AU2013203767B2

AU2013203767B2 - Connection arrangements, pivots and mechanisms

Info

Publication number: AU2013203767B2
Application number: AU2013203767A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hani Jaber; Simon JABER; Li Wang
Original assignee: CiiLock Engineering Pty Ltd
Current assignee: CiiLock Engineering Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-05-29
Filing date: 2013-04-11
Publication date: 2016-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-11
Also published as: GB2517634B; GB2517634A; AU2013203730A1; GB201911575D0; AU2013203730B2; NZ628838A; AU2013203767A1; AU2013203755A1; GB2573925B; NZ722270A; NZ722272A; GB2573925A; WO2013177609A1; AU2013203755B2

Abstract

A bearing assembly, for supporting a member to pivot about a structure, the assembly including a first element shaped to irrotationally engage the structure, a second 5 element positioned to pivot, about the structure, with the member; and a low friction mechanism between the elements to allow the second element to pivot relative to the first element. 'INNN' HO M11LIsZ-1 9-, F"T 'WN0C-

Description

CONNECTION ARRANGEMENTS. PIVOTS AND MECHANISMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention relate to connection arrangements, pivots and mechanisms, various embodiments of which suit hinges.

Various aspects of the invention will be described with reference to adjustable hinges although various embodiments of the invention suit other applications.

BACKGROUND A typical bi-folding door includes a plurality of planar panels connected to each other at their edges so as to be foldable between a configuration in which the panels align in a common plane to close an opening, and a second configuration in which the panels are stacked at one side of the opening. Selected ones of the hinges connecting the panels respectively include a wheeled bogey which runs along a horizontal track above the opening. The door panels are thus supported by the track.

It is desirable that the hinges should be adjustable so that the position of the hinge leaves (and in turn the door panel(s) attached thereto) can be adjusted relative to the track to accommodate errors in the shape and alignment of the panels and/or the opening during manufacture and installation.

In one existing approach, the hinge leaves bear on a stop at the lower end of the hinge pin, and the upper end of the hinge pin is threaded into the bogey. By screwing the hinge pin in or out of the bogey, the hinge may be adjusted. A locking nut is also carried by the threaded end of the hinge pin and, once the hinge is satisfactorily adjusted, tightened against the bogey to lock the mechanism so that the adjusted position does not change over time. The present inventors consider this hinge to be difficult to install. To initiate the threaded engagement one must carefully align and support the door panels. There is a significant risk of cross-threading. The locking nut is considered to be fiddly in that it is mounted in the crowded space at the upper end of the pin adjacent to the bogey.

In another existing arrangement, the locking nut is replaced by a locking collar irrotationally coupled to the hinge pin via a flat on the pin and a complementary form on the inside of the collar. The collar is movable to engage the bogey at selected rotational orientations. To adjust this hinge, the collar is moved along the hinge pin so as to disengage the bogey. The pin can then be screwed or unscrewed from the bogey to adjust the hinge. After adjustment, the collar is moved back into contact with the collar. The pin may then be rotated a fraction of a turn in either direction before the collar reaches one of the selected orientations and engages the bogey to prevent further rotation of the hinge pin. The inventors consider this arrangement to be fiddly and to result in less than ideal adjustment of the hinge in that the fraction of a turn before the locking collar engages the bogey necessarily involves some movement away from the ideal adjusted position.

In yet another existing arrangement, the hinge pin is threadingly engaged with the bogey and a locking mechanism locks the hinge pin to one of the hinge leaves at one of a plurality of discrete locking positions. In this mechanism, the problem of a less than ideal adjusted position (because a fraction of a turn is allowed before the locking mechanism engages) is compounded by additional “error” associated with the fraction of a turn through which the hinge pin moves as the door is opened and closed.

It is also desirable that the pivot mounts by which the end panel is pivotally attached to the fixed door frame be adjustable so that each of the top and bottom pivot mounts can move their respective pivot axis along the direction of the track for adjustment during installation.

In one existing approach each pivot mount includes a mounting member which is fixed to the fixed door frame and carries a respective slide block which in turn carries a respective hinge pin. A threaded member is connected between the mounting member and slide block of each pivot mount to permit screw adjustment of the pivot axis. This approach requires accessing the horizontally directed head of the threaded member with a screwdriver which is fiddley in the crowded areas above and below the door panels. Moreover several turns of the screwdriver may be required to achieve suitable adjustment.

Various aspects of the invention aim to provide improved connection arrangements, pivots and mechanisms, or at least to provide alternatives in the marketplace.

