Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ ~554~ ~
This invention relates to a folding, horizontally
disposed screen, useful in conjunction with translucent
skylights and roof panels of various types, through
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which heat generated by the sun's rays and sunlight par-
ticularly in the range from about the near-inErared to about
the near-ultra-violet regions, may be controlled. Until
recently, the problem of controlling sunlight and heat
transmitted through roof structures has been of interest
mostly in green houses where the optimum growth of plants is
governed by the skilled control of the intensity of light to
which they are exposed. In other applications, such as
those in which skylights are used for dwellings, office
buildings, and the like, the problem has been relatively -
less pressing, if only for the reason that the popularity of
skylights, and other transparent and translucent building
roo-structures, has acquired momentum only in recent years.
The present ready availability, at reasonable
costl of relatively large transparent planar and arcuate
sections, generally referred to as "bubbles", has increas-
ingly prompted builders to use relatively large expanses of -
bubbles to provide a functional roof-structure open to the
sky. Thus, bubbles formed from synthetic, resinous, plastic
- .... .
materials, as well as from glass and fiberglass laminates,
i; are increasingly used in modern residential and office
buildings, including commercial installations for stadium
roofs, service station island canopies, swimming pool en-
closures, and the like. Mushrooming popularity of bubbles
, ~ and light-transmitting roof structures has created a demand
for an effective, easy to operate, and reliable radiation
screen. Above all, a radiation screen useful in such an
; ~ 30 application must be as functional as it is compatible with
~ the design and construction of the roof structure. The
-;~ radiation screen of this invention is directed to satisfying
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that demand.
The present radiation screen is directed for use
in conjunction with parallel, horizontal overhead tracks
disposed beneath a skylight or other transparent or trans-
lucent roof structure. It is a folding screen formed of a
plurality of hingedly connected, elongated, rigid, light-
controlling panels supported in the ove:rhead tracks. The
panels may be stacked in a generally vertical, collapsed -
structure, or extended into a generally horizontal, planar
structure beneath the skylight to control the amount of -
radiation which passes from the skylight to the area below
` the screen. One énd panel adjacent one end of the tra¢ks is
fixedly disposed for pivotal movement about a longitudinal
edge and the lead panel is connected to a flexible cahle or
similar drive means, preEerably in a closed loop, which is
- subjected to sufficient force either to pull the screen into
.,~ : `
an extended position between one end of the tracks and the
other, or to pull the screen in a stacked, collapsed posi-
; tion.~ Where the bubbIes or skylights are inclined from the
horizontal, the radiation screen may be supported in over-
` head tracks inclinedly disposed beneath the light-permeable
sections. In a specific embodiment, a radiation screen
formed of plural, hingedly connected, rigid, light-con-
trolling panels is supported for translation at an angle `
less than about 75 from the horizontal, in overhead tracks
integral with hhe support structure~for roof skylights.
Hinges of al~l panels are provided with roller means at each
end,~which roller~means permit to-and-fro translation of the
panels in the tracks~when actuated~by a pull-cable.
Since rigidity of the panels is essential, the
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elongated panels are stiffened. Stiffness or rigidity may
be imparted by ribs along the length or across either the
top or the bottom surface of the panels. More preferably,
rigidity may be obtained by providing a g~entle arc to panel
by displacing the longitudinal edges of each panel down-
wardly with respect to the longitudinal axis along the upper
surface of the panel. In other words, viewed from beneath,
- each panel is arcuate, being`concave along its length. In ~`
one embodiment, plural, arcuate panels, collapsed in hinged,
10 side-by-side relationship, present in end view, a compact ;~
profile of upstanding wishbones. In another embodiment the ; `
collaps~d screen presents a serrated profile which is even
more compact. Rigidity of the panels is enhanced by re-
latively thickened ribs at the longitudinal edges of the
panels. The ribs are discontinuous and are provided with an `
axial, horizontal bore; the discontinuations of a discon-
tinuous rib are adapted to accommodate a corresponding,
. . .
juxtapositioned, discontinuous rib of an adjacent panel in a
~ manner so as to permit a rod to be journaled therethrough.
`; 20 Interlocking ribs of adjacent panels, with the rod journaled
therein, form a succession of hinges. In one embodiment of
i the invention each alternate rod is provided with a roller
j.
