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WO2019068138A1 - Door coupling - Google Patents

Door coupling Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019068138A1
WO2019068138A1 PCT/AU2018/051049 AU2018051049W WO2019068138A1 WO 2019068138 A1 WO2019068138 A1 WO 2019068138A1 AU 2018051049 W AU2018051049 W AU 2018051049W WO 2019068138 A1 WO2019068138 A1 WO 2019068138A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
door
guide track
door coupling
track assembly
shaft member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2018/051049
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Steven Ronald CANNING
Christopher Neil Canning
Peter Francis WILLIAM
Original Assignee
Centurion Garage Doors Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2017903976A external-priority patent/AU2017903976A0/en
Application filed by Centurion Garage Doors Pty Ltd filed Critical Centurion Garage Doors Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2019068138A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019068138A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/32—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing
    • E06B3/48—Wings connected at their edges, e.g. foldable wings
    • E06B3/485—Sectional doors
    • E06B3/488—Sectional doors with horizontal strengthening means; anti-sag devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B5/00—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor
    • E06B5/10—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor for protection against air-raid or other war-like action; for other protective purposes
    • E06B5/12—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor for protection against air-raid or other war-like action; for other protective purposes against air pressure, explosion, or gas
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
    • E05D15/16—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane
    • E05D15/165—Details, e.g. sliding or rolling guides
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
    • E05D15/16—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane
    • E05D15/24—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane consisting of parts connected at their edges
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
    • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
    • E05Y2201/218—Holders
    • E05Y2201/22—Locks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a door coupling for a door such as a garage door.
  • the present invention also relates to a door assembly including a door coupling and to methods of increasing the strength of a door mount arrangement using a door coupling.
  • Garage doors including sectional garage doors are required to meet various engineering requirements including wind loads when in a closed position to ensure the door is able to withstand pressure forces acting on the door both inwardly and outwardly due to ambient winds. Failure of a sectional door in high winds can result in the door becoming loose or completely free from its mounting frame causing damage to people and/or property.
  • One way of strengthening sectional doors is to manufacture the doors from stronger or thicker material. Another way involves reinforcing the doors with rigid struts, beams or bars.
  • non-rigid restraining members such as wire rope or cable, that limit the deflection of the door under load, to produce doors compliant with various safety regulations applicable to garage doors.
  • non-rigid restraining members such as wire rope or cable
  • the present invention provides a door coupling for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
  • the present invention provides a door assembly comprising:
  • an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door (iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; and (iv) a non-rigid restraining member attached at a first end to said attachment point and defining a second end; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection.
  • the present invention provides a method for increasing the strength of a mount between a door and a guide track assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
  • Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a door coupling according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 1 B is a perspective, exploded view of the door coupling in Figure 1 A showing the component parts;
  • Figure 2 is a top view of a section of a garage door with the door coupling of Figure 1 A fitted thereto;
  • Figures 3A to 3D is a series of top views showing the operation of the door coupling in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is 2 is a top view of a section of a garage door with a door coupling according to another embodiment fitted thereto;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of Figure 5.
  • the present invention provides a door coupling for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
  • a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
  • the shaft member may further comprise a roller for the guide track assembly. Even more preferably the roller is supported on the shaft member at a point outside the abutment member or further away from the side edge of the door.
  • the abutment member is fixedly mounted on the shaft member.
  • the abutment member comprises a web such as a disc, plate or some other suitably shaped element.
  • the abutment member may comprise at least one projection or surface that is adapted to frictionally engage a compatible rebate or channel in the guide track assembly.
  • the abutment member defines a web with at least one projection extending therefrom towards the door.
  • the abutment member comprises a pair of projections that extend perpendicularly from the web.
  • the abutment member may include a web portion and a generally "C" or "U" shaped cross-sectional portion.
  • the body may comprise a tube or cylinder.
  • the body may also comprise a turnbuckle such a spring-loaded turnbuckle.
  • the body is hollow or defines an internal space.
  • the body comprises an aperture in its first end for the shaft member.
  • the body may be mounted on the shaft member via an aperture at its first end through which the shaft member passes.
  • first and second ends of the body are removable.
  • first and/or second ends may comprise a screw cap that is adapted to mate with a compatible thread on the body.
  • the body is pre-tensioned by an elastic device supported therein or thereon.
  • the elastic device is supported on the second end of the shaft member that is adapted to be received inside the body.
  • the elastic device is a spring such as a helical coil spring.
  • the attachment point for the non-rigid restraining member for the door comprises an eyelet.
  • the attachment point is supported from the body, such as the second end of the body.
  • the attachment point is supported from the second end of the body via a screw threaded arrangement.
  • the force that at least partially corrects the deflection is a contact force such as an applied or pushing force to the door.
  • the force is adapted to move opposed side edges of the door further apart e.g. to counteract deflection in the form of a bow in the door that causes opposed side edges of the door to move closer together.
  • the force may be applied directly to a contact member that forms an integral part the door or is a part of fitting attached thereto such as a bracket.
  • the force is applied to a member, such as a bracket or hinge, that attaches the door coupling to the door.
  • the force that at least partially corrects the deflection may also be applied to the door via the non-rigid restraining member.
  • the door coupling is adapted to correct at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95 or 100%of the deflection.
