EP2317055A1

EP2317055A1 - Overhead sliding door assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2317055A1
Application number: EP09174200A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bo Olsson; Bert Arleros
Original assignee: Crawford Group AB
Current assignee: Crawford Group AB
Priority date: 2009-10-27
Filing date: 2009-10-27
Publication date: 2011-05-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to an overhead sliding door assembly, comprising a sliding overhead door having, in a mounted and a closed position, two vertical sides, and a left and a right guide track system arranged to guide said sliding overhead door between a closed position and an open overhead position at least when said assembly is in a mounted position. The guide track systems each comprises a telescopic and foldable second track member which, when arranged simultaneously in a collapsed and folded position, does not protrude substantially beyond a geometrical door end plane along the direction of extension of said second track members.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sliding overhead door assembly comprising a sliding overhead door and a left and a right guide track system which are arranged to guide said sliding overhead door between a closed position and an open overhead position, at least when said assembly is in a mounted position.

Background Art

Various overhead sliding doors assemblies are known and are normally used to open and close various openings and gateways, such as the opening of a garage. In a mounted position, a typical assembly comprises a sliding door and a guide track system of vertical and horizontal tracks, wherein the system of vertical and overhead tracks is utilized to guide the door between a closed position and an open overhead position.
EP 1 467 052 describes an overhead sliding garage door assembly which is provided with a guide rail system. The guide rail system comprises guide rails which are provided on each side of a sliding door and which comprise a set of horizontal sections, a set of vertical sections, and a set of curved sections each connecting the horizontal and the vertical sections on each side of the door. The guide system of guide rails thereby forms a left and a right guide rail path. The sliding door is further provided with a plurality of supporting rollers which are arranged along the left and right sliding door edge. On each side, the guide rail system is arranged to receive the supporting rollers such that the sliding door is interconnected to the system of guide rails. The supporting rollers are enabled to travel along the guide rail paths, such that the sliding door is moveable, or slidable, between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal overhead position. When arranged in the open horizontal position, the sliding door is normally entirely arranged in the overhead horizontal section of the guide rail system. In order to achieve such arrangement, the length of the horizontal guide rail sections of the left and right guide rail paths typically exceed the height extension of the sliding door. Hence, the full length of the door, when arranged in the open horizontal and overhead position, fits into the horizontal guide rail section.
Prior to mounting of the above described garage door assembly, the door and the guide rails are transported to an intended building or location. For easy transportation and handling, the assembly is provided in a disassembled and separated arrangement, wherein, for example, the guide rails are transported separated from the general garage door assembly. At the intend building or location, the assembly is mounted, or assembled, wherein the guide rails and garage door are put together into an overhead sliding garage door assembly.
The mounting of the sliding door and the guide rail system is time consuming and in particular the installation of the horizontal, overhead rail sections is cumbersome. Furthermore, for mounting the guide rail system correctly, the installer is typically required to have extensive mounting experience and skills. The correct mounting of the assembly is crucial for a well functioning and durable operation of the sliding garage door for a long period of time.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved overhead sliding door assembly which eliminate or at least to alleviate the above mentioned drawbacks.
These and other objects are met by the subject matter provided in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an overhead sliding door assembly comprising a sliding overhead door having, in a mounted and a closed position, two vertical sides. A left and a right guide track system are arranged to guide the sliding overhead door between a closed position and an open position, at least when the assembly is in a mounted position. Each one of the left and right guide track systems comprises a first track member arranged to be mounted vertically for guiding the sliding overhead door to the closed position, at least when said assembly is in the mounted position, a second track member arranged be mounted in an overhead position, e.g. in a substantially horizontal overhead position, for guiding the sliding overhead door to the open overhead position, at least when the assembly is in the mounted position, and joint means or a joint rotatably connecting the second track member to the overhead sliding door assembly so as to allow the second track member to be arranged in a folded position substantially in parallel with the sliding overhead door or the geometrical inner surface plane of the door. Furthermore, the second track member comprises a first and second portion, wherein the first and second portions are telescopically moveable in relation to each other between a collapsed and an extended position. In addition, the second track member, when arranged simultaneously in the collapsed and folded position, does not protrude or extend substantially beyond a geometrical door end plane, wherein the geometrical door end plane is normal to the rear surface of the sliding overhead door as well as coinciding with a remote end of the sliding overhead door along the direction of extension of the second track member from the joint means towards a rear end of the second track member.
In general, overhead sliding door assemblies are arranged such that a sliding overhead door may be arranged in a fully open overhead position. For this reason, a guide track system and/or the second track member is preferably provided with a sufficient length for fitting substantially the entire overhead sliding door in the overhead guide track system. In addition, the guide track system, the second track members, and/or tracks arranged in the second track member, is preferably provided with a length that allows for retardation, or damping, of the sliding overhead door when the open position is reached during opening. Therefore, the length of the second track members, in their mounted position, typically exceed the vertical length extension or height of the sliding overhead door.
The present invention is based on a realization by the inventors that by providing a pre-assembled overhead sliding door assembly, wherein the second track members are arranged in a folded and collapsed position according to the present invention, the transportation and mounting of the sliding door assembly is considerably facilitated and improved.
In other words, the invention is advantageous in that the assembly may be arranged in a single compact arrangement or package, wherein the second track members are arranged in a predetermined folded and collapsed position. In this position, the size and package volume of the overhead sliding door assembly is suitable for transportation since said second track member does not protrude substantially beyond the geometrical door end plane. Hence, said second track member does not obstruct or impede transportation or handling.
The invention is further advantageous in that as the guide track system may be mounted in the correct position in a simple operation comprising unfolding and extending the second track members, i.e. the sliding overhead assembly may be provided in a pre-assembled arrangement. In other words, the guide track system is, at least partially, pre-assembled, e.g. in a factory, which ensures and facilitates the correct mounting of the guide track system. During mounting of the guide track system, the second track members are normally unfolded to an overhead horizontal position, telescopically extended to their extended position and attached to the e.g. the inner ceiling of a building. Hence, the pre-assembled guide track system according to the present invention ensures the correct orientation and mounting of the assembly and the guide track system. Furthermore, the mounting of the overhead sliding door assembly is facilitated in terms of time efficiency.
The second track members, when arranged in the unfolded position, are not necessarily arranged in a horizontal position. Instead, the second track member may also e.g. be arranged in an inclined, or tilted, overhead position, such as in an overhead position which is tilted slightly upwards or downwards, when viewed from along the direction of extension of the second track member. For example, in an embodiment, when the second track members are arranged in the overhead position, the angle between each second track member and a horizontal geometrical plane may be about 17°, 22°, or 33°, or any angle there between, or alternatively, the angle may be between 0° and 17°. Additionally, for large deviations from the horizontal geometrical plane, e.g. more than 5°, the angle between said first and second track members are normally obtuse. Moreover, when the second track members are mounted in an horizontal position, the angle between said first and second track member is normally substantially orthogonal, or between 88° to 92°, or between 89° to 91 °.