'~ ~at each~end, the remaining rods being provided with a washer
~ ~at each end. In another embodiment all the rods axe pro-
- ` vided~with a rollér at each end. Each of the overhead
tracks is especially adapted to permit translation of the
panels, supported as described hereinafter, on the tracks.
In`the illustration described, a folding
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~ 45S40 ~`
'~diation screen is provided beneath a transparent bubble
of a plastic material such as methyl-methacrylate or the
like. The edges of the bubble are fixedly disposed upon a : :-
horizontal support beam provided with an integral track in
hich the rollers on one side of the radiation screen are -
guided. . :
Broadly stated, this invention is defined as a folding
radiation screen having predetermined permeability to sunlight, ::
for operation beneath a skyli~ht or light~permeable roof
: 10 structure, the screen comprising a plurality of relatively
rigid panels successively hinged together through interdigi- ; .
tated longitudinal edges thereof for co-action in side-by-side ~.
relationship and supported by a pair of parallel, overhead . .
track means inclinedly disposed at an angle less than 75 with . :~
respect to the horizontal, each track means includin~ a lower
horizontal track and an immovable vertical guiding lip means,
I the panels being movable from a folded, stacked relationship
j: ; adjacent one end of the track means to a generally planar i :
relationship extending between the one ena and the other end ~; ~
1 20 of the track means, the end panel adjacent the one end being ~: -
.1 ~ fixedly disposed for pivotal movement about the longitudinal : :
1 edge of the panel adjacent the one end; rolling means supported
;~ by the lower horizontal track, and, washer or spacer means
~, ~
supported by the lip means to coactingly translate the panels
. along the tracks so as to dispose hinged edges supported by the
lip means in a plane vertically upwardly displaced relative to
a plane including:hinged edges supported b~ the rolling means;
I and:, flexible means:to exert a sufficient force on the panels,
: in either direction along the tracks, to translate the panels ~:
, : .from the stacked relationship into the generall~ planar relation~
ship, or vice versa, so as to control the intensity of the :
sunlicht below the screen. . .~: .
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1(~455~
~.
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a rec- 1
tangular bubble skylight; ~.
Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view along ~ :
the line 2-2 in Figure 1 showing the support column on which
the rectangular bubble is disposed, and a radiation screen :
I .in a collapsed or closed position, supported in a track which
is an integral part of the support beam;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view diagrammatically
illustrating the radiation screen which is partially extended
in a horizontal, planar attitude, and partially in a collapsed :--.
position; .::.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view along the line
4-4 in Figure 2 with portions broken away to show details of ;~ -
construction;
Figure 5 is a plan view, partially broken away, along
the broken plane 5-5 in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an end elevational view of an individual
panel; and
.~ Figure 7 is a side sectional view with portions broken .
away showing the lead panel and the next preceding panel, and : :
details of an installation of the instant folding screen in .
an existing structure having a light-permeable roo:E;
Figure 8 is an elevational view similar to that
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104554~
shown in Figure 2, of another embodiment of the invention
showing the screen in an open or extended position in a
- bi-level overhead track;
Figure 9 is an elevational view similar to that
shown in Figure 2, of the embodiment shown in Figure 8,
diagrammatically illustrating the radiation screen in a
collapsed position;
Figure 10 is a side sectional view, similax
to Figure 4, with a portion broken away, to show details
of the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, and particu-
larly the bi-level track.
Referring to the drawings, Figures 1-7, which
illustrate one embodiment of the invention, Figure 1
shows a large rectangular bubble skylight shown generally
as 10, removably clamped on a horizontal support beam,
shown generally as 20, disposed upon an upstanding wall
40. Similar support beams are horizontally disposed be-
neath each outer edge of a bibble. Where plural bubbles
are used in side-by-side relationship to form a "bubble-
, . .
