Vertically collapsible weather resistant barrier for opening in a building envelope

A vertically collapsible weather resistant barrier for an opening, having a plurality of side frames secured along the height of side walls and/or an intermediate post defining the opening. Each side frame has a longitudinal channel along its length facing inward toward the opening. The channel accommodates sheaves extending from the barrier and by which a ceiling mounted pulley system may house and lower the barrier with the side frame. The barrier comprises a plurality of pantograph structures at opposite ends of a plurality of panels. The arms of the pantograph structure closest to the side walls house a locking mechanism thereon facing the side frame at either end of the arm that engages a latch in and a proximate arm to pull them into tight vertical alignment when substantially fully extended. The locking mechanisms are covered by an expandable bulb seal that bulges outwardly when the locking mechanism is engaged to create a seal between the pantograph and the channel in the side wall.

RELATED DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

INTRODUCTION

Movable wall partition systems have many applications, particularly to divide areas of a building and to form smaller areas out of larger ones.

Movable partition walls are often used to divide interior building spaces, of which convention halls and large rooms in hotels, school gymnasia and work areas in factories are only a few types, into smaller spaces.

Such walls may be formed merely from fabric or other like material, and take the form of curtains which may be drawn closed or opened. Other, more durable types of movable wall partitions are made of rigid material, extending from floor to ceiling and having heat and/or sound insulating materials between a rigid wall-forming exterior.

Typically, wall partition systems of the rigid-type move horizontally. Such types of movable walls require storage space (in plan) to accommodate the wall panels when not in use. The wall panels may be very heavy and impose differing loads on the support structure, which may be ceiling or roof mounted, as the panels are moved, with the loads increasing as the panels are retracted to their storage positions.

Such horizontally movable rigid walls may be comprised of individual panels, sets of two paired panels hinged together or a plurality of panels all serially hinged together. Paired and continuously hinged panels may have exposed hinges that are considered unsightly, while individual panels are moved into position individually and provide only minimal resistance to lateral forces.

With rigid panels that are horizontally movable on tracks or rails attached to the underside of a ceiling or roof structure, automated opening and closing systems are rare, having regard to the weight and associated friction of moving the panels along the tracks.

As a result of the foregoing, vertically collapsible partition systems have been developed. Many such systems incorporate a pantograph configuration similar to that of baby gates, in which a series of beams or segments are pivotally linked together to provide a series of similar diamond-shaped structures along the length of the frame and transverse to the vertical plane to be occupied by the extended structure.

The pantograph concept for vertically collapsible wall structures has been applied to security gates or barriers for closing off access to an enclosure, such as a store-front in an enclosed shopping mall.

The existing vertically collapsible pantograph structures, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,464 entitled “Vertically Collapsible Wall Partitions” and issued Nov. 5, 1991 to Peterson; U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,000 entitled “Vertically Movable Security Partition” and issued Oct. 26, 2004 to Peterson; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,142 entitled “Vertically Movable Partition Wall” and issued Jan. 2, 2007 to Peterson (and which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein) feature motorized pulley systems that pass cables through the various pantograph-defining segments, proximate to the point of intersection of adjoining segments. The cables extend to a lower intersection point and allowing the pulley system to upwardly retract it and, concomitantly, retract the entire structure.

The structures are downwardly extended by gravity and as a consequence may not fully extend to provide a vertically planar surface. Additionally, there may be gaps between the bottom of the fully extended structure and the floor, as well as between panel segments (if such are employed) and at either side of the structure between the pantograph segments and any adjoining wall of the enclosure. When used for enclosures opening out into an enclosed space such as a shopping mall, such gaps are generally not significant.

However, the concept of shopping malls having interior hallways is increasingly being eschewed in favour of so-called “big box” shopping developments where the building envelope of the store opens out into an exterior sidewalk or pathway. Rigid panels that are horizontally movable on tracks or rails attached to the underside of a ceiling or roof structure are not well suited to exterior-facing applications because snow and/or rain loading on the ceiling or roof structure may create a tendency for the panels to jam within the tracks. Existing vertically collapsible pantograph structures are also not well suited to exterior-facing applications because of the gaps described previously and the deleterious impact of the elements on the exposed cabling.

DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown, an example embodiment of a vertically collapsible barrier shown generally at100, to secure, in a weather resistant fashion, an exterior opening20in a building or building envelope10. The opening20may be a door frame or entranceway or alternatively may be a window frame. The barrier100, when extended, as discussed below, thus forms part of a perimeter wall of the building envelope10. When retracted, the barrier100provides a means of opening up access to large portions of the interior volume15of the building envelope10.

If the width of the opening20is considerable, the barrier100may in fact comprise a plurality of barrier partitions placed inline and separated by posts and/or columns11, especially if wind shear load is a concern. Preferably, the maximum width of a single barrier partition is on the order of 12 feet but may be up to 24 or 30 feet. The posts11may be fixed in place or removable. Preferably, they are structural to bear and resist lateral loads on the barrier100due to wind pressure that are transferred to it. In certain climates, they may be thermally broken.

