AU2018101567A4 - Sliding panel track system - Google Patents

Abstract

Sliding panel track system Abstract A sliding panel track (100) comprising a body portion (110) having at least two longitudinally extending openings (120, 130) formed in the body portion (110), each opening (120, 130) defining a longitudinally extending channel (140). The sliding panel track (100) includes a longitudinally extending pelmet arm (170) extending away from the body portion (100), the pelmet arm (170) being generally perpendicular to a surface of the body portion (110) which defines a base of each channel (140). A return (175) extends away from the body portion (110) on an opposing side of the body portion (110) relative to the pelmet arm (170). r? 140 Fig. 1 175

Description

invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

2018101567 19 Oct 2018

Sliding panel track system

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a sliding panel track system. In particular, the present invention relates to a sliding panel track system for use with shutters. However, it will be appreciated that the sliding panel track system may be used with other sliding panels.

Background of the Invention [0002] Window coverings such as Venetian blinds have been traditionally used to provide selective privacy and light transmissibility. However, Venetian blinds suffer from several drawbacks, and they are known to suffer from being damaged by excessive drafts and wind. Furthermore, the blinds are known to move erratically in breezes, which can be disturbing, and which may reduce the functionality of the Venetian blind for the intended purpose.

[0003] In recent times, shutters have become increasingly common due to their architectural appeal, and due to their favourable characteristics which overcome the aforementioned problems with Venetian blinds. Traditionally, plantation shutters are typically installed in a fixed configuration, meaning the frame of the shutter, to which the blades are pivotally secured, is fixed permanently in front of a window or other such opening. The shutters are generally permanently attached to the window, and light and/or air flow is achieved by changing the inclination of the array of shutter blades relative to the frame. Shutter installations as described above are visually appealing and provide favourable thermal properties. However, one disadvantage is that in such arrangements the shutters generally permanently cover the window, meaning there is limited ability to completely remove the blades from the window.

[0004] In some installations, the shutter blades are mounted to an internal frame which is pivotally connected to an external frame, which is secured to the window frame or reveal. This arrangement permits the internal frame to be opened relative to the external frame. In practice, this enables a user to pivotally open the internal frame to clean the window or the shutters. In addition, the internal frame can be left open to achieve increased light and air transmissibility than the shutter blades permit. However, this arrangement suffers from several drawbacks, and is generally not suitable for use with door openings, especially door openings having multiple side by side panes, as the pivotally opening panels are likely to clash and/or be unsightly.

2018101567 19 Oct 2018 [0005] Shutters are increasingly being specified and installed in wide ranging applications, extending beyond their traditional applications.

[0006] In scenarios where panels, such as shutters, doors, louvers or other screens are intended to be mounted in a sliding relationship to simultaneously cover an opening or several adjacent glass doors or windows, it is common for the panels to be mounted on longitudinally extending tracks. Typically the weight of the panel is supported by an upper track, mounted above the panels. The lower track, which is located beneath the panels, generally serves a guiding function only, to prevent panel swing, and may be omitted in some installations. However, once the panels are secured to the upper track, the interface between the panels and the track is generally visible, along with a portion of the roller carriages that connect the panels to the track. Furthermore, to enable simultaneous sliding, the panels are normally mounted on multiple parallel tracks, and the set back of adjacent panels is particularly visible when looking at the upper edges of the panels.

[0007] It is generally considered that the visibility of the upper track and roller dolly is aesthetically undesirable, and should be avoided where possible. To overcome this drawback, a pelmet is often fitted in front of the track and the upper edge of the panels. The use of a pelmet generally overcomes the visual drawbacks described above. However, the fitting of the pelmet requires additional labour and time, and hence increases the cost of the installation.

Object of the Invention [0008] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention [0009] The present invention provides a sliding panel track comprising:

a body portion having at least two longitudinally extending openings formed in the body portion, each opening defining a longitudinally extending channel;

a longitudinally extending pelmet arm extending away from the body portion, the pelmet arm being generally perpendicular to a surface of the body portion which defines a base of each channel, and a return extending away from the body portion on an opposing side of the body portion relative to the pelmet arm.

2018101567 19 Oct 2018 [0010] Preferably the body potion is generally rectangular and the return extends away from a corner of the rectangular body portion which is furthest from the pelmet arm.

