AU2014305636B2

AU2014305636B2 - Separation devices

Info

Publication number: AU2014305636B2
Application number: AU2014305636A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hani Jaber; Simon JABER; Damion Sharp; Li Wang
Original assignee: CiiLock Engineering Pty Ltd
Current assignee: CiiLock Engineering Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-05
Filing date: 2014-03-26
Publication date: 2018-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-26
Also published as: EP3030735A4; NZ628833A; CN105473801A; HK1222689A1; EP3030735A1; WO2015017878A1; AU2014305636A1; CN105473801B

Abstract

A device (100) for bearing load to separate in a direction of separation an element from another element. The device includes two or more members (120, 121, 122) and one or more separating portions (113, 114). Each of the two or more members is mounted to slide along at least one respective slide path portion. Each of the one or more separating portions separates a respective two of the members. The slide path portions and the one or more separating portions are arranged such that relative movement of one of the members towards one of the elements moves at least one of the one or more separating portions to cause at least one other of the members to relatively move away from the one of the elements, and to accommodate misalignment of the elements whilst sharing the load between the members.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have developed, and disclosed herein are, a range of innovative products and methods for sliding panel structures. Various inventive details of these developments have application well beyond sliding panel structures. The invention is not limited to the context of sliding panel structures. Rather the invention is defined by the claims.

Some preferred forms of the invention relate to roller carriages for separating the panel of a sliding door or window from the track along which the panel slides. Other preferred forms of the invention relate to roller carriages for controlling the separation of similar panels from overlying tracks from which the panels are suspended. And yet other preferred forms of the invention relate to mechanisms for adjusting spacing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A common existing sliding door includes a panel predominantly consisting of a pane of glass surrounded by a rectangular perimeter frame formed of extruded aluminium. The lower horizontal run of the extruded aluminium frame carries roller carriages. The rollers cooperate with an underlying track and bear load {including the weight of the panel and user applied loads) to separate the panel from the track.

Conflicting design requirements apply to the wheels of the rollers. Smaller wheels allow for the extruded frame to be relatively smaller, thus reducing its cost and its visual bulk relative to the glass. On the other hand smaller wheels have less load carrying capacity.

In the past, roller sets incorporating two or more wheels journalled to rotate about respective axes fixed relative to the panel have been employed with only limited success. In practice the panel and the underlying track are never perfectly aligned meaning that one or a limited few of the wheels of each roller set bear substantially all of the load and so fail prematurely.

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Others have sought to address this problem by incorporating load sharing arrangements in which a respective wheel is carried at each end of a member pivotally connected to the panel in the manner of a seesaw such that load is shared equally between the two wheels.

Existing seesaw-like arrangements are expensive to manufacture and not as durable as they might be. In particular the components are relatively thin and there are stress concentrations in these thin components in the vicinity of the central pivot.

Some have extended this “seesaw approach to load sharing to roller sets incorporating four wheels. Australian patent application 2009208119A1 discloses four wheels suspended by three seesaw-like members.

The applicant has previously developed an advance over existing seesaw-like arrangements, which advance is disclosed in international patent publication number WO 2011/100788A1, Figure 1 of which is reproduced as Figure 1 herein.

The illustrated form of the applicant’s previous advance includes a pair of slidable members 5 carried within an elongate downwardly open housing 3. The housing 3 is intended to be mounted within a suitable cavity cut into the underside of the lower horizontal run of an extruded aluminium window frame such that wheels 17 carried by the members 5 project downwardly from the window frame.

The members 5 are in slidable abutment and move relative to each other in the vertical direction (i.e. in the direction that the window frame is separated from its underlying track) to share the load substantially equally between the wheels 17.

To achieve this load sharing, the members 5 are captured between and mounted to slide along a pair of upwardly converging slide paths defined by an end constraint within the housing 3 (not visible in Figure 1) and another end constraint 9, 13 including a horizontally slidable member 9 carried within the housing 3.

An adjusting screw 11 is provided. The adjusting screw 11 incorporates a narrow thread-free zone 39 along its threaded portion which a zone is engaged by a circlip1002191291

2014305636 04 Jun2018 like plate 15 to axially restrain the adjusting screw 11 relative to the housing 3. The screw 11 is threadingly engaged with a nut 13 of end constraint 9, 13 such that rotation of the screw 11 horizontally drives the end constraint 9, 13 along the threaded portion of the adjusting screw 11. Narrowing the space between the end constraint 9, 13 and the other end constraint (not shown) downwardly drives the members 5 (relative to the housing 3) to elevate the panel relative to its track.

At least preferred forms of the present invention aim to provide improvements in and for devices for controlling separation and/or adjustable mechanisms.

It is not admitted that any of the information in this patent specification is common general knowledge, or that the person skilled in the art could be reasonably expected to ascertain or understand it, regard it as relevant or combine it in any way at the priority date.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the present invention provides a roller carriage, for bearing load of a sliding panel to control a separation, in a direction, of the sliding panel from a track relative to which the panel slides;

the roller carriage including:

two or more members, each of which is mounted to slide along at least one respective slide path; and one or more separating portions, each of which separates a respective two of the members, each of the one or more separating portions being constrained to move transversely to the direction of separation;

wherein the slide paths and the one or more separating portions are arranged such that relative movement of one of the members towards one of the panel and track moves at least one of the one or more separating portions to cause at least one other of the members to relatively move away from said one of the panel and track to accommodate misalignment of the panel and track whilst sharing the load between the members; and

1002191291

2014305636 04 Jun2018 two end constraints to contain the members and the one or more separating portions therebetween, wherein at least one of the two end constraints is movable in a direction transverse to the direction of separation to adjust the separation.

Preferably the load is shared substantially equally between the members.

Preferably at least one of the one or more separating portions defines a divergent two of the slide path portions, and most preferably each of the divergent two of the slide path portions is inclined relative to the direction of separation.

The two end constraints are configured to constrain a respective outermost of the members. Preferably each of the end constraints defines a respective one of the slide path portions.

The roller carriage preferably includes a threaded element threadingly engaged with one of the constraints, axially restrained relative to the other of the constraints, and rotatable to adjust the separation.

