AU2019200973A1 - A System - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for mounting a garage door panel relative to a pair of roller guide tracks. The system including at least one guide mounted relative to each roller guide track and at least one arm assembly mounted relative to the garage door panel. The at least one arm assembly including at least one arm body mounted relative to the garage door panel, at least one roller extending from the at least one arm body, the at least one roller located in a channel defined by one of the roller guide tracks, and at least one member extending away from the at least one arm body. When the garage door panel is moving from a first position to a second position the at least one member is guided by the at least one guide during at least an initial movement. LZi MAi en

Description

A SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to closures for openings in buildings, in particular, sectional or panel overhead garage doors. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for closing an upper panel of a sectional or panel overhead garage door.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Traditional garage doors, such as sectional garage doors, are typically relied upon for security purposes. In particular, garage doors are traditionally used to prevent unauthorized intrusions into a garage. Furthermore, in some areas, garage doors are relied upon for protection from natural climate conditions, in particular, severe natural climate conditions such as high winds or airborne debris.

[0003] Traditional sectional garage doors include multiple (traditionally four) panels connected together using hinges. The panels are located between tracks mounted to opposing sides of a building opening. The hinges not only connect adjacent panels to each other, they also provide an attachment region for rollers that are connected to the door and run in the tracks. The top and bottom panels have different attachment means to attach the rollers to those panels. Each panel typically includes multiple vertical stiles and one or more horizontal struts, particularly in wider span doors.

[0004] During high wind conditions, sectional garage doors are prone to bending and flexing which cause the panels to blow in or blow out from the tracks. Blown in or blown out panels can cause damage to the surrounding area, in particular, to the building structure itself and/or other surrounding structures. If the door does get blown in or blown out, high wind pressure can enter the building and cause further damage to the building.

[0005] To protect against high wind conditions additional hardware is attached to the door to strengthen the door. This sometimes involves increasing the size of the strut and clipping the door to the wall, for example as described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904305.

[0006] The strut clip and wall bracket system described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904305 requires the strut clips to slide over the wall brackets in an almost vertical direction. The bottom three panels of a four panel door and four panels of a five panel

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 door will move at the same angle as the vertical track, typically less than one degree. This is an acceptable incline that does not prevent the strut clips from passing over the wall brackets. However, the curve of the horizontal track that helps rotate the door from a horizontal position to a vertical position typically hinders the ability of the top strut clip to move vertically over the top wall bracket.

[0007] Typically, due to the desired head room in garages, the horizontal track sits quite low in relation to the door. In almost all cases, the upper most rollers which are attached to the top of the upper most panel will sit approximately a third of the way up the curve of the horizontal track. In order for the front face of the upper most panel to sit vertical and flush with the face of the rest of the panels of the garage door, the roller must be positioned significantly more than the other rollers of the door.

[0008] For the system described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904305 to operate correctly the upper most panel must rotate into a near vertical position and lower in an almost vertical plane. Given the headroom requirements these two actions must be completed at the same time.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] The present invention is directed to a garage door roller assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a system for mounting a garage door panel relative to a pair of roller guide tracks, the system including:

at least one guide mounted relative to each roller guide track, and at least one arm assembly mounted to the garage door panel, the at least one arm assembly including:

at least one arm body mounted relative to the garage door panel, at least one roller extending from the at least one arm body, the at least one roller located in a channel defined by one of the roller guide tracks, and at least one member extending away from the at least one arm body;

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 wherein when the garage door panel is moving from a first position to a second position the at least one member is guided by the at least one guide during at least an initial movement.

[0012] In most embodiments, the at least one guide also guides the at least one member during at least a final movement when moving from the second position to the first position.

[0013] The system may include at least one assembly. Typically, the hinge system will include at least two assemblies. The at least two assemblies will include at least one left assembly and at least one right assembly. Each assembly may be attached to the at least one panel. Typically, each assembly is attached towards to the top of an upper most panel that forms part of a sectional garage door.

[0014] Each assembly may include the at least one arm assembly. Each arm assembly may include an arm mounted relative to the garage door panel. The arm may be a left arm or a right arm. Typically, the left arm will be a mirrored version of the right arm (or vice versa).

[0015] The arm may include the at least one arm body. The at least one arm body may be any shape suitable for spacing apart the at least one member and the at least one other member. In most embodiments, the at least one arm body will be substantially elongate. The at least one arm body may be any thickness suitable for locating within a space defined by a bracket and the roller guide track. The at least one arm body may be in the form of a plate.

