GB2616884A - Leaf assembly - Google Patents

Leaf assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2616884A
GB2616884A GB2204119.8A GB202204119A GB2616884A GB 2616884 A GB2616884 A GB 2616884A GB 202204119 A GB202204119 A GB 202204119A GB 2616884 A GB2616884 A GB 2616884A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
leaf
edge
assembly
leaf body
frame
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB2204119.8A
Other versions
GB202204119D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Booth Brian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Specialist Building Products Ltd
Original Assignee
Specialist Building Products Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Specialist Building Products Ltd filed Critical Specialist Building Products Ltd
Priority to GB2204119.8A priority Critical patent/GB2616884A/en
Publication of GB202204119D0 publication Critical patent/GB202204119D0/en
Publication of GB2616884A publication Critical patent/GB2616884A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/32—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing
    • E06B3/48—Wings connected at their edges, e.g. foldable wings
    • E06B3/481—Wings foldable in a zig-zag manner or bi-fold wings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E06B3/263—Frames with special provision for insulation
    • E06B3/26301—Frames with special provision for insulation with prefabricated insulating strips between two metal section members
    • E06B3/26303—Frames with special provision for insulation with prefabricated insulating strips between two metal section members with thin strips, e.g. defining a hollow space between the metal section members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/70—Door leaves
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E06B3/263—Frames with special provision for insulation
    • E06B3/2632—Frames with special provision for insulation with arrangements reducing the heat transmission, other than an interruption in a metal section
    • E06B2003/26325—Frames with special provision for insulation with arrangements reducing the heat transmission, other than an interruption in a metal section the convection or radiation in a hollow space being reduced, e.g. by subdividing the hollow space
    • E06B2003/2633—Frames with special provision for insulation with arrangements reducing the heat transmission, other than an interruption in a metal section the convection or radiation in a hollow space being reduced, e.g. by subdividing the hollow space the insulating strips between the metal sections having ribs extending into the hollow space
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E06B3/263—Frames with special provision for insulation
    • E06B2003/26349—Details of insulating strips
    • E06B2003/26387—Performing extra functions
    • E06B2003/2639—Provisions for fittings, e.g. locks or hinges
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/70—Door leaves
    • E06B2003/7096—Door leaves with possibilities to alter the extension of the door
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E06B3/06—Single frames
    • E06B3/08—Constructions depending on the use of specified materials
    • E06B3/12—Constructions depending on the use of specified materials of metal
    • E06B3/14—Constructions depending on the use of specified materials of metal of special cross-section
    • E06B3/16—Hollow frames of special construction, e.g. made of folded sheet metal or of two or more section parts connected together
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/32—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing
    • E06B3/34—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing with only one kind of movement
    • E06B3/36—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing with only one kind of movement with a single vertical axis of rotation at one side of the opening, or swinging through the opening
    • E06B3/362—Double winged doors or windows
    • E06B3/365—Astragals for double doors

Abstract

A leaf assembly 10 defines a door or window 20 for fitting to a support frame. The leaf assembly comprises a leaf body 200, an adapter member 300 and a variable-distance-coupling (400, fig 5). The variable-distance-coupling is configured to fix the adapter member to the first leaf body in different relative positions such that the variable-distance-coupling is operable to vary the overall width W2 of the leaf assembly. The variable-distance-coupling may be a bolt with a screw thread. The leaf assembly may form part of a door unit with second and third leaves pivotally coupled in series. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Description

LEAF ASSEMBLY
The present disclosure relates to a leaf assembly which defines a door and/or window.
In particular the present disclosure relates to a leaf assembly which defines a door and/or window for fitting to a support frame
Background
Large opening windows/doors, such as bifolding doors, tend to be made up of a number of leaf bodies which are hinged together and supported in a frame such that the leaf bodies can pivot relative to one another, and slide along the frame, to fold out to form a barrier to fill space within the frame, or to fold back on one another to open the space within the frame such that air, objects, people etc, can pass therethrough.
A problem with such an arrangement is that even if the leaf assembly is made very precisely, it is almost impossible to make the leaf assembly a precise fit to the frame. Hence the leaf assemblies tend to be slightly too wide or slightly too narrow to fill the space defined by the frame. Additionally the leaf body assembly and frame are subject to expansion and contraction depending on the ambient temperature and hence, at different times of year, the leaf body assembly may grow or reduce in size relative to the frame.
