GB2393472A - A support member - Google Patents
A support member Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2393472A GB2393472A GB0218896A GB0218896A GB2393472A GB 2393472 A GB2393472 A GB 2393472A GB 0218896 A GB0218896 A GB 0218896A GB 0218896 A GB0218896 A GB 0218896A GB 2393472 A GB2393472 A GB 2393472A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- support
- support member
- recess
- track
- ball
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000003019 stabilising effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
- E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
- E05D15/0621—Details, e.g. suspension or supporting guides
- E05D15/066—Details, e.g. suspension or supporting guides for wings supported at the bottom
- E05D15/0691—Top guides
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/82—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge characterised by the manner in which edges are connected to the building; Means therefor; Special details of easily-removable partitions as far as related to the connection with other parts of the building
- E04B2/827—Partitions constituted of sliding panels
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
- E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
- E05D15/0604—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane allowing an additional movement
- E05D15/0608—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane allowing an additional movement caused by track lay-out
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
- E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
- E05D15/0621—Details, e.g. suspension or supporting guides
- E05D15/066—Details, e.g. suspension or supporting guides for wings supported at the bottom
- E05D15/0678—Details, e.g. suspension or supporting guides for wings supported at the bottom on balls or floating rollers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
- E05Y2900/13—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof characterised by the type of wing
- E05Y2900/142—Partition walls
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
- E05Y2900/13—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof characterised by the type of wing
- E05Y2900/148—Windows
- E05Y2900/15—Balcony glazing
Abstract
A support member 10 for supporting a panel 11. The support member 10 comprises a support body 17 having a first recess 14 adapted to receive an edge of the panel 11 and, a second recess 19 separated from the first recess 14. A ball 22 is received within the second recess 19 and free to rotate with respect to the support body 17. The support member further comprises a stabilising member 27.
Description
A Support Member The present invention relates to a support member for
supporting a panel. More particularly, though not exclusively the present invention relates to a support member including a ball received within a recess and free to rotate within the recess to displace the support member with respect to a track.
To create flexibility in buildings interiors are increasingly being provided with movable panels which can be closed to separate office, working or even living spaces. These panels can be opened out when a larger space is required for example in hotels hospitality suites are often divided up using moveable doors or panels to allow a large space to be created or to provide several smaller spaces. Conservatories or balconies are also required to support moveable panels generally in the form panels of vertically supported glass which can be moved to allow access to the interior or exterior.
In existing systems, a series of fixed wheels may be provided at the top of a panel which is to be moved. The fixed wheels generally take the form of a rotatable wheel having a cross-
sectional width of around 1 to 2 cm. These can help to support the panel both when it is static and whilst it is being moved.
The wheels suspend the panel from an upper track and enable the panel to be slid along this upper track.
When large areas of paneling are required to be drawn back the casters must follow the upper track. However, when the panelling has to be translated around a curve the finite width of the wheels limit the radius of curvature of the upper. If this radius of curvature is too small the wheels will tend to jam in the tracks. 2.. ' i,. *e '.
-2 The present invention seeks to overcome this drawback of the prior art.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a support member for supporting a panel, the support member comprising: a support body having a first recess adapted to receive an edge of a panel and, a second recess separated from the first recess; the support member further comprising a ball received within the second recess and free to rotate with respect to the support body.
The use of a ball rather than a fixed wheel enables the support member to be displaced within tracks of small radius of curvature without jamming. The use of a track having right angled bends is even possible. The support member allows omnidirectional travel of the panels.
Preferably, the ball comprises a spherical ball bearing. The ball bearing may be made from a metal, preferably stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the ball may be made from a plastics material, preferably polyurethane. Preferably, the ball is made from a ceramic material. The ball may have a diameter of between 15 mm and 25 mm. Preferably, the ball has a diameter of around 20 mm. Most preferably, the ball has a diameter of 19 mm.
In preferred embodiments, the second recess is formed by a curved member, one of more bearings being disposed between the curved member and ball. Preferably, the or each bearing is substantially spherical. Tn preferred embodiments, the or each bearing is made of Metal. The or each bearing may be made of stainless steel. Providing bearings in the second recess allows the ball to rotate more freely with respect to the body.