The barrier100comprises a pair of complementary pantograph structures110disposed at opposite side walls21,22of the opening20. If a post11is in place, a pair of complementary pantograph structures110is disposed on either side of such post11.

Each pantograph structure110comprises a pair of pantograph sets111mounted to a side frame130. The pantograph set111immediately proximate to the frame130is designated as the “side wall” pantograph set111a, while the pantograph set111on the other side of the side wall pantograph set111afrom the side wall21,22or the post11is designated the “inside” pantograph set111b.

Each pantograph set111comprises a plurality of pantograph arms112. The pantograph arms112within each set111are disposed in mutually parallel fashion. The orientation of the pantograph arms112in one set111ais generally at an angle from the orientation of the pantograph arms112in the complementary set111b. Preferably, each pantograph arm112comprises a pair of extrusions911-912,913-914(FIG. 9) that each engage and are joined by a plurality of polyamide strips404(FIG. 4) in order to provide a thermal break. The pantograph arms112also may be roll formed, machined or of a composite molded material. Preferably, cavities in each extrusion may be fitted with an expandable foam or other suitable insulating material, such as is well known to those having ordinary skill in this art. Depending on the climate, thermally broken arms and insulated arms may not be implemented.

Each pantograph arm112in one set111a, which may be considered to constitute upright side wall members, is pivotally connected at each end thereof to a pantograph arm112in the other set111b, which may be considered to constitute upright panel members. With the exception of the pantograph arms112at each extremity113,114of each set111, the pantograph arms112are of identical length and are also pivotally connected at their respective mid-points. The pantograph arms (“split arms”)116(FIG. 3) at each extremity113,114are substantially half the length of the remaining pantograph arms112. The plurality of pivotal connections permits the arms112to pivot relative to one another. Thus, each pantograph structure110forms a plurality of diamond structures in a plane transverse to the plane of the opening20, that are expandable and compressible.

One end113of each of the pantograph structures110is attached to a top frame23of the opening20, which may be a top portion of the door or window frame, or alternatively, a roof or ceiling structural element.

The ends of corresponding pantograph arms112in the inside pantograph set111bof each pantograph structure110are horizontally connected by horizontal panel extremity members117, while the mid-points of corresponding pantograph arms112in the inside pantograph set111bof each pantograph structure110are similarly horizontally connected by a pivot pin500extending from horizontal panel intermediate members118.

Thus, the pantograph arm112from the inside set111bof one pantograph structure110, the corresponding pantograph arm112from the inside set of the other pantograph structure110, and the horizontal panel extremity member117and the horizontal panel intermediate member118interconnecting them define a rectangular panel enclosure119(FIG. 2) into which a panel120may be fitted.

FIG. 2shows a front view of one of the barriers ofFIG. 1, shown in a fully extended and locked position.FIG. 3shows a cross-sectional view of the barrier ofFIG. 2, taken along section A-A. It may be seen that in the fully extended and locked position, the pantograph arms112have all been aligned along a common longitudinal axis parallel with the plane of each of the panels120so as to define a relatively vertical, planar and weather impervious barrier100at the opening20.

In a recess in the top frame23above upper extremity113, a gear motor301and a yoyo chain assembly302collectively comprising a lifting motor assembly303may be housed, to extend and retract a retraction cable1201(FIG. 12) along and within the side frame130, which will permit the retraction of the barrier100as discussed below.

Turning now toFIG. 4, there is shown a detailed cross-sectional view taken at position B shown onFIG. 3. The arrows shown at401indicate the direction of rotation of the panels120during the extension and/or retraction process.

The horizontal panel extremity member117preferably comprises two aluminum extrusion components402and403that each engage and are joined by a plurality of polyamide strips404, which act as a thermal break across the panel120if desired for the climate. Preferably, gaps405and406in respective extrusions402and403are filled with an expandable foam or other suitable insulating material. Additionally, one or more air and/or moisture seals and/or sealing blocks may be provided to minimize intrusion of cold air and/or moisture. For this purpose, protuberances such as shown at410through414may be provided to provide engagement regions for such seals.

Because of the pantograph action, as the respective pantograph arms112are extended, the pantograph arms112from the inside set111btend to come together. The extrusions of the horizontal panel extremity members117attached thereto are configured to mate with one another to form a tight and weatherproof fit when fully extended and locked (for illustration purposes only, the bottom set of extrusions402and403is shown in black, while the upper set is shown with cross-hatching). Further weatherproofing may be provided by provision of an elastomeric bulb seal407adapted to engage a groove in extrusion402and against which extrusion403from the opposite horizontal panel extremity member117will abut in a compressible, watertight and airtight fit when fully extended.

The panels120may be comprised of a substantially rigid building material such as glass (preferably insulated), wood, vinyl and/or sheet metal. Other building and/or rigid materials may be found to be suitable. Preferably the height of each panel120is substantially between 1 and 2 feet.

Preferably, the panel120may be laid within a fitted recess in the enclosure119and held in place with trim panel408, which engages extrusion403to hold the panel120in place. The trim panel408is also preferably filled with expandable foam or other form of insulation.