  • the door coupling further comprises a stop means for fixing the body on the shaft member. With the stop means actuated the body cannot move relative to the shaft member and according to its pre-tensioning. This "locked" state of the door coupling is useful prior to fitting and/or deploying the door coupling.
  • the stop means may be varied.
  • the stop means comprises a retaining element or ring such as a circlip, split pin or equivalent device that can be mounted on or through the shaft member or the body to prevent movement of the body on the shaft member.
  • the retaining element or ring is mounted in a groove on the shaft member or in the body.
  • the door is a garage door such as a sectional garage door or a roller door. When the door is a sectional garage door it may comprise a plurality of hingedly connected panels.
  • the door coupling can be attached to the door via a variety of attachment means.
  • the door coupling is attached to the door by a bracket that is fixed to the door.
  • the door coupling may be attached to the door by a hinge that joins two adjacent panels of the door.
  • the door coupling can be affixed to the door directly or via a bracket using any appropriate fixing means such as a screw or bolt.
  • the attachment means for door coupling also comprises the contact member to which is applied the force that at least partially corrects the deflection.
  • the door coupling is attached to the door at a location adjacent to a side edge of the door. Even more preferably, the door coupling is attached to the door at or near a door stile.
  • the guide track assembly may be of various shapes and configurations.
  • the guide track assembly comprises a support member adapted to receive the abutment member when the door is in the closed position.
  • the support member may be provided integrally with other parts of the guide track assembly such as a guide track in which a door roller or other suitable member travel either by rolling or sliding.
  • the support member may be provided as a separate fitting that is supported on the guide track such as a bracket or the like that fits over or around at least a portion of the guide track.
  • the support member When the support member is provided as a bracket or the like it may comprise a sleeve member that defines an interior space and an inner surface and is adapted to be fitted over at least a section of the door guide track and define a space for the abutment member that allows the door to open and close without the abutment member interfering with the normal movement of the door.
  • the present invention provides a door assembly comprising: (a) a door; (b) a door coupling attached to the door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
  • a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
  • non-rigid in the term “non-rigid restraining member” seeks to exclude rigid support members used to brace or otherwise reinforce doors and means an elasticity that is suitable for the purpose of restraining a door or part thereof and hence preventing the door from separating from its mounting arrangement.
  • non-rigid means a Young's Modulus of about 0.5-170GPa or less than 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 1 10, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60 or 50GPa. Even more preferably, non-rigid means a Young's Modulus of about 1 -75, 2-65, 1 -10, 2-7, 2GPa or 45-65, 50-60 or 56GPa.
  • non-rigid means flexible, having elastic properties, bendable or otherwise capable of changing shape.
  • the term "restraining" in the term “non-rigid restraining member” means to prevent, control or otherwise limit the deflection of the door.
  • the “non-rigid restraining member” allows for controlled deflection of the door or a part thereof. Even more preferably, the “non-rigid restraining member” limits the deflection of a door or a part thereof to the extent that the door remains mounted or fitted and is otherwise prevented from breaking free or becoming detached from its installed position or an anchor point such as a guide track assembly.
  • the non-rigid restraining member is elongate and is sized to extend along the majority of the width of the door.
  • the non-rigid restraining member may comprise a belt member or a strap member.
  • the non-rigid restraining member may comprise a line member such as a cable member, a wire member, a rope member a cord member or a tube member.
  • the non-rigid restraining member comprises wire cable or rope, flat webbing or tubular webbing.
  • the non-rigid restraining member may be formed of any suitable material such as a metal, metal cable or textile or other webbing or woven material provided it has the required strength to fulfil its role.
  • the non-rigid restraining member may be formed of a synthetic fibre such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester.
  • the elasticity of the first non-rigid restraining member may be varied provided it is suitable for its purpose of restraining the door and hence the preventing the door from separating from its mounting arrangement. In this regard, by limiting the deflection of the door, the amount of force required to separate the door from its mounting is increased.
  • the non-rigid restraining member has a Young's Modulus of about 0.5-170GPa.
  • the non-rigid restraining member may also have a Young's Modulus of less than 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 1 10, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60 or 50GPa.
  • the non-rigid restraining member has a Young's Modulus of about 1 -75, 2-65, 1 -10, 2-7, 2GPa or 45-65, 50-60 or 56GPa.
  • the non-rigid restraining member is tensioned, when in use.
  • the second end of the non-rigid restraining member may be attached to the door.
  • the second end of the non-rigid restraining member is attached to another door coupling on the opposite side of the door.
  • the door assembly may comprise a plurality of door couplings.
  • the door assembly comprises at least two door couplings. Even more preferably, the door assembly comprises at least two door couplings in opposed relationship.
  • the present invention provides a method for increasing the strength of a mount between a door and a guide track assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
  • the method further comprises the step of fixing the body on the shaft member prior to using the door coupling.
  • the method may further comprise the step of releasing the body so it can move along the shaft.
  • the step of releasing the body occurs after or during the application of tension according to step (d).
  • the invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g. size etc).
  • a range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.
  • outer and inner refer to positions relative to the middle section of the door i.e. an outer location is further away from the middle section of the door than a relative inner position
  • Figure 1 A shows a door coupling according to one embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 10, for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to at least one side of the door.
