Abstract: A roller shield apparatus and method for shielding a support roller of a sectional door against a finger being inserted between the support roller and the support track. The roller shield is configured as a disc that is mounted to the axle of the support roller so as to be supported in a plane parallel to the support roller and outside of the support track. The support track includes a single hem to eliminate a sharp edge from the support track.

Abstract: An overhead door having two tracks each of which is designed to be mounted on the side of an opening in a building. Each track has a script-v shape in cross-section, and a groove or channel that runs along its longitudinal axis. One or more panels are positioned between the tracks and coupled to each other. Each panel has a multiple-layer design that provides superior insulation. At least two plungers are positioned on each panel and each plunger has a first end which is biased in a first position. In the first position, the first end of the plunger rides within the channel of the track. The plungers are designed with a low-friction tip that wears away after repeatedly traveling in the channel of the track. The plungers may be designed to release from the track when the panel on which they are mounted is impacted, to rotate in whole or in part as they travel in a channel of a track, or both.

Abstract: An extruded component for vertical blinds comprises an track and tilt rod that are extruded as one piece. An bridge attaches the tilt rod internally inside the track. When the user desires to fabricate the vertical blinds, the tilt rod is cut from the track at the bridge and the vertical blinds are assembled.

Abstract: A wall-mountable curtain rod bracket has two holders for supporting the ends of two respective curtain rods over two adjacent panels of a bay window. Each holder is pivotally mounted on the end of sleeve which is telescopically and rotatably mounted on a segment of an L-shaped rod, which is pivotally mounted on a wall anchor. Set screws are provided for locking all parts after they are pivoted and telescoped to their desired positions.

Abstract: A powered folding door, comprising several side-by-side door panels, includes a stabilizer that resists a reactive torque created by the inertial changes of a door panel that quickly accelerates and decelerates at the door's open and closed positions. A trolley, driven back and forth along the length of an overhead track by a long narrow drawbar, suspends one of the door panels about a swivel connection. As the door closes or folds open, the swivel allows the door panel to rotate about a vertical axis to facilitate the folding action of the door. The stabilizer extends rigidly from the trolley to slidingly or rollingly engage the track at a point beyond the vertical axis of the swivel to counteract the reactive torque. The stabilizer engaging a relatively sturdy track, prevents the trolley from transmitting the torque to the drawbar (which is much weaker than the track), and thus avoids bending the drawbar.

Abstract: An overhead door for occluding an opening in a structure. The door includes a pair of tracks having inwardly facing surfaces which define a channel. A door panel is located intermediate the pair of tracks and moveable along a predetermined path of travel which is defined by the tracks. A release assembly is borne by the door panel and is operable to releasably engage at least one of the tracks. The release assembly includes a moveable plunger which is received in the channel of one of the tracks and which guides the door panel along the path of travel. The plunger disengages from the channel when force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the door panel.

Abstract: A flexible door assembly includes an upper guide track comprising an elongate bar including at least two generally planar support surfaces. The upper guide track is mounted in the elevator cab, or outside the cab in the hoistway, above the door opening, defining a non-linear pathway. A plurality of door sections each having a door panel, and a carriage assembly including a carriage frame and at least two wheels each supported by, and in rolling contact with, one of the at least two support surfaces on the guide track, a hinge pin supported by the carriage, a door panel pivotally connected to the hinge pin, and wherein the carriage, the hinge pin, and the door panel pivot about the same vertical axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the hinge pin when a door assembly has moved through a bend in the upper guide track.

Abstract: Device for connecting a displaceable element, especially a glass, metal or wooden panel to a guiding device that is guided in a rail. The device includes first and second fixing members which each contain outer panels and fitting, elements which can be interconnected by an axle. The fitting elements are inserted into a cutout section on the edge of the displaceable element and interconnected. The fitting elements encompass a connection screw which can be connected to the guide device, the connection screw having a screw shaft with a screw head, a locking element and a thread. The fitting element of the first fixing member has a channel for receiving the screw shaft, the channel having channel walls, a trough for receiving the screw head and a cavity for receiving the securing element. The locking element can be stopped by a stop screw. The fitting element of the second fixing member has a recess for receiving the channel walls and an opening through which the screw head can be accessed.

