Such

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a guide arrangement configured to operate an insulating leaf in an operational direction between an insulating position along an insulation path and a parking position along a parking path via a transition path, the paths forming an interior side and an exterior side and an interior transition angle and an exterior transition angle. The guide arrangement comprising an exterior guide arranged at the exterior side along at least part of the transition path and configured to guide the insulating leaf in the transition from the parking path to the insulating path. Further disclosed is an an insulating arrangement comprising a parking arrangement and a closing arrangement with a guide arrangement as well as a method of operating such.

Background Art

Insulating arrangements for industrial and commercial uses are known and form an integral part of facilities and operations where there is certain temperature or condition on one side and a desirable temperature or condition on another side. Examples of such insulation or insulating arrangements are doors or gates for freezer or chill facilities.

State of the art insulation leaf s and roller gates using such are known from e.g. WO2021259440.

Sectional gates are also known. US5547241 discloses an insulated and articulated door being guided along a substantially L-shaped permanent tract that functions as a guide. US1936300 also discloses a door arrangement with of the sectional type with a permanent track and where the door leaf is moved between a parking position and a closing position by means of a bi-directional drive.

JP2008169589 and JPS58159395 discloses further aspects of guide mechanisms of a roller gate and a sectional gate with permanent tracks.

However further improvements in the field are required to broaden the use of known insulating leaf s and state of the art insulating leaf s. In particular there is a need to improve sectional type of insulation ports or gates.

Summary of Invention

An object is achieved by a guide arrangement configured to operate an insulating leaf in an operational direction between an insulating position along an insulation path transitioning via a transition path to a parking position along a parking path, forming an interior side in an interior transition angle and an exterior side in an exterior transition angle with the insulation path. The guiding arrangement is configured to adjust the interior and exterior angle. Thus, the guide arrangement may be configured to operate an insulating leaf in an operational direction between an insulating position along an insulation path and a parking position along a parking path. The operation is via a transition path. The paths form an interior side and an exterior side as well as an interior transition angle and an exterior transition angle.

The guide arrangement comprises an exterior guide arranged at the exterior side along at least part of the transition path, and is configured to guide the insulating leaf in the transition from the parking position to the insulating position.

The exterior guide is configured to transpose forces from the insulating leaf during movements or operation from the parking path and direct the forces towards the insulating path. As will be clear from the disclosed embodiments.

The exterior angle may be the reflex angle of the interior angle.

The exterior guide is configured to guide the insulating leaf from one section such as the parking section to another section such as the closing or insulating section. Typically, the parking section is horizontal or with a horizontal component and the insulating section is vertical or with a vertical component.

The insulating leaf may be a sheet of insulating material that is flexible and can bend. In those cases, the insulating leaf is substantially identical on the interior and exterior sides also during operation through the transition from one section to another section. In such cases, the exterior guide will function to optimize the transition speed from and reduce wear and tear on the insulating leaf.

The insulating leaf may be a leaf with single or individual insulating elements, including a core that may be covered by being wrapped in a sheet inserted into a tube-like cover so as to form the insulating leaf. The multiple insulating elements may be held in a frame or be placed on a line arrangement. In such cases, the exterior and interior sides may differ during operation. In such cases, the exterior guide will further optimize speed and further reduce wear and tear on the insulating leaf, since the exterior guide can be adjusted and fitted according the surface or form of the exterior side of the insulating during the transition.

The insulating core material may be of polyethylene (PE) type due to its insulating properties as well as being easily available and robust to impacts. The core may be PE closed-cell-type. The dimensions may vary according to requirements, but the thickness may be e.g. 50-300mm, 100- 250mm, or 160-200mm to accommodate insulation of storage rooms with a temperature down to e.g. minus 60°C. Likewise the height may vary according to requirements and may be e.g. 400- 1200mm, 600-1000mm, or 750-900mm, or about 800mm. It has been shown that the guide arrangement can accommodate such dimensions and may be modified to accommodate such dimensions. The elements may have a lengths from ranging from e.g. 400-4000mm, but may be shorter or longer.

The insulating leaf may be multiple basically individual insulating elements interconnected by one or more lines, robes, or webbings. Such type of insulating leaf is desirable since it is easy to assemble and furthermore has great design flexibility. Furthermore such type of insulating leaf is desirable since it is easy to maintain. First basics of such insulating leaf is disclosed in WO2021259440. Further details of such insulating elements are disclosed in a separate section herein.

The guide arrangement is particularly advantageous to such insulating leaf type, since the exterior guide can be arranged and/or adjusted to handle each insulating element individually, interconnected, and in particular, to handle the different geometry or surface of the exterior side compared to the resulting corresponding interior side geometry or surface.

Irrespective of the type of insulating leaf, the guide arrangement improves the transition speed and/or the space or extent of space required for the transition.

