Constrained For Pivotal Folding Patents (Class 160/213)
  • Patent number: 11629546
    Abstract: Movement system for a closure structure with folding movement, comprising a transmission hinge which connects a first panel to a second panel of the closure structure. The transmission hinge has a first wing fixed to the first panel, a movement lever hinged to the first wing around a first axis, and a second wing which is hinged to the movement lever around a second axis and is fixed to the second panel. The movement system comprises a transmission mechanism which, following the rotation of the first panel, drives the movement lever to rotate around the first axis. The transmission hinge comprises a gear connecting the first wing to the second wing so that, following the rotation of the movement lever, the second wing is actuated by such gear to rotate around the second axis in order to make the second panel rotate with respect to the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: FRATELLI COMUNELLO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Comunello
  • Patent number: 11320659
    Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a housing assembly and a headband that is connected to the housing assembly and is movable between a use position and a storage position. The head-mounted device also includes a first magnetic component that is located on the headband and a second magnetic component that is located on the headband. The first magnetic component is spaced from the second magnetic component in the use position, and the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are magnetically attracted to each other in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Darshan R. Kasar, James W. VanDyke, Neal D. Evans
  • Patent number: 11142948
    Abstract: Disclosed is an access control apparatus according to the present invention. The access control apparatus includes: a body located on a passage; an opening and closing part coupled to the body and having a folding arm adapted to open and close the passage; and a driving part coupled to the body to control an operation of the opening and closing part, wherein the folding arm includes a first link whose one end is rotatably coupled to the body and a second link whose one end is coupled to the body in such a manner as to be straightly moved by means of the driving part and whose other end is foldably coupled to the other end of the first link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: CRUCIALTEC CO. LTD, CRUCIALTRAK, INC
    Inventors: Dong Hyun Oh, Yong Hee Han, Dong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10907390
    Abstract: Galley trolley compartment doors that replace traditional trolley retainer latches used to secure trolleys when positioned in galley compartments. The galley trolley compartment doors are designed with engaging arms that help secure the trolleys in place under required loads. Some embodiments of the galley trolley compartment doors are designed with thicknesses that can help improve cooling of the trolley compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Safran Cabin Netherlands N.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Hoogeveen, Maarten Korenromp
  • Patent number: 10399420
    Abstract: A tonneau system for use with a pickup truck is provided. The tonneau system includes a tonneau cover, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The tonneau cover includes a front cross-member, a primary tonneau section hingedly coupled to the front cross-member, and at least one secondary tonneau section hingedly coupled in series to the first tonneau section. The first bracket extends from the front cross-member proximal to a first end thereof for securing the first end of the front cross-member to a first side wall of a cargo box of a pickup truck when the front cross-member is positioned atop a bulkhead of the cargo box. The second bracket extends from the front cross-member proximal to a second end thereof opposite the first end for securing the second end of the front cross-member to a second side wall of the cargo box of the pickup truck when the front cross-member is positioned atop the bulkhead of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: WORKSPORT LTD.
