Plural Independently Mounted Movable Closures Patents (Class 49/168)
  • Patent number: 12123234
    Abstract: A horizontally elongated rail is adapted to be mounted with respect to a door opening, and a door assembly is slideably mounted on the rail and is slideable along a generally vertical imaginary plane. The door assembly includes an upper section cooperating with the rail to provide for the slideable mounting of the door assembly on the rail, and a lower section pivotably attached to the upper section at an attached end thereof so as to be pivotable with respect to the upper section about a generally vertical axis from a closed position, in which the upper section and the lower section are generally co-planar, to an open position. A safety release has an engaged position, in which the lower section and the upper section are fixed in the closed position, and a disengaged position, in which the lower section is pivotable to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Accurate Lock & Hardware Co. LLC
    Inventor: Francis Colligan
  • Patent number: 11713616
    Abstract: A door assembly may include a first sidelite configured to be operably coupled to a first door jamb, a second sidelite configured to be operably coupled to a second door jamb where the first and second sidelites are disposed in a common plane and define a door opening between the first and second sidelites, a first sliding panel, a second sliding panel where the first and second sliding panels are movable from a closed position disposing the first and second sliding panels to block access through the door opening and an open position in which the first sliding panel is proximate the first sidelite and the second sliding panel is proximate the second sidelite, a first partial door panel, and a second partial door panel. The first and second sliding panels are disposed in a second plane parallel to the common plane in both the open and closed position. The first and second partial door panels are operably coupled to the first and second sidelites, respectively, via hinge assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wolfe, Thomas Epke
  • Patent number: 11479307
    Abstract: A pivot bracket assembly having a pivot bracket configured to be fixed between a tailgate and a vehicle body. A pivot pin extends through the through-hole of the pivot bracket, and includes a first end configured to be attached to the tailgate and a second end. A pivot arm includes an aperture configured for receipt of the second end of the pivot pin, and a portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle body. A bushing assembly including a sleeve and at least one bushing positioned within the sleeve is positioned within the through-hole of the pivot bracket and the pivot pin extends through the sleeve and the bushing, wherein a debris mitigation cover is positioned between the pivot arm and the pivot bracket that is configured to minimize dust and/or debris from entering the bushing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Vinaya Sridhar, Robert J Gibbs, Christopher J Duke
  • Patent number: 11330794
    Abstract: A window-mounted pet litter housing is described. The housing is equipped with at least one door, a front opening, a transparent rear panel, a ceiling, a floor, and at least one window anchor mount. The front opening facilitates access to the housing by the pet. The interior of the housing provides adequate space for the pet litter box, as well as space for the pet to lie down and peer through the transparent rear panel. Vented louvers are disposed in the left wall and right wall which provide ventilation while preventing rain and snow from entering the housing. A mounting plate present in the preferred embodiment expedites and facilitates secure installation of the housing from inside the structure equipped with the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Alden Martinez
  • Patent number: 11276323
    Abstract: A modular building system, includes a building unit which is formed of a framing system, at least one door module, at least one window module, and wall panels. The framing system includes a floor, a ceiling, and four corner columns secured between the floor and the ceiling. The door module is temporarily secured between the floor and the ceiling along the perimeter of the framing system. Likewise, the window module is temporarily secured between the floor and the ceiling along the perimeter of the framing system. The wall panels are secured between the floor and the ceiling around the perimeter of the framing system to enclose the building. The door module and the window modules are interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Jahnke & Sons Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Peter Kirchner, Steven William Jahnke
  • Patent number: 10961771
    Abstract: A sliding door module insert assembly for selective egress of a pet and a user includes a panel and a pet door. The panel is sized so that the panel is configured to position in an orifice of a sliding door module. A slat, which is shaped substantially complementarily to a side of a frame of the sliding door module, is hingedly coupled to a first side edge of the panel. The slat is configured to insert into the frame so that the slat is frictionally coupled to the frame, positioning the panel to selectively swing relative to the frame to open and close the orifice to allow a user to enter and exit the dwelling. The pet door is coupled to the panel so that the pet door is positioned to selectively close an aperture that is positioned in the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Angelone
  • Patent number: 10174554
