AU2018354713A1 - Wind resistant sectional garage door - Google Patents

Abstract

A sectional garage door for at least partially closing an opening defined by a pair of opposing side walls or jambs, the sectional garage door includes: a guide track mounted relative to each of the opposing side walls or jambs of the opening; at least one panel mounted relative to one of the guide tracks, the at least one panel having a pair of opposing sides; a pair of first brackets mounted to the at least one panel, each first bracket including an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding second bracket; a pair of second brackets, each second bracket mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs, each second bracket including a corresponding engagement portion for engaging the engagement portion of one of the first brackets; wherein during normal loading conditions the engagement portion of each first bracket is spaced apart from the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket, and during loaded conditions that cause the at least one panel to flex the engagement portion of each first bracket abuts the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket to prevent further flexing of the at least one panel.

Description

WIND RESISTANT SECTIONAL GARAGE DOOR

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to closures for openings in buildings, in particular, wind or pressure resistant sectional or panel overhead garage doors.

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 one or more vertical stiles and/or 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] Accordingly, there is a need for stronger sectional garage doors which are robust and able to withstand high winds. More specifically, there is a need for sectional garage doors which are not vulnerable to being blown in or out during extreme high wind conditions.

[0006] Some attempts have been made to prevent the potential damage caused to sectional garage doors by high winds. For instance, WO2007133815 discloses a sectional garage door including multiple panels and a detachable post for reinforcing the panels.

[0007] Such a post assists in reinforcing the panels and preventing the panels from blowing in or out from the opening. However, one drawback is that in order for the detachable post to be

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PCT/AU2018/000204 erected a warning must be received of an impending high wind event (such as an approaching cyclone) and a person must be available to install the post prior to the arrival of the high winds.

[0008] In light of the foregoing, it would be an advantage to provide a sectional garage door having an improved design which resists panel bending and flexing during high pressure winds that does not require a warning of high wind conditions to be received to allow a post to be installed.

[0009] Another issue with known sectional garage doors is that they may be easily opened without authorization, for example by force by an unauthorised third party. Accordingly, it would also be advantageous to provide a stronger sectional garage door.

[0010] 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 [0011] The present invention is directed to a wind resistance sectional garage door, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0012] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a sectional garage door for at least partially closing an opening defined by a pair of opposing side walls or jambs, the sectional garage door including:

a guide track mounted relative to each of the opposing side walls or jambs of the opening; at least one panel mounted relative to one of the guide tracks, the at least one panel having a pair of opposing sides;

a pair of first brackets mounted to the at least one panel, each first bracket including an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding second bracket;

a pair of second brackets, each second bracket mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs, each second bracket including a corresponding engagement portion for engaging the engagement portion of one of the first brackets;

wherein during normal loading conditions the engagement portion of each first bracket is spaced apart from the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket, and during loaded conditions that cause the at least one panel to flex the engagement portion of each first bracket abuts the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket to prevent further

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PCT/AU2018/000204 flexing of the at least one panel.

[0013] Advantageously, the at least one panel is retained within the opening in the event of high wind loading through locking the at least one panel to the opposing side walls or jambs using the pair of first brackets and the pair of second brackets.

[0014] Opening [0015] The sectional garage door may be mounted relative to the opening. Typically, the opening is a garage door opening. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that the sectional garage door is not limited to being mounted relative to a garage door opening. In some embodiments, the sectional garage door may be mounted relative to any suitable opening, for example, a shopfront opening, a building opening etc.

[0016] Panels [0017] As mentioned above, the sectional garage door may include more than one panel. In some embodiments, the sectional garage door may include four panels. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that the sectional garage door may include any number of panels, for example, two, three, five, six panels etc. depending on the dimensions of the opening and/or the size of the panels themselves, for closing the opening.

[0018] Each panel may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. The exact nature of each panel will be dependent on the dimensions of the opening and/or the number of panels. In some embodiments, each panel will be substantially rectangular and include an upper edge, a lower edge, and two opposing sides for mounting the panel relative to the opening. A skilled person would understand that each panel need not have the same dimensions. However, in some embodiments, the width, height and/or thickness of each panel will be the same.

[0019] Each panel includes a height, width and a thickness. For the purposes of this specification, the width of each panel extends substantially parallel to the width of the opening; the height of each panel extends substantially parallel to the height of the opening; and the length or thickness of the each panel extends substantially parallel to the length or thickness of the opening.

[0020] One or more adjacent panels may be mounted relative to one another along an upper edge, lower edge or both such that an adjacent panel, or panels, may pivot relative to one another when moving from a first position to a second position. Typically, two or more panels will be

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PCT/AU2018/000204 mounted to one another using any suitable means known in the art that allows a first panel to pivot relative to a second panel during movement of the sectional garage door from one position to another such, as an open position to a closed position. In some embodiments, one or more panels will be mounted to one another using one or more hinges. In alternative embodiments, one or more panels may be mounted to one another using an integrated pivot mechanism.