[0016] The at least one arm body may define at least one aperture for mounting the roller. The aperture may be any size or shape suitable for receiving at least a portion of a shaft. It is envisioned that the size and shape of the aperture will substantially correspond to the size and shape of at least a portion of a shaft of the roller. The at least one aperture may be located at any suitable location on the at least one arm body. Typically, the at least one aperture will be located in between the at least one member and the at least one other member along the length of the at least one arm body. Typically, the aperture will be located half way along the length of the arm body. In alternative embodiments, the at least one arm may include a slot or channel extending along at least a portion of the at least one arm body. The slot or channel may receive at least a portion of a shaft of the at least one roller. The slot or channel may extend inwardly from an outer surface of the at least one arm. Typically, the slot or channel may extend from the same outer surface from which the at least one member extends. Typically, the slot or channel extends in an opposite direction to the at least one member.

[0017] When mounted to the garage door panel, the at least one arm body may be orientated perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, relative to the height of the garage door panel

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 when the garage door panel is in a closed, vertical, or substantially vertical position. Similarly, when the garage door panel is in an open, horizontal, or substantially horizontal position, the at least one arm body may be orientated perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, relative to the height of the garage door panel when the garage door panel is in a closed position.

[0018] The arm may further include the at least one member extending away from the at least one arm body. A skilled person would understand that the at least one member may extend away from the at least one arm body in any suitable direction. Typically, however, the at least one member will extend perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the at least one arm body. The at least one member may be any suitable size or shape. Typically, however, the at least one member will be substantially elongate. Typically, the at least one member will have a circular cross section.

[0019] The at least one member may include a free end for mounting a pin roller. The at least one member may be a pin.

[0020] The arm may further include at least one other member extending away from the arm body but in an opposite direction to the at least one member. Typically, the at least one other member will extend parallel, or substantially parallel, to the at least one member. Typically, the at least one member will extend perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the arm body. Similar to the at least one member, the at least one other member may be any suitable size or shape. Typically, however, the at least one other member may be substantially elongate. Typically, the at least one elongate member will have a circular cross section. Typically, the at least one other member will be longer than the at least one other member.

[0021] The at least one other member may include a free end for mounting one or more bushings and/or brackets, for example, a hinge bracket or a hinge bracket. The at least one other member may be an axle.

[0022] As mentioned above, the arm assembly includes at least one roller. The at least one roller may include a wheel and a shaft extending away from the wheel for mounting the wheel to the at least one arm body. Typically, the shaft will include a free end. In some embodiments, the free end may be at least partially received within the aperture defined by the at least one arm body. In other embodiments, the free end of the shaft may be moveably to the slot or channel defined by the at least one arm.

[0023] Typically, when mounted to the at least one arm body, the shaft will extend from the at least one arm body in the same direction as the at least one member. Typically, the shaft will

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 extend in a direction that is opposite to the at least one other member. In most embodiments, the shaft will extend perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the at least one arm body. In most embodiments, the shaft will extend parallel, or substantially parallel, to the at least one member, the at least one other member or both. The at least one roller may be a track roller. A skilled person would understand that the at least one roller may be any track roller which includes a wheel suitable for being located within the channel of the corresponding roller guide track.

[0024] The arm assembly may further include the pin roller, mentioned above, for mounting to the pin of the arm. In most embodiments, the pin roller will be mounted to (but not fixedly secured to) the pin of the arm such that the pin roller may rotate during movement of the at least one garage door panel from a first position to a second position. The pin roller may be any suitable size or shape suitable for locating within a space defined by the guide. The pin roller may include a body portion. The body potion may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Typically, the length of the body portion of the pin roller will be the same, or smaller than, the length of the at least one member to which the pin roller is mounted. The pin roller may be made from any suitable material. In most embodiments, the pin roller will be made from a nylon material.

[0025] The body portion of the pin roller may define a bore for receiving at least a portion of the at least one member. Typically, the bore extends fully through the body portion of the pin roller. The bore may be any suitable size or shape. In most embodiments, the size and shape of the bore will substantially correspond to, or be larger than, the size and shape of at least a portion of the at least one member to be received. Typically, the cross sectional shape of the bore will be circular.