    Abstract: The gate has an exchangeable span that is fixed to the load bearing beam and is connected with pulley bearings and rope-slings to the system of adjustable counterweights. The drive system is fitted with an electric drive with a worm-wheel mounted to the load bearing beam that travels vertically along the worm. The beam, span and the drive travel on adjustable guiderails inside a reinforced concrete pit in the direction opposite to that of counterweights. The load bearing beam is fitted with rollers and retaining rollers mounted to the cover. Emergency (manual) operation of the gate is possible by turning a crank handle connected with the worm, having released the lock that prevents the worm from rotating on its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventors: Jacek Kuhnl-Kinel, Piotr Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 9157269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet door system that has one or more open modes throughout a day wherein a pet can transverse the door for limited duration of time. In one variation, the open mode of the door may terminate upon passage by the pet and the pet may traverse the door at the next open mode. In one variation, the pet door system is controlled by a smart phone and an associated smart phone application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 9080378
    Abstract: A sentinel event reduction door comprises a trapazoidally-shaped panel comprising four sides. A continuous hinge is connected to the panel along substantially the full length of a first side thereof. A second side of the panel adjacent to the first side is at an angle defined by the inner section of the first and second sides of the panel and is an acute angle. A second panel at the top of the door for movement between an open position to a closed position within an opening in the second side of the first panel. A third side of the first panel has a pliable material attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick E. Keller
  • Publication number: 20150047260
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved pet doors, systems and related methods that may be used or installed on the fixed panel of a new or existing sliding door, such as a patio door, without interfering with the sliding movement of the companion door by providing a low profile closing panel and latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jerry Lew Louie, Eric L. Vidmar
  • Patent number: 8925248
    Abstract: A vehicle door structure comprises a slide door panel for opening and closing a front region of a rear door opening of a vehicle body and a swing door panel for opening and closing a rear region of the rear door opening in cooperation with the slide door panel, swing door panel lock mechanisms for locking the swing door panel with respect to the vehicle body when the swing door panel is fully closed, and slidability setting mechanisms provided with the vehicle body. Slide rails are provided in upper and lower parts of the vehicle body, while rollers are attached to upper and lower parts of the slide door panel. The slidability setting mechanisms permit the rollers to be introduced to the slide rails only when the swing door panel is locked with respect to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Katsuya Maruyama, Yoshio Ojima
  • Publication number: 20140346166
    Abstract: An access port for installation on a door of a container is disclosed in kit form, and as an installation on a container. The access port is installed on a container surface, such as a door, close to a latch, lock, handle, release or other device utilized to close and hold the container door closed from the outside. A hole is cut into the container surface. A frame having an aperture is positioned on the outside of the container such that the aperture of the frame aligns with the hole. A cover forms a door or other suitable structure on the inside of the container that closes the hole through the container. The cover can be manually transitioned between the open and closed positions from within the container. However, the cover cannot be transitioned from the closed position to the open position from outside of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Horvath, Kody Lee Traylor
  • Publication number: 20140259937
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved pet doors, systems and related methods that may be used or installed on the fixed panel of a new or existing sliding door, such as a patio door, without interfering with the sliding movement of the companion door by providing a low profile closing panel and latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ANLIN INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Jerry Lew Louie, Eric L. Vidmar
  • Publication number: 20140237899
    Abstract: A split-door handle for releasably interengaging upper and lower door-leaves of a split-door is provided and comprises a pivotable hand-grip element, a first door-engagable support which supports the hand-grip element to pivotably move between an upper and lower door-leaf engagement condition whereby upper and lower door-leaves of a split-door are interengaged for simultaneous movement and a upper and lower door-leaf release condition whereby the upper and lower door-leaves of the split-door are movable independently, a second door-engagable support which is spaced from the first door-engagable support and by which the hand-grip element is positively retained in the said engagement condition, and a detent at the first door-engagable support to positively hold the hand-grip element in the said second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Ian Felmeri, Thomas Doyle
  • Patent number: 8756864