The horizontal panel extremity member117may be fixed into position with corresponding pantograph arms112of the inside pantograph set111b, by means of a plurality of bolts420.

FIG. 5shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the horizontal panel intermediate member118taken at position C shown onFIG. 3. The horizontal panel intermediate member118has a pivot pin500extending partially through its longitudinal length at each end and protruding transversely outward, that is toward the side frame130and through the pantograph arms112, which may pivot around it in the directions shown by arrows501. The pivot pin500extends into the body of the side frame130. The pantograph arms112may be fixed in position longitudinally along the pivot pin500through the use of spacers, washers, crimp rings and/or other devices, without interfering with the freedom of the pantograph arms112to pivot about the pivot pin500while the barrier100is being lowered or retracted.

The horizontal panel intermediate member118is comprised of extrusions502and503that each engage and are joined by a plurality of polyamide strips404in order to provide a thermal break. Preferably, cavities505and506of respective extrusions502and503, and areas between the polyamide strips404and pivot pin500, may be filled with an expandable foam or other suitable insulating material. Additionally, one or more air and/or moisture seals and/or sealing blocks may be provided to minimize intrusion of cold air and/or moisture. For this purpose, protuberances such as shown at510and511may be provided to provide engagement regions for such seals.

The horizontal panel intermediate member118serves to present a fitted recess in the enclosure119into which the panel120may be laid and held in place with trim panels508that engage extrusion503to hold the panel120in place. The trim panels508are also preferably filled with expandable foam or other form of insulation.

The horizontal panel intermediate member118may be fixed into position with corresponding pantograph arms112of the inside pantograph set111bby means of a plurality of bolts420.

Referring now toFIG. 6, which shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the bottom of the lower split arm116at extremity114taken at position D shown onFIG. 3, the horizontal panel intermediate member118is modified slightly to provide a horizontal panel bottom member600. In effect, the horizontal panel bottom member600may be considered to be the top half of the horizontal panel intermediate member, with minor adjustments to accommodate the central pivot pin500, which has been vertically translated downward and to provide a weathertight seal of the opening20when extended in the locked position.

As with the horizontal panel intermediate member118, the horizontal panel bottom member600has a pivot pin500extending partially through its longitudinal length at each end and protruding transversely outward, that is toward the side frame130and through the lower split arms116, which may pivot around it in the directions shown by arrow601. The pivot pin500extends into the body of the side frame130. The lower split arms116may be fixed in position longitudinally along the pivot pin500through the use of spacers, washers, crimp rings and/or other devices, without interfering with the freedom of the lower split arms116to pivot about the pivot pin500while the barrier100is being lowered or retracted.

The horizontal panel bottom member600is comprised of extrusions602and603that each engage and are joined by a plurality of polyamide strips404in order to provide a thermal break. Preferably, cavities605and606of respective extrusions602and603, and areas between the polyamide strips404and pivot pin500, may be filled with an expandable foam or other suitable insulating material. Additionally, one or more air and/or moisture seals and/or sealing blocks may be provided to minimize intrusion of cold air and/or moisture. For this purpose, protuberances such as shown at610and611may be provided to provide engagement regions for such seals.

Additionally, a plurality of bulb seals607may be attached to the bottom of the extrusions on both the wet and dry sides of the barrier100to engage an optional floor threshold620which may be formed within. The floor threshold620may cover a recess within the floor or window sill or be positioned slightly above, to provide a tight, substantially weatherproof seal when the barrier100is fully extended in the locked position.

The horizontal panel bottom member600serves to present a fitted recess in the enclosure119into which the panel120may be laid and held in place. The trim panel608engages extrusion603to hold the panel120in place. The trim panel is also preferably filled with expandable foam or other form of insulation.

The horizontal panel bottom member600may be fixed into position with corresponding pantograph arms112of the inside pantograph set111bby means of a plurality of bolts420. Here, the mounting bracket621into which the bolts420are mounted may be seen.

Referring now toFIG. 7, which shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the top of the upper split arm116at extremity113taken at position E shown onFIG. 3, the horizontal panel intermediate member118is modified slightly to provide a horizontal panel top member700. In effect, the horizontal panel top member700may be considered to be the bottom half of the horizontal panel intermediate member, with minor adjustments to accommodate the central pivot pin500, which has been vertically translated upward and to provide a weathertight seal of the opening20when extended in the locked position.

As with the horizontal panel intermediate member118, the horizontal panel top member700has a pivot pin500extending partially through its longitudinal length at each end and protruding transversely outward, that is toward the side frame130and through the upper split arms116, which may pivot around it in the directions shown by arrow701. The pivot pin500extends into the body of the side frame130. The upper split arms116may be fixed in position longitudinally along the pivot pin500through the use of spacers, washers, crimp rings and/or other devices, without interfering with the freedom of the upper split arms116to pivot about the pivot pin500while the barrier100is being lowered or retracted.

