The present invention relates to door operating systems for opening and closing doors. The invention more specifically relates to door operating systems for facilities.
Many vehicle storage facilities or other types of facilities built decades ago, for example fire house garages, require upgrading of door operating systems. It can be difficult to retrofit such buildings as generally vehicle size has increased over the years, thus leaving little space for the door panels to swing to the interior side of the door opening.
The present invention addresses problems and limitations associated with the related art.
Preferred embodiments include a door operating system or door opening and closing apparatus comprising at least one motive source, a linkage assembly and, optionally, a door. As it will be understood, disclosed door operating systems can be used with new door installations as well as retrofitting of door operating systems in which the existing door is used. Preferred door operating systems will include two linkage assemblies, two doors and two respective motive sources, one for each door. Each motive source is preferably attached to an interior facing surface of a frame of a structure and the respective door is pivotally attached to an exterior facing surface of the frame of a structure. Each linkage assembly operatively connects the respective motive source to the respective door. By having the motive source attached to the interior facing surface of the frame, doors used with the operating system can preferably be opened the full width of the frame opening to maximize available clearance (e.g. vehicle clearance).
The disclosure further includes methods of powering a replacement door that has been operatively connected to an exterior surface of a jamb of a structure having a jamb and a header. The preferred method of powering a replacement door includes providing a motive source, providing a linkage assembly, connecting the motive source to the header of the structure, connecting the motive source to one end of a linkage assembly; and then connecting another end of the linkage assembly to an interior facing side of the door.
Although the disclosure may discuss embodiments and methods in the context of retrofitting, it should be understood that the disclosed designs can also be used in new-construction buildings.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In the drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding parts of the various embodiments throughout the several views, and in which the various embodiments generally differ only in the manner described and/or shown:
a illustrates the door operating system of
b illustrates the door operating system of
c illustrates the door operating system of
a illustrates a preferred secondary left jamb 80 that may be used to support the bi-door 20 of
b illustrates a preferred secondary left jamb 80 that may be used to support the bi-door 20 of
c is a top view of the a preferred secondary left jamb 80 that may be used to support the bi-door 20 of
a is an exterior view of a preferred left jamb panel 30 of bi-door 20 of
b is a side view of the preferred left jamb panel 30 of bi-door 20 of
c is an interior view of the preferred left jamb panel 30 of bi-door 20 of
d is a top view of a preferred left jamb panel 30 of bi-door 20 of
a is an exterior view of a preferred left fold panel 60 of bi-fold door 20 of
b is a side view of the preferred left fold panel 60 of bi-fold door 20 of
c is an interior view of the preferred left fold panel 60 of bi-fold door 20 of
d is a top view of the preferred left fold panel 60 of bi-fold door 20 of
a is a side view of the preferred track engagement apparatus 110 for use with the left fold panel 60 of
b is a front view of the preferred track engagement apparatus 110 for use with the left fold panel 60 of
c is a side view of the preferred track engagement apparatus 110 for use with the left fold panel 60 of
d is a top view of the preferred track engagement apparatus 110 for use with the left fold panel 60 of
a is an upward looking, interior view of the bi-fold doors 20, 20′ in a closed position;
b is an upward looking, interior view of the bi-fold doors 20, 20′ in an intermediate position;
c is an upward looking, interior view of the bi-fold doors 20, 20 in an open position;
a is a cross-sectional view of a connecting rod 182, 182′ that may be used with the door opening system 10, 10′ of
b is a plan view of a connecting rod 182, 182′ of
c a side view of a connecting rod 182, 182′ of
a is a view of a preferred drive arm 184, 184′ of the preferred door opening system 10, 10′;
b is a view of a preferred drive arm 184, 184′ of the preferred door opening system 10, 10′;
c is a view of a preferred drive arm 184, 184′ of the preferred door opening system 10, 10′;
a is a top plan view of a preferred motive source 100, 100′ of the door opening system 10, 10′ of
b is a perspective view of the preferred motive source 100, 100′ of the door opening system 10, 10′;
c is a front view of the preferred motive source 100, 100′ of the door opening system 10, 10′;
d is a side view of the preferred motive source 100, 100′ of the door opening system 10, 10′;
e is a perspective view of the preferred motive source 100, 100′ of
f is a perspective view of the preferred motive source 100, 100′ of
f illustrate the components of one preferred door operating system 10.