[0026] Each assembly may further include one or more bushings. Typically, each assembly will include at least two bushings. Typically, each bushing will be a slider bushing. Typically, each bushing will be made from a nylon material. Each bushing may include a body portion having a first end and a second end. The body portion may define a bore for receiving at least a portion of the at least one other member of the arm assembly and at least one locating portion for locating the bushing relative to a portion of a slider bracket. Typically, the bore will extend from the first end of the bushing to the second end of the bushing. Each bushing may include a pair of locating portions. Each locating portion may be located towards one of the ends of the bushing. Each locating portion may extend outwardly from an outer surface of the body portion. Typically, at least one of the locating portions will taper outwardly from the first end of the

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 bushing towards the second end of the bushing. The body portion may be substantially elongate. Each bushing may be mounted to the at least one other member.

[0027] Each bushing may further include one or more slots. The slots may extend from a first end of the bushing towards the second end of the bushing and along the length of the bushing. The slots may be evenly spaced around an outer surface of the bushing. The slots may allow the first end of the bushing to flex when mounting to a bracket, a portion of the arm assembly or both.

[0028] Each assembly may further include at least one bracket. The at least one bracket may be a slider bracket. The at least one bracket may include a body including a main body portion. The main body portion may include an abutment surface for abutting a portion of at least one other bracket. The body may further include at least one locating portion for locating the body relative to at least one other bracket. The at least one locating portion may extend outwardly and away from the main body portion of the body. The body may further include a mounting structure defining one or more channels for receiving the at least one other member of the arm. The mounting structure may extend outwardly and away from the main body portion. The mounting structure may initially extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the one or more locating portions and then loop around back towards the main body portion to form the one or more channels. Typically, the size and shape of the one or more channels will substantially correspond to, or be larger than, the size and shape of at least a portion of the at least one other member of the arm. The body of the at least one bracket may define one or more apertures for receiving one or more fasteners for securing the at least one bracket to at least one other bracket. Typically, the body of at the least one bracket will include at least two spaced apart apertures. Typically, the one or more apertures are defined by the main body portion of the body.

[0029] Each assembly may further include the at least one other bracket. The at least one other bracket may be a hinge bracket. The at least one other bracket may be a hat-shaped bracket. The at least one other bracket may include a body. The body may include a main body portion. The main body portion may include an abutment surface for abutting a portion of the at least one bracket and define one or more apertures for receiving a fastener. Typically, the main body portion of the at least one other bracket will define three spaced apart apertures. The spaced apart apertures may be evenly spaced apart. Alternatively, the spaced apart apertures may be unevenly spaced apart. The one or more apertures defined by the main body portion of the at least one other bracket may be any size or shape suitable for receiving a fastener. In most

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 embodiments, the one or more apertures defined by the main body portion of the at least one other bracket may be elongate or slot-like. In most embodiments, the spaced apart elongate apertures may extend parallel to one another.

[0030] The body of the at least one other bracket may further include one or more locating portions for locating the bracket relative to the garage door panel. The one or more locating portions may extend away from the main body portion of the at least one other bracket. The one or more locating portions may include an abutment surface for abutting a portion of the at least one panel. The one or more locating portions may be in the form of one or more flanges. Each locating portion may define one or more apertures for receiving a fastener.

[0031] As mentioned above, the system includes at least one guide mounted relative to one of the pair of roller guide tracks. Typically, the system will include a pair of guides. The at least one guide may be fixedly secured to the opening. The at least one guide may be fixedly secured relative to one of the pair of roller guide tracks. In some embodiments, the at least one guide may be permanently secured relative to the opening. In other embodiments, the at least one guide may be removably secured to the opening. The at least one guide may be secured to the opening using any suitable securing means, such as welding, bolting or the alike. The at least one guide may be in the form of a guide bracket.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one guide receives the at least one member when the door is moving into a closed position.

[0033] The at least one guide may include a body portion. The body portion may be any suitable size or shape. The body portion may define one or more apertures for receiving at least a portion of a fastener for fastening the at least one guide relative to one of the pair of roller guide tracks. The fastener may be any suitable fastener known in the art, for example a bolt, clip or the alike.

[0034] The body portion may include a guide portion. The guide portion may include a guide edge for guiding the at least one roller during at least the initial movement of the panel and for guiding the at least one roller during at least a final movement of the panel. The guide portion may define a slot or channel and an opening to the slot or channel. The slot or channel may be defined by at least a portion of the guide edge. The slot or channel may be adapted to receive at least a portion of the at least one member, at least a portion of the roller mounted to the at least one member or both. When in use, the portion of the at least one member, roller mounted to the at least one member or both the portion of the at least one member and the

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 portion of the roller mounted to the at least one member may move through the open end of the slot or channel and towards the a closed end of the slot before moving away from the closed end of the slot or channel and back through the opening.

