A HINGE

The present invention relates to hinges, and in particular to a hinge comprising a drive mechanism for driving a vent between open and closed positions.

A vent with a drive mechanism for acting between an opening member and a fixed member of the vent is known in the art. Typically, the opening member is supported by three hinges on three sides and a fourth side is driven by a drive means. For example, motor drive means are widely used for driving the vent between open and closed positions. However, motor drive means are expensive. The motors require maintenance and are made up of complex parts that can be difficult to assemble correctly and are costly to replace if they fail. Further, it is critical for a correctly fitted and fully functional vent to avoid misalignments between the hinges and the drive means. The need for providing such a driving means makes installation of such binges more difficult, often requiring an expert fitter to install the hinges and the driving means making the installation expensive.

There is therefore a need for a hinge which does not suffer from at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art. The present invention is directed to such a hinge. The invention also relates to a vent comprising a fixed frame and an opening member attached to the fixed frame by at least one hinge.

According to the present invention there is provided, in a first aspect, a hinge comprising: a mount; a drive mechanism; a link member coupled between the mount and the drive mechanism; wherein the drive mechanism engages the link member for driving the drive mechanism and the mount apart.

One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a drive mechanism integrally formed with a hinge. Another advantage is that an opening member may have the same number of driving mechanisms as it has hinges. For example, an opening member comprising two hinges may also have two driving mechanisms. Alternatively, one or more hinges may be coupled together by means of drive bars and/or comer drives such that the one or more hinges may be driven by one drive mechanism. This will facilitate

opening and closing of the vent. Advantageously, the drive mechanism may be used to assist weather sealing of the vent. A further advantage is that having a driving mechanism integrally formed with a hinge reduces the cost, the number of components and the complexity involved in assembling the vent.

In one embodiment of the invention the drive mechanism is fixed in use and the mount is movable.

Preferably, the link member comprises a pair of first drive links. Preferably, the first drive links are pivotally connected to each other, one of the first drive links is driven by the drive mechanism and the other one of the first drive links is pivotally connected to the mount.

In one embodiment of the invention a first lock drive link is coupled to one of the first drive links.

In another embodiment of the invention the link member comprises a pair of second drive links which are pivotally connected to each other, one of the second drive links is pivotally connected to and possibly driven by the drive mechanism and the other one of the second drive links is pivotally connected to the mount.

Preferably, a second lock drive link is coupled to one of the second drive links.

Preferably, the first and the second drive links are mounted to the mount adjacent to each other and movement of the drive mechanism causes the drive links to engage with each other. Optionally, gears provide a means for engagement of the drive links. Preferably, the gears are spur gears for ensuring that movement of the drive links is timed correctly.

Optionally, other types of gears may be used, such as bevel gears, worm gears, helical gears, double helical gears, planetary gears and rack and pinion.

Although only two gears will be described below, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hinge may comprise more than two gears for ensuring that the vent

opens and closes in a parallel motion. For example, the gears could be operable for engaging with at least one other gear located on the mount.

Optionally, the mount includes a track which accommodates a pair of blocks and each block carries a pivot connected to a respective lock drive link.

The drive mechanism may comprise a gear assembly. In one embodiment of the invention the drive mechanism comprises an actuating member for driving the gear assembly. Preferably, the actuating member is operable to move in an arcuate manner.

In one embodiment of the invention the gear assembly comprises a rotatably mounted drive gear which is driven by the actuating member, and a pair of rotatably mounted transmission gears which are in turn driven by the drive gear.

The drive mechanism may comprise a housing defining a hollow interior for accommodating the gear assembly.

Preferably, movement of the actuating member in an arcuate first direction causes the drive links to move which, in turn, causes each lock drive link to drive a respective block in a linear first direction with respect to the mount and movement of the actuating member in an arcuate second direction causes the drive links to move which, in turn, causes each lock drive link to drive a respective block in a linear second direction with respect to the mount.