a, 4b and 4c depict a sequence of interior views in which the bi-fold doors 20, 20′ are moved from a closed position (
The left bi-fold door 20 and its related operational components are preferably substantially identical in configuration to the right bi-fold door 20′ and its related operational components. For that reason, only the left bi-fold door 20 and its related operational components will be discussed in detail with the understanding that the right bi-fold door and its related operational components are a mirror image of the left bi-fold door.
a, 5b, and 5c illustrate the preferred secondary left jamb 80 that may be used to support the bi-door 20 of
The front surface 82a of the secondary left jamb 80 serves as an attachment point for half portions 42a of hinges 40. Note that the half portions 42a of the hinges 40 are positioned so that their associated pintles 44 are located forward of the front surface 82a and laterally beyond the outwardly facing side 82d of the secondary left jamb 80 (see, for example,
a, 6b, 6c and 6d collectively depict the exterior surface view, a side edge view, an interior surface view and a top edge view of preferred left jamb panel 30 of the bi-door 20 of
a, 7b, 7c and 7d collectively depict an embodiment of the left fold panel 60 of the bi-fold door 20 of
a, 8b, 8c and 8d collectively depict the preferred track engagement apparatus 110 for use with the left fold panel 60 of
a, 9b and 9c collectively depict a sequence of views in which the bi-fold doors 20, 20′ are viewed from the bottom and looking up; are moved from a closed position (
Generally, motion to each bi-fold door 20, 20′ may be achieved by one or more motive sources 100, 100′ and associated linkage assemblies 180, 180′. In a preferred embodiment, each linkage assembly 180, 180′ may comprise a connecting rod 182, 182′ and a drive arm 184, 184′. As depicted best in
a, 10b and 10c collectively depict an embodiment of a connecting rod 182, 182′ that may be used with the door opening system 10, 10′. Generally, the connecting rod 182, 182′ includes an outer tube 190a, 190a′ and an inner tube 190b, 190b′ that are arranged in a telescoping relation so that the effective total length of the rod 182, 182′ can be varied. More specifically, the outer tube 190a, 190a′ includes a first end 194a. 194a′, a second end 194b, 194b′, an internally situated stem 196, 196′, an internally situated stop 198, 198′ and a latch assembly 200, 200′. The inner tube 190b, 190b′ includes a first end 202a, 202a′, a second end 202b, 202b′ and an internally situated ring 204, 204′. The preferred connecting rod 182, 182′ also includes a collar 210, 210′ having a radially oriented set screw 212, 212′. In its assembled state, the first end 202a, 202a′ of the inner tube 190b, 190b′ and the second end 194b, 194b′ of the outer tube 190a, 190a′ each include a rod end bearing 197a, 197a′, 197b, 197b′, with the rod end bearing 197a, 197a′ of the inner tube 190b,190b′ rotatably connectable to the drive arm 184, 184′, and with the rod end bearing 197b, 197b′ of the outer tube 190a, 190a′ rotatably connectable to jamb panel 30, 30′. The inner tube 190b, 190b′ is prevented from being removed from the outer tube 190a, 190a′ by the interaction of a ring 204, 204′ that is connected to the second end 202b, 202b′ of the inner tube 190b, 190b′ and the stop 198, 198′ that is connected to one end of the stem 196, 196′. In operation, the ring 204, 204′ has an aperture that is slightly larger than the stem 196, 196′, which allows relative movement therebetween. The aperture of the ring 204, 204′, however, is smaller than the stop 198, 198′. This allows the ring 204, 204′ to engage with the stop 198, 198′ and prevent relative movement therepast. Thus, the inner and outer tubes 190b, 190b′, 190a, 190a′ are prevented from being separated from each other.
