Initial Or Terminal Movement Transverse To Sliding Movement Edgewise Of Portal Patents (Class 49/209)
  • Publication number: 20090000200
    Abstract: A sliding door for a vehicle comprises a guide rail, a sliding carriage which is longitudinally displaceably on the guide rail and a hinge bow which is rotatably supported at the sliding carriage and at a body flange. To improve such a sliding door, an intermediate layer is provided which is rotatably supported at the sliding carriage, a control lever which is rotatably supported at the intermediate lever and at a body flange and a drive rod for the drive of the control lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Dura Automotive Body & Glass Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Heuel, Michael Krehmke, Ralf Rottmann
  • Patent number: 7464501
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly for use with a motor vehicle such as the rear window of the cab of a pickup type truck. A guide structure mounts a sliding pane for longitudinal sliding movement generally parallel to the plane of the pane between an open position and a closed position, and a lateral thrust mechanism is provided to move the pane laterally relative to the plane of the pane into the closed position wherein the exposed face of the pane is flush with a surrounding vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Arimoto, Louis William Berklich, Jr., Beau James Cook, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7426803
    Abstract: An angular lever for guiding and moving a door leaf is rotatably mounted in a horizontal plane in the direct vicinity of the door frame. One limb of the angular lever is permanently connected to a guide rail of the door leaf, and the other limb temporarily engages with a control element on a guide unit to swing the door leaf. In order to open completely and subsequently close the door leaf, a guide arm of the door leaf is operatively connected to the control element. During the closing movement of the door leaf, an operative connection of the guide arm to the control element is released and the other limb of the angular lever engages again with the control element. When the angular lever assumes its home position, it presses the door leaf firmly against a door seal and locks the door leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Fahrzeugtechnik Dessau AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Fronz, Holger Lenkeit, Wolfgang Steiniger
  • Publication number: 20080196311
    Abstract: This invention consists of an “articulated mounting system for doors with limited space” that consists of introducing, between a conventional door and the frame or surface to be covered, a solid intermediary provided with angular displacement around a resting axis located in the frame, wall or any surface that supports the door and which, at its other end, contains the turning axis for the door located on its own symmetrical axis, incorporating a horizontal handle in the turning axis of the door itself and around one of its faces, which allows the user to force the movement of the whole thing and to move it in a parallel fashion to the surface of the door until they can enter or exit without difficulty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Emilio Ruso Sobra
  • Patent number: 7395631
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes an upper track member, a lower track member, and a carrier component. The track members each define a first channel having a first depth, a second channel having a second depth, and a third channel having a third depth less than each of the first and second depths. The carrier component includes upper and lower edges. Each edge has a first tab extending to a first length and a second tab extending to a second length. The carrier component slides in the track members to move between an open and a closed position. The first tabs slide in the first channels, the second tabs slide in the second channels, and the edges of the carrier component slide in the third channels. The first lengths correspond to the first depths and the second lengths correspond to the second depths so the tabs appropriately fit in their respective channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Publication number: 20080000158
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly for enclosing a space, such as a shower or a bath, includes an overhead track and a sliding door moveably interacting with the overhead track. The sliding door includes a panel and a support apparatus for supporting the panel. The support apparatus includes a rail extending generally vertically and connected to the panel, a bracket extending upwardly from and partially adjacent to the rail for moveably interacting with the overhead track, and a boss extending from the rail and engaging the bracket. The bracket defines a notch and the boss extends from the rail into the notch and vertically engages the bracket in the notch for vertically supporting the rail on the bracket. The boss and the bracket establish a fastener-free support to support the weight of the panel and the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent Orlando Ranelli, Gregory Raymond Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7243461
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a sliding door of a vehicle to a drive unit for sliding the sliding door from an open position to a closed position, the drive unit causing the hinge assembly to slide within a guide track as the door moves between the open position and the closed position, the hinge assembly comprising: a first hinge portion; a second hinge portion, the first hinge portion being pivotally secured to the second hinge portion; a cable attachment being secured to the second hinge portion; and a guide surface disposed on a surface of the first hinge portion, the guide surface being configured to make contact with a portion of a cable having an end secured to the cable attachment when the second hinge portion is in a first orientation with respect to the position of the first hinge portion and the cable no longer makes contact with the guide surface as the second hinge portion moves from the first orientation to a second orientation with respect to the first hinge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: Lloyd W. Rogers, Jr., Michael A. Ciavaglia
