US 5,626,176 A · Multiple section modular door and joint structure

Abstract

A multiple section door system, such as an overhead residential garage door, wherein a variety of different door front configurations are formed with a limited number of panel designs by flipping or turning at least one panel relative to an adjacent panel. Each panel includes identical structured joint members along two longitudinal edges thereof which enable one panel to be "flipped" or turned such that the lower edge becomes the upper edge and vice versa, while an adjacent panel may remain in its original orientation. A third structured joint member is connected between the two adjacent joint members of adjacent panels. The third structured joint member is a male member, while the two structured joint members attached to each panel are female members. Adjacent female joint members of two panels form a universal pinch resistant joint with the male joint member.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A sectional door comprising:

a plurality of elongate panels, each panel having first and second longitudinal edges;
an elongate structured joint member affixed along each of said first and second longitudinal edges, each said structured joint member including a bearing member having a continuously curving bearing surface;
an elongate intermediate joint member including two continuously curving bearing members having curved bearing surfaces mating with the curved bearing surfaces of two adjacent structured joint members of adjacent panels to connect said adjacent panels together;
and,
a hinge connecting said two adjacent structured joint members and presenting a hinge line extending generally along a centerline disposed between said two continuously curving bearing surfaces of said intermediate joint member.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple section modular door and joint structure

Life of this patent

Multiple section modular door and joint structure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28