Furthermore, the telescopic function of the second track member may be arranged anywhere along the second track member, e.g. at a joint end, at a rear end, or in the middle of the second track member. According to one example, the telescopic function is arranged close to the joint means, i.e. at the joint end.
The joint means, or joint, may e.g. be formed of an articulated link, ball joint, hinge, rotatable pin, etc, and be arranged to connect the second track member to the assembly at different locations. For example, the second track member may be connected to a portion of the guide track system, or to a frame, or frame portion, of the overhead sliding door assembly, and/or to the first track member.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the second track member is in the folded position and substantially in parallel with the rear, or inner, surface of the sliding overhead door, the angle between the longitudinal direction of extension of the second track member and the rear, or inner, surface of the door may be between -5° and 5°, preferably between -2.5° and 2.5°, and more preferably between -1 ° and 1°. The angle may be either positive or negative; a positive angle corresponds to the rear end of the second track member is being arranged further away from the rear, or inner, surface of the sliding overhead door compared to the front end, in a direction normal to the rear, or inner, surface of the door. A negative angle corresponds to that the rear end of the second track member is arranged closer to the rear, or inner, surface of the sliding overhead door compared to the front end, in a direction normal to the rear, or inner, surface of the door.
When the second track member is arranged in the folded position, a closest portion of the front end of the second track member, which closest portion is arranged closest to the rear, or inner, surface of the door at the front end of the second track member, may be arranged a first distance from the rear, or inner, surface of the door, and a corresponding closest portion of the rear end of the second track member, which closest portion is arranged closest to the rear, or inner, surface of the door at the rear end of the second track member, may be arranged a second distance from the rear, or inner, surface of the door, in a direction normal to the rear surface, or the geometrical inner surface plane, of the door, wherein a deviation between the first and second distances, corresponding to for example between 0 and 5 centimeter, preferably between 0 and 2.5 centimeters, more preferably between 0 and 1 centimeter, gives rise to an angle between the second track member and the rear surface of the door. The above mentioned exemplifying deviations between the first and second track members correspond to an angle between the second track member and the rear surface of the door, between 0° and 1.2°, between 0° and 0.6 °, and between 0 and 0.25°, respectively, when said second track member has a length of 2.5 meters.
In relation to this invention, the expression that the second track member, when arranged simultaneously in the collapsed and folded position, does not protrude or extend substantially beyond a geometrical door end plane, means that the second track member or a rear end of the second track member, does not protrude or extend beyond the geometrical door end plane by more than 0.15 meters, preferably by not more than 0.05 meters, more preferably by not more than 0.03 meters, wherein the geometrical door end plane is normal to the rear surface of the sliding overhead door as well as coinciding with a remote end of the sliding overhead door along the direction of extension of the second track member from the joint means towards a rear end of the second track member. That second track member or a rear end of the second track member, does not protrude or extend beyond the geometrical door end plane by more than 0.000 meters, thus equals that the second track member or a rear end of the second track member does not protrude beyond the geometrical door end plane.
Additionally, or independently, the typical length difference between the extended and collapsed positions of the second track member is, in an embodiment, between 0.1 and 1 meters, preferably between 0.15 and 0.4 meters, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.35 meters, or alternatively, the length difference is not less than a distance of 0.1 meters, preferably not less than a distance of 0.2 meters.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the second track member comprises two longitudinal end portions, and, when the second track member is arranged simultaneously in said collapsed and folded position, both end portions are arranged on the same said of the geometrical door end plane. Accordingly, the second track member is arranged such that a compact and suitable arrangement of the assembly is provided. In other words, the assembly is arranged such that the rear end portion of the second track member does not obstruct simple transportation of the assembly.
The joint means, or joint, may in an embodiment be arranged to rotatably connect the second track member so as to allow the second track member to be arranged in a folded position substantially in parallel with the extension of the first track member. Hence, the second track member is pivotal between an unfolded overhead position and a folded position, wherein, in the folded position, the second track member is vertically arranged adjacent to or at least partly covering the first track member. For example, the second track member is arranged adjacent the first track member wherein the rear end of the second track member are adjacent to the lower end of the first track member. Furthermore, the axis of rotation of the joint means is e.g. arranged horizontally, or in parallel with a geometrical inner surface plane which is parallel with the rear surface of the sliding door when arranged in a closed position. In this arrangement, the second track member may be rotated from the folded position in a rearward and upward direction, undergoing a rearward and upward acting rotational motion. Alternatively, the second track member is rotated from the folded position in a frontward and upward direction, until it is turned about 270°.
In an embodiment, the joint means may be arranged adjacent to a geometrical inner surface plane of the door, wherein the geometrical inner surface plane coincides with a rear, or back, side surface of the sliding overhead door, when the sliding overhead door is arranged in the closed position. Hence, the joint means is located a short distance from the geometrical inner surface plane, thus, providing an assembly which is compact and suitable for transportation and handling. For example, the joint means is arranged at a distance from the geometrical inner surface plane between 0 and 0.3 meters, preferably between 0.05 and 0.15 meters, and more preferably between 0.05 and 0.12 meters, in a direction normal to the geometrical inner surface plane.
By arranging the joint means accordingly, the assembly is provided with a substantially flat shape when arranged in its non-mounted position.
For example, the dimension of the assembly is between (length times width times height) 1.8 - 3.2 times 1.8 - 3.2 times 0.1 - 0.3 meters, preferably between 2.2 - 2.8 times 2.2 - 2.8 times 0.15 - 0.2 meters.
The overhead sliding door may according to one embodiment comprise a plurality of track runners provided to each one of the vertical sides. Furthermore the second track member comprises a first overhead track which is arranged to receive at least one of the track runners for guiding the sliding overhead door. In addition, the first and second portions of the second track member each comprises a respective portion of said first overhead track, and the effective length of the first overhead track is shorter in the collapsed position than in the extended position.
In other words, the sliding overhead door is arranged with track runners, such as rollers, which are interconnected to the guide track system for supporting and guiding the door between the closed and open positions. The truck runners may for example be formed of sliding portions, or other types of track interconnections, arranged to travel in, or along, the guide track system. The first overhead track is arranged in the second track member and allows the door to be arranged substantially entirely in the open overhead position. Hence, the clearing distance of the of opening which is provided, for example in a garage, may be optimized such that no portion of the sliding overhead door is substantially blocking the opening. Furthermore, the first overhead track is arranged, or runs, in both the first and second portions of the second track member. This arrangement provides for that the effective length of the first overhead track may be varied by a relative telescopic movement of the first and second portions in relation to each other. The length extension of the first overhead track may, therefore, be arranged during mounting such that suitable guide track length for guiding the sliding overhead door is ensured.
