US2991496A

US2991496A - Overhead door track

Info

Publication number: US2991496A
Application number: US750179A
Authority: US
Inventors: Cecil R Wolf; John P Holland; Charles E Seidel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-07-22
Filing date: 1958-07-22
Publication date: 1961-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 1978-07-11

Description

July 11, 1961 c. R. WOLF ETAL 2,991,496

OVERHEAD DOOR TRACK Filed July 22, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS- CECIL R. WOLF JOHN P. HOLLAND CHARLES E. SE\DEL July 11, 1961 c. R. WOLF ETAL OVERHEAD DOOR TRACK 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 22, 1958 4 4 2/ A m 4A 4 .9 a 2 4 5 a 7. 0 n M Y 4 U B 0 a I o "m 6 z 6 u 7 8 5 Q 8 w a I- Z g 6 P Q INVENTORS CECIL R. WOLF JOHN p- HOLLAND CHARLES E- SEIDEL fiM {W Filed July 22, 1958, Ser. No. 750,179 1 Claim. (Cl. 16-94) This invention relates to overhead door track constructions and particularly to" an improved track which can be formed into a compact bundle for storage and shipment and thereafter more readily assembled and installed.

In general the track system for an overhead door such as an overhead sectional door for garages and the like comprises a long horizontal track section and a long vertical track section interconnected by a curved track section, the horizontal and vertical track sections being disposed at an angle of approximately 90 with respect to each other. The vertical track section and the curved track section are secured to the facing strip or jam adjacent to the door opening. The horizontal track section is connected to the curved track section and also suspended from the ceiling at the outer end. It is necessary that the track be sturdy in construction and substantially rigid since it must support and guide the door States Patent as well as the spring and actuating mechanism to raise and lower the door.

In order to achieve the desired strength and rigidity, it has been customary heretofore to form the curved track section integral with either the horizontal or the vertical track section and also rigidly to mount thereon the structural members necessary to mount the track on the vertically extending jamb. This structural unit was very bulky. When packaging for shipment it was necessary to strap the vertical or horizontal track section, as

2,991,496 Patented July 11,

ice

connection between the mounting bracket for the curved track section and a vertical track section, the connection being strong and constructed so that the tongue is guided into proper position in the socket and will thereafter be firmly retained therein.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tongue and socket construction as set forth above which is sufficiently strong when assembled to support the curved track section and the mounting bracket therefor upon the upper end of the vertical track section without further fastening.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals have been utilized to designate like parts throughout:

FIGURE 1 is a partial perspective view showing a track for an overhead sectional door, the track being made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sideelevational view with certain portions broken away showing the curved track section and the mounting bracket therefor;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view with certain portions broken away showing the tongue and socket connection between the mounting bracket for the curved track section and the upper end of the vertical track section, the parts being shown in the position immediately prior '-'to insertion of the tongue in the socket;

FIGURE 4 is a side view of the parts of FIGURE 3 I after insertion of the tongue in the socket; and

the case may be which was not integral with the curved section to the above described assembly. In addition a carton was needed to contain the necessary hardware to mount the track system and to connect the other parts with the associated door.

It also has been difiicult to handle the prior track structures during installation due to the fact that the curved section is integral with in most instances the horizontal track section. The installation required two men for rapid installation or in the alternative it required a substantial amount of time for one man to make a satisfactory installation.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved track structure for overhead door installations which can be disassembled for storage and shipment to form a compact package and thereafter readily assembled to form a track structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a track construction which can be disassembled to form a small inexpensive package which is compact and substantially smaller than the package for tracks available heretofore.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a track structure which can be assembled quickly and efiiciently by a single workman with a minimum expenditure of eflort and time and thus at a minimum cost.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a track construction of the type set forth which is more economical to manufacture and yet provides a rigid and strong completed and assembled track construction.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved connection between a curved track section and a vertical track section together with an improved structure to mount the curved track section on an associated jamb.

In connection with the foregoing object, it is another object of the invention to provide a tongue and socket track section and the vertical track section substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 5-5 thereof.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, there is shown a track construction generally designated by the numeral 10 which is made in accordance with and embodies the principles of the present invention. The track 10 has been shown mounted on a facing strip or jamb 12 adjacent to a door opening, the track structure 10 supporting an overhead sectional door generally designated by the numeral 14. The overhead door 14 comprises a series of horizontally disposed sectional panels 16 hingedly interconnected by hinges 18. The outermostmost hinge 18 carries an outwardly extending shaft 20 on the end of which is rotatably supported a roller (not shown) engageable in the track forming a part of the track structure 10.

The track structure 10 includes a vertical track section 22 and a horizontal track section 24 interconnected by a curved track section 26'. The three

track sections

22, 24 and 26 together form a continuous track to receive the rollers on the axles 20 at one side of the door 14. A similar track and supporting structure is provided on the other side of the door 14, but since the structure thereof is identical with the one shown in FIGURE 1, only one will be described in detail.

