Abstract
A door assembly, for an opening in a building, comprising a sealing assembly, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal a gap (36) between the rolling shutter door (4), the opening, and a surface of the building proximal the opening. The seal comprises a resiliently deformable member (48), and a sealing member (46), mutually positioned such that the resiliently deformable member co-operates with the sealing member when the rolling shutter door is in the closed position to seal the gap, which prevents or mitigates passage of sound, smoke, heat, and the like through the gap. The door assembly is preferably an acoustically-insulating door assembly.
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A door assembly for an opening in a building, wherein the door assembly is installable to the opening, the door assembly comprising: a rolling shutter door moveable between a closed position wherein the opening is occluded by the rolling shutter door, and an open position wherein the opening is at least partially clear of occlusion by the rolling shutter door; and a sealing assembly for sealing a gap between the rolling shutter door, the opening, and a surface of the building proximal the opening, the seal comprising: a resiliently deformable member; and a sealing member; wherein the resiliently deformable member and sealing member are each mutually positioned such that the resiliently deformable member co-operates with the sealing member when the rolling shutter door is in the closed position to seal the gap.
27. A door assembly according to claim 26, wherein the resiliently deformable member comprises a resiliently deformable sheet, and wherein the resiliently deformable member is positioned on a surface of the rolling shutter door.
28. A door assembly according to claim 27, wherein the surface of the rolling shutter door faces the exterior of the building when in a closed position, and wherein the resiliently deformable member is positioned on an upper portion of the surface of the rolling shutter door.
29. A door assembly according to claim 26, wherein the sealing member is positioned on an interior wall of the building, proximal the opening therein, wherein the resiliently deformable member has a sealing configuration when the rolling shutter door is in the closed position, and a non-sealing configuration when the rolling shutter door is in the open position.
30. A door assembly according to claim 29, wherein the sealing member is positioned above the opening, and wherein the resiliently deformable member protrudes from the surface of the rolling shutter door in the sealing configuration.
31. A door assembly according to claim 29, wherein in the non-sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member is complementary to an arcuate conformation of the rolling shutter door when the rolling shutter door is in the open position.
32. A door assembly according to claim 26, wherein the sealing member has a mating configuration when the rolling shutter door is in the closed position, and a resting configuration when the rolling shutter door is in the open position, and wherein the mating configuration of the sealing member is complementary to the sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member.
33. A door assembly according to claim 32, wherein the sealing member protrudes towards the interior of the building when the sealing member is in the resting configuration, and wherein the resiliently deformable member is a resiliently deformable sheet.
34. A door assembly according to claim 26, wherein the sealing member is resiliently deformable, and wherein in use, when the resiliently deformable member cooperates with the sealing member, the resiliently deformable member causes the sealing member to deform, and, wherein the sealing member comprises a cavity
35. A door assembly according to claim 34, wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with an insulating material selected from an acoustically insulating material, a thermally insulating material, a fire-retardant material, and combinations thereof.
36. A door assembly according to claim 26, wherein the rolling shutter door comprises a plurality of laths, wherein one or more of the laths comprises a cavity, and wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with an acoustically insulating material.
37. A door assembly according to claim 26, further comprising: a first guide member and a second guide member for guiding the rolling shutter door between the open position and the closed position; and a barrel positioned between the guides for supporting the rolling shutter door, the barrel being configured to rotate and receive more of the rolling shutter door when said door is rolled to the open position.
38. A door assembly according to claim 37, wherein the opening is defined by two opposing side walls, a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, and wherein the first guide member and the second guide member are positioned: (i) relative to the opposing side walls; or (ii) relative to the opposing top and bottom walls; to guide the rolling shutter door.
39. A door assembly according to claim 37, wherein at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member comprises one or more guide sealing members, wherein the one or more guide sealing members contact the rolling shutter door when in the closed position, and, wherein at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member comprises a reversibly attachable bracket.
40. A door assembly according to claim 37, wherein at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member comprises a cavity, and wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with an insulating material and/or an acoustically insulating material.
