[0001] The object of the present invention is a packable movable panel system, in particular
glass panels.
[0002] In the state of the art are known packable movable panel systems that allow one to
enclose an environment, such as a veranda, when weather conditions are unpleasant,
in this way enabling its use as an additional sheltered space. When, however, the
weather permits, the panels can be packed into a small space and the veranda can thus
be used as an open environment.
[0003] In the known embodiments, the panels, preferably glass, are large, so as to allow
an effective illumination of the environment even with the panels in the closed position.
[0004] Large glass panels are not easy to handle. In fact, to move the panels, special guides
and special sliding means suitable to operate with such guides are provided to allow
both the axial translation and movement in rotation.
[0005] In particular, embodiments are known in which the panel, in a rotated position, is
placed cantilevered with respect to the guides. In fact, the panel is supported only
on one side, while the other is rotated outside of the guide.
[0006] A critical problem with these typical solutions of the prior art, therefore, lies
in the fact that the panels, in the open position, due to their dimensions and their
weight, tend to tilt, assuming an undesirable and unappealing appearance.
[0007] Many packable movable panel solutions exist that have tried to solve this problem;
for example, some of these solutions for movable panel systems are shown in the document
number BS2009A000229 and in the document number
WO2013/121330 in the name of the Applicant.
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a system of packable movable panels
which ensures an efficient movement of the panels both in their axial translation,
along the guides, and in their rotational movement, wherein the panels are cantilevered
with respect to the guides.
[0009] This object is achieved by a packable movable panel system according to claim 1 below.
[0010] The features and advantages of the panel system according to the present invention
will be apparent from the description given below, provided by way of nonlimiting
example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:
- figures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e show respectively some views in perspective of the packable
movable panel system object of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, respectively,
in a closed configuration, i.e. with all the panels arranged planarly, in a configuration
wherein a first panel is rotated, in a configuration wherein a second panel is axially
translated, in a configuration wherein the second panel is rotated, and in an open
configuration, i.e. with all the panels rotated and packed;
- figures 2 and 2' show two enlarged views of some portions of the panel system shown
in figures 1, respectively, a side view of the top of the panel system and a perspective
view of the top of the panel system having some portions in transparency;
- figure 3 is a perspective view of separate parts of a first panel device comprised
in the movable panel system according to a preferred embodiment;
- figures 3a, 3b and 3c show respectively a perspective view and two side views of the
first panel device shown in figure 3;
- figure 4 shows a sectional view along the cross-sectional plane V-V of figure 2;
- figure 5 is a perspective view from the bottom of the upper guide, the latter shown
in transparency;
- figure 6 is a perspective view of separate parts of a second panel device comprised
in the movable panel system according to a preferred embodiment;
- figures 6a, 6b and 6c show respectively a perspective view and two side views of the
second panel device shown in figure 6.
[0011] In the accompanying figures, reference number 1 indicates a packable movable panel
system object of the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment.
[0012] In particular, the movable panel system 1, object of the present invention, is not
limited to, or by, the number of panels 3 included therein.
[0013] The movable panel system 1 comprises an upper guide 2 and a lower guide.
[0014] The upper guide 2 extends along an axis X-X. Preferably, the panels 3 are axially
translatable along said axis X-X extending vertically relative thereto with respect
to a vertical axis Z-Z.
[0015] The upper guide 2, furthermore, has internally a channel 20 provided with a lower
opening 21. In other words, the upper guide 2 has substantially a C or U shape, with
the opening facing downwards.
[0016] The panel system 1 comprises at least one panel 3 operatively connected to the upper
guide 2.
[0017] Preferably, the panel 3 is operatively connected to the upper guide 2 to slide along
the axis X-X and, once arrived in a predefined rotational position, to rotate with
respect thereto around a vertical axis Z-Z.
[0018] Preferably, the panel system 1 comprises a plurality of panels 3, which in a closed
configuration are arranged in a closed position, i.e. substantially coplanar to each
other; in such a configuration, the system closes, at least partially, an opening
of an environment, such as a veranda or a balcony (as shown by way of example in figure
1a). Preferably, on the other hand, in an open configuration, as described below,
the panels 3 are rotated and packed parallel to each other at one end of the system
1 (as shown by way of example in figure 1e). In other words, for each panel 3 there
is a predefined rotational position in which it is rotatable relative to the vertical
axis Z-Z.