Optionally, the drive gear and the transmission gears each comprise a spindle. The gears may be any type of gear known in the art, such as spur gears, bevel gears, worm gears, helical gears, double helical gears, planetary gears and rack and pinion.

Preferably, each transmission gear is connected via a respective spindle to a respective drive link for driving the drive links.

In one embodiment of the invention each block comprises at least one slider. If a slider is used in a track of a mount, the friction between the slider and the track is preferably adjustable.

In another embodiment of the invention each block comprises at least one roller, and preferably at least two rollers.

According to the present invention there is provided, in a second aspect, a hinge comprising a track and a plurality of links, wherein the track comprises a block comprising, at least one roller.

The hinge may be adapted to drive a plurality of hinges. Preferably, the hinges are coupled to each other by at least one drive bar and/or at least one corner drive.

In one embodiment of the invention the drive mechanism comprises a locking mechanism, for example a key operated locking mechanism.

In another embodiment of the invention the hinge comprises a weather sealing mechanism.

Preferably, full movement of the hinge is achieved with a maximum rotation of 180 degrees of the actuating member. In an alternative embodiment, full movement may be achieved with a maximum rotation of 90 degrees, or perhaps even less.

According to the present invention there is provided, in a third aspect, a vent comprising a fixed frame and an opening member attached to the fixed frame by at least one hinge as herein claimed, the opening member being moveable between a position closing the vent and an open position by at least one drive mechanism. Preferably, the vent comprises a parallel opening window. Optionally, a single hinge according to the present invention is located on the lower or bottom side of the vent for opening and closing the vent. In theory, however, the hinge could alternatively be located on the top or upper side or the left or right side of the vent.

Although only one such hinge will be described below, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vent may comprise a plurality of additional hinges. The additional hinges are preferably parallel hinges such that the opening member, when moving, is constantly substantially parallel to the fixed frame.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hinge according to the present invention in a partly open position;

Figure IA is a perspective exploded view of the gear assembly of the hinge of figure 1;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hinge of figure 1 in a fully closed position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hinge of figure 1 in a partly open position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hinge of figure 1 in an opened position; Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a hinge of the present invention prior to assembly;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from the other side of the assembled hinge of figure 5; and

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a block for use in a hinge according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a hinge according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The hinge 1 is moveable in a concertina fashion between open and closed positions as illustrated in figure 2 to figure 4. The hinge 1 is suitable for fixing between an opening member (not shown) and a fixed member (not shown) of a vent for facilitating opening and closing of the vent.

The hinge 1 comprises a link member 3 which extends between a pair of coupling members 4, 5 which are fixed to the opening member and the fixed member of the vent, respectively. The link member 3 is operable for collapsing and extending in a concertina fashion for facilitating moving the vent between open and closed positions. A drive mechanism 7 is provided which is coupled to the first coupling member 4 for driving the link member 3 between open and closed positions. A mount 9 is provided which

incorporates the second coupling member 5 for attaching the link member 3 to the opening member of the vent, as will be described in more detail later.

In this embodiment of the invention, the link member comprises a pair of first drive links 10, 11 and a pair of second drive links 12, 13. The first drive links 10, 11 are pivotally connected to each other and the second drive links 12, 13 are also pivotally connected to each other. The first one 10, 12 of each pair of drive links is pivotally coupled to the drive mechanism 7 via the first coupling member 4 and a first and second spindle 21, 22 of square cross section. The second one 11, 13 of each pair of drive links is pivotally coupled to the second coupling member 5 attached to the opening member of the vent. A washer can be fitted between each pair of drive links 10, 11 and 12, 13 to reduce friction as the hinge 1 moves.