Abstract: An overhead door for occluding an opening in a structure. The door includes a pair of tracks having inwardly facing surfaces which define a channel. A door panel is located intermediate the pair of tracks and moveable along a predetermined path of travel which is defined by the tracks. A release assembly is borne by the door panel and is operable to releasably engage at least one of the tracks. The release assembly includes a moveable plunger which is received in the channel of one of the tracks and which guides the door panel along the path of travel. The plunger disengages from the channel when force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the door panel.

Abstract: A device for limiting the intrusion of a shower curtain into a shower enclosure includes a clamp portion for releasably engaging the shower curtain rod, and an tail portion depending from the clamp portion for impinging on the shower curtain and urging it outwardly. The clamp includes an inverted U configuration adapted to extend about the curtain rod. The U-configuration includes one leg that is joined integrally to the tail portion, and the other leg is provided with a detent tip. A detent lever extends from the tail portion proximate to the detent tip, and includes an array of closely spaced detent teeth adapted to engage the detent tip. The detent lever is resiliently biased toward the detent tip, so that the tip remains engaged with the teeth unless otherwise disturbed. The two legs of the clamp may be squeezed together to engage the curtain rod frictionally to immobilize the device on the curtain rod, and the device will remain in this disposition until released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counteracting the effects of warpage, distortion and/or tilting of a support track in a sliding closure assembly, such that a door in the sliding closure may be freely moved along the support track, but, when desired, may be secured in one or more locations such that an external force is required to move the sliding fixture from its desired position.

Abstract: A foldable door includes a track and a number of foldable door leaves. Each door leaf includes a compartment and two screw holes. Each door leaf is carried by a slider slidably received in the groove. The compartment of each door leaf receives a suspension member that includes a stem having an upper end connected to the slider to move therewith. Two resilient arms extend outwardly and upwardly from the stem and away from each other. Each resilient arm terminates at a positioning member located on top of an associated screw hole of the associated door leaf. Each positioning member includes a hole, and a fastener extends through the hole of each positioning member and the associated screw hole. The resiliency of the resilient arms absorbs a portion of impact to the suspension devices during folding and unfolding of the foldable door.

Abstract: For mounting a folding/sliding door, a support is connected to a hinge arm of a hinger mounted in the upper outer end area of an outer door leaf in a position in which the side of the retaining part that attaches to the hinge arm is located in the extension of the bearing part. The folding/sliding door can then be joined by its inner leaf via hinges, preferentially standard double-link hinges, to a side panel of the body. The pre-fitted support, already connected to the hinge arm of the outer door leaf, can then be introduced and locked into the guide channel together with its carriage part. First, the carriage part is swiveled through 90 degrees around the retaining part so as to position the carriage part within the longitudinal slot of the guide channel. The carriage part is then locked in place by turning the hammer-shaped head through 90 degrees by means of its supporting pin.

Abstract: A vertical blind holder apparatus 10 for collecting, gathering, and moving individual vertical blind panel segments away from an opening created by a sliding glass door 40. The apparatus 10 comprises an extension unit 20 which extends rearwardly from, and is operatively connected to the handle grip portion 53 of the handle member 50 of the sliding glass door 40 to collect the individual vertical blind panel segments 101 as the sliding glass door 40 is opened.

Abstract: A wall partition system and a device and method to automatically move partition panels, the position of which can be changed by a drive motor. Because the device for the automatic movement of the partition runs on a separate pair of rails, such a device can be retrofitted on existing systems.

Abstract: A roller bracket apparatus includes a roller assembly which includes a carriage portion and a link portion projecting from the carriage portion. A push/pull assembly is provided, and a pivot assembly is connected between the link portion of the roller assembly and the push/pull assembly. The carriage portion includes a wheel-support portion and a plurality of axle/wheel assemblies supported by the wheel-support portion. Each of the axle/wheel assemblies includes an axle and a roller wheel connected to the axle. The link portion extends from the carriage portion at an oblique extension angle. The push/pull assembly includes a first member connected to the pivot assembly, and a second member is connected to the first member. The push/pull assembly also includes a third member connected between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An adjustable hanging support mechanism for a folding panel assembly enclosure which comprises a plurality of folding panels and end posts secured thereto and which fold in an accordion fashion while being suspended by the support mechanism along a top end thereof. The hanging support mechanism has a support rod which is connected at a top end to a displaceable carriage which is engaged in a support rail. The support rod has a plurality of spaced fastener engaging apertures extending along a connecting section thereof. The apertures are configured to receive a fastener element in engagement therewith. At least some of the panels are provided with connecting cylinders to receive at least a connecting section of an associated one of the support rods in axial rotation therein. Fastener elements are associated with the connecting cylinders to permit interconnection with a selected one of the fastener engaging apertures of an associated support post to provide vertical height adjustment of the enclosure.