[0021] Hinges [0022] The sectional garage door may include one or more hinges for pivotally mounting one adjacent panel to another. In some embodiments, the one or more hinges may include one or more roller mounting hinges for mounting two adjacent panels to one another and roller assembly to at least one of the adjacent panels. In some embodiments, the one or more hinges may include one or more intermediate hinges for mounting two adjacent panels to one another. In some embodiments, the one or more hinges may include a combination of one or more roller mounting hinges and intermediate hinges. In the embodiments that include a combination of intermediate and roller mounting hinges, the outer most hinges may be roller mounting hinges and the inner hinge or hinges may be intermediate hinges. Typically, the one or more hinges are spaced apart from one another along the width of a panel. Typically, each hinge is mounted to a panel via one or more reinforcement members.

[0023] Roller Assemblies [0024] As mentioned above, the sectional garage door may include one or more roller assemblies for mounting the at least one panel to the guide tracks. Each roller assembly may include a roller for being received within a channel defined by one of the guide tracks and a shaft for being mounted to a panel. The shaft may include a first end for mounting the roller and a second end for mounting to the at least one panel. Each roller assembly may be mounted to a panel using a roller mounting hinge.

[0025] Reinforcement Members [0026] The sectional garage door may include one or more first reinforcement members for providing support along the height of each panel and/or one or more second reinforcement members for providing support along the width of each panel. In some embodiments, each panel may include seven first reinforcement members spaced apart from one another along the width of a panel and at least one second reinforcement member. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that each panel may include any number of reinforcement members spaced

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PCT/AU2018/000204 apart from one another along the width of a panel and at least one second reinforcement member suitable for reinforcing the panel.

[0027] Each reinforcement member may be mounted to the panel using one or more fastening devices and/or methods know in the art, for example, using one or more nuts and bolts, welding, adhesive etc.

[0028] Each first reinforcement member may be substantially elongate. Each first reinforcement member may be any particular length. However, usually, the length of each first reinforcement member substantially corresponds to the height of the panel to which it is to be mounted. Each first reinforcement member may include one or more mounting portions for mounting the first reinforcement member to a panel. Typically, each first reinforcement member may include an upper mounting portion and a lower mounting portion for mounting the reinforcement member relative to an upper edge and a lower edge of a panel respectively. Each first reinforcement member may be in the form of a ‘stile’.

[0029] Each first reinforcement member may include an internal reinforcement member. The internal reinforcement member may be in the form as described in Australian patent application no. 2015201247 entitled ‘Wind-Rated Garage Door’. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that the internal reinforcement member may be of any suitable shape or size suitable for reinforcing the first member from inside.

[0030] Each second reinforcement member may be substantially elongate. Each second reinforcement member may be any particular length. However, usually, the length of each second reinforcement member substantially corresponds to the width of the panel to which it is to be mounted. Each second reinforcement member may include one or more mounting surfaces for mounting the second reinforcement member to a panel. In some embodiments, each second reinforcement member may also be mounted to one or more first reinforcement members, one or more third reinforcement members or both. Each second reinforcement member may be in the form of a ‘strut’. Each second reinforcement member may have a top hat profile. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that each second reinforcement member may have any particular profile suitable for providing support across the width of a panel.

[0031] Advantageously, the second reinforcement member may support the panel to which it is mounted when the sectional garage door is in a closed position by reinforcing the panel along the panel width. Furthermore, the second reinforcement member may support the panel to which it is mounted when the garage door is in an open position by preventing the door from deflecting

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PCT/AU2018/000204 under its own weight.

[0032] In some embodiments, two or more first reinforcement members may be spaced along the width of a panel. Similarly, in some embodiments, two or more second reinforcement members may be spaced along the height of a panel. In some embodiments, two or more first reinforcement members may be spaced evenly across the width of each panel. Similarly, in some embodiments, two or more second reinforcement members may be spaced evenly across the height of each panel. In other embodiments, two or more first reinforcement members may be unevenly spaced across the width of the panel. Further, two or more second reinforcement members may be unevenly spaced across the height of the panel. In some embodiments, a pair of first reinforcement members may be located in close proximity adjacent each opposing side of a panel.

[0033] Guide Tracks [0034] As mentioned above, the sectional garage door includes a pair of guide tracks, each for guiding one or more rollers. Each guide track may be substantially elongate. Each elongate guide track may be substantially J-shaped. Each guide track may have a substantially constant cross sectional profile. In preferred embodiments, each guide track may be of a substantially constant thickness.

[0035] Each guide track may include three portions when viewed in cross section: a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that together form a channel. Typically, the second portion bridges the first and third portions. Typically, the third portion is curved such that when a roller is mounted within the channel the third portion guides the path of the roller.