20 roof", suitable intermediate support beams, not neces- ~
.
sarily o~ the same configuration as the support beams to
be used also to support a foldable radiant screen, may be
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used. Where a large expanse of light-transmitting roof,
such as a roof for a concert hall, sports arena, or the ~ -
like is to be screen, pIural screens in generally side-
by-side relatlonship may be used, suitably supported
either~on support~beams with integral guiding tracks or
on~uiding tracks alone, where support of the roof-
structUre is effected~by other means, not in combination
,
~ 3~ with a folding radiant screen. ~
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As is shown in Figure 2, the rectangular bubble
10 includes flanged edge 12 adapted to be clamped between
suitably gasketed members of the horizontal support beam
20, as will be descr.ibed hereinafter. The support beam
includes a lower support section, referrecl to generally
as 21 r and an upper clamping section 22. The upper section
22 is a generally rectangular L-shaped elongated section,
with a thickened section near one edge suitably adapted
to secure a gasket 23 in a position directly above the
flanged edge 12 of the bubble. The upper section 22 is
adapted to be disposed exteriorly of a protruding J-
shaped section 24 on the outside of the lower support
section 21 and on the upper portion thereof, so as -to
permit the member 22 to he clampingly secured upon the
edge 12 by a fastening means such as a screw 25. The
edge 12 of the bubble rests upon a gasket 26 removably
secured on top of the web of the lower support section
21. The gasket 26 is removably disposed in an inverted
; T-shàped slot provided in the top of the lower support
section 21. The base of the lower support section 21
includes a horizontal track 27 provided with a vertical
guiding lip 28, the track 27 heing disposed interiorly :
of the support section 21. Disposed exteriorly of the
fiupport section~21, the base includes a down-turned
flange section 29 adapted to snugly fit the outside -
upper corner of the wall 40. Disposed above the track
27 and inclinedly protruding interiorly from the support
section 21 is a condensate gutter 30. The entire lowex
~-~ support~section 21, including the J-shaped section 24,
; 30 the down-turned flange 29 and the condensate gutter 30 are
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~C~45540
preferably formed as a single extrudate of aluminum.
Where separate support beams are used for the roof struc-
ture; or in the case of pre-existing light-transmitting
structures, channel guides may be used separately to
provide suitably disposed tracks for the screen.
It will be apparant from the foregoing particular
description that where, as in new construction, the
specially adapted two-part support beam 20 of this invention
.:. :
is used, the edge 12 of the bubble 10 is securely clamped
between the gaskets 23 and 26 which provide a fluid-tight
seal. -The seal is maintained by securing the clamping
section 22 to the J~shaped section 24 by any suitable
means such as plural metal screws 25.
Referring further to Figure 2, and to Figure 5
as required, the folding radiation screen of this invention
includes a pivot panel 50 and a lead panel 51 connected
by a series of intermediate panels 52, all shown in a
vertically upstanding, stacked or collapsed position. The
vertical panels 50-52 are successively connected together
for side-by-side coaction by hinges 60 arranged successively
; on opposite sides of the panels. The panels are main-
talned in stacked, vertical relationship by a biasing
force exerted by spring means such as a spring 73, one ~-
end of which is hooked into an eye bolt 74 fixedly disposed
in the lower support section 21, near its base. The
other end of the spring 73 is hooked into a lug 75 which
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is part of a pulley yoke 76. The spring constant of the
; spring 73 is such that it exerts sufficient force to take
~ 30 up any slack in a driven cable 69 wh1ch may normally be
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~4~S40
expected to result from repeated opening and closing of
the screen over an extended period of time. It will be
recognized that where the screen is to extend longitu-
dinally over a relatively long distance, a slight extension
or contraction of a metal cable cannot be disregarded.
Where it is practical to use oth~r drive means, such as
a chain, to translate the panels from a stacked relation~
ship to an extended, generally planar relationship, the
biasing means may be dispensed with.
The pulley yoke 76 has a pin 77 journaled in
; the arms of the yoke. A drive pulley 78 and a driven pulley
80 are fixedly disposed in side-by-side relationship on
the pin 77. The pulleys 78 and 80 are preferably grooved
to accommodate a drive cable 79 and the driven cable 69.
The drive cable 79 hangs downwardly through an aperture
~ 81 provided in the track 27 and is preferably looped ~ -
; around an idler pulley (not shown) as is conventlonally
doner where manual operation of the drive cable i5 desired.
Power drive means also may be conveniently adapted to
drive the drive cable 79. As diagrammatically illustrated
in Figure 5, the driven cable 69 is fixedly attaahed to a
flared guide 67 on a lead wheel 31 of a lead panel 51.