[0035] In most embodiments, each at least one bracket, at least one other bracket and/or at least one arm may be fabricated using any suitable material. In most embodiments, each at least one bracket, at least one other bracket and/or at least one arm will be made from steel, for example, a mild steel.

[0036] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an assembly for mounting a garage door panel relative to a pair of roller guide tracks, the assembly including:

an arm body mounted relative to the garage door panel, a roller extending from the arm body, the roller located in a channel defined by one of the roller guide tracks, and a member extending away from the arm body and for engaging at least a portion of a guide mounted relative to the roller guide track;

wherein when the garage door panel is moving from a first position to a second position the at least one member is guided by the guide during at least an initial movement.

[0037] A skilled person would understand that the assembly may be the assembly as substantially described above in relation to the system.

[0038] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0039] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0040] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 [0041] Figure 1 shows a garage door system from behind, including the system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 shows an enlarged portion of the top left portion of the garage door system shown in Figure 1, including a left half of the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a right side of the garage door system as shown in Figure 1, including the left half of the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4 shows an enlarged portion of the top comer of the garage door system as shown in Figure 3, including the left half of the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a cross section along line A-A of the garage door system shown in Figure 1, including the left half of the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an enlarged portion of the top corner of the garage door system shown in Figure 5, including the left half of the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention (looking from an opposite side of Figure 4).

[0047] Figure 7 shows the garage door system shown in Figure 1 from the top, including the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 shows an enlarged portion of the top left portion of the garage door system shown in Figure 7, including the left half of the system in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

[0049] Figure 9 shows a right side assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 10 and 11 show a right side arm assembly, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of the assembly as shown in Figure 9.

[0051] Figures 12 to 15 show a left side arm, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of a left arm assembly.

[0052] Figures 16 to 19 show a right side arm, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of the right arm assembly shown in Figures 10 and 11.

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 [0053] Figures 20 to 22 show a bracket slider, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of the assembly as shown in Figure 9.

[0054] Figures 23 to 24 show a roller, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of the arm assembly as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0055] Figures 25 to 26 show a slider bushing, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of the assembly as shown in Figure 9.

[0056] Figures 27 to 30 show a hinge bracket, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which forms part of the assembly as shown in Figure 9.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0057] Figures 1,3 5 and 7 show a garage door system 100 including a pair of guide tracks 102, 103 mounted to a building or garage near the edge of opening 104; a garage door 106 comprising an upper panel 108 and three lower panels 110; and a system 200, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for mounting the upper garage door panel 108 relative to roller guide tracks 102, 103. A skilled person would understand that garage door 106 need not exactly three lower panels. Instead, garage door 106 may have any number of lower panels, for example, two, four, five respectively, so long as the garage door includes at least one upper panel for mounting relative to a pair of guide tracks..

[0058] In the preferred embodiment shown, system 200 includes a pair of guides and a pair of hinge assemblies 900a, 900b. The pair of hinge assemblies includes a left assembly 900a and a right assembly 900b which is a mirrored version of left assembly 900a. Each assembly 900a, 900b is mounted toward the upper comers of upper panel 108 and relative to a corresponding guide as best shown in Figure 1.

[0059] Figures 4 and 6 show assembly 900a secured to an upper edge of panel 108 and guide 400 secured to a building or garage door near the edge of opening 104 when panel 108 is in a closed position. As can best be seen in Figure 4, assembly 900a is mounted relative guide 400 such that roller pin 2300 and pin 1204 at least partially extend though channel 406. Further, as can best be seen in Figure 6, assembly 900a is mounted relative to guide track 102 such that roller 1002 is located in a channel defined by guide track 102.

[0060] Turning to Figure 9, right side assembly 900b includes a right side arm assembly 1000; a pair of brackets, in the form of slider bracket 2000 and hinge bracket 2700; and a pair of

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 bushing 2500.

[0061] Turning to Figures 10 and 11, right side arm assembly 1000 includes a right side arm 1600; a roller pin 2300 and a guide track roller 1002.