As will be seen also in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, the curved track section 26 is shown mounted on the jamb 12 by means of a bracket generally designated by the numeral 28 and including a vertically disposed bracket member 30 and a horizontally disposed bracket member 32. Each of the

bracket members

30 and 32 is formed a of angle iron whereby to impart rigidity thereto. One of the flanges 34 of the bracket member 30 is apertured to receive bolts 36 to fasten the bracket member 30 on the jamb 12, three of the bolts 36 having been shown for purposes of illustration. Extending outwardly from the bracket member 30. Fixedly secured to the lower endof the flange 38 and extending outwardly therefrom is a plate 40. The plate 40 is secured to the flange 38 by means of apair of rivets 42. As may be best seen in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, the lower edge of the plate 40 is recessed or cut away as at 44 to provide a downwardly extending tongue 46 having downwardly tapered edges 48. Formed in the flange 38 adjacent to the upper end thereof is an aperture which receives therethrough a bolt 50 extending through a rectangular opening 52 in an upstanding flange 54 of the bracket member 30.

The curved track section 26 is bolted to the ends of the

bracket members

30 and 32 whereby to provide a rigid construction therewith. More specifically, the lower end of the curved track section 26 is provided with a pair of square apertures which receive therethrough bolts 56 having shallow flat heads 58 disposed within the track section 26 (see particularly FIGURE The threaded outer ends of the bolts 56 receive nuts 60 which serve to interconnect the curved track section 26 and the plate 40. The other end of the curved track section 26 is similarly provided with a pair of square apertures which receive bolts 56 therethrough, the bolts 56 also extending through apertures in the flange 54 of the bracket member 32. Nuts 60 are provided to interconnect the bracket member 32 and the curved track section 26.

Since each of the

bracket members

30 and 32 is of angle iron shape and therefore rigid, and further since the curved track section 26 is also angular in shape as may be best seen in FIGURE 5 whereby to render it rigid, the assembly of the bracket 28 and the curved track section 26 is in turn extremely rigid due to its basic triangular construction and the rigidity of each of the members thereof. This imparts the necessary strength to the assembly to support the various parts thereof and the overhead door 14 together with the actuating mechanisms therefor.

The vertical track section 22 has a cross section substantially like that of the curved track section 26 (see FIGURE 5) and serves as a continuation thereof. Struck from the upper end of the vertical track section 22 is a pair of lugs 62 which are shaped in cross section as viewed in FIGURE 5 to provide an outwardly extending flange 64 and an inturned overlying flange 66. A web of material 68 is provided between the openings formed by striking out the lugs 62 to serve as a guide for the tongue 46 when it is inserted therein. The junction between the flange 64 and the wall of the track section 22 from which the lugs are struck is tapered downwardly to conform to the taper of the edges 48 on the tongue 46. Likewise the distance between the flanges 64and the lugs 62 is such as to accommodate and receive the tongue 46 therebetween. After the tongue 46 has been inserted in the socket formed by the lugs 62, the

V tapered shape of the tongue 46 cooperating with the sides of the flanges 66 form a tight fit to give rigidity to' the joint and to interconnect the tongue 46 with the vertical track section 22. In practice it has been found that the joint so formed is sufliciently rigid that it holds the assembly of the bracket members 30-32 and the curved track section 26 in position on the vertical track section 22 while the bolts 36 are being applied to mount the bracket member 30 on the jamb 12. Therefore a single workman will be able to apply these parts unaided.

Interconnection is made between the horizontal track section 24 and the bracket member 32. To this end the flange 54 of the bracket member 32 is provided with an elongated slot 70 therein through which extends a bolt 72. The bolt 72 also extends through an aligned aperture in one end of the horizontal track section 24. A nut 74 is provided on the bolt 72 firmly to clamp the horizontal track section 24 to the flange 54. The presence of the slot 70 makes it possible to rest the outer end of the ..horizontal track section 24 on the floor while assembling the bolt 72 and the nut 74 on the flange 54. Thereafter u flange 34 and integral therewith is a flange 38 on the the outer end of the horizontal track section 24 can be raised to approximately the proper position and the entire assembly slidably moved with respect to the slots until the adjacent ends of the horizontal track section 24 and the curved track section26 are in abutment. This will align a second pair of apertures in the track 24 and the flange 54 through which is inserted a bolt 76 receiving a nut 78. The insertion of the bolt 76 and the application of the nut 78 thereto fixedly positions the horizontal track section 24 and the curved track section 26 relative to each other. Upon tightening of the nut 74 on the bolt 72, the assembly of the horizontal track section to the curved track section is completed.

The bracket 28 also carries the mechanism which aids in raising the door 14 to the upper or overhead position. To this end a cable 80 has one end thereof attached to the door 14 and the other end thereof passes around a pulley 82 and a pulley 84 and is attached to one end of a chain 86. The other end of the chain 86 is connected to a hook 87 formed on the flange 34. The pulley 82 is rotatably mounted on an axis 90 on an angle plate 92. The angle plate 92 extends above the vertically extending flange 54 of the bracket member 32 and has connected to the lower end thereof a right angularly disposed flange 94. The flange 94 is suitably secured to the flange 88 of the bracket member 32 by means of a pair of rivets 96.

