CN215858389U

CN215858389U - Interval system and apartment unit

Info

Publication number: CN215858389U
Application number: CN202023022246.9U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈志伟
Original assignee: New World Development Co ltd
Current assignee: New World Development Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-12
Filing date: 2020-12-14
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-14

Abstract

A spacer system (1) for defining a first portion (7) of a boundary of a confined space (3) adjacent to a larger space (2) comprises a spacer (4) having an opening (5) providing a passage between the confined space and the larger space, and a closing member for closing the opening. The closure member has an inner side facing the confined space. A horizontal guide mechanism (110/210) guides the closure member by means of the first and second slides (115a, 215a, 115b, 215b) for simultaneous translational and rotational movement between a closed position in which the closure member closes the opening and an open position in which the closure member reveals the opening of the partition and extends adjacently along the second portion (9) of said boundary. The arrangement is such that throughout said movement the inner side of the closure member faces the confined space.

Description

Interval system and apartment unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bay system and an apartment unit. In particular, the present invention relates to a spacer system for defining a portion of a boundary between a larger space and a confined space, the spacer system requiring a substantially reduced door clearance area during movement of the closure member.

Background

In the construction industry, it is often necessary to divide a floor area into two or more sub-areas. Generally, in a building of an apartment unit, a partition is installed to define a boundary between a large space (i.e., a living room) and an adjacent restricted space (i.e., a balcony or a work deck) while providing an accessible passageway between the two spaces. Typically, the channel can be closed by a conventional swing door hinged on one side or a slidable door that linearly slidably spans the channel opening. Opening or closing of a swing door requires a door clearance area that covers most of the restricted space, leaving a limited usable floor area. On the other hand, operation of the sliding door would require that the width of the gap be at least twice the width of the sliding door, so that such a gap is not a suitable choice for confined spaces.

The present invention seeks to solve the above problems or at least alleviate the above disadvantages by providing a new or otherwise improved spacing system.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a spacing system for defining a first portion of a boundary of a confined space adjacent a larger space, the spacing system comprising: a spacer having an opening that provides a passage between the restricted space and the larger space, a closing member for closing the opening, the closing member having an inner side facing the restricted space, and a horizontal guide mechanism including: a first rail extending across a width of the opening, a second rail extending transverse to the first rail and adjacent a second portion of the boundary adjacent the first portion, and first and second slide means attached to respective sides of the closure member and slidably engaging the first and second rails, respectively. A horizontal guide mechanism guides the closure member by means of the first and second slide means for simultaneous translational and rotational movement between a closed position in which the closure member closes the opening and an open position in which the closure member reveals the opening of said spacer and extends adjacent along a second portion of said boundary, throughout said movement the inner side of the closure member facing said confined space.

In one embodiment, said movement of the closure member between the open and closed positions covers a clearance area having a concave periphery.

Preferably, the first and second rails support the closure member for said movement.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second sliding means comprises an axial roller for operating about the rotation axis.

In another embodiment, the axial roller comprises a shaft extending along a rotation axis and a first rolling member rotatably connected with the shaft for rotation about the rotation axis, the rotation axis extending in a vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the axial roller includes a second rolling member that is also connected with the shaft to rotate about the axis of the shaft.

Preferably, the axial roller includes a thrust bearing provided between the shaft and each of the first and second rolling members.

In one embodiment, the first rail and the second rail extend over the opening.

In another embodiment, each of the first and second guide rails comprises a rail support adapted to slidingly engage the first and second rolling members of the respective axial roller.

In another embodiment, the track support includes opposing first and second flanges configured to engage and support respective first and second rolling members of respective axial rollers.

Preferably, each of the first and second flanges includes an inclined engagement surface for engaging and supporting a peripheral edge of the respective rolling member.

In one embodiment, the rail support has an abutment over each of the first and second flanges to be supported by the outer peripheral surface of the respective first or second rolling member.

In one embodiment, the axial roller is arranged to support a portion of the weight of the closure member.

In one embodiment, the horizontal guide mechanism includes a third rail extending across the width of the opening below the width of the opening, and a fourth rail extending transverse to the third rail.

In another embodiment, the third and fourth rails are vertically aligned with the first and second rails, respectively.

In one embodiment, the horizontal guide mechanism includes a third slide and a fourth slide.

In another embodiment, each of the third and fourth sliding means comprises a roller arranged to roll about a vertical rolling axis.

Preferably, the rolling axes of the third and fourth slides are substantially aligned with the axes of rotation of the first and second slides on the respective sides of the closure member.

In one embodiment, the front side of the closure member comprises a handle when the closure member is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Advantageously, the spacer system comprises a locking mechanism provided at a front side of said closure member for releasably locking a respective side of the closure member in the closed position relative to a respective side of the opening.

In one embodiment, each locking mechanism comprises at least one stud arranged to releasably engage with an associated retainer provided on a respective side of the opening.

In another embodiment, the retainer is arranged to inhibit the at least one stud from passing over the retainer in a direction towards the confined space with the closure member in the closed position and locked by the locking mechanism.

In another embodiment, each locking mechanism comprises a transmission member arranged to move the at least one stud towards or away from the holder by means of one or a respective handle provided on a respective side of the closure member.

In one embodiment, the handle is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Preferably, the spacer system comprises a stiffening mechanism provided at a trailing side of the closure member opposite the leading side for maintaining alignment of the closure member with respect to the respective side of the opening when the closure member is in the closed position.

More preferably, the reinforcing mechanism includes at least one pair of mutually engageable first and second engaging members, the first engaging member being provided on a trailing side of the closing member, the second engaging member being provided on a corresponding side of the opening.

In one embodiment, the first engagement member comprises a tongue arranged to releasably engage with a second engagement member comprising a socket.

In one embodiment, the spacer system comprises a retaining means adapted to releasably retain the closure member in the open position.

In another embodiment, the retaining means comprises a bolt provided on the closure member, which bolt is releasably engageable with a hole below the bolt.

