GB2638938A

GB2638938A - Hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2638938A
Application number: GB2317710.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Taylor Nigel
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-20
Filing date: 2023-11-20
Publication date: 2025-09-10
Also published as: IE20240701A2

Abstract

A hinge 1 comprising a first and second hinge leaf 11, 12 coupled by a hinge pin, each hinge leaf having an oblique or perpendicular connection portion 116, 126 between a knuckle portion 113, 123 and a mounting portion 114, 124. The bent hinge leafs permit hinge mounting to edge of a door, particularly suited for UPVC doors. Preferably the hinge pin is laterally offset from the mounting portions which may be offset from the knuckle portions. Preferably an arm 115, 125 parallel with the mounting portion extends from a barrel of the knuckle to the connecting portion. Preferably the barrel includes a threaded axial adjuster 134. The first leaf may include adjustment plate 118 and screw 119 adjusting the separation providing lateral adjustment of the hinge/door. The second leaf may include adjustment plate 128 with cam 129 providing compression adjustment of the hinge/door.

Description

Technical Field

The invention relates to hinges for doors and windows. More specifically, the invention relates to hinges for uPVC doors and windows which allow them to lie flush with their frame.

Background

A wide range of hinges are commonly available for uPVC and composite doors and windows. The vast majority of uPVC doors and windows are rebate door and windows i.e. the leaf of the door or window extends beyond the opening in the frame such that the edges of the leaf lie over the edges of the frame. Hinges for such systems typically have a first hinge leaf that fixes to an exterior surface of the door/window frame and another hinge leaf which fixes to either an inner face or to an external face of the door or window leaf. Such hinges typically extend proud of the frame and leaf and are vulnerable to attack as they have a large portion of the hinge visible and readily accessible by anyone.

Alternatively, some hinges for uPVC doors and windows require that a portion of the door or window frame and/or leaf be cut away to form a recess allowing the hinge leaf to fit within the recess. Whilst this hides a large portion of the hinge, it requires intensive and usually irreversible changes to the door or window leaf, and is labour intensive to install and set up.

It is therefore desirable to create a hinge that is largely hidden when the door or window leaf is closed and that does not require a user or manufacturer to cut out a recess for the hinge to fit within and such that the door or window leaf lies flush with the door or window frame.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge for mounting a door or window to a frame. The hinge may comprise a first and a second hinge leaf. The first hinge leaf may comprise a first knuckle portion, a first mounting portion, and a first connecting portion. The first connecting portion may extend perpendicularly or obliquely therebetween. The second hinge leaf may comprise a second knuckle portion, a second mounting portion, and a second connecting portion. The second connecting portion may extend perpendicularly or obliquely therebetween. The hinge may comprise a hinge pin for connecting the first and second hinge leafs.

The first mounting portion may be securable to an inner face of a door or window (i.e. to the leaf or wing). The inner face of a door or window comprises the face of the door or window which faces and/or abuts the frame e.g. an edge face on the hinge side of the door or window wing. The second mounting portion may be securable to a hinge jamb of said frame, and optionally, to an inner surface of the frame and/or the inner face of said hinge jamb e.g. which abuts the inner face of a door or window.

The first and/or second mounting portions may be offset relative to the first and/or second knuckle portions of the corresponding first and/or second hinge leafs. The first and/or second mounting portions and the first and/or second knuckle portions may be substantially planar. In such embodiments, offset may be understood as forming two parallel but non-coincidental planes. The first offset may be the distance between the plane of the first mounting portion and the plane of the first knuckle portion. The second offset may be the distance between the plane of the second mounting portion and the second knuckle portion. The first offset may be different to the second offset. The first and/or second offset may be a lateral offset i.e. in the lateral axis of the door in use (sideto-side).

The hinge pin may connect the first and second knuckle portions. The hinge pin may be laterally offset from the first and second mounting portions e.g. due to the knuckle portions being offset relative to the mounting portions. Where the first and second mounting portions are substantially planar, the hinge pin may be located such that the axis of the hinge pin (e.g. lengthwise of the hinge pin) is parallel and non-coincidental with the planes defined by the first and second mounting portions.

The first and second knuckle portion may further comprise at least one barrel portion respectively. For example, the first knuckle portion may comprise a first barrel portion and the second knuckle portion may comprise the second barrel portion. The barrel portions may together form a barrel assembly for housing the hinge pin. In some embodiments, the first and/or second knuckle portion may comprise more than one barrel portion. Each barrel portion may be a hollow cylinder.