Abstract: A bifold door comprises a pair of door panels 12.1, 12.2 joined to one another along a centre hinge 14. Each door panel, at the end thereof remote from the center hinge, is supported on a track 16 by a runner assembly 18 to which the door panel is pivotally connected. Each runner assembly is provided with a cam 32 whereby the runner assembly can releasably be locked in position with respect to the track.

Abstract: A one-piece, multi-functional gripping connector is disclosed, to be used as a shower curtain rod attachment in conjunction with a standard shower curtain and curtain rod assembly, to allow the end or ends of the curtain to be turned inward, thereby preventing water from spraying out of the shower enclosure. The sole point of support for the attachment is its connection to the shower curtain rod. The invention is comprised of a single sheet of strong, flexible, elastic material, such as PETG thermoplastic, which is formed into an open-sided, open-ended, tubular shape having rounded edges, and which is also notched and bent 90-degrees at the mid-point to form an elbow configuration. Installation is by hand, without use of tools, and will not damage existing surfaces. Removal of the shower curtain rod is not required. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed, which provide illustrations of the invention's multi-functional aspects.

Abstract: A guide rail has running surfaces separated by a longitudinal slit and a load bearing member carried by the same so that it may slide but not rotate and on it a closing element, preferably a door of a folding sliding door, is attached. In order to be able to secure the closing element carried by the load bearing member to the guide rail simply and quickly, the load bearing member has an elongated carriage part running in the guide rail and having a width corresponding to the longitudinal slit in the guide rail. In a hole, at a right angle to the guide rail, in the load bearing member a pin is mounted so that it may rotate but not move axially and adjacent to carriage part it has a T-head, whose width is less than the width of the longitudinal slit but whose length is greater than it. The pin is able to be locked to the load bearing member in a setting in which the head bears against the running surfaces.

Abstract: An overhead door for a structure which includes a pair of tracks having inwardly facing surfaces which define a channel, and wherein the channels are mounted in predetermined substantially parallel spaced relation one to the other, a door panel located intermediate the pair of tracks and moveable along a predetermined path of travel which is defined by the pair of tracks, and a release assembly borne by the door panel and operable to releasably engage at least one of the tracks, the release assembly including a moveable plunger which is received in the channel of one of the tracks and which guides the door panel along the path of travel and which further becomes disengaged from the channel when force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the door panel.

Abstract: A trolley rail system (10) for supporting and guiding a sliding cooler door (14) of a walk-in type cooler. The system has a guide rail (27) having two linear segments (29,30) and two deviation ramp portions (33,34), and an auxiliary rail (38). The system also has a leading trolley (41) and a trailing trolley (42). The leading trolley has a wheel (51) supported upon the guide rail. The trailing trolley has a primary wheel (52) supportable upon the guide rail and an auxiliary wheel (53) supportable upon the auxiliary rail.

Abstract: A multi-directional carrier includes a track and first and second ledges on the track. The ledges are relatively spaced vertically and horizontally. First and second discs are supported on a bolt in vertical spaced relation. One of the discs engages one of the ledges on one side of the bolt and the other disc engages the other ledge on the other side of the bolt. The underside of each disc has an angled surface and the upper side of each of the ledges has a complementary angled surface which is engaged by one of the disc angled surfaces. The angles of both said disc and ledge surfaces are substantially equal, being in the range of 2.degree. to 8.degree. to the horizontal, specifically 5.degree.. The discs can be made of metal and the underside of each disc can also be provided with rings of suitable bearing material engaging the ledges.

