AU2005101077A4

AU2005101077A4 - Panel systems and a connection device therefor

Info

Publication number: AU2005101077A4
Application number: AU2005101077A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Warren Paul Lewis
Original assignee: ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS NZ Ltd
Current assignee: ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS NZ Ltd
Priority date: 2004-08-13
Filing date: 2005-08-11
Publication date: 2008-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-11
Also published as: AU2005203570A1; NZ534052A

Description

PANEL SYSTEMS AND A CONNECTION DEVICE THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to panel systems and a connection device therefor.

The present invention may be particularly suitable for panel systems for walls of buildings, and for bi-fold panel systems for openings such as doors, windows, closets, and room partitions. However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to such uses. Moreover, because the invention may have other applications, the prior art and possible applications of the invention as discussed below are given by way of example only.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, panel systems, such as aluminium framed windows and door sections for walls, and partitions of buildings, are generally designed differently to suit their different functions.

For example, opening panels, such as for an opening window or door have a hinge system along one side and an opening/closing edge along the other side.

More particularly, bi-fold panel systems which fold relative to each other have a hinge between the panels to make up a panel assembly. Furthermore, with bi-fold panel systems, usually one edge of the bi-fold panel assembly is adapted for pivotal connection to the frame of an opening, and the other free edge of the bi-fold panel assembly is adapted for abutment with either another frame of the opening or another edge of an adjacent bi-fold panel assembly.

Moreover, to support and guide the free edge of the bi-fold panel assembly there is generally provided a device for locating with a track, incorporating for example a slide or roller which slides or rolls along a fixed guide rail or track provided along the top and/or bottom of the opening.

With such conventional panel systems, the configuration of the panel assembly is generally designed before installation to suit requirements. As such the opposite edges of the individual panels have different fittings and design to suit their respective purposes.

For example with a bi-fold panel system the free edge will generally have a device for locating with a rail or track at the top and/or bottom, with the other "fixed" edge being hingedly connected (or connectable) to the frame.

Moreover, the configuration for the connecting hinges of the panels are different depending on their application. That is, a hinge configuration for a door frame hinged panel is different from the hinge configuration for connecting two folding panels together.

In the case of a hinge for connecting two panels together, this generally comprises a hinge with a single pivot axis of the hinge being located between the hinged edges of the hinged panels. Hence the distances between edges of panels, of for example abutted panels, is different to that for panels such as hinged panels.

Therefore, a problem with such a system is that panels must be made of different sizes with different edge attachments or configurations to suit the application. Moreover, the configuration of the panels must be decided on before manufacture or at least before installation and connection of the fittings. Hence a range of different panels must be stocked. Furthermore, when several panels with different functions are fitted to the wall opening, the difference in design and size can detract from the overall appearance.

Moreover, in the case of bi-fold panels, once the panels are installed it is not possible to easily change the configuration. That is, for example, a configuration with two bi-fold panel assemblies pivotally fixed at opposite edges to opposite side frames of an opening and with the free edges adapted for abutting together, cannot be converted in-situ, for example into a bi-fold panel assembly which folds completely to either side of the opening.

This is disadvantageous in that the bi-fold panel configuration must be decided at least before installation, thus limiting versatility, and design options, and increasing requirements for parts and stock holding, with accompanying costs. Moreover, it is not possible to optionally change configurations in-situ to suit different requirements, when or as desired or required.

The invention described in New Zealand Patent (Application) No. 515518/521280 seeks to address some of the above problems or difficulties by providing for a connecting link for connecting two (hinged) panels, the connecting link allowing for the panel assemblies to be varied in-situ (that is, panels previously hingedly fixed to the frame may become slidable and/or foldable panels, and vice versa). However, one disadvantage associated with the invention described in NZ 515518/521280 is that the connecting link does not allow for the gap between connected panels to be adjusted.

Furthermore, the connecting link described in NZ 515518/521280 is generally adapted to be positioned at or towards of the top (or bottom) of the connected panel hinges, and as a result the connected panels and/or panel hinges may be susceptible to unwanted flexing about the panel hinges (especially when the panels are manipulated during normal use, for example, when bi-fold doors are opened and/or closed).

