AU2016200918B1 - Overhead door highwind retention system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A brace mechanism is provided for use with an overhead door that is coupled to tracks, for providing additional strength to the door when in a closed position. The brace mechanism may be used in high wind areas to prevent property damage that can occur from these high winds. The mechanism includes a jamb component configured to be mounted to the track or a wall and a door component configured to be mounted to the door. The components are adapted to be located such that in the event of a normal loading condition of the door the components are spaced apart from each other and in the event of deflection of the door during loading the components contact each other.

Description

H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398071_l.docx-12/02/2016 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 - 1 -

OVERHEAD DOOR HIGHWIND RETENTION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to overhead doors, and in particular to a system for providing additional strength to an overhead door when in a closed position.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various companies manufacture a range of sectional overhead doors for the general market. These “standard” doors are designed to meet the general demands to mechanise the opening and closing of the entrance of a typical suburban garage. The construction of a “standard” door is more than adequate to operate under the “normal” loads and environmental conditions associated with this type of installation. In this case, “normal” means conditions that are not covered by the standards for high wind regions, such as AS/NZS 4505:2012. One such typical door is shown in Figure 1.

[0003] In high wind areas around Australia and the world it is well known that considerable property damage can occur from high winds. Accordingly, in many countries there have been standards or guidelines developed and enforced to cover construction in high wind areas. One of the main driving factors for this has been insurance companies aiming to limit the amount of liability they may face when damage occurs. But also, to ensure that people who build property in these areas are safe from injury and damage.

[0004] In a high wind event the garage door can “blow out” or “blow in”, leaving the opening partly or entirely exposed. The opening then becomes a pocket for high pressure which can result in damage to the contents or further blow out or blow in of other coverings, such as windows, doors or rooves. Any of these materials may go on to cause further damage or injury, for example by becoming flying debris. Preventing the blow out or blow in of the garage door can prevent the initiation of this potentially dangerous chain reaction.

[0005] Figure 2 shows a door with additional components aimed at strengthening the door to withstand high wind events. The primary differences being the addition of extra H:\cagMnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\CAG\12819990_l.docx-31/01/2017 2016200918 02 Feb 2017 -2- brackets attaching the track to the wall and reinforcing beams extending across the door. This design has a number of drawbacks, however, such as the additional parts adding cost and complexity, the overall weight of the door being significantly increased and the garage space needing to be made deeper to accommodate the increased thickness of the door.

[0006] Another method of strengthening the door includes braces that are manually installed when a storm is approaching. Such a device has many drawbacks, however, such as preventing the door from being used when in place and the danger that inadequate warning may be provided or the occupant may be away when a warning is issued.

[0007] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a brace mechanism for use with an overhead sectional door that is coupled to tracks using guide wheels, the mechanism including: a first jamb component with a hook-like portion, the first jamb component being configured to be mounted to the track or a wall; a second jamb component with a hook-like portion, the second jamb component being configured to be mounted to the track or wall above the first jamb component such that a channel formed by the hook-like portion of the second jamb component is angled relative to a channel formed by the hook-like portion of the first jamb component; a first door component with a hooklike portion, the first door component being configured to be mounted to the door; and a second door component with a hook-like portion, the second door component being configured to be mounted to an upper panel of the door such that a channel formed by the hook-like portion is angled relative to the door, wherein the components are adapted to be positioned so that when the door is in a closed position: the first jamb component and the first door component are proximal to one another; the second jamb component and the second door component are proximal to one another; in the event of a normal loading 2016200918 02 Feb 2017 H:\cag\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\CAG\12819990_l.docx-31/01/2017 -3- condition of the door the respective first and second components are spaced apart from each other; and in the event of deflection of the door during loading the hook-like portions of the respective first and second components couple with each other.

[0009] Preferably, the mechanism is adapted to be fitted to the door in a manner so that when the door is in the closed position the jamb components and the door components overlap, and wherein the door components are configured to move with the door so that they are removed from the jamb components when the door is in an open position.

[0010] In other particular, but non-limiting, example forms the door components include a U or V shaped cross section and/or the jamb components include a U or V shaped cross section. Yet other forms will use any other suitable cross section shapes for the door components and/or the jamb components.

[0011] In another example form, a plurality of panels of the door each include a first door component, such that the first door components are positioned proximal to a first jamb component when the door is in the closed position. Preferably, the mechanism can be retrofitted to an existing door.

