Covered, Hollow Or Slotted Track Patents (Class 16/95R)
  • Patent number: 5974738
    Abstract: A wheeled top guide for rolling movement of a door along an inverted U-shaped track includes a housing for mounting on the door with an upwardly extending axle and a roller thereon for rolling engagement with one side wall of the trace. A vertically oriented torsion member is seated in the housing and has a vertically extending elongated torsion rod having its lower end fixed on the housing, a horizontally extending arm having one end secured to the upper end of the torsion rod and extending away from the first shaft, and an upwardly extending axle adjacent the other end of the arm. A second roller on this axle is in rolling engagement with the other side wall of the track and is spaced from the first roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Kenneth Jacobs
  • 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: 5802672
    Abstract: Device for enclosing an end of a wiring duct raceway including an end panel, a covering section and an anti-rotation mechanism. The end panel is adapted to cover the end of the raceway. However, the covering section extends from a portion of the edge of the end panel and has a cross-section slightly larger than the cross-section of the raceway. In order to prevent disengagement from the raceway, the anti-rotation mechanism uses a latching mechanism, while depending from the covering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Brian K. Rohder
  • Patent number: 5771534
    Abstract: A slider block assembly and method for making the same are disclosed. The slider block assembly is for use with an elongate guide channel having a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls and a pair of axially spaced apart base walls joined to the side walls with one of the base walls having an elongate slot therein. The slider block assembly comprises a slider block having a socket therein and a fastener having a generally spherical ball. Preferably, the slider block is axisymmetric having an annular side wall flange and an annular base flange extending from a main body. The side wall and base flanges are cooperatively biased against the side walls and base walls when the slider block is inserted in the guide channel to prevent the slider block from rattling therewithin while allowing the slider block to slide or roll within the guide channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Claire Church
  • Patent number: 5742979
    Abstract: A rolling support assembly having a carrier with a housing configured for lateral reception within a corresponding cavity in a sliding door for frictional reception therein in a manner precluding longitudinal movement out of the cavity. The carrier mounts and provides for vertical adjustment of a depending wheel set offset to underlie the center of weight of the door and engage a pair of wheel rails provided on an underlying track including rail protecting overlying flanges and/or members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rocio Aznar Escolano
    Inventor: Maria del Rosario Garcia-Hernando
  • Patent number: 5737802
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: John F. Jella
  • Patent number: 5704086
    Abstract: Passenger boarding bridge extendable sections are provided with roller assemblies supporting one extendable bridge section relative to a second extendable bridge section wherein the roller assemblies assist in reducing the downward load in the overlapping area of the bridge sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Christian M. Hansen, Kenneth John Stoddard
  • Patent number: 5690157
    Abstract: A improved folding shower door assembly and related method of manufacture therefor are disclosed in which rigid panels with living hinges therebetween are supported by a horizontal track, with the shower door assembly mating at both sides thereof by removably inserting plastic closure channels at the sides of the shower door into retaining members mounted on opposing walls. The shower door assembly consists essentially of a plurality of semi-rigid panels which may be molded together in a single molding operation or by assembling panels together, with living hinges being located intermediate each adjacent pair of semi-rigid panels. A bathtub trim member located on top of the outer lip of the bathtub functions to retain the bottom edge of the shower door assembly, thereby preventing it from moving out over the edge of the bathtub and retaining water within the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Chang-Than Chen
  • Patent number: 5676417
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for protecting a rail of a sliding door of a motor vehicle, the said rail being fitted in a horizontal groove formed in the bodyshell of the vehicle and interacting with members for moving this door, which members can move along the said rail as this door is slid between an open position and a closed position. The device comprises a flap mounted in the groove and pivoted by the said members for moving the door between a substantially horizontal position uncovering the groove when the door is in the open position, and a substantially vertical position filling the said groove when this door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Automobiles Citroen
    Inventor: Jamilloux Olivier
  • Patent number: 5560417
