hinge pin 4 can be carried out, simply, by following the above steps in reverse order.

The locking of the hinge pin 1 provides a secure hinge, that does not require any particular blocking pins that protruding out of one hinge leaf to enter a respective panel/frame-assembly via an opening of the other hinge leaf. This provides efficient, swift hinge installation. In an alternative embodiment, the hinge may be provided with such a additional blocking pin, for example in addition to the blocking finger 51 or as an alternative to the blocking finger.

A depicted (or similar) hinge can be manufactured in advantageous manner via a method that can at least include the following steps (being partly shown schematically in Figure 8):

-providing plate material (e.g. flat sheet material) P, for example a strip of metal or steel plate material;

-providing a first leaf preform 103 and a second leaf preform 105 from the plate material P, the first leaf preform 103 and second leaf preform 105 having respective inner plate sections 3A, 5A as well as knuckle sections 113, 115 for forming respective knuckles 13, 15, wherein the first leaf preform 103 also includes at least one first inner plate section 3B, reaching away from the respective first outer plate section 3A viewed from the respective knuckle section 113;

-forming knuckles 13, 15 from the knuckle sections 113, 115;

-arranging a said first inner plate section 3B along an inner side of a respective outer plate section 3A, the first inner plate section 3B being shaped to cover only part of the respective first outer plate section 3A; and -coupling the formed knuckles 13, 15 via respective coupling means 4 to assemble the hinge.

For example, said preforms can be removed from the plate material P by a suitable cutting or punching method, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Moreover, from Fig. 8 it follows that efficient use of material can be obtained in case the first leaf preform 103 is substantially U-shaped, the second leaf preform is substantially T-shaped, wherein the T-shaped preform reaches (with its central section) into the (middle of the ) U-shaped preform, before separation of the preforms 103, 105, out of the respective plate material P. As a result, the manufacturing of the compact yet sturdy hinge 1 can be achieved with minimal waste of material.

In Figure 8, the first and second leaf (or at least the respective leaf preforms) are manufactured from the same piece/section of plate material P. Figure 9 schematically shows an alternative, wherein two different

(optionally separate) pieces of plate material PI, P2 are provided for the manufacturing of the leaf preforms 103', 105'. In particular, it follows that a first piece of plate material PI can include a number of rows of first leaf preforms 103', being e.g. U-shaped. In this case, the first piece of plate material PI includes a first row Rl and a second row R2 of first leaf preforms 103', the rows Rl, R2 mating with one-another via a suitable (mutually mirrored) positioning.

A second piece of plate material P2 can include a number of rows of second leaf preforms 105', being e.g. T-shaped. The second piece of plate material P2 can include a first row Kl and a second row K2 of second leaf preforms 105', the rows Si, S2 again mating with one-another via a suitable (mutually mirrored) positioning.

Clearly, also, a combination of such embodiments is feasible, wherein for example a piece of plate material includes a plurality of said first and second rows Rl, R2, Kl, K2 of/for first and second leaf preforms 103', 105'. Also, the two different pieces of plate material Pi P2 can be part of a single plate, or they can be parts of respective separate plates.

Thus, advantageously, according to an embodiment (as in e.g. Fig. 9), the method can include: providing a piece of plate material PI, P2, and defining a number of rows (Rl, R2; Kl, K2) of leaf preforms 103', 105' in the piece of plate material PI. P2, such that the rows (Rl, R2; Kl, K2) mate with one another. In this way, also, the hinge can be manufactured with limited loss of material, in an economical manner.

It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

For example, the hinge can have various dimensions and shapes, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. It is preferred that the hinge has rounded-off external edges (as in the depicted embodiment) but that is not required.