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WO2024196357A1 - Retractable cord for sectional doors - Google Patents

Retractable cord for sectional doors Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024196357A1
WO2024196357A1 PCT/US2023/015770 US2023015770W WO2024196357A1 WO 2024196357 A1 WO2024196357 A1 WO 2024196357A1 US 2023015770 W US2023015770 W US 2023015770W WO 2024196357 A1 WO2024196357 A1 WO 2024196357A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
track
sectional door
retractable cord
coupled
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/015770
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alexander ALVAREZ AVILA
Original Assignee
Cornellcookson, Llc
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
Application filed by Cornellcookson, Llc filed Critical Cornellcookson, Llc
Priority to PCT/US2023/015770 priority Critical patent/WO2024196357A1/en
Publication of WO2024196357A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024196357A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06BFIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/56Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
    • E06B9/68Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05DHINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D13/00Accessories for sliding or lifting wings, e.g. pulleys, safety catches
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING 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
    • E05Y2400/00Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
    • E05Y2400/65Power or signal transmission
    • E05Y2400/654Power or signal transmission by electrical cables
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING 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
    • E05Y2900/00Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/10Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
    • E05Y2900/106Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof for garages

Definitions

  • Doors can be used for a variety of applications.
  • doors can be used as in residential locations or doors for bays and entrances to warehouses in commercial locations.
  • Some doors may include sectional doors.
  • One type of sectional door may be garage doors.
  • Sectional doors may be made from a plurality of individual sections that are mechanically coupled together. The size and number of sections may be determined based on a size of the opening of the garage or any other type of location with an opening. One or more of the sections may have a roller or endlock that can fit into a track. The track may guide movement of each section of the sectional door while opening and closing. The sectional door can be opened and closed manually with the help of a spring (e.g., a torsion spring or an extension spring) and in combination with a garage door opener or operator.
  • a spring e.g., a torsion spring or an extension spring
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of an example of a retractable cord assembly of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of how the retractable cord housing is coupled to a track of the sectional door
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an example retractable cord of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away view of an example retractable cord of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of an example of a wire retainer of the present disclosure connected to a roller of the sectional door
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the wire retainer of the present disclosure.
  • Examples described herein provide examples of a sectional door with a retractable cord assembly for power cables.
  • doors can be used for a variety of different applications. Some doors may be sectional doors, such as those used as garage doors.
  • Some sectional doors may include panels with an electronic component. Providing continuous power to the panels can be difficult as the sectional door may move along a track. The movement of the sectional door and the various components of the track may make it difficult to wire the sectional door for power. The wire may become tangled or stuck along the various components of the sectional door and/or track.
  • the present disclosure provides a retractable cord that allows wiring for providing continuous power to a sectional door.
  • the retractable cord of the present disclosure can provide continuous power without impeding operation of the sectional door.
  • the retractable cord of the present disclosure avoids getting tangled or caught in the sectional door rollers and/or track of the sectional door.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a sectional door assembly 100 of the present disclosure.
  • the sectional door assembly 100 in FIG. 1 has been simplified for ease of explanation.
  • the sectional door assembly 100 may include additional features that are not shown.
  • the sectional door 100 may include a header with a motor, rotating shaft, torsion springs, an operator, and a governor, a user interface to control operation of the sectional door, one or more sensors, and the like.
  • the sectional door assembly 100 may include a sectional door 102 that comprises a plurality of panels or sections 104i to 104 n (hereinafter also referred to individually as a panel 104 or collectively as panels 104).
  • the panels may be movably connected to one another via mechanical hinges 106.
  • One or more hinges 106 may be coupled to adjacent panels 104.
  • the first panel 104i may be the top most panel 104 and the last panel 104 n may be the bottom most panel 104.
  • some of the panels 104 may include an electronic component 108 that requires continuous power. As noted above, delivering continuous power to an electronic component 108 within a panel 104 may be difficult. For example, traditional wiring directly to the panel may become tangled or interfere with proper operation of the sectional door 102.
  • the sectional door 102 may be guided by tracks 110 and 112.
  • the tracks 110 and 112 may be installed on opposite sides of the sectional door 102.
  • a roller or end lock 130 may be inserted into the tracks 110 and 112.
  • the garage door may have rollers 130 that move within the tracks 110 and 112 as the garage door opens and closes in a direction as shown by an arrow 124.
  • the tracks 110 and 112 may be coupled to a wall of an opening where the sectional door 102 is installed.
  • Horizontal angle brackets 120 may be coupled to a flag bracket (not shown) that is attached to the wall may further help to stabilize the tracks 110 and 112.
  • the sectional door assembly 100 may include a retractable cord assembly.
  • the retractable cord assembly may include a retractable cord housing 114, a power cord 116, and wire retainer 118.
  • the retractable cord assembly may provide an effective and safe way to provide power to the electronic component 108 of a panel 104 of the sectional door 102.
  • the power cable 116 may be connected to a power source 122 and to the electronic component 108 in the panel 104.
  • the power cable 116 may be retractably fed inside of the track 110, through the wire retainer 118, and into an opening in the panel 104.
