Abstract: A flexible cover, which can be rolled onto and about a support rotatable about an axis, and can be unrolled therefrom, consists of at least one translucent sheet having: a continuous outside wall extending throughout the width and throughout the length of the sheet, the length being the dimension which is parallel to the rotational axis of the support and the rolling and unrolling axis of the sheet; a discontinuous inside wall parallel to the outside wall and extending throughout the length and, in a discontinuous interrupted manner, the width of the sheet; and parallel longitudinal walls, extending throughout the length of the sheet, perpendicularly to and connecting the outside and inside walls to define groups of successive longitudinal cells, interruptions of the inside wall defining spaces between respective pairs of adjacent groups of successive cells, the groups being separate and being connected solely by the outside wall which, at the interruptions at the inside wall, constitutes a flexure portion fo

Abstract: A sectional garage door is formed of rectangular door sections which include hollow extruded plastic rail members interconnected by hollow extruded plastic end and intermediate stile members to form a door section. The rail members and stile members may be fitted with internal tubular or channel shaped metal reinforcing members to minimize deflection of the door sections during use. The door sections may each include an externally fitted strut which is secured to a longitudinal side edge of a section and is connected directly to a reinforcing member disposed within one of the rail members without being forcibly connected to the rail member itself to allow for differential thermal expansion between the rail member and the reinforcing members. Rectangular panel inserts may be removably supported on each door section by removable retainer members and may include insulated panel inserts which may be added to the door sections before or after installation.

Abstract: A hinged panel door comprises a plurality of thermoplastic panels each having a main body with an outside wall, an inside wall, an open ended female receptacle formed centrally in one end and a male receptacle protruding centrally from the other end of the main body. The male connector has a rounded head and a neck joining the head to a shoulder on the main body of the panel. Both the head and the shoulder are wider than the neck. The female receptacle is formed by a rounded wall circumscribing the major part of a circle and interrupted by a mouth having a width slightly greater than that of the neck of the male connector. The inner wall of the panel is shorter than the outer wall which provides a one way hinged connection between the receptacle of one of the panels and the connector of another one of the panels.

Abstract: A roller shutter slat has hollow sectional slats (1) with a central part (1c), two edge parts (1a) and transverse grooves (1b) arranged therebetween for receiving bearing or adjusting links (3, 4). The edge parts (1a) and the central parts (1c) are spaced apart and interconnected by linking elements (5, 6, 40, 41) inserted into hollow chambers (26) of the hollow sectional slat (1). The cross-section of the linking elements (5, 6, 40, 41) is narrower than the cross-section of the hollow chambers (26) and the linking elements (5, 6, 40, 41) are linked to the hollow sectional slats (1) by tongue-and-groove joints (9, 10; 42, 43). Easy-to-produce grooves (1b) are thus created without weakening the roller shutter slat (1) in the area of the grooves (1b).

Abstract: An overhead door includes a plurality of adjacent panels hinged to one another. Each panel includes a first and second side as well as a first and second edge. The first and second edges of adjacent panels are complementary with one another. The first edge includes a convex portion projecting from the panel and an abutting portion substantially continuous with an apex of the convex portion. The second edge includes a concave portion complementary with the convex portion and an abutting portion substantially continuous with the concave portion and which opposes the abutting portion of the first edge to form a butt joint. A gap is formed between the concave and convex portions of adjacent hinge panels. The gap has a width or thickness between the concave and convex portion which is constant. Also, the width or thickness remains constant as adjacent panels are articulated or rotated with respect to one another about the hinge.

Abstract: A panel for so-called sectional doors, in which a number of panels are hinged together by means of hinge parts which form part of the panel. Each panel consists of an elongated body part, which is formed by two side plates lying a distance apart and along the long narrow sides contains the hinge parts for forming the hinged connection. One hinge part contains an arc-shaped nose, the arc-shaped outside wall of which connects virtually directly to one side wall of the body part, and the inside wall running concentrically herewith merges through an acute angle into the other side wall of the body part. The other hinge part has a supporting part lying near one side wall of the body part and bearing an essentially cylindrical thickened part, and a concentric wall running at a distance therefrom which with the thickened part leaves a space free for the accommodation of the nose of the other hinge part of an adjacent panel.