41. A method of sealing a gap between a rolling shutter door of a door assembly and an opening in a building to which the door assembly is installed, wherein the rolling shutter door is moveable between a closed position wherein the opening is occluded by the rolling shutter door, and an open position wherein the opening is at least partially clear of occlusion by the rolling shutter door, the method comprising: providing a resiliently deformable member; providing a sealing member; positioning each of the resiliently deformable member and the sealing member relative to one, or the other, of the door assembly and the opening in the building; such that the resiliently deformable member co-operates with the sealing member when the rolling shutter door is in a closed position to seal the gap.
42. A method according to claim 41, the method further comprising: positioning the resiliently deformable member on the rolling shutter door of the door assembly; positioning the sealing member on a wall of the building proximal the opening.
43. A sealing member for providing a seal in a door assembly, the door assembly being installed to an opening in a building, and comprising a rolling shutter door moveable between a closed position wherein the opening is occluded by the rolling shutter door, and an open position wherein the opening is at least partially clear of occlusion by the rolling shutter door; the sealing member comprising: a resiliently deformable mating member; a support frame, for supporting the resiliently deformable member; and means for fixing the sealing member to a wall of the building defining the opening.
44. A sealing member according to claim 43, wherein the sealing member comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with an insulating material and/or an acoustically insulating material.
45. A sealing assembly kit for providing a seal to a door assembly, the door assembly being installed to an opening in a building, and comprising a rolling shutter door moveable between a closed position wherein the opening is occluded by the rolling shutter door, and an open position wherein the opening is at least partially clear of occlusion by the rolling shutter door; the kit comprising: a sealing member according to claim 43; and a resiliently deformable member, configured to be positioned on an exterior surface of the rolling shutter door.
Description
LIST OF FIGURES
[0098] The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
[0099] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear-side (e.g. interior of a building) elevated view of a prior art door assembly comprising a rolling shutter door in its fully closed position.
[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear-side elevated view of the prior art door assembly of FIG. 1 in its fully open position.
[0101] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear-side elevated view of the prior art door assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a partially open position, wherein the rolling shutter door partially occludes the door passage.
[0102] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of a barrel and a rolling shutter door comprised in the prior art door assembly of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the rolling shutter door is in its fully open position.
[0103] FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of a barrel and a rolling shutter door comprised in the prior art door assembly of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the rolling shutter door is in the closed position.
[0104] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial end view of the prior art door assembly of FIGS. 1-5 comprising a prior art sealing assembly.
[0105] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of the prior art sealing assembly illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0106] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial end view of a door assembly according to the present invention, wherein the rolling shutter door is in its fully open position, a sealing member is in a resting configuration, and a resiliently deformable member is in a non-sealing configuration.
[0107] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial end view of the door assembly illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the rolling shutter door is its fully closed position, and the resiliently deformable member and sealing member are co-operating to seal the gap.
[0108] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate side cross-sectional views of a resiliently deformable member comprised in a sealing assembly according to the present invention.
[0109] FIG. 13 illustrates a resiliently deformable member in the sealing configuration.
[0110] FIG. 14 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a sealing member comprised in a sealing assembly according to the present invention, wherein the sealing member is in a resting configuration.
[0111] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a barrel comprised in the door assemblies of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the barrel has the rolling shutter door coiled about itself.
[0112] FIG. 16 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the barrel illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the rolling shutter door is at least partially uncoiled from the barrel.
[0113] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 illustrate plan cross-sectional views of guide members comprised in a door assembly according to the present invention.
[0114] FIG. 20 illustrates a side cross-section view of a bottom rail comprised in a rolling door in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0115] The invention will be now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. The description of particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
[0116] In accordance with the present invention, the term ‘resiliently deformable’ means having a first configuration, which can be induced through application or release of a biasing force, into a second configuration. Upon removal of said biasing force, the second configuration returns to the first configuration. ‘Resiliently deformable’ materials may be flexible, elastic, spongy, and the like. Preferably, ‘resiliently deformable’ as used herein means capable of being repeatedly deformed, without losing structural integrity or performance. For instance, resiliently deformable objects include sponges, foams, elastic bands and the like.