  • the retractable cord assembly may be designed such that the power cable 116 does not interfere with operation of the sectional door 102.
  • the retractable cord assembly may prevent the power cable 116 from getting tangled or caught in the track 110 or 112 while the section door 102 is opening and closing by allowing for the extension and retraction of the power cable 116 from the retractable cord housing 114 as the sectional door 102 moves between a closed position and an open position.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of an example of the retractable cord housing 114, the power cable 116, and the wire retainer 118.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates how the retractable cord housing 114, the power cable 116, and the wire retainer 118 may be arranged with respect to the track 110.
  • the retractable cord assembly may be coupled to one of the tracks 110 or 112.
  • the retractable cord assembly is coupled to the track 110.
  • the retractable cord assembly may also be coupled to the track 112.
  • the retractable cord assembly may be coupled to a horizontal portion 122 of the track 110.
  • the horizontal portion 122 may be a portion of the track 110 that is located on a highest point of the track 110. In some instances the horizontal portion 122 may be parallel to the ground. In other instances, the horizontal portion 122 may be angled for pitched roofs or higher ceilings.
  • the retractable cord housing 114 may be coupled to an end of the track 110.
  • the retractable cord housing 114 may include a connection member 140 that is inserted into an open end of the track 110.
  • the connection member 140 may be coupled to the open end of the track 110 via an interference fit or friction fit.
  • additional mechanical couplings may help secure the retractable cord housing 114 against the track 110.
  • a screw may be inserted through a part of the retractable cord housing 114 and into the track 110 or a nearby wall of the building.
  • connection member 140 may include a first protruding member 142 and a second protruding member 144.
  • the first protruding member 142 may be a protrusion with a shape corresponding to the track profile, such as a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
  • the second protruding member 144 may be a protrusion with a shape corresponding to the track profile, such as a “v” cross-sectional shape.
  • a width of a top of the second protruding member 144 may be wider than a width of a bottom of the second protruding member 144. Said another way, the opposing sides of the second protruding member 144 may gradually come together to form a point at the bottom of the second protruding member 144.
  • the first protruding member 142 may be on a first side of an opening 146 and the second protruding member 144 may be on a second side of the opening 146.
  • the first side and the second side may be opposite one another.
  • the first protruding member 142 and the second protruding member 144 may extend away from the opening 146 in a same direction. In other words, a bottom side of the first protruding member 142 faces a top side of the second protruding member 144.
  • connection member 140 may be coupled internally to an open end of the track 110 such that the first protruding member 142 is adjacent to the internal surface of a top side 150 of the track 110 and the second protruding member 144 is adjacent to the internal surface of a bottom side 152 of the track 110.
  • a top side of the first protruding member 142 may abut or rest against an inner side of the top side 150 of the track 110.
  • the second protruding member 144 may abut or rest against an inner side of the bottom side 152 of the track 110.
  • the “v” shaped protrusion of the second protruding member may fit inside the profile of the bottom side 152 of the track 110.
  • Track profiles commonly have a “J” shaped profile.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of how the retractable cord housing 114 is coupled to the track 110.
  • the track 110 may have the top side 150 and the bottom side 152.
  • the top side 150 may have an inner side 154.
  • the bottom side 152 may have a well 156 that is formed by a “J” shaped crosssection.
  • the first protruding member 142 may be inserted such that a top side 148 of the first protruding member 142 abuts against the inner side 154 of the top side 150 of the track 110.
  • the second protruding member 144 may be inserted such that a bottom part 149 of the “v” shaped cross-section fits into the well 156 of the bottom side 152 of the track 110.
  • the “v” shaped cross-section of the second protruding member 144 in the well 156 may help to keep the retractable cord housing 114 aligned with the track 110. This may help keep the power cord 116 within the track 110.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed isometric view of the retractable cord housing 114.
  • the retractable cord housing 114 may have a generally circular shape. However, it should be noted that the retractable cord housing 114 may have any shape for a particular design or application associated with the sectional door assembly 100.
  • the retractable cord assembly 114 may include the opening 146.
  • the power cord 116 may be guided out of the retractable cord assembly 114 through the opening 146.
  • FIG. 4 also illustrates a better view of the connection member 140.
  • the connection member 140 may include the first protrusion member 142 and the second protrusion member 144.
  • the first protrusion member 142 may have a generally rectangular shape.
  • the second protrusion member 144 may have a “v” shaped crosssection as noted above.
  • the width of the second protrusion member 144 may gradually get smaller towards the bottom part 149 of the second protrusion member 144.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the “v” shape being formed by a series of faceted sides.
  • a series of sides may be angled adjacent to one another to gradually form the “v” cross-sectional shape.
  • the “v” cross-sectional shape may also be formed by a continuous smooth surface along the sides of the second protrusion member 144.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cut away view of an example of the retractable cord housing 114.
  • the retractable cord housing 114 may include an axle 160 or rod located at a center of the retractable cord housing 114.
  • the power cord 116 may be wrapped and unwrapped around the axle 160 as the sectional door 102 is opened and closed.