Reverting to Figure 2, it is seen that the cable 69 there-
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after is passed over an idler pulley tnot shown) andreturned so as to form a closed loop to open and close the
folded screen. In the embodiment described hereinj a
drive cable and driven cable provided on one side of the
screen, is sufficient to translate it in its tracks.
Where relatively long panels are used, as for example,
where each panel is in excess of 8 ~eet long, it may be
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`~ 1045540
desirable to provide a dual cable system, properly syn-
chronized to extend or collapse the screen without jamming .
it in its tracks.
Each of the intermediate panel.s 52 are supported
on intermediate wheels 32 which ride on the track 27. The -:`
intermediate wheels 32 are secured on rods 66 of alternate
hinges so as to align all the wheels 32 and 31, and the `
alignment is maintained by providing nuts 82 for each
wheel in such a way as not:to interfere with the operation
of the driven cable 69.
~s shown in Figures 3 and 4, each hinge 60 is .
formed by the rod journaled in mating discontinuous sections
of ribs of adjacent panels. Referring now to the lower
hinge 60, referred to as 60' in Figure 4, it is seen that
.
the rod 66 clears the vertical lip 28 on the inside edge
of the track 27. The wheel 31 on the lead panel 51 is
. . ,~ .
rotatably disposed near the end of the rod 66 and is
: supported by the track 27 for rolling translation there-
. ~ .
upon. The end of the rod 66 protruding through the wheel
31 is provided with a flared guide 67 having a passage
68 through which a cable 69 may be threaded but which is
fixedly~disposed with respect to tha guide 67 at the .
passage 68. Referring now to the upper hinge 60, referred
to as~60'' in Figure~4, the rod 66 is provided at each end
with a~washer 70 abuttlngly secured against the ends of the
mating ribs 62;and 63~by a lock washer 71 and a nut 72.
: The~dlmensions of the washer 70 are so chosen that, when
the rad:iant scr:een i~s extended or "opened", the washer
70 is:peripherally supported against the upper edge of :~
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~ S59~
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the lip 28 maintaining the rods 66 of the hinges 60''
in a generally horizontal plane. It will be recognized
that, were the rod 66 in a hinge 60'' to fall below the
horizontal plane defined by the rods 66 in the hinges
60' in the open position, the radiant screen could not be
closed, that is, returned to its stacked posi~ion by a
pulling action on the lead panel 51 to which the cable
69 is secured. The relationship of the axis of the
washers 70, slightly vertically displaced upwardly from
the line connecting the axes of the wheels 31 and 32, is
critical to permit collapsing of the screen. The arcuate
shape of each panel 50-52, described hereinbelow, is a
simple and easy way to impart longitudinal rigidity to
the panels to facilitate operation of the screen.
As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pivot panel
.~ , .. .
50 is pivotally disposed about a rod 66 journaled in
brackets 90 fixedly disposed adjacent each end of the
overhead tracks 27. It will be recogni~ed that each track ; :
27 on each side of the screen supports intermediate
wheels 32 and a lead wheel 31 rotatably disposed on rods
66 of alternate hinges 60 so that one end of each panel,
on each side of the screen, is supported for rolling
translation. Generally, a screen will extend longitudinally
beneath the fulL length of the skylight. In a fully -
collapsed position, the screen will permit all the radiant
energy, both heat and light, to enter the enclosed struc-
ture. In a fully extended position, depending on the choice
of the llght-permeability of the panels of the screen, the
~; heat and light energy of the radiation through the skylight
,
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~5S~)
is screened out to the extent desired. It will be apparent
that the width of individual panels and the length of
the light-permeable roof structure will determine the
number of panels required to furnish a screen adequate
for the entlre length. Where desirable, the folding
screen may also be paxtially extended, leaving some panels
stacked and distending others to provide a screen.
It is seen, that to open the radiant screen,
that is, to extend the partitions from a stacked position to
a generally horizontal, planar position, a pulling
action on the lead panel 51 by the cable 69 will sequen-
tially unfold the panels 50-52 as the wheels 31 are
rollingly translated along the track 27 and alternate
hinges 60'' of those panels in the open position will,
hecause of the washer 70, come to rest in a position
which will facilitate the re-stacking of the panels by
a pulling action on the cable 69 in a direction to that
required to extend the panels from a vertical stacked
relationship.