To solve this problem, typically the leaf assembly is made undersize for the expected frame aperture, and adapter members of an appropriate size/width are fitted to the frame to fill the gap as required. Additionally, the leaf assembly requires a closing mechanism, for example latch lock, which conventionally is attached to one of the leaf bodies with a second adapter member. Hence the frame of one of the leaf bodies is increased in width to mount a lock thereon, by attaching an adapter member, and the aperture defined by the frame is further reduced in size because the other adapter member is attached to one of the frame members of the frame. This means that when the door/window is closed, less light can pass through the window/door, and when the door/window is open the available space between the sides of the frame is reduced by the presence of the adapter member.
Hence a solution to this problem, which can adjust the clearance between the leaf body assembly and frame, as well as maximising the aperture defined by the frame (for example to allow for a wide opening when the door/window is open, which would allow more light in when the window/door is closed), and may accommodate a lock assembly, is highly desirable.
Summary
According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and
the description which follows.
Accordingly there is provided a leaf assembly (10) which defines a door and/or window (20) for fitting to a support frame (100). The leaf assembly (10) comprises a first leaf body (200) which defines a first edge (202) and a second edge (204), the second edge (204) spaced apart from the first edge (202) across the first leaf body (200). The distance between the first edge (202) and second edge (204) defines a width (W1) of the first leaf body (200) which extends in a transverse direction (Ti). There is provided an adapter member (300) having a coupling end (302), which in use faces the first leaf body (200), and a free end (304) which defines an outer edge (306) of the leaf assembly (10) and the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is the distance between the free end (304) of the adapter member (300) and the second edge (204) of the first leaf body (200), wherein the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is greater than the width (W1) of the first leaf body (200). The leaf assembly (10) further comprising a variable-distance-coupling (400), wherein the coupling end (302) of the adapter member (300) and first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) are configured to be joined by the variable-distance-coupling (400), and the variable-distance-coupling (400) is configured to fix the adapter member (300) and the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) in different relative positions such that the variabledistance-coupling (400) is operable to vary the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10).
The variable-distance-coupling (400) may constrain the adapter member (300) to be moveable in a direction aligned and/or parallel to the transverse direction (Ti) towards and away from the first leaf body (200).
The first edge (202) of the first leaf body may define a cavity (214), and the adapter member (300) may comprise an extension (350), wherein the cavity (214) is configured to receive the extension (350).
The extension (350) of the adapter member (300) and walls (260) of the cavity (214) of the first leaf body (200) may be configured so as to provide a sliding fit therebetween. -3 -
The variable-distance-coupling (400) may comprise a fixing member (402) which extends between the adapter member (300) and first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200), the fixing member (402) having a shank (404) engaged with the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) and a head end (406) operable to be coupled with the adapter member (300). The fixing member (402) may be moveable relative to the first leaf body (200) such that the head end (406) is operable to move towards and away from the first edge (202) in the transverse direction (Ti) to position the adapter member (300) and first leaf body (202) in different relative positions.
The fixing member (402) may be a bolt (408) with a screw thread (410) on the shank (404), the screw thread (410) being engaged with an aperture (412) in the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200), and the fixing member (402) being rotatable relative to the adapter member (300), such that rotation of the fixing member (402) relative to the first leaf body (200) positions the head end (406) relative to the first edge (202).
The head end (406) may have a wider diameter than the shank (404), and the adapter member (300) may define a trap (322) which houses the head end (406) with a shank aperture (320) of larger diameter than the shank (404), and through which the shank (404) extends. The trap (322) and the shank aperture (320) may be configured such that the fixing member (402) is freely rotatable relative to the adapter member (300).
The trap (322) may be provided with a head aperture (324) adjacent the head end (406) of the fixing member (402) to provide access to the head end (406) of the fixing member (402) so that the fixing member (402) is operable to be rotated to position the adapter member (300) and first leaf body (202) in different relative positions.
A channel (250) may be defined between the coupling end (302) of the adapter member (300) and the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200), wherein the channel (250) varies in width (CW1) as the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is varied; and a sealing member (252) is provided in the channel (250) to seal the channel (250).
The adapter member (300) may comprise a wall section (308) which defines a lock mount (310) for receiving and locating a lock assembly (500). The cavity (214) in the first leaf body (200) may extend at least in a region adjacent to the lock mount (310), the cavity (214) configured to receive part of the lock assembly (500) which extends from the lock mount (310) when the lock assembly (500) is located in the lock mount (310).