The knuckle portions may comprise an arm extending from the barrel portion to the respective connecting portions. The arms may be approximately at a right angle to the connecting portions. The arms and the respective mounting portions may define a first plane and a second plane which may be substantially parallel. The arms and the mounting portions may be offset, e.g. as described above.

The first arm may be securable to an inner face of a door or window (i.e. to the leaf or wing) via a set of screw holes in the first arm. Optionally, said screw holes may be elongated to allow the first arm to move linearly with respect to the inner face of a door or window. The second arm may be securable to a hinge jamb of the door frame, and optionally, to an inner surface of the frame and/or the inner face of said hinge jamb e.g. which abuts the inner face of a door or window.

The barrel assembly may comprise an axial adjuster. The axial adjuster may be received within a threaded region on one of the barrel portions. The axial adjuster may be configured to bear upon a further barrel portion, such that movement (e.g. rotation) of the axial adjuster drives relative axial movement of a first and second barrel portion. The axial adjuster may comprise a screw or a threaded member. The axial adjuster may comprise a drive surface for bearing against said further barrel portion. The drive surface may comprise a flange or lip. For example, the axial adjuster may comprise a screw received within a threaded region in a first barrel portion of a first knuckle portion and may be configured to bear upon and drive the axial movement of a second barrel portion of a second knuckle portion or vice versa.

The hinge may comprise a security mechanism. The security mechanism may be configured to prevent removal of the hinge pin. The security mechanism may comprise a security screw. The security screw may be extendable between one of the barrel portions and a groove or recess on the hinge pin. The security screw may engage the groove or recess and thereby prevent movement of the hinge pin. The security mechanism may comprise a channel in one of the barrel portions for receiving the security screw. The channel may be positioned such that access to the security screw is restricted when the hinge is in the closed configuration in use. For example, the channel may face the door or window or frame in use when the door or window is closed.

The channel and security screw may be positioned between the first and second hinge leafs when the first and second hinge leafs are in an open position. The open position may be when the first and second hinge leafs have an angular separation about the hinge pin. The closed position may be when the first and second hinge leafs are adjacent and/or have no angular separation about the hinge pin. When the hinge is fixed to a door or window and a frame, the open position may be when the door or window is open. The security mechanism may be located on a barrel portion which rotates during opening and closing of the door. When the hinge is in an open position, the security screw may be located on or moved to the side of the first or second knuckle portion that forms an internal angle between the first and second hinge leafs.

Advantageously, when the hinge is fixed to a door and/or window and a door and/or window frame, the security screw may only be accessed when said door and/or window is in the open position.

The first and/or second hinge leafs may comprise an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjustment portion moveably connectable to the first and/or second mounting portions. The adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the position of the adjustment portion relative to the mounting portion is adjustable.

The adjustment mechanism may comprise a lateral adjustment mechanism. By 'lateral', it is intended to mean a side to side movement relative to the door or window frame in use. The lateral adjustment mechanism may comprise a screw which is held captive in one of the mounting portion and the adjustment portion, and which engages a threaded surface in the other of the mounting portion and the adjustment portion. The lateral adjustment mechanism may be configured such that rotation of the screw adjusts the separation of the mounting portion and the adjustment portion.

The adjustment mechanism may comprise a compression adjustment mechanism. By 'compression', it is intended to mean a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door or window frame in use. The compression adjustment mechanism may comprise a cam receivable within a channel e.g. a slot or recess. The compression adjustment mechanism may be configured such that rotation of the cam bears upon the sides of the channel and thus moves the adjustment portion relative to the mounting portion. The movement of the adjustment portion may be in a plane parallel to the plane of the mounting portion and/or perpendicular to the plane of the door or window frame when in use.

In some embodiments, the first hinge leaf comprises a first adjustment mechanism and the second hinge leaf comprises a second adjustment mechanism. The first adjustment mechanism may comprise a lateral adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism may comprise a compression adjustment mechanism or vice versa.

The first and/or second adjustment portion may be locatable within a eurogroove in a door or window. For example, the lateral adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjustment portion which is locatable within a eurogroove.

In some embodiments, the first mounting portion may be offset relative to the second mounting portion along the axis defined by the hinge pin. The first and/or second adjustment portion may comprise a eurogroove connector and a lower connector. The eurogroove connector may be fixed to the first and/or second adjustment portion. The lower connector may be axially offset from the eurogroove connector. The lower connector may be locatable at the same height along the hinge axis as the other of the first and/or second adjustment portion.

