WO2017137981A1

WO2017137981A1 - A sliding-assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017137981A1
Application number: PCT/IL2017/050148
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mordechai Harari
Original assignee: Mordechai Harari
Priority date: 2016-02-09
Filing date: 2017-02-07
Publication date: 2017-08-17
Also published as: IL244055A0; IL244055B

Abstract

A closure sliding-assembly, comprising: upper and lower parallel rails; an upper and lower vertically shiftable pedestals, each of the pedestals having a plurality of rollers mounted thereon; two springy mechanisms, each connected to an opposite vertical bar of a chassis of the closure, each for vertically pushing one of the pedestals towards an opposite rail; and an adjustable stopper for the pedestals that carry a weight of the closure, for adjustably limiting a vertical movement of the pedestal thereof.

Description

A SLIDING-ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of sliding doors, windows, and the like.

BACKGROUND ART US 7,594,358 to Harari et al. is considered by the

Applicant as the closest prior art. It discloses a sliding assembly for a sliding closure, constructed of two metal profiles mounted on each side wall of sliding closure and guiding bars for sliding on a rail. The profiles design includes a rail which length, is adjusted to the sliding closure height. The lower sliding bar is attached to a roller, which slides along the lower track of the closure. The second sliding bar is attached to the guiding bar for sliding along the upper track of the closure. An elastic stretching means connects between the lower sliding bar and the profile.

One of the drawbacks of the prior art is the difficulty in mounting the upper rail in parallel to the lower rail, and as such, there are deviations of a few millimeters. The above- mentioned disclosure does not provide a solution to this obstacle. The solution of the above-mentioned disclosure results in increased friction.

Another drawback of the prior art is the difficulty in mounting the rollers in parallel to the rail, i.e., in order to diminish their side deviation as much as possible. The above- mentioned construction does not provide an optimal solution, as the movement direction of the rollers depends on the deviation of the vertical profiles from the closure wall plane.

Another drawback of the above-mentioned construction is the weight of the closure (door, window), which is divided between two hinges. As some of the closures weigh 100 kilograms and more, and since the axles are actually in an L form, sliding mechanism deforms as time goes by. The L form is illustrated in Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c.

All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of accuracy in mounting a sliding door mechanism.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the sake of brevity, the discussion herein is about a sliding door! however, it should be noted that the discussion relates to any sliding object, including a door, window, gate, and so on. The sliding object is referred to herein as "closure".

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a closure (60) sliding-assembly, comprising:

. an upper rail (50);

. an upper vertically shiftable pedestal (10); . a plurality of upper rollers (18), mounted in a line on said upper pedestal (10), each of the upper rollers being interlaceable in the upper rail (50);

. two upper springy mechanisms (16a, 16b), each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite side of a chassis (62) of the closure (60), for pushing the upper pedestal (10) towards the upper rail (50);

. an upper adjustable stopper (32), for adjustably limiting a shift of the upper pedestal (10);

. a lower rail (52), parallel to the upper rail (50);

. a lower vertically shiftable pedestal (20);

. a plurality of lower rollers (28), mounted in a line on the lower pedestal (20) and being interlaceable in the lower rail (50);

. two lower springy mechanisms (26a, 26b), each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite side of a chassis (62) of the closure (60), for pushing the lower pedestal towards the lower rail (52); and

. a lower adjustable stopper (30), for adjustably limiting a shift of the lower pedestal (20).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper rollers (18) hang on the upper rail (50), thereby the upper rollers (18) carry the closure's (60) weight.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lower rollers (28) stand on the lower rail (52), thereby the lower rollers (28) carry the closure's (60) weight.

Preferably, each of the rails comprises two walls between which the corresponding rollers are disposed. Alternatively, each of the rollers comprises two walls between which the corresponding rail is disposed.

The plurality of rollers may comprise at least three rollers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pedestals is in a form of a plate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the springy mechanism comprises : a spring (42) disposed inside a hollowed cylinder (40) of the springy mechanism and a tenon (46) attached to a vertical bar of the pedestal.

The spring may be replaced by a magnet.

The springy mechanisms may comprise one or more bearings, for smoothing a vertical sliding of a pedestal thereof.