According to an embodiment of the present invention the first track member comprises a vertical track which is arranged to receive the track runners for guiding said sliding overhead door, wherein each one of the left and right guide track systems is further arranged to receive a curved track section for providing a track connection between said vertical track and said first overhead track. Optionally, the curved track section may be disconnectably connected to the guide track system, such that the curved track section may be arranged separately from the rest of the guide track system during transport in order to facilitate packing. In other words, the curved track section may be assembled to the guide track system during mounting, or be pre-assembled and interconnected to the assembly during manufacturing of the assembly.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the second track member further comprises a second overhead track arranged to receive the track runners for guiding said sliding overhead door. Typically, one of the first and second overhead tracks are arranged to guide a top pair of the supporting track runners which are arranged on a respective left and right side of the door, while the other overhead track is arranged to guide the remaining track runners of each respective side. For example, the first overhead track is arranged such that the top pair track runners may guide the top end of the sliding overhead door to a completely closed, and vertical, position. Hence, an assembly is provided which may be arranged in a location with low, or no, overhead space, or room, above the opening, wherein the guide track system and the sliding overhead door is arranged in a compact overhead position. For example the sliding door is arranged adjacent, nearby, or immediately next to the inner ceiling of a building.
The first track member of the overhead sliding door assembly comprises, in a further embodiment, a vertical track which is arranged to receive the track runners for guiding the sliding overhead door. Furthermore, each one of the left and right guide track systems are arranged to receive a curved track section for providing a track connection between the vertical track and the second overhead track. The curved track section may be pre-assembled during manufacturing and arranged to be received by the guide track system such that the vertical track and the second overhead track are connects. Hence, the correct mounting of the guide track system for guiding the sliding overhead door is achieved. Furthermore, the curved track section may be arranged to be installed and received by the guide track system during mounting of the assembly at the intended site.
In yet an embodiment, a first portion of the second track member engages with the joint means, and a second portion of the second track member comprises an end portion which provides a telescopic connection to said first portion, wherein the end portion is further arranged to receive the curved track section. In other words, the joint means rotatably connects the second track member via, or at, the first portion of the second track member. The telescopic connection between the first and second portions of the second track member may be arranged such that one of the portion is partially arranged within the other. For example, a section of the second portion, comprising the end portion, may be slidably arranged inside a section of the first portion such that the sectional profile of the first portion encloses, or surrounds, or at least partly encloses, or partly surrounds, typically with a close fit, the sectional profile of the second portion. When arranged in the extended position, the first portion is arranged in an overlapping arrangement with the second portion, wherein the end portion of the second portion is facing in a horizontal forward direction and arranged within the first portion such that the curved track section may be received and interconnected to the second portion. For example, the curved track section is interconnected to end portion of the second portion, wherein the second overhead track is arranged, or comprised, in the second portion. The above described arrangement allows for efficient mounting wherein the correct arrangement of the guide track system is ensured.
In an additional embodiment, the joint means, or joint, is located closer to the geometrical inner surface plane compared to the location of a connection, or border, between the curved track section and one of the overhead tracks. Thus, the distance between the joint means the and the geometrical inner surface plane which coincides with the rear surface of the door, is smaller than the distance between the interconnection between the curved track section and e.g. the second overhead track.
The second track member comprises, in an embodiment, a revealed portion which is revealed by a relative sliding movement between the first and second portions, wherein the revealed portion is arranged with a track liner which is arranged to level the first and second portions of the first overhead track in relation to each other. Typically the liner is arranged within, or along, the first overhead track path portion which is arranged in the first portion of the second track member. The typical shape of the liner may be flat, thin, and /or flexible, which allows for that the irregularities of the first overhead track due to the telescopic and overlapping connection between the first and second portions may be eliminated. Hence, proper guiding of the track runners in e.g. the first overhead track, between the first and second portions of the second track member, during opening and closing of the sliding overhead door is provided.
In a further embodiment, the second track member is provided with a stopping means, or stops, arranged to prevent a relative movement between the first and second portions when arranged in the extended position, e.g. when the relative movement is directed towards a further extension of the portions or towards arranging said portions in said collapsed position. Hence, the stopping means are arranged to restrict further telescopic movement in one, two opposite, or any direction when the first and second portions are arranged in the extended position. The stopping means may e.g. be provided by snap acting means, or a snap acting stop, which is arranged to release into a stopping position when the second track member reaches a desired extended position. During mounting the stopping means are advantageous in that the arrangement of the second track member in the correct, or desired, position is facilitated.
In yet a further embodiment, the second track member is provided with locking means, or a lock, which is arranged to prevent a rotational movement of the second track member towards the folded position, and/or arranged to maintain the second track member in an unfolded position after a rotational movement of the same from the folded position. The locking means may comprise snap acting means and facilitates the installation operations of the assembly during mounting. For example, the locking means may allow the second track member to be stopped at different desired gradual steps or positions. Hence, e.g. step-by-step mounting of the second track member, or a desired tilted position of the second track member, may be provided.
Furthermore, in an embodiment, the overhead sliding door assembly further comprises a distance bar which is connected to and arranged perpendicularly between the second track members of the left and right guide track systems, and preferably connected between the rear ends of said second track members. The distance bar may be pre-assembled during manufacturing of the assembly, or connected to the second track members during mounting. The distance bar maintains the right distance between the left and right second track members which ensures proper alignment and operation of the guide track system. Furthermore, the left and right second track members are more easily arranged in their respective unfolded and extended position simultaneously.
According to one further embodiment, the overhead sliding door assembly further comprises a first diagonal brace connected to and arranged diagonally between respective overhead portions of the left guide track system and the right guide track system so as to secure a correct orientation of the second track member in an unfolded position. Furthermore, the brace is preferably connected to one of the left and right guide track systems at a rear end of the second track member and connected to the other of the left and right guide track systems at a front end of the second track member.
Moreover, a first and a second diagonal brace may be provided, wherein the diagonal braces are arranged diagonally and cross-wise between respective overhead portions of the left guide track system and the right guide track system, so as to secure a correct orientation of the second track members in an unfolded position, wherein the first brace is preferably connected to a rear end of the second track member of the left guide track systems and to a front end of the second track member of said right guide track systems, and the second brace is preferably connected to a rear end of the second track member of said right guide track systems and to a front end of the second track member of the left guide track systems.
Other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that some drawings are not true to scale, and, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, dimensions other than those illustrated in the drawings are equally possible within the scope of the invention. It is also to be noted that the dimensions of some of the details in the drawings may be exaggerated in comparison with other details.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known garage door assembly comprising an overhead sliding door arranged in an open overhead position.
Figure 2a-c are perspective schematic views of the guide track system of the overhead sliding door assembly according to the present invention.
Figures 3a-c are schematic views of embodiments of the overhead sliding door assembly.
Figures 4a-b are perspective schematic view of the overhead sliding door and associated geometrical planes.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhead sliding door assembly.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the overhead sliding door assembly of Figure 5 during mounting of the guide track system.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the overhead sliding door assembly of Figures 5 and 6 arranged in a mounted position.