Adjustment of the effective working length L of the connecting rod 182, 182′ is accomplished primarily by way of the collar 210, 210′ and its associated set screw 212, 212′. Preferably, the collar 210, 210′ has an aperture that is sized to admit only the inner tube 190b, 190b′. When an effective working length L is selected, the collar 210, 210′ is secured onto the inner tube 190b, 190b′ by the radially oriented set screw 212, 212′. In operation, the secured collar 210, 210′ prevents the portion of the inner tube 190b, 190b′ that extends from the collar 210, 210′ to the first end 202a, 202a′ from being inserted into the outer tube 190a, 190a′ (i.e. shortening the effective working length L of the connecting rod 182, 182′ when the rod 182, 182′ is under axial compression). Conversely, when the connecting rod 182, 182′ is under axial tension, movement between the outer and inner tubes 190a, 190a′, 190b, 190b′ is prevented by the collar 210, 210′ and the latch assembly 200, 200′. Preferably, the latch assembly 200, 200′ is connected adjacent to the first end 194a, 194a′ of the outer tube 190a, 190a′. A preferred latch assembly 200, 200′ includes a housing 202, 202′ that is secured to the outer tube 190a, 190a′, with the housing 202, 202′ including side walls 222a, 222a′, 222b, 222b′, a bottom wall 222c, 222c′, a transversely oriented pivot pin 224, 224′ and a spring element 226, 226′. The preferred latch assembly 200, 200′ further includes a latch 230, 230′, which includes pivot pin aperture (not shown), a jaw 234, 234′ and an actuation arm 236, 236′. The latch 230, 230′ is rotatably connected to the pivot pin 224, 224′ such that the jaw 234, 234′ is able to pivot towards or away from the inner tube 190b, 190b′ and be able to engage or be disengaged from the collar 210, 210′. In operation, the jaw 234, 234′ is preferentially biased into engagement with the collar 210, 210′ by the spring element 226, 226′, which is interposed between the bottom wall 222c, 222c′ of the housing 202, 202′ and a portion of the latch 230, 230′. When the jaw 234, 234′ engages the collar 210, 210′, axial movement between the outer and inner tubes 190a, 190a′, 190b, 190b′ is prevented and the effective working length L of the connecting rod 182, 182′ is prevented from being increased. If it becomes necessary to increase the effective working length L of the connecting rod 182, 182′, due to maintenance issues, malfunction, or etcetera the jaw 234, 234′ of the latch 230, 230′ can be released from engagement with the collar 210, 210′ by manipulating the actuation arm 236, 236′ of the latch 230, 230′.
a, 11b and 11c collectively depict the drive arm 184, 184′ of the preferred door opening system 10, 10′. The drive arm 184, 184′, which includes first and second ends 185a, 185a′, 185b, 185b′ may include aperture 186, 186′, a reinforcing bar 187, 187′ and socket 188, 188′. Preferably, the aperture 186, 186′ is located adjacent the first end 185a, 185a′, the socket 188, 188′ is located adjacent the second end 185b, 185b′, and the reinforcement bar 187, 187′ located between the first and second ends 185a, 185a′, 185b, 185b′. The aperture 186, 186′ may be provided with a pivot pin 189, 189′ or bolt that can be used to connect the first end 185a, 185a′ of the drive arm 184, 184′ to the rod end bearing 197a, 197a′ of the first end 202a, 202a′ of the inner tube 190b, 190b′ of the connecting rod 182, 182′ (see, for example,
a, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e collectively illustrate the preferred motive source 100, 100′ of the door opening system 10. The preferred motive source includes a motive source 260, 260′ that is connected to a speed reducer 262, 262′ to which the shaft 240, 240′ is connected. The motive source 260, 260′ and the speed reducer 262, 262′ of the motive source 100, 100′ may be connected to a base 264, 264′, with the base having an aperture 266, 266′ (
a-12f depict the motive source 100, 100′ that has been connected to a drive arm 184, 184′, wherein the drive shaft 240, 240 has been installed in the speed reducer 262, 262′. Installation of the drive shaft 240, 240′ can be accomplished by inserting the second end 242b, 242b′ into a keyed hub (not shown) of the speed reducer 262, 262′ from below and driving it upwardly. Upward movement is ultimately prevented by the socket 188, 188′, which has a larger diameter than the aperture of the keyed hub. Once the shaft 240, 240 is essentially seated, the second end 242b, 242b′ and its associated groove 256, 256′ will project above the other end of the keyed hub. The circlip 258, 258′ may then be snapped into place in groove 256, 256′ to prevent the drive shaft 240, 240′ from being withdrawn from below. The speed reducer 262, 262′ may be provided with one or more sensors 270, 270′ that are used to detect and control rotation of the drive shaft 240, 240′. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 270, 270′ are connected to a bracket 272, 272′, which may be adjustable. Preferably, the bracket 272, 272′ is rotatably adjustable and has an axis of rotation that is coincident with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 240, 240′. The bracket 272, 272′ may include one or more arcuately-shaped slots 274, 274′ that may receive one or more threaded bolts 276, 276′ that engage threaded apertures in the speed reducer 262, 262′ casing. The bracket 272, 272′ preferably includes one or more flanges 278, 278′ to which the sensors 270, 270′ may be removably connected. The flanges 278, 278′ position the sensors 270, 270′ so that they are spaced from and extend radially away from the drive shaft 240, 240. Preferably, the sensors 270, 270′ are positioned so that they are in linear alignment with each other and sensing ends 271, 271′ face each other.