The first recess can be U-shaped in cross section.
; a 2 À
-3 Conveniently, the separation of the first and second recesses can be varied. This enables panels of different sizes to be accommodated. Preferably, the first and second recesses extend in opposite directions. Preferably, the support member further comprises a panel received in the first recess. The edge of the panel may be secured in position in the first recess by an adhesive. Conveniently, the edge of the panel may be secured to opposing side walls of the substantially u-shaped channel. The edge of the panel may be secured to the side walls of the substantially ushaped channel by screws, bolts or pins.
Preferably, the support member further comprises a stabilising member, the stabilising member comprising a stabiliser body having a first stabilising member recess adapted to receive a further edge of the panel and, a stabilizer portion extending from the body and being adapted to be received within a first support track.
Preferably, the further edge of the panel is secured in the first stabilising member recess. The further edge of the panel may be secured in to position in the first stabilising member recess by an adhesive. In preferred embodiments, the first portion of the stabilising member comprises a substantially u-shaped channel which forms the first stabilising member recess. Conveniently, the further edge of the panel may be secured to opposing side walls of the substantially u-shaped channel. The further edge of the pane] may be secured to the side walls of the substantially u-shaped channel by screws, bolts or pins. The support member holds the panel and the stabilising member prevents the assembly from moving laterally.
À.t s:À.. À. 1...DTD: :.,.e ...
Preferably, the distance between the stabiliser portion and the first stabilising member recess can be altered.
In preferred embodiments, the support member further comprises a first support track for receiving the stabilizer portion, the first support track being adapted to be fixedly attached to a support structure. Preferably, the first support track comprises a generally u-shaped channel member having opposing side walls connected to a base. In preferred embodiments, the base of the first support track is secured to the support structure. The base of the first support track may be secured to the support structure by an adhesive or by screws or other suitable securement means. Preferably, the first support track is made of . alumlnlum. Preferably, the support member further comprises a second support track for receiving the ball, the second support track being adapted to be fixedly attached to a support structure. The track may comprise a smooth upper surface which contacts the ball. The track may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel.
Alternatively, the track may be made of a plastics material, preferably polyurethane. Preferably, the ball and track are made from different materials. This reduces the noise generated as the ball moves over the track. In a preferred embodiment, the ball is made of steel and the track is made of nylon. The use of a track enables the ball to run more freely. In preferred embodiments, the track comprises a substantially flat upper surface which contacts the ball.
Preferably, the track includes a locking mechanism. The lock ng mechanism may comprise one or more indentations in which a portion of the surface of the ball can be located. Preferaby, the locking mechanism comprises a channel having side walls and a base having a contoured surface, one or more indentations being provided along the channel. Preferably, the base has a .. ::::...À
À À À. À
À À À...
-5 substantially sinusoidal profile. In preferred embodiments, the locking mechanism has a fared entrance.
In preferred embodiments, the second support track comprises opposing side walls, each wall having a projection which projects inwardly towards the second portion of the support member. These projections prevent lateral movement of the ball away from track.
Preferably, the second support track comprises a generally u-
shaped channel member having opposing side walls connected to a base. In preferred embodiments, the base of the second support track is secured to the support structure. The base of the second support track may be secured to the support structure by an adhesive or by screws or other suitable securement means.
Preferably, the second support track is made from aluminium.
Preferably, the edge of the panel is a lower edge.
Conveniently, the further edge of the panel is an upper edge.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and not in any limiting sense by reference to the following drawings in which Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a support member according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a crosssectional view of a first support track including a fixing collar; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the fixing collar along the view III-III in Figure 2; ... ::::...À.
À. . À À À À À...
-6 Figure 4 shows a detailed side view of a ball of the support member of Figure 1 with a portion of track incorporating a locking mechanism; and Figure 5 shows a plan view of the track shown in Figure 4.
