AU2006203039A1

AU2006203039A1 - Improved sectional gate

Info

Publication number: AU2006203039A1
Application number: AU2006203039A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul Creteur; Pierre Meulders; Laurent Olivier
Original assignee: KINGSPAN DOOR COMPONENTS SA
Current assignee: Kingspan Holdings IRL Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-19
Filing date: 2006-07-17
Publication date: 2007-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-17
Also published as: EP1757766A1; AU2006203039B2; NZ548582A

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Kingspan Door Components, soci6t anonyme ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: Improved sectional gate The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102 Improved sectional gate.

The present invention concerns an improved sectional gate, Smore particularly a gate that is composed as an IND articulated wall, consisting of horizontally oriented panels coupled together.

The known sectional gates of the above mentioned type usually further comprise two guide rails, an electric motor and a spring system which is connected with the actual gate and which facilitates opening the gate by compensating its weight.

Each guide rail comprises a straight portion to be mounted vertically on a side wall next to the gate opening, a curved portion to be mounted as a continuation of the upper free end of said vertical portion, and a straight horizontal portion to be mounted as a continuation of said curved portion, for example connected to the ceiling of a garage.

The guide rails are mounted such that both rails are positioned parallel to each other.

The spring system usually comprises a spiral spring wound around a shaft and mounted on the lintel beam or the wall portion above the gate opening. Such spring system usually has a length which generally equals the width of the gate opening, but can be composed of a plurality of individual springs acting upon the gate. The spring system is P sometimes mounted near the motor, at a distance from the gate opening.

The different pieces of such known sectional gates are fixed together by means of bolds.

IND

A disadvantage of those known sectional gates is the rather complicated assembly or mounting because one is hindered by the fact that bringing two pieces together and applying the bolds requires or at least two workmen or if one workman has to realize the assembly, he will need temporary supports for sustaining the pieces brought together until the bolds are screwed in position. It is clear that at least two workmen are required for mounting such a gate in a safe and comfortable manner.

In reality, resellers of such sectional gates are small sized companies or even one-man companies. As a consequence, such companies usually look for supp6rting means on the site to enable them to mount the sectional gate by only one workman. He will need to hold pieces together with one hand while handling his tools for screwing the bolds with his other hand, which is very complicated as he will still need to put the bolds in position.

In particular, the above mentioned spring system which is relatively heavy and which in general has a length of more than two meters, causes the most problems and risks during the assembly and the mounting of such a known sectional gate. In case that only one workman is realizing the mounting and the assembly, a frequently observed way of working is that a stair is used as temporary support for holding one free end of the spring system near its final position, i.e. the lintel beam above the gate opening. The Sother free end is held with one hand in the position in IND which the spring system is to be mounted, while with the Sother hand the workman uses his drill and screw tools for applying the bolds. Afterwards, he will remove the temporary support and apply the bolds at the other free end of the spring system.

It should be clear that such practices can not be avoided and that they cause dangerous situations and a lower quality of the mounting itself.

Another problem is that mounting such a known sectional gate is time consuming which drives the total cost up.

Further, is it clear that the quality of the final sectional gate very much depends on the precision of the relative positioning of the compounding pieces, which for such known sectional gates can vary a lot, depending on the experience of the persons who are mounting the sectional gate, the conditions on the site, and lots of other external factors.

The current invention aims a solution for the abovementioned and other disadvantages.

To this end the invention concerns a sectional gate comprising an articulated wall, consisting of horizontally oriented panels coupled together; two guide rails; driving means like for example an electric motor and a spring system which is connected with the articulated wall, wherein at least the spring system is Sdirectly or indirectly provided with a "clips-system" IND which enables a workman to mount the spring system on his Sown.

An important advantage is that one workman can easily mount the spring system, which in general is the most difficult part of the sectional gate to be mounted.

It is obvious that using such a clips-system also has the advantage that mounting becomes faster and that less mistakes are made during mounting.

Moreover, a clips-system leaves more space and thus guarantees a better accessibility for providing screws which optionally can be applied for securing the connection already made by the clips-system.

Clips-systems leave the opportunity to pre-assemble components in the assembly workshop in more ideal conditions than on site, which is favorable for the overall quality. It is clear that all mentioned advantages are also valid and very useful during maintenance services of a sectional gate according to the invention.

The clips-system can comprise mounting plates, for example in the form of profiles, which for example can be mounted on the lintel beam, on the side walls of the gate opening or on the ceiling or such, and which can be provided with protrusions or dedicated holes which respectively can cooperate with dedicated holes or protrusions provided on the structure of the spring system.

ND The position of a piece which is mounted by means of such a clips-system is defined by the above mentioned protrusions and the dedicated holes.

Preferably, also other components are provided with such clips-system to facilitate the mounting for the workman.

Also the guide rails and the electric motor can be provided with a clips-system as they are to be mounted on the surrounding structure, for example the walls and the ceiling of a garage.