Alternatively each of the movable end constraints may cooperate with a respective threaded element rotatable to adjust the separation, in which case preferably each of the threaded elements respectively is threadingly engaged with its movable end constraint and axially restrained relative to a respective portion fixed, fixable or integral to one of the elements.

Optionally each respective one of the threaded elements respectively includes an externally threaded portion

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PCT/AU2014/000312 having an axis and an outer diameter and which is so threadingly engaged; and a stop portion further from the axis than the outer diameter; and each respective constraint or portion relative to which the threaded element is axially restrained respectively includes blocking structure arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the stop portions, to axially restrain that stop portion’s threaded element in one axial direction, each of the blocking structures being further from the axis, than the outer diameter, of its threaded element.

Each of the one or more blocking structures may include at least one pin extending transversely to the axis. Preferably each of the one or more blocking structures includes two of the pins bracketing its threaded element.

Preferably each respective constraint or portion relative to which the threaded element is axially restrained respectively includes further blocking structure arranged to axially restrain its threaded element in the other axial direction whilst permitting access to the threaded element whereby the threaded element may be rotated.

At least one further member may be mounted relative to the constraints such that two portions of the at least one member move relative to the constraints along respective further slide path portions such that movement of the movable one or both constraints causes the at least one further member to move relative to the constraints to adjust the separation.

The device preferably includes three, and no more than three, of the two or more members. The device preferably includes two, and no more than two, of the separating portions.

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Preferably each of the two or more members respectively carries one or more wheels to roll along the track in a direction of travel transverse to the direction of separation.

Each of the two or more members may carry two wheels spaced from each other in a direction of spacing transverse to the direction of separation; and mounted to move relative to each other in the direction of separation to share load.

Optionally each of the two or more members a respective axle to carry each wheel;

each axle being mounted to in substance pivot about an axis transverse to each of the direction of spacing and the direction of separation.

Also disclosed herein but not claimed is a device, for bearing load to control a separation, in a direction, of an element from another element;

the device including two or more carrying portions mounted to move relative to each other in the direction of separation to share load;

each of the carrying portions carrying a respective at least two element contacting portions;

the element contacting portions of each carrying portion being spaced from each other in a direction of spacing transverse to the direction of separation; and mounted to move relative to each other in the direction of separation to share load;

the carrying portions being spaced from each other in a direction transverse to each of the direction of separation and the direction of spacing.

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Preferably each carrying portion is a carrying member. Alternatively, for example each carrying portion may itself be made up an arrangement of relatively slideable members.

Also disclosed herein but not claimed is a device, for bearing load to control a separation of an element from another element, including an elongate component extending from a load application point to another load application point to be tensioned by the load, and having an effective length from the load application point to the other load application point;

a user accessible portion by which a user may vary the effective length to vary the separation; and at least one portion about which the effective length changes direction to redirect the tension.

The user accessible portion may be a threaded member e.g. an externally threaded member for engaging teeth spaced along the elongate component.

The device preferable includes two members each of which carries a respective one of the load application points;

each of the two members being mounted to move relative to another member along a respective slide path portion;

the device being configured such that movement of one of the two members towards one of the elements causes the other of the two members to relatively move away from the one of the elements to accommodate misalignment of the elements whilst sharing the load between the members.

The device may be a device for bearing the load to separate the elements.

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Alternatively, it may be a device for bearing the load to resist separation of the elements.

Also disclosed herein but not claimed is an installed panel structure including one of the previously described devices, wherein one of the elements is a panel mounted to slide along the other element.

Also disclosed herein but not claimed is a device for running along a track and from which a panel is at least partly one of suspended and suspendable, the device including at least two portions for transmitting to the track at least part of the weight of the panel; and a load sharing arrangement for sharing the transmitted weight between the portions.

The load sharing arrangement may include structure shaped to co-operate with the portions such that each portion slides along a respective slide path portion; and wherein upward relative movement of one of the portions along its slide path portion causes another of the portions to relatively move downwardly along its slide path portion whereby the portions move to respective appropriate levels to accommodate any misalignment of the elements whilst sharing the transmitted weight.

Preferably there are two of the portions, and most preferably each of the portions is a member and the structure includes a further member separating the portions.

The portions may mutually be connected by a tether. The length of the tether may be adjustable to adjust the position of the panel relative to the track.

Also disclosed herein but not claimed is an installed panel structure including the device, the track and the panel.

Also disclosed herein but not claimed is a device, for mounting a panel, including a member for bearing at least part of the weight of the panel;

two other members horizontally bracketing the member; and a mechanism;

1002191291

2014305636 04 Jun2018 the members being configured to cooperate such that the member slides relative to each of the two other members along respective slide path portions; and the slide path portions upwardly diverge; and the mechanism being for adjusting a horizontal spacing of the two other members such that the member slides along the slide path portions to adjust a height of the panel.

Preferably the member includes two portions and each of the portions of the member respectively has a length along which one of the two other members slide relative to the member. Optionally each of the two other members respectively includes a portion having a length along which the member slides.

Preferably each of the two other members respectively carries one or more wheels.

The device may include a restraint;

wherein at least one of the two other members includes a slot spanning a horizontally distance, and

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PCT/AU2014/000312 carrying a respectively axle which in turn carries the wheel(s) of the one of the two other members; and the restraint horizontally restrains the axle relative to the wheel(s) of the other of the two other members.

Preferably the restraint is horizontally restrained relative to the member.

The device may be for hanging a panel, wherein the panel is, at least partly, suspended or suspendable from the member

An installed panel structure including the panel is also provided.

The panel of the previously mentioned installed panel structures is preferably a door 10 or a window.

Also disclosed is a device, for bearing load to separate in a direction of separation an element from another element, including two or more portions;

at least one further member;

two end constraints;

the two or more portions being mounted to move along respective slide path portions arranged such that movement of one of the two or more portions towards one of the elements causes another of the two or more portions to move away from the one of the elements to accommodate misalignment of the elements whilst sharing the load between the portions;

one or both of the end constraints being movable in a direction transverse to the direction of separation to move the two or more portions to adjust the separation;

the at least one further member being mounted relative to the constraints such that each of two portions of the at least one further member moves relative to a respective

WO 2015/017878

PCT/AU2014/000312 one of the constraints along a respective further slide path portion such that movement of the movable one or both constraints causes the at least one further member to move to adjust the separation.

