GB2459095A

GB2459095A - Modular door

Info

Publication number: GB2459095A
Application number: GB0806356A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Lucas
Original assignee: SLAM DOORS Ltd
Current assignee: SLAM DOORS Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-08
Filing date: 2008-04-08
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Also published as: GB0806356D0

Abstract

A modular door comprises a door leaf having first and second stiles (12,14 Fig. 1) upper and lower rails 16, 18 and an open space located between the stiles and rails, and at least one removable module 20,22 adapted to be mounted within the space between the stiles and rails. The module may be rotatable about a pivotal axis 26 28. There may be two rotatable modules 20,22. The door may also include removable facia panels mounted an adjustable distance from the modules or a fixed panel in the door. The module may include a computer, heating/cooling system, fish tank, lights, MP3 player, speakers, storage means or a discontinuous flexible brush. The door may also have means for providing electricity to each of the modules.

Description

Modular door The present invention relates to a modular door.

Modem doors are often plain looking and uninteresting and serve only to separate one room from another. When a door is closed, it does not add to the functionality of the room and when open, occupies space to no benefit. It is known to provide facia panels, for example as disclosed in GB 2393634 A for updating the appearance of a kitchen unit door or other door, but this method is limited to permanently bonding a facia panel onto a door using adhesive.

It is an object of the invention to provide a modular door of substantially improved appearance and with added functionality, be it in the open or closed position.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular door comprising a door leaf having first and second stiles, upper and lower rails and an open space located between the stiles and rails, and at least one removable module adapted to be mounted within the space between the stiles and rails.

This provides the advantage that the door appearance can be changed on both sides by replacing the module.

Preferably the module is mounted within the space between the stiles and rails about a pivotal axis.

This provides the advantage of being able to rotate the module so that a desired side faces a particular direction, for example, facing into a room.

Preferably a second removable module is provided.

Preferably one of the first and second modules is mounted about a pivotal axis.

Preferably the pivotal axis is substantially parallel with the stiles and is positioned mid-way along the rails between the stiles.

Alternatively the pivotal axis is substantially parallel with the rails and is positioned mid-way along the length of the respective pivotally mounted module.

The second module may be rigidly fixed in a lower region of the opening and the first module may be pivotally mounted between the second module and the upper rail.

Preferably a fire-proof seal is disposed between the or each module and the rails and stiles and extends and seals against the entire periphery of the or each removable module.

The first and second modules may be mounted back to back in the opening.

Preferably a plurality of hidden fastenings are attached to internal edges of the stiles and/or rails and are positioned substantially between the first and second parts in the opening.

A first facia panel may be adapted to be removably mounted to one side of the or each removable module.

A second facia panel may he adapted to be removably mounted to the other side of the or each removable module.

Preferably adjustable fastenings are provided for mounting the first facia panel a variable distance away from said one side of the or each removable module.

Preferably adjustable fastenings are provided for mounting the second facia panel a variable distance away from said other side of the or each removable module.

The or each removable module may include a computer, display and keyboard.

The or each removable module may include audio speakers and an MP3 player or compact disc player.

The or each removable module may include heating and/or cooling means.

The or each removable module may include glass, one-way glass or reactive glass.

The or each removable module may include storage means.

The or each removable module may include lighting means.

The or each removable module may include a fish tank.

The or each removable module may include discontinuous flexible brush means enabling an object or person to pass through the removable module(s).

Preferably power supply connection means is provided for supplying electrical power to the or each removable module.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular door comprising a door leaf, a facia panel adapted to be removably fitted to the door leaf, enabling the facia panel to be replaced with another facia panel.

Preferably the facia panel is removably fitted to the door leaf using magnetic fastening means.

Preferably the facia panel is fitted to the door leaf using adjustable fastening means, enabling the facia panel to be mounted to the door leaf a variable distance away from the door leaf.

Preferably the position of the facia panel on the door leaf is adjusted by means of at least one screw thread.