Preferably, the bolt is provided on the side of the closure member and the hole is provided on the threshold of the opening.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second guide rails comprises an elongate slide channel in which the respective first or second slide means is concealed.

In one embodiment, the spacer system comprises a sealing member arranged along a peripheral side of the closing member and/or a peripheral side of the opening.

Advantageously, the closing member is provided with a water guide adapted to guide water from the top side of the closing member to the side of the closing member.

Preferably, a partial seal is provided in the gap between the closure member and at least the first guide rail at least one location on the inner side of the closure member facing the confined space.

More preferably, the partial seal comprises a brush seal and/or the partial seal is provided on and carried by the closure member.

In one embodiment the first guide rail is provided with a deflector for deflecting water from the gap.

In another embodiment, the third rail is provided with a drainage arrangement.

Preferably, the drainage arrangement comprises at least one internal drainage hole which directs water into the interior space of the third rail.

More preferably, the drainage arrangement comprises at least one external drainage hole in fluid communication with the interior space and arranged to guide water away from the third rail inside the closure member.

In one embodiment, the confined space is a balcony or a work platform of an apartment unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apartment unit having a balcony or work platform and incorporating a spacing system as described above, wherein a spacer separates the balcony or work platform as the confined space from the interior of the apartment unit constituting the larger space.

Preferably, the spacer system comprises a wall extending transversely to the spacer, the second and/or fourth rail extending along the wall.

Drawings

The utility model will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is a plan view of a living room and an adjoining balcony or work platform of an apartment unit incorporating a spacing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing a closing member and a horizontal guide mechanism of the spacer system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the horizontal guide mechanism according to the first embodiment with the front removed showing internal details of the mechanism;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first rail of FIG. 2 showing rolling members engaged with the first rail;

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a first slide of the horizontal guide mechanism of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first slide of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a horizontal guide mechanism according to a second embodiment with the front cut away showing internal details of the mechanism;

FIG. 7a shows a cross-sectional view of the first rail of FIG. 6, showing the rolling members engaged with the first rail;

FIG. 7b shows a cross-sectional view of the second rail of FIG. 6, showing the rolling members engaged with the second rail;

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a first slide of the horizontal guide mechanism of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the first slide of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the horizontal guide mechanism showing the alignment between the first and second rails and the third and fourth rails;

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a fourth slide engaging a fourth rail of the horizontal guide mechanism according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a close-up view of a fourth slide engaging a fourth rail of the horizontal guide mechanism according to the second embodiment;

figures 13a to 13c are sequential views showing the movement of the closure member from the closed position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the open position;

fig. 14a to 14c are sequence views showing positions of first and second sliding devices in the horizontal guide mechanism according to the first embodiment;

fig. 15a to 15c are sequence views showing positions of a first slide device and a second slide device in a horizontal guide mechanism according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a comparison between a first clearance zone associated with a swing door and a second clearance zone associated with a closure member of the spacer system of the present invention;

FIGS. 17a and 17b are perspective views of the spacer system showing locking mechanisms provided on both sides of the closure member;

FIG. 17c is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 17b showing a retainer for releasable engagement with a locking stud on the closure member;

18a and 18b are views showing a locking mechanism with a locking stud and a retainer in engaged and disengaged states;

FIGS. 19a and 19b show the handle in a locked position and an unlocked position;

FIGS. 20a and 20b are perspective views of the spacer system showing the locking mechanism provided only on the front side of the closure member;

FIG. 20c is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 20b showing a retainer for releasable engagement with a locking stud on the closure member in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 21a and 21b are views showing the locking mechanism with the locking stud and retainer shown in FIG. 20c in engaged and disengaged states;

fig. 22a to 22c are sequential plan views showing engagement of the reinforcing mechanism;

FIG. 23 is a close-up view of the holder as viewed from a position within a larger space;

fig. 24 is a sectional view of the horizontal guide mechanism of the first embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the first or second rail with the cladding installed; and

fig. 26 is a sectional view showing a drain arrangement provided on the third or fourth guide rail;

fig. 27 is a sectional view of the horizontal guide mechanism of the second embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the first rail shown in FIG. 27, showing a drain arrangement;

FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of the closure member shown in FIG. 27, showing the water guide channel; and

fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the third rail as shown in fig. 27, showing a drainage arrangement provided on the third rail.

Detailed Description

The technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention is clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, and not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments given herein without making any creative effort, shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

According to the utility model, the spacer system comprises a spacer between the larger space and the confined space, the spacer having an opening providing a passage for access between the larger space and the confined space. The spacer system further comprises a closing member configured to be movable between a closed position, in which the closing member closes the opening, and an open position, in which the closing member reveals the opening of the spacer and allows passage through both spaces.

Fig. 1a shows a partition system 1 embodying the utility model, which indicates a plan view of a larger space 2, such as a living room, and an adjacent confined space 3, such as a balcony or a work platform of an apartment unit. The partition system 1 comprises a partition 4, which partition 4 separates a balcony or a work platform as said confined space 3 from the interior of the apartment constituting said larger space 2, while providing an opening between the two spaces through an opening 5, which opening can be closed by a closing member 6, i.e. a balcony door. In essence, the partition system 1 defines a main boundary 7 for the confined space 3 or floor area of a balcony. Alternatively, the spacer system 1 may be used in other settings where it is desirable to separate a confined space from a larger space, such as a shower in a bathroom.

As shown in fig. 1a, the spacer 4 includes partition walls 8 a. In many cases, the spacer 4 may comprise a glass curtain wall to provide visibility of outdoor scenery. The opening 5 may be closed by a closing member 6 forming part of the spacer 4. Moving the closure member 6 between the open and closed positions allows and prevents access between the larger space 2 and the restricted space 3.

The spacer system 1 comprises a horizontal guiding mechanism 110/210, as shown in fig. 1b, for movably supporting and guiding the closing member 6 to move in a horizontal direction between the open position and the closed position. The horizontal guide mechanism 110/210 is configured such that it allows the closure member 6 to exhibit translational and rotational movement during movement between the two open and closed positions.