  • the axle 160 may be spring loaded.
  • a torsion spring (not shown) may be wrapped around, or located inside of, the axle 160.
  • the torsion spring may apply a bias to rotate the axle 160 such that the power cord 116 is retracted or pulled back into the retractable cord housing 114 and around the axle 160.
  • the bias applied to the axle 160 may keep the power cord 116 taut and prevent slack in the power cord 116. Preventing slack may prevent the power cord 116 from getting stuck in the track 110 or entangled with the roller 130 of the sectional door 102 during operation.
  • the power cord 116 may be connected to the power supply 122 and fed through an opening in the axle 160 and then around the axle 160.
  • a separate electrical wire may be connected to the power supply 122 and then electrically coupled to the power cord 116 in the retractable cord housing 114.
  • a second end of the power cord 116 may exit the retractable cord housing 114 through the opening 146 and between the first protrusion member 142 and the second protrusion member 144.
  • the power cord 116 may run inside of the track 110 and be fed through the wire retainer 118.
  • a first end of the wire retainer 118 may be located around an axle 132 of the roller 130, but does not interfere with the rotation of the axle 132 during operation of the sectional door 102.
  • the first end of the wire retainer 118 may rest on an inside part of the roller 130.
  • a second end of the wire retainer 118 may be fitted inside of the track 110.
  • the second end of the wire retainer 118 may be formed to guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110 as the sectional door 102 is opened and closed.
  • a first end of the wire retainer 118 may be associated with a structure located on the panel 104, such as a structure located on the end stile, but does not interfere with the movement of the roller 130 during operation of the sectional door 102.
  • a second end of the wire retainer 118 may be fitted inside of the track 110. The second end of the wire retainer 118 may be formed to guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110 as the sectional door 102 is opened and closed.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed view of how the power cord 116 may be fed through the wire retainer 118.
  • the power cord 116 may be fed through a second end 174 of the wire retainer 118 and along a bottom side (e.g., the side closest to the track 110) of a body 170 of the wire retainer 118.
  • the power cord 116 may then be fed through an opening 176 in the body 170 of the wire retainer 118 to the panel 104 of the sectional door 102.
  • the opening 176 should allow for the wire retainer 118 to angle the power cord 116 from inside the track 110 towards the panel 104.
  • the power cord 116 may then be coupled to the electronic component 108 in the panel 104.
  • a first end 172 of the wire retainer 118 may have a circular shape with an opening 178.
  • the opening 178 may receive the axle 132 of the roller 130 or a structure located on the panel 104.
  • the axle 132 may be inserted through the opening 178 and then the roller 130 may be connected to the axle 132.
  • the structure may be inserted through the opening 178.
  • the first end 172 may rest against the inner side 134 (e.g., the side that faces away from the track 110) of the roller 130.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the wire retainer 118 with a particular shape designed to attach to the axle 132
  • the wire retainer 118 may be located elsewhere on the sectional door assembly 100.
  • the wire retainer 118 may be located on an end stile or side of a panel 104.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of the wire retainer 118.
  • the wire retainer 118 may include a body 170, a first end 172, and a second end 174.
  • the body 170, the first end 172, and the second end 174 may be fabricated from a single continuous piece of material.
  • the wire retainer 118 may be molded or cast from a single piece of thermoplastic or may be printed as a single piece or part.
  • wire retainer 118 may be formed as separate components that are coupled together.
  • the body 170, the first end 172, and the second end 174 may be formed as separate parts that are mechanically assembled or glued together.
  • the first end 172 may be coupled to the axle 132 and the second end 174 may be used to guide movement of the wire retainer 118 inside of the track 110.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example of shapes and dimensions for the body 170, the first end 172, and the second end 174, it should be noted that any shape may be used as long as the first end 172 may receive the axle 132 and the second end 174 may guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110.
  • the body 170 may have a generally rectangular shape.
  • the body 170 may have the opening 176 located approximately towards a center of the body 170.
  • the diameter of the opening 176 may be slightly larger than a diameter of the power cord 116.
  • the first end 172 may have a generally circular or cylindrical shape and be coupled to one end of the body 170.
  • a bottom side 182 of the first end 172 and a bottom side 180 of the body 170 may lie on a common plane.
  • the first end 172 may have an opening 178.
  • the diameter of the opening 178 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the axle 132.
  • the opening 176 and the opening 178 may be in the same direction or parallel. In other words, an axis drawn through the center of the opening 176 and an axis drawn through the center of the opening 178 may be parallel.
  • the second end 174 may be a foot to help guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110.
  • the second end 174 may be located on an end of the body 170 that is opposite the end of the body 170 that the first end 172 is coupled.
  • the second end 174 may have a generally cylindrical or capsule shape.
  • a center of the second end 174 may be coupled to a bottom side 180 of the body 170.
  • the second end 174 may be located below the plane on which the bottom side 180 and 182 lie upon.
  • the second end 174 may have opposing ends 190 and 192.
  • the opposing ends 190 and 192 may have a domed or semi- spherical shape.
  • the opposing ends 190 and 192 may fit inside of the track 110.
