CONCEALED BEARING HINGE & METHOD OF MAKING SAME

A hinge includes a first hinge leaf with two axially spaced knuckles and a second hinge leaf having a knuckle extending between and axially aligned with the knuckles of the first hinge leaf. The knuckles of the two hinge leaves have bores extending therethrough and that of the second leaf has a counterbore at each end thereof. Seated in the bore at each end of the second leaf knuckle is a bearing assembly including a collar portion seated in the counterbore. The bushing has an axial bore extending therethrough and a counterbore at its outer end. A metallic thrust bearing has a generally axially extending body portion disposed in the counterbore of the bushing, and a peripheral collar at the outer end overlies the outer end of the bushing and provides a thrust bearing surface for the adjacent knuckle of the first hinge leaf. In one embodiment, the bushing bore has channels to allow flow of electroplating solution if the hinge is electroplated after assembly.