WO2005100730A1

WO2005100730A1 - Fascia assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2005100730A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000536
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mitchell John Billows
Original assignee: B & D Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-04-15
Filing date: 2005-04-15
Publication date: 2005-10-27
Also published as: GB0622630D0; GB2430227A; GB2430227B; NZ541577A

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fascia assembly suitable for use with a door assembly, the door assembly in use having a door element movable between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position remote from the opening, the fascia assembly including a fascia element operatively connected to a portion of the door element so that the fascia element travels with the door element a selected distance remote from the opening when the door element is moved from the closed position to the open overhead stowed position. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a carriage for facilitating smooth running of a door assembly having a door element movable between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position adjacent to or remote from the opening, the carriage including a roller and a main frame, the main frame operatively connected to the roller.

Description

FASCIA ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to doors for facilitating security and access to spaces such as storage spaces, garages, and the like.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with respect to a door assembly including a door element constructed from continuous flexible steel curtain. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may equally well be applied to a door assembly consisting of a door element constructed from one or more panels, in the latter case, a plurality of panels, each panel being pivotally connected to an adjacent panel.

Background to the Invention

It is known to store a door in an overhead generally horizontal position to reduce vertical intrusion into storage space. To store a sectional or continuous curtain door overhead requires, generally, a door to be drawn along a track which turns through a radius. The radius is provided at the top of the track to provide smooth operation, and a smoothing and reduction of peak forces, leading to an extended life of the door.

In situations where there is very little ceiling space, the radius of the track draws the door, while in the closed position, away from the opening, creating a potential security risk, being an inlet for detritus and thieves, and an unattractive finish.

A fascia is generally provided in the above situation to alleviate the security and sealing problems, and provide a more attractive uniform finish. However, the fascia, because of the bend radius through which the curtain must traverse, must be approximately the length of the radius itself. This limits so-called "walk-in height" at the front of the storage space, limiting the height of vehicles such as cars and wagons which maybe stored therein, and makes entry of stored articles more difficult.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fascia assembly suitable for use with a door assembly, the door assembly in use having a door element movable between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position remote from the opening, the fascia assembly including a fascia element operatively connected to a portion of the door element so that the fascia element travels with the door element a selected distance remote from the opening when the door element is moved from the closed position to the open overhead stowed position.

Preferably a connection assembly is provided for operatively connecting the fascia element to the door element. The connection assembly may be attached to any suitable portion of the door assembly including, being attached to a door element and/or the fascia element, at any position from a base portion to a top portion. However, in a preferred form the connection assembly is connected to both the top of the door element and the top of the fascia element. The door assembly may be in any suitable form, such as for example a continuous flexible steel curtain, or a plurality of discrete panels, hinged together, the latter known as a sectional overhead door (SOD). Furthermore, the door assembly may include tracks in which side portions of the door element may travel, when the door element moves from the closed to the stowed positions. The tracks may include a radiused portion to ensure smooth running, low stresses, and extended life of the door element. The connection means may be in any suitable form, such as for example a single arm and/or single pivot. In preferred forms, so as to increase stability over the previously- mentioned arrangement, the connection means is in the form of a pair of link arms connected to the door and pivotally connected to the fascia elements.

Preferably each arm is connected to the door and fascia at respective sides of the door and fascia elements, for a further increase in stability. One or more mounting brackets are preferably provided to mount the link arms to the door and fascia elements. Preferably the guide assembly is disposed behind a door jamb. However, the guide assembly may equally well be provided in the opening, (or beside a door jamb).

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a door assembly having a door element movable in use between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position remote from the opening, and a fascia assembly including a fascia element operatively connected to a portion of the door element so that the fascia element travels with the door element a selected distance remote from the opening when the door element is moved from the closed position to the open overhead stowed position.