    Abstract: A slideable and pivotable door assembly configured to selectively permit passage through an opening between a first side and a second side of the opening. The slideable and pivotable door assembly has a normally fixed door panel arranged to cover a first portion of the opening when in a normally closed fixed position. The door assembly also includes a slideable door panel slidable relative to the fixed door panel. The slideable door panel is slidable between a 1) closed position wherein the door panel covers a second portion of the opening and 2) an open position wherein the second portion of the opening is uncovered. A first pivot structure enables pivotal movement of the normally fixed door panel upon a pivoting actuation and a second pivot structure enables pivotal movement of the slideable door panel at any position relative to the normally fixed door panel while the normally fixed door panel remains in its normally fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Hamaker, Prasad Sahasrabudhe, Michael A. Zabbo, Vito A. Spinelli, Thomas M. Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 8740279
    Abstract: A tailgate can include first and second frames, doors and sets of touchpads. The frames can be coupled to the vehicle to selectively pivot about a first axis, and can be selectively coupled to the vehicle via respective frame latches. The doors can be coupled to the respective frames to selectively pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and relative to the frames, and can be selectively coupled to the frames via respective door latches. The sets of touchpads can be operably connected with the respective doors and frame and door latches. Actuation of one or both sets of touchpads in different configurations can facilitate opening one or both of the doors independent of or with each other in a first configuration pivoting about the first axis with the respective frames, or in a second configuration pivoting about the second axis relative to the respective frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Danja McGoff, David Anderson, Gary Bastian, Trevor C. Garvey, Eugene Paik
  • Publication number: 20130305609
    Abstract: A pet door with locking flaps, or lockable pet door. The lockable pet door includes a barrier flap surrounded by one or more locking flaps mounted in the pet door frame. The locking flaps, the barrier flap, and the pet door frame cooperate to provide selective direction control allowing ingress, egress, both, or neither. Each locking flap is independently and selectively attached to the frame of the pet door to prevent movement of the locking flap. Each locking flap defines a through opening. In use, the animal passes through the locking flap on the entry side of the pet door and the locking flap on the exit side moves with the barrier flap. When locked, each locking flap prevents the barrier flap from pivoting to that side of the pet door blocking passage in that direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Jason R. Graves
  • Patent number: 8567137
    Abstract: A pet door panel or module is configured to include a pocket window opening having an open side portion to permit a ventilation screen to be slid into the pocket on centrally located tracks to provide ventilation means, and to further permit dual panel storm window means to be slid into the pocket via tracks on either side of the centrally located track to enclose the screen between the window panes to prevent air from flowing through the window opening to protect from foul weather and insulate from cold outside temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Accession, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8555578
    Abstract: A movable door element in a door of a multimodality medical suite. The door is in a wall positioned between a first room and a second room of the suite, with the suite including a flexible raceway configured to extend within the length of the suite and selectively extend through a portion of the door, the door element including a housing and a shield component. The housing is coupled to the door and configured to selectively move from a first position to a second position. The housing is further configured to move to the second position when a shield door component, coupled to the raceway, displaces the housing and is disposed in a space in the portion of the door vacated by the door element. The shield component disposed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: MedTrak Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen G. Hushek
  • Publication number: 20130212947
    Abstract: A closure assembly comprising at least two closures moveable in a closure frame, said closure frame including a header, sill and including a track sized to extend the full-length the header and sill thereby providing for guided movement of each individual closure to the maximum extent to and from a fully closed position, the at least two closures presenting a straight line, in-line, closure, such as a window, entry door, French door, patio door assembly and when the closures are pivoted from a closed position whereat said closures are parallel to the extension of said closure frame to a second position wherein free end of the closer is pivoted away from the closure frame, the free end of said closure including an inter-engaging member which inter-engage with adjacent members to brace together said closures thereby against any loading such as wind loads or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: 420820 Ontario Limited
    Inventor: 420820 Ontario Limited
  • Patent number: 8434264
    Abstract: Described is an animal door for enabling an animal to pass through a structure and for having an adjustable height. More specifically, the animal door is capable of being installed at the structure at multiple orientations, whereby the orientation at which the animal door is installed governs the height of the door. Additionally, the animal door is removably installed at the structure such that the orientation, and thus the height, of the door is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Bosserdet, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130047513