[0036] Panel Brackets and Side Wall Brackets [0037] The sectional garage door may include two or more panel brackets and two or more wall brackets. Each panel bracket may correspond to one wall bracket.

[0038] The two or more panel brackets may be mounted to the at least one panel. In some embodiments, the sectional garage door may include eight panel brackets. A person skilled in the art would understand, however, that in some embodiments, the sectional garage door may include more than, or less than, eight panel brackets. The eight panel brackets may include four pairs of first brackets. Each pair of first brackets may be mounted to a different panel.

[0039] The two or more panel brackets may be mounted to one of the opposing sides of the

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PCT/AU2018/000204 at least one panel. Alternatively, the two or more panel brackets may be mounted to either of the opposing sides of the at least one panel. The two or more panel brackets may include the pair of first brackets.

[0040] A person skilled in the art would understand that each panel bracket may be any particular size or shape. In some embodiments, each panel bracket is the same in size and/or shape. In some embodiments, each panel bracket is identical in size and/or shape. In some embodiments, each panel bracket may be a latch. In some embodiments, each latch may include an overcenter clamp. Each latch may be manually operated in order to secure the at least one panel to the opposing side walls or jambs defining the opening. The latches may be operated so that the latches are moved to a latched position when the door is closed and strong winds are expected. When the latches are moved to a latched position, the latches may engage with the side wall brackets to minimise the amount of movement or flex in the door that occurs before the latches engage with the side wall brackets. When the high wind conditions have eased, the latches may be opened so that they move away from the side wall brackets and enable the door to open. In one embodiment, when the latches are opened, they may still engage with the side wall brackets if high wind conditions causes the door to flex or bend, although the amount of flexing or bending of the door before the open latches engage with the side wall brackets will be greater than if the latches were closed.

[0041] Each panel bracket may include a body. The body of each panel bracket may include a mounting surface for mounting the bracket to the at least one panel. In some embodiments, the body of each panel bracket may be mounted to at least one reinforcement member. In some embodiment, the body of each panel bracket may be mounted to an end of the at least one reinforcement member. The at least one reinforcement member may be a first reinforcement member or a second reinforcement member.

[0042] Each panel bracket may further include arm portion that extends from the body. When mounted to a panel, the arm portion of panel bracket may extend beyond an opposing side edge of the panel. The arm portion may include the engagement portion for engaging a corresponding wall bracket that is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs. The arm portion may be any suitable size or shape. In some embodiments, the arm portion is substantially hook shaped.

[0043] In some embodiments, the arm of an upper most panel bracket may have a thickness that is smaller than the other panel brackets. Advantageously, the reduction in thickness allows

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PCT/AU2018/000204 the arm of the upper most panel swing out of a corresponding wall bracket profile without interference.

[0044] In some embodiments, when the at least one panel is moving from an open position to a closed position, one or more panel brackets may pass over one or more non-corresponding wall brackets. In some embodiments, one or more panel brackets may pass under one or more non corresponding wall brackets. In some embodiments, the one or more panel brackets may pass through one or more non-corresponding wall brackets.

[0045] Each panel bracket may be mounted to the at least one panel at any particular location so long as each panel bracket aligns with a corresponding wall bracket that is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs when the at least one panel is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the panel brackets are mounted substantially half way along the height of each panel.

[0046] The sectional garage door may include two or more side wall brackets. The two or more side wall brackets may include the pair of second brackets. Each side wall bracket may correspond to one of the panel brackets. Each side wall bracket may be mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs defining the opening. In some embodiments, the sectional garage door may include eight side wall brackets. A person skilled in the art would understand, however, that in some embodiments, the sectional garage door may include more than, or less than, eight side wall brackets. The eight side wall brackets may include four pairs of second brackets. Typically, each bracket of the pair of second brackets is mounted to a different side wall or jamb.

[0047] A person skilled in the art would understand that each side wall bracket may be any particular size or shape. In some embodiments, each bracket that forms a pair of second brackets is the same size and/or shape. In some embodiments, each side wall bracket is the same size and shape. In some embodiments, each side wall bracket may be a latch. In some embodiments, each latch may include an overcenter clamp. Each latch may be manually operated in order to secure the at least one side wall bracket to a panel. The latches may be operated so that the latches are moved to a latched position when the door is closed and strong winds are expected. When the latches are moved to a latched position, the latches may engage with the panel brackets to minimise the amount of movement or flex in the door that occurs before the latches engage with the panel brackets. When the high wind conditions have eased, the latches may be opened so that they move away from the panel brackets and enable the door to open. In one

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PCT/AU2018/000204 embodiment, when the latches are opened, they may still engage with the panel brackets if high wind conditions causes the door to flex or bend, although the amount of flexing or bending of the door before the open latches engage with the panel brackets will be greater than if the latches were closed.