  • the end 190 fits inside of the well 156 of the bottom side 152 of the track 110.
  • the end 192 may rest against the inner side 154 of the top side 150 of the track 110.
  • the opposing ends 190 and 192 of the second end 174 may help guide the movement of the wire retainer 118 inside of the track 110 as the sectional door 102 moves along the track 110.
  • the second end 174 may include an opening 184.
  • the opening 184 may be located at approximately a center of the second end 174.
  • a diameter of the opening 184 may be slightly larger than a diameter of the power cord 116.
  • the diameter of the opening 176 and the opening 184 may be the same.
  • the opening 184 may face a direction that is perpendicular or normal to the opening 176. In other words, an axis drawn through a center of the opening 176 may be perpendicular to an axis drawn through a center of the opening 184.
  • Opening 176 and opening 184 are connected by a channel through the body 184.
  • the channel may have any orientation that allows for the power cord 116 to angle from inside the track 110 towards the panel 104.
  • the power cord 116 may be fed through the opening 184.
  • the power cord 116 may exit the opening 184 on the bottom side 180 of the body 170.
  • the power cord 116 may then be fed from the bottom side 180 through the opening 176 of the body 170.
  • the power cord 116 may then be fed into a panel 104 and connected to an electronic component 108 within the panel 104.
  • the power cord 116 may be connected to a top most panel 104i of the sectional door 102. Connecting the power cord 116 to the top most panel 104i may keep the power cord 116 from any potential environmental conditions that may cause a short in the power cord 116. For example, by connecting the power cord 116 to the top most panel 104i the power cord 116 may be kept from moisture or water that may contact the bottom most panel 104 n during a flood.
  • connecting the power cord 116 to the top most panel 104i may provide the shortest run of cable to power the electronic component 108. Having a shorter cable may reduce the possibility that the power cord 116 sustains damage or becomes tangled within the track 110. In other words, having a shorter power cord 116 may minimize the potential for interference with proper operation of the sectional door 102.
  • the present disclosure provides a retractable cord assembly for sectional doors that allows power cables or electrical wiring to be properly connected to one or more panels of the sectional door.
  • the retractable cord assembly may prevent power cables or electrical wiring to the panels of the sectional door from interfering with the operation of the sectional door.
  • sectional doors may have continuous power delivered to electronic components within the panel that may require continuous power.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Arrangement Between Relatively Moving Parts (AREA)

Abstract

In example implementations, a retractable cord assembly for a sectional door is provided. The retractable cord assembly includes a retractable cord housing, a wire retainer to be coupled to an axle of a roller of the sectional door, and a power cord, wherein a first end of the power cord is coupled to an interior axle of the retractable cord housing and a second end of the power cord is fed through the wire retainer and into a panel of the sectional door.

Description

RETRACTABLE CORD FOR SECTIONAL DOORS
BACKGROUND
[0001] Doors can be used for a variety of applications. For example, doors can be used as in residential locations or doors for bays and entrances to warehouses in commercial locations. Some doors may include sectional doors. One type of sectional door may be garage doors.
[0002] Sectional doors may be made from a plurality of individual sections that are mechanically coupled together. The size and number of sections may be determined based on a size of the opening of the garage or any other type of location with an opening. One or more of the sections may have a roller or endlock that can fit into a track. The track may guide movement of each section of the sectional door while opening and closing. The sectional door can be opened and closed manually with the help of a spring (e.g., a torsion spring or an extension spring) and in combination with a garage door opener or operator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example sectional door with a retractable cord assembly of the present disclosure;
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of an example of a retractable cord assembly of the present disclosure;
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of how the retractable cord housing is coupled to a track of the sectional door;
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an example retractable cord of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away view of an example retractable cord of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of an example of a wire retainer of the present disclosure connected to a roller of the sectional door; and
[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the wire retainer of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Examples described herein provide examples of a sectional door with a retractable cord assembly for power cables. As discussed above, doors can be used for a variety of different applications. Some doors may be sectional doors, such as those used as garage doors.
[0011] Some sectional doors may include panels with an electronic component. Providing continuous power to the panels can be difficult as the sectional door may move along a track. The movement of the sectional door and the various components of the track may make it difficult to wire the sectional door for power. The wire may become tangled or stuck along the various components of the sectional door and/or track.
[0012] The present disclosure provides a retractable cord that allows wiring for providing continuous power to a sectional door. The retractable cord of the present disclosure can provide continuous power without impeding operation of the sectional door. For example, the retractable cord of the present disclosure avoids getting tangled or caught in the sectional door rollers and/or track of the sectional door.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a sectional door assembly 100 of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the sectional door assembly 100 in FIG. 1 has been simplified for ease of explanation. The sectional door assembly 100 may include additional features that are not shown. For example the sectional door 100 may include a header with a motor, rotating shaft, torsion springs, an operator, and a governor, a user interface to control operation of the sectional door, one or more sensors, and the like. [0014] In one embodiment, the sectional door assembly 100 may include a sectional door 102 that comprises a plurality of panels or sections 104i to 104n (hereinafter also referred to individually as a panel 104 or collectively as panels 104). The panels may be movably connected to one another via mechanical hinges 106. One or more hinges 106 may be coupled to adjacent panels 104. The first panel 104i may be the top most panel 104 and the last panel 104n may be the bottom most panel 104.