Each coupling member 4, 5 comprises a rectangular block 15 with mounting tabs 17 extending at respective opposite sides therefrom defining bores 19 for accommodating fixing means such as screws. The first coupling member 4 is for fixing to the drive mechanism 7 and the second coupling member 5 is for fixing to the opening member of the vent. The rectangular blocks 15 of the coupling members 4, 5 each comprise a pair of bores 23 for receiving fastening means. The bores 23 of the coupling member 5 are for receiving the fastening means for connecting the coupling member 5 to the drive links 11, 13. Similarly, the bores 23 of the coupling member 4 receive the first and second spindles 21, 22 for connecting the drive links 10, 12 to the coupling member 4 and the drive mechanism 7. As more clearly seen in figure 5, each spindle 21, 22 comprises an elongated body member of square cross-section and an integrally formed circular stub shaft extending from the body member for receiving a fastening means for fastening the respective spindle 21 , 22. A bore 20 is located in the middle of the block 15 of the coupling member 5 for receiving a fastener for fixing the coupling member 5 to the opening member of the vent.

The drive mechanism 7 comprises a housing 24 defining a hollow interior region 26 for accommodating a gear assembly 28 for driving the drive links 10-13. An elongated actuating member 30 is provided for applying an arcuate driving force to the gear assembly 28. The actuating member 30 terminates at one end in a handle portion 32 for

facilitating gripping, and the other end in a bifurcated portion 34 which defines a pair of bores 36 of square cross section for receiving a drive spindle 38.

Referring now to figure IA, the gear assembly 28 comprises a rotatably mounted drive gear 40 which is driven by the actuating member 30 and a pair of rotatably mounted transmission gears 42, 43 which are in turn driven by the drive gear 40. The drive gear 40 and the actuating member 30 are coupled together via the drive spindle 38. The drive gear 40 and the transmission gears 42, 43 are positioned relative to each other. The first transmission gear 42 is mounted adjacent the drive gear 40 in the housing 24 via the first spindle 21 which couples the first one 10 of the first pair of drive links to the first transmission gear 42. The second transmission gear 43 is mounted adjacent the first transmission gear 42 with the second spindle 22 which couples the first one 12 of the second pair of drive links to the second transmission gear 43. The rotational axis of the drive gear 40 is parallel to the rotational axis of the transmission gears 42, 43. The drive gear 40 is operable for engaging (meshing) with at least one transmission gear 42, 43. The transmission gears 42, 43 are operable for engaging (meshing) with each other. Each gear 40, 42 and 43 has radially projecting teeth for providing a means of engagement.

The housing 24 comprises a main portion 46 open at one end 48. A discrete side wall 50 is provided for releasably coupling to the main portion 46 using a plurality of screws for closing off the opening 48. The drive gear 40 and the transmission gears 42, 43 each have circular collars 52 defining square bores 54. The main portion 46 and the side wall 50 have circular bores 56 for receiving the circular collars 52 to mount the gears. Recesses 60 are provided at opposite ends of the open end 48 of the main portion 46 for receiving locating projections 62 formed on the side wall 50. Furthermore, ears 64 defining openings 66 are provided at opposite ends of the main portion 46 for receiving fastening means such as rivet pins or screws for coupling the drive mechanism 7 to the vent.

The mount 9 in figure 1 is shown prior to assembly. In this embodiment of the invention, the mount 9 further comprises a pair of tracks 70, 72. Each track 70, 72 comprises a bottom wall 74, two side walls 78 and two inwardly facing flanges 80 (see figure 6) at the tops of the two side walls 78. Each track 70. 72 further comprises an