As is shown in Figure 6, each panel comprises
an arcuate, elongated strip 61 bounded at its edges by
thickened, longitudinally extending ribs 62 and 63,
each provided with an axial bore for its entire length.
The ribs 62 and 63 are discontinuous to provide a hinge
.~
between adjacent panels when a rod 66 (Figures 2-5) is
journaled therein. The strip and ribs o~ each panel are `
preferably extruded together from a suitable plastic ~ `
material such as methyl-methacrylate or other acrylic ~ ~`
ester. The discontinuations or "notches" in each rib
may be provided by shearing sections of each rib so as
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104554~
to permit discontinuous ribs of adjacent panels to be
interdigitated to form a hinge when the rod 66 is
journaled in their aligned axial bores. Alternatively,
the arcuate strip may be extruded or shaped by pressing,
vacuum forming or the like, and the ribs 62 and 63 affixed
to the edges by solvent welding, sonic welding or other
known methods. Fixing the ribs on to pre-formed strips
is advantageous where relatively short ribs will pro~ide
adequate hinging action and support; but short ribs may
require the edges of the strips to be "stepped" to pre-
clude undesirably wide open slots between successive panels
when the folding screen is fully extended.
The length and width of each panel is limited
only by practical considerations. For example, very long
panels tend to "sag" in the center and interfere with the
smooth operation of the hinges. The deflection of long
panels may be overcome by increasing their rigidity
,~ either by making them more arcuate, by providing
~additional stiffening ribs or by utilizing a thicker
cross-section of~panel. It will be apparent that each
: ,: ,:, , .
of the methods of increasing the rigidity presents
certain disadvantages with respect both to collapsing
the screen tightly~as well as to economic feasibility. `~
,
Thè wiath of the panels will be determined, inter alia,
by~the~space ava1lable beneath the bubble~, which in a
new~structure ut1llslng the support bsam 20 wlth integral,
horizontal tracks 27 of this invention, will depend upon
; the helght of the~lower section 21 of the support beam 20.
A convenient wldth~of a strip for a panel~particularly
30~ suited to an essentially maintenance-free radiant screen,
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is in the range from about 3 to about 12 inches and a
length from about 4 to about 16 feet. Thickness of
each strip is in the range from about 0.0625 inch to
about 0.375 inch. The ribs 62 and 63 may be conveni-
ently formed with a nominal or effective diameter in
the range from about 0.1875 inch to about 0.5 inch.
It will be recognized that, where the wiclth and length
of a panel is such as to provide sufficient rigidity
without necessitating an arcuate strip, a flat, elongated
10 strip may be used~ ;
The materials from which panels of predeter- ;;
mined radiation permeabitity may be made are not limited
:.~: : .
to extruded plastic materials. The panels may be made -
of translucent iberglass retnforced plastic panels or
from tinted glass. However, the ease with which glass
may be extrudèd, formed and tinted is offset by the ~:
difficulty of handling it. By predetermined radiation
permeability is meant a preselected, desirable charac-
teristic of the material from which the panel is
... . .. . .
formed, both with respect to the intensity and the
range of wave lengths o heat and light radiation to
. .
which the panel is permeable.
~ As has been mentioned hereinabove, the olding
:; , ,
-~ radiation scrèen of the instant invention may be used
i ~ in existing structures with light-permeable roofs. A
partial section of~a 1at, 11ght permeable bubble, as
installed i~n an exis~ting structure, iB shown in Figure
7 and includes a sheet of tinted plastic material lOa
clamped~in a prior art support beam 20a. The upper
~portion of the support beam 20a is identical with the
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10~5540 ,,;, ~
upper portion of the support heam 20. The lower portion of
the beam 2Oa is provided with a gutter 3Oa and a downwardly
turned flange section ll at its base adapted to engage the
upstanding side of the right angle member 13. The angle 13
is fixedly disposed upon the wall 40a which is normally wide
enough to accommodate an L-shaped section co-extensively
disposed with respect to the angle 13. The L-shaped section
is fixedly secured to the top of the wall 40a as shown in
Figure 7 so as to provide a horizontal track in which the
lO wheels 31 and 32 may be translatably, rotatably disposed. -
The opposite wall is similarly pro~ided with an L~shaped
section 14 so as to provide a pair of oppositely disposed
tracks, in a horizontal plane, in which the radiation screen
may be disposed. As described hereinbefore, a drive cable
and driven cable, biased to take up variations in length of
- . :
the loop of driven cable, are providea to operate the `~
screen.