  • Patent number: 7155862
    Abstract: A closure panel assembly (10) includes a fixed panel (12) defining an opening (14), a pair of guide rails (16,18) disposed on opposite sides of the opening, and a sliding panel (26) supported by the guide rails for movement between a closed position over the opening and an open position. Cooperating surface features (46,48) on at least one guide rail and the sliding panel engage one another when the sliding panel is moved to the closed position, to laterally displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel and thereby compress a seal (44) disposed therebetween. Additional surface features (54) on the guide rail similarly engage the sliding panel's surface features to displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel when the sliding panel is in a partially-open position, to thereby at least partially compress the seal and create a frictional drag on the sliding panel resisting further movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Bourque, Paul Joseph Kolokowski, Michael James Lesle, Lawrence R. Lyke, Thomas William Payton, Jr., Scott Saxon, Marcus Tanksley, Rick Mark Weinert
  • Patent number: 7155861
    Abstract: A top-supported sliding door system or a vertically sliding door system achieves an enhanced air seal with a lateral keeper mechanism on either or both of the trailing and leading edges. On an outward lateral edge of a door panel, a keeper projects inwardly toward the door frame to engage a door frame camming surface such as a pin. The bracket may advantageously disengage under a force indicative of impact in order to minimize damage resulting therefrom. Application of the lateral keeper mechanism may further be used on vertically sliding doors and on multi-panel horizontal sliding doors. In addition, a rail may extend from the angled pin to engage the keeper throughout the full travel of the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Jamison Door Company
    Inventors: Curtis L. Berry, William B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7155863
    Abstract: A window structure which may be used as a rear window in a pick-up truck or the like. In certain example embodiments, the window structure includes a slidable window panel or sheet located between a pair of fixed window panels or sheets. The slidable window panel may be approximately flush with the fixed panels when in the closed position, but not in the opened position. A seal carrier may be supported by the sliding window, and a bulb seal may be supported by at least the seal carrier so as to cover gap(s) adjacent an edge of the sliding window panel. A latch assembly is provided including spring biased pins adapted to laterally slide in the tracks of upper and lower frame members, respectively, during opening and closing of the slidable window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Daniel, Robert V. Himebaugh, Mark A. Schreiner, Andrew T. Billiu
  • Patent number: 7134709
    Abstract: An automated car door opening system proposes a very simple yet reliable system that can easily be retrofitted on most cars. It uses the combination of a large electrically actuated inner shaft cooperating with a piston. The piston opens the car door slightly in a manner similar to the normal opening of a car door, so that the door clears the car frame and then, a combination of outward but more predominantly upward motion by the inner shaft has the door opening in an upwardly rotational motion along a vertical plane which fully opens it. The reverse process closes the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Valois
  • Patent number: 7124538
    Abstract: A doorway assembly, preferably for a sliding door, includes a barrier plate extending across the lower portion of the doorway to prevent the intrusion of water during severe weather conditions. A notch within the barrier plate, provides a substantially obstruction-free passageway through the doorway and, is sealed by compressing a compressible gasket, attached to a compression panel mounted to move with the sliding door, against the barrier plate. An actuator is structured to move the compression panel toward the barrier plate in response to operation of a latch lever, thereby compressing the compressible gasket and providing a seal between the compression panel and the barrier plate adjacent the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: C. Walter Kline
  • Patent number: 7121042
    Abstract: A door assembly providing an airtight seal for a chamber. The door assembly includes a link assembly that allows a door to move inward toward a gasket sealing an opening into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: STERIS Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Louis Martineau
  • Patent number: 7008514
    Abstract: A durable door opening/closing mechanism that does not require a large space for opening and closing operation such that a door and a main body such as a cab, can be freely designed. To achieve this, the door is supported by links coupled to the cab by joints. One end of the door is guided along the side of the cab by a guide rail. When a rail support begins moving along the side of the cab while being guided by the guide rail, a couple of forces, causing the door to rotate, act on the joints at both ends of the links. The other end of the door is swung out of the cab towards the outside by the couple of forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Matsumura, Akira Hanahara
  • Patent number: 6928696
    Abstract: The invention includes a clasp that can be mounted to the roller track of an overhead door and a shim that can be mounted to the overhead door or the shaft of the roller. The clasp includes a portion for attaching to the roller track and a blocking portion that is secured in proximate location to the inner surface of the overhead door. When the overhead door is in a closed position, the shim and the blocking portion are engaged thereby encouraging the overhead door towards the door frame. Multiple clasp and shim assemblies can be mounted to the overhead door to improve the seal between the overhead door and the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Robert F. Wartman
