Multi-directional carrier system for partitions

Abstract: A multi-directional carrier includes a track (16) and first and second ledges (18,22) on the track. The ledges are relatively spaced vertically and horizontally. First and second discs (24,26) are supported on a bolt (28) in vertical spaced relation. One of the discs (24) engages one of the ledges (18) on one side of the bolt and the other disc (26) engages the other ledge (22) on the other side of the bolt. The underside of each disc has an angled surface (64,66) and the upper side of each of the ledges has a complementary angled surface (30,32) which is engaged by one of the disc angled surfaces. The angles of both said disc and ledge surfaces are substantially equal, being in the range of 2⁰ to 8⁰ to the horizontal, preferably 5⁰. The discs can be made of metal and the underside of each disc can also be provided with rings (116,118) of suitable bearing material engaging the ledges (18,22).

Description: This invention relates to a multi-directional suspension system for operable partitions and, more particularly, to such partition arrangements where panels are suspended from an overhead track and are movable along the track between a point of intended use and a storage area removed from the space to be subdivided. Where large spaces are intended to be temporarily subdivided into smaller rooms in, for example, hotels, clubs, convention halls, and the like, usually a partition suspension system is provided which permits movement of subdividing panels between the point of intended use and a storage area that is removed from the space being subdivided. These involve an overhead track arrangement commonly made up of straight sections of track and right angled turns, crossovers, and T-intersections interspersed with the straight track sections. Panels in systems of this type can be large and heavy. In many installations, the panels have to be acoustically designed for minimum transmission of sound through the panels. That can add to the weight of the individual panels. Panels in operable partition systems of this type are usually separately supported from the track system in an unhinged relationship, and by a pair of carriers located one adjacent both the leading and trailing edges of the respective panels. The individual panels are moved from the storage area to points of use by moving them along the track straightaways on the carriers and then, as required by the track layout, around right angle turns and/or across intersections. A significant problem with operable partition arrangements of this type has been in providing ease of movement of the panels along the track and through the track intersections, right angle turns, etc. An effective solution to that problem was provided by the construction described and claimed in our US-A- 3,879, 799. However, some difficulties are encountered even with the carrier system of US-A-3,879,799 when the carrier is called on to negotiate an intersection or right angle turn. All the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known from US-A-3 879 799. Among the general objects of this invention is to provide a multi-directional carrier and track system of the type disclosed in US-A-3,879,799 in which the carrier negotiates the track intersections and/or right angle turns more effectively, particularly when transporting heavy panels, and which thus improves the overall movement of the panels through the track system. To this end according to the invention there is provided a multi-directional carrier and track system for partitions comprising, in combination, a track, means on said track defining first and second disc supporting surfaces which are relatively spaced horizontally and vertically, at least one carrier comprising first and second discs, and means defining an axis and supporting said first and second discs for rotation about said axis and with said first disc in engagement with one of said disc supporting surfaces and said second disc in engagement with the other of said disc supporting surfaces, said disc supporting surfaces being located on opposite sides of said axis so that each faces upwardly toward the disc which it supports, each of said disc supporting surfaces sloping downwardly and inwardly towards said axis, characterised in that each of the disc supporting surfaces slopes at an angle of substantially 5° to the horizontal. Preferably, the disc supporting surfaces are part of ledges located on each side of the axis. The underside of the carrier discs which enage the angled disc supporting surfaces are preferably angled to the horizontal as well, this carrier disc angle preferably being complementary to the angle of the track disc supporting surfaces, i.e., where the disc supporting surfaces are at 5° to the horizontal the angled disc surfaces are at 5° to the horizontal. Alternatively, the underside of the discs can be flat or arcuate. This invention also contemplates the use of a plastic ring, preferably of a suitable bearing material such as an acetal resin sold under the trademark CELCON or DELRIN, as an insert to the underside of the disc to provide the engagement with the disc supporting surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned axis of rotation is defined by a bolt which carries the two discs. The bolt aiso connects to a panel so that the panel is movable with the discs along the track. The bolt is generally connected to the movable partition, or panel, so that the movable partition is supportable from the bolt and in turn from the track by the discs. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view, somewhat in schematic, showing one panel suspended in accordance with this invention positioned at and moving through a crossover; Figure 2 is a view of the carrier positioned within a portion of track, both track and carrier being shown in section; Figure 3 is a plan view of a track crossover intersection; Figure 4 is a plan view of a track right angle T-intersection; Figure 5 is a plan view of a track right angle turn; Figure 6 is a view of an alternative embodiment, in section and showing a carrier positioned within a portion of track; Figure 7 is a view of another alternative embodiment, in section and showing the carrier positioned within a portion of track; and Figure 7a shows an alternative construction for a portion of the Figure 7 embodiment. Figure 1 shows an operable partition 10 suspended from a track system 12 by a pair of carriers 14. One carrier is connected adjacent each of the vertical edges of the panel 10. Track system 12 is made up of sections of track having a cross-sectional configuration best illustrated in Figure 2. With reference to Figure 2, track section 16 includes two generally horizontal ledges 18 and 22. These ledges are spaced apart horizontally and vertically. Each carrier 14 includes two discs 24 and 26 positioned one above the other and supported for rotation about a vertical bolt 28. Disc 24 is arranged to contact the upper facing surface 30 of ledge 18. Disc 26 is arranged to engage the upper facing surface 32 of ledge 22. With this arrangement, discs 24 and 26 engage only a single ledge 18 and 22 respectively. The discs are thus capable of rolling movement on the ledges 18 and 22 as the panel is moved through the track arrangement 12. Bolt 28 defines an axis of rotation and the discs rotate about bolt 28 as the panel is moved along and through the track section. Track 16 is generally made of extruded aluminum or formed steel and in the preferred construction, only one ledge 18 is provided under disc 24 as there is no need for a ledge on the lefthand side of the track as viewed in Fig. 2. With respect to disc 26, it should be similarly noted that only one ledge, ledge 22, need be provided under the disc 26, but for aesthetic purposes a masking ledge 34 is provided on the righthand side of disc 26 as viewed in Fig. 2. Disc 26 is spaced from the upper surface 36 of ledge 34 so that the disc 26 remains free to rotate as a result of engagement with only ledge surface 32. This is accomplished by providing ledge 34 with a thickness which is less than the thickness of ledge 22, thereby providing space 38 between disc 26 and ledge 34. As will appear from the discussion further on in this specification, masking ledge 34 may provide some operational function at the intersections of the track sections where the gap between ledges 22 and 34 becomes larger. It will also be noted that the engagement of the discs 24 and 26 with ledges 18 and 22 on opposite sides of the bolt 28 supports the bolt in an upright position. Discs 24 and 26 are structurally supported on bolt 28 by ball bearing assemblies 40 and 42. The bearings are identically constructed so identical numbers will be used to identify identical parts in both bearings. More specifically, balls 44 are held between an inner race 46 and an outer race formed by members 48 and 50. The inner races 46 have a pressed fit on bolt 28 so that the inner races 46 are fixed relative to the bolt. Members 48 and 50 of the outer races have a pressed fit in tire portions 52 and 54 of discs 24 and 26. With this arrangement, tires 52 and 54 are free to rotate on balls 44 and relative to the fixed races 46 and the bolt 28. Spacer 54 is provided on bolt 28 and maintains the vertical spacing between discs 24 and 26. Similarly, a spacer 56 is provided under disc 26 and between it and a nut 58 which is engaged on the lower threaded portion 60 of bolt 28. The lower threaded portion 60 of the bolt 28 is suitably attached to the top of the panel 10 in a conventional manner, not shown. As the panels are moved along the track system 12, disc 24 rolls on ledge 18 and rotates in one direction while disc 26 rolls on ledge 22 but in an opposite direction relative to disc 24. When the carrier approaches an intersection, there will be a tendency for the carrier to drop into the relatively enlarged opening defined at that intersection. For example, in Figs. 1 and 3, this opening is identified by the numeral 62 and as can be seen in the drawings, the opening is defined by the corners where the track sections come together at the intersection and will be slightly larger than the slot 64 defined between ledges 22 and 34. When the disc 26 is in that intersection opening 62, it must negotiate that larger slot and roll up onto the next series of ledges 18 and 22, either in a straight path or as the carrier turns into a new track section at the intersection. That same phenomena occurs whether the carrier is moving through the opening 62 or openings 62a and 62b in the T-intersection or right angle turn in Figs. 4 and 5, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the underside of discs 26 and 24, namely surfaces 64 and 66 are angled to the horizontal. The upper surfaces 30 and 32 of ledges 18 and 22 are also angled to the horizontal. This enhances the rolling action of the discs on the track sections and also provides good support for the carrier by assisting in maintaining the bolt 28 in an upright orientation. This angled engagement between the discs and ledges 18 and 22 is further advantageous when the carriers are called on to negotiate an opening, 62, 62a or 62b, at an intersection. With at least the support of ledges 18 and 22 being angled, the discs will tend to roll up onto the next adjacent ledge to which it is to move and thereby assist in pulling the discs up and out of the openings, 62, 62a or 62b. Where the undersurfaces of discs are also angled, this feature of pulling up and out of openings 62, 62a or 62b is enhanced. More specifically, the rolling action between the discs and the ledges and is enhanced by having the upper surfaces of ledges 18 and 22 angled and in engagement with correspondingly angled surfaces 64 and 66 