In an embodiment, the exterior guide comprises a belt arrangement with a belt suspended between at least one park-belt-point on towards the parking path and at least one insulation-belt-point towards the insulation path, and with the belt in contact with the insulating leaf on the exterior side.

Such belt arrangement is flexible and spans a “closed” surface that effectively catches the free end of the insulating leaf as it is moved from the closed position and is to be directed towards the closed or insulating position. Furthermore the belt arrangement allows for a relatively higher speed transfer than hereto.

The belt may be of a flexible or elastic material to first absorb forces and subsequently change direction of forces. The belt arrangement is particular advantageous to guide the individual element type insulating leaf. The elements may have a certain height (i.e. extent in the operational direction) that is balanced between but importantly to reduced the operational height I.e. installation height. Thus, the guide arrangement with the exterior guide has shown to provide a comparatively, e.g. to a roller gate type of installation, lower installation height. At the same time the transitional speed is sufficiently high and the guide arrangement allows operating multiple insulating leaf types and in particular the type based on individual insulation elements.

It is understood, as will be apparent from the detailed description, that the relative position between least one park-belt-point and the least one insulation-belt-point may be adjustable. The insulation-belt-point may be on a guide support whereas the park-belt-point may be detached from the guide support, such as opposite support plates. Or vice-versa. The belt-points may also be arranged on the guide support where at least one position is adjustable.

In an alternative embodiment, the exterior guide comprises an exterior wheel arrangement that comprises a support wheel arrangement with at least two wheels arranged at respective park-wheel point towards the parking path and insulation-wheel-point toward the insulation path for contact with the insulating leaf on the exterior side in the transition from the parking position to the insulating position. The wheels may be arranged on wheel-points arranged similarly to the beltpoints. There may be further wheels on further wheel-points arranged in between the park-wheel- point and the insulation- wheel-point, and arranged according to the desired angle or angle range.

Similarly, to the belt-points, the relative position between least one part-wheel-point and the least one insulation- wheel-point may adjustable.

Such wheel arrangement on the exterior side provides a simple alternative with the more or less same advantages as the belt arrangement. Furthermore, the radius of wheels may be different and provide an easy way to adjust the angle or form of the transition path as required. The wheels may be of the same type and configurations as the wheels that will be described in the detailed description.

In an alternative embodiment, the exterior guide comprises a flexible sheet arrangement with a flexible sheet bend and arranged with a free end towards the insulating path the and opposite another free end towards the parking path. The flexible sheet is configured for being in contact with the insulating leaf on the exterior side. The flexible sheet may be of metal or a web suited for contact with the insulation leaf to be used. The flexible sheet may be supported or positioned against points provided similarly to the disclosed belt-points.

In an embodiment, the guide arrangement further comprises an interior guide arranged on the interior side along part of the transition path and configured to guide the insulating leaf in the transition from the insulating position to the parking position.

Thus the guide has a specific and separate guide to handle the transition in the opposite direction of the transition direction as guided by the exterior guide. The interior guide allows optimized transition of the insulating leaf by allowing optimized and individual interaction on or support of the interior side of the insulating leaf irrespective of the type of the insulating leaf.

The interior guide may comprise a support wheel arrangement with at least one wheel in contact with the insulating leaf on the interior side in the transition from the insulating position to the parking position. The wheels provide a simple and strong support to guide the insulating leaf in the transition.

The interior guide with wheels is particularly advantageous in installations where the insulating leaf is of the type with individual elements, since the elements are compressed or held close together and the wheels providing a point-like contact to the interior side of the insulating leaf, which is found to allow to support the forces during required fast transition speeds and the geometry of the transition within the installation height.

The interior guide may comprise wheels distributed along part of the transition path, and with at least two wheels in contact with the insulating leaf on the interior side in the transition from the insulating position to the parking position.

In an embodiment, the guide arrangement comprises an exterior guide as disclosed and an interior guide as disclosed. Thus allowing for individual optimization of transitions towards respective closing and parking positions. In particular, a belt arrangement allows for a transition of an insulating leaf made of individual insulation elements being pushed from a parking position along a parking path and through the guide and into an insulation position along an insulation path. In that direction, the exterior guide substantially handles individual insulation elements. During the transition from the insulation or closing position along the insulation path and through the guide and into the parking position along a parking path, the insulating leaf may be pulled (e.g. the free end may be pulled by lines or ropes) and the insulating leaf will act a single body and the interior side of the insulating leaf may be substantially one face in the length of the insulation leaf.

Thus an exterior guide based on a belt arrangement on the exterior side and an interior guide based on a wheel arrangement on the interior side has shown to allow for overall optimization with respect to increase operational speed and reduce installation height. Furthermore, the arrangements has a reasonably low impact on an insulating leaf which lowers the general wear and tear. Finally, the insulating leaf may be free of interaction with the guide arrangement in either the parking position or the insulation position and thus allow for the use of an insulating leaf type of individual elements, which individual element thus may be exchanged in either said positions. Similarly, the embodiment with the exterior guide based on a wheel arrangement or a sheet arrangement on the exterior side and an interior guide based on a wheel arrangement on the interior side will have the similar advantages.

