SECTIONAL DOOR

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a sectional door, comprising at least two mutually hingeable sections (1, 2) which are clad with louvres (9) and a safety element (3) which is fastened to a first section (1), arranged facing a second section (2), and, in the open position of these sections (1, 2), is arranged at a distance from the second section (2), in such a way that, in their open position, if a finger (16) is placed between the safety element (3) and the second section (2) and if the sections (1, 2) swing to their closed position, the safety element (3) moves at least partially with respect to the first section (1) in order to make space to prevent the finger (16) from being trapped, wherein the safety element (3) comprises one or more louvres (9) in order to form a louvre wall in the closed position together with the louvres (9) of the sections (1, 2).
The present invention further relates to a method for adapting an existing sectional door into a section door according to the present invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sectional door, comprising

• at least two sections which are hingeably connected to each other, hingeable between a closed position, wherein these sections are arranged in line with each other, and an open position, wherein these sections are arranged at an angle with respect to each other;
• and a safety element which is fastened at least partially moveably to a first said section and is arranged facing a second, adjoining said section, wherein, in the open position, this safety element is arranged at a distance from the second section and wherein this safety element is moveably arranged in such a way that, when the first section and the second section are in the open position, if a finger is placed between the safety element and the second section and if the first section and the second section swing from the open position to the closed position, the safety element moves at least partially with respect to the first section in order to make space to prevent the finger from being trapped between the first section and the second section.

[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a method for adapting a sectional door into a sectional door of this type.

[0003] In order to open such a sectional door, the sections are hingedly moved from their closed position to their open position. In order to close such a sectional door, the sections are hingedly moved from their open position to their closed position. In positions between the open position of the sectional door and the closed position of the sectional door, not all sections are in their open position or their closed position with respect to each other.

[0004] Such sectional doors may be of all kinds of shapes and may, for example, also be configured as a vertical door. The sections of such sectional doors typically extend substantially horizontally, wherein they are arranged one above the other in the closed state of the sectional doors. However, it is also possible to provide sectional doors with sections which extend substantially vertically and are arranged next to each other in the closed state of the sectional doors.

[0005] With such sectional doors, there is the risk of objects or body parts such as, for example, fingers of a person operating such a door becoming trapped between different sections which are moved from their open position to their closed position. When objects become trapped between the sections, these sections and/or these objects may be damaged. When body parts become trapped between the sections, a person may be injured. Below, we will mainly discuss protecting the sections against fingers being trapped between the sections, without unnecessarily restricting said safety elements thereto. Equally, they may also be provided in order to generally prevent other body parts and/or objects from becoming trapped.

[0006] Various types of safety elements for sectional doors are already known for preventing fingers from being trapped between different sections of such sectional doors. These safety elements typically extend over the entire length of the relevant sections, in order to be able to ensure the necessary protection against fingers being trapped at any position between two sections. In this case, attempts are made to keep the opening between two sections as small as possible in any position of the sections.
In the sectional doors as described and illustrated in WO 02/095172 A1, EP 1 336 712 A1, EP 0 989 275 A2, NL 1 005 166C, EP 0 394 691 A2, DE 103 10 628 A1 and CA 2 270 614 A1, the top section of two sections arranged one above the other is provided with a cavity and the bottom section with a corresponding protrusion which is insertable into the cavity and has such a form that any opening formed between the two sections is covered in any position of the sections. In WO 2006/111059 A1, a space is additionally provided between two sections which is wider than a finger, into which a flexible seal is inserted. In EP 0 728 897 A2, the sections are additionally clad with cladding elements and there is a moulding which is arranged in front of the cladding elements in order to cover the joint between the cladding elements of adjoining sections and which is configured as a safety element. In WO 2005/111357, decorative components are additionally provided in such a way that, when they adjoin the joint between two sections, they may fall off as a safety element, or may be deformed and/or may move. Several of the solutions presented therein do not meet the standard EN 12604.
In the sectional doors as described and illustrated in NL 8 003 246 A, EP 0 661 185 A1, EP 0 702 124 A1 and CH 690 336 A5, a cylindrically curved covering part is provided, which is arranged slideably in a section or in two adjoining sections and the axis of which coincides with the hinge axis of these sections.