[0015] In one embodiment, some of the panels 104 may include an electronic component 108 that requires continuous power. As noted above, delivering continuous power to an electronic component 108 within a panel 104 may be difficult. For example, traditional wiring directly to the panel may become tangled or interfere with proper operation of the sectional door 102. [0016] The sectional door 102 may be guided by tracks 110 and 112. The tracks 110 and 112 may be installed on opposite sides of the sectional door 102. A roller or end lock 130 may be inserted into the tracks 110 and 112. In the case of a garage door, the garage door may have rollers 130 that move within the tracks 110 and 112 as the garage door opens and closes in a direction as shown by an arrow 124.
[0017] The tracks 110 and 112 may be coupled to a wall of an opening where the sectional door 102 is installed. Horizontal angle brackets 120 may be coupled to a flag bracket (not shown) that is attached to the wall may further help to stabilize the tracks 110 and 112.
[0018] In one embodiment, the sectional door assembly 100 may include a retractable cord assembly. The retractable cord assembly may include a retractable cord housing 114, a power cord 116, and wire retainer 118. The retractable cord assembly may provide an effective and safe way to provide power to the electronic component 108 of a panel 104 of the sectional door 102. For example, the power cable 116 may be connected to a power source 122 and to the electronic component 108 in the panel 104. The power cable 116 may be retractably fed inside of the track 110, through the wire retainer 118, and into an opening in the panel 104.
[0019] The retractable cord assembly may be designed such that the power cable 116 does not interfere with operation of the sectional door 102. In other words, the retractable cord assembly may prevent the power cable 116 from getting tangled or caught in the track 110 or 112 while the section door 102 is opening and closing by allowing for the extension and retraction of the power cable 116 from the retractable cord housing 114 as the sectional door 102 moves between a closed position and an open position.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of an example of the retractable cord housing 114, the power cable 116, and the wire retainer 118. FIG. 2 illustrates how the retractable cord housing 114, the power cable 116, and the wire retainer 118 may be arranged with respect to the track 110.
[0021] In one embodiment, the retractable cord assembly may be coupled to one of the tracks 110 or 112. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the retractable cord assembly is coupled to the track 110. However, it should be noted that the retractable cord assembly may also be coupled to the track 112.
[0022] The retractable cord assembly may be coupled to a horizontal portion 122 of the track 110. The horizontal portion 122 may be a portion of the track 110 that is located on a highest point of the track 110. In some instances the horizontal portion 122 may be parallel to the ground. In other instances, the horizontal portion 122 may be angled for pitched roofs or higher ceilings.
[0023] In one embodiment, the retractable cord housing 114 may be coupled to an end of the track 110. For example, the retractable cord housing 114 may include a connection member 140 that is inserted into an open end of the track 110. The connection member 140 may be coupled to the open end of the track 110 via an interference fit or friction fit. In one embodiment, additional mechanical couplings may help secure the retractable cord housing 114 against the track 110. For example, a screw may be inserted through a part of the retractable cord housing 114 and into the track 110 or a nearby wall of the building.
[0024] In one embodiment, the connection member 140 may include a first protruding member 142 and a second protruding member 144. The first protruding member 142 may be a protrusion with a shape corresponding to the track profile, such as a rectangular cross-sectional shape. [0025] The second protruding member 144 may be a protrusion with a shape corresponding to the track profile, such as a “v” cross-sectional shape. In other words, a width of a top of the second protruding member 144 may be wider than a width of a bottom of the second protruding member 144. Said another way, the opposing sides of the second protruding member 144 may gradually come together to form a point at the bottom of the second protruding member 144.
[0026] In one embodiment, the first protruding member 142 may be on a first side of an opening 146 and the second protruding member 144 may be on a second side of the opening 146. The first side and the second side may be opposite one another. The first protruding member 142 and the second protruding member 144 may extend away from the opening 146 in a same direction. In other words, a bottom side of the first protruding member 142 faces a top side of the second protruding member 144.
[0027] In one embodiment, the connection member 140 may be coupled internally to an open end of the track 110 such that the first protruding member 142 is adjacent to the internal surface of a top side 150 of the track 110 and the second protruding member 144 is adjacent to the internal surface of a bottom side 152 of the track 110. For example, a top side of the first protruding member 142 may abut or rest against an inner side of the top side 150 of the track 110.
[0028] In one embodiment, the second protruding member 144 may abut or rest against an inner side of the bottom side 152 of the track 110. In an example, the “v” shaped protrusion of the second protruding member may fit inside the profile of the bottom side 152 of the track 110. Track profiles commonly have a “J” shaped profile.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of how the retractable cord housing 114 is coupled to the track 110. For example, the track 110 may have the top side 150 and the bottom side 152. The top side 150 may have an inner side 154. The bottom side 152 may have a well 156 that is formed by a “J” shaped crosssection. The first protruding member 142 may be inserted such that a top side 148 of the first protruding member 142 abuts against the inner side 154 of the top side 150 of the track 110. The second protruding member 144 may be inserted such that a bottom part 149 of the “v” shaped cross-section fits into the well 156 of the bottom side 152 of the track 110. The “v” shaped cross-section of the second protruding member 144 in the well 156 may help to keep the retractable cord housing 114 aligned with the track 110. This may help keep the power cord 116 within the track 110.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed isometric view of the retractable cord housing 114. The retractable cord housing 114 may have a generally circular shape. However, it should be noted that the retractable cord housing 114 may have any shape for a particular design or application associated with the sectional door assembly 100.
[0031] The retractable cord assembly 114 may include the opening 146. The power cord 116 may be guided out of the retractable cord assembly 114 through the opening 146.
[0032] FIG. 4 also illustrates a better view of the connection member 140. As noted above, the connection member 140 may include the first protrusion member 142 and the second protrusion member 144. The first protrusion member 142 may have a generally rectangular shape.
[0033] The second protrusion member 144 may have a “v” shaped crosssection as noted above. For example, the width of the second protrusion member 144 may gradually get smaller towards the bottom part 149 of the second protrusion member 144. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the “v” shape being formed by a series of faceted sides. For example, a series of sides may be angled adjacent to one another to gradually form the “v” cross-sectional shape. However it should be noted that the “v” cross-sectional shape may also be formed by a continuous smooth surface along the sides of the second protrusion member 144.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a cut away view of an example of the retractable cord housing 114. For example, the retractable cord housing 114 may include an axle 160 or rod located at a center of the retractable cord housing 114. The power cord 116 may be wrapped and unwrapped around the axle 160 as the sectional door 102 is opened and closed.
[0035] In one embodiment, the axle 160 may be spring loaded. For example, a torsion spring (not shown) may be wrapped around, or located inside of, the axle 160. The torsion spring may apply a bias to rotate the axle 160 such that the power cord 116 is retracted or pulled back into the retractable cord housing 114 and around the axle 160. As a result, when the sectional door 102 is opened, the bias applied to the axle 160 may keep the power cord 116 taut and prevent slack in the power cord 116. Preventing slack may prevent the power cord 116 from getting stuck in the track 110 or entangled with the roller 130 of the sectional door 102 during operation.
[0036] In one embodiment, the power cord 116 may be connected to the power supply 122 and fed through an opening in the axle 160 and then around the axle 160. In another embodiment, a separate electrical wire may be connected to the power supply 122 and then electrically coupled to the power cord 116 in the retractable cord housing 114.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 2, a second end of the power cord 116 may exit the retractable cord housing 114 through the opening 146 and between the first protrusion member 142 and the second protrusion member 144. The power cord 116 may run inside of the track 110 and be fed through the wire retainer 118.
[0038] In one embodiment, a first end of the wire retainer 118 may be located around an axle 132 of the roller 130, but does not interfere with the rotation of the axle 132 during operation of the sectional door 102. The first end of the wire retainer 118 may rest on an inside part of the roller 130. A second end of the wire retainer 118 may be fitted inside of the track 110. The second end of the wire retainer 118 may be formed to guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110 as the sectional door 102 is opened and closed.
[0039] In one embodiment, a first end of the wire retainer 118 may be associated with a structure located on the panel 104, such as a structure located on the end stile, but does not interfere with the movement of the roller 130 during operation of the sectional door 102. A second end of the wire retainer 118 may be fitted inside of the track 110. The second end of the wire retainer 118 may be formed to guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110 as the sectional door 102 is opened and closed.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed view of how the power cord 116 may be fed through the wire retainer 118. In one embodiment, the power cord 116 may be fed through a second end 174 of the wire retainer 118 and along a bottom side (e.g., the side closest to the track 110) of a body 170 of the wire retainer 118. The power cord 116 may then be fed through an opening 176 in the body 170 of the wire retainer 118 to the panel 104 of the sectional door 102. The opening 176 should allow for the wire retainer 118 to angle the power cord 116 from inside the track 110 towards the panel 104. The power cord 116 may then be coupled to the electronic component 108 in the panel 104.
[0041] A first end 172 of the wire retainer 118 may have a circular shape with an opening 178. The opening 178 may receive the axle 132 of the roller 130 or a structure located on the panel 104. For example, the axle 132 may be inserted through the opening 178 and then the roller 130 may be connected to the axle 132. For example, the structure may be inserted through the opening 178. As a result, the first end 172 may rest against the inner side 134 (e.g., the side that faces away from the track 110) of the roller 130.
[0042] Although FIG. 6 illustrates the wire retainer 118 with a particular shape designed to attach to the axle 132, it should be noted that the wire retainer 118 may be located elsewhere on the sectional door assembly 100. For example, the wire retainer 118 may be located on an end stile or side of a panel 104.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of the wire retainer 118. As noted above, the wire retainer 118 may include a body 170, a first end 172, and a second end 174. The body 170, the first end 172, and the second end 174 may be fabricated from a single continuous piece of material. For example, the wire retainer 118 may be molded or cast from a single piece of thermoplastic or may be printed as a single piece or part.