The pulley 84 is movable and is mounted on a shiftable shaft 98 which is supported by a yoke 100. "The yoke 100 connects with a spring 102 which is under ten sion and is suitably affixed to the track at a point spaced therealong. The tension in the spring 102 transmitted through the

pulleys

82 and 84 and the cable 80 aids in raising the door 14 when it is unlatched and urged toward the open position.

The track structure of the invention is readily manufactured by standard metal forming procedures. 'The shapes utilized are simple and substantially standard and can be readily assembled by the usual methods of fabrication. After manufacture of the various parts, it is desired to assemble them into a package for storage and shipment. The bracket 28 is assembled by utilizing the bolt 50 pivotally to interconnect the

bracket members

30 and 32. The

bracket members

30 and 32 form a compact shape since the bracket member 32 can be pivoted about the bolt 50 from the position illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings to a position in parallelism with and adjacent to the bracket member 30. This forms a compact unit even though the bracket 92 and the plate 40 are fixedly attached to the

bracket members

32 and 30, respectively. The curved track section 26 is not yet attached to the bracket 28 and therefore forms a relatively compact unit also. The horizontal and

vertical track sections

24 and 22 being straight occupy substantially little volume except their length. Accordingly, two entire tracks needed to mount the door 14 can be readily assembled into a package whichtogether with all the necessary hardware including bolts and the like occupies a volume approximately 7 feet long by 8 /2 inches wide by 3 /2 inches deep. Accordingly, this package or bundle can be very readily handled and stored and transported in a very small volume. The straight lengths of the

track

22 and 24 provide stiffness for the entire package.

At the point of installation, the installer removes the pieces of the track from the package. First the vertical track section 22 is installed in the proper position. Next the curved track section 26 is assembled with the

bracket members

30 and 32. Since the bolt 50 is already in position, the installer need only place the

bracket members

30 and 32 in the position illustrated in FIGURE 2. The curved track section 26 is next assembled thereto by means of the bolts 56 and nuts 60. This provides a rigid subassembly which can be handled as a unit. Ncxtthe tongue 46 is firmly inserted in the socket formed by the lugs 62. The tapered sides of the tongue 48 together with the tapered edges of the lugs 62 and the presence of'the guide 68 serve to make this insertion a simple matter for one installer. The joint formed by the tongue 46, the lugs 62 and the guide 68 hold the subassembly of the curved track section 26 and the bracket member 30-32 in position while the bolts 36 are driven into the jamb 12. As a result a single installer can handle this unit and place it in proper position for attachment to the jamb 12.

Next the horizontal track section 24 has one end thereof placed upon the ground and the bolts 70 inserted through the apertures spaced from the other end thereof and the bolt further inserted through the elongated aperture 70 in the flange 54. A single workman can readily perform this job. When the nut 74 has been threaded 0n the bolt 72, the outer end of the horizontal track section 24 is then raised from the ground to approximately the proper position and the horizontal track section 24 moved to the left as viewed in FIGURE 2 whereby to place the adjacent ends of the horizontal track section 24 and the curved track section 26 in abutment. This aligns a pair of apertures in the horizontal track section 24 and the flange 54 whereby to permit the insertion of the bolt 76. After threading the nut 78 on the bolt 76 and tightening the nut 74 upon the bolt 72, the horizontal track will remain in the horizontal position while it is properly aligned at 90 degrees to the header and the outer end rigidly supported and braced.

Next the

pulleys

82 and 84 are mounted together with the spring 102 and the yoke 100 whereby to receive the cable 80. After attachment of the cable 80 and the insertion of the rollers on the door 14 in the tracks, the installation is completed.

Although one preferred form of the invention has been described and shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only as set forth in the following claim.

We claim:

A track structure for mounting an overhead door on a vertically extending support adjacent to a door opening comprising a horizontal track section, a vertical track section adapted to be mounted on said support, a curved track section, a bracket including horizontal and vertical bracket members, means for detachably interconnecting said horizontal and vertical bracket members adjacent one end of each, means for detachably connecting the curved track section to the horizontal bracket member inward from but adjacent to the other end thereof, a plate mounted on the lower end of said vertical bracket member, said plate having an integral tongue extending downwardly therefrom at its inner end, means for detachably connecting said plate to the curved track section at the lower end thereof, said vertical track section having a socket formed therein adjacent its upper end and shaped to receive and rigidly engage said tongue to connect the lower end of said curved track section to and in alignment with the upper end of said vertical track section, means for detachably mounting the vertical bracket memher on said support, and means for detachably connecting one end of said horizontal track section to said horizontal bracket member at said other end thereof in abutment with and in alignment with the upper end of said curved track section, said means for detachably interconnecting the horizontal and vertical bracket members including means pivotally interconnecting said members at the ends opposite the ends attached to the curved track section to permit ready folding of said bracket members into a compact package prior to installation, the means for connecting said bracket members to said curved track section and to the horizontal track section all being readily removable.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,026,091 Johnson et a1. Dec. 31, 1935 2,271,309 Rowe Ian. 27, 1942 2,534,641 Veigel --l--r---- Dec. 19, 1950