CABINET HINGE

History of Hinge

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Hinges have been around since ancient times, with the earliest pivot hinges dating back to around 1600 B.C. in Hattusa, Turkey. They were used to make large objects movable. Mentions of hinges are also found in the Old Testament, indicating their use around 970 to 931 B.C. in King Solomon's temple. Hinges have been discovered in Egyptian ruins dating back to 760 to 650 B.C. The Roman Empire contributed to hinge development, introducing them for both public and household use.

During the Middle Ages, advancements in metalwork allowed for the widespread production of iron wrought hinges, notably used in castle doors. The 16th century saw significant hinge advancements in English colonies, using reinforced metals for stronger hinges. The Victorian era witnessed complex hinge designs due to industrialization, including the introduction of ball bearings for smoother operation, patented in 1899.

In the 20th century, hinges continued to evolve, with advancements driven by wartime needs and everyday applications. Various hinge types were developed, including those allowing doors to swing in both directions and decorative hinges for homes. Today, modern hinge manufacturers produce a variety of hinges for different purposes, including ball bearing hinges, butt hinges, butterfly hinges, concealed hinges, spring hinges, continuous hinges, double action hinges, and pivot hinges.