[0048] Each side wall bracket may include a body. The body of each side wall bracket may include one or more side wall or jamb mounting surfaces for mounting the second bracket to the side wall or jamb. The body of each side wall bracket may further include one or more guide track abutment surfaces for abutting the guide track. In some embodiments, one or more guide track abutment surfaces may be a guide track mounting surface for mounting the guide track to one of the side walls or jambs. In some embodiments, the at least one side wall or jamb mounting surface extend perpendicular to the at least one guide track mounting surface.

[0049] Each side wall bracket may further include the engagement portion. The engagement portion may be any size or shape suitable for being engaged by the engagement portion of a panel bracket. In some embodiments, the engagement portion may be in the form of a cross-bar or rod.

[0050] In some embodiments, the height of the one or more upper most wall brackets may be reduced compared to other lower wall brackets. Advantageously, the lower panel brackets are able to pass by without interference that may otherwise be caused due to a curve in the guide tracks. The reduction in height of the upper most wall brackets allows the arms of noncorresponding panel brackets to pass over rather than pass to the outside (or inside) as is the case with the lower wall brackets.

[0051] Each wall bracket may be mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs at any particular location so long as each wall bracket aligns with a corresponding panel bracket when the sectional garage door is in a closed position. Typically, the wall brackets mounted to a single side wall or jamb are evenly spaced along the height of the opening.

[0052] The body of each side wall bracket may include an inner edge. In some embodiments, the inner edge may be an inner locating edge for locating each side wall bracket relative to the opening. The engagement portion may be spaced apart from the locating edge. In some embodiments, the distance between the engagement portion and the locating edge of one pair of second brackets is different from another pair of second brackets. Typically, when multiple pairs of second brackets are mounted to the opposing side walls or jambs, the distance between the engagement portion and the locating edge of an upper pair of second brackets is smaller than the lower pair of second brackets. Advantageously, the difference in distance

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PCT/AU2018/000204 between the engagement portion and the locating edge allows an arm of one or more noncorresponding panel brackets to pass over as the one or more panels are moved from a closed position to an open position.

[0053] In some embodiments, the distance between the engagement portion and the inner edge of each wall bracket is the same. In such embodiments, the distance between the inner edge of an upper pair of second brackets and the opening may be different from the distance between the inner edge of a lower pair of second brackets and the opening. Typically, the distance between the inner edge of an upper pair of second brackets and the opening may be smaller than the distance between the inner edge of a lower pair of second brackets and the opening. Advantageously, the difference in distance between the inner edge of each wall bracket and the opening allows an arm of one or more non-corresponding panel brackets to pass over as the one or more panels are moved from closed position to an open position.

[0054] When in use, in some embodiments, at least one panel bracket may pass over or around a portion of at least one side wall bracket. In other embodiments, at least one panel bracket may pass under or inside at least a portion of one side wall bracket. In other embodiments still, one or more panel brackets may pass under or inside at least a portion of one side wall bracket and one or more panel brackets may pass over or around at least a portion of at least one sidewall bracket. During movement of the one or more panels, at least one panel bracket may pass over or under at least one side wall bracket without interference. In other words, during movement of the one or more panels the at least one panel brackets may be spaced apart from the one or more side wall brackets such that the at least one panel may move from a first (open) position to a second (e.g. partial or fully closed) position. When in a closed position, one or more side wall brackets and one or more panel brackets may engage when high pressure winds act on the one or more panels causing the one or more panels to blow outwardly or inwardly.

[0055] Guide Track Brackets [0056] The sectional garage door may further include one or more guide track brackets for mounting the guide track to the side wall or jamb. A skilled person would understand that any suitable bracket known in the art for mounting a guide track relative to an opening may be used.

[0057] Stile Retainers [0058] The sectional garage door may further include one or more stile retainers.

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Advantageously, the one or more stile retainers prevent a stile from detaching from a panel during high winds. Each stile retainer may include a body. The body may be substantially Cshaped. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that the body maybe any particular size or shape so long as it is suitable for providing support to a stile and panel where they are mounted to one another.

[0059] The body may include one or more stile portions and one or more panel portions. In some embodiments, at least two panel portions extend from opposite ends of the stile portion. The panel portions may extend substantially perpendicular to the stile portion. Two or more stile portions may extend in substantially the same direction.

[0060] The body may include one or more abutment surfaces for abutting a portion of a panel or a stile. In some embodiments, each stile portion may include one or more stile abutment surfaces. Further, each panel portion may include one or more panel abutment surfaces.

[0061] The body may include an obverse side and reverse side. In some embodiments, the at least one panel abutment surface is located on the obverse side and the at least one stile abutment surface is located on the reverse side.

