Disconnecting hinges

Abstract

In example implementations, a disconnecting hinge is provided. The disconnecting hinge includes an upper bracket coupled to a first panel of a sectional door and a lower bracket coupled to a second panel of the sectional door. The upper bracket includes a rotatable locking member coupled to the upper bracket, wherein the rotatable locking member rotates in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the first panel. The lower bracket includes a fixed member. The upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket when the rotatable locking member is moved into a first position to allow the rotatable locking member to be secured against the fixed member. The upper bracket is disconnected from the lower bracket when the rotatable locking member is moved into a second position to allow the rotatable locking member to be disengaged from the fixed member.

Description

DISCONNECTING HINGESBACKGROUND

[0001] Overhead doors can be used for a variety of applications. For example, overhead doors can be used as garage doors in residential locations or doors for bays and entrances to warehouses in commercial locations.

[0002] Some overhead doors can include sections or panels that are coupled together, such as a residential garage door.

[0003] Sectional doors may include sections or panels that are connected by hinges. The panels can be controlled by a motor connected to a cable to the bottom most panel. The panels can be guided through a track system. The track system may be a high lift that lifts the panels up vertically or may include a “J” curve that guides the panels into a horizontal position parallel to the ceiling. Generally sectional doors are designed such that all panels are moved together when the door is opened or closed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an interior side of an example overhead door system with an example disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the interior side of the example overhead door system with door partially opened with the example disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of two panels of the door with the example disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric close-up view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric close-up view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a disconnected position;

[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric close-up view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a hinged positioned while in a connected position;

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric top view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a connected position;

[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric top view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a connected position and partially hinged or rotated;

[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of an example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a disconnected position;

[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of another example of a disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a disconnected position;

[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of another example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a transition from the disconnected position to the connected position;

[0018] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of another example of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure in a connected position;

[0019] FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the upper bracket of one embodimentof the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric view of a lower bracket of one embodiment of the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Examples described herein provide examples of a disconnecting hinge. In some examples, the disconnecting hinge can be used with an overhead door. As discussed above, overhead doors can be used for a variety of applications. For example, overhead doors can be used as garage doors in residential locations or doors for bays and entrances to warehouses in commercial locations where there is a need to have the building opening partially blocked or provide ventilation with a screen.

[0022] As noted above, sectional doors may include sections or panels that are connected by hinges. The panels can be controlled by a motor connected to a cable to the bottom most panel. The panels can be guided through a track system. The track system may be a high lift that lifts the panels up vertically or may include a “J” curve that guides the panels into a horizontal position parallel to the ceiling. Generally sectional doors are designed such that all panels are moved together when the door is opened or closed.

[0023] In some applications, it may be desirable to separate the panels such that only a portion of the door is raised and lowered. For example, in some warehouse or commercial settings, there may be regulations related to worker safety around openings. For example, some openings may be near a dock where there may be a drop-off of several feet, such as 4 feet or more. As a result, some regulations may require a barrier along the opening to prevent injury.

[0024] It may be beneficial to incorporate such a barrier as part of the overhead door system that is already installed in an opening of the warehouse (e.g., a shipping / receiving dock). Thus, a separate barrier does not have to be installed or positioned while the overhead door is opened.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a disconnecting hinge that can allowan overhead door to separate such that a portion of the door is opened and a portion of the door may remain in a closed position. The portion of the door that remains may serve as a barrier to meet safety regulations for an opening when employees are working near the opening. The portion of the door may be opened to allow airflow while the employee is working near the opening or dock.

[0026] The disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure may be connected or locked such that the entire door opens and closes or may be disconnected or unlocked such that the hinge disconnects and allows a portion of the door to open and close. Furthermore, the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure may functionally hinge when locked such that the door may still work with tracks that have a “J” curve.

[0027] Although the disconnecting hinge is illustrated within the context of an overhead door, it should be noted that the disconnecting hinge may be deployed for other applications. For example, the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure may be deployed in any application that would require a working hinge that can be locked and unlocked to connect or disconnect two adjacent panels or sections. For example, the disconnecting hinge could be applied to adjacent panels in a manufacturing process, a sliding window, automotive applications, and the like.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a first isometric view of an interior side of an example overhead door system 100 of the present disclosure. In an example, the overhead door system 100 may include a door 102 that is installed in an opening of a wall 114 of a building. The door 102 may be installed in an opening associated with a dock.

