Door assembly

Abstract

A door assembly (10) is provided. A door assembly (10) includes a track assembly (12), a first door panel (14), a first arm (16), a second door panel (18), a second arm (20), and a connector mechanism (22). The rail assembly (12) includes a first rail (24) and a second rail (26) coupled to the first rail (24). A first end (16a) of the first arm (16) is rotatably attached to the first door panel (14) and a second end (16b) of the first arm (16) is slidably engaged with the first rail (24); a first end (20a) of the second arm (20) is rotatably attached to the second door panel (18) and a second end (20b) of the second arm (20) is slidably engaged with the second rail (26). A connector mechanism (22) connects the second end (16b) of the first arm (16) to the second end (20b) of the second arm (20) and is configured to move the second end (16b) of the first arm (16) and the second end (20b) of the second arm (20) in opposite directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to door systems, and more specifically to door components. Background Technology

[0002] Double doors are particularly suitable for large openings because they can span a wide space. However, double doors typically require two hands to operate. Therefore, opening or closing a double door with only one hand can be inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a door assembly including a track assembly, a first door panel, a first arm, a second door panel, a second arm, and a connector mechanism. The track assembly includes a first track and a second track coupled to the first track. A first end of the first arm is rotatably attached to the first door panel, and a second end of the first arm is slidably engaged with the first track; a first end of the second arm is rotatably attached to the second door panel, and a second end of the second arm is slidably engaged with the second track. The connector mechanism connects the second end of the first arm to the second end of the second arm and is configured to move the second ends of the first arm and the second arm in opposite directions.

[0004] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the invention by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of example only, wherein: Figure 1A This is a front view schematic diagram of a door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1B for Figure 1A Rear view of the door assembly; Figure 1C For being in the open position Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the top plan of the door assembly; Figure 1D For the closed position Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the top plan of the door assembly; Figure 1E for Figure 1A A vertical sectional view of the door assembly; Figure 1F To show Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the connector mechanism of the door assembly; Figure 1G for Figure 1F An exploded view of the rollers in the connector mechanism; Figure 2A This is a front view schematic diagram of a door assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B for Figure 2A Rear view of the door assembly; Figure 2C For being in a half-open position Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the top plan of the door assembly; Figure 2D For those in the partially open position Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the top plan of the door assembly; Figure 2E To show Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the connector mechanism of the door assembly; Figure 2F for Figure 2E An exploded view of the rollers in the connector mechanism; Figure 3A To show the use of Figure 2A A schematic diagram of another connector mechanism for the door assembly; Figure 3B for Figure 3A An exploded view of the rollers in the connector mechanism; Figure 4A This is a front view schematic diagram of a door assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B for Figure 4A Rear view of the door assembly; Figure 4C For those in the partially open position Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the top plan of the door assembly; Figure 4D To show Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the stop mechanism of the door assembly; and Figure 4E To show Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the door assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0006] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and have been simplified for ease of understanding. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be achieved through different embodiments intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0007] Now for reference Figures 1A to 1GThe diagram illustrates a door assembly 10. The door assembly 10 includes a track assembly 12, a first door panel 14, a first arm 16, a second door panel 18, a second arm 20, and a connector mechanism 22. The track assembly 12 includes a first track 24 and a second track 26 coupled to the first track 24. A first end 16a of the first arm 16 is rotatably attached to the first door panel 14, and a second end 16b of the first arm 16 is slidably engaged with the first track 24; a first end 20a of the second arm 20 is rotatably attached to the second door panel 18, and a second end 20b of the second arm 20 is slidably engaged with the second track 26. The connector mechanism 22 connects the second end 16b of the first arm 16 to the second end 20b of the second arm 20, and is configured or operable to move or pull the second ends 16b of the first arm 16 and the second ends 20b of the second arm 20 in opposite directions.