Also disclosed is a device, for bearing load to separate in a direction of separation an element from another element, including two or more portions; and two end constraints;

both of the end constraints being movable in a direction transverse to the direction of separation to move the two or more portions to adjust the separation.

Also disclosed is a device, for bearing load to separate an element from another element, including a member mounted relative to structure such that two portions of the member move relative to the structure along respective slide path portions;

wherein the slide path portions are arranged such that movement, relative to the structure, of one of the portions towards one of the elements causes another of the portions to move, relative to the structure, away from the one of the elements to accommodate misalignment of the elements whilst sharing the load between the portions.

Also disclosed is a device, for bearing load to separate in a direction of separation an element from another element, including

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PCT/AU2014/000312 at least one set of two element contacting portions;

the element contacting portions of each set being configured to travel along one of the elements in a direction of travel transverse to the direction of separation;

spaced from each other in a direction of spacing transverse to each of the direction of travel and the direction of separation; and mounted to move relative to each other in the direction of separation to share load.

Also disclosed is a device, for bearing load to separate in a direction of separation an 10 element from another element, including one or more carrying members each carrying two element contacting portions; and a body portion;

the element contacting portions of each carrying member being spaced from each other in a direction of spacing transverse to each of the 15 direction of travel and the direction of separation; and configured to travel along one of the elements in a direction of travel transverse to the direction of separation;

each respective carrying member including or being carried by a portion mounted within the body portion such that the element contacting portions of the respective carrying member are mounted to move relative to each other in the direction of separation to share load.

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PCT/AU2014/000312 a number, and no more than the number, of element contacting portions arranged to contact one of the elements, and to move relative to each other in the direction of separation to share load;

the number being a positive non-zero integer other than 1,2 or 4.

Preferably the number is one of a set defined by 2n + 1 wherein n is an integer.

Also disclosed is a mechanism including two members and a threaded element for controlling the spacing of the members the threaded element including an externally threaded portion having an axis and an outer diameter and threadingly engaged with one of the members; and a stop portion further from the axis than the outer diameter; and the other member including blocking structure and further blocking structure;

the blocking structure being arranged to cooperate with the stop portion to axially restrain the threaded element in one axial direction; and further from the axis than the outer diameter;

the further blocking structure being arranged to axially restrain the threaded element in the other axial direction whilst permitting access to the threaded element whereby the threaded element may be rotated about the axis to adjust the spacing.

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Preferably the panel is a door or a window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figures 2a to 2e illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The remaining figures illustrate embodiments that may not fall within the scope of the claims but are useful for context.

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a prior art roller carriage.

Figure 2a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 2b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 2a.

Figure 2c is a cross-section view along the line A-A in Figure 2b.

Figure 2d is a perspective view of the roller carriage of Figure 2a.

Figure 2e is a close up of detail E in Figure 2c.

Figure 3a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 3b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 3a.

Figure 3c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 3b.

Figure 4a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 4b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 4a.

Figure 4c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 4b.

Figure 5a is an exploded view of a roller carriage.

Figure 5b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 5a.

Figure 5c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 5b.

Figure 6a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 6b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 6a.

Figure 6c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 6b.

Figure 6d is a perspective view of the roller carriage of Figure 6a.

Figure 6e is a transverse cross-section view of a track.

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Figure 7a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 7b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 7a.

Figure 7c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 7b.

Figure 7d is a perspective view of the roller carriage of Figure 7a.

Figure 8a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 8b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 8a.

Figure 8c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 8b.

Figure 8d is an end view of the roller carriage of Figure 8a.

Figure 8e is a perspective view of the roller carriage of Figure 8a.

Figure 9a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 9b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 9a.

Figure 9c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 9b.

Figure 9d is a perspective view of the roller carriage of Figure 9a.

Figure 9e is an end view of the roller carriage of Figure 9a.

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-section view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 11a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 11 b is a schematic cross-section view of a portion of the roller carriage of Figure 11a.

Figure 11c is a schematic cross-section view of a portion of another exemplary roller 20 carriage.

Figure 11d is a side view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 11e is a perspective view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 12a is an exploded view of an exemplary roller carriage.

Figure 12b is a top view of the roller carriage of Figure 12a.

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Figure 12c is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 12b.

Figure 12d is a perspective view of the roller carriage of Figure 12A.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 2a illustrates a device 100 for separating the panel of a sliding door from the track along which it slides. The device 100 is intended to be installed at the bottom of the panel to vertically separate the panel from an underlying track although it is also contemplated that the device 100 may be installed at the side of a vertically sliding door or window.

The device 100 includes a housing 110, end constraints 111 , 112, separating members 113, 114, adjusting screw 115, and members 120, 121 , 122.

The housing 110 is an elongate downwardly open housing predominantly consisting of a single integral moulding. The moulding defines an end constraint 111 having a slide path 111a (Figure 2c) and a space in which the components 112, 113, 114,

120, 121 , 122 are carried.

The end constraint 112 is also predominantly formed of a single integral moulding. The moulding is shaped to present an inclined track 112d along which the member 122 may slide. A respective side tab 112c projects from each side of the moulding to cooperate with suitable guide tracks 110d of moulding 110. In this example each of the tracks 110d takes the form of a respective horizontal slot opening through a respective vertical side wall of the housing 110. Each tab 112c runs along its track 110d such that the end constraint 112 is itself constrained to slide horizontally. This horizontal direction is transverse, and indeed perpendicular, to the direction of separation in this example, and in this example happens to correspond to the direction of travel of the panel.

The moulding of the end constraint 112 at its outermost end defines a pair of openings 112e, 112f. The opening 112e is rectangular in cross-section and runs from side to side of the moulding to receive and hold against rotation a nut 112b having a square outer periphery. The opening 112f is a blind bore bisecting the opening 112e to receive the adjusting screw 115, or more specifically its threaded portion 115a, so that it may threadingly engage, and if necessary extend beyond, the nut 112b. The screw 1 15 is thus threadingly engaged with the end constraint 112.