[0029] In one embodiment, the door 102 may be a sectional door (e.g., a residential garage door, a commercial sectional door for a dock, and the like). The door 102 may be comprised of a plurality of panels 104i to 104n(hereinafter also referred to individually as a panel 104 or collectively as panels 104). The plurality of panels 104 may be connected via one or more hinges 1061 to 106m (hereinafter also referred to individually as a hinge 106 or collectively as hinges106).

[0030] At least two panels 104 may be connected by a disconnecting hinge 108 of the present disclosure. The disconnecting hinge 108 of the present disclosure may provide a mechanism for at least two adjacent panels 104 of the door 102 to be connected and disconnected. In one embodiment, there may be two disconnecting hinges 108 located on opposite ends of two adjacent panels 1042 and 1043. In one embodiment, the disconnecting hinges 108 may be connected two adjacent panels 1042 and 1043 that are located mid-way in the height of the door 102.

[0031] In another embodiment, the disconnecting hinges 108 may be connected two adjacent panels 104 at a particular height of panels 104 that meet a safety regulation or standard. For example, a safety regulation may require a barrier of 40 inches. The disconnecting hinges 108 may be located on panels 104 of the door 102 that allow enough panels 104 to remain closed with a height of at least 40 inches. Thus, if the door is 12 feet high, the disconnecting hinges 108 may be located towards a bottom third of the door 102 (e.g., not necessarily mid-way in the height of the door 102).

[0032] In one embodiment, when the disconnecting hinge 108 is in a locked position, the adjacent panels 1042 and 1043 may be connected together. As a result, when the door 102 is opened, the entire door 102 (e.g., all of the panels 104) may be moved vertically into an open position.

[0033] When the disconnecting hinge 108 is in an unlocked position, the adjacent panels 1042 and 104s may be separated or disconnected. As a result, when the door 102 is opened, the panels above the panel 1043 (e.g., panels 1043-104n) may be opened and moved upwards. The panels 1042 and below (e.g., panels 1042 and 104i) may remain touching the floor and in a closed position. FIG. 2 illustrates how the door 102 may be separated when the disconnecting hinge 108 is in the unlocked position. The arrow 202 illustrates how the panels 1043 and higher move upward to create an opening between the panel 1043 and the panel 1042 that remain on the floor in the closed position.

[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1 , the overhead door system 100 may include tracks or guides 110 and 112. The tracks 110 and 112 may be on opposite sides of the door 102. The tracks 110 and 112 may run vertically and guide movement of the door 102 as the door 102 is opened and closed. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the tracks 110 and 112 as having a high lift vertical track 116.However, it should be noted that the tracks 110 and 112 may also be a traditional curved track that includes a “J” curve and moves the door 102 horizontally (e.g., parallel to the floor). The tracks 110 and 112 may each have U-shape or J- shape cross-section and may include additional components that are not shown. In addition, the tracks 110 and 112 may include a cover to hide the tracks 110 and 112 and the ends of the panels 104.

[0035] It should be noted that FIGs. 1 and 2 also have been simplified for ease of explanation. FIGs. 1 and 2 may include additional components that are not shown. For example, the overhead door system 100 may include a motor, an operator, a torsion spring, and the like. The overhead door system 100 may also include various covers to hide the tracks 110 and 112.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of two adjacent panels 1042 and 104s with the disconnecting hinge 108 in an unlocked position. In one embodiment, the disconnecting hinge 108 may include two separate brackets or components. The disconnecting hinge 108 may include an upper bracket 120 connected to a bottom side of the panel 104s and a lower bracket 122 connected to a top side of the panel 1042.

[0037] The upper bracket 120 may include a rotatable locking member. The upper bracket 120 may also include a movable member. The rotatable locking member may be coupled to the movable member. In some embodiments, the rotatable locking member maybe coupled to a non-movable member. The rotatable locking member may be rotated in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the panels 104. The plane of the panels 104 may refer to a surface of the panels 104 that faces the interior side or exterior side of the building. In other words, the rotatable locking member may be rotated into and out of the page oraway from and towards the panels 104. In other words, the rotatable locking member is not a pin that is slid horizontally along the plane of the panels 104 (e.g., parallel with the plane of the panels 104).

