WO2011055106A2

WO2011055106A2 - A hinge

Info

Publication number: WO2011055106A2
Application number: PCT/GB2010/001992
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kobby King
Original assignee: Kobby King
Priority date: 2009-11-05
Filing date: 2010-10-28
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Also published as: GB0919415D0; GB2475083A; WO2011055106A3

Abstract

A hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a binge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section and a locking means movable between a first position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally locked together, and a second position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally un-locked, characterised in that the hinge further comprises a latching means arranged to latch the locking means in the first and second positions.

Description

A Hinge

The present invention relates to a hinge for a connecting a leaf of a door, window or the like to a frame so that the leaf may be hinged about a hinge axis and relates specifically, but not exclusively to a door hinge.

It is known to provide wedges or stops on a floor to limit the amount a door can be opened or to restrain movement of a door in an open position. However, this is disadvantageous as these can trip people up.

In an effort to solve this problem, it is known to provide a hinge with a locking mechanism that is able to lock the hinge in a desired rotational position. However, such known hinges are cumbersome and difficult to lock and un-lock.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section and a locking means movable between a first position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally locked together, and a second position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally un-locked, characterised in that the hinge further comprises a latching means arranged to latch the locking means in the first and second positions. This is advantageous in that the hinge may be locked and unlocked quickly and easily by operation of the latching means.

Preferably the latching means comprises a first formation arranged to releasably engage with a second formation.

Preferably the latching means is operable by a user operable means.

Preferably the hinge comprises a housing which at least partially houses the user operable means, the first formation of the latching means is provided on the housing and the second formation is provided on the user operable means. Alternatively, the first formation may be provided on the user operable means and the second formation may be provided on the housing. Preferably the user operable means is a switch.

Preferably the switch is a push-button.

Preferably the first formation comprises a rib and the second formation comprises a ridge.

Preferably the locking means is biased into the first or second position by a resilient member. Preferably the first section comprises a shaft provided with external teeth, the locking means comprises a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section, is provided with internal teeth and is arranged to move between a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the internal teeth of the collar are engaged with the external teeth of the shaft, such that the first section is rotationally fixed relative to the second section, and wherein in the second position said teeth are not engaged, such that the first section is able to rotate relative to second section. Preferably the second section is provided with a first formation and the collar is provided with a second formation which is arranged to engage with said first formation such that the collar is rotationaliy fixed relative to the second section.

Preferably the collar is provided with at least one slit arranged such that the internal teeth of the collar disengage the external teeth of the shaft when excess turning force is applied to the collar or shaft.

A further problem with known hinges that lock in a desired rotational position is that an excessive turning force is applied to the hinge, when it is in a locked position, such a by a person running into a door, can damage the hinge.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section and a locking means movable between a first position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally locked together, and a second position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally un-locked, characterised in that the locking means comprises a collar provided with at least one slit arranged such that when the first and second sections are locked and excess turning force is applied to first or second sections, collar opens such that the first and second sections are unlocked.

This is advantageous in that it prevents an excessive turning force from damaging the hinge when it is in a locked position.

Preferably the collar is provided with a plurality of said slits.

If a leaf of a door, window or the like is opened too far it can collide and damage with nearby objects, such as furniture. In addition, a leaf of a door, window or the like may be caused to slam shut, for example due to the action of wind. This can damage the leaf.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section, characterised in that the hinge comprises a tracking member mechanically coupled to the first section such that its position is dependent on the rotational position of the first section relative to the second section and a limiting means which limits rotation of the first section relative to the second section by limiting movement of the tracking member.

This is advantageous in that, when the hinge is installed for use with a leaf, the extent that the leaf may be opened or closed can be limited. This prevents the leaf from opening too far and damaging to nearby objects and from slamming shut and damaging the leaf.

Preferably the first section comprises a shaft and the tracking member is arranged to move relative to the shaft in dependence on the rotational position of the first section relative to the second section.

Preferably the tracking member comprises a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section and is arranged to move along the shaft in dependence on the rotational position of the shaft relative to the second section and the limiting means limits movement of the collar along the shaft.

Preferably the shaft is provided with a spiralled formation and the collar is provided with a co-operating formation which engages with the spiralled formation such that as the shaft rotates relative to the collar, the collar is moved along the shaft.