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed panel and a sliding panel moveable relative to the fixed panel between an open position and a closed position. An elongated member is connected to the fixed panel and defines a channel extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. The channel receives the sliding panel for movement of the sliding panel relative to the fixed panel. A rail is disposed in the channel along the longitudinal axis and is spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first end. The elongated member defines a drain hole molded into the elongated member in the channel. The drain hole is defined between the rail and the first end of the channel along the axis for draining water from the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
  • Publication number: 20120324793
    Abstract: A vehicle compartment closure apparatus is provided. The closure apparatus includes a frame member and a door. The frame member is configured to be operably coupled to the vehicle contiguous with the compartment. The frame member is further configured to be operably coupled to a plurality of single and dual door configurations. The door is coupled to the frame member. At a first operational mode, the door and the frame member are rotatable about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. At a second operational mode, the door is rotatable about a second axis between an open position and a closed position, and the frame member does not move with the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Arif Abbasi, Andrew R. Kavc, Gerald J. Wenzloff, Paul Stibich, Nick Antenucci, Carl Wayne Stroope, David B. Reed
  • Patent number: 8245447
    Abstract: The slide door assembly includes a lower rail provided on a chassis; a lower roller bracket mounted on a slide door and slidably engaged with the lower rail, the lower roller bracket having a roller; an interlock stopper mounted on one side of the lower roller bracket and pivoting to protrude toward the lower rail when a window pane is opened; a locking device mounted on the other side of the lower roller bracket; and a safety device for holding the slide door in an open state, the safety device being locked to the locking device by the interlock stopper when the slide door with the opened window pane is opened. In the case where the slide door is opened, with the window pane being opened to a certain height, the slide door is locked substantially at a three-quarter point by the safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Hwan Oh
  • Publication number: 20120137589
    Abstract: A door, including: an opening passing through the door; a first panel hingedly connected to the door between the opening and a bottom edge of the door such that in a closed position the panel covers the opening and in an open position all of the panel is aligned with the door between the opening and the bottom edge; and a screen assembly secured to the door and including a displaceable screen. For the open position, the screen is extendable to cover the opening. For the closed position, the screen is retractable about a coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Marshall D. Christie
  • Publication number: 20110232579
    Abstract: A brush may be mounted on a typical flap-style pet door. As the pet uses the pet door, the brush may automatically sweep dirt, loose hair, leaves, grass, allergens, or other debris off the pet. The result may be both a cleaner pet and a cleaner house, as the debris may be brushed off the pet prior to the pet entering the house. The pet owner need not be present for the brush to reap its benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip Scott Clayson
  • Publication number: 20110219693
    Abstract: Described is an animal door for enabling an animal to pass through a structure and for having an adjustable height. More specifically, the animal door is capable of being installed at the structure at multiple orientations, whereby the orientation at which the animal door is installed governs the height of the door. Additionally, the animal door is removably installed at the structure such that the orientation, and thus the height, of the door is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: James R. Bosserdet, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110047873
    Abstract: A pet access door apparatus for an associated building includes a frame; a first opening defined by the frame having a first size; a second opening defined by the frame having a second size that is different from the first size. The openings each have a flap disposed therein, each a flap has an edge. The edge engages the frame whereby the flap is suspended from the edge. Each flap has first and second sides. The apparatus further includes discrete first retractable stops abutting a first side of each of the flaps, each first retractable stop retracts to allow movement of the abutting flap in a first direction and extends to prevent movement of the abutting flap in the first direction; the apparatus further includes discrete second stops abutting a second side of each of the flaps, each second stop retracts to allow movement of the second flap in a second direction and extends to prevent movement of the second flap in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: JEFF KUHN, Janis Kuhn
  • Patent number: 7603819
    Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a first and second shutter panel, where each panel includes a missile-repelling membrane panel, a frame having an elongated hollow body with inwardly disposed wall elements forming an inwardly facing U-shaped channel adapted to retain the membrane panel on at least two sides, and a membrane-retaining element separably attachable to the frame, allowing the membrane panel to be removed from the frame or secured within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Paul A. Heltai