To facilitate positional detection of the drive shaft 240, 240′, a trigger arm 254, 254′ is preferably used. The trigger arm 254, 254′ is removably connected to the end 248, 248′ of the drive shaft 240, 240′ by fastening elements 252, 252′. Preferably, the trigger arm 254, 254′ includes a downwardly depending finger 255, 255′ that is able to swing past in close proximity to a sensing end 271, 271′ of a sensor 270, 270′ as the drive shaft 240, 240′ is rotated. When a sensor 270, 240′ detects the presence of the finger 255, 255′, the sensor signals the controller 100, 100′ to stop. In an exemplary embodiment, it has been found that the suitable results may be obtained by using sensor(s) model no. IME12-04NPOZW2S from company SICK AG of Waldkirch, Germany. It will be understood, though, that other sensors having similar capabilities may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Methods of powering a replacement door that has been operatively connected to an exterior surface of a jamb of a structure having a jamb and a header preferably include providing an motive source 100, 100′, providing a linkage assembly 180, 180′, connecting the motive source 100, 100′ to the header H of the structure, connecting the motive source 100, 100′ to one end of a linkage assembly 180, 180′; and then connecting another end of the linkage assembly 180, 180′ to an interior facing side 21, 21′ of the door 20, 20′.
The invention includes a door opening and closing arrangement or system for use with a structure having a door frame F, a first door 20 and a second door 20′, the arrangement comprising: a first apparatus 10 and a second apparatus 10′; with the first apparatus 10 having a first motive source 100, 100′ and a first linkage assembly 180, 180′; and with the second apparatus 10′ having a second motive source 100, 100′ and a second linkage assembly 180, 180′; wherein the first and second motive sources 100, 100′ are attached to an interior facing portion of the door frame F of the structure; wherein the door frame F includes side jambs J that define an opening having predetermined width W1; wherein each of the first and second doors 20, 20′ is operatively connected to an exterior facing portion of the door frame F of the structure; wherein the first and second linkage assemblies 180, 180′ operatively connect the first and second motive sources 100, 100′ to the first and second doors 20, 20′, respectively; and wherein the first and second apparatuses 10, 10′ are able to open the first and second doors 20, 20′ such that when they are substantially perpendicular to door frame F, they define a width W2 that is greater than or equal to the width W1 defined by the side jambs J of the frame such that the doors 20, 20′ do not impinge within the width W2 defined by the side jambs J of the frame F as is generally illustrated, for example, in
The invention further includes a method of powering a replacement door that has been operatively connected to an exterior surface of a side jamb of a frame structure having a side jamb and a header, the method comprising the steps of: providing a motive source; providing a linkage assembly; attaching the motive source to the header of the frame structure; connecting the motive source to one end of a linkage assembly; and connecting another end of the linkage assembly to an interior facing side of the door.
The invention further includes a method of retro-fitting a door frame and door of a structure with a door opening and closing apparatus, wherein the door frame includes a side jamb and a header and wherein the door is operatively connected to an exterior facing portion of the side jamb, the method comprising the steps of: providing a motive source; providing a linkage assembly; attaching the motive source to the header of the door frame; connecting the motive source to one end of a linkage assembly; and connecting another end of the linkage assembly to an interior facing side of the door.
The invention further includes a method of retro-fitting a door frame and door of a structure with a door opening and closing apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: providing a supplemental side jamb; providing a motive source; providing a linkage assembly; removing the door and attaching the supplemental side jamb to an exterior facing portion of the side jamb; connecting the door to the supplemental side jamb; attaching the motive source to the header of the structure; connecting the motive source to one end of a linkage assembly; and connecting another end of the linkage assembly to an interior facing side of the door.
The invention further includes a method of retro-fitting a door frame and first and second doors of a structure with a door opening and closing arrangement, wherein the door frame includes side jambs and a header and wherein the doors are operatively connected to an exterior facing portions of the side jambs, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first apparatus having a first motive source and a first linkage assembly; providing a second apparatus having a second motive source and a second linkage assembly; attaching the motive sources to the header of the door frame; connecting the first and second motive sources to one end of the first and second linkage assemblies, respectively; and connecting another end of the first and second linkage assemblies to a respective interior facing side of the first and second doors.
It is to be understood, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
The present application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/807,900, filed Apr. 3, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61807900 | Apr 2013 | US |