It is not admitted that any of the information in this patent specification is common general knowledge, or that the person skilled in the art could be reasonably expected to ascertain or understand it, regard it as relevant or combine it in any way at the priority date.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides a bearing assembly, for supporting a member to pivot about a structure, the assembly including a first element shaped to irrotationally engage the structure; a second element positioned to pivot, about the structure, with the member; and a low friction mechanism between the elements to allow the second element to pivot relative to the first element.

Preferably the low friction mechanism includes an arrangement of rolling elements. In preferred embodiments the first element defines a track about which the rolling elements roll. Optionally the first element is a washer having an internal flat complementary to a flat of the structure. The second element may be a washer.

Also disclosed is a connection arrangement including a first part; a second part; and a member movable, relative to the first part, from a first position to a second position; wherein one of the first part and the second part defines a cavity; when the member is in its first position, a portion of the other of the first part and the second part is receivable within the cavity; and in its second position the member blocks retraction of one or more features or portions, of or carried by the first part, positioned to engage the second part to resist removal of the portion of the other of the first part and the second part from the cavity.

Preferably the member and the one or more features or portions of the first part are arranged to co-operate such that movement of the member from its first position to its second position drives the one or more features or portions of the first part to so engage the second part.

The first part may include a tubular portion internally carrying the member. The second part may define the cavity.

The arrangement preferably includes one or more openings through a wall defining the tubular portion, wherein the features or portions of the first part are member(s) carried within the opening(s). By way of example, each carried member may be substantially spherical.

Preferred forms of the cavity include at least one inwardly-opening sub-cavity cooperable with the features or portions of the first part. Most preferably the at least one sub-cavity is annular. A bias may be provided to bias the member toward its second position.

The arrangement preferably includes a mechanism for automatically driving the member toward its first position during insertion of the portion of the other of the first part and the second part into the cavity.

The mechanism for automatically driving optionally includes a further member arranged to during an initial portion of the insertion, engage the member and to space the member from the cavity; and after the initial portion of the insertion, disengage the member to permit movement of the member to its second position.

Preferably one or both of the member and the further member are arranged to flex so as to disengage in response to an insertion force exceeding a threshold, e.g. the further member may be at least partly receivable within the member and include a cavity to permit said flexing.

Another aspect of the invention provides a pivot including the connection arrangement, in which case the first part may be a pivot pin, and the second part may be a bogey.

The pivot may further include an element threadingly engaged with the pivot pin and rotatable to drive one or more members along the pivot pin to adjust the pivot; and a spacer arranged to space the element from the members; wherein the spacer and the pivot pin include features co-operable to prevent rotation of the spacer relative to the pivot pin so as to shield the element from rotation of the members about the pivot pin.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mechanism including structure; an element rotatable, relative to the structure, about an axis to axially drive one or more members; and a spacer arranged to space the element from the members; wherein the spacer and the structure include features co-operable to prevent rotation of the spacer relative to the structure to shield the element from movement of the members.

Preferably the element is threadingly engaged with the structure.

The co-operable features may include a flat of the structure. Preferably a stop is arranged to prevent the element being fully disengaged from the structure. The stop may be threadingly engaged with the structure, in which case threading engagement of the stop is preferably opposite-handed to an or the threading engagement of the element with the structure.

The members are preferably mounted so as to pivot relative to the structure, e.g. the structure may be a pin about which the members pivot.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mechanism, for pivotally supporting a panel, including structure about which the panel may pivot; an element rotatable, relative to the structure, about an axis to axially drive the panel; and a washer arranged to space the element from the panel; wherein the washer and the structure include features co-operable to prevent rotation of the spacer relative to the structure to shield the element from movement of the panel.

Another aspect of the invention provides the mechanism and the member(s).

Another aspect of the invention provides a mechanism including a first unit having a threaded portion; a second unit having a threaded portion; and a threaded member; the mechanism having a configuration in which the second unit is movable relative to the first unit; and another configuration in which the threaded member is threadingly engaged with both threaded portions to set a selected distance from the threaded portion of the first unit to the threaded portion of the second unit.

Preferably at least one of the first unit and the second unit includes a nut defining that unit’s threaded portion.

The mechanism may include a member which is rotatable relative to the first unit and includes an eccentric feature co-operable with the second unit such that the rotatable member is rotatable to relatively move the second unit.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mechanism including a first unit; a second unit; and a member rotatable relative to the first unit and including an eccentric feature cooperable with the second unit such that the member is rotatable to move the second unit relative to the first unit.

The eccentric feature may be a spigot.

The rotatable member may include a recess for receiving a tool by which it is rotatable.

Preferably the second unit includes a socket for receiving a pivot pin, and most preferably the second unit includes or carries a pivot pin.