    Abstract: A two-piece drapery traverse rod master carrier comprising a carrier body having rod guides for supporting the carrier body for movement along a traverse rod, and a drapery support arm having lead and trail ends and a mounting stem extending laterally from one side of the support arm at a location intermediate the lead and trail ends of the arm. The carrier body has an arm guide supporting the mounting stem for horizontal movement in a direction perpendicular to the path of movement of the carrier body when the lead end of the drapery support arm extends from the arm guide to adjust the lateral position of the support arm relative to the slide body. The drapery support arm can be positioned on the carrier body with the lead end extending in either of two opposed directions generally parallel to the path of movement of the carrier body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Smiley
  • Patent number: 5513419
    Abstract: A Shower Curtain Rod Assembly includes a stem-to-stem, double-Y shaped shower curtain rod with an integral split-track extending along almost the entire length of its bottom surface, shower curtain clips and screw-type endcaps. The shower curtain rod is suspended between two side walls of a shower or bathtub enclosure by unscrewing the endcaps. Rubber or plastic endcap pads prevent the shower curtain rod from slipping and protect the side walls from damage from preasure mounting. Shower curtain clips include an elongated base, a stem and ring-type clamps for suspending shower curtain(s) from the shower curtain rod. The base can thereby be inserted into the split-track and rotatingly secured. Conventional shower curtain(s) can be secured using the ring-type clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: John E. Zinger
  • Patent number: 5499671
    Abstract: An anti-float system for operable partitions in a movable wall system. The anti-float system includes first and second camming assemblies, each including a trolley camming surface, cooperatively positioned along the operable partition track. Preferably both of the trolley camming surfaces are spring biased to camming positions where they define a passageway through which a portion of the trolley passes when the trolley moves along the track. The passageway is narrower than the width of the trolley portion. When the trolley portion enters the passageway while traveling in the wall extending direction, the trolley portion engages the trolley camming surfaces and forces the surfaces outward from their camming positions against a resistance provided by the biasing springs in order for the trolley to pass. The camming assemblies are also movable from a camming alignment to a retracted alignment when the trolley portion travels in the wall stacking direction through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Modernfold, Incorporated
    Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 5452543
    Abstract: A track securable to a window sash for guiding the roller of a window operator having an operator arm selectively pivotable relative to a window frame to move the sash relative to said frame, the arm having the roller at its distal end. The track includes two substantially parallel spaced longitudinal walls connected by a longitudinal wall substantially perpendicular to and extending between the parallel walls, an operator roller being receivable between the parallel walls. An integral stop is stamped in the connecting wall, and includes a non-planar portion angled at one end from the connecting wall into the space between the parallel walls, and an arcuate end surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the path of roller travel from the other end of the non-planar portion to substantially adjacent the connecting wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: David R. VonWald, Perry L. Virkler
  • Patent number: 5406676
    Abstract: A multi-directional carrier includes a track and first and second ledges on the track. The ledges are relatively spaced vertically and horizontally. First and second discs are supported on a bolt in vertical spaced relation. One of the discs engages one of the ledges on one side of the bolt and the other disc engages the other ledge on the other side of the bolt. The underside of each disc has an angled surface and the upper side of each of the ledges has a complementary angled surface which is engaged by one of the disc angled surfaces. The angles of both said disc and ledge surfaces are substantially equal, being in the range of 2.degree. to 8.degree. to the horizontal, specifically 5.degree.. The discs can be made of metal and the underside of each disc can also be provided with rings of suitable bearing material engaging the ledges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5398902
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting a sliding door track and a flashing on a structure is disclosed, comprising a mounting bracket including a substantially flat first section and a substantially flat second section affixed to and extending from the first section, the second section forming parallel opposed U-shaped channels extending upwardly and inwardly from the second section and spaced a first distance apart, and a flashing bracket adapted to support a flashing thereon and including an attachment end having a pair of engagement portions adapted to be received in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Roger K. Crowe
  • Patent number: 5357651