  • Publication number: 20090139144
    Abstract: A telescoping gate can include a frame, a primary gate member connected to the frame in a manner such that the primary gate member can move relative to the frame, and a secondary gate member that is moveable with respect to both the primary gate member and the frame. The primary gate member can include at least one side wall, a top wall extending at an angle from a top of the side wall, and a bottom wall extending at an angle from a bottom of the side wall to create a cavity between the bottom wall, side wall and top wall. The secondary gate member can be located in the cavity of the primary gate member and configured to move relative to the primary gate member and the frame within that cavity. The bottom wall of the primary gate member includes a first roller/rail structure and the secondary gate member includes a bottom wall having a first roller/rail structure configured to mate with the first roller/rail structure of the primary gate member bottom wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce G. GILL, Douglas J. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 7500452
    Abstract: A sorting assembly for sorting animals. The sorting assembly comprises a plurality of gates forming a visual barrier, each gate leading to a separate animals area. The gates are configured for movement between an opened position and a closed position. Only one gate may be in an opened position at a time. The gate in the opened position provides a contrast with gates in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Patrick J. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7493727
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable enclosure provides an additional storage or work area in a structure which has a limited amount of available space, such as a motor home or trailer. The enclosure is installed in an opening, such as for a window, and can be selectively moved to an extended position where the enclosure extends outside the structure, or to a retracted position where the enclosure is positioned inside the structure. Two spaced apart swing arms pivotally mount the enclosure to the structure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to the extended or retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick Broussard
  • Patent number: 7207141
    Abstract: A portable pet portal insert for a sliding patio door includes separate top, center, and bottom modules that can be assembled together through use of tongue and groove fittings therebetween, with the bottom module having a cutout portion adapted for receiving a pet portal, the pet portal including a pivotal flap, a cam operated lock for preventing movement of the flap away from an associated frame, and a weather seal mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Accession, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7178854
    Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door having a hole and configured to be slidable with respect to a vehicle body, a member configured to open and close the hole, a first detector configured to detect a position of the member relative to the hole to determine an openness of the hole, a second detector configured to detect a position of the door relative to the body, and a unit configured to be activated to project from one to another of the body and the door, so as to abut on the another such that the door is stopped from sliding in an opening direction, when the openness is greater than a threshold, and the position is between a full-closed position and a midway position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Ichinose, Fumihiro Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 7100325
    Abstract: A sliding door apparatus includes a sliding door having a window and slidably disposed with respect to a body of a vehicle, a foreign object detecting unit that detects whether a foreign object exists in the open area, and a slide stopping unit that stops, upon the foreign object detecting unit detecting existence of the foreign object, sliding of the sliding door in the opening direction before the sliding door reaches a full-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Ichinose
  • Patent number: 7052073
    Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door having a hole and configured to be slidable with respect to a vehicle body, a member configured to open and close the hole, a first detector configured to detect a position of the member relative to the hole to determine an openness of the hole, a second detector configured to detect a position of the door relative to the body, and a unit configured to be activated to project from one to another of the body and the door, so as to abut on the another such that the door is stopped from sliding in an opening direction, when the openness is greater than a threshold, and the position is between a full-closed position and a midway position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Ichinose, Fumihiro Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 7024820
    Abstract: A sliding door security insert assembly installable into an opening made when one sliding door mounted for lateral movement within a door frame is partially opened to define the opening between one door jamb and a facing sliding door stile. A substantially rectangular insert frame includes a lower transverse member adapted to be supported on the lower track while said upper transverse member is adapted to be positioned into the upper track for lateral sliding movement only. An elongated locking shim is positionable between the upper transverse member and the upper track prevents insert frame removal. Offset locking pins attached to one insert frame stile are adapted to be inserted into a mating hole formed into the facing sliding door stile and visa versa whereby the insert frame and the sliding door are connectable together. Full adjustability in height and mating thickness with the existing sliding door edge is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Myron R. Dustin