It is an object of the present invention to address the above problems or difficulties, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel system including: at least two panels, each panel having a hinge for hinged connection to a frame, and a connection device for releasably connecting the hinges of adjacent (or abutting) panels together and/or a panel to an edge of the frame, the arrangement and construction being such that said connection device includes adjustment means for adjusting the gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein said connection device includes: a first bush adapted to enclose a portion of the hinge of a first panel, a second bush adapted to enclose a corresponding portion of either the hinge of a second panel or the hinge of the edge of the frame, and connection means for joining the first and second bushes, thereby joining the first panel to the second panel or the first panel to the edge of the frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein said connection means is in the form of two releasablyjoinable clamps, adapted to be clamped around the first and second bushes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein apertures through the first and/or second bushes are off-centre.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein rotation of said bushes, with said off-centre apertures, provides for said adjustment means for adjusting the gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein said first and/or second bushes are polygonal in cross-section.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein said first and/or second bushes are octagonal in cross-section.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein said connection device is fitted substantially at longitudinal mid points of the two hinges to which it is fitted.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel system, substantially as described above, wherein there are provided a pair of connection devices for connecting the hinges of adjacent (or abutting) panels and/or a panel to an edge of the frame.

The panel system may preferably include at least two panels, with each panel having a hinge for hinged connection to a frame. There may also be provided a connection device for releasably connecting the hinges of adjacent panels (and/or abutting panels) together and/or a panel to an edge of the frame, with the arrangement and construction being such that said connection device includes adjustment means for adjusting a gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

It is envisaged that the invention may be particularly suitable for panel systems such as bifold panel systems. It is to be understood and appreciated however that the invention may also be utilized with panel systems other than bi-fold panel systems which would be readily apparent to someone skilled in the art.

The connection device, for use with the present invention, may preferably include a first bush adapted to enclose a portion of the hinge of a first panel, and a second bush adapted to enclose a corresponding portion of either the hinge of a second (adjacent or abutting) panel or a hinge portion of the edge of the frame. For example, the bushes may be adapted to be slidably fitted along an end(s) of the hinge pin which may comprise part of a hinge(s). In some embodiments the hinge(s) may be also provided with an appropriate means to help retain the bushes on the hinge pin, for example a circlip.

The first and second bushes may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, as required or as desired, or as dictated by the type or configuration of the panel system and/or the hinge(s) or hinge pin(s) of the panels to which the bushes are to be fitted.

The first and second bushes may preferably be joined together and/or fixed to the hinges to which they are attached by the connection means.

The connection device may therefore preferably include connection means for joining the first and second bushes, thereby joining the first panel to the second panel and/or the first panel to the edge of the frame.

Any suitable connection means may be utilized as required or as desired, or as dictated by the shape and/or configuration of the first and second bushes and/or the hinges and/or the panels to which they are attached.

For example, the connection means may be in the form of two releasably joinable clamps, adapted to be clamped around the first and second bushes. Any suitable clamping means which allows for the releasable attachment of the connection means to or around the first and second bushes may be utilized as required or as desired.

For example, an over-centre locking mechanism or spring loaded clip may be utilized.

Alternatively, and preferably, the two releasably joinable clamps may be screwed to or around the first and second bushes (with either a standard screw or an "Allen-key" type screw or even a spring loaded clip).

The connection device may preferably be provided with adjustment means for adjusting the gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

In one embodiment, the adjustment means may be provided for by virtue of the first and/or second bushes having apertures therethrough which are off-centre. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the rotation of the first and/or second bushes, with the off-centre apertures, will result in the gap between adjacent connected panels (and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame) being altered.

In such an embodiment, the gap between adjacent panels (and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame) may be adjusted by removing the connection means (such as two releasably joinable clamps) and rotating the first and/or second bushes to an appropriate or desired position or configuration. Thereafter, the connection means may be refitted to again secure the first and/or second bushes in the desired place and/or with the desired spacing.

Preferably, the first and/or second bushes may be polygonal in cross-section. Such a cross-sectional configuration would allow for the gaps between the adjacently connected panels (and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame) to be adjusted in discrete or predetermined amounts.

Preferably, the first and/or second bushes may be octagonal in cross-section, thus allowing for 1 to 8 discrete positionings, and therefore 1 to 8 different gap settings.

The connection device may be fitted anywhere along the hinges of adjacent panels (and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame).

Preferably however, the connection device may be fitted substantially at longitudinal midpoints of the two hinges to which it is fitted. In such an embodiment, relative flexing between the two hinges to which it is fitted is minimized.

Moreover, in a further embodiment there may be provided a pair of connection devices for connecting the hinges of adjacent (or abutting) panels and/or a panel to an edge of the frame. In such an embodiment, the pair of connection devices may be fitted at (or towards) the top and bottom of the two hinges. As per the embodiment described in the preceding paragraph, it will be appreciated that such an arrangement will minimize any relative flexing between the two hinges to which the pair of connection devices are fitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; FIG. 1. is a view of a panel system, being one possible embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view of one possible embodiment of a connection device for use with the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the connection device illustrated in Fig 2, FIG. 4 is a top, cross-sectional view of an embodiment showing how the gap between abutted panel edges may be altered, FIG. 5 is another top, cross-sectional view of an embodiment showing how the gap between abutted panel edges may be altered, FIG. 6 is a view of an alternative panel system, being another possible embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view showing how a pair of connection devices may be utilized, being another possible embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

Having regard to Fig. I, there is shown a panel system, generally indicated by arrowl.

