Abstract: A partition system is provided as well as an apparatus and method for securing movable partitions. In one embodiment, a movable partition, such as a folding door, includes a post member (e.g., a lead post) having a latching structure associated therewith. Another post member, such as associated with a wall or another movable partition, includes a latching structure configured to form a magnetic coupling with the first latching structure. One of the latching structures may be slidingly displaced relative to its associated post member so as to selectively bring the two latching members into or out of alignment with one another. When a magnetic coupling has been formed, relative displacement of the two latching structures results in the weakening, if not defeat, of the magnetic coupling so that the post members, and their associated partitions, may be displaced away from one another. Other latching structures are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Two or more panels of a power-operated folding door are supported by a novel articulated arm assembly that ensures that the door closes tightly against a wall-mounted seal and easily opens. The articulated arm assembly includes a connector with two spaced-apart pivot points about which two adjoining arms of the assembly can rotate as the door opens and closes. The two pivot points allow the panels to readily fold up and store more compactly when the door is open. To provide an airtight seal where two leading panels come together at the center of the doorway, one or more control mechanisms coupled to the articulated arm assembly ensure that the leading panels overlap when the door is closed.

Abstract: A folding panel assembly includes at least first and second, substantially rectangular panels, the first panel having first and second vertical ends, and the second panel having third and fourth vertical ends, the second and third vertical ends being hinged to one another about a hinge axis parallel thereto. An actuating system includes a substantially horizontal track, with a first pivot support for connection to the first panel, a carriage traversable along the track, with a second pivot support for connection to the second panel. The actuating system further includes a flexible drive element arranged parallel to the track and engaging the carriage for traversing it along the track. The actuating system employs an elongated connecting rod with a first longitudinal end pivotally connected to the carriage and a second, opposite longitudinal end pivotally connected to the first panel at a location adjacent to the second vertical end thereof.

Abstract: A device for the closure and/or protection of openings in structures has closure elements (10), which are arranged in such a way that they hang under running carriages (12) which can be made to move in a running rail (13). In the device according to the invention, each running carriage (12) has a bearing body (32) made of plastic, four running wheels (22) made of plastic, mounted on two parallel axes, and a sliding bearing (33) made of plastic and with good emergency running properties, assigned to each running wheel (22). This ensures that the closure elements (10) connected in a hinge-like manner are reliably folded together and unfolded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along the lower edge of the two laterally spaced structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.

Abstract: Movable partitions and various components for use with movable partitions are disclosed along with related systems and methods. In one embodiment, a track and trolley system for use with a movable partition is described. In one embodiment, the track and trolley system may include a track having three channels wherein a first partition is suspended from the first channel, a second partition is suspended from the second channel, and a trolley is partially disposed in the third channel and between the first and second channels. Seal components may be used to substantially provide a fluid seal between the partitions and a surface from which the partitions are suspended. The trolley is configured to be longitudinally displaceable along the third channel while maintaining its components within an envelope defined by the seal components. In other words, such seal components are not penetrated or otherwise breached by the displaced trolley.

Abstract: Two or more panels of a power-operated folding door are supported by a novel articulated arm assembly that ensures that the door closes tightly against a wall-mounted seal and easily opens. The articulated arm assembly includes a connector with two spaced-apart pivot points about which two adjoining arms of the assembly can rotate as the door opens and closes. The two pivot points allow the panels to readily fold up and store more compactly when the door is open. To provide an airtight seal where two leading panels come together at the center of the doorway, one or more control mechanisms coupled to the articulated arm assembly ensure that the leading panels overlap when the door is closed.

Abstract: A bracket that conveys repeated lateral forces on a bi-fold door from an overhead channel on a bi-fold door doorjamb through a common peg and roller to the bi-fold doors without damaging the door. The bracket comprises a horizontal edge plate and a broad vertical brace plate meeting orthogonally at a bracket corner. The horizontal edge plate has a vertical tubular post extending upwardly therefrom for receiving the peg and roller. Alternatively, the horizontal edge plate may have a hole no larger than the drilled hole in the door top edge in which the peg may be is received. To align the brace plate hole with the door hole the bracket may include a vertical edge plate orthogonal to both the horizontal edge plate and the vertical brace plate, extending between them. The vertical edge plate then measures the distance from the door side edge to the door hole as the same distance between the bracket vertical edge plate and the bracket peg hole.