  • the door coupling 10 comprises a shaft member 12 that has, fixed to its first end, an abutment member in the form of a web 14 that includes a "C" shaped cross section defining upper and lower projections 16A, 16B that are adapted to frictionally engage the guide track assembly, when in use.
  • the shaft member 12 has a retaining member in the form of a retaining ring or outer circlip 18 (discussed in more detail later herein) that is attached thereto and a second end including a threaded portion 20 that passes through an aperture in a first end, in the form of a threaded cap 22, of a body, in the form of a cylinder or tube 24, mounted on the shaft member 12.
  • the shaft member 12 also includes an elastic device in the form of a spring 26, mounted thereon, that is also located inside the cylinder or tube 24 and retained thereon by a fixing member in the form of a nut 28 that is threaded on the threaded portion 20.
  • the other end of the spring 26 is positioned to abut with the inside of the threaded cap 22 that mates with a compatible thread 30 on the first end of the cylinder or tube 24.
  • the second end of the cylinder or tube 24 includes an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door in the form of eye bolt 32 that includes a part that passes through an aperture in another threaded cap 34 that mates with another compatible thread 36 on the second end of the cylinder or tube 24.
  • the cylinder or tube 24 is adapted to be pre-tensioned by actuating the nut 28. Moving the nut 28 towards the threaded cap 22 compresses the spring 26 against the inner surface of the threaded cap and moving the nut 28 away from the threaded cap 22 allows the spring 26 to relax or expand.
  • the door coupling 10 further comprises a stop means in the form of another retaining member in the form of a removable retaining ring or inner circlip 38 that is adapted to seat in a compatible groove in the threaded cap 22 or on the shaft member 12.
  • the inner circlip 38 is removable but when in place and the door coupling is fitted, the internal circlip 38 prevents the cylinder or tube 24 from moving towards the guide track assembly even if it is pre-tensioned in a way that predisposes it to such movement.
  • the inner circlip 38 is useful during manufacture of the door coupling as it ensures the door coupling maintains a ready to use orientation, prior to fitting to a door.
  • Figure 2 shows the door coupling 10 in Figures 1 A and 1 B fitted via bracket 100 to the inside of a door in the form of a sectional garage door 102.
  • the bracket 100 is positioned to abut against the external circlip 18, supports part of shaft member 12 and is mounted to a stile of the sectional garage door 102 via fixing means in the form of screws 104.
  • the abutment member body 14 is shown located within a guide track assembly, in the form of a sleeve member 105 that is adapted to fit over the guide track 106 and receive the web 14 when the door 102 is in the closed position.
  • the sleeve member 105 defines a space 1 12 for the web 14 without interfering with the normal movement of the door during opening and closing.
  • the sleeve member 105 is mounted to the wall 108 adjacent the door via jamb bracket 1 10.
  • the door coupling 10 is shown fitted to the door 102 but not fully installed in an operational orientation as the non-rigid restraining means is not attached to the eye bolt 32.
  • Figures 3A-3D show the operation of the door coupling 10 when fitted to a sectional garage door 102.
  • the door coupling 10 Prior to being fitted, the door coupling 10 is assembled in a ready to fit form with the spring 26 at less than full tension and the internal circlip 38 fitted to prevent the shaft member 12 being pulled into the cylinder or tube 24.
  • Figure 3A shows the door coupling as initially mounted to a door 102 via bracket 100 that attaches to the inside of the door 102 towards the outer edge or stile via suitable fixing means such as screws (not shown).
  • the web 14 is located and positioned to sit inside sleeve member 105, that passes over guide track 106 when the door 102 is closed.
  • a non-rigid restraining member in the form of a wire rope or cable 1 10 is then fitted to the door coupling 10 via eye bolt 32 but there is no tension applied to the wire rope or cable 1 10.
  • a single door may have one or a plurality of the door couplings 10.
  • the wire rope or cable 1 10 is shown tensioned, which is achieved by attaching its free end (not shown) to the eye bolt (not shown) of an opposed door coupling (not shown) located on the other side of the door 102 and the respective eye bolts being actuated to either tighten or loosen the wire rope or cable 1 10.
  • the wire rope or cable 1 10 may be threaded through additional support brackets (not shown) on the back of the door 102.
  • the free end (not shown) may be anchored at another location such as the opposite guide track assembly either directly or via a coupling to the guide track assembly.
  • Figure 5 shows a door coupling according to another embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 200, attached to the inside of a door in the form of a sectional garage door 102 via bracket 100 to couple the door 102 to a guide track assembly, in the form of a sleeve member 105, which is the same as that depicted in Figure 2 and is located adjacent to at least one side of the door 102.
  • a guide track assembly in the form of a sleeve member 105, which is the same as that depicted in Figure 2 and is located adjacent to at least one side of the door 102.
  • the bracket 100 is positioned to abut against the external circlip 18, supports part of shaft member 12 and is mounted to a stile of the sectional garage door 102 via fixing means in the form of screws (not shown).
  • the abutment member body in the form of web 14 is shown located within the sleeve member 105 that is adapted to fit over the guide track 106 and receive the web 14 when the door 102 is in the closed position.
  • the sleeve member 105 is mounted to the wall 108 adjacent the door via jamb bracket 1 10.
  • the door coupling 200 comprises a shaft member 12 that has, fixed to its first end, an abutment member in the form of a web 14 that is adapted to frictionally engage the sleeve member 105, when in use.