[0008] Advantageously, because the second end 16b of the first arm 16 and the second end 20b of the second arm 20 are connected and pulled or moved in opposite directions by the connector mechanism 22 during use, both the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 of the door assembly 10 can be opened or closed simultaneously by activating only one of them. This facilitates operation of the door assembly 10 with only one hand. For example, to open Figure 1A In the door assembly 10 shown, the user (not shown) only needs to pull the handle 14a attached to the first door panel 14 toward the user, causing the second end 16b of the first arm 16 to slide along the first track 24 toward the hinge end of the first door panel 14. When this occurs, the connector mechanism 22 connecting the second end 16b of the first arm 16 to the second end 20b of the second arm 20 simultaneously pulls the second end 20b of the second arm 20 toward the hinge end of the second door panel 18, thereby forcing the second door panel 18 of the door assembly to open outwards. Conversely, when the first door panel 14 of the door assembly 10 moves to the closed position, the second end 16b of the first arm 16 slides away from the hinge end of the first door panel 14 along the first track 24, and the connector mechanism 22 simultaneously pulls the second end 20b of the second arm 20 away from the hinge end of the second door panel 18, thereby forcing the second door panel 18 of the door assembly to close inwards as well.

[0009] The first door panel 14 can be hinged to the first side post 28a, and the second door panel 18 can be hinged to the second side post 28b.

[0010] The first track 24 and the second track 26 can be arranged in a stacked manner, such as Figure 1E As shown. Advantageously, this compact arrangement helps reduce the installation space required for the door assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first track 24 and the second track 26, arranged in a stacked configuration, are oriented back-to-back.

[0011] In alternative embodiments, the first track 24 and the second track 26 may be arranged laterally or side-by-side. Advantageously, a laterally or side-by-side arrangement facilitates the installation and / or maintenance of the track assembly 12, particularly in embodiments where the track assembly 12 is at a certain distance from the ground.

[0012] like Figure 1B and Figures 1E to 1G As shown, the connector mechanism 22 may include a connector 30 connecting a second end 16b of the first arm 16 to a second end 20b of the second arm 20, and a plurality of rollers 32 attached to the track assembly 12, the rollers 32 being operable to move or rotate the connector 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 30 may be a rope or wire. In the same or alternative embodiments, each of the rollers 32 may be a grooved wheel for receiving a rope or wire.

[0013] As Figure 1C As can be seen, the first arm 16 may be longer than the second arm 20. Advantageously, the longer guide arm 16 increases mechanical advantages and reduces the force required, thereby making it easier to operate the door assembly 10. The first arm 16 and the second arm 20 of different lengths can also be advantageously used to accommodate the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 of different sizes and / or widths.

[0014] As Figure 1E It can be seen that the width of the first arm 16 is narrower than the width of the second arm 20.

[0015] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2F This illustration shows a door assembly 50 according to another embodiment. The door assembly 50 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that it further includes: a first extension 52 slidably received in a first track 24, the first extension 52 connecting a second end 16b of a first arm 16 to a connector mechanism 22; and a second extension 54 slidably received in a second track 26, the second extension 54 connecting a second end 20b of a second arm 20 to the connector mechanism 22. Advantageously, providing the first extension 52 and the second extension 54 allows the attachment points of the first arm 16 and the second arm 20 to engage the track assembly 12 closer to each other, thereby facilitating control of the door assembly 50. Further advantageously, providing the first extension 52 and the second extension 54 also allows for the use of shorter and / or balanced first arms 16 and second arms 20 of the same length, thereby improving control of the door assembly 50 and increasing the tolerance for manufacture and operation.

[0016] As Figure 2C and Figure 2DAs can be seen, the door assembly 50 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that it further includes a first spacer 56 extending between the track assembly 12 and the connector 30, and a second spacer 58 extending between the track assembly 12 and the connector 30. The first spacer 56 is coupled to a first point along the connector 30, and the second spacer 58 is coupled to a second point along the connector 30. Advantageously, the first spacer 56 and the second spacer 58 help bridge the movement of the first arm 16 and the second arm 20 in the horizontal plane with the movement or rotation of the connector 30 in the vertical plane, thereby allowing the connector mechanism 22 to operate smoothly without interference caused by the movement of the first arm 16 and the second arm 20.

[0017] The door assembly 50 of this embodiment differs further from that of the previous embodiment in that it further includes a protrusion 60 extending along the distal edge of the first door panel 14 and a groove 62 extending along the corresponding distal edge of the second door panel 18. The protrusion 60 is configured to interlock with the groove 62 when the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 are in the closed position. Advantageously, providing the protrusion 60 and groove 62 at the distal edges of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 helps to facilitate a secure closure of the door assembly 50 by locking the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 into place when the door assembly 50 is in the closed position. The interlocking protrusion 60 and groove 62 also help to facilitate the alignment of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18, thereby reducing the gap between the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18. Further advantageously, the protrusion 60 also helps to trigger or induce the opening of the door assembly 50 when either the first door panel 14 or the second door panel 18 is pulled outward.

