Evolution of Gravity Hinges: From Shepherd's Gates to Modern Shutters
Gravity hinges have their origin in ‘shepherd’s hinges’ that used the force of gravity to close a gate, usually by mounting the hinge at a slight angle. Installed in this way, a person could walk through the gate and know it would close behind them on its own.
In the 1800s the same principle was put to use for shutter and door hardware. Gravity hinges for shutters would hold ‘blinds’ (shutters) in the open position and were sold by several companies. There were many iterations of the concept from each manufacturer in response to mutual competition.
Reading Hardware Company. (1870). & Stanley Works Inc. (1910)
We are excited to share our own cast steel, gravity-locking shutter hinges that continue on the tradition of product improvement by using cast steel as a material rather than cast iron. Click below to learn more.