Fixing members (402) may be provided on both sides of the lock mount (310) and cavity (214).
The first leaf body (200) may comprise a first frame member (210) which defines the first edge (202) and a second frame member (220) which defines the second edge (204).
The second frame member (220) may be configured to be pivotably coupled to the support frame (100) on the second edge (204).
The first leaf body (200) may comprise a third frame member (230) which defines a first end (232) of the first leaf body (200) and a fourth frame member (240) which defines a second end (242) of the first leaf body (200). An overall length in a longitudinal direction (L1) of the first leaf body (200) may be the distance between the first end (232) and the second end (242).
The third frame member (230) may extend between the first frame member (210) and second frame member (220) at the first end (232) of the first leaf body (200); and the fourth frame member (240) may extend between the first frame member (210) and second frame member (220) at the second end (242) of the first leaf body (200).
There may also be provided a door unit (600) comprising a leaf assembly (10) and a support frame (100). The leaf assembly (10) may be pivotably mounted to the support frame (100).
A door unit (600) may comprise a lock assembly (500) located in the lock mount (310) of the adapter member (300) and extending into the first frame member cavity (214).
The support frame (100) may comprise a first support member (1210) for engagement with the free end (304) of the adapter member (300) and a second support member (1220) to which the first leaf body (200) is pivotably coupled. The second support member (1220) may define a first guide track (1224), the first leaf body (200) being slidable along and pivotable relative to the first guide track (1224).
The support frame (100) may comprise a third support member (1230) which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member (1210) and a fourth support member (1240) which is -5 -spaced apart from and parallel to the second support member (1220). The fourth support member (1240) may define a second guide track (1226), the first leaf body (200) being slidable along and pivotable relative to the second guide track (1226).
A door unit (600) may comprise a second leaf body (2200) having a first edge (2202) pivotably coupled to the second edge (204) of the first leaf body (200), and a second edge (2204) pivotably coupled to a first edge (3202) of a third leaf body (3200); and a second edge (3204) of the third leaf body (3200) being pivotably coupled to the support frame (100).
There may also be provided a method of operation of a door unit (600) comprising a leaf assembly (10) and a support frame (100), the leaf assembly (10) being pivotably mounted to the support frame (100). The leaf assembly (10) comprises a first leaf body (200) which defines a first edge (202) and a second edge (204), the second edge (204) spaced apart from the first edge (202) across the first leaf body (200). The distance between the first edge (202) and second edge (204) defines a width (W1) of the first leaf body (200). The leaf assembly (10) comprises an adapter member (300) having a coupling end (302), which in use faces the first leaf body (200), and a free end (304) which defines an outer edge (306) of the leaf assembly (10). The overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is the distance between the free end (304) of the adapter member (300) and the second edge (204) of the first leaf body (200), wherein the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is greater than the width (W1) of the first leaf body (200). The leaf assembly (10) comprises a variable-distance-coupling (400), wherein the coupling end (302) of the adapter member (300) and first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) are configured to be joined by the variable-distance-coupling (400). The method of operation of a door unit (600) further comprises the step of operating the variable-distance-coupling (400) to vary the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10).
Hence there is provided a leaf assembly 10, which defines the door and/or window 20 for fitting to a support frame 100, wherein the leaf assembly 10 comprises a single adapter member 300 which is the only adapter member of the leaf assembly 10 and support frame assembly. Thus an additional sightline of a spacer member on the frame is avoided, and enough space to mount a lock assembly on the leaf body is provided.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a part exploded view of a door unit comprising a leaf assembly according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a view of a door unit comprising a leaf assembly according to the present
disclosure;
Figure 3 shows a part exploded view of a leaf assembly according to the present disclosure; Figures 4, 5, 6 show enlarged regions of the leaf assembly shown in figure 3; and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a first frame member of the leaf body and an adapter member in an extended configuration: Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a first frame member of the leaf body and an adapter member in a retracted configuration; Figure 9 shows a side view of the first frame member of the leaf body with an adapter member located against a frame member; and Figure 10 shows a cross-section view of the arrangement shown in Figure 9.