Preferably the facia panel is provided in various sizes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a door comprising a door leaf and a pivotally mounted panel member mounted for rotation within the door leaf, in use, rotation of the panel enabling display of a face of the panel member to be moved from one side of the door to the other side of the door.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic front cross-sectional view through a modular door of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the door of Figure 1. with one of the modules rotated through an angle of approximately 300; Figure 3A shows a front schematic view of a door leaf with a recessed centre panel adapted to receive a removable facia panel; Figure 313 shows a front schematic view of a removable facia panel adapted to fit the door leaf of Figure 3A; Figure 3C shows a front schematic view of the door of Figure 3A with the removable facia panel of Figure 3B attached thereto; Figure 3D shows a front schematic view of a door with the removable facia panel of Figure 3B attached thereto, the door being a flush door; Figures 4A to 4C show schematic cross-sectional views from above of a door leaf having a facia panel attached thereto, the facia panel being in different positions relative to the door leaf; Figures 5A to SC show schematic cross-sectional views from above of different door leaf constructions having facia panels attached to both sides of the door leaves, the facia panels being of different sizes; Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional views from above of a door leaf having removable facia panels attached by means of central hidden fixings; Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of a plurality of door leaves, one inside the other and each having a facia panel mounted thereon; Figure 8A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a fire door with facia panel attachment to the stiles; Figure $B shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a fire door with complete facia panel attachment; Figure 9A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a facia panel attached to a door leaf by an adjustable magnetic fixing with the panel displaced from the door leaf; Figure 913 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a facia panel attached to a door leaf by an adjustable magnetic fixing with the panel immediately adjacent the door leaf; Figure 9C shows an arrangement of magnets set into a door leaf; Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a door leaf having a pivotally mounted module, with removable facia panels attached to the module by adjustable magnetic fixing; and Figure 11 shows a schematic front view of the arrangement of Figure 10.

Modular Door Referring to Figure 1, a modular door is indicated generally at 10. The modular door includes a door leaf having first and second stiles 12,14 and upper and lower rails 16,18. Upper and lower interchangeable modules 20,22 are mounted in an opening in the door leaf and are mounted about a vertically extending central pivotal axis 24 enabling rotation of the modules 20,22 within the door leaf so that the functional side of the or each module 20,22 can be positioned on either side of the door. In use, this allows the functional or chosen side of a module 20,22 to face into either one of two rooms or areas that the door 10 separates. Furthermore if the door 10 is opened against a wall, the or each module 20,22 can be rotated so that the functional or chosen side can face into the room or area, rather than facing a wall.

The modules 20,22 can be removed and replaced with other modules to perform different functions or to provide a different style or aesthetic. The size of the upper module 20 is typically 750mm high by 552mm wide by 55mm deep and the size of the lower module 22 is typically 988mm by 552 mm wide by 55 mm deep, although other sizes can be utilised as desired, dependant on the size of the door leaf. In one embodiment, the modules 20,22 are replaced by a single module.

Referring also to Figure 2, a first pivot 26 is provided between the upper rail 16 and upper module 20, a second pivot 28 is provided between the upper module 20 and the lower module 22 and a third pivot 30 is provided between the lower module 22 and the lower rail 18. The pivots 26, 28, 30 allow the modules 20,22 to rotate about the axis 24 together or independently. Connectors 32,34, see Fig 1, are provided for connecting the upper and lower modules 20,22 together, as desired. Sliding catches or bolts 36 are provided in apertures 38 in the stiles and modules 20,22, which lock the modules in a fixed position in the door leaf, when the bolts 36 are located partly in the stiles and partly in the modules. The bolts also serve to prevent the modules 20,22 from spinning and only allow them to rotate through 180 degrees and back again to prevent cabling from fouling, as described below.

The bolts 36 can be set to only allow a module 20,22 to rotate when the door 10 is in an open position relative to a door frame, by way of a pin (not shown) acting on the door frame on the hinged side of the door. Two opposite bolts 36 can be used in tandem, one with a pin acting on the door frame on the hinged side of the door that is only released when the door is open, the second on the opposite, unhinged side of the door that allows the module 20,22 to rotate when it is depressed! deactivated and is only accessible when the door is in the open position. When one or both of these bolts are disengaged the module is still prevented from free rotation by ball catches provided on the bolts. The bolts are also spring loaded, ie biased in the manner of latches, so that when a module rotates, the bolt 36 is reset prior to the module being received and locked again, with the door in any position.

Similarly, the bolts 36 can be linked or connected to a door handle (not shown). The handle can be used to lock and free the rotation of the module by being twisted upwards through 90 degrees (in the opposite direction required to open the door 10).

This clears the extended arm of the handle upwards out of the rotational path of the module and linkages driven by the rotation of the handle disengage the bolts from the module(s) allowing the module(s) to rotate, with the door in any position.