[0062] The body may include one or more apertures for receiving one or more fasteners for mounting the stile retainer a stile, a panel or both.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a sectional garage door that at least partial closes an opening defined by a pair of opposing side walls or jambs, the sectional garage door including: a guide track mounted relative to each of the opposing side walls or jambs of the opening; and, at least one panel mounted relative to one of the guide tracks, the at least one panel having a pair of opposing sides; the kit including:

a pair of first brackets mounted to the at least one panel, each first bracket including an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding second bracket;

a pair of second brackets, each second bracket mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs, each second bracket including a corresponding engagement portion for engaging the engagement portion of one of the first brackets;

wherein during normal loading conditions the engagement portion of each first bracket is spaced apart from the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket, and during loaded conditions that cause the at least one panel to flex the engagement portion of each first bracket abuts the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket to prevent further flexing of the at least one panel.

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PCT/AU2018/000204 [0064] 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.

[0065] 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 [0066] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 shows a garage door from behind in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 1A shows an enlarged portion of the garage door shown in Figure 1.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a cross section view of the garage door taken at A-A shown in Figure 2.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a cross section view of the garage door taken at B-B shown in Figure 2.

[0071] Figure 4 shows a garage door from behind in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 5 shows an enlarged portion of the garage door shown in Figure 4.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a cross section view of the garage door taken at B-B showing an alternative wall bracket and panel bracket combination in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0074] Figures 1-4 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of the sectional garage door 100 for at least partially closing an opening 102 defined by a pair of opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106. As best shown in Figure 1, sectional garage door 100 includes a guide track 108, 110 mounted relative to each of the opposing side walls or jambs of opening 102. Sectional garage door 100 further includes panels 112 mounted relative to one of the guide tracks 108, 110. Each panel 112 includes a pair of opposing sides 114, 116. Sectional

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PCT/AU2018/000204 garage door 100 further includes four pairs of first brackets, in the form of panel brackets 118, 120 mounted to panels 112, each first bracket 118, 120 includes an engagement portion 126 for engaging a corresponding second bracket 122, 124 (best shown in Figures 2 and 3), and a pair of second brackets, in the form of side wall brackets 122, 124, each second bracket 122, 124 mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106, each second bracket 122, 124 including a corresponding engagement portion 128 for engaging the engagement portion of one of the first brackets (best shown in Figures 2 and 3), wherein during normal loading conditions the engagement portion 126 of each first bracket 118, 120 is spaced apart from the corresponding engagement portion 128 of each second bracket 122, 124, and during loaded conditions that cause panels 112 to flex the engagement portion 126 of each first bracket 118, 120 abuts the corresponding engagement portion 128 of each second bracket 122, 124 to prevent further flexing of the at least one panel 112.

[0075] Advantageously, panels 112 are retained within opening 102 in the event of high wind loading through locking panels 112 to opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106 using panel brackets 118,120 and side wall brackets 122, 124.

[0076] Sectional garage door 100 is mounted relative to opening 102. Opening 102 is a garage door opening. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that sectional garage door 100 is not limited to being mounted relative to a garage door opening. In other embodiments, sectional garage door 100 may be mounted relative to any suitable opening, for example, a shopfront opening, a building opening etc.

[0077] As mentioned above, sectional garage door 100 includes panels 112. In the preferred embodiment shown, sectional garage door 100 includes four panels 112. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that, in other embodiments, sectional garage door 100 may include any number of panels, for example, two, three, five, six panels etc. depending on the dimensions of the opening and/or the size of the panels themselves, for closing opening 102.

[0078] As can be best seen in Figure 1, each panel 112 is substantially rectangular in overall shape. Each panel 112 includes an upper edge, a lower edge, and two opposing sides 114, 116 each defining a side edge for mounting the panel relative to opening 102.

[0079] Each panel 102 includes a height, width and a thickness. For the purposes of this specification, the width of each panel 102 extends substantially parallel to the width of the opening; the height of each panel 102 extends substantially parallel to the height of the opening; and the length or thickness of the each panel 102 extends substantially parallel to the length or

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PCT/AU2018/000204 thickness of the opening.

[0080] As shown best in Figure IA, adjacent panels 102a, 102b are mounted relative to one another along a lower edge of upper panel 112a and upper edge of lower panel 112b such that the adjacent panels 112a, 112b can pivot relative to one another when moving from an open position to a closed position.

[0081] As best shown in Figure 1, sectional garage door 100 includes hinges 132, 134 for pivotally mounting adjacent panels 112. Hinges 132, 134 include roller mounting hinges 132 for mounting two adjacent panels 112 to one another and roller assembly 136 to panels 112, and intermediate hinges 134 for mounting two adjacent panels 112, e.g. panels 112a and 112b, to one another. Roller mounting hinges 132 and intermediate hinges 134 are spaced apart from one another along the width of a panel. Each hinge 132, 134 is mounted to a panel 112 via a pair of reinforcement members 138.