Preferably a guide stop is provided to stop the base of the fascia element at its closed position and provide a pivoting point to pivot the fascia into its closed position as the link arms travel horizontally, the fascia element in the closed position being placed generally vertical and across the top of the opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a carriage for facilitating smooth running of a door assembly having a door element movable between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position adjacent to or remote from the opening, the carriage including a roller and a main frame, the main frame operatively connected to the roller. Preferably, the main frame includes a connection arm for connection to a door portion and a mounting arm for connecting the roller.

Preferably, the connection arm is formed in a section corresponding in profile with a portion of a door corrugation profile so as to abut the corrugation and be connected thereto, and to support the door corrugation, reducing fatigue and extending the life of the door.

Preferably, the mounting arm and connection arm are perpendicular to one another. Preferably, an aperture is provided in the connection arm to receive a fastener for fastening the carriage to the door element.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment

In order to enable a clearer understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, and in those drawings:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a door assembly in a closed position including a fascia assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from outside and opening, above and to one side;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the door assembly of Figure 1 in the same closed position from inside the opening, above and to the right;

Figure 3 is a detail view of area "A" in Figure 2, showing a connection assembly on one side of the fascia assembly for connecting the fascia assembly to a door element;

Figure 4 is a detail view of area "B" in Figure 2 showing the connection assembly on the other side of the fascia assembly, including a retainer for inhibiting wandering of the connection assembly during a door closing sequence; Figure 5 is a partially exploded view, similar to that shown in Figure 2, with a prefened embodiment of the fascia assembly being separated from the door assembly for clarity;

Figure 6 is a side elevation view, in section, of a top corner of the prefened embodiment of fascia assembly;

Figure 7 is a partially exploded isometric view of a portion of door curtain, showing a preferred embodiment of carriage for facilitating smooth flow of door curtain and extending fatigue life of curtain;

Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the curtain and carriage shown Figure 7, with a door element guide in place;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of the carriage shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a plan view from underneath of the carriage of Figures 7 - 9; Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the carriage of Figures 7 - 10; and

Figure 12 is a front elevation view of the carriage of Figures 7 - 11.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a fascia assembly generally indicated at 10 affixed to a door assembly 12, the door assembly including a continuous flexible steel curtain door element 14 having a rounded rectangular or rounded trapezoidal profile 15 pressed into the curtain 14. The curtain 14 has opposed side regions 17, 19 to which are affixed a protective and friction-reducing treatment 20 in the form of an elongate buffer 21. The sides 17, 19 and buffer 31 ride in a track 11 when travelling between open and closed positions. The track 11 includes a vertical track 21 disposed behind respective door jambs, horizontal overhead track 23 and an arcuate link portion 22, operatively connected therebetween. The arcuate link 22 is provided so that the door curtain 14 may be moved from closed to overhead stowed positions with force spikes substantially alleviated, leading to longer life of the curtain and reduced fatigue.

A fascia element 9 in the form of a fascia panel 51 is provided to seal and secure between a lintel and the top of vertical track 21, also providing a more appealing planar finish to the door assembly 12 when viewed from outside (Figure 1). Further sealing may be provided by brush elements at top and bottom of panel 51.

Connection means 35 is provided between the fascia panel 51 and the door curtain 14, in the form of a pair of link arms 36 and 37, each arm disposed at a respective side of the curtain 14.

Mounting brackets are provided at 60 and 61 for connecting the link arms 36 and 37 to an upper edge of the door curtain 14. Pivot 38 and 39 mounting for allowing pivoting between the link arm and the door 14 or fascia panel 51 respectively. The link arms hold the fascia panel against the lintel. The link arms are attached to an upper portion of the fascia panel 51 so that they hold the upper portion of the panel 51 against the lintel and an outer surface of the track 11 (actually at the position 22) directs a bottom edge against the lintel when closing.

A retainer 75 is provided in the form of a cradle 76 for inhibiting sideways wandering of the link arms 36 and 37 when the door is being closed. The cradle 76 is attached to one of the mounting brackets 60 and extends therefrom, to receive link arm 36.