[0038] The lower bracket 122 may include a fixed member. The rotatable locking member may be moved between a first position and a second position to allow the rotatable locking member to be engaged and disengaged from the fixed member. The rotatable locking member may be moved between the first position and the second position by a movable member or by interaction with the fixed member of the lower bracket 122. For example, the first position may be a locked position to allow the rotatable locking member to be secured against the fixed member to connect the upper bracket 120 to the lower bracket 122. The second position may be an unlocked position that allow the rotatable locking member to be disengaged from the fixed member to allow the upper bracket 120 to disconnect from the lower bracket 122.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a broad description of the disconnecting hinge 108. However, FIGs. 4-12 illustrate an example of one embodiment of the disconnecting hinge 108. FIGs. 13-17 illustrate another example of the disconnecting hinge 108. The examples illustrated in FIGs. 4-12 and FIGs. 13- 17 generally share the features of the disconnecting hinge 118, such as the upper bracket 120 and the lower bracket 122.

[0040] It should be noted that although the disconnecting hinge 108 is described within the context of an overhead door system 100, the disconnecting hinge 108 may be deployed in other applications that include panels that could be connected and disconnected. For example, the disconnecting hinge 108 may be applied to a passthrough feature in a wall, a window, a sun shade, a cover for an enclosure, a manufacturing process where panels may be temporarily connected and then disconnected, and the like).

[0041] FIGs 4-12 illustrate an example of a disconnecting hinge 400. In one embodiment, the disconnecting hinge 400 may include an upper bracket 402 and a lower bracket 404. The upper bracket 402 may be coupled to a bottom end ofthe interior side of a panel 104 (e.g., the panel 104s) of the door 102. The lower bracket 404 may be coupled to a top end of the interior side of an adjacent panel 104 (e.g. , the panel 104?) of the door 102.

[0042] Although a single end of the panel 1042 and 104s is illustrated in FIG. 4, it should be noted that both ends of the panels 1042 and 1043 may include a bottom bracket 404 and upper bracket 402, respectively. In other words, the bottom side of the panel 1043 may include two upper brackets 402 on opposite ends of the panel 104s. Similarly, the top side of the panel 1042 may include two bottom brackets 404 on opposite ends of the panel 1042.

[0043] In one embodiment, the upper bracket 402 may include a housing having a cross-sectional “U” shape formed by a first side wall 422, a back-side wall 480, and a second side wall 424. The back-side wall 480 may be coupled to the panel 1043 or an end stile of the panel 1043.

[0044] In one embodiment, the movable member may include a cam-action lever assembly 490. The cam-action lever assembly 490 may be coupled between the first side wall 422 and the second side wall 424. The cam-action lever assembly 490 may include a first end 416 having a handle 406, a pivot pin 412, and a second end 418 having a movable holding block 408.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first side wall 422 and the second side wall 424 may include a channel 414 to guide movement of the pivot pin 412. Movement of the handle 406 may be guided by the pivot pin 412 along the channel 414. In addition, movement of the handle 406 may cause the second end 418 with the movable holding block 408 to also move. In other words, holding block 408 may be an example of a rotatable locking member that is moved between a first position and a second position by movement of the handle 406 of the cam-action lever assembly 490.

[0046] In one embodiment, the upper bracket 402 may also include a locking tab 420 and a static holding block 410. The static holding block 410 may be in a fixed position (e.g., does not move) and may be coupled to the back-side wall

[0047] In one embodiment, the locking tab 420 may secure the cam-action lever assembly 490. For example, when the locking tab 420 is engaged (described in further details below in FIG. 9) the cam-action lever assembly 490 be secured in a locked position and prevented from moving. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates the disconnecting hinge 400 in the locked position. The locking tab 420 in the engaged position may prevent the cam-action lever assembly 490 from accidentally moving (e.g., due to vibrations while the door 102 is opening and closing). Thus, the locking tab 420 may prevent the panels 1042 and 1043 from accidentally disconnecting from one another while the door 102 is moving.

[0048] In one embodiment, the lower bracket 404 may include an engagement pin 430. In the locked position, the static holding block 410 and the movable holding block 408 may be secured to the engagement pin 430. Said another way, the static holding block 410 and the movable holding block 408 may engage the engagement pin 430. Said another way, the static holding block 410 and the movable holding block 408 may completely enclose, or wrap around, the engagement pin 430.

[0049] In one embodiment, the upper bracket 402 may include a roller 426 and the lower bracket 404 may include a roller 428. Thus, the upper bracket 402 and the lower bracket 404 may also replace the roller that would otherwise be attached to hinges. The rollers 426 and 428 may be located within the tracks 110 or 112.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the disconnecting hinge 400 in an unlocked position. The unlocked position allows the adjacent panels 1042 and 1043 to be separated or disconnected. Thus, the panel 104s and higher, may move independently from the panels 1042 and below, as shown by an arrow 502.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates how the handle 406 may be pulled downward (as shown by an arrow 504) when the locking tab 420 is disengaged. Movement of the handle 406 may cause the movable holding block 408 to move initially downward and then away from the panel 1043 to disengage from the engagement pin 430 in a direction shown by an arrow 506.