Abstract: A folding grille assembly to be used to close an opening in a narrow wall. The grill assembly has a pocket and a folding grille. The pocket is adapted to be mounted on one side of the opening aligned with the wall and forming part of the wall. The folding grille has a plurality of narrow, vertical, panels, the panels hingedly joined together in serial fashion by vertical hinges. Every second panel only carries a vertical mounting rod at its top end extending up from the top, center of the panel, and every second mounting rod only carries a trolley by means of which the grille can be movably supported at the top of the opening. The pocket forms a receptacle for the grille when the grille is folded to open the opening. The invention also covers the pocket and the folding grill.

Abstract: An overhead door assembly as comprised of a plurality of door panels each of which is of hollow extruded plastic material to provide a very light weight panel. The panels are pivotally interconnected with each other and are provided with brush assemblies at opposite ends for engagement with a vertically extending track. Upon impact of the door panels by a vehicle of any type the brushes will disengage from the panel to prevent undue damage to the door panels.

Abstract: A plastic door is made from rigid plastic panels that hingedly secure to one another by a lateral slide interlock at adjacent edges of the panels. The panels are foldable at the interlock between a first panel position in which the panels are out of alignment with one another and a second panel position in which the panels are aligned with one another. The slide interlock has sufficient play to enable release and connection of the interlock when the panels are in the first panel position. One of the panel edges has a flex member which acts to form a weather seal between the panel edges and to also tighten the slide interlock to the extent that the play within the interlock is eliminated to block any lateral movement between the panels when the panels are in the second panel position.

Abstract: An auto-reversible folding sliding door is constructed to include a horizontal top track, a vertical post fixedly provided at one end of the track, a hollow cylindrical casing movable, a folding collapsible door panel coupled to the track and movable along the track between an extended position and a received position, the folding collapsible door panel having a fixed end fastened to the post and a free end fixedly fastened to the casing, a plurality of cord members transversely fastened to the hinged vertical slats of the folding collapsible door panel at different elevations to guide the folding collapsible door panel between the extended position and the received position, the cord members each having a first end fixed to one vertical side of the folding collapsible door panel adjacent to the post and a second end inserted through each vertical slat into the inside of the casing and extended over a pulley inside the casing and then fixedly connected to a weight.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: An improved rolling pivot for suspended support of articulated panels such as shutters or room dividers in an overhead channel. The pivot features angled engagement of overlapped wheels of the rolling pivot in the overhead channel to thereby allow the supported articulated panels to be closed and opened by directing force to side edges of the suspended panels instead of having to pull the lead panel in the array. The pivot also allows for minimizing the width of the overhead channel and easy insertion and removal of individual pivot assemblies with the overhead channel by a simple rotation of the carriage of the pivot assembly to remove the wheels from operational engagement with tracks formed in the carriage and allow the wheels and pivot assembly to slide through a gap in the channel between the tracks.

Abstract: Electrically operated folding operable walls controlled by an electrical operation circuit of the type having a key switch, a control panel, an extend limit, a stack limit, control relays and a motor. The invention consists of a mechanism designed to provide safety during the operation of said folding walls by sensing a person with dual stage detector that will sense a person directly in the operable folding wall's path, floor mat sensors to detect the presence of a person in the stack area, and a control unit wired to the folding wall control panel, will shut down the operation of the folding wall. Another mechanism provides for the restarting of the folding wall by resetting the relay inside the control panel.

Abstract: The present invention involves a latch mechanism and method that prevents the leading operable wall panel of an operable wall panel system from moving out of alignment with the track of a track and trolley system as the lead operable wall panel unfolds and extends from a stacked orientation to a straightened orientation. The latch mechanism includes a catch member to catch a latch pin depending down from the trolley of the track and trolley system. When the catch member catches the latch pin, a resilient biasing member of the latch mechanism operates to lock the latch mechanism about the latch pin. As a result, the lead operable wall panel is locked into a straightened orientation.