  • Patent number: 6779580
    Abstract: A window system includes an out-swinging window having an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The viewable portions of the interior surface are made of a first material. The window system also includes a jamb. The out-swinging window is pivotally attached to the jamb. A screen assembly is removably mountable to the jamb on the interior surface of the out-swinging window. The screen assembly further includes a frame portion with a viewable portion made of the first material. In some embodiments, the window system further includes a finish strip positionable between the screen of the screen assembly and the frame of the screen assembly and a set of instructions regarding the window system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Marvin Lumber & Cedar Company
    Inventors: Brad Woodward, Lenny Wong, Tim Stoll, Anthony Scott Head
  • Patent number: 6477806
    Abstract: A device for opening and closing a window portion of a slide door includes a window regulator mechanism having a lift arm whose opposite end portions are connected to a pane and a driving mechanism respectively for moving the pane in the upward and downward directions when the driving mechanism rotates the lift lever in opposite directions. An opening condition detection mechanism has a movable member associated with the lift arm so as to be movable together with the lift lever and a detection member linked to the movable member for indicating whether or not the window portion is closed by the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sukekazu Asada, Yukio Isomura, Hirokazu Suzumura
  • Patent number: 6422287
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a slide/swing patio door including a frame having a first panel pivotally mounted on the frame and a second panel slidingly mounted in the frame in a plane adjacent to the first panel. The second panel slides toward the first panel until they are substantially congruent, at which time the first and second panels can be selectively moved out of the frame around a pivot of the first panel. Another embodiment includes a latch to couple the first panel and the second panel together before the panels can be moved around the pivot. An additional embodiment provides a lock pin mounted on the first panel configured to engage a box staple mounted on the frame. In addition, another embodiment further includes a guide mounted on the first panel aligned to engage the second panel, wherein the second panel is guided alongside of the first panel and supported by the guide on the first panel during movement around the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: James Bradley Wilke
  • Patent number: 6412222
    Abstract: A slide door is suitable for use in a vehicle slide door of a type where a window glass is lowered and a window is opened. This slide door includes an intermediate stopper mechanism. The intermediate stopper mechanism includes an intermediate striker disposed at a vehicle side, a first pole rotatably disposed at a slide door side and detachably engaged with the intermediate striker, a first latch which is a latch to engage with the first pole rotated to a position where it cannot abut on the intermediate striker and to restrain the first pole to that position, and which releases restraint of the first pole when a window glass of the slide door is opened to a predetermined position. By this structure, switching of the intermediate stopper mechanism can be carried out without fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Shiroki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hashiba, Ryota Kadonishi
  • Patent number: 6385909
    Abstract: A pet door including a cammed closing mechanism and a sliding lock mechanism. The cammed closing mechanism returns the pet door to a resting closed position and provides sufficient force to resist opening by normal weather conditions such as wind or a hard rain without the need for additional components such as magnets. The sliding lock mechanism serves to control the ingress and/or the egress of an animal through the pet door as selected by the pet door owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gary F. Marsh, Steven J. Clayden
  • Patent number: 6272793
    Abstract: A height adjuster for a pet door panel to be fitted in a sliding door frame has nesting, or telescoping, spacers atop the pet door panel frame, capped with a top piece engageable with the sliding door frame. In one embodiment, a screw seats in the top piece and passes thought the spacers, the number of which can be selected to adjust the height, and engages a nut in the pet door panel to secure the height adjuster together. In another embodiment, a piston-like top piece is biased away from the pet door panel, and the pet door panel frame includes moveable biased wedges, which positions the top piece relative to the pet door panel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: George N. Davlantes
  • Patent number: 6230426
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a vending machine face having an access panel therein for providing access to a graphics piece in the vending machine face. The access panel is movable from a closed position prohibiting access to the graphics piece, to an open position permitting access to the graphics piece for removal of the graphics piece. The access panel allows a person to change the graphics piece without opening the vending machine door. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the access panel in the closed position. The access panel is openable by using a special key or tool which is different from the key used to open the vending machine door. This allows the vending machine owner to give someone the task of changing the graphics piece without having to worry about the security of the money inside the vault area by giving that person only the special key to the access panel instead of a key to the vending machine door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: The Cola-Cola Company