The panel system 1 includes a first panel 2 and a second panel 3.

The abutted edge of the first panel 2 is provided with a hinge 4, and the abutted edge of the second panel 3 is provided with a hinge 5. The hinges 4,5 are for hingedly connecting the first and second panels 2,3 respectively to a bi-fold panel system frame (frame not shown).

There is also provided a connection device generally indicated by arrow 6.

The connection device 6 serves a similar function to the device described in New Zealand Patent (Application) No. 515518/521280, except for the additions or improvements as described hereinafter. For convenience only therefore, it is not intended to describe in detail the use (and advantages) generally of such a connection device as that described in NZ 515518/521280 (namely, allowing generally for the in-situ alteration of bi-fold panel configurations and the like).

Having regard to Figs 2 and 3, it may be seen that the connection device 6 includes a first bush 7 adapted to enclose a portion of the first hinge 4, and a second bush 8 adapted to enclose a portion of the second hinge The bushes 7,8 are adapted to be slidably fitted along an end(s) of hinge pins 22a,b which comprise part of the hinges 4,5 (in Fig. The hinges 4,5 are each provided with an appropriate means to help retain the bushes 7,8 on the hinge pins 22a,b, namely by the use ofcirclips 23a,b and spacers (in FIG. 1).

The bushes 7,8 are approximately 15mm long (that is ,along the longitudinal axes).

The connection device 6 also includes connection means for joining the first and second bushes 7,8, the connection means being in the form of first and second clamp portions 9,10. The clamp portions 9,10 are secured to the first and second bushes 7,8 (which secures the connection device 6 to the hinges 4,5) by the use of a screw 11.

The first and second bushes 7,8 each have an aperture 12,13 therethrough. As is illustrated in Figs 2 and 3, the apertures 12,13 are off-centre.

It will be appreciated therefore by those skilled in the art that the rotation of the first and second bushes 7,8 will result in the gap between the adjacent connected panels 2,3 being altered by virtue of the off-centred nature of the apertures 12,13.

The first and second bushes 7,8 are octagonal in cross-section as illustrated in Fig 3.

Although not shown in Fig 3, some of the sides of the octagonal bushes 7,8 are provided with numbering, namely either or Having regard to Fig 4, there is shown an arrangement of the bushes 7,8 which allows for an 8mm gap between the edges of the respective panels 2,3. The 8mm gap is labeled 14.

Having regard to Fig 4, it may be appreciated that with the bushes 7,8 arranged in the position indicated generally by arrow 15, results in the 8mm gap 14.

Having regard to Fig 5, the arrangement of the bushes 7,8 as generally indicated by arrow 16 allows for a 12mm gap, generally indicated by arrow 17.

It will be appreciated that manipulation of the bushes 7,8 will also allow for any gap of between 8 12mm to be attained.

An advantage of having the connection device 6 with such adjustment means is that the gap between adjacently connected panels may be altered as required or as desired, or as dictated (for example) by expansion or contraction due to temperature or other factors such as slight design differences and/or imperfections in the panels.

This is of considerable advantage given that one purpose of the panel system comprising the connection device 6 is to enable the in-situ optional configuration of bi-fold panel assemblies.

Having regard to Fig 6, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a connection device, generally indicated by arrow 18. The connection device 18 is essentially the same as that indicated by arrow 6 in the previous figures, except that the bushes and connection means are longer (along the longitudinal axes of same), namely they are approximately 30mm in length. Moreover, the connection device is positioned substantially at the (longitudinal) mid-point 19 of the two hinges 20,21, to which it is fitted.

By positioning the connection device 18 in such a central position, it prevents any substantive moving or flexing of the hinges 20,21, and thereby provides for a more secure and snug fit between the respective panels 22,23, to which the hinges 20,21 are fitted.

Having regard to FIG. 7,.there is shown a side view of an embodiment where there are provided a pair of connection devices 24,25 for connecting the hinges 26 (only 1 hinge 26 shown due to the nature of the view being a side view) of adjacent (or abutting) panels and/or a panel to an edge of the frame. In such an embodiment, the pair of connection devices 24,25 are fitted at the top 27 and the bottom 28 of the two hinges 26. As per the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that such an arrangement will minimize any relative flexing between the two hinges to which the pair of connection devices 24, 25 are fitted.