[0011] The return is preferably defined by a longitudinally extending elbow shaped projection which extends longitudinally, the return including a first return portion which extends generally parallel with the pelmet arm and a second return portion which extends generally perpendicular to the pelmet arm.

[0012] A longitudinally extending projection preferably extends along an inside of each opening, the projection extends toward a base region of the channel and provides a support surface for wheels or a roller carriage.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Fig. 1 is an end view of an extrusion according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Fig. 2 is an end view of an extrusion according to a second embodiment of the invention; and [0016] Fig. 3 is an end view of an extrusion according to a third embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0017] An extruded sliding panel track 100 is disclosed in Fig. 1. The track 100 is preferably manufactured from aluminium by an extrusion process. However, it will be appreciated that the track 100 may be fabricated from other metals, alloys thereof or suitable polymers.

[0018] After extrusion, the track 100 may be powder coated, anodised or otherwise finished to achieve a desired colour or range of colours.

[0019] Referring to Fig. 1, the track 100 includes a body portion 110, having a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. There are two longitudinally extending openings 120, 130 formed in the body portion 110. Each opening 120, 130 defines a channel 140. The two channels 140 are sized to receive a roller carriage (not shown). The roller carriage is typically provided by a body portion having one or two pairs of wheels, which extend laterally away from the body portion. A stem 185 extends downwardly away from the body portion 110, and the stem 185 is threaded or alternatively includes some other engagement formation to secure the stem to a sliding panel 195.

2018101567 19 Oct 2018 [0020] Referring to Fig. 1, on the inside of each opening 120, 130, there is a longitudinally extending projection or rib 150, which extends toward the base of the channel 140. The projection or rib 150 provides a seat for the wheels to roll on.

[0021] The dimensions of the channels 140 are such that each opening 120, 130 is narrower than the width of the channel 140. In practice this means that the roller carriage can be longitudinally inserted into one end of the extrusion, and the roller carriage is unable to fit through the openings 120, 130. Accordingly, once an end cap or other such restriction is placed at each end of the extruded track 100, there is minimal likelihood of the roller carriage (and the sliding panel) unintentionally coming out of the track 100 through the openings 120, 130.

[0022] Alternatively, the roller carriage may be inserted at an inclination such that the stem 185 of the roller carriage is angled at some angle, such as 45 degrees, relative to a surface plane of the sliding panel 195. This permits the roller carriage to be inserted or removed without requiring access to the end of the extruded track 100. This is of benefit when the track 100 is installed in a location with little or no clearance at each end.

[0023] The track 100 includes an integrated pelmet, in the form of the longitudinally extending pelmet arm 170. The pelmet arm 170 is integrally formed during the extrusion process. The pelmet arm 170 extends away from the generally rectangular body portion 110, such that the pelmet arm 170 extends beyond one of the two shorter sides of the generally rectangular body portion 110.

[0024] When the track 100 is installed, such that the two openings 120, 130 face downwardly, the pelmet 170 is located at the front, and extends generally vertically.

[0025] The track 100 includes a return 175. The return 175 extends away from a corner of the rectangular body portion 110, furthest from the pelmet arm 170. As shown in Fig. 1, the return 175 is defined by an elbow shaped extrusion which extends longitudinally. As such, the return 175 comprises a first return portion 180 which extends generally parallel with a surface plane XX of the siding panels, (parallel with the pelmet arm 170). Furthermore the return 175 comprises a second return portion 190 which extends generally perpendicular to the surface plane XX of the siding panels (perpendicular with the pelmet arm 170).

[0026] The installation of the track 100 will now be described. The track 100 can be mounted on top of an architrave, or inside a window or door reveal. As such there are several different mounting arrangements that are possible. In some scenarios, the installer will install screws through the first return portion 180, or alternatively the second return

2018101567 19 Oct 2018 portion 190 depending on the presence of suitable structural support features. Alternatively, the installer may drill a hole into the rectangular body portion 110 by drilling through the openings 120, 130 into the base of the channel 140 to insert screws.

[0027] The extruded track 100 includes at least one partially circular, longitudinally extending formation 200 also referred to as a flute hole 200. The flute hole 200 is used to receive a fastener, preferably in the form of a screw. The flute hole 200 is used to secure an end plate (not shown) over an end of the extrusion to cover the end of the track 100, and act as a pelmet return. As the flute hole extends longitudinally through the entire length of the extrusion, it provides a fastening point for the end plate regardless of where the track 100 is cut, which is advantageous, as the installer can use the flute hole 200 regardless of the length of the track 100. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the flute holes 200 are provided in an open, partially circular format. In contrast in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the flute holes 200 are provided in a fully enclosed format. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, three flute holes 200 are provided. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one, two or more than three flute holes 200 may alternatively be provided.

