AU2013202862B1

AU2013202862B1 - Pivot assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2013202862B1
Application number: AU2013202862A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Louise Page; Stylianos Pelekanos
Original assignee: RMD Industries Pty Ltd
Current assignee: RMD Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2013-04-08
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-08

Abstract

C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 A pivot assembly that includes a housing for receipt in a track; a support block for carrying a hanger bolt, the support block being adapted for linear movement lengthwise of the housing; a cam mounted at a fixed location relative to the housing and being linked to the support block such that rotation of the cam effects linear movement of the support block to adjust the position of the hanger bolt.

Description

H:\cab\lnieroven\NRPonbl\DCC\CAB\5598088-I.doc4/10/2013 PIVOT ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a pivot assembly for a hanger bolt. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is known to support a hanger bolt of a folding panel in an overhead track using a pivot assembly, which is installed in the track and fixed in place with a clamp or screw. The location of the block in the track may need to be adjusted so that the bolt is properly aligned and positioned for operation of the folding panel. This adjustment can be achieved manually by releasing and then sliding the block along the track. Once in the preferred location, the block is again fixed in position by either clamping or screwing the block in place. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved pivot assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a pivot assembly that includes: a housing that fits into a track, lengthwise of a channel in the track, the housing having a base adapted to be secured relative to opposed rails of the track that are located on either side of the channel; a support block arranged to slide within the housing, the support block being adapted to carry a hanger bolt that hangs vertically through the channel; a cam mechanism rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, the cam being linked to the support H:\cabU nterwven\NRPortbl\DCOCAB\559808_ l doc4/10/20 13 -2 block whereby rotation of the cam effects linear adjustment of the support block lengthwise of the channel, an anchor mechanism coupled to the housing, the anchor mechanism being in the form of a clamp to engage an underside of the track in order to clamp the base against the rails to fix the housing in the track; a fastener for locking the support block in the housing, wherein the fastener is able to be independently released, for adjustment of the support block, without releasing the clamp, so to allow the housing to remain secured to the rails during adjustment. [0005] Preferably, the fastener passes through an opening in an underside of the housing and locks the support block to the base of the housing. [0006] Preferably, the opening in the base of the housing is elongate to accommodate lateral movement of the fastener during adjustment of the block, while the housing remains fixed in place with the clamp. [0007] [Deleted] [0008] Preferably, the clamp includes a clamp cap screw to tension the clamp during installation in the track, the cap screw being captured to the pivot assembly by a locking nut fitted into the housing whereby to also capture the clamp to the housing. [0009] Preferably, the cam is in the form of a journal with a fitting that is accessed through the opening in the base of the housing, the fitting receiving a tool to rotate the journal in order to effect linear movement of the support block. [0010] Preferably, the cam and support block are connected together by a linking arm. [0011] Preferably, the plate closes a portion of the base of the housing sufficient to capture the support block, the cam and the linking arm within the housing, whilst still providing access for the hanger bolt into the support block and for operation of the actuator button.