[0007] In practice, sectional doors are increasingly being clad with louvres, so that these form a louvre wall in the closed position. The solutions mentioned may be difficult to position with respect to such louvres in such a way that this is considered to be an aesthetically pleasing solution.
In this case, the louvre cladding typically comprises a support on which various louvres are arranged parallel to each other. These louvres may be of various shapes and be made from wood, aluminium, plastic, etc.
Most sectional doors with a louvre cladding are currently used in industrial applications, where the problem of fingers becoming trapped between different sections does not arise. However, the demand for providing such sectional doors with a louvre cladding in residential applications is increasing. In such residential applications, the tilting point of the sections is lower than 2.5 m. According to standard EN 12604, a safety distance of at least 25 mm, measured in the compressed state, then needs to be provided in order to avoid injuries to fingers. In the few known applications of sectional doors with louvre claddings in which the tilting point of the sections is lower than 2.5 m, the louvres are then arranged at a distance of at least 25 mm from each other. However, this is considered to be less aesthetically pleasing, meaning that these sectional doors - despite the demand - only find limited application.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative means of protecting fingers for sectional doors, which can be used in an aesthetically pleasing manner in sectional doors having louvre claddings.

[0009] This object of the invention is firstly achieved by providing a sectional door, comprising

• at least two sections which are hingeably connected to each other, hingeable between a closed position, wherein these sections are arranged in line with each other, and an open position, wherein these sections are arranged at an angle with respect to each other;
• and a safety element which is fastened at least partially moveably to a first said section and is arranged facing a second, adjoining said section, wherein, in the open position, this safety element is arranged at a distance from the second section, and wherein this safety element is moveably arranged in such a way that, when the first section and the second section are in their open position, if a finger is placed between the safety element and the second section and if the first section and the second section swing from their open position to their closed position, the safety element moves at least partially with respect to the first section in order to make space to prevent the finger from being trapped between the first section and the second section,

wherein, in the closed position, the sectional door forms a louvre wall, with louvres, which are arranged at a distance from each other, wherein, to this end, the sections are clad with such louvres, and wherein, to this end, the safety element comprises one or more such louvres.

[0010] An at least partially moveable safety element of this type provides a means of protecting fingers which is usable in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In these sectional doors having louvre cladding, it is now possible to allow louvres to fit more closely against each other than was previously the case in sectional doors for residential applications, without a safety element extending in front of this louvre wall being necessary for this purpose. The safety element is accommodated in the louvre wall itself.

[0011] The louvres must be arranged at a distance from each other. In this case, the free space between successive louvres may potentially be hidden from view by the shape of a louvre. This free space may also be left freely visible.

[0012] Preferably, the louvres are arranged substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the hinge axis, about which the sections are hingeable in order to arrange these hingeably with respect to each other. This axis does not need to be a physical axis, but may be an imaginary axis. In this case, the position of the louvres does not need to be strictly parallel, but may also deviate slightly from parallel, as long as they do not hinder the rotation of the sections.

[0013] In order to provide the safety element in an at least partially moveable manner, it may, for example, also be fully detachable, so that this safety element fully detaches when, in an open position, a finger is placed between two sections and the sections are moved into their closed position. Such a safety element which fully detaches will, however, fall down, and may thus cause other damage, wherein a person who puts a finger between the sections is injured or wherein the sectional door itself is damaged. Preferably, such a safety element is therefore not fully detachable, but remains hanging from the first section even after partial movement with respect to this first section. In this case, the safety element moves only to the extent that a finger cannot become trapped between this safety element and the second section.

[0014] Preferably, the safety element is fastened to the first section in such a way that a returning force acts on the safety element and that the safety element is at least partially moveable counter to this returning force.

[0015] With the aid of such a returning force, it can easily be ensured that the risk of the safety element moving for other reasons is limited. This returning force is then selected in such a way that the safety element will reliably move at least partially when a finger is placed between the safety element and the second section, when the sections are brought into their closed position.

