Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HIDDEN HINGE
Technical Field
[0001 ] The invention relates to plastic hinges. The invention has
application, for example, in attaching the lids of utility enclosures. Utility
S enclosures (or utility boxes) having hinges according to the invention may
be used for housing telephone connections, cable television connections,
electrical devices or the like.
Back r~ odd
[0002] Figure 1 shows a hinge 10 of a prior art utility box 12. Box 12
has a base 14 attached to a lid 16 by a hinge 10. Base 14 and lid 16 are
made of plastic. Hinge 10 is made up of hinge pins 18, which are molded
along one edge of base 14, and holders 20 which grasp hinge pins 18.
Each holder 20 comprises a clip 22 which projects inwardly from a lip 24
on lid 16. Hinge pins 18 are received in holders 20 between clips 22 and a
back surface portion 26 of lid 16.
[0003] Hinge 10 is a hidden hinge. Lid 16 covers hinge pins 18 when
box 12 is closed. Hiding or covering hinge pins 18 is desirable, because it
presents a rugged appearance and may deter unauthorized persons from
attempting to open box 12. Box 12 has the disadvantage that it can be
opened by pulling lip 24 outwardly as indicated by arrow 27 until clips 22
disengage from hinge pins 18. This is a particular problem where box 12 is
made from polypropylene, polyethylene or another soft plastic which will
bend significantly upon the application of moderate forces.
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[0004] Figure 2 shows a hinge 30 of another prior art utility box 32.
Box 32 has a base 34 attached to a lid 36 by hinge 30. Base 34 and lid 36
are injection molded from plastic. Hinge 30 is made up of hinge pins 18,
which are molded along one edge of base 34 and hooks 38 which are
formed along an edge of lid 36. Hooks 38 extend around hinge pins 18 in a
direction from inside to outside.
[0005] Hinge 30 has the disadvantage that it is not a hidden hinge.
Hinge pins 18 can be seen from the front when box 32 is closed.
Unauthorized persons may be tempted to cut hinge pins 18 or otherwise
attack exposed hinge 30 to break into box 32.
[0006] There is a need for robust cost effective hinges for plastic
boxes.
Summar5r of the Invention
[0007] This invention provides hinges. One aspect of the invention
provides a hidden hinge hingedly connecting first and second parts. The
hidden hinge comprises a hinge pin attached to the first part; a hook
member connected to the second part and hooked around the hinge pin.
The hook member has a bight located on a side of the pin away from the
second part. A hiding portion of a frontward one of the first and second
parts extends in front of the pin. In some embodiments of the invention, an
outer portion of the hiding portion extends rearwardly to cover a side of
the pin. In some embodiments the hook member is formed integrally with
the second part. In other embodiments the hook member is on a piece
separate from the second part and is affixed to the second part.
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[0008) Another aspect of the invention provides a hidden hinge
connecting first and second parts. The hidden hinge comprises a hinge pin
attached to the first part and a hook member distinct from the second part.
The hook member has first and second ends. The hook member comprises
a hook on the first end. The hook engages the hinge pin. The second end
of the hook member is affixed to the second part. A portion of the second
part extends over the hinge pin.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention provides a hidden hinge
connecting first and second parts. The hidden hinge comprises a hinge pin
attached to the first part and a hook member connected to the second part.
The hook member comprises a hook engaging the hinge pin. The hinge
comprises a flange extending from the first part to cover a front side of the
hinge pin. In some embodiments the flange extends outwardly and
1 S rearwardly to cover the hinge pin from both front and side directions.
[0010] Further aspects of the invention and features of specific
embodiments of the invention are described below.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0011] In drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the
invention,
Figure 1 is a partial cross sectional view through a hinge of a prior
art plastic utility box having a hidden hinge;
Figure 2 is a partial cross sectional view through a hinge of a prior
art plastic utility box having an alternative hinge;
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Figure 3 is a partial exploded and partially cut-away view of a
plastic utility box having a hidden hinge according to a particular
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4A is a cross section through the Figure 3 hinge in a closed
configuration;
Figure 4B is a cross section through the Figure 3 hinge in an open
configuration;
Figure 5 is a cross section through a hinge according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6A is a partial isometric view of a first part of a utility
enclosure having a hinge as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 6B is a partial isometric view of a second part of a utility
enclosure having a hinge as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a cross section through a hinge according to a further
alternative embodiment of the invention; and,
Figure 8 is a cross section through a hinge according to another
alternative embodiment of the invention.
Description
[0012] Throughout the following description, specific details are set
forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention.
However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In
other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in
detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the
specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than
a restrictive, sense.
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[0013] Various new hinge designs as described herein provide
advantages over existing hinges. Some embodiments of the invention
provide hidden hinges.