Abstract: An improved horizontal folding door system includes a first folding door, a second folding door, a trolley track, and at least two trolleys. The improved horizontal folding door system covers a large door frame opening of an airplane hanger or some other building structure. Each folding door includes a first door section pivotally attached to a second door section. At least one trolley is attached to a top of each second door section. The trolley track is attached to a top of the door frame opening. The at least two trolleys ride in the trolley track. Each door section is pivotally attached to one side of the door frame opening and is slidably retained by at least one trolley. Preferably, at least two locking pins extend from each second door section to retain each second door frame in an closed or open position.

Abstract: An inverted trolley assembly mounted in an upper channel of a movable wall panel. The inverted trolley includes an elongated trolley carrier having a centrally attached trolley block and a bore at each end to receive the axle of a roller assembly. Each roller assembly includes spacers to center the roller on the axles. The inverted trolley is connectable to a track mounted trolley, preferably by a threaded hole which receives a pendant bolt from the track mounted trolley. The inverted trolley is installed within a channel at the upper end of the wall panel with the rollers engaging the wall panel top frame thus supporting the wall panel. The panel top frame includes a slot through which connection to the track mounted trolley is made. The assembly also includes a trolley retainer which limits the range of motion of the inverted trolley.

Abstract: A foldable dry erase surface, such as a temporary wall, permits writing on the surface as is typically done with a dry erase board. The dry erase surface includes individual panels that are hinged together so that the surface formed by the panels is foldable. The individual panels have a dry erase film attached to them so that writing may occur on the panels themselves. The dry erase surface may be collapsed when not in use, or it may be expanded when it is necessary to write on or read from the surface. The dry erase surface is collapsed or expanded by pivoting the panels about the hinged connections, which is typically done by pushing or pulling an end panel of the dry erase surface.

Abstract: The present invention involves a latch mechanism and method that prevents the leading operable wall panel of an operable wall panel system from moving out of alignment with the track of a track and trolley system as the lead operable wall panel unfolds and extends from a stacked orientation to a straightened orientation. The latch mechanism includes a catch member to catch a latch pin depending down from the trolley of the track and trolley system. When the catch member catches the latch pin, a resilient biasing member of the latch mechanism operates to lock the latch mechanism about the latch pin. As a result, the lead operable wall panel is locked into a straightened orientation.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: An inverted trolley assembly mounted in an upper channel of a movable wall panel. The inverted trolley includes an elongated trolley carrier having a centrally attached trolley block and a bore at each end to receive the axle of a roller assembly. Each roller assembly includes spacers to center the roller on the axles. The inverted trolley is connectable to a track mounted trolley, preferably by a threaded hole which receives a pendant bolt from the track mounted trolley. The inverted trolley is installed within a channel at the upper end of the wall panel with the rollers engaging the wall panel top frame thus supporting the wall panel. The panel top frame includes a slot through which connection to the track mounted trolley is made. The assembly also includes a trolley retainer which limits the range of motion of the inverted trolley.

Abstract: An anti-stacking system for an operable wall includes a guide rail mounted on or adjacent to the track so that the guide rail is engaged by panel orienting members attached to the trolley bolt. The guide rail may be mounted on the track or to the track suspending brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is integral with the track. Panel orienting members that engage the guide rails are mounted to the bolts of the trolleys, which bolts in turn are fixed rotationally to the panels. At designated areas in the room, the track is free of the guide rail to allow stacking of the wall panels when not in use. In wall forming areas, the panel orienting members engage the guide rails so as to cause the trolley bolts, and thus the panels, to be properly rotated into a proper wall-forming arrangement and to remain in the wall forming arrangement until moved to a storage area.

