AU2021201435A1 - Sliding panel adjustment apparatus, system, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjustment apparatus for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance, the panel conveyance including at least one connector for attaching the panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel mounted to the panel conveyance, the adjustment apparatus including: at least one adjustor for each at least one connector, wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to move with respect to its respective at least one connector for selectively increasing or decreasing distance between the sliding panel and the panel conveyance, and wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to be releasably held in a selected position on its respective at least one connector, and wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel. Figure 4. 4/4 70 FIG.4

Description

4/4

70

FIG.4

SLIDING PANEL ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to sliding panels for closure of apertures, such as sliding

doors and sliding windows.

[0002] The invention may be useful for mounting sliding panels to a structure and may be

particularly useful for adjusting the mounting of the sliding panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sliding panels are used for closing apertures in structures, such as sliding doors to close and

entrance into a building, or such as a sliding window to cover a window opening. Some sliding panels are slidably mounted to a structure using a friction reducing mechanism such as rollers.

Typically, the rollers are configured to roll along a track which is located above the aperture to be

covered by the panel. Sometimes the space in the structure above the sliding panel is called the

head works.

[0004] Usually, for stability of the sliding panel, there will be a least two friction reducing

mechanisms, such as a conveyance or panel conveyance, for slidably mounting the panel, for

example, two sets of rollers for each sliding panel in an installation. Often each friction reducing

mechanism is located at or towards an end (or side end) of the sliding panel for increased stability

during sliding operations. To provide a suitable distance between the sliding panel and the

headworks (including the track and the friction reducing mechanisms), the sliding panel is attached

to the friction reducing mechanisms by a strut or some other suitable means.

[0005] Often, when mounting a sliding panel, it is desired to adjust the distance between the

sliding panel and the head works (or between the sliding panel and the track, or between the sliding

panel and the friction reducing mechanism(s), such as the roller set(s)) so that the panel is suitably

distant from the head works (track, or friction reducing mechanism(s)) and suitably distant from the

ground or sill over which the panel slides. It may also be desired to adjust the alignment between

the sliding panel and, for example, each of two sets of rollers located at or towards either end (or

either side end) of the sliding panel, so that there is at least a similar distance between each set of

rollers and the sliding panel, and so that the panel will slide with an even distance between itself and

the head works right along the width of the panel. It may also be desired to adjust the distance between the panel and the head works (track, or friction reducing mechanism(s)) during the operating life of the sliding panel, as the panel may become misaligned or may need to be repositioned well-after installation of same.

[0006] In one example, the means for adjusting the distance is an adjustable length strut with an

adjustable length. However, such adjustable length struts can be problematic as they are typically

located in the headworks so that the strut is hidden from view, at least for aesthetic purposes.

Sometimes the part of the adjustable length strut which is adjustable (that is, the paart of the strut

which must be accessed for adjustment) is located in the headworks, though some part of the strut

is located below the headworks. In other arrangements, the part of the adjustable length strut

which is must be accessed for adjustment is located just below the headworks, but is still not readily

accessed without removing the sliding panel.

[0007] Accessing struts in the headworks can be difficult and inconvenient. Sometimes, to access

the struts in the headworks requires removal of the sliding panel. Accessing the strut may also

require removal of the strut from the headworks, and can also involve removing other components

of the headworks to achieve suitable access. In most circumstances, whatever the arrangement of

the adjustable length strut, adjustment of the strut will require at least removal of the sliding panel.

[0008] For heavy panels, such as doors with double glazing, removal of the panel can be difficult

and time consuming, and may require a team of operators, which can be expensive. Further, when

an adjustment is made to the strut, the sliding panel must be reattached to the strut to determine

whether the adjustment has been made properly.

[0009] Similar problems can occur if the sliding panel is mounted to friction reducing mechanisms

below the sliding panel. Such friction reducing mechanisms may be located on a floor below the

panel or in a sub-floor containment, where the strut connecting the sliding panel to a friction reducing mechanism is inaccessible without removal of the sliding panel or jacking up the sliding

panel to provide sufficient space to access the strut. In some such arrangements, the sliding panel

must be removed, and the strut or other parts of the sub-floor containment must be removed for

adjustment. Similarly, when an adjustment is made to the strut, the sliding panel must be

reattached to the strut to determine whether the adjustment has been made properly. Further, it

will be appreciated that similar inconveniences arise from arrangements where a sliding panel is

attached to friction reducing mechanisms at sides of the sliding panel, such as in a sliding window

configured to slide up and down, where the adjustable strut (or parts of the adjustable strut which must be accessed for adjustment) is located in a side containment area which is inaccessible without removing the sliding panel.