H:\cab\nteroven\NRPortb\DCC\CAB\5598088_1.doc-4/10/2013 -3 [0012] Preferably, the support block includes an aperture for receiving the bolt and a lock mechanism to selectively lock against flats of the bolt, wherein the lock mechanism includes an actuator button accessible from a base of the pivot assembly. [0013] Preferably, the housing is adapted to be loaded into the track as a single unit, to be fixed in place by the clamp and adjusted, as required, without needing any separate or independent attachment. [0014] [Deleted] [0015] [Deleted] [0016] [Deleted] [0017] [Deleted]. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a pivot assembly; Figure 2a is an exploded view of a lock mechanism used in the pivot assembly; Figure 2b illustrates top and bottom views of the lock mechanism; Figure 3a is an internal view of the pivot assembly in a first condition; Figure 3b is an internal view of the pivot assembly in a second condition; C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 -4 Figure 4a is a perspective view illustrating installation of the pivot assembly; and Figure 4b shows the pivot assembly supporting a hanger bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] Referring firstly to Figure 1, an exploded view of a pivot assembly 1 is shown. The pivot assembly 1 includes a housing 2 with an internal cavity 3 that receives a support block 4, a cam 5, a linking arm 6 and a locking nut 7. [0020] The housing 2 has a lid 8 to close a top 9 of the housing 2. The lid 8 is fixed in place by a series of screws 10. A plate 11 is provided to close a portion 12 of a base 13 of the housing 2. The plate 11 is integrally formed with a component 14 of a clamp 15 that forms part of an anchor mechanism 16. The anchor mechanism 16 also includes another clamp component 17 and a clamp cap screw 18 that is used to tension the housing 2 and clamp 15 together. The screw 18 is captured to the pivot assembly 1 by the locking nut 7 that is fitted into a recess 19 of the housing 2. [0021] A fastener 20 and a washer 21 are provided to fix the support block 4 to the housing 2. The fastener 20 passes through a slot 22 formed in the plate 11 and is received in threaded engagement in a socket 23 of the support block 4. [0022] The plate 11 includes an opening 24 for accessing the cam 5 when linear adjustment of the support block 4 is required. The cam 5 is in the form of a journal 25 housed in recess 26 in the housing 2. The journal 25 is able to rotate in order to advance the support block 4 to the left or right, as viewed, via the linking arm 6. [0023] Referring now to Figures 2a and 2b, the support block 4 is shown as including a main body 27 with a cover plate 28. The plate 28 has an aperture 29 for receipt of a hanger bolt (not shown). A collar 30 is positioned in a rebated seat 31 of the body 27 and is captured between the body 27 and the cover plate 28. The collar 30 is coaxially arranged C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 -5 relative to the aperture 29 and has flat sections 32 to engage sides of the hanger bolt. The collar 30 is also arranged to rotate within the seat 31, such as when the hanger bolt is rotated during vertical height adjustment. [0024] The support block 4 also has a lock mechanism 33 to lock the collar 30 and bolt against rotation. The lock mechanism 33 includes an actuator button 34 with lateral stops 35 to engage in side grooves 36 formed in the collar 30. When the button 34 is pressed inwardly, against bias of a spring 37, the collar 30 is free to rotate. When the button 34 is released, the button 34 is pushed outwardly of the body 27 to cause one of the stops 35 to slide into an aligned groove 36 on the collar 30 to lock the collar 30 against further rotation. [0025] Referring now to Figure 3a, an internal top view of the pivot assembly 1 is illustrated, where the support block 4, linking arm 6 and cam 5 are all aligned. The linking arm 6 is coupled to the support block 4 via a boss 38 and a corresponding boss 39 connects the linking arm 6 to the cam 5. [0026] Referring now to Figure 3b, the cam 5 has been rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, as represented by the rotary Action 1 arrow. This causes the linking arm 6 to follow and results in linear advancement of the support block 4, as represented by the Action 2 arrow. Continued rotation of the cam 5 will cause the support block 4 to advance a small distance further before the linking arm is driven in a direction back toward the support block 4, which will cause linear advancement of the support block 4 in the opposite direction. [0027] As such, it will be appreciated that rotary action of the cam 5 results in corresponding linear movement of the support block 4, to allow for adjustment of the position of the hanger bolt carried by the pivot assembly 1. [0028] Referring now to Figure 4a, the pivot assembly 1 is shown positioned in an overhead track 40 of a folding panel door system. The track is formed as a box shape C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 -6 section 41 with rails 42 that define a channel 43 along the length of the track 40. Each rail 42 has an internal rib 44 and the housing 2 is formed with shoulders 45 to rest on the ribs 44. [0029] In order to fix the assembly 1 in the track 40, tension is applied to the clamp cap screw 18 so as to clamp the two clamp components 14, 17 onto each of the rails 42 and the simultaneously engage and tension the housing 2 onto the clamp 15 of the anchor mechanism 16. [0030] In that condition, the fastener 20 is only loosely screwed in to the socket 23 so that the support block 4 is still free to slide axially within the housing 2 upon rotation of the journal 25, which is clearly accessible through the opening 24. [0031] Referring now to Figure 4b, a hanger bolt 46 with an attached hinge 47 for connection to a folding panel is shown supported in the support block 4. In particular, flats 48 of the bolt 46 have been engaged by the lock mechanism 33 after allowing for height adjustment of the bolt 46. With the bolt 46 locked into the support block 4, the vertical position of the bolt 46 is fixed. The relative position of the bolt 46 along the track can be adjusted by sliding the support block 4 within the housing 2, as required. [0032] For that purpose, an allen-key tool 49 can be inserted in a corresponding fitting 50 formed in the journal 25. Rotation of the tool 49 effects rotation of the journal 25 in a direction indicated by Action 1, which turns the cam 5 and thereby causes linear movement of the support block 4. The lateral position of the bolt itself can thereby be accurately adjusted over a range of, say, 8mm. [0033] The slot 22 formed in the plate 11 accommodates lengthwise movement of the fastener 20 as the support block 4 moves linearly through the housing 2. Once the bolt 46 has been adjusted to the required position, the support block 4 is locked in place by tensioning the fastener 20, which serves to clamp the support block 4 onto the plate 11.