[0117] Insulating materials in accordance with the present invention may comprise acoustically insulating materials, thermally insulating materials, fire-retardant materials, and the like. Insulating materials as described herein are selected from an acoustically insulating material, a thermally insulating material, a fire-retardant material, and combinations thereof. Acoustically insulating materials may include Rockwool™, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, rubber, sponge, plaster (e.g. gypsum), composite boarding materials (e.g. plasterboard) and combinations thereof. Preferably, acoustically insulating materials are selected from Rockwool®, mineral wool and combinations thereof. Thermally insulating materials may include Rockwool®, mineral wool, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, rubber, sponge, plaster (e.g. gypsum), composite boarding materials (e.g. plasterboard, insulating boards) and combinations thereof. Preferably, thermally insulating materials are selected from Rockwool®, mineral wool, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, and combinations thereof. Fire retardant materials may include Rockwool™, mineral wool, composite boarding materials (e.g. fire-resistant boards) and combinations thereof. Preferably, fire retardant materials are selected from Rockwool®, mineral wool, and combinations thereof. Other suitable generally insulating materials may include for example plaster (e.g. gypsum) and/or calcium silicate (e.g. calcium board).
[0118] Resiliently deformable insulating materials in accordance with the present invention are materials which have both resiliently deformable and insulating properties. Suitable resiliently deformable insulating materials include sponges, foams, fabrics, and the like. Resiliently deformable insulating materials in accordance with the present invention may comprise an acoustically insulating material, a thermally insulating material, a fire-retardant material, and combinations thereof. Resiliently deformable insulating materials in accordance with the present invention be selected from an acoustically insulating material, a thermally insulating material, a fire-retardant material, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the resiliently deformable insulating material is a sponge. Preferably, the resiliently deformable insulating material is a foam.
[0119] The term ‘sheet’ in accordance with the invention means a thin, substantially two-dimensional material having a length and or width that is substantially greater than its depth. ‘Sheet’ within the context of the present invention may include a sheet having a thickness from 1 to 10 mm, optionally from 2 to 8 mm, and optionally still from 3 to 6 mm.
[0120] Resiliently deformable sheets in accordance with the present invention are resiliently deformable within the meaning described above. Resiliently deformable sheets may be made of suitable flexible textiles (e.g. cloths), rubbers, plastics, elastomeric materials, and optionally combinations thereof. The resiliently deformable sheets in accordance with the present invention may comprise, or consist of polyvinyl chloride. Resiliently deformable sheets in accordance with the present invention may have a thickness from 1 to 10 mm, optionally from 2 to 8 mm, optionally still from 3 to 6 mm (e.g. around 4 mm, around 5 mm). Resiliently deformable sheets in accordance with the present invention may comprise, or consist of polyester reinforced polyvinyl chloride. Resiliently deformable sheets in accordance with the present invention may be a polyester reinforced polyvinyl chloride sheet, wherein the polyester reinforced polyvinyl chloride sheet may has a thickness from 2 to 5 mm (e.g. around 3 mm, around 4 mm). Suitable examples of polyester reinforced polyvinyl chloride include TARPOL™ sheets, e.g. TARPOL™ TS 700 commercially available from Gale Pacific (www.galpacific.com).
[0121] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that resiliently deformable sheets in accordance with the present invention may be selected according to the desired flexibility and deformability by changing the thickness thereof and/or by selecting suitable materials. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that polyester reinforced polyvinylchloride (e.g. Tarpol™) is more flexible than polyvinylchloride sheets.
[0122] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a partial door assembly in accordance with the present invention wherein the rolling shutter door 4 is in its open position and its closed position respectively. The door assembly of the present invention shares many features of a known door assembly, such as that described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and as such those features may be described below as needed for context with the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1-5. However, the present invention also includes a number of inventive features, which will be described below.
[0123] The door assembly of the invention comprises, in addition to a rolling shutter door 4, a sealing assembly 44 comprising a sealing member 46 and a resiliently deformable member 48. The resiliently deformable member 48 and sealing member 46 are each mutually positioned such that the resiliently deformable member 48 co-operates with the sealing member 46 when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position to seal the gap 36, as can be seen in FIG. 9.
[0124] The resiliently deformable member 48 is provided on an upper portion of the rolling shutter door 4. With reference the FIG. 8, the resiliently deformable member 48 (illustrated by the thickened black line) is co-rolled (i.e. coiled) with barrel 20. The dashed lines in FIG. 8 illustrate the size of the coil of rolling shutter door when fully coiled around the barrel 20.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 9, the resiliently deformable member 48 is positioned at an upper portion of the rolling shutter door 4 to seal the gap 36; and the sealing member 36 is mutually positioned to co-operate with the resiliently deformable member 48. The sealing member 46 is positioned above and adjacent to the opening 14, for example, the top wall defining the opening of a building.
[0126] With reference to FIG. 8, when the rolling shutter door 4 is in an open position (wherein the rolling shutter door 4 is at least partially coiled about the barrel 20) the resiliently deformable member 48 (represented by the thick black line in FIG. 8) has a non-sealing configuration. The non-sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member 48 complements the configuration of the rolling shutter door 4, more particularly, complements the arcuate conformation of the rolling shutter door 4 when coiled about the barrel 20. The resiliently deformable member 48 shown in FIG. 8 lies substantially flush with a surface of the rolling shutter door 4. In the non-sealing configuration, the resiliently deformable member 48 spans at least part of the circumference of an arcuate portion of the rolling shutter door 4, when the rolling shutter door 4 is provided in a coiled configuration about barrel 20.
[0127] When the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position, the rolling shutter door 4 is uncoiled from the barrel 20, and the resiliently deformable member 48 has a sealing configuration. With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member 48 protrudes from the surface of the rolling shutter door in the form of a bulb.
[0128] In the sealing configuration, the resiliently deformable member 48 co-operates with the sealing member 46. The resiliently deformable member 48 and the sealing member 46 have complementary configurations when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position to provide the seal, as illustrated in FIG. 9. As discussed in more detail below, the complementary shapes arise from an induced fit, wherein the resiliently deformable member 48 in the sealing configuration induces a complementary shape in the sealing member 46. As such, the resiliently deformable member 48 and the sealing member 46 have interlocking configurations to provide an effective seal.
[0129] The sealing member 46 has a mating configuration as illustrated in FIG. 9; and a resting configuration as illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the sealing member 46 has a resting configuration when the rolling shutter door 4 is in an open position wherein the sealing member 46 protrudes outwardly into the gap 36 towards the interior S1 of the building. The sealing member 46 also has a mating configuration when the rolling shutter door is in the closed position, which is complementary to the sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member 48. The sealing member 46 is deformed by the resiliently deformable member 48 (when in the sealing configuration) into a corresponding reciprocal shape, as shown in FIG. 9 (discussed in further detail below).
[0130] The sealing member 46 is mutually positioned relative to the resiliently deformable member to co-operate when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position. The sealing member 46 is positioned such that it is in a complementary position to contact the resiliently deformable member 48 when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0131] FIG. 9 illustrates the sealing assembly 44 shown in FIG. 8, with the exception that the rolling shutter door 4 is provided in a closed position. When the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position, the resiliently deformable member 48 contacts and co-operates with the sealing member 46 to provide a seal. The resiliently deformable member 48 is affixed to the rolling shutter door 4, such that when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position, the resiliently deformable member 48 protrudes away from the rolling shutter door 4, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The resiliently deformable member 48 is urged away from the rolling shutter door 4 to protrude therefrom by virtue of the rolling shutter door 4 moving from an arcuate configuration to a planar configuration.
[0132] The resiliently deformable member 48 in the sealing configuration induces the sealing member 46 to adopt a complementary mating configuration, as illustrated by the change of configuration of the sealing member 46 between FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In the sealing configuration, the resiliently deformable member 48 abuts the sealing member 46 causing it to deform inwardly from the resting configuration to the mating configuration. The resiliently deformable member 48 thus creates a recess in the sealing member 46, in which resiliently deformable member 48 rests. Advantageously, this arrangement allows a secure and tight seal to be formed across the gap 36. Preferably, the sealing member 46 comprises a more flexible material than the resiliently deformable member 48, such that the sealing member 46 is deformed by the resiliently deformable member 48 (in the sealing configuration) from the resting configuration into the mating configuration.