Also disclosed is a pivot including the mechanism in which the structure is a pivot pin about which members pivot and the mechanism including a socket for receiving a pivot pin, wherein the pivot pin is the structure.

Also disclosed is the pivot including the connection arrangement further including the mechanism in which the second unit includes the socket, wherein the socket is the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 9c illustrate an exemplary adjustable hinge and components thereof; Figure 1 is an exploded view of a hinge pin assembly;

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a pin body;

Figure 2b is a side view of the pin body;

Figure 2c is an axial cross-section view of the pin body;

Figure 2d is a bottom view of the pin body;

Figure 2e is a top view of the pin body;

Figure 2f is a transverse cross-section view of the pin body; Figure 3a is a perspective view of an insertion pin;

Figure 3b is a side view of the insertion pin;

Figure 3c is an end view of the insertion pin;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a locking member;

Figure 4b is a side view of a locking member;

Figure 4c is an axial cross-section view of the locking member; Figure 5a is a perspective view of a spacer;

Figure 5b is a side view of the spacer;

Figure 5c is a top view of the spacer;

Figure 5d is an exploded view of a bearing assembly;

Figure 6a is a perspective view of a limit screw;

Figure 6b is a side view of the limit screw;

Figure 6c is a bottom view of the limit screw;

Figure 7a is a perspective view of an adjusting nut;

Figure 7b is a side view of the adjusting nut;

Figure 7c is a bottom view of the adjusting nut;

Figure 7d is an axial cross-section view of the adjusting nut;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a bogey;

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c are axial cross-section views demonstrating the insertion of the hinge pin assembly into the bogey.

Figure 10 is an exploded view of an exemplary pivot mount;

Figure 11a is a top view of the pivot mount in its adjustable configuration;

Figure 11 b is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 11a;

Figure 12a is a perspective view of the pivot mount in its set configuration;

Figure 12b is a top view of the pivot mount in its set configuration;

Figure 12c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 12b;

Figure 13a is a perspective view of a mounting member;

Figure 13b is an end view of the mounting member;

Figure 13c is a bottom view of the mounting member;

Figure 13d is a top view of the mounting member;

Figure 13e is a cross-section view corresponding to the line aa in Figure 13d;

Figure 14a is a top perspective view of a slide member;

Figure 14b is a bottom perspective view of the slide member;

Figure 14c is an end view of the slide member;

Figure 14d is a top view of the slide member;

Figure 14e is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 14e;

Figure 14f is a bottom view of the slide member;

Figure 15a is a top perspective view of a cam;

Figure 15b is a bottom perspective of the cam;

Figure 15c is a top view of the cam;

Figure 15d is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 15c;

Figure 15e is a bottom view of the cam;

Figure 16a is a rear perspective view of a spring;

Figure 16b is a front perspective view of the spring;

Figure 16c is a side view of the spring; and Figure 16d is a rear view of the spring.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT A pivot in the form of an adjustable hinge including a hinge pin assembly 10 and a bogey (or “carriage”) 20 is disclosed. As will be described, the hinge includes a connection arrangement 11, by which the hinge pin assembly 10 is connectable to the bogey 20, and an adjustment mechanism 12 by which the position of one or more hinge leaves (not shown) embracing the hinge pin assembly 10 may be adjusted (see Figure 9c).

The hinge pin assembly 10 includes a pin body 1, a threaded element in the form of adjusting nut 2, a spacer in the form of locking washer 3, a locking member 4, a compression spring 5, an insertion pin 6, a limit screw 7, four ball bearings 8 and a spring pin 9.

The pin body 1 is a turned stainless steel piece including a blind bore in its upper end face defining a tubular upper portion 1a. Four openings 1b extend radially outward through the walls of the tubular portion 1a and are positioned at a common height a short distance from the top of the pin. Further down the pin a slot 1c opens through the wall of the tubular portion 1a. The slot 1c runs parallel to the axis of the pin. The circular upper end of the body 1 is bifurcated by a pair of aligned upwardly-opening grooves 1d. The tubular portion 1a is dimensioned to receive the spring 5, which is a helical compression spring, and the locking member 4 such that the spring 5 acts between a stop (which in this embodiment is the lower end of the tubular portion 1a) and the locking member 4 to upwardly bias the locking member 4.

The locking member 4 is detailed in figures 4a to 4c. In the described exemplary hinge, the locking member 4 takes the form of an upright cylindrical tubular body turned from stainless steel. An upper end of the locking member 4 carries a conical chamfer 4a about its outer periphery. Towards a lower end of the locking member 4 a horizontal cylindrical bore 4b passes through the member’s central axis. Adjacent the upper end of the locking member 4, the interior passage includes a short portion 4c of reduced diameter. Conical chamfers define lead in surfaces above and below the portion 4c.