  • Patent number: 6920719
    Abstract: A closure panel assembly includes a movable or “sliding” panel that is supported for sliding movement along a first direction by a guide rail disposed above an opening defined in a stationary or “fixed” panel. The guide rail includes an engagement portion that overhangs an upper portion of one face of the sliding panel. The overhanging engagement portion of the guide rail limits the relative movement of the upper portion of the sliding panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while further limiting a pivoting motion of the lower portion of the sliding panel in the second direction. A latch is operative to urge the lower portion of the sliding panel towards the fixed panel, whereupon the sliding panel pivots proximate to the guide rail into a closed position while also compressing a seal disposed between the sliding panel and the fixed panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Bourque, Paul Joseph Kolokowski, Michael James Lesle, Larry R. Lyke, Thomas William Peyton, Jr., Scott Saxon, Marcus Tanksley, Rick Mark Weinert
  • Publication number: 20040261318
    Abstract: A top-supported sliding door system or a vertically sliding door system achieves an enhanced air seal with a lateral keeper mechanism on either or both of the trailing and leading edges. On an outward lateral edge of a door panel, a keeper projects inwardly toward the doorframe to engage a doorframe camming surface such as a pin. The bracket may advantageously disengage under a force indicative of impact in order to minimize damage resulting therefrom. Application of the lateral keeper mechanism may further be used on vertically sliding doors and on multi-panel horizontal sliding doors. In addition, a rail may extend from the angled pin to engage the keeper throughout the full travel of the door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Jamison Door Company
    Inventors: Curtis L. Berry, William B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6826867
    Abstract: A sliding door has a sash suspended from a top leg of a frame by having a curved channel extend along this leg and providing the sash with a post that passes through the channel and a roller attached to the post, such that the roller sits on the leg and permits the sash to slide relative to the frame. In closing the door, the sash moves towards the inner portion of the frame and is pressed against a compression gasket that extends about the inner portion of the door in order provide an airtight seal between the sash and the frame. A handle is operatively connected to a dog that is attached to the frame which dog acts on an inner wall of a jamb on the frame in order to maintain the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy J. McDonald, Allen Helmuth, Giorgio Giuriato
  • Patent number: 6799394
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a vacuum chamber having a plurality of long cylinders for linearly moving first piston rods. The first piston rods connect with a frame elevator. The frame elevator has a second piston rod and guide stems parallel to the first piston rods. A lever, a transmitting rod and a connecting rod are synchronously moved, when the second piston rod is moved parallel to the guide stems by a short stroke cylinder. The transmitting rod is pivoted with a middle of the connecting rod. Direction-changing mechanisms are pivoted at the two ends of the connecting rod for horizontally moving a door to seal the vacuum chamber. The moving direction of the door pushed by the direction-changing mechanisms is perpendicular to the moving direction of the second piston rod so that the apparatus has a thin configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Shen Tsung-Lin
  • Publication number: 20040163317
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a new type of fitting for lift-slide doors or windows with at least one running shoe located on a bearing element so that it can be moved in a longitudinal running shoe axis relative to the bearing element for raising and lowering the door or window sash and with a coupling element that connects the at least one running shoe for this movement with a drive element, for example with a push rod, located on one vertical section of the sash frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Winfried Reich, Udo Dieners, Frank Beisswenger
  • Publication number: 20040148864
    Abstract: A vertically retractable door system for a stamping press includes a pair of vertical mounting plates having generally vertical opposing door guide channels with inwardly curved lower portions. A door with windows extends between the plates and includes support blocks enclosing bushings supporting rollers within the guide channels. Spring biased locking pins extend through a pair of the bushings into selectable vertically spaced holes within the mounting plates, and a rotatable latch handle is supported by the door and is connected to the locking pins by a drum and cable system for retracting the pins. The mounting plates have removable blocks within recesses extending from the channels to facilitate easy removal of the door, and enclosed counterweights are connected by cables and pulleys to the door to facilitate manual movement of the door between an upper retracted position and a lower closed position sloping downwardly and inwardly towards the press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Pax Products Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Pax, Allen P. Hartings
  • Publication number: 20040144034
    Abstract: A closure panel assembly includes a movable or “sliding” panel that is supported for sliding movement along a first direction by a guide rail disposed above an opening defined in a stationary or “fixed” panel. The guide rail includes an engagement portion that overhangs an upper portion of one face of the sliding panel. The overhanging engagement portion of the guide rail limits the relative movement of the upper portion of the sliding panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while further limiting a pivoting motion of the lower portion of the sliding panel in the second direction. A latch is operative to urge the lower portion of the sliding panel towards the fixed panel, whereupon the sliding panel pivots proximate to the guide rail into a closed position while also compressing a seal disposed between the sliding panel and the fixed panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Bourque, Paul Joseph Kolokowski, Michael James Lesle, Larry R. Lyke, Thomas William Peyton, Scott Saxon, Marcus Tanksley, Rick Mark Weinert
