Flexible or portable closure – partition – or panel – Pleating type – Lazy-tong links pivot about axes parallel to panel
Patent
1994-03-18
1995-05-02
Purol, David M.
Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel
Pleating type
Lazy-tong links pivot about axes parallel to panel
E06B 394
Patent
active
054110726
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a novel foldable partition which when extended lies flat substantially in a common plane, or in a shallow corrugation.
BACKGROUND
Flat folding doors or walls are basically known from the following publications: Published German application 28 39 099; German Patent Specification 28 45 033; Published German Application 25 06 349; German Patent Specification 29 12 514; Published European Patent Application 0 111 9652; U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,018; German Patent Publication 24 38 985; Published Patent Application 00 76 879; Published German Application 29 35 305; Published German Application 25 59 443; German Patent Specification 16 83 191; German Patent Specification 11 57 757; German Utility Model 69 11 040; German Utility Model 78 27 705; Published European Patent Application 0 305 801.
In these known folding doors or walls, hinges are provided between carrying bars and panel elements. The hinges interconnect the panel elements but render the assembling of the doors or walls difficult and complicated and also complicate access to the folding door or wall for servicing or repairs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The term "partition" in the present specification means door, wall partition and the like. The present invention provides a folding partition of the kind described, namely, one consisting of mutually opposite carrying bars, which are arranged in pairs and at their upper end portions are provided with brackets, which are displacable in tracks fixed to the ceiling, have panel elements interposed between the carrying bars, which are hinged on one side to adjacent carrying bars and are hinged together on their other sides. Means are provided for pivotally moving the panel elements such that as they are pushed together from a closed position in which they lie flat substantially in a plane, the panels fold up into an open stacked position.
It is, thus, the principal object of this invention to provide a novel structure for a folding partition which can be assembled, serviced and repaired in a much simpler and more expeditious manner than heretofore possible.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like parts have been designated by the same reference numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view in elevation showing the inside surface of one side of a dual-walled partition shown in a closed, flat state;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a portion of FIG. 1 to illustrate a hinge between a panel element and a carrying bar;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing both sides of the closed dual-walled partition shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view showing in larger scale the folding partition of FIG. 3 as it is pushed to its open position at a time when two hingedly interconnected panel elements have already been moved to their folded or stacked position;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation showing a hinge between; the two panel elements of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing the hinge arrangement between two mutually opposite panel elements in an open or folded state;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation at the fixed side showing one end of the folding partition in an open state;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an elevation similar to FIG. 7 showing one end of the folding partition in a closed flat state;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a detail of an alternative embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a detail of another alternative embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a horizontal section through a dual-walled partition showing an expandable cleat or block;
FIGS. 14B are similar views as FIG. 13 showing modular cleats or blocks to achieve a variable cavity depth;
FIGS. 15A and 15B are details showing modifications for mounting hinge parts to panels or carrying posts;
FIG. 16 shows in top plan an alternative embodiment wherein panels lie at shallow angles w
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Dixon, III Guy E.
Starck Hans
Panelfold, Inc.
Purol David M.
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