[0044] In another example, wire retainer 118 may be formed as separate components that are coupled together. For example, the body 170, the first end 172, and the second end 174 may be formed as separate parts that are mechanically assembled or glued together. [0045] In one embodiment, the first end 172 may be coupled to the axle 132 and the second end 174 may be used to guide movement of the wire retainer 118 inside of the track 110. Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example of shapes and dimensions for the body 170, the first end 172, and the second end 174, it should be noted that any shape may be used as long as the first end 172 may receive the axle 132 and the second end 174 may guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110.
[0046] In one embodiment, the body 170 may have a generally rectangular shape. The body 170 may have the opening 176 located approximately towards a center of the body 170. The diameter of the opening 176 may be slightly larger than a diameter of the power cord 116. The first end 172 may have a generally circular or cylindrical shape and be coupled to one end of the body 170. A bottom side 182 of the first end 172 and a bottom side 180 of the body 170 may lie on a common plane.
[0047] In one embodiment, the first end 172 may have an opening 178. The diameter of the opening 178 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the axle 132. In one embodiment, the opening 176 and the opening 178 may be in the same direction or parallel. In other words, an axis drawn through the center of the opening 176 and an axis drawn through the center of the opening 178 may be parallel.
[0048] In one embodiment, the second end 174 may be a foot to help guide movement of the wire retainer 118 within the track 110. The second end 174 may be located on an end of the body 170 that is opposite the end of the body 170 that the first end 172 is coupled. The second end 174 may have a generally cylindrical or capsule shape. A center of the second end 174 may be coupled to a bottom side 180 of the body 170. Thus, the second end 174 may be located below the plane on which the bottom side 180 and 182 lie upon. [0049] In one embodiment, the second end 174 may have opposing ends 190 and 192. The opposing ends 190 and 192 may have a domed or semi- spherical shape. The opposing ends 190 and 192 may fit inside of the track 110. For example, the end 190 fits inside of the well 156 of the bottom side 152 of the track 110. The end 192 may rest against the inner side 154 of the top side 150 of the track 110. Thus, the opposing ends 190 and 192 of the second end 174 may help guide the movement of the wire retainer 118 inside of the track 110 as the sectional door 102 moves along the track 110.
[0050] In one embodiment, the second end 174 may include an opening 184. The opening 184 may be located at approximately a center of the second end 174. A diameter of the opening 184 may be slightly larger than a diameter of the power cord 116. The diameter of the opening 176 and the opening 184 may be the same. The opening 184 may face a direction that is perpendicular or normal to the opening 176. In other words, an axis drawn through a center of the opening 176 may be perpendicular to an axis drawn through a center of the opening 184. Opening 176 and opening 184 are connected by a channel through the body 184. The channel may have any orientation that allows for the power cord 116 to angle from inside the track 110 towards the panel 104.
[0051] As described above in reference to FIG. 6, the power cord 116 may be fed through the opening 184. The power cord 116 may exit the opening 184 on the bottom side 180 of the body 170. The power cord 116 may then be fed from the bottom side 180 through the opening 176 of the body 170. The power cord 116 may then be fed into a panel 104 and connected to an electronic component 108 within the panel 104.
[0052] Referring back to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 the power cord 116 may be connected to a top most panel 104i of the sectional door 102. Connecting the power cord 116 to the top most panel 104i may keep the power cord 116 from any potential environmental conditions that may cause a short in the power cord 116. For example, by connecting the power cord 116 to the top most panel 104i the power cord 116 may be kept from moisture or water that may contact the bottom most panel 104n during a flood.
[0053] In addition, connecting the power cord 116 to the top most panel 104i may provide the shortest run of cable to power the electronic component 108. Having a shorter cable may reduce the possibility that the power cord 116 sustains damage or becomes tangled within the track 110. In other words, having a shorter power cord 116 may minimize the potential for interference with proper operation of the sectional door 102. [0054] Thus, the present disclosure provides a retractable cord assembly for sectional doors that allows power cables or electrical wiring to be properly connected to one or more panels of the sectional door. The retractable cord assembly may prevent power cables or electrical wiring to the panels of the sectional door from interfering with the operation of the sectional door. As a result, sectional doors may have continuous power delivered to electronic components within the panel that may require continuous power.
[0055] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1 . A retractable cord assembly for a sectional door, comprising: a retractable cord housing; a wire retainer to be coupled to a portion of the sectional door; and a power cord, wherein a first end of the power cord is coupled to an interior axle of the retractable cord housing and a second end of the power cord is fed through the wire retainer and into a panel of the sectional door.
2. The retractable cord assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retractable cord housing, comprises: a connection member to be coupled to an end of a track of the sectional door.
3. The retractable cord assembly of claim 2, wherein the connection member comprises a first protruding member on a first side of an opening of the retractable cord housing and a second protruding member on a second side of the opening, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.