[0019] Preferably, the panel system 1 includes sliding, support and gripping means 5 suitable
to allow sliding and support of a panel 3 in the upper guide 2.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, such sliding, support and gripping means 5 comprise a
pair of trolleys 50 housable in the housing channel 20 fixed to the panel 3 through
the lower opening 21.
[0021] Preferably, the trolleys composing the pair 50 are mutually spaced, for example positioned
respectively near the two lateral ends of the top of a panel 3.
[0022] Preferably, the pair of trolleys 50 comprises a first trolley device 51 and a second
trolley device 52.
[0023] Preferably, the first trolley device 51 supports the panel 3 in sliding and in rotation
and comprises a first bearing body 510 housed in the upper guide 2 and a rotation
element 515 fixed to the panel 3 rotationally movable with respect to the first bearing
body 510.
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the trolley device 51 comprises a plurality
of pairs of support and sliding wheels 580 comprising at least one first pair of vertical
wheels 581, each wheel having a rotation axis Y'-Y' perpendicular to the axis X-X
and to the vertical axis Z-Z.
[0025] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the trolley device 51 comprises at least
one pair of horizontal wheels 582 each wheel having a rotation axis Z'-Z' parallel
to the vertical axis Z-Z.
[0026] Preferably, the trolley device 51 comprises two pairs of vertical wheels 581, arranged
on opposite sides of the first bearing body 510.
[0027] Preferably, the trolley device 51 comprises two pairs of horizontal wheels 582, arranged
on the opposite sides of the first bearing body 510.
[0028] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the above-described pairs of support and
sliding wheels 580 are rotationally connected to the first bearing body 510.
[0029] Preferably, the first bearing body 510 has wheel housings 518 wherein the respective
horizontal wheels 582 are housed.
[0030] In particular, each horizontal wheel 582 is housed in the respective housing 518
so as to protrude from the bearing portion 510 and thus contact the upper guide rail
2.
[0031] Preferably, in the embodiment comprising two pairs of horizontal wheels 582, the
same are located at the four corners of the first bearing body 510.
[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the pair of horizontal wheels 582 is positioned
on the top of the bearing portion 510 at a height higher than the pair of vertical
wheels 581.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the second trolley device 52 supports the panel
3 in sliding.
[0034] Preferably, the second trolley device 52 comprises a plurality of pairs of support
and sliding wheels 590 composed of at least one second pair of vertical wheels 591,
each wheel having a rotation axis Y"-Y" perpendicular to the axis X-X and the vertical
axis Z-Z. Preferably, the two wheels comprising a pair are arranged on the opposite
sides of the second trolley device 52, for example diametrically opposed to each other.
[0035] The sliding, support and gripping means 50 comprise, furthermore, a gripping group
55 housed in the channel 20 operatively connected to the first trolley device 51 suitable
to operate during rotation of the panel 3. In other words, the movable panel system
1 during the rotary operation of a panel 3 has a gripping group 55 acting to support
the panel 3 and distributing the action of the weight force of said panel 3 directly
on the upper guide 2.
[0036] Specifically, the gripping group 55 comprises a receiving device 551 positioned in
an axial position corresponding to the predefined rotational position of the panel
3.
[0037] Preferably, the receiving device 551 comprises at least one rail 552 delimited by
rail walls 552'.
[0038] Preferably, the receiving device 551 is positioned on an upper wall 22 of the channel
20, opposite the opening 21.
[0039] Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the gripping group 55 comprises
an engagement device 555 comprising at least one wedge element 556 which, in a rotated
configuration of the panel 3 is inserted in the rail 552 by engaging the rail walls
552'.
[0040] In particular, the engagement group 555 is operatively connected to the rotation
element 515 in such a way as to rotate therewith.
[0041] Preferably, the rotation element 515 extends in height along a rotation axis R-R
corresponding to the vertical axis Z-Z with the panel 3 in the predefined position
of rotation.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation element 515 extends through a through cavity
511 of the specially shaped first bearing body 510.