[0052] FIG. 5 also illustrates a curved surface 432 of the static holding block 410 and a curved surface 434 of the movable holding block 408. The curved surface 432 and the curved surface 434 may form a cylinder having a diameter that is approximately equal to a diameter of the engagement pin 430 when the movable holding block 408 is mated against, or engages against, the engagement pin 430 and the static holding block 410. The curved surface 432 and 434 may allow the static holding block 410 and the movable holding block 408 to rotate around the engagement pin 430 when the disconnecting hinge 400 is in the locked position. As a result, the disconnecting hinge 400 may still be able to bend / rotate around the engagement pin 430 and function as a hinge in the locked position.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates how the disconnecting hinge 400 may still operate as a functional hinge when the disconnecting hinge 400 is in a locked position. In other words, the panels 104? and 1043 may be connected by the disconnecting hinge 400 in the locked position. However, the disconnecting hinge 400 may be allowed to rotate around an axis of the engagement pin 430. For example, the static holding block 410 and the movable holding block 408 may rotatably enclose the engagement pin 430. This may allow the panels 1042 and 1043 to bend or slightly separate as shown by an arrow 602. As a result, the disconnecting hinge 400 may be allowed to be used with panels 104 of a door 102 that moves along a curved track (e.g., a track with a “J” curve that moves the door 102 from a vertically closed position into a horizontal open position that is parallel to the floor).

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the disconnecting hinge 400 of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates some additional details of the disconnecting hinge 400. In one embodiment, the cam-action lever assembly 490 may include the handle 406 secured by opposing arms 448 and 450. The opposing arms 448 and 450 may be rotatably coupled to the locking tab 420 via a pin 446. The pin 446 may provide a pivot point for the handle 406 and the locking tab 420.

[0055] Opposing arms 452 and 454 may be rotatably coupled to the pin 446on a first end and to the pivot pin 412 on a second end 482. The second end 482 of the opposing arms 452 and 454 connected to the pivot pin 412 may be slightly angled downward towards the back-side wall 480, as seen in FIG. 9. The downward angle of the second end 482 of the opposing arms 452 and 454 may allow the movable holding block 408 to initially move downward and then outward when the handle 406 is moved downward as shown in FIGs. 5 and 12. The pivot pin 412 may provide a second pivot point for the second end 418 of the cam action lever assembly 490.

[0056] Opposing arms 456 and 458 may be coupled to the pivot pin 412. The movable holding block 408 may be located between the arms 456 and 458 on the second end 418. The combination of the pivot point provided by the pin 446, the pivot pin 412, and the channel 414 may allow the second end 418 to move downward to disengage from the engagement pin 430 and then outward away from the engagement pin 430 when the handle 406 is pulled downward.

[0057] FIG. 7 also illustrates additional details of the locking tab 420. The locking tab 420 may be spring-loaded via a spring 436. The spring 436 may be a torsion spring that is wrapped around a pin 444 that connects the spring 436 and the first end 438 of the locking tab 420. The locking tab 420 may also include a second end 440. The second end 440 may be a protrusion that extends away from a body of the locking tab 420. The second end 440 may be pressed downward towards the back-side wall 480, which may raise the first end 438 and disengage the locking tab 420. While the locking tab 420 is disengaged, the handle 406 may be free to move downward to move the disconnecting hinge 400 into an unlocked position to disconnect adjacent panels 1042 and 1043.

[0058] FIG. 7 also illustrates sleeves 440 and 442. The sleeves 440 may be located between the first side wall 422 and the second side wall 424. The sleeve 440 may be coupled to the first side wall 422 and the second side wall 424. The roller 426 may be inserted to the sleeve 440.

[0059] The sleeve 442 may be coupled between the side walls 484 and 486 of the lower bracket 404. The roller 428 may be inserted to the sleeve 442.

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the disconnecting hinge 400. FIG. 8 illustrates a better view of the channel 414. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the channel may have a horizontal portion and an angled portion. The horizontal portion may guide the pivot pin 412 to initially move in a downward motion to disengage the movable holding block 408 from the engagement pin 430. The angled portion may form an angle 492 relative to the horizontal portion that is approximately 115 degrees to 165 degrees. In an example, the angle 492 may be approximately 135 degrees. The angled portion may guide the pivot pin 412 to move at the angle 492. The angle 492 in combination with the angled second end 482 (illustrated in FIG. 9) of the opposing arms 452 and 454 may cause the movable holding block 408 to rotate outward as described above.

[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view along line A-A shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 illustrates further details of the locking tab 420. In one embodiment the upper bracket 402 may include a locking plate or member 466. The locking plate 466 may have a “U” shape and be coupled to a wear block or plate 464 that is coupled to interior of the back-side wall 480. An end of the locking plate 466 may include a channel 468. For example, each end of the “II” shape may include a cut-out portion that forms the channel 468. The “U” shape allows the pin 444 to be inserted through an opening 494 to rotatably secure the spring 436 and the locking tab 420.

[0062] The first end 438 of the locking tab 420 may include a lip that protrudes perpendicularly from the locking plate 420 relative to a body of the locking plate 420. Said another way, the lip may extend towards the back-side wall 480.When the locking tab 420 is engaged, the lip on the first end 438 may be inserted into the channel 468. Said another way, channel 468 may receive the lip on the first end 438 of the locking tab 420 to prevent the handle 406 from being able to be pulled or moved downward.

[0063] In order to move the handle 406, a force may be applied to the second end 440 of the locking tab 420 (e.g., downward towards the back-side wall 480) to rotate the locking tab 420 around the pin 446. As a result, the first end 438may rise vertically upward away from the channel 468. Once the lip on the first end 438 clears the channel 468, the handle 406 may be free to move and can be pulled downward to disengage the movable holding block 408 from the engagement pin 430.

[0064] FIG. 9 also illustrates rivets 460 and 462 on the interior of the second side wall 424. It should be noted that the interior of the first side wall 422 may also include the rivets 460 and 462. The opposing arm 456 may be located between the rivets 460 and 462. The rivets 460 and 462 may guide movement of the opposing arm 456. Similarly, the movement of the opposing arm 458 on the interior of the first side wall 422 may be guided by similarly located and arranged rivets 460 and 462 (not shown).

[0065] FIG. 9 also illustrates a cross-section of the movable holding block 408 engaged with the engagement pin 430 and the static holding block 410 in the locked position. As can be seen, the curved surface 432 and the curved surface 434 may wrap around the circumference or perimeter of the engagement pin 430. The cylindrical shape of the engagement pin 430 and the corresponding curved surfaces 432 and 434 allow the movable holding block 408 and the static holding block 410 to rotate around the engagement pin 430 while maintain the locked position. As a result, the disconnecting hinge 400 may still operate as a functioning hinge for adjacent panels 104 even in the locked position.

[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the disconnecting hinge 400 in the locked position. FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the disconnecting hinge 400 in the locked position and slightly bent when acting as a hinge. As noted above, the upper bracket 402 may be slightly rotated around the engagement pin 420 in a direction as shown by an arrow 1102.

[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the disconnecting hinge 400 in an unlocked position. For example, the locking tab 420 may be disengaged to allow the handle 406 may be pulled to rotate downward around the axis of the pin 446 in a direction as shown by an arrow 1202. As the handle 406 is pulled downward, the opposing arms 452 and 454 may also be pulled downward andcause the pivot pin 412 may move along the shape of the channel 414.

[0068] The movement of the pivot pin 412 along the channel 414 may cause the second end 418 with the movable holding block 408 to initially move downward to disengage the engagement pin 430 and then outward away from the engagement pin 430, as shown by an arrow 1204. As a result, when the movable holding block 408 is disengaged from the engagement pin 430 the disconnecting hinge 400 may be in the unlocked position. The upper bracket 402 may then be separated from, or disconnected from, the lower bracket 402 in the unlocked position.

[0069] When the disconnecting hinge 400 is unlocked, the top panels 1043 and higher may be separately opened from the bottom panels 1042 and lower (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). At a later time, a user may want to reconnect the panels 1042 and 1043 to operate the entire door 102. To reconnect the panels 1042 and 1043, the top panels 1043 and higher may be closed again to rest on top of the panel 1042. The handle 106 may be lifted upwards into a locked position. For example, the handle 106 may be lifted upwards such that the movable holding block 408 re-engages the engagement pin 430 and the static holding block 410 and such that the locking tab 420 is re-engaged in the channel 468. After the disconnecting hinge 400 is moved into the locked position, all of the panels 104i to 104nmay be operated as a single door 102 again.

[0070] FIGs. 13-17 illustrate another embodiment of the disconnecting hinge 108. For example, FIGs. 13-17 illustrate another embodiment that includes a disconnecting hinge 500. FIGs. 13-15 illustrate a partial view of the panels 104. In other words, the panels 104 are not drawn to scale in FIGs. 13-15. In one embodiment, the upper bracket 502 may be coupled to the bottom side of the panel 104s and the lower bracket 504 may be coupled to the top side of the panel 1042.

[0071] Although a single end of the panel 1042 and 1043 is illustrated in FIG. 13, it should be noted that both ends of the panels 1042 and 1043 may include a bottom bracket 504 and upper bracket 502, respectively. In other words, thebottom side of the panel 104s may include two upper brackets 502 on opposite ends of the panel 104s. Similarly, the top side of the panel 1042 may include two bottom brackets 504 on opposite ends of the panel 1042.

[0072] In one embodiment, the movable member of the upper bracket 502 may include opposing arms 506 and 508. In one embodiment, the opposing arms 506 and 508 may be fixed. In another embodiment, one or more of the arms 506 and 508 may be spring-loaded to allow the arms 506 and 508 to move away from one another.

[0073] In one embodiment, the rotatable locking member may include springpawls 510 and 512 coupled to each one of the opposing arms 506 and 508. The spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may have an egg shape. A curved side 514 of pawl 510 and a curved side 516 of pawl 512 may be offset from one another and cross over each other in a locking position, as shown in a top view illustrated in FIG.16, and discussed below.

[0074] In one embodiment, the lower bracket 504 may include a fixed member 518. FIG. 13 illustrates the disconnecting hinge 500 in an unlocked position. As a result, the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may be disengaged from the fixed member 518. In addition, FIGs. 13-15 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the lower bracket 504 such that the fixed member 518 and the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 are visible inside of the lower bracket 504 for illustrative purposes. However, the lower bracket 504 may not be transparent and the arms 506 and 508 and the fixed member 518 may not be visible when the upper bracket 502 is connected to the lower bracket 504. An isometric view of the lower bracket 504 is illustrated in FIG. 17, and discussed below.

[0075] In one embodiment, the opposing arms 506 and 508 and the spring- loaded pawls 510 and 512 may be located in-line with the panel 104s as shown by arrows 1302. In other words, the opposing arms 506 and 508 and spring- loaded pawls 510 and 512 may be located between an interior side 160 and an exterior side 170 of the panel 1043. In one embodiment, the fixed member 518 may be located in-line with the panel 1042 as shown by arrows 1304. As a result,when the disconnecting hinge is in a locked position, the opposing arms 506 and 508 and the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may not be visible or partially hidden.

[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates a transitional position as the disconnecting hinge 500 moves from the unlocked position to a locked position. FIG. 14 illustrates the panel 104s moving downward towards the panel 1042, as shown by an arrow 1402. FIG. 14 illustrates how the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 are moved inwards towards the respective arms 506 and 508 (as shown by arrows 1404 and 1406) as the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 contact the fixed member 518. Said another way, the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may rotated in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the panel 1042. The plane of the panel 1042 may refer to a surface of the panel 1042 that faces the interior side or exterior side of the building. The spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may be examples of the rotatable locking members that can be moved between a first position and a second position by interaction with the fixed member 518.

[0077] FIG. 15 illustrates the disconnecting hinge 500 in a locked position. For example, as the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 clear the fixed member 518, the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may move back to a default position and extend away from the respective arms 506 and 508, as shown by arrows 1502 and 1504. In other words, the default position of the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may be a first position to secure the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 against the fixed member 518. The spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may then contact and engage the fixed member 518 to keep the upper bracket 502 secured to the bottom bracket 504. A second position of the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 may be when the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 are rotated due to interaction with the fixed member 518 (e.g., shown in FIG. 14) to allow the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 to be disengaged from the fixed member 518.

[0078] In one embodiment, the way the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 are engaged with the fixed member 518 may allow the panels 1042 and 1043 to still hinge, when the disconnecting hinge 500 is in the locked position. As a result,the panels 1042 and 1043 may still be deployed with a curved track or a high lift vertical track 116 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0079] FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the upper bracket 502. As shown in FIG. 16, the upper bracket 502 may include two separate components in a first arm 506 and a second arm 508. The first arm 506 may be coupled to a first bracket 534 and the second arm 508 may be coupled to a second bracket 536. The first bracket 534 and the second bracket 536 may be coupled to one of the panels 104 (e.g., the panel 104s).

[0080] In one embodiment, the first arm 506 and the second arm 508 may include a cross-section having a “LT’-shape. A first rotational spring 530 may be supported by a pin or rod or coupled directly to the spring-activated pawl 510. The first rotational spring 530 may be coupled between a first side 540 and a second side 542 of the first arm 506.

[0081] A second rotational spring 532 may be supported by a pin or rod or coupled directly to the spring-activated pawl 512. The second rotational spring 532 may be coupled between a first side 544 and a second side 546 of the second arm 508.

[0082] As can be seen in FIG. 16, the spring-activated pawl 510 and the spring-activated pawl 512 may be off-set. For example, the spring-activated pawl 510 may be located adjacent to the side wall 542. The spring-activated pawl 512 may be located adjacent to the side wall 544 that is on the opposite side of the side wall 542. As a result, the curved sides 514 and 516 may cross-over each other, or extend beyond a center point between the first arm 506 and the second arm 508. Said another way, if a line were drawn through the center point in FIG. 16, the line would pass through the spring-activated pawl 510 and the spring- activated pawl 512, as shown by a dashed line 1602.

[0083] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric view of the lower bracket 504. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the lower bracket 504 can include sides 552, 554, 556, and 558. The sides 552, 554, 556, and 558 be arranged in a rectangular shape to create an interior volume 550, where the arms 506 and 508 may enter. Thus, asnoted above, when the upper bracket 502 is connected to the lower bracket 504, the arms 506 and 508 may not be visible as illustrated in FIGs. 13-15. In one embodiment, the side 552 may be a bracket to couple the lower bracket 504 to the panel 104.

[0084] In one embodiment, the disconnecting hinge 500 may include a latch (not shown) to disengage the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 in the locked position. The latch may release the spring-loaded pawls 510 or manually pull the spring-loaded pawls 510 and 512 inward to allow the upper bracket 502 to be separated from the lower bracket 504.

[0085] In one embodiment, the spring-loaded pawls 510 may allow the lower bracket 504 to be automatically connected to the upper bracket 502. This may provide additional convenience if the door 102 is partially opened. For example, if the top panels 1043 and higher are separated from the panels 1042 and lower and opened (as shown in FIG. 2), the panels 1042 and lower may be lifted upwards to reconnect the panels 1042 to the panel 104s. Alternatively, the top panels 1043 and higher may be lowered onto the panel 1042. Once the spring- loaded pawls 510 and 512 re-engage the fixed member 518, the disconnecting hinge 500 may automatically be in the locked position without any manual intervention of manual movement of an arm or lever.

[0086] Thus, the present disclosure provides a disconnecting hinge. The disconnecting hinge may allow a door to be separated such that a portion of the door may be lifted into an open position and another portion of the door may remain on the floor in a closed position. The portion of the door remaining on the floor may serve as a barrier to prevent employees from falling off of an opening or dock where the door is installed, in accordance with certain laws and / or regulations.

[0087] The disconnecting hinge may allow panels to hinge and move along a curved track even when in a connected or locked position. As a result, the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure can be used with sectional doors that use a track with a “J” curve as well as sectional doors that use a high verticaltrack.

[0088] In addition, although the disconnecting hinge is described within context of an overhead door, it should be noted that the disconnecting hinge may be applied to any apparatus that has multiple panels, where it may be desirable to connect and disconnect the panels. For example, the disconnecting hinge of the present disclosure may be deployed in any application that would require a working hinge that can be locked and unlocked to connect or disconnect two adjacent panels or sections. For example, the disconnecting hinge could be applied to adjacent panels in a manufacturing process, a sliding window, automotive applications, and the like.

[0089] 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

CLAIMS1 . A disconnecting hinge, comprising: an upper bracket coupled to a first panel of a sectional door, the upper bracket comprising: a rotatable locking member coupled to the upper bracket, wherein the rotatable locking member rotates in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the first panel; and a lower bracket coupled to a second panel of the sectional door, the lower bracket comprising a fixed member, wherein upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket when the rotatable locking member is moved into a first position to allow the rotatable locking member to be secured against the fixed member, and wherein the upper bracket is disconnected from the lower bracket when the rotatable locking member is moved into a second position to allow the rotatable locking member to be disengaged from the fixed member.

2. The disconnecting hinge of claim 1 , wherein the upper bracket is coupled to a bottom side of the first panel and the bottom bracket is coupled to a top side of the second panel, wherein the first panel is adjacent to the second panel, wherein the upper bracket and the bottom bracket are in-line with the first panel and the second panel.

3. The disconnecting hinge of claim 2, wherein the upper bracket further comprises: opposing arms.

4. The disconnecting hinge of claim 3, wherein the rotatable locking member comprises a spring-loaded pawl coupled to a respective end of each arm of the opposing arms, wherein the spring-loaded pawl of each arm engages the fixedmember of the lower bracket when the upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket.

5. The disconnecting hinge of claim 1 , wherein the upper bracket is coupled to an interior side of a first panel of a sectional door and the lower bracket is coupled to the interior side of a second panel of the sectional door.

6. The disconnecting hinge of claim 5, wherein the upper bracket further comprises: a housing comprising a first side wall and a second side wall; a static holding block coupled to the housing; and a cam-action lever rotatably coupled to the rotatable locking member, the first side wall, and the second side wall of the housing, the rotatable locking member, comprising: a movable holding block, wherein the movable holding block mates with the static holding block around the fixed member when the upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket.

7. The disconnecting hinge of claim 6, wherein the cam-action lever further comprises opposing arms coupled together with a pivot pin, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall each comprises a guide channel to receive the pivot pin and guide movement of the opposing arms.

8. The disconnecting hinge of claim 6, wherein the upper bracket further comprises: a locking tab to prevent movement of the cam-action lever in the first position when the locking tab is engaged.

9. The disconnecting hinge of claim 6, wherein the upper bracket further comprises:a roller coupled to an exterior side of the first side wall or the second side wall.

10. The disconnecting hinge of claim 5, wherein the lower bracket comprises a roller coupled to an exterior side of the lower bracket.

11. A disconnecting hinge for a sectional door, comprising: an upper bracket coupled to a first panel of the sectional door, the upper bracket comprising: a housing; a cam action lever coupled to an interior of the housing, comprising a handle on a first end of the cam action lever and a moveable holding block on a second end of the cam action lever, wherein the second end is opposite the first end; and a static holding block coupled to the housing and located between the first end and the second end of the cam action lever; and a lower bracket coupled to a second panel of the sectional door, the lower bracket comprising: a fixed member, wherein the moveable holding block and the static holding block engage the fixed member when the cam action arm is moved into a locked position to connect the upper bracket to the lower bracket.

12. The disconnecting hinge of claim 11 , the upper bracket, further comprising: a locking tab located between arms of the cam action lever to prevent movement of the cam action lever when the locking tab is engaged.

13. The disconnecting hinge of claim 12, wherein the locking tab comprises: a spring-loaded member that includes a first end and a second end; a locking channel to receive the second end, wherein the second end isreleased from the locking channel to unlock the locking tab when a force is applied to the first end.

14. The disconnecting hinge of claim 11 , wherein the upper bracket comprises a roller.

15. The disconnecting hinge of claim 11 , wherein the lower bracket comprise a roller.

16. A sectional door, comprising: a track; and a plurality of panels, wherein movement of the plurality of panels is guided by the track, wherein a first panel of the plurality of panels that is adjacent to a second panel of the plurality of panels are connected by a disconnecting hinge to allow a first subset of the plurality of panels that includes the first panel to be opened along the track while a second subset of the plurality of panels that includes the second panel remain in a closed position, the disconnecting hinge comprising: an upper bracket coupled to the first panel comprising: a locking member coupled to the upper bracket, wherein the locking member rotates in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the first panel; and a lower bracket coupled to the second panel comprising a fixed member, wherein upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket when the locking member is moved into a first position to allow the locking member to be secured against the fixed member, and wherein the upper bracket is disconnected from the lower bracket when the locking member is moved into a second position to allow the locking member to be disengaged from the fixed member.

17. The sectional door of claim 16, wherein the first panel and the second panel are located in a middle of the sectional door.

18. The sectional door of claim 16, wherein the upper bracket further comprises a first arm and a second arm, and the locking member comprises a first spring-loaded pawl coupled to an end of the first arm and a second spring- loaded pawl coupled to an end of the third arm, wherein the first spring-loaded pawl and the second spring-loaded pawl engage the fixed member of the lower bracket when the upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket.

19. The overhead door of claim 16, wherein the upper bracket comprises: a housing comprising a first side wall and a second side wall; a static holding block coupled to the housing; and a cam-action lever rotatably coupled to the locking member, the first side wall, and the second side wall of the housing, the locking member, comprising: a movable holding block, wherein the movable holding block mates with the static holding block around the fixed member when the upper bracket is rotatably connected to the lower bracket.

20. The overhead door of claim 19, wherein the upper bracket further comprises: a locking tab to prevent movement of the cam-action lever in the first position when the locking tab is engaged.

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