Figures 3a to 3c detail the insertion pin 6. In this exemplary hinge arrangement the insertion pin 6 has a substantially cylindrical form and is formed of nylon 6/6. At a lower end, the pin 6 carries an annular rib 6a. A second annular rib 6b encircles the pin at a location a short distance above the rib 6a. The rib 6b has a substantially V-shaped cross-section. A slot 6c passes centrally through the pin 6 and extends axially from the rib 6a, through and beyond the rib 6b, and approaches a midpoint of the pin.

The bogey 20 is detailed in figures 8 and 9a. It includes a pair of wheels 20a carried by a body 20b. The wheels 20a rotate about a common horizontal axis and in use run along a horizontal track. A further wheel 20f is carried by an axle 20e and rotates about a vertical axis. The further wheel 20f bears on internal walls of the track to resist twisting forces which would otherwise lift one of the wheels 20a from the track.

The body 20b defines a cavity 20c in the form of a vertical cylindrical bore dimensioned to accurately receive the upper end of the pin assembly 1, and in particular the upper end of the pin body 1.

The cavity 20c includes a sub-cavity 20d in the form of an inwardly open annular groove having a half-circular cross-section. The bore 20c terminates in a ceiling including a pair of downwardly-projecting tabs 20g.

Each of the four openings 1b is dimensioned to respectively receive a respective spherical bearing 8. The openings 1b are dimensioned so that the bearings 8 can move inwardly (i.e. towards the central axis of the pin body 1) and outwardly. The openings 1 b are crimped at their ends so that the bearings 8 do not fall out.

Figure 9a illustrates the bearings 8 in their outward position wherein they project beyond the exterior of the pin body 1. Figure 9a illustrates the pin assembly 10 prior to installation, i.e. as it might leave the factory. As noted, the spring 5 serves to upwardly bias the locking member 4. The spring pin 9 is carried by the bore 4b of the locking member 4 and in use slides along the slot 1c. In the position of figure 9 the pin 9 abuts an upper end of the slot 1c to limit the upward movement of the locking member 4.

In figure 9a the insertion pin 6 is carried within the upper end of the locking member 4. The reduced diameter portion 4c embraces the portion of the pin 6 between its ribs 6a and 6b. Put another way, the reduced diameter portion of 4c sits between the ribs 6a and 6b.

The operation of the connection arrangement 11 will now be described. The pin assembly 10 is connected to the bogey 20 by inserting the pin assembly 10 into the cavity 20c. In doing so the pin assembly 10 is moved in its axial direction. As the pin assembly 10 is so advanced, the insertion pin 6 strikes a stop within the bogey 20. Within the described hinge the axle 20e functions as the stop.

As the pin assembly 10 is pushed inwardly, the insertion pin 6 remains engaged with the locking member 4 such that the locking member 4 remains stationary as the pin body 1 is moved. Thus, relative to the pin body 1, the locking member 4 is moved downwardly against the bias of spring 5. Figure 9b illustrates the pin assembly 10 and the bogey 20 after an initial portion of the insertion in which the locking member 4 so moves against the bias of the spring 5. It will be appreciated that during this initial phase of insertion the insertion pin 6 serves to space the locking member 4 from the cavity 20c.

As illustrated in figure 9b, when the locking member 4 is moved downwardly relative to the pin body 1 to its lower position, it is moved away from the bearings 8 whereby the bearings 8 are free to move inwardly such that they no longer project beyond the exterior of the pin 1. Thus, when the locking member 4 is in its lower position, the pin assembly 10, and in particular its pin body 1, are receivable within the cavity 20c. Thus the insertion pin 6 constitutes a mechanism for automatically driving the locking member 4 towards its lower position.

As the pin body 1 is pushed further into the cavity 20c, the pin 9 butts the lower end of the slot 1 c such that a load path uninterrupted by the spring 5 is defined between the pin body 1 and the insertion pin 6. Additional force applied to the pin body 1 acts on insertion pin 6, and in particular the lower inclined face of its rib 6b, via the locking member 4. The inclined face of the rib 6b and the inclined lead-in into the region 4c co-operate to inwardly drive the exterior of the pin 6. The slot 6c permits the necessary portions of the pin 6 to flex inwardly whereby the pin 6, and in particular its rib 6b, can slide through the portion 4c of the locking member 4.