Figure 1 shows a support member 10 supporting a panel 11 in a vertical orientation between a floor 12 and a ceiling 13. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 a lower edge of the panel 11 is secured in a first recess 14 in a first portion 15 of the support member 16 by a bolt A. The support member 16 has a body portion 17 and a second portion 18 extending from the body portion 17.
The second portion 18 has a second recess 19 formed by a curved member 20 and a cover 21 which receives a ball 22.
The cover 21 is a cylinder having a first end 23 which has a frustoconical profile and a circular aperture through which part of the ball projects. The first end 23 of the cover 21 has a lip 24 with a curved internal surface. The lip 24 retains the ball 22 within the cover 21 and enables the ball to rotate freely with respect to both the cover 21 and the body portion 17. Bearings 25 are disposed between the ball 22 and the curved member 20 to facilitate the free rotation of the ball 22.
The body portion 17 of the support member 16 has a threaded external surface. A locking nut 26 secures the second portion 18 in position on Lhc threaded surface of the body portion 17. A stabilizer 27 for the support member 16 is located above the locking nut 26.
Thc first portion 15 of the support member 16 takes the form of a generally u-shaped channel having side walls 28 and a base 29 which form the first recess 14. The base 29 of the first portion 15 also has a pair of L-shaped arms 30 which can be secured À.. * ::::.... 2
: À:.: À.. *:e
-7 between a pair of securing nuts 31, 32 on the threaded surface of the body portion 1-/.
the support member 16 is located within a second support track 33. The second support track 33 takes the form of a generally u-shaped channel 34 having side walls 35 and a base 36 which is secured to the floor 12 by a pair of screws. An interior surface of base 36 is provided with an upper surface 37 on which the ball 22 rests and can be rolled along. The side walls 35 each have a projection 38 which projects inwardly towards the second portion 18 of the support member 16. These projections restrict the lateral movement of the support member away from the upper surface 37. A stabiliser 27 secured to the body portion 17 of the" support member 16 also acts to prevent lateral movement of the support member 16. A pair of jaws 39 are provided at the open end of the second support track 33. The jaws 39 each support a flap 40 which rest against the side of the panel 11 to form a seal.
Figure 1 also shows the upper edge of a panel 11 secured in the first stabilizing member recess 14' of a first portion 15' which extends from a stabilizing member 41.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the upper edge of the panel 11 is secured in the first stabilizing member recess 14' by a bolt B. The stabilizing member 41 has a body portion 17' has a threaded external surface to which a stabilizer 42 is secured by means of a pair of nuts 43, 44. The first portion 15' of the stabilizing member 41 also takes the form of a generally u-shaped channel having side walls 28' and a base 29' which form the first recess 14'. The base 29' of the first portion 15' also has a pair of L-shaped arms 30' which can be secured between a pair of securing nuts 31', 32' on the threaded surface of the body portion 17'.
. ::::...À...DTD: . À...
À À À À À...
-8 J The stabilising member 41 is located with in a first support track 33'. The first support track 33' takes the form of a generally u-shaped channel 34' having side walls 35' and a base 36' which is secured to the ceiling 13 by a pair of screws. The side walls 35' each have a projection 38' which projects inwardly into the channel 34'. The stabiliser 42 secured to the body portion 17' of the stabilizing member 41 also acts to prevent lateral movement of the panel 11. A pair of jaws 39' are provided at the open end of the first support frame 33'. The jaws 39' each support a flap 40' which rest against the side of the panel 11 to form a seal.
Figures 2 and 3 show a locking member 45 for the stabilizing member 41. The locking member 45 comprises a first strip 46 and a second strip 47 which can be secured to the inner surfaces of opposing side walls 35' of the stabilising member 41. The first strip 45 has a series of grooves 46' into which the threaded surface of the body portion 17' of the stabilising member 41 can be located. First and second strips 46, 47 may be positioned at the extremes of travel of the panel 11 enabling the panel 11 to be held in position when it has been opened or closed.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a locking mechanism 48 for use in the present invention. The locking mechanism 48 is provided on a portion of the upper surface 37. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 the locking mechanism is raised above the general level of the upper surface 37. 'lhe locking mechanism 48 has a fared entrance 49 which slopes upwardly away from the upper surface 37. The locking mechanism has a channel 5() with side walls 51 and a base 52 with a contoured surface 53. One or more indentations 54 are provided along the channel 50.