  • Publication number: 20030204999
    Abstract: A mechanism for moving a door relative to an access opening in a door frame includes three links pivotally connected between the door and the door frame permitting outward and lateral movement of the door. A structural member or pillar releasably secured to the door frame can move with the door and the mechanism can include a supporting member extending beneath and supporting the door during movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael George, Kyle Brookes, Stephen Derby
  • Patent number: 6497072
    Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding the movement, in both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, of a sliding panel in a frame structure by using guide tracks and vertically adjustable guide castors. The vertical position of the sliding panel is adjustable with the aid of a bogie-based carrying wheel mechanism. A locking mechanism with a specially designed striking plate assists longitudinal and sideways movement of the sliding panel into a locking position for locking of the sliding panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Frip AB
    Inventor: Bror Fries
  • Publication number: 20020148163
    Abstract: A rear window assembly for a pick-up truck. A slidable window panel is provided between first and second fixed window panels. In order to open the slidable window panel, at least a portion thereof is popped outwardly and thereafter the panel is slid along at least first and second tracks to an open position. In certain embodiments, opaque layer(s) may be provided on an exterior surface of the slidable panel in order to hide from view support arm(s) or the like utilized for supporting the slidable panel as it is slid to its open/closed position. Moreover, in certain embodiments tracks are located on the inboard side of the slidable panel in locations so as to be at least partially hidden from view. A power opening/closing system for the window is provided in certain embodiments. A spring-biased window closing system is provided in certain embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Gurdian Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Warner, Andrew T. Billiu, Mark A. Schreiner, Vincent M. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 6386621
    Abstract: A reverse opening vehicle door is provided (10), including a door body (16) having a fore portion (18) and an aft portion (20), a catch mechanism (50), and a hinge mechanism (70). The catch mechanism (50) and the hinge mechanism (70) permit the door body (16) to move between at least three positions including a closed position (22) having a fore closed position (30) and an aft closed position (32), an intermediate position (24) having an aft intermediate position (34) located outboard and rearward of the aft closed position (32) and a fore intermediate position (36) located rearward of the fore closed position (30), and an open position (26) in which the fore portion (18) is rotated rearward about the aft intermediate position (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Thomas Kozak, James A. O'Brien, II
  • Patent number: 6385910
    Abstract: A swivel-sliding door system for a vehicle having at least one door leaf situated in the vehicle wall in the closed state, and situated on the outside in front of the vehicle wall in the open state while leaving a door opening free. A drive as well as transverse and longitudinal guides are provided which enable a movement at the at least one door leaf transverse relative to the vehicle wall and along the vehicle wall, wherein the drive and the transverse and longitudinal guides are combined into one complete operating unit that can be mounted as one whole in the vehicle and be coupled to the at least one door leaf. The operating unit comprises a frame which, in assembled condition, is fixedly connected to the vehicle and an assembly which is movably provided in the frame and which comprises a drive motor for the door leaf movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Pieter Smink, Johan Pieter Hulshoff, Bart van der Sloot, Frans Hesmerg, D de Roos
  • Publication number: 20010047624
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for a pivotally mounted door (2), which is so arranged as to close off a load area (3) on board a ship (4) and is provided with sealing elements (5-13) around the periphery of the door and exhibits battening jacks (14-16) that are caused to move to batten down the door to the deck (17, 18) and bulkhead (19) or parts thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Hans Salen
  • Patent number: 6216392
    Abstract: A window unit has a sliding sash which is moved latterly in the window frame as the sash is closed to compress weather stripping extending completely around the sash between the sash and a peripheral stop surface on the window frame. The sash is also tiltable as well as slidable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony V. DiGinosa
  • Patent number: 6017105
    Abstract: A guidance assembly (28) guides a door (22) to a cabinet (10) while it is moved between an open position, in which access to an interior chamber is provided through an opening (16) in the cabinet, and a closed position, in which the door covers the opening. The guidance system includes four pairs of rollers (32, 34) which are mounted to upper and lower horizontal sides of the door. The rollers roll along upper and lower horizontal tracks (38, 42) which are mounted to an exterior wall (18) of the cabinet, adjacent upper and lower ends of the opening. Leading and trailing recesses (56, 62) are defined in the tracks to receive the rollers when the door is in the closed position. Leading pairs (32) of the rollers have shorter shafts (52) than corresponding trailing pairs (34) of the rollers. The trailing recesses (62) are further from the door than the leading recesses (56), leaving a narrow strip of land (64) between the trailing recesses and the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Goughnour, Gary L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5996284