[0062] Turning to Figures 16 to 19, each right side arm 1600 includes an includes a body 1601 including arm body 1602; a roller 1002 mounted to and extending from arm body 1602 ; a first member, in the form of pin 1604, extending away from the arm body and for mounting roller pin 2300; and, a second member, in the form of axle 1606, extending away from the arm body but in an opposite direction to pin 1604.

[0063] When upper garage door panel 108 is moving from a first position to a second position member 1604 is guided by a portion of guide 400 during at least an initial movement. A portion of guide 400 also guides member 1604 during at least a final movement when moving from the second position to the first position (such as from an open position to a closed position).

[0064] In the preferred embodiment shown, arm body 1602 is in the form of an elongate diamond shaped plate comprising rounded comers. A skilled person, however, would understand that in other embodiments arm body 1602 may be any shape suitable for spacing apart pin 1602 and axle 1606. Arm body 1602 may be any thickness suitable for locating within a space defined by brackets 2000, 2700 and roller guide tracks 102.

[0065] Right side arm body 1602 defines an aperture 1608 for mounting a roller 1002. In preferred embodiments, aperture 1608 may be any size or shape suitable for receiving at least a portion of a shaft. It is envisioned that the size and shape of the aperture substantially corresponds to the size and shape of at least a portion of a shaft of track roller 1002. In the embodiment shown, aperture 1608 is located substantially centrally along the length of arm body 1602. A skilled person, however, would understand that in other preferred embodiments, the aperture may be located at any suitable location for mounting track roller 1002 on arm body 1602.

[0066] As mentioned above, right side arm 1600 includes pin 1604 that extends away from body 1602. Pin 1604 is substantially elongate and has a circular cross section. Pin 1604 includes a free end for mounting a pin roller and a fixed end that is fixed to arm body 1602. Pin 1604 extends perpendicularly away from arm body 1602.

[0067] Arm 1600 further includes another member extending away from the arm body and in an opposite direction to pin 1604, in the form of axle 1606. Axle 1606 extends parallel to pin

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019

1604 and perpendicularly to arm body 1602. In the preferred embodiment, shown axle 1606 is elongate and has a circular cross section. In the preferred embodiment shown, axle 1606 is longer than pin 1604. In other preferred embodiments not shown, axle 1606 may be the same, similar, or shorter in length when compared to pin 1604. Similar to pin 1604, axle 1606 includes a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end being fixed to arm body 1602. The free end for mounting a pair of bushings 2500 and being received within channels 2008 of slider bracket 2010 as best shown in Figure 9.

[0068] As mentioned above, arm assembly 1000 includes a roller, in the form of track roller 1002. A skilled person would understand that the roller 1002 may be any track roller suitable for being located within a corresponding roller guide track. Each roller 1002 includes a shaft for mounting the roller to arm body 1602. Typically, the shaft will include a free end for being at least partially received within aperture 1608. In preferred embodiments, when mounted to arm body 1602, the shaft of the roller extends from the arm body 1602 in the same direction as pin 1604 and in a direction that is opposite to axle 1606. The shaft extends perpendicularly to arm body 1602 and parallel, to both pins 1604 and 1606.

[0069] As mentioned above, arm assembly 1000 includes pin roller 2300. In preferred embodiments, pin roller 2300 will be made from a nylon material. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that pin roller may be made from any suitable material.

[0070] As can best be seen in Figures 23 and 24, pin roller 2300 includes an elongate body portion 2301 defining a bore 2302, extending along the length of the body, for receiving pin 1604 (and/or 1204). As shown best in Figure 9, the length of elongate body 2301 corresponds to the length of pin 1604 to which it is to be mounted. In other embodiments, however, a skilled person would understand that the length of body 2301 may be shorter or longer than pin 1604 (and/or pin 1204).

[0071] Body portion 2301 and bore 2302 are both circular in cross section. As best shown in Figure 9, the diameter of bore 2302 is slightly larger than the diameter of pin 1604 (and/or 1204). Advantageously, pin roller 2300 is mountable to pin 1604. Further, as best shown in Figure 4, the outer most diameter of body 2301 is slightly smaller than the width of slot/channel 406. Advantageously, at least a portion of pin roller 2300 can be received within slot/channel 406 during at least an initial and/or final movement of panel 108.

[0072] As can be best seen in Figures 10 and 11, pin roller 2300 is rotatably mounted to pin 1604. Although not shown a skilled person would understand that pin roller 2300 is similarly

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 rotatably mountable to pin 1206. Advantageously, when moving panel 108 from a closed position to an open position, during at least the initial movement, pin roller 2300 engages a portion of guide 400. Similarly, when moving panel 108 from an open position to a closed position, during at least the final movement, pin roller also engages a portion of guide 400.