Abstract: A shutter device is provided for installation onto an exterior wall of a building over a window comprising a top bracket having a top longitudinal track therealong. A component is for mounting the top bracket horizontally above the window onto the exterior wall of the building, with the top longitudinal track facing downwardly. A bottom bracket is provided having a bottom longitudinal track therealong. Another component is for mounting the bottom bracket horizontally below the window onto the exterior wall of the building, with the bottom longitudinal track facing upwardly. A plurality of vertically extending barrier members are also provided. Element are provided for interlocking the barrier members together along their sides. A top slide assembly engages with the top ends of the barrier members, so that the top slide assembly can move across the top longitudinal track in the top bracket. A bottom slide assembly engages with the bottom ends of the barrier members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding or roller shutter or door which consists of a plurality of generally similar laths or planks hinged together by elastomeric members attached to adjacent edges of the laths or planks. Preferably, the edges of the laths or planks are formed with longitudinally extending keyhole shaped shots, and the elastomeric hinge members are formed with opposite enlarged portions received in the slots in the laths or planks.

Abstract: The hurricane shutters are formed from double-skinned panels that are strengthened by including a rod extending through the end channels. The panels are mounted side by side to cover the expanse of the window or door being protected. In another embodiment a cable is attached to the ends of the rod and tightened to bow the rod and panels. The ends of the panels on the extremity are left unbowed if air flow through the space between the window and panels is not desired. In other embodiments the ends of the panel are constructed to form a hinge to receive the rod which then acts as a hinge and the structural enhancement member and may extend beyond the end of the panel and serve as an attachment in a retracting and deployment mechanism.

Abstract: A base member and a fascia are assembled to form a hollow door section which is filled with insulative material. Adjacent sections are coupled along respective longitudinal edges for angular and spatial displacement. The base member is extended from a selected plastic with male and female coupling components extending continuously along respective longitudinal edges. A plurality of mounting members projecting from the lateral edges of the sections matingly and slidably engage the semi-cylindrical guide surface of a tract for reciprocal vertical movement of the door. The door may be partially raised for spatial displacement of the sections whereby flow-through ventilation openings are exposed. In a specific embodiment, a flexible drive screw is rotatably carried within the track for powered operation of the door. In alternate embodiments a generally tubular door track is either grasped by a door guide apparatus having a clip, or the guide is slit and a rounded guide rides within the track.

Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.

Abstract: A sectional door panel for use in an overhead door assembly is provided. The sectional door panel includes a front panel, a rear panel, an insulating material between the front and rear panels, an upper edge integral to the front panel, a raised tongue formed in the upper edge, an upper rail integral to the upper edge, a lower edge integral to the front panel, a concave groove formed in the lower edge, and a lower rail integral to the lower edge. An overhead door assembly is also provided that utilizes a plurality of the sectional door panels.

Abstract: A door panel section and a method of making a door panel section having a polyvinylchloride front skin, a non-metallic rear skin and a polyurethane rigid core. The polyurethane rigid core unitizes the two skins to make the panel section with a rigid lightweight structure. The polyurethane mechanically and chemically bonds to the skins made of polyvinylchloride to create a strong connection thereto. Hardware mounting members are attached to the rear skin permitting adjacent panel sections to be pivotally connected to each other.

Abstract: A roll-up door having a plurality of elongated adjoining metal slats hinged together to permit the slats to be arcuately pivoted when being rolled up, an elongated plastic insulation member being coextensively inserted along each slat, and a metal inner rear wall being coextensively inserted along each insulation member so that each insulation member is sandwiched therebetween. Each assembled insulation member and inner rear wall is provided with a coupling arrangement for engaging the hinges of the connected slats, and a snap-in arrangement for securing the inner rear wall to the insulation member. Each inner rear wall also has a first hook portion disposed around an associated second hook portion on the insulation member, the first hook portion having a flange which snaps onto a longitudinal free edge of the second hook portion for securement therebetween. Longitudinal recesses are provided on each inner rear wall for engagement in associated longitudinal recesses provided in each insulation member.

Abstract: A plurality of plastic panels or planks (12) are connected to each other in side by side relation by interfitting male and female connectors (28, 30) to form a planar structure such as a cover (10). The male connector (28) has opposed outer planar surfaces (32, 34) in contact relation to opposed inner planar surfaces (46, 48) on a female connector (30) to minimize any relative pivoting or articulating movement between adjacent panels (12). Adjacent panel sections (15A, 17B) are hinged to each other about hinges (35E) to permit the panel sections (15A, 17B) to be folded against each other for stacking. Alternatively panels 14C, 14D may be linked together for stacking. A side support (16) is secured to the sides of the cover (10) to cover and to support a side of a panel where such side is not connected to another panel.

Abstract: A base member and a fascia are assembled to form a hollow door section which is filled with insulative material. Adjacent sections are coupled along respective longitudinal edges for angular and spatial displacement. The base member is extended from a selected plastic with male and female coupling components extending continuously along respective longitudinal edges. A plurality of mounting members projecting from the lateral edges of the sections matingly and slidably engage the semi-cylindrical guide surface of a tract for reciprocal vertical movement of the door. The door may be partially raised for spatial displacement of the sections whereby flow-through ventilation openings are exposed. In a specific embodiment, a flexible drive screw is rotatably carried within the track for powered operation of the door.

Abstract: An improvement in rolling shutters that includes a slat end retainer attached to the ends of individual shutter slats contoured and configured for securing a slat end to the side track which allows the shutters to endure high velocity winds, substantial impact, or attempted forced entry without conventional storm braces. The retainer end includes a pair of contoured inner and outer flanges formed from a unitary body which has a predetermined sized slot that is keyed to fins in each vertical side track to prevent disengagement of the slat from the track.

Abstract: A lift link gate having a plurality of tabular gate elements joined together by joints or hinges about a horizontally extending pivot axis. The gate slides in lateral guide tracks which guide the gate from a vertically closed position along an arcuate path into a horizontally open position. To avoid finger injuries in the deflection area of the gate elements, there is provided at the upper edge of each gate element a tooth-like projection substantially symmetrical relative to the gate center plane which has a front flank ascending up to the tooth tip and a rear flank descending from the tooth tip to the rear face of one of the gate elements and at the lower upper edge at least one depression complementary to the projection of a next adjacent element is provided, and upon pivoting of the adjacent elements in the arcuate path area of the guide track, an aperture region is provided with only a small aperture spacing which precludes the wedging of a finger therein.

Abstract: A slat for a louver comprising an elongated body portion having a longitudinal axis, a front surface and a back surface, and a left edge and a right edge. The front surface has formed therein at least one channel extending substantially the entire length of the body portion parallel to the longitudinal axis, the channel in transverse cross-section being wider at the bottom than the top. The slat further comprises at least one elongated strip having a cross-section at least a portion of which is identical to the at least one channel for removable sliding engagement with the at least one channel. The color of the at least one strip is different from the color of the body portion.