Detailed Description
The present disclosure relates to a leaf assembly 10 which defines a door and/or window 20 for fitting to a support frame 100. Figure 1 shows a part exploded view of a plurality of leaf assemblies 10 and frame 100, and figure 2 shows an assembled view of the same. The leaf assemblies 10 are hinged together and supported in a frame 100, and can slide along the frame 100, such that the leaf assemblies 10 can pivot relative to one another to fold in or out (e.g. concertina) to form a barrier to fill space within the frame 100, or to fold back (e.g. concertina) on one another to open the space within the frame 100 such that air, objects, people, etc can pass therethrough.
As shown in figures 1, 2, the door unit 600 may further comprise a second leaf body 2200 having a first edge 2202 pivotably coupled to the second edge 204 of the first leaf body 200, and a second edge 2204 pivotably coupled to a first edge 3202 of a third leaf body 3200. The second edge 3204 of the third leaf body 3200 may be pivotably coupled to the support frame 100. The pivotable couplings may be provided by hinges.
In other examples there may be provided one or two leaf assemblies 10, or more than three. The leaf assemblies and/or frame may comprise aluminium or another metal. The leaf assemblies -7 -and/or frame may comprise a polymer. Each leaf assembly may support a window (for example a pane of glass) or a panel (for example to form a door).
As shown in figures 1, 2, the leaf assembly 10 of the present disclosure may comprise a first leaf body 200 which defines a first edge 202 and a second edge 204. The first edge 202 and the second edge 204 may be straight. The second edge 204 is spaced apart from the first edge 202 across the first leaf body 200. The distance between the first edge 202 and second edge 204 defines a width W1 of the first leaf body 200 which extends in a transverse direction TI. The first leaf body 200 has constant width W1 along its length Ll.
In the example shown, the transverse direction Ti is aligned with the horizontal (x) and the length direction L1 is aligned with the vertical direction (y).
Hence the door unit 600 comprises a leaf assembly 10 of the present disclosure and a fixed support frame 100 for mounting to a wall. The door/leaf assembly 10 may be pivotably mounted to the support frame 100 by a guide feature 270. The guide feature 270 may extend from, or extend proximate to, the second edge 204. That is to say, the door/leaf assembly 10 may be pivotably engaged with the support frame 100 by the guide feature 270. The guide feature 270 may define a bearing surface or bearings to enable the pivoting of the leaf assembly 10.
The first leaf body 200 may comprise a first frame member 210 which defines the first edge 202 and a second frame member 220 which defines the second edge 204. The second frame member 220 may be configured to be pivotably coupled to the support frame 100 on the second edge 204 (e.g. the hinged end) by the guide feature 270 (i.e. the guide feature may extend from the second frame member 204).
The first leaf body 200 may comprise a third frame member 230 which defines a first end 232 of the first leaf body 200 and a fourth frame member 240 which defines a second end 242 of the first leaf body 200. The overall length in a longitudinal direction Ll of the first leaf body 200 is the distance between the first end 232 and the second end 242.
The third frame member 230 may extend between the first frame member 210 and second frame member 220 at the first end 232 of the first leaf body 200. The fourth frame member 240 may extend between the first frame member 210 and second frame member 220 at the second end 242 of the first leaf body 200.
As shown in figures 1, 2, the support frame 100 may comprise a first support member 1210 for engagement with the free end 304 of the adapter member 300 and a second support member 1220 to which the first leaf body 200 is pivotably coupled. The second support member 1220 may define a first guide track 1224. The first leaf body 200 may be slidable along and pivotable relative to the first guide track 1224. The guide features 270 may define a peg/guide which fits in the track guide in the frame. The guide feature 270 may be guide rollers which locate into the track in the top frame member.
The support frame 100 may further comprise a third support member 1230 which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member 1210 and a fourth support member 1240 which is spaced apart from and parallel to the second support member 1220. The fourth support member 1240 may define a second guide track 1226, the first leaf body 200 being slidable along and pivotable relative to the second guide track 1226.
The leaf assembly may further comprise an adapter member 300 having a coupling end 302, which in use (i.e. when assembled with the leaf body 200) faces the first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200, and a free end 304 which, when assembled with the first leaf body 200, defines an outer edge 306 of the leaf assembly 10 which closes against the support frame 100.
As illustrated in figures 7,8, the overall width W2 (i.e. span) of the leaf assembly 10 is the distance between the free end 304 of the adapter member 300 (i.e. outer edge 306 of the leaf assembly) and the second edge 204 of the first leaf body 200. The overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10 is greater than the width WI of the first leaf body 200.