Abstract: The present invention involves a flattener apparatus for a movable wall system that eliminates misalignment, drifting and binding of the wall panels in the extended wall-forming position. The flattener apparatus holds movable wall panels of a movable wall panel system in an extended aligned orientation along the length of the track thereof. The flattener apparatus includes a flattener member extending along a portion of the track. The flattener member has a base flange attached at the bottom of the track assembly and a relatively transverse guide flange depending vertically downward from the base flange. A sealing sweep extends along a portion of the top end of the movable wall panels. A guide pin protrudes from the top end of the movable wall panels. The sealing sweep and the guide pin define opposite sides of a vertical channel for receiving the guide flange portion of the flattener member as the wall panels are extended toward the portion of the track having the flattener member attached.

Abstract: A combination blade of aluminum hinges and shatter resistant transparent plastic web used to replace metal blades of accordion storm shutters used to protect glass windows and doors in homes, office buildings, and other walled structures from the destructive force of storm systems, such as hurricanes. The present combination blade assembly includes a flat sheet of shatter-resistant and transparent plastic material forming a web between a male and female aluminum hinge. The hinges and web are held together with urethane adhesive that also forms and hardens into a mechanical spline for additional joint strength due to the hinge shape. The hinges are shaped to be interchangeable with metal blades used to make accordion storm shutters. The metal blades can be replaced with combination blades using the same methods and hardware.

Abstract: A hinge for joining two adjacent panels. The hinge comprises a first piece adapted to receive a first panel, a second piece adapted to receive a second panel, and a middle piece. Each of the first and second pieces has an opening for receiving a panel and a socket defined between two spaced stopping surfaces. Portions of the middle piece are received within the sockets of the first and second hinge pieces. The configuration of the hinge pieces prevents the panels from folding in one direction while enabling the panels to fold together in the other direction.

Abstract: A laterally symmetrical bi-folding door assembly permits manual operation in the event of a power failure, without requiring readjustment or realignment of any of the door components for operation when power is restored. Each (left and right) door assembly comprises a pair of rigid panels, with the panels hingedly attached to the jamb edge of the door opening having a width substantially half that of the main panels. The two main panels are pivotally secured to upper drive mechanisms along their vertical centerlines, and abut one another along the doorway vertical centerline when the door assembly is closed. When they door assembly is opened, the inwardly disposed edges of the jamb panels and attached outward lateral edges of the main panels, move inwardly. The central edges of the two central panels thus swing outwardly relative to the building structure, due to their vertical centerline attachment to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A machining cell capable of providing tool movement along at least one axis is provided with at least one, but preferably a pair of articulated debris shields mounted to a tool carriage that translates along an axis of motion. Each articulated debris shield occludes space vacated by the tool carriage as it translates along the axis of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the machining cell provides tool movements along x-, y-, and z-axes and has a stationary housing that supports a z-axis carrier frame slidably mounted thereto for translation along the z-axis. An x-axis carriage is slidably mounted to the z-axis carrier frame for translation along the x-axis. A y-axis spindle frame is slidably mounted to the x-axis carrier frame for vertical translation along the y-axis.

Abstract: A shower curtain is formed of a plurality of hanging panels which are attached to a track member for automatic deployment between a retracted, or drying, arrangement and an extended, or barrier, arrangement. Each panel has an ogee, or ‘S’, shape. A plurality of sliding portions, with a panel attached thereto, engage the track member for displacement therealong. Two connectors couple each adjacent pair of sliding portions to provide the desired automatic rotation to the sliding portions and the panels attached thereto. One of these connectors is fixedly positioned relative to one of the pair of sliding portions to convey rotational movement thereto. The second of these connectors is pivotally positioned relative to the second of the pair of sliding portions. The connectors are pivotally coupled together distal from their respective coupling to the respective sliding portions.

Abstract: A hinge for joining two adjacent panels. The hinge comprises a first piece adapted to receive a first panel, a second piece adapted to receive a second panel, and a middle piece. Each of the first and second pieces has an opening for receiving a panel and a socket defined between two spaced stopping surfaces. Portions of the middle piece are received within the sockets of the first and second hinge pieces. The configuration of the hinge pieces prevents the panels from folding in one direction while enabling the panels to fold together in the other direction.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: An improved rolling pivot for suspended support of articulated panels such as shutters or room dividers in an overhead channel. The device features angled engagement of overlapped wheels of the rolling pivot in the overhead channel to thereby allow the supported articulated panels to be closed and opened by directing force to side edges of the suspended panels instead of having to pull the lead panel in the array. The device also allows for minimizing the width of the overhead channel and easy insertion and removal of individual pivot assemblies with the overhead channel by a simple rotation of the carriage of the pivot assembly to remove the wheels from operational engagement with tracks formed in the carriage and allow the wheels and pivot assembly to slide through a gap in the channel between the tracks.

Abstract: A pleated panel shutter system for an opening in a dwelling in which the pleated panel portions can be drawn to the side rendering the bulk of the opening available for ventilation, light, and the normal function of a window or a door. The pleated panel can be closed shut, and optionally locked, with securement against vandalism as well as high winds and flying debris damage, such as occurring in a hurricane. The strength of the pleated panels in the vertical orientation permits perforation over more than 50% of the surface of each of the panels, while still providing ample impact against winds up to 125 mph., and survive the impact test of a two by four (2×4) six (6) feet long fired at 34 mph. without deflecting more than 2½ inches.

Abstract: A foldable door assembly includes a frame member and a jamb member, a latch slidably received in the jamb member and coupled to the jamb member with a spring member. An end beam is engageable into the frame member, and another end beam is coupled to the latch, and a number of door panels are coupled between the end beams. The spring member may resiliently and flexibly couple the latch and thus the other end beam to the jamb member for allowing the foldable door assembly to be adjusted to various lengths and to be attached to the door frames of different sizes or widths.

Abstract: A collapsible door assembly includes first and second jambs secured to two opposite walls. A fixing strip is secured to the first jamb. A first track-fixing member is mounted on an end of the first jamb. A second track-fixing member is mounted on an end of the second jamb. A track is securely mounted between the first track-fixing member and the second track-fixing member. A number of door leaves are mounted between the fixing strip and the second jamb. Each two adjacent door leaves are pivotable one relative to the other. Each door leaf includes a first end section and a second end section, the first end section including a swirl portion, the second end section of each door leaf being configured to be pivotally coupled with the swirl portion of an adjacent door leaf. The first end section of one of two outermost door leaves is pivotally connected with the fixing strip.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a number of door panels slidably engaged with a track and a leader end secured to one end of the door panels. A retaining device forms a channel for receiving the leader end and has a pair of opposite resilient stops trapezoidal in cross-section and extended inwardly into the channel for engaging with the leader end and for retaining the leader end within the retaining device. The retaining device may be secured to a supporting abutment, usually a wall member, or may be secured to and moved in concert with the leader member of another sliding door subassembly for coupling the sliding door subassemblies together.

Abstract: A cab for earth-moving machines having a center of rotation and an operating radius corresponding to the maximum dimensions of the cab during the rotation of the machine, comprising a closed structure having at least an opening, and at least a door hinged to the structure in correspondence with the opening, movable from a closed position to an open position, and comprising at least a first and a second wing mutually connected in bellows-like fashion and such that, in the open position, the distance of all points of the door from the center of rotation is lesser than the operating radius. The cab can further comprise at least a guide obtained in proximity to the edge of the opening, and at least a guide element integral with the door and slidingly engaged to the guide to guide the movements of the door.

Abstract: A combination carrier and hinge assembly (10) for track-mounted adjacent panels comprises a butt hinge (11) having hinge leaves (14, 15) edge-fixed to adjacent panels (12, 12a). The hinge 11 also has a hinge pin (17) which extends above the hinge and is threaded into a carriage (13) which travels along a track (20). The fixing of the hinge leaves (14, 15) to the panels (12, 12a) is concealed when the panels are closed. A guide hinge (25) is provided at the bottom of the panels (12, 12a). The guide hinge (25) is a non-mortise butt hinge having leaves (26, 27) edge-fixed to the panels (12, 12a). The guide hinge (25) also has a hinge pin extending below the panels, and locating in a guide channel (23).