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the wedge element 556 is arranged radially distant
from the rotation axis R-R and extends along an arc of circumference.
[0044] Likewise, also the rail 552 extends along a specially shaped arc of circumference
to receive the wedge element 556.
[0045] Preferably, the engagement device 555 comprises two wedge elements 556 arranged distally
from one another, preferably arranged diametrically with respect to the rotation axis
R-R.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device 551 comprises two rails 552 longitudinally
spaced in such a way as to allow the wedge element 556 or the wedge elements 556 to
translate axially between them. Preferably, in the embodiment comprising two wedge
elements 556, these two wedge elements 556 respectively slide into the two rails 552,
engaging the respective rail walls 552'.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the two rails 552 is substantially
equal to the axial length of a wedge element 556.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, each rail 552 extends for an arc of circumference such
as to permit the rotation of the panel 3 by at least 90°.
[0049] In other words, the receiving device 551 and the engagement device 555 are suitable
to slide one into the other during the rotation of the panel 3. In particular, these
devices are suitable to be engaged as soon as the panel 3 is rotated.
[0050] In other words, the wedge element 556 has its own sectional shape complementary to
the shape of the rail 552, possibly leaving a minimum space, for example through dimensional
tolerances, to allow the mutual sliding between components.
[0051] In other words, the receiving device 551 and the engagement device 555 face each
other.
[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving device 551 is, in its entirety
or at least in the portion that delimits a rail 552, made of a material having a low
friction coefficient, for example a material selected from the group of polyamides,
synthetic and preferably nylon.
[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the upper guide 2 comprises a first sliding
track 211 and a second sliding track 212 on the sides of the lower opening 21 on which
the first pair of vertical wheels 581 and the second pair of vertical wheels 591 slide
in axial movement respectively.
[0054] In addition, preferably, the upper guide 2 defines a packing end 25 wherein the panel
3 is positionable and is rotatable with respect to the upper guide 2.
[0055] Preferably, in the packing end 25, the upper guide 2 has a lateral mouth 250 traversable
by the second trolley device 52 in the rotational operations of the panel 3.
[0056] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lateral mouth 250 comprises two inclined
portions 251 engageable by the second pair of vertical wheels 581 in the operations
of traversing the lateral mouth 250.
[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the upper guide 2 inside the housing channel
20 comprises a support tooth 28 extending along the axis X-X and projecting perpendicularly
towards the center of the channel 20.
[0058] Preferably, the upper guide 2 comprises two support teeth 28 opposite to each other.
[0059] According to such an embodiment, the horizontal wheels 582 have a concave shape suitable
to house such a support tooth 28 that runs along the same.
[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the second panel device 52 has a second bearing
body 502 to which the second vertical wheels 591 are operatively connected.
[0061] Also, the second panel device 52 comprises a fixing element 57 fixed to the panel
and operatively connected in a rotationally movable manner to the second bearing body
502 around a recovery axis S-S. In other words, the second bearing body 502 is rotatable
around said fixing element 57 facilitating, for example, the rotary operation of the
panel 3.
[0062] Preferably, the second panel device 52 comprises elastic recovery means 570 suitable
to allow the rotation around the recovery axis S-S of the second bearing body 502
and then return it to an aligned sliding position. In other words, the rotary movement
between the second bearing body 502 and the fixing element 57, and thus of the panel
3, is guided by the elastic recovery means 570, for example by limiting the degrees
of rotation between the components.
[0063] Preferably, the elastic recovery means 570 comprise a pin element 571 yieldingly
fixed by means of an elastic element 572 to the fixing element 57, for example transversely
to the recovery axis S-S.
[0064] In addition, the elastic recovery means 570 comprise a cam element 573 positioned
on the second bearing body 502 and engaging the pin element 571 to exert a position
recovery action thereon.
[0065] In other words, the pin element 571 is connected to the fixing element 57 positioned
transversely thereto such that the latter is guided in rotation. In rotation, the
pin element 571 operates with the cam element 573 and the elastic element 572 so that
the latter is elastically loaded in such a way as to bring the pin back to its base
axial position prior to rotation.