An object may be achieved by an insulating arrangement of the sectional type configured with a guide arrangement as outlined. The insulating arrangement comprises a guide arrangement that is arranged between a parking arrangement forming the parking path and a closing arrangement forming the insulation path. The arrangements are to corporate with an insulating insulating leaf configured to be parked in the parking arrangement and insulating in the closing arrangement. Thus there is a parking section and a section where the insulating leaf serves the purpose of insulating e.g. by closing a door or a gate etc.

It is thus understood, that the parking arrangement, the closing arrangement, and the in-between guiding arrangement as configured will be able adjust the interior and exterior angles.

The parking arrangement may comprise a support for supporting the insulating leaf and further means for being installed on a sealing or a wall. The closing arrangement may comprise a guide or sealing arrangement in front an opening such as a door, a gate, or alike to be closed or opened. The closing arrangement may have attachment means so as to be attached to a wall e.g. at the periphery of an opening. In particular the spatial separation between the parking and closing arrangement may be limited to the extent of the guiding arrangement i.e. an extent being the installation height. The installation height may be less than 1300 mm, less than 1000 mm, and about 600-700 mm. At the same time the operational speed may be about 1.5-1.6 m/s (max. average from one position to another position).

In an embodiment the insulating arrangement includes an insulating leaf that comprises multiple insulation panels extending substantially perpendicularly to the operational direction and being operatively connected for the insulating insulating leaf to bend in the operational direction.

Such insulating leaf has the advantages of being modular, easy to handle, and to adjust according the needs including length (perpendicular to operational direction) and height (operational direction) . Furthermore, such insulating leaf is easy to repair and may be covered by a sleeve so as to provide further insulation and not the least a suitable surface that is protective and cleanable and resistant to wear and tear. Further aspect of such insulating leaf, construction etc is detailed later herein.

The cover material may be reinforced tarpaulin web of PVC, polyester, or any other suitable material. The cover may be provided as a sheet, as a sleeve/tube, or alike. In an embodiment of the insulating arrangement, the parking arrangement comprises a bidirectional drive mechanism with a drive line configured along the parking path in the parking arrangement.

The drive line may be attached with or engaging with the insulating leaf at suitable position so as to push and pull the insulating leaf as a single body.

In an embodiment, the parking arrangement comprises a bidirectional drive mechanism with a drive line configured along the parking path in the parking arrangement and is engaged to a parking end of the insulating leaf. The engagement may be to a bar or cassette that is rigid e.g. of steel. The drive mechanism is thus configured to move (e.g. push) the parking end towards the guide arrangement during operation from parking to insulating position. In the opposite direction, the drive mechanism is configured to move (e.g. pull the e.g. steel bar attached to the insulating leaf ) the parking end away from the guide arrangement during operation from insulating to parking positions.

In an embodiment with a flexible leaf comprising multiple individual insulating elements, the engagement mechanism may further comprise an arrangement of lines going from the engagement mechanism e.g. a steel cassette and through intermediate insulating elements and to an engagement mechanism at the free end of the insulating leaf. The engagement mechanism at the free end may be a rigid or semi rigid rod. The lines may be adjustable in lengths and be longer than, i.e. excess, the extent of the insulating leaf when pressed together so as to enable that the insulating elements are loose to a certain degree when operating from parking to insulation position. As such, there is drive line attached to the parking end engagement mechanism and there is further and independent line arrangement from the engagement mechanism at the parking end going through the insulating leaf, which may be of individual insulating elements, to an engagement mechanism at the free end. The further independent line arrangement may be adjustable independent of the drive mechanism.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate such arrangement and be able to adjust or tune the line arrangement in terms of excess length, tightness including use of lines for bias or tension. The lines may be strings, ropes, webbings, or appropriate e.g. flat pulling lines. The lines may have some elasticity. As such, the individual insulating elements may be like “pearls on a string”, where the pearls can be tightened or loose on the string independently of how the “pearls on a string” is pushed or pulled.

In the embodiment with multiple insulating elements, the drive line may be engaged to a parking end of the insulating leaf. There may be a rigid bar or cassette attached to the parking end and the drive line. The drive mechanism is thus configured to push the parking end towards the guide arrangement. Thus the insulating leaf is pushed through the guide arrangement and into the insulating position. In this embodiment, the drive line may further be engaged to the free end, which free end is opposite to the parking end. The drive mechanism may be configured to pull the free end towards the guide arrangement thus guiding the insulating leaf and/or the free end through the guiding arrangement to the parking position.

The drive arrangement is particularly simple and driven by a motor with the drive line arranged according to the geometry of the parking arrangement and may be linear. Furthermore, the drive arrangement may easily operate with different speeds depending on the operational direction.