Figures 8a-b are perspective zoom in views of an embodiment of the guide track system.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the guide track system.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhead sliding door assembly.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

In the following detailed description of embodiments, if not mentioned otherwise, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate similar features, with an adjustment for the figure number. In other words, reference numerals 101, 201, 301,..., etc. indicate similar features in figures 1, 2, 3,..., respectively, in this case the sliding overhead door assembly.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical known garage door assembly 101 which comprises a sliding garage door 102 and a guide track system. The garage door assembly 101 is mounted at an intended site in an opening of a wall for the purpose of providing opening and closing of a garage entrance by moving the door 102 between an open overhead position, and a closed position. The perspective view of Fig 1 is a rear view of garage door assembly from inside of a garage, wherein in a front direction is defined as the direction from inside the garage, through the garage entrance, towards the outside. Hence, in a closed position (not shown) the sliding garage door 102 has a front, or outside, surface facing the outside, and a rear, or inner surface facing the inside of the garage.
In Fig 1, the sliding overhead garage door 102 is arranged in the open overhead position, adjacent the ceiling, and in an substantially horizontal orientation, wherein the front surface is substantially facing the ceiling, and the rear, or inner, surface is substantially facing the floor.
Typically, this kind of garage door assemblies are provided with a guide track system which is arranged on each side of the sliding garage door, wherein the guide track system describes a path for guiding the sliding garage door between the open and closed positions. On each side of the sliding garage door 102, i.e. on the left side and on the right side, the guide track system comprises a left vertical track member 105a and a right vertical track member 105b. Each one of the vertical track members 105a, 105b comprises a vertical track 113a, 113b. The guide track system further comprises a left and a right overhead track member 106a, 106b, wherein each one of the overhead track members 106a, 106b comprises an upper track 111a, 111b. On each one of the left and right sides of the sliding garage door 102, the upper track 111a, 111b is connected to the vertical tack 113a, 113b, via a left and a right curved track section 114a, 114b, respectively. Hence, the guide track system forms, on the respective left and right side of the sliding door 102, a left and a right track path each comprising an upper track section, an intermediate curved track section, and a vertical track section.
The tracks are arranged to receive supporting, or interconnecting, runners, which are arranged on each side of the sliding garage door, i.e. the left and right hand side of the garage door. The runners are received in the track so as travel in the tracks, at least along a portion of the left and right track paths, respectively. For example, each track runner may be in the shape of a roller and is attached to the sliding garage door 102 via support. Many other types of runners or sliding means may be used as is known in the art.
The sliding garage door typically comprises a plurality of sections which are hingedly attach to each other and which allows the sliding door the travel along the curved track section of each one of the left and right track paths, respectively.
Overhead sliding garage door assemblies, as illustrated in Fig 1, may be provided with a lift mechanism 150, such as spring loaded mechanisms or counterbalance systems, wherein the weight of the sliding garage door is balanced or counteracted in order to facilitate manual opening and closing. Also, garage door assemblies may be provided with an automatic garage door opener, such as an electric garage door opener.
As further shown in Fig1, the sliding garage door 102 is arranged in the open overhead position, wherein the main part of the garage door panels are arranged in the upper track. A lower end portion 160 of the garage door, i.e. the lower end portion of the sliding garage door 102 which is closest to the ground when arranged in the closed position, is partially located in the curved track section 114a, 114b of the left and right track paths such that the clearing height of the garage entrance is reduced.
During mounting, or installation, of the garage door assembly 101, the sliding door and track members of the guide track system are separately assembled, or put together, and mounted at the intended site. For example, the guide track system is packed separately for easy transportation and requires correct assembly and proper alignment between the different sections of the left and right guide track paths in order to allow for desired opening and closing of the sliding garage door 102. Hence, the mounting, or installation, is a time consuming process requiring a high level of installation-expertise. Furthermore, readjustment of assembly may be necessary after installation.
Figure 2a-c are perspective schematic views of an embodiment of the overhead sliding door assembly 201a, 201b, 201c according to the present invention, which assembly is arranged e.g. to be mounted at a site, such as a garage opening, and operated as described with reference to Fig 1.
The overhead sliding door assembly 201a, 201b, 201c, which for simplicity reasons is referred to as the assembly, comprises a sliding overhead door 202, further referred to as the door, which is outlined and schematically illustrated in the figures 2a-c. The door 202 may e.g. be a garage type door, such as the one described in relation to Figure 1, comprising horizontal panels which are hingedly attached to each other. The door is depicted in a vertical, generally upright, and closed position, which position typically corresponds to a closed position wherein the assembly 201 is mounted at an intended site, such as a garage opening. The door 202 comprises two vertical sides, whereto the runners are normally attached; one left vertical side, which defines the left edge side of the door, and one right vertical side, which defines the right edge side of the door.
The assembly 201a-c further comprises a left and a right guide track system, provided on the left and right vertical sides of the door 202, respectively, which, when the assembly is in a mounted position, are arranged to guide the door 202 between the closed position and an open overhead position. Each one of the left and right guide track systems comprises a first track member 205a, 205b which is arranged to be mounted vertically for guiding the door 202 to its closed position. The left and right guide systems each further comprises a second track member 206a, 206b which is arranged to be mounted e.g. in an substantially horizontal position, or overhead position, for guiding the door 202 to its open horizontal, or overhead, position. The left and right guide track systems each further comprises a joint means 209a, 209b which are rotatably connecting the left second track member 205a and the right second track member 205b to the left and right guide track system, respectively. The rotatable connections are arranged in such manner so as to allow the second track members 206a, 206b to be arranged in a folded position substantially in parallel with the door 202 when it is in its closed position, and/or when the assembly 201 is in an unmounted, or uninstalled, position. In more detail, the second track members 206a, 206b are articulated, wherein the joint means 209a, 209b for example each comprises a hinge, or swivel pin, which connects the second track members 206a, 206b to the assembly 202.
The second track members are telescopic, wherein each one of the left and right second track member 206a, 206b is telescopically arranged and comprises a first portion 207a, 207b and a second portion 208a, 208b. The left first portion 207a and the left second portion 208a, and the right first portion 207b and the right second portion 208b, are telescopically moveable in relation to each other between a collapsed, shorter, and an extended, elongated, position. Hence, for example, the left second track member 206a comprises a first portion 207a that is telescopically arranged to the left second portion 208a such that the length of the of the second track member 206a may be varied by telescopic action.
In particular, Figure 2a illustrates the assembly 202a in an un-mounted and closed position, wherein the second track members 206a,206b are simultaneously arranged in a collapsed and folded position. In this position, each one of the left and right the second track member 206a, 206b are, via the joint means, pivoted to the folded position which is a vertical position in parallel with the door 202 and the first track member. The joint means 209a, 209b are arranged to pivot the second track members about an imaginary axis of rotation R which extends between the left and right joint means, and arranged adjacent to an upper edge side portion of the door 202. Furthermore, in Fig 2a, the second track members are arranged in their telescopically collapsed position such that the respective length of the second track members 206a, 206b is arranged such that a respective rear end 230a, 230b of the left and right second track members 206a, 206b substantially coincide with a respective left and right lower end portion 260 of the door 202. Hence, the second track members 206a, 206b each reaches, in their longitudinal direction, shorter, or not substantially longer than an end point, or most distant point, of the door 202, in the direction of extension of said second track members direction.
Furthermore, when the second track member 206a, 206b is arranged simultaneously in the collapsed and folded position, it does not substantially protrude beyond the geometrical door end plane which is normal to the rear, or inner, surface of the door, and coinciding with a remote, or terminal, end of the door, or of the assembly, along the direction of extension of the second track member 206a, 206b. The geometrical door end plane 360, 360',460, is illustrated in Fig 3a-c and Fig 4b.
Accordingly, an assembly according to the present invention which provides an improved sliding overhead door assembly, and which may be arranged into a highly compact and thin arrangement, is provided. In its compact, or un-mounted, state, the shape of the assembly is substantially flat and has an extension, or shape, which substantially correspond to the dimensions, or shape, of the door 202.
Fig 2b illustrates the operation of unfolding the assembly e.g. during mounting, or installation, of the assembly 202. Relative rotational movements of the second track members 206a, 206b in relation to the assembly, are shown, as indicated by the arrows A. The relative rotational movements allow for pivoted movement about the axis of rotation R. Typically, the assembly may, in its compact position, be transported and arranged inside a garage premises, arranged in front of an opening in a wall, attached to said wall of the opening sides, whereupon the left and right second track members may be unfolded into the intended position, which in this embodiment is an overhead position.
As illustrated in Fig 2c, the process of mounting, or installing, the assembly further comprises the operation of, with each one of the left and right second track members 206a, 206b, telescopically extending the second portion 208a, 208b in relation to the first portion 207a, 207b, from the collapsed position to the extended position, as illustrated with reference to the arrows B. This operation allows for that the full length of the second track member to be reached. Hence, Fig 2c illustrates, in this embodiment, a generally perpendicular arrangement of the first track members 205a, 205b, in relation to the respective second track members 206a, 206b. Furthermore, in the operation of arranging the assembly 202 from its folded and collapsed position, as depicted in Fig 2a, to its unfolded and extended position, as depicted in Fig 2c, the rotational and telescopic movements may be performed simultaneously, or in any order.
In the current embodiment, the left and right guide track systems, which comprise the left and right first track members 205a, 205b and the left and right second track members 206a, 206b, are, when in their mounted position, arranged to form a left and right track path for guiding the door 202 between the closed position and open overhead position. Furthermore, each one of the left and right track path comprises a upper track path section 211a, 211b, a vertical track path section 213a, 213b, and a curved track path section 214a, 214b, wherein the curved track path sections connects respective upper track path section with the vertical tack path section such that one left and one right complete track path is achieved. In more detail, the first track member comprises the vertical track path section and said second track member 206a, 206b comprises the curved track path section and the upper track path section. The sliding overhead door 202 may be provided with runners, such as rollers or other sliding means, arranged on each vertical side of the door, wherein the runners are received in the track paths and arranged to travel along the respective left and right side track paths during opening and closing of the door. For example, the track paths may be provided as tracks in the first and second track members, wherein the track members may be formed of sectional tubes, rails, or bars, in which tracks are arranged.
As further illustrated in Fig 2a-c, the right and left joint means 209a, 209b, which forms the articulated joint between respective first and second track members, are located near, or adjacent, a respective left and right upper corner of the door 202. At the location of the joints, each first portion 207a, 207b of the left and right second track members is connected to and arranged to receive the respective joint means 209a, 209b. Hence, each one of the left and right second track members 206a, 206b is, at the front end 231a, 231b, rotatably attached to the a respective left and right first track member.
Fig 4a-b are perspective schematic views of the door 402 with respect to the geometrical inner surface plane 461, and the geometrical door end plane 460, wherein the door 402 is arranged in the closed position.
In fig 4a, the front surface 441 of the door 402, is shown. The joint means 409 is arranged adjacent to, or close to, the geometrical inner surface plane 461, which plane 461 coincides with, and is parallel with, the back, or rear, surface of the door 402.
The joint means are arranged adjacent to, or close to, the geometrical inner surface plane 461 in the indicated z-direction. In more detail, in the illustrated orthogonal system of coordinates indicating the x-, y-, and z-directions, a reference point (0,0,0) is located in the geometrical inner surface plane 461 in the upper corner of the door 402 which is closest to the joint means 409. In this reference system, the joint means is arranged in the point (0, y, -z), i.e. in a point arranged a distance z in the negative z-direction and a distance y above the door in the positive y-direction. The orthogonal x- and y-directions are arranged parallel with the geometrical inner surface plane 461, wherein the direction normal to the geometrical inner surface plane is parallel with the indicated z-direction.
As illustrated, the joint means 409 is arranged at a distance r in the negative z-direction from the geometrical plane 461.
In general, the joint means 409 are arranged a distance above the door, i.e. a distance in the positive y-direction, which may be between 0 and 0.3 meters, preferably between 0 and 0.2 meters, and more preferably between 0.05 and 0.15 meters. Alternatively, the joint means may be arranged such that y=0, or arranged a distance below the top end of the door, i.e. a distance in the negative y-direction, which may be between 0 and 0.3 meters, preferably between 0 and 0.2 meters, and more preferably between 0 and 0.15 meters. In other words, the joint means may be arranged e.g. between -0.3 to 0.3 meters with respect to the top end of the door.
Fig 4b is a rear view of the door 402 in which the back, or rear, surface 441 of the door 402 is shown. Furthermore, a geometrical door end plane 460 is partially illustrated, wherein the bottom end of the door coincides with the geometrical door end plane 460. Also, the joint means 409a, 409b and the left and right second track members 406a, 406b, are indicated.
Figure 3a-c are schematic rear views of alternative embodiments of the overhead sliding door assembly arranged in the folded and collapsed position. Each one of the assembly embodiments is arranged as described with reference to Fig 2a-c, with the exception that the joint means 309a, 309b are arranged in different positions relative the schematically outlined overhead sliding door 302. Also, the axis of rotation of the joint means 309a, 309b, and each one of the left and right joint means 309a, 309b in Fig 3a-c, are arranged in alternative configurations in relation to the door 302 according to different exemplifying modifications of the present invention. The joint means may also have different configuration, such as corresponding to a ball joint. The left and right second track member 306a, 306b are schematically illustrated as solid lines and not shown features of the assembly 302, such as the first track members, are omitted for reasons of simplicity. Furthermore, the assemblies are depicted in rear views showing the rear, or inner, surface of the doors 302 which are arranged in their closed positions. Exemplifying arrangements of the geometrical door end plane 360, 360' are schematically indicated. As illustrated, the geometrical door end planes are parallel with respective remote ends of the door along a first direction of extension of the second track members 306a, 306b, respectively, wherein the first direction is defined from the joint means 309a, 309b towards the respective rear ends portions 330a, 330b.
The assembly may further be arranged such that the second track member is folded on top of or adjacent to a forward surface of the door.
In Fig 3a, the left and right second track members 306a, 306b are arranged with a respective joint means 309a, 309b which pivots about an axis of rotation. Each one of the second track members 309a, 309b is at least rotatable in a plane of rotation coinciding with the first track member, and normal to the geometrical inner surface plane 461, as illustrated with reference to Fig 4a. Furthermore, the axis of rotation of the joint means 309a, 309b are arranged horizontally.
The joint means 309a of the left second track member 306a is, as schematically illustrated, arranged a distance outside, or from, of the door 302 and the second track member 306a extends to a bottom end point of the door 402, in said first direction.
In more detail, the left second track member 306a is arranged to the side of the left vertical side of the door 302, and arranged such that its rear end 330a reaches to, or extends to, the geometrical inner surface plane 360 left second track member.
As illustrated, a joint end, or front end, of the left second track member 306a, extends or protrudes a distance d outside, or from the door 302, in the direction of extension of the second track member 306a. Furthermore, the left second track member 306a has a total member length D_M, in the first direction, and the door 302 has a total door length D_D, in a direction parallel with the first direction. The total member length D_M is equal to D_D + d.
As shown on the right hand side of Fig 3a, the joint means 309b of the right second track member 306b is arranged adjacent to and below the upper right corner of the door 302. In other words, the joint end, or front end, of the right second track member 306b does not protrude outside, or from, the door 302 in the direction of extension of the right second track member. Furthermore, the rear end 330b does not reach to the end of the door 302. In other words, the distance d is equal to 0, and the total member length D_M is smaller than the total door length D_D.
With reference to Fig 3b, the left and right second track members 306a, 306b are arranged with a respective joint means 309a, 309b which pivots about an inclined axis of rotation in relation to a horizontal or vertical direction, wherein the axis of rotation is arranged in parallel with the geometrical inner surface plane 461, with reference to Fig 4. In their respective folded and collapsed position, the left and right second track members 306a, 306b are arranged parallel to, and in a diagonally across the door 302.
The left second track member 306a is arranged such that it protrudes outside the upper left corner, and extends, diagonally across the door, from the upper left corner to the lower right corner of the door, and arranged such that the rear end 330a does not reach substantially further than the end of the door 302, in said first direction. As illustrated, the rear end 330a does not reach substantially further than any of the geometrical door end plane 360 and 360'.
The joint end, or front end, of the left second track member 306a, extends, or protrudes, a first distance d outside, or from, the door 302, in the direction of extension of the second track member 306a.Furthermore, the left second track member 306a has a total member length D_M, in the first direction, and the door 302 has a total door length D_D, in the first direction, wherein the total member length, D_M, is substantially equal to D_D + d.
On the right hand side of Fig 3b, the right second track member 306b is arranged in an alternative embodiment, such that is extends, substantially from a upper right corner, across the door, to a left lower corner of the door. The joint means 309b is arranged to the side of the door and the joint end of the second track member 309b is arranged, or protrudes, beyond the right side end of the door a distance d, in the direction of extension of the second track member 306b. Furthermore, the second track member 306b extends to the end of the door, in the first direction, wherein the rear end 330b coincides with the geometrical door end planes 360, 360'.
In other words, the total member distance D_M, the protruding distance d, and the total door distance D_D, is arranged such that D_M is equal to D_D + d.
Fig 3c illustrates alternative embodiments of the assembly, wherein each one of the left and right second track members 306a, 306b is arranged with a respective joint means 309a, 309b which pivots about a vertical axis of rotation. Hence, the second track members are rotatable in a horizontal plane of rotation and are, in their folded and collapsed position, arranged in a horizontal position parallel with a vertical top end of the door 302 and arranged to the side of the door 302.
As illustrated, the joint end of the left second track member 306a is arranged to the side of, and above the door 302, and extends a distance d, in the direction of its extension, from the door. Furthermore, the rear end 330a reaches to the end of the door 302, in the extension of direction of the second track member. In more detail, the rear end coincides with the geometrical door end plane 360', as illustrated. The distances d, total member lengths D_M, and total door lengths D_D, of the right second track member 306a, are hence arranged such that D_M is substantially equal to D_D + d.
The joint end of right second track member 306b is arranged above the door 302, and does not extend, or protrude, outside the door in its first direction. Furthermore, the rear end 330b reaches to the end of the door 302, in the first direction. The distances d, total member lengths D_M, and total door lengths D_D, of the left second track member 306b, are hence arranged such that D_M is smaller than D_D + d, wherein d equals zero. In relation to this invention d only assumes positive values.
Typically, the left and right second track members extend in the same or corresponding directions.
Fig 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of the assembly 501 according to the present invention which is arranged as described with reference to Fig 2a-c, unless otherwise is explicitly stated. The assembly 501 comprises a sliding overhead door 502 which comprises horizontal panels which are hingedly interconnected to each other so as to form the door 502. The assembly 501 further comprises a left and right guide track system which, in a mounted position, are arranged to guide the door 502 from the closed position to an open overhead position. The left and right guide track system is arranged in a mirrored arrangement on the respective left and right side of the assembly 502.
With respect to Fig 5 and the subsequent figures, mainly the left guide track system will be described. However, the right guide tack system comprises similar features and has a corresponding arrangement with respect to the left guide track system, unless otherwise is stated.
In Fig 5, the left guide track system is arranged in the folded and collapsed position. A first track member 505a is interconnected to and arranged along the complete left vertical side of the door 502. A second track member 506a is rotatably connected to the assembly at the upper left end of the assembly by a joint means 509a, such as swivel pin or hinge. The second track member 506a comprises a first portion 507a and a second portion 508a which are telescopically moveable in relation to each other between a collapsed and extended position.
The second track member 506a further comprises a stopping means 521a which is arranged to prevent a relative movement between the first and second portions 507a, 508a when the second track member 506a is arranged in the extended position. Hence, during extension of the second track member 506a, further relative telescopic movement between the first and second portions 507a, 508a is hindered when the extend position is reach. The stopping means 521 is e.g. formed of a pin which is arranged on the first portion 507a, and arranged, by snapping action, to be received in a recess, or hole, arranged in the second portion 508a, wherein the pin and recess are arranged to align in the extended position of the second track member 506a. As illustrated, the door has a rear, or inner, surface 542.
Fig 6 further illustrates the embodiment of the assembly described with reference to Fig 5. In this view, the assembly is illustrated in a position in which the second track member 606a is partially rotated from its folded position towards its unfolded overhead position, and partially extended towards its telescopically extended position. The first tack member 505a is arranged adjacent and parallel with the left vertical side 503 of the door 502.
A distance bar 624 is connected between the rear ends of, and arranged perpendicularly between, the left and right second track members 606a, 606b. The distance bar 624 ensures the right distance between the second track members 606a, 606b and facilitates the mounting of the assembly 602, e.g. by being of equal length and being attached at corresponding positions of said left and right second track members. The distance bar also maintains the second track members 606a, 606b in a suitable parallel arrangement during unfolding and mounting of the second track members 606a, 606b in the intended overhead position.
The assembly 602 is further provided with a first and second diagonal brace 625a, 625b. The diagonal braces are arranged cross-wise and in a diagonal arrangement with respect to the second track members 606a, 606b so as to secure a correct orientation of the second track members during unfolding, mounting, and during use. The diagonal braces 625a, 625b may be provided to the assembly during mounting, or may also be pre-mounted during manufacturing of the assembly 602. As illustrated, the first diagonal brace 625a is connected to the rear end 630a of the left second track member 606a and to a front end, or forward end, 631b of the right second track member 606b. Accordingly, the second diagonal brace is connected to the rear end 631b of the right second track member 606b and to a front end, or forward end, 630a of the left second track member 606a. For example, the diagonal braced may be formed of wires, or solid bars of a suitable material.
Fig 7 further illustrates the embodiment of the assembly as described with reference to Fig 5 and Fig 6. In this view the assembly 702 is arranged in its unfolded and mounted position, wherein the second track members 706a, 706b are unfolded, or pivoted, to the desired horizontal overhead position. The second track members 706a, 706b are further secured in their respective intended position by means of roof hangers 740 which are attached to the distance bar 724 and to roof supports 741 which are arranged to be attached to the roof, or ceiling, or other suitable support structures.
In its mounted position, the left and right guide track system is arranged to guide the door 702 between the closed vertical position, which is illustrated in Fig 7, and the open overhead position corresponding to the overhead position of the garage door 102, as described with reference to Fig 1.
The door 702 is on its left and right vertical side arranged with track runners, such as rollers, for guiding the door, via the curved track sections 714a, 714b, along the track path formed by the guide track system. In more detail, the track runners are received in tracks arranged in the first track members 705a, 705b, and further arranged to travel in tracks arranged in the curved track sections and in the second track members.
Fig 8a-b illustrate zoom in views of a portion of the guide track system as described with reference to Fig 5-7. The guide track system is arranged in the mounted position, wherein the second track member 806b is in the unfolded and extended position, and wherein the curved track section 814b has been arranged in a corresponding position.
As illustrated, the right first track member comprises a vertical track 813b which is facing the right vertical side 804 of the door. The second portion 808b of the second track member 806b is telescopically provided within the first portion 807b, and telescopically arranged in the extended position. In more detail, as illustrated, the second portion 808b has been telescopically moved, or slided, rearwards in relation to the assembly and the first portion 807b, wherein a partial section of the first portion 807b at least partially surrounds, in the longitudinal direction, a partial section of the second portion 808b. Hence, a partial section of each one the first portion 807b and the second portion 808b are telescopically engaged with another.
A first overhead track 811b is arranged within the second track member 806a for guiding at least one upper track runner 827 of the door 802 such that the upper portion of the door may be arranged e.g. in a fully closed position. The first overhead track 811b is arranged in both the first portion 807b and the second 808b portion of the second track member 806b, such that a front portion of the first overhead track is arranged in the first portion 807b and a rear portion of the first overhead track is arranged in the second portion 808b. The front and rear portions of the first overhead track are arranged telescopically, wherein, when the first and second portions of the second track member are telescopically moved in relation to each other, and the rear and front portions of the first overhead track are exposed to a corresponding telescopic movement. In more detail, the rear and front portion of the first overhead track may be arranged in a telescopically collapsed and a telescopically extended positions in relation to each other, as the second track member 806b is arranged in the collapsed and extended position, respectively. In the collapsed position, at least the front portion of the first overhead track is overlapped by the rear portion of the first overhead track, whereas, in the extended position, the front and rear portions of the first overhead track are arranged longitudinally, in the direction of the second track member, substantially after each other to form the first overhead track 811b. In other words, the front and rear portions of the first overhead track are arranged in an overlapping telescopic configuration in the first portion 807b and second portion 808b of the second track member 806b. The effective length of the first overhead track 811b of the second track member is shorter in the collapsed position of the second track member than in the extended position. In other words, the effective length of the first overhead track 811b is changed upon relative telescopic movement of the first and second portions 807b,808b.
The second track member 806b, further comprises a second overhead track 812b, arranged in the second portion 808b, for guiding the remaining track runners 828 of the door which are not received in and guided by the first overhead track 812b. The first and second overhead tracks are typically arranged along each other in the second track member, and may for example be arranged side by side in a horizontal and/or vertical plane.
The guide track system further comprises a curved track section 814b, which provides a track connection between the vertical track 813b and the second overhead track 812b. The curved track section 814b is for example mounted and arranged after the unfolding and extending of the second track member 806b.
Accordingly, the guide track system comprises a first and a second track path which are arranged to guide the door 802. The first track path is formed of the first overhead track 811b, wherein the second track path is formed of the vertical track 813b, the second overhead track 812b, and the curved track section 814b in an interconnected arrangement.
As further illustrated, the vertical track 813b is formed and interconnected to the curved track section 814b. The curved track section 814b is further interconnected with an end portion 815b of the second portion 808b. The end portion 815a of arranged in the forward direction and comprises an opening which opening is facing in a direction normal to the geometrical inner surface plane.
The first portion 807b is provided with a gap, or clearance, 821b facing downward, in a vertical direction, which gap 821b is arranged to receive the curved track section 814. The gap 821b allows for that the curved track section 814b may be received and mounted such that the curved track section 814b is interconnected with the opening 815b of the second overhead track 812, as illustrated in Fig 8a-b.
Fig 8a further illustrate a cross-sectional view of the second track member along line I-I at the telescopic connection between the first and second portions 807b, 808b of the second track member. The cross-sectional view shows a cross section of the second portion 808b which is arranged at least partly inside the cross-section of the first portion 807b. The first overhead track 811b is arranged inside the second track member and formed by both the first portion 807b and the second portion 808b. The second overhead track 812b is formed of a portion of the second portion 808b of the second track member, and is formed by a curved sectional portion of the second portion along the length extension of the second portion 808b. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional view, track runners 827, 828, in the form of rollers, are schematically illustrated by dotted lines. The rollers 827, 828 are received in the first and second overhead track 811b, 812b, respectively. It is noted that the rollers are only schematically illustrated and are typically not arranged in the overhead tracks when the door is in its closed position as it is in Fig 8. Also, the track runners are typically not arranged next to each other in the same cross-section of the second track member.
Fig 9 further illustrates a zoom in view of a portion of the guide track system as described with reference to Fig 5-7. A liner 920b is provided in a revealed portion of the first portion 807b in order to level, and make even, the first overhead track. The revealed portion is revealed by the relative sliding telescopic movement between said first and second portions 907b, 908b, when the second track member is arranged in its extended position, and gives rise to an uneven first overhead track. The first portion 907b further comprises a protruding portion 922b which provides a support, or abutment, for the curved track section 914b when it is arranged in the gap 921b and interconnected with the second portion 908b. Furthermore, the first portion 907b is connected via the articulately arranged screw 909b to a frame portion 923b of the assembly, which frame portion 923b also forms a support structure for the guide track system.
As further illustrated in the perspective cross-sectional view, taken along line II-II, in Fig 9, the cross-section of the first portion 907b and the curved track section 914b is shown. The first overhead track 911b is arranged with the liner 921b which is provided on the first overhead track path inside the first portion. The curved track portion 914b is received in the gap 921b of the first portion and aligned with a protruding portion 925, extending downwards, of the first portion 911b which is for guiding the curved track section 914b into the correct track position in relation to the second portion of the second track member.
In fig 10, the second track member 1006b is arranged in the folded position, wherein it is, via the articulately arranged screw1009b, connected to a further supporting member 1024b of the assembly. Therefore, as illustrated, the assembly comprises a supporting member 1024 which is arranged to receive the joint means, such as the articulately arranged screw 1009b, in order to support and rotatably connect the second track member 1006b to the assembly. Also, the assembly is provided with a balance arrangement comprising a winch barrel 1026 arranged with a wire, or cable, which is attached to the door for facilitating opening and closing of the door.
It should be noted that in the above description, features of the left and right guide track system are generally arranged in the same way and with corresponding features. Hence, for example, when reference is made to the left second track member, the right second track member is normally arranged in a corresponding manner, and vice versa. The left and right guide track system may also be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a vertical symmetry plane which is normal to the door and arranged between the left and right guide track systems, when the assembly is in an upright position.
The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a number of explicitly disclosed embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by the skilled person in the art, embodiments other than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims, for example, instead of being folded towards the rear side of the door, the second track members may be folded or rotated toward the front side of the door, until they are arranged substantially in parallel with said geometrical inner surface, although at a distance therefrom. When folded this way, the second track members may be arranged in any direction, such a vertically, horizontally or diagonally as described in relation to said second member when rotated towards a rear side of the door.

Claims

An overhead sliding door assembly (201), comprising
a sliding overhead door (202) having, in a mounted and a closed position, two vertical sides (203),
a left and a right guide track system arranged to guide said sliding overhead door between a closed position and an open overhead position at least when said assembly (201) is in a mounted position,
each one of said left and right guide track systems comprises
- a first track member (205a, 205b) arranged to be mounted vertically for guiding said sliding overhead door to said closed position at least when said assembly (201) is in said mounted position,

- a second track member (206a, 206b) arranged be mounted in an overhead position for guiding said sliding overhead door to said open overhead position at least when said assembly (201) is in said mounted position, and

- joint means (209a, 209b) rotatably connecting said second track member (206a, 206b) so as to allow said second track member (206a, 206b) to be arranged in a folded position substantially in parallel with said sliding overhead door (202),
wherein said second track member (206a, 206b) comprises a first (207a, 207b) and second (208a, 208b) portion, said first and second portions being telescopically moveable in relation to each other between a collapsed and an extended position,
wherein said second track member (206a, 206b), when arranged simultaneously in said collapsed and folded position, does not protrude substantially beyond a geometrical door end plane along the direction of extension of said second track member (206a, 206b), wherein said door end plane is normal to the rear surface of said sliding overhead door (202) and coinciding with a remote end of said sliding overhead door (202).
An overhead sliding door assembly according to claim 1, wherein said joint means (209a, 209b) rotatably connects said second track member (206a, 206b) so as to allow said second track member (206a, 206b) to be arranged in a folded position substantially in parallel with said first track member (205a, 205b).
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said joint means (209a, 209b) is arranged adjacent to a geometrical surface plane, said geometrical surface plane coinciding with a rear side surface (210) of said sliding overhead door (202).
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sliding overhead door comprises a plurality of track runners provided on each one of said vertical sides,
said second track member (206a, 206b) comprises a first overhead track (211a, 211b) arranged to receive at least one of said track runners for guiding said sliding overhead door (202),
said first and second portions (207a, 207b; 208a, 208b) of said second track member each comprises a respective portion of said first overhead track (211a, 211b), and
wherein the effective length of said first overhead track (211a, 211b) is shorter in said collapsed position than in said extended position.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to claim 4, wherein said first track member (205a, 205b) comprises a vertical track (213a, 213b) arranged to receive said track runners for guiding said sliding overhead door (202), and
wherein each one of said left and right guide track systems is further arranged to receive
- a curved track section (214a, 214b) for providing a track connection between said vertical track (213a, 213b) and said first overhead track.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to claim 4, wherein said second track member further comprises a second overhead track (812a, 812b) arranged to receive said track runners for guiding said sliding overhead door.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to claim 6, wherein said first track member comprises a vertical track (813a, 813b) arranged to receive said track runners for guiding said sliding overhead door, and each one of said left and right guide track systems are arranged to receive
a curved track section (814a, 814b) for providing a track connection between said vertical track (813a, 8613b) and said second overhead track (812a,812b).
An overhead sliding door assembly according to claim 7, wherein said first portion (807a, 807b) of said second track member engages with said joint means (809a, 809b),
said second portion (808a, 8608b) of said second track member comprises an end portion (815a, 8615b) which provides a telescopic connection to said first portion (807a, 807b), and
said end portion (815a, 815b) is further arranged to receive said curved track section (814a, 814b).
An overhead sliding door assembly according to claims 3 and 5, or 3 and 7, or 3 and 8, wherein said joint means is located closer to said geometrical surface plane compared to the location of a connection between said curved track section and one of said overhead tracks.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said second track member comprises a revealed portion which is revealed by a relative sliding movement between said first and second portions, and
wherein said revealed portion is arranged with a track liner (920b) which is arranged to level the first and second portions of said first overhead track in relation to each other.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second track member is provided with a stopping means (521a, 521b) arranged to prevent a relative movement between said first and second portions when arranged in said extended position, wherein said relative movement is directed towards a further extension of said portions or towards arranging said portions in said collapsed position.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second track member is provided with locking means arranged to prevent a rotational movement of said second track member towards said folded position, and to maintain said second track member in an unfolded position after a rotational movement of the same from said folded position.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a distance bar (624) connected to and arranged perpendicularly between said second track members of said left and right guide track systems, and preferably connected between the rear ends of said second track members.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first diagonal brace (625a) connected to and arranged diagonally between respective overhead portions of said left guide track system and said right guide track system so as to secure a correct orientation of the second track member in an unfolded position, wherein said brace is preferably connected to one of said left and right guide track systems at a rear end (630a) of said second track member and connected to the other of said left and right guide track systems at a front end (631b) of said second track member.
An overhead sliding door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first and a second diagonal brace (625a, 625b) wherein said diagonal braces are arranged diagonally and cross-wise between respective overhead portions of said left guide track system and said right guide track system, so as to secure a correct orientation of the second track member in an unfolded position, wherein
said first brace (625a) is preferably connected to a rear end (630a) of said second track member of said left guide track systems and to a front end (631b) of said second track member of said right guide track systems, and
said second brace (625b) is preferably connected to a rear end (630a) of said second track member of said right guide track systems and to a front end (631a) of said second track member of said left guide track systems.