The described clip mechanism results in the locking member 4 and the insertion pin 6 disengaging when the force applied to push the pin assembly 10 into the bogey 20 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Preferably this threshold value is in a range to suit manipulation by hand without any inadvertent disengagement. Once disengaged from the insertion pin 6, the locking member 4 is free to move upwardly under the influence of the spring 5.

As the locking member 4 moves upwardly relative to the pin body 1, its conical upper surface 4a acts on the bearings 8 to urge them outwardly. With continued advancement of the pin body 1, the final inserted position of figure 9c is reached in which the bearings 8 are driven outwardly to be received within and to engage the groove 20d. The conical surface 4a moves upwardly beyond the bearings 8 such that the bearings 8 are presented with the cylindrical exterior of the member 4. The locking member 4 thus serves to support the bearings 8 in their outward, cavity-engaging, position.

In the described variant of the invention, the locking member 4 is formed of stainless steel and is thus strong and rigid enough to support the elements 8 in and of itself. In other variants of the invention, the locking member 4 might be formed of more flexible materials in which case the locking member 4 may bear against the solid (i.e. not slotted) portion of the pin 6 whilst serving to support the bearings 8.

Upon insertion of the pin assembly 10 into the cavity 20c, the grooves 1d receive the projections 20g and serve to prevent rotation of the pin body 1 relative to the bogey 20. Of course, other anti-rotation mechanisms are possible. To disconnect the pin assembly 10 from the bogey 20, a tool is inserted into the pin 9 to move the pin downwardly to allow the bearings 8 to retract.

The described connection arrangement 11 includes a first part in the form of pin body 1. An end portion of the pin body 1 is received within a cavity 20C of a second part in the form of bogey 20.

An exemplary connection arrangement 11 has been described. Other variants of the connection arrangement are possible. Engagement features in the form of discrete elements as in the bearings 8 could be replaced with portions integral to the pin body 1. Similarly in other variants of the described hinge the engagement features may be outwardly-biased such that the locking member 4 need not outwardly drive these locking features.

The adjustment mechanism 12 includes an externally threaded lower end 1e of the pin body 1, adjusting nut 2, locking washer 3 and limit screw 7.

The threaded lower end 1e has a machined flat along its length 1f and a central threaded bore 1g in its end face. The external thread on the threaded lower end 1e and the internal thread of the bore 1g are “opposite-handed”. In this embodiment the external thread is right-handed and the internal thread is left-handed.

In the described hinge, the spacer 3 takes the form of a locking washer having a central circular opening truncated by a flat portion 3a.

The adjusting nut 2 consists of a tubular body. The central passage of the tubular body terminates at one end 2c with an internal thread complementary to the external thread of the portion 1e, and at the other end with a tool-receiving socket 2a. In this embodiment the tool-receiving socket is a 10 millimetre Allen key fitting. A central portion 2b of the internal passage is threadless and dimensioned so as not to interfere with the threads of the portion 1e. The nut is preferably formed of stainless steel and most preferably machined from raw material, e.g. machined from bar stock as opposed to cast material. Formation from cast material leads to generally inferior strength characteristics.

Limit screw 7 is threadingly engageable with the bore 1g.

Figures 9a to 9c illustrates the adjustment mechanism 12. The spacer 3 is first fitted to the threaded portion 1e such that its flat 3a engages the flat 1f to prevent rotation of the spacer 3 relative to the pin body 1. The adjustment screw 2 is threadingly engaged with the thread portion 1e before the limit screw is engaged with the bore ig-

In operation one or more hinge leaves (not shown) (or more specifically the knuckles of the hinge leaves) embrace the pin body 1 and bear against the spacer 3. A tool insertable within the tool-receiving bore 2a is used to screw or unscrew the adjustment nut 2 to adjust the vertical position of the hinge leaves (and in turn the door or window panels carried thereby) relative to the pin body 1 (and in turn relative to the track); i.e. the nut 2 is rotated about the axis of the pin body 1 to drive the hinge leaves along the axis of the pin body 1.

In operation, as the hinge leaves pivot about the pin body 1 they bear against the spacer 3 which is fixed relative to the pin so that the rotational motion of the hinge leaves is not transmitted to the adjustment nut 2. As such the adjustment nut 2 is shielded from this rotational motion and can thus maintain a selected alignment in operation.

The limit screw 7a includes a disc-like head portion 7a having a diameter selected to interfere with the female threads of the portion 2c whereby the screw 7 defines a limit of adjustment and prevents the adjusting nut 2 being unscrewed beyond this point. The opposite-handing of portions 1 e, 1 g prevents nut 2 and screw 7 rotating together. Accordingly the adjusting nut (and the spacer, and hinge leaves and door carried thereby) cannot be inadvertently unscrewed off the end of the pin 1 b.