As shown in figures 5, 7, 8, 10, the leaf assembly 10 may further comprise a variable-distancecoupling 400, wherein the coupling end 302 of the adapter member 300 and first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200 are configured to be joined by the variable-distance-coupling 400.
The variable-distance-coupling 400 may be configured to fix the adapter member 300 and the first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200 in different relative positions such that the variabledistance-coupling 400 is operable to vary the overall width W2 (i.e. the span) ofthe leaf assembly 10. Hence the overall width W2 is sum of the first leaf body width WI plus the additional width provided by the adapter member 300 and distance-variable-coupling 400. -9 -
The variable-distance-coupling 400 may be configured to constrain the adapter member 300 to be moveable in a direction aligned and/or parallel to the transverse direction Ti towards and away from the first leaf body 200. In a typical leaf assembly 10 the variable movement may be up to 10mm, or up to 5mm, or up to 4mm.
As shown in figures 5, 7, 8, the first edge 202 of the first leaf body may define a cavity 214. The adapter member 300 may comprise an extension 350, wherein the cavity 214 is configured to receive the extension 350. The extension 350 of the adapter member 300 and walls 260 of the cavity 214 of the first leaf body 200 may be configured so as to provide a sliding fit therebetween.
Hence the extension 350 of the adapter member 300 and walls 260 of the cavity 214 of the first leaf body 200 may be configured so as to provide a sliding fit aligned and/or parallel to the transverse direction Ti.
The variable-distance-coupling 400 may comprise a fixing member 402 which extends between the adapter member 300 and first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200, the fixing member 402 having a shank 404 engaged with the first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200 and a head end 406 operable to be coupled with the adapter member 300.
The fixing member 402 may be moveable relative to the first leaf body 200 such that the head end 406 is operable to move towards and away from the first edge 202 in the transverse direction Ti (i.e. in the width direction W1) to position the adapter member 300 and first leaf body 202 in different relative positions (i.e. in the width direction).
As shown in figures 5, 7, 8, the fixing member 402 may be a bolt 408 with a screw thread 410 on the shank 404, the screw thread 410 being engaged with an aperture 412 in the first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200. The fixing member 402 may be rotatable relative to the adapter member 300, such that rotation of the fixing member 402 relative to the first leaf body 200 positions the head end 406 relative to the first edge 202. Hence rotation of the fixing member 402 relative to the first leaf body 200 moves the head end 406 towards and away from the first edge 202.
In another example the fixing member 402 may be a slideable member, configured to slide in the aperture 412 and to may be fixable/lockable relative to the first leaf body 200 such that sliding the slideable fixing member 402 relative to the first leaf body 200 positions the head end 406 relative to the first edge 202. Hence sliding of the slideable member 402 relative to the first leaf body 200 moves the head end 406 towards and away from the first edge 202.
-10 -The head end 406 has a wider diameter than the shank 404, and the adapter member 300 defines a trap (i.e. cavity or recess) 322 which houses the head end 406 with a shank aperture 320 of larger diameter than the shank 404, but smaller than the head end 406, and through which the shank 404 extends. The trap 322 and the shank aperture 320 are configured such that the fixing member 402 is freely moveable (e.g. rotatable or slideable) relative to the adapter member 300.
The trap 322 may be provided with a head aperture 324 adjacent the head end 406 of the fixing member 402 to provide access to the head end 406 of the fixing member 402 so that the fixing member 402 is operable to be rotated to position the adapter member 300 and first leaf body 202 in different relative positions in the width/transverse direction.
The fixing member 402 may be adjusted to the correct length and then the adapter member 300 fitted to the fixing member 402 such that the desired width W2 is achieved. Alternatively the adapter member 300 may be fitted to the fixing member 402 and then the fixing member 402 is adjusted such that the desired width W2 is achieved.
As shown in figures 7, 8, a channel 250 may be defined between the coupling end 302 of the adapter member 300 and the first edge 202 of the first leaf body 200. The channel 250 may vary in width CW1 as the overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10 is varied. A sealing member 252 may be provided in the channel 250 to seal the channel 250.
The sealing member 252 may be a resilient member (for example made from rubber). This may be provided between the adapter 300 and the leaf body 200 to give the adapter 300 something to press against, and to seal, and to provide a kind of resilience so that when the fixing members 402 (i.e. screws) are unscrewed the adapter 300 is pushed away from the leaf body 200.