The horizontal guide mechanism 110/210 includes: a first rail 111/211 extending across the width of the opening 5 of the spacer 4, and a second rail 112/212 extending transverse to the first rail 111/211. The first guide rail 111/211 and the second guide rail 112/212 extend above the opening 5 and are located at the same horizontal position. The first rail 111/211 extends parallel to the spacer 4 and the second rail 112/212 extends transversely to the first rail 111/211 and adjacent to the lateral boundary 9 of the confined space 3 adjacent to the main boundary 7. As shown in fig. 1a, the apartment unit comprises a wall 8b extending transversely from the spacer 4, which defines a lateral boundary 9. Alternatively, the lateral boundary 9 may be defined by a glass barrier or fence, for example, mounted on the balcony side. Thus, as shown, the horizontal guide 110/210 appears as an inverted L-shaped structure in plan view.

In the first embodiment, the spacer system 1 utilizes a horizontal guide mechanism 110 as shown in fig. 2 to 5. In fig. 2, the outer cladding is removed to expose internal details of the horizontal guide mechanism 110, with the closure member 6 in the closed position. As shown in fig. 3, each of the first rail 111 and the second rail 112 is provided by an integral C-shaped channel 113a having an upper vertical flange 113b and a lower vertical flange 113C. However, each C-shaped channel 113a may alternatively be modularly formed as a separate component to be mounted within the

guide rails

111, 112. The first and

second rails

111, 112 and their respective C-shaped channels 113a may be provided by an aluminum extrusion, but other metallic materials, such as cold-formed steel, may also be used.

The first rail 111 and the second rail 112 serve to support the closing member 6 to slide between the open position and the closed position. The horizontal guiding mechanism 110 further comprises sliding

means

115a, 115b pivotally connected to the first side 6a and the second side 6b of the closing member 6, respectively.

Referring to fig. 4, the first slide 115a is pivotally mounted at its first side 6a on the top side 6c of the closure member 6. Although not shown, the same arrangement applies to the second side 6b of the closure member 6. Each of the two

pivotable slides

115a, 115b defines a vertical axis of rotation 118 a. Each slide 115a/115b includes a rotating roller 116, the rotating roller 116 including a roller member 114, the roller member 114 being adapted to engage with and along a respective C-shaped channel 113a, as shown in fig. 3. In particular, the rolling members 114 lie on a vertical plane that is offset from the vertical axis of rotation 118 a.

The rolling members 114 are supported by the base 117 of the slide means 115a/115b for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 118a, the rolling members 114 being arranged to roll about a horizontal rolling axis 114a and to slidingly engage along the C-shaped channel 113a of the respective first or second guide rail 111/112.

As shown in fig. 3, the rolling member 114 has a V-shaped groove 114b, the V-shaped groove 114b being adapted to engage with the upper and lower vertical flanges 113b, 113C of the C-shaped channel 113 a. The upper and lower

vertical flanges

113b, 113c serve as guide supports for the rolling members 114 during travel of the rolling members 114 along the

respective guide rails

111, 112. In particular, the rolling member 114 bears a portion of the weight of the closing member 6 and exerts this weight on the lower vertical flange 113C of the C-shaped channel 113a through the base 117. An edge cover 113e may be provided for each of the upper and lower

vertical flanges

113b and 113 c. The edge cover 113e has a U-shape complementary to the shape of the edge of the upper vertical flange 113b or the lower vertical flange 113 c. The edge cover 113e provides a smooth rounded surface for interfacing with the V-shaped groove 114b of the roller member 114. In one aspect, the edge cover 113e acts as an insert to reduce the gap between the roller member 114 and the upper and lower vertical flanges 113b, 113C, thereby providing increased stability to the roller member 114 during movement within the C-shaped channel 113 a. On the other hand, the edge cover 113e provides the edges of the upper and lower

vertical flanges

113b and 113c with enhanced strength and durability against abrasion.

For mounting the sliding

means

115a, 115b to the closing member 6, their bases 117 are respectively connected to the closing member 6 by hinge bolts 118, the hinge bolts 118 defining a respective first vertical rotation axis 118a or second vertical rotation axis 118b (fig. 5). Each hinge bolt 118 allows the respective rotation roller 116 to rotate with respect to the closing member 6 about a respective

vertical rotation axis

118a, 118 b.

Fig. 5 shows the structure of the first and second sliding

devices

115a, 115 b. Advantageously, each

slide

115a, 115b further includes a thrust bearing assembly 119 disposed between the base 117 and the hinge bolt 118 to facilitate rotation of the

slides

115a, 115 b. Thrust bearing assembly 119 provides bearing support to hinge bolt 118, which hinge bolt 118 exerts a portion of the weight of closure member 6 on base 117, thereby enhancing maneuverability of closure member 6.

In a second embodiment, the spacer system utilizes a horizontal guide mechanism 210, as shown in fig. 6-9. The horizontal guide mechanism 210 includes a first rail 211 extending across the width of the opening 5 of the spacer 4 and a second rail 212 extending transversely to the first rail 211, with a geometry similar to the horizontal guide mechanism 110 of the first embodiment. For clarity, the forward facing portion of the horizontal guide mechanism 210 has been removed to expose internal details. As shown, the closure member 6 is in the closed position with the horizontal guide mechanism 210 mounted above it.

Fig. 7a shows a cross section of a first rail 211, the configuration of which first rail 211 comprises a downwardly open integral rail support 213 a. As shown in fig. 7b, the second rail 212 has substantially the same configuration, including a similar rail support 213 a. In either case, the track support 213a comprises at least one flange 213b/213c for slidably supporting a

respective slide

215a, 215b, which is arranged for supporting the closure member 6. The sliding

devices

215a, 215b correspond to the sliding

devices

115a, 115b of the first embodiment.