A tie bar 77 is provided at the rear of tracks 23 in order to maintain tolerances between guide tracks 23 and to add strength and reduce bowing or bending. Biasing means 40 is provided in the form of spring 41 and 42 so that the link arms

36 and 37 are biased towards the lintel (not shown) and so that in a closed position, the fascia panel 51 is resiliently held against the lintel. This allows for some setup tolerance at installation. A carriage 71 is provided at the base of the fascia assembly so as to facilitate smooth running of the fascia panel 51 along an upper surface of track 11 (actually horizontal track 23). An upper carriage 72 is also provided for similar reasons.

A fascia stop 70 is provided to provide a rest and pivot point for the fascia panel 51. The fascia stop 70 is set at a height which allows the fascia panel 51 to pivot into position as the door assembly reaches its closed position.

In operation, beginning from the closed position viewed in Figure 1, the fascia panel 51 is drawn away from the opening as the door element 12 is drawn rearward to open the door. The top 66 of the door 12 is drawn horizontally, the base of the door is drawn upwards. The opening 16 is cleared of the door and the fascia panel 51, and the latter being drawn generally atop the tracks 23 and finally coming to rest generally horizontally in spaced relation, atop the door panel 12.

The only obstruction to entrance in this position is essentially the thickness of the profile of the door 12 and panel 51, with guides. Intrusion into the headroom of a garage space has been tested at as low as 68mm, but can range to approximately 90mm.

This travelling fascia panel 51 allows vehicles such as taller cars, trucks, SUNs, to be stored in a garage, or merely allows taller people to enter a space without stooping. More of the storage space may be utilised.

When closing the door, the panel 12 returns down the vertical track 21 and the base carriage 71 of the fascia panel 51 travels along the upper surface of curved track 22, and the track abuts the stop 70 and pivots into a vertical position by the horizontal movement of the link arms 36 and 37 towards the lintel. Sideways movement of the link arms 36 and

37 is inhibited by retainer 76. In the closed position, security and sealing risks are minimized, as the fascia panel 51 is placed across the upper portion of the opening, closing the gap which is left open by the upper portion of the door being drawn away from the jamb and lintel by being disposed within the arcuate track. Referring specifically to Figures 7 - 12, a carriage 80 is provided which facilitates smooth running of the door curtain 14 in the tracks 11. The carriage includes a roller 81 and a main frame 82 operatively connected to each other. The main frame 82 includes a connection arm 83 for connecting the carriage 80 to the door curtain 14 and a mounting arm 84 for mounting the roller 81. The connecting arm 83 and mounting arm 84 are generally perpendicular to each other. The connecting arm 83 has an aperture 85 for receiving a fastener such as a rivet, but the connecting arm 83 could well be adhered to the curtain by adhesive tape. The connecting arm 83 is profiled to conespond to the door curtain profile 15 so as to support the profile and thus increase fatigue life of the door. Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fascia assembly suitable for use with a door assembly, the door assembly having a door element movable in use between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position remote from the opening, the fascia assembly including a fascia element operatively connected to a portion of the door element so that the fascia element travels with the door element a selected distance remote from the opening when the door element is moved from the closed position to the open overhead stowed position.

2. A fascia assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a connection assembly is provided for operatively connecting the fascia element to the door element.

3. A fascia assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein the connection assembly is attached to any suitable portion of the door assembly, being attached to the door element and/or the fascia element, at any position from a base region to a top region.

4. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 - 4 wherein the connection assembly is connected to both the top region top of the door element and the top region of the fascia element.

5. A fascia assembly in accordance with any previous claim wherein the door assembly is a continuous flexible steel curtain, or a plurality of discrete panels, hinged together.

6. A fascia assembly in accordance with any previous claim wherem the door assembly includes guides in which side portions of the door element may travel, when the door element moves between the closed and the open or stowed positions.

7. A fascia assembly in accordance with any previous claim wherein the guides include a radiused portion to facilitate smooth running, low fatigue and stress, and extended life of the door element.

8. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 - 7 wherein the connection means is in the form of an arm and/or pivot.

9. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 - 8 wherein the connection means is in the form of a pair of spaced-apart link arms to increase stability for the fascia when travelling with the door element, each arm connected to the door and pivotally connected to the fascia element.

10. A fascia assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein each arm is connected to the door and fascia at respective sides of the door and fascia elements, the arrangement being for a further increase in stability.

11. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 - 10 wherein one or more mounting brackets are preferably provided to mount the link arms to the door and fascia elements.

12. A fascia assembly in accordance with any previous claim wherein the fascia element abuts a stop as the door element approaches or reaches the closed position.

13. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 12 wherein the guides and stop are disposed behind a door jamb.

14. A fascia assembly in accordance with claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein the stop is set at a height to stop the base of the fascia element at its closed position and provide a pivoting point to pivot the fascia into its closed position as the link arms travel horizontally, the fascia element in the closed position being placed generally vertical and across the top of the opening.

15. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 - 14 wherein a biasing means is provided, operatively connected to the connection assembly so that the fascia may be resiliently held against a door jamb in the closed position.

16. A fascia assembly in accordance with claim 15 wherein the biasing means is a spring operatively connected to a respective link arm so that the link arm is biased towards the door jamb, and the upper portion of the fascia element is resiliently held against the door jamb.

17. A fascia assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 - 16 wherein a retainer is provided so as to reduce the tendency of the connection assembly to wander when being pushed into the closed position.

18. A facia assembly in accordance with claim 17 wherein the retainer is in the form of a U-channel which is connected to the mounting bracket for a respective link arm, the U- channel cradling the link arm and inhibiting sideways, buckling movement under compressive, door-closing loads.

19. A door assembly in use having a door element movable between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position remote from the opening, and a fascia assembly including a fascia element operatively connected to a portion of the door element so that the fascia element travels with the door element a selected distance remote from the opening when the door element is moved from the closed position to the open overhead stowed position.

20. A door assembly in accordance with claim 19 wherein a lift assistance assembly is provided.

21. A door assembly in accordance with claim 20 wherein the lift assistance assembly includes a spring which is extended when the door is moving to the closed position, by a cable attached to an upper portion of the door element.

22. A door assembly in accordance with any one of claims 19 - 21 wherein a carriage is provided to facilitate low- friction running of door element within guides.

23. A door assembly in accordance with claim 22 wherein the carriage includes a roller and a main frame, the main frame operatively connected to the roller.

24. A door assembly in accordance with any claim 23 wherein the main frame includes a connection ann for connection to a door portion and a mounting arm for connecting the roller.

25. A door assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein the connection ann includes a section conesponding in profile with a portion of a door corrugation profile so as to abut the corrugation and be connected thereto, and to support the door corrugation, reducing fatigue and extending the life of the door.

26. A door assembly in accordance with any one of claims 24 or 25 wherein the mounting arm and connection ann are perpendicular to one another.

27. A carriage for facilitating smooth running of a door assembly having a door element movable between a closed, generally vertical position across an opening, and an open, overhead or stowed position adjacent to or remote from the opening, the carriage including a roller and a main frame, the main frame operatively connected to the roller.

28. A carriage in accordance with claim 27 wherein the main frame includes a connection arm for connection to a door portion and a mounting arm for connecting the roller.

29. A carriage in accordance with claim 27 or 28 wherein the connection arm is formed in a section corresponding in profile with a portion of a door corrugation profile so as to abut the corrugation and be connected thereto, and to support the door corrugation, reducing fatigue and extending the life of the door.

30. A carriage in accordance with any one of claims 27 - 29 wherein the mounting arm and connection arm are perpendicular to one another.

31. A carriage in accordance with any one of claims 27 - 30 wherein an aperture is provided in the connection ann to receive a fastener for fastening the carriage to the door element.

32. A door assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the attached drawings.

33. A fascia assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the attached drawings.