Internal Hinge Design

harvey4804 · Joined: 08 Nov 2013 Posts: 6

I was wondering if there was anybody out there who could help me design an internal hinge that instead of opening up the traditional way, it would open with the handle side lower and the back side higher so you don't have to reach far to grab the handle. ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I'll see if I can find any example pictures so you can see what I'm talking about.

harvey4804 · Joined: 08 Nov 2013 Posts: 6

I Had these in mind. But it would need to be for a tank smoker not a cabinet.

k.a.m. · Posted: Sat Nov 09 13 9:14 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the ring harvey4804, looking forward to seeing some pics of your cooks. Smile

The design is pretty cool I am wondering about door weight issues. There will not be to many options for counter weighting the door if need be. Also I would imagine those hinges are spring loaded and balanced for the door, trying to accomplish that will be tough on a 60 lb. plus door.
I am not trying to steer you away from the idea just seeing some brick walls to overcome up front.
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harvey4804 · Joined: 08 Nov 2013 Posts: 6

Thanks k.a.m. I was thinking that as well. I would probably incorporate an extreme temp open assist gas spring from McMaster (PN: 9646T61)
http://www.mcmaster.com/#shocks/=pb21u3

I was also thinking of a way to have the door slide/roll on an interior track with rollers that follow the contour of the chamber so the door would be offset on the outside by a few inches from the CC. Here's a crude sketch of what I had in mind:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l284/RyanDHarvey/20131109_111053_zps79d4e645.jpg

If either way just isn't possible I'll have to waterjet out a killer design for the hinge. Maybe a design that resemble this:

Maniac · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 02 Oct 2010 Posts: 2432 Location: Pa

hope you get it worked out ...i like thinking out side the box Wink

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Wreckless · Posted: Sun Nov 10 13 8:45 pm Post subject:

Blazer · Posted: Sun Nov 10 13 9:39 pm Post subject:

I have often eyeballed the internal hinges on my gun safe, it would have a clean look to it for sure. I think you would have to leave an end cap off to weld them on with the door shut.

Wreckless · Posted: Sun Nov 10 13 10:21 pm Post subject:

harvey4804 · Joined: 08 Nov 2013 Posts: 6

Well, I've been racking my brain long enough and decided instead of a track with rollers or a multiple point hinge, I decided to go with an internal hinge similar to a car trunk hinge. This is where I'm headed now:

SoEzzy · Posted: Mon Nov 11 13 5:27 am Post subject:

Looking like you may find a solution the the hidden hinge!

Please read PMPNLT650pxOTLS!

Then read this one too! Wink

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harvey4804 · Joined: 08 Nov 2013 Posts: 6

Thanks SoEzzy.

dodis · Newbie Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 30

I hate ressurecting old threads, but in case Harvey hasn't finished yet, and others may want to use this as well...

I had drawn up plans for a hidden hinge years ago, planning on a build, but too many things in the way, last of which was the theft of my 150 gal tank 2 years ago...

This was setup so that the opening for the door was cut at the top of the pipe, and when the door is opened, it swings back far enough that the upper edge rests on the pipe as a stop. For larger doors, counterweights are stilll up to the builder... Currently drawn on a 24" dia pipe.

(finally got this working right...)

http://flic.kr/p/k3AGeR Full size image, clearer.
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