In a particular configuration, the track support 213a includes a first flange 213b and a second flange 213c, both of which extend horizontally and are integrally formed in the track support 213 a. Note that the first or second flange 213b/213c may be modularly formed as a separate part to be mounted within the rail support 213 a.

The rail supports 213a of the first and

second rails

211 and 212 are adapted to support the closing member 6 to slide between the open and closed positions. Within each rail support 213a is placed an elongated slide channel in which the respective first or second slide 215a/215b is concealed.

A slide 215a is connected to the first side 6a of the closing member 6 and another slide 215b is connected to the second side 6 b. In particular, the sliding

means

215a, 215b are fixedly mounted on the top side 6c of the closing member 6 at

opposite sides

6a, 6b thereof. Each of the sliding

means

215a, 215b is provided with an axial roller 216 for operating about a rotation axis 218 a. As shown, the axial rollers 216 may have a single roller arrangement or a double roller arrangement, including first/upper rolling members 214a and second/lower rolling members 214 b. Each track support 213a is adapted to slidingly engage with a respective axial roller 216, supporting and guiding the closing member 6 to slide along the horizontal guide mechanism 210.

In each

slide

215a, 215b, the upper and

lower rolling members

214a, 214b are mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation 218a and are positioned horizontally relative to the first and

second flanges

213b, 213c with which they engage, respectively. The upper and

lower rolling members

214a, 214b are adapted to be in sliding and/or rolling engagement with the respective first or

second flange

213b, 213c, respectively. The rolling

members

214a, 214b are placed horizontally and parallel to the

guide rails

211, 212, respectively. Within the rail support 213a, the first and

second flanges

213b, 213c are arranged to face each other and are offset in height to engage with the respective upper and

lower rolling members

214a, 214 b. The

flanges

213b, 213c are adapted to support the

respective rolling members

214a, 214b on their diametrically opposite sides, wherein the rolling

members

214a, 214b carry a portion of the weight of the closure member 6. In this arrangement, when the axial roller 216 slides along the rail support 213a, the upper and

lower rolling members

214a and 214b will rotate in opposite directions.

Specifically, each of the first and

second flanges

213b, 213c includes an inclined engagement surface 260 on an upper side thereof, the inclined engagement surface 260 for engaging and supporting a peripheral edge 261 of the respective rolling

member

214a, 214 b. The engagement surface 260 has an inclination angle of about 5 degrees downward and toward its edge. An abutment 262, such as a ridge, is formed in the rail support 213a at a position above each of the first and

second flanges

213b, 213c to be carried by the outer peripheral surface 263 of the respective first or second rolling member 214a/214 b. During movement of the closure member 6, each ridge 262 is for rolling engagement by the peripheral surface 263 of the respective rolling member 214a/214 b. This rolling engagement between the

roller members

214a, 214b and the ridge 262 facilitates sliding movement of the closure member 6 along the horizontal guide mechanism 210.

With regard to the specific configuration, the axial roller 216 of each slide 215a/215b includes a shaft 218 extending along a rotational axis 218a, and the upper and

lower rolling members

214a, 214b are rotatably disposed on the shaft 218 to rotate about the rotational axis 218 a. The shaft 218 has a threaded portion for engagement with a fastening arrangement (e.g., a nut and washer as shown) for securely fixing the shaft 218 and, in turn, the entire slide 215a/215b to the closure member 6. The axial roller 216 includes a thrust bearing 219 provided between the shaft 218 and each rolling member 214a/214b to facilitate rotation of the axial roller 216 while supporting the weight of the closing member 6.

In the first and second embodiments, as shown in fig. 10, the horizontal guide mechanism 110/210 includes a third rail 121/221 and a fourth rail 122/222 extending below and across the width of the opening 5, the fourth rail extending transverse to the third rail 121/221. The third rail 121/221 extends parallel to the first rail 111/211, aligned with each other and below and above the sides of the opening 5. The fourth guide rail 122/222 and the second guide rail 112/212 are also parallel and aligned with each other, but they extend at right angles from one side of the opening 5 in a vertical plane.

Fig. 11 and 12 are exemplary illustrations of third rail 121/221 and fourth rail 122/222, respectively, showing the guiding arrangement of horizontal guide mechanism 110/210 at the bottom of closure member 6 according to the first/second embodiment.

According to a first embodiment, as shown in fig. 11, the fourth guide rail 122 comprises an upwardly facing guide channel 123 a. Although not shown in fig. 11, the third rail 121 further includes a guide channel 123a similar or identical to the fourth rail 122. According to the second embodiment as shown in fig. 12, an upward facing guide passage 223a is provided on the fourth guide rail 222. Although not shown in fig. 12, a similar or identical guide passage 223a is also provided on the third guide rail 221.

The horizontal guide mechanism 110/210 also includes a third slide 25a (not shown, but similar to the fourth slide 25b) and a fourth slide 25b, the fourth slide 25b being connected to each

side

6a, 6b of the closure member 6. The third and fourth slide assemblies 25a, 25b are adapted to slidably engage the upwardly facing guide channels 123a/223a of the third guide rail 121/221 and the fourth guide rail 122/222, respectively. Each of the third and fourth sliding means 25a, 25b comprises a roller 24, the roller 24 being arranged to roll about a vertical rolling axis, defining a third axis of rotation 28a (not shown) or a fourth vertical axis of rotation 28b, respectively. The third and fourth vertical rotation axes 28a, 28b are substantially aligned with the first and second vertical rotation axes 118a/218a, 118b/218b on the respective side faces 6a, 6b of the closure member 6. The third and fourth sliding means 25a, 25b do not support the weight of the closing member 6, but only provide directional guidance for the lower part of the closing member 6 during movement.

Note that the fourth rail 222 of the second embodiment (fig. 12) has a cross-sectional profile with a closed top surface, rather than an open groove as is the case with the fourth rail 122 of the first embodiment (fig. 11). The closed top surface design avoids water accumulation and debris as compared to the open trough design.