Preferably the spiralled formation is a slot or groove and the co-operating formation is a protrusion. Preferably the limiting means comprises a means of varying the effective length of the spiralled formation.

Preferably the limiting means comprises a stop provided at one end of the shaft such that it at least partially covers a section of the spiralled formation.

Preferably the extent that the stop at least partially covers a section of the spiralled formation may be varied. Preferably the stop is threadably engagable with the shaft such that the extent that stop at least partially covers a section of the spiralled formation may be varied by rotating the stop relative to the shaft.

Preferably the second section is provided with a first formation and the collar is provided with a second formation which is arranged to engage with said first formation such that the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section.

A common problem with a hinge leaf of a door, window or the like is that a person may have their fingers jammed by the closing leaf and the door or window frame.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section, characterised in that the first section is provided with a stop which acts to limit the extent that the first and second sections may be brought together.

This is advantageous in that when the hinge is used with a leaf of a door, window or the like, the leaf is unable to close fully, thereby preventing a person from having their fingers jammed by the closing leaf and the door or window frame.

Preferably the stop is a protrusion. Preferably the extent that the protrusion extends from the first section may be varied.

This is advantageous in that it allows the extent that the leaf may be closed to be varied to suit a user's needs.

Preferably the protrusion is threaded and the first section is provided with a threaded aperture, within which the protrusion is threadably engaged such that the extent that the protrusion extends from the first section may be varied by rotation of the protrusion within the aperture.

Preferably the first section is for attachment to a leaf and the second section is for attachment to a fixed member.

Preferably the hinge is a door hinge. All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a first section of a hinge according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of section A of the first section of the hinge shown in Figure 1 and of a second section of the hinge;

Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of section B of the first section of the hinge shown in Figure 1, and of a second section section of the hinge, but with the stop (39) omitted for illustrative purposes;

Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional view show in Figure 2 with the push button and first collar in a first position;

Figure 5 shows the cross-sectional view show in Figure 2 with the push button and first collar in a second position; Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view of the first section of the hinge attached to a door leaf and a second section of the hinge attached to a jamb of a door frame, with the door leaf in a closed position, and Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of the first section of the hinge attached to a door leaf and a second section of the hinge attached to a jamb of a door frame, with the door leaf in an open position;

Referring to Figures 1 to 7 there is shown a hinge 1. The hinge 1 is for a connecting a leaf of a door, window or the like to a frame so that the leaf may be hinged about a longitudinal axis 2 of the hinge 1. By the term 'leaf it is meant a member of a door, window, or the like that is movable to vary the extent that it covers an aperture defined by a frame of the door, window, or the like. The hinge 1 comprises a first section 3 for attachment to a leaf and a second section 4 for attachment to a frame member, such as a door frame member (e.g. a door jamb), window frame member, or the like.

The first section 3 of the hinge 1 comprises a generally cylindrical shaft 5 attached to a first plate 6.

The shaft 5 has a longitudinal axis 2 and comprises a central section 16 bounded on either side by first and second sections 7, 8 of reduced diameter, which extend from respective sides of the central section 16. The central section 16 of the shaft 5 is attached, along a length- wise edge, to a length- wise edge of the first plate 6. In the current embodiment this attachment is by welding, although it will be appreciated that any suitable means of attachment may be used. The first plate 6 is generally elongate and generally flat and is provided with a plurality of [screw- receiving] apertures 11, via which the first plate 6 is attachable to a leaf.

The first and second sections 7, 8 of the shaft 5 extend in the longitudinal axis direction 2 from the respective side of the central section 16 to respective second ends 9, 10.

A portion of the first section 7 of the shaft 5 distal to the central section 16 is provided with external teeth 24 that are circumferentially distributed and extend in the longitudinal axis direction 2.

A coiled spring 25 is connected at a first end to a portion of the first section 7 of the shaft 5 proximal to its central section 16. The spring surrounds the first section 7 of the shaft 5.

A first collar 19, in the form of a ring, is mounted on a second end of the spring. The first collar 19 is provided with internal teeth 23, which are circumferentially distributed around an inner surface of the collar 19 and extend in the longitudinal axis direction 2. The internal teeth 23 are arranged to engage with the external teeth of the first section of the shaft (as described below).