The horizontal panel top member700is comprised of extrusions702and703that each engage and are joined by a plurality of polyamide strips404in order to provide a thermal break. Preferably, cavities705and706of respective extrusions702and703, and areas between the polyamide strips404and pivot pin500, may be filled with an expandable foam or other suitable insulating material. Additionally, one or more air and/or moisture seals and/or sealing blocks may be provided to minimize intrusion of cold air and/or moisture. For this purpose, protuberances such as shown at710and711may be provided to provide engagement regions for such seals.

Additionally, a bulb seal707may be attached to the top of the extrusion706on the dry side only of the barrier100to engage a stop720attached to the top frame23, to provide a tight substantially weatherproof seal when the barrier100is fully extended in the locked position. The stop720may preferably comprise a pair of L-shaped angle pieces. A first piece721is bolted to the top frame and the upright portion of the first piece721is bolted to the upright portion of the second angle piece722to provide a horizontal surface offset from the top frame23against which the bulb seal707may abut. During installation, the relative positions of the two upright portions may be adjusted to account for minor variations in height of various openings20.

On the wet side, a stop gauge709may be attached to the top of the extrusion705on the wet side of the barrier100to engage a stop730attached to the top frame23, to provide still further protection to the enclosure10against the elements. The stop730may preferably comprise a pair of L-shaped angle pieces731,732, configured in similar fashion to angle pieces721,722. More preferably, a weather strip733may be configured to hang substantially vertically from the stop730in such a position that it will be pinched between the stop gauge709and the second angle piece732to provide a seal at the wet side junction between the top frame23and the barrier100.

The nature of the pantograph movement is such that when the barrier100is being extended, the top of the barrier100will simultaneously move vertically upwards to engage the top frame23. The pantograph arms112rotate about the pivot pin500causing seal707and weather strip733to be engaged by vertical or lateral pressure exerted by rotation of the top member700.

The horizontal panel top member700serves to present a fitted recess in the enclosure119into which the panel120may be laid and held in place with trim panel708that engages extrusion703to hold the panel120in place, which trim panel is also preferably filled with expandable foam or other form of insulation.

The horizontal panel top member700may be fixed into position with corresponding pantograph arms112of the inside pantograph set111bby means of a plurality of bolts420. Here, the mounting bracket621into which the bolts420are mounted may be seen.

Above, or recessed within the top frame23may be provided one or more sheaves740. The outer circular surface of such sheaves are grooved to accommodate a loop of a retraction cable1201(FIG. 12) therearound, which retraction cable is unwound from a retraction spool1202(FIG. 12) positioned above each pantograph structure110and driven by the lifting motor assembly303. While no sheave740is strictly necessary, as the retraction cable may be unwound from the retraction spool1202directly, provision of one or more sheaves740permits additional loops of retraction cable to be extended downward and provides improved mechanical advantage in retracting the barrier100.

FIG. 8is a front perspective detail view of the intersection of the left wall track and respective arms of the inside and side wall pantograph sets of one of the pantograph structures ofFIG. 1along section G-G.

The side frame130is shown partially broken away in order to illustrate that the pivot pin500extends from the horizontal panel intermediate member118, through the intersecting pantograph arms112that comprise the inside pantograph set111band the side wall pantograph set111aand protrude further outward, terminating in a sheave801. The sheave801is fitted on the end of the pivot pin500and adapted to freely rotate thereabout. The sheave801fits within the pantograph track130, which extends vertically flush with and along the inside of each side wall21,22and/or on each side of the post11and substantially along the entirety of its height thereof. A sheave801will similarly be fitted on the end of the pivot pins500extending through and out of each end of the horizontal panel bottom member600in like manner.

The outer circular surface802of each sheave801is grooved to accommodate a loop of the retraction cable1201therearound. As there are a plurality of sheaves801extending within the track130(one per horizontal panel intermediate member118, and one for the horizontal panel bottom member600), not all of the sheaves801will have a loop of retraction cable1201wound therearound.

Indeed, in some example embodiments, only one sheave801need be so wound. The position of such sheave801relative to the extended barrier100may be dictated by such factors as the amount of retraction cable1201to be supplied (more for a lower-positioned sheave801); the capacity of the retraction spool1202(larger for a lower-positioned sheave801); the desired amount of fine positioning control over the extension of the barrier100(more for a lower-positioned sheave801); and other factors such as cable tension, loads and stresses in the pantograph arms112and their pivot pins500.

One characteristic, however, of pantograph structures is that the amount of extension of each of the diamond-shaped structures in the direction of extension is the same. Thus, conceivably, the retraction cable1201may be looped about one of the intermediate sheaves801, in order to save space in terms of the amount of retraction cable1201to be used and spooled, although at a cost of less precision over the retraction and extension of the barrier100.

For purposes of mechanical advantage, it may be appropriate to implement a multiple loop structure through a pulley mechanism using one or more sheaves740proximate to the retraction spool1202(as shown inFIG. 7) and wind a loop around each of a plurality of sheaves801.