[0066] Innovatively, the packable movable panel system has a particularly efficient rotational
and translational movement of the panel.
[0067] Advantageously, by virtue of the two trolley devices, the panel is able to slide
in planar translation and move the said panels in rotation.
[0068] Furthermore, advantageously, the first trolley device and the second panel device
are of compact size including a minimum number of wheels. Advantageously, the upper
guide is small in size.
[0069] According to a further advantageous aspect, the sliding, support and gripping means
comprise a gripping group suitable to ensure the engagement between the panel and
the upper guide with the rotated panel. Advantageously, the mutual engagement between
the receiving device and the engagement device, assured at every angle of the panel's
rotation, allows the action of the weight force of the panel, rotated and cantilevered
with respect to the upper guide, to be distributed. In other words, at any angle of
rotation of the panel, the panel is prevented from tilting via the gripping means.
[0070] Also, advantageously, the first trolley device is equipped with horizontal wheels
suitable to distribute the action of the weight force of the rotated panel on the
upper guide.
[0071] Another advantageous aspect lies in the fact that the gripping means remain in engagement
with the rotated panel and only cease to act when the panel is returned to a sliding
position relative to the guide so as not to interfere with the sliding operations.
[0072] Advantageously, the receiving device is suitable to work in a balanced manner with
respect to the rotation axis, for example by providing a pair of wedge elements respectively
suitable to operate with a pair of specially shaped and arranged rails. Advantageously,
two wedges are in contact with two rails in such a way as to distribute the action
undergone between the two, becoming effectively usable with panels of large dimensions
and high weight, such as glass panels.
[0073] Another advantageous aspect lies in the fact that the gripping group is small in
size, being advantageously suitable to be housed in the upper guide. Advantageously,
a substantially unlimited number of gripping groups are housable in the upper guide,
i.e. equal to the number of panels, without any limit whatsoever.
[0074] Advantageously, the packable panel system has clean aesthetics, not interrupted by
the presence of the gripping group, which is hidden from sight, as it is housed in
the upper guide.
[0075] Also, advantageously, the gripping group is suitable to allow a movement in rotation
of the panel with respect to the guides on both sides, being substantially symmetrical
to the vertical axis. In other words, the packable panel system object of the present
invention is thus ambidextrous.
[0076] Advantageously, the second panel device is suitable to recover the position of the
second bearing body in such a way as to always keep the wheels thereon aligned in
the housing to slide within the upper guide.
[0077] It is clear that one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make
changes to the movable panel system described above, all contained within the scope
of protection defined by the following claims.
[0078] To the embodiments of said system, one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific
needs, may make variants or substitutions of elements with others functionally equivalent.
Moreover, each of the variants described as belonging to a possible embodiment may
be realized independently of the other variants.
1. Movable panel system (1) comprising:
A) an upper guide (2) that extends along an axis (X-X) and has internally a channel
(20) having a lower opening (21) ;
B) at least one panel (3) operatively connected to the upper guide (2) to slide along
the axis (X-X) and, once arrived in a predefined rotational position, to rotate with
respect thereto about a vertical axis (Z-Z);
C) sliding, support and gripping means (5) suitable to allow the axial sliding and
rotation of the panel (3) with respect to the guide (2), comprising:
i) a pair of trolley devices (50), mutually spaced apart, housable in the housing
channel (20) fixed to the panel (3) through the lower opening (21), comprising:
- a first trolley device (51) that supports the panel (3) in sliding and in rotation
comprising a first bearing body (510) housed in the upper guide (2) and a rotation
element (515) fixed to the panel (3) rotationally movable with respect to the first
bearing body (510);
- a second trolley device (52) that supports the panel (3) in sliding;
ii) a gripping group (55) housed in the channel (20) operatively connected to the
first trolley device (51) suitable to operate during rotation of the panel (3) comprising:
- a receiving device (551) comprising at least one rail (552) delimited by rail walls
(552') and placed on an upper wall (22) of the channel (20) opposite the opening (21),
in a position corresponding to the predefined rotation position; and
- an engagement device (555), operatively connected to the rotation element (515),
comprising at least one wedge element (556) that in a rotated configuration of the
panel (3) is inserted in the rail (552) engaging the rail walls (552').