A connecting member 30 is mounted on the first collar 19. The connecting member 30 is in the form of a generally elongate member of circular cross-section which is provided with a step increase in diameter at substantially a mid-point along its length to form a first section connected to a second section of increased diameter by a step 26.

A push button 18 is mounted on he connecting member 30. The push button 18 comprises a body 27 and a cap 28. The push button body 27 is generally cylindrical and has open and closed ends. The open end is mounted on the step 26 of the connecting member, with the first section of the connecting member 30 housed within the push button body 27. The cap 28 is a generally annular disc and is mounted on the closed end of the push button body 27.

The push button body 27 is pivoted substantially at its centre such that it may rotate relative to the cap 28.

A section of the push button 18 protrudes from the opening provided in the end of the first sleeve 12 that is distal to the central section 16 of the shaft 5.

The second section 4 of the hinge 1 comprises first and second sleeves 12, 13 attached to a second plate 14. The first and second sleeves 12, 13 are each attached along a length- wise edge to a length- wise edge of the second plate 14, at respective opposed end regions of the second plate 14. In the current embodiment this attachment is by welding, although it will be appreciated that any suitable means of attachment may be used.

The second plate 14 is generally elongate and generally flat and is provided with a plurality of [screw- receiving] apertures 15, via which the second plate 14 is attachable to a frame member, such as a door frame member (e.g. a door jamb), window frame member, or the like.

Each sleeve 12, 13 is a generally hollow cylindrical tube that is open at both ends. The first and second sleeves 12, 13 are sized and configured to house the first and second sections 7, 8 of the shaft 5 respectively, while permitting rotation of the first and second sections 7, 8 relative to the first and second sleeves 12, 13.

The first and second sleeves 12, 13 bound either side of the central section 16 of the shaft 5 and are arranged to rotate relative to the central section 16, with bearing elements 17 in the form of nylon washers provided between the contacting surfaces of the sleeves 12, 13 and the central section 16 of the shaft 5. Although nylon washers are used in the currently described embodiment, it will be appreciated that any suitable bearing element may be used. An outer surface of the first collar 19 is provided with a plurality of radial protrusions 20 that are distributed circumferentially around the first collar 19 and extend along the length of the first collar 19 in the longitudinal axis direction 2. An inner surface of the first sleeve 12 is provided with slots 21 extending in the longitudinal axial direction 2. The radial protrusions 20 of the first collar 19 are arranged to slide within these slots 21 such that the collar 19 may slide in the longitudinal axis direction 2, relative to the first sleeve 12, while being rotationally fixed relative to the first sleeve 12.

The spring 25 biases the first collar 19 into a first position (as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4). In the first position, the internal teeth 23 of the first collar 19 are not engaged with the external teeth 24 of the first section 7 of the shaft 5. Accordingly, the first section is able to rotate relative to the first sleeve 12.

As the push button is depressed, it pushes connecting member against the first collar. This acts to slide the first collar, against the biasing action of the spring, in the longitudinal axis direction 2, to a second position (as shown in Figure 5). The radial protrusions 20 of the first collar 19 slide within the slots 21 of the first sleeve 12.

In the second position, the internal teeth 23 of the first collar 19 are engaged with the external teeth 24 of the first section 7 of the shaft 5. Accordingly, the first section 7 of the shaft 5 is unable to rotate relative to the collar and so, by virtue of the engagement of the protrusions 20 of the first collar 19 with the slots 21 of first sleeve 12, is also unable to rotate relative to the first sleeve 12.

An inner surface of the first sleeve 12 is provided with a radially projecting rib 31. An outer surface of the push button body 27 is provided with a spirally extending ridge (not shown).

As the push button 18 is depressed, from its rest position, the ridge is forced beneath the rib 31, i.e. between the rib 31 and the spring 25. This causes the push button body 27 to rotate relative to the first sleeve 12, as well as the cap 18. The spring 25 forces the spiral ridge against the rib, thereby latching the collar in the second position.

