Draft exluder particularly for reinforced doors

Abstract

 A draft excluder, particularly for reinforced doors, including a fixed profile with a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section, which can be accommodated in a recess formed at the lower edge of a door, a movable profile provided with a sealing means and at least partially inserted within the fixed profile, to which it is functionally connected by an automatic movement means, which allows it to pass from a raised position to a lowered position during the closure of the door. An adjustable retention means is associated with the fixed profile in order to allow its anchoring inside the recess, protruding laterally from the fixed profile on interchangeable sides.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a draft excluder particularly for reinforced doors.

[0002] As is known, draft excluders are often installed on the lower edge of doors and automatically block the gap between the floor and the door when the door is closed.

[0003] Those draft excluders are generally constituted by a fixed profile and a movable profile which, under the action of a mechanism, moves downwards during the closure of the door until the gasket that covers the profile is placed in contact with the floor.

[0004] When applied to reinforced doors, draft excluders are accommodated within a seat which is formed by a substantially Ω-shaped metallic profile which has a wider transverse cross-section than the draft excluder and in practice constitutes the lower edge of the door.

[0005] A first way of assemblying the draft excluder entails extracting the movable profile and the mechanism that actuates it from the fixed profile, so as to be able to fix the fixed profile to the door and then reassemble the entire unit.

[0006] The fact that the installation of the draft excluder forces to first partially disassemble the excluder and then reassemble it is indeed the main limitation of such system, which turns out to be time-consuming and consequently uneconomical.

[0007] As an alternative, it is possible to use draft excluders specifically conceived for reinforced doors; in such draft excluders the fixed profile, instead of having the usual U-shaped transverse cross-section, has an L-shaped or T-shaped transverse cross-section, so as to form brackets at its back, respectively on one or both sides, which, by being perforated, allow to anchor the draft excluder to the Ω-shaped metallic profile of the reinforced door, by using screws or rivets.

[0008] Although such system is simple and apparently functional, it has a basic drawback, which consists in having to use fixed profiles which have a particular shape and are specially made for such purpose by using a larger amount of aluminum and are scarcely convenient from a purely economic standpoint.

[0009] Also, it must be considered that the larger space occupation of those draft excluders make them also more difficult and expensive to package and transport.

[0010] Another assembly system, which has been adopted more recently, is based instead on using self-drilling screws which are preassembled on the draft excluder and which, when screwed in with a power screwdriver, autonomously drill into the Ω-shaped metallic profile of the reinforced door and anchor the fixed profile thereto.

[0011] Also such assembly system has drawbacks, which mainly consist of the possibility that the screws may break if they encounter an excessively hard Ω-shaped metal profile, causing all the consequent drawbacks, but also reside in that the use of self-drilling screws can fray the gasket that covers the movable profile and can form shavings which might enter the mechanism of the draft excluder, hindering its correct operation.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above by providing a draft excluder which allows to use fixed profiles which have a substantially standard shape and in which it is possible to choose the fixing side upon assembly.

[0013] Within the scope of this aim, a particular object of the invention is to provide a draft excluder in which, in order to proceed with installation, it is not necessary to disassemble the movable profile and the mechanism that actuates it, despite ensuring its complete removability even after installation.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a draft excluder which has a limited bulk and is easy to package.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a draft excluder which is tough but competitive from a purely economic standpoint.

[0016] This aim, as well as the mentioned objects and others which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a draft excluder, particularly for reinforced doors, comprising a fixed profile with a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section, which can be accommodated in a recess formed at the lower edge of a door, a movable profile provided with a sealing means and at least partially inserted within said fixed profile, said movable profile being functionally connected to said fixed profile by means of an automatic movement means, in order to pass from a raised position to a lowered position during the closure of said door, characterized in that it comprises an adjustable retention means which is associated with said fixed profile in order to allow its anchoring inside said recess, said adjustable retention means protruding laterally from said fixed profile during said anchoring, the protrusion side of said adjustable retention means being interchangeable.

[0017] Further characteristics and advantages will become better apparent from the following detailed description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a draft excluder according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a draft excluder according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the draft excluder of the preceding figure, applied to a door;

Figure 3 is a front view of an end of the draft excluder of Figure 1, applied to a door;

Figure 4 is a front view of the opposite end, with respect to the end of the preceding figure, of the draft excluder of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a draft excluder according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 is a front view of the draft excluder of the preceding figure;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a draft excluder according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the draft excluder of the preceding figure;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a member of the draft excluder of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a member of the draft excluder of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a plan view of the draft excluder of Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a front view of the draft excluder of Figure 7;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a draft excluder according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a member of the draft excluder of the preceding figure;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the member of the preceding figure;

Figure 16 is a front view of the draft excluder of Figure 13;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a draft excluder according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of a member of the draft excluder of the preceding figure;

Figure 19 is a front view of the draft excluder of Figure 17.

