AU2015215868B2

AU2015215868B2 - A unit for a multi panel assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2015215868B2
Application number: AU2015215868A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Alexander Nicholson
Original assignee: Altus NZ Ltd
Current assignee: Altus NZ Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-22
Filing date: 2015-08-19
Publication date: 2016-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-19
Also published as: AU2015215868A1; NZ629176A

Abstract

A unit for a multi panel assembly comprising: * a first body portion, configured for attachment to the surface of a first panel member of a multi panel assembly, the first panel member having a first fin extending along a length of a first side edge on the first panel member; and * a second body portion, connected to and movable with respect to the first body portion in the same longitudinal axis as the first body portion wherein the second body portion is movable with respect to the first body portion by a compression spring configured to bias the second body portion to an extended position from the first body portion wherein the unit for a multi-panel assembly is configured to, in use, fill a gap between the end of the first fin and the end of a second fin extending along the length of a second side edge of a second panel member of the multi panel assembly. Figure la-if a. 1 fl 2b2 -2 2 bc 2 d. e. f. Figure 2a-2d a. 3a ------------100 100 - - 15 4 Ulm 3\ -3 b. d. 3a 3a 3a

Description

A UNIT FOR A MULTI PANEL ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a unit for a multi panel assembly. Particularly although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a unit for a multi window and/or door panel assembly for a building.

BACKGROUND ART

Known designs for multi panel assemblies for doors and/or windows typically comprise two or more panel sections, including at least one fixed or stationary panel and at least one mobile panel whereby the mobile panel(s) may slide in a separate frame track to the stationary panel from a closed position (whereby the mobile panel is substantially aligned with the plane of the other mobile panels and/or fixed panel) to an opened position (whereby the planes of stationary and closed panels overlap).

The range of movement of the mobile panel relative to the stationary or other mobile panel is limited by an interlocking fin extending substantially along the length of an adjacent side member of each panel frame and interlock when the mobile panel is in the closed position with respect to the stationary panel or other mobile panels.

It would be advantageous to provide a multi panel assembly which have the panels installed onsite in a secured door or window frame to save costs transporting and installing preassembled and bulky panel and frame assemblies. In order to achieve onsite assembly each panel needs to be lifted into the frame by first inserting the top of the each panel into the head of the frame so the bottom of the panel can clear the top of the bottom sill guide or track to allow the door to be placed into the bottom track. Once the bottom edge of each panel has cleared the top of the bottom sill guide or track, then the door can be let down into the track.

The disadvantage with known multi panel assemblies is that the interlocking fin which substantially extends along the length of the side member of each panel precludes each of the panels from being inserted into the frame and need to be machined off for that to happen, leaving a gap which can allow the ingress of rainwater.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

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

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprising' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprising' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising1 is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Preferred aspects of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. Particular embodiments of the invention are described below in non-limiting terms. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a multi panel assembly, said assembly comprising: • a frame defining an opening in a wall; • at least two panels wherein: o a first side edge of a first panel comprises a first fin extending along a length of the first side edge; o a second side edge of a second panel comprises a second fin extending along a length of the second side edge wherein the first fin and second fin cooperate to interlock with each other to limit the movement of the first panel with respect to the second panel in a closed position; and wherein a gap between the end of the first fin and/or second fin and the end of the first side edge and/or second side edge respectively is filled by a unit for a multi panel assembly comprising: • a first body portion configured for attachment to the surface of a frame member; and • a second body portion connected to and movable with respect to the first body portion in the same longitudinal axis as the first body portion wherein the second body portion is movable with respect to the first body portion by a compression spring configured to bias the second body portion to an extended position with respect to the first body portion.

In this way, the present invention provides improved ease of use in installing multi panel assemblies such as sliding doors onsite; and improved weatherproofing of multi-panel assemblies after installation of the panels onsite.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unit for a multi panel assembly comprising: • a first body portion configured for attachment to the surface of a frame member; and • a second body portion connected to and movable with respect to the first body portion in the same longitudinal axis as the first body portion wherein the second body portion is movable with respect to the first body portion by a compression spring configured to bias the second body portion to an extended position from the first body portion.