Turning now toFIG. 9, which shows the interaction between the horizontal panel intermediate member118, the inside pantograph set111b,the sidewall pantograph set111aand the side frame130at section F-F, a single opening901extends along the length of the side frame130facing the pantograph structure110, to accommodate the pivot pin500and the sheave801. The sheave801is mounted on the pivot pin500by mounting bearing907. Preferably, the opening901is sized to as to accommodate a guide roller803encircling the pivot pin500as it exists at the side wall pantograph set111ain a sliding fit while at the same time providing lateral (dry side to wet side) stability so as to act as a guide to the lateral position of the sheave801as it rides up and down within the side frame130.

A cable guide908may preferably be affixed to and extend radially beyond the far end (toward the side wall21of the sheave801to inhibit travel by the retraction cable1201out of the groove802of the sheave, especially when the barrier100is in a fully extended and locked position and the tension in the retraction cable1201may slacken from excessive unwinding.

Preferably the opening901is at least partially sheltered from the elements by a plurality of strips of rubber and/or EVA foam weatherstripping (shown as909inFIG. 9) extending along the length thereof from either side of the opening901, creating a flexible slit through which the pivot pin500may pass but that tends to close up when guide roller803has passed by.

Preferably the side frame130is unitary along its length, so as to protect the sheaves801and retraction cable1201housed therein from the elements including wind loads, rain and snow. Use of a unitary frame130reduces the number and/or size of joints between pantograph arms and between pantograph arms and the surface that are to be sealed off against wind and rain and minimizes wear of the seals caused by the cable1201passing therethrough.

It may be seen inFIG. 9that the pantograph arms112in the inside pantograph set111band the side wall pantograph set111amay also comprise a plurality of extrusions911-912and913-914respectively, each engaging and being joined by polyamide strips404, which act as a thermal break.

As well, as with the horizontal panel extremity members117and horizontal panel intermediate members118, extrusions911and912comprising the pantograph arms112of the inside pantograph set111bmay provide a fitted recess in the enclosure119into which the panel120may be laid and held in place with trim panels915and916respectively. Preferably, trim panels915and916are filled with expandable foam or other form of insulation.

It may also be seen that the side frame130may comprise a plurality of extrusions921,922to facilitate positioning of the sheave801within the opening901laterally rather than vertically. Preferably, for security reasons, the second extrusion922is positioned on the dry side of the barrier100.

Regardless of the configuration, however, the retraction cable1201is effective only for upward retraction of the panels120. Downward extension of the barrier100is primarily a function of gravity working on the mass of the panels120. The rate of the downward extension of the barrier100is primarily limited by the extension of the retraction cable1201as it is unspooled from the retraction spool1202.

Even so, internal resistance due to friction of the seals when the pantograph arms112are near parallel and substantially in a fully extended position will prevent complete extension of the barrier100sufficient to preclude the incursion of wind, rain or snow within the building envelope10.

As a result, the barrier100comprises a locking mechanism shown generally at902to pull the pantograph structures110closed and produce a secure and substantially air and water tight seal of the opening20.

The components of the locking mechanism902are housed at each end of each pantograph arm112within the side wall pantograph set111a. As shown inFIG. 9, the locking mechanism902is preferably protected from the elements by an expandable bulb seal903. The degree of expansion of the expandable bulb seal903depends upon the position of a pair of side arms904to which the horizontal extremities of the expandable bulb seal903are affixed and that may rotate inwardly as shown by arrows905under control of a servo motor906that forms part of the locking mechanism902.

As described below, as the locking mechanism902is engaged when the barrier100is fully extended, the servo motor906concomitantly causes the side arms904to incline toward one another, causing the expandable bulb seal903to balloon outwards toward the side frame130. This creates a weatherproof seal of both the side wall pantograph set111aas well as the opening901in the side frame130, to protect the sheave801, the pivot pin500and the mounting bearing907from the elements.

When the locking mechanism902is disengaged in preparation for retracting the barrier100, the servo motor906concomitantly causes the side arms904to return to an outward facing position, causing the expandable bulb seal903to retract slightly and disengage from the opening901.

The operation of the locking mechanism902may be better understood from consideration ofFIGS. 10 and 11, which respectively show the locking mechanism902in isolation and as positioned on the pantograph arms112of the side wall pantograph set111aat section H-H shown onFIG. 1.

Electrical power for the locking mechanism902is provided to the servo motor906through a connector1001that mates with a corresponding connector1002from another (higher) pantograph arm112. The split arm116at the upper extremity113has its connector1001connected to a connector1002connected to a power source (not shown) housed within a recess in the top frame23that may comprise a programmable logic controller (PLC). At each pantograph arm112, power received at the connector1001is distributed to the downstream connector1002along cable1003to be passed on to a connector1002on the next lower pantograph arm112. Power is also fed from connector1001to the servo motor906along cable1004.

The nature of the series of connectors1001,1002is such that electrical connection is not achieved until the barrier100is substantially fully extended and in a position whereby the locking mechanism902should be engaged in order to ensure a vertical planar disposition of the barrier100and sealing off of the opening20from the elements. When the barrier100reaches the extended position, the PLC (not shown) energizes the motors906for a preset period of time, typically several seconds, to activate the locking and sealing mechanisms as described below.

