WO2018204988A1 - Folding panel system with a magnetic catch - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding panel system that includes an end panel, an adjacent panel, a hinge that allows the panels to fold together into an open configuration and a handle assembly that includes a housing attached to the end panel. The system further including a catch positioned on the adjacent panel to align and magnetically lock onto the housing and hold the panels in the open configuration.

Description

FOLDING PANEL SYSTEM WITH A MAGNETIC CATCH TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates generally to use of a magnetic catch in a folding panel system.

PRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application number 2017901774, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A known form of folding door system 1 is shown in Figure la as having an end panel 2 and an adjacent panel 3. The end panel 2 carries a door handle 4. Two sets of magnetic catches 5, 6 are fixed at a number of mirrored locations on each panel 2, 3.

[0004] The end panel 2 swings open against the adjacent panel 3 to form an acute angle "A", as shown in Figure lb, where the door handle 4 is accommodated in a gap 7 between the angled panels 2, 3. The positioning of the catches 5, 6 is such that the mirrored locations align when the panels 2, 3 are folded together so that the catches 5, 6 abut and magnetically engage to hold the end panel 2 in the open position.

[0005] To avoid the handle 4 damaging or marking the adjacent panel 3 when the end panel 2 is opened, the abutting catches 5, 6 also serve as a stop to prevent the further folding together of the panels 2, 3. The catches 5, 6 thereby maintain a minimum acute angle between the panels 2, 3.

[0006] The minimum acute angle can be increased to further distance the handle 4 from the adjacent panel 3, if required, by moving the catches 5, 6 closer to the hinge point 9 of the panels 2, 3, such as shown in Figure lc. [0007] The angled end panel 2 can appear somewhat untidy and the catches 5, 6 can have a significant adverse visual impact on the folding door system 1. The system 1 has a degree of installation difficulty as the multiple catches 5, 6 all need to be independently mounted to the door panels 2, 3 with a reasonably high degree of precision to align properly when the panels 2, 3 are folded together.

[0008] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0009] In one broad aspect, there is provided a folding panel system that includes: an end panel; an adjacent panel; a hinge that connects the end panel to the adjacent panel and allows the panels to fold together into an open configuration; a handle assembly that includes a housing attached to the end panel; and a catch positioned on the adjacent panel to align and magnetically lock onto the handle assembly and hold the panels in the open configuration.

[0010] In one embodiment, the catch is configured to magnetically lock onto the housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the hinge holds the panels in offset substantially parallel alignment when the panels are folded together in the open configuration

[0012] In one embodiment, the catch includes a magnet covered by a protective layer of material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the layer of material provides a cushion between the magnet and the handle assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the layer is formed of a waterproof plastics or rubber material. [0015] In one embodiment, the catch functions as a stop to resist the panels folding closer than the substantially parallel alignment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the catch includes a mounting block for attaching the catch to the adjacent panel, and a cover with a window through which the magnet is

magnetically engaged.

[0017] In one embodiment, the catch includes a gasket with a peripheral rim that is energized when the mounting block is fastened to the adjacent panel to form a seal around the magnet, between the adjacent panel and the mounting block.

[0018] In one embodiment, a recess is provided in a rear side of the housing to accommodate a magnet, at a location corresponding to a strike zone on a front side of the housing, where the catch magnetically engages the housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the handle assembly includes a substantially flat lever handle that extends laterally of the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the end panel includes a recessed portion located at least partially behind the flat lever handle.

[0021] In another broad aspect, there is provided a handle assembly for use in the above described system, the handle assembly including a housing with a strike zone on a front side of the housing and a recess formed in a rear side of the housing at a location aligned with the strike zone.

[0022] In one embodiment, the handle assembly includes a substantially flat lever handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention is described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure la is a diagrammatic perspective view of a folding door system; [0025] Figure lb is a plan view of the folding door system with an end panel in an open condition, at an acute angle to an adjacent panel;

[0026] Figure lc is a plan view of the folding panel system with the end panel arranged at a greater angle relative to the adjacent panel;

[0027] Figure 2a is an exploded isometric view of a catch;

[0028] Figure 2b is a front view of the catch;

[0029] Figure 2c is a side view of the catch;

[0030] Figure 2d is a plan view of the catch;

[0031] Figure 3 is an isometric rear view of one side of a handle assembly;

[0032] Figure 4a is a side view of the handle assembly;

[0033] Figure 4b is a front view of the handle assembly;

[0034] Figure 4c is a top view of the handle assembly with the magnetic catch;

[0035] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a complete handle assembly and the magnetic catch;

[0036] Figure 6 is an external view of a folding panel system in a closed

configuration;

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates the folding panel system in an open configuration;

[0038] Figure 8 is an enlarged section A from Figure 7;

[0039] Figure 9 is an isometric view of the folding panel system with an end panel in a partially opened position;

[0040] Figure 10 is a plan view of the folding panel system of Figure 9; and

[0041] Figure 11 is a plan view of the folding panel system in an open configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] A catch 10 is shown in Figure 2a as including a mounting block 11, an element 12 that includes a gland 13 and a magnet 14, and a cover 15.