[0073] Although not shown in detail, a person skilled in the art would understand that the left side assembly similarly includes a left side arm assembly including the left side arm 1200 shown in Figures 12 to 15 which when assembled mirrors the right side assembly. The left side arm 1200 being a mirrored version of right side arm 1600.

[0074] As best shown in Figure 4, left arm body 1202 is orientated substantially perpendicular relative to the height of panel 108 when mounted to panel 108 and the panel is in a closed position. Although not shown, right arm body 1602 is also orientated substantially perpendicular relative to the height of panel 108 when mounted to panel 108 and the panel is in a closed position. A skilled person would also understand that each arm body 1202, 1602 will also be orientated substantially perpendicular relative to the height of panel 108 when mounted to panel 108 and the panel is in an open position.

[0075] As can be best seen in Figure 9, assembly 900b includes a pair of bushings, in the form of slider bushings 2500. In preferred embodiments, each bushing is made from a nylon material. However, a skilled person would understand that each bushing may be made from any suitable material known in the art.

[0076] Turning to Figures 25 to 26, each bushing 2500 includes a body 2501 having a first end and a second end. Body 2501 includes an elongate main body portion 2502 defining a bore 2504 that extends from the first end of body 2501 to the second end of body 2501 for receiving a portion of axle 1206 or 1606. Body 2501 includes a pair of locating portions 2506, including a first locating portion 2506a and a second locating portion 2606b, extending outwardly and away from an outer surface of main body portion 2502 for locating bushings 2500 relative to mounting structures 2006 of bracket 2000. As can best be seen in Figure 25, first locating portion 2506a tapers outwardly away from an opening of bore 2504.

[0077] As best shown in Figure 26, body 2501 further defines multiple spaced apart slots 2508 extending from the first end of the body and towards the second end of the body. Slots 2508 are substantially elongate and extend parallel to one another a circumference of an opening of bore 2504. Slots 2508 extend through at least partially though first locating portion 2506a. Advantageously, the multiple slots allow the first end of bushing 2500 to deflect inwardly,

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 outwardly or both inwardly and outwardly when mounting to bracket 2000 and/or arm 1200 or 1600.

[0078] Turning to Figures 20 to 22, each bracket 2000 includes body 2001. Body 2001 includes main body portion 2002; a pair of locating portions 2004 extending outwardly and away from body portion 2002 for locating body 2001 relative to hinge bracket 2700; and, a pair of mounting structures 2006 defining channels 2008 for receiving a portion of axle 1206 or 1606. Each mounting structure 2006 initially extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to locating portions 2004 and then loops around back towards main body portion 2002 to form channels 2008. Each channel is substantially the same size. The diameter of each channel is slightly larger than the diameter of main body portion 2502 of bushings 2500. Body 2001 further defines a pair of spaced apart apertures 2010, each for receiving a fastener for securing the bracket 2000 to hinge bracket 2700. In the preferred embodiment shown, apertures 2010 are defined by main body portion 2002. However, a skilled person would understand that apertures 2010 may be defined on any suitable portion of body 2001.

[0079] Turning to Figures 27 to 30, bracket 2700 includes a hat-shaped body 2701. Body 2701 includes main body portion 2702 and a pair of locating portions 2704, in the form of flanges. Each main body portion 2704 includes an abutment surface 2707 for abutting a corresponding abutment surface of bracket 2000 and defines three elongate spaced apart parallel slots 2706, each slot for receiving a fastener for securing the bracket 2000 thereto. In the preferred embodiment shown, slots 2708 are evenly spaced apart. However, a skilled person would understand that in other embodiments, slots 2708 need not be evenly spaced apart. As can be best seen in Figure 9, the location of the two outer most slots 2708 correspond to the location of apertures 2010 defined by bracket 2000 such that a fastener is able to be received within each of the outer most slots 2708 and apertures 2010.

[0080] Turning back to Figures 27 to 30, each locating portion 2704 extends outwardly from main body portion 2704 and includes an abutment surface 2705 for abutting a corresponding surface of panel 108. Each locating portion 2704 further defines four apertures 2706 for receiving a fastener, the fasteners securing the locating portions 2704 relative to panel 108.