C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 -7 [0034] The plate 11 closes the portion 12 of the base 13 in order to capture working components within the housing 2 while still providing access to the lock mechanism 33, fastener 20 and clamp cap screw 18, to allow for relative adjustment of any one of those components, as needed. [0035] As may be appreciated then, the pivot assembly 1 provides a single unitary block where all the working components of the support block 4, cam 5 and linking arm 6 are securely housed to prevent inadvertent lost of any of those components. The pivot assembly 1 provides a reliable mechanism for securely mounting a hanger bolt 46 into a track 40 in a secure and immobile manner, whilst still allowing for some lateral adjustment of the bolt, as required. [0036] Many modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described.

C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 LIST OF PARTS 1. Pivot assembly 2. Housing 3. Cavity 4. Support block 5. Cam 6. Linking arm 7. Locking nut 8. Lid 9. Top 10. Screws 11. Plate 12. Portion 13. Base 14. Component 15. Clamp 16. Anchor mechanism 17. Component 18. Cap screw 19. Recess 20. Fastener 21. Washer 22. Slot 23. Socket 24. Opening 25. Journal 26. Recess 27. Body 28. Cover plate 29. Aperture C:\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5049626_I.DOC-5/04/2013 -9 30. Collar 31. Seat 32. Flat sections 33. Lock mechanism 34. Actuator button 35. Stops 36. Grooves 37. Spring 38. Boss 39. Boss 40. Track 41. Section 42. Rails 43. Channel 44. Rib 45. Shoulders 46. Hanger bolt 47. Hinge 48. Flats 49. Tool 50. Fitting

Claims

1. A pivot assembly that includes: a housing that fits into a track, lengthwise of a channel in the track, the housing having a base adapted to be secured relative to opposed rails of the track that are located on either side of the channel; a support block arranged to slide within the housing, the support block being adapted to carry a hanger bolt that hangs vertically through the channel; a cam mechanism rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, the cam being linked to the support block whereby rotation of the cam effects linear adjustment of the support block lengthwise of the channel, an anchor mechanism coupled to the housing, the anchor mechanism being in the form of a clamp to engage an underside of the track in order to clamp the base against the rails to fix the housing in the track; a fastener for locking the support block in the housing, wherein the fastener is able to be independently released, for adjustment of the support block, without releasing the clamp, so to allow the housing to remain secured to the rails during adjustment.

2. The pivot assembly of clain 1, wherein the fastener passes through an opening in an underside of the housing and locks the support block to the base of the housing.

3. The pivot assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening in the base of the housing is elongate to accommodate lateral movement of the fastener during adjustment of the block, while the housing remains fixed in place with the clamp.

4. The pivot assembly of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the clamp includes a clamp cap screw to tension the clamp during installation in the track, the cap screw being captured to the pivot assembly by a locking nut fitted into the housing whereby to also capture the clamp to the housing. - 11

5. The pivot assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cam is in the form of a journal with a fitting that is accessed through the opening in the base of the housing, the fitting receiving a tool to rotate the journal in order to effect linear movement of the support block.

6. The pivot assembly of claim 5, wherein the cam and support block are connected together by a linking arm.

7. The pivot assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support block includes an aperture for receiving the bolt and a lock mechanism to selectively lock against flats of the bolt, wherein the lock mechanism includes an actuator button accessible through the base of the pivot assembly.

8. The pivot assembly of claim 7, wherein a portion of the base of the housing is closed sufficient to capture the support block, the cam and the linking arm within the housing, whilst still providing access for the hanger bolt into the support block and for operation of the actuator button.

9. The pivot assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing is adapted to be loaded into the track as a single unit, to be fixed onto rails of the track by the clamp, while allowing for linear adjustment of the support block as required, without needing any separate or independent attachment relative to the track.

10. A pivot assembly, substantially as described with reference to the drawings and/or examples.