[0010] The requirement to remove or otherwise move the sliding panel for adjustment of

adjustable length struts can be inconvenient, time-consuming, may require multiple people to

handle the sliding panel, and can be expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Adjustment apparatus for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance,

the panel conveyance including at least one connector for attaching the panel conveyance at or near

a mounting section of the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel mounted to the panel

conveyance, the adjustment apparatus including:

at least one adjustor for each at least one connector,

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, at least a part of each at

least one adjustor is operable to move with respect to its respective at least one connector for

selectively increasing or decreasing distance between the sliding panel and the panel

conveyance, and wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to be

releasably held in a selected position on its respective at least one connector, and

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor

is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

[0012] A method for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance using

adjustment apparatus, the panel conveyance including at least one connector for attaching the

panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel is

mounted to the panel conveyance, and when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance,

the method including:

using at least a part of an at least one adjustor of the adjustment apparatus, each at least one

adjustor for each at least one connector, adjusting distance between the sliding panel and the

panel conveyance, wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is moved with respect

to its respective at least one connector, and

releasably holding at least a part of each at least one adjustor in a selected position on its

respective at least one connector, wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

[0013] A system for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance, the system

including:

at least one connector for attaching the panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of

the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, and

at least one adjustor for each at least one connector, wherein, when the sliding panel is

mounted to the panel conveyance, at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to

move with respect to its respective at least one connector for selectively increasing or

decreasing distance between the sliding panel and the panel conveyance, and wherein at least

a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to be releasably held in a selected position on

its respective at least one connector, and

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor

is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

SUMMARY OF SOME OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It will be appreciated that, in embodiments, the adjustor located being in, at, or near a

mounting section of the sliding panel results in the adjustor being more-readily accessible without

having to dismount the sliding panel from the conveyance, or having to completely remove the

sliding panel from the area where it is mounted to a structure. Further, where the conveyance is

located in headworks above the sliding panel, the adjustor is accessible without having to remove

the adjustor or other components from the headworks, and/or without having to dismount the

sliding panel from the conveyance, or having to completely remove the sliding panel from the area

where it is mounted to a structure. Similarly, where the conveyance is located in a sub-floor containment below the sliding panel, the adjustor is accessible without having to remove the

adjustor or other components from the sub-floor containment, and/or without having to dismount

the sliding panel from the conveyance, or having to completely remove the sliding panel from the

area where it is mounted to a structure. Further, where the conveyance is located in a side

containment area beside the sliding panel, the adjustor is accessible without having to remove the

adjustor or other components from the side containment area, and/or without having to dismount

the sliding panel from the conveyance, or having to completely remove the sliding panel from the

area where it is mounted to a structure.

[0015] In embodiments, the at least a part of each at least one adjustor includes at least one

stopper configured to move with respect to its respective at least one connector and to be

selectively positioned along the respective connector.

[0016] In embodiments, each at least one connector is an elongate member. In some such

embodiments, each adjustor includes at least one stopper configured to move with respect to the

longitudinal axis of its respective at least one connector and to be selectively positioned along the

respective connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, each panel conveyance has one connector. In such embodiments,

the adjustment apparatus has one adjustor for the respective one connector of the panel

conveyance.

[0018] In embodiments, the sliding panel is mounted or mountable to more than one panel

conveyance. In some such embodiments, the sliding panel is mounted or mountable to two panel

conveyances. In such embodiments, each panel conveyance includes at least one connector for

attaching the panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel. In some such

embodiments, where the panel is mounted or mountable to two panel conveyances, each panel

conveyance is attached or attachable by at least one connector to the mounting section of the

sliding panel, wherein each panel conveyance is attached or attachable at or near a respective

opposite end of the mounting section of the sliding panel. In such embodiments, each mounting of

the sliding panel to a respective panel conveyance is adjustable using the respective adjustment

apparatus.

[0019] In embodiments, where the sliding panel is mounted or mountable to more than one panel

conveyance, the sliding panel is mounted to each conveyance during a mounting process. It will be

appreciated that the sliding panel is fully mounted when mounted to each conveyance.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sliding panel has at least one adjustor space at, in, partially in,

or near the mounting section of the sliding panel, wherein at least a part of each at least one

adjustor is locatable in each respective adjustor space or in the one adjustor space.

[0021] In further embodiments, each adjustor space includes at least one adjustor space opening

to at least one face of the sliding panel, such that, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel

conveyance by being attached by the connector, each at least one adjustor is accessible through a

respective at least one adjustor space opening. In some such embodiments, the adjustor space

includes at least one adjustor space opening to a single face of the sliding panel. In other such embodiments, the adjustor space includes one adjustor space opening to a single face of the sliding panel. In other such embodiments, each one adjustor space includes a first adjustor space opening to a first face of the sliding panel and a second adjustor space opening to a second face of the sliding panel, wherein the first face is opposite the second face on the sliding panel.

[0022] In embodiments, at least a part of each at least adjustor apparatus is in the siding panel. In

some such embodiments, the adjustor apparatus includes at least a part of the adjustor space. In

some such embodiments, the adjustor apparatus includes at least a part of the mounting section of

the sliding panel. In some other embodiments, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel

conveyance, each adjustor apparatus includes at least a part of the respective connector of the

respective panel conveyance.

[0023] In embodiments, each adjustor space opening is of a size and shape suitable for manual

adjustment of the adjustor in the adjustor space, or in the respective adjustor space. Inother

embodiments, each adjustor space opening is of a size and shape suitable for adjustment of the

adjustor in the adjustor space, or in the respective adjustor space, by an instrument. In some such

embodiments, the instrument includes: pliers, a spanner, a screwdriver, adjustable spanner, a

wrench, and an adjustable wrench.

[0024] In further embodiments, the or each adjustor space opening is covered by a removable

cover. In some such embodiments, the or each cover is detachably attached to a face of the sliding

panel.

[0025] In yet further embodiments, the mounting section of the sliding panel is at the top of the

sliding panel (the top mounting section). In other embodiments, the mounting section of the sliding

panel is at the bottom of the sliding panel (the bottom mounting section). In yet other

embodiments, the sliding panel includes both a top mounting section and a bottom mounting section.