In order to better explain the characteristics of the present invention, the following preferred embodiment of a sectional gate according to the invention is described as an example without being limitative in any way, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: figure 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a sectional gate according to the invention; figure 2 is on a larger scale the part as indicated by F2 in figure 1; figure 3 is an exploded view of some of the parts as indicated in figure 2; figure 4 is cross-sectional view according to line IV- IV in figure 2; figures 5 and 6 are two alternative embodiments of the part as represented in figure 4.

Figure 1 shows a sectional gate 1 according to the IND invention, comprising an articulated wall 2, consisting of horizontally oriented panels 3 coupled together.

The sectional gate 1 also comprises two guide rails 4, an electric motor 5 and a spring system 6 which is connected with the articulated wall 2 and which at least partially compensates the weight of the articulated wall 2 and facilitates the opening of the sectional gate i.

Each guide rail 4 comprises a straight vertical portion 7 to be mounted on the reveal or the side wall 8 next to the gate opening 9, a curved portion 10 to be mounted as a continuation of the upper free end 11 of said vertical straight portion 7, and a straight generally horizontal portion 12 to be mounted as a continuation of said curved portion 10, in this case connected to the ceiling or such 13 of a garage 14.

Both guide rails 4 are parallel to each other.

In figure 2, it is shown in more detail that the straight vertical portion 7 of the guide rail 4 comprises a generally L-shaped profile 15 and thereon a generally Ushaped profile 16. The L-shaped profile 15 can for example be screwed on the reveal or the side wall 8 next to the gate opening 9.

The U-shaped profile 16 is in this case spot welded to the L-shaped profile SThe upper free end 11 of said vertical straight portion 7 ID 5 is further provided with an end-plate 17 whereon a bearing Splate 18 for the spring system 6 can be mounted, and whereon a lateral plate 19 can be mounted for connecting the curved portion 10 of the guide rail 4.

The curved portion 10 of the guide rail 4 further comprises a curved U-shaped profile portion 20 which is spot welded on the lateral plate 19 and which, in a mounted position of the curved portion 10, guarantees the continuation of the U-shaped profile 16.

The lateral plate 19 is also provided with connection means 21 at the distal side from the connection with the endplate 17, which connection means 21 can cooperate with the coinciding connection means 21 on the straight horizontal portion 12 of the guide rail 4.

This straight horizontal portion 12 extends over a distance of the same order of the height of the gate opening 9, and it comprises a generally flat profile 22 whereon a first horizontal U-shaped profile 23 and a second horizontal Ushaped profile 24 are spot welded.

The flat profile 22 is connected with the ceiling 13 in this case and is oriented such that its rectangular crosssection lies in a vertical manner.

The first horizontal U-shaped profile 23, situated below the second horizontal U-shaped profile 24, is mounted such that it serves as a continuation of the curved U-shaped profile portion SThe second horizontal U-shaped profile 24 is in general parallel to, and lying above the first horizontal U-shaped profile 23, but where the first horizontal U-shaped profile 23 connects with the curved portion 10 of the guide rail 4, this second horizontal U-shaped profile 24 continues generally horizontal and shows a minor downward oriented curved portion 25 which at its free end 26 is provided with an end-stop 27 generally in line with the gate opening 9 itself.

The articulated wall 2 is constructed of horizontally oriented panels 3 which are coupled together by means of hinges 28 provided with articulation axes 29. The articulated wall 2 is further provided with wheels in this case provided on the hinges 28 and suitable for cooperation with the U-shaped profiles of the guide rail 4.

The upper panel 3 is also provided with a set of wheels near its free upper side, and these wheels 30 are meant for cooperation with the second horizontal U-shaped profile 24.

The articulated wall 2 is further connected with the spring Ssystem 6 which usually comprises two spiral springs 31 wound around a tubular shaft 32, more in particular one near each free end of the shaft 32.

Each spiral spring 31 is at one extremity connected with the bearing plate 18 by means of a connection plate 33, and IND is at the other extremity connected with the tubular shaft C32.

The tubular shaft 32 is supported by means of the two bearing plates 18 which are mounted on the end-plates 17 at both side of the sectional gate 1.

As shown in figures 3 and 4, and according to the invention, the bearing plates 18 are thereto provided with protrusions 34 which can cooperate with dedicated holes which are provided in the end-plates 17.

In this embodiment, also the L-shaped profiles 15 are provided with protrusions 34 which can cooperate with dedicated holes 35 which are provided in the end-plates 17.

The protrusions 34 together with the dedicated holes 35 add up to a so-called "clips-system" according to the invention.

The protrusions can be provided with a broadened head, as shown in figure 4. Off course, the protrusions can have all kind of shapes, as for example shown in figure 5 where a protrusion 34 is represented with an upstanding hook. The dedicated holes are accordingly adapted. According to a special embodiment, the clips-system consists of two 0 dedicated holes, one in each part to be connected and a pop rivet which is provided through the holes.

The tubular shaft 32 is near both free ends provided with Sa bobbin 36 whereon a cable 37 is wound which in this case IND is connected with the lower panel 3 of the sectional gate <D 1.