Abstract: A garage door has a multiplicity of transversely extending panels with a preformed core of synthetic resin and integrally formed metallic front and rear skins of the same configuration but reversed. The front skin has its top edge portion configured with an inwardly and then upwardly extending wall portion to define a shelf-like recess adjacent the front face, a generally horizontal top wall portion and a depending lip portion. The bottom edge portion of the outer skin is configured with a generally U-shaped portion extending downwardly from the core and configured and dimensioned to be received within the shelf-like recess of the next lower panel, a generally horizontal portion, and an upwardly extending lip portion. The core has its top edge formed with a shelf-like recess adjacent its front face and a channel-like recess spaced rearwardly therefrom, and the bottom edge has a shelf-like recess adjacent its rear face and a channel-like recess spaced forwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An overhead door having a number of panels secured together by hinges, in which the insertion of a finger into a gap between the consecutive panels is prevented. Facing edges of ajdacent panels have areas that curve around an axis of the hinges to eliminate the occurrence of a gap as wide as a finger at any angle between the panels. Shoulder areas engage each other when the door is in the closed state, and they are located in the vicinity of the interior surface of the door and outside the curved edge areas that extend from the outer surface of the door. To facilitate manufacture of panels that will ensure that the door is tight, well supported, and precisely positioned when in the closed state, there is a section in the area of the gap between the facing edges of adjacent panels as viewed from the outer surface and toward the interior surface of the door. The gap distance is interrupted and the panels rest one on top of another when the door is in the closed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift link gate having a plurality of tabular gate elements 1, 1' which are joined together by joints or hinges 14 about horizontally extending pivot axes (a). The gate slides with the aid of guide pins or rollers 3 in lateral guide tracks 4 which guide the gate from a vertically closed position along an arcuate path into a horizontal open position.

Abstract: An improved slat assembly and curtain for a rolling door assembly employing the improved slat are provided. The slat assembly has a primary slat with a lower bead having a downwardly facing cavity which is used to retain an elastomeric sealing strip which seals the space between adjacent interlocked slats in the curtain. The slat assembly may be provided with a backer slat and material filling a void between the primary slat and backer slat to improve the thermal insulation and/or acoustical insulation and absorption properties of the slat assembly and curtain.

Abstract: A movable shutter to be placed over an opening is made up essentially of horizontal sections, each of which sections comprise an intermediate section or filler of polycarbonate. A male extrusion is fixed to the filler at the top and a female extrusion at the bottom. This makes it possible to assemble the sections together. The shutter is guided by rollers carried by the sections. These rollers move in vertical guiding tracks fixed on the opening and continue on horizontal tracks mounted from the ceiling. The operation of the shutter is made easier by means of a compensation spring fixed above the opening. An anti-dislocation lock is mounted forcibly inside or attached onto two partitions of the female extrusion. When the ball and socket of a hinge are interlocked, the guide and the shoulder of the anti-dislocation lock are superimposed and their respective holes are aligned.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a sectional type door formed of a plurality of adjacent hingedly connected sections; each section comprises a core of insulating material and, a pair of spaced elongated metal panel members adhesively bonded to the opposite main surfaces of the core. The top and bottom edges of the panel members define respective tongue and recessed areas with the tongue area being insertable in the recessed area of an adjacent section. One or more U-shaped retaining members are mounted to the top and bottom edges of the core and serve as retaining members for the top and bottom edges of the panel members. The configuration of the top and bottom edges of the panel members is such as to provide minimum air infiltration while allowing relative movement between two adjacent sections. The metal panel members are somewhat larger than the core member thereby defining opposite end cavities in which are received wood stiles.

Abstract: An insulated panel for rolling closures. The panel has a front wall and a back wall joined by side walls, and is filled with insulation. The side walls have thermal breaks formed by spacers. The size of the spacers can vary to vary the thickness of the panel. The panel has a hinge socket in the back wall adjacent each side wall. A separate hinge member with a hinge pintle on each side joins two adjacent panels together via their nearest hinge sockets.The invention also relates to closures incorporating the above panel and to a method of making the panel.