In an embodiment, the insulating arrangement is configured with means so that the angle or orientation between parking arrangement and the closing arrangement is adjustable. That is, the parking arrangement, the closing arrangement, and in between the guiding arrangement are configured to adjust the interior and exterior angles as disclosed.

This allows for the sectional insulating arrangement to be installed in a variety of buildings. The interior angle may be 90° (right) (typical flat ceiling) and in principle be 180° (straight) in which case the arrangement is a vertical arrangement. The adjustable or fixed arrangement may be in the guiding arrangement so that e.g. closing arrangement is fixed relatively to the guiding arrangement whereas the parking arrangement is adjustable relative to the guiding arrangement. The adjustable arrangement may be continuous e.g. between 90° and e.g. 120-140°. In which case there may be corresponding extrusions or guides provided to move. The insulating arrangement may be prepared with multiple predetermined or fixed angles.

It is particularly advantageous to place a wheel of the belt arrangement proposed in the parking arrangement, so that the belt of the exterior guide automatically follows the angle and form an appropriate transition.

Likewise, one or more wheels in the interior guide may advantageously be placed in the parking arrangement so as to provide a suitable transition of the insulating leaf.

An object is achieved by a method of operating an insulating leaf in an operational direction between an insulating position along an insulation path and a parking position along a parking path. The parking path forms an interior transition angle, and opposite an exterior transition angle, with the insulation path. The method comprising acts of as follows.

There is an act of insulating by moving the insulating leaf from the parking position via a transition path to the insulating position by guiding the insulating leaf along the transition path by means of an exterior guide on an exterior side of the insulating leaf.

There is an act of parking by moving the insulating leaf from the insulating position via the transition path to the parking position by guiding the insulating leaf along the transition path by means of an interior guide an an interior side opposite of the exterior side of the insulating leaf. The acts may be performed by use of one or more combinations of the disclosed embodiments.

Thus, wherein operating the insulating leaf in the transition path is performed in a guiding arrangement with adjustable interior and exterior angles.

The outlined arrangements may be used to separate or insulate doors, gates, and openings in a variety of constructions and installations including areas where controlled conditions such as temperature and humidity conditions are of importance. This includes freezing and cooling rooms, or houses, as non-limiting examples.

Based on the embodiments disclosed, and as required details from the drawings, there may be a use of the guide arrangement as disclosed to operate an insulating leaf in an operational direction between an insulating position along an insulation path and a parking position along a parking path via a transition path. The paths forming an interior side and an exterior side and an interior transition angle and an exterior transition angle. The interior side and the exterior side are on respective separated sides of a construction with separated conditions such as temperature and humidity.

There may be a use of the guide arrangement where the insulating leaf comprises multiple insulation elements extending substantially perpendicularly to the operational direction and being operatively connected for the insulating insulating leaf to bend in the operational direction.

There may be a use of the guide arrangement wherein the construction with separated conditions comprises insulating elements of the same type as used in the insulating leaf. Thereby allowing for a modular design based where the construction is based on insulation elements that that easily can insulate a, or any, given form. Furthermore, use of a guide arrangement as disclosed further allows for operation in a, or any, given operational angle.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:

Fig. 1 illustrates definitions, a guiding arrangement and an insulating arrangement in a right angle;

Fig. 2 illustrates aspects of a guiding elements including an external and interior guide in a right angle;

Fig. 3 illustrates aspects of an interior guide;

Fig. 4 illustrates a guiding arrangement with interior and external guides;

Fig. 5 illustrates definitions, a guiding arrangement and an insulating arrangement in an obtuse angle; Fig. 6 illustrates aspects of a guiding elements including an external and interior guide in an obtuse angle;

Fig. 7 illustrates aspects of arrangements of external guides;

Fig. 8 illustrates aspects of arrangements of interior guides;

Fig. 9 illustrates a method of operating an insulating arrangement;

Fig. 10 illustrates fitting an enclosure with an insulating arrangement;

Fig. 11 illustrates an insulating element;

Fig. 12 illustrates an insulating element obtained by a process;

Fig. 13 illustrates an insulating wall or wall segment;

Fig. 14 illustrates different installations of wall segments; and Fig. 15 illustrates different door or gate constructions.

Description of Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates definitions, a guiding arrangement, and an insulating arrangement in a right angle. Figure 1A outlines the general schematics of a specific sectional insulating arrangement 400 as seen in figure IE. An insulating leaf 500 operates in an operational direction 50 between an insulating position 10 along an insulation path 12 transitioning via a transition path 22 to a parking position 30 along a parking path 32. Hence forming an interior side 60 in an interior transition angle 62 and an exterior side 70 in an exterior transition angle 72, here seen as the reflex angle to the interior angle, with the insulation path 12. The arrangement is to be installed in or within an installation height 25 as illustrated.