Abstract: A system for suspension in elongated bearing rails (1) of plate-shaped sound-absorbing elements (2) in such a manner that the elements, if desired, can be taken down for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. Sound-absorbing elements (2) are suspended in the bearing rails (1) by wheels (3). In this manner each plate-shaped element (2) can be moved along the carrier rail (1) and taken down at the end of the rail for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, and particular scaffoldings at various locations inside the factory building are no longer required.

Abstract: A bifold door assembly includes two foldable door panels disposed in edge adjacent relation in a door closed position and including vertically spaced hinges connected adjacent center edges of the two panels and allowing folding motion of the panels between a longitudinally aligned closed position and alternative forward and rear pivoted side by side laterally extending open positions. Each of the door panels has an upper hinge member adjacent an outer edge of the respective panel and pivotable on carrier movable along a longitudinal upper track from a first position near one end of the track to a second position spaced inward from an opposite end of the track. At least one of the door panels also has a lower hinge member adjacent an outer edge of the respective panel and pivotably connected with carrier movable along a longitudinal lower track from a first position near one end of the track to a second position spaced longitudinally from said one end of the track.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: A door assembly for spanning an entrance of a shower room includes an elongated rail member formed with a longitudinally extending slide channel, and a foldable sliding door unit which includes a plurality of vertically disposed elongated connectors, a plurality of vertically disposed elongated slats, and a plurality of slidable coupling units. Each of the connectors is formed with longitudinally extending left and right engaging grooves. Each of the slats has two lateral end portions which are formed respectively with vertically extending cylindrical members which are received in an adjacent pair of the engaging grooves of an adjacent pair of the connectors such that the cylindrical members are rotatable axially for folding and unfolding of the slats relative to the adjacent pair of the connectors.

Abstract: A garage doorway enclosure for mounting within the opening of a garage includes a primary guide track extending along a length of the top wall of a garage doorway. The enclosure further includes a plurality of door panels hingedly connected to each other. A guide element protrudes from each panel and is received in the primary guide track for slidable movement of the panels therealong. The panels are movable in an accordion-like manner between a closed position in which the panels cover the doorway and a folded position adjacent a side wall of the doorway. The guide element of the panel adjacent the side wall is slidable within a secondary guide track that is normal to the primary guide track such that the panels can be outwardly displaced from the doorway. The panels are pivotal from the displaced position to a storage position adjacent an outer wall of the garage.

Abstract: A shower screen includes a guide rod and a guide bar secured between the top and the bottom portions of the posts. A screen member has an upper portion slidably secured to the guide rod and has two sides secured to two beams. The guide bar includes a wall extended upward from a base. The beams each has a retaining member secured to the bottom for slidably engaging with the wall of the guide bar and for preventing the screen member from being disengaged from the guide bar. The base includes an upper tapered surface for guiding water into a bath tub.

Abstract: An upward acting sectional door formed of rectangular door sections which are interconnected to form a closure over a door opening. Opposed somewhat L-shaped bottom brackets are secured to opposed lower side edges of the bottom door section by fasteners which are not easily accessible for removal when the door is assembled and disposed between adjacent guide tracks. Opposed guide rollers connected to counterbalance cables are partially supported by the brackets and transfer upward lifting forces to the door through the brackets.

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: Movable partition elements and a hinge to connect the partition elements to each other. The partition elements can be swung on the hinge toward one another until they are substantially parallel to each other. The hinge can have stacked or crossed connecting arms seated in or braced against connecting elements attached to the partition elements. The hinge can also have a retainer which passes through a penetration in each of the connecting elements. The retainer can be inserted into or connected to the partition elements by the retainer shank. The retainer further can separate the connecting arms from each other. The retainer finally can be designed to form or support the axle arms on which the connecting arms can rotate.

Abstract: A storage partition adapted for partitioning an area proximate a corner or along a flat wall having a partitioning means selectively repositionable between (a) a first position wherein access to the area is prohibited and (b) a second position wherein unimpeded rolling access to the area, via a floor surface, is permissible.