    Abstract: A programming system is provided for passing or blocking the movement of operable room divider panels along overhead tracks supporting the panels. The programming system employs separate characterized gates which pass or deny passage to separate panels which are moved along the track. By providing gates at intersections panels from one track leg can be passed or blocked to one or more intersecting legs as desired. The gates may be in the form of keyed or characterized inserts at the intersections of tracks or channels supporting the panels. The inserts may have different keyed or characterized openings which receive mating guide pins on selected panels which permit passage past the gate and block panels having male guide pins with a different key or characterized configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Kwik-Wall Company
    Inventors: Norman P. Jones, Michael L. Saathoff
  • Patent number: 5295281
    Abstract: This invention relates to a support and guide element for movable, suspended door and wall elements. The support and guide element is designed so that a smooth movement can be securely executed, even in the vicinity of junctions and intersections. This is achieved because four support rollers are fastened to a square support roller cage block, but where only two of the four support rollers support the weight of the door or wall element in the running direction of the door or wall element. The other two support rollers are oriented at right angles to the running direction, and, during movement of the door in the running direction, only come into contact with the roller rail at a junction or intersection. Above the running rollers there are guide rollers, which guarantee secure guidance of the wall element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert Kordes
  • Patent number: 5272839
    Abstract: A pivotable glazing structure for covering an opening comprising sheets forming sections. Each sheet having a bottom edge and a top edge and each sheet is supported by its tip or bottom edge to a first bearing rail mounted on a structure and an opposite edge is supported at one supporting point to a second bearing rail mounted on a structure. The sheets can be individually moved to an edge of the opening covered by the sheets on sheet supporting points and pivoted through 90 degrees on first sheet hinge pines which are positioned at supporting points in alignment with each other so as to expose an outwardfacing surface of the sheet. A second hinge pin of the sheet is provided with a latch for locking the second hinge pin in position as the sheet is being pivoted on hinge pins. The latch comprises a jutting member made of a flexible material and the jutting member is adapted to engage with a toothed portion attached to or formed integrally with the bearing rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Nikai Innovaatio Oy
    Inventor: Niilo Karhu
  • Patent number: 5242222
    Abstract: A channel-stop assembly includes an elongated C-shaped channel 26 having an aperture 76 adjacent one end thereof. Inserted in the channel is a channel-stop 40 having first and second body members 42, 44 which are hinged together. One of the body members is slidably fitted into the end of the channel, and the other body member is pivotal to a coupled position wherein a tab 72 on the second body member 44 protrudes within the aperture in the channel to prevent removal of the channel-stop from the end of the channel. The two body members can be uncoupled for removal of the tab from the channel aperture so that the channel-stop can be removed from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Daryl A. Michael
  • Patent number: 5230123
    Abstract: A system of movable panels supported from overhead tracks by carriers engaged in the tracks. The panels are movable between a storage area and operable positions by moving the carriers along the tracks. The tracks are provided with an arrangement of bars which are selectively positioned at the junction between angularly related track sections. These bars, in cooperation with a preselected portion or portions of the carriers, permit only certain panels to move from one track section into another and blocking the entry of others. In addition, an arrangement of diverters are selectively positioned in the track sections in the area of the junction between track sections. These diverters, in cooperation with a preselected portion, or portions, of the carriers prevent certain panels from continuing along a given track section and divert those panels into an adjacent, angularly related track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Williams, Karl F. Arps
  • Patent number: 5209357
    Abstract: The hanging book end device includes a slotted track for installation above a book shelf, and a book end which is hung from the track. The top of the book end is flanged to fit into the track slots in a manner such that book end can be positioned anywhere along the track. The flange is made so as to prevent inadvertent shifting of the book end when books lean against it. A typical application of this book end device would be installation in a bookcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Robert H. Cannon
  • Patent number: 5206972
    Abstract: Device for closing the end of a section (1) of U-shaped cross section having a bottom (10) and two flanges (12) provided near the open face of the section with a rail (13) turned toward said bottom (10), characterized in that it includes a ferrule (2) carrying on its lower side two lugs (21) and on its upper side two positioning nipples (22) and two hooks (23) having slots (24) and a stop piece formed by a spindle (3) engaging into the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: P.G.E.P., Professional General Electric Products