    Inventors: Bassam Hassan Fakhoury, Crystal Gaye Burdette, Justin L. Westfahl
  • Patent number: 6109328
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to a screen door comprising a flexible screen and a rigid transparent protective cover disposed in at least partially overlapping relation with the flexible screen in order to protect the screen from damage. The cover is advantageously transparent in order to permit a person to see through both the screen and the cover. Furthermore, the cover is advantageously provided with a plurality of air holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Peter A. Montana, Peter B. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6061961
    Abstract: A security door for use with a sliding glass door assembly that is installed in a casing, comprises a frame adapted for rotatable connection to the casing about a generally vertical axis, and first and second panels connected to the frame. The frame includes an upper guide track and a lower guide track that extend in a generally horizontal direction. The first panel is fixedly connected to the upper and lower guide tracks, while the second panel is slidably connected to the upper and lower guide tracks for sliding movement with respect to the first panel between a retracted position wherein the first and second panels are in opposing relationship, and an extended position wherein the trailing edge of the second panel is proximal the leading edge of the first panel. The upper guide track has a length that is approximately equal to a distance between the trailing edge of the first panel and the leading edge of the second panel with the second panel in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Maurice J. Rupe
  • Patent number: 5967215
    Abstract: A one- and two-way pet screen door kit is provided for installation in an existing screen door or window screen to allow pets to pass through in one or both directions. The door is made up of a rectangular metal frame having a pair of magnetic latches located at the base of the door. The door is supported by a pair of symmetrically and horizontally disposed hinge members located near the top sides of the frame and strengthened at its center by a horizontal luminous crossbar. In the lower portion of the pet door, a pair of slide locks is positioned to lock each side to keep the pet either outside or inside. A pair of swivel locks are located on both sides of the door with locking ears on both inside and outside surfaces for one-way traffic. The magnetic latches maintain the pet door in a closed position when the pet is not using the door, and do not present a hindrance for the pet in using the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: John M. Needham, Maryann M. Needham
  • Patent number: 5946855
    Abstract: The swing-away pet door apparatus, is adapted for mounting to the frame of a new or existing conventional sliding glass door assembly. A hinge member is secured to an elastomeric sealing flange, which is secured to the sliding glass door frame at a location adjacent to the sliding glass door. The hinge mounted to the elastomeric sealing flange positions the swing-away frame member between open and closed positions. In the open position, the swing-away frame member is positioned adjacent to the door frame and clear of the door frame tracks, providing substantially full access through the sliding glass door frame, when the sliding glass door is opened. The sliding glass door may also be completely closed and locked when the hinge member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Frank G. Miconi
    Inventor: Frank G. Miconi
  • Patent number: 5946856
    Abstract: A pet door assembly having a frame and a security cover. The security cover has a main body with vertical edges and vertical flanges formed near each vertical edge. The frame includes vertically extending channel members for slidably receiving the vertical flanges of the security cover. Each channel member includes an integrally formed wall portion, a portion of which is located inwardly of the flange when the cover is disposed within the channel. The channel members and the vertical flanges engage in an interlocking fit to prevent the cover from horizontally extruding out of the channel, such as by a force applied substantially normal to the security cover, thus preventing the security cover from dislodging from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: George N. Davlantes
  • Patent number: 5884683
    Abstract: A system and method for converting a sliding door installation in which the door is mounted within at least one section of track mounted on the upper, or lintel, side of the door opening into a swing open or hinged door. According to one aspect an elongate support member that includes a first end and a second end is used. The first end of the elongate member adapted for insertion into the section of track mounted on the lintel side of the door opening. A mechanism for hingedly supporting a door from the elongate support member is also included, so that the hinged door may be supported from the elongate support member to close off at least part of the door opening. According to another aspect, a system or kit is taught for converting a hinged, bi-folding door to a hinged, double door system. The kit allows the use of the existing doors by providing a set of spacers that allow proper fit of the existing doors and allow clearance for the hinges within the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michael R. Sears