[0026] In embodiments, the sliding panel includes a mounting rail at or in each mounting section

of the sliding panel, wherein each mounting rail includes the at least one adjustor space. In other

such embodiments, each mounting rail further includes the at least one opening. In yet other such

embodiments, each mounting rail further includes the one or more removable covers.

[0027] In embodiments, the sliding panel is a sliding door. In some such embodiments, the sliding

door includes a glass pane. In other such embodiments, the sliding door includes a solid or opaque

pane. In other embodiments, the sliding panel is a sliding window.

[0028] In yet other embodiments, the sliding panel is mountable to a structure such the sliding

panel is operable to cover and uncover (close and open) an aperture in the structure. Where the

sliding panel is a sliding door, the aperture is a doorway. Where the sliding panel is a sliding

window, the aperture is a window opening.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sliding panel includes at least one abutment surface against

which the at least one stopper is configured to abut. In some such embodiments, each at least one

abutment surface is located in or adjacent to the at least one adjustor space. In some further

embodiments, each at least one abutment surface is located in the at least one mounting rail.

[0030] In some such embodiments, the sliding panel includes one upper abutment surface. In

some such embodiments, where the upper abutment surface is located at the top mounting section,

the stopper is configured to abut against the upper abutment surface, wherein, when the sliding

panel is mounted to a panel conveyance and when the stopper is impelled against the upper

abutment surface, the distance between the top mounting section and the panel conveyance is

decreased, and when the stopper is impelled away from the upper abutment surface, the distance

between the top mounting section and the panel conveyance is increased. It will be appreciated

that, when the stopper is impelled to be selectively positioned along the connector, the distance

between the top mounting section and the panel conveyance is also selected.

[0031] In some other such embodiments, where the upper abutment surface is located at the

bottom mounting section, the stopper is configured to abut against the upper abutment surface,

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to a panel conveyance and when the stopper is impelled

against the upper abutment surface, the distance between the bottom mounting section and the

panel conveyance is increased, and when the stopper is impelled away from the upper abutment

surface, the distance between the bottom mounting section and the panel conveyance is decreased.

[0032] In other such embodiments, the sliding panel includes one upper and one lower abutment

surface. In some such embodiments, the upper and lower abutment surfaces are located in the

mounting section of the sliding panel. In some such embodiments, the adjustor includes two

stoppers, including an upper stopper and lower stopper, wherein the upper stopper is configured to

abut against the upper abutment surface and the lower stopper is configured to abut against the

lower abutment surface. In some such embodiments, when the sliding panel is attached to the

connector, and when the upper stopper is abutting the upper abutment surface and the lower

stopper is abutting against the lower abutment surface, the adjustor holds the sliding panel in a

position with respect to the connector. In some such embodiments, when the upper stopper is abutting the upper abutment surface and the lower stopper is abutting against the lower abutment surface such that the sliding panel is held in a position with respect to the connector, the adjustor is said to be "locked" with respect to the connector.

[0033] In some embodiments, in use, the sliding panel is mounted at its mounting section to the

panel conveyance via the connector, wherein the upper stopper abuts the upper abutment surface

and wherein the lower stopper is away from the lower abutment surface, such that the upper

stopper is moveable along the connector to a selected position, wherein the sliding panel is moved

to be at a selected distance from the panel conveyance, and wherein, when the upper stopper is

moved along the connector to the selected position, the lower stopper is moveable along the

connector to abut the lower abutment surface. In some such embodiments, the lower stopper is

operable to be abutted forcefully against the lower abutment surface. In such embodiments, when

the lower stopper is abutted forcefully against the lower abutment surface, the adjustor is said to be

"locked" with respect to the connector.

[0034] It will be appreciated that, when the sliding panel is held in a position with respect to the

connector, the sliding panel is also held in a position with respect to the panel conveyance. Further,

it will be appreciated that, when the sliding panel is held in a position with respect to the connector

and the panel conveyance, the sliding panel is also held in a position with respect to the structure.

[0035] In some such embodiments, where the upper and lower abutment surfaces are located at

the top mounting section, and when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance (attached

to the connector) and when the upper stopper is impelled against the upper abutment surface, the

distance between the top mounting section and the panel conveyance is decreased, and when the

upper stopper is impelled away from the upper abutment surface, the distance between the top

mounting section and the panel conveyance is increased, and wherein, when the upper stopper has been selectively positioned along the connector, the lower stopper is impelled against the lower

abutment surface.

[0036] In some such embodiments, where the upper and lower abutment surfaces are located at the bottom mounting section, and when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance

(attached to the connector) and when the upper stopper is impelled against the upper abutment

surface, the distance between the bottom mounting section and the panel conveyance is increased,

and when the upper stopper is impelled away from the upper abutment surface, the distance

between the top mounting section and the panel conveyance is decreased, and wherein, when the upper stopper has been selectively positioned along the connector, the lower stopper is impelled against the lower abutment surface.

[0037] In other embodiments, the connector is substantially cylindrical.

[0038] In some such embodiments, the connector includes a threaded surface. In some such

embodiments, the upper stopper includes a threaded central hole complementary to the thread of

the connector, such that the upper stopper is operable to be moved along the connector by being

turned. In some such embodiments, the lower stopper includes a threaded central hole

complementary to the thread of the connector, such that the upper stopper is operable to be moved

along the connector by being turned. In some such embodiments, the upper stopper is a nut. In

some such embodiments, the lower stopper is a nut.