S [0014] Figures 3, 4A and 4B show a utility box 50 having a lid 52
attached to a base 54 by a hinge 55 according to a particular embodiment
of this invention. Hinge 55 comprises one or more hinge pins 58 attached
along an edge of base 54 and hooks 60 which hook around hinge pins 58.
A plurality of hinge pins 58 may be axially aligned with one another and
molded at spaced-apart locations into a flange 59 projecting outwardly
from an edge of base 54.
(0015] Hooks 60 wrap around hinge pins 58 in an inside-to-outside
direction. Hooks 60 are on separate parts 62 which are attached to lid 52
during assembly of box 50. Hooks 60 have openings 61 to receive hinge
pins 58. When box 50 is closed, a bight 60A of each hook 60 is on a side
of the corresponding hinge pin 58 that faces away from lid 52. Hooks 60
may include projections 61A on one or both sides of openings 61.
Projections 61A snap around hinge pins 58 and help to retain hinge pins
58 engaged in hooks 60.
[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, a hook 60 is formed on a first
end of part 62 and a second end 63 of part 62 is received in a socket 64
formed in lid 52. When second end 63 is pushed into socket 64, a
projection 66 on second end 63 engages an aperture or indentation 68 in
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an inner wall of socket 64. This causes second end 63 to become affixed
within socket 64.
[0017] Parts 62 may be affixed to lid 52 by means other than the
combination of a projection 66 on a part which engages a socket 64. Parts
62 may also, or in the alternative, be affixed to lid 52 during assembly of
box 50 by any other suitable fastening means, for example, projections
which engage sockets, screws, rivets, adhesive, plastic welding, or the
like, any of which constitute means for affixing hooks 60 to lid 52.
[0018] Lid 52 has a portion 57 which extends over hinge pins 58
when box 50 is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, portion 57 is
provided by a flange 73 which extends outwardly from a central part of lid
52 in a portion 73A and then curves rearwardly into a portion 73B to
cover both front and side aspects of hinge 55 when box 50 is closed.
[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, parts 62 have central portions
70 which offset second ends 63 from hooks 60. When box 50 is closed,
central portions 70 of parts 62 bear against an edge 72 of base 54.
[0020] Box 50 may be assembled by hooking hooks 60 of parts 62
around hinge pins 58 so that second ends 63 of parts 62 project outwardly
and central portions 70 bear against and are supported by edge 72;
aligning second ends 63 with corresponding sockets 64; and then pressing
lid 52 into place until second ends 63 are fully engaged in sockets 64 with
projections 66 engaging apertures 68.
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[0021] After box 50 has been assembled, hinge pins 18 are trapped
between hooks 60 and lid portion 57. Pins or other projections 74 may
optionally be provided on lid portion S7 to reduce radial play in hinge 55
when hinge 55 is partially or fully open.
[0022] Figures 5 through 6B show a hinge 80 according to another
embodiment of the invention. Hinge 80 hingedly connects a first part 82
with a second part 84. Parts 82 and 84 could for example, be the lid and
base of a box or other enclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion
86 of part 82 substantially covers hinge 80. Portion 86 comprises a flange
having a front portion 86A which extends over a front-facing part of hinge
80 and a side portion 86B which extends rearwardly to cover hinge 80
from the side.
[0023) Hinge pins 90 are attached to part 82. Hinge pins 90 may be
formed integrally with part 82 or a portion thereof. In the alternative, hinge
pins 90 may comprise separate parts which fit into member 82. For
example, in some alternative embodiments hinge pins 90 comprise one or
more separate pins pressed longitudinally through holes (not shown) in
part 82. Figure 6A shows one possible arrangement of hinge pins 90 on
part 82. In the embodiment of Figure 6A, hinge pins 90 extend between
buttress portions 87.
[0024] It rnay be convenient to fabricate part 82, including hinge pins
90, by an injection molding process. Where this is done, it may be
desirable to provide apertures 94 in hiding portion 86 adjacent to hinge
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pins 90. Apertures 94 can accommodate movable mold sections for use in
molding pins 90. Apertures 94 may be left open or may be plugged.
Apertures 94, if present, may be in a forward-facing portion 86A of
portion 86 or in side portion 86B of portion 86. In either case, hinge 80 is
substantially hidden since hinge pins 90 are not exposed from the front or
side of hinge 80. Even if apertures 94 are present, hooks 98 prevent hinge
pins 90 from being visible through apertures 94.
[0025] In hinge 80, pins 90 are engaged by hooks 98. Hooks 98 may
be formed integrally with part 84. For example, Figure 6B shows a part 84
with integrally molded hooks 98. In the alternative, any suitable
attachment means may be provided to attach separate parts which include
hooks 98 to part 84. Some suitable attachment means are referred to above
in the description of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 4B. Figure
7 shows a hinge 80A according to an example embodiment of the
invention wherein hooks 98A are on separate parts 99 which are affixed to
part 84.