Preferably, the rollers are mounted on a pedestal via an axle of a base in which the rollers are mounted onto.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a closure sliding-assembly, comprising:

. upper and lower parallel rails!

. upper and lower vertically shiftable pedestals, each of the pedestals having a plurality of rollers mounted thereon!

. two springy mechanisms, each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite vertical bar of a chassis of the closure, each for vertically pushing one of the pedestals towards an opposite rail;

. a stopper for each of the upper and lower pedestals, for adjustably limiting a vertical movement of the pedestal thereof; thereby a symmetry between the upper and lower parts of the assembly allowing turning the closure upside down in the case of a malfunction.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a closure sliding-assembly, comprising:

. upper and lower parallel rails!

. two springy mechanisms, each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite vertical bar of a chassis of the closure, each for vertically pushing one of the pedestals towards an opposite rail; and

. a stopper for the pedestals that carry a weight of the closure, for adjustably limiting a vertical movement of the pedestal thereof.

The reference numbers have been used to point out elements in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention. They are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. Also, the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings :

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a door in which is installed a sliding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2a details the upper rectangular pedestal 10 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 2b details the lower rectangular 20 pedestal of Fig. 1.

Figs. 3a and 3b schematically illustrate the vertical movement of the lower rectangular pedestal 20.

Each of Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c schematically illustrates a roller 18 interlaced in a rail 50.

Each of Figs. 5a and 5b is a cross-section schematically illustrating a state of the lower springy mechanism 26, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Each of Figs. 6a and 6b is a cross-section schematically illustrating a state of the upper springy mechanism 16, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a door in which is installed a sliding assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a door in which is installed a sliding assembly, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a rollers assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments ("best mode"), which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail.

The door is marked herein by reference numeral 60.

A chassis is an internal pedestal work that supports other parts of a construction. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. The pedestal of a window is usually its chassis! however, doors also have an internal chassis. Reference numeral 62 denotes herein a chassis of a closure, such as a door, window, gate, and the like.

The sliding assembly comprises two horizontal rails 50 and 52, which are parallel to each other. A pushing mechanism pushes the upper rollers 18 upwards against the rail 50.

The sliding assembly comprises two pushing mechanisms, an upper one and a lower one. The upper pushing mechanism comprises a pedestal 10 which in this example is rectangular. The pedestal comprises horizontal bars 12a and 12b, and vertical bars 14a and 14b. Two springy mechanisms 16a and 16b are firmly connected to the vertical bars 14a and 14b by bolts 72. The springy mechanisms 16a and 16b push the vertical bars 14a and 14b upwards, against the upper rail 50.

The rectangular pedestal 10 is shiftable.

Rollers 18 are connected to the horizontal bar 12a of the rectangular pedestal 10, and thereby are pushed upwards towards rail 50.

The connection of the rollers to the rails (as illustrated in Figs 4a, 4b and 4c) support the rollers from both sides, thereby preventing the roller from deviating from the rail, and therefore preventing the upper side of the door from falling down.

Thus, the operation of pushing the rollers 18 upwards along with the way the rollers interlace with the upper rail 50 ensures that the rollers keep sliding on the rail even if the upper rail 50 is not fully parallel to the lower rail 52.

The lower pushing mechanism is constructed in the same manner as the upper pushing mechanism, but additionally comprises stoppers 30, which limit the vertical movement of the rectangular pedestal 20 (which is comprised of the vertical bars 24a and 24b, and the horizontal bars 22a and 22b).

The upper pushing mechanism may also comprise stoppers 32. As the upper pushing mechanism is identical to the lower pushing mechanism, in the case where the lower pushing assembly breaks, the door can be turned upside down, and continue to function as usual. Moreover, in order to prolong the life of the sliding mechanisms, the door can be turned upside down from time to time.

It should be noted that the horizontal bar 12 can support more than two rollers, thereby diminishing the load on each of the rollers 28, which carry the door's weight. Fig. 2a details the upper rectangular pedestal 10 of Fig.

1, and Fig. 2b details the lower rectangular 20 pedestal of Fig. 1.

The upper rectangular pedestal 10 comprises the horizontal bars 12a and 12b, and the vertical bars 14a and 14b. The bars are firmly connected to each other.