;~ In those instances where the span of the area
to be screened is such as to make ~the length of a `~
20 single panel impractical, that is, the width of a ~-
folding screen such as to interfere with the operation
; o~ the hinges, plural screens may be used in side-by-
~ side relationship, eash operable independently of an ~-
;~ adjacent~screen. Where, as for example, in a pre-existing
structure, two coplanar folding screens are to be used,
the outside edges of the screens are supported in L-
..
shaped~track sections 14 and the inslde edges of each
scree~ are supported in a channel section suspended
from the roof structure. The channel section provides ~
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554~ `;
side-by-side tracks for the wheels 31 and 32 on the
inside edges of the screens.
As has been mentioned hereinabove, the radiation
screen may be installed in inclinedly disposed tracks.
It will be apparent that the driven cable may be adapted
to exert sufficient frictional force on the track-guide
wheels 32 and 31 so as to permit the screen to remain
in an extended, or partially extended position, though
it may be inclinedly disposed. The precise extent to ~'
which the frictional forces on the wheels may be con-
trolled may be varied by increasing the number of
flared guides to which the driven cable i5 threaded;
for example, maximum frictional force will be provided
by threading the cable through successive flared guides.
A lesser frictional force may be obtained by threading
the cable through flared guides disposed on every al- -
ternate rod carrying a wheel. Even fewer flared gui~es
. ~
may suffice where the angle of inclination is small, ;;
that is, in the range from 15 to 30. Additionally,
20 wheels which have relatively greater friction co- ;
efficients with respect to the rods on wh1ch they are -;
disposed may be used to minimize the tendency of the
screen to collapse from an extended, upwardly inclined ~-
position. Other means for increasing the friction to
.. .
overcome the tendency of the screen to collapse in its
inclined tracks due to its weight wiI1 be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Depending upon the choice
of frictional engagement of successive panels on the ~ -
~ radiation screen, the tracks in which the screen is
;~ 30 disposed may be inclined from the horizontal at any
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~L~45s40
angle less than about 75. More preferab]y, the screen is
used at angles inclined from the horizontal which are less
than 45. It will be apparent that the physical dimensions
of the skylight under which the radiation screen is to be
disposed, the number of screens to be used in side-by-side
relationship, the width of the skylight and the length of
each screen will all be factors in determining the
practical limits of the inclination of the tracks in which
the screen may operate.
Though in most instances where a screen is to
be inclinedly disposed, it will be extensible upwardly,
in some instances, it may be desirable to have an
inclinedly disposed screen which is extensible down-
wardly, that is, the screen may be extended essentially
under its own weight but must be collapsed by returning
the panels into their stacked relationship by collapsing
the screen, overcoming the downward component of its
. . .:
weight in the tracks.
.,
~ In another second embodiment of the invention
~:
20 illustratéd in Pigures 8-10 the folding screen may be ~ ~;
stored more compactly by a diEferent disposition of the
arcuate panels in hinged relationship with each o-ther.
. .:
This second embodiment also provides for translation
in a unique bi-level track. In the description here- ;
inafter reference will be made only to the details
necessary to distinguish this second embodiment from
the flrst one, sinca other details as to operation will
be apparent from the foregoing description of the fixst.
;Referring now particularly to E`igure 8 there
is shown a side elevation, with a portion broken away,
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~045S4~
of a folding screen indicated generally by the reference
numeral 110 having a lead panel 111, intermediate panels
112 and pivot panel 113 (see Figure 9). As will be
evident, each panel comprises an arcuate elongate strip
bounded at its edges by thickened discontinuous ribs
:-, :-
having an axial bore therethrough, as described herein-
before, so that adjacent panels may be interdigitated
and hinged at upper hinges 114 and at lower hinges 115.
With this arrangement every other panel is concave upwards,
the remaining panels being concave downwards, and as will
be seen in Figure 9, the collapsed screen is more compact
than the screen with all panels concave downwards.