The adjustment portions may be adjustable in one or more of: an axial direction parallel to an axis defined by the length of the hinge pin; a lateral direction perpendicular to the axial direction; and a compression direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the lateral direction.

In some embodiments, one or both of the hinge leafs is provided with an adjustment portion which comprises both a lateral and a compression adjustment mechanism. Such embodiments may provide even greater levels of adjustability of the hinge.

The first and/or second hinge leaf may further comprise a dog bolt. The other of the first and/or second hinge leaf may further comprise a recess. The dog bolt may be located on the first and/or second mounting portion. The recess may be located on the first and/or second adjustment portion. The recess may be configured to receive the dog bolt when the first and second hinge leafs are in the closed position. The hinge may be in the closed position when the first and second hinge leafs have no angular separation about the hinge pin. Advantageously, when the hinge is fixed to a door or window and a frame and the hinge is in a closed position, the dog bolt may be received by the recess thereby resisting relative movement of the hinge leafs and providing further security to the door or window by reinforcing the side of the door or window where the hinge is located even if the barrel is removed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a door or window assembly. The door or window assembly may comprise a door or window leaf, a frame, and at least one hinge as described above. The at least one hinge may connect the door or window leaf to the frame. When assembled, the door or window may lie flush with the frame. The door or window may be flush with the frame if the door or window lies parallel to the frame and the door or window does not overlap the frame. More specifically, a door or window may be considered flush when the external surface of the door or window leaf lies in the same plane as the external surface of the frame.

The inner face of the door or window may comprise a stepped profile. The stepped profile may comprise a recessed portion on one side (e.g. toward an exterior surface) of the door or window and/or a projecting portion on the opposing side (e.g. toward an interior surface) of the door or window. The hinge jamb of the frame may have a profile that substantially matches that of the inner face of the door or window.

The door or window and/or the frame may be formed from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), aluminium, wood, a composite material, or any other suitable material.

When the door or window is in the closed position, the inner face of the door or window and the hinge jamb of the frame may form a channel therebetween. The at least one hinge may be configured to extend within the channel. The first and second mounting and connecting portions may extend through the channel. The knuckle portion may partially extend through the channel e.g. the arm of the knuckle portion may extend through the channel and the barrel portion may be located outside of said channel. The profile of the at least one hinge leafs may substantially match the channel such that no modification is required to the door or window or frame in order to install the at least one hinge.

Any feature which has been described as being located on the first hinge leaf may equivalently be located on the second hinge leaf. Similarly, any feature which has been described as being located on the second hinge leaf may equivalently be located on the first hinge leaf.

Brief Description of Figures

The invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hinge in an open position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hinge in a closed position; Figure 3 is an exploded diagram of the hinge of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-section through a door assembly showing a top view of a hinge; Figure 5 is an exploded diagram of a hinge; and

Detailed Description

Turning now to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a hinge 1. Figure 1 shows the hinge 1 in an open position; Figure 2 shows the same hinge 1 in a closed position. The hinge 1 is intended for a door or window assembly (not shown) comprising a door/window leaf located within a door/window frame. For the ease of explanation, the terms 'door' and 'door frame' will be used throughout the description to refer to the components of both door and window assemblies.

The hinge 1 has a first hinge leaf 11 and a second hinge leaf 12, which are connected to each other via a barrel assembly 14 and hinge pin 140 (see Figure 3).

The first hinge leaf 11 has a first knuckle portion 112, a first mounting portion 114, and a first connecting portion 116. The first connecting portion 116 extends approximately perpendicularly between the first knuckle portion 112 and the first mounting portion 114. The first hinge leaf 11 has a first adjustment mechanism comprising a first adjustment portion 118 connected to the first mounting portion 114 via an adjustment screw 119.

The first knuckle portion 112 has a first barrel portion 113 and a first arm 115. A series of four apertures 150 in the first mounting portion 114 are provided with align with screw holes (152, see Figure 3) extending through the first adjustment portion 118. Screws (not shown) can be inserted through the screw holes 152 to mount a door (not shown) onto the first hinge leaf 11.

The second hinge leaf 12 has a second knuckle portion 122, a second mounting portion 124, and a second connecting portion 126. The second connecting portion 126 extends approximately perpendicularly between the second knuckle portion 122 and the second mounting portion 124. The second hinge leaf 12 has a second adjustment mechanism comprising a second adjustment portion 128 connected to the second mounting portion 124 via screws 127 and an adjustment cam 129. The second knuckle portion 122 has a second barrel portion 123a, third barrel portion 123b, and second and third arms 125a, 125b. A series of four apertures 151 in the second mounting portion are aligned with screw holes 153 extending through the second adjustment portion 128. The apertures 151 are larger than the screw holes 152 such that screws (not shown) can be inserted through the apertures 151 without bearing on the first mounting portion 114, and then engages the countersunk surface of the screw holes 153 to mount the second hinge leaf 12 onto a door frame (not shown).

The first, second, and third barrel portions 113, 123a, 123b define a barrel assembly 14. The barrel assembly 14 and the hinge pin 140 define an axis (A) of the hinge 1 (i.e. the rotational axis of the first and second hinge leafs 11, 12). The first and second hinge leafs 11, 12 are rotatable relative to each other around the hinge pin 140 and thus the axis A. In use, the first hinge leaf 11 is fixed to an inner face of the door; either directly onto the surface or in a eurogroove in the door profile. The second hinge leaf 12 is fixed to a hinge jamb of the frame i.e. on an inner surface of the jamb. The hinge 1 is configured such that when in a closed position, as shown in Figure 2, the planes formed by the first and second mounting portions 114, 124 are approximately parallel. Equally, when in the closed position, the planes formed by the first and second knuckle portions 112, 122 are approximately parallel. In both cases, the planes of the first mounting portion 114 and first knuckle portion are offset from the planes of the second mounting portion and knuckle portion 112, 122 due to the extension of the connecting portions 116, 126. This offset gives the first and second hinge leafs 11, 12 an offset, or 'dog-leg', profile.

When closed, it will be appreciated that the majority of the hinge 1 is obscured from view, being hidden within the door and door frame, with first and second knuckle portions 112, 122 exposed and projecting slightly from the door and door frame.

Turning now to Figure 3 there is shown an exploded view of hinge 1.

The first knuckle portion 112 further comprises a first barrel portion 113 and a first arm extending from the first barrel portion 113 toward the first connecting portion 116. The second knuckle portion 122 further comprises second and third barrel portions 123a, 123b which, when assembled, are located axially above and beneath the first barrel portion 113. The second and third barrel portions 123a, 123b each comprise an arm 125a, 125b extending from the barrel portions toward the second connecting portion 126, which is also formed in two parts 126a and 126b.

A barrel sleeve 141 fits over the first barrel portion 113 to provide a decorative or protective external surface which is largely flush with the second and third barrel portions 123a, 123b. The barrel sleeve 141 is approximately tubular and has a slot 142 extending the length thereof in order to allow the first arm 115 to extend therefrom.

The three barrel portions 113, 123a, 123b together form a barrel assembly 14 which houses the hinge pin 140. The barrel assembly 14 is provided with a pair of annular bushings 143 which are located in the second and third barrel portions 123a, 123b and a pair of flanged bushings 145 which are received within each end of the first barrel portion 113. The annular and flanged bushings 143, 145 receive the hinge pin 140 therethrough, but are able to slide axially along the hinge pin 140.

The second barrel portion 123a comprises a channel 130 extending therethrough in which a security screw 131 (such as a grub screw) is received. The hinge pin 140 is provided with an annular groove 132 into which the security screw 131 extends when the hinge 1 is assembled, thereby preventing removal of the hinge pin 140. The channel 130 is positioned such that it faces the door and door frame when the hinge 1 is in the closed position (see Figure 2). Access to the security screw 131 is restricted since a tool such as a screwdriver or Allen key would be blocked by the door and door frame when the door is in a closed position. When the door is opened, the first hinge leaf 11 rotates as shown in Figure 1, thus exposing the security screw 131. The hinge pin 140 can thus only be removed by a user with a key to the door in which the hinge 1 is installed.

The third barrel portion 123b is provided with an axial adjuster 134 in the form of a screw which engages a corresponding surface (not shown) on the inside of the third barrel portion 123b. The axial adjuster 134 bears upon the annular and flanged bushings 143, 145 such that tightening or loosening of the axial adjuster 134 lifts the bushings and thus the first barrel portion 113 relative to the third (and second) barrel portion 123b. This motion can be hidden within the barrel sleeve 141.

Preferably the bushings 143, 145 are formed from a plastics material in order to reduce friction wear on the hinge 1 and to allow the bushings to slide along the length of the hinge pin 140 when the axial adjustment is being operated. The second and third barrel portions 123a, 123b are provided with caps 146 to provide a decorative finish and prevent dirt ingress.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the barrel sleeve 141 may be replaced or avoided by the first barrel portion 113 forming the external surface. In such embodiments, a barrel insert may be provided to closely fit to the hinge pin 140, or the dimensions of the barrel assembly 14 may be selected such that a sleeve or insert is not required.

The barrel portions 113, 123a, 123b are tubular and can be formed as separate components which are then welded to the respective arms 115, 125a, 125b, or the barrel portions 113, 123a, 123b can be formed by bending a portion of the arm into the desired tube shape.

The first hinge leaf 11 further comprises a first adjustment mechanism. The first adjustment mechanism comprises the first adjustment portion 118, which is connected to the first mounting portion 114 by an adjustment screw 119 and a pair of pins 119a which extend from the first mounting portion 114 and into the openings 155 in the first adjustment portion 118. The adjustment screw 119 is held captive in the first adjustment portion 118 and engages a thread on the first mounting portion 114 (or vice versa) such that rotating the adjustment screw 118 adjusts the separation between the first adjustment portion 118 and the first mounting portion 114. The pair of pins 119a thus support the weight of the door but allow sliding movement along the axis of the pins. Since the door is mounted onto the first adjustment portion 118, adjusting the first adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the door -in the embodiment shown this would form a lateral adjustment mechanism which would adjust the door laterally within the frame.

The second hinge leaf 120 further comprises a second adjustment mechanism. The second adjustment mechanism comprises the second adjustment portion 128, which is connected to the second mounting portion 114 by an adjustment cam 129 and a pair of screws 156. The screws 156 extend through screw slots 157 in the second mounting portion 124 and engage adjustment screw holes 158 in the second adjustment portion 128. A high friction surface (e.g. a ridged surface) is provided on each side of the adjustment screw holes 158 with a corresponding surface on the reverse of the second mounting portion 124 (not shown).

The adjustment cam 129 is held captive in a cam aperture 160 in the second adjustment portion 128, and has an eccentric cam surface which is located within an elongate slot 159 formed in the second mounting portion 124. Rotating the adjustment cam 128 bears upon the sides of the elongate slot 159 and thus adjusts the position of the first adjustment portion 128 relative to the first mounting portion 124. In the view shown this adjustment would be to the left and right, or in a direction perpendicular to (i.e. normal to) a plane defined by the door frame in use. This allows a door leaf to be moved perpendicularly to the door frame in order to compress any seals around the perimeter of the door, and thus forms a compression adjustment mechanism. One the desired position is achieved, the user or installer can tighten the screws 156 and the high fiction surfaces on the second mounting portion 124 and second adjustment potion 128 engage, thus preventing further adjustment or slippage of the second adjustment mechanism.

The first hinge leaf 11 further comprises a dog bolt 250 and the second hinge leaf 120 further comprises a dog bolt recess 252 for receiving the dog bolt 250 when the hinge is in the closed position (see Figure 2). The dog bolt 250 and dog bolt recess 252, when engaged, provide a strong reinforcement which prevents and blocks movement of the hinge leafs 11, 12 relative to each other. For example, the dog bolt 250 will strongly resist an attacker trying to prise the door from the frame, or lift the door against the hinges.

Turning now to Figure 4, there is shown an alternative embodiment of hinge 2 shown in a view from above and through a cross section of a door 4 and door frame profile 3. The hinge 2 is the same as the hinge 1 shown in previous figures, except that the arms 215 of the knuckle portions have a cranked configuration. That is, the arms 215 extend from the barrel assembly 14 at a first angle, then are bent in order to extend toward the connecting portions. It will be understood that the angle of the bend, as well as the extension of the arm 215 between the bend and the barrel assembly 14 can be selected by the manufacturer in order to adjust the position of the centre of rotation for the hinge, to conform to a specific profile shape, or even just for aesthetic reasons.

As best shown in Figure 4, and as with both embodiments of hinge 1 and 2, the dog-leg' profile of the first and second hinge leaf allows the door 4 to lie flush with the plane of the door frame 5, while still maintaining unbroken compression seals (e.g. within recesses 217, 218) within the door and frame profiles, and without requiring modification of the door leaf 4.

Turning now to Figures 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment of hinge 3 in an open position and partially exploded. The hinge 3 has a first hinge leaf 31 and a second hinge leaf 32, which are connected to each other via a barrel assembly 34 and hinge pin (not shown).

The first hinge leaf 31 has a first knuckle portion 312, a first mounting portion 314, and a first connecting portion 316. The first connecting portion 316 extends approximately perpendicularly between the first knuckle portion 312 and the first mounting portion 314.

The first mounting portion 314 is provided with a set of elongated apertures 350 for receiving screws 354. The first hinge leaf 31 has a first adjustment mechanism comprising a first adjustment portion 318. The first adjustment portion 318 is provided with screw holes 358 which align with the elongated apertures 350 and which have a ridged surface on either side thereof to correspond with a similar ridged surface (not shown) on the reverse face of first mounting portion 314. The first adjustment portion 318 is connected to the first mounting portion 314 by inserting screws 354 through the elongated apertures 350 into the screw holes 358, thereby engaging the ridged surface to secure the two parts together. The first adjustment portion is further provided with mounting screw holes 359. Mounting screws (not shown) can be inserted through the mounting screw holes 359 to mount a door (not shown) onto the first hinge leaf 31.

The first adjustment portion 318 comprises a eurogroove connector 360 and a lower connector 362. The compression of the first hinge leaf 31 can be adjusted using a threaded member 319. The threaded member 319 is extends through a threaded channel 370 in a projection 372 on the eurogroove connector 360, which in turn sits within a recess 374 in the first mounting portion 314. Each end of the threaded member 319 abuts the side faces of the recess 374 allowing the threaded member 319 to freely rotate within the recess. Rotating the threaded member 319 within the threaded channel 370 drives the projection 372 along the threaded member 319 and thereby adjusts the relative position of the first adjustment portion 318 and the first mounting portion 314. When the hinge 3 is closed, this adjustment is in the compression direction (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of a door to which the hinge may be fitted). One side of the recess 374 is provided with a channel 376 to allow access to one end of the threaded member 319 which has a screw recess allowing a tool such as a screwdriver or Allen key to rotate the threaded member 319. The elongated apertures 350 allow the mounting portion 314 to be adjusted relative to the adjustment portion 318 whilst still being mounted to the door leaf.

The first knuckle portion 312 has a first barrel portion 313 and a first arm 315. The first arm 315 is provided with a second set of elongated screw holes 356. Screws (not shown) can be inserted through the second set of elongated screw holes 356 to mount a door (not shown) onto the first hinge leaf 31. The first hinge leaf 31 is mounted to a door by fixing the first adjustment portion 318 to the door via the mounting screw holes 359. The first mounting portion 314 is fixed to the door and the first adjustment portion 318 via screws 354 through the elongated apertures 350 and the second set of elongated screw holes 356 respectively. The first mounting portion is then adjusted relative to the door and first adjustment portion 318 by rotating the threaded member 319.

The second hinge leaf 32 has a second knuckle portion 322, a second mounting portion 324, and a second connecting portion 326. The second connecting portion 326 extends approximately perpendicularly between the second knuckle portion 322 and the second mounting portion 324. The second mounting portion 324 is provided with a first set of screw holes 353 to mount the second hinge leaf 32 onto a door frame (not shown). The second mounting portion 324 is provided with dog bolts 364 configured to engage within recesses 366 of the lower connector 362 when the hinge 3 is in the closed position. Beneficially, an edge of the dog bolts 364 which engages within the recesses of the lower connector 362 is serrated and the recesses have a corresponding serrated edge. If an attacker tries to prise the door from the door frame, the serrations mesh together and provide strong resistance to the attack. In other embodiments (not shown) the recesses 366 may be omitted and the dog bolts 364 can bite into a surface or edges within the door frame directly e.g. into the plastic sides of the eurogroove in a uPVC frame. In a further series of embodiments (not shown) the dog bolts may be un-serrated and can still provide a useful resistance to attack by bearing upon a surface or edge within the frame.

The second knuckle portion 322 has a second barrel portion 323 and a second arm 325. The second hinge leaf 32 is provided with a second set of screw holes 355. Screws (not shown) can be inserted through the second set of screw holes 355 to mount the second hinge leaf 32 onto a door frame (not shown).

The first and second barrel portions 313, 323 sit within a barrel housing 36 and define a barrel assembly 34. The barrel assembly 34 and the hinge pin define an axis (A) of the hinge 3 (i.e. the rotational axis of the first and second hinge leafs 31, 32). The first and second hinge leafs 31, 32 are rotatable relative to each other around the hinge pin and thus the axis A. The first barrel portion 313 is separated from the second barrel portion 323 along the axis A. It is equally envisioned that the first barrel 313 is located below the second barrel portion 323 along the axis A. The second barrel portion 323 is provided with an axial adjuster (not shown) in the form of a screw which engages a corresponding surface (not shown) on the inside of the second barrel portion 323. The axial adjuster bears upon a bushing (not shown) within the second barrel portion 323 such that tightening or loosening of the axial adjuster lifts the bushing and thus the first barrel portion 313 relative to the second barrel portion 323.

In use, both the eurogroove connector 360 and lower connector 362 are fixed inside a eurogroove in the door profile. The second hinge leaf 32 is fixed to a hinge jamb of the frame i.e. on an inner surface of the jamb. The remainder of the description of the hinge 3 in use is equivalent to the description of the hinge 1 in use.

Beneficially, the hinge 1, 2, 3 can be installed in a door assembly whilst concealing the majority of the mechanism and without having to create a cut-out in either the door 4 or door frame 5. When the door 4 is in the closed position, the door 4 and door frame 5 form a convoluted channel therebetween. The hinges 1 and 2 are both configured to conform to this convoluted channel (e.g. by the knuckle portions being offset from the mounting portions by virtue of the connecting portion) thereby negating the need to remove a region of the door leaf in order to fit the hinges. This provides both improved aesthetics for the door system manufacturer as well as much quicker and simpler installation by the door installer.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A hinge for mounting a door or window to a frame, the hinge comprising: a first hinge leaf comprising a first knuckle portion, a first mounting portion, and a first connecting portion extending perpendicularly or obliquely therebetween; and a second hinge leaf comprising a second knuckle portion, a second mounting portion, and a second connecting portion extending perpendicularly or obliquely therebetween; and a hinge pin for connecting the first and second hinge leafs.
2. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting portion is securable to an inner face of a door or window and the second mounting portion is securable to an inner surface of a hinge jamb of said frame.
3. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second mounting portions are offset relative to the first and/or second knuckle portions of the corresponding first and second hinge leafs.
4. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge pin is laterally offset from the first and/or second mounting portions.
5. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second knuckle portions each comprise at least one barrel portion, the barrel portions together forming a barrel assembly for housing the hinge pin.
6. The hinge according to claim 5, wherein the knuckle portions further comprise an arm extending from the barrel portion to the connecting portion.
7. The hinge according to claim 6, wherein the first arm is securable to the inner face of the door or window and the second arm is securable to the inner surface of the hinge jamb of said frame.
8. The hinge according to claim 6, wherein the mounting portions and arms are substantially planar and define a first and second plane, and the first and second planes are substantially parallel.
9. The hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the barrel assembly comprises an axial adjuster received within one of the barrel portions and configured to bear upon a further of the barrel portions to drive the relative axial movement thereof.
10. The hinge according to any one of the claims 5 to 9, further comprising a security mechanism configured to prevent removal of the hinge pin, wherein the security mechanism comprises a security screw extendable between one of the barrel portions and a groove or recess on the hinge pin.
11. The hinge according to claim 10, wherein the security screw is located within a channel in one of the barrel portions, the channel positioned such that access to the security screw is restricted when the hinge is in the closed configuration in use.
12. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second hinge leafs further comprise an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a lateral and/or compression adjustment mechanism
13. The hinge according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment portion locatable within a Eurogroove in a door or window.
14. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first or second hinge leaf further comprises at least one dog bolt, and the other of the first or second hinge leaf further comprises at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess is configured to receive the at least one dog bolt when the first and second hinge leafs are in the closed position.
15. A door or window assembly comprising: a door or window leaf; a frame; and at least one hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hinge is configured to connect the door or window leaf to the frame such that the door or window leaf lies flush with the frame when the door or window leaf is in a closed position.
16. The door or window assembly according to claim 15, wherein the inner face of the door or window comprises a stepped profile; and the hinge jamb of the frame comprises a profile that substantially matches the inner face of the door or window.
17. The door or window assembly according to either claim 15 or 16, wherein the inner face of the door or window and the hinge jamb of the frame form a channel therebetween when the door or window is in the closed position, wherein the at least one hinge is configured to extend within the channel.