[0018] like Figure 2E and Figure 2F As shown, the door assembly 50 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the connector 30 of the connector mechanism 22 can be a ball chain. In the same or alternative embodiments, each roller in the rollers 32 of the connector mechanism 22 can be a sprocket for receiving the ball chain.

[0019] Now for reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram illustrates a connector mechanism 90 according to yet another embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 92 of the connector mechanism 90 may be a toothed belt. In the same or alternative embodiments, each roller of the rollers 94 of the connector mechanism 90 may be a sprocket for receiving the toothed belt.

[0020] Advantageously, the use of ball chains or toothed belts with sprockets allows for more precise control of the connector mechanism 22 or 90, because in such embodiments, the adjustment or movement of the connector 30 or 92 can be timed or stepped. Further advantageously, because the balls of the ball chain or the teeth of the toothed belt are accommodated in corresponding notches or teeth of the sprocket, the engagement of the connector 30 or 92 with the rollers 32 or 94 is secure, thereby preventing the connector 30 or 92 from disengaging from the rollers 32 or 94 during use, or the connector 30 or 92 from slipping off the rollers 32 or 94.

[0021] Now for reference Figures 4A to 4E The diagram illustrates a door assembly 100 according to yet another embodiment. The door assembly 100 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the first track 24 and the second track 26 of the track assembly 100, which are arranged in a stacked manner, are oriented face-to-face. Advantageously, the face-to-face orientation of the first track 24 and the second track 26 reduces the spacing between the first arm 16 and the second arm 20, making the arrangement of the track assembly 12 more compact, thereby improving the aesthetics of the door assembly 100.

[0022] As Figure 4B As can be seen, the door assembly 100 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the door assembly 100 also includes a stop mechanism 102 attached to the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18. The stop mechanism 102 is configured to lock the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 into place when in the closed position.

[0023] As Figure 4DAs can be seen, the stop mechanism 102 may include a slot 104 attached to one of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18, and a stop 106 received in the slot 104 and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator 108 may be attached to a corresponding door panel of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18, and the actuator 108 is operable to push the stop 106 into the extended position. In the retracted position, the stop 106 rests on the upper edge of the door panel of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 to which the slot 104 is attached. When the door assembly 100 is closed, an actuator 108, protruding from a corresponding door panel of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18, is received in the gap between the stop 106 and the upper edge of one of the door panels with attached slots 104 in the first and second door panels 14 and 18, and the stop 106 is lifted from the slots 104 into an extended position. In the extended position, the stop 106 contacts the track assembly 12 and secures the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 to the track assembly 12. In this way, the stop mechanism 102 helps to more securely lock the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 when closed. The stop 106 may include a beveled edge to receive the actuator 108. Advantageously, with the beveled edge, the actuator 108 can be more easily received in the gap between the stop 106 and the upper edge of one of the door panels with attached slots 104 in the first and second door panels 14 and 18.

[0024] The closing timing of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 can be controlled by adjusting the relative tension of the various sections of the connector 30 that drive the movement of the first arm 16 and the second arm 20. For example, the first length of the connector 30 between the first and second points and passing through the first distal roller 32 can be shorter than the second length of the connector 30 between the first and second points and passing through the second distal roller 32, which is located at the opposite end of the first distal roller 32. In this arrangement, one of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 enters the closed position before the other, thereby allowing the front door panel 14 or 18, with the slot 104 and stop 106 attached, to be in place before the rear door panel 14 or 18, with the actuator 108 attached, and to activate the stop mechanism 102 to securely lock the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 in the closed position. To facilitate adjustment of the relative tension of the various sections of connector 30, at least one of the first spacer 56 and the second spacer 58 may include a catch 110 configured to engage connector 30. For example, this allows adjustment of the relative tension of the various sections of connector 30 by deflecting the balls of the ball chain relative to catch 110. The spacing between the first distal roller 32 and the second distal roller 32 can be adjusted to bring the first distal roller 32 or the second distal roller 32 closer together or further apart.