    Abstract: A sliding vehicle window assembly which includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of window panels spaced from each other to define a window opening and interconnected by upper and lower frame members or tracks, bonded to the interior surface of the pair of window panels. The upper and lower frame members are also spaced vertically apart from each other. At least one, and preferably two, arcuate channels are defined in each of the inwardly facing walls of the two frame members--the two channels arranged generally in tandem or end-to-end alignment. The pair of channels in each frame member are configured to receive a window panel, opposite ends of which retain cam or channel followers received by the channels. A latch handle interconnects one end of each cam follower and includes a cam projection also received in the channel and when rotated in one end of the channels, moves the sliding window generally perpendicularly with respect to the window opening when the window is located over the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Corey A. Freimark, Daniel J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5992097
    Abstract: A sliding door structure for opening/closing a sliding door by guiding it to slide has a guide rail having a component for sliding the slide door upwardly and an insert hole for facilitating an insertion of a roller into an inside space of the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Makiuchi, Mamoru Nishihira, Kunihiko Hisamoto, Masaji Hirano, Masakatsu Tsubouchi, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Tsuyoshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5899303
    Abstract: A hoistway door seal structure for limiting the flow of air through a hoistway opening when the door is closed. The hoistway door seal structure includes a hoistway door that covers a hoistway entrance defined by an opening in a hoistway wall structure. An elongated door support member is connected to the wall structure and is positioned in a generally horizontal orientation above the hoistway entrance. A seal structure is supported between the hoistway door and the wall structure. A door support is connected to the hoistway door and is movably connected to the elongated support member to support the door while permitting movement of the door in a lateral direction between an open position permitting access to the hoistway and a closed position wherein the door substantially covers the hoistway entrance with a space between the hoistway door and the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas H. Allen
  • Patent number: 5896704
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a sliding door to a vehicle body for movement between an open position and a closed position. The arrangement includes a guide track mounted to the sliding door, a carriage support arrangement carried by the sliding door and a swing arm. The swing arm is connected to the carriage for pivotal movement about a first axis and to the body for pivotal movement about a second axis. With the sliding door unlatched, the swing-arm rotates the carriage support arrangement and the sliding door through an obtuse swing angle, thereby reducing longitudinal tipping forces on the sliding door. Further, when the swing-arm and sliding door are in the full-open position, the sliding door's center of gravity is only slightly offset aft of the carriage support arrangement, thereby reducing the force needed to remove the swing-arm, carriage support arrangement and vehicle sliding door to a fully-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Michael Abney, Thomas Carbone, Keith DeRiso
  • Patent number: 5839228
    Abstract: A screen is provided having overlapping leaves, an upper rail on which the leaves are hung, and a lower rail for guiding the lower ends of the leaves during their sliding movement. A runner element whereby the lower end of an outer one of the leaves is guided with respect to the lower rail, is pivotally displaceable between a first condition in which it engages with the lower rail and a second condition in which it is disengaged from the lower rail, permitting the leaf to swing away from the other leaf. This facilitates cleaning of the leaves in the region where they overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Duffy
  • Patent number: 5832668
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a track having longitudinally extending grooves in opposite surfaces thereof and disposed horizontally on the vehicle. The guide assembly also includes a support bracket having one end connected with the sliding door and another end including a bearing housing. The bearing housing has a longitudinal slot including sides having spacedly opposed bearing pockets. A plurality of ball bearings is rotatably mounted in the opposed bearing pockets and engages the longitudinally extending grooves in the opposite surfaces of the track for supporting and guiding the support bracket and sliding door for movement relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Faubert, Waine T. Brock, Terence W. Haskin
  • Patent number: 5799444
    Abstract: A sliding vehicle window assembly is provided which includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of window panels spaced from each other to define a window opening and interconnected by upper and lower frame members or tracks, bonded to the interior surface of the pair of window panels. The upper and lower frame members are also spaced vertically apart from each other. At least one, and preferably two, arcuate channels are defined in each of the inwardly facing walls of the two frame members--the two channels arranged generally in tandem or end-to-end alignment. The pair of channels in each frame member are configured to receive a window panel, opposite ends of which retain cam or channel followers received by the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Corey A. Freimark, Daniel J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5735080