4. The retractable cord assembly of claim 3, wherein the first protruding member abuts a top side of the track and the second protruding member abuts a bottom side of the track.
5. The retractable cord assembly of claim 3, wherein the second protruding member comprises a “v” cross-sectional shape that fits inside a well of a bottom side of the track.
6. The retractable cord assembly of claim 3, wherein a width of the connection member is approximately equal to an interior width of the track.
7. The retractable cord assembly of claim 1 , wherein the interior axle of the retractable cord housing comprises a torsion spring.
8. The retractable cord assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wire retainer, comprises: a body; a circular head with an opening coupled to a first end the body, wherein the opening is to receive an axle of a roller of the sectional door; and a foot coupled to a second end of the body, wherein the foot is to fit within an upper well and a lower well of the track.
9. The retractable cord assembly of claim 8, wherein a bottom side of the circular head is adjacent to an inner side of the roller of the sectional door.
10. The retractable cord assembly of claim 8, wherein the foot comprises a cylindrical body that is coupled to a bottom side of the second end of the body.
11. A retractable cord assembly for a sectional door, comprising: a retractable cord housing; a wire retainer to be coupled to an axle of a roller of the sectional door; and a power cord, wherein a first end of the power cord is coupled to an interior spring loaded axle of the retractable cord housing and electrically connected to a power source and a second end of the power cord is fed through the wire retainer and connected to an electronic component within a panel of the sectional door.
12. The retractable cord assembly of claim 11 , wherein the retractable cord housing comprises: a connection member to be coupled to an end of a track of the sectional door.
13. The retractable cord assembly of claim 12, wherein the connection member comprises: a rectangular protrusion coupled to a first side of an opening of the retractable cord housing; and a v-shaped protrusion coupled to a second side of the opening, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.
14. The retractable cord assembly of claim 13, wherein a top surface of the rectangular protrusion is adjacent to a top side of the track and the v-shaped protrusion is inserted into a bottom side of the track.
15. The retractable cord assembly of claim 11 , wherein the wire retainer, comprises: a body; a circular head with an opening coupled to a first end the body, wherein the opening is to receive the axle of the roller of the sectional door; and a foot coupled to a second end of the body, wherein the foot is to fit within an upper well and a lower well of the track.
16. The retractable cord assembly of claim 15, wherein a bottom side of the circular head is adjacent to an inner side of the roller of the sectional door and the foot comprises a cylindrical body that is coupled to a bottom side of the second end of the body.
17. A sectional door assembly, comprising: a first track and a second track; a sectional door comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the sectional door is movably coupled into the first track and the second track, wherein the first track and the second track guide a movement of the sectional door; and a retractable cord assembly coupled to at least the first track or the second track to feed a power cord to an electronic component in a panel of the plurality of panels of the sectional door.
18. The sectional door assembly of claim 17, wherein the retractable cord assembly, comprises: a retractable cord housing; a wire retainer to be coupled to a roller of the sectional door; and the power cord, wherein a first end of the power cord is coupled to an interior axle of the retractable cord housing and a second end of the power cord is fed through the wire retainer and connected to the electronic component in the panel of the plurality of panels of the sectional door.
19. The sectional door assembly of claim 18, wherein the retractable cord assembly is coupled to a horizontal section of at least the first track or the second track.
20. The sectional door assembly of claim 17, wherein the panel comprises a top most panel of the plurality of panels of the sectional door.
PCT/US2023/015770 2023-03-21 2023-03-21 Retractable cord for sectional doors WO2024196357A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2023/015770 WO2024196357A1 (en) 2023-03-21 2023-03-21 Retractable cord for sectional doors

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6084358A (en) * 1998-08-27 2000-07-04 Dolson; Charles W. Garage door mounted light
US20090084507A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-02 Tescher Daniel J Garage door ventilation assembly
US20090124189A1 (en) * 2007-10-23 2009-05-14 Barber David J Ventilating system for garages and similar enclosed spaces
US20100058669A1 (en) * 2008-09-09 2010-03-11 Cole Ricky L Garage door power management system
US7972027B1 (en) * 2008-07-18 2011-07-05 Hatfield John D Illuminated door
US20170295658A1 (en) * 2016-04-11 2017-10-12 Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited Modular garage door opener
US20200395721A1 (en) * 2019-06-12 2020-12-17 Argent Innovations, Inc. Overhead door light power connection system

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6084358A (en) * 1998-08-27 2000-07-04 Dolson; Charles W. Garage door mounted light
US20090084507A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-02 Tescher Daniel J Garage door ventilation assembly
US20090124189A1 (en) * 2007-10-23 2009-05-14 Barber David J Ventilating system for garages and similar enclosed spaces
US7972027B1 (en) * 2008-07-18 2011-07-05 Hatfield John D Illuminated door
US20100058669A1 (en) * 2008-09-09 2010-03-11 Cole Ricky L Garage door power management system
US20170295658A1 (en) * 2016-04-11 2017-10-12 Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited Modular garage door opener
US20200395721A1 (en) * 2019-06-12 2020-12-17 Argent Innovations, Inc. Overhead door light power connection system

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