[0016] In a first specific embodiment, the safety element may to this end be fastened to the first section with the aid of a magnetic coupling, wherein the magnetic force of this magnetic coupling forms part of said returning force.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the safety element may be fastened to the first section with the aid of a spring-mounted element, wherein the spring force of this spring-mounted element forms part of said returning force.

[0018] Preferably, only one of the two options is selected, wherein the returning force is either at least partially formed by said magnetic force or at least partially formed by said spring force.

[0019] Further alternatively or additionally, use can also be made of the force of gravity as (part of) the returning force.

[0020] Said magnetic coupling may more specifically comprise a magnet, which is provided on the safety element. This magnet is preferably configured as a permanent magnet. In such an embodiment, the first section is then preferably provided with a magnetizable element.
Conversely, it is also possible, for example, to provide a magnet on the first section and a magnetizable element on the safety element.
An element made from ferromagnetic material may be selected, for example, as said magnetizable element.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of a sectional door according to the present invention, each section comprises a base element and one or more supports arranged on this base element. The louvres with which this section is clad are then preferably arranged on these one or more supports. To this end, the louvres may be arranged directly on these supports. It is also possible to arrange louvre supports on these supports and to arrange the louvres on these louvre supports in order to arrange these on the supports.

[0022] Such supports preferably extend at right angles to the hinge axis. These may, for example, be configured as a profile.

[0023] In such an embodiment, it is easy to provide standard base elements and to adapt the supports, the optional louvre supports and the louvres in accordance with the customer's wishes.

[0024] In an embodiment wherein the safety element is fastened to the first section with the aid of a magnetic coupling with a magnetizable element, this magnetizable element is then preferably fastened to a said support. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of the one or more supports may be configured as a magnetizable element.

[0025] In embodiments with base elements, supports and louvres, the base element of the first section preferably comprises a cavity facing the second section. The base element of the second section preferably comprises a corresponding protrusion that engages with the cavity in the closed position and has such a form that this protrusion adjoins the base element of the first section in any position between the open position and the closed position and seals any opening between these base elements formed in these positions.
Alternatively, the base element of the second section may comprise a cavity facing the first section and the base element of the first section may comprise a corresponding protrusion that engages with the cavity in the closed position and has such a form that this protrusion adjoins the base element of the second section in any position between the open position and the closed position and seals any opening between these base elements formed in these positions.
These known means of protecting fingers, with corresponding cavities and protrusions which minimize the opening between the base elements in any position, may be configured in an identical manner to the solutions listed in the prior art. These solutions may be more readily provided in such base elements, without having a negative effect on the appearance of the sectional door.

[0026] In the case of sections arranged one above the other, said cavity is preferably provided in the top section of the sections arranged one above the other and said protrusion is preferably provided in the bottom section of the sections arranged one above the other. In this way, it is easier to configure such a sectional door in a watertight manner.

[0027] The first section of a sectional door according to the present invention further preferably comprises a safety cavity which extends behind the safety element.
In this case, this safety cavity is chosen in such a way that, in the closed position of the sections, a finger can partially extend into this safety cavity after the safety element has moved.
In embodiments with said supports, these supports, which are fastened to the first section, will in this case, in the closed position of the sections, preferably not continue as far as the second section in order to form part of said safety cavity, so that a finger also cannot become trapped between the supports of the first section and the second section.
Preferably, supports of successive sections are alternatively or additionally also mounted offset with respect to each other, in order to prevent a finger from becoming trapped between the supports of these successive sections.

[0028] Further preferably, the safety element of a sectional door according to the present invention is hingeably fastened to the first section.
To this end, the safety element may, for example, more specifically be hingeably fastened to a said support or hingeably fastened to an optional louvre support.

[0029] Alternatively, the safety element could also, for example, be slideably fastened to the first section.

[0030] Further preferably, a sectional door according to the present invention comprises a securing element, for securing the safety element so that it remains secured with respect to the first section in the event of moving.

[0031] Such a securing element may, for example, form part of a hinge by means of which this safety element is hingeably fastened to the first section. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, for example, to provide a spring clip as securing element.

[0032] The first section and the second section of a sectional door according to the present invention are preferably hingeably fastened to each other by means of a hinge axis which is arranged at one side of the first section and the second section. The safety element is then preferably fastened to the opposite side of the first section.
In embodiments with said base elements, the hinge axis is preferably provided on these base elements.

[0033] The object of the present invention is additionally achieved by providing a method for adapting a sectional door, comprising at least two sections which are hingeably connected to each other, hingeable between a closed position, wherein these sections are arranged in line with each other, and an open position, wherein these sections are arranged at an angle with respect to each other, wherein the sections are clad with louvres and a safety element having at least one louvre is fastened at least partially moveably to one of these sections in order to form a sectional door according to the present invention, as described above. In this way, existing sectional doors can easily be converted into a sectional door according to the present invention.
Preferably, the sections are in this case provided with one or more supports and the louvres are arranged on the one or more supports. In this way, it is also easy to provide sectional doors made from standard base elements, which can easily be adapted in accordance with the customer's wishes by adding adapted supports, optional louvre supports, louvres and safety elements, wherein the required finger protection can be ensured in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0034] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of some preferred sectional doors and methods according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and features of the present invention, and can therefore not be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

[0035] Reference numerals are used in this detailed description to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a side view of two sections of a first embodiment of a sectional door according to the present invention, with the sections in the closed position;
• Figure 2 shows a side view of the two sections from Figure 1, with the sections in a position between the open position and the closed position, wherein a person has inserted fingers between the safety element and the second section;
• Figure 3 shows a side view of the two sections from Figure 1, with the sections in the closed position, wherein a person has inserted fingers between the safety element and the second section in the open position, so that the safety element has moved;
• Figure 4 shows detail A from Figure 1 in more detail;
• Figure 5 shows detail B from Figure 2 in more detail;
• Figure 6 shows detail C from Figure 3 in more detail;
• Figure 7 shows part of the sections from Figure 1 in perspective, with the sections in the closed position;
• Figure 8 shows part of the sections from Figure 1 in perspective, with the sections in the closed position and the safety element moved;
• Figure 9 shows a detail of two sections of a second embodiment of a sectional door according to the present invention in cross section, with the sections in the closed position;
• Figure 10 shows a detail of the two sections from Figure 7 in cross section, with the sections in the closed position and the safety element moved;
• Figure 11 shows a detail of two sections of a third embodiment of a sectional door according to the present invention in a side view, with the sections in the closed position;
• Figure 12 shows a detail of the two sections from Figure 11 in a side view, with the sections in a position between the open position and the closed position, wherein a person has inserted fingers between the safety element and the second section;
• Figure 13 shows a detail of the two sections from Figure 11 in a side view, with the sections in the closed position, wherein a person has inserted fingers between the safety element and the second section in the open position, so that the safety element has moved;
• Figure 14 shows a detail of two sections of a fourth embodiment of a sectional door according to the present invention in a side view, with the sections in the closed position;
• Figure 15 shows a detail of the two sections from Figure 14 in a side view, with the sections in a position between the open position and the closed position, wherein a person has inserted fingers between the safety element and the second section;
• Figure 16 shows a detail of the two sections from Figure 14 in a side view, with the sections in the closed position, wherein a person has inserted fingers between the safety element and the second section in the open position, so that the safety element has moved.

[0036] Each of the figures illustrates only two sections (1, 2) of a sectional door according to the present invention. The sectional doors may comprise several such sections (1, 2), which are connected to each other in pairs with the aid of hinges (14). With the aid of these hinges (14), these sections (1, 2) are in each case hingeable about hinge axes between a closed position, wherein these sections (1, 2) are arranged in line with each other, and an open position, wherein these sections (1, 2) are arranged at an angle with respect to each other.

[0037] In the illustrated figures, the sections (1, 2) extend substantially horizontally in their longitudinal direction. Equally, according to the invention, analogous sectional doors may also be configured with sections which extend substantially vertically in their longitudinal direction.

[0038] In places where there is a risk that fingers (16) of persons could end up between closing sections (1, 2), these sectional doors according to the invention are provided with a safety element (3) which is fastened at least partially moveably to one of the two adjoining sections (1, 2). In places where this risk does not arise, it is also possible to connect the sections (1, 2) of such a sectional door to each other without such a safety element (3).

[0039] In the illustrated embodiments, the sections (1, 2) in each case comprise a base element (6), on which supports (7) are arranged, on which cladding elements (8, 9) are arranged in turn.
The supports (7) may be beams or profiles, which preferably extend at right angles to the hinge axes.
In the first two embodiments, the cladding elements (8, 9) comprise louvre holders (8), on which louvres (9) are arranged at a distance from each other and substantially parallel to each other. In this case, the louvre holders (8) are fastened to the supports (7). In these embodiments, the louvres (9) are extruded aluminium profiles. Equally, however, plastic or wood or ceramic louvres, for example, could also be arranged on such louvre holders (8).
In the last two embodiments, the louvres (9) are fastened to the supports (7) at a distance from each other and substantially parallel to each other without such louvre holders (8). These louvres (9) may be made from any material, such as, for example, wood, aluminium, ceramic, etc.
It is also possible to arrange louvres (9) directly on such base elements (6), at a distance from each other and substantially parallel to each other.
With the aid of such base elements (6), it is easy to construct a sectional door largely from standard parts, wherein only the cladding with louvres (9), with optional supports (7) and optional louvre holders (8) can be adapted in accordance with the customer's wishes.
The louvres (9) are each arranged at a distance from each other. In the first three embodiments, the free space between successive louvres (9) is in each case hidden from view by the shape of these louvres (9), wherein the bottom of each louvre (9) will in each case extend in front of the top of a louvre (9) arranged below. In the last embodiment, this distance remains visible in the form of a joint (24) between the louvres (9).

[0040] The illustrated base elements (6) comprise a cavity (10) at the bottom and a corresponding protrusion (11) at the top, so that in the closed position, with sections (1, 2) adjoining, the protrusion (11) of the bottom section (2) engages with the cavity (10) of the top section (1). In this case, this cavity (10) and this protrusion (11) have such a form that the protrusion (11) adjoins the base element (6) of the top section (1) in any position between the open position and the closed position and seals any opening (15) between these base elements (6) formed in these positions. Adjoining said cavity (10), an insertion opening (17) is provided in the base element (6), into which a seal can be inserted.

[0041] In each case, the safety elements (3) are fastened to the top section (1) illustrated, facing the bottom section (2). In this case, these safety elements (3) are moveable. In the open position of the corresponding sections (1, 2), the safety element (3) is at a distance from the bottom section (2). When the sections (1, 2) are in their open position and a finger (16) is placed between the safety element (3) and the bottom section (2), at a moment when the sections (1, 2) are moved into their closed position, this safety element (3) then moves with respect to the top section (1) in order to make space to prevent the finger (16) from being trapped.

[0042] In the first two embodiments, the safety element (3) comprises several louvre holders (8) arranged at a distance from each other and a louvre (9) arranged thereon in order to form an aesthetically pleasing unit with the other louvre cladding (8, 9) on the sections (1, 2), which is also composed of louvre holders (8) and louvres (9). In the other two embodiments, no such louvre holders (8) are present. In the closed position of the sections (1, 2), the louvres (9) of the safety elements (3) are each accommodated in a louvre wall, together with the louvres (9) with which the sections (1, 2) are clad.

[0043] In this way, the safety elements (3) form an aesthetically pleasing unit together with the louvres (9) with which the sections (1, 2) are clad.

[0044] In the first two embodiments, a permanent magnet (4) is in each case fastened to the rear of the louvre holders (8) of the illustrated safety elements (3). A corresponding element (5) of ferromagnetic material is fastened to the top section (1) per magnet (4), so that the magnet (4) is pulled towards this magnetizable element (5) and the safety element (3) is held against it. Instead of a magnetizable element (5) per magnet (4), one single magnetizable element could also be provided for all magnets (4).
In the last two embodiments, a permanent magnet (4) is fastened to a bracket (23) at the bottom of the supports (7) of the first section (1). In each louvre (9), a corresponding magnet or magnetizable element may be incorporated at the location of each magnet (4). Such a magnet or magnetizable element may also be fastened hereto. It is thus possible, for example, to glue a piece of iron to the back of such a louvre (9). Such embodiments in which a magnet (4) is fastened to a support (7) are also advantageous for embodiments in which the louvres (9) themselves are made from magnetizable material.

[0045] In all the illustrated embodiments, when a finger (16) is placed between the safety element (3) and the bottom section (2), the safety element (3) moves counter to the magnetic force of the magnet (4). Due to this magnetic coupling with magnet (4) and magnetizable element (5), the risk of the safety element (3) moving accidentally is low. As the safety element (3) in the illustrated embodiments (3) cannot become entirely detached, it is thus also possible for the safety element (3) to automatically move back into its desired position when this safety element (3) is moved in order to prevent a finger (16) from becoming trapped.
In the first illustrated embodiment, the supports (7) are not arranged over the entire height of the top section (1), but extend up to a certain distance from the bottom section (2). A fitting piece (23) of sheet material is in each case fastened to the bottom of these supports (7). This fitting piece (23) is made from ferromagnetic metal in order to thus serve as said magnetizable element (5).

[0046] In the second embodiment, a fitting piece (5) made from ferromagnetic material is fastened to the bottom of the supports (7) on the top section (1). Each magnet (4) is fastened to the corresponding louvre holder (8) of the safety element (3) by means of a screw (21). The fitting piece (5) is provided with an insertion cavity (22) into which the head of this screw (21) can be inserted in order to position the safety element (3) with respect to this fitting piece (5).
In the last two embodiments, the magnets (4) are fixedly provided on the section (1) and the safety element (3) is provided with a corresponding magnet or with a magnetizable material.
Instead of providing the safety element (3) on the top section (1) with the aid of such a magnetic coupling (4, 5), or in addition to this magnetic coupling (4, 5), it is also possible to provide the safety element (3) on this top section (1), for example, with the aid of spring-mounted elements, in such a way that the safety element (3) is moveable counter to this returning force.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiments, the safety elements (3) are provided in such a way that they do not become fully detached when a finger is placed between the safety element (3) and the bottom section (2).
In the first embodiment, each louvre holder (8) of the safety element (3) is to this end fastened to a corresponding louvre holder (8) on the first section (1) with the aid of a hinge (13). In the last two embodiments, the louvre (9) of the safety element (3) is in each case hingeably fastened to brackets (23) at the bottom of the supports (7). When the sections (1, 2) are in their open position and a finger (16) is placed between the safety element (3) and the bottom section (2), at a moment when the sections (1, 2) swing into their closed position according to arrow (R) in Figures 5, 12 and 15, this safety element (3) will then swing according to arrow (S) in Figures 6, 13 and 16 in order to make space to prevent the finger (16) from being trapped. The hinge (13) may in principle also be higher, so that the safety element (3) is not provided with one or two louvres (9), as in the illustrated embodiments, but with several louvres (9), or even all louvres (9) of the relevant section (1), so that all louvres (9) of this section (1) are moveable together with the safety element (3).

[0048] In the second embodiment, each louvre holder (8) of the safety element (3) is provided with a hook (20). In each case, a hook (19) is fastened to a corresponding louvre holder (8) on the first section (1), to which the hook (20) of the louvre holder (8) of the safety element (3) is hooked. These hooks (19, 20) allow a swinging movement of the safety element (3) with respect to the louvre holder (8), as can be seen in Figures 9 and 10. Instead of using such hooks (19, 20), the safety element could, for example, also be fastened to the louvre holder (8) by means of a spring, which provides a (part of) a returning force.

[0049] In the first illustrated embodiment, a safety cavity (12) is provided behind the safety element (3), so that a finger (16) can partially extend into this safety cavity (12) after the safety element (3) has become detached, in the closed position of the sections (1, 2), as can be seen in Figure 6.
In the other embodiments, the supports (7) of successive sections (1, 2) are mounted offset with respect to each other, in order to prevent a finger (16) from becoming trapped between the supports (7) of these successive sections (1, 2).

[0050] Existing sectional doors can easily be adapted into sectional doors according to the present invention, for example by providing them with optional supports (7), optional louvre holders (8), louvres (9) and safety elements (3) which, for example, may be configured analogously to the illustrated supports (7), louvre holders (8), louvres (9) and safety elements (3).

Claims

1. Sectional door, comprising

- at least two sections (1, 2) which are hingeably connected to each other, hingeable between a closed position, wherein these sections (1, 2) are arranged in line with each other, and an open position, wherein these sections (1, 2) are arranged at an angle with respect to each other;

- and a safety element (3) which is fastened at least partially moveably to a first said section (1) and is arranged facing a second, adjoining said section (2), wherein, in the open position, this safety element (3) is arranged at a distance from the second section (2) and wherein this safety element (3) is moveably arranged in such a way that, when the first section (1) and the second section (2) are in their open position, if a finger (16) is placed between the safety element (3) and the second section (2) and if the first section (1) and the second section (2) swing from their open position to their closed position, the safety element (3) moves at least partially with respect to the first section (1) in order to make space to prevent the finger (16) from being trapped between the first section (1) and the second section (2),

characterized in that, in the closed position, the sectional door forms a louvre wall, with louvres (9), which are arranged at a distance from each other, in that, to this end, the sections (1, 2) are clad with such louvres (9), and in that, to this end, the safety element (3) comprises one or more such louvres (9).

2. Sectional door according to Claim 1, characterized in that the safety element (3) is fastened to the first section (1) in such a way that a returning force acts on the safety element (3), and in that the safety element (3) is at least partially moveable counter to this returning force.

3. Sectional door according to Claim 2, characterized in that the safety element (3) is fastened to the first section (1) with the aid of a magnetic coupling (4, 5), wherein the magnetic force of this magnetic coupling (4, 5) forms part of said returning force.

4. Sectional door according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the safety element (3) is fastened to the first section (1) with the aid of a spring-mounted element, wherein the spring force of this spring-mounted element forms part of said returning force.

5. Sectional door according to Claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic coupling (4, 5) comprises a magnet (4), which is provided on the safety element (3).

6. Sectional door according to Claim 5, characterized in that the first section (1) is provided with a magnetizable element (5).

7. Sectional door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each section (1, 2) comprises a base element (6), one or more supports (7) arranged on this base element (6), and in that the louvres (9) with which this section (1, 2) is clad are arranged on the one or more supports (7).

8. Sectional door according to Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the magnetizable element (5) is fastened to a said support (7) and/or in that at least a part of the one or more supports (7) is configured as a magnetizable element (5).

9. Sectional door according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the base element (6) of the first section (1) comprises a cavity (10) facing the second section (2), and in that the base element (6) of the second section (2) comprises a corresponding protrusion (11) that engages with the cavity (10) in the closed position and has such a form that this protrusion (11) adjoins the base element (6) of the first section (1) in any position between the open position and the closed position and seals any opening (15) between these base elements (6) formed in these positions, or in that the base element (6) of the second section (2) comprises a cavity facing the first section (1), and in that the base element (6) of the first section (1) comprises a corresponding protrusion that engages with the cavity in the closed position and has such a form that this protrusion adjoins the base element (6) of the second section (2) in any position between the open position and the closed position and seals any opening between these base elements (6) formed in these positions.

10. Sectional door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first section (1) comprises a safety cavity (12) which extends behind the safety element (3).

11. Sectional door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety element (3) is hingeably fastened to the first section (1).

12. Sectional door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sectional door comprises a securing element, for securing the safety element (3) so that it remains secured with respect to the first section (1) in the event of becoming detached.

13. Sectional door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first section (1) and the second section (2) are hingeably fastened to each other by means of a hinge axis which is arranged at one side of the first section (1) and the second section (2), and in that the safety element (3) is fastened to the opposite side of the first section (1).

14. Method for adapting a sectional door, comprising at least two sections (1, 2) which are hingeably connected to each other, hingeable between a closed position, wherein these sections (1, 2) are arranged in line with each other, and an open position, wherein these sections (1, 2) are arranged at an angle with respect to each other, characterized in that the sections are clad with louvres (9), and in that a safety element (3) having at least one louvre (9) is fastened at least partially moveably to one of these sections (1, 2) in order to form a sectional door according to one of the preceding claims.

Drawing