[0018] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a draft excluder, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a fixed profile 2, which has a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section and is accommodated within a seat which is provided at the lower edge of a door 1000, and a movable profile 3, which is provided with a sealing means 4 and is at least partly inserted within the fixed profile 2.

[0019] The movable profile 3 is functionally connected to the fixed profile 2 by an automatic movement means 5 which, during the closure of the door 1000, allows the movable profile 3 to pass from a raised position, in which the movable profile 3 and the sealing means are spaced from the floor, to a lowered position, in which the movable profile 3 and the sealing means 4 are in contact with the floor.

[0020] In the case of reinforced doors, the seat in which the fixed profile 2 is accommodated is formed by a substantially Ω-shaped metal profile 1001, which is an integral part of the structure of the door 1000 and has a wider transverse cross-section than the fixed profile 2.

[0021] According to the invention, an adjustable retention means 10 is associated with the fixed profile 2 and, during assembly, is made to protrude laterally from the fixed profile 2, also offering the possibility of interchanging the side from which they protrude.

[0022] The adjustable retention means 10 is constituted by a pair of blades 11 a and 11 b, which are pivoted to a back 6 of the fixed profile 2, for example by using rivets, so as to be articulated with respect to the latter.

[0023] The blades 11 a and 11 b are provided with fixing holes 12a and 12b and, in an upper region, are flush with a contact portion formed at the back 6 by means of a pair of ribs 7a and 7b, which in turn form a sliding guide 8 which is open on the opposite side with respect to the back 6.

[0024] The ribs 7a and 7b include a plurality of coupled and mutually facing contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d, which are longer than the blades 11 a and 11 b in order to allow the blades to rotate and protrude transversely from the fixed profile 2.

[0025] The blades 11 a and 11 b are articulated at the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d and the point in which they are pivoted substantially corresponds to the end of the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d that will have to be directed toward the hinges of the door 1000.

[0026] This refinement allows to limit the rotation of the blades 11 a and 11 b substantially to a half-turn and allows the blades to abut against the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d, contrasting the thrust applied to the fixed profile 2 by the automatic movement means 5 during the closure of the door 1000.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the adjustable retention means, designated by the reference numeral 110, is constituted by a pair of removable inserts 111 a and 111 b, which are provided with fixing holes 112a and 112b and are slidingly and detachably associated transversely with the fixed profile 2, so as to protrude on one or both sides of the latter.

[0028] The sliding guide 8 in this configuration is substantially closed on all sides in order to give greater strength to the entire structure, while the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d have a profile which is substantially complementary to the profile of the transverse cross-section of one end of the removable inserts 111 a and 111 b.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, the adjustable retention means, designated by the reference numeral 210, includes a pair of base supports 211a and 211b, which have a transverse cross-section which is substantially complementary to the transverse cross-section of the sliding guide 8 and are joined to a pair of engagement supports 212a and 212b, on which fixing holes 213a and 213b are again formed.

[0030] The base supports 211a and 211b are slidingly associated with the sliding guide 8; one end of each engagement support 212a and 212b is rotatably and removably associated with one end of each base support 211 a and 211 b, so as to be able to rotate and protrude laterally from the fixed profile 2 through the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d.

[0031] The shape of the base supports 211 a and 211 b and of the engagement supports 212a and 212b, as well as the shape of the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, allows in this case also to limit substantially to a half-turn the rotation of the engagement supports 212a and 212b, until they are arranged transversely to the fixed profile 2.

[0032] By using the base supports 211a and 211b it is also possible to use the engagement supports 222a and 222b which, by being removably associated, substantially at their center of gravity, with an end of each base support 211 a and 211 b, protrude transversely on both sides of the fixed profile 2 and remain stationary.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 13 to 16, the adjustable retention means, designated by the reference numeral 310, has a pair of base supports 311a and 311b, with a transverse cross-section which is substantially complementary to the transverse cross-section of the sliding guide 8, slidingly and removably joined to a pair of engagement supports 312a and 312b provided with fixing holes 313a and 313b.

[0034] A transverse cavity 314a and 314b with a substantially trapezoidal profile, which is complementary to the profile of the transverse cross-section of each engagement support 312a and 312b, is formed in each base support 311 a and 311b, and a protrusion, designated by the reference numerals 315a and 315b respectively, is formed therein and has a shape which is substantially complementary to the shape of seats 316a and 316b provided on each engagement support 312a and 312b.

[0035] The seats 316a and 316b can be shaped substantially like the fixing holes 313a and 313b and diametrically opposite thereto, and in this manner their role is interchangeable.

[0036] This refinement allows to slidingly associate the engagement supports 312a and 312b with the base supports 311 a and 311 b, engaging them removably with a snap action by means of the protrusions 315a and 315b and the seats 316a and 316b, or optionally by means of the protrusions 315a and 315b and the fixing holes 313a and 313b, and to make them protrude transversely on one or both sides of the fixed profile 2.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 17 to 19, the adjustable retention means, designated by the reference numeral 410, has a pair of base supports 411a and 411b, with a transverse cross-section which is substantially complementary to the transverse cross-section of the sliding guide 8, which are rigidly coupled to a pair of engagement supports 412a and 412b provided with fixing holes 413a, 413b, 413c and 413d.

[0038] In particular, when the base supports 411 a and 411 b are associated slidingly with the sliding guide 8, which in this case may lack the contoured portions 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d, the engagement supports 412a and 412b protrude transversely on one or both sides of the fixed profile 2.

[0039] The sliding of the base supports 411a and 411b and consequently the position of the engagement supports 412a and 412b can be adjusted by means of a locking means, constituted by two grub screws 414a and 414b which are screwed into threaded through holes 415a and 415b until they engage the back 6 of the fixed profile 2.

[0040] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 to 19, the members that correspond to the members that have already been described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 have been designated by the same reference numerals.

[0041] The operation of the draft excluder according to the invention is evident from what has been described and illustrated, and in particular it is evident that it is sufficient to arrange the adjustable retention means, designated respectively by the reference numerals 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410, so that they protrude transversely on one or both sides of the fixed profile 2 and subsequently anchor the latter to the door 1000 by means of screws, rivets or other fasteners which utilize the fixing holes, designated respectively by the reference numerals 12a and 12b, 112a and 112b, 213a and 213b, 313a and 313b, 413a, 413b, 413c and 413d.

[0042] In practice it has been found that the draft excluder according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects, being provided with a fixed profile which has a substantially standard shape, and allowing to choose the fixing side upon fitting.

[0043] Also, in order to proceed with the installation of the draft excluder according to the invention it is not necessary to disassemble the movable profile and the mechanism that actuates it, although they can be extracted completely even after installation.

[0044] This application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. VI2007A000057, filed on February 28, 2007, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A draft excluder, particularly for reinforced doors, comprising a fixed profile with a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section, which can be accommodated in a recess formed at the lower edge of a door, a movable profile provided with a sealing means and at least partially inserted within said fixed profile, said movable profile being functionally connected to said fixed profile by means of an automatic movement means, in order to pass from a raised position to a lowered position during the closure of said door, characterized in that it comprises an adjustable retention means which is associated with said fixed profile in order to allow its anchoring inside said recess, said adjustable retention means protruding laterally from said fixed profile during said anchoring, the protrusion side of said adjustable retention means being interchangeable.

2. The draft excluder according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a contact portion which is formed on the outside of said fixed profile at its back, said adjustable retention means being associated with said back and being substantially flush with said contact portion.

3. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact portion comprises a pair of ribs formed on opposite sides of said back, said ribs forming a sliding guide which is open on the opposite side with respect to said back.

4. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said adjustable retention means comprise at least one blade which is articulated with respect to said fixed profile, said blade comprising at least one fixing hole.

5. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ribs comprise a plurality of mutually facing contoured portions, said blade being articulated at said contoured portions in order to be able to rotate and protrude transversely from said fixed profile, said contoured portions limiting the rotation of said blade substantially to a half-turn.

6. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said adjustable retention means comprise at least one removable insert which is associated transversely, slidingly and detachably with said fixed profile, the profile of said contoured portions being substantially complementary to the profile of the transverse cross-section of said removable insert, said sliding guide being substantially closed on all sides.

7. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said adjustable retention means comprise at least one base support which is joined to at least one engagement support, said engagement support comprising said fixing holes.

8. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base support is associated slidingly and detachably with said sliding guide, the transverse cross-section of said base support being substantially complementary to the transverse cross-section of said sliding guide.

9. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement support is removably and rotatably associated with said base support at said contoured portions so as to be able to rotate and protrude transversely from said fixed profile, said contoured portions together with said base support limiting the rotation of said engagement support substantially to a half-turn.

10. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement support is removably associated with said base support at said contoured portions in order to be able to protrude transversely on both sides of said fixed profile.

11. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement support is removably and slidingly associated with said base support at said contoured portions in order to be able to protrude transversely from said fixed profile.

12. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base support comprises a transverse cavity, the transverse cross-section of said transverse cavity being substantially complementary to the transverse cross-section of said engagement support, the profile of the transverse cross-section of said engagement support being substantially trapezoidal.

13. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base support comprises at least one protrusion which is formed inside said transverse cavity, said protrusion being removably engaged with a snap action in a seat formed in said engagement support.

14. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement support is rigidly coupled to said base support so as to be able to protrude transversely from said fixed profile on adjustable positions.

15. The draft excluder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base support comprises a locking means in order to lock the sliding of said base support within said sliding guide and adjust the position of said engagement support.

Drawing