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The screw 115 is axially restrained in both axial directions relative to the housing 110 with the aid of blocking structure in the form of pins 110a and further blocking structure 110c. The pins are received within complementary bores 110b formed in the housing 110 and extend horizontally across the housing 110 respectively above and below the threaded portion 115a such that the threaded portion is bracketed by the pins 110a. The pins 110a are spaced from the axis 115d of the threaded portion 115a beyond that portion's periphery 115e. The pins 110a cooperate with a stop portion, in the form of screw head 115b, to axially restrain the screw 115.

The further blocking structure 110c takes the form of the outer periphery of an opening dimensioned to axially restrain the screw 115 whilst permitting access to the screw's tool engaging portion in the form of grooves 115c. In this example the screw head 115b presents an annular surface facing axially away from the threaded portion to abut and complement the further structure 110c.

The blocking structures 110a, 110c cooperate to restrain the screw 115 relative to the housing 110 in both axial directions without a thread-free zone. This avoids the expense and reduction in strength associated with machining a thread-free zone.

The members 113, 114 are substantially identical to each other. Each is approximately triangular in side elevation including a horizontal top surface and a symmetric pair of downwardly converging sides. The sides define guide tracks 113a,

113b. Each of the members 113, 114 incorporates side tabs analogous to side tab 112c and cooperable with tracks analogous to side track 110d whereby the members 113, 114 are constrained to slide horizontally along the housing 110.

The member 120 is approximately trapezoidal when viewed in side elevation including a horizontal base, a horizontal top and a symmetric pair of upwardly converging sides 120c, 120d.

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The side 113a defines a slide path along which the member 120 slides relative to the member 113. In this example, the edge 120d also defines a slide path along which the member 113 slides relative to the member 120. The sides 113a, 120d are configured to constrain the member 120 so that it cannot move away from the member 113 in a direction transverse to the slide path. For this purpose the track 113a in cross-section transverse to its length includes a narrow neck carrying a bulbous end portion and the side 120d, likewise in cross-section transverse to its length, has a complementary shape including a bulbous cavity opening outwardly via a narrow throat. The cavity receives the end portion. The other sliding interactions of members 120, 121, 122 with the end constraints 111, 112 and separating members 113, 114 are relevantly similar.

The member 120 is a downwardly open hollow structure internally carrying a wheel 120a. An axle 120b passes through the side walls of the member 120 to carry the wheel 120a. In this example the wheel 120a incorporates a ball bearing.

The members 120, 121 and 122, in this example, are substantially identical and carry identical wheels etc.

Figure 2c illustrates the carriage 100 as it would appear when separating two parallel elements. During the life of the door carried by the carriage 100 (both in terms of during a single opening and/or closing of the door, and in terms of building settlement etc over time) the members 113, 114, 120, 121, 122 move relative to each other and to the end constraints 111, 112 to accommodate misalignment between the door and its track whilst sharing load between the wheels.

By way of example, if the wheel of member 120 is presented with a bump in the track, member 120 will move upwards (i.e. towards the door) relative to the housing

110 • by sliding along the slide path defined by end constraint 111; and by sliding along the slide path defined by side 113a.

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As the member 120 moves upwardly, and to the right along the end constraint 111, it horizontally drives the member 113, in the manner of a wedge, towards the right hand side. The member 113 in turn acts on the member 121 tending to drive it downwardly and to the right which in turn influences the member 122 via the separating member 114. Thus the load is shared substantially equally between the members 120, 121, 122 (and between the wheels carried by those members) despite any irregularity in the track.

The carriage 100 is height adjustable. Rotating screw 115 serves to horizontally drive the end constraint 112. Figure 2c illustrates the roller in its fully raised position. From this position, anti-clockwise rotation of the screw 115 with a Phillips head screwdriver will cause the end constraint 112 to move to the right thus allowing the members 113, 114, 120, 121, 122 to spread by moving by varying amounts to the right. In doing so whilst the members 113, 114 remain constrained in their vertical position relative to the housing 110 the members 120, 121, 122 (and the wheels carried thereby) move upwardly relative to the housing 110. It will be appreciated that in this movement the wheels in fact remain in contact with the track and it is the housing 110, and the panel carried thereby, which moves downwardly.

End constraint 111 and members 113, 120 are cooperably configured so that member 113 moves into abutment with the end constraint 111 when the member 120 is in its lower most position and in this position the member 120 remains in engagement with constraint 111 and member 113. Thus the member 120 cannot fall out of the housing 110. The other members 121, 122 are likewise restrained relative to the members 113, 114 and 114, 112a respectively.

Figure 3a details another roller carriage 200 differing from the carriage 100 by the inclusion of a single wheel carrying member 220 in place of the members 113, 114, 120,121, 122.

The member 220 is a downwardly open hollow integrally formed member carrying a pair of wheels 220c, 220d. The member 220 is carried within housing 210 between a pair of upwardly converging slide paths defined by end constraints 211,212. Member

220 can rock within this space so that load (e.g. the weight of the door) is shared

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PCT/AU2014/000312 between the end portions 220a, 220b of the member 220. This rocking action involves the end portions 220a, 220b each sliding along a respective one of the end constraints 211,212.

Each of the wheels 220c, 220d is mounted within the member 220 generally towards one of the ends 220a, 220b so as to move with that end such that the load is shared between the wheels 220c, 220d substantially equally.

Figure 3a illustrates a simple example of the invention including simple sliding interfaces between the portions 220a, 220b and the constraints 211,212 respectively. Unlike the analogous sliding interfaces in the carriage 110, these interfaces do not serve to restrain the member 220 from falling out of the housing 210, e.g. if the panel is lifted from its track for servicing. It is preferred that the carriage 200 incorporates some means to prevent the member 220 (or an analogous member) falling out during servicing (e.g. falling out relative to the end constraints 211,212). A simple friction fit between the long side faces of the member 212 and the complementary long internal side face of the housing 210 is one suitable means of retention.