[0081] As mentioned above, the system 200 includes a pair of guides. In the preferred embodiment, each the guides that form the pair of guides are substantially similar in size and shape if not identical. Each guide is fixedly mounted to the building or garage near the edges of opening 104, for example, as shown in Figure 4.

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 [0082] Each guide 400 includes a body 402. Body 402 defines a pair of apertures 403 each for receiving a fastener for fastening the guide relative to one of guide tracks 102, 103, a slot or channel 406 and an entry to the slot or channel 404. The slot or channel 406 and entry 404 are defined by at least a portion of guide edge 407 are adapted to receive a portion of pin 1204, 1604 and pin roller 2300. When in use, pin 1204, 1604 and pin roller 2300 are movable through opening 404 and towards a closed end of slot 406 before moving away from the closed end of the slot 406 and back through opening 404.

[0083] In the preferred embodiment shown, brackets 2000 and 2700 as well as arms 1200, 1600 are fabricated from mild steel. However, a skilled person would understand that in other embodiments, brackets 2000 and 2700 as well as and arms 1200, 1600 may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art.

[0084] Turning back to Figures 1-8, when a pair of left and right assemblies are mounted to upper panel 108 and a pair of guides are mounted to a building or garage near the edge of opening 104 and upper panel 108 is in a closed position, at least a portion of each roller pin 2300 and corresponding pin 1204 or 1604 to which the roller pin is mounted extends though channel 406. When upper panel 108 moves towards an open position, during at least an initial movement, roller pins 2300 and pins 1206 and1604 briefly travel along corresponding guide edges 407 towards a closed end of channel 406 before changing direction and travelling back towards opening 404. Similarly, as upper panel 108 moves into a closed position, during at least a final movement, roller pins 2300 and pins 1204 and 1604 travel along corresponding guide edge 407 in a direction toward the closed end of channel 406 before changing direction and briefly travelling back towards opening 404 to end up in the position shown in Figures 4 and 6.

[0085] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0086] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 [0087] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (19)

1. A system for mounting a garage door panel relative to a pair of roller guide tracks, the system including:

at least one guide mounted relative to each roller guide track, and at least one arm assembly to the garage door panel, the at least one arm assembly including:

at least one arm body mounted relative to the garage door panel, at least one roller extending from the at least one arm body, the at least one roller located in a channel defined by one of the roller guide tracks, and at least one member extending away from the at least one arm body;

wherein when the garage door panel is moving from a first position to a second position the at least one member is guided by the at least one guide during at least an initial movement.

2. The guide system of claim 1, wherein the guide guides the at least one member during at least a final movement when moving from the second position to the first position.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one roller and the at least one member extend away from the arm body in substantially the same direction.

4. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arm body is elongate and defines an elongate axis.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one member extends perpendicularly away from the elongate axis of the arm body and includes a free end for mounting a pin roller.

6. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm assembly includes at least one arm and the at least one arm includes the at least one arm body.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one arm further includes the at least one member extending away from the at least one arm body.

8. The system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the arm further includes at least one other member extending away from the arm body in an opposite direction to the at least one member.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one other member is substantially rod shaped and is adapted to extend through one or more bushings and/or one or more

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 channels defined by a bracket for mounting the at least one arm assembly relative to the garage door panel.

10. The system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the at least one other member extends perpendicularly away from the elongate axis of the arm body and includes a free end for mounting one or more bushings and/or at least one bracket.

11. The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one roller, the at least one member and/or the at least one other member extend substantially parallel to one another.

12. The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the roller is located between the at least one member and the at least one other member along the axis of the arm body.

13. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the arm assembly further includes the pin roller.

14. The guide system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide guides the roller pin during at least a final movement when moving from the second position to the first position.

15. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes at least two arm assemblies.

16. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 10, wherein the system further includes the one or more bushings and the at least one bracket for mounting the at least one arm assembly to the garage door panel.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system includes a pair of bushings and a bracket for each arm assembly.

18. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arm body is substantially plate shaped.

19. An assembly for mounting a garage door panel relative to a pair of roller guide tracks, the assembly including:

an arm body mounted relative to the garage door panel, a roller extending from the arm body, the roller located in a channel defined by one of the roller guide tracks, and

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2019200973 12 Feb 2019 a member extending away from the arm body and for engaging at least a portion of a guide mounted relative to the roller guide track;

wherein when the garage door panel is moving from a first position to a second position the member is guided by the at least one guide during at least an initial movement.