In order to unlatch the first collar 19 from the second position, the push button 18 is depressed further, against the action of the spring 25. This acts to rotate the push button body 27 further until the rib 31 passes an end of the spiral ridge. The action of the spring 25 then returns the first collar 19, and the push button 18, to the first position. A pair of slits 32 are provided in the first collar 19. Each of the slits 32 extend, in the longitudinal axial direction, along the length of the collar 19, from one side of the collar 19 to another. The slits 32 lie adjacent to each other, in circumferentially spaced positions. The slits 32 are arranged such that when an excess turning force is applied to the first collar, when in the first position, it opens in the radial direction. This disengages the internal teeth 23 of the first collar 19 to with the external teeth 24 of the first section 7 of the shaft 15. The first collar 19 may then rotate relative to the first section 7, with the internal teeth 23 of the first collar 19 riding over the external teeth 24 of the first section 7. This prevents an excessive turning force applied to the first collar 19 from damaging the hinge 1.

A second collar 33 is mounted on the second section 8 of the shaft. The second collar is provided with radial protrusions 34 that are distributed circumferentialiy around the collar 33 and extend along the length of the collar 33 in the longitudinal axis direction 2.

An inner surface of the second sleeve 13 is provided with slots 35 extending in the longitudinal axial direction 2. The radial protrusions 34 of the second collar 33 are arranged to slide within these slots 35 such that the second collar 33 may slide in the longitudinal axial direction 2, relative to the second sleeve, but is rotationaliy fixed relative to the second sleeve 13.

The second section 8 of the shaft 5 is provided with a slot 36 which spirals around the second section 8 from the first to the second end of the section 8. The second collar 33 is provided with an internal projection 37 which slides within the spiral slot 36. Accordingly, as the second section 8 of the shaft 5 rotates relative to the second collar 33, the second collar 33 travels in the longitudinal axis direction 2 along the second section 8 of the shaft 5.

The second sleeve 13 is provided, towards its open end, with an internal thread 38.

The hinge 1 further comprises a stop 39, in the form of a generally cylindrical body having an open and closed end. The stop 39 is provided, towards its open end, with a portion of increased diameter provided with an external thread 42. The open end of stop 39 is mounted on the second end of the second section 8 of the shaft 5, with said second end 8 being received within the stop 39. The external thread 42 of the stop 39 is engaged with the internal thread 38 of the second sleeve 13.

When the second collar 33 reaches the stop 39, it abuts against the potion of increased diameter and so is unable to travel any further towards the second end of the second section 8 of the shaft 5.

Similarly, when the second collar 33 reaches the central section 1 of the shaft 5, it abuts against the central section 16 and so is unable to travel any further towards the first end of the second section 8 of the shaft 5.

This limits the extent that the shaft 5 may be rotated relative to the second sleeve 13 and therefore limits the extent that the first plate 6 may be rotated relative to the second plate 14. As the stop 39 is rotated relative to the second section, it travels relative to the second section 8 in the longitudinal axis direction 2 by virtue of the engagement of its external thread 42 with the internal thread 38 of the second section 8. This varies the extent that the stop 39 covers the second section 8, thereby varying the effective length of the spiral slot 36. Accordingly, rotation of the stop 39 varies the extent that the first plate 6 may be rotated relative to the second plate 14.

Resilient O-rings 43 are provided either side of the second collar 33 to act as a damper when the second collar 33 abuts either the stop 39 or the central section 16 of the shaft 5.

The stop 39 is provided, towards its closed end, with a grip portion 44, which facilitates rotation of the stop 39 by hand.

Alternatively, or additionally, the closed end of the stop 39 may be provided with a slot for engagement with a screw-driver head, or the like such that the stop may be rotated by a screw-driver. The first plate 6 is provided with a variable length projection 45 which protrudes through a threaded aperture 46 provided in the first plate 6. The projection 45 comprises a generally cylindrical body closed at one end to form a head. The body of the projection is provided with an external thread 47 which is engaged with the thread of the aperture 46. Accordingly, the length that the projection 45 protrudes from the first plate 3 can be varied by rotating the projection 45 within the aperture 46.

When the head of the projection 45 is flush with an outer face of the first plate 3, the first and second plates 6, 14 are able to be rotated towards each other about the longitudinal axis 2 until their outer faces abut. However, when the head of the projection 45 protrudes from the outer face of the first plate 6, this acts to limit that the extent that the first and second plates 6, 14 may be rotated towards each other since, as they are brought together, the outer face of the second plate 14 abuts the projection 45.