In Fig. 2a, each of the vertical bars 14a and 14b is vertically moveable along the springy mechanism 16a and 16b, which pushes the rectangular pedestal upwards.

The same sustains for the lower rectangular pedestal 20. More specifically, in Fig. 2b, each of the vertical bars 24a and 24b is vertically moveable along the springy mechanism 26a and 26b, which pushes the rectangular pedestal 20 downwards.

Figs 2a and 2b also illustrate the rollers and the stoppers.

Figs. 3a and 3b schematically illustrate the vertical movement of the lower rectangular pedestal 20. As illustrated, while the springy mechanisms 26a and 26b are connected to the door (not illustrated in this figure), and thereby are stationary with reference to the door, the rectangular pedestal is vertically moveable with reference to the door. As illustrated, in Fig. 3b the rectangular pedestal 20 is shifted upwards.

Each of Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c schematically illustrates a roller 18 interlaced in a rail 50. As illustrated, the design of the rollers and the rails prevents the rollers deviating from the rail when rolling, thereby supporting the door from both sides, therefore preventing its falling down.

The springy mechanism uses a hollowed cylinder which is marked herein by reference numeral 40. The vertical bar 24a comprises a tenon 46. A spring 42 is disposed in the hollowed cylinder 40, and pushes down the tenon 46. As a result, the vertical bar 24a is pushed downwards. The arrow illustrates the pushing direction of the vertical bar.

The housing of the cylinder may be connected to the door by a bolt (not illustrated) through hole 48.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a ball of a bearing which makes the vertical movement of the vertical bar 24a smooth. The bearing is not mandatory.

The position of the vertical bar 24a in Fig. 5a is shifted with reference with Fig. 5b. In Fig. 5b the vertical bar is stopped by stopper 30. The stopper comprises a bolt 36 threaded in housing 34. The hosing may be connected to the door by a bolt (not illustrated) through hole 38.

The structure of the upper springy mechanism 16 is the same as the lower springy 26 mechanism, except that it is mounted on a door (not illustrated) upside down.

In this embodiment of the invention, the door hangs on rail 50. Thus, the pushing mechanisms push inversely, with reference to the embodiment of Fig. 1. The pushing direction of each pedestal is illustrated by a corresponding arrow.

As illustrated, pedestal 10 is in a form of a plate. As such, mounting the housings on which the rollers are mounted on the plate may be oriented by the edges of the plate, which makes the mounting process of the roller assemblies easy and accurate from both aspects: the vertical edge of the rollers are at the same level, and the rolling direction is optimal, i.e., the horizontal deviation is diminished.

Furthermore, the following process enables to achieve the best accuracy in mounting:

. Mounting the springy mechanisms on the vertical bars of the pedestal;

. Placing the pedestal along with the springy mechanisms on the door! and then

. Fixing the springy mechanisms to the door.

Fig. 8 further illustrates a hinge 70, through which the each of the springy mechanisms pivotally connects to a vertical bar.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a rollers assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The rollers assembly, which is marked herein by reference numeral 64, comprises a base 66 to which rollers 18a and 18b are connected, and an axle 68 through which base 66 connects to pedestal 10. Thus, the load on axle 68 is transferred to the rollers.

This form provides a relatively massive structure, which can carry relatively heavy doors.

It should be noted that the connection means of an object to the door which has been is illustrated herein are bolts! however, this is merely an example, and other connection means may be used.

The advantages of the present invention on the prior art include^

. Spreading the load of the door on more than two rollers! . Removing defected rollers!

. Vertical shifting of all the rollers together!

. Massive structure which may hold longer than any other prior art solution!

. Symmetry of the upper and lower sides, which allows turning the door upside down, thereby prolonging its life, returning the sliding door to function until a technician arrives!

. The upper side of a door rolls on the upper rail, which provides smooth sliding.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned:

■ numeral 10 denotes an upper rectangular pedestal!

^■ each of numerals 12a and 12b denotes a horizontal bar of pedestal 10!

^■ each of numerals 14a and 14b denotes a vertical bar of pedestal 10!

■ each of numerals 16, 16a and 16b denotes an upper springy mechanism!

- numeral 18 denotes an upper roller!

- numeral 20 denotes a lower rectangular pedestal!