    Inventors: Jean C. Nudelmont, Amedee Gagliardi
  • Patent number: 5203116
    Abstract: A rail assembly for a sliding door or sliding window includes a plurality of rails having a recess at top portion of each to receive a ball of a guide block therein. A rail cover is provided with a pair of identical troughs on a top portion thereof and in parallel to each other to receive the guide block to extend therefrom. A plurality of paper rolls are provided each having an aperture at one end for attachment to the guide block, and a hole at a center portion to receive a coil spring therein to provide a restoring force to the paper roll. The paper rolls cover the rail when the door or window is not seated on the rail to prevent dust or dirt from blowing into the room or gathering in the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Hong Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 5195211
    Abstract: A device for slidably and pivotably connecting a window regulator arm to a door inner panel includes, a molded plastic slide channel mounted in a slot provided in the door inner panel. The slot defined by spaced apart walls of the door inner panel and extends along the path of desired movement of the window regulator arm. The molded plastic slide channel has a base adapted to engage against the door inner panel and a pair of spaced apart channel walls projecting from the base and through the slot in the door inner panel. The channel walls snap fit against the walls of the slot to retain the slide channel on the door inner panel. The spaced apart channel walls cooperate to define a guide slot therebetween. A slide member is carried by the window regulator arm and slidably engages with the guide channel to enable pivoting and sliding of the regulator arm along the door inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gary W. Krajenke
  • Patent number: 5181296
    Abstract: A multidirectional carrier and track generally comprising a disc, a track, and structure on the track defining a disc supporting surface. The disc is supported for rotation about an axis. The disc is in engagement with the disc supporting surface and has first and second ball bearing assemblies. The ball bearing assemblies have inner and outer races, the inner races mounted adjacent one another along the axis. The disc also has an outer cylindrical rim portion, the rim portion have an inner-facing surface, an outer-facing surface and upper and lower surfaces, the inner-facing surface engaging the outer races and the lower surface contacting the track. Structure on the inner-facing surface defines axially spaced faces projecting radially inward towards the axis in step-wise fashion, forming two axially-facing shoulders projecting from the inner-facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5123128
    Abstract: A monolithic bathtub structure incorporates vertical support columns that in one aspect are integral with the bathtub and which can be secured directly to the stud framing of the cubicle in which the bathtub is installed. The bathtub structure includes a suspension beam incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent release of the access panels from the assembly, yet the locking mechanism may be adjusted to permit removal of the access panels. In other aspects of the invention, the suspension beam, including the panel locking mechanism, and the support columns may be independently manufactured as component parts to be assembled by the purchaser to form a bathtub enclosure. The monolithic bathtub structure is capable of formation from an appropriate synthetic resinous material, as are the support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: James S. Hines
  • Patent number: 5048196
    Abstract: A guided working device (1) is driven by an operable traction motor (2) for movement along a travel rail (3). The working device carries a driver (4) provided with articulated heads for a measuring carriage (5), which measuring carriage always travels the same distance as the working device (1). The measuring carriage travels on a control rail (11) and includes a measuring device (6). A plurality of sliding conductors (17) are also receivable by the control rail (11). The measuring carriage carries a preferably toothed measuring wheel about at least a circumferential portion of which a preferably toothed measuring belt is wrapped. The measuring wheel (7) is pressed, by guided wheels (8) in front of and behind the measuring wheel, against a toothed belt supporting surface which is associated with the control rail (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alfred Bernd, Anton Munzebrock, Heinz Pfannkuche, Uwe Schulte, Roland Staggl
  • Patent number: 5035025
    Abstract: A trundle trolley for supporting a door for sliding movement in a tubular track assembly, the trolley including a roller section and a carriage section pivotally mounted on the roller section, the carriage section including a slot on the lower edge and the door including hanger bolts along the top of the door, one hanger bolt being aligned in the slot in each carriage section. Brackets are provided on each carriage section to capture the bolt in the slot in the carriage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Combo Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry R. Morris, George A. Squires