A rebate is cut into the edge of the door leaf in the position that a door seal would usually be disposed. The rebate houses conduit and power cabling from the hinges of the door to power connectors mounted in the pivots 26, 30 for supplying power to the modules 20,22. as desired. The conduit may or may not also house a draft excluder and/or fire seal.

In order to remove one of the modules 20,22, the pivot 26 is manually withdrawn from the upper face of the upper rail 16 when the door 10 is in an open position, that is, not closed to a door frame. An electrical plug (not shown) is integrated into the end of the pivot 26, which connects all necessary power and wiring from the door leaf to the module. The plug is disconnected when the pivot 26 is withdrawn. The plug is arranged to allow movement of 180°, without degrading the wiring. When the pivot 26 is withdrawn, the upper end of the upper module 20 can be moved clear of the upper rail, and the module lifted off the pivot 28. In the case of a single module, the module is lifted off the pivot 30.

The opening in the door leaf houses fire, draft and noise seals, which act on the outside edge of the modules 20,22. Also, a removable gasket seal is placed in-between the upper and lower modules 20,22.

In an alternative arrangement, the upper module 20 is arranged to rotate about the pins 36, which are disposed mid-way along the length of the vertical sides of the module 20. In this arrangement, the pivotal axis is horizontal. The vertical pins 26,28 are replaced by sliding bolts for locking the module 20 in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1.

The modules 20,22 can be constructed to include almost any household device.

Examples include:

1. A computer can be mounted within a module. The computer can be operated with a flush fitting or flip down key board or touch screen. The module can also contain slim-line flush fitting high quality speakers and an amplifier. The computer can be networked and can play music and video. The module can also be used as a video phone or security camera, by using a web cam. It can link to any other door 10 in the building or other online computer. CD's and DVD' s can be inserted and MP3 players docked via access from the side of module when it is in the open! rotating position.

2. An MP3 dock with slim line speakers and amplifier can be mounted within a module.

3. Slim line speakers, with or without an amplifier can be mounted within a module.

4. An LCD for advertising and imagery can be mounted within a module.

5. A radiator, fan or air conditioning unit can be mounted within a module.

6. Glass can be mounted within a module., for example, a clear glass window, a one way pane of glass or reactive glass.

7. A blanking panel can be mounted within a module. This may have an interchangeable facia for displaying a printed design, fabric, wall paper, laminate, wood, mirror or other member.

8. Storage devices can be mounted within a module. These may include an artwork frame, display storage such as a single or double sided glass module that you can insert goods between for purpose of aesthetic display and hidden storage concealing any flat or flat pack item within the house hold, which are accessed when the module is rotated. The module may also mount pop out household items mounted in the door module that can be removed and used, revealing an impression (mould like) of the item. These may include a table, chair, stool, step ladder, ironing board, mop, broom, clothes rack, book case (This would be thicker than standard e.g. 120mm -150mm and a non function side may or may not protrude evenly with the functional side. Also, the books or DVDs would be retained by way of a clamping means), clock, light box single or double sided glass (displaying colours or image artworks), fish tank, water display (with lighting bubbles! image that ripples in a flowing updraft of water), door garden (a door housing plants either uncovered or covered with a glass front), lights (spot, fluorescent, larva), infinity mirror and walk though brushes (a letter box style draft excluder suitable for adults and children to walk through).

The modules are designed to operate and be displayed independently of the door leaf.

This maximises their functionality and designer appeal around the home or parent building. E.g. the MP3 dock would be equally at home on a side board or mounted in or on a wall (making use of the door mounting points).

The door leaf, module and door furniture will he fire resistant to FD3O. The fire proof carcass will resemble a ridged vertically apposed tray or shallow open box. Dual fire seals housed in the FD3O fire proof 55mm leaf will act upon the module carcass in the event of a fire sealing either side of the door from fire and heat for the required amount of time.

An advantage of the modules is that they can be removed for repair and/or replaced with ease. Furthermore, the functional side can be rotated and presented to either side of the door 10 at any given time. The invention maximises the effectiveness of space, functionality, interactivity and enjoyment of interior space separation devices, commonly known as doors.

Interchangeable facia panels for doors Referring now to Figures 3A to 3D, a door leaf is indicated generally at 40. The door leaf 40 is designed to accept interchangeable facia panels, for example as shown at 42 in Figure 3W The facia panel 42 is attached by means of six fixings 44, although there may be more or less, depending on the rigidity of the panel, for example, between 4 and 10 fixings. The fixings 44 are adjustable, so that the position of the facia panel 42 in relation to the door leaf 40 can he altered to obtain a desired appearance.