Figure IB illustrates the insulating arrangement 400 in a right angle corresponding to the layout in figure 1A. Figure IB shows the sectional type arrangement with a guide arrangement 200, i.e. insulating leaf guide arrangement, arranged between a parking arrangement 130 forming the parking path 30 and closing arrangement 110 forming the insulation path 12. The parking and closing arrangements 110, 130 are placed relatively to each other to form the interior and exterior angles 62, 72.

Figure 1C illustrates further details of the guide arrangement 200, which is shown with an interior guide 160 and an external guide 170. The exterior guide 170 is shown with a belt arrangement 172 with a belt 174 suspended between at least one park-belt-point 176 on towards the parking path 32, and at least one insulation-belt-point 177 towards the insulation path 12.

Figure ID illustrates, in a perspective view, the insulating arrangement 400 in a right angle corresponding to the layouts in IB and C and the guide arrangement 200 arranged between the parking arrangement 130 and the closing arrangement 110. The guide arrangement 200 is shown with three belt arrangements 172A, B, and C.

Figure IE shows the insulating arrangement 400 from figure ID with an insulating leaf 500. In relation the insulating leaf 500 has a free end 501 (bottom end) and opposite, towards the parking arrangement 130, a parking end 503 (top end). The insulating arrangement 400 is seen to have an installation height 25, in the sense that the parking arrangement 130 can be inserted and the insulating leaf 500 operated within the installation height 25 between the closing arrangement 110 and the parking arrangement 130.

Figure 2A shows details and aspects of an embodiment of the guide arrangement 200. The functioning is with reference to definitions from figure 1A, and for illustrative purposes with part of an insulating leaf 500 operating in the transition path 22. The external guide 170 has a belt 174 that engages with the insulating leaf 500. The interior guide 160 has an arrangement of wheels engaging with the insulating leaf 500. The engagements are during the transition between the insulation path 12 and the parking path 32, here forming an interior angle 62 that is a right angle, and which guide arrangement 200 can fit within an installation height 25. Figure 2B illustrates details of the interior guide 160 and the external guide 170 as part of the guide arrangement 200.

Figure 2C shows aspects of the external guide 170, including a belt arrangement 172 with reference to the operational direction 50A from the parting position 30 to the insulating position 10 (not shown) . The belt arrangement 172 comprises a belt support 173 supporting turning points defining the path of a belt 174 (belt and dotted line) that can flex and engage with the insulating leaf 500 (not shown) during operation. The belt arrangement 172 shown has a thee point setup with a turning point, e.g. a wheel, i.e. a park-belt-point 176 towards the intended parking position and a insulation-belt-point 177 towards the intended insulation position. There is a further turning point 175, here installed in an adjustable turning point 178 in the belt support in the belt support 173.

The belt support 173 has more guide fixtures 179, one of which is with a fixable orientation in the form of a square hole.

The belt 174 thus forms a guide transforming forces and thus the direction of the insulating leaf 500 towards the insulating path 12, when the insulating free end 501 of the leaf 500 is pushed through when pushing or applying a force to the parking end 503 when transferred from the parking path 32 in the operational direction 50A. In principle, the belt arrangement 172 will work in the reverse direction, if an insulating leaf is pushed through the guide in the opposite/reverse direction.

Figure 2 illustrates aspects of a guiding elements including an external and interior guide in a right angle. Figure 2D shows aspects of the interior guide 160 with a wheel arrangement 162 with at least one wheel 164 arranged for contact with the insulating leaf 500 on the interior side 60 in the transition from the insulating position 10 to the parking position 30. The interior guide 160 functions in the operational direction 50B, i.e. from the insulating path 12 to the parking path 32, and when the insulating leaf 500 is pulled e.g. at the parking end 503 to support the insulating leaf on the interior side 60, and to guide the insulating leaf 500 from the insulation path 12 towards the parking path 32. The insulating leaf 500 may be pulled through, when pulling or applying a force to the parking end 503, when transferred from the insulating path 12 in the operational direction 50B. In principle, the wheel arrangement 162 will work in the reverse direction, if an insulating leaf is pulled through the guide in the opposite/reverse direction.

Figure 3A shows aspects of an interior guide 160 in the form of a wheel arrangement 162 with here five wheels 164 distributed with peripheries to engage with contact points 508 of an insulating leaf 500 (not shown). The wheels 164 are supported by wheel supports 166 having fixtures 169 in the form of square holes so that the wheel arrangement 162 can be fixed in orientation with respect to the guide arrangement 200 (not shown). Figure 3B shows individual wheel supports 166 distributed to provide support or guidance in a direction perpendicular to the intended operational direction.