  • Patent number: 5031271
    Abstract: A guide arrangement for a door element (14, 16), particularly a sliding door element for a shower enclosure, includes a guide element (10, 12) at the bottom edge of the door element including a rotatable member (34) engaged with a guide channel (8) of a lower guide rail (2). The guide element can be disengaged from the guide rail, when desired. The rotatable member (34) is at least partially mounted in a transverse hole (35) in a holding body so as to be at least partially rotatable about an axis of rotation extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the door element (14, 16). The rotatable member is additionally provided with an actuator, preferably in the form of a grip (10). The rotatable member (34) carries a pintle (38) which, depending on its rotational position, either engages the guide rail (2) or is pivoted out of engagement with the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 5016318
    Abstract: A multi-directional track and trolley system for movably supporting wall panels in which the track includes spaced track flanges forming a track slot and at least one track intersection having a curved track element with a curved edge and the trolley includes radial support wheels rotatably mounted in laterally spaced tandem pairs on a plate, frame or rigid trolley body for rotation about spaced parallel horizontal axes. The trolley is provided with guide rollers adjacent each end thereof and a centrally disposed panel supporting member which depend from the trolley body and are positioned in the track slot with the guide rollers mounted for rotation about generally vertical axes to guide the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Panelfold, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4991257
    Abstract: A sliding door apparatus for installation in a structural opening, having overhead runway rails with tracks or runways in which guide rollers of the sliding doors are mounted in a displaceable arrangement, additional cylindrical guide pins (pilots) (14) being provided as guides on switches which project downwardly into the runways (20) and which have centers that lie on assumed center lines of the runways (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Dorma - Glas Gesellschaft fuer Glastuer - Beschlaege und-Konstruktionen GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Eutebach
  • Patent number: 4991873
    Abstract: A slider stopping mechanism for an automatic seatbelt system which is supported by a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and having a groove extending in the same direction and is adapted to stop the movement of a slider at one end of the guide rail so as to apply a webbing to a seat occupant or cancel the application thereof as the webbing is moved in the transverse direction by a driving apparatus. The slider stopping mechanism includes a switch inserted in the groove from the end portion and adapted to stop the driving of the driving apparatus when the slider reaches a predetermined position, as well as a shock-absorbing member which is disposed in the groove in such a manner as to be located adjacent to the switch and with which the slider is brought into contact. Hence, the slider is prevented from coming into direct contact with the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenji Matsui, Tatsuo Yamashita, Kazuyoshi Ishiguro, Toshikatsu Kondo
  • Patent number: 4987638
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly comprising a door hanger, a hanger sheave, an upthrust roller and a track, wherein the hanger sheave assembly and the uptrust roller are rotatably mounted on the door hanger. The track provides a first rolling surface for the hanger sheave and a second rolling surface for the upthrust roller. The track also preferably captures the upthrust roller thereby preventing the assembly from leaving the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Nickolas Ribaudo
  • Patent number: 4934023
    Abstract: Laterally opened vehicular doors are guided by a track assembly which is made up of a track and an end cap. The end cap has a fastener portion which cooperates with the track to positively secure the end cap to the track without the use of a screw. A cantilevered ramped locking tab is forced into a locating hole in the bottom of the track by a tension arm which is deflected by the top of the track. The locking tab engages a side wall of the hole to locate a post against the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Schubring
  • Patent number: 4912807
    Abstract: A sliding door/window track assembly particularly suited for use with thick glass. Fastenable directly to both the upper and lower edges of such glass, the assembly includes a frame member made of plastic. The frame member is suspended between a pair of guides formed within a track member. A plurality of keys, which ride in slots formed in the sides of the guides, are employed not only to suspend the frame member but also to lock it into the track member for security. Moreover, the track member also allows a large amount of foreign material to be deposited along the track before any interference with operation occurs. Further, the track assembly can be fabricated so that only plastic material rubs on plastic when the door/window is slid, thereby allowing for free movement with little friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventors: Clark R. Futch, Bobbie W. Futch