Each upper hinge 114 has an upper hinge rod
116 journaled in the interdigitated ribs of adjacent
panels, and each lower hinge rod 117 similarly journaled. ;
Each upper hinge rod 116 has an upper roller 118
rotatably mounted near each end of the rod 116, and each
lower hinge rod 117 has a lower roller 119 rotatably
mounted near each end of the rod 117. The lower rollers
119 are always supported but the upper rollers are not
supported when the screen is in the closed position;
only some of the upper rollers are supported when the
screen is partially open; and all the upper rollers are
supported when the screen is fully extended, as will ~-
be better understood from the following description
of the support means in which the rollers are translated.
The rollers reduce friction and are preferred. It will
be evldent that where the friction to be overcome in
opening and closing the screen is not a factor, or where
substantial friction is desired, the rollers may be replaced
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with any suitable translatable supports such as pads . .
or spacers fixedly disposed at the ends of the hinge
rods.
Referring now to Figure 10 in particular,
there is shown a support beam indicated generally by
reference numeral 120, for the screen 110, which support
beam also supports the plastic bubble inclicated
.~ generally by reference numeral 130. The support beam ;. .
120 has a web 121 the lower portion of which includes
10 a box section 122. Flanges 123 and 124 are normally ..
~ disposed relative to one another and protrude from
- the box section 122 so the flanges rest on a supporting
wall of the structure covered by the plastic bubble 130. : :
; The upper hori~ontal side 125 of the box section 122
serves as the lower level support upon which the lower :.
rollers 119 are translated, and terminates in a lower ..
; guide lip 126. Intermediate the guide lip 126 and the
web 121, an arcuate member 127 projects above the lower
roller 119 and terminates in a horizontal ledge 128
which serves as the upper level support upon which the
upper rollers 118 are translated. An upper guide l~p ;.
:~l 129 on the upper level limits lateral movement of the
.` upper rollers 118 !
A similar support means is provided fbr the
; ~ oppositely disposed side of the screen. As described
- in:the .irst embodiment, where the:span under the bubble :.:
is large,: it may be desirable to provide an intermediate
bi~level track in whiah the rollers are translatable.
As aLso described hereinbefore, suitable pulleys and ..
3Q drive~cables, previously used, are operatively con~
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nected to the lead panel 111 of the screen as diagrama-
tically illustrated herein, so that pulling on the lead
panel progressively moves the upper rollers 118 into
rolling engagement with the horîzontal leclge or upper .
level of the bi-level tracks.
For example, a drive cable 131 may be
drivingly trained upon a pulley 132 and attached to the - ~.
leading edge of the folding screen to be extended and ..
collapsed by exerting a force on the lead panel. Thus,
10 it will be appreciated that the lead panel and the next :
adjacent panel are extended or collapsed first, with
the remaining panels successively performing the same
movement. The screen may thus be partially extended, .~ : .
. . .
the remaining portion remaining in a collapsed position. ::
The pulley 132 may be affixed to a structural member
as shown in Figure 8. A second pulley 133 is similarly
af$ixed at the opposite end of the screen adjacent the :-
pivot panel 113 as shown in Figure 10. The drive cable
131 is drivingly trained upon the pulley and anchored
to the support 13~ in which a pivot rod for the pivot
panel is journaled. It will be evident that the length
of the loop de~ined by the drive cahle 131 and the
folding screen 110 will vary depending upon the extent
~, - :
~ to which the screen is extended. When the screen is
:~ ~ fully extended, there is maximum slack in the drive
~; cable, and all upper rollers 118 are supported on the : -
upper level of the bi-level track. It is desirable, ~:
particularly for motor-driven operation of the screen,
. . ..
: that a take-up loop ~e:provided for such slack as does
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this take-up may be effected by any means such as are
well known in the art.
The scope of the invention is not limited
to the slavish imitation of all of the structural and
operative details mentioned above. ~hese have been
given merely by way of an example of a presently pre- ~ -
ferred embodiment of the invention. For example, though
rolling means have been described for the obvious
reason that in most installations, rolling friction is '
preferable, it will be apparent that the wheels in the
tracks may be replaced by pads which are slidably
disposed in tracks. ~
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