Figure 4 shows a guide arrangement 200 in different perspectives in A, B, and C. The guide arrangement 200 has an extent so as to fit within an installation height 25. The guide arrangement is shown with an interior guide 160 in the form of three wheel arrangements 162A, B, C, and an external guide 170 in the form of three belt arrangements 172A, B, C. The wheel arrangements 172 are supported in support bars 230 of the guide arrangement 200 by fixtures 232, that are distribute on support plates 220 in an appropriate form or pattern to support the transition path.

It is noted that the belt arrangement is illustrated without an optional support bar 230. As such the turning points towards the parking paths may be fixed or supported by the guide arrangement 200 as the other turning points. Alternatively, the turning points may be e.g. wheels that can be supported elsewhere such as at the parking arrangement 130 (not shown) .

Figure 5 illustrates, with reference to figure 1, aspects of a guiding arrangement and an insulating arrangement for operating with the interior angle in an obtuse angle. Furthermore, figure 5 illustrates further aspect applicable to the right angle installation of figure 1. Figure 5A shows the arrangement with the interior angle 62 in an obtuse angle. Figure 5B shows the parking arrangement 130 configured with angle adjustment means in the form of arched recesses 135 interacting with corresponding means in the guide arrangement 200. In this installation, the park- belt-point 176 is attached to the parking arrangement 130 by being installed in one of a set of distributed park fixtures 133, here distributed substantially along the parking path implied by the linear geometry of the parking arrangement 130. Thus the belt 174 in the belt arrangement will form a suitable guide for a transition in an obtuse angle. Also indicated is an interior guide 160.

Figures 5C and D, with reference to figures ID and E, shows the intended operation 50 of an insulating leaf 500 in an obtuse transition angle.

Figure 5 further discloses a bidirectional drive mechanism 132 also applicable to the installation shown in figure 1. The bidirectional drive mechanism 132 has a drive line 134 configured along the parking path 32 in a drive line support beam 138 in the parking arrangement 130. The drive line 134 is here engaged to the parking end 503 of the insulating leaf 500. Thus the drive mechanism 132 is configured to move the parking end 503 (e.g. push the insulating leaf) towards the guide arrangement 200. When driving in the opposite direction, the drive mechanism 132 moves the parking end 503 away from the guide arrangement 200, and operates the insulating leaf from insulating 10 to parking 30 positions.

The insulating leaf 500 may be a single body or individual insulating elements interacting via lines or robes as exemplified and e.g. as loose pearls on a string. In the case of using multiple insulating elements, pushing the parking end 503 will compress the individual insulating elements and make a single body. Operated in the opposite direction and when lines or robes excess the length of all the individual insulating elements, the individual insulating elements will be “free” or “loose”, i.e. not compressed or tightened together, in a fashion to be operated “individually” through the guide arrangement during the transition. This allows for lower installation height 25 and/or increased operational speed.

Alternatively, the drive line 134 is engaged to the free end 501 opposite the parking end 503 and thus configured to pull the free end 501 towards the guide arrangement 200 guiding the insulating leaf 500 and/or the free end 501 through the guiding arrangement 200 to the parking position. Figure 6 illustrates the guide arrangement 200 in the obtuse angle configuration with reference to similar structural elements seen in figure 2.

Figure 6A and B clearly shows the installation in an obtuse angle with the insulating leaf 500. Figure 6A shows the interior guide 160 and the external guide 170 in connection with part of the parking arrangement 130, and configured with angle adjustment means in the form of arched recesses 135 spanning an angle to adjust the interior angle 62 say from 90° to e.g. about 140°, whilst interacting with corresponding means in the guide arrangement 200. Figure 6B illustrates the belt arrangement 170 and the park-belt-point 176, which can be placed in one of the distributed park fixtures 133 seen in figure 6A. Optionally, the interior guide 160 is adjustable by being configured to tilt as shown e.g. by appropriately placed fixtures in the guide support plate. Alternatively, the interior guide 160 may be pivotaly connected to the guide support plate and with other fixtures 169 connected to the parking arrangement 130. Figure 6C illustrates geometries and different relative orientations of respective external guides and interior guides, depending on the actual transition path.

Figure 7 illustrates different schematics of belt arrangements 172 in relation to an installation height 25 and for different installations options, including different interior angles. Basically, figure 7A illustrates a fixed three point 175, 176, 177 installation and figure 7B illustrates a fixed two point 176, 177 installation, basically fixed in a right angled guide arrangement.

Figures 7C illustrates a three point installation where two points are fixed in the guide arrangement support, and where the third point 176 is configured to be fixed or positioned and adjustable in a cooperatively connected arrangement e.g. a parking arrangement 130 (not shown). Figure 7D shows a corresponding two point configuration.

Figure 7E basically shows a schematic representation of the installation shown in figure 6C, and that the third point 176 is placed in an adjustable way. Figure 7F illustrates a corresponding two point configuration.

More turning points may be implemented either to adjust the path of the belt or to adjust the tension of a belt. Multiple length belts may be available according to the configurations and installed accordingly.