According to the described variant of locking mechanism 12, the height of the hinge leaves is infinitely adjustable (within a permissible range of adjustment determined by the length of the threaded portion 1 e) such that an ideal adjustment position can be selected and maintained in use. Another advantage of the described preferred form of hinge is in that adjustment is effected without having to access the crowded, fiddly, region adjacent the bogey.

The simplicity of the described adjustment mechanism is one of its key advantages. In particular, the simplicity of the mechanism is such that it may be supplied in a kit of unassembled, or partially assembled, parts for assembly by a customer. It is envisioned that the nut 2 may be supplied to a customer separately from the pivot pin (or indeed the customer may remove it from the pivot pin) to receive a surface treatment (e.g. powder coating) customised to suit an end customer’s preferences. Accordingly, a novel kit and a novel method of supplying hardware for panel structures are disclosed.

Figure 5d illustrates a bearing assembly which may be used in place of the washer 3. The bearing assembly includes a first element in the form of washer 3', a cover 3c', rolling elements 3d' and a second element in the form of washer 3e'.

The washer 3' is of similar form to the washer 3. In particular it includes an internal flat 3a' complementary to the flat of the portion 1e.

The washer 3' further includes bearing track 3b'. The track 3b' takes the form of a shallow annular groove upwardly opening from the washer 3'.

The washer 3e' is a simple annular washer. The bearings 3d' constitute a low friction arrangement between the washers 3', 3e'. In this example of the bearing assembly, the arrangement 3d' of bearings includes loose spherical bearings which run about the track 3b'. Of course more elaborate arrangements involving bearing cages, etc, might be employed. Simpler arrangements are also contemplated. By way of example, the low friction mechanism between the bearings 3b', 3e' might take the form of a suitable lubricant or even the simple material selection of one or both of the washers 3', 3e'. By way of example, the washer 3e' might be formed of Teflon™.

The cover 3c' has an annular horizontal floor and a short cylindrical wall projecting from the floor’s outer periphery. The cover 3c' is dimensioned to receive components 3b', 3', 3e' such that at least the upper surface of the washer 3e' projects beyond the wall of the cover 3c'.

Each of components 3c', 3', 3d', 3e' is a spacer spacing the nut 2 from the hinge leaves and the panels. When installed so that the nut 2 bears against the cover 3c' and a hinge knuckle bears against the washer 3e', the total distance between the nut and the knuckle is equal to the sum of the relevant thickness dimensions of each of components 3c', 3', 3d', 3e'.

The bearing assembly serves to provide for smoother rotation of the panels about the pin. Smoother rotation is of course desirable.

Figures 10 to 16d detail an exemplary mechanism in the form of a pivot mount mountable within the top track of a bi-fold door for pivotally mounting an end panel of the door.

The pivot mount 30 includes: nut 31 slide member 32 pin 33 cam 34 collar 35 screw 36 nut 37 spring 38 mounting member 39 and nut 40

The members 32, 39 are formed of die cast zinc. The cam 34 and collar 35 are formed of stainless steel.

The mounting member 39 together with the cam 34, nut 37, spring 38 and nut 40 together constitute a first unit. The slide member 32 together with nut 31, pin 33 and collar 35 together constitute a second unit. In the adjustable configuration of Figures 11a, 11b the second unit is movable relative to the first unit to adjust the distance between, or “relative spacing of, the first unit and the second unit. In the set configuration of Figures 12a, 12b, 12c the distance between the first unit and the second unit is set; i.e. the relative spacing of the units is retained over time.

The mounting member 39 is detailed in Figures 13a to 13e. It has a base 39a which is rectangular when viewed in plan. A wall 39b extends upwardly from the outer edge of the floor 39a. A short end face of the rectangular wall 39b carries structure 39c defining an upwardly open pocket 39d. Opposed walls of the structure 39c include respective U-shaped cut outs which respectively open into the interior space defined by the wall 39b and outwardly.

The floor 39a is penetrated by apertures 39f, 39g spaced along its long centre line. The aperture 39f is circular and sits between the aperture 39g and the pocket 39d and is circular with a diameter of about 12mm. The aperture 39g is a slot running along the centre line of the floor 39a. The slot 39g is about 13.5mm wide and its ends are fully rounded.

Within the interior space defined by the wall 39b, structure 39h projects a short distance upwards from the floor 39a to define a circular recess having a diameter of about 21mm and being concentric to the aperture 39f (see also Figure 10).