Turning to Figure 4a, the carriage 300 is similar to the carriage 200 in that it includes a single member 320 carrying a pair of wheels spaced in the direction of travel. The member 320 is carried within housing 310. Instead of the simple sliding interfaces of the carriage 200, the carriage 300 is equipped with a pair of slide blocks 321,322. Each of the slide blocks 321, 322 is pivotally connected to a respective end 320a, 320b of the member 320 to pivot relative to the member 320 about a respective axis transverse to the member 320. Each slide block 321, 322 is mounted to slide along a respective slide path along one of the constraints 311, 312 such that its respective end portion 320a, 320b likewise slides along that slide path.

It is contemplated that each of the slide blocks 321, 322 (and the corresponding portions of the constraints 311,312) incorporate interlocking features to form an interlocking sliding interface akin to the interface 113a, 120d. Such an interlocking interface is one means of retaining the block 320 relative to the end constraints 311,

312.

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Figure 5a illustrates a roller carriage 400 in which each of the end constraints 411, 412 is associated with a respective adjusting mechanism (each incorporating a respective one of the adjusting screws 415, 415’) such that the height of the roller carriage 400 may be adjusted from one or both ends. This advantageously avoids the requirement for producing left hand/right hand versions of the carriage and so reduces inventory costs.

In this example the members 420, 421 are in slidable abutment so that they move vertically to share load. These members also incorporate features cooperable 422 to limit the relative vertical movement of the members 420, 421 relative to each other.

The features cooperable 422 in this example take the form of each member including a respective projection and recess dimensioned to cooperate with a complementary projection and recess of the other member. In this example the members 420, 421 are substantially identical.

Figures 6a to 6d illustrate a roller carriage 500 for running along a track 550 of the type illustrated in Figure 6e. The track 550 has a substantially constant cross-section along its length including a base 551, and a vertical wall 552 projecting upwardly from each of the long edges of the base. A respective horizontal flange 553 projects from the top of each wall 552 horizontally towards the centre of the track 550. An opening 554 is defined between the flanges 553. The track 550 may be formed by extrusion.

The carriage 500 includes a body 530 in the form of a long rectangular block having a square boss projecting upwardly from its top surface. Cylindrical through holes 531, 532, 533 extend transversely through the block. The through hole 532 sits on the longitudinal centre of the block and is upwards of its vertical centre. The through holes 531,533 are substantially identical to each other and are set towards the ends of the block 530 and equispaced from the bore 532.

Cylindrical blind bores 534, 535 open horizontally from the centres of the end faces of the block 530. The blind bores 534, 535 respectively intersect the through bores 533, 531. A blind bore 536 opens vertically from the square boss and intersects the

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PCT/AU2014/000312 through bore 532. The bore 536 is oval in cross-section, its long axis being aligned with the long axis of block 530.

A respective cylindrical plug 542 is concentrically carried within each bore 534, 535. Each plug 542 has a cylindrical exterior and is transversely bisected by a cylindrical bore positioned to approximately align with one of the bores 531,533. A pair of cylindrical members 540 constitute axles and are dimensioned for receipt within the transverse bores of the plugs 542. Each of the axles 540 carries a respective wheel 541 at each of its ends. The wheels 541 are configured to roll along the base 551 of the track (within the confines of its walls 552) in a direction of travel aligned with the axis of the plugs 542 and bores 534, 535. The plugs 542 rotate within their bores 534, 535 such that the axles 540 pivot about the axis of the plug 542 whereby each wheel of the pair of wheels carried by each axle can move vertically relative to the other wheel of the pair to share load.

The bore 532 receives a cylindrical plug 543 partly bisected by an upwardly open cylindrical blind bore.

This upwardly open blind bore is dimensioned to receive a downwardly projecting hinge pin of the panel to be carried, and separated from the track 550, by the carriage 500. The plug 543 rotates within the horizontal bore 532 whereby the member 530 may rotate relative to the carried panel to share load between the axles

540.

Thus a “dual seesaw” arrangement is disclosed in which four wheels 541 of a rectangular array of wheels equally share load and which has a more robust construction than existing seesaw-like arrangements. Each seesaw of this arrangement constitutes an independent self-levelling arrangement. Other self25 levelling arrangements are possible.

A respective cylindrical spigot 537 projects upwardly from the top surface of block 530 fore and aft of the square boss. Each spigot 537 carries a respective bearing 544 dimensioned to extend beyond the sides of the block 530. The bearings 544 cooperate with the flanges 553 to resist rotation of the carriage about the downwardly

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PCT/AU2014/000312 projecting hinge pin of the carried panel (not shown); thus rotation about any vertical axis is restricted.

Each axle 540 is mounted to slide through its plug 542. Thus each axle 540 is an example of a transversely movable member carrying element contacting portion(s).

Such members allow for lateral adjustment of the position of the element contacting portion(s) (in this case lateral adjustment of the position of the wheels 541 relative to the body 530). Such adjustment advantageously allows for the element contacting portion(s) to “float” laterally to accommodate inaccuracies in the extrusion profile. Indeed the wheels 541 may shift to allow the carriage 500 to cooperate with variants of the track 550 in which the opening 554 is not centred.

The illustrated construction is considered to be compact, solid and strong. In particular it is considered to be stronger than an alternate arrangement in which each axle 540 is carried by a respective stub axle and in which the stub axles are likely points of failure. Advantageously the spigots 537 are mounted right on top of the axles 540.

Figures 7a to 7d illustrate a roller carriage 600 incorporating selected features of the carriages 400, 500 and additional features.

Like the carriage 500, the carriage 600 includes a pair of axles 640 each of which extends transversely to the direction of travel, carries a respective wheel 641 at each of its ends, and is mounted to pivot about an axis parallel to the direction of travel to allow load sharing between those transversely spaced wheels.

In contrast to the carriage 500, in the carriage 600 the plugs 542 are replaced with sliding interfaces 642 and the central pivot mechanism is replaced with a load sharing mechanism akin to the load sharing mechanism of carriage 400.

Each axle 640 has short cylindrical end portions for cooperating with the wheels and a more complex profile between these end portions. As is evident in Figure 7c, the axle 640 has vertical side walls cooperable with vertical sides walls of through holes passing transversely through the block 621,622 to orient the axle 640. The sliding

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PCT/AU2014/000312 surface 642 is formed by a cylindrical cut out having an axis transverse to the axis of the axle. The through bores of the member 621,622 include complementary convex cylindrical ceilings cooperable with the sliding surfaces 642 to enable the axle 640 to pivot about an axis parallel to the direction of travel.