We believe the advantages of our invention to be as follows, however it should be appreciated that all such advantages may not be realised on all embodiments of the invention and the following list is given by way of example only as being indicative of potential advantages of the present invention. Furthermore it is not intended that the advantages of the present invention be restricted to those of the list which follows: i. The hi-fold panel system of the invention, having two or more bi-fold panel assemblies which can be optionally connected in-situ to each other to give different folding configurations, enables different bi-fold panel configurations to be optionally selected after installation. Hence versatility of the bi-fold panel system is improved, enabling a reduction in the number of different parts required, and stock holding, and moreover enabling the configuration to be changed in-situ to suit different requirements.

2. The connection device allows for the gap between adjacently joined panels (and/or a panel and the edge of the frame) to be readily and easily altered, as and when required or desired.

3. Further to point 2 above, the gap between adjacently joined panels (and/or a panel and the edge of the frame) may be separately altered for the top and bottom of adjacently joined panels (and/or a panel and the edge of the frame).

4. By positioning the connection device in a central position (as per FIG. it prevents any moving or flexing of the hinges and thereby provides for a more secure fit between the respective panels.

By utilizing a pair of connection devices (as per FIG. any moving or flexing of the hinges in minimized or negated, thereby providing for a more secure fit between the respective panels.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A panel system including: at least two panels, each panel having a hinge for hinged connection to a frame, and a connection device for releasably connecting the hinges of adjacent (or abutting) panels together and/or a panel to an edge of the frame, the arrangement and construction being such that said connection device includes adjustment means for adjusting the gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

2. A connection device for a panel system according to claim 1.

3. A connection device for a panel system, according to claim 2, wherein said connection device includes: a first bush adapted to enclose a portion of the hinge of a first panel, a second bush adapted to enclose a corresponding portion of either the hinge of a second panel or the hinge of the edge of the frame, and connection means forjoining the first and second bushes, thereby joining the first panel to the second panel or the first panel to the edge of the frame.

4. A connection device for a panel system, according to claim 3, wherein said connection means is in the form of two releasably joinable clamps, adapted to be clamped around the first and second bushes.

A connection device for a panel system, according to either one of claim 3 and claim 4, wherein apertures through the first and/or second bushes are off-centre.

6. A connection device for a panel system, according to claim 5, wherein rotation of said bushes, with said off-centre apertures, provides for said adjustment means for adjusting the gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

7. A connection device for a panel system, according to any one of claim 3 through claim 6, wherein said first and/or second bushes are polygonal in cross-section.

8. A connection device for a panel system, according to any one of claim 3 through claim 7, wherein said first and/or second bushes are octagonal in cross-section.

9. A panel system according claim 1, wherein said connection device is fitted substantially at longitudinal mid points of the two hinges to which it is fitted.

10. A panel system, according to either one of claim 1 and claim 9, wherein there are provided a pair of connection devices for connecting the hinges of adjacent (or abutting) panels and/or a panel to an edge of the frame.

11. A panel system including at least two panels, with each panel having a hinge for hinged connection to a frame, wherein there is provided a connection device for releasably connecting the hinges of adjacent panels (and/or abutting panels) together and/or a panel to an edge of the frame, with the arrangement and construction being such that said connection device includes adjustment means for adjusting a gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

12. A panel system according to claim wherein said connection device includes: a first bush adapted to enclose a portion of the hinge of a first panel, and a second bush adapted to enclose a corresponding portion of either the hinge of a second (adjacent or abutting) panel or a hinge portion of the edge of the frame.

13. A panel system according to claim 12, wherein said connection device includes connection means for joining the first and second bushes, thereby joining the first panel to the second panel and/or the first panel to the edge of the frame.

14. A panel system according to claim 13, wherein said connection means is in the form of two releasablyjoinable clamps, adapted to be clamped around the first and second bushes.

A panel system according to any one of claim I I through claim 14, wherein said connection device is provided with adjustment means for adjusting the gap between connected panels and/or between a panel and the edge of the frame.

16. A panel system according to claim 15, wherein said adjustment means is provided for by virtue of the first and/or second bushes having apertures therethrough which are off- centre.

17. A panel system according to either one of claim 15 and claim 16, wherein said first and/or second bushes are polygonal in cross-section.

18. A panel system according to any one of claim 15 through claim 17, wherein said first and/or second bushes are octagonal in cross-section.

19. A panel system according to any one of claim 11 through claim 18, wherein said connection device is fitted substantially at longitudinal midpoints of the two hinges to which it is fitted.

A panel system according to any one of claim 11 through claim 18, wherein there is provided a pair of connection devices for connecting the hinges of adjacent (or abutting) panels and/or a panel to an edge of the frame.

21. A panel system substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A connection device for a panel system substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Aluminium Sys ms NZ Limited By their Patent Attorneys M. J. SERVICE ASSOCIATES