Figure 8 illustrates different schematics of interior guide arrangements 160 with a set of wheels 164 distributed. Figure 8A basically illustrates the right angle installation seen in figure 2, where a set of wheels 164 forms a suitable transition path 22 between the parking position 30 and the insulating position 10, as illustrated by the resulting collective form of the periphery of the wheels 164 in the wheel arrangement 162. Optionally, the wheel arrangement 162 may be oriented differently when operated in an obtuse interior angle or interconnected with e.g. the parking arrangement (not shown) to adjust the orientation.

Figure 8B illustrates a schematic installation with a first wheel arrangement 162A installed on the guide arrangement and second wheel arrangement 162B installed on a tiltable parking arrangement (not shown) . Again, the resulting transition path 22 formed by the peripheries of the wheels 164 is indicated. Figure 8C schematically illustrates a second wheel arrangement 162B installed as a single larger wheel 164, which may optionally be positioned at different positions.

The schematics of figures 7 and 8 are not limited and may be combined. Furthermore variants may be formed and adjustments made according to requirements either in flexibility or simplicity.

Figure 9 illustrates, with reference the previous implementations, a method of operating 1000 an insulating leaf 500 in an operational direction 50 between an insulating position 10 along an insulation path 12 and a parking position 30 along a parking path 30, forming an interior transition angle 62 and corresponding an exterior transition angle 72 with the insulation path 12. The method comprises an act of insulating 1100, by moving the insulating leaf 500 from the parking position 30, via a transition path 22, to the insulating position 10, by guiding the insulating leaf 500 along the transition path 22, by means of an exterior guide 170 on an exterior side 70 of the insulating leaf 500. There is an act of parking 1200, by moving the insulating leaf 500 from the insulating position 10, via the transition path 22 to the parking position 30, by guiding the insulating leaf 500 along the transition path 22, by means of an interior guide 160 an an interior side 60 opposite of the exterior side 70 of the insulating leaf 500.

The act of insulating 1100 and parking may be performed by a bidirectional drive mechanism 132 with a drive line 134 configured along the parking path 32 in the parking arrangement 130 and engaged to a parking end 503 of the insulating leaf 500.

The act of insulating 1100 may be performed by moving the parking end 503 towards the guide arrangement 200. The act of parking 1200 may be performed by moving the parking end 503 away from the guide arrangement 200 during operation from insulating 10 to parking 30 positions.

Figure 10A illustrates an insulated enclosure 600 based on an enclosure 610 retrofitted with multiple insulation elements 550. The insulation is here on the inside, but could be on the outside of the enclosure 610. The seen opening could be insulated as indicated. Alternatively, the seen opening could be retrofitted with an insulating arrangement 400 of the sectional type, as illustrated in figure 10B, where an insulating leaf 500 is operated 50 between a parking position 30 and an insulating position 10.

Alternatively, the opening could be operated with a hinged insulating arrangement. Further alternatives, operated from the outside of the enclosure, could be a horizontal or vertical insulation leaf.

Figure 11A illustrates embodiment of insulating elements 550. An insulating element 550 may have an insulating core 530. The core 530 may be formed to be stacked. The cross section of a core 530 may have a concave end and opposite a convex end. The ends may be complementary in shape. The concave end may be slightly larger than a corresponding convex end so as to provide for some maneuverability.

An insulating element may have a cover 560 or web covering the core 530. The cover 560 may be flexible. The cover may be protective of the core. The cover may be resistant to wear and tear.

The insulating element 550A may have end profiles that with an edge, e.g. with a triangular shape. The insulating element 550B may have end profiles that are rounded. Figure 11B illustrates different embodiment of insulating leaf s 500 based on multiple insulation elements 550. The insulation elements 550 in the respective insulating leaf embodiment 550A, B, C are based on cross section profiles: A: rounded and symmetrical, B: edged and asymmetrical, C: rounded and asymmetrical. The insulating leafs 500 are seen to operate by bending or flexing to the right of the paper with an assumed interior side 62 and an assumed exterior side 72. The different profile shapes result in different overall surface characteristics of the respective interior and exterior sides of the insulation leaf s 500. The interior sides 62 will more or less result in a closed surface maintaining insulation and providing a surface that can withstand the forces of an interior guide (not shown) , when the insulating leaf is pulled up (and to the right) . The exterior sides 72 will inevitably have spaces or openings in the surface as seen. The extent or characteristics of such spaces may be varied as seen. The exterior sides 72 will thus benefit from an external guide based on a belt forming the bend from horizontal to downward direction when the insulating leaf is pushed sideways (and guided downwards) .