[0039] In some such embodiments, the connector includes a smooth surface. In some such

embodiments, the upper stopper includes at least one securer for releasably securing the upper

stopper to the connector, such that the upper stopper is operable to be moved along the connector

by being slid, and the upper stopper is operable to be secured at a selected position along the

connector by the securer. In some such embodiments, the lower stopper includes at least one

securer for releasably securing the lower stopper to the connector, such that the lower stopper is

operable to be moved along the connector by being slid, and the lower stopper is operable to be

secured at a selected position along the connector by the securer. In some such embodiments, the

upper stopper is a ring and the securer is a lug nut through a side of the ring. In some such

embodiments, the lower stopper is a ring and the securer is a lug nut through a side of the ring.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connector includes at least two flattened sections intermediate

ends of the connector. In some such embodiments, two of the at least two flattened sections are

positioned opposite each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connector. In some such embodiments, the two oppositely positioned two flattened sections are configured to allow a

suitable tool to engage with the flattened sections, thereby allowing the tool to be operated to

prevent rotation of the connector. It will be appreciated that preventing the connector from

rotating may be useful where it is desired to rotate at least one of the upper stopper and the lower

stopper. In some such embodiments, the suitable tool includes: a pair of pliers, a spanner, a wrench,

and an adjustable wrench.

[0041] In embodiments, the adjustment apparatus includes a plate above the adjustor. In some

such embodiments, the plate is located immediately above the at least one stopper. In some such

embodiments, the plate is above the upper stopper. In some such embodiments, when a sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the plate is located between the upper abutment surface and the at least one stopper (the at least one upper stopper). In some such embodiments, the plate has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0042] In some embodiments, the upper abutment surface includes or comprises a plate channel

with a downwardly facing opening, the plate channel for receiving the plate. In some such

embodiments, the plate channel has a substantially flat ceiling and substantially flat sides, each side

substantially perpendicular to the ceiling, such that the plate fits snugly in the plate channel.

[0043] In some embodiments, each plate is configured such that, when the sliding panel is

mounted and/or is being mounted to each one or more panel conveyances, each plate provides

stability for the sliding panel, respectively, when the sliding panel is mounted to each one or more

panel conveyances and/or during the mounting process. In some embodiments, the stability

provided by the plate is greater than the stability provided by the at least one stopper alone.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the plate may provide increased stability over the at least one

stopper alone, as the plate may assist in more effectively distributing weight of the sliding panel over

a larger area, due to the plate having a larger area presented to the upper abutment surface and/or

the plate channel than the at least one stopper. It will also be appreciated that capturing the plate

in the plate channel captivates the plate when attaching the sliding panel to the connector, such that

the attachment process is safer due to there being a larger surface onto which the upper abutment

surface and/or the plate channel is placed.

[0045] In embodiments, the panel conveyance includes one or more rollers. In some such

embodiments, the rollers are in-line and attached to a panel conveyance body, forming a trolley. In

other embodiments, the panel conveyance includes a friction reducing sliding surface such as a

nylon strip.

[0046] In some embodiments, the panel conveyance is configured to slide along a track, wherein

the track is located in the structure with the sliding panel configured to close an aperture in the

structure.

[0047] In some embodiments, where the mounting section of the sliding panel is at the top of the

sliding panel, the track is located in or on the structure above the sliding panel. In some such

embodiments, the track is located in a head space in the structure above the sliding panel. The head

space and the track in the structure is sometimes referred to as the head works.

[0048] In other embodiments, where the mounting section of the sliding panel is at the bottom of

the sliding panel, the track is located in or on the structure below the sliding panel. In some such

embodiments, the track is located in or on the floor below the sliding panel. In other such

embodiments, the aperture in the structure includes a sill and the track is located in or on the sill. In

further other such embodiments, the track is located sub floor in a channel.

[0049] In embodiments, the track forms a part of a duct. In some such embodiments, the duct is

located in or on the structure and includes a duct space in which the one or more panel conveyances

are able to move. In some such embodiments, the duct forms a part of the structure.

[0050] In some embodiments, where the mounting section of the sliding panel is at the top of the

sliding panel, the duct is located in or on the structure above the sliding panel. In some such

embodiments, the track is located at or towards the bottom of the duct.

[0051] In some embodiments, where the mounting section of the sliding panel is at the bottom of

the sliding panel, the duct is located in or on the structure below the sliding panel. In some such

embodiments, the track is located at or towards the bottom of the duct.

[0052] It will be appreciated that, in embodiments, when the sliding panel is mounted to the

panel conveyance and the panel conveyance is located in the duct, when the stopper is impelled to

be selectively positioned along the connector, the distance between the top mounting section and

the duct is also selected. It will be further appreciated that, in embodiments, when the sliding panel

is mounted to the panel conveyance and the panel conveyance is located in the duct and the duct is

located in or on the structure, when the stopper is impelled to be selectively positioned along the

connector, the distance between the top mounting section and the structure is also selected.

[0053] It will be appreciated that, in embodiments, when the sliding panel is mounted to the

panel conveyance and the panel conveyance is located in the duct, when the stopper is impelled to be selectively positioned along the connector, the distance between the bottom mounting section

and the duct is also selected. It will be further appreciated that, in embodiments, when the sliding

panel is mounted to the panel conveyance and the panel conveyance is located in the duct and the

duct is located in or on the structure, when the stopper is impelled to be selectively positioned along the connector, the distance between the bottom mounting section and the structure is also

selected.