[0028] A second embodiment of the extruded track 300 is disclosed in Fig. 2. The track 300 is similar to the embodiment described above. However, the spacing between the channels 320, 330 is larger. This enables shutters with larger blade widths to be used, and operated with the blades in open or closed orientations, without the risk of blade interference between adjacent panels 195.

[0029] A further variation with the second embodiment concerns the projections or ribs 350 which provide a seat for the wheels to roll on. In this embodiment, the projections or ribs 350 are rounded, resulting in a curved surface to correspond closely with the shape of the wheels. This may assist to distribute the load more evenly and provide a smoother and/or quieter operation.

[0030] Again referring to Fig. 2, the body portion 110 is divided into several distinct areas, which are each generally rectangular in cross-sectional profile, and defined by stiffening ribs formed during the extrusion process. For example, in Fig. 2, the space between each of the two channels 320, 330 is divided into two rectangular void. Similarly, the base of each channel 320, 330 defines a separate rectangular void. By dividing the track 100 into distinct voids in this way, the additional dividing ribs result in the rigidity of the track 100 being improved, allowing for the supporting of sliding panels of increased size and weight.

2018101567 19 Oct 2018 [0031] The first embodiment of the track 100, and the second embodiment of the track

300 have been described above having two channels 120, 130, 320, 330. When there are two channels 120, 130, 320, 330, two or more shutter panels can be mounted. In some arrangements, more than one shutter panel can be mounted on each channel 120, 130, 320, 330.

[0032] A third embodiment of the extruded track 400 is disclosed in Fig. 3. The track 400 is similar to the embodiment described above. However, there are three channels 420, 430, 440, which permits three adjacent sliding panels 195 to be mounted and to slide independently. The track 400 also includes stiffening ribs 450.

[0033] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tracks 100, 300 can be provided having four or more channels 120, 130, 320, 330, and are not restricted to the double and triple arrangements described above.

[0034] The track 300 of the second embodiment includes five longitudinally extending enclosed chambers 360 formed by the extrusion process. In contrast the track 100 of the first embodiment includes three longitudinally extending enclosed chambers 160.

[0035] It will be appreciated that the track 100 may be provided with one, two, three or more channels.

[0036] Advantageously, the spacing between the channels 120, 130, 320, 330 is sufficient to enable the shutter panels to be moved relative to each other regardless of the blade orientations (open or closed).

[0037] Advantageously, the tracks 100, 300 can be used internally, or alternatively in external alfresco applications.

[0038] Advantageously, the pelmet arm 170 increases the rigidity of the track 100, increasing load carrying capacity, and reducing the likelihood of the track 100 being distorted by the weight of the panels 195.

[0039] Advantageously, the tracks 100, 300 may be used in varying applications such as room dividing, wardrobe doors, in front of windows or in front of doors or as privacy screens on patios or balconies.

[0040] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

2018101567 19 Oct 2018

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A sliding panel track comprising:

   a body portion having at least two longitudinally extending openings formed in the body portion, each opening defining a longitudinally extending channel;

   a longitudinally extending pelmet arm extending away from the body portion, the pelmet arm being generally perpendicular to a surface of the body portion which defines a base of each channel, and a return extending away from the body portion on an opposing side of the body portion relative to the pelmet arm.
2. 2. The sliding panel track of claim 1, wherein the body potion is generally rectangular and the return extends away from a corner of the rectangular body portion which is furthest from the pelmet arm.
3. 3. The sliding panel track of claim 1 or 2, wherein the return is defined by a longitudinally extending elbow shaped projection which extends longitudinally, the return including a first return portion which extends generally parallel with the pelmet arm and a second return portion which extends generally perpendicular to the pelmet arm.
4. 4. The sliding panel track of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinally extending projection extends along an inside of each opening, the projection extends toward a base region of the channel and provides a support surface for wheels or a roller carriage.
5. 5. The sliding panel track of any one of the preceding claims having two or three channels.

   Asset Holdings APS Pty Ltd

   By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ©COTTERS

   Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys

   2018101567 19 Oct 2018

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   Fig. 1

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   Fig. 2

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   Fig. 3