Abstract: An anchorage device for supporting flat cover members for openings in building structures. The device includes two substantially similar stepped-plate members that include each an anchorage section and a supporting section. One of the stepped-plate members may in fact be flat or substantially flat, depending on the termination of the building openings to be protected. The anchorage section includes an opening and a cooperating fastening assembly for readily and removably mounting the device to the building structure with minimal aesthetic detraction or structural alteration. These sections define a plane each and these planes are kept in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with respect to each other by a step wall member. The supporting sections then are kept separate for their respective plates and the separation is sufficient to cooperatively receive the flat cover members that are used to protect the openings.

Abstract: A shower bow apparatus consisting of a rigid high impact rod which forms an horizontal bow causing a shower curtain to be held out from the showering area. The rod is held in place in use by inserting the ends into angled bores in brackets attached to the walls. Various storage devices are provided for storing the rod when not in use.

Abstract: Concrete septic tanks have inflow and outflow orifices and near the outflow orifice have screening or baffles which are stapled or bolted to the concrete inner wall so as to force the outflowing liquids to pass a predetermined flow path with the hope to avoid solids passing out of the tank and into a draining tile bed. A novel baffle structure and device for attaching the baffles is disclosed using a linear race with forward and rearward recesses and flexible marginal flap that seals the race onto a core surface of a mold use to fabricate the tank. After the concrete is poured into the mold and partially cured the core is then removed, and the track remains embedded in the concrete and acts as a holding, sealing and anchoring for a baffle, preferably made of a non-corrosive material such as a plastic. The baffle is slipped into the race of the track and seepage across the baffle interface with the tank walls is avoided and the predetermined flow path for the outflowing fluids is ensured.

Abstract: A sliding door apparatus for installation in a structural opening, having overhead runway rails with tracks or runways in which guide rollers of the sliding doors are mounted in a displaceable arrangement, additional cylindrical guide pins (pilots) (14) being provided as guides on switches which project downwardly into the runways (20) and which have centers that lie on assumed center lines of the runways (20).

Abstract: The fitting for sliding doors includes a longitudinal groove extending in its mounted state in the longitudinal direction of the upper edge of the door which groove has two upper flanges covering the groove only partly. This allows a mounting of a sliding door and a hooking thereof onto a runway rail without the need of a lateral clearance.

Abstract: Laterally opened vehicular doors are guided by a track assembly which is made up of a track and an end cap. The end cap has a fastener portion which cooperates with the track to positively secure the end cap to the track without the use of a screw. A cantilevered ramped locking tab is forced into a locating hole in the bottom of the track by a tension arm which is deflected by the top of the track. The locking tab engages a side wall of the hole to locate a post against the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A door hanger assembly for a rapid transit railway passenger car includes an axially elongated generally cylindrical support shaft, and a door carrier assembly which includes a pair of bearing modules received and supported within opposite ends of a tubular sheath for rolling engagement with the support shaft and a door hanger depending from the sheath. Mounting members connected to opposite ends of the support shaft carry threaded fasteners for securing the hanger assemby to the frame of an associated rail car. Annular wipers and lubricant retainers carried by the bearing modules wipe and lubricate the support shaft as an associated sliding door carried by the hanger assembly moves between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: The window shade lock device includes a handle having a round or elongated hand grip end and a slide connector extending forwardly thereof. The slide connector is pivotally secured, preferably off center, to the preferably generally rectangular body of a slide bearing four spaced, axled, rotatable wheels, two on each of two opposite sides thereof. The wheels are adapted to ride in parallel spaced channels in a window shade side frame. The wheels extend beyond the side margins of the slide body. The slide body extends out of the frame into connection with the connector front end outside the frame. The handle is pivotally movable up and down between a locked and unlocked position. When in the locked position the slide connector front end biases the slide, specifically the wheels thereof, tightly against the frame to hold the lock in position. In the unlocked position the slide connector front end biases and spaces the slide from the frame for free movement therein.

Abstract: The traveler has a car movable on an athwartship track. The mainsheet is connected to the car. Two oppositely facing hooks are pivotally mounted on the car for similar, simultaneous movement between a latching position and an inoperative position. A spring biases the hooks to latching position. Control lines are connected to each end of a bar which has sliding engagement with the hooks. When a control line is tensioned, the bar moves towards the line and actuates the hooks to inoperative position. When both lines are slack, the hooks are in operative position to engage stop pins positioned on either side of the center of the track.

Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to a stationary structure, and a support device for supporting the door. The support device includes a magnet mounted on one of the door and the stationary structure, and a member of a magnetic material mounted on the other of the door and the stationary structure. The magnet and said magnetic member cooperates with each other to produce a magnetic force therebetween to support at least part of the weight of the door.

Abstract: A track has walls which enclose a hollow interior and among these walls are two laterally directed flanges which are separated by a slot that opens downwardly out of the track for the full length of the track. The track contains trolleys having wheels which roll along flanges of the track and the trolleys carry hangers which depend through the slot in the track and are attached to a door or some other suspended device. One of the trolleys also carries a latching mechanism which engages a keeper located within the track to secure the trolleys and suspended device in a predetermined position along the track. The latching mechanism includes a latch bar which pivots on the trolley between engage and release position and a spring which urges the bar to its engage position--the position in which it will engage the keeper upon encountering the keeper.

Abstract: A structure comprising by-pass doors for use in tub enclosures or shower stalls, each door having a frame and a panel mounted in the frame, and a hanger assembly integral therewith provided with glides adapted to move on a track provided on a supporting door frame or header, the track having plastic bearing members for slideably supporting the glides.

Abstract: A curved sliding door assembly for a transit vehicle such as a subway car which is particularly useful in retrofitting many cars having prior art hanger assemblies which employ a split tube having three circumferentially spaced raceways therein and which was subject to "chattering", the improved hanger assembly including a pair of opposed ball bearing raceways slidably supporting a horizontally elongated hanger member equipped with end bores for the receipt of pivot pins, the pivot pins being carried by a hanger bar slidably inserted into the prior art door.

Abstract: The suspended travel device for panels includes traveling rails, crossing rails provided where the traveling rails cross each other (in a cross-like manner), and suspended vehicles suspended from these rails and adapted to travel and turn along the rails. The crossing rail is equipped with wheel bottom walls arranged substantially at the same height as wheel bottom surfaces of traveling rail, reception wheels arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the traveling direction of a vehicle body and vehicle bases adapted to rotatably support the reception wheels.

Abstract: An integral plastics body mounted on a corner connector for a door can serve as either a hanger or guide. As a hanger, the assembly supports the weight of a door for sliding along a horizontal overhead track having a downwardly extending L-shaped limb. If used as a guide with such a track, the plastics body can move vertically relative to the corner connector. Rigid posts extend upwardly from the body for encompassing opposite sides of the foot of the L-shaped limb on the track. A flexible finger extending upwardly from the body has a hook that fits over the top of the foot on the L-shaped limb for safely latching the plastics body to the track, thereby preventing toppling of the door. A tab on the finger permits it to be manually flexed to withdraw the hook from over the foot and release the plastics body from the track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a length adjustable center rod structure for a vertical shutter drape. The center rod is located in the inner side of an over-head track, and has two or more sections of telescoped hollow tubes so that the length thereof can be easily adjusted for length variations of the over-head track. The positioning of each hollow tube for the telescoping, is guided by a respective quasi-U-shaped, latitudinal, and straight trough provided on the tube wall. Each trough is also utilized for the reception of a downwardly protruding quasi-U-shaped tongue located on the sleeve axle inner surface sliding elements. When the center rod is rotated, it drives every shutter blade axle of the sliding elements to rotate via their respective sleeve axles.

Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to a stationary structure, and a support device for supporting the door. The support device includes a magnet mounted on one of the door and the stationary structure, and a member of a magnetic material mounted on the other of the door and the stationary structure. The magnet and said magnetic member cooperates with each other to produce a magnetic force therebetween to support at least part of the weight of the door.