  • Patent number: 4905345
    Abstract: A track system on which a sliding door may be hung includes a channel having a bottom wall and two substantially parallel side walls which extend upwardly from the bottom wall, at least two tube sections which lie coaxially on the bottom wall of the channel, and at least one spacer between adjacent tube sections. The tube sections each have a select outside diameter, and at least one hollow end with a select inside diameter. Each spacer includes a central cylindrical portion with an outside diameter equal to the select outside diameter of the tube sections, and two cylindrical insert portions which each have an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the tube section hollow ends. Each cylindrical insert portion extends axially from one end of the central cylindrical portion into the hollow end of one of the tube sections to maintain the tube section in position on the channel bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Air-Lec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Lunenschloss, Henry M. Ebbott, Raymond A. Beckeman, Glen M. Gregerson
  • Patent number: 4864686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper resistant assembly of a roller or slider in a track that can be used advantageously in schools, public buildings, detention facilities and the like; wherever the potential for vandalism and mischief is likely. In the present device the track is provided with unique sloped ends which expel, up and out, any foreign material placed in the track as it is moved along by the roller or slider toward the end of the track where it would ordinarily jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Lasier, Thomas G. Ford
  • Patent number: 4845807
    Abstract: A hanger bracket for the split rail of a horizontal sliding door assembly is provided with an aperture into which a dependent tab on a flashing support bracket extends, and a resilient tongue on the flashing support bracket fits under the hanger bracket to removably attach the flashing support bracket to the hanger bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: National Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Rooney
  • Patent number: 4837891
    Abstract: A track and trolley system that allows wall panels to be moved with a minimum amount of friction is disclosed. The system includes a track having a first rail, a second rail which is higher than the first rail, and a trolley having two drive wheels that engage the rails via annular track engaging surfaces of different diameters. Each drive wheel is independently rotatable in opposite directions. The system further includes a wall panel mount assembly haivng a housing integral with a movable wall panel and slide pads at track intersections to reduce the vertical elevational drop of a trolley when it moves across a track intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Toma, N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 4829631
    Abstract: The suspended travel device for panels includes traveling rails, crossing rails provided where the traveling rails cross each other (in a cross-like manner), and suspended vehicles suspended from these rails and adapted to travel and turn along the rails. The crossing rail is equipped with wheel bottom walls arranged substantially at the same height as wheel bottom surfaces of traveling rail, reception wheels arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the traveling direction of a vehicle body and vehicle bases adapted to rotatably support the reception wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Comany Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuniharu Araya
  • Patent number: 4821786
    Abstract: A closure structure for covering a door opening includes a recoilable spool of closure material, such as plastic or screen cloth, which closure material moves horizontally across a doorway and is stabilized by a top track hanger and a vertically extending locking and stabilizing member secured to the free end of the closure material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Bernard A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4800619
    Abstract: A wear resistant track for the rollers of an overhead door to roll against includes a pair of uniform longitudinally extruded members such as an insert and a channel and locking means for releasably interlocking the members together whereby a planar surface of the insert is flush with portions of the channel and positioned for the rollers to bear against. In one arrangement the insert was of a polymer such as nylon and the channel was of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Douglas & Lomason Company
    Inventor: Robert R. Hudak
  • Patent number: 4800618
    Abstract: An overhead tracked door selfsealing device suitable for easy retrofit of existing door installations which have no self sealing feature. It is comprised of a bracket and a spring driven cam system that is attached to the door track at the roller shaft points when the door is in the closed position. As a result, a lateral force imparted by the cam against the roller shaft via the pre-loaded spring forces the door against the jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Helmut J. Putz
  • Patent number: 4785494