  • the shaft member 12 has a retaining member in the form of a retaining ring or outer circlip 18 that is attached thereto and a second end including a threaded portion 20 that passes through an aperture in a first end, in the form of a collar 122, of a body, in the form of a turnbuckle 124, mounted on the shaft member 12.
  • the turnbuckle 124 has an elastic device in the form of a spring 26, mounted on the shaft member 12, that is also located inside the turnbuckle 124 and retained thereon by a fixing member in the form of a nut 28 that is threaded on the threaded portion 20.
  • the other end of the spring 26 is positioned to abut with the inside of the collar 122 of the turnbuckle 124.
  • the second end of the turnbuckle 1 24 includes an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door in the form of a threaded collar eye bolt 132 that includes a part that mates with a threaded collar 134 on the second end of the turnbuckle 124.
  • the turnbuckle 124 is adapted to be pre-tensioned by actuating the nut 28. Moving the nut 28 towards the collar 122 that compresses the spring 26 and moving the nut 28 away from the collar 122 allows the spring 26 to relax or expand.
  • the arrangement in Figure 5 is also illustrated in perspective, viewed from the inside of the door, in Figure 6.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)

Abstract

A door coupling (10) for coupling a garage door (102) to a guide track assembly. The door coupling has a shaft member (12) with a body (24) mounted thereon. The shaft includes a spring (26) located inside the body. The other end of the spring is positioned to abut with the inside of a cap (22) that mates with a thread 30 on the first end of the body. The body is pre-tensioned to move along the shaft towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end. The body includes an attachment point for an eye bolt (32) that also includes a part that passes through an aperture in a threaded cap (34) on the body. The door coupling addresses the problem of high winds causing deflection of garage doors which can cause them to becoming loose and even detaching from their mounting frames. In use, and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection, thus mitigating the known problem.

Description

Door coupling
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a door coupling for a door such as a garage door. The present invention also relates to a door assembly including a door coupling and to methods of increasing the strength of a door mount arrangement using a door coupling.
Background of the Invention
Garage doors including sectional garage doors are required to meet various engineering requirements including wind loads when in a closed position to ensure the door is able to withstand pressure forces acting on the door both inwardly and outwardly due to ambient winds. Failure of a sectional door in high winds can result in the door becoming loose or completely free from its mounting frame causing damage to people and/or property.
One way of strengthening sectional doors is to manufacture the doors from stronger or thicker material. Another way involves reinforcing the doors with rigid struts, beams or bars.
More recently, the applicant has used non-rigid restraining members such as wire rope or cable, that limit the deflection of the door under load, to produce doors compliant with various safety regulations applicable to garage doors. With a view to producing even safer garage doors, it is also desirable for the doors to have the capacity to recover from deflection or deformation, as may be suffered under high wind conditions.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved bracing and reinforcement solutions that include the capacity to recover the door following deflection or deformation. Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a door coupling for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
(a) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(b) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end; and
(c) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a door assembly comprising:
(a) a door;
(b) a door coupling attached to the door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
(i) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(ii) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end;
(iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; and (iv) a non-rigid restraining member attached at a first end to said attachment point and defining a second end; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection.
According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for increasing the strength of a mount between a door and a guide track assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) coupling the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door using a door coupling comprising:
(i) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(ii) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end; and
(iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door;
(b) attaching a first end of a non-rigid restraining member to said attachment point;
(c) attaching a second end of the non-rigid restraining member to another point on the door;
(d) applying tension to the non-rigid restraining member to apply tension to the body.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a door coupling according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;
Figure 1 B is a perspective, exploded view of the door coupling in Figure 1 A showing the component parts; Figure 2 is a top view of a section of a garage door with the door coupling of Figure 1 A fitted thereto;
Figures 3A to 3D is a series of top views showing the operation of the door coupling in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is 2 is a top view of a section of a garage door with a door coupling according to another embodiment fitted thereto; and
Figure 6 is a perspective view of Figure 5.
Detailed Description of the Invention According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a door coupling for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
(a) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end; (b) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end; and
(c) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection.
For the purposes of the present invention the term "deflection" includes deformation of the door and other physical changes to the door associated with external forces and impacts, such as those caused by high winds. The shaft member may further comprise a roller for the guide track assembly. Even more preferably the roller is supported on the shaft member at a point outside the abutment member or further away from the side edge of the door.
Preferably, the abutment member is fixedly mounted on the shaft member. Preferably, the abutment member comprises a web such as a disc, plate or some other suitably shaped element. The abutment member may comprise at least one projection or surface that is adapted to frictionally engage a compatible rebate or channel in the guide track assembly. Preferably, the abutment member defines a web with at least one projection extending therefrom towards the door. Preferably, the abutment member comprises a pair of projections that extend perpendicularly from the web. For example, the abutment member may include a web portion and a generally "C" or "U" shaped cross-sectional portion.
The body may comprise a tube or cylinder.
The body may also comprise a turnbuckle such a spring-loaded turnbuckle. Preferably, the body is hollow or defines an internal space.
Preferably, the body comprises an aperture in its first end for the shaft member. In this regard, the body may be mounted on the shaft member via an aperture at its first end through which the shaft member passes.