Preferably, the second body portion is connected to the first body portion via an elongate tongue configured to move within a track extending within a first body portion wherein the internal end of the elongate tongue is connected to the second body portion and guided within the internal track cavity via the compression spring.

Preferably, the first body portion is configured for attachment to the surface of a panel via a fixing means comprising at least one of: a double sided adhesive patch; at least one screw; or other method of fixing.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: • Improved ease of use in installing multi panel assemblies such as sliding multisliding doors onsite, removing the need for any onsite work; • Improved weatherproofing of multi-panel assemblies after installation of the panels onsite; and • Automatic adjustment of multi-panel assemblies for onsite issues such as lintel sag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure la shows a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a unit for a multi-panel assembly;

Figure lb shows a first side view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure la;

Figure lc shows a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure la;

Figure Id shows a top view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure la;

Figure le shows a second side view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure la;

Figure If shows a back view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure la;

Figure 2a shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a multi-panel assembly;

Figure 2b shows a first side perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2a;

Figure 2c shows a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2a; and

Figure 2d shows a second side perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures a preferred embodiment of a unit for a multi panel assembly is generally indicated by arrow 1. The unit (1) comprises a first body portion (2) attached to the surface of a panel side member (3) via a fixing means in the form of a double sided adhesive patch (2a) and a screw (2b). The unit (1) also comprises a second body portion (4) which is slide fitted to the first body portion (2) via an elongate tongue (5) configured to move within a track (6) extending within and from the first body portion (2) wherein the internal end of the elongate tongue (5) is connected to the second body portion (4) within an internal cavity of the second body portion (4) via the compression spring (not shown) configured to bias the second body portion (4) to an extended position from the first body portion (2) when the top surface of the second body portion.

The unit (1) is designed to fill the gap between adjacent sliding door or window panels where interlocking fin (3a) of the panel side member (3) is machined off proximal to the end of the panel side member (3) to allow the panels to be fitted onsite. In order to achieve onsite assembly each panel needs to be lifted into the pre-installed frame by first inserting the top of the panel into the head of the frame so the bottom of the panel can clear the top of the sill section to allow the door or window to be placed onto the bottom track. Once the door has cleared the top of the sill then the door can be let down onto the track, this will leave a gap (100) at the head where the interlocking fin (3a) has been machined off, the unit (1) is fitted to the panel in the factory to allow the internal compression spring to compress while the door or window is being inserted into the head of the frame. Once the door is fitted and is sitting on the bottom track the second body portion (4) will return to its natural position and will close off the gap (100) created due to the removal of the end section of the interlocking fin (3a).

The first body portion (2) and second body portion (4) of the unit (1) is manufactured from injection moulded plastic.

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 thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A unit for a multi panel assembly comprising: • a first body portion, configured for attachment to the surface of a first panel member of a multi panel assembly, the first panel member having a first fin extending along a length of a first side edge on the first panel member configured to interlock with a second fin extending along a second side edge of a second panel of the multi panel assembly; and • a second body portion, connected to and movable with respect to the first body portion in the same longitudinal axis as the first body portion wherein the second body portion is movable with respect to the first body portion by a compression spring configured to bias the second body portion to an extended position from the first body portion; and wherein the unit for a multi-panel assembly is configured to, in use, fill a gap between the end of the first fin and the end of the first side edge of the first panel.
2. A unit for a multi panel assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second body portion is connected to the first body portion via an elongate tongue configured to move within a track extending within the first body portion wherein the internal end of the elongate tongue is connected to the second body portion within an internal track cavity via the compression spring.
3. A unit for a multi panel assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first body portion is configured for attachment to the surface of a panel member via a fixing means comprising at least one of: a double sided adhesive patch; at least one screw.
4. A multi panel assembly, said assembly comprising: • a frame defining an opening in a wall; • at least two panels configured to be connected to the frame and contained within the opening in the wall, wherein: o a first side edge of a first panel comprises a first fin extending along a length of the first side edge; o a second side edge of a second panel comprises a second fin extending along a length of the second side edge wherein the first fin and second fin cooperate to interlock with each other to limit the movement of the first panel with respect to the second panel in a closed position; and wherein a gap between the end of the first fin and/or second fin and the end of the first side edge and/or second side edge, respectively, is filled by a unit for a multi panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1-3.