[0082] As mentioned above, sectional garage door 100 includes roller assemblies 136 for mounting one panel 112 to the guide tracks 108, 110. As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, each roller assembly 136 includes a roller 140 for being received within a channel 144, and a shaft 142 for being mounted to a panel 112. Shaft 142 may include a first end for mounting the roller 140 and a second end for mounting to the at least one panel 112. Each roller assembly 136 is mounted to a panel 112 using a pair of roller mounting hinges 132.

[0083] Sectional garage door 100 further includes first reinforcement members 138, in the form of a stile, for providing support along the height of each panel 112 and second reinforcement members 146, in the form of a strut, for providing support along the width of each panel 112. In the preferred embodiment shown, each panel 112 includes seven first reinforcement members 138 spaced apart from one another along the width of the panel and one second reinforcement member 146.

[0084] Each reinforcement member 138, 146 is mounted to panels 112 using one or more fastening devices and/or methods know in the art, for example, using one or more nuts and bolts, welding, adhesive etc.

[0085] Each first reinforcement member 138 is substantially elongate. Each first reinforcement member substantially corresponds to the height of a panel 112. Each first reinforcement member 138 includes two mounting portions, an upper mounting portion and a lower mounting portion, for mounting the first reinforcement member to each panel 112.

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PCT/AU2018/000204 [0086] Each second reinforcement 146 member is substantially elongate. As can be best seen in Figure 1, the length of each second reinforcement member 146 substantially corresponds to the width of panel 112. Each second reinforcement member 146 includes a pair of mounting surfaces for mounting the second reinforcement member 146 to a panel. In the preferred embodiment shown, each second reinforcement member 146 has a top hat profile. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that each second reinforcement member 146 may have any particular profile suitable for providing support across the width of a panel 112.

[0087] Advantageously, the second reinforcement member 146 may support panel 112 to which it is mounted when the sectional garage door 100 is in a closed position. Furthermore, second reinforcement member 146 supports the panel 112 to which it is mounted when the garage door is in an open position by preventing the garage door from deflecting under its own weight.

[0088] As mentioned above, sectional garage door 100 includes a pair of guide tracks 108, 110 for guiding rollers 140. Each guide track 108, 110 is substantially elongate and J-shaped. Each guide track 108, 110 has a substantially constant cross sectional profile and thickness.

[0089] As is best shown in Figures 2 and 3, each guide track 108, 110 includes three portions when viewed in cross section: a first portion 150, a second portion 151 and a third portion 152 that together form channel 144. Second portion 151 bridges first and third portions 150, 152. First potion 152 is curved such that when a roller 140 is mounted within 144 channel the first portion guides the path of the roller.

[0090] Sectional garage door 100 further includes panel brackets 118, 120 and wall brackets 122, 124. Each panel bracket 118, 120 may correspond to one wall bracket 122, 124.

[0091] Each panel bracket 118, 120 is mounted to a panel 112. In the preferred embodiment shown, sectional garage door 100 includes eight panel brackets 112 (best shown in Figure 1). The eight panel brackets include four pairs of first brackets (one pair per panel 112).

[0092] Each panel bracket 118, 120 includes a body 154. Body 154 includes a mounting surface 156 for mounting the bracket to panel 112. In the embodiment shown, body 154 of each panel bracket 18, 120 is mounted to second reinforcement member 146.

[0093] Each panel bracket 18, 120 further includes arm portion 158a, 158b that extends from body 154. When mounted to a panel 112, the arm portion 158a, 158b of panel bracket 118, 120 extends beyond one of the opposing side ends 114, 116 of the panel 112. Arm portions 158a,

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158b include engagement portion 126 for engaging a corresponding wall bracket 122, 124 that is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106. In the embodiment shown, each engagement portion 126a, 126b is substantially hook shaped.

[0094] As best shown in Figure IA, arm portion 158a of upper most panel bracket 118a has a thickness that is smaller than the other lower panel brackets 118b. Advantageously, the reduction in thickness allows the arm portion of the upper most panel swing out of a corresponding wall bracket profile without interference. When panels 112 are moving from an open position to a closed position, the panel brackets 118, 120 may pass over one or more noncorresponding wall brackets 122, 124.

[0095] Each panel bracket 118, 120 is mounted to a panel 112 at a location that aligns with a corresponding wall bracket 122, 124 which is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106 when panels 112 are in a closed position. In the preferred embodiment shown, each panel bracket 118, 120 is mounted about half way along the height of each panel 112.

[0096] Sectional garage door 112 includes side wall brackets 122, 124. Each side wall bracket 122, 124 is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106 defining opening 102. Each side wall bracket 122, 124 corresponds to one of panel brackets 118, 120. In the embodiment shown, sectional garage door 100 includes eight side wall brackets 122, 124. The eight side wall brackets 122, 124 include four pairs of second brackets. Each bracket of the pair of second brackets is mounted to a different side wall.

[0097] Each side wall bracket 122, 124 includes a body 160. The body 160 of each side wall bracket 122, 124 includes a pair of side wall or jamb mounting surfaces 162, 164 for mounting the second bracket to the side wall or jamb. The body 160 of each side wall bracket 122, 124 further includes a guide track abutment surface 166 for abutment the guide track. In some embodiments, the guide track abutment surface may also be a guide track mounting surface for mounting the guide track to one of the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106. The body 160 of each side wall bracket 122, 124 includes engagement portion 128. In the preferred embodiment shown, the engagement portion is a cross-bar or rod 128. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that engagement portion 128 may be any size or shape suitable for being engaged by a corresponding engagement portion 126 of a panel bracket 118, 120.

[0098] In the embodiment shown, the two upper most wall brackets 122a have a reduced height compared to the other lower wall brackets 122b. Advantageously, the lower panel brackets 122b are able to pass by without interference that may otherwise be caused due to a

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PCT/AU2018/000204 curve in the guide tracks 108, 110. The reduction in height of the upper most wall brackets 122a allows the arms of non-corresponding panel brackets to pass over rather than pass to the outside (or inside) as is the case with the lower wall brackets 122b.

[0099] Each wall bracket 122, 124 is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106. The wall brackets 122, 124 are substantially evenly spaced along the height of opening 102. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that in other embodiments, the wall brackets may be mounted at any particular location along the height of the opening so long as the location of each corresponding to the location of a corresponding panel bracket when the panels are in a closed condition.

[00100] Body 160 includes an inner edge 168. In the embodiment shown, inner edge 168 is a locating edge for locating each wall bracket relative to the opening. The engagement portion 128 may be spaced apart from locating edge 168. In the embodiment shown, the distance between the engagement portion 128 and locating edge 168 of one pair of second brackets is different from another pair of second brackets. When multiple pairs of second brackets are mounted to the opposing side walls or jambs 104, 106, the distance between the engagement portion 128 and the locating edge 168 of an upper pair of second brackets 122a is smaller than the lower pair of second brackets 122b. Advantageously, the difference in distance between the engagement portion and the locating edge allows an arm of one or more non-corresponding panel brackets to pass over as the one or more panels are moved from closed position to an open position. In other preferred embodiments (not shown), an arm of one or more non-corresponding panel brackets may pass under (or inside) as the one or more panels are moved from closed position to an open position.

[00101] In other preferred embodiments (not shown), the distance between the engagement portion and the inner edge of each wall bracket is the same. In such embodiments, the distance between the inner edge of an upper pair of second brackets and the opening may be different from the distance between the inner edge of a lower pair of second brackets and the opening. The distance between the inner edge of an upper pair of second brackets and the opening may be smaller than the distance between the inner edge of a lower pair of second brackets and the opening. Advantageously, the difference in distance between the inner edge of each wall bracket and the opening allows an arm of one or more non-corresponding panel brackets to pass over as the one or more panels are moved from closed position to an open position.

[00102] Sectional garage door 100 furthers includes guide track brackets 180 for mounting

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PCT/AU2018/000204 guide tracks 108, 110 to side wall or jambs 104, 106. A skilled person would understand that any suitable bracket known in the art for mounting a guide track relative to an opening may be used.

[00103] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 includes all of the features described above in relation to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1. The embodiment shown in Figure 4, however, different in that it includes multiple stile retainers. Each stile retainer is located where a stile is mounted to a panel. Advantageously, each stile retainer 400 helps prevent the stile 138 to which it is attached from detaching from respective panel 112 during high winds.

[00104] As can best be seen in Figure 5, each skin to stile retainer 400 includes a body 500. Body 500 is substantially C-shaped. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that the body maybe any particular size or shape so long as it is suitable for providing support to a stile and panel where they are mounted to one another.

[00105] Body 500 includes stile portion 502 and panel portions 504 which extend from opposite ends of stile portion 502. Panel portions 504 extend substantially perpendicular to stile portion 502 and in the same direction as one another.

[00106] Body 500 includes abutment surfaces for abutting a portion of panel 112 or stile 138. More specifically, stile portion 502 includes a stile abutment surface. Further, each panel portion 504 includes a panel abutment surface.

[00107] Body 500 also includes an obverse side 506 facing away from panel 112 and reverse side (not shown) facing toward panel 112. Panel abutment surface is located on the obverse side and the at least one stile abutment surface is located on the reverse side.

[00108] Turning now to Figure 6, an alternative panel bracket, in the form of first bracket 618, and wall bracket, in the form of second bracket 622, combination is shown in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The brackets of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6 essentially function the same as panel brackets 118 and wall brackets 122 shown in Figure 2. Brackets 618 and 622, however, differ from brackets 118 and 122 whereby the engagement portion 626 of bracket 618 is in the form of a bar, and the engagement portion 628 of bracket 622 is in the form of a hook.