Preferably, at least one of the first and second ends of the body are removable. In this regard, the first and/or second ends may comprise a screw cap that is adapted to mate with a compatible thread on the body.
Preferably, the body is pre-tensioned by an elastic device supported therein or thereon.
Preferably, the elastic device is supported on the second end of the shaft member that is adapted to be received inside the body.
Preferably, the elastic device is a spring such as a helical coil spring. Preferably, the attachment point for the non-rigid restraining member for the door comprises an eyelet.
Preferably the attachment point is supported from the body, such as the second end of the body. Preferably, the attachment point is supported from the second end of the body via a screw threaded arrangement.
Preferably, the force that at least partially corrects the deflection is a contact force such as an applied or pushing force to the door. Even more preferably, the force is adapted to move opposed side edges of the door further apart e.g. to counteract deflection in the form of a bow in the door that causes opposed side edges of the door to move closer together.
The force may be applied directly to a contact member that forms an integral part the door or is a part of fitting attached thereto such as a bracket. Preferably, the force is applied to a member, such as a bracket or hinge, that attaches the door coupling to the door. The force that at least partially corrects the deflection may also be applied to the door via the non-rigid restraining member. In this regard, when door coupling is attached to a non-rigid restraining member that is, in turn attached to an anchor point adjacent to the door, movement of the body towards the guide track assembly elongates the non-rigid restraining member which in turn forces opposite edges of the door apart. Preferably, the door coupling is adapted to correct at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95 or 100%of the deflection.
Preferably, the door coupling further comprises a stop means for fixing the body on the shaft member. With the stop means actuated the body cannot move relative to the shaft member and according to its pre-tensioning. This "locked" state of the door coupling is useful prior to fitting and/or deploying the door coupling. The stop means may be varied. Preferably, the stop means comprises a retaining element or ring such as a circlip, split pin or equivalent device that can be mounted on or through the shaft member or the body to prevent movement of the body on the shaft member. Preferably, the retaining element or ring is mounted in a groove on the shaft member or in the body. Preferably the door is a garage door such as a sectional garage door or a roller door. When the door is a sectional garage door it may comprise a plurality of hingedly connected panels.
The door coupling can be attached to the door via a variety of attachment means. Preferably, the door coupling is attached to the door by a bracket that is fixed to the door. When the door is a sectional door, the door coupling may be attached to the door by a hinge that joins two adjacent panels of the door. The door coupling can be affixed to the door directly or via a bracket using any appropriate fixing means such as a screw or bolt. Preferably, the attachment means for door coupling also comprises the contact member to which is applied the force that at least partially corrects the deflection.
Preferably, the door coupling is attached to the door at a location adjacent to a side edge of the door. Even more preferably, the door coupling is attached to the door at or near a door stile. The guide track assembly may be of various shapes and configurations. Preferably, the guide track assembly comprises a support member adapted to receive the abutment member when the door is in the closed position. The support member may be provided integrally with other parts of the guide track assembly such as a guide track in which a door roller or other suitable member travel either by rolling or sliding. Alternatively, and preferably, the support member may be provided as a separate fitting that is supported on the guide track such as a bracket or the like that fits over or around at least a portion of the guide track.
When the support member is provided as a bracket or the like it may comprise a sleeve member that defines an interior space and an inner surface and is adapted to be fitted over at least a section of the door guide track and define a space for the abutment member that allows the door to open and close without the abutment member interfering with the normal movement of the door.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a door assembly comprising: (a) a door; (b) a door coupling attached to the door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
(i) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end; (ii) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end;
(iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; and (iv) a non-rigid restraining member attached at a first end to said attachment point and defining a second end; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection. For the purposes of the present invention the term "non-rigid" in the term "non-rigid restraining member" seeks to exclude rigid support members used to brace or otherwise reinforce doors and means an elasticity that is suitable for the purpose of restraining a door or part thereof and hence preventing the door from separating from its mounting arrangement. In this regard, by limiting the deflection of the panel, the amount of force required to separate the sectional door from its mounting is increased. Preferably, "non-rigid" means a Young's Modulus of about 0.5-170GPa or less than 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 1 10, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60 or 50GPa. Even more preferably, non-rigid means a Young's Modulus of about 1 -75, 2-65, 1 -10, 2-7, 2GPa or 45-65, 50-60 or 56GPa. Preferably, non-rigid means flexible, having elastic properties, bendable or otherwise capable of changing shape.
For the purposes of the present invention the term "restraining" in the term "non-rigid restraining member" means to prevent, control or otherwise limit the deflection of the door. Preferably, the "non-rigid restraining member" allows for controlled deflection of the door or a part thereof. Even more preferably, the "non-rigid restraining member" limits the deflection of a door or a part thereof to the extent that the door remains mounted or fitted and is otherwise prevented from breaking free or becoming detached from its installed position or an anchor point such as a guide track assembly.
Preferably, the non-rigid restraining member is elongate and is sized to extend along the majority of the width of the door. The non-rigid restraining member may comprise a belt member or a strap member. Alternatively, the non-rigid restraining member may comprise a line member such as a cable member, a wire member, a rope member a cord member or a tube member. Preferably, the non-rigid restraining member comprises wire cable or rope, flat webbing or tubular webbing. The non-rigid restraining member may be formed of any suitable material such as a metal, metal cable or textile or other webbing or woven material provided it has the required strength to fulfil its role. The non-rigid restraining member may be formed of a synthetic fibre such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester.
The elasticity of the first non-rigid restraining member may be varied provided it is suitable for its purpose of restraining the door and hence the preventing the door from separating from its mounting arrangement. In this regard, by limiting the deflection of the door, the amount of force required to separate the door from its mounting is increased. Preferably, the non-rigid restraining member has a Young's Modulus of about 0.5-170GPa. The non-rigid restraining member may also have a Young's Modulus of less than 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 1 10, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60 or 50GPa. Preferably, the non-rigid restraining member has a Young's Modulus of about 1 -75, 2-65, 1 -10, 2-7, 2GPa or 45-65, 50-60 or 56GPa.
Preferably, the non-rigid restraining member is tensioned, when in use.
The second end of the non-rigid restraining member may be attached to the door. Preferably, the second end of the non-rigid restraining member is attached to another door coupling on the opposite side of the door. In this regard, the door assembly may comprise a plurality of door couplings. Preferably, the door assembly comprises at least two door couplings. Even more preferably, the door assembly comprises at least two door couplings in opposed relationship. According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for increasing the strength of a mount between a door and a guide track assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door using a door coupling comprising:
(i) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(ii) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end; and
(iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door;
(b) attaching a first end of a non-rigid restraining member to said attachment point;
(c) attaching a second end of the non-rigid restraining member to another point on the door;
(d) applying tension to the non-rigid restraining member to apply tension to the body.
Preferably, the method further comprises the step of fixing the body on the shaft member prior to using the door coupling. When the method comprises the step of fixing the body on the shaft member prior to using the door coupling, the method may further comprise the step of releasing the body so it can move along the shaft. Preferably, the step of releasing the body occurs after or during the application of tension according to step (d).
General Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.
Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. None of the cited material or the information contained in that material should, however be understood to be common general knowledge.
The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.
The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g. size etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.
For the purposes of the present invention the terms "outer" and "inner" refer to positions relative to the middle section of the door i.e. an outer location is further away from the middle section of the door than a relative inner position
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Figure 1 A shows a door coupling according to one embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 10, for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to at least one side of the door.
The door coupling 10 comprises a shaft member 12 that has, fixed to its first end, an abutment member in the form of a web 14 that includes a "C" shaped cross section defining upper and lower projections 16A, 16B that are adapted to frictionally engage the guide track assembly, when in use. The shaft member 12 has a retaining member in the form of a retaining ring or outer circlip 18 (discussed in more detail later herein) that is attached thereto and a second end including a threaded portion 20 that passes through an aperture in a first end, in the form of a threaded cap 22, of a body, in the form of a cylinder or tube 24, mounted on the shaft member 12.
The shaft member 12 also includes an elastic device in the form of a spring 26, mounted thereon, that is also located inside the cylinder or tube 24 and retained thereon by a fixing member in the form of a nut 28 that is threaded on the threaded portion 20. The other end of the spring 26 is positioned to abut with the inside of the threaded cap 22 that mates with a compatible thread 30 on the first end of the cylinder or tube 24.
The second end of the cylinder or tube 24 includes an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door in the form of eye bolt 32 that includes a part that passes through an aperture in another threaded cap 34 that mates with another compatible thread 36 on the second end of the cylinder or tube 24. The cylinder or tube 24 is adapted to be pre-tensioned by actuating the nut 28. Moving the nut 28 towards the threaded cap 22 compresses the spring 26 against the inner surface of the threaded cap and moving the nut 28 away from the threaded cap 22 allows the spring 26 to relax or expand. To fix the cylinder or tube 24 in position on the shaft member 12, the door coupling 10 further comprises a stop means in the form of another retaining member in the form of a removable retaining ring or inner circlip 38 that is adapted to seat in a compatible groove in the threaded cap 22 or on the shaft member 12. The inner circlip 38 is removable but when in place and the door coupling is fitted, the internal circlip 38 prevents the cylinder or tube 24 from moving towards the guide track assembly even if it is pre-tensioned in a way that predisposes it to such movement. The inner circlip 38 is useful during manufacture of the door coupling as it ensures the door coupling maintains a ready to use orientation, prior to fitting to a door.
Figure 2 shows the door coupling 10 in Figures 1 A and 1 B fitted via bracket 100 to the inside of a door in the form of a sectional garage door 102. The bracket 100 is positioned to abut against the external circlip 18, supports part of shaft member 12 and is mounted to a stile of the sectional garage door 102 via fixing means in the form of screws 104.
The abutment member body 14 is shown located within a guide track assembly, in the form of a sleeve member 105 that is adapted to fit over the guide track 106 and receive the web 14 when the door 102 is in the closed position. The sleeve member 105 defines a space 1 12 for the web 14 without interfering with the normal movement of the door during opening and closing. The sleeve member 105 is mounted to the wall 108 adjacent the door via jamb bracket 1 10. The door coupling 10 is shown fitted to the door 102 but not fully installed in an operational orientation as the non-rigid restraining means is not attached to the eye bolt 32.
Figures 3A-3D show the operation of the door coupling 10 when fitted to a sectional garage door 102. Prior to being fitted, the door coupling 10 is assembled in a ready to fit form with the spring 26 at less than full tension and the internal circlip 38 fitted to prevent the shaft member 12 being pulled into the cylinder or tube 24.