Fig. 13a to 13c and 14a to 14c show the sliding movement of the closing member 6 between the closed position and the open position, guided by the horizontal guide mechanism 110 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 15a to 15c correspond to fig. 14a to 14c, but instead show a similar sliding of the closing member 6 of the second embodiment.

According to fig. 13a, the closing member 6, now in the closed position, completely closes the opening 5 and is placed parallel to the first rail 111 and the third rail 121. In the closed position, the first and

second slides

115a, 115b are in their initial positions. As particularly shown in fig. 14a, the second slide 115b is oriented at approximately 90 degrees relative to the first slide 115 a. In the closed position, the sliding movement of the first slide 115a along the first guide rail 111 is blocked by the second slide 115b at right angles against the second guide rail 112.

In order to open the closing member 6, an external force is required to pivot the closing member 6 about the first slider 115a and at the same time the second slider 115b slides along the second guide rail 112 away from its initial position. In practice, in order to initiate the opening movement of the closing member 6 from the closed position, an opening force P will be exerted on the second side 6b of the closing member 6 in a direction substantially parallel to the second guide track 112₁(see fig. 13a), i.e. towards the confined space 3.

Force P₁The second slider 115b is slid from its initial position, thereby unblocking and pulling the first slider 115a to slide from its initial position along the first rail 111. Further sliding of the first and

second slides

115a, 115b brings the closure member 6 to an intermediate position, as shown in fig. 13 b.

During the aforementioned movement of the closure member 6, both the first and

second slides

115a, 115b pivot or rotate relative to the closure member 6 about the first and second axes of

rotation

118a, 118b, respectively, so as to accommodate the change in orientation of the closure member 6 throughout the movement.

Fig. 14b shows the position of the first and

second slides

115a, 115b relative to the closure member 6 in an intermediate position. In particular, the first and

second slides

115a, 115b have moved about half way along their respective guide tracks 111, 112 and rotated about 45 degrees about their respective axes of

rotation

118a, 118 b. To move the closing member 6 further towards the open position or back to the closed position, a force may be applied to the closing member 6 in more than one position or direction, as indicated by the arrow in fig. 13 b.

Fig. 13c shows the closing member 6 now in the open position, extending parallel to the second guide rail 112 and adjacently along the lateral boundary 9 of the confined space 3 and transversely to the main boundary 7. Fig. 14c shows the position of the first and

second slides

115a, 115b, wherein the closing member 6 is moved from the intermediate position to the open position. Now, both the first and

second slides

115a, 115b are in their respective end positions and have been pivoted about their respective axes of

rotation

118a, 118b by approximately 90 degrees from the initial position.

It is to be noted that throughout the movement between the aforementioned open and closed positions, the closure member 6 performs a simultaneous translational and pivotal movement, while the inner side 6f of the closure member 6 always faces the confined space 3.

To move the closing member 6 away from the open position, a closing force P₂(fig. 13c) is applied to the first side 6a of the closing member 6 parallel to the first guide rail 111. Closing force P₂The sliding and pivoting movement of the closing member 6 is initiated in a similar way as the opening of the closing member 6 in fig. 13 a.

As shown in fig. 15a to 15c, the horizontal guide mechanism 210 of the second embodiment operates on substantially the same mechanical principle as the horizontal guide mechanism 110 of the first embodiment described above. In particular, with the axial roller 216 placed horizontally, the first and second sliding

means

215a, 215b visually appear not to rotate during the movement of the closing member 6, since their rolling

members

214a, 214b are circular and rotate about respective rotation axes 218a, 218 b. In other words, the axis of rotation of each axial roller 216 coincides with the respective axis of rotation 218a/218 b.

Typically, the movement of a vertical hinged door between its open and closed positions occupies a certain amount of floor area, commonly referred to as the clearance area. Fig. 16 shows a comparison between a first gap region 101, which results from the pivoting movement of a conventional vertical hinged door, and a second gap region 102, which results from the movement of the closing member 6 of the spacing system 1. In particular, the first clearance area 101 has a convex periphery 101a and covers a substantial portion of the floor area of the confined space 3. In contrast, the second gap region 102 has a concave periphery 102a and covers an area approximately 36% -42% smaller than the first gap region 101. The difference in area is indicated by the hatching shown. As a result, the available area of the confined space 3 is maximized by using the spacing system 1 according to the utility model.

In a first embodiment, as shown in fig. 17a and 17b, the spacer system 1 comprises a locking mechanism 30, which locking mechanism 30 is provided on each

side

6a, 6b of the closing member 6 for releasably locking the side 6a/6b of the closing member 6 in the closed position to the respective side 5a/5b of the opening 5. The locking mechanism 30 comprises at least one or several linear and vertically movable locking studs 31, which locking studs 31 are arranged at each side 6a/6b of the closure member 6, as shown in fig. 17 a. As shown in fig. 17b, each locking stud 31 is arranged to releasably engage with an associated holder 32 mounted on the respective first/second side 5a/5b of the opening 5.

Each locking mechanism 30 comprises a transmission member 33 arranged to move the associated locking stud 31 into or out of the associated holder 32 by manipulating a handle 34 provided on the respective side 6a/6b of the closure member 6. The handle 34 is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position while being connected to the transmission member 33. The linear movement of the locking bolt 31 is driven by the handle 34 through the transmission member 33, which converts the pivoting movement of the handle 34 into a linear movement by an actuating arm 35, on which actuating arm 35 the locking stud 31 is mounted. Advantageously, the locking mechanism 30 is a multipoint locking mechanism having four sets of locking studs and associated retainers arranged perpendicularly on each of the first and

second sides

6a, 6b of the closure member 6 along the handle 34. In particular, the handle 34 is pivotably mounted on the inner side 6f of the closing member 6 facing the larger space 2 when the closing member 6 is closed. According to fig. 17c, each holder 32 is provided with a catch recess 32a having an open side 32b for accommodating the associated locking stud 31.

With the closure member 6 in the closed position, pivotal movement of the handle 34 from the unlocked position to the locked position drives the transfer member 33 to move the actuation arm 35, which causes the locking studs 31 to slide into the respective catch recesses 32 a. When the lock stud 31 is received or partially received in the catch recess 32a, as shown in fig. 18b, the lock stud 31 will be inhibited from moving laterally relative to the retainer 32, thereby locking the closure member 6, as shown in fig. 18 b. As shown in fig. 18a, pivoting the handle 34 in the opposite direction will invert the actuation arm 35 and in turn move the locking studs 31 out of the respective catch recesses 2 a.

As shown in fig. 19a and 19b, each handle 34 is pivotable about a first horizontal pivot axis 34a between a locked position, in which the handle 34 is vertically disposed, and an unlocked position, in which the handle 34 extends horizontally. The handle 34 includes a spindle 34c connected to the transmission member 33. Advantageously, a handle holder 36 provided on the closure member 6 may be provided for each handle 34. The handle holder 36 is formed with a recess 37 complementary to the overall shape of the handle 34 for at least partially receiving the handle 34 in the locked position. In particular, the handle 34 is pivotable about a second horizontal pivot axis 34b extending perpendicular to the first pivot axis 34a, thereby allowing the handle 34 to pivot between a stowed position in the recess 37 (as shown in fig. 19 a) and an operating position protruding from the recess 37 (as shown in fig. 19 b). In the stowed position, the handle 34 is received within the recess 37 with its outer peripheral surface 38a flush with the outer peripheral surface 38b of the handle holder 36, which gives the handle 34a hazy appearance in the stowed position. At the lower end of the recess 37, an entry slot 39 is provided to allow the handle 34 to pivot out of the recess 37 for operation.

In the second embodiment, the closing member 6 may alternatively be provided with one locking mechanism 30 only on the front side 6b of the closing member 6, which front side 6b is the front side of the closing member 6 when moving from its closed position to its open position, as shown in fig. 20a to 22 c. The handle 34 is arranged on the front side 6b of the closing member facing the larger space 2, so that the locking mechanism 30 is only operable from the larger space 2 and not from the confined space 3. Depending on the application of the spacer system 1, a further handle 34 may be implemented on the other side of the closing member 6, so that the locking mechanism 30 may also be operated from the confined space 3. Preferably, as shown in fig. 20b, one or more gripping handles 70 may be provided on one or both of the

sides

6a, 6b of the closure member 6 facing the confined space 3 to facilitate the sliding movement of the closure member 6 from the confined space 3.

Fig. 20c, 21a and 21b show another arrangement in the locking mechanism 30, which is particularly suitable for the front side 6b of the closing member 6. The retainer 32 has a flange-like locking catch 32a, as shown in fig. 20c, for engagement with the locking stud 31, the locking stud 31 being supported by and movable with the actuator arm 33. As shown in fig. 21a, when the closing member 6 is locked in the closed position by the locking mechanism 30, the retainer 32 is arranged to inhibit the locking stud 31 from moving past the retainer 32 in a direction towards the confined space 3. In case the front side 6b of the closing member 6 is prevented from moving beyond the holder 32, the closing member 6 is locked in the closed position. According to fig. 21b, when the locking studs 31 are moved away from the respective holder 32, the front side 6b of the closing member 6 is released, whereby the closing member 6 is unlocked.

In the second embodiment, in the case where the closure member 6 is provided with the locking mechanism 30 only at the front side 6b thereof, a reinforcing mechanism 60 may be provided at the rear side 6a of the closure member 6, as shown in fig. 22a to 22 c. The reinforcing mechanism 60 serves to maintain the alignment of the trailing side 6a of the closure member 6 and lock it in the same side 5a of the opening 5 when the reinforcing mechanism 6 is in the closed position. In case, for example, strong wind blows towards the outside of the closing member 6 facing the confined space or balcony 3, the reinforcement means 60 provides additional strength to the closing member 6 and thus stability to the closing member 6.

In general terms, the reinforcing means 60 is provided with at least one mutually

engageable pair

62, 63 in the form of a first engaging member 62 provided on the trailing side 6a of the closure member 6, and a second engaging member 63 provided on the corresponding side 5a of the opening 5. The interengaging pairs 62, 63 interengage when the closure member 6 is moved to the closed position. The first engagement member 62 comprises a tongue 62 arranged to be inserted into and engage with a second engagement member 63, which second engagement member 63 comprises a corresponding socket 63. The interengagement between tongue 62 and socket 63 maintains closure member 6 in alignment and provides reinforcement and additional strength to trailing side 6a of closure member 6 to prevent misalignment between closure member 6 and the adjacent partition wall 8 a.

Along the interface between the closing element 6 and the opening 5, on its (at least) rear side, a sealing element such as a sealing strip 64 is provided. Due to the compression of the closing member 6 in the closed position, the sealing strip 64 forms an effective seal against water ingress from the side facing the confined space 3 and against leakage of noise.

The spacer system 1 of both embodiments may comprise a retaining means 40, which retaining means 40 is adapted to releasably retain the closing member 6 in the open position. According to fig. 23, the retaining means 40 comprises a bolt 41, which bolt 41 is arranged on the closing member 6 for releasable engagement with a hole 42 below the bolt 41. The hole 42 is formed in the threshold 43 of the opening 5 on the second side 5b thereof. The bolt 41 is attached to the bottom end of the first side 6a of the closing member 6. The bolt 41 is slidably movable between an engaged position in which the bottom end of the bolt 41 projects vertically downwards beyond the bottom edge 6d of the closure member 6 and into the hole 42, and a released position in which the lower end thereof is retracted from the hole 42. As shown, a hole 42 is provided on the

third rail

121, 221 for receiving the lower end of the bolt 41 when the closure member 6 is in the fully open position. The retaining means 40 is positioned such that when the closure member 6 is in the open position it can be operated within the larger space 2, thereby eliminating the need to access the restricted space 3 to operate the retaining means 40.