[0054] In embodiments, each panel conveyance is configured to operate with a panel conveyance

guide, wherein the panel conveyance guide prevents or ameliorates movement of a respective panel conveyance with respect to the track where such movement is substantially perpendicular to the track. In some such embodiments, the guide comprises a part of the duct. In some other such embodiments, each panel conveyance includes at least one bumper, where each bumper is located on the panel conveyance to bump into the panel conveyance guide if the panel conveyance moves substantially perpendicular to the track. In some further such embodiments, where the panel conveyance is not moving substantially perpendicular to the track, the bumper and panel conveyance guide are configured to have a gap therebetween. In some further such embodiments, the gap between the bumper and the panel conveyance guide is small compared with the size of the panel conveyance and the guide, and may be around a few millimetres.

[0055] In further embodiments, sliding of the sliding panel is in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0056] In embodiments, the system includes adjustment apparatus.

[0057] In yet further embodiments, the sliding panel slides in a vertical direction. It will be

appreciated that, in such embodiments, terms such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "top",

and "bottom" will be interchangeable, for example, with terms such as "left" and "right" or

"leftmost" and "rightmost".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] At least one embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the

following, non-limiting illustrations representing the at least one embodiment of the present

invention, in which:

[0059] FIG. 1is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a sliding

panel mounted to a structure, where the conveyances for the sliding panel are located above the

sliding panel in headworks;

[0060] FIG. 2 is a partially-exploded perspective view showing a part of a sliding panel including a view of a mounting section of the sliding panel with an adjustor, and also showing a part of the

headworks in which there is a view of a panel conveyance, wherein a removable cover is shown

exploded away from the mounting section;

[0061] FIG. 3 is an end elevation cross-sectional view showing a part of a sliding panel including a

view of a mounting section of the sliding panel with an adjustor, and also showing a part of the

headworks in which there is a view of a panel conveyance, wherein a removable cover is shown

attached to the mounting section; and,

[0062] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the view shown in FIG. 3, but with the removable cover

removed (not shown).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a door way 10 with a sliding panel 12 mounted to a structure 14 via a

mounting section 34 of the sliding panel, the structure being a building or other similar construction.

The sliding panel is moveable side-to-side, such that an aperture 16 in the structure is covered and

uncovered (wherein the doorway is closed and opened). In the doorway, there is a second panel 18

having a rail 46, which may be fixed or also a sliding panel.

[0064] The structure 14 includes headworks 20 which contain and duct, which contains two panel

conveyances (not shown in FIG. 1), each panel conveyance to which the sliding panel 12 is mounted,

the panel conveyances providing a friction reducing means for allowing the sliding panel to slide with

respect to the duct and, therefore, with respect to the structure.

[0065] The sliding panel 12 includes a glass pane 22, which is surrounded by a frame 24, the frame

including an upper rail 26, a lower rail 28, a leading rail 30, and a trailing rail 32. In this embodiment,

the mounting section 34 of the sliding panel is located in and/or comprises the upper rail (which is

the mounting rail).

[0066] In other embodiments, a mounting section could be provided in the lower rail 28 as an

alternative or in addition to the mounting section 34 provided in the upper rail 26, wherein

conveyances for the sliding panel would be provided to move along the floor 44 of the structure 14,

or to move in a sub-floor containment area, and wherein one or more adjustors would be provided

in the mounting section in the lower rail. As such, the sliding panel 12 may have either or both of an

upper mounting rail and a lower mounting rail.

[0067] The mounting section 34 includes two adjustor spaces (not shown in FIG. 1, but positions of the adjustor spaces indicated by reference numerals 36 and 38), a leading end adjustor space 36

and a trailing end adjustor space 38. Each adjustor space provides a space for one adjustor (not

shown in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the mounting section may include a single adjustor space

configured to provide space for more than one adjustor. Each adjustor space has an adjustor space

opening, with a leading end adjustor space opening 40 to the leading adjustor space 36 and a trailing

end adjustor space opening 42 to the trailing adjustor space 38. In this embodiment, the adjustor

space openings are sized such that each adjustor is accessible in its respective adjustor space by

hand and/or by a tool, such as an adjustable spanner.

[0068] FIG.2 shows further details of the headworks 20, the mounting section 34 and the leading

end adjustor space 36 with leading end adjustor space opening 40.

[0069] The headworks 20 include a duct 46 including a duct space 48 and a track 50. A part of the

duct is shown in a cutaway A (indicated by long-short dashed lines in FIG. 4) so as to see internally of

the duct. The duct contains the two panel conveyances, of which one, a leading end panel

conveyance 52 is shown in FIG. 2 through the cutaway. Description of the embodiment of the

leading end panel conveyance applies to a trailing end panel conveyance (not shown in the figures).

The duct 46 also includes a panel conveyance guide 58 located in an upper part of the duct.