Abstract: A sliding door mechanism for closing an aperture in a wall comprises an elongate support, a hanger pivotally connected to the support and arranged to be fixed to the door, and an arm on the support extending in the length direction thereof and carrying spaced apart first rollers. A track which, in use, is fixed to the wall, receives the first rollers. A guide rail mounted on the track. Second rollers are mounted on the support for engaging the guide rail. The arrangement is such that, in use, as the door reaches a closed position in which it closes the aperture from an open position in which the aperture is not obstructed by the door, the guide rail and second rollers causes the support to pivot about the contact points of the first rollers with the track and the hanger pivots relative to the support.

Abstract: A sliding door construction which includes trim disposed on side edges of the door and the trim on the side edges having an upwardly extending tab provided with a diagonal slot at its uppermost extremity having a roller carried therein adapted to move along the length of the diagonal slot, the roller constrained to ride in an overhead trackway and freely move along the diagonal slot to provide and accommodate variations in dimension between upper and lower frame members. Various channel members are disposed at a lowermost horizontal extremity to accommodate different types of design considerations.

Abstract: A guiding system for movable suspended partition walls comprising a main guide rail and two or more branch guide rails each extending from one side of the main guide rail to define two or more directional change points, a plurality of retainers movably disposed within the guide rails and suspending therefrom a plurality of partition walls, and guide members to select directions of movement of the retainers so that selected one or ones only among the retainers can move from the main guide rail into a selected one of the branch guide rails or vice versa without bringing the retainers to a stop at the directional change points.

Abstract: Adjustable telescoping drapery traverse rods are provided with positive drive means for master carriers comprising an essentially non-stretchable perforated drive tape and toothed drive-sprocket. Apparatus is also provided for adjusting the points of connection between the master carriers and the tape from the outside of the rod after the length of the rod has been adjusted to fit a given window (or the like) opening.

Abstract: Variable-play take-up joint, in particular for an automobile is disclosed. The joint is placed between the support element and the part to be mounted, said part being affixed along a plane different from the joint plane. The joint includes elastic play take-up tongues which push the joint against the support element, and a peripheral rim on three of its sides.

Abstract: A corner connector arrangement is disclosed for use in joining like vertical and horizontal frame sections for use in framing panels in the assembly of sliding doors. The connector, comprised of two clamp sections and having protrusions bearing against the frame sections, is easily attached to any corner thereof, securing said frame section with a clamping engagement.

Abstract: The roof structure includes a pair of cables (10, 12) intersecting at right angles to provide four cable segments and four quadrants, and clamping means clamping adjacent corners of four fabric panels (80) in the four quadrants, the clamping means including four elongated base plates (24, 34, 44, 54) mounted respectively on the four cable segments, each base plate (24, 34, 44, 54) having a pair of elongated lower clamping plates (60, 70) extending respectively along opposite longitudinal edge portions thereof, and each lower clamping plate (60, 70) having an elongated upper clamping plate (64, 74) secured thereto and clamping an edge portion of one of the fabric panels (80) therebetween. Only one end portion of each of the base plates (24, 34, 44, 54) is secured to its cable segment, and clearances between parts adjacent the cable intersection allow a limited amount of relative movement between the parts to provide stress relief in the fabric panels (80).

Abstract: In a monorail system in which a carriage is displaceable along a track and is adapted to be connected to or released from load carriers or the like, a coupling device is provided which comprises a hook swingably mounted on the axis of one of the supporting rollers of a carriage or carrier and adapted to engage a portion of the roller dolly of the other vehicle above the rail.

Abstract: A ceiling baffle includes a glass cloth faced fibrous glass board, grooved and folded to provide a double thickness of board. End caps for the folded board are each provided with blade portions extending between the two thicknesses of board and with a hole in an upper wall portion for receiving a barb portion of a suspension clip attachable to an inverted T-bar of a ceiling grid system for mounting ceiling panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to clamping apparatus defining a base plate having a male portion located at the first end and a female portion located at the second end. The base plate is adapted with apertures. First clamp plates are positioned longitudinally along each side of the base plate. The first clamp plates having a male portion located at the first end and a female portion located at the second end. The first clamp plate is adapted with first apertures that are in matching relationship with the apertures of the base plate and the first clamp plates have second apertures. Second clamp plates are positioned longitudinally along one side of the first clamp plates. The second clamp plates have a female portion located at the first end and a male portion located at the second. The second clamp plate is adapted with apertures in matching relationship to the second apertures of the first clamp plate.