Referring also to Figures 4A to 4C, the fixings can be adjusted so that the interchangeable facia panel 42 sits proud of the door leaf 40 (as shown in Figure 4C), sits flush with the door leaf 40 (as shown in Figure 4B) or is recessed into the door leaf (as shown in Figure 4A). Typically, the facia panel is 10mm thick in a 15mm rebate allowing the panel to sit in the 3 aforementioned positions. Optionally the facia panel can be made thinner or thicker. In one arrangement, for example as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, a facia panel 46 is the same size (or a few mm smaller for clearance) as the overall size of the door leaf 40. This allows the door leaf 40 to be substantially completely covered by facia panel 46. This being the case, the facia panel cannot be recessed into the door leaf 40, but can be fitted to a flush door leaf, or a panel door leaf.

The facia panels 42, 46 can be made from any suitable material e.g. wood, plastic, acrylic, glass or metal. They can either be natural or covered with a laminate, paint, cloth or wall paper. Primarily the panel would contain artwork, being either a block colour or an image. In use, the panels can be interchanged with others in a building, sold or swapped with others from other buildings.

If translucent materials are used such as glass and acrylic, images can he placed on them so that you can see both the image on the facia panel and an image on the door leaf. Combinations of images/no images are possible, e.g. an image on a door leaf combined with no image on the facia panel. Other examples include an image on a door leaf combined with an image on a facia panel; no image on a door leaf combined with an image on glass and no image on a door leaf combined with no image on a facia panel.

Referring to Figure 6, a door leaf 50 has a similar construction to the door leaf 10, in that it comprises rails and stiles with a central opening. Removable facia panels 52 are mounted in either side of the opening and are attached by hidden fastenings 54, which engage in the stiles and/or rails and the rear of the facia panels 52. The fastenings 54 are adjustable, enabling the facia panels to be set flush (as shown), proud or recessed in the door leaf.

As shown in Figure 7, the interchangeable facia panel system can be utilised on doors within doors, as disclosed in UK patent application number 0725175.4, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the example shown, an outer door leaf 60 is fitted with a removable facia panel 62, an intermediate door leaf 64 is fitted with a removable facia panel 66, and an inner door leaf 68 is fitted with a removable facia panel 70.

Referring to Figure 8A, a fire door blank 72 is fitted with removable C-shaped facia panels 74 around the outer sides of the door blank 72 (around the stiles). These create the effect of a recessed panel door.

Referring to Figure 8B, the fire door blank 72 is completely encapsulated by facia panels 76, which change the appearance of the whole door.

The facia panels are secured to the door blanks or leaves by way of adjustable push fittings or adjustable hidden magnetic fittings. The fitting are secure enough to hold the panel in secularly in place and prevent it from vibrating if the door is slammed.

The fixings can be adjustable so that the panel can be positioned either proud of the door, flush with, or recessed in the door.

Referring to Figure 9A a magnetic adjustable fixing 78 is shown in more detail. A plurality of magnets 80 are mounted, preferably by adhesive, into apertures in a door blank 82 during manufacture, and prior to a chosen laminate 84 being applied. The magnets 80 are embedded into the door in standardized predetermined positions, indicated in Figure 9C, so that they can accept panels with the magnets in corresponding standardized positions, allowing the panels to be widely interchangeable. Some or all of the magnets can be utilised in attaching a facia panel.

The magnets 80 are cylindrical and are arranged so that the poles attract and naturally align the facia panels.

Magnets 86 for attachment to a facia panel are bonded into an externally threaded sleeve 88. This threaded sleeve 88 is received in an internally threaded sleeve 90, which is mounted, preferably using adhesive, into an interchangeable facia panel 92.

A protective rubber grip pad 94 is optionally mounted to the distal end of the magnet 86, which contacts the laminate 84 of the door leaf 82, in order to enhance the fixing and improve lateral grip. This helps to prevent the facia panel 92 from sliding down the face of the door leaf 82. The pad also provides protection to the laminate and helps to prevent any wear and scratching when the panel is being fitted or removed.

1n Figure 911 a facia panel is shown adjacent to the laminate of the door leaf 82, whereas in Figure 9A the facia panel 92 is spaced from the laminate 84. The position is adjusted by screwing the magnet 86 in and out of the internally threaded sleeve 90.