[0070] The leading end panel conveyance 52 includes a body 54 to which is attached two sets of

rollers 56. The rollers roll along the track 50 to reduce friction between the sliding panel 12 and the

track. The leading end panel conveyance 52 also includes two bumpers 60, located atop the leading

end panel conveyance. The bumpers are configured to move with the leading end panel conveyance

in a downwardly opening guide channel 62 in the panel conveyance guide 58, hence they are

partially occluded by the sides of the guide channel in the view shown in FIG. 2. The arrangement of

the panel conveyance guide (with the guide channel) and the panel conveyance on the track is such

that, in circumstances where the sliding panel is not moving or is moving stably (with low

acceleration or at constant velocity), the bumpers sit just below the panel conveyance guide (or just

below the top of the guide channel) such that the bumpers are not in contact with the panel

conveyance guide (or the guide channel). However, if the sliding panel is subject to sufficiently large

acceleration (such as when it is slid with too much force when initiating its sliding movement), at

least one of the bumpers bumps into the panel conveyance guide (or the top of the guide channel),

which limits (prevents or ameliorates) the amount of movement of the end panel conveyance in an

upward and downward direction. Further, if the sliding panel is subject to side-to-side forces (lateral forces), these forces may be transmitted to the end panel conveyance, wherein sides of the channel

guide prevent or ameliorate lateral movement of the end panel conveyance. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the panel conveyance guide, the guide channel, the end panel conveyance,

and the bumpers on the end panel conveyance, substantially prevents or ameliorates upward and

downward directional movement and lateral directional movement of the end panel conveyance,

which assists in retaining the end panel conveyance on the track in the duct.

[0071] The leading end panel conveyance 52 includes a connector 70, projecting downwardly

from the end panel conveyance. The connector comprises an elongate member with an external

thread. The connector is configured such that, when the sliding panel 12 is moved towards the connector in a direction such that the connector goes into the leading end adjustor space opening

, the connector fits into a connector slot 72 above the leading end adjustor space opening.

[0072] Also shown in FIG. 2 is one of two adjustors, being a leading end adjustor 64. Not shown in

the figures is a trailing end adjustor. The description of the leading end adjustor in this embodiment

applies to the trailing end adjustor.

[0073] The leading end adjustor 64 includes an upper stopper 65 (not shown in FIG. 2), a lower

stopper 66, and a plate 68. In this embodiment, when the sliding panel 12 is mounted to the leading

end conveyance 52, the adjustor is located in the mounting section 34, in the leading end adjustor

space 36. In other embodiments, the adjustor may be located at, or near the mounting section 34.

The upper stopper and the lower stopper are each nuts, with a hexagonal cross-section exterior

adapted to be operated by hand or with a spanner, and an interior threaded hole, which allows each

of the stoppers to be moved along (up and down) the connector by rotating the stoppers. The plate

is substantially rectangular in cross-section and includes a centrally located hole allowing the plate to

readily slide along the connector, wherein there is a small gap between the side of the hole in the

plate and the outermost projections of the thread on the connector.

[0074] The upper stopper 65 is configured (when moved upwardly along the connector 70) to

abut the plate 68 at a lower face of the plate, wherein the plate abuts an upper abutment surface 76

(not shown in FIG. 2) of the mounting section 34. The lower stopper 66 is configured (when moved

downwardly along the connector) to abut a lower abutment surface 74 of the mounting section.

[0075] In some circumstances the stoppers 65, 66 can be operated by hand. A spanner or similar

tool may be required for moving the upper stopper 65 when the upper stopper abuts the upper

abutment surface 76 (or abuts the plate 68, which abuts the upper abutment surface), and has the

weight of the sliding panel 12 against it. A spanner or similar tool may be required for moving the lower stopper 66 to tighten the lower stopper against the lower abutment surface 74.

[0076] Before attempting to mount the sliding panel 12 to the leading end conveyance 52, the

upper stopper 65 (along with the plate 68) and the lower stopper 66 should be sufficiently close to

each other such that, when the connector 70 slides into the connector slot 72, the upper stopper,

the plate and the lower stopper readily fit through the leading end adjustor space opening 40. This

may require moving the upper stopper and/or moving the lower stopper to be closer to each other.

This also allows the plate 68 to move towards the lower stopper. Generally, both stoppers may be

moved to achieve this, but it is possible that either the upper stopper (and the plate) or the lower

stopper is moved to be closer to the other.

[0077] When the leading end adjustor 64 (including the upper stopper 65, the lower stopper 66,

and the plate 68) is in the leading end adjustor space opening 40, the upper abutment surface 76

can be brought to rest upon the plate 68, which is held in position along the connector 70 by its

lower face abutting the upper stopper 65. The plate operates to hold the sliding panel 12 with

stability, given that the weight (or part of the weight) of the sliding panel is substantially distributed

across the area of the plate. In this embodiment, the upper abutment surface includes or comprises

a plate channel 78 (not shown in FIG. 2) with a downwardly facing opening, the plate channel

configured for receiving the plate when the plate abuts the upper abutment surface. The plate

channel has a substantially flat ceiling 82 and substantially flat sides 84, each side substantially

perpendicular to the ceiling, such that the plate fits snugly in the plate channel.

[0078] When the upper abutment surface 76 (or its plate channel 78) abuts the plate 68, it is then

possible to adjust distance between the sliding panel 12 and the leading end panel conveyance 52,

by movement of the upper stopper with respect to the connector 70. When the upper stopper is

moved upwardly with respect to the connector, the upper stopper moves the plate upwardly, and

the plate moves the upper abutment surface upwardly, such that the sliding panel moves closer to

the panel conveyance. Similarly, when the upper stopper is moved downwardly with respect to the

connector, the upper stopper allows the plate to move downwardly, and the plate allows the upper

abutment surface to move downwardly such the sliding panel moves away from the panel

conveyance. As the upper stopper is a nut with a thread, the upward and downward movement is

achieved by rotating the upper stopper with respect to the connector, which has a complementary

thread. In this way the separation between the sliding panel and the leading end panel conveyance

may be adjusted. It will be appreciated that adjusting the separation between the sliding panel and

the panel conveyance also adjusts separation between the sliding panel and the duct, the headworks or the structure.