In the first embodiment, as shown in fig. 24 to 26, a water blocking and draining arrangement is provided within the horizontal guide mechanism 110.

A guard 150 is disposed within each of the first rail 111 and the second rail 112. Referring to fig. 24, which shows the internal structure of the first rail 111 with the closure member 6 in the closed position, a guard 150 is attached within the first rail 111 with its free end 151 extending downwardly and in contact with the top side 6c of the closure member 6. This protection 150 forms a barrier facing the outside of the larger space 2, i.e. outside the apartment. The guard 150 extends along the length of the

respective rail

111, 112 and has an inclined surface 152, the inclined surface 152 being arranged to deflect rain and debris in a direction away from the respective first and

second runner

115a, 115b and C-shaped channel 113 a. In particular, each guard 150 is adapted to prevent direct access to the first or second runner 115a/115b and the C-channel 113a from the confined space 3 (i.e. outside the apartment unit). As a result, it is possible to prevent rainwater and debris from entering the first and

second guide rails

111 and 112 to a large extent, and not to affect the operation of the first and

second sliders

115a and 115b along the C-shaped channel 113 a. The shield 150 may be made of a flexible material such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber or any synthetic rubber suitable for outdoor use.

As also shown in fig. 25, a removable coating 153 is provided on each of the first rail 111 and the second rail 112 for concealing the respective slide 115a/115b and C-channel 113a within the rail 111/112 while providing access to the interior of the horizontal guide mechanism 110 for maintenance when the coating 153 is removed. Each cladding 153 is removably mounted to a respective rail 111/112 by fasteners, such as snap hooks and/or screws. The cladding 153 is configured to divert water away from the spacer system 1 at opposite lateral ends or sides thereof. The cladding 153 also acts as a barrier to water, debris and/or wind from outside the apartment unit.

As shown in fig. 25 and 26, a sealing member 155 is provided on and along the peripheral sides of the

guide rails

111, 112, 121, 122 and/or the opening 5. The sealing member 155 is adapted to be compressed by a force exerted on the closure member 6 to provide an at least partial seal or a splash seal between the closure member 6 and the opening 5. Preferably, the locking mechanism 30 may be designed such that engaging the locking stud 31 with the associated retainer 32 will generate a force that acts on the closure member 6 against the opening 5 in a direction towards the larger space 2, thereby compressing the sealing member 155 to form an effective seal. Thus, in adverse weather conditions, wind and rain sliding between the closing member 6 and the opening 5 can be significantly minimized.

As shown in fig. 26, drain holes 156 are provided in the third rail 121 and the fourth rail 122, which are in fluid communication with the guide passages 123a of the third rail 121 and the fourth rail 122. Drain holes 156 extend through the wall of the guide passage 123a and the outer walls of the first and second rails 121, 122 (facing the confined space or balcony 3), and they serve to allow water to accumulate in the third and

fourth rails

121, 122 to be drained. In particular, drain holes 156 are positioned to direct water flow into the confined space or balcony 3 outside of apartment 2.

In the second embodiment, as shown in fig. 27 to 30, a water blocking and draining arrangement is provided within the horizontal guide mechanism 210.

Fig. 27 shows a cross section of the first rail 211 and the third rail 221 with the closing member 6 in the closed position. A partial seal 231 is provided in the first gap 230a between the closing member 6 and at least the first guide rail 211 at least one position on the side of the closing member 6 facing the restricted space 3. The partial seal 231 may comprise a brush seal and is disposed on the closure member 6 and carried by the closure member 6. At the side of the closing member 6 facing the larger space 2, at a second gap 230b between the closing member 6 and the guide rail 211, a sealing member 255 is provided on and carried by the closing member. Likewise, the third gap 230c and the fourth gap 230d are provided with similar partial seals 231 and sealing members 255, respectively.

In case of rain, rain water reaching the balcony 3 is likely to enter the first rail 211 through the partial seal 231 through the gap 230 a. The first rail 211 is provided on its outer side facing the balcony 3 with a deflector 235 for deflecting rainwater from the gap 230 a. Although most of the rain water will be deflected back to the sides of the balcony 3, some water will enter the gap 230a and pass the partial seal 231 (fig. 28). This may occur in particular in case of a storm, in which the pressure exerted by the wind will force rain water into the gap 230a and to the top side 6c of the closing member 6.

As shown in fig. 29, the closing member 6 is provided with at least one (e.g. two) water guide 240 in the form of a water channel 241. The water channel 241 extends on and along the top side 6c of the closing member 6 and serves to guide any incoming water (as indicated by the dashed arrows) to the

sides

6a, 6b of the closing member 6, from where it flows down to the closing member 6 and to the third guide rail 221.

As shown in fig. 30, the third guide rail 221 is provided with at least two inner and outer water discharge holes 251 and 253. An inner water discharge hole 251 is formed at the bottom of the guide passage 223a for discharging water flowing downward from above (as described above) and entering the inner cavity 252 of the third rail 221 from the outside of the balcony 3 through the third gap 230c and the partial seal 231 (as indicated by the dotted arrow). An external drain hole 253 is formed in the bottom of the cavity 252 on its outside and opens into the confined space or balcony 3. The drain hole 253 is used to drain the water contained in the cavity 252 into the balcony 3.

In general, the

channels

241 and 223a, the cavity 252 and the drain holes 251 and 253 together form a drainage arrangement for guiding water that has entered the horizontal guide mechanism 210 from outside the balcony 3 back to the balcony 3.