Abstract: A foldable cover assembly is particularly adapted for pick-up trucks and has a plurality of slat members with a longitudinal slot extending along each end. Each slot communicates with a more extensive cavity. A plurality of hinge members connect the slat members together. The hinge members are flexible and resilient, having a center portion and relatively thin flange portions extending longitudinally along each end of the center portion. The hinge members have enlarged, elongated portions extending along outer ends of the flange portions. The flange portions and protrusions are shaped so the flange portions extend through the slots of the slat members, while the protrusions are retained in the cavities of the slat members. A pair of guide members are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relationship. The guide members have inner portions for slidably receiving sides of the slat members and the hinge members thereon. A plurality of retainers slidably connect alternating hinge members to the guide members.

Abstract: A rolling shutter characterized by an array of edge-adjacent, parallel shutter slats and full shutter width, clear shutter segments or links articulately interconnecting respective pairs of adjacent shutter slats. The links are telescopically movable in the slats to permit relative movement of the slats between spaced-apart and juxtaposed positions. When spaced apart, the slats form therebetween a gap which exposes the clear link which permits passage of light over substantially the full extent of the gap. The clear links also provide a double hinge-like joint between adjacent slats. The shutter slats are also uniquely reinforced and have an improved exterior appearance.

Abstract: A double walled panel (1) comprising on its small longitudinal sides (2a, 2b) a profiling formed in cross-section by a curved nose (7) which faces a wide side surface (10) the base of which is located at a distance from the same wide side surface (10). A free-standing thickened portion (6) is disposed at the other small side (2a) and supported near the same wide side surface (10) fitting into an adjacent panel recess (5) enclosed by its curved nose (7).

Abstract: A roll-up door formed of a plurality of elongated adjoining slats connected together by continuous hinges so as to permit the roll-up door to maintain a vertical planar arrangement to provide a closed position, and to roll up along an arcuate track arrangement for storage of the door to provide an opened position. Elongated insulating sleeves are coextensively insertable along each slat for receiving insulation material therein. At opposing sides of the insulating sleeves are suitable connecting arms for engagement with an associated one of the continuous hinges to retain the insulating sleeves in position along the slats without interferring with the hinged movements of the slats between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: An insulated closure panel for a rolling closure. The panel has a metallic section with an outer wall and side walls, and a thermoplastic section with an inner wall. Both panel sections have male and female hinge sections on their sides. The thermoplastic panel section snaps into the metallic panel section to form a tubular panel with the male hinge sections cooperating to form a male hinge element on one side of the panel and with the female hinge sections cooperating to form a female hinge element on the other side of the panel. The panel can be filled with insulating material.A rolling closure is formed from a plurality of the above panels, the male hinge element of each panel pivotally connected to the female hinge element of an adjacent panel.

Abstract: A shutter of the type used as a closure for boxes or containers, or for garage doors, includes a series of interconnected elongated strips having at each end of each strip an integral male and female connecting member so that the female connecting members of one strip are capable of interlocking with the male members of an adjacent strip to form the shutter. Each strip also includes an elongated recessed area and a corresponding overlapping portion positioned below the recessed area. When a series of strips are interconnected to form the shutter, the overlapping portion of one strip is received in the recess portion of an adjacent strip. Lastly, each strip includes at least one vertically oriented pair of tongue and groove members positioned intermediate the ends of each strip so that when a series of strips are interconnected to form a shutter, the tongue of one strip is received by the groove of a corresponding strip so as to prevent tampering.

Abstract: In a hollow plastic rolling shutter slat coated on the weather side with a metal layer for reducing the heat transfer while retaining the resistance to bending the inner side of the building-side profile wall is also coated with a metal layer, a minimum spacing always being provided between the two metal layers to insure the thermal insulation. The metal layers have at least one surface reflecting thermal radiation or reducing thermal irradiation. For obtaining the necessary resistance to bending the inner transverse webs of the hollow plastic rolling shutter bar are formed in such a manner that they transmit the shear stresses occurring on bending.

Abstract: A thermal shade for limiting the amount of thermal energy which enters a structure through an opening therein is disclosed. The shade comprises a plurality of integrally formed elongated closed rectangular tubes which have a dead air space, are arranged in parallel relation to each other, and are connected on the side opposite the opening by living hinges. The shade also includes means for positioning shade to limit the thermal energy entering the opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sectional door for a capped pickup truck in which the sections comprise panel members framed by frame members made of hollow extrusions having front-panel-receiving channels on the front inner corners thereof and rear-panel-receiving chamfers on the rear inner corners thereof, beading receiving channels in the surface opposite the front-panel-receiving channels, complementary hinge-forming elements on the outer rear corners of the inner panels or inner sections, and screw-receiving channels on the inner surface of the side of the end members which is opposite the side having the panel receptors therein.

Abstract: An energy efficient garage door construction comprising a plurality of interconnected door sections. Each of the sections includes a pair of symmetrical metal panels forming the opposed sides and long edges of the section, and an expanded polystyrene core flanked by a pair of wooden stiles with the metal panels adhesively bonded to the core and stiles. The metal panels form oppositely facing recesses along one side edge and tongues along the other side edge so that adjacent panels interfit to create a baffle effect. The wooden stiles give the door sections extra strength and rigidity, while also serving as a reinforcement plate for mounting locks and other door hardware on the end portions of the door sections.

Abstract: For the purpose of manufacturing a shutter link for an overhead shutter or a multi-link roller blind, two metallic sheet-metal shells are made which are provided at their ends with hinge elements of claw-like shape. In order to avoid undesirable deformation during the operation of joining the metallic sheet-metal shells together, such deformation being particularly apt to occur in the vicinity of the narrow sides, it is intended to provide the two shells with longitudinally extending beads adjacent to the two hinge elements.

Abstract: Folding doors of the type commonly used as garage doors have to date had very unsatisfactory thermal insulation characteristics. The folding door of the present invention has improved thermal insulation characteristics derived from the use of a thermal insulating panel which comprises a body of plastics material having a series of closely adjacent passages extending transversely between opposite edges thereof. The passages are air filled and are isolated from one another over the full width of the insulating panel. Opposite ends of the passages are closed by closure means at opposite side edges of the panels so as to form a plurality of totally enclosed pockets extending horizontally of the door and thereby provide panels having high thermal insulation ratings.

Abstract: A portable display system having a plurality of hollow panel assemblies with each comprising two parallel and facing wall boards secured within a border strip device. Eight panel assemblies are hinged together to fold and unfold between a folded position in which all panel assemblies are in parallel stacked relation and an unfolded position in which the panels are open in any one of a number of different positions including a continuous wall arrangement.

Abstract: A slat assembly for a door includes a steel slat for the outside of the door and an extrusion of polyvinylchloride (PVC) serving as an insulation cover. A cavity in between the slat and the insulation cover is filled with insulation, the insulation and insulation cover providing a thermal break between the outside steel slats and the inside. The insulation cover is uniquely shaped to maximize strength and to secure it indirectly by way of a steel clip to the steel slat such that stress is minimized by accomodating differing coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The cart includes a body having a front wall with an opening. Tracks for a plastic shutter-type door are located at either side of the opening. The end portions of the articulately interconnected members making up the door are received within the tracks. Each end portion has a protruding lip. Each track includes a pair of spaced members, one of which carries a lip which extends towards the surface of the end portion. The end portion of the door is received between the track members with the lip on the track member situated between the lip on the end portion and the wall opening. The lips interengage to prevent removal of the door from the track. A rigid insert is received within a slot extending along the length of each door member so as to reinforce same.

Abstract: A shutter link (1) for a multi-link overhead shutter or roller blind comprises two sheet metal sheets (7, 8) formed with a cavity (3) between them. The cavity is filled with a heat insulative compound (4) and hinge formations (5, 6) are provided along the longitudinal side of the sheets. Slots (9) are formed along the length of each shutter length on one wide side thereof. The slots are bridged by narrow webs (9) defined by slot interruptions and flanges are provided along the slots are provided on their side facing the cavity with notches (15) formed adjacent to the bending lines and extending parallel to the slots.