The servo motor906is mounted in place on a mounting block1005affixed to the pantograph arm112and drives a universal joint1006that translates rotational movement of the shaft of the motor906into translational extension and retraction of a primary shaft1007. Preferably, the shaft1007is a rod that is threaded at its far (relative to the servo motor906) end to firmly engage a slider and cover1008. The slider and cover1008is pivotally attached at1009to a yoke slider1010, which in turn is connected to a secondary shaft1011.

The secondary shaft1011is pivotally connected to a latch hook1012at a point1013that is offset from a pivot axis1014of the latch hook1012, thus causing, upon extension of the primary shaft1007upon engagement of the motor906, the latch hook1012to rotate about its pivot axis1014and engage a catch pin1101(FIG. 11) on an intersecting pantograph arm112to pull the arms112firmly into a mutually planar arrangement. The motion of the latch hook1012engaging the catch pin1101also serves to pull the corresponding pantograph arms112tightly together, in a manner that could not be achieved simply by gravitational forces.

Preferably, the secondary shaft1011is surrounded by a spring1015to compress and protect the locking mechanism902and motor906from damage in the event the latch hook1012or guide arms become jammed. Engagement of the spring signals this situation to the motor906so that the motor906may switch off as a safety measure and to minimize the likelihood of burning out the motor906. The motor will switch off only when the pivot block1021rotates and trips the micro switches1031,1032at both of its end positions. If full movement of latch hook1012and/or connectors1028are restricted by an outside obstruction then the springs1015,1029aand/or1029bcompress and allow the pivot block to rotate fully, thus protecting the motor906.

As suggested above, as the locking mechanism902is engaged when the barrier100is fully extended, the motor906concomitantly causes the side arms904to retract, or incline toward one another, causing the expandable bulb seal903to balloon outwards toward the side frame130. This is achieved by means of an end seal actuator assembly1020. The end seal actuator assembly1020comprises a pivot block1021adapted to pivot about a central point1022and pivotally attached to the slider and cover1008at a point1023offset therefrom. This causes the pivot block1021to pivot about its central point1022in response to the linear motion of the cover and block1008under the longitudinal urging of the primary shaft1007. In the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 10, extension of the primary shaft1007causes clockwise rotation of the pivot block1021about its central point1022and retraction of the primary shaft1007causes counter-clockwise rotation of the pivot block1021about its central point1022.

The pivot block1021is shown as being generally T-shaped, with the central point1022located at the junction of the T mid-way between the T-arms of the pivot block1021. A pair of actuator links1024,1025are pivotally attached to respective T-arms of the pivot block1021and are adapted to accept along a bore therewithin, respective actuator arms1026,1027.

Actuator arms1026,1027have a connector1028at one end thereof adapted to engage a corresponding one of the side arms904to which the extremities of the expandable bulb seal903are attached. On either side of the actuator link1024,1025, the actuator arms1026,1027are surrounded by first and second springs1029a,1029bthat permit fine adjustments of the positions of the individual actuator arms1026,1027to provide accurate extended and retracted positions for a given pantograph arm112.

Positioned proximate to the T-arms of the pivot block1022are first and second microswitches1031,1032. Microswitch1031is positioned such that when one of the T-arms (corresponding to actuator arm1026) is sufficiently retracted, when the pivot block1022is rotated in a clockwise direction as a result of the extension of the primary shaft1007, the microswitch1031is triggered, interrupting power to the motor906, thus controlling the maximum extension of the primary shaft1007and preventing the latch hook1012from over-rotating in the clockwise direction, while maintaining a firm grip on the catch pin1101. This also controls the maximum extent to which the extendable bulb seal903will be retracted inward (and concomitantly expand outwards).

Microswitch1032is positioned such that when one of the T-arms (corresponding to actuator arm1027) is sufficiently extended, when the pivot block1022is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as a result of the retraction of the primary shaft1007, the microswitch1032is triggered, thus controlling the maximum extent of retraction of the primary shaft1007and preventing the latch hook1012from over-rotating in the counter-clockwise direction and disengaging from the catch pin1101. This also controls the maximum extent to which the extendable bulb seal903will be extended outward (and concomitantly flatten).

Thus, it may be seen that the microswitches1031,1032permit the motor906to drive for an extended period of time to extend and to retract the latch hook1012, while providing individual control of the corresponding retraction and extension of the actuator arms1026,1027to control the extension and retraction of the expandable bulb seal903, which presumably uses only a portion of the extension/retraction of the primary shaft1007.

FIG. 11shows the interaction of the locking mechanism902on each of two pantograph arms112within the side wall pantograph set111athat interact with one another, taken at section H-H shown onFIG. 1, at a point just before the locking mechanism902is engaged, when the pantograph structure110is mostly extended. The expandable bulb seal903covering the pantograph arms112within the side wall pantograph set111ais shown partially broken away for purposes of illustrating the functioning of the locking mechanism902.