An underside of the mounting member 39 includes mounting features including a downward projection 39i, two ribs 39j and two threaded blind bores 39k. The blind bores 39k open downwardly from corners of the floor 39a adjacent the pocket defining structure 39c. The projection 39i extends downwardly from the other end of the floor 39a and includes a horizontally opening horizontal groove. As illustrated in Figure 13b the ribs 39j run along the long edges of the floor 39a and have a cross-section akin to the outer periphery of the wheels 20a. The ribs 39j are thus adapted to be received into respective portions of the track running along the top of a fixed door frame.

To install the pivot mount 30 it is positioned within the track so that the ribs 39j engage with the track and the projection 39i extends downwardly therefrom. A plate having suitably arranged apertures is arranged so that an edge of one of its apertures engages the groove of projection 39i and others of its apertures align with the bores 39k. Screws are then engaged with the bores 39k to clamp the track between the plate and the mounting member 39.

The slide member 32 is detailed in Figures 14a to 14f. When viewed in plan it has two spaced parallel long edges. At one end of the member 32 the long edges are joined by a continuous round. At the other end the long edges are joined by a perpendicular short edge. The intersections of the long edges and the short edge are rounded.

The slide member 32 is dimensioned so that its long edges sit within and align with the long edges of the wall 39b so that the member 32 may slide horizontally along the channel like form of the member 39. A pocket 32a opens upwardly from the member 32 adjacent its short edge. A U-shaped cut out opens from the pocket 32a through the short edge. An aligned further U-shaped cut out opens from the other side of the pocket 32a into an upwardly open void 32b. A vertical cylindrical socket 32c opens downwardly and concentrically from the rounded end of the slide member 32. A pair of opposed tabs 32d project downwardly from the ceiling of the socket 32c. A downwardly open channel 32e partly traverses an underside of the slide member 32. The channel 32e has a rounded end which sits approximately tangentially to a lengthwise centre line of the member 32. The other end of the slot 32e opens from the side of the member 32. A horizontal circular through bore 32f traverses the member 32 penetrating walls on either side of the void 32b. A further U-shaped cut out 32g is formed in an end wall of the void 32b and is aligned with the U-shaped cut outs of the pocket 32a.

The cam 34 is detailed in Figures 15a to 15e. It includes a central disk portion 34a. A boss 34b projects normally from a centre of the disk 34a. The disk 34a and boss 34b are thus concentrically aligned on a common axis.

The boss 34b is externally threaded and includes a tool receiving recess, in the form of Allen key socket 34c, formed in its end face. A spigot 34d projects normally from the other major face of the disk 34a. The spigot 34d is cylindrical having a diameter about 1/3 that of the disk 34a and sits in tangential alignment with a periphery of the disk 34a. The spigot 34d is thus eccentric to the disk 34a; i.e. the spigot 34d is offset from the common axis of the disk 34a and the spigot 34b.

The cam 34 is dimensioned for its boss 34b to project downwardly through the aperture 39f whilst the disk 34a nests within the recess defined by the structure 39h such that the cam 34 is rotatably mounted in the member 39. When the cam 34 is so rotated, the spigot 34d describes an arc about the axis of the aperture 39f.

The nut 40 (see Figure 10) has a hexagonal outer profile to be gripped by a spanner and a threaded internal bore co-operable with the spigot 34b. The nut is engaged with a portion of the spigot 34b projecting downwardly from the mounting member 39 so that the cam 34 is retained relative to the mounting member 39.

Nuts 31, 37 are alike. They each consist of a simple square plate of material having a threaded through bore passing centrally through its major faces.

The spring 38 is detailed in Figures 16a to 16b. The spring 38 includes a vertical front web 38a which is gently curved in profile. An arm 38b projects horizontally from the concave side of the web 38a and includes a vertical downward return. A bore 38c passes horizontally through the web 38a and return of arm 38b.

The spring 16 is dimensioned so that its arm 38b snugly embraces an upper edge of the nut 37 and its bore 38c aligns with the bore of the nut 37.

The nut 37 and spring 38 are together received within the pocket 39d so that the curved web 38a is compressed between upper and lower portions of the nut 37 and at its midpoint an outer wall of the pocket 39d. This compression creates a degree of interference whereby the nut 37 does not readily fall out of the pocket 39d.

The nut 37 defines a threaded portion of the first unit 34, 37, 38, 39, 40.

The nut 31 is snugly received within the pocket 32a. Its internal bore defines a threaded portion of the second unit 31, 32, 33, 35.

The sleeve 35 is a short upright tubular structure having a circular cross-section. Its upper edge is bifurcated by a pair of upwardly opened aligned grooves 35a. A lower end of the sleeve 35 is surrounded by a short radial flange 35b. The flange 35b is truncated at a chord to define a flat 35c.