[0079] When a desired separation between the sliding panel 12 and the leading end panel

conveyance is achieved, the upper stopper is left in the selected position. As the upper stopper is a

nut with a thread for rotational movement along the connector, cessation of rotation of the upper

stopper results in the upper stopper being releasably held in its selected position on its respective

connector.

[0080] Following the adjustment of the upper stopper 65 to place the sliding panel 12 in a desired

separation from the panel conveyance (and the duct, the headworks or the structure), the lower

stopper 66 can be moved towards the lower abutment surface 74. As the lower stopper abuts the

lower abutment surface and is further rotated, it will create an increased force as the upper stopper

(and the plate) prevents the upper abutment surface from further moving, which also prevents the

lower abutment surface from moving. The increased force of abutment between the lower stopper

and the lower abutment surface causes the leading end adjustor 64 to be "locked" (wherein the

adjustor is held in its selected position because the upper stopper of the adjustor is held in its

position).

[0081] The ease of this adjustment and/or locking of the adjustment is facilitated because the

upper stopper and the lower stopper are each readily accessible through the leading end adjustor

space opening 40, which is located in the upper rail of the sliding panel.

[0082] In the presently described embodiment, there are two panel conveyances (the leading end

panel conveyance 52 and a trailing end panel conveyance) in the duct 46, each with connectors for

attaching the mounting section 34 of the sliding panel 12 to their respective panel conveyance, to

amount the sliding panel to the conveyances, and there are two adjustors, each adjustor for a

respective connector. The mounting section of the sliding panel includes one upper abutment

surface 76 extending substantially along the mounting section in the upper rail 26 of the sliding

panel from the leading end of the sliding panel (adjacent the leading rail 30) to the trailing end of the

sliding panel (adjacent the trailing rail 32). In such arrangement, the upper abutment surface (or the

plate channel 78 of the upper abutment surface) is configured to abut against the plates of both the

leading end adjustor 64 and the trailing end adjustor. The mounting section of the sliding panel also

includes one lower abutment surface 74 extending substantially along the mounting section in the

upper rail 26 of the sliding panel from the leading end of the sliding panel (adjacent the leading rail

) to the trailing end of the sliding panel (adjacent the trailing rail 32). In such arrangement, the

lower abutment surface is configured to abut against the lower stopper of both the leading end

adjustor 64 and the trailing end adjustor.

[0083] It will be appreciated that mounting the sliding panel 12 to the panel conveyances includes

attaching the mounting section 34 of the sliding panel to each of the two panel conveyances,

adjusting the adjustors (adjusting the upper stopper of each adjustor) and locking the adjustors

(tightening the lower stopper of each adjustor).

[0084] FIG. 2 also shows a removable cover 80 for covering the adjustor space openings (for both

the leading end adjustor space opening 40 and the trailing end adjustor space opening). The

removable cover is shown as detached from the sliding panel 12, but is configured to attach to the

upper rail 26 of the sliding panel. In the depicted embodiments, the attachment of the removable

cover is by a tube-in-tube arrangement. In some such embodiments, the tube-in-tube arrangement includes corresponding elongate sections of the upper rail and the removable cover, wherein the corresponding elongate sections, when brought together, form a substantially circular cross-section outer tube, the arrangement further including an inner tube of flexible material having a diameter less than the outer tube, such that the inner tube fits snug in the outer tube. By the arrangement, the inner tube holds the elongate sections of the upper rail and the removable cover in place when they are brought together with the flexible inner tube inside the formed cross-section outer tube formed by the corresponding elongate sections.

[0085] In other embodiments, the attachment of the removable cover may be by friction fit,

screws, studs or any other suitable means.

[0086] FIG. 3 shows details of what has been described above for FIG. 2. Some of the details more

clearly shown on FIG. 3 include the upper stopper 65, which abuts a lower face of the plate 68, the

lower stopper 65, which abuts the lower abutment surface 74. The plate abuts the substantially flat

ceiling 82 and is between the substantially flat sides 84 of the plate channel 78.

[0087] In the duct 46, FIG. 3 details that the panel conveyance guide 58 includes a downwardly

opening guide channel 62, wherein bumpers 60 of the panel conveyance 52 are configured to bump

into the ceiling and sides of the guide channel to prevent or ameliorate, respectively, upward and

downward and lateral movement of the panel conveyance.

[0088] Also shown in FIG. 3 is the track 50, which includes two track sides on either side of a duct

slot 88, though which the connector 70 is able to move when the sliding panel is being slid.

[0089] The removable cover 80 is shown in FIG. 3 as being attached to the upper rail 26 of the

sling panel 12 by a friction the above-described tube-in-tube arrangement 86.

[0090] FIG. 4 shows further details including double headed arrow E, which indicates that the

upper stopper 65 is rotated to cause it to move upwardly or downwardly along the connector 70 for adjustment of the separation between the sliding panel and the panel conveyance. Also shown is

single headed arrow F, which indicates that the lower stopper 66 is rotated to cause it to move

downwardly along the connector to "lock" the adjustor when the adjustment has been made.