As indicated by arrows1100, opposing pairs of pantograph arms112, each pair comprising one arm belonging to the side wall pantograph set111aand one arm belonging to the inside pantograph set111bare drawn toward one another as the barrier100is extended.

The locking mechanism902is engaged by the servo motor906(FIGS. 9,10) being activated by the supply of power to connector1001, under control of the programmable logic controller (not shown), as the opposing pairs of pantograph arms112are brought into proximity by the extension of the barrier100through gravity, causing the latch hook1012of one pantograph arm112from the lower side wall pantograph set111a(for example, designated1012a) to approach and engage the catch pin1101of the complementary pantograph arm112from the upper side wall pantograph set111a(designated1101b), while the latch hook1012bof pantograph arm112from the upper side wall pantograph set111aapproaches and engages the catch pin1101aof pantograph arm112of lower sidewall pantograph set111a.

As discussed earlier, when the locking mechanism902is engaged or nearly so, the end seal actuator assembly1020is actuated by the servo motor906to cause the side arms904to retract, or incline toward one another, causing the expandable bulb seal903to balloon outwards toward the side frame130. This provides a weather proof seal between the side frame130and the pantograph structure110while the barrier100is fully extended. Microswitch1031controls the extent of retraction of the end seal actuator assembly1020by controlling the supply of power thereto.

When the barrier100is to be retracted, the programmable logic controller (not shown) causes polarity of the power supplied to the connector1001to be reversed so that the servo motor906causes the latch hook1012on each of the complementary pantograph arms112in the side wall pantograph set111ato retract from its corresponding catch pin1101while at the same time, extending the side arms904, causing the expandable bulb seal903to flatten and retract from the side frame130to provide a clearance between it and the side wall pantograph set111a. Microswitch1032controls the extent of extension of the end seal actuator assembly1020by controlling the supply of power thereto.

Each pantograph arm112in the side wall pantograph set111awill have two locking mechanisms902mounted thereon, one pointing toward each end thereof. The only difference between the two locking mechanisms902is that one (the upper one) will have power supplied thereto along connector1001and will supply power to a subsequent (lower) locking mechanism902along connector1002. The lower locking mechanism902will have power supplied thereto along connector1002and will supply power to a subsequent (lower) locking mechanism902, namely the upper locking mechanism902for the next lower pantograph arm112in the side wall pantograph set111aalong connector1001. That is to say, the upper locking mechanisms902will have connector1001proximate to the end of the pantograph arm112and connector1002toward the middle thereof, while the lower locking mechanisms902will have connector1002proximate to the end of the pantograph arm112and connector1001toward the middle thereof. Alternatively, cable1003may extend and interconnect the upper and lower locking mechanisms902on a common pantograph arm112without resort to connectors1001and1002toward the middle of the pantograph arm112.

Turning now toFIG. 12, there is shown in perspective view from the exterior (wet side) of the enclosure20, a preferred configuration of the retraction cable1201and retraction spool1202for controlling the extension and retraction of the barrier100. Certain covers, valences and the like are removed for purposes of illustration only.

The retraction cable1201is affixed at one end to a terminal point1203, which may be, as shown, a screw bolt attached to a mounting block which in turn is affixed to and beneath or inside the top frame23.

The retraction cable1202is positioned within an exterior circumferential groove about a first sheave740, runs down through the interior of the side frame130(not shown for purposes of illustration) and around the groove in the outer circular surface802of one of the sheaves801extending at one end of the pivot pin500, back up through the interior of the side frame130and within the exterior circumferential groove about a second sheave740and back to the retraction spool1202.

The sheave801is, in the illustrated embodiment, an intermediate one rather than one more lower-positioned. The sheave801is covered by cable guide908, which serves to maintain the retraction cable1201within proximity to the groove in the outer circular surface802of the sheave801, especially when there is slack in the retraction cable1201, such as when the retraction spool1202has completed unrolling the retraction cable1201and may have slightly over-rotated.

Retraction of the barrier100is achieved by rotation of the retraction spool1202under control of the lifting motor assembly303. As the retraction spool1202rotates, in the illustrated embodiment in the counter-clockwise direction, retraction cable1201is spooled thereon, concomitantly shortening the length of the loop of retraction cable1201around the sheave801and causing the sheave801and the entirety of the barrier100to retract. Similarly, extension of the barrier100is achieved by rotation of the retraction spool1202in the opposite (clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) direction.

A second retraction cable1201and retraction spool1202will be configured to retract and extend the sheaves801on the other side of the barrier100, although not shown in the Figure. Preferably, the retraction spools1202are driven by the same lifting motor assembly303to ensure that the barrier100remains at all times parallel. Optionally, the barrier100may be configured in a manner so as to spool both retraction cables1201on a common retraction spool1202.

Suitable drainage of the enclosure20to the outside may be provided in conventional fashion using sills, troughs and weeps in known and well-understood implementations.

In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in this art that the present disclosure may be practised in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure with unnecessary detail. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in this art that block diagrams reproduced herein can represent conceptual views of illustrative components embodying the principles of the technology.