^■ each of numerals 22a and 22b denotes a horizontal bar of pedestal 20!

^■ each of numerals 24a and 24b denotes a vertical bar of pedestal 20!

^■ each of numerals 26, 26a and 26b denotes a lower springy mechanism! - numeral 28 denotes a lower roller!

- numeral 30 denotes a lower stopper!

- numeral 32 denotes an upper stopper!

- numeral 34 denotes a stopper housing!

■ numeral 36 denotes a bolt!

- numeral 38 denotes a hole!

- numeral 40 denotes a cylinder!

- numeral 42 denotes a spring!

- numeral 44 denotes a bearing ball!

■ numeral 46 denotes a tenon!

- numeral 48 denotes a hole!

- numeral 50 denotes a upper rail!

- numeral 52 denotes a lower rail!

- numeral 60 denotes a door, as an example of a closure (door, window, gate, and so on); and

- numeral 62 denotes a door pedestal!

- numeral 64 denotes a rollers assembly!

- numeral 66 denotes a base to which rollers are connected;

- numeral 68 denotes an axle which connects the base to the pedestal;

- numeral 70 denotes a hinge for pivotally connecting a springy mechanism to a vertical bar! and

- numeral 72 denotes a bolt for firmly connecting a springy mechanism to a vertical bar.

The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form. Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition.

The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form.

Claims

A closure (60) sliding-assembly, comprising:

. an upper rail (50);

. an upper vertically shiftable pedestal (10);

. a plurality of upper rollers (18), mounted in a line on said upper pedestal (10), each of said rollers being interlaceable in said upper rail (50);

. two upper springy mechanisms (16a, 16b), each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite side of a chassis (62) of said closure (60), for pushing said upper pedestal (10) towards said upper rail (50);

. an upper adjustable stopper (32), for adjustably limiting a shift of said upper pedestal (10);

. a lower rail (52), parallel to said upper rail (50);

. a lower vertically shiftable pedestal (20);

. a plurality of lower rollers (28), mounted in a line on said lower pedestal (20), each of said rollers being interlaceable in said lower rail (50);

. two lower springy mechanisms (26a, 26b), each connected to an opposite side of a chassis (62) of said closure (60), for pushing said lower pedestal towards said lower rail (52); and

. a lower adjustable stopper (30), for adjustably limiting a shift of said lower pedestal (20).

2. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein said upper rollers (18) hang on said upper rail (50), thereby said upper rollers (18) carry said closure's (60) weight.

3. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein said lower rollers (28) stand on said lower rail (52), thereby said lower rollers (28) carry said closure's (60) weight.

4. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the rails comprise two walls between which the corresponding rollers are disposed.

5. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the rollers comprise two walls between which the corresponding rail is disposed.

6. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rollers comprise at least three rollers.

7. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pedestals is in a form of a plate.

8. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said springy mechanisms comprises : a spring (42) disposed inside a hollowed cylinder (40) of the springy mechanism and a tenon (46) attached to a vertical bar of said pedestal.

9. A sliding-assembly according to claim 8, wherein said spring is replaced by a magnet.

10. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said springy mechanisms comprises one or more bearings, for smoothing a vertical sliding of a pedestal thereof.

11. A sliding-assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rollers are mounted on said pedestal via an axle of a base in which the rollers are mounted onto.

12. A closure sliding-assembly, comprising:

. an upper and lower parallel rails!

. an upper and lower vertically shiftable pedestals, each of the pedestals having a plurality of rollers mounted thereon!

. two springy mechanisms, each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite vertical bar of a chassis of said closure, each for vertically pushing one of the pedestals towards an opposite rail;

. a stopper for each of said upper and lower pedestals, for adjustably limiting a vertical movement of the pedestal thereof;

thereby a symmetry between said upper and lower parts of said assembly allowing turning said closure upside down in the case of a malfunction.

13. A closure sliding-assembly, comprising:

. upper and lower parallel rails!

. two springy mechanisms, each firmly or pivotally connected to an opposite vertical bar of a chassis of said closure, each for vertically pushing one of the pedestals towards an opposite rail; and

a stopper for the pedestals that carry a weight of said closure, for adjustably limiting a vertical movement of the pedestal thereof.