The blocks 621,622 are akin to the members 420, 421 and are constrained between end constraints 611,612. The end constraints 611, 612 are dowelled by adjusting screw 615. The screw 615 passes with clearance through a through bore of constraint 611 and threadingly engages the constraint 612. Constraints 611,612 and blocks 621,622 are all received within the downwardly open housing 610 and can move relative thereto. Tightening the screw 615 closes the spacing of the constraints 611,612 and so downwardly drives the members 612, 622 so as to elevate a panel carried by the carriage 600.

A further member 623 sits above members 621,622 and is bracketed by, and in abutment with each of, the constraints 611,612.

The constraints 611,612 together define a pair of downwardly diverging slide paths to act on the members 621,622 and a pair of upwardly diverging slide paths for acting on the further member 623. Thus each of the constraints 611,612 takes the form of a wedge horizontally directed inwards such that tightening the screw 615 drives the wedges between the members 621,622 and the member 623 so as to elevate the member 623 relative to the members 611, 612 so as to elevate a panel carried by the carriage 600.

The member 623 takes the form of a short inverted T. The horizontal arms of the T terminate in upwardly diverging faces complementary to the faces of the constraint 611,612. The upwardly projecting central portion of the member 623 is a square profiled boss from which an upwardly directed cylindrical blind bore opens to receive the downwardly projecting hinge pin of a panel to be carried by the carriage.

Each of the members 621,622, 623 includes a lengthwise cut out dimensioned to embrace and clear the screw 615.

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In this example the screw 615 extends at a slight downward inclination from horizontal, allowing for better engagement of a screwdriver with the screw head when the carriage 600 is within a channel.

The housing 610 is predominantly formed of a thin-walled moulding. It includes a pair of downwardly open inverted U-shaped cut outs projecting through and spaced along each of its long side walls to accommodate the axles 640. It also includes a square tubular boss opening vertically from its top surface. The interior of the tubular boss is complementary to the upward extension of the member 623 so as to guide the member 623 to slide vertically therethrough. A respective cylindrical spigot 637 projects upwardly from the housing 610 fore and aft of the tubular boss to carry the bearings 644 as in the spigots 537 and bearings 544 of the carriage 500.

The head of the screw 615 projects through an opening in the end wall of the housing 610.

Figures 8a to 8e detail carriage 700. The carriage 700 is similar to the carriage 600 excepting that the members 621, 622 are replaced by a single integral member 720. The member 720 is analogous in operation to the member 220 and carries cylindrical plugs 742, axles 740 and transversely spaced wheels 741 for transverse load sharing between the wheels 741 as in the transverse load sharing arrangement 542, 540,

541.

Figures 9a to 9e detail carriage 800. The carriage 800 is similar to the carriage 700 excepting that all four wheels 841 are carried by a single pivotally mounted carrying member in the form of axle 840.

The carriage 800 includes members 820, 823 (akin to members 720, 723) spaced by end constraints 811, 812 (akin to end constraints 611,612). The end constraints 811,

812 are movable to adjust the height of a panel carried by the carriage 800.

A longitudinal bore 834 passes horizontally through the member 820 and is transversely bisected by a horizontal through bore 833. The bores 833, 834 each have a cylindrical interior.

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Cylindrical plug 842 (substantially identical to the plug 742) is concentrically received within the bore 834 to pivot about the axis of that bore. The axle 840, in the form of a simple cylindrical member, passes horizontally through the bore 833 and through the plug 842.

A respective member 840a is pivotally connected to each end of the axle 840. Each member 840a takes the form of a horizontally-long upright plate and carries a respective stub axle 840b at each of its end. A respective wheel 841 is mounted to each stub axle 840b.

In operation, the axle 840 carries the wheels 841 via the members 840a and stub axles 840b. The axle 840 is carried by the plug 842. The plug 842 is mounted within the member 820 such that its cylindrical exterior slidingly cooperates with the cylindrical interior of the bore 834 to allow axle 840 to pivot about an axis parallel to the direction of travel. By this pivoting motion load is shared between the pair of wheels at one end of the axle 840 and the pair of wheels at the other end of the axle

840. In addition to this “transverse load sharing”, the pivotal mounting of the members 840a to the ends of the axle 840 allows each of those members to, independently of the other, pivot (about the axis of the axle 840) to share load between the two wheels carried by that member.

Thus another “dual seesaw” arrangement is disclosed in which load may be equally shared between four wheels regardless of irregularities in the track or other misalignments between the panel and the track.

In the variants described thus far, various slidable one or more members have been captured between a pair of end constraints which each define an inclined side path. Other variants are possible. To illustrate, one other variant is schematically illustrated in Figure 10 (drawing sheet 1). Figure 10 illustrates carriage 900 including a housing 910 defining end constraint 911 in the form of a simple vertical wall. The end constraint 912 presents to slidable member 922 an inclined slide path and is thus akin to the constraint 112. There are three slide blocks 920, 921, 922 each being in abutment with its neighbouring one(s) of the members 920, 921,922. The member

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920 is also in abutment with the constraint 911. The member 922 is also in abutment with the constraint 912.

Load is effectively shared between the members 920, 921,922 so long as each member is constrained between a respective pair of upwardly converging sliding 5 interfaces. This condition may be satisfied when one of the interfaces is vertical (i.e. 04 = 90°) so long as the other sliding interfaces are progressively more steeply inclined from vertical; i.e. 04 > 03 > a₂ > a-|.

Figure 11a is an exploded view of a roller carriage 1000 in which a pair of members 1020, 1021 bracket a central wedge member 1011. Rather than sliding along slide paths defined by end constraints as in the previously described roller carriages, the members 1020, 1021 slide along the central member 1011. For this purpose the member 1011 is a wedge member including a pair of downwardly converging peripheral portions along which the members 1020, 1021 slide. These peripheral portions are shaped, in a manner akin to the sides 13a, and the members 1020, 1021 have complementary portions whereby those members are constrained to slide along the slide paths thus defined.