[0026] In the embodiment of Figure S, hooks 98 wrap around the
front sides of pins 90 (i.e. around the parts of pins 90 facing toward front
part 86A of portion 86). Hooks 98 have openings 101. Part 84 can be
hingedly connected to part 82 by inserting pins 90 into openings 101.
Preferably openings 101 are slightly narrower than pins 90 so that pins 90
can be snapped into place in hooks 98. In the illustrated embodiment,
hooks 98 include projections 103. Projections 103 project into openings
101 and serve to help hold pins 90 engaged in hooks 98.
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[0027] When hinge 80 is in a closed configuration, the bight 97 of
each hook 98 is on a side of the corresponding hinge pin 90 which faces
away from the part 84 to which hooks 98 are mounted. It can be seen that
pulling on part 82 in the direction of arrow 96 will engage pins 90 more
tightly into hooks 98.
[0028] Figure 8 shows a hinge 180 according to another embodiment
of the invention. Hinge 180 hingedly connects a first part 182 with a
second part 184. First part 182 is substantially similar to first part 82 of
the
embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 6B. Portion 186 of part 182, which
comprises a flange having front portion 186A and a side portion 186B,
substantially covers hinge 180. Hinge pins 190 are attached to part 182 by
any of the techniques referred to above in the description of the
embodiment of Figures 5 to 6B.
[0029] In hinge 180, pins 190 are engaged by hooks 198. Hooks 198
may be formed integrally with part 184. In the alternative, any suitable
attachment means may be provided to attach separate parts which include
hooks 198 to part 184. In the embodiment of Figure 8, each hook 198
comprise an arm 120, which extends transversely from part 184 and a pair
of clasp members 122A, 122B, which extend rearwardly from arm 120.
An opening 201 between clasp members 122A, 122B allows a
corresponding hinge pin 190 to be inserted between clasp members 122A,
122B for pivotal movement. Preferably opening 201 is slightly narrower
than its corresponding pin 190, so that pin 190 can be snapped into place
in hook 198.
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[0030] When assembled, a bight portion 197 of each hook 198 wraps
around the front side of its corresponding pin 190 (i.e. around the part of
pin 190 facing toward front part 186A of portion 186). When hinge 180 is
in a closed configuration, the bight 197 of each hook 198 is on a side of
the corresponding hinge pin 190 which faces away from the part 184 to
which hooks 198 are mounted. It can be seen that pulling on part 182 in
the direction of arrow 196 will engage pins 190 more tightly into hooks
198.
[0031 ] Hinges according to the invention may be used to connect
two parts for which one of the parts is in front of the other in normal use.
For example, a utility enclosure may have a base designed to be attached
to a wall, ceiling, or the like and a lid intended to be left exposed. In such
cases the lid can be considered to be frontward of the base. The base can
be considered to be rearward of the lid. In such cases the rear facing
aspect of the hinge is shielded from view by the wall or other surface to
which the base of the enclosure is intended to be mounted.
[0032] In all of the hidden hinges described above, a hinge pin is
mounted on a first part and a hook is mounted on a second part. It can be
seen that the bight of the hook is located on a side of the pin away from
the second part, so that when the hinge is in a closed position, pulling the
first and second parts apart tends to pull the hinge pin more firmly into the
hook. A hiding portion extends in front of the hinge pin from a frontward
one of the first and second parts.
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[0033] It can be appreciated that an enclosure according to this
invention which incorporates a hinge according to any of the arrangements
described above can be made such that side walls of the enclosure's base
and lid are in general alignment. For example, in the enclosure shown in
Figure 5, side wall 83 of part 82 is in general alignment with side wall 85
of part 84.
[0034] Where a component (e.g. an assembly, member, part, etc.) is
referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component
(including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as
equivalents of that component any component which performs the function
of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including
components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure
which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of
the invention.
[0035] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of
the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible
in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope
thereof. For example:
~ Hinge pins 58 are not necessarily formed integrally with base 54.
Hinge pins 58 could be on a separate part which is attached to base
54 in a suitable manner. Hinge pins 58 could be formed of plastic,
metal or any other suitable material.
~ The application of the invention is not limited to utility boxes.
Hidden hinges according to the invention may be used to attach lids
of enclosures of any kind; to attach lids to other structures; or, in
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general, to hingedly attach any two parts where a hinge is desired.
Hinges according to the invention are particularly advantageous
when the parts of the hinge are formed integrally with the parts
which are being hingedly connected by the hinge.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance
with the substance defined by the following claims.