[0012] (Intentionally left blank) [0013] According to another example aspect, there is provided an overhead sectional door and track, including a brace mechanism substantially as herein described. According to yet another example aspect, there is provided a method of fitting a brace mechanism to an overhead door, wherein the brace mechanism is substantially as herein described, the method including the steps of attaching the door components to the door and the jamb components to the track and/or the wall. 2016200918 02 Feb 2017 H:\cag\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\CAG\12819990_l.docx-31/01/2017 -3A-

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0014] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but nonlimiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: [0015] Figure 1 (prior art) illustrates a perspective view of the inside of a standard overhead door; [0016] Figure 2 (prior art) illustrates a perspective view of the inside of an overhead door that has been strengthened with additional brackets and reinforcing beams; [0017] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the inside of an overhead door that includes a preferred embodiment of the invention; H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398 071_l.docx.-12/02/2016 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 -4- [0018] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the embodiment from Figure 3 with internal components shown in dashed lines; [0019] Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged portion of Figure 4 (Detail A); [0020] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged portion of Figure 12 (Detail D); [0021] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the embodiment from Figure 3; [0022] Figure 3; Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment from [0023] Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged portion of Figure 8 (Detail B); [0024] Figure 3; Figure 10A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment from [0025] Figure 3; Figure 10B illustrates a left side perspective view of the embodiment from [0026] Figure 3; Figure 11A illustrates an angled jamb component from the embodiment of [0027] Figures 11B and 11C illustrate two views of an angled door component from the embodiment of Figure 3; [0028] Figure 12 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment from Figure 3; and [0029] Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged portion of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398071_l.docx-12/02/2016 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 -5- [0031] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, an overhead sectional door 10 is shown that includes a plurality of panels 12 that are connected to one another by hinges 13 and coupled to a track 15 on either side. Fitted to the door panels 12 and tracks 15 is a brace mechanism 20 according to the present invention. The brace mechanism 20 includes a door component 22 that is fitted to a panel 12 of the door 10 and a jamb component 24 that is fitted to the track 15.

[0033] Referring now also to Figure 6, the jamb component 24 includes a channel that extends a substantial portion of the way along the vertical section of the track 15. There are a number of door components 22, however, which each sit behind the jamb component 24 when the door is in a closed position, as shown in Figure 3.

[0034] Near the top of the door jamb close to the curved section of the track 15, adjacent the top section of the door 10, a top panel bracket, or angled jamb component 26, is used. Similarly, a top panel hook plate, or angled door component 28, is used near the top of the door 10 that differs slightly to the other door components 22.

[0035] The hooking or jamb components 24, 26, in various alternative embodiments, may be fitted to one or both of the track 15 and part of the wall 30 adjacent the door opening. In yet another alternative embodiment the jamb component 24 may be used to attach the track 15 to the wall 30, however it is more preferable for the mechanism 20 to be designed so that it can be retrofitted to an existing door 10.

[0036] Referring to Figure 6, the setup of the track 15 with guide wheel 31 positioned inside is shown. This Figure also illustrates that the door component 22 is not in contact with the jamb component 24 when the door 10 is under a normal loading condition. However, in the embodiment shown there is some overlap 33.

[0037] As the components of the brace mechanism 20 do not contact each other during a normal loading condition, this allows the door 10 to be opened and closed without any added friction or other restriction being provided from the brace mechanism 20 at all. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398071_l .docx-12/02/2016 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 -6- [0038] When the door 10 is in the closed position the jamb components 24, 26 are located proximal to the respective door components 22, 28, yet when the door is in the open position the various components are separated. Despite this, as long as the door 10 is not subject to a loading condition the brace mechanism 20 will not interfere with the operation of the door 10 in any way and will not be subject to any wear and tear from the opening and closing of the door 10.

[0039] Further, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to an overhead sectional door 10 as shown. In particular, any other form of overhead or sliding door could be used, including but not limited to overhead rolling doors and single panel sliding doors.

[0040] The door 10 may be subject at times to loading conditions, such as a “blow in” condition as shown by arrow 35 or a “blow out” condition as shown by arrow 36. These loading conditions will typically be caused by wind, where the “blow in” condition is caused by a high pressure outside the building forcing the door 10 towards the inside of the building, and the “blow out” is the reverse where an external low pressure forces the door towards the outside of the building.

[0041] During loading of the door 10, deflection of the door panels 12 causes the door component 22 to contact the jamb component 24. Once contact is made, the door mechanism 20 then provides additional strength to the connection between the door 10 and the track 15 or wall 30, reducing the chance of failure of any part of the door panels 12, guide wheels 31 or tracks 15.

[0042] Advantageously, due to the relative positioning of the components, the brace mechanism 20 provides additional strength to the door during both the blow in and blow out loading conditions.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, the reinforced prior art door includes a large number of reinforcing beams 40 and a large number of track brackets 42. When comparing to the embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 3 or 10B, for example, there are significantly less reinforcing beams 40 required, with the top panel 12 having two reinforcing beams 40 but each other panel 12 only having one. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398071_l.docx-12/02/2016 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 -7- [0044] The present invention uses a single long bracket 44 rather than the many small track brackets 42. The present invention increases the strength of the connection retaining the door 10, so the connection to the wall 30 still needs to be very strong, as was the case in the prior art example of Figure 2. The single long bracket 44, however, may be considered a more elegant solution when compared to the many small track brackets 42 of the prior art.

[0045] The example shown uses the long bracket 44 for attaching the track 15 to the wall 30, while the jamb component 24 is attached to the outer surface of the long bracket 44 (see Figure 6). As discussed previously, however, other configurations for attaching the jamb component 24 are possible.

[0046] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the angled jamb component 26 can be adjusted to ensure correct positioning relative to the angled door component 28 when the door 10 is in the closed position. Accurate positioning of the angled components 26, 28 is important to ensure they do not contact during normal use of the door 10 but that they are also spaced correctly to function when the door 10 is deflected during loading.