The member 1011 further includes an upwardly open blind cylindrical boss in which the lower end of a hinge pin of a panel is receivable. Via this interconnection the weight of the panel, or at least part of the weight of the panel, is applied to the member 1011. The applied weight is in turn transmitted to the members 1020, 1021.

The wedge member 1011 is received within a V-shaped space defined by the members 1020, 1021 such that the height of the member 1011, and in turn the height of the panel carried thereby, is determined by the horizontal spacing of the members 1020, 1021.

The carriage 1000 includes a mechanism for adjusting the horizontal spacing of the members 1020, 1021 in the form of a length adjustable strip assembly 1015. The assembly 1015 includes a strip 1015a, a screw 1015b and an adjusting screw 1015c. The strip 1015a is steel strip about 10mm wide by about 0.5mm thick. The member 1021 includes an outwardly directed vertical face towards its outer end (i.e. towards

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PCT/AU2014/000312 the end away from components 1011, 1020). A horizontal blind bore 1021a is formed towards the top of this face. As will be described, force is applied to the strip assembly 1015 via this bore, thus the bore 1021a constitutes a force application point.

A hole opens through the strip 1015a close to one of its ends. This hole is skewered by the screw 1015b which screw in turn engages the bore 1021a to fix the strip 1015a to the member 1021a.

In the example of Figure 11a (as schematically illustrated in Figure 11b) the screw 1015c is attached to the member 1020 at a mounting point 1020a so that it is vertically oriented and restrained yet free to rotate. The strip 1015a includes a set of teeth 1015d towards its other end (i.e. its end away from its screw receiving hole). The teeth 1015d could be ridges, but in this example are slots, spaced along the length of the strip 1015a but extending transversely to its length. The teeth 1015d together constitute a rack.

The screw 1015c engages the teeth 1015d such that tightening the screw 1015c upwardly drives the teeth 1015d and so tightens the strip 1015a. This tightening reduces the effective length EL-i, of the strip assembly 1015 so as to narrow the gap between the members 1020, 1021 and in turn upwardly drive the member 1011 and the panel carried thereby.

Conveniently the head of the screw 1015c and its tool receiving recess are upwardly presented for convenient user access and the strip bends around the lower corner 1020b of member 1020 to redirect the tension in the strip 1015a; i.e. tension is redirected from the upward drawing of the teeth 1015d to horizontally act on the members 1020, 1021. Desirably the portion 1020b, about which the strip 1015 is bent, is smoothly radiused although this is not essential.

The mounting point 1020a of the member 1020 is the point through which force is transmitted to and from the strip assembly 1015 and thus constitutes another load application point.

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The combination of screw 1015c and rack of teeth 1015d is but one form of possible length adjustment mechanism. There are many other possibilities, one of which is schematically illustrated in Figure 11c. In the variant of Figure 11c the screw 1015c' is again vertically oriented and vertically restrained but free to rotate relative to the member 1020’. This screw threadingly engages an out-turned end portion of the strip 1015a'. Again, tightening the screw 1015c' serves to reduce the effective length of the strip assembly which in turn raises the height of the panel carried by the roller carriage. To emphasise, other forms of adjustment mechanisms are possible. The screw 1015c (or 1015c') is not essential. Byway of example the strip assembly 1015 may take the form of a ratchet strap.

In this example each of the members 1020, 1021 includes a horizontal slot 1022. Each of the slots 1022 respectively carries a bushing 1023 and an axle 1024. Each bushing 1023 is a cylindrical bushing dimensioned to internally receive its axle 1024 and for a sliding fit within its slot 1022.

The close sliding fit between each bushing 1023 and its slot 1022 is such that the relevant axle 1024 is fixed to move vertically with its member 1020 (or 1021) yet (within a limited range of motion dictated by the length of slot 1022) is free to move horizontally relative to its member 1020 (or 1021).

Also through the interaction of the bushing 1023 with interior of the slot 1022 the portion of the weight of the panel borne by each of the members 1020, 1021 is transmitted to that member’s wheels 1025 via its bushing 1023 and axle 1024.

In a manner akin to the aforedescribed embodiments having converging end constraints, the roller carriage 1000, including its upwardly diverging central slide paths, includes a robust load sharing arrangement by which the weight borne by the portion 1011 is shared between its two axles. To illustrate: a bump in an underlying track that serves to upwardly drive the member 1021 (i.e. drive that member upwards towards the carried panel) would cause that member to slide upwardly along the member 1011 and, via the strip assembly 1015, horizontally draw the member 1020 to move downwardly (i.e. away from the carried panel) along the member 1011. It will

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PCT/AU2014/000312 be appreciated that the members will continue moving in this way until each bears a substantially equal portion of the weight.

The carriage 1000 further includes a pair of restraint bars 1030, one of which is positioned on each side of the members 1020, 1021. Each restraint bar 1030 takes the form of a rectangular plate lying in a vertical plane and running horizontally. A respective through-hole 1030a opens through each end of each restraint bar 1030. The through-holes 1030a are dimensioned to pass over the axles 1024 with a close sliding fit thus the restraint bars 1030 serve to horizontally restrain the axles 1024 (and the two pairs of wheels 1025 carried thereby) relative to each other. This ensures that the horizontal spacing of the wheels remains substantially constant regardless of the vertical adjustment of the carriage 1000 or the changing vertical relative disposition of the members 1020, 1021 for load sharing. For present purposes the very small changes in the horizontal relative disposition of the axles 1024 associated with the changing shallow inclination of the bars 1030 is immaterial.

Each restraint bar 1030 further includes a vertical slot at its lengthwise centre. This slot receives a horizontal spigot 1011a projecting laterally from the member 1011 so as to horizontally constrain the restraint bar 1030 relative to member 1011 such that the roller 1000 maintains a symmetric appearance. The wheels 1025 sit outwards from the restraint bars 1030. Each wheel 1025 is separated from its adjacent restraint bar by a respective washer.

The invention has thus far been described in the context of rollers for fitment at the bottom of panels to bear loads to separate the panels from their underlying track although other variants are possible. The invention takes in variants of the previously described devices 100 to 1000 configured to bear load to resist separation of elements. By way of example, Figures 11d and 11e illustrate variants 1000', 1000 of the roller carriage 1000.