[00109] 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.

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PCT/AU2018/000204 [00110] 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.

[00111] 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.

[00112] 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.

[00113] 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 (21)

1. A sectional garage door for at least partially closing an opening defined by a pair of opposing side walls or jambs, the sectional garage door including:

a guide track mounted relative to each of the opposing side walls or jambs of the opening; at least one panel mounted relative to one of the guide tracks, the at least one panel having a pair of opposing sides;

a pair of first brackets mounted to the at least one panel, each first bracket including an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding second bracket;

a pair of second brackets, each second bracket mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs, each second bracket including a corresponding engagement portion for engaging the engagement portion of one of the first brackets;

wherein during normal loading conditions the engagement portion of each first bracket is spaced apart from the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket, and during loaded conditions that cause the at least one panel to flex the engagement portion of each first bracket abuts the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket to prevent further flexing of the at least one panel.

2. A sectional garage door of claim 1, wherein each second bracket of the pair of second brackets is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs at a location corresponding to the location of a corresponding first bracket of the pair of first brackets when the sectional garage door is in a closed position.

3. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sectional garage door further includes another pair of first brackets and another pair of second brackets.

4. A sectional garage door as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pair of first brackets is an upper pair of first brackets, the pair of second brackets is an upper pair of second brackets, the another pair of first brackets is a lower pair of first brackets and the another pair of second brackets is a lower pair of second brackets, and the height of the upper brackets is reduced compared to the height of the lower brackets.

5. A sectional garage door of claim 3 or 4, wherein each second bracket of the another pair of second brackets is mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs at a location corresponding to the location of a corresponding first bracket of the another pair of first brackets when the sectional garage door is in a closed position.

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6. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each second bracket includes an inner edge in the form of an inner locating edge for locating each second bracket relative to the opening.

7. A sectional garage door of claim 6, wherein the engagement portion of each second bracket is spaced apart from the locating edge of each second bracket.

8. A sectional garage door of claim 6 or 7 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the distance between the engagement portion and the inner locating edge of the pair of second brackets is different from the distance between the engagement portion and the inner locating edge of the another pair of second brackets.

9. A sectional garage door of any one of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the distance between the engagement portion and the locating edge of the upper pair of second brackets is smaller than the distance between the engagement portion and the locating edge of the lower pair of second brackets.

10. A sectional garage door of any one of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the distance between the engagement portion of each second bracket and the inner edge of an upper pair of second brackets is the same as the distance between the engagement portion and the inner edge of a lower pair of second brackets.

11. A sectional garage door of any one of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the distance between the inner edge of the upper pair of second brackets and the opening is different from the distance between the inner edge of the lower pair of second brackets and the opening.

12. A sectional garage door of any one of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the distance between the inner edge of the upper pair of second brackets and the opening is smaller than the distance between the inner edge of the lower pair of second brackets and the opening.

13. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each second bracket includes a side wall or jamb mounting surface for mounting each second bracket to one of the opposing side walls or jambs of the opening.

14. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each second bracket includes one or more guide track abutment surfaces for abutting one of the guide tracks.

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15. A sectional garage door of claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the side wall or jamb mounting surface extends perpendicular to the at least one guide track abutment surface.

16. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first bracket includes a mounting portion for mounting the at least one first bracket to the at least one panel.

17. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sectional garage door further includes at least one reinforcement member and each first bracket is mounted to the at least one reinforcement member.

18. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion of each first bracket is a cross-bar or rod, or a hook.

19. A sectional garage door of claim 18, wherein the engagement portion of each second bracket is a cross-bar or rod that corresponds to a hook of one of the first brackets, or is a hook that corresponds to a cross-bar or rod of one of the first brackets.

20. A sectional garage door of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first bracket is a panel bracket and each second bracket is a wall bracket.

21. A kit for a sectional garage door that at least partial closes an opening defined by a pair of opposing side walls or jambs, the sectional garage door including: a guide track mounted relative to each of the opposing side walls or jambs of the opening; and, at least one panel mounted relative to one of the guide tracks, the at least one panel having a pair of opposing sides; the kit including:

a pair of first brackets mounted to the at least one panel, each first bracket including an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding second bracket;

a pair of second brackets, each second bracket mounted to one of the opposing side walls or jambs, each second bracket including a corresponding engagement portion for engaging the engagement portion of one of the first brackets;

wherein during normal loading conditions the engagement portion of each first bracket is spaced apart from the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket, and during loaded conditions that cause the at least one panel to flex the engagement portion of each first bracket abuts the corresponding engagement portion of each second bracket to prevent further flexing of the at least one panel.