[0133] FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate a resiliently deformable member 48 comprised in a sealing assembly 44 of the door assembly of the present invention in sealing (FIG. 12) and non-sealing (FIGS. 10 and 11) configurations.
[0134] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the resiliently deformable member 48 wherein the laths 6 of the rolling shutter door 4 are in an arcuate configuration, as would be the case when the rolling shutter door is in an open position being rolled around the barrel 20.
[0135] With reference to FIG. 10, the resiliently deformable member 48 is attached to the rolling shutter door 4 at one or more laths 6 by attachment means 50. The resiliently deformable member 48 is attached to the rolling shutter door at portions that are proximal the outer perimeter of the resiliently deformable member 48, as shown in FIG. 10. More particularly, the resiliently deformable member 48 is affixed to rolling shutter door 4 at an upper edge 52 of the resiliently deformable member 48, and at a lower edge 54 of the resiliently deformable member 48. A central portion 58 of the resiliently deformable member 48 is free of the rolling shutter door 4, that is to say the central portion 58 is not affixed to the rolling shutter door 4. The central portion 58 being free of the rolling shutter door 58 allows the resiliently deformable member 48 to move freely between the sealing and non-sealing configurations, as discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 12.
[0136] FIG. 10 additionally depicts a magnified view of a plurality of laths 6 comprised in a rolling door 4 in accordance with the present invention, and interlocking members 8 as previously discussed in respect of FIGS. 1-5. The interlocking members have complementary shapes, such that an interlocking member 8a of a lath may interlock with an interlocking member 8b of another lath 6. For example, the interlocking members 8 may be ‘snap-fit’ interlocking members. The interlocking members 8 enable adjacent laths to pivot with respect to one another.
[0137] Although FIG. 10 illustrates the resiliently deformable member 48 and rolling shutter door 4 in cross-section, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the resiliently deformable member 48 may be secured by attachment means 50 at multiple cross-sections. That is to say the attachment means 50 may be provided at a plurality of cross-sections along the width of the rolling shutter door 4. The attachment means 50 may even extend substantially continuously across the width of the resiliently deformable member, for example, where the attachment means is an adhesive.
[0138] Attachment means 50 may be any suitable means for attaching the resiliently deformable member to the rolling shutter door 4, for example, an adhesive, screws, nails, rivets, bolts and nuts, or a combination thereof.
[0139] FIG. 11 illustrates the resiliently deformable member 48 of FIG. 10, with the exception that protecting member 62 is additionally provided. The protecting member 62 is provided to mitigate strain on the resiliently deformable member 48 when in the non-sealing configuration. For example, the protecting member 62 may be a resiliently deformable material (e.g. sponge, foam) to cushion the resiliently deformable member 48 against the laths 6 of the rolling shutter door 4.
[0140] FIG. 12 illustrates the resiliently deformable member 48 in a sealing configuration, wherein the laths 6 of the rolling shutter door 4 are in a planar configuration, as would be the case when the rolling shutter door is in a closed position. In contrast to the non-sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member 48 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the sealing configuration illustrated in FIG. 12, the resiliently deformable member 48 protrudes away from the rolling shutter door 4. More particularly, the central portion 58 of the resiliently deformable member protrudes away from laths 6 of the rolling shutter door 4. The protrusion of the central portion 58 resembles a bulb, as also illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0141] As the rolling shutter door 4 moves from an arcuate configuration when coiled about barrel 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, to a planar configuration as the rolling shutter door is dispensed from the barrel, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the distance between two notional points on the rolling shutter door decreases. For example, the distance between each attachment means 50 in FIG. 10 is less than the distance between each attachment means 50 in FIG. 12. In other words, the circumference of an arcuate portion of the rolling shutter door when coiled about the barrel is greater than the length of the rolling shutter door when in a planar configuration. This reduction in length causes the resiliently deformable member 48 to be urged away from laths 6 of the rolling shutter door 4 to form a protrusion, as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0142] The distance 60 by which the resiliently deformable member 48 protrudes is determined by the length of the resiliently deformable member 48 and/or the distance between the attachment means 50 at which the resiliently deformable member 48 is attached to the rolling shutter door 4. The distance between attachment means 50 may be from 1 to 5 times the width 56 of a lath 6, optionally 1.5 to 3 times the width 56 of a lath 6, and optionally still around 2 times the with 56 of a lath 6.
[0143] With reference to FIG. 13, the distance 60 (indicated as r.sub.1 in FIG. 13) which the resiliently deformable member 48 protrudes may be calculated by consideration of distance r.sub.1 and a plurality of notional circles, wherein the circumference of said notional circles are in tangential contact (i.e. at a single point). As shown in FIG. 13, the profile of the protruding resiliently deformable member 48 may resemble a bell curve. The desired distance 60 may be adjusted by considering the relationship between the length of central portion 58 and the arc length of angles as illustrated in FIG. 13. The length of the bell curve shape formed by central portion 58 is approximately half that of the length of the inverse side of the bell shape i.e. the bell curve length is 2.sup.−πr(θ/360) where θ is the angle across which the central portion 58 extends. The extent of the distance r.sub.1 as shown in FIG. 13, can be calculated using the following equation: r.sub.1=2 (r−(r cos θ)) where r is the radius of the notional circle and e is the angle across which the central portion 58 extends.
[0144] FIG. 14 (providing a detailed view of the sealing member illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9) illustrates a sealing member 46 comprised in a sealing assembly 44 in accordance the present invention. The sealing member 46 is configured to co-operate with the resiliently deformable member 48 when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position to provide a seal across the gap 36.
[0145] The sealing member 46 comprises a mating member 68, which is positioned to contact the resiliently deformable member 48 when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the closed position to provide a seal. As such, the mating member 68 co-operates with the resiliently deformable member 48 to provide a seal. The mating member 68 has the resting configuration (as shown in FIG. 14) when the rolling shutter door 4 is in the open position, and the mating configuration when the rolling shutter door 4 is in a closed position, as discussed above with respect to the sealing member 46.
[0146] The sealing member 46 may be a resiliently deformable sealing member. With reference to FIG. 14, the mating member 68 comprised in the sealing member 46 is resiliently deformable to provide a resiliently deformable mating member 68. The resiliently deformable mating member 68 is flexible, such that when the resiliently deformable member 48 makes contact with the mating member 68 to form the seal 44, the mating member 68 is induced into a shape that is complementary to the sealing configuration of the resiliently deformable member 48. As such, the resiliently deformable member 48 in the sealing configuration induces the mating member 68 into a corresponding, complementary mating configuration. This arrangement advantageously improves the efficacy of the sealing assembly 44 by virtue of the complementary configurations of the resiliently deformable member 48 and the mating member 68, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In this arrangement, the mating member 68 is more flexible that the resiliently deformable mating member 48, thus allowing the resiliently deformable member 48 in the sealing configuration to induce the mating member 68 to adopt the mating configuration (FIG. 9).
[0147] With reference to FIG. 14, the sealing member 46 further comprises a support frame 66. The mating member 68 is secured to the support frame 66. The support frame 66 comprises one or more lips 70 for receiving a portion of the mating member 68. The support frame 66 further comprises one or more receiving channels 72 into which the mating member 68 may be inserted and secured thereto. The mating member 68 is secured to the lip 70 and/or in the receiving channel 72 by any suitable means, for example adhesive, screws, nails, bolts, rivets and the like.
[0148] The receiving channel 72 is slidably moveable relative to the base 74 of the support 66. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is just one-way of achieving the arrangement described further with reference to FIG. 14, and other ways of achieving the arrangement will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 14, the channel 72 is disassociated from the rest of the body of the support 66, for example having an L configuration that rests against the base 74. As such, the channel 72 is moveable with respect to the base 74 of the support 66. In use, as the resiliently deformable member 48 contacts the sealing member to co-operate and form a seal, this arrangement provides additional flexibility in the position of the mating member 68 when the resiliently deformable member is in the sealing configuration.
[0149] The sealing member 46 further comprises a cavity 76 (FIG. 14). The cavity 76 may be at least partially filled with an insulating material, for example a thermally insulating material and/or an acoustically insulating material. Preferably, the cavity 76 is at least partially filled with an acoustically insulating material. The cavity may comprise a chamber 76a, which is comprised in the support 66, and a natural cavity 76b defined by a void between the support and the mating member 68.
[0150] Alternatively, a mating member 68 comprised in the sealing member 46 may be directly affixed to a wall (e.g. an upper wall above the opening) in a building (in the absence of the support frame 66), to create a cavity between the wall and the mating member 68 (not illustrated). The cavity may be at least partially filled with an insulating material, for example a thermally insulating material or an acoustically insulating material. Preferably, the cavity is at least partially filled with an acoustically insulating material.
[0151] The cavity 76 of the support 66 as illustrated in FIG. 14 and as described above may be at least partially filled with a resiliently deformable insulating material. Alternatively, the cavity between the wall and the mating member 68 as described above may be at least partially filled with a resiliently deformable insulating material. The resiliently deformable insulating material is flexible, and is capable of being deformed into a mating configuration upon application of a force, and of returning to its original, resting configuration when the force is removed (e.g. a sponge).
[0152] The resiliently deformable insulating material may provide support to the resiliently deformable mating member 68, such that the mating member 68 is biased to a resting, non-sealing configuration, as shown in FIG. 14. Preferably, the cavity 76 is substantially filled with a resiliently deformable insulating material. As such, when the resiliently deformable member 48 contacts the mating member 68 to form the seal 44, and induces the mating member 68 into the mating configuration, the resiliently deformable insulating material also deforms through contact with the mating member 68. When the seal 44 is broken (i.e. when the rolling shutter door is moved from the closed position to the open position), the resiliently deformable insulating material returns to its non-deformed, resting configuration, and thus may induce the mating member 68 to return to the non-sealing, resting configuration (FIG. 14) from the complimentary mating configuration.
[0153] Where the resiliently deformable insulating material is provided in the cavity 76 or in the cavity between the wall and the mating member as described above, the resiliently deformable mating member 68 may comprise or consist of a resiliently deformable sheet. Preferably the resiliently deformable sheet is a polyester reinforced polyvinyl chloride sheet. Suitable examples of polyester reinforced polyvinyl chloride include TARPOL™ sheets, e.g. TARPOL™ TS 700 commercially available from Gale Pacific (www.galepacific.com).
[0154] Alternatively, the cavity 76, or cavity between the wall and the mating member 68, as described above is vacant. Where the cavity 76, or the cavity between the wall and the mating member as described above are vacant, the resiliently deformable mating member 68 may comprise or consist of plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the mating member 68 is a polyvinyl chloride sheet.
[0155] FIG. 15 illustrates a side-on view of the barrel 20 depicted in prior art FIGS. 1-3 wherein the rolling shutter door 4 is coiled around the barrel 20, such that the rolling shutter door 4 is in an open position. A resiliently deformable member 48, comprised in the sealing assembly 44 according to the present invention, is provided in a non-sealing configuration as described above. The resiliently deformable member 48 complements the configuration of the rolling shutter door 4 in its coiled configuration about the barrel 20. The resiliently deformable member 48 may lie substantially flush with a surface of the rolling shutter door 4, wherein the surface may face the interior of a building S1, or the exterior of a building S2 when the rolling door 4 is in the closed position.
[0156] FIG. 16 illustrates the same barrel 20 as depicted in FIG. 15, wherein the rolling shutter door 4 has been at least partially uncoiled from the barrel 20. The rolling shutter door 4 comprises a plurality of laths 6, and one or more of the plurality of laths 6 may comprise a cavity C. The cavity C may be at least partially filled with an insulating material to improve the performance (e.g. the acoustic performance and/or the thermal performance and/or the fire performance) of the rolling shutter door 4. For example, the rolling shutter door 4 may be an acoustically insulating door, and an acoustically insulating material may be provided to at least partially fill the cavity C. Further examples of suitable materials for at least partially filling the cavity C may include thermally insulating materials, fire retardant materials, and the like.
[0157] The guide members 16 may comprise a channel 90 for receiving laths 6 of the rolling shutter door 4. FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view of a guide member 16 that can be incorporated into door assemblies according to the present invention. A channel 90 is provided into which the rolling shutter door 4 is received, and preferably secured in position. The channel 90 is defined between a body portion 80 of the guide member and a portion 86 extending therefrom to create a cavity 94 into which the rolling shutter door 4 may be received. Of course, the channel 90 needs to be of sufficient width to allow the rolling shutter door 4 to move freely between the open and closed positions. As such, the channel 90 acts as a track in which the rolling shutter door 4 is received and guided between the open and closed positions.