aperture 82 at one end and an elongated aperture 83 at the opposite end. The apertures 82 are for facilitating the attachment of the respective track 70, 72 to the mounting tabs 17 of the coupling member 5 and hence the opening member of the vent. The elongated apertures 83 are for facilitating attachment of the respective track 70, 72 to the opening member of the vent. The tracks 70, 72 are substantially C-shaped in section and each accommodates a block 86. The blocks 86 are shaped to be received in the respective track 70, 72 and to be held therein by means of the flanges 80. Each of the blocks 86 may simply slide along their respective tracks 70, 72. Alternatively, each of the blocks 86 may carry a pair of annular rollers 87 which are fixed thereto as illustrated in figure 7. The rollers 87 significantly reduce the amount of friction generated as the blocks 86 move along their respective tracks 70, 72. A first lock drivelink 90 is pivotally coupled to the first drive links 10, 11 and a second lock drive link 92 is pivotally coupled to the second drive links 12, 13. Furthermore, each lock drive link 90, 92 is pivotally coupled to a respective block 86. A washer can be fitted between each lock drive link 90, 92 and its respective drive link 11 , 13 to reduce friction as the hinge 1 moves.

Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a hinge of the present invention. In this embodiment, the hinge as described previously has the second one of each pair of drive links 11, 13 mounted adjacent to each other on the coupling member 5 of the mount 9 and movement of the drive mechanism 7 causes the drive links 11, 13 to engage with each other. A first gear 120 and a second gear 122 provide a means for engagement of the drive links 11, 13. The first gear 120 is rigidly mounted to the drive link 11 and the second gear 122 is rigidly mounted to the drive link 13. The gears 120, 122 are engaged (meshed) together and are coupled to each pair of drive links 10, 11 and 12, 13 by a fastening means 124 such as spindles or rivet pins with mushroom heads which pass through the coupling member 5 so that the gears 120, 122 are mounted adjacent to each other. Each gear 120, 122 has radially projecting teeth 126 for providing a means of engagement of the gears 120, 122. The gears 120, 122 are spur gears and ensure that movement of the first drive links 10, 11 is synchronised with movement of the second drive links 12, 13, thereby ensuring that the vent opens and closes in a parallel fashion.

Each gear 120, 122 has an oval collar 128 defining a bore 130 for receiving the fastening means 124. The links 11, 13 have oval bores for receiving the collars 128, thereby preventing relative rotation between the two components.

Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a block for use in a hinge according to the present invention. Each block 86 comprises an elongated carrier member 100 on which a pair of annular rollers 87 are rotatably mounted thereto. A hub 102 is provided for supporting each roller 87 and comprises an annular portion 104 integrally formed with an extending circular stub shaft 106 which carries the corresponding annular roller 87 and abuts the carrier member 100. The roller 87 can freely rotate without friction about the hub 102 as the respective block 86 moves along the respective track 70, 72. The annular portion 104 of the hub 102 prevents the roller 87 from disengaging the hub 102. An orifice 107 extends through each hub 102 for receiving a fastening rivet 108, 109 for fastening the respective hub 102 to the carrier member 100. Openings 110 are provided on respective opposite ends of the carrier member 100 for receiving corresponding rivet pins 108, 109.

In use, the hinge 1 of the present invention is located centrally and horizontally on the lower or bottom side of the opening member and the fixed member of the vent. Rotating the actuating member 30 causes the drive gear 40 to rotate, which in turn causes the transmission gears 42, 43 to rotate in opposite directions. Rotating the transmission gears causes the drive links 10-13 to move to drive the vent between open and closed positions. Moreover, moving the drive links 10-13 causes the lock drive links 90, 92 to drive the respective blocks 86 linearly in their respective tracks 70, 72. The blocks 86 can be connected to a perimeter locking mechanism for locking the vent. The lock drive links 90, 92 provide drive via the blocks 86 along the sides of the vent that can be attached to roller cams to lock the sides of the vent securely or attached to corner drives to provide a complete perimeter locking mechanism. Also, rotating the actuating member 30 to move the vent towards the fully closed position will drive the respective blocks 86 linearly along the respective track 70, 72 which in turn drive roller cams (not shown) behind keeps (not shown) to weather seal the hinge and hence the vent.

In this embodiment, full movement of the hinge 1 is achieved with a maximum rotation of 180 degrees of the actuating member 30.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.