As shown in figures 7, 8 the adapter member 300 may comprise a wall section 308 which defines a lock mount 310 for receiving and locating a lock assembly 500, as shown in figure 10. Hence the door unit 600 may further comprise a lock assembly 500 located in the lock mount 310 of the adapter member 300 as shown in figure 10. The lock assembly 500 may extend into the first frame member cavity 214. The cavity 214 in the first leaf body 200 may extend at least in a region adjacent to the lock mount 310. The cavity 214 may be configured to receive part of the lock assembly 500 which extends from the lock mount 310 when the lock assembly 500 is located in the lock mount 310. As shown in figures 7, 8, further walls 312 may extend along the length of the leaf body 200. The walls may be provided with apertures for the lock assembly 500 to extend through.
Fixing members 402 may be provided on both sides of the lock mount 310 and cavity 214. That is to say, the fixing members 402 may be provided on each side of the lock mount 310 and cavity 214 at the free end 304 of the adapter member 300. There may be provided rows of fixing member 402, each row extending along the length of the free end 304 of the adapter member 300, the rows of fixing members 402 spaced apart by the lock mount 310 and cavity 214 to fix the adapter member 300 to the leaf body 200.
The leaf assembly 10 may be adjusted using the variable-distance-coupling 400 to vary the overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10. Thus the lock assembly 500, when attached to the adapter member 300 is moveable in/out of the main locking stile with the adapter member 300 by using the fixing members 402to pull the adapter closer to the edge of the opening leaf or extended further away from the edge of the opening leaf The or each fixing member 402 may be fitted to the first frame member 210, and then adjusted to the correct length so that when the adapter member 300 is fitted to the or each fixing member 402 that the desired overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10 is achieved. The adapter member 300 is then fitted to the first frame member 210. Alternatively the adapter member 300 may be fitted to the or each fixing member 402 and then the fixing member 402 is adjusted such that the desired overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10 is achieved.
Hence, as shown in figures 7, 8, the variable-distance-coupling 400 is configured to move the adapter member 300 from an extended configuration (as shown in figure 7) to a retracted configuration (as shown in figure 8). In doing so, the extension 350 of the adapter member 300 slides along the walls 260 of the cavity 214 in the transverse direction Ti to reduce the overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10. Likewise the extension 350 of the adapter member 300 may slide along the walls 260 of the cavity 214 in the transverse direction Ti from the retracted configuration (as shown in figure 8) to the extended configuration (as shown in figure 7) to increase the overall width W2 of the leaf assembly 10. Hence adjustment of the or each fixing member 402 moves the adapter member 300 relative to (i.e. towards or away from) the first frame member 210.
-12 -The leaf assembly 10, comprising the desired number of leaf bodies 200, 2200, 3200, may be fitted to the frame 100 before or after the adapter member 300 is fitted to the first leaf body 200. Once the adapter member 300 is in place on the first leaf body 200, it may be removed and re-affixed, or a replacement adapter member 300 can be fitted (for example to replace a damaged or worn part) as required. The variable-distance-coupling 400 allows for the adjustment of the adapter member 300 relative to the first leaf body 200 after the adapter member 300 has been fitted to the first leaf body 200, for example to account for seasonal expansion and contraction, or because a frame member has been altered or moved.
Hence there is provided a leaf assembly 10, which defines the door and/or window 20 for fitting to a support frame 100, wherein the leaf assembly 10 comprises a single adapter member 300, which may be the only adapter member of the leaf assembly 10 and support frame assembly needed to compensate for size variations of the leaf assembly and/or frame to which it is attached. The assembly 10 of the first leaf body 200 and adapter member 300 are connected using the variable-distance-coupling 400 so the overall width of the leaf assembly 10 can be adjusted to ensure that it fits within the support frame 100. Advantageously the adapter member 300 also mounts the lock assembly 500 such that the lock assembly 500 can be moved towards and away from the leaf body 200. Hence in the present design only one adapter member 300 is needed for both size adjustment and for holding the lock assembly 500.