The second plate 14 is provided with an aperture 48 and a cover plate 49 that is slidable between a first position in which the aperture 48 is covered and a second position in which the aperture is exposed. When the cover plate 49 is in the first position, the projection 45 is unable to pass through the aperture 48 and the projection 45 acts to limit the extent that the first and second plates 6, 14 may be brought together, as described above.

When the cover plate 49 is in the second position, the projection 45 is unable to pass through the aperture 48.

When the cover plate 49 is in the first position, the projection 45 may be used to limit the amount the first and second plates 6, 14 can be brought together, as described above. When the cover plate 49 is in the second position, the projection 45 no longer acts to limit the amount the first and second plates 6, 14 can be brought together, effectively overriding the function of the projection 45. Accordingly, the cover plate 49 provides a fast and convenient means of allowing or preventing the first and second plates 6, 14 being fully brought together, without having to adjust the length of the projection 45.

Reference will now be made to Figures 6 and 7, which show the hinge when installed for use with a door. However, it will be appreciated that the hinge may be used to connect any type of leaf (e.g. of a window) to a frame so that the leaf may be hinged about a hinge axis leaf and frame member.

The first section 3 of the hinge 1 is attached to a door leaf 40. The first plate 6 is attached to a side of the door leaf by screws (not shown) passing through the apertures 11 in the first plate 6 and into the door leaf 40.

The second section 4 of the hinge 1 is attached to a jamb 41 of a door frame. The second plate 14 is attached to a side of the jamb 41 by screws (not shown) passing through the apertures 15 in the second plate 14 and into the jamb 41.

As the door leaf 41 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 2 of the hinge 1, the shaft 5 is rotated, i.e. the central section 16 and the first and second sections 7, 8. The first and second sections 7, 8 of the shaft 5 rotate within the first and second sleeves 12, 13. The central section 16 of the shaft 5 rotates between the first and second sleeves 12, 13 by contact with the nylon washers 17.

When the first collar 19 is in the first position, the door leaf 40 is able to rotate relative to the jamb 41, about thp longitudinal axis 2 of the hinge 1 and therefore the door leaf 40 can be moved between opened and closed positions.

When the push button 18 is depressed, the first collar 19 is moved to, and latched in, the second position. In this position, the door leaf 41 is unable to rotate about the hinge 1 and therefore the door leaf 41 is fixed in position relative to the jamb 41.

When the push button 18 is depressed further, the first collar 19 is returned to the first position. In this position, the door leaf 41 is able to rotate about the hinge 1.

Accordingly, the door leaf 41 can be locked in, and unlocked from, any desired position relative to the jamb 41, including a fully open position, a fully closed position or any position in-between, by operation of the push button 18.

In this way, the door leaf 41 can be locked in a desired position without requiring wedges or stops provided beneath the door leaf 41 that can trip people up or damage the door leaf 41. If an excessive turning force is applied to the door leaf 41 when it is in a locked position, e.g. caused by a persdn running into the locked door leaf 41, the slits 32 of the first collar 19 disengage the internal teeth 23 of the first collar and the external teeth 24 of the first section of the shaft (as described above), thereby preventing a destructive strain being placed on the hinge 1.

The extent that the door leaf 40 can open may be varied by twisting the stop 39 relative to the second section of the shaft This may be used, for example, to prevent furniture being damaged, and thus replaces the conventional "door stop".

In the current embodiment the length and configuration of the spiral slot 36 allows the door leaf 40 to close fully, and only acts to limit its maximum open position. However, it will be appreciated that such an arrangement may be used to limit the amount the door leaf 40 may close, for example by reversing the direction of the spiral.

The extent that the door leaf 40 may be closed by varied by twisting the projection 45 within the aperture 46. The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example the first plate 6 could be fixed to the jamb 41 and the second plate fixed to the leaf 40. It is envisaged that the hinge of the invention may be sold as one or a pair of hinges with the other hinge being of a type well known in the art but matching the hinge of the invention in outward appearance. The above embodiment is described by way of example. Many variations are possible without departing from the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section and a locking means movable between a first position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally locked together, and a second position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally un-locked, characterised in that the hinge further comprises a latching means arranged to latch the locking means in the first and second positions.