    Inventor: Steven Rossi
  • Patent number: 10059180
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a truck bed according to the present disclosure includes at least one tonneau panel configured to couple to a truck bed. The panel has a generally planar body with an exterior side and an interior side. The system additionally includes a generally planar movable flap coupled to the interior side. The movable flap is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the flap is disposed proximate and coplanar with the panel body, and in the deployed position the flap extends generally orthogonal from the body. The system additionally includes retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the flap in the deployed position or the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Anthony A. Bosco
  • Patent number: 10017099
    Abstract: A tonneau cover is provided. That tonneau cover includes a panel, a first set of folding legs carried on the panel and a second set of folding legs carried on the panel. The first set of folding legs have a first length L1 while the second set of folding legs have a second length L2 where L1>L2. Depending upon which set of folding legs is deployed, the panel may be converted into a table or a bench as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Yilma, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 9932107
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing aerodynamic performance of an aircraft wing assembly including a fixed section and a foldable section. The foldable section is hinged to the fixed section at a hinge axis. The method includes turning a torque box extending from the foldable section to rotate the foldable section about the hinge axis from a stowed position to a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Good, Steven Paul Walker
  • Patent number: 9925853
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a folding load bearing hard tonneau cover which includes a hinge/connection element using a novel friction stir welding method to weatherproof the bed contents, wherein each folding section is constructed using friction stir welds for strength, stiffness and visual appeal, wherein the system does not rely on attached bed rails to support and lock the cover because loads are reacted on the bed caps, wherein a spring loaded latching system has the strength to react the moments generated by heavy loads on top of the cover, wherein installation does not require modification to the bed, and wherein the tonneau cover may carry heavy loads on top that are easy to secure, while still allowing a cover that folds open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Jennifer Aubrey, David Rosal, Russell Kingston, John Hall, Patrick Sessions, Kent Kingston, Scott M. Packer
  • Patent number: 9919746
    Abstract: A motor vehicle floor assembly includes an articulating floor body having a first panel and a second panel supported by a linkage. The linkage includes a first link connected to the first panel, a second link connected to the second panel and a first pivot connecting the first link to the second link and defining an articulation joint for the articulating floor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ricardo David Luna Olvera, Adrian Andres Perez Machuca, Shair Mendoza Flores
  • Patent number: 9851749
    Abstract: A magnetic hinge system includes a first member and a second member moveably coupled together by a hinge. The hinge includes a flexible base connected to each of the first member and the second member, and a plurality of magnetic elements extending from the flexible base. The magnetic elements are configured to be moved into first relative positions that result in the magnetic forces between the magnetic elements holding the magnetic elements in a first stable orientation to provide the first member and the second member in a first configuration. The magnetic elements are also configured to be moved into second relative positions that result in the magnetic forces between the magnetic elements holding the magnetic elements in a second stable orientation to provide the first member and the second member in a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Jason Scott Morrison, David Michael Meyers
  • Patent number: 9815358
    Abstract: Multiple rear sections can be pivotably coupled and foldable between a deployed arrangement in which a forward section and the rear sections are generally planar, and a storage arrangement in which the rear sections are folded into a stack. The forward section can be mounted to the cargo box and pivotably coupled to an adjacent rear section to support the stack in an upward angled position. The forward section can be formed of an extruded panel having an upper wall member and a lower wall member spaced apart from the upper wall member. The lower wall member can at least partially define a channel. An internal rib can extend between the upper wall member and the lower wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Undercover, Inc.
    Inventors: James Quintus, Robert Joslyn, Jason Hutchens
  • Patent number: 9440727
    Abstract: A telescoping aircraft door is disclosed having first and second panels that slide relative to one another to extend and retract as the door closes and opens, respectively. The first panel is hinged to the door frame in a traditional manner, and the second panel is fixed to the door frame by a linkage that limits the arc of the second panel. By selecting the location and length of the linkage, the relative movement of the two panels can be predictably controlled to reduce the depth of the door when closed and the length of the door when opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Justin C. Christenson, Graydon E. Loar
  • Patent number: 9114474
    Abstract: An accessible work cell is provided. In one embodiment, the accessible work cell a plurality of walls defining at least one work zone and at least one pair of sliding doors that provides access to the work zone. The pair of sliding doors includes an upper sliding door and a lower sliding door. The first upper sliding door is operatively connected to the lower sliding door such that movement of the upper sliding door in a first direction will cause the lower sliding door to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: David Osicki, Geoff Lipnevicius, Jeff Bennett, Nino Silvestro, William Koller, Thomas Larkins
  • Publication number: 20150096694
    Abstract: A swing closure element (1), comprising: —a fixed structure (10) rigidly constrainable to an opening (11) of a door or window or the like, —a first movable wing (20) constrained to said fixed structure (10) by a first hinge constraint (21) so as to be pivotable about a first rotation axis (Z1), according to a predetermined opening rotation direction (W1), —a second movable wing (30) constrained to said first wing by said second hinge constraint (31) so as to be pivotable with respect to the first wing (20) about a second rotation axis (Z2), the first and the second wing (20, 30) being movable between a first closed configuration wherein they are coplanarly arranged to close the opening (11) and a second open configuration, —an articulated, quadrilateral mechanism (50, 50?) connected to the fixed structure (10) and to the second wing (30) comprising at least one stiffening member (61, 61?, 62, 62?) pivotably constrained to said first wing (20) and to a movable member (53, 53?) of said mechanism (50, 50?) conne
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Celgon S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Bonetti
  • Patent number: 8714229
    Abstract: The present invention is a door assembly including a rectangular door frame, a bi-fold door pivotally mounted at the top of the rectangular door frame and at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly. The hydraulic cylinder assembly is pivotally secured by a first end to a cylinder support mounted on a back side of the door frame, and by a second lower end to a cylinder support secured to a back surface of a top panel of the bi-fold door. In the door closed position, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder is oriented at an acute angle away from a plane defined by the door pivot axis and the lower pivot axis of the cylinder. A hydraulic control assembly controls movement of the door between an open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Crown Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Crown, Phillip A. Crown
  • Patent number: 8640761
    Abstract: A method and system for a barrier system configured to controllably block egress from and ingress to a predetermined area is provided. The barrier system includes a barrier panel that is removable from the barrier system and replaceable with another different barrier panel selectable by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donna Marie Potter
  • Publication number: 20130292067
    Abstract: In a folding shutter arrangement having three or more inherently rigid folding shutter elements (12) having element edges that bend out and element edges that do not bend out in alternation, a first folding shutter element (12A) is or can be fastened indirectly or directly to the building (1) so as to be pivotable about a first axis (12A?), which is stationary or nearly stationary with respect to a building (1), near a (first) element edge (13A) that does not bend out. A second folding shutter element (12B) is pivotably retained about a second axis (12B?), which can be moved perpendicularly to itself, near a second element edge (13B) that does not bend out, and can be moved along guides (16A, 16B) arranged perpendicular to the second element edge (13B) in pairs. Adjacent folding shutter elements (12A, 12B; 12C, 12D; . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Bernhard Lucas
  • Patent number: 8381927
    Abstract: A container is provided, which includes a container main body having a loading space formed therein to load freight therein; a door opening/closing a freight doorway formed on one side of the container main body and including a first door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the container main body by a first hinge portion, and a second door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the other side of the first door by a second hinge portion; a slide rotation portion including a slide rail provided on the container main body, a movement member connected to the second door to slidably move along the slide rail, a link member connected to the movement member and an inner side surface of the second door to make the door rotate at 0 to 270 degrees around the first hinge portion, and a movement limit member connected between the movement member and one side of the link member to limit the movement of the link member; and a locking portion locking/unlocking the door with respect to the container main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Sang Woo Nam
  • Publication number: 20130025801
    Abstract: An arrangement for a screen with a number of sections, which are foldable and/or pivotal in relation to one another and which together form a screen-off, includes a fixed section and two sections pivotal in relation thereto, or one fixed section and a number of sections which are foldable or pivotal in relation to one another and which are pivotally mounted on the fixed section, the fixed section being mounted on a foot which includes a supporting base plate and the base plate is covered by a hood in order to prevent direct contact of at least the upper side of the base plate and possibly also the major portion of the edges of the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Dag Göranson, Örjan Göranson
  • Patent number: 8360131
    Abstract: Composite bi-fold doors and other composite closures having improved assemblies are described, wherein the assemblies provide enhanced strength and durability of the doors and their construction while simultaneously maintaining their aesthetics. Additional improved bi-fold door and semi-solid door assemblies are also provided, which allow for the dimensional adjustment of the height of the doors by the installer as necessary, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity of the doors following the height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Home Fashion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Kashani, Reza Kashani
  • Patent number: 8327905
    Abstract: A vertically collapsible wall partition is comprised of a plurality of interconnected horizontal wall panels pivotally interconnected to one another and forming horizontal panel joints therebetween. The panels are operated by an overhead lifting mechanism. The wall panels each have opposed spaced-apart composite walls each having perimeter seals to provide acoustic sound damping. The composite walls are formed by a face sheet secured to a front face of a core material and a backer sheet is secured to core material with an insulation material secured to the back of the backer sheet. Top and bottom horizontal seals are secured to the wall partition top and bottom horizontal wall panels. The seals and joints of the horizontal wall panels are such as to exhibit improved acoustic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Railquip Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Mark McDonald, Jack Zagorski
  • Patent number: 8162027
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of a door and door frame defining a door opening. The door frame comprises a horizontal header beam. The door opening has a horizontal top side and a horizontal bottom side, with the horizontal header beam defining the horizontal top side. The door comprises a top panel, a middle panel, a bottom panel, a first horizontal hinge member, a second horizontal hinge member and a third horizontal hinge member, each panel having a horizontal upper edge and a horizontal lower edge. The door is in the closed position when the top panel, the middle panel and the bottom panel are vertically aligned with one another and hanging downwardly from the horizontal header beam in a vertical plane of the door opening, with the horizontal upper edge of each panel above the horizontal lower edge of each respective panel, and the horizontal lower edge of the bottom panel is located in the lowermost position proximate to the horizontal bottom side of the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Archer
  • Publication number: 20110283637
    Abstract: An abatement or protective device (10) is provided for protecting the opening in a structure, such as a window opening, during high winds. The device includes elongate generally vertical slats (22) and elongate generally horizontal slats (24) which are intertwined to form a panel. The device may include one or more panels. Various techniques are available for attaching the device to the structure surrounding the opening before anticipated high winds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: BRUCE BUTLER, Joshua Butler
  • Publication number: 20110203746
    Abstract: Movable partitions and partition systems include a sheet of interconnected panels configured to fold in an accordion fashion. At least two of the interconnected panels have first and second lateral ends extending between a top edge and a bottom edge of the panels. The lateral ends may comprise generally cylindrical structures having openings comprising gaps between lateral edges of the respective panel and a first major surface of the respective panel. The first lateral end of one panel may be engaged with the second lateral end of another panel of the at least two panels. The lateral edges may be enlarged. The at least two panels can extend to a fully extended state in which they are coplanar. Methods of forming movable partitions and partition systems include forming and interconnecting such panels. Methods of repairing movable partitions and partition systems include disengaging such panels by applying lateral forces therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: R. Scott Smart
  • Patent number: 7942185
    Abstract: A folding leaf gate comprising a post hung section hingedly attachable to a gate post and at least one leaf hung section hingedly connected in series with the post hung section by means of one or more section hinges, wherein the folding leaf gate additionally includes a rotating device associated with the or each leaf hung section and sharing a common axis of rotation with the or each section hinge and secured in a static relationship to a leaf hung section whereby rotation of the or each rotating device causes rotation of a leaf hung section about the or each section hinge, and one or more translating devices engaging the or each rotating devices, the one or more translating device being configured, when in use, to translate rotational motion of the post hung section about a gate post to rotation of the one or more rotating devices whereby simultaneously to open a gateway closed by the folding leaf gate and fold the folding leaf gate in two or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Roger George Long
  • Patent number: 7814957
    Abstract: A door assembly having a multi-panel door connected to a casing that is inserted into a structure opening. The multi-panel door can be operated by a control assembly operatively coupled to the casing and the multi-panel door. The multi-panel door can be a bi-fold door having an upper panel and lower panel operatively coupled together. The upper panel can be pivotally coupled to the casing at one end and pivotally coupled to a portion of the lower panel at its other end. The control assembly can control movement of the door between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: David A Crown
  • Patent number: 7707687
    Abstract: An opening/closing device for a double flap door of an item of furniture, wherein the top part and the bottom part of the door are not hinged to each other. The device is connected to the furniture item to cause the top part of the door to rotate with respect to the furniture item and an articulated quadrilateral causes the bottom part of the door to rotate with respect to the top part concomitantly with the rotation of the top part of the door with respect to the furniture item. The articulated quadrilateral includes a first and a second arm each having one end hinged to the bottom part of the door and the other end hinged to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Effegi Brevettie S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Giovannetti
  • Patent number: 7575037
    Abstract: An overhead door with improved biasing means and automatic locking means includes two panels which are substantially horizontal when the door is raised and vertically aligned when the door is closed. An expandable hinge at the interface of the door panels allows the lower panel to move vertically when the door is in the lowered position with the upper end of the lower door panel is spaced from the lower end of the upper door panel. Either the lower end of the upper panel is tapered downwardly toward its outer edge, or the upper end of the lower panel is tapered upwardly toward its outer edge so that the outer edges of the panel ends contact first, biasing the interface of the panels outwardly, when the door is raised. The door also includes a latch that is engaged upon lowering the lower panel relative to the upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: N. Valde V. Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20080099156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rapid folding door. The inventive door comprises: two vertical jambs (2), each of which contains a slide; a winding shaft which is disposed at the top of the two vertical jambs (2); and a flexible screen (6) which is equipped with (i) a lower bar (10) which is in turn connected to the winding shaft by means of at least one strap (11) and (ii) at least one reinforcing bar. According to the invention, the width of the screen (6) is smaller than the distance separating the inner faces (2a) of each of the jambs (2). Moreover, the ends of at least one reinforcing bar (9) are fitted and guided in the slides provided in each of the jambs (2). The screen (6) can occupy: a closed position in which it is deployed in a separation plane that is defined by the jambs (2) and the winding shaft, or an open position in which it is folded by winding each strap (11) on the shaft and forming at least one fold on one side of the separation plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Kraeutler
  • Patent number: 7219711
    Abstract: A hydraulic door opening mechanism for overhead bi-fold doors is herein disclosed. The door opening mechanism mounts a hydraulic pump, pressure reservoir, valve manifold, and a hydraulic motor or cylinder on a first door panel. The door opening mechanism is pre-assembled with the doorframe prior to mounting the door in the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Fold Door Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Keller, Daniel Keller, Damian Keller, William Bakalich
  • Patent number: 7168477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus for a two-leaf folding flap or folding door which can be pivoted about horizontal axes, consisting of a two-arm lever which is pivotably supported about a horizontal pivot axis on a side carcass part and whose longer arm is hinged to the lower leaf of the folding flap or folding door and of a pressure element whose one end is pivotably connected to the carcass part and whose other end is connected to the lever. In accordance with the invention, the longer lever arm of the two-arm lever is hingedly and displaceably connected to the lower leaf. Furthermore, the relative movement between the hinge point of the lever and the lower leaf is braked by a spring or friction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 7131480
    Abstract: A colonial style pressure-vent hurricane shutter having predetermined requisite strength of shutter framework (1) encompassing slatted-louver apertures (4) with slat-support guides (7) for protection against storm-borne objects, wind and rain and venting harmful buildups and bursts of pressure from vacuums created on building from hurricane forces. The shutter framework includes structural beams to which ends of slanted slats (5) are attached rigidly. Ends of slat-support guides (7) are affixed intermediate the ends of both the inward edges of the slanted slats (6) and the outward edges of the slanted slats (21). The shutter framework (1) have hold down tabs (22) to keep the shutter framework (1) from being blown open during a storm. The shutter framework (1) has ribbed hinges (25) to at least one side of a building aperture in accordance with desired shutter style and structure which include top-hinged Bahama Shutters (8) and sides-hinged Colonial Shutters (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas R. Briscoe, Harley E. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7021868
    Abstract: An excavation shoring system having four vertical, cylindrical poles, each connected to a base element, arranged to constitute corners of a rectangle. At least one vertically oriented shoring panel corresponding to each side of the rectangle is provided, with each of the shoring panels corresponding to adjacent sides of the rectangle having one end rotatably connected to a first pair of diagonally opposed cylindrical poles in a manner forming four vertical walls of uniform height. At least two vertically oriented, U-shaped channels disposed at right angles to each other are connected to a second pair of diagonally opposed cylindrical poles. The U-shaped channels have a channel width substantially corresponding to a thickness of the panels and are oriented to receive a free end of each shoring panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Operations Technology Development NFP
    Inventors: Khalid A. Farrag, Alicia M. Farag
  • Patent number: 6808000
    Abstract: A mechanical curtain, upwardly movable into open position and downwardly movable into closed position, the curtain comprising: a) a plurality of similarly constructed trains of elongated members, the members of each train arranged to form a single pantograph forming longitudinally aligned rows of diamonds, the trains spaced laterally to form a curtain plane and oriented so that the diamonds of the pantographs operate in a plane at a 90° angle to that curtain plane, b) a plurality of bars secured in parallel spaced fashion to corresponding members in adjacent trains, perpendicular thereto, and, c) one or more cables to raise and lower the trains at a similar rate the pantographs being contracted when the curtain is in open position and the pantographs being elongated when the curtain is in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Railtech Ltd.
    Inventor: Miles E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6695390
    Abstract: A jointed lateral hopper door device capable of raising and retracting one or more lateral hopper doors upward, allowing a totally free access space without impeding access to the cargo material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Anacleto Matteo Bucco Morello
  • Patent number: 6659157
    Abstract: An overhead bi-fold door is provided having an upper section and a lower section which are hinged for movement relative to one another between a closed flat position and an open folded position. Each section includes side beams and a frame spanning the side beams which is recessed in relation to an outer surface of the side beams. Sheeted insulation is received within the recess on an outer side of the door so that cladding may be supported across an outer side of both the sheeted insulation and the side beams. The sheeted insulation being supported on an outer side of the frames provides an uninterrupted layer of insulation of constant thickness to prevent thermal leakage which otherwise occurs when insulation would normally be supported on an inner side of the frame in sections mounted between the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jim Suderman
  • Publication number: 20030217821
    Abstract: A variable pivot mount 11 is used to adjustably mount a door or window panel to a jamb. The pivot mount has a hinge pin 12 defining the pivot axis of the panel, and an arm 19 extending transversely to the hinge pin 12. The arm 19 locates in a socket 27 mounted to the jamb, and is axially slidable therein to accommodate lateral displacement of the hinge axis, e.g. due to out-of-square movements of the panel. The arm 19 may be biased to a rest position. The pivot mount can also be used as a floating intermediate hinge mount 40 for a door or window panel 41.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Glen Douglas Pacholke, Helmut Schmerbeck
  • Patent number: 6547292
    Abstract: A door closing mechanism for pulling a door tight to a frame to which the door is mounted comprises a latch arm assembly having a latch arm pivotally secured to a panel of the door and pivotable between a first, open position and a second, latched position. An activating mechanism is operably connected to the latch arm assembly by a connecting apparatus and actuates the latch arm between its first and second positions. A latch member is secured to the jamb in which the door is mounted and is arranged and constructed so that when the latch arm is moved into its second, closed position, the latch arm engages the latch member and exerts force upon the latch member in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the door so as to cause the door to contact the door frame over substantially its entire height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hi-Fold Door Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • Patent number: 6543829
    Abstract: A utility box, of the type found on utility trucks, having a vertically-openable door which stores by resting on the top of the utility box. The door has as upper segment and a lower segment connected by a first hinge; and the upper segment is connected to the utility box top by a second hinge. The lower segment is about twice the height of the upper segment. Because of this construction, the door may be opened and closed nearby another vehicle or structure, since the maximum horizontal extension needed (from the box) to operate the door is about the same as the height of the smaller upper door segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Donald D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6439291
    Abstract: Extruded foamed plastic doors having two side stiles and a top and bottom rail forming a generally rectangular configuration and having horizontal vanes covering the interior of the door. The stiles have indentations along their interior edge for receiving the vanes and holding the vanes in a permanently fixed position relative to the stiles and rails when the stiles and rails are assembled into a rectangular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: KAM Technology Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Hossein Amin-Javaheri
  • Patent number: 6325135
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Chen Hsiang Lee
  • Patent number: 6286156
    Abstract: A foldable swimming pool cover includes, in one embodiment, a screen constructed of an ultra-fine, lightweight mesh fabric and a plastic frame mounted on the periphery of the screen. The plastic frame includes a plurality of frame members, each of the frame members having a pair of free ends. The free ends of adjacent frame members are pivotally connected by a bi-directional hinge assembly which enables the swimming pool cover to be collapsed into a vertical stack of individual panels in an accordion fashion. In use, the swimming pool cover is designed to be placed over a swimming pool to prevent environmental debris from falling into and contaminating the water held within the swimming pool. Because the screen is constructed of a mesh fabric, moisture will pass through the screen and environmental debris will accumulate on the screen. In order to use the swimming pool, the swimming pool cover can be folded into a vertical stack of individual panels and lifted off the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Thelma Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6279988
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu Utility Europe S.p.A.
    Inventor: Umberto Muraro
  • Patent number: 6253826
    Abstract: The folding door for an office cubicle provides an inexpensive, universally applicable mechanism for selectively opening and closing the entryway of an office cubicle. The folding door comprises an accordion-style folding door panel (1) fabricated from a sheet of lightweight, semi-rigid material with a plurality of specifically aligned magnetic fasteners (30) attached to both surfaces. The folding door panel (1) is pivotally attached to a partition jamb (14) adjacent the entryway by a vertical hinge (8) attached along one panel edge (6). The opposite panel edge (13) includes a dual latching handle member (18) which is used to selectively secure the door when unfolded in the closed entryway position and to retain the door out of the entryway when folded in the open entryway position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles H. Witter, Vivian R. C. Witter
  • Patent number: 6234565
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Wade W Bryant, Dean N Rossman, Edmond D Upton
  • Patent number: 6068327
    Abstract: An upwardly folding door for a vehicle is disclosed having a lower door section that pivots inwardly and upwardly toward an upper door section. A pair of struts are attached between the vehicle body and the upper section and a link is attached between each strut and the lower door section. In addition, a shield feature is provided between the upper and lower door sections to cover any gaps that may exist when the door is in an open condition. The door sections have frames that are preferably made from a suitable lightweight material to appreciably reduce the overall weight of the door while still providing desired structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Peregrine Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Junginger
  • Patent number: 5920956
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 5908064
    Abstract: A pivotal and extendable bathing door unit is disclosed wherein a first panel is pivotally connected to a supporting wall, and a second panel is extendably connected to the first panel, so that the door can operate to enclose without an overhead track. There are roller brackets with tandem rollers connected to the first panel for riding in tracks in the second panel. The brackets afford ease of adjustment of the rollers and the tandem rollers afford a stable sliding and extension of the second panel. A minimum number of parts are required in a pivotal and extendable bathing door unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Bruce
  • Patent number: 5778958
    Abstract: An insulating window shutter comprised of a one-piece, molded window shutter and hinge for coupling two window shutters together and for coupling a window shutter to a window jam. In the preferred embodiment, the window shutter is made from an expanded foam plastic such as Styrofoam.RTM., and the interior and exterior faces of the window shutter comprise a plurality of simulated wooden slats in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Richard A. Stebner