Abstract: An adjustable thermal shield adapted for installation upon residences, office buildings, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and other structures or objects having areas such as glass walls, windows and the like, for which enhanced thermal efficiencies are either desired or required. Each shield comprises a panel formed of rigid plastic foam which is encased in a specially prepared fabric to provide a skin-tight cover having an extending flap to provide pivot means between the panel and a like panel or the installation assembly, as the case may be.

Abstract: An energy efficient garage door construction comprising a plurality of interconnected door sections. Each of the sections includes a pair of symmetrical metal panels forming the opposed sides and long edges of the section, an expanded polystyrene core to which the metal panels are adhesively bonded, and a pair of generally U-shaped end pieces nestingly received between the metal panels. The metal panels form oppositely facing recesses along one side edge and tongues along the other side edge so that adjacent panels interfit to create a baffle effect, and the panels are held together by C-shaped retaining plates which serve the secondary function of hinge reinforcement members.

Abstract: Vertical and non-vertical collapsing panel closures for various applications are disclosed. The closure has reduced stacking height when collapsed and possesses a more energy efficient panel section guide roller system operating with a more economical and versatile upper and lower guide roller track arrangement. An insulated closure having an interior flush surface and an exterior rail and stile facade is achieved. A more simplified variable dynamic closure counterweighting system is provided.

Abstract: A panel for use in a sectional door. The panel which is easy to construct and has improved insulating properties, has an elongated insulating core, a first metallic skin on one face of the core and a second metallic skin on the other face of the core. The first and second metallic skins both have crimped edges that are joined together at the sides of the panel with an insulating member interposed between them. The insulating members on the long sides of the panel may include diverging seal arms projecting outwards for providing a seal between adjacent panels. The invention is also directed toward a sectional door incorporating the panels.

Abstract: A multiple slat insert adapted to be installed in window fixtures operable when in a closed position to insulate the window and, when in an open position, to expose the window. The insert preferably comprises a pair of elongated, spaced-apart mounting members secured within the window frame, and a plurality of elongated, generally planar slats rotatably coupled between the mounting members. The slats are of parallelogram cross section, so that when rotated to the closed, generally co-planar position, they will abut one another to provide a convective seal.

Abstract: A shutter assembly is made of adjacent interlocked extruded plastic slats having a hollow generally rectangular body with extending tongue and channel interlocking members. Provision is made for locking slats in mated position against longitudinal movement and for a metallic end bearing surface providing long wear under heavy use.The slat structure is ribbed to remove rain water that may tend to pass through a shutter and for adding strength and can receive strengthening rods as desired in a mating internal female cell structure.

Abstract: A movable solar collector structured to move between a first or solar collecting position and a second or storage position as desired by the user. The movable solar collector may be in the nature of a closure member adapted to close an entryway in the first position and open that entryway in the second position. One preferred form is an overhead door, e.g., a garage door, comprised of a plurality of door panels. Each door panel is structured to collect solar energy, and is hinged to adjacent door panels so that the panels can be moved between a generally vertical closure position where the collector is exposed to solar energy, and a generally horizontal open position where the collector is elevated above ground level. The plural door panels are structured to establish an integrated hollow collector unit when in the first position, the plural panels cooperating with a fluid that circulates interiorly thereof for absorbing solar energy into that fluid.

Abstract: A novel overhead door section system and method, the section including a section facing fabricated from a high tensile steel and secured to a novel end stile and center stile. The end stile includes an angle support secured therein. The angle support clamps an end of the section facing against a front face of the end stile and is secured to ribs in the section facing and to a side wall of the end stile. A novel back facing and method provide additional strength to the panel and may also enclose an insulative layer inside the panel.