US4114674A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable door
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-12-23
•
Granted: 1978-09-19
•
Expires: 1996-12-23
Abstract
Abstract An expandable door features vertically telescoping door sections, having flexible wire guides to insure engagement of the door sections during raising and lowering operations, with a minimum of physical contact and force exerted between adjacent sections. The wire guides are uniquely shaped to assure engagement of the door sections, even when said sections become misaligned; this unique shape also allows ease of constructions and repair. The door sections may be either generally U-shaped or L-shaped, and nest one within the other when the door is opened.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank F. Gabry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:18
CPC Classifications
E; E06; E06B; E06B9/00; E06B9/02; E06B9/06; E06B9/0607; E06B9/0646; E06B9/0676; E06B3/00; E06B3/92; E06B3/921; E06B9/0615; E06B9/0638; E06B9/0653
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
258 words
A vertically expandable door closure, comprising: a plurality of door sections, means to suspend said sections one from the other when said door closure is in a closed position, each said section having a base and at least one leg depending therefrom; said suspension means including a channel formed on each said section, said channel extending along the lowermost edge of each said leg; said suspension means further including at least one guide hook formed on each said section, each said guide hook extending from one said leg intermediate said channel and said base, each said guide hook shaped, sized, and positioned to engage the channel of an immediately suprajacent section, each said guide hook having a guide aperture formed therethrough; a plurality of flexible wire struts, at least one of said struts being respectively mounted to each of said sections, each said strut including a first substantially horizontal segment, said first segment engaging the leg of said section, a second segment continuous with and depending from said first segment, said second segment being offset from said first segment, said second segment passing through one said guide hook aperture on an immediately subjacent section, a third segment continuous with said second segment and extending horizontally therefrom, said third segment engaging said channel along said lowermost edge of said section when said first segment engages said leg, each said wire strut directing said guide hook along said second segment to positively engage said guide hook with the channel of an immediately suprajacent section during closing of said door closure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
258 words
A vertically expandable door closure, comprising: a plurality of door sections, means to suspend said sections one from the other when said door closure is in a closed position, each said section having a base and at least one leg depending therefrom; said suspension means including a channel formed on each said section, said channel extending along the lowermost edge of each said leg; said suspension means further including at least one guide hook formed on each said section, each said guide hook extending from one said leg intermediate said channel and said base, each said guide hook shaped, sized, and positioned to engage the channel of an immediately suprajacent section, each said guide hook having a guide aperture formed therethrough; a plurality of flexible wire struts, at least one of said struts being respectively mounted to each of said sections, each said strut including a first substantially horizontal segment, said first segment engaging the leg of said section, a second segment continuous with and depending from said first segment, said second segment being offset from said first segment, said second segment passing through one said guide hook aperture on an immediately subjacent section, a third segment continuous with said second segment and extending horizontally therefrom, said third segment engaging said channel along said lowermost edge of said section when said first segment engages said leg, each said wire strut directing said guide hook along said second segment to positively engage said guide hook with the channel of an immediately suprajacent section during closing of said door closure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein each said wire strut further includes a fourth segment, said fourth segment curving back toward and substantially parallel to said third segment, said fourth segment and said third segment being spaced apart.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein each said leg has a guide slot formed therethrough, said guide slot shaped and dimensioned to frictionally accommodate said first segment, whereby said first segment passes through said section at said guide slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said struts are frictionally secured to said sections without requiring the use of additional fasteners.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-09-18 | 1982-03-20 | 1982-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-09-18 | 1986-03-20 | 1986-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-09-18 | 1990-03-20 | 1990-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |