MXPA01004776A - Upward acting sectional door with pinch resistant edge profile between door panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A sectional upward acting door (20) includes interconnected door panels (22) which are formed with generally planar outer and inner wall parts and upper and lower edges (38,40) which cooperate to provide a pinch resistant joint between door panels when they are pivoted relative to each other. Spaced apart snap together hinge assemblies and snap in place guide roller support brackets may be used to assemble the door by moving the panels (22) into assembly with each other between the door guide tracks. The panel edge profiles are formed by a convex surface on an upper edge of one panel and a cooperating concave multiple planar segment surface on the lower edge of the adjacent panel. An elongated seal strip may be secured in a groove in the lower edge of one panel and engageable with the apex of the upper edge of the adjacent panel. The panels are formed with inclined wall parts spaced inwardly of the pinch resistant edge profiles for supporting the hinge assemblies within a recess so that the hinge assemblies do not protrude inwardly of the generally coplanar inner wall parts of the panels. The hinge assemblies include opposed hinge plates with separate or integrally formed hinge pins on one hinge plate and the other hinge plate is formed with opposed elastically deflectable retainer tabs which allow the hinge pin to be snapped into a bearing bore in the other hinge plate to facilitate connecting the door panels to each other.

Description

SECTIONAL DOOR OF ACTION ASCENDING WITH PROFILE OF RESISTANT EDGES TO THE PRESSED BETWEEN DOOR PANELS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to a sectional or multiple-panel, upwardly acting door, with edge profiles resistant to pressing, between the door panels and where the panels are interconnected by hinge assemblies which can be snapped together to facilitate the assembly of the door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The multi-paneled garage doors or known as sectional, and the like, have been developed with panel edge profiles between adjacent door panels, which are adapted to minimize the pressing of a person's fingers between the panels when the door is move to a closed position. Although various configurations of door panels with press-resistant edge profiles are known in the prior art, there has been a continuing need to provide an improved sectional door construction wherein a profile of press-resistant edges is provided between adjacent panels or door sections and at the same time other wishes in the construction, assembly and operation, in particular ascending action garage doors, of multiple or sectional panels. An improvement that has been sought in the development of up-and-down sectional doors, is the provision of door panels that can be inexpensively manufactured and that at the same time provide an appropriate shape or profile of the upper and lower edges of the panels, to minimize the opportunity to press a person's fingers between the adjacent panels on the outside or inside of the door, during the movement of the panels between the open and closed positions of the door. Another problem that has not been satisfactorily solved by the prior art sectional door designs is the provision of a panel configuration, with or without a pressing-resistant edge profile, which also provides for the minimization or elimination of the parts of the panel. hinge projecting from the plane of the inner side of the door panel. Accordingly, there has been a need and desire to provide sectional doors where the door panels can be stored and transported to an installation site, substantially as flat panels without uneven thicknesses caused by the hinge members or guide member support portions that are projected from the plane of the panels.

Still yet, there has been a need to provide sectional door assemblies wherein the door panels can be easily connected to each other during the assembly of the door at its installation site. In this regard, it has also been found desirable to provide hinge assemblies for interconnecting adjacent door panels, wherein the hinge blades can be easily connected together and where the hinge blades can be preassembled to the respective panels, if desired. you want, before transporting the door to the installation site. In addition, it has been considered desirable to provide support brackets for the panel guide members, which allow a substantially lateral mounting of the panels between the guide channels of the door. Other desires in the art of ascending action sectional doors have been provided by the present invention as will be appreciated by the experimenters in the art upon reading the following detailed description, together with the drawing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an upwardly acting sectional door including door panels having cooperating edge profiles, which minimize the pressing action therebetween, when moving between the open and closed positions of the door. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an upwardly spaced sectional door is provided with door sections or panels which are preferably constructed of rolled or extruded metal or plastic and which have cooperating edge profiles wherein the edges of the panels coerce in such a manner as to minimize the action of pressed between them and the edges have a configuration that facilitates the interconnection of the door panels, by means of improved hinge assemblies which, preferably, do not project inwardly beyond the inner plane of the door panel. The configuration of the door panels is also advantageous with respect to the configuration and manufacture of multiple door types including non-insulated panels as well as insulated panels with varying insulation thicknesses. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an upwardly acting sectional door including improved hinge assemblies for interconnecting the adjacent door panels, hinge assemblies that are adapted to cooperate with the door panels to be placed substantially within of a channel or through a space formed between the adjacent panels when the door is in a closed position, in order to eliminate the projection of the hinge assemblies, from the inner flat side of the door panels. In accordance still with another aspect of the present invention, hinge assemblies are provided, particularly useful for interconnecting the panels of a sectional type door or of multiple panels, wherein the opposite leaves of the hinge assemblies can be "snapped together" or push against each other, to facilitate the assembly of the respective door panels with each other. In this form, the door hinge parts or sheets can be mounted to the respective panels before transport to the installation site, and the door panels can be interconnected on the site only by "stacking" the door panels, one on the upper part of the other, process during which the hinge parts or sheets are automatically coupled together, to form hinge assemblies between adjacent panels. Still still, the present invention provides an improved, multi-panel or sectional garage door, and the like, which includes hinge assemblies that can be easily snapped or pushed together, and which also includes member support brackets Door guide, improved, which can also be quickly mounted to a door panel by means of a push or push type movement, to mount the guide member support brackets, to the structural members of a door panel. In this way, the door panels can be mounted substantially laterally with respect to the guide channels of the door which receive the aforementioned guiding members. Accordingly, an improved method for door assembly is also provided, which avoids the requirement of previously mounting the support brackets of the guide members, to the door panels, thus providing better ease in packing and transport. Furthermore, the door panels do not need to be assembled by lifting the panels to positions required by the prior art door panels, with the support brackets of the guide members, previously mounted, and which must be connected to the channels guide by inserting the door panels into the horizontal section portion, above, of the guide channels. Accordingly, door panels that fit a door opening can be assembled by stacking the panels vertically or by inserting the panels through the horizontal sections of the guide channels, if desired. A major advantage of the improved sectional door configuration is that the door panels no longer require that the hinge components be attached to the panels after they have been placed in place., adjacent to each other, in the door opening or in the horizontal section portion, above, of the guide channels. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the features and advantages, mentioned above, of the present invention, together with other important aspects thereof, upon reading the following detailed description, with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an improved upward sectional sectional door according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view, with part separation, of two adjacent door panels, including the lower panel of the sectional door shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a detailed, perspective view of two adjacent panels of the door shown in Figure 1, together with one embodiment of a hinge assembly for interconnecting the panels; Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view, taken perpendicular to the pivot axis of the panel hinge and showing the configurations of the cooperating edges of the door panels, which provide the profile resistant to pressing; Figure 5 is a sectional view of a fully insulated door panel, in accordance with the invention, with a back film or support member removed therefrom; Figure 6 is a sectional view of a partially insulated door panel, in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 is a sectional view of another partially insulated door panel, in accordance with the invention; Figure 8 is a detailed sectional view, similar to that of Figure 4, showing another embodiment of a door panel according to the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view, with part separation, of a preferred embodiment of a hinge assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is an perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in Figure 9, mounted and connected to adjacent door panels; Figure 11 is a perspective view, with part separation, of a first alternative embodiment of a hinge assembly in accordance with the invention; Fig. 12 is a view of the hinge assembly of Fig. 11, in a mounted condition; Figure 13 is a perspective view, with part separation, of a second alternative embodiment of a hinge assembly, in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of Fig. 13, in a mounted condition; Fig. 15 is a plan view, developed, of one of the hinge blades of the hinge assembly shown in Figs. 13 and 14; Figure 16 is a detailed sectional view, taken from line 16-16 of Figure 14 and showing the upper hinge sheet rotated to an alternative position; Figure 17 is a perspective view of two adjacent door panels, shown, connected by one embodiment of the hinge assemblies according to the invention and also showing two opposing guide member support brackets, in accordance with the invention; Figure 18 is an end elevation of one of the end vertical posts to support the support brackets of the guide members shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a detailed, side elevational view of a portion of the end vertical post shown in Figures 17 and 18. Figure 20 is a detailed view showing the configuration of one of the support tabs of the brackets of the guide members, for the upright member shown in Figures 18 and 19; Figure 21 is a rear elevation view of a support bracket for guide members; Figure 22 is a detailed sectional view, taken, in general, along the line 22-22 of Figure 20; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an uninsulated door panel, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 24 is a detailed view of a portion of the panel shown in Figure 23, on a larger scale; Figure 25 is a sectional view taken, in general, along the line 25-25 of Figure 23; and Figure 26 is a detailed sectional view, taken, in general, along line 26-26 of Figure 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the following description, equal parts are marked throughout the specification and drawing, with the same reference numbers, respectively. The figures of the drawing may not necessarily be to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown in a generalized form in favor of clarity and conciseness. With reference to Figure 1, a sectional rising action door according to the invention is illustrated and is designated, in general, by the number 20. The door 20 comprises a plurality of door panels 22, generally flat, interconnected , which are configured to have edge profiles that cooperate with each other between the adjacent door panels to provide for the minimization of the pressing of a person's fingers, for example, when the door panels move relative to each other between the positions open and closed the door. The door panels 22 are interconnected by improved hinge assemblies according to the invention, one embodiment of which is illustrated in Figure 1 and is designated by the numeral 23. The hinge assemblies 23 are spaced apart from the opposite side edges 22a and 22b of the respective door panels 22, as illustrated in Figure 1. The sectional door 20 is also supported for movement between the closed, shown, closed and open position in a wall 26, and an open position. by separate guide channels 28 and 30. The opposing guide members 32 are mounted on the door 20 in separate positions on the panels 22 in a manner that will be described in more detail herein and are retained in grooves 28a and 30a with a generally channel shape, formed in the guide channels 28 and 30, respectively, in a known manner, to support the door in its open and closed positions and to guide the door during movement between those positions. The guide channels 28 and 30 are configured to include horizontal section portions 28b and 30b to store the door 20 in its open position and vertical section portions 28c and 30c to support the door in its closed position. An appropriate balancing mechanism 34 is mounted on the wall 26, generally, above and adjacent to the door 20 and is connected to the door by separate hanging cables or similar, flexible, similar members, also in a known manner. A preferred type of balancing mechanism 34 is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 096,663 filed June 12, 1998 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The operative mechanism for moving the door 20 between the open and closed positions may be of a conventional type, not shown. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIG. 2, in particular, two adjacent panels 22 are shown in a part separation view, wherein the hinge assemblies 23 are positioned spaced apart from one another and are adapted to interconnect the panels. . Each of the panels 22 has an upper longitudinal edge 38 and a lower longitudinal edge, generally parallel 40. The panels 22 are preferably reinforced by structural members comprising opposite vertical uprights 42 and 44 having rearwardly oriented projections 43 and 45. respectively, and lateral projections 46 and 47, respectively, for closing the side edges 22a and 22b of the panels. The uprights 42 and 44 are adapted to support the support brackets of the guide members, not shown in Figure 2, to support the guide members 32 shown in Figure 1. The support brackets of the guide members are preferably of a type that will be described in greater detail later in the present. The reinforcing members or intermediate vertical posts 50, see Figure 1, can also be secured to the panels 22 and extend between the edges 38 and 40 of each panel. The intermediate vertical uprights 50 are used in particular if the door panels are not insulated, which is why the panels require additional support that would otherwise be provided by insulating material. Referring further to Figures 3 and 4, each panel 22 may be formed of a rolled or extruded metal or plastic sheet that includes a generally flat outer wall 52, extending between the upper edge 38 and the lower edge 40. The upper edge 38 of each panel is formed by a first surface 54, generally flat, inclined inward, which is contiguous with the outer surface 52 and also with a curvilinear, concave surface 56, as shown in particular in the figure 4. The upper edge 38 is also formed by an additional surface inclined upwards and backwards, 58, FIG. 4, which forms an angle "m" with flat surface 52 in a range of approximately 19 ° to 20 °. The surface 58 is contiguous with a second surface inclined upwards and backwards, 60, which forms an angle "n" with the surface 52 of between approximately 23 ° to 25 °. The surface 60 is contiguous with a convex curvilinear surface 62 having a substantially constant radius and which is also contiguous with a convex curvilinear surface 64 with a radius of curvature significantly less with respect to the surface 62 at the apex of the edge 38. The surface curvilinear 64 is further contiguous with a flat surface 66 extending generally vertically, which is substantially parallel to the surface 52 of the panel 22 and is also contiguous with an inclined surface 68, which preferably forms an angle of approximately 45 ° with with respect to the surface 52. The inclined surface 68 extends between the vertical surface 66 and an interior wall portion 70, generally flat and extending downwards, which is parallel to the surfaces 52 and 66.

The inner wall portion 70 is intersected by a panel portion forming a groove 72 that extends generally perpendicular to the inner wall portion 70 and the wall portion or surface 52 of the outer panel. Finally, the upper end of each panel 22 preferably terminates in a further portion of the inner wall portion 74 that extends to a downward facing edge 74a. The interior wall portion 74, generally flat, is offset off slightly to the exterior wall portion or surface 52 from the interior wall portion 70 or may be substantially coplanar with the interior wall portion 70. As further shown in the figure 4, as well as in Figure 3, a reinforcing plate, generally flat, 76, extends along the inclined surface 68 and is contiguous thereto, to support appropriate threaded fasteners, to secure a plate member u bottom sheet of the hinge assembly 23 to the inclined surface 68 of the panel 22 in the manner shown in Figures 3 and 4. Still referring to Figure 4, in particular, the lower edge 40 of each panel 22 is defined by a convex tip of circular radius 78 adjoining the outer wall portion or surface 52 and with an upward sloping, generally planar surface 80, extending inwardly from the surface 52 at an angle found in the range of about 11 ° to 12 ° with respect to the flat surface 52. The flat surface 80 is contiguous with the second flat surface 82 which extends inward towards the inner wall of the panel 22 and at an angle of about 24 ° to 25 ° with respect to the surface 52. A third surface, generally flat, 84, extends at a steeper angle with respect to the surface 52 to an elongated slot or cavity 86 that extends along the length of the edge 40 and that is adapted to receive a flexible elastomeric seal member 88 forcibly retained therein or by means such as a suitable adhesive. As shown in Figure 2, a sealing strip 91 of the elongate, flexible bottom edge may be retained in the groove 86 of the lower panel 22 to seal the lower edge of the door 20 against a floor surface, if so placed. you want A still more inclined surface 90 extends from the slot 86 at an angle of approximately 60 ° with respect to the surface 52 to a wall part 92 of the inner lower panel, which extends upwards and towards the wall part 70 and which is coplanar with it. The inner surface or wall part 92 is intersected by a transverse groove 94 extending perpendicular thereto. Finally, a wall portion, generally flat, 96, extends parallel to the wall portion 92 and may be slightly traversed therefrom to the surface 52. The wall portion 96 ends with an upward facing edge 96a, at see Figure 4. A reinforcing plate, generally flat, 98, extends along the inner surface of the wall part or surface 90 of the panel and is adhered appropriately thereto, to form a reinforcement for the threaded fasteners adapted to secure the top sheet or plate of the hinge assembly 23 to the panel, on the surface 90. The parts described above for the edges 38 and 40 extend between the side edges 22a and 22b of each panel 22. Various benefits they are achieved by means of the configurations of the upper edges 38 and cooperating lower edges 40 of the panels 22. As will be appreciated when observing Figures 3 and 4, the configurations of the panel edges 38 and 40, provide n a cavity, designated, in general by the number 100 and defined, generally by the surfaces or wall portions 66, 68 and 90 when the panels are mounted adjacent to each other and extend substantially coplanar to each other to receive the hinge assemblies 23 substantially within the confines of the panels. In other words, the hinge assemblies 23 do not extend rearwardly of the surfaces or wall portions 70 and 92 to thereby provide an interior, unobstructed, generally flush, surface of the door 20. The pivot shaft 102, FIG. 4 , of each hinge assembly 23 is positioned between the inner surface of the door 20 defined by the surface or wall portions 70 and 92 of the panels and the outer surface or wall portion 52. This location of the pivot axis of the hinge It also minimizes the clearance requirements for the door 20 when the panels 22 are articulated to each other. The geometry of the edge portion 38 defined by the surfaces 58, 60 and 62 is generally convex but not curved in all its extension, mainly to facilitate manufacture. Still further, the configuration of the edge 40 between the tip 78 and the slot 86 is somewhat concave but neither is it curvilinear, and therefore, it has no radius of curvature, to also facilitate its manufacture. In this way, the configurations of the edges 38 and 40 of the panel, to facilitate the manufacture of the panels 22, provide adequate clearance between the edges 38 and 40 during the articulation of the panels but also minimizes the interspace between the edges. 38 and 40 to prevent a person's fingers from being inserted between the panels from each side of the door 20. The sealing member 88 advantageously engages the edge 38 to provide a substantially watertight seal when the door 20 is in a closed position and dampens the final stage of movement between the door panels 22 when they move to the position shown in Figures 3 and 4. As also shown in Figures 3 and 4, an intermediate space of variable thickness 106 is formed between the edges 38 and 40 in the closed position of the door 20 to provide adequate clearance between the edges 38 and 40 when the panels 22 are hinged to one another. However, the intermediate space 106 is of reduced width, particularly at the point where the convex circular tip 78 is positioned adjacent the surfaces 54, 56, 58 to minimize the insertion of any object, including the fingers of a person between the fingers. panels, and to help provide a seal between the panels in the closed position of the door 20. Furthermore, the concave, segmented configuration of the edge 40 provided by the surfaces 80, 82 and 84 maintains a gap of interspace, sufficiently narrow, between the tip 64 and the sealing member 88 as well as the lower edge 40 to prevent the insertion of an object, including the fingers of a person, between the door panels 22, from the inner side of the panels, when the panels are articulated or rotated with respect to each other. In addition, the portion of the total width of a panel 22 that is required for the portions of the edges 38 and 40 that provide the profile of edges resistant to pressing, is less than about 50% of the total width or thickness of the panel 22. This arrangement it also simplifies the manufacture or manufacture of the panel and reinforces the edges of the panel against unwanted plastic flexing. Referring again to Figure 3, each hinge assembly 23 includes opposing hinge plates, 110, 112, both of which have a generally channel shape. The hinge plate 110 includes a base web 11'Oa and spaced lugs 110b extending perpendicular to the web 110a. The hinge plate 112 includes a base web 112a and separate projections 112b that extend perpendicular to the web 112a. A hollow, tubular, cylindrical pin 114 extends through appropriate holes in the projections 110b and 112b and can be forcedly adjusted in the holes in the projections 110b to retain the connected hinge plates 110 and 112 other. The hinge plates 110 and 112 are appropriately connected to the adjacent panels 22 through conventional hexagonal head screw fasteners 116 that do not need to open their hole before., which extends through appropriate holes found in the webs 110a and 112a and through the wall portions or surfaces 68 and 90 as well as the reinforcing plates 76 and 98 to provide an articulated connection between the panels 22. Referring now to Figure 5, the panels 22 can be modified to be further reinforced and to have additional insulating properties by filling a cavity 25 between the upper and lower edges 38 and 40, with a suitable insulating foam material 25a. The cavity 25 is preferably closed by a support member 120 of generally flat sheet, formed for example of steel, plastic or of a composite material of brown paper and thin metallic paper. The support member 120 includes short, generally parallel, opposite projections, 122 and 124 that can be inserted into the slots 72 and 94. The support member 120 is preferably secured to the insulating foam 25a and to the wall portions or surfaces 74 and 96 by an appropriate adhesive. Figure 6 illustrates an additional modified panel 22 wherein a support member or panel 126 similar to the support 120 is provided, but is of a configuration that includes a flat wall portion 128 that is recessed inwardly and toward the surface 52 to reduce the thickness of an insulating foam layer 25b with respect to that of the panel embodiment shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the panel 22 wherein a support member 130 includes a flat-walled part 132 inclusive of more recessed to the surface 52 to further reduce the thickness of an insulating foam layer 25c. The support members 126 and 130 are, moreover, constructed in the same manner as the support member 120 including the opposing projections which can be inserted in the slots 72 and 94 and which are adapted to adhere to the interior wall portions or surfaces 74 and 96. Referring now to Figure 8, an alternative embodiment of a door panel according to the invention is illustrated by showing the upper and lower edges of the adjacent panels. The panels of the embodiment of Figure 8 are designated, in general, by the numerals 136 and have outer wall portions or surfaces 52a, generally flat. The panel edges, upper and lower, 38a and 40a are formed with the surfaces of cooperating edges, in substantially the same manner as the panels 22, that is, the lower edge 40a includes a tip 78a and contiguous surfaces 80a, 82a and 84a that they have in general the same geometry with respect to the surfaces 52a as the corresponding surfaces of the panel 22. However, the portion of the panel member, which forms the surfaces 52a, 78a, 80a, 82a and 84a terminates in a portion of projection 85 which extends in generally parallel fashion with respect to the surface 52a. Each panel 136 is formed of a second panel part delimited by a projection 87 separated from the projection 85 and adjacent an inclined surface 90a extending towards the surfaces 92a, 96c, which are intersected by a slot 94a, as shown in Figure 8. The panel parts 136a and 136b are secured together on the projections 85 and 87 by an elastomeric, elongate, elongated seal gasket or sealing member 88a positioned between the projections 85 and 87, and secured thereto. by an appropriate adhesive. Referring further to Figure 8, likewise the edge 38a extends inwardly from the outer surface or panel wall portion 52a and is formed by a concave curvilinear surface 56a and the contiguous surfaces 58a, 60a and 62a having a geometry similar to the surfaces 58, 60 and 62 of the panel 22. However, the surface 62a is contiguous with the curved apex or tip, 64a which is also contiguous with the distal, flat projection, 89, which extends generally parallel to the surface 52a. The upper edge of a third panel portion 136c is formed by an inwardly turned projection 91 which forms the terminal part of the rear panel surface 66a which is contiguous with an inclined surface 68a. The surface 68a terminates in a wall part or surface 70a, interior, generally flat, similar to the surface 70. A groove 72a and wall part 74c further defines the panel part 136c. An obturator, elastomeric, elongate seal or sealing member 88b is sandwiched between the projections 89 and 91 and appropriately secured thereto, to join the panel portions 136a and 136c together at the upper edge 38a. As shown in Figure 8, when the adjacent panels 136 are interconnected by the hinge assemblies 23, for example, and are rotated to the closed position of the door where the panels are substantially coplanar, the seal or members of seal 88a and 88b engage each other to form a substantially hermetic seal. The panels 136 may be hinged together by a hinge assembly 23 or by other improved hinge assembly embodiments, in accordance with the invention, which will be described in greater detail herein. An advantage of the panel 136 is the provision of a thermal brake between the outer panel portion 136a and the inner panel portions 136b and 136c, provided by the gasket and the sealing members 88a and 88b, in combination. Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, a preferred embodiment of a hinge assembly useful in the sectional door 20, as well as in certain other sectional doors, is illustrated and is designated generally by the numeral 140. The hinge assembly 140 includes upper or lower hinge plates or plates, 142 and 144 adapted to be secured, respectively, to the wall portions or surfaces 90 and 68 of the panel, as illustrated in Figure 10. The upper hinge plate 142 is a substantially grooved member having a base web 142a and parallel, generally opposite projections, 142b and 142c, see Figure 9, which extends perpendicular to web 142a and which are provided with appropriate holes for receiving a hinge pin , tubular, cylindrical, elongate, 146, which extends between the projections 142b and 142c and which is supported by them. The hinge pin 146 includes opposite distal ends 146a and 146b projecting outward from the projections 142b and 142c, as shown in Figure 9. The distal ends of the pin, 146a and 146b, may be slightly widened, radially, toward outside and placed adjacent to appropriate reinforcing collars 142e, of which one is shown in Figure 9, placed between the distal ends of the bolt and the protrusions 142b and 142c, respectively. The hinge plate 144 is also a member with a generally fluted shape, having a base web 144a and parallel upturned projections 144b and 144c separated and extending generally perpendicular to the web 144a. The projection 144b is provided with a bolt receiving hole 148 and a funnel-like wall portion 150, generally widened outward, which provides an inclined cavity for guiding the distal end 146a of the bolt 146 toward the hole 148. A tongue retainer 152 of the pin, elastically flexible, defines part of the wall of the hole 148 and forms part of the guide or wall portion 150 of the projection 144b. The projection 144c is provided with a hole 148a coaxial with the hole 148, and a funnel-like wall portion 150a bisected outwardly of the projection 144c includes a restraining tab 152a of the pin, which can be elastically flexed. Accordingly, the projection 144c comprises an image in the mirror of the projection 144b. The hinge plates 142 and 144 can be secured together to provide the hinge assembly 140, as shown in Figure 10, preferably first securing the hinge plates 142 and 144 to the respective wall portions or surfaces 90 and 68. , for example, with fasteners 116. Subsequently, when it is desired that a panel 22 be stacked on top of another panel 22, generally in the position shown in Figure 10, the panels move relative to one another, while remaining in substantially coplanar shape, to bring the edges 38 and 40 adjacent one another, while the opposite distal ends 146a and 146b of the pin 146 are guided by the flared wall portions 150 and 150a until the tabs 152 and 152a flex enough to allow the distal ends of the pin to press into the holes 148 and 148a. The enlarged portions 150 and 150a are sufficiently spaced apart that the bolt 146 can be inserted in the middle and can be gradually forcedly engaged with the flared portions and the elastically bent projections 144b, 144c and the tabs 152 and 152a. When the bolt 146 is secured to the hinge plate 144, as shown in Figure 10, the tabs 152 and 152a engage the distal ends of the bolt, 146a and 146b, respectively, to retain the bolt 146 in the holes. 148 and 148a and secure it to the hinge plate 144 to form the hinge assembly 140. Accordingly, in this form two door panels 22 can be mounted together by aligning one panel with the other and inserting the distal ends of the panel bolt. hinge into the holes of the hinge plates 144 in the manner just described, to essentially press-mount the hinge plates 142 and 144 of the hinge assemblies 140 together to form the hinge assemblies and secure the door panels 22 between yes to perform the pivotal movement about the longitudinal center axes 151 of the hinge pins 146. If it is desired to disassemble the hinge assembly 140, the tabs that can be elastically flexed 152 and 152a can be flexed outwardly by removing them from one another by a suitable tool, not shown, enough to remove the distal ends 146a and 146b of the pin 146 whereby the hinge plate 142 can be lifted and removed from the coupling. Bolt 146 with projections 144b and 144c reversing the direction of movement of the hinge pin with respect to hinge plate 144, as described above. The hinge pin 146 may comprise trunions made in a single piece or separately, placed on the projections 142b and 142c and forming the distal ends of the pin, 146a and 146b, respectively, if desired, instead of using the tubular pin. continuous, as shown. Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is illustrated a first alternative embodiment of a snap-fit, hinge assembly in accordance with the invention, and is designated generally by the numeral 160. The hinge assembly 160 utilizes advantageously the hinge plate 142 and the bolt 146 but includes a plate or hinge sheet 162 receiving the pin, substantially modified. The hinge plate 162 includes a mounting projection 164 comprising a part similar to a rectangular plate, generally flat, which is integrally connected with a semi-cylindrical support part 166 having a support hole receiving pin 168 formed therein. , figure 11, and extending between the opposite sides 166a and 166b of the support part 166. The support part 166 is dimensioned in such a way that the hinge plate 162 can be placed between the projections 142b and 142c, as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 12. The support portion 166, Figure 11, includes vertical, separate, opposite wall portions, 169 and 170 which are formed in one piece with the pin retaining nails, opposite, turned inward, 171 and 172 which are inclined towards each other to form a slit somewhat like a V 173 opening towards the support hole 168. The opposing nails 171 and 172 of the wall portions 169 and 170 can be elastically flexed to ia its integral support wall portions 169 and 170 to provide sufficient clearance in order to allow a hinge pin 146 to be received in the support hole 168 for the bolt. The parts or nails that can be flexed elastically 171, 172 are dimensioned to further define the hole 168 such that once the pin 146 has passed through the slot 173 and has flexed the fingers 171 and 172 long enough to be placed in the hole 168, the fingers 171 and 172 return under pressure to the positions shown in Figure 11 to retain the pin 146 in the support hole 168 and securely attached to the hinge plate 162. Accordingly, the hinge assembly 160 also forms a snap-in hinge, as illustrated in Figure 12, whereby the movement of the hinge plate 160 towards the hinge plate 162, somewhat forced, will allow the hinge pin 146 to elastically flex, momentarily, the fingers 171 and 172, enough to allow the bolt to move into the hole 168 whereby the tabs return to their original positions without flexing, to retain the bolt in the hole. As with the hinge assembly 140 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an appropriate tool for elastically flexing the fingers 171 and 172 may be provided in order to allow the hinge plates 142 and 162 to be separated if it is desired to disassemble the mounting. Hinge 160. Referring now to Figures 13, 14 and 16, a second alternative embodiment of a snap-in hinge assembly is illustrated, in accordance with the present invention, and is designated generally by the number 180. The assembly Hinge 180 advantageously utilizes lower hinge plate 162 but includes a one-piece hinge plate or sheet 182 having an integral hinge pin 184 formed thereon. The hinge plate 182 includes a rectangular and generally planar core portion 186 having therein formed appropriate holes 183 for receiving fasteners 116 in order to secure the hinge plate 182 to the wall part or surface 90, for example. of a panel 22. The web part 186 is integrally joined with a wall part 187, which, in turn, is formed in one piece with the bolt 184. The opposite hinge positioning and restricting tabs, 187a and 187b project perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the wall part 187 and can be coupled with the opposite, opposite faces 166a and 166b of the hinge plate 162, figure 14, to restrict the axial displacement of the hinge plates, some with relation to others, to prevent the lateral dismantling of the hinge members of the hinge assembly 180, when the hinge plates or sheets 162 and 182 are in the position of these members indicated in the figure 14 or when the hinge plates are rotated relative to each other, during normal movement of the door panels between the open and closed positions of the door. However, as shown in Figure 16, the hinge plates 162 and 182 can be rotated relative to one another, such that the restriction tabs 187a and 187b as well as the wall portion 187 can be placed between nails 171 and 172, as shown. In this position of the hinge plates 162 and 182 relative to one another, the plates can be separated by sliding the bolt 184 out of the hole 168 along the axis of the hole. The hinge plates 162 and 182 would be disassembled, normally, from the door panels 22 before the separation of each other, in the manner just described. The tabs 187a and 187b can be formed in one piece as part of the entire integral hinge plate 182 by, for example, suitable punching operations. Referring again to Figure 15, which is a developed plan view, of the hinge plate 182, the hinge plate 182 can be formed by removing metal to form the irregularly shaped hole 189 and the V-shaped cavity. inverted 191 corresponding, substantially, to the triangular-shaped portion 184a of the bolt 184. Accordingly, when the larger, generally rectangular, part 184b and the part 184a are rolled in opposite directions, the cylindrical hinge bolt 184 a slot or slit may be formed and shaped somewhat like an inverted V 184c, see FIG. 13, which is advantageous and substantially eliminates the opportunity for hinge pin 184 to be engaged by the distal ends of the hinge pin 184. the nails 171 or 172 when the hinge assembly 180 is working. As illustrated in Figure 14, the hinge assembly 180 can be snapped together at any time, or, once the respective hinge plates 162 and 182 have been secured to the respective upper and lower edges of the panels. adjacent doors, in the same manner as the embodiments of Figures 9 to 12. The nails 171, 172 are flexed by forcing the bolt 184 into the support hole 168 while allowing the nails 171 and 172 to spring back to their normal working positions. shown in figures 13, 14 and 16, thanks to the elastic memory that the nails 171 and 172 retain because they are formed part of the separate wall portions 169 and 170. Thanks also to the supply of separate tabs 187a and 187b, the hinge plate 182 may not be displaced laterally to exit engagement with the hinge plate 162 during normal operation of the hinge assembly 180. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that The hinge assemblies 140 and 160 are prevented from lateral decoupling, since the protrusions 142b and 142c of the hinge plate 142 can function to engage the projections of the plate 144 or, respectively, the opposite side faces 166a and 166b of the plate. of hinge 162. Of course, with respect to all the embodiments described in Figures 9 to 14, these hinge assemblies can be secured to the door panels in the manner in which the hinge assembly 23 is secured, i.e., by aligning the panels initially and securing the hinge plates to the respective edges of the adjacent panels, with fasteners 116, for example, as the hinge plates, respectively, are secured to each other to form the hinge assemblies. However, a major advantage of the hinge assemblies 140, 160 and 180 is the provision of the pressure-bonding feature to each other, which allows the door panels to be prefabricated with the hinge plates of the respective hinge assemblies. , secured to the respective upper and lower edges of the adjacent panels if desired. Referring now mainly to figure 17, a portion of the sectional door 20 is illustrated which includes two adjacent panels 22 which are connected together by hinge assemblies 140, as illustrated. The door 20 is also advantageously provided with support brackets 190 for guide members, spaced apart, secured to the respective vertical end posts, 42 and 44 in a unique manner, as will be described hereinafter, and are also secured to the inclined surface 68 of the upper edge of the panel, as illustrated, by fasteners 116, respectively. The brackets 190 are each adapted to support a guide member, such as a roller assembly 32, each of which includes a roller 32a supported to rotate about an axis 32b. Each of the brackets 190 includes a base or part of web 192, substantially planar, and opposed parallel projections 194 and 196 that extend perpendicularly to the web portion 192 and support a substantially tubular support member 198 extending between the same. The tubular support member 198 is adapted to support the shaft 32b of a roller assembly 32, as shown in Figure 17. The base or core 192 of each bracket 190 also includes an inclined portion 192a adapted to receive the fasteners 116. to secure the brackets, respectively, to the inclined surface 68 of the upper edge of a panel 22, as shown. As shown further in Figure 17, as well as in Figures 18 to 20 each of the end posts 42 and 44 is adapted to receive the base or core portion 192 of a bracket 190, respectively, secured to the upright by means of the insertion of a lower portion of the web 192 into the receiving slits formed by the integrally formed, laterally displaced retention tabs, 43a, 43b and 45a, 45b, formed on the respective projections 43 and 45. The vertical uprights 42 and 44 are substantially images in the mirror of each other and it is believed that a further description of the extreme vertical post 42 is sufficient to enable the invention to be practiced, including the supply of the end vertical post 44. Referring principally to FIGS. 18 to 20, the vertical end stile 42, as shown in Fig. 18, has a cross section that includes the projections 43 and 46 and a short projection 46f extending in shape, generally parallel to the projection 43. The tabs 43a and 43b are displaced slightly outwardly from the plane of the projection 43 on the side of the projection 43 opposite the side facing the projection 46f. The tabs 43a and 43b are formed by cutting the projection 43 along the lines 43a ', 43a "and 43a'", as well as along the lines 43b ', 43b "and 43b'", as also shown in FIG. Figure 20. Accordingly, the tongue 43b is not supported along the edges corresponding to the lines 43b ', 43b "and 43b'" to allow insertion of a corner of the lower portion of the soul 192 of a bracket 190 to be supported by the tongue, as also shown in Figure 20. The tabs 43a and 43b also prevent the lateral displacement of the bracket 190 out of the slits formed by the tabs. Accordingly, a forging operation or other metal shifting operation can be previously carried out to form the tabs 43a and 43b on the projection 43 as well as the tabs 45a and 45b on the projection 45 of the vertical upright 44. reference now to figure 21, there is shown an elevation view of the bracket 190, where it is indicated that two integral protuberances 192b and 192c are formed on the core 192, properly spaced from the lower edge 192d. The protuberances 192b and 192c are preferably formed by displacing and partially shearing the material of the core 192 to form collinear surfaces 192b 'and 192c', respectively, see Figures 21 and 22. The protrusions 192b and 192c project from the surface 192s of the core 192 in the inclination direction of the core portion 192a and are configured to allow pressure-fitting of the protuberances, within the slits that are in the projection 43 that are formed by the displacement of the material of the projection 43, to form the tabs 43a and 43b. Figure 22 illustrates the manner in which the bracket 190 can be put into engagement with the projection 43 of the upright 42, where, for example, the tab 43b is shown displaced from the plane of the projection 43 to form the elongated slot and the hole 43s adapted to receive the core 192 of a bracket 190 and whereby the protuberance 192b can reside in the hole 43s with its edge 192b 'coupled with a surface 43s' of the projection. Accordingly, by inserting the web 192 of a bracket 190 between the tabs 43a and 43b and the projection 43, for example, the bracket can be forcedly engaged on the upright 42 and retained thereto, by placing the protuberances 192b. and 192c in the holes formed by the respective tabs 43a and 43b as shown and described, for example, for the tab 43b. In this form, a bracket 190 can move in a position adjacent to the projection 43 or 45 of an end vertical post and then move downward by sliding until the core 192 of the bracket slides between the tabs of the associated projection and until the protuberances forcibly engage with the protrusion in the manner described above, to essentially immobilize the bracket 190 in a panel 22. After inserting the core 192 of a bracket 190 to come into engagement with the associated retention tabs, on a vertical post 42 or 44 and in the positions shown in Fig. 17, the fasteners 116 can be applied to retain the bracket firmly attached to a panel 22. When it is desired to remove a bracket 190 from a panel 22, the fasteners 116 are removed and the bracket is flexed after the projection 43 of the vertical post, for example, enough to elastically flex the tabs 43a and 43b, so Make sure that the protuberances release the edges 43s' to remove the bracket from the door panel. Accordingly, an improved mounting method for a sectional door panel can be carried out using one of the hinge assemblies, such as a hinge assembly 140, 160 or 180 for interconnecting two adjacent panels and also using panels configured as is illustrated in Figure 17, which includes the retention and support brackets 190 of the guiding members. For example, when looking at Figures 1 and 17, the lower panel 22 of the door 20 can be placed in its position between the guide channels 28 and 30 and connected to the guide channels by the guide members 32 which are connected to the brackets of the guide members of the lower edge of the panel, substantially similar to those described in co-pending United States Patent Application, entitled "Bottom Bracket for Ascending Action Door", Serial No. 09 / 552,492, filed on 19 April 2000, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, application that is incorporated herein by reference. The upper edge 38 of the lower panel 22 can be subsequently secured, appropriately in place, between the guide channels 28 and 30 by placing the respective guide members 32, in the assembly with each of the two opposing support brackets, 190, respectively, in the guide channels 28 and 30 and then sliding the respective brackets along the channels and adjacent thereto to engage the vertical end posts 42 and 44 in the manner described above in conjunction with Figures 18 to 22. The panel below 22 is now secured between channels 28 and 30. The panel below 22 will also be, at this time, provided with separate hinge members 144, for example, secured to the upper edge 38 in the manner previously described, while the next panel 22 to be connected to the lower panel 22 is mounted to the members of hinge 142 in the corresponding spacings on the lower edge 40 of the next panel 22. The next panel 22 can be subsequently placed in its position by moving the next panel, generally laterally to a position between the guide channels 28 and 30, and just above the lower panel 22 and then moving the next panel down between the guide channels to snap the hinge members 142 into engagement with the respective hinge members 144 to form the hinge assemblies 140. While holding the next panel 22 in position, between the guide channels 28 and 30, and substantially coplanar with the panel below 22, the brackets 190, in the assembly with the guiding members at 32 can be placed above the upper edge 38 of the next panel 22 while the rollers 32a of the guide members are placed in the grooved grooves 28a and 30a and then moving the brackets downward to press under the formed grooves by the tabs on the respective vertical uprights, ends, 42 and 44. The next panel 22 between the channels 28 and 30 is now secured and is ready to receive a third panel 22 of the door 20 which is mounted to the door in the same way just described. Prior to mounting a third panel to the door 20, the brackets 190 can also be firmly secured to the upper edge 38 of the next or second panel, by inserting the fasteners 116 in tight engagement with the web portion 192a to secure each bracket 190, by example, to the inclined surface 68 of a panel 22. The process described above is repeated for the third and fourth panels as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the assembly of the door 20 is easily accomplished with the improved hinge assemblies and the support brackets for guiding members of the present invention, as will be apparent from the foregoing description read in conjunction with the drawings. In this way the door 20 can be mounted more easily and it is not required to lift the door panels 22 above, for positioning between the horizontal section portions 28b and 30b of the guide channels 28 and the door. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the hinge assemblies 160 or 180 can be easily replaced by the hinge assemblies 140 without modifying the assembly process just described. In addition, the disassembly of the door 20 can be carried out by substantially reversing the above-described process which also offers many advantages as those skilled in the art will appreciate. Referring now to Figures 23 to 25, a modified door panel 222 is illustrated which is characterized, in general, as a panel of the type known as a slab. The door panel 222 is used in applications where no insulating material is provided between the top and bottom edges of the panel, as provided in the panels shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 herein. The panel 222 includes an outer wall portion, generally flat, front, or surface 224 extending between an upper edge 226 and a lower edge 228. The configurations of the top edges 226 and 228 are preferably substantially the same. to that of the edges 38 and 40 of the panels 22. However, in a preferred embodiment of a slab-like panel 222, the upper edge terminates on a slope or inclined surface 230 that can be folded back on itself at 232, Figure 25, to reinforce a hem or distal edge 233, as illustrated. As further shown in Figure 25, the lower edge 228 terminates in an inwardly extending sloped surface 234 that is folded back on itself at 236 to define an inner distal edge 237 or hem substantially coplanar with the distal edge 233 in a plane that is generally parallel to surface 224. In addition, in the configuration of the panel 222, the slot or slit 86 is replaced by an inclined surface 84a which is contiguous with the flat surface 84 which, as with the panels 22, is contiguous with the surface 82. As also shown in FIG. Figure 25, upper edge 226 is configured to include surfaces 54, 58, 60, 62 and 64. As shown in Figure 23, panel 222 is provided with vertical, reinforcing uprights, 242 and 244 that are they extend between the upper and lower edges 226 and 228, generally in the same manner as the end vertical stiles 42 and 44 extend between the upper and lower edges of the panels 22. However, the vertical uprights 242 and 244 are provided with the respective protrusions 243 and 245 having end portions that overlap and are positioned adjacent the surfaces 230 and 234. As shown, by way of example, in Figure 24, the projection 245 of FIG. vertical end stile 244 includes a partially folded portion 245a that extends above the surface 230 and is contiguous thereto. Accordingly, the hinge portion 162 is appropriately secured to the panel 222, as shown in Figure 24, by fasteners 116 which are adapted to extend through the projection portion 245a as well as the surface 230. The opposite end of the projection 245 includes a partially folded portion 245b, Figure 23, which lies above and adjacent the surface 234, and is adapted to receive the hinge portion 182 appropriately secured thereto and the surface 234, by means of the fasteners 116. As shown in Figure 23, the vertical upright 242 is provided with overlapping portions, like, 243a and 243b that overlap and that are adjacent surfaces 230 and 234, respectively, and provide additional support to secure hinge parts 162 and 182, for example, to panel 222, as shown. The uprights 242 and 244 also include bracket-receiving protrusions, 243c, 243d, 245c and 245d, respectively, corresponding to the bracket-receiving protuberances, 43a, 43b, 45a and 45b of the uprights 42 and 44. Further reference to Figure 23, as well as to Figures 25 and 26, one or more vertical, intermediate uprights, 250, of which one is shown, are adapted to be secured to the panel 222 to reinforce it and which extend between the edges 226 and 228, as shown. The intermediate vertical stile 250 is a member with a shape somewhat similar to a channel, with wavy distal edges. For example, as shown in Figure 26, the intermediate vertical stile 250 includes a web 252, opposite projections 254 and 256, and wavy, curved edges 254a and 256a that are contiguous with the inner face 224a of the film or outer surface. 224 of the panel 222 and can be secured thereto by an appropriate adhesive or other fastening means known in the art. As shown in Figure 25, the web 252 includes opposite end portions 252a and 252b that fold to overlap and be positioned adjacent the inclined surfaces 230 and 234, respectively, to provide reinforcement for the support of the hinge portions 162 and 182, as shown. Accordingly, the fasteners 116, which are preferably a threaded type that do not require a pre-orifice, are secured to the panel 222 in reinforced areas of a panel, provided by the surfaces 230 and 234 and by the core portions 252a and 252b, of the vertical stile, respectively. As shown in Figures 23 and 25, at least the projection 256 is embossed in the cavities 257a and 257b to provide access to secure the upright 250 to the panel 222. The structure, assembly, disassembly and use of the door 20, including door panels 22 or 222, together with hinge assemblies 23, 140, 160, 180 and the brackets 190, are considered within the competence of a person of ordinary skill in the art, based on the foregoing description. The materials used for manufacturing the parts of the door panels and hinge assemblies of the invention may be conventional materials used for those elements. The hinge plates 162 and 162a can be advantageously molded from an appropriate polymeric material, such as polycarbonate or other high impact resistant plastic. However, the hinge plates 162 and 162a can also be made from materials such as glass filled polymers. Although preferred embodiments of a sectional door, door panels, hinge assemblies and other particularly useful components have been described in detail hereinbefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications can be made to the invention. without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (44)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the above invention, it is considered as a novelty, and therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS

1. An upwardly acting sectional door characterized in that it includes interconnected door panels, the panels comprise generally flat rectangular members, each of which has an outer wall portion, generally flat, and generally flat inner wall portions, spaced apart from the outer wall portion, an elongated upper edge of the panel includes an outwardly projecting convex surface, which extends at an angle with respect to the outer wall portion and which includes a curvilinear portion adjacent and contiguous to the wall portion , generally planar, extending substantially parallel to the outer wall portion and an inclined wall portion extending from the generally flat wall portion, an elongated bottom edge of the panel includes a pointed portion adjacent to the portion of the wall. outer wall and a concave part of the lower edge is formed by many flat segments inclined with respect to the part of wall d outside, towards an additionally inclined wall part, extending from the concave part, the upper and lower edges may cooperate with each other between adjacent, interconnected panels, to form a press-resistant joint, when the adjacent panels are rotated some in relation to others, and hinges that interconnect the adjacent panels.

The door according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinges comprise: a plurality of hinge assemblies spaced along the adjacent panels and interconnecting the same, the hinge assemblies are connected to the inclined wall portion of a panel adjacent to its upper edge and to the inclined wall portion adjacent to the lower edge of an adjacent panel, the hinge assemblies are positioned substantially between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portions of the panels, respectively, and form a connection of pivot between the adjacent panels.

The door according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: an elongated groove formed in the lower edge of each of the panels and adapted to receive therein an elongated elastic joint strip, the joint strip can be coupled with the upper edge of an adjacent panel, to form a joint between the adjacent panels, when the door is in a closed position.

The door according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: interior wall parts, separated, integrally joined with the inclined wall portions of the upper and lower edges, respectively, the inner wall parts extend towards each other but they leave a substantial intermediate space between them; and, each of the panels includes a reinforcing support member for securing the panel and extending between the interior wall portions to form a closed cavity within the panel, between the exterior wall portion and the interior wall portions.

The door according to claim 4, characterized in that: the interior wall parts, separated, have respective grooves that extend, generally, towards the outer wall part and adapted to receive separate, opposite projections of the member of support, respectively, to support the support member on the panel.

6. The door in accordance with the claim 4, characterized in that: each of the panels is filled with an insulating material between the outer wall part and the inner wall parts, and between the outer wall part and the support member.

The door according to claim 1, characterized in that: the upper and lower edges of the adjacent panels cooperate with each other to form between them an intermediate space of variable width, which extends along the flat, concave segment , of the lower edge and the convex surface of the upper edge, the intermediate space does not increase when the panels rotate with respect to each other, to a point that would allow the insertion of a person's finger between the upper and lower edges of adjacent panels.

8. The door in accordance with the claim 7, characterized in that: the intermediate space of variable width is provided by the flat segments of the lower edge, which extend at angles with respect to each other and the outer wall portion of the panel, and the upper edge of an adjacent panel is formed by many contiguous segments which are inclined relative to each other and to the outer wall portion of the panel and by a curvilinear segment adjacent to one of the inclined segments and a vertex of the upper edge.

9. The door in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that: the panels are each formed by a first panel part defining the concave part of the lower edge and the convex surface of the upper edge, a second panel part joined to the first panel part and defining one of the sloped wall portions and an inner wall part, and a third panel part defining the other of the sloping wall portions and another inner wall portion, the panel parts are joined together in cooperating projections, and members of elastomeric sealing gasket, elongated, interposed between the projections and the outer and inner panel parts.

The door according to claim 9, characterized in that: the gaskets that extend between the panel parts can be coupled to each other between the adjacent panels, to form a joint between the panels, in a closed position of the door.

The door according to claim 2, characterized in that: the hinge assemblies each include opposite hinge plates, a hinge pin on one of the hinge plates, at least one supporting hole on the other of the plates of hinge, for receiving the hinge pin and a resilient, elastically resilient retainer, on the other hinge plate, for retaining the hinge pin in the support hole, in response to the insertion of the hinge pin into the needle support .

The door according to claim 11, characterized in that: the other hinge plate includes a core portion, separate projections secured to the core part and extending generally parallel to each other, a hole support formed on each of the projections and guide surfaces formed on each of the projections to guide the opposite distal ends of the hinge pin towards the support holes, respectively.

The door according to claim 12, characterized in that: the retainer comprises an elastically bendable tongue formed on each of the projections to retain the opposite ends of the hinge pin in the support holes, respectively.

The door according to claim 11, characterized in that: the retainer includes resilient, opposable flexing nails, defining an intermediate space therebetween, for receiving the hinge pin, for flexing the nails and allowing the Forced insertion of the hinge pin into the support hole, the nails can elastically return to a position, in order to retain the hinge pin in the support hole.

The door according to claim 14, characterized in that: the hinge plate includes opposite parts that can be coupled with the other hinge plate, to prevent the longitudinal displacement of the hinge plates, one with respect to the other, sufficient for decoupling the hinge plates, from one another, in predetermined positions of the hinge plates with respect to each other.

The door according to claim 14, characterized in that: the hinge pin is formed in one piece on the hinge plate.

The door according to claim 16, characterized in that: the hinge pin is formed by opposite bolt portions which are laminated in opposite directions in order to form a hinge pin, substantially cylindrical, integral with the hinge plate.

The door according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: opposed structural members, on at least one of the selected panels, the structural members include a support bracket of guide members that retain parts formed thereon, and brackets of support of opposing guide members, which can be actuated to slidely engage with the structural members and be retained thereon to support the opposite, guide members for the panels, respectively.

The door according to claim 18, characterized in that: the retaining parts are formed on the structural members, moving material from a surface of the structural members, respectively, to form the retaining portions, respectively.

The door according to claim 19, characterized in that: the supporting brackets of the guide members each include a portion of spaced-apart core and protuberances, formed thereon, for coupling with the structural members at adjacent sites to the retaining parts, respectively, to allow the mounting of the supporting brackets of the guide members, in the panels, respectively.

21. An upwardly acting sectional door, characterized in that it comprises interconnected door panels, each of the panels comprises generally flat rectangular members, each having an outer wall part, generally flat, and interior wall parts, in general flat, separated from the outer wall portion, an elongated upper edge of the panel includes a convex surface, projecting upward, extending inwardly with respect to the outer wall portion and towards the inner wall portion and including a curvilinear portion having a first radius of curvature adjacent to and contiguous with a vertex of the upper edge, the apex being curvilinear and having a second radius of curvature less than the first radius of curvature, the apex being contiguous with a portion of wall, generally flat, extending substantially parallel to the outer wall portion, a lower, elongated, edge of the panel includes a portion of p curvilinear projection, projecting downward, adjoining the outer wall portion and a concave portion of the lower edge formed by many flat segments inclined with respect to the outer wall portion, with acute angles of inclination, successively increasing, with respect to the outer wall portion, the upper and lower edges may cooperate with each other between interconnected, adjacent panels, to form a press-resistant joint, when the adjacent panels are rotated relative to one another.

The door according to claim 21, characterized in that: the upper edge of the panel includes an inclined wall portion extending between the parallel and generally planar wall portion, and an inner wall portion joined thereto, and the lower edge includes an inclined wall portion extending between the concave portion of the lower edge and the inner wall portion of the panel, the inclined wall portions form a cavity between adjacent panels, to receive a plurality of hinge assemblies, wherein the hinge mounts are placed substantially between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portions of the panels, respectively.

The door according to claim 22, characterized in that: the inner wall portions are integrally joined with the inclined wall portions of the upper and lower edges, respectively, and the inner wall portions are substantially coplanar and extend towards others, but leave an intermediate space, substantial, between them.

24. The door according to claim 23, characterized in that: the interior wall parts includeeach one, a groove formed therein and extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the inner wall portions, respectively, and each of the panels includes a supporting, reinforcing member, secured to the panel and which extends between the inner wall portions to form a closed cavity within the panel, between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portions, the reinforcing support member includes separate, protruding portions adapted to be inserted into the interior wall portions. grooves and in the inner wall parts, respectively.

25. A rising sectional sectional door, characterized in that it includes door panels that can be connected to each other, the panels comprise generally flat rectangular members, having respective upper and lower edges, the panels are adapted to interconnect with each other by means of a plurality of hinge assemblies spaced along the panels and interconnecting the adjacent panels, and form a pivot connection between the adjacent panels, respectively, the hinge assemblies include opposing hinge plates, adapted to interconnect with each other by moving a panel adjacent to another panel.

The door according to claim 25, characterized in that: at least some of the panels selected include support brackets of guide members mounted on structural members of the panels and which are adapted to connect to the selected panels, respectively, by moving the corbels to fit into the selected panels.

The door according to claim 26, characterized in that: each of the panels includes vertical, structural upright members, which extend along the opposite edges of the panels, the vertical upright members include tongue members formed thereon for engagement with a portion of the respective guide member support brackets, whereby the guide member support brackets can be connected to a panel by sliding the support brackets to engage with the members of vertical upright, respectively.

The door according to claim 27, characterized in that: the support brackets of guide members include respective protuberances formed thereon, which can be coupled with the members of vertical upright in the tongue members, to retain the brackets of support connected to the panel, respectively.

The door according to claim 25, characterized in that: the hinge assemblies include, respectively, a hinge pin on one of the hinge plates, at least one supporting hole on the other of the hinge plates, for receiving the hinge pin and a retainer that can be resiliently bent over the other hinge plate, to retain the hinge pin, in the bearing hole in response to the insertion of the hinge pin into the bearing hole.

30. The door according to claim 29, characterized in that: the other hinge plate includes a core part, separate projections, secured to the core part and extending generally parallel to each other, a supporting hole formed on each of the projections and guide surfaces, formed on each of the projections to guide the distal ends of the hinge pin into the bearing holes.

31. The door according to claim 29, characterized in that: the retainer on the other hinge plate includes opposed nails that can be flexed elastically, defining an intermediate space therebetween, to receive the hinge pin, to flex the Nails and allow for the forced insertion of the hinge pin into the support hole, the nails can elastically return to a position to retain the hinge pin in the support hole.

32. A door panel for a rising action sectional door, characterized in that it comprises: an outer wall portion, generally flat, an elongated upper edge contiguous with the outer wall part, including a convex surface projecting upwards, extending at an angle with respect to the part of the wall; outer wall and an inclined wall portion extending inwardly, away from the outer wall portion and contiguous with the upper edge, a lower edge of the panel includes a pointed portion adjacent to the outer wall portion, a concave portion of the edge bottom and a sloping wall part extend from the lower edge and away from the outer wall portion, the inclined wall portions have respective distal edges, at least one vertical, reinforcing upright, which extends between the sloped wall portions and which includes opposite portions of the upright which are adjacent to the sloped wall portions and are adapted to receive fasteners to reinforce the parts of the wall. inclined net, in support relationship with the respective hinge members, connected to the panel at the upper and lower edges, respectively.

33. The door panel according to claim 32, characterized in that: the panel includes vertical, opposite ends, having the opposite portions formed thereon, respectively.

34. The door panel according to claim 33, characterized in that it includes: at least one intermediate vertical post having the opposite portions formed thereon, to reinforce the panel.

35. A method for mounting an upwardly acting sectional door, wherein the door can be operated to be supported for movement between open and closed positions, between a pair of separate, opposite guide channels, the door includes many panel members, generally flat, adapted to be connected together along opposite edges of adjacent panel members and the door includes many hinge assemblies that include, respectively, opposing hinge plates, adapted to be connected to the upper and lower edges of adjacent panels , respectively, and many guide member support brackets also adapted to be connected to the panels, respectively, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: placing a first panel between the guide channels and connecting the first panel to the guide channels; placing a second panel between the guide channels and adjacent to the first panel, wherein one edge of the first panel is adjacent to an edge of the second panel; moving the panels one towards the other, to connect the panels by coupling the hinge plates of the hinge assemblies, each other, respectively; and, mounting at least two support brackets on the second panel, with the opposite guide members, connected to the support brackets, to support the second panel between the guide channels.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that: the step of moving the panels toward each other comprises lowering the second panel so that it comes into engagement with the first panel, by means of the coupling between the hinge plates , of the respective hinge assemblies, with each other, moving the first and second panels one relative to the other, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the guide channels.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that: the step of connecting the support brackets to the second panel, comprises sliding the support brackets to come into engagement with the second panel, in receiving tabs of the brackets, separated , formed on structural members of the second panel, respectively.

38. A hinge assembly useful for interconnecting panels of a multi-panel door, the hinge assembly is characterized in that it comprises: opposing hinge plates, a hinge pin on one of the hinge plates, at least one support hole on the other of the hinge plates, for receiving the hinge pin and a resilient, elastically flexing retainer, on the other hinge plate, for retaining the hinge pin in the support hole, in response to the insertion of the hinge pin. hinge inside the support hole.

39. The hinge assembly according to claim 38, characterized in that: the other hinge plate includes a core part, separate projections, secured to the core part and extending in shape, generally parallel to each other, a support hole formed in each of the projections and guide surfaces formed on each of the projections to guide the opposite distal ends of the hinge pin towards the support holes, respectively.

40. The hinge assembly according to claim 39, characterized by: the retainer comprises a resiliently biasing tab, formed on each of the projections, to retain the opposite ends of the hinge pin in the bearing holes, respectively.

41. The hinge assembly according to claim 39, characterized in that: the other hinge plate includes resilient opposing nails, which define an intermediate space therebetween, for receiving the hinge pin, for flexing the nails and allowing for the forced insertion of the hinge pin into the support hole, the nails can elastically return to a position, to retain the hinge pin in the support hole.

42. The hinge assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that: the hinge plate includes opposite parts that can be coupled with the other hinge plate, to prevent longitudinal displacement of the hinge plates, relative to each other, enough to uncouple the hinge plates, one from the other, in predetermined positions of the hinge plates, with respect to one another.

43. The hinge assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that: the hinge pin is formed in one piece on the hinge plate.

44. The hinge assembly according to claim 43, characterized in that: the hinge pin is formed by opposite bolt portions that are laminated in opposite directions to form a hinge pin, substantially cylindrical, in one piece with the plate of hinge. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An upwardly acting sectional door includes interconnected door panels, which are formed with generally flat outer and inner wall portions, and upper and lower edges cooperating to provide a pressure-tight seal between the door panels, when they are rotated relative to each other. Separate hinge assemblies, press-fit to each other, can be used and press-fit in place guide roller support brackets to mount the door by moving the panels together for mounting between the guide channels of the door . The edge profiles of the panels are formed by a convex surface on an upper edge of a panel and a surface of multiple flat, concave, cooperating segments on the lower edge of the adjacent panel. An elongated sealing strip can be secured in a groove in the lower edge of the panel and can be coupled with the apex of the upper edge of the adjacent panel. The panels are formed with slanted wall portions, spaced inward from the press-resistant edge profiles, to support the hinge assemblies within a cavity so that the hinge assemblies do not protrude into the interior wall portions. , in general coplanar, of the panels. The hinge assemblies include opposing hinge plates with hinge pins formed in one piece or spaced apart, on a hinge plate, and the other hinge plate is formed with opposed restraining tabs that can be flexed elastically, which allow the pin of hinge under pressure inside a support hole found in the other hinge plate, to facilitate the connection of the door panels with each other. The most representative figure of the invention is number 1.