    Abstract: A rigid bearing staff, substantially C shaped, the central element of which is hinged along the axis passing within the thickness of a wall of a wardrobe, fitted with two arms the free ends of which are rotatingly linked to two opposite pins anchored to end of the medial axis, or quasi medial axis, lying in the internal part of a door to be governed, while two other arms, next to an appropriate distance from and to one side only common to the previous ones to which they are parallel and of equal length, have their four ends rotatingly linked to other two axes again parallel to the previous ones and located one in the rigid structure of the wardrobe and the other along the inside of the same door: all this constitutes the functional design of two articulated parallelogram hinges, superimposed and distanced, rigidly and directly linked and invisible inside and on all external sides of a wardrobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Modesto Pratolongo
  • Patent number: 5736671
    Abstract: A door structure for a magnetically-shielded room intended to absorb interference magnetic fields, particularly very low frequency magnetic fields, and arranged to move substantially rectilinearly in the direction of the plane of the door leaf, and substantially rectilinearly in a direction which is perpendicular to the plane of the door leaf. The door leaf is attached to a support structure of the door leaf by hinge mechanisms so that the door leaf is movable perpendicular to the structure of the door leaf in order to provide a movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door leaf. The door structure includes power transmission members arranged to exert an effect on press members on the edge areas of the door leaf such that the press members turn around hinging members whereby exposed .mu. metal sheet structure on the edge areas of the door leaf is pressed tightly against .mu. metal sheet structure of the shielding wall structure at an aperture in a wall of the magnetically-shielded room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Euroshield Oy
    Inventors: Martti Perala, Lasse Sohlstrom
  • Patent number: 5632119
    Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement suitable for closing an opening in a container or containment structure provides for at least one door to be slidably guided by a single rail provided in the vehicle side near the top of the door. Guidance to the door between a closing position and an open position is provided by an arm located at the top of the door and carrying a wheel and a guide lug which are respectively supported and guided by the rail. A mechanism including a levered shaft is provided at the side of the opening near the bottom of the door and is operable to engage with the door thereat to hold it in a closed position relative to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignees: Eduardo V. Bruno, Jorge Ricardo Lepretre
    Inventor: Eduardo V. Bruno
  • Patent number: 5630294
    Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement suitable for a cargo transport vehicle provides for at least one door to be slidably guided by a single rail provided in the vehicle side near the top of the door. Guidance to the door between a closing position and an open position is provided by an arm located at the top of the door and carrying a wheel and a guide lug which are respectively supported and guided by the rail. A mechanism including a levered shaft is provided at the side of the vehicle near the bottom of the door and is operable to engage with the door therat to hold it in a closed position relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignees: Eduardo Vicente Bruno, Jorge Ricardo Lepretre
    Inventor: Eduardo Vicente Bruno
  • Patent number: 5619822
    Abstract: Sash window unit, at least comprising a frame with a sash window which is slidable vertically therein, the frame being provided with a guideway which can interact with one or more guide parts on the sash window, sealing means between the sash window and the frame, and means for holding the sash window balanced in an open position, the guide parts being stationary relative to the sash window, and closing means are present on the frame for, at least near a closed position of the sash window, placing said sash window in sealing contact with the frame, with the interposition of the sealing means, and on release to make the sash window slidable without appreciable friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Michel N. Trompert
  • Patent number: 5566505
    Abstract: A sliding door capable of permitting both initiation of a door opening operation and termination of a door closing operation to be smoothly and readily accomplished. During the door closing operation, obliquely downward and inward movement of a door body and an action of a link cooperate with each other to permit the door body to be pressedly contacted with an outer wall surface of an object such as a refrigerator using substantially reduced force. During the door opening operation, upward outward movement of the door body and an action of the link permit the door body to be readily released from the outer wall surface using significantly reduced force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Masaaki Kamezaki
  • Patent number: 5505023
    Abstract: A window frame assembly is provided with a sliding glass mechanism and seal system for vehicular backlites. The assembly includes a pair of fixed side windows secured in a frame in spaced-apart relationship, and one or more sliding windows positioned in channel brackets to close and open the aperture between the fixed window panes. A single gasket formed by a reaction injection molding process is formed around the periphery of the window assembly for mounting the window assembly in the opening of a body panel of a pickup truck. The gasket is integrally formed about the aperture during the reaction injection molding process and includes a flexible lip to engage the sliding window. The sliding window slides in the channels of the channel brackets and is positioned to engage the lip of the gasket to seal the aperture. The required sliding force to open and close the sliding window may be reduced by spring loading the sliding window in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.