Figure 3A shows the door coupling as initially mounted to a door 102 via bracket 100 that attaches to the inside of the door 102 towards the outer edge or stile via suitable fixing means such as screws (not shown). When the door coupling 10 is fitted the web 14 is located and positioned to sit inside sleeve member 105, that passes over guide track 106 when the door 102 is closed. A non-rigid restraining member in the form of a wire rope or cable 1 10 is then fitted to the door coupling 10 via eye bolt 32 but there is no tension applied to the wire rope or cable 1 10.
It will be appreciated that a single door may have one or a plurality of the door couplings 10. Preferably, there is at least two door couplings 10, per door, with at least one door coupling 10 on each opposite side edge of the door 102.
In Figure 3B the wire rope or cable 1 10 is shown tensioned, which is achieved by attaching its free end (not shown) to the eye bolt (not shown) of an opposed door coupling (not shown) located on the other side of the door 102 and the respective eye bolts being actuated to either tighten or loosen the wire rope or cable 1 10. The wire rope or cable 1 10 may be threaded through additional support brackets (not shown) on the back of the door 102. Alternatively, the free end (not shown) may be anchored at another location such as the opposite guide track assembly either directly or via a coupling to the guide track assembly.
When tension is applied to the wire rope or cable 1 10 by actuating the eye bolt(s), the spring 26 is further compressed and the cylinder or tube 24 moves away from the bracket 100 exposing the circlip 38 and allowing it to be removed. Once the circlip 38 is removed the door coupling is fully operational or "live".
Once operational, exposure of the door 102 to high winds causing deformation or deflection of the door 102 results in a shortening of the width of the door 102, frictional engagement between the web 14 and the sleeve member 105, which ensures the door 102 remains in situ and movement of the cylinder or tube 24 towards bracket 100, as well as further compression of the spring 26 (see Figure 3C). However, the arrangement in Figure 3C is instanteously counteracted because the reduced tension in the wire rope or cable 1 10 allows spring 26 to relax which results in the first end 22 of cylinder or tube 24 impacting bracket 100 and imparting a force that seeks to oppose or correct the deformation or deflection of the door 102 caused by the wind i.e. straighten the door 102. Straightening of the door 102 results in the web 14 moving out of frictional engagement with the sleeve member 105 (see Figure 3D). Note that the wire rope or cable 1 10 remains "slack" in Figure 3D due to it being stretched during the initial deflection of the door 102. The arrangement in Figure 3B is also illustrated in perspective, viewed from the inside of the door, in Figure 4.
Figure 5 shows a door coupling according to another embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 200, attached to the inside of a door in the form of a sectional garage door 102 via bracket 100 to couple the door 102 to a guide track assembly, in the form of a sleeve member 105, which is the same as that depicted in Figure 2 and is located adjacent to at least one side of the door 102. Features in Figure 5A that correspond to features in earlier figures are given the same reference numeral.
The bracket 100 is positioned to abut against the external circlip 18, supports part of shaft member 12 and is mounted to a stile of the sectional garage door 102 via fixing means in the form of screws (not shown).
The abutment member body in the form of web 14 is shown located within the sleeve member 105 that is adapted to fit over the guide track 106 and receive the web 14 when the door 102 is in the closed position. The sleeve member 105 is mounted to the wall 108 adjacent the door via jamb bracket 1 10.
The door coupling 200 comprises a shaft member 12 that has, fixed to its first end, an abutment member in the form of a web 14 that is adapted to frictionally engage the sleeve member 105, when in use. The shaft member 12 has a retaining member in the form of a retaining ring or outer circlip 18 that is attached thereto and a second end including a threaded portion 20 that passes through an aperture in a first end, in the form of a collar 122, of a body, in the form of a turnbuckle 124, mounted on the shaft member 12.
The turnbuckle 124 has an elastic device in the form of a spring 26, mounted on the shaft member 12, that is also located inside the turnbuckle 124 and retained thereon by a fixing member in the form of a nut 28 that is threaded on the threaded portion 20. The other end of the spring 26 is positioned to abut with the inside of the collar 122 of the turnbuckle 124.
The second end of the turnbuckle 1 24 includes an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door in the form of a threaded collar eye bolt 132 that includes a part that mates with a threaded collar 134 on the second end of the turnbuckle 124.
The turnbuckle 124 is adapted to be pre-tensioned by actuating the nut 28. Moving the nut 28 towards the collar 122 that compresses the spring 26 and moving the nut 28 away from the collar 122 allows the spring 26 to relax or expand. The arrangement in Figure 5 is also illustrated in perspective, viewed from the inside of the door, in Figure 6.

Claims

Claims
1 . A door coupling for attachment to a door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
(a) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(b) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end; and
(c) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection.
2. The door coupling of claim 1 wherein the shaft member further comprises a roller for the guide track assembly.
3. The door coupling of claim 1 or 2 wherein the abutment member is fixedly mounted on the shaft member.
4. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment member comprises at least one projection or surface that is adapted to frictionally engage a compatible rebate or channel in the guide track assembly.
5. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment member comprises a web.