[0047] The adjustment mechanism includes mounting holes that are elongate to allow the jamb component 26 to be positioned closer or farther from the track 15. There are also additional mounting holes so that different mounting holes can be chosen depending on the location of the screws, the position of which may already be determined by existing brackets 42 or the track 15. Figure 10A also illustrates the mounting options for angled jamb component 26.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6, it is shown that the components overlap 33 but do not contact one another under normal load conditions. Bowing of the door 10 under wind load results in pulling and/or twisting of the end of the door 10, so that the components contact one another and therefore provide additional strength to the connection between the door panels 12 and the track 15.

[0049] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, more detail is shown for the top components of the brace mechanism 20. The door panels 12 have guide wheels 31 at the top and bottom, H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398071_l.docx-12/02/2016 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 -8- while the door components 22, 28 are located at a central part of each door panel 12. Therefore, the jamb component 24 cannot extend all the way to the bend in the track 15, as the door components 22, 28 will begin to move inwardly (a direction away from the wall 30) before they reach this point, as the top guide wheel 31 reaches the bend first causing the top of the panel 12 to begin moving inwardly.

[0050] Instead, for this reason, the uppermost section of the brace mechanism 20 uses the angled jamb component 26 and the angled door component 28 (see also Figures 11A to 11C). These components work on the same principle as the other jamb component 24 and door components 22, but the angled nature of the channels allow the components to move relatively to one another without contacting, despite the fact that the door component 28 is partially rotating as well as translating as it moves into position proximal to the jamb component 26 as the door 10 is moved to or from the open or closed positions.

[0051] As the door components 22 on the remaining door panels 12 move past the angled jamb component 26, they move past without any contact as they do not project as far from the door panel 12 as does the angled door component 28.

[0052] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the angled jamb component 26 is positioned some distance below the bend in the track 15. This distance is necessary to allow for the position of the angled door component 28 when the door 10 is in the closed position, as the guide wheel 31 at the top of the top panel 12 must reach the end of the bend in the track 15 for the door 10 to be closed correctly, or at least close to the end as shown in Figure 9, for example, where an extra wheel is added to allow the door 10 to still contact the wall 30. In any event, the door 10 starts moving inwardly as soon as it starts to raise. It should be noted that this distance will vary for different types of overhead doors which may have different sized door panels 12.

[0053] There is a significant gap between the angled jamb component 26 and the angled door component 28. This ensures there is no contact between the components during opening and closing of the door, while still remaining close enough that the components lock to one another in the event of a loading condition of the door. While it is 2016200918 12 Feb 2016 H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\9398071_l.docx-12/02/2016 -9- not clearly shown in Figure 9, the angled jamb component 26 also has a hook-like end portion for coupling with the angled door component, as shown in Figure 11 A.

[0054] A particular advantage of the present invention is the ability for it to be fitted to existing doors 10 if necessary. For example, the jamb components 24, 26 may be attached to the track 15 or wall 30 using existing fasteners or by adding additional brackets 42 and/or fasteners. Alternatively, existing brackets 42 may be replaced with a long bracket 44 as described previously, and fitting the jamb components 24, 26 at the same time. The door components 22, 28 may also be fitted to the door panels 12 using existing or new fasteners, and may be fitted at the same time as adding reinforcing beams 40.

[0055] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A brace mechanism for use with an overhead sectional door that is coupled to tracks using guide wheels, the mechanism including: a first jamb component with a hook-like portion, the first jamb component being configured to be mounted to the track or a wall; a second jamb component with a hook-like portion, the second jamb component being configured to be mounted to the track or wall above the first jamb component such that a channel formed by the hook-like portion of the second jamb component is angled relative to a channel formed by the hook-like portion of the first jamb component; a first door component with a hook-like portion, the first door component being configured to be mounted to the door; and a second door component with a hook-like portion, the second door component being configured to be mounted to an upper panel of the door such that a channel formed by the hook-like portion is angled relative to the door, wherein the components are adapted to be positioned so that when the door is in a closed position: the first jamb component and the first door component are proximal to one another; the second jamb component and the second door component are proximal to one another; in the event of a normal loading condition of the door the respective first and second components are spaced apart from each other; and in the event of deflection of the door during loading the hook-like portions of the respective first and second components couple with each other.
2. 2. The brace mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism is adapted to be fitted to the door in a manner so that when the door is in the closed position the jamb components and the door components overlap, and wherein the door components are configured to move with the door so that they are removed from the jamb components when the door is in an open position.
3. 3. The brace mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door components include a U or V shaped cross section.
4. 4. The brace mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the jamb components include a U or V shaped cross section.
5. 5. The brace mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of panels of the door each include a first door component, such that the first door components are positioned proximal to a first jamb component when the door is in the closed position.
6. 6. The brace mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism can be retrofitted to an existing door.
7. 7. An overhead sectional door and track, including a brace mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.
8. 8. A method of fitting a brace mechanism to an overhead door, wherein the brace mechanism is defined according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method including the steps of attaching the door components to the door and the jamb components to the track and/or the wall.