Further is the upper panel 3 connected with a chain 38 or such which is driven by the electric motor 5 which is mounted to the ceiling 13 of the garage 14, more in particular in the prolongation of the middle between the two horizontal portions 12 of the guide rail 4.

The method for mounting an improved sectional gate 1 according to the invention is simple and as follows.

One could start by mounting, for example screwing, the L-shaped profiles 15 to the reveals or the side walls 8.

In another step, the end-plate 17 is mounted on the Lshaped profiles 15, in this case by means of a cooperating clips-system for the mutual positioning, where screws can be applied for securing the connection, where in this case the workman can use both hands for holding his screwing tool.

In a similar way, the lateral plate 19 can be mounted on the end-plate 17.

For mounting the straight horizontal portion 12 of the guide rail 4, it is an option to first provide for cooperation of the respective connection means 21, for example a clips-system, that are provided on both the S 5 lateral plate 19 as on the straight horizontal portion 12.

IND In another step, the flat profile 22 whereon a first Shorizontal U-shaped profile 23 and a second horizontal Ushaped profile 24 are spot welded can be connected to the ceiling 13 in a well known manner, or according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, by means of a clipssystem between the flat profile 22 and connection means as for example downwards oriented profiles which are provided on the ceiling 13.

It should be clear that once the guide rails 4 are assembled, the smooth transitions between the various portions are guaranteed because of the prefabricated clipssystems.

Now the articulated wall 2 consisting of horizontally oriented panels 3 can be slid in the guide rails 4, hereby taking care of the fact that in general, the wheels 30 should cooperate with the U-shaped profiles 16, 20 and 23, while the wheels 30 at the extreme upper side of the last panel 3 should be slid in the second horizontal U-shaped profile 24.

The second horizontal U-shaped profile 24 shows a minor downward oriented curved portion 25 which guarantees that the upper panel 3 is rotated into a vertical position during the final distances of closing of the sectional gate i.

The end-stop 27 guarantees that the wheels 30 will not come out of the respective U-shaped profiles.

N 5 In another step, the workman can apply the spring system 6, provided with a clips-system, which makes the mounting of the spring system 6 extremely easy when compared to the known mounting procedures of such a spring system 6.

Indeed, one single workman can easily engage the respective clips-system portions, in this case between the protrusions 34 on the bearing plate 18 and the dedicated holes provided in the end-plate 17.

In yet another step, the spring 31 is given the appropriate tension in accordance with any position of the sectional gate i.

The cable 37 is connected with the lower panel 3 of the sectional gate 1.

Whenever appropriate, the electric motor 5 is mounted to the ceiling 13 and the chain 38 is connected to the upper panel 3 of the articulated wall 2.

Optionally, also the mounting of the electric motor 5 can be facilitated by providing a suitable clips-system between the electric motor 5 and a frame which can be mounted to the ceiling 13 and the housing of the electric motor The functioning and the use of an improved sectional C gate 1 according to the invention is simple and in accordance with the known sectional gates 1.

IND It is clear that the clips-system can be realized in Cdifferent manners. The protrusions can be hooks but for example also a cylindrical body with a broader head at its free end. The dedicated holes can comprise a first bigger portion through which the above mentioned broader head can be brought, and a second thinner portion for holding the protrusion once in its final position.

It is clear that a sectional gate, where the spring system is mounted near the motor or at a distance from the gate opening, can also be provided with a clips-system, and that such a sectional gate remains within the scope of the invention.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiment given as an example; on the contrary, such an improved sectional gate and such method for mounting an sectional gate can be realized according to different variants while still remaining within the scope of the invention.

IND Throughout this specification and the claims which 0 follow, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

C The reference in this specification to any prior S publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter S which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an Sacknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that 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.

The reference numerals should be deleted from the claims during prosecution. It is thought preferable for an Australian patent not to include reference numerals in the claims as they may suggest a narrower construction of the claims than might otherwise be desired. As an interim measure, when preparing the specification, we have added an explanatory paragraph immediately before the claims.

Claims

2. Sectional gate according to claim i, characterized in that the driving means comprise a frame which can be mounted to the ceiling (13) or such, and that both the actual driving means and the frame are provided with a cooperating clips-system.
3. Sectional gate according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises guide rails which comprise cooperating portions which portions are provided with a cooperating clips-system.
4. Sectional gate according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide rails comprise a generally horizontal portion (12) comprising a profile (22) which is provided of a clips-system.
5. Sectional gate according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises guide rails which comprise for example a vertical portion a curved portion and a horizontal portion where the vertical O 5 portion is provided with an end-plate (17) whereon Sa bearing plate (18) for the spring system can be INO mounted, and whereon a lateral plate (19) can be mounted Sfor connecting the curved portion (10) with the vertical portion and with the horizontal portion which portions and/or plates comprise at least one cooperating clips-system.
6. Sectional gate according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a clips-system comprises protrusions (34) which can cooperate with dedicated holes DATED this 17 th day of July, 2006 Kingspan Door Components, soci~t6 anonyme By their patent attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE