MXPA00000423A - Roll-up door with low friction edges - Google Patents

Abstract

A roll-up type industrial door (10) includes a flexible vinyl sheet (12) forming a curtain for closing a doorway (14) having an upper end (18), a lower end (20) and two opposite side edges (22). The sheet (12) has a thin main area (26) and elongate side edge sections (28, 30) that are thicker than the main area (26). A sloping shoulder (32) is formed where each side edge (22) section meets the main area (26). A curtain winding mechanism (34, 36, 38) is connected to the upper end (18) of the curtain (12) and is used to raise the curtain (12). A pair of spaced apart guide channels (52, 54) are also provided and the side edge sections (28, 30) are movable therein. Friction reducing, wear resistant fabric strips (90) are bonded to both of the side edge sections (28, 30) and extend therealong. These strips (90) cover the sloping shoulders (88) and are bonded thereto. The strips (90) reducethe amount of friction between the side edge sections (28, 30) and their respective guide channels (52, 54). Preferably the strips (90) are made of one ply polyester monofilament.

Description

ROLLING DOOR WITH LOW FRICTION EDGES DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to rolling doors 5 that are intended to be used in industrial and commercial buildings and structures and, in particular, rolling doors that include a flexible sheet that forms a curtain to close an entrance and a pair of guide channels separated in which the sections of the lateral edges of the curtain move respectively. Rolling doors for industrial and commercial use have been known for some time and, depending on the precise construction of the particular door, such doors can have a number of advantages.

For example, lightweight vinyl doors can be made to operate relatively quickly while, at the same time, such doors can have a pleasant, relatively clean appearance. Such doors must be relatively silent in their operation, since they can be operated quickly and efficiently by means of an electric motor and suitable push button controls. U.S. Patent No. 4,478,268 issued October 23, 1988 to Cooper Cliff Door Manufacturing (1980) Limited, describes the so-called door that minimizes damage to close a vehicular passage, in which the door is f-t__¡-_g. _J-Í_¡ __ .. ^. V > ... _a__i ___-_ ^ g -. ^. > «- ^ constructed of a rubber material or similar to resistant rubber. The curtain is secured along its upper edge to a mechanism for winding the curtain including a winding drum supported on mounting brackets. The lower edge of the curtain is connected to a base bar constructed of angled members and a flat bar. In this curtain, the side edges of the curtain can be pulled laterally through the mouth of the groove formed by each guide channel when a predetermined impact force is applied to the curtain. The preferred rubber curtain as described in U.S. Patent 4,478,268 has a thickened area extending along each edge of the curtain. Each guide channel of the door has a throat of reduced width to restrict the movement of the thickened area of the edge of the curtain outside the channel. The throat of the guide channel is narrower than the thickened area of the edge of the curtain. The thickened area of the edge may be provided with a sloping shoulder on the side thereof where the thickened area meets the main thin area of the curtain. One difficulty with this known curtain structure is that there may be a substantial friction between the thick rubber edges of the curtain and the metal guide channels, particularly if the curtain is subjected to significant wind or air pressure on one side of the curtain. same, and this can result in problems with the operation of this door. U.S. Patent No. 4,601,320 issued July 22, 1986 to Douglas Taylor discloses an improved industrial door where the friction reducing devices in the form of plastic strips constructed of ultrahigh molecular weight plastic are bonded to the thickened sections of the lateral edge of a plastic sheet. Curtain made of rubber or synthetic rubber. These plastic strips extend along the lateral edge sections of the curtain and are provided to reduce the amount of friction between the lateral edge friction and the guide channels. On one side of the curtain those strips are separated in an end-to-end relationship, so that they will not interfere with the rise or fall of the rubber curtain. Although such plastic strips have worked satisfactorily, there is a problem with such strips that the plastic material from which they are made is relatively expensive and the process for joining the strips in the desired shape to the edges of the door is a very labor-intensive job. intensive that adds significantly to the cost of the door. U.S. Patent No. 5,170,883 issued December 15, 1992 to M & amp;; I Door Systems Limited describes a relatively high-speed roll-up door, where the curtain is made of a relatively thin sheet of plastic or cloth. The upper end of the thin curtain is mounted to a rotating curtain roller, which is operably connected to an electric door operator. Two vertical guide channels are arranged on opposite sides of the door opening and act to guide the flexible curtain along the correct path. Each guide channel is constructed of two guide plates, which can be made of steel or aluminum. The door itself is provided with a rigid lower bar, which extends across the width of the door opening and towards the guide channels. A safety device is provided at the known construction edge, along the lower part of the lower bar. Each end of the lower bar can be provided with a strip of friction reducing material made of the aforementioned ultra high molecular weight plastic. These plastic strips help reduce the friction between an end plate of the lower bar and the flange of the front guide plate of each guide channel. The roller door of the present invention is provided with relatively inexpensive wear-resistant fabric strips which are attached to the sections of the flexible sheet forming the door. These strips may extend in a direction parallel to the lateral edges of the door curtain, cover the inclined rims formed between thicker sections of the side edge of the curtain and the relatively thinner main area of the curtain. These strips of cloth reduce the amount of friction between the sections of the lateral edge of the curtain and their respective guide channels. Roller doors constructed in accordance with the invention can be manufactured more easily and at less cost than the flexible rubber roll-up doors known above, described above. In a preferred embodiment of the roller door of the present, the thicker sections of the side edges of the curtain can be pulled in a general manner, under an impact force of the guide channels, often without significant damage to the curtain and Fabric strips that reduce friction help the release of the lateral edge sections of their respective channels. According to one aspect of the invention, a rolling door comprises a flexible sheet forming the curtain for closing an inlet having an upper end, a lower end and two opposite side edges. The blade has a relatively thin main area and elongated sections on the side edge that are thicker than the rest of the blade. An inclined ledge is formed where each section of the lateral edge meets the main area. The door includes a mechanism for winding the curtain having the upper end of the curtain attached thereto for lifting the curtain and a pair of separate guide channels, in which the lateral edge sections move respectively. The lateral edge sections are engageable, respectively, with the guide channels. The door is characterized by strips of wear-resistant fabric, which reduce friction, attached to both sections of the side edge and which extend along them in a direction parallel to the side edges. These strips include strips of cloth that can be attached to the inclined shoulders. The strips reduce the amount of friction between the lateral edge sections and their respective guide channels. The preferred fabric strips are made of a one-fold polyester monofilament and the strips are covered with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on one side, this side is attached to the respective side edge section of the curtain. According to another aspect of the invention, a rolling door comprises a flexible curtain that moves vertically to close an entrance, this curtain has an upper end, a lower end, and side edges, and has a relatively thin main area and a thicker strip along a substantial length of each edge, with each strip forming a direct line lock. This is formed by a sliding flange where each strip meets the main area. A mechanism is also provided for winding the curtain having the upper end of the curtain attached thereto to raise and lower the curtain and a curtain guide system including a pair of separate guide channels, in which the side edges, including the Thicker strips, move respectively. Each thicker strip is engageable with its respective guiding channel. The door is characterized by strips of wear-resistant polyester fabric that reduce friction, attached to both of the thicker strips and that extend lengthwise in a direction parallel to the side edges. Those strips of cloth include strips of cloth that cover and are attached to the inclined ridges. The strips reduce the amount of friction between the thicker strips and their respective guide channels, when the curtain is raised or lowered. Preferably, each thicker strip is formed by an elongated vinyl member of substantially uniform cross section joined to a respective edge section of a vinyl sheet that forms the majority of the curtain. The additional features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a roller blind constructed in accordance with the invention, this door is mounted on an inlet formed in a wall; Figure 2 is a front elevation of the roller door of Figure 1, the door is shown in a partially open position; Figure 3 is a left side view of the roller door of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a front view partly cut away of the curtain of the door used in the door assembly used in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view, showing a lower right corner of the door assembly of Figure 2; and Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view that provides the details of a guide channel and a section of the curtain edge of the door. The roller door or door assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the invention includes a flexible sheet 12 forming a curtain for closing an inlet 14, which can be provided in a wall 16 of a construction or other structure. Frequently, a roller door 10 of this type is used in a commercial or industrial construction and is commonly used to open and close an interior entrance. The curtain has an upper end 18, a lower end 20 and two opposite lateral edges 22 and 24. The sheet 12 has a relatively thin main area 26, which covers the majority of the sheet and two elongated side edge sections 28 and 30. which, as can be seen from Figure 5, are thicker than the rest of the sheet. An inclined flange 32 is formed where each side edge section meets the area 26 or, in other words, the flange 32 is formed on the exposed side of the side edge section that is adjacent to the main area. In a manner known per se, the upper end 18 of the curtain is mounted to a rotating curtain roller or barrel 34, which is part of a curtain winding mechanism used to raise and lower the curtain. The winding mechanism of the curtain also includes an electrical operator for the door 36. The operator includes an electric motor 38, which is connected by means of a motor chain 40 to a door sprocket 42. The electric lines (not shown) ) connect the operator of the electric door to a wall mounted push button control board 44. Since the mechanism for winding the curtain is of known construction, it is considered that a detailed description thereof is not necessary here. To improve the appearance of the assembly, the motor barrel 34 may be partially or totally enclosed by a sheath 46. The flexible door curtain 12 is wound around the horizontal motor barrel 34 which extends through the upper part of the opening of the barrel. 14. The roller 34 has a shaft section 48 projecting outward from each end, each section is rotatably mounted in a suitable bearing mounted on a support bracket 50. The roller door 10 includes a pair of channels separate guides 52, 54 in which the lateral edge sections 28, 30 move, respectively. Those sections of the lateral edge may be coupled with the guide channels 52, 54 and are normally maintained there as explained in greater detail hereinafter. Each of the guide channels 52, 54 is constructed in essentially the same way and reference will be made here to them as the guide channel 54, which can be observed in some detail in Figures 5 and 6. In the preferred embodiment of the For each door, each guide channel includes an elongated metal front plate 56 and an elongated metal rear guide member 58 which, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, is in the form of a tubular member having a generally square horizontal cross section. The faceplate 56 is releasably connected to the back guide member 58 if desired, by means of washers and bolts 59. Preferably, the faceplate is grooved at 61 at each location on the bolt to allow the guide groove to be adjustable to allow reinsertion of the edge of the curtain after impact on the curtain. The two guide members 56, 58 can be made of steel or preferably of aluminum. In a known manner, the back protection member 58 is connected to the adjoining wall 16, such as by the mounting bolts (not shown). Both guiding members extend at least to the top of the entrance 14 (and preferably higher than the existing lintel) and their lower ends are located adjacent the floor or floor surface 60. The preferred faceplate illustrated 56 includes the foot longitudinally extending front 62 and a side leg 64 which extends perpendicular to the front leg and is connected to the rear guide member 58. The front leg 62 preferably includes an inclined inner edge portion 66, which extends to an edge interior 68, which is vertical when the door is installed in an entrance. In a manner known per se, a narrow groove 70 is formed between the inner edge 68 and the front side 72 of the rear guide member 58. The curtain or sheet 12 extends through the groove 70 formed by each guide channel. As can be clearly seen in Figure 6, each side edge section 28, 30 has a total thickness (measured in the direction perpendicular to the front side 72) that is greater than the width of the throat 70, so that each edge section thicker lateral 20, 30 is normally tapered in its respective guiding channel. Preferably, the thickest section of the side edge is made with the use of an elongated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) member, which is bonded to the vinyl sheet of the curtain 12. The preferred vinyl or PVC member 80 it has a substantially uniform cross section that has the shape of a trapezoid. As illustrated in Figure 6, each vinyl member has a front or outer surface 2, which is parallel to the wider back surface 84. The surface 84 is attached to the thin sheet of vinyl of the curtain by means of a cold-bonded cement. Another side of the vinyl member extends perpendicular to the sheet 12 and perpendicular to the surfaces 82 and 84. The inclined flange 32 is formed on a fourth side 88 of the vinyl member. The inclined side 88 is covered by means of a strip of wear-resistant fabric, which reduces friction 90, which is fused to the respective lateral edge section of the curtain. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, preferably there is a more elongated, wear-resistant fabric strip 92 attached to the side of the curtain 12 opposite the vinyl member 80. The two fabric strips 90 and 92 extend to along the section of the lateral edge in a direction parallel to the adjacent lateral edge 22 or 24 of the curtain. The strips 90 and 92 reduce the amount of friction between the respective lateral edge section and the guide channel 52 or 54. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each fabric strip 90, 92 is made of a single pleated polyester monofilament. In order that the fabric strip can easily be attached to the vinyl sheet 12, the fabric strip is coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on one side. This side indicated at 92 is the side attached to the respective lateral edge section of the curtain. Preferably, each of the fabric strips 90 has an internal longitudinal section 96 that covers a narrow section of the main thin area of the sheet 12 and is attached thereto. It will be appreciated that the inner edge 68 of the front plate will tend to scrape against the section 96 of the strip and thus the section 96 prevents wear on the sheet 12 arising from the long-term use of the door. It should be further understood that the second fabric strip 92 serves to reduce the friction between the lateral edge section of the door and the rear guide member 58. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the fabric strips 90, 92 can be very thin and can have a thickness of only about 1.0 mm. Each strip of fabric has a glossy outer side 98 for purposes of reducing friction. In a preferred embodiment of the door, each of the fabric strips 90, 92 extends substantially from the upper end 18 of the sheet 12 to the lower end 20 as illustrated in Figure 4. However, it is also possible that the fabric strips are provided with strip sections extending vertically, spaced apart, with the space between the adjacent ends of the strip sections being at most four inches (10.16 centimeters). The length of the individual strip sections can be as large as desired, but the sections should not be too short so as to result in any undesirable wear on the main sheet 12 of the curtain. Although the degree of inclination of the inclined flange may vary, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the door, the flange 32 slopes outwardly from the transverse center of the curtain at an angle A of about 45 degrees toward the main area of the curtain, this Preferred angle is indicated in Figure 6. Preferably, the angle A of the rim is between about 30 to about 45 degrees to the main area of the curtain. It will be appreciated that each section of the side edge 28, 30 is intended to be released under an impact force from its respective guide channel and both the angle A of the inclined flange and the fabric strips 90, 92 assist in the release of the section of the lateral edge. The angle A should not be too large to prevent the required release of the side edge section of the channel when the curtain is hit without serious damage to the curtain. Similarly, the angle A should not be too small, so that the section of the lateral edge is very easily removed from the channel. There is a greater danger also if the angle A is very small since the section of the side edge could be inadvertently wedged in the throat 70 as a result of the ordinary operation of the door or the pressure of air or wind acting on the door. Also, to assist in the release of the side edge section under an impact force, the faceplate 56 is provided with the above-mentioned, inclined, inner edge portion 66, the slope of this portion preferably corresponds to the slope of the front edge. flange 32. Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the slope of portion 66 is 45 degrees to the flat surface of curtain 12. In a known manner, the flexible sheet or curtain 12 is provided with a rigid lower bar 100, which is attached to the lower end 20 of the curtain and extends almost the entire width of the curtain, not including the lateral edge sections of the curtain. The preferred lower bar illustrated comprises two extruded aluminum bar members extruded 102 and 104 located on opposite sides of the sheet 12. The two bar members are connected by means of nuts and bolts 106, which are distributed in pairs along the length of the bar members (see Figure 2). Preferably, the weight of the lower bar 100 can be varied by using weights 108 mounted on or on each bar member. As illustrated in Figure 5, each bar member 102, 104 is formed with several, for example three, elongated cylindrical cavities 110 capable of receiving a number of weights 108. The weights 108, which may comprise elongated metal rods are inserted into the cavities 110 to adjust the total weight of the lower bar to a desired weight. This desired weight may, for example, depend on the size of the door and in particular on the height thereof. It will be appreciated that a lower bar of appropriate weight is important for proper operation of the rolling door, since the curtain must have a stretching force acting on it so that it is raised and lowered. The stretching force helps maintain the lateral edge sections in the channels and helps prevent the possible joining of the lateral edge sections and channels during door operation. If the lower bar 100 is accidentally hit, it will act to pull the thickened curtain edges of the guide channels. Preferably, each end of each member is provided with a suitable plastic cap 112, which closes the ends of the cavities 110. Also, as is well known, a safety edge strip 114 will extend along the bottom of the lower bar 100. The construction of the safety edge strip is well known and does not need to be described in detail here. The purpose of the safety edge strip is to prevent the door from closing on a person or object in the entrance, the strip 114 acts by causing the door to be rolled in the opposite direction and opened if the member 114 hits an object or a person. In a preferred embodiment of the door, and as illustrated in Figure 5, a strip of wear resistant, reinforcement fabric 115, extends through the bottom of the sheet 12 on each side of the curtain. The strip 115 is positioned between the bar member 102 and 104 and the sheet 12 and helps prevent the sheet 12 from being damaged in the event that the lower bar is struck by reinforcing the lower end portion of the curtain. In a preferred embodiment of the door, the main area of curtain 12 has a thickness of 1.6 millimeters (ldavo inch). A preferred form of this thin sheet for the curtain is sold under the trademark DUROTEX. In this preferred embodiment, the PVC member 80 has a width measured along the widest side 84, of 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) and a thickness of 1.27 centimeters (1/2 inch). It will be appreciated that instead of PVC, the member 80 can be made of other suitable flexible materials such as rubber or synthetic rubber. The illustrated rolled door is provided with two vertically extending rolled strips 15 provided on one side of the curtain as shown in Figure 2. These strips aid in the operation of the door allowing it to advance properly. In other words, those strips tend to keep the curtain rolling up evenly. They have the same thickness, that is to say 1.27 centimeters (1/2 inch), that the members 80 on the edges of the door and can be made of the same PVC material. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the construction of rolling doors that various changes and modifications may be made to the rolled door of the invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all those modifications and changes that fall within the scope of the appended claims be part of this invention.

Claims (20)

CHAPTER CLAIMEDICATORÍO Having described the invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content is claimed in the following CLAIMS:

1. A roller door characterized in that it comprises: a flexible sheet forming a curtain for closing an inlet having an upper end, a lower end, and two opposite side edges, the sheet having a relatively thin main area and elongated sections on the side edge which they are thicker than the rest of the sheet, an inclined rim is formed where each section of the edge of the side meets the main area; a mechanism for winding the curtain having an upper end attached to it to raise the curtain; a pair of separate guide channels, in which the lateral edge sections move respectively, the lateral edge sections can be respectively engaged with the guide channels; and strips of wear-resistant fabrics, which reduce friction, attached to both sections of the side edge and extend all the way in a direction parallel to the side edges, the fabric strips include strips of fabric that cover and are joined around the inclined shoulders and which reduce the amount of friction between the lateral edge sections and their respective guide channels.

2. The roll-up door according to claim 1, characterized in that the fabric strips are made of a polyester monofent of a fold.

The roller door according to claim 2, characterized in that the polyester fabric strips are coated with polyvinyl chloride on one side, such side is joined to the respective lateral edge section of the curtain.

4. The roll-up door according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cloth strips are joined on both sides of each section of the side edge of the curtain.

The roll-up door according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flexible sheet is made of vinyl.

The roll-up door according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rigid lower bar is attached to the lower end of the curtain, the lower bar is formed with a number of elongated cavities to receive a number of weights, and the weights are located in the cavities to adjust the total weight of the lower weight bar desired.

The roll-up door according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each guide channel includes an elongated metal front plate, and an elongated metal rear guide member, and the front plate has an inner edge portion. inclined extending to an outer edge, which extends vertically when the door is installed, a narrow throat being formed between the inner edge and a rear guide member, the curtain extends through the throat formed by each guide channel, and each section of the side edge of the sheet has a total thickness, which is greater than the width of the throat, so that the thickness of the side edge is normally trapped in its respective guide channel.

The roll-up door according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the fabric strips are joined to the respective lateral edge sections, the fabric strips include at least two strips of cloth bonded around the inclined shoulders, and each of at least two fabric strips has an interior longitudinal section that covers a narrow section of the thin main area of the sheet and is attached thereto.

9. The roll-up door according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cloth strip is a continuous fabric extending substantially from the upper end to the lower end of the sheet.

The door according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fabric strip has a thickness of approximately 1.0 mm. and a glossy outer side for engaging with the adjacent guide channel.

11. A roller door, characterized in that it comprises: a flexible curtain that moves vertically to close an entrance, the curtain has an upper end, a lower end and side edges, the curtain has a relatively thin main area and a thicker fabric to along a substantial length of each lateral edge with each strip forming a lock to the wind, forming an inclined ledge where each strip meets the main area; a mechanism for winding a curtain having an upper end attached to it to raise and lower the curtain; a curtain guide system including a pair of separate guide channels, in which the side edges including the thicker strips move, respectively, each thicker strip engages with its respective guide channel; and wear-resistant, friction-reducing polyester strips, attached to both of the thicker strips and extending along them in a direction parallel to the side edges, the strips of cloth include strips of cloth covering and attaching to the strips. inclined rims that reduce the amount of friction between the thicker strips and their respective guide channels, when the curtain is raised or lowered.

12. The roller blind according to claim 11, characterized in that each thickened strip is formed by an elongated vinyl member of substantially uniform cross section, attached to the respective lateral edge section of a vinyl sheet that forms the majority of the curtain.

The roller blind according to claim 12, characterized in that each guide channel comprises an elongated metal guide member and an elongated metal front plate, the latter having an inclined inner edge portion extending to an inner edge, the which extends vertically when the door is installed, forming a narrow throat between the inner edge of one side of the rear guide member.

14. The roller door according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the fabric strips are joined on both sides of the curtain at the side edges.

15. The roll-up door according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the cloth strips are made of a single-fold monofilament cloth, are coated with polyvinyl chloride on one side, the side is the joined side to the side edge of the curtain. The roll-up door according to claim 13, characterized in that the front plate is connected to the rear guide member, the curtain extends through the throat formed by each guide channel, and each thicker strip of the curtain has a thickness total, which is greater than the width of the throat, so that the thicker strip is normally trapped in its respective guide channel. The roll-up door according to any of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the cloth strip has a maximum thickness of about 1.0 mm and a glossy outer side to mate with the adjacent guide channel. The roll-up door according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the fabric strips covers each inclined rim, which is formed by the elongated vinyl member, and other of the strips are attached to one side of the rim. curtain, which is opposite to the side to which the elongated vinyl members are attached. The roll-up door according to any of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that each inclined flange slopes outwardly from the transverse center of the curtain at an angle of approximately 45 degrees towards the main area of the curtain. The roll-up door according to any of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that each inclined flange slopes outwardly from the transverse center of the curtain at an angle ranging from about 30 to about 45 degrees to the main area of the curtain.