[0043] The mounting block 11 has a rectangular casing 16 with a central aperture 17 and through holes 18 on either side of the aperture 17. The casing 16 has a peripheral wall 18 with indents 19 formed in a side surface 20 of the wall 18.

[0044] The cover 15 has a matching peripheral wall 21 that fits over the mounting block 11. The wall 21 has side pips 22 that engage in the indents 19 to secure the cover 15 on the mounting block 11 by snap-fit engagement.

[0045] The cover 15 has a central window 23 that aligns with the aperture 17 in the mounting block 11, to provide access to the element 12.

[0046] The element 12 is formed of a rubber or plastics material and has a central pad 24 with a recess 25 in a reverse side 26 to accommodate the magnet 14. The pad 24 provides a protective layer 27 of material over the magnet 14 which can serve as cushioning as well as waterproofing over the magnet 14.

[0047] A raised lip 28 is provided around an edge 29 of the element 12 which is energised against the mounting block 11 to form a seal around the magnet 14 when the mounting block 11 is fixed onto a supporting panel (not shown) by fasteners 18a that pass through the through holes 18.

[0048] Figures 2b to 2d show the catch 10 in an assembled condition, where the pad 24 projects through the window 23 in the cover 15 when the cover 15 is snap fitted onto the mounting block 11.

[0049] Referring now to Figure 3, a handle assembly 30 is shown as including a housing 31 with a flat elongate lever handle 32 connected to a coupling 33.

[0050] A collar 34 is fitted to the coupling 33 and blocks 35 are biased against the collar 34 by springs 36 to hold the handle 32 in a rest position, laterally of the housing 31. [0051] The handle assembly 30 includes a keyhole opening 37 and an associated cavity 38 for a lock mechanism (not shown). Mounting bosses 39 are provided toward top and bottom ends 40, 41 of the housing 31.

[0052] The housing 31 also includes a recess 42 adjacent the top end 40 of the housing 31 to receive a magnet 43 which is held in place by a rubber cup 44.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4a and 4b, the handle 32 projects only a small distance "D" from the housing 31. A strike zone 45 is provided above the handle 32, on a front face 46 of the housing 31 at a location corresponding to the position of the magnet 43 in the recess 42.

[0054] Figure 4c illustrates the catch 10 aligned with the strike zone 45, in a position where the catch 10 serves to magnetically engage the handle assembly 30. The housing 31 and the catch 10 may have a combined depth dimension "d" of less than 16mm, such as only in the order of 15.5mm. It will be appreciated, however, that other embodiments will have different dimensions.

[0055] Figure 5 shows the handle assembly 30 as also including a second housing 47 and handle 48 connected to the coupling 33 through a connecting shaft 49. Fasteners 39a interconnect the housings 31, 47 by screwing into the bosses 39.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a folding panel assembly 50 which includes a series of folding panels 51 in a closed condition. The panels 51 are mounted between a track 52 and a guide channel 53. A pivot set 54 connects a pivot panel 55 adjacent a jamb 56. A carrier 57 supports a hinge 58 that provides a pivot connection between an end panel 59 and an intermediate adjacent panel 60.

[0057] The handle assembly 30 is mounted to the end panel 59, so that the housing 31 is fixed on an external surface 61 of the panel 59 and the handle 32 projects laterally of the housing 31 and parallel to the surface 61 of the panel 59.

[0058] The catch 10 is fixed to the intermediate or adjacent panel 60 to align with the strike zone 45 of the housing 31 when the panels 59, 60 are folded together. [0059] With regard to Figures 7 and 8, the panels 51 are shown in a folded or open condition, where the catch 10 abuts the strike zone 45 of the handle assembly 30, to magnetically engage to the handle assembly 30 and hold the end panel 59 in the open condition. In that configuration, the handle 32 fits neatly between the panels 59, 60, while the hinge 58 allows the end panel 59 to adopt an offset, substantially parallel orientation relative to the adjacent panel 60.