In the present embodiment of the invention the ball is a steel ball bearing. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the ball can À. .. À À. ..
::: À À. À.::
À À À. ..
À À À À À.. .
have dimples or protrusions. In an alternative embodiment the ball is ovoid.
In the present embodiment of the invention the cover is a cylinder having a first end which is frustroconical in profile.
In alternative embodiments (not shown) the cover may be a straight sided cylinder or right cylinder.
À À À a À À À...DTD: À À À À,
Claims (12)
1. A support member for supporting a panel, the support member comprising: a support body having a first recess adapted to receive an edge of a panel and, a second recess separated from the first recess; the support member further comprising a ball received within the second recess and free to rotate with respect to the support body.
2. A support member as claimed in claim 1 in which the second recess is formed by a curved member, one or more bearings being disposed between the curved member and the ball.
3. A support member as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first recess is U shaped.
4.A support member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separation between the first and second recesses can be varied.
5. A support member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance between first and second recesses can be varied.
6. A support member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a panel received in the first recess.
7. A support member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a stabilizing member, the stabilising member furLhe'comprising a stabilizer body having a first stabilizing member recess adapted to receive a further edge of the panel and, a stab.liser portion extending from the body and being adapted to be received within a first support track.
. ::::.2......CLME: ::.: À..e:e
- 11
8. A support member as claimed in claim 7, wherein the distance between the stabilizer portion and first stabilising member recess can be altered.
9. A support member as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8, further comprising a first support track for receiving the stabiliser portion, the first support track being adapted to be fixedly attached to a support structure.
10. A support member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second support track for receiving the ball, the second support track being adapted to be fixedly attached to a support structure.
A support member substantially as hereinbefore described.
12. A support member substantially as hereinbefore describe with reference to the drawings.
. À '..::.2.....CLME: :. À.....
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0218896A GB2393472A (en) | 2002-08-14 | 2002-08-14 | A support member |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0218896A GB2393472A (en) | 2002-08-14 | 2002-08-14 | A support member |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0218896D0 GB0218896D0 (en) | 2002-09-25 |
| GB2393472A true GB2393472A (en) | 2004-03-31 |
Family
ID=9942299
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0218896A Withdrawn GB2393472A (en) | 2002-08-14 | 2002-08-14 | A support member |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2393472A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102008012102A1 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2009-09-03 | Geze Gmbh | Movable partition wall, has fitting with latch arranged to side of wall element turned away from another latch, where former latch is detachably fastened to flange, and latter latch is undetachably fastened to flange |
| WO2012160449A1 (en) * | 2011-05-20 | 2012-11-29 | Orchidées-Constructions S.A. | Framework for walls |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1087371A (en) * | 1966-02-16 | 1967-10-18 | Henry L Gogerty | Multi panel slidable walls |
| US5125202A (en) * | 1990-11-28 | 1992-06-30 | Kissinger Terrance G | Privacy panel for use with open office furniture systems |
-
2002
- 2002-08-14 GB GB0218896A patent/GB2393472A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1087371A (en) * | 1966-02-16 | 1967-10-18 | Henry L Gogerty | Multi panel slidable walls |
| US5125202A (en) * | 1990-11-28 | 1992-06-30 | Kissinger Terrance G | Privacy panel for use with open office furniture systems |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102008012102A1 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2009-09-03 | Geze Gmbh | Movable partition wall, has fitting with latch arranged to side of wall element turned away from another latch, where former latch is detachably fastened to flange, and latter latch is undetachably fastened to flange |
| WO2012160449A1 (en) * | 2011-05-20 | 2012-11-29 | Orchidées-Constructions S.A. | Framework for walls |
| US8578668B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2013-11-12 | Orchidees Constructions S.A. | Framing for panels |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0218896D0 (en) | 2002-09-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |