Movably Interconnected Patents (Class 160/218)
  • Patent number: 11891824
    Abstract: A booth includes a booth main body including a facing panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel, a top plate, and an inclined panel that extends from a booth left front-end portion of the right-side panel of the booth main body while being inclined to become farther from the facing panel toward the right-side panel in the plan view and forms an entrance into the booth main body between the inclined panel and a booth right front-end portion of the right-side panel of the booth main body. The top plate includes a panel side edge portion that extends along at least the facing panel and the right-side panel, and a front edge portion that includes a first edge portion that becomes closer to the facing panel from a first end on the right-side panel side of the front edge portion toward the left-side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: OKAMURA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Asuka Yamanashi
  • Patent number: 11525283
    Abstract: A sliding panel deadbolt lock assembly that is associated with a sliding panel that transitions between an open position and a closed position relative to a stationary panel that is coupled to the sliding panel. A sliding panel lock assembly includes a pin that transitions between an engaged position and a retracted position. A first magnetic field sensing device is positioned at the retracted position of the pin when the pin is in the retracted position to enable the sliding panel to transition from the closed position. The first magnetic field sensing device detects a magnetic field generated by a first magnetic field generating device positioned on the pin. The first magnetic field sensing device positioned at the retracted position of the pin is aligned with the first magnetic field generating device positioned on the pin when the pin is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Richard E. Harris
  • Patent number: 8869866
    Abstract: A tiled display rotational assembly is provided. The system uses panels connected by hinges, the panels configured to mount at least one display on each panel. A first panel has an extending hinge portion with a first bearing surface attached to an edge while a second panel has a receiving hinge portion with a second bearing surface attached to an edge. When the extending hinge portion is inserted into the receiving hinge portion the extending hinge portion and the receiving hinge portion together define an axis of rotation about which the panels may rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kyle Bauman, Bryan Russell Hemphill, Daniel Robert Adema
  • Publication number: 20140262073
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a product comprised of a plurality of slats. In example embodiments, the slats may be marked to form an image or a pattern and the product may be used as a window covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Timmons
  • Patent number: 8720827
    Abstract: A dual function lavatory door and methods are presented. A hinged door panel comprises a doorway hinge coupled to a first side of a lavatory doorway of a lavatory. The doorway hinge positions the hinged door panel to couple to a first interior side-wall of the lavatory in a deployed position. An extendable door panel is coupled to the hinged door panel by a vertical hinge and can couple to a second side of the lavatory doorway opposite to the first side. The extendable door panel folds along the vertical hinge into an interior space of the lavatory in the deployed position. An extension panel is coupled to the extendable door panel and extends from the extendable door panel to couple to a second interior side-wall of the lavatory opposite to the first interior side-wall in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kelly L. Boren
  • Patent number: 8640393
    Abstract: A deformable slat system for a building construction has one or more deformable slats(1). At least one of the aforementioned slats (1) has two slat parts (Ia, Ib) which are joined together in such a way that they are hingeable about a hinge line (2). This slat (1) is bendable and/or twistable in each first position where the slat parts (Ia, Ib) are hinged at a straight angle or a zero angle with respect to one another and is rigidified in each second position where the slat parts (Ia, Ib) are hinged at an angle differing from the straight angle or zero angle with respect to one another. The slat system includes means (13a, 13b, 19a, 19b, 14, 15, 16) for bringing the aforementioned slat (1) selectively into a first or a second position, and for bringing a slat (1), which has been brought into a first position, into a bent and/or twisted position. Furthermore, a slat (1) is provided for a slat system of this type, and also a building construction is provided with a slat system of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: BVBA Claerhout — Van Biervliet
    Inventors: Xaveer Claerhout, Barbara Van Biervliet
  • Publication number: 20130247469
    Abstract: A composite pull-chain disc mechanism with brake function for a door operator comprises a torsional spring having de-twisting and twisting sides. The weight of a door curtain always acts on the de-twisting sides, so that the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to shrink to brake the rotation of the central shaft of the door operator. If twisting sides bears an external force, the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to enlarge to release braking of the central shaft. Furthermore, the composite pull-chain disc mechanism can be adapted to an electric door operator. In the case of detaching an electric motor mechanism during maintenance, the door operator can still be operated to open/close a door in a manual mode through the composite pull-chain disc mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20130233499
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for a cordless blind with willful stop at any positions according to user needs during switching operation. The control device primarily comprises a force-return mechanism, a shaft connector, and a braking buffer mechanism which are all installed inside a same housing. The force-return mechanism has a flat spring bevel gear and an elastic element. One end of the shaft connector is a transmission bevel gear meshed with the flat spring bevel gear. The braking buffer mechanism includes a friction ring and an impeding spring where the friction ring is immovably fixed inside the housing with a wear-proof annular inwall. The impeding spring is tightly plugged into the friction ring with an extrusion to prevent the rotation of the transmission bevel gear. Specifically, the shaft connector has a trigger to change the friction between the impeding spring and the friction ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Cheng-Ming WU
  • Patent number: 8413705
    Abstract: An adjustable flap, designed for the production of a covering device, includes a section (12) that is made of translucent material with length L1 and longitudinal axis A1 around which the flap (10) is articulated to rotate, and at least one slat (14) that is made of opaque material with length L2, L2 that is at most equal to L1, and longitudinal axis A2, A2 that is parallel to A1, around which the slat (14) is articulated to rotate relative to the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Castel
  • Publication number: 20130068403
    Abstract: An assembly may include a frame member, a shutter, and a seal member. The frame member may include an opening extending therethrough. The shutter may be mounted for movement relative to the frame member between a first position allowing airflow through the opening and a second position restricting airflow through the opening. The seal member may be disposed between the frame member and the shutter. The seal member may contact the frame member and the shutter when the shutter is in the second position to restrict airflow between the frame member and the shutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SRG GLOBAL INC.
    Inventor: SRG Global Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130037224
    Abstract: The disclosed is a multi-slat combination blind of up-down-movement type which includes a main slat (1) and a lifting slat (2). The cross section of the lifting slat (2) in the width direction has the same shape as that of the main slat (1) in the width direction. The lifting slat (2) is attached on the upper or lower surface of the main slat (1). The lifting slat (2) can be driven to lift together with the main slat (1) and also to lift relative to the main slat (1) by a lifting mechanism. Various sun-shading and light-guiding blind systems formed by the multi-slat combination bind of up-down-movement type can achieve the optimization of controlling retro-reflection and guiding volume of direct sunlight according to season change and specific requirements of persons. High transparency is simultaneously kept whether solar elevation angle is high or low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HANGZHOU WOKASOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yifei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120312484
    Abstract: A push-out screen frame including: a fixed frame member having a fixed body portion and an arcuate flange portion extending along one edge thereof; a hinged frame member having a hinged body portion and an arcuate channel along one edge thereof and formed to receive the arcuate flange portion for hinged connection therewith; a swinging frame member having a swinging body portion, a closure formation along an edge thereof and conforming substantially with the arcuate flange portion, and complementary latching and locking formations for latching and locking the hinged frame to the fixed frame; a latching assembly attachable to the fixed body portion and having a latching body portion and a latching formation for latching to the complementary latching formation; and a locking member attachable to a swinging frame member and having a locking body and a locking formation formed for locking engagement with the latching member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick William HARRIS
  • Publication number: 20120211178
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing carriage house style sectional doors. A plurality of fabricated door sections, each section having a length that spans the garage opening. Each section includes an upper molding, a lower molding, and a paneled skin interposed between the upper and lower moldings. Each section is separately fabricated and then hingedly attached to an adjacent section via a plurality of hinges. The paneled skin is fabricated by bending a piece of sheet metal to provide a plurality of alternating raised and recessed surfaces. The paneled skin further includes features for coupling an upper and lower end of the paneled skin to the upper and lower moldings. Once completed, the hinged door sections are installed to selectively cover the garage opening. In yet another embodiment, a raised surface of the paneled skin creates a cavity into which a finger guard is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Scott
  • Publication number: 20120199295
    Abstract: Movable partitions comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one sheet of insulation adjacent the plurality of interconnected panels, and at least one hinge member connecting adjacent panels of the plurality of interconnected panels. The at least one hinge member comprises at least one pointed member that extends therefrom. The pointed member is at least partially inserted into the at least one sheet of insulation, and the at least one sheet of insulation is supported by a surface of the at least one pointed member that has a width that is greater than a thickness of the at least one pointed member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: R. Scott Smart, Craig G. Bell
  • Publication number: 20120097345
    Abstract: An architectural louver shade assembly comprising a shade canopy mounted to a rotatable central axle tube that supports a rod rib assembly to which the shade canopy is attached by adjustable tensioners that mechanically stretch and tension the fabric element of the shade canopy to remove wrinkles and sags. A wax cylinder piston attached by elements of a wax piston pressure system that changes the pitch of the shade canopy in response to temperature with a gas spring unit that returns the shade canopy to its default, horizontal orientation with decreasing temperatures. An optional manual/mechanical system that, through use of control cables, changes the pitch of the shade canopy with a gas spring unit that returns it to a default orientation. A camber cable assembly that maintains an equal compression load on the rib arm units that directly support the shade canopy, and carrier brackets that support the central axle tube and connect the louver shade assembly to a building wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Roger R. Rountree
  • Patent number: 8096342
    Abstract: A door package includes a door frame, a door, a handle, and a pivot plate. The frame has a top portion that includes tracks in which door panels can slide. The door includes two or more equal size door panels. The handle protrudes in a direction essentially perpendicular to the door panels and is connected to a latch mechanism for positively engaging with a corresponding latch mechanism in the door frame when the door is in a closed position. The pivot plate is attached to the floor and allows the door panels to pivot from a retracted position to a broken open position essentially perpendicular to the plane of the door. At least two of the door panels separate from each other while the door is pivoting from the retracted position to the broken open position, to allow the handle to be accommodated between the two door panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Assa Abloy IP AB
    Inventor: Edward Scruggs
  • Patent number: 8051890
    Abstract: An expandable gate is described which includes a top horizontal guide rod, a bottom horizontal guide rod and vertical bar members extending from the top guide rod to the bottom guide rod. Each of the bar members has a top guide rod slot and a bottom guide bar slot and the top guide rod extends through each of the top guide rod slots and the bottom guide rod extends through each of the bottom guide rod slots. The vertical bar members may slide horizontally on guide rod members between an open expanded position where the bars are spaced further apart from one another and a closed collapsed position where the bars are closer together. The bar members each have spring connection holes at spaced locations between said top guide rod slot and said bottom guide rod slot. Elongated flexible tension bar springs are provided which lie flat when no forces are applied to the springs. Each of the bar spring have a central opening and have an elongated upper end opening and an elongated lower end opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick Kenneth Broyan
  • Publication number: 20110162808
    Abstract: An adjustable flap, designed for the production of a covering device, includes a section (12) that is made of translucent material with length L1 and longitudinal axis A1 around which the flap (10) is articulated to rotate, and at least one slat (14) that is made of opaque material with length L2, L2 that is at most equal to L1, and longitudinal axis A2, A2 that is parallel to A1, around which the slat (14) is articulated to rotate relative to the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Castel
  • Publication number: 20110094688
    Abstract: A retractable covering for an arched window including a first and a second panel formed of pliable material. A flap of the first panel overlaps a flap of the second panel. The first and second panels together have a generally arch-shaped upper perimeter adapted to be secured to a support structure and have a generally straight lower perimeter. A retracting mechanism moves the first and second panels between a closed position wherein the arched window is substantially covered and an open position wherein the arched window is substantially uncovered. The retracting mechanism includes a first cord secured to the first panel flap, and a second cord secured to the second panel flap. The retracting mechanism having a first operating state to position the first and second panels in the open position and a second operating state wherein the first and second panels are positioned in the closed. The retracting mechanism further includes a cord guide through which at least a portion of the first and second cords extend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Grossman
  • Publication number: 20100243180
    Abstract: An assembly comprised of at least one fixed panel and at least two moveable panels is provided. The moveable panels are capable of being controllably shifted relative both to each other and to the fixed panel such that first and second aligned and non-aligned positions can be achieved. The assembly is further comprised of two or more drive links which are, in turn, comprised of a center pivot which engages with the fixed panel and two or more outer pivots which engage with the movable panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: CHARLES HOBERMAN, Matthew Davis, Zygmunt Joseph Drozdowski, David Wight
  • Patent number: 7753100
    Abstract: A variable-angle tile partition comprises tiles of any shape, material, color, or degree of translucence. In one implementation, the tile partition is constructed with a first row of decorative tiles joined to a second row of tiles using a left or right-angled tile connector. In at least one implementation, the tile partition can further include a third row of tiles joined to the second row of tiles, typically using the other of the left or right-angled tile connector. A manufacturer can continually join each next row of decorative tiles with alternating left or right-handed tile connectors. The unique tying/joining together of tile rows using left or right-angled tile connectors at least partly allows the variable partition to partition constrained spaces in a uniform and variable manner, which can be used to diffuse light or sound, or otherwise provide various aesthetic and structural needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Luomanen, Michael J. Udulutch
  • Publication number: 20100101738
    Abstract: A variable-angle tile partition comprises tiles of any shape, material, color, or degree of translucence. In one implementation, the tile partition is constructed with a first row of decorative tiles joined to a second row of tiles using a left or right-angled tile connector. In at least one implementation, the tile partition can further include a third row of tiles joined to the second row of tiles, typically using the other of the left or right-angled tile connector. A manufacturer can continually join each next row of decorative tiles with alternating left or right-handed tile connectors. The unique tying/joining together of tile rows using left or right-angled tile connectors at least partly allows the variable partition to partition constrained spaces in a uniform and variable manner, which can be used to diffuse light or sound, or otherwise provide various aesthetic and structural needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: 3FORM
    Inventors: Christopher A. Luomanen, Michael J. Udulutch
  • Patent number: 7681620
    Abstract: A stacking mechanism comprising: a rotatable screw with external thread of length L and pitch P1; a plurality of N traveling nuts mounted on the screw, having internal thread of pitch P1 and external thread of pitch P2, P1>P2; an arrester preventing rotation of the nuts within a length L1 of the screw, while allowing sliding; and a threaded member of pitch P2 adapted to engage the external thread of the nuts within a length L2 of the screw. In a first position of the mechanism, the nuts are arranged over the length L1. Upon rotation of the screw, the nuts slide along the screw at rate P1 per 1 turn, transit from L1 to L2, and then slide within the length L2 at a rate P2 per 1 turn, thereby achieving reversibly a second position of the mechanism where they are arranged over the length L2, L2<L1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Parma Shutter Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Tal Padan, Michael Padan
  • Patent number: 7597130
    Abstract: A door unit for selectively opening and closing an opening in an object includes a door having a bendable slatted door body and a flexible sheet member positioned over the door body. Guide grooves in the object slidably guide at least the door body, and the respective ends of the door body and the sheet member are connected on one end in the sliding direction. By setting an appropriate spacing between the guide grooves, the generation of noise that would otherwise be caused by the door body and the sheet member rubbing against each other when they are opened or closed, is avoided. The use of the separate sheet member also significantly increases the options for the material to be employed for the design surface of the door unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignees: Nifco Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahide Ichimaru, Toru Matsui, Masamitsu Shiono
  • Patent number: 7584777
    Abstract: A variable panel assembly is herein disclosed which is comprised of a plurality of panels and a plurality of links where by rotating one or more links, the assembly shifts between a largely uncovered configuration to a covered configuration, where in the first configuration the panel profiles are essentially aligned, and in the second configuration the panel profiles are offset relative to one another. Further disclosed herein are methods to control the movement of the assembly, both manual and motorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Hoberman, Matthew Davis
  • Publication number: 20090193716
    Abstract: A garage door has pivotally connected door panels, with each of the door panels including an outer skin having an outer surface. The outer skin has a metal, such as steel, having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An overlay element, such as a decorative element, is coupled to the outer surface of at least one of the outer skins. The overlay element includes a fiber-reinforced thermoset material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. In one specific embodiment, the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion are substantially equal. In one embodiment, the overlay element includes a pultruded fiber-reinforced thermoset material. In yet another aspect, the overlay element is adhesively coupled to the outer surface. Adhesive coupling may, for example, include a hot-melt adhesive, a two-part glue, or double-sided adhesive tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Clopay Building Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Magill, Jeffrey W. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090183843
    Abstract: A Venetian blind includes a plurality of horizontal slats which are positioned at a predetermined distance vertically and a lifting and rotating control unit. Each of the slats includes a transversely extended central portion having a curved cross section, and two wing portions horizontally extended from and along two opposite transverse edges of the curved central portion. The lifting and rotating control unit includes a lift cord vertically extended through openings provided on the slats, two ladder cords vertically located at two transverse sides of the slats, and a plurality of cross rung cords separately located below the slats and connected at two ends to the two ladder cords, such that the cross rung cords each have two end portions in contact with lower sides of the two wing portions. With the above arrangements, the slats may be smoothly rotated in an effort-saving manner to overlap one another to provide effective light blocking function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Tser-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 7370684
    Abstract: A stacking mechanism for shutter members of a shutter mechanism, comprising: a rotatable screw with external thread of length L and pitch P1; a plurality of N traveling nuts mounted on the screw, having internal thread of pitch P1 and external thread of pitch P2,P1>P2; an arrester preventing rotation of the nuts within a length L1 of the screw, while allowing sliding; and a threaded member of pitch P2 adapted to engage the external thread of the nuts within a length L2 of the screw. In a first position of the mechanism, the nuts are arranged over the length L1. Upon rotation of the screw, the nuts slide along the screw at rate P1 per 1 turn, transit from L1 to L2, and then slide within the length L2 at a rate P2 per 1 turn, thereby achieving reversibly a second position of the mechanism where they are arranged over the length L2,L2<L1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Parma Shutter Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tal Padan, Michael Padan
  • Publication number: 20070284063
    Abstract: A door assembly for use with a table top member that forms a table opening, the assembly including a support member mounted to the table top member, a first door member supported by the support member for pivotal movement between a closed position blocking at least a first portion of the table opening and an open position, a second door member supported by the support member for pivotal movement between an closed position blocking at least a second portion of the table opening and an open position, a single biaser supported by the support member and linked to each of the first and second door members to independently bias each of the first and second flapper members toward the open positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Keith Elwood, Michael J. Shawver
  • Publication number: 20070235150
    Abstract: A variable panel assembly is herein disclosed which is comprised of a plurality of panels and a plurality of links where by rotating one or more links, the assembly shifts between a largely uncovered configuration to a covered configuration, where in the first configuration the panel profiles are essentially aligned, and in the second configuration the panel profiles are offset relative to one another. Further disclosed herein are methods to control the movement of the assembly, both manual and motorized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Charles Hoberman, Matthew Davis
  • Patent number: 7109885
    Abstract: A portable expandable screen for blocking passing motorists' and pedestrians' views of accidents on a roadway to prevent rubbernecking and promote traffic flow and increased highway safety. The portable expandable screen has a plurality of panels assembled in a telescoping manner like an accordion. Each panel has an outside surface, an inside surface, an inside edge, and a bottom end. A horizontal track is located on the inside surface at the bottom end of every panel. A small wheel is fixed to the inside edge at the bottom end of every panel, for allowing the small wheel of one panel to be fitted within the track of an adjacent panel. This allows the panels to slide inwardly and outwardly in a telescoping manner to block accidents from view on the roadways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy Denlinger
  • Publication number: 20040244919
    Abstract: The invention provides a sliding screen door having a net guide that moves in association with the opening and closing movement of a net, wherein the opening and closing operation of the screen door can be performed smoothly while providing a buffering effect with an adequate resistance, without hindering the opening and closing operability of a movable edge member, by enabling a reaction force, which is required for its bending, to be used as a buffering force against the operating force of the movable edge member, the net guide being formed by connecting guide pieces. In order to do so, a net guide 12 fed out from and drawn into the lower end of the vertical frame member 6 in association with the opening and closing operation of the net 4, is provided for guiding the lower end of the net 4. The net guide 12 is formed by connecting with a tape member 16 a number of guide pieces 14 formed substantially into a U-shape with a bottom portion 14a and a stabilizing portion 14b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Takashi Aoki
  • Patent number: 6640872
    Abstract: A sectional door movable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position having, a series of adjacent panels, each of the panels having an upper joint member and a lower joint member, the lower joint member having a configuration to establish a clearance with the configuration of the upper joint member of an adjacent panel during angular articulation of the adjacent panels in moving between the closed vertical position and the open horizontal position, end hinge assemblies located proximate the longitudinal ends of the panels and connecting the adjacent panels at a first pivot axis, and at least one center hinge assembly connecting the adjacent panels at a second pivot axis offset from the first pivot axis, whereby a portion of the clearance is maintained irrespective of variations in the deflection of the panels in moving between the closed vertical position and the open horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventor: Willis J. Mullet
  • Patent number: 6267169
    Abstract: A vertically foldable wall partition comprises a plurality of panels mounted to a number of horizontally spaced-apart vertically foldable skeleton framework. Each skeleton framework includes a number of pivotally interconnected arms which are adapted to be successively folded in a predetermined sequence. The sequential folding is controlled by a lifting mechanism. The vertically foldable wall partition further includes a universal sealing member which can be either used as an end seal or as a hinge seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Railtech Ltd.
    Inventor: J. Mark McDonald
  • Patent number: 5918422
    Abstract: A vertically sliding adjustable office panel system that allows each panel to change height individually or in unison by virture of a panel within a panel sliding assembly. The panels are connected side by side to form office cubicles. The space dividing system adjusts vertically by inserting or removing connectors. This system allows a closed office cubicle system to become a partially or completely open workstation by raising or lowering any or all of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Bucher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4926921
    Abstract: A louver for selectively closing flow openings defined therethrough comprising a stationary support grid including a plurality of equidistantly spaced, first rods extending in a first direction to define flow openings therebetween, a movable grid including a plurality of spaced, second rods extending parallel to the first rods and being movable relative to the first rods in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from a first position in which each of the second rods at least partially overlaps a respective one of the first rods to a second position spaced from said first position by a distance approximately equal to the equidistant spacing between said first rods and a plurality of substantially impermeable, flexible, flat structures each having first and second longitudinal edges and each of which is connected along the entire length of its first edge to one of the first rods and along the entire length of its second edge to a respective second rod that at least partially overlaps said one f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignees: Firma Carl Freudenberg, Firma Audi AG
    Inventors: Joachim Heinemann, Karl-Heinz Spies, Frank Keller, Bernd Beicht, Wulf Leitermann, Rolf Lechler
  • Patent number: 4874027
    Abstract: An open office space dividing arrangement in which both simple and complex work station configurations are constructed from a small number of different free-standing units which share no walls with adjacent work stations. The units may be individually moved without dismantling, and without disturbing adjacent units or work stations to reconfigure a complex work station at the present location of the units, or the units may be moved as a whole to a different location and placed in the same or in a diferent work station configuration. Each unit is constructed according to the same concept in which a plurality of modules are vertically stacked to a desired height, with each module having two or three integrally joined sections which form diferent walls of the unit. The modules are foldable along one or two bend lines which separate and define the lateral sections, between shipping and functional configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce K. Boundy, Raoul J. P. Schoumaker
  • Patent number: 4748783
    Abstract: An insulated panel for rolling closures. The panel has a front wall and a back wall joined by side walls, and is filled with insulation. The side walls have thermal breaks formed by spacers. The size of the spacers can vary to vary the thickness of the panel. The panel has a hinge socket formed in the back wall adjacent one side wall. An extension of the back wall, projecting past the other side wall, carries a hinge pintle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Martinray Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: H. M. Robert Labelle
  • Patent number: 4521997
    Abstract: A hay bale cover for use with large cylindrical hay bales stored outdoors for protecting such bales from inclement weather such as rain, snow, hail and the like. The cover is in the form of an arcuate panel of flexible resilient material having a plurality of longitudinally extending, parallel ribs formed therein which extend from end to end of the panel to provide longitudinal rigidity but enabling the side edges of the panel to be flexed to vary the radius of curvature of the panel. The end edges of the panel each have an inwardly extending flange with radial corrugations therein. This enables the cover to be positioned on top of a cylindrical hay bale which is positioned horizontally on the ground surface or the like and forced downwardly thereon so that the side edges are capable of flexing outwardly and the inherent spring-like action will then cause the cover to snugly fit and actually cling to the hay bale, thereby eliminating the necessity of using tie-downs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Harvey L. Tiberend