[0060] With regard to Figures 9 and 10, the end panel 59 is shown in a partially open position and in Figure 11 the end panel is in a fully open condition. In Figure 11 the end panel 59 is more clearly shown in an aligned and a parallel orientation to the other panels 51 and the handle 32 is parallel to and in adjacent relation to the intermediate panel 60. In that position, the catch 10 magnetically engages with the handle assembly 30 to hold the panel 59 open.

[0061] The catch 10 and the housing 31 also act as a stop 62 to prevent further folding together of the panels 59, 60 so as to maintain the parallel alignment of the panels 51.

[0062] It should be appreciated that although the catch 10 has been described as having a magnet 14, the catch can instead simply include magnetic material such as a suitable ferrous material. Likewise, the housing 31 has been described as including a magnet 43, the housing can instead include magnetic material suitable for magnetically engaging with the catch 10.

[0063] In either case, the layer 27 provided by the pad 24 ensures the magnetic connection between the catch 10 and the housing 31 is cushioned in a manner that achieves a soft-close with minimal sound.

[0064] It should also be appreciated that although the magnet or magnetic material are described as being in or part of the housing, alternative embodiments may instead include the magnet or magnetic material as part of the handle. Such an embodiment may then have the catch recessed into the adjacent panel, so as to maintain the parallel alignment of the panels when in the open configuration. [0065] It should also be appreciated that in any case the catch and handle assembly allow the folding panels to be secured in a neat and aesthetically pleasing parallel orientation by simply aligning the magnetic catch with the handle assembly, which avoids the prior art problem of having an angled end panel and multiple catches.

[0066] It will be noted that prior art handles extend a much greater distance from a door to allow a hand of the person operating the handle to extend between the handle and the door. As such, it will be appreciated that the present invention is advantageously used in conjunction with a door panel that includes a recessed inner portion 62 as shown in Figure 6, such as a window, thereby providing space behind the handle for the person's hand, despite the low profile of the handle.

[0067] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above" and "below" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0068] Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

69] List of Parts

Door system 33. Coupling

End panel 34. Collar

Adjacent panel 35. Blocks

Door handle 36. Springs

Catch 37. Opening

Catch 38. Cavity

Gap 39. Boss

Hinge point 39a. Fastener

. Catch 40. Top end

. Mounting block 41. Bottom end

. Element 42. Recess

. Gland 43. Magnet

. Magnet 44. Clip

. Cover 45. Strike zone

. Casing 46. Face

. Aperture 47. Second housing. Hole 48. Handle

a. Fastener 49. Shaft

. Indent 50. Folding panel assembly. Surface 51. Panel

. Wall 52. Track

. Pip 53. Channel

. Window 54. Pivot set

. Pad 55. Pivot panel

. Recess 56. Jamb

. Reverse side 57. Carrier

. Layer 58. Hinge

. Lip 59. End panel

. Edge 60. Adjacent panel. Handle assembly 61. Surface

. Housing 62. Recess

. Handle 63. Stop

Claims

Claims

1. A folding panel system that includes:

an end panel;

an adjacent panel;

a hinge that connects the end panel to the adjacent panel and allows the panels to fold together into an open configuration;

a handle assembly that includes a housing attached to the end panel; and a catch positioned on the adjacent panel to align and magnetically lock onto the handle assembly and hold the panels in the open configuration.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the catch is configured to magnetically lock onto the housing.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge holds the panels in offset substantially parallel alignment when the panels are folded together in the open configuration.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the catch includes a magnet covered by a protective layer of material.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the layer of material provides a cushion between the magnet and the handle assembly.

6. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the layer is formed of a waterproof plastics or rubber material.

7. The system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the catch functions as a stop to resist the panels folding closer than the substantially parallel alignment.

8. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the catch includes a mounting block for attaching the catch to the adjacent panel, and a cover with a window through which the magnet is magnetically engaged.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the catch includes a gasket with a peripheral rim that is energized when the mounting block is fastened to the adjacent panel to form a seal around the magnet, between the adjacent panel and the mounting block.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle assembly includes a substantially flat lever handle that extends laterally of the housing.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the end panel includes a recessed portion located at least partially behind the flat lever handle.

12. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a recess is provided in a rear side of the housing to accommodate a magnet, at a location corresponding to a strike zone on a front side of the housing, where the catch magnetically engages the housing.

13. A handle assembly for use in the system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle assembly includes a housing with a strike zone on a front side of the housing and a recess formed in a rear side of the housing at a location aligned with the strike zone.

14. The handle assembly of claim 13, further including a flat lever handle.