The facia panels 92 can be can be removed and the door will maintain its original look, without any holes or blemishes.

The panels can be attached to the door with traditional screwed fixings if the door is in an environment that the panel maybe stolen or removed without authorisation, Referring to Figure 10, the modular door 10 having a removable module 20 can optionally be mounted about pivots 96 in the stiles 12,14. The module 20 may also cover the entire space between the stiles and rails as indicated in Figure 11 The adjustable magnetic fixings 78 described with reference to Figures 9A to 9C are utilised to hold removable facia panels 98 on either side of the module 20.

In general, the modules are thinner than the door leaf that they are housed in (e.g 55mm door with a 30mm module). The facia panels can be made from any suitable material e.g. wood, plastic, acrylic, glass or metal. They can either be natural or covered with a laminate, paint, cloth or paper. Artwork, block colour or an image can be displayed. The module sizes are standardised, as are the facia panel sizes facilitating their being changed. The 30mm module can be back lit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular door comprising a door leaf having first and second stiles, upper and lower rails and an open space located between the stiles and rails, and at least one removable module adapted to be mounted within the space between the stiles and rails.
2. A modular door as claimed in claim 1, in which the module is mounted within the space between the stiles and rails about a pivotal axis.
3. A modular door as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which a second removable module is provided.
4. A modular door as claimed in claim 3, in which the second module is mounted about a pivotal axis.
5. A modular door as claimed in claim 4, in which the pivotal axis extends substantially parallel with the stiles and is positioned substantially midway along the rails, between the stiles.
6. A modular door as claimed in claim 4, in which the pivotal axis extends substantially parallel with the rails and is positioned midway along the length of the respective pivotally mounted module.
7. A modular door as claimed in claim 4, in which the second module is rigidly fixed in a lower region of the opening and the first module is pivotally mounted between the second module and the upper rail.
8. A modular door as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a fire-proof seal is disposed between the or each module and the rails and stiles and extends and seals against the entire periphery of the or each removable module.
9. A modular door as claimed in claim 4, in which the first and second modules are mounted back to hack in the opening.
10. A modular door as claimed in claim 9, in which a plurality of hidden fastenings are attached to internal edges of the stiles and/or rails and are positioned substantially between the first and second modules in the opening.
11. A modular door as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a first facia panel is adapted to be removably mounted to one side of the removable module.
12. A modular door as claimed in claim 11, in which a second facia panel is adapted to be removably mounted to the other side of the removable module.
13. A modular door as claimed in claim 11 or 12, in which adjustable fastenings are provided for mounting the first facia panel a variable distance away from said one side of the removable module.
14. A modular door as claimed in claim 12 or 13, in which adjustable fastenings are provided for mounting the second facia panel a variable distance away from said other side of the removable module.
15. A modular door as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each removable module includes a computer, display and keyboard.
16. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the or each removable module includes audio speakers and an MP3 player or compact disc player.
17. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the or each removable module includes heating and/or cooling means.
18. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the or each removable module includes glass, one-way glass or reactive glass.
19. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the or each removable module includes storage means.
20. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the or each removable module includes lighting means.
21. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims ito 14, in which the or each removable module includes a fish tank.
22. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the or each removable module includes discontinuous flexible brush means enabling an object or person to pass through the removable module.
23. A modular door as claimed in any preceding claim, in which power supply connection means is provided for supplying electrical power to the or each removable module.
24. A modular door comprising a door leaf, a facia panel adapted to be removably fitted to the door leaf, enabling the facia panel to be replaced with another facia panel.
25. A modular door as claimed in claim 24, in which the facia panel is removably fitted to the door leaf using magnetic fastening means.
26. A modular door as claimed in claim 24 or 25. in which the facia panel is fitted to the door leaf using adjustable fastening means, enabling the facia panel to be mounted to the door leaf a variable distance away from the door leaf.
27. A modular door as claimed in claim 26, in which the position of the facia panel on the door leaf is adjusted by means of at least one screw thread.
28. A modular door as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, in which the facia panel is provided in various sizes.
29. A door comprising a door leaf and a pivotally mounted panel member mounted for rotation within the door leaf, in use, rotation of the panel enabling display of a face of the panel member to he moved from one side of the door to the other side of the door.
30. A door substantially as claimed herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.
31. A modular door substantially as claimed herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 3 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.