Figure 11C illustrates a top or parking end engagement mechanism 562 as an arrangement as beam, bar or a cassette that is rigid, e.g. made of steel, and engaged or attached placed at the parking end (top) of the insulating leaf, which is here seen as an insulating element. At the opposite free end there is a free end engagement mechanism 564 as an arrangement as a bean, bar, rod or alike, and engaging or being attached to the free end of the insulating leaf, which is here seen as an insulating element. In between the end engagement mechanisms 562, 564 there is a line arrangement 570 connecting the two end mechanisms. The lines may go through insulating elements. Figure 11C only shows the two end elements, and intermediate elements can be inserted as indicated in figure 11B. The line arrangement may be so that the lines are longer than the extent of the compressed or tightened insulating elements. Thus, when pulling the parking end mechanism 562, the top insulating element will follow as seen, whereas the bottom insulating element will follow separately by way of the lines 570 and the free end engagement element 570 as seen. Thus acting like. Intermediate insulating elements will operate “loosely” and easily bend or turn relatively to each other and thus allow for increased operational speed, shorter turning radius. Lower wear and tear is achieved with a belt like arrangement guiding on the exterior side.

Figure 11C also illustrates a specific free (lower) end formed with a complementary shape to a facing end of an insulation element. Furthermore, there may be a recess suitable for closing against a slide.

Overall, an insulating leaf based on insulating elements 550 as described will be easily maintained, since individual elements can be repaired replaced as can the covers. Furthermore, the insulating elements can be stacked and packed for transport or storage. Figure 12 illustrates a method of producing an insulating element 550. The method comprises providing at least one insulating core 530 of a given length L. Providing an endless cover 561 (i.e. sleeve, tube, hose, web or alike), optionally rolled- up. Adjusting the length of an insulating core 560 to a length 1. Adjusting may be by cutting, breaking, optionally with prepared fracture points, or otherwise adjusting means. Adjusting the length of the cover and making a cover 560 with a matching length to the length 1 of the core. Covering the core 530 with the cover 560 by inserting the core into the cover or pulling the cover over the core, and thus producing an insulating element 550.

The provided cores may be of different widths, lengths, materials as may the cover. The different cores may have the same cross section and thus fit and engage together as disclosed.

Alternatively, the cover may be provided as sheets and wrapped around the core and closed by suitable closing means such as Velcro-type closures. Alternatively, the closing may be by gluing or splicing. The cover material may be flexible.

Figure 13 illustrates an insulating wall 700 in with different individual aspects.

Figure 13A illustrates an insulating wall 700 that may include different sections. There may be a section i made of identical insulating elements 550 with a height and width. There may be a section ii made of identical insulating elements 550 of different lengths. The insulating elements may be adjusted to accommodate an opening such as a window or operational opening. There may be a section Hi with insulating elements of arranged in a coursed way. There may be combinations that include wall different wall segments or insulating elements from or arranged from the different segments.

As is seen, an insulating wall 700 may be constructed by appropriately made insulating elements 550 that may be incidental or differ in size, or otherwise. The wall elements may be kept together by pressure or by line arrangements tightening the elements together.

Insulating walls may be assembled to form room, coverage, house, or temporary installations. Wall sections may be per-assembled in predetermined sizes and with line arrangements. The wall sections can easily be packed, stored and transported before easily be “erected” by tightening the lines.

Figure 13B illustrates corner insulating elements 555, which may be made of a core and a cover as the linear elements. The cross sections may be similar to those of the linear elements. From the top: a flat corner element 555A based on an insulating core, a profiled corner element 555B with convex- concave profile, and a corner element such as above 555B with a cover 560.

Figure 14 illustrates different installations of insulating elements. With reference to insulating elements used for an insulating wall segment 700, the installations are as follows. Figure 14A illustrates two side supports 710 made for insulating elements 550 to slide into the supports to form an insulating wall segment 700. It is noted that a front or back plate may be removable so as to be able to stack the insulating elements before closing the side support.

Figure 14B illustrates an insulating wall segment 700 made of multiple insulating elements 550 on a line arrangement 570. There may be a bottom end plate 564 and there may be side supports 710 as indicated. The side supports 710 may be open on one side so as to be able to insert the stringed together insulating elements 550 as one body.

The side supports may be structural elements of a construction to be insulated.

Figure 15 illustrates different insulating arrangements for closing or operating an opening when insulating an enclosure. The installations are all made by insulating elements 550 as described, see insert 2, and with a top end engagement mechanism 562 and a bottom end engagement mechanism 564 as well as line arrangement (cf. Figure 11). Figure 15A shows a vertical insulating arrangement 400A. Figure 15B shows a sectional type insulating arrangement 400B. Figure C shows a hinged insulating arrangement 400C of multiple insulating elements 550 in a frame. The illustrated arrangements can be custom made and adjusted in size and characteristics as outlined e.g. in figures 11 to 14. As an illustrative example, the hinged insulated door element may be easily fitted to an opening of an existing enclosure such as a container, just to mention one of plethora of uses of the disclosed insulating elements 550 and assembled insulating leaf s 500, insulating arrangements 400 and wall segments 700.

Reference Signs List