2. Movable panel system according to claim 1, wherein the rotation element (515) extends
in height along a rotation axis (R-R), corresponding to the vertical axis (Z-Z) with
the panel (3) in the predefined rotation position, through a through cavity (511)
of the first bearing body (510), wherein the wedge element (556) is arranged radially
distant from the rotation axis (R-R) and extends along an arc of circumference, while
the rail (552) extends along an arc of circumference specially shaped to receive the
wedge element (556).
3. Movable panel system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement
device (555) comprises two wedge elements (556) arranged distally from one another,
preferably diametrically with respect to the rotation axis (R-R).
4. Movable panel system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving
device (551) comprises two rails (552) longitudinally spaced, in such a way as to
permit the axial translation of the wedge element (556) or of the wedge elements (556)
between them.
5. Movable panel system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each rail (552)
extends for an arc of circumference such as to allow the rotation of the panel (3)
by at least 90°.
6. Movable panel system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first trolley
device (51) comprises a plurality of pairs of support and sliding wheels (580) constituted
by:
- at least a first pair of vertical wheels (581) each wheel having a rotation axis
(Y'-Y') perpendicular to the axis (X-X) and to the vertical axis (Z-Z);
- at least a pair of horizontal wheels (582), preferably two pairs of horizontal wheels
(582), each wheel having a rotation axis (Z'-Z') parallel to the vertical axis (Z-Z).
7. Movable panel system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second
trolley device (52) comprises a plurality of pairs of support and sliding wheels (590)
constituted by:
- at least a second pair of vertical wheels (591) each having a rotation axis (Y"-Y")
perpendicular to the axis (X-X) and to the vertical axis (Z-Z).
8. Movable panel system (1) according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the upper guide (2)
comprises a first sliding track (211) and a second sliding track (212) at the sides
of the lower opening (21) on which respectively the first pair of vertical wheels
(581) and the second pair of vertical wheels (591) slide in axial movement.
9. Movable panel system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper
guide (2) identifies one packing end (25) in which the panel (3) is positionable and
rotatable with respect to the upper guide (2), wherein in the packing end (25) the
upper guide (2) has a lateral mouth (250) traversable by the second trolley device
(52) in the rotation operations of the panel (3), wherein the lateral mouth (250)
comprises two inclined portions (251) engageable by the second pair of vertical wheels
(591) in the traversing operations of the lateral mouth (250).
10. Movable panel system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the second panel device (52)
has a second bearing body (502) to which are operatively connected to the second vertical
wheels (591), and comprises a fixing element (57) fixed to the panel and operatively
connected in a rotationally movable manner to the second bearing body (502) around
a recovery axis (S-S).
11. Movable panel system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second panel device (52)
comprises elastic recovery means (570) suitable to allow the rotation around the recovery
axis (S-S) of the second bearing body (502) to then bring it back to an aligned sliding
position.
12. Movable panel system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the elastic recovery means
(570) comprise a pin element (571) yieldingly fixed by means of an elastic element
(572) to the fixing element (57) and a cam element (573), located on the second bearing
body (502) and engaging the pin element (571) to exert a position recovery action
on it.
13. Movable panel system (1) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with
claim 6, wherein the upper guide (6), inside the housing channel (20), comprises a
support tooth (28), preferably the upper guide (2) comprises two support teeth (28)
opposite each other, which extends in length along the axis (X-X), and projects perpendicularly
towards the center of the channel (20), wherein the (582) have a concave shape suitable
to house this support tooth (28) sliding along the same.
14. Movable panel system (1) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with
claim 6, wherein the first bearing portion (510) has wheel housings (518) in which
are housed the respective horizontal wheels (582), wherein each horizontal wheel (582)
is housed in the respective housing (518) so as to overhang from the bearing portion
(510) and thus contact the upper guide (2).
15. Movable panel system (1) according any of the preceding claims in combination with
claim 6, wherein the pair of horizontal wheels (582) is positioned on top of the bearing
portion (510), at a height higher than the pair of vertical wheels (581).
16. Movable panel system (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the panels
(3) are substantially made of glass.