The variants 1000', 1000 are configured to run along a track above a panel. The panel is suspended from the carriage 1000' or 1000 such that that carriage carries at least part of the weight of the panel to control the distance from the panel to the track. For this purpose the central member 1011 is modified (to form member 101T)

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PCT/AU2014/000312 such that its blind bore opens downwardly to receive the upper end of a hinge pin. The interior of the blind bore may be internally threaded to engage the pin. The members 1020, 1021 are suitably reconfigured (to form members 1020', 1021') so that the strip assembly 1015' wraps around the top of the members 1020', 1021' and is oriented so that its tool receiving recess is downwardly directed for easy user access.

The carriage 1000 differs from the carriage 1000' by the substitution of restraint bars 1030' for the restraint bars 1030. By this substitution the carriage is reconfigured to disable its load sharing capability. The restraint bar 1030' differs from the restraint bar

1030 in that it is wider in the vertical direction. For disabling the load sharing function the members 1020', 1021' each include side formations for engaging the top and bottom edges of the restraint bar 1030’ to vertically restrain the members 1020',

1021' relative to the restraint bar 1030'. In this example the shaped formations take the form of a recess dimensioned to conformally receive those top and bottom edges.

It will be appreciated that the roller carriage 1000 is height adjustable despite the disablement of the load sharing feature.

Thus the disclosed arrangement allows a manufacturer to produce two carriages to suit applications where load sharing is and is not required which for the most part use common components leading to significant efficiencies including reducing tooling and inventory costs etc.

With load sharing disabled the members 1020' 1021' always move symmetrically with the central member 1011' and the top surfaces of those members are always perpendicular to the hinge pin. These attributes are desirable in certain applications. On the other hand, with load sharing enabled, the roller 1000' is better able to cope with misalignment between the track and the panel (and more specifically between the track and the panel’s hinge pin). In a preferred form of the invention the bushing 1023 is dimensioned for some play within the slots 1022 to allow for a degree of lateral load sharing akin to lateral load sharing of the roller carriage 500.

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The principles of the described variants may be extended in various other ways. The described examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

By way of example, the principles of the variant of Figure 2a may be extended to produce a roller carriage of any desired length. In particular a carriage having any desired odd number of wheels may be produced to cost efficiently produce a roller set where a lower even of wheels would have an insufficient load carrying capacity. This was not possible with previous “compound seesaw” designs. Moreover it will be appreciated that variants of the disclosed carriages have a robust construction which robustness is not compromised as the concept is extended out to a large number of wheels.

To emphasise, not all variants of the present invention include wheels. By way of example, the members 120, 121, 122 might be element contacting portions in the form of simple nylon blocks for sliding along a suitable track. Nor are tracks and panels essential to all forms of the invention. It is contemplated that some forms of the invention may space some other element from an element in the form of a simple planar floor for example.

Details described in respect of one variant of the invention may be applied to other variants of the invention. To illustrate, Figures 12a to 12d illustrate carriage 1200 closely based on carriage 600 but modified by:

1. the inclusion of plugs 1242 and axles 1240 which are closely analogous to the plugs 542 and axles 540 of the carriage 500; and

2. the member 1221 having a projecting key formation engageable with a complementary key-hole formation of the member 1211 to relatively confine those two members to relative sliding movement. The members 1222 and 1212 likewise include complementary key and key-hole formations.

As shown in Figure 12c, the apertures 534, 535 of the carriage 500 are replaced with downwardly open blind bores formed in members 1221, 1222, which downwardly

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PCT/AU2014/000312 open blind bores are dimensioned to receive the plugs 1242 and are transversely skewered by horizontal bores 1231 and 1233. When assembled the axles 1240 prevent the plugs 1242 falling out of the downwardly open blind bores.

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Claims

1. A roller carriage, for bearing load of a sliding panel to control a separation, in a direction, of the sliding panel from a track relative to which the panel slides, the roller carriage including:

wherein the slide paths and the one or more separating portions are arranged such that relative movement of one of the members towards one of the panel and track moves at least one of the one or more separating portions to cause at least one other of the members to relatively move away from said one of the panel and track to accommodate misalignment of the panel and track whilst sharing the load between the members; and two end constraints to contain the members and the one or more separating portions therebetween, wherein at least one of the two end constraints is movable in a direction transverse to the direction of separation to adjust the separation.

2. The roller carriage of claim 1 wherein the load is shared substantially equally between the members.

3. The roller carriage of claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of the one or more separating portions defines a divergent two of the slide paths.

4. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein both of the end constraints are movable in a direction transverse to the direction of separation to adjust the separation.

5. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 4 including a threaded element threadingly engaged with one of the constraints, axially restrained relative to the other of the constraints, and rotatable to adjust the separation.

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2014305636 04 Jun2018

6. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein each of the movable end constraints cooperates with a respective threaded element rotatable to adjust the separation.

7. The roller carriage of claim 6 wherein each of the threaded elements respectively is threadingly engaged with its movable end constraint and axially restrained relative to a respective portion fixed, fixable, or integral to one of the elements.

8. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 7 including three, and no more than three, of the two or more members.

9. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 8 including two, and no more than two, of the separating portions.

10. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each of the two or more members respectively carries one or more wheels to roll along the track in a direction of travel transverse to the direction of separation.

11. The roller carriage of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein each of the two or more members carries two wheels spaced from each other in a direction of spacing transverse to the direction of separation.

12. The roller carriage of claim 11 wherein each of the two or more members includes a respective axle to carry each wheel; and each axle is mounted to in substance pivot about an axis transverse to each of the direction of spacing and the direction of separation.

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1/12

Fig. 10

921

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2/12

Fig, 2d

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220c

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4/12

Fig. 4b

311 320a 320 320b 310 312

A-A

Fig. 4c

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5/12

Fig. 5b

A-A

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6/12

540

Fig. 6d

Fig. 6b

A A Fig. 6c

Fig. 6e

551

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A-A Fig-7c

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8/12

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9/12

Fig. 9c

o ΗΊ { · } L........ J LJ

Fig. 9e

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Fig. lib Fig. 11c

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11/12

Fig. lid

Fig. lie

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1240

1212

A-A

Fig. 12c

1242/

1242