    Inventors: John H. Gillen, Gary W. Bernier
  • Patent number: 5467558
    Abstract: A plug door including a door panel, an elongated crank rod supported by said door panel for pivotable movement relative thereto about a pivot axis, a door locking mechanism mounted on the door panel for pivoting said crank rod about the pivot axis, and the door panel having a channel substantially enclosing the crank rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Prime Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Kober, Victor A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5438800
    Abstract: A stabilizing arm for use in power operated doors in mass transit vehicles. Doors are of the type where a door panel is moved out of an opening in the car side wall to an opened position outside the car side wall. Stabilization is achieved by moving a rotating arm out of the side wall and capturing the panel in its opened position, thereby minimizing possible hazards in passenger passing through the car opening and damage to the doors either by passengers or others. Operation of the arm is sequenced in the door opening cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Mark IV Transportation Products Corp.
    Inventor: Troy L. Porter
  • Patent number: 5421395
    Abstract: A swinging-and-sliding door for vehicles which opens in two mutually perpendicular steps, a first step wherein it bends out of a doorway-closed position and into a ready-to-slide position and a second step wherein it slides aside horizontally into a doorway-open position. The door is mounted with a roller carriage and a horizontal track fastened to the inside of the door essentially halfway up. The roller carriage is mounted in a doorway immediately adjacent to a vertical edge of a doorframe opposite to the leading edge of the door in the closed position and on the same level as the track. The roller carriage travels back and forth in the track and in and out in the same direction as the first door-opening step on a carriage holder. The door is at least to some extent flexible in the direction it moves in during the first door-opening step and is subjected to tension such that the middle of the door will resiliently bend to a prescribed extent in a direction opposite that of the first door-opening step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Firma Gebr. Bode & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Horn
  • Patent number: 5301468
    Abstract: A sliding door adapted to operate an entrance of a large-sized freezer or the like and capable of facilitating operation at the initial stage of opening of the door. Upward elastic force of elastic suspensions constantly acts on a door body, so that the door body may be suspended while being raised from a floor, when the door is kept at an open position. Also, when the entrance is kept closed with the door, a driving wheel strikes on a tapered section of a lower rail surface to cause a bottom packing of the door body to be pressed on the floor against upward elastic force of the suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Amsys Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Kamezaki
  • Patent number: 5287653
    Abstract: A cabinet with sliding doors includes tracks for supporting said doors and track shifting members for shifting the doors between two positions. In one position the doors are disposed adjacent a cabinet frame defining an opening, said doors sealing said opening. In another position of the tracks the doors are spaced away from the frame and each other so that they can slide at will to allow objects to be inserted or withdrawn from the cabinet. A handle may be used to shift the tracks back and forth. The doors may be transparent to permit the cabinet to be used for displaying as well as storing articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Nelson Young
  • Patent number: 5280686
    Abstract: A sliding door system includes an outer frame, a fixed door panel and a sliding door panel. The outer frame is formed from four frame elements of the same profile which can thus be mitered and connected by corner inserts. The sliding door panel sits on a saddle provided on the outer frame and slides longitudinally of the saddle. A weatherstrip element is carried on the sliding door panel between the saddle and a recess straddling the saddle. The sliding door panel is biased away from contact between the weatherstrip and the saddle but is moved transversely as it reaches the closed position by wedge members at the front edge and by a locking system at the rear edge to compress the weatherstrip to improve the sealing effect. A portion of the saddle is removed adjacent the fixed door panel to allow the sliding door panel to be removed from the top edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Omniglass Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence W. Davies