Hence in the arrangement of the present disclosure, as the width of the leaf assembly is adjustable because the adapter is on the leaf assembly and not the frame, the aperture defined by the frame can be kept at a maximum size, thereby providing the largest possible space for the passage of objects or air therethrough, as well as allowing a maximum amount of light to pass through.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (21)

  1. -14 -CLAIMS 1 A leaf assembly (10) which defines a door and/or window (20) for fitting to a support frame (100), the leaf assembly (10) comprising: a first leaf body (200) which defines a first edge (202) and a second edge (204), the second edge (204) spaced apart from the first edge (202) across the first leaf body (200), the distance between the first edge (202) and second edge (204) defining a width (W1) of the first leaf body (200) which extends in a transverse direction (Ti); an adapter member (300) having a coupling end (302), which in use faces the first leaf body (200), and a free end (304) which defines an outer edge (306) of the leaf assembly (10) such that an overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is the distance between the free end (304) of the adapter member (300) and the second edge (204) of the first leaf body (200), wherein the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is greater than the width (W1) of the first leaf body (200); the leaf assembly (10) further comprising a variable-distance-coupling (400), wherein the coupling end (302) of the adapter member (300) and first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) are configured to be joined by the variable-distance-coupling (400), and the variable-distance-coupling (400) is configured to fix the adapter member (300) and the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) in different relative positions such that the variable-distance-coupling (400) is operable to vary the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10).
  2. 2 A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the variable-distance-coupling (400) constrains the adapter member (300) to be moveable in a direction aligned and/or parallel to the transverse direction (Ti) towards and away from the first leaf body (200).
  3. 3. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) defines a cavity (214); and the adapter member (300) comprises an extension (350), wherein the cavity (214) is configured to receive the extension (350).
  4. 4 A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein the extension (350) of the adapter member (300) and walls (260) of the cavity (214) of the first leaf body (200) are configured so as to provide a sliding fit therebetween.
  5. 5. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the variabledistance-coupling (400) comprises a fixing member (402) which extends between the adapter member (300) and first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200), the fixing member (402) having a shank (404) engaged with the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) and a head end (406) operable to be coupled with the adapter member (300): the fixing member (402) being moveable relative to the first leaf body (200) such that the head end (406) is operable to move towards and away from the first edge (202) in the transverse direction (Ti) to position the adapter member (300) and first leaf body (202) in different relative positions.
  6. 6 A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 5 wherein the fixing member (402) is a bolt (408) with a screw thread (410) on the shank (404), the screw thread (410) being engaged with an aperture (412) in the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200), and the fixing member (402) being rotatable relative to the adapter member (300), such that rotation of the fixing member (402) relative to the first leaf body (200) positions the head end (406) relative to the first edge (202).
  7. 7 A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the head end (406) has a wider diameter than the shank (404), and the adapter member (300) defines a trap (322) which houses the head end (406) with a shank aperture (320) of larger diameter than the shank (404), and through which the shank (404) extends; wherein the trap (322) and the shank aperture (320) are configured such that the fixing member (402) is freely rotatable relative to the adapter member (300).
  8. 8 A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 7 wherein the trap (322) is provided with a head aperture (324) adjacent the head end (406) of the fixing member (402) to provide access to the head end (406) of the fixing member (402) so that the fixing member (402) is operable to be rotated to position the adapter member (300) and first leaf body (202) in different relative positions.
  9. 9 A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a channel (250) is defined between the coupling end (302) of the adapter member (300) and the first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200), wherein the channel (250) varies in width (CW1) as the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is varied; and a sealing member (252) is provided in the channel (250) to seal the channel (250).
  10. 10. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the adapter member (300) comprises a wall section (308) which defines a lock mount (310) for receiving and locating a lock assembly (500); and the cavity (214) in the first leaf body (200) extends at least in a region adjacent to the lock mount (310), the cavity (214) configured to receive part of the lock assembly (500) which extends from the lock mount (310) when the lock assembly (500) is located in the lock mount (310).
  11. 11. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 10 wherein fixing members (402) are provided on both sides of the lock mount (310) and cavity (214).
  12. 12. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first leaf body (200) comprises a first frame member (210) which defines the first edge (202) and a second frame member (220) which defines the second edge (204).
  13. 13. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 12 wherein the second frame member (220) is configured to be pivotably coupled to the support frame (100) on the second edge (204).
  14. 14. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the first leaf body (200) comprises a third frame member (230) which defines a first end (232) of the first leaf body (200) and a fourth frame member (240) which defines a second end (242) of the first leaf body (200), wherein an overall length in a longitudinal direction (L1) of the first leaf body (200) is the distance between the first end (232) and the second end (242).
  15. 15. A leaf assembly (10) as claimed in claim 14 wherein: the third frame member (230) extends between the first frame member (210) and second frame member (220) at the first end (232) of the first leaf body (200); and the fourth frame member (240) extends between the first frame member (210) and second frame member (220) at the second end (242) of the first leaf body (200).