The sleeve 35 is received within and mates with the socket 32c so that the tabs 32d are received within the grooves 35a to prevent rotation of the sleeve 35 relative to the slide member 32.

The sleeve 35 and the member 32 together define a cavity equivalent to the cavity 20c, including an inwardly open sub-cavity encircling the interior of the sleeve 35, for carrying a pivot pin. A sub-assembly including the slide block 32, nut 31 and collar 35 is received within the walls of the mounting member 39. Pin 33 is inserted via grooves 39e into the bore 32f to complete the second unit 31, 32, 33 and 35. Free ends of the pin 33 project outwardly beyond the sides of the member 32 to engage and run along respective ones of the grooves 39e.

The long walls of the member 39 co-operate with the corresponding walls of the member 32, and the pin 33 (or more specifically its free ends) co-operate with the slots 39e to prevent rotation of the second unit relative to the first unit.

As previously noted the pivot mount 30 is mounted to a top track of a bi-folding door via the mounting features 39i, 39j, 39k and a mounting plate (not shown). The subsequent adjustment steps will now be described with reference to Figures 11a to 12c.

The spigot 34d is received within and sized to slide along the groove 32e. In the adjustable configuration of Figures 11a, 11b the threaded member 36 is disengaged from the threaded portion of the second unit defined by the nut 31. For convenience the threaded member 36 is engaged with the threaded portion of the first unit defined by the nut 37, although this is not essential.

In this adjustable configuration an Allen key inserted into the socket 34c may be used to rotationally drive the cam 34 so that its spigot 34d acts on the groove 32e to drive the second unit along the first unit. The distance between the first unit and the second unit can thus be adjusted. Advantageously a quarter turn of the Allen key corresponds to an adjustment corresponding to the eccentricity of the spigot 34d. In this exemplary variant the eccentricity is about 7mm. Thus rapid adjustment of the carried pivot pin is achieved without the need for multiple awkward turns of a screwdriver. Moreover by inserting the short arm of the Allen key into the socket 34, the long arm of the Allen key can be gripped and manoeuvred to provide a fine degree of adjustment.

Once the pivot mount 30 has been suitably adjusted the adjusted position can be set by rotating the screw 36 to advance it from the position of Figures 11a, 11b to the position of Figures 12a to 12c in which it simultaneously engages both of the threaded portions defined by the nuts 31, 37. This screwing in need not be a careful manual operation. An electric screwdriver might be used to rapidly drive in the screw 36.

The nuts 31, 37 are mounted so that they cannot rotate and as they are simultaneously engaged with a common thread, even if the screw 36 were to rotate over time, the distance between the nuts 31, 37 is retained.

The disclosed pivot mount 30 includes an adjustment mechanism including the cam 34 and a locking mechanism including the screw 36 each of which can be usefully applied without the other.

In another variant of the mount 30, pin 33 and spring 38 are omitted. Instead the mounting member 39 has a ceiling. A portion of the ceiling is formed of Nylon and is removable. The ceiling serves to capture the nuts 31, 37 in their respective pockets. The removable portion provides access for the insertion of the nuts 31, 37 during factory assembly of the mount 30.

The ceiling, the floor 39a and long portions of the wall 39b together define a tubular portion which is in use fixed to the fixed door (or window) frame. This tubular portion has a rectangular internal cross-section co-operable with a rectangular external cross-section of the slide member 32 such that the slide block slides along the mounting member 39a but is restrained from rotation. An end of the tubular portion opposite the pocket 39d is open to receive the slide block 32.

Claims

1. A mechanism, for pivotally supporting a panel, including structure about which the panel may pivot; a rotatable element threadingly engaged with the structure; and a bearing assembly for supporting the panel to pivot about the structure and spacing the rotatable element from the panel; the rotatable element being rotatable, relative to the structure, about an axis to axially drive the bearing assembly and the panel along the structure; the bearing assembly including a first element shaped to irrotationally engage the structure; a second element positioned to pivot, about the structure, with the panel; and a low friction mechanism between the elements to allow the second element to pivot relative to the first element.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the low friction mechanism includes an arrangement of rolling elements.

3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein the first element defines a track about which the rolling elements roll.

4. The mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first element is a washer having an internal flat complementary to a flat of the structure.

5. The mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second element is a washer.6. The mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 5 including a stop arranged to prevent the rotatable element being fully disengaged from the structure.

7. The mechanism of claim 6 wherein the stop is threadingly engaged with the structure, said threading engagement of the stop being opposite-handed to the threading engagement of the rotatable element with the structure.

8. The mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the structure is a pin about which the panel may pivot.