    Abstract: Trailer doorposts are provided with removable tracks for rollers of vertically sliding doors. The tracks are provided with removable plastic inserts upon which the rollers travel. Weather stripping on the inside faces of the outer end wall of the tracks provide a seal between the doors slidable in the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Reliable Trailer and Body, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Adamski
  • Patent number: 4704819
    Abstract: A flat sliding door unit comprising a main rail extending in the right and the left directions along the upper door frame; swing arms provided aside the main rail and supported by the upper door frame or an extension thereof; sliding doors, each of which is provided with a pair of rollers to be shifted along the main rail and secured to upper both ends of the sliding door; wherein the swing arm is provided with an engaging pin at the tip thereof; a hook member to detachably engage the engaging pin and extending from the roller stay disposed on the leading end in the opening direction of the sliding door; an opening part of the hook member being directed in a fixed direction so as to depart from the engaging pin when the sliding door is slid along the main rail in the opening direction; the sliding door being retained in the closure position when the hook member engages the engaging pin; and, upon swinging of the sliding door to one side, the swing arm swings to shift the roller retaining the swing arm to a do
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Yosiji Tutikawa
  • Patent number: 4694531
    Abstract: A coupler for structurally joining opposing ends of overhead support rails is disclosed herein having a pair of elongated splice plates carried on opposite sides of the rail ends so as to overlap the abutment of the ends. Each splice plate of the pair is of substantially uniform cross section having a U-shaped channel section including a central, upright web terminating in transverse, parallel flanges. The upper flange is integrally formed with an upwardly extending flange parallel to but spaced apart from the upright web. Trapezoidal ribs extend externally of the channel section in parallel spaced relationship along the upper flange immediately adjacent to the web and along the web midway between the transverse flanges. Threaded bores provided in the ribs insertably receive fasteners for bearing against the respective rails. The configuration of each splice plate is conformal with the external configuration of the overhead support rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Peter S. Foy
  • Patent number: 4692961
    Abstract: A water guard for removably installing along the floor track of sliding patio-type doors includes a panel member depending vertically upwardly from the door track a distance of approximately three inches. The panel member is attached to the indoor side of the sliding door track and is supported thereon by way of a resilient, inverted U-shaped clamping mechanism. The water guard is selectively installed in the door track during periods of inclement weather conditions to prevent flow of water underneath the door and into the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: Jerry W. Brown
  • Patent number: 4678019
    Abstract: A structural arrangement which is particularly useful in connection with solar greenhouses is provided. Therein is provided a structural member in the form of a hollow bar of elongated form provided with longitudinally extending and parallel track channels having relatively narrow longitudinally extended slot mouths. A shade with a bulbous periphery is engaged in each of the track channels and a guide member is provided which changes the direction of movement of the shade as it exits from the ends of the corresponding track channels. The guide includes tubular extensions which extend into the track channels. The guide furthermore includes arcuate guide channels which are funnel shaped and operate in extension of the tubular extensions. A member operates in conjunction with the tubular extensions to a wall of the afore-mentioned bars for the mounting of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Four Season Solar Products Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Esposito
  • Patent number: 4555828
    Abstract: A guiding system for movable suspended partition walls comprising a main guide rail and two or more branch guide rails each extending from one side of the main guide rail to define two or more directional change points, a plurality of retainers movably disposed within the guide rails and suspending therefrom a plurality of partition walls, and guide members to select directions of movement of the retainers so that selected one or ones only among the retainers can move from the main guide rail into a selected one of the branch guide rails or vice versa without bringing the retainers to a stop at the directional change points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: Itoki Kosakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tugumi Matimura
  • Patent number: 4533173
    Abstract: A guide rail 1 for a sliding sun roof 2 of a motor vehicle has a first lower extrusion member 5 adapted to be secured to the vehicle roof 3 and a second upper extrusion member 6 adapted to be slidably engaged with the first member via mating flange lips. The assembled members form a guide channel 9 for a sun roof edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Carvalette Services Africa (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Bender A. Davis, Hendrik A. Louw