  16. 16. A door unit (600) comprising a leaf assembly (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a support frame (100), the leaf assembly (10) being pivotably mounted to the support frame (100).
  17. 17. A door unit (600) as claimed in claim 16 when dependent on claim 10 further comprising a lock assembly (500) located in the lock mount (310) of the adapter member (300) and extending into the first frame member cavity (214).
  18. 18. A door unit (600) as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the support frame (100) comprises a first support member (1210) for engagement with the free end (304) of the adapter member (300) and a second support member (1220) to which the first leaf body (200) is pivotably coupled; and the second support member (1220) defines a first guide track (1224), the first leaf body (200) being slidable along and pivotable relative to the first guide track (1224).
  19. 19 A door unit (600) as claimed in claim 18 wherein the support frame (100) further comprises: a third support member (1230) which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member (1210) and a fourth support member (1240) which is spaced apart from and parallel to the second support member (1220); and the fourth support member (1240) defines a second guide track (1226), the first leaf body (200) being slidable along and pivotable relative to the second guide track (1226).
  20. 20. A door unit (600) as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 further comprising: a second leaf body (2200) and a third leaf body (3200), the second leaf body (2200) having a first edge (2202) pivotably coupled to the second edge (204) of the first leaf body (200), and a second edge (2204) pivotably coupled to a first edge (3202) of the third leaf body (3200); and a second edge (3204) of the third leaf body (3200) being pivotably coupled to the support frame (100).
  21. 21 Method of operation of a door unit (600) comprising a leaf assembly (10) and a support frame (100), the leaf assembly (10) being pivotably mounted to the support frame (100), the leaf assembly (10) comprising: a first leaf body (200) which defines a first edge (202) and a second edge (204), the second edge (204) spaced apart from the first edge (202) across the first leaf body (200), the distance between the first edge (202) and second edge (204) defining a width (W1) of the first leaf body (200); an adapter member (300) having a coupling end (302), which in use faces the first leaf body (200), and a free end (304) which defines an outer edge (306) of the leaf assembly (10) such -18 -that an overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is the distance between the free end (304) of the adapter member (300) and the second edge (204) of the first leaf body (200), wherein the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10) is greater than the width (W1) of the first leaf body (200); the leaf assembly (10) further comprising a variable-distance-coupling (400), wherein the coupling end (302) of the adapter member (300) and first edge (202) of the first leaf body (200) are configured to be joined by the variable-distance-coupling (400); the method comprising the step of operating the variable-distance-coupling (400) to vary the overall width (W2) of the leaf assembly (10).
GB2204119.8A 2022-03-24 2022-03-24 Leaf assembly Pending GB2616884A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2204119.8A GB2616884A (en) 2022-03-24 2022-03-24 Leaf assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2204119.8A GB2616884A (en) 2022-03-24 2022-03-24 Leaf assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202204119D0 GB202204119D0 (en) 2022-05-11
GB2616884A true GB2616884A (en) 2023-09-27

Family

ID=81449572

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2204119.8A Pending GB2616884A (en) 2022-03-24 2022-03-24 Leaf assembly

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Country Link
GB (1) GB2616884A (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5845439A (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-12-08 Hendley; Darrell N. Adjustable door and frame assembly
EP2868858A1 (en) * 2012-04-30 2015-05-06 Ye-Myung Lee Safety door
EP2952670A1 (en) * 2014-06-04 2015-12-09 Aub'Tech Method for manufacturing and installing a gate
DE102019001906A1 (en) * 2019-03-19 2020-09-24 Friedrich Wilhelm Josef Pfuhl Adjustable door leaf
EP3715575A1 (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-09-30 Puderbach, Hans Jakob Frame for a window or a door, method for assembling the frame

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5845439A (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-12-08 Hendley; Darrell N. Adjustable door and frame assembly
EP2868858A1 (en) * 2012-04-30 2015-05-06 Ye-Myung Lee Safety door
EP2952670A1 (en) * 2014-06-04 2015-12-09 Aub'Tech Method for manufacturing and installing a gate
DE102019001906A1 (en) * 2019-03-19 2020-09-24 Friedrich Wilhelm Josef Pfuhl Adjustable door leaf
EP3715575A1 (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-09-30 Puderbach, Hans Jakob Frame for a window or a door, method for assembling the frame

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