bottomhinged

Bottom-hinged refers to a hinge arrangement in which the hinge axis is located along the bottom edge of a panel or lid, and the panel rotates about that bottom edge when opened. This setup contrasts with top-hinged or side-hinged designs, where the axis is on the top or side edge. In practice, bottom-hinged installations use various hinge styles, such as butt hinges, continuous (piano) hinges, or purpose-built lid supports, depending on the required load and use case.

Mechanically, a bottom-hinged assembly relies on the axis at the lower edge to govern movement, with the panel rotating around that edge. Many installations incorporate additional components to regulate opening force and hold the panel in a chosen position, including gas springs, torsion springs, or stay supports. The choice of hinge type and support mechanism affects durability, opening angle, and ease of use.

Common applications include storage chests, tool cabinets, certain appliance doors, and boat hatches, where a bottom hinge can offer a compact profile or specific access characteristics. Bottom-hinged lids or doors may be favored when interior access is prioritized from above, when there is limited clearance above the panel, or when gravity aids in closing.

Design considerations for bottom-hinged systems include required open clearance, load capacity, alignment tolerances, and safety features to prevent finger pinching. Corrosion resistance and material compatibility are also important in wet or industrial environments. See also top-hinged, side-hinged, and piano hinges for related configurations.