It should be understood that while the specification has been described in terms of embodiments, not every embodiment includes only a single aspect. The description is given for clarity only. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand the present disclosure as a whole, and the technical solutions in the embodiments may be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art. The scope of the utility model is, however, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A spacing system for defining a first portion of a boundary of a confined space adjacent a larger space, said spacing system comprising:

a spacer having an opening that provides a passage between the restricted space and the larger space;

a closing member for closing the opening, the closing member having an inner side facing the restricted space; and

a horizontal guide mechanism, comprising: a first rail extending across a width of the opening, a second rail extending transverse to the first rail and adjacent a second portion of the boundary adjacent the first portion, and first and second slide means connected to respective sides of the closure member and in sliding engagement with the first and second rails, respectively,

characterised in that said horizontal guide means guide said closing member by means of said first and second sliding means, for a simultaneous translational and rotational movement between a closed position, in which it closes said opening, and an open position, in which it reveals said opening of said partition and extends adjacently along a second portion of said border, said inner side of said closing member facing said confined space throughout said movement.

2. The spacer system of claim 1, wherein the movement of the closure member between the open position and the closed position covers a clearance area having a concave periphery.

3. The spacer system of claim 1, wherein the first rail and the second rail support the closure member for the movement.

4. The spacer system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second sliding means comprises an axial roller for operating about an axis of rotation.

5. The spacer system of claim 4, wherein the axial roller comprises a shaft extending along the axis of rotation and a first rolling member rotatably connected with the shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation, the axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction.

6. The spacer system of claim 5, wherein the axial roller comprises a second rolling member also connected to the shaft for rotation about the shaft axis.

7. The spacer system of claim 6, wherein the axial roller comprises a thrust bearing disposed between the shaft and each of the first and second rolling members.

8. The spacer system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second rails extend over the opening.

9. The spacer system of claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the first and second guide rails comprises a rail support adapted to slidingly engage the first and second rolling members of the respective axial roller.

10. The spacer system of claim 9, wherein the rail support comprises opposing first and second flanges configured to engage and support respective first and second rolling members of respective axial rollers.

11. The spacer system of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second flanges includes an inclined engagement surface for engaging and supporting a peripheral edge of a respective rolling member.

12. The spacer system of claim 11, wherein the rail support has an abutment over each of the first and second flanges to be supported by an outer peripheral surface of the respective first or second rolling member.

13. Spacer system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the axial roller is arranged to support a part of the weight of the closing member.

14. The spacer system of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the horizontal guide mechanism comprises a third rail extending below and across the width of the opening, and a fourth rail extending transverse to the third rail.

15. The spacer system of claim 14, wherein the third and fourth rails are vertically aligned with the first and second rails, respectively.

16. The spacer system of claim 14, wherein the horizontal guide mechanism comprises a third slide and a fourth slide.

17. The spacer system of claim 16, wherein each of the third and fourth slides comprises a roller arranged to roll about a roll axis extending in a vertical direction.

18. The spacer system of claim 17, wherein the rolling axes of the third and fourth slides are aligned with the rotational axes of the first and second slides on respective sides of the closure member.

19. The spacer system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a front side of the closure member comprises a handle when the closure member is moved from the closed position to an open position.

20. The spacer system of claim 19, comprising a locking mechanism provided on a front side of the closing member when moving from the closed position to an open position for releasably locking the closing member in the closed position relative to the respective side of the opening.

21. The spacer system of claim 20, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one stud arranged to releasably engage with an associated retainer provided on a respective side of the opening.

22. The spacer system of claim 21, wherein the retainer is arranged to inhibit the at least one stud from passing over the retainer in a direction toward the confined space with the closure member in the closed position and locked by the locking mechanism.

23. The spacer system of claim 20, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a transmission member arranged to move the at least one stud toward or away from the holder by manipulating the handle.

24. The spacer system of claim 20 wherein the handle is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

25. The spacer system of claim 20, comprising a reinforcement mechanism provided at a trailing side of the closure member opposite a leading side for maintaining alignment of the closure member relative to a respective side of the opening when the closure member is in the closed position.

26. The spacer system of claim 25 wherein the reinforcement mechanism includes at least a pair of first and second interengageable engagement members, the first engagement member being disposed on a trailing side of the closure member and the second engagement member being disposed on a respective side of the opening.

27. The spacer system of claim 26, wherein the first engagement member comprises a tongue arranged to releasably engage with the second engagement member comprising a socket.

28. The spacer system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the spacer system comprises a retaining device adapted to releasably retain the closing member in the open position.

29. The spacer system of claim 28 wherein the retaining means comprises a bolt provided on the closure member, the bolt releasably engaging a fixing hole below the bolt.

30. The spacer system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the bolt is provided on a side of the closure member and the hole is provided on a threshold of the opening.

31. The spacer system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first and second rails comprises an elongate slide channel in which the respective first or second slide is concealed.

32. The spacer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spacer system comprises one or more sealing members arranged along a peripheral side of the closing member and/or a peripheral side of the opening.

33. Spacer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closing member is provided with a water guide adapted to guide water from a top side of the closing member to a side of the closing member.

34. The spacer system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a partial seal is provided in a gap between the closure member and at least the first guide rail at least one location on an inner side of the closure member facing the confined space.

35. The spacer system of claim 34 wherein the partial seal comprises a brush seal.

36. The spacer system of claim 34, wherein the partial seal is disposed on and carried by the closure member.

37. Spacer system according to claim 34, wherein the first rail is provided with a deflector for deflecting water from the gap.

38. The spacer system of claim 14, wherein the third rail is provided with a drainage arrangement.

39. The spacer system of claim 38, wherein the drainage arrangement comprises at least one internal drainage hole that directs water into an interior space of the third rail.

40. The spacer system of claim 39, wherein the drainage arrangement comprises at least one external drainage hole in fluid communication with the interior space and arranged to guide water away from the third rail inside the closure member.

41. The spacer system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the confined space is a balcony or a work platform of an apartment unit.

42. An apartment unit having a balcony or work platform and incorporating a spacing system according to any one of claims 1-41, characterised in that a spacer separates the balcony or work platform as the confined space from the interior of the apartment unit constituting the larger space.

43. An apartment unit according to claim 42, characterised in that the apartment unit comprises a wall extending transversely to the spacer, the second rail extending along the wall and/or the fourth rail of the spacing system according to any one of claims 14 to 18 or 38 to 40.