[0158] With continued reference to FIG. 17, the guide members 16 may comprise a reversibly attachable bracket 86 to allow easy installation and removal of rolling shutter door 4, as shown in FIG. 17. The reversibly attachable bracket 86 is reversibly attached to a body portion 80 of the guide member 16. Suitable means for attaching the reversibly attachable bracket 86 to the body portion 80 may include, for example, bolts 88 and nuts as illustrated in FIG. 17, screws, nails, and the like. Advantageously, the reversibly attachable bracket 86 can be removed to access the rolling shutter door 4, for example to remove the rolling shutter door 4 for maintenance.
[0159] The guide members comprise a body portion 80 that is at least partially hollow. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the body portion 80 is at least partially filled with an insulating material 82, for example a thermally insulating material or an acoustically insulating material. Preferably, the body portion 80 is at least partially filled with an acoustically insulating material. Providing an insulating material in the body portion 80 of guide members 16 provides further improvement to the performance of the door assemblies by mitigating the transfer of noise, smoke, heat, and the like from one side S1 of the door assembly, to another S2.
[0160] The body portion 80 further comprises a lip portion 84, as illustrated in FIG. 17. The lip portion 84 and portion 86 (e.g. reversibly attachable bracket 86) collectively define part of the channel 90 into which the rolling shutter door 4 is received. The lip portion 84 increases the size of the cavity 94 into which the rolling shutter door 4 is received. This increase in the size of the cavity 94 provides a region (cavity 94) in which the passage of smoke, sound, heat and the like may blocked and subsequently adsorbed by the guide member. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the guide members 16 are provided with a guide seal member 78 that extends across the cavity 94 from the body portion 80 to contact the rolling shutter door 4, thus providing a seal and improving the performance of the door assembly. The guide seal member 78 may be an acoustically insulating guide seal member 78, wherein the acoustically insulating guide seal member 78 is made of an acoustically insulating material. Moreover, a section 92 of the body portion 80 which defines cavity 94 may be provided with one or more perforations (not illustrated). The one or more perforations may allow for access (for example access for sound waves, thermal energy, smoke) to the insulating material 82 within the body portion 80 to improve the performance of the door assembly.
[0161] Guide members 16 may further comprise a baffle member 96 to further restrict or prevent travel of sound, fire, smoke, heat and the like, as illustrated in FIG. 18. The baffle member 96 may be an acoustic baffle member 96. In FIG. 18, the baffle member 96 is provided adjacent the body portion 80 to provide additional insulation e.g. thermal or acoustic insulation. The baffle member 96 comprises an insulating material, for example an acoustically insulating material or a thermally insulating material. The baffle member 96 may comprise one or more perforations (not illustrated) to allow penetration of sound, fire, smoke, heat and the like into the baffle member 96 to improve the insulation properties.
[0162] Guide members 16 may further comprise an insulating member 100. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the insulating member 100 substantially surrounds the portion 98 and/or the reversibly attachable bracket 86 of the guide member 16, to provide additional insulation to the channel 90 and cavity 94. Channel 90 is open to receive the rolling shutter door 4. The insulating member 100 may be made of any suitable insulating material, preferably an acoustically insulating material.
[0163] The bottom rail 10 may be provided with a bottom seal 102, to provide further insulation. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the bottom seal 102 may be made of a suitable insulating material, for example an acoustically insulating material or a thermally insulating material.
[0164] The blocking member 20 may comprise a lip 104, which protrudes outwardly and downwardly towards the direction of the floor to provide additional protection to the bottom seal 102 from, for example, user impact, fire, sound, smoke, heat and the like. The blocking member 20 can be made of a reinforced material to provide additional strength to the bottom rail 10, and to the rolling shutter door 4. In addition, the lip 104 can support the base of the rolling shutter door 4 when in the closed position, thus preventing the seal 102 from being compressed or damaged.