[0091] In such embodiment as described with reference to the accompanying figures, the

connector attaches the mounting section of the sliding panel to a respective conveyance of the

connector. In some such embodiments, it may be seen that the attachment of the connector

requires at least a part of the respective adjustor to assist in forming such attachment. In some such embodiments, the at least a part of the respective adjustor comprises the upper stopper. In other such embodiments, the at least a part of the respective adjustor comprises the upper stopper and the plate.

[0092] In such embodiment as described with reference to the accompanying figures, the at least

a part of each adjustor includes the upper stopper.

[0093] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires

otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be

understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not

the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0094] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an

acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general

knowledge.

Claims (20)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. Adjustment apparatus for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance,

the panel conveyance including at least one connector for attaching the panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel mounted to the panel

conveyance, the adjustment apparatus including:

at least one adjustor for each at least one connector,

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, at least a part of each at

least one adjustor is operable to move with respect to its respective at least one connector for

selectively increasing or decreasing distance between the sliding panel and the panel

conveyance, and wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to be

releasably held in a selected position on its respective at least one connector, and

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor

is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

2. A method for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance using

adjustment apparatus, the panel conveyance including at least one connector for attaching the

panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel is

mounted to the panel conveyance, and when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance,

the method including:

using at least a part of an at least one adjustor of the adjustment apparatus, each at least one

adjustor for each at least one connector, adjusting distance between the sliding panel and the

panel conveyance, wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is moved with respect

to its respective at least one connector, and

releasably holding at least a part of each at least one adjustor in a selected position on its respective at least one connector,

wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor

is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

3. A system for adjusting a mounting of a sliding panel to a panel conveyance, the system

including: at least one connector for attaching the panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel, such that the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, and at least one adjustor for each at least one connector, wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to move with respect to its respective at least one connector for selectively increasing or decreasing distance between the sliding panel and the panel conveyance, and wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is operable to be releasably held in a selected position on its respective at least one connector, and wherein, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, the at least one adjustor is located in, at, or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

4. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 1, a method according to claim 2, or a system

according to claim 3, wherein the at least a part of each at least one adjustor includes at least one

stopper configured to move with respect to its respective at least one connector and to be

selectively positioned along the respective connector.

5. Adjustment apparatus according to claims 1or 4, a method according to claims 2 or 4, or a

system according to claims 3 or 4, wherein each at least one connector is an elongate member.

6. Adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, a method according to

any one of claims 2, 4 and 5, or a system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each

adjustor includes at least one stopper configured to move with respect to the longitudinal axis of its

respective at least one connector and to be selectively positioned along the respective connector.

7. Adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 6, a method according to

any one of claims 2 and 4 to 6, or a system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each panel

conveyance has one connector.

8. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 7, a method according to claim 7, or a system

according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment apparatus has one adjustor for the respective one

connector ofthe panelconveyance.

9. Adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 8, a method according to

any one of claims 2 and 4 to 8, or a system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the sliding

panel is mounted or mountable to more than one panel conveyance.

10. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 9, a method according to claim 9, or a system

according to claim 9, wherein each panel conveyance includes at least one connector for attaching

the panel conveyance at or near a mounting section of the sliding panel.

11. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 10, a method according to claim 10, or a system

according to claim 10, wherein, where the panel is mounted or mountable to two panel

conveyances, each panel conveyance is attached or attachable by at least one connector to the

mounting section of the sliding panel, wherein each panel conveyance is attached or attachable at or

near a respective opposite end of the mounting section of the sliding panel.

12. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 11, a method according to claim 11, or a system

according to claim 11, wherein each mounting of the sliding panel to a respective panel conveyance

is adjustable using the respective adjustor.

13. Adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 12, a method according to

any one of claims 2 and 4 to 12, or a system according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the

sliding panel has at least one adjustor space at, in, partially in, or near the mounting section of the

sliding panel, wherein at least a part of each at least one adjustor is locatable in each respective

adjustor space or in the one adjustor space.

14. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 13, a method according to claim 13, or a system

according to claim 13, wherein each adjustor space includes at least one adjustor space opening to

at least one face of the sliding panel, such that, when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel

conveyance by being attached by the connector, each at least one adjustor is accessible through a

respective at least one adjustor space opening.

15. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 14, a method according to claim 14, or a system

according to claim 14, wherein the adjustor space includes at least one adjustor space opening to a single face of the sliding panel.

16. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 14, a method according to claim 14, or a system

according to claim 14, wherein each one adjustor space includes a first adjustor space opening to a

first face of the sliding panel and a second adjustor space opening to a second face of the sliding

panel, wherein the first face is opposite the second face on the sliding panel.

17. Adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 16, a method according to

any one of claims 2 and 4 to 16, or a system according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein at least

a part of each at least adjustor is in the siding panel.

18. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 17, a method according to claim 17, or a system

according to claim 17, wherein the adjustor apparatus includes at least a part of the adjustor space.

19. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 17, a method according to claim 17, or a system

according to claim 17, wherein the adjustor apparatus includes at least a part of the mounting

section of the sliding panel.

20. Adjustment apparatus according to claim 17, a method according to claim 17, or a system

according to claim 17, wherein when the sliding panel is mounted to the panel conveyance, each

adjustor apparatus includes at least a part of the respective connector of the respective panel

conveyance.