6. The door coupling of claim 5 wherein the web includes at least one projection extending therefrom towards the door.
7. The door coupling of claim 6 wherein the abutment member comprises a pair of projections that extend perpendicularly from the web.
8. The door coupling of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a tube or cylinder.
9. The door coupling of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a turnbuckle.
10.The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body defines an internal space.
1 1 .The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises an aperture in its first end for the shaft member wherein the body is adapted to be mounted on the shaft member via the aperture.
12. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the body are removable.
13. The door coupling according to claim 12 wherein at least one of the first and second ends comprises a screw cap.
14. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is tensioned.
15. The door coupling according to claim 14 wherein the body is tensioned by an elastic device supported therein or thereon.
16. The door coupling according to claim 15 wherein the elastic device is supported on the second end of the shaft member and is adapted to be received inside the body.
17. The door coupling according to any one of claims 15 or 16 wherein the elastic device is a spring.
18. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment point for the non-rigid restraining member for the door comprises an eyelet.
19. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment point is supported from the body.
20. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the force that at least partially corrects the deflection is a contact force such as an applied force.
21 .The door coupling according to claim 20 wherein the force is applied directly to a contact member that forms an integral part the door or is a part of fitting attached thereto such as a bracket.
22. The door coupling according to claim 21 wherein the bracket is adapted to attach the door coupling to the door.
23. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the door coupling is adapted to correct at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the deflection.
24. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a stop means for fixing the body on the shaft member.
25. The door coupling according to claim 24 wherein the stop means comprises a retaining element that prevents or limits movement of the body on the shaft member.
26. The door coupling according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the retaining element is mounted in a groove on the shaft member or in the body.
27. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims for a garage door.
28. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims for a sectional garage door.
29. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an attachment means for attaching the door coupling to the door.
30. The door coupling according to claim 29 wherein the attachment means comprises a bracket adapted to be fixed to the door.
31 . The door coupling according to claim 29 or 30 wherein the attachment means further comprises a contact member for the force that at least partially corrects the deflection.
32. The door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims for attachment to the door at or near a door stile.
33. A door assembly comprising a door coupling according to any one of the preceding claims.
34. A door assembly comprising: (a) a door; (b) a door coupling attached to the door to couple the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door, the door coupling comprising:
(i) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(ii) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end;
(iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door; and
(iv) a non-rigid restraining member attached at a first end to said attachment point and defining a second end; wherein, in use and upon deflection of the door, the body is adapted to move towards the guide track assembly and apply a force that at least partially corrects said deflection.
35. A door assembly according to claim 34 wherein the non-rigid restraining member is elongate and is sized to extend along the majority of the width of the door.
36. A door assembly according to claim 33 or 34 wherein the non-rigid restraining member comprises a cable or rope.
37. A door assembly according to claim 36 wherein the cable comprises a wire cable or rope.
38. A door assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 37 wherein the non-rigid restraining member is tensioned.
39. A door assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 38 wherein the second end of the non-rigid restraining member is attached to the door.
40. A door assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 38 wherein the second end of the non-rigid restraining member is attached to another door coupling.
41 .A door assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 40 comprising a plurality of door couplings, wherein at least two of the door couplings are in opposed relationship.
42. A method for increasing the strength of a mount between a door and a guide track assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching the door to a guide track assembly located adjacent to the side of the door using a door coupling comprising:
(i) a shaft member having a first end including an abutment member for the guide track assembly and a second end;
(ii) a body mounted on the shaft member and being pre-tensioned to move along the shaft member towards the guide track assembly and having a first end facing the guide track assembly and a second end opposed to the first end; and
(iii) an attachment point for a non-rigid restraining member for the door;
(b) attaching a first end of a non-rigid restraining member to said attachment point;
(c) attaching a second end of the non-rigid restraining member to another point on the door;
(d) applying tension to the non-rigid restraining member to apply tension to the body.
43. A method according to claim 42 further comprising the step of fixing the body on the shaft member.
44. A method according to claim 43 further comprising the step of releasing the body so it can move along the shaft.
45. A method according to claim 44 wherein the step of releasing the body occurs after or during the application of tension according to step (d).
PCT/AU2018/051049 2017-10-02 2018-09-26 Door coupling WO2019068138A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2017903976 2017-10-02
AU2017903976A AU2017903976A0 (en) 2017-10-02 Door coupling

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019068138A1 true WO2019068138A1 (en) 2019-04-11

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ID=65994165

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2018/051049 WO2019068138A1 (en) 2017-10-02 2018-09-26 Door coupling

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Country Link
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5377738A (en) * 1992-03-18 1995-01-03 Alsecure Limited Shutter assemblies and laths for them
US20080023159A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-31 Mullet Willis J Support system for a sectional door
EP2397646A2 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-21 Next Door Systems B.V. Rolling door with protection
AU2016101911A4 (en) * 2016-02-16 2016-11-24 B&D Australia Pty Ltd Overhead door retainer system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5377738A (en) * 1992-03-18 1995-01-03 Alsecure Limited Shutter assemblies and laths for them
US20080023159A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-31 Mullet Willis J Support system for a sectional door
EP2397646A2 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-21 Next Door Systems B.V. Rolling door with protection
AU2016101911A4 (en) * 2016-02-16 2016-11-24 B&D Australia Pty Ltd Overhead door retainer system

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