of the discs 24 and 26. This construction provides an angled engagement between the discs and the ledges which results in a smooth rolling contact of the discs on the ledges. It also cooperates in pulling the discs up and out of the intersection openings as mentioned above. Much of the above structure and operation is similar to that already disclosed in my prior Patent 3,879,799. In accordance with this invention it has been recognised that this rolling action and movement through the intersection openings can be greatly improved with proper attention to the angle of the ledge disc supporting surfaces, and beyond that to provide an angled surface on the underside of the disc where they engage the ledge disc supporting surfaces. The angle A of the surfaces 30 and 32 on the ledges 18 and 22 to the horizontal is substantially 5°. Similarly, the angle to the horizontal of surfaces 64 and 66 of the discs 24 and 26 is also 5°. It has been found that these specific angles improve the rolling action and ability of the carriers to negotiate openings such as 62, 62a and 62b as they are encountered in operation. The ease with which the discs will roll up out of the intersections is also enhanced. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate additional embodiments of the invention. In Fig. 6, the undersides 90, 92 of disc assemblies 94, 96 are arcuate as opposed to linear. These arcuate surfaces, when the carrier is assembled in track 16, will provide the area of enagagement with ledges 18, 22. In Fig. 7, the discs 98, 100 are made of steel and are each provided with an annular slot 102, 104 in the undersides 106, 108. Undersides 106 and 108 are horizontal. The slots are concentric with bearing assemblies 110, 112. An annular plastic ring 116, 118 is positioned in each slot. The rings are preferably made of an acetal resin such as sold under the trademark CELCON or DELRIN; other synthetic materials can be used so long as they exhibit suitable bearing and structural characteristics. The exposed end or outer surface of each ring will engage ledges 18, 22, when the carrier is assembled in track 16. The upper surfaces of ledges 18, 22 are at a 5° angle and outer surfaces 120, 122 of the rings are horizontal, but can be angled complementary to the angle of disc supporting surfaces of ledges 18, 22 (as shown in Fig. 7a) or arcuate as discussed in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 6. In Fig. 7a, the underside of the exposed end of the ring is at an angle of 5° as the surface of the ledge which it engages. The ring in the other disc and ledge have the same relationship but, for convenience, have not been shown. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the discs can be made of metal, preferably steel, to carry heavier loads. The rings, as described above, are made of a suitable bearing material to reduce noise generated as the carriers roll on the tracks, and to reduce friction or resistance to rolling and provide a smoother running engagement between disc and track.

Claims: A multi-directional carrier and track system for partitions (10) comprising, in combination, a track (12), means on said track defining first and second disc supporting surfaces (30.32) which are relatively spaced horizontally and vertically, at least one carrier (14) comprising first and second discs (24,26) and, means (28) defining an axis and supporting said first and second discs (24,26) for rotation about said axis and with said first disc (24) in engagement with one (30) of said disc supporting surfaces and said second disc (26) in engagement with the other (32) of said disc supporting surfaces, said disc supporting surfaces (30,32) being located on opposite sides of said axis (28) so that each faces upwardly toward the disc which it supports, each of said disc supporting surfaces sloping downwardly and inwardly towards said axis, characterised in that each of the disc supporting surfaces (30,32) slopes at an angle of substantially 5° to the horizontal. A carrier and track system according to claim 1, wherein the disc supporting surfaces (30,32) are part of ledges (18,22) located on opposite sides of said axis (28). A carrier and track system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said means supporting said first and second discs (24,26) is a bolt (28), said bolt defining said axis and further including means (60) for connection to a movable partition (10) so that said movable partition is supportable from said track (12) by said discs (24,26). A carrier and track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second discs (24,26) include generally linear surfaces (64,66) engaging respective ones of said disc supporting surfaces (30,32), and said linear surfaces are angled to the horizontal complementary to the angle of said disc supporting surfaces. A carrier and track system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and second discs (24,26) include generally arcuate surfaces (90,92) engaging respective ones of said disc supporting surfaces (30,32). A carrier and track system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first and second discs (24,26) includes an annular ring (116,118) of bearing material connected to the underside (106,108) of said disc and projecting therefrom so that an outer surface (120,122) of the ring engages the respective disc supporting surfaces (30,32). A carrier and track system according to claim 6, wherein said outer ring surface (120, 122) is at an angle to the horizontal complementary to the angle of said disc supporting surfaces (30, 32) to the horizontal. A carrier and track system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said discs (24, 26) are made of steel.

Inventors: WILLIAMS CHARLES E, WILLIAMS, CHARLES E.
Applicants: HUFCOR INC, HUFCOR, INC.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: E05D15
IPC codes: F16C29, E05D15, E06B3