[0025] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4E As shown, door assembly 100 may include a locking mechanism 112 housed in one of the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18. Locking mechanism 112 may include a telescopic lever 114 actuated by a release mechanism 116. When the first door panel 14 and the second door panel 18 are in the closed position, locking mechanism 112 automatically locks door assembly 100. When telescopic lever 114 is released by the one-handed release mechanism 116, door assembly 100 is unlocked. Advantageously, locking mechanism 112 provides a more secure and robust lock on door assembly 100.

[0026] Motor 118 can be attached to connector 30 and is operable to drive connector 30 to move. Advantageously, motor 118 takes over some of the work required to move connector 30 and also helps to control and automate the movement of connector 30. This helps to further reduce the force required to operate door assembly 100. Motor 118 can be housed in one of the first door side post 28a and the second door side post 28b.

[0027] As is evident from the foregoing discussion, the present invention provides a double-leaf door assembly that can be easily opened or closed with just one hand.

[0028] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is apparent that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many modifications, alterations, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0029] Furthermore, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words “comprise” and similar terms should be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning “including but not limited to”.

Claims

1. A door assembly, comprising: Track assembly, the track assembly comprising: First track, and A second track coupled to the first track; The first door panel; A first arm, the first arm having a first end rotatably attached to the first door panel and a second end slidably engaged with the first track; The second door panel; The second arm has a first end rotatably attached to the second door panel and a second end slidably engaged with the second track; and A connector mechanism that connects the second end of the first arm to the second end of the second arm, wherein the connector mechanism is configured to move the second end of the first arm and the second end of the second arm in opposite directions.

2. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector mechanism includes: A connector that connects the second end of the first arm to the second end of the second arm; and A plurality of rollers are attached to the track assembly, wherein the plurality of rollers are operable to move the connector.

3. The door assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The connector is selected from the group including ropes, wires, toothed belts and ball chains.

4. The door assembly according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of rollers is a grooved wheel for receiving the rope or the line, or a sprocket for receiving the toothed belt or the ball chain.

5. The door assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The gate assembly also includes: A first spacer extending between the track assembly and the connector, wherein the first spacer is coupled to a first point along the connector; and A second spacer extends between the track assembly and the connector, wherein the second spacer is coupled to a second point along the connector.

6. The door assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The first length of the connector located between the first point and the second point and passing through the first distal roller is shorter than the second length of the connector located between the first point and the second point and passing through the second distal roller, wherein the second distal roller is located at the opposite end of the first distal roller.

7. The door assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, At least one of the first spacer and the second spacer includes a lever configured to engage the connector.

8. The door assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The door assembly also includes a motor attached to the connector, wherein the motor is operable to drive the connector to move.

9. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first arm is longer than the second arm.

10. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The width of the first arm is narrower than the width of the second arm.

11. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The gate assembly also includes: A first extension slidably accommodated in the first track, the first extension connecting the second end of the first arm to the connector mechanism; and A second extension, slidably accommodated in the second track, connects the second end of the second arm to the connector mechanism.

12. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The first track and the second track are arranged in a stacked or horizontal manner.

13. The door assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The first and second tracks, arranged in a stacked configuration, are either face-to-face or back-to-back oriented.

14. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The gate assembly also includes: A protrusion extending along the distal edge of the first door panel; and A groove extending along the corresponding distal edge of the second door panel, wherein the protrusion is configured to interlock with the groove when the first door panel and the second door panel are in the closed position.

15. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The gate assembly also includes: A stop mechanism attached to the first door panel and the second door panel, wherein the stop mechanism is configured to lock the first door panel and the second door panel in place when in the closed position.

16. The door assembly of claim 15, wherein, The stop mechanism includes: A slot attached to one of the first door panel and the second door panel; and A stop that is housed in the slot and movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

17. The door assembly of claim 16, wherein, The gate assembly also includes: An actuator is attached to a corresponding door panel of the first door panel and the second door panel, wherein the actuator is operable to push the stop into the extended position.

18. The door assembly of claim 17, wherein, The stop includes a beveled edge to accommodate the actuator.

19. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The gate assembly also includes: A locking mechanism housed in one of the first door panel and the second door panel, wherein the locking mechanism includes a telescopic lever actuable by a release mechanism.

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