It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in this art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, consistent with the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

While preferred embodiments are disclosed, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the general principles set forth herein are considered to be merely illustrative of the scope of the present disclosure and it is to be further understood that numerous changes covering alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be made without straying from the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

Also, the term “couple” in any form is intended to mean either an direct or indirect connection through other devices and connections.

Moreover, all dimensions described herein are intended solely to be exemplary for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to any embodiments that may depart from such dimensions as may be specified.

Directional terms such as “upward”, “downward”, “left” and “right” are used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” are used to refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric centre of a device, area and/or volume and/or designated parts thereof.

References in the singular form include the plural and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

The terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to”. The terms “example” and “exemplary” are used simply to identify instances for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention to the stated instances. In particular, the term “exemplary” should not be interpreted to denote or confer any laudatory, beneficial or other quality to the expression with which it is used, whether in terms of design, performance or otherwise.

Certain terms are used throughout to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, manufacturers may refer to a component by different names. It is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the relevant patent office and/or the public generally, and especially persons having ordinary skill in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to quickly determine from a cursory inspection the nature of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this disclosure, which is measured by its claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of this disclosure in any way.

Other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the specification and the practice of the disclosure disclosed herein.

According to a first broad aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure there is disclosed a barrier for an opening defined by a top header, a pair of side walls and a bottom threshold, the barrier adapted to be secured to the top header and be upwardly movable into a storage position proximate to the top header thereof and downwardly movable into a closed position to form a wall substantially blocking the opening, the barrier comprising: a plurality of side frames including first and second side frames secured to and extending along the height of each side wall, each side frame having a longitudinal channel therealong facing inward toward the opening; a plurality of wall panels each supported by a rectangular frame comprising a pair of upright panel members, one at each end of the wall panel, each upright panel member having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of horizontal panel members, the plurality of wall panels extending between two adjacent and inward facing side frames; a plurality of upright side wall members at each end of the plurality of wall panels between the upright panel members and the side frames, each upright side wall member having a first end and a second end and being associated with a corresponding upright panel member proximate thereto; the upright side wall members and the corresponding upright panel members proximate to each side frame being configured so that the second end of a first upright side wall member pivotally engages the first end of a second upright panel member, the first end of a second upright side wall member, corresponding to the second upright panel member, pivotally engages the second end of a first upright panel member corresponding to the first upright side wall member, the second end of the second upright side wall member pivotally engages the first end of a third upright panel member and the second end of the second upright panel member engages the first end of a third upright side wall member corresponding to the third upright panel member, so as to form a pantograph structure movable from a collapsed, substantially flat configuration in the storage position to an extended, substantially vertical configuration in the closed position in which the first end of the first upright panel member is substantially adjacent to the second end of the second upright panel member; and a locking mechanism mounted at the first end of the second upright side wall member and adapted to engage a catch pin situated on the second end of the first upright side wall member when the barrier is substantially in the closed position, to pull the wall panels associated with the first and second upright panel members into substantially planar alignment.

According to a second broad aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure there is disclosed a barrier for an opening defined by a top header, a pair of side walls and a bottom threshold, the barrier adapted to be secured to the top header and be upwardly movable into a storage position proximate to the top header thereof and downwardly movable into a closed position to form a wall substantially blocking the opening, the barrier comprising: a plurality of side frames including first and second side frames secured to and extending along the height of each side wall, having a longitudinal channel therealong facing inward toward the opening; a plurality of wall panels each supported by a rectangular frame comprising a pair of upright panel members, one at each end of the wall panel, each upright panel member having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of horizontal panel members, the plurality of wall panels extending between two adjacent and inward facing side frames; a plurality of upright side wall members at each end of the plurality of wall panels between the upright panel members and the side frames, each upright side wall member having a first end and a second end and being associated with a corresponding upright panel member proximate thereto; the upright side wall members and the corresponding upright panel members proximate to each side frame being configured so that the second end of a first upright side wall member pivotally engages the first end of a second upright panel member, the first end of a second upright side wall member corresponding to the second upright panel member pivotally engages the second end of a first upright panel member corresponding to the first upright side wall member, the second end of the second upright side wall member pivotally engages the first end of a third upright panel member and the second end of the second upright panel member engages the first end of a third upright side wall member corresponding to the third upright panel member, so as to form a pantograph structure movable from a collapsed, substantially flat configuration in the storage position to an extended, substantially vertical configuration in the closed position in which the first end of the first upright panel member is substantially adjacent to the second end of the second upright panel member; an end seal covering the second upright side wall member between its first and second ends and extending between a first and second side arm at opposing sides of the second upright side wall member; and an end seal actuator on the second upright side wall member for selectively retracting the first and second side arms toward one another and causing the end seal to balloon outward to engage and cover the channel in a portion of the side frame proximate to the second upright wall member while the barrier is in the closed position.

Accordingly, the specification and the embodiments disclosed therein are to be considered examples only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed by the following claims.