A hinge according to claim 1 wherein the latching means comprises formation arranged to releasably engage with a second formation.

A hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the latching means is operable by a user operable means.

4. A hinge according to claim 2 wherein the hinge comprises a housing which at least partially houses the user operable means, the first formation of the latching means is provided on the housing and the second formation is provided on the user opej-able means.

5. A hinge according to either of claims 3 or 4 wherein the user operable means is a switch.

6. A hinge according to claim 5 wherein the switch is a push-button.

7. A hinge according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the first formation comprises a rib and the second formation comprises a ridge.

8. A hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the locking means is biased into the first or second position by a resilient member.

9. A hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the first section comprises a shaft provided with external teeth, the locking means comprises a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section, is provided with internal teeth and is arranged to move between a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the internal teeth of the collar are engaged with the external teeth of the shaft, such that the first section is rotationally fixed relative to the second section, and wherein in the second position said teeth are not engaged, such that the first section is able to rotate relative to second section.

10. A hinge according to claim 9 wherein the second section is provided with a first formation and the collar is provided with a second formation which is arranged to engage with said first formation such that the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section.

11. A hinge according to either of claims 9 or 10 wherein the collar is provided with at least one slit arranged such that the internal teeth of the collar disengage the external teeth of the shaft when excess turning force is applied to the collar or shaft.

12. A hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section and a locking means movable between a first position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally locked together, and a second position, in which the first and second sections are rotationally un-locked, characterised in that the locking means comprises a collar provided with at least one slit arranged such that when the first and second sections are locked and excess turning force is applied to first or second sections, collar opens such that the first and second sections are unlocked.

13. A hinge according to claim 12 wherein the collar is provided with a plurality of said slits.

14. A hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section, characterised in that the hinge comprises a tracking member mechanically coupled to the first section such that its position is dependent on the rotational position of the first section relative to the second section and a limiting means which limits rotation of the first section relative to the second section by limiting movement of the tracking member.

15. A hinge according to claim 14 wherein the first section comprises a shaft and the tracking member is arranged to move relative to the shaft in dependence on the rotational position of the first section relative to the second section.

16. A hinge according to claim 15 wherein the tracking member comprises a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section and is arranged to move along the shaft in dependence on the rotational position of the shaft relative to the second section and the limiting means limits movement of the collar along the shaft.

17. A hinge according to claim 16 wherein the shaft is provided with a spiralled formation and the collar is provided with a co-operating formation which engages with the spiralled formation such that as the shaft rotates relative to the collar, the collar is moved along the shaft.

18. A hinge according to claim 17 wherein the spiralled formation is a slot or groove and the co-operating formation is a protrusion.

19. A hinge according to either of claims 17 or 18 wherein the limiting means comprises a means of varying the effective length of the spiralled formation.

20. A hinge according to claim 19 wherein the limiting means comprises a stop provided at one end of the shaft such that it at least partially covers a section of the spiralled formation.

21. A hinge according to claim 20 wherein the extent that the stop at least partially covers a section of the spiralled formation may be varied.

22. A hinge according to claim 20 wherein the stop is threadably engagable with the shaft such that the extent that stop at least partially covers a section of the spiralled formation may be varied by rotating the stop relative to the shaft.

23. A hinge according to any of claims 16 to 22 wherein the second section is provided with a first formation and the collar is provided with a second formation which is arranged to engage with said first formation such that the collar is rotationally fixed relative to the second section.

24. A hinge for connecting a leaf to a fixed member so that the leaf may be rotated relative to the fixed member about a hinge axis, comprising a first section arranged to rotate relative to a second section, characterised in that the first section is provided with a stop which acts to limit the extent that the first and second sections may be brought together.

25. A hinge according to claim 24 wherein the stop is a protrusion.

26. A hinge according to claim 25 wherein the extent that the protrusion extends from the first section may be varied.

27. A hinge according to claim 26 wherein the protrusion is threaded and the first section is provided with a threaded aperture, within which the protrusion is threadably engaged such that the extent that the protrusion extends from the first section may be varied by rotation of the protrusion within the aperture.

28. A hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the first section is for attachment to a leaf and the second section is for attachment to a fixed member.

29. A hinge according to any preceding claim wherein the hinge is a door hinge.

30. A hinge substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.