U.S. patent application number 10/233295 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for slidable door and sidewall associated with tents, awnings, and other collapsible protective enclosures.
This patent application is currently assigned to B. E. Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Barrett, John A., Sofie, Michael P..
Application Number | 20030066551 10/233295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46281102 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sofie, Michael P. ; et
al. |
April 10, 2003 |
Slidable door and sidewall associated with tents, awnings, and
other collapsible protective enclosures
Abstract
Novel slidable doors and sidewalls are adapted for use with
collapsible protective enclosures (e.g., frame structure associated
with a collapsible tent) such as tents, awnings, and restaurant
patio shielding. The slidable doors and sidewalls, in addition to
being flexible, may also be foldable, and, generally, slidably
engage a slide track incorporated in such an enclosure. Further,
the slidable doors and sidewalls generally comprise a flexible
sheet that, in some embodiments, may also define openings
therethrough and further comprise windows provided by semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheets. The present invention is also
directed to collapsible protective enclosures comprising the above
slidable doors and sidewalls, and to methods for retrofitting such
enclosures with the above slidable doors and sidewalls, and to kits
for accomplishing the same.
Inventors: |
Sofie, Michael P.; (Lake
Forest Park, WA) ; Barrett, John A.; (Seattle,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 6300
SEATTLE
WA
98104-7092
US
|
Assignee: |
B. E. Holdings, LLC
1116 West Ewing Street
Seattle
WA
98119
|
Family ID: |
46281102 |
Appl. No.: |
10/233295 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10233295 |
Aug 28, 2002 |
|
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09387308 |
Aug 31, 1999 |
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6484739 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/104 20130101;
E04H 15/14 20130101; B63B 17/02 20130101; E04H 15/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/121 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/34 |
Claims
1. A slidable door or sidewall adapted for detachable attachment to
a protective enclosure, the protective enclosure having coupled
thereto, along the top of an opening, a slide track having one of a
welt and a groove for slidable engagement with the slidable door or
sidewall, and the slidable door or sidewall comprising: a flexible
sheet having a continuous outer perimeter that has an outer
perimeter region associated therewith and that defines a plurality
of discrete outer edges, wherein at least one of the outer edges
comprises the other of a welt and a groove for slidable engagement
with the one of a welt and a groove of the slide track.
2. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 1, further comprising at
least one magnet integrally associated with at least one of the
plurality of outer edges, other than the at least one outer edge
comprising the other of a welt and a groove.
3. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 1 wherein the other of a
welt and a groove is segmented so as to comprise n segments of
substantially equal length, where n is equal to or greater than 2;
and wherein the length of the distance between any two consecutive
segments, as measured along the at least one outer edge comprising
the other of a welt and a groove, is substantially equal to the
length of one segment; and wherein the one of a welt and a groove
of the slide track is one of n parallel welts and n parallel
grooves; and wherein any two consecutive segments are adapted to
slidably engage one of two adjacent welts and two adjacent grooves
of the slide track; and wherein, when the slidable door or sidewall
is opened, the flexible sheet folds upon itself so as to comprise
2+2(n-2) folds when the slidable door or sidewall is fully
open.
4. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 3, further comprising at
least one magnet integrally associated with at least one of the
plurality of outer edges, other than the at least one outer edge
comprising the other of a welt and a groove.
5. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 1 wherein the flexible
sheet is a fibrous material.
6. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 5 wherein the fibrous
material is non-synthetic.
7. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 6 wherein the
non-synthetic fibrous material is a canvas.
8. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 1 wherein the flexible
sheet is a synthetic material.
9. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 8 wherein the synthetic
material is vinyl.
10. The slidable door or sidewall of claims 1 or 3 wherein the
flexible sheet further comprises an inner perimeter bounding an
opening therethrough, and wherein the inner perimeter has an inner
perimeter region associated therewith and defines a plurality of
discrete inner edges and associated edge regions.
11. The slidable sidewall of claim 10 wherein the opening defines a
passageway or a door.
12. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 10 wherein the opening
defines an open window.
13. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 12 wherein the discrete
inner edges comprise two substantially vertical side inner edges
and substantially horizontal upper and lower inner edges.
14. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 13 further comprising a
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet having a continuous
perimeter and associated perimeter region, wherein the perimeter
region of the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is
coextensive with the inner perimeter region of the flexible sheet,
and wherein the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is: 1) in a
coplanar and fixedly attached relationship with the flexible sheet
so as to provide a closed window; or 2) in a coplanar and
detachably attached relationship with the flexible sheet so as to
provide a removable window; or 3) in a coplanar and hingedly
attached relationship with the flexible sheet so as to provide a
window capable of being in a fully open, partially open, or closed
position.
15. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14 wherein, when the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is in a coplanar and
fixedly attached relationship with the flexible sheet, the resinous
and flexible sheets are attached by means of an adhesive bond
between the perimeter region of the semi-rigid thermoplastic
resinous sheet and inner perimeter region of the flexible
sheet.
16. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14, further comprising,
when the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is in a coplanar
and fixedly attached or detachably attached relationship with the
flexible sheet, a border sheet having outer and inner perimeters
with outer and inner perimeter regions associated therewith,
respectively, and defining a plurality of discrete outer and inner
edges and edge regions, respectively, wherein the semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet is in a coplanar and fixedly attached
relationship with the border sheet such that the perimeter region
of the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is permanently
coextensive with the inner perimeter region of the border sheet;
and wherein, when the semi-rigid resinous sheet is detachably
attached to the flexible sheet, the outer perimeter region of the
border sheet is coextensive with the inner perimeter region of the
flexible sheet, with at least one of outer edge regions of the
border sheet being adapted for detachable attachment to the inner
perimeter region of the flexible sheet coextensive therewith.
17. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 16 wherein the outer
perimeter region of the border sheet comprises at least one first
magnet, and the inner perimeter region of the flexible sheet
comprises at least one second magnet, such that the at least one
first and second magnets are adapted to couple so as to detachably
attach the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet to the flexible
sheet.
18. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 16 further comprising a
plurality of securing straps connected to one or both of the
flexible sheet and the border sheet for detachably attaching the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet to the flexible sheet.
19. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14, further comprising,
when the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is in a coplanar
and hingedly attached relationship with the flexible sheet, a hinge
and a border sheet having outer and inner perimeters with outer and
inner perimeter regions associated therewith, respectively, and
defining a plurality of discrete outer and inner edges and edge
regions, respectively; wherein the semi-rigid thermoplastic
resinous sheet is in a coplanar and fixedly attached relationship
with the border sheet such that the perimeter region of the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is permanently coextensive
with the inner perimeter region of the border sheet; and wherein,
when the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is in the closed
position, the outer perimeter region of the border sheet is
coextensive with the inner perimeter region of the flexible sheet;
and wherein at least one of the outer edge regions of the border
sheet is, by means of the hinge, hingedly attached to the inner
perimeter region of the flexible sheet coextensive therewith, and
at least one of the outer edge regions of the border sheet not
hingedly attached, is adapted for detachable attachment to the at
least one inner perimeter region of the flexible sheet coextensive
therewith.
20. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 19 wherein the plurality
of discrete outer edges of the border sheet and the plurality of
discrete inner edges of the flexible sheet comprise two
substantially vertical side outer edges and two substantially
vertical side inner edges, respectively, and substantially
horizontal upper and lower outer edges and substantially horizontal
upper and lower inner edges, respectively, with edge regions
associated therewith; and wherein the lower outer edge region of
the border sheet is hingedly connected, by means of the hinge, to
the lower inner edge region of the flexible sheet coextensive
therewith; and further comprising means for detachably attaching at
least one of the side and upper outer edge regions of the border
sheet with at least one of the side and upper inner edge regions of
the flexible sheet coextensive therewith.
21. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 20 wherein the means for
detachably attaching at least one of the side and upper edge
regions of the border sheet with at least one of the side and upper
edge regions of the flexible sheet comprises at least one magnet,
at least one securing strap, or a combination thereof.
22. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 21 further comprising at
least one retaining strap adapted to connect at least one of the
side and upper edge regions of the border sheet to the flexible
sheet so as to allow the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet to
be maintained in a partially open position.
23. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 22 further comprising a
sheet of mesh material having a perimeter that defines a plurality
of edges having edge regions associated therewith, wherein the edge
regions of the sheet of mesh material are fixedly or detachably
connected to the side and upper edge regions of the border sheet
and to the side and upper edge regions of the flexible sheet
coextensive therewith, so as to continuously bridge the gap formed
between the border sheet and flexible sheet when the semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet is in the partially open position,
thereby providing a screen allowing the passage of air, but not
insects, through the gap.
24. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 19 further comprising a
means for securing the window, provided by the semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet and border sheet, in the fully open
position.
25. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 19 further comprising a
sheet of mesh material.
26. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14 wherein the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is transparent.
27. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14 wherein the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet further comprises a strip
affixed to a planar surface thereof, the strip altering the
transparency of the otherwise transparent thermoplastic resinous
sheet.
28. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14 wherein the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is derived from an
acrylonitrile-butadiene-s- tyrene, acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or a vinyl resin.
29. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 14 wherein the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is mirrored.
30. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 12 further comprising a
sheet that includes a mesh material so as to provide a screen
allowing the passage of air and light, but not insects, the screen
having a continuous perimeter that has a perimeter region
associated therewith, and the screen being 1) in a coplanar and
fixedly attached relationship with the flexible sheet, the
perimeter region of the screen being coextensive with the inner
perimeter region of the flexible sheet, so as to provide a closed
window screen; 2) in a coplanar and detachably attached
relationship with the flexible sheet so as to provide a removable
window screen; or 3) in a coplanar and hingedly attached
relationship with the flexible sheet so as to provide a window
screen capable of being in an open or closed position.
31. The slidable door or sidewall of claim 1 wherein the slidable
door or sidewall is flexible.
32. The slidable door or sidewall of claims 31 wherein the slidable
door or sidewall is foldable.
33. A collapsible protective enclosure for protecting an interior
space from one or more natural elements, wherein the collapsible
protective enclosure comprises a frame structure and a protective
covering sheet draped over and fastened to at least a portion of
the frame structure, the frame structure and protective covering
sheet defining the interior space, the interior space further
defining a floor, a plurality of walls, and a roof, the roof and
plurality of walls intersecting at a plurality of edges, and the
frame structure comprising at least one cross-member, spanning at
least one of the walls and adjacent to at least one of the
plurality of edges, and wherein the collapsible protective
enclosure further comprises: a slide track; and a slidable door or
sidewall, wherein the slide track comprises one of a welt and a
groove for slidable engagement with the slidable door or sidewall,
and wherein the slidable door or sidewall comprises a flexible
sheet having a continuous outer perimeter that defines a plurality
of outer edges, at least one of the outer edges having the other of
a welt and a groove provided for slidable engagement with the one
of a welt and a groove of the slide track.
34. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slidable door or sidewall further comprises at least one magnet
integrally associated with at least one of the plurality of outer
edges thereof, other than the at least one edge having the other of
a welt and a groove.
35. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slide track is one of a plurality of slide tracks, wherein the
cross-member is one of a plurality of cross-members, wherein the
slidable door or sidewall is one of a plurality of slidable doors
or sidewalls, or combination thereof, and wherein the one of a welt
and a groove of the slide track for slidable engagement with the
slidable door or sidewall is one of a plurality of welts and a
plurality of grooves.
36. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
one of a welt and a groove of the slide track is one of two welts
and two grooves.
37. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slide track is integrally associated with the cross-member.
38. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 37 wherein the
cross-member integrally comprises one of a welt and a groove
adapted to slidably engage the other of a welt and a groove of the
slidable door or sidewall.
39. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slide track is detachably attached to the cross-member
40. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 39 wherein the
cross-member integrally comprises one of a welt and a groove,
adapted to slidably engage the other of a welt and a groove
provided in the slide track for such slidable engagement.
41. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 39 further
comprising a plurality of hooks, each of the plurality of hooks
comprising a first end adapted to detachably attach to the
cross-member, and a second end adapted to detachably attach to the
slide track.
42. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 41 wherein the
slide track further comprises a plurality of slots spaced along the
length of the slide track, each slot passing laterally therethrough
and adapted to detachably engage the second end of one of the
plurality of hooks.
43. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 39 further
comprising a plurality of hooks and a plurality of adjusting
straps, wherein each of the plurality of hooks has a first end
adapted to detachably attach to the cross-member, and a second end
adapted to adjustably engage an adjusting strap, and wherein each
of the adjusting straps is connected to one of a welt and a groove,
adapted to slidably engage the other of a welt and a groove
provided in the slide track for such slidable engagement.
44. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slide track is provided by one of a welt and a groove fixedly or
detachably attached to an elevated edge of the protective covering
sheet, wherein the elevated edge runs along the top of an opening
therethrough and extends beyond the same in at least one direction,
and wherein the one of a welt and a groove is adapted to slidably
engage the other of a welt and a groove of the slidable door or
sidewall.
45. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 44 wherein the
fixed attachment is provided by stitches, an adhesive bond, or a
combination thereof.
46. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slidable door or sidewall comprises a window.
47. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 46 wherein the
window is provided by a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet in
a coplanar and attached relationship with the flexible sheet.
48. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 47 wherein the
resinous sheet is derived from an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, or a vinyl resin.
49. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slidable sidewall comprises a passageway or a door.
50. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
protective enclosure is a span tent or a pole tent.
51. The collapsible protective enclosure of claim 33 wherein the
slidable door or sidewall is foldable.
52. An architectural window adapted to be in a coplanar and fixedly
attached relationship, or in a coplanar and detachably attached
relationship, or in a coplanar or non-coplanar and hingedly
attached relationship with a slidable door or sidewall of a
collapsible protective enclosure, the architectural window
comprising: a border sheet having outer and inner perimeters
defining a plurality of outer and inner edges, respectively; and a
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet in a fixed and coplanar
relationship with the border sheet.
53. The architectural window of claim 52, further comprising at
least one magnet associated with the border sheet or semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet, wherein the magnet is adapted to
detachably maintain the architectural window in a closed
position.
54. The architectural window of claim 52, further comprising a
hinge associated with the border sheet for hingedly attaching the
window to the slidable door or sidewall.
55. The architectural window of claim 54 further comprising at
least one magnet, at least one securing strap, or a combination
thereof, adapted to maintain the window in the fully open or fully
closed position.
56. The architectural window of claim 55 further comprising at
least one retaining strap adapted to maintain the window in a
partially open position.
57. The architectural window of claim 52 wherein the flexible sheet
comprises a fibrous material.
58. The architectural window of claim 52 wherein the semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet is derived from an
acrylonitrile-butadiene-s- tyrene, acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or a vinyl resin.
59. The architectural window of claim 52 wherein the semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet is transparent.
60. The architectural window of claim 52 wherein the semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet further comprises a strip affixed to a
planar surface of the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet,
wherein the strip alters the transparency of the otherwise
transparent semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet.
61. A kit adapted to retrofit a collapsible protective enclosure
with a slidable door or sidewall, the kit comprising: a slidable
door or sidewall comprising a flexible sheet, the flexible sheet
having a continuous perimeter that defines a plurality of discrete
outer edges; a slide track comprising one of a first welt and a
first groove for slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a
groove of the slidable door or sidewall; and means for attaching
the slide track to a cross-member of the collapsible protective
enclosure, wherein the collapsible protective enclosure comprises a
roof and a plurality of walls, the roof and the plurality of walls
intersecting at a plurality of edges, and the cross-member, the
latter being adjacent to one of the plurality of edges and spanning
the top of an opening to be covered by the slidable door or
sidewall.
62. The kit of claim 61 wherein the slide track is one of a
plurality of slide tracks, wherein the cross-member is one of a
plurality of cross-members, wherein the slidable door or sidewall
is one of a plurality of slidable door or sidewalls, and wherein
the one of a first welt and a first groove of the slide track is
one of a plurality of first welts and a plurality of first
grooves.
63. The kit of claim 61 wherein the means for detachably attaching
the slide track to the cross-member comprises a plurality of hooks,
each of the plurality of hooks comprising a first end adapted to
detachably attach to the cross-member, and a second end adapted to
detachably attach to the slide track, wherein the slide track
further comprises a plurality of slots spaced along the length of
the slide track, each slot passing laterally therethrough and
adapted to detachably engage the second end of one of the plurality
of hooks.
64. The kit of claim 61 wherein the means for detachably attaching
the slide track to the cross-member comprises a plurality of hooks
having adjustable straps, each of the plurality of hooks having a
first end adapted to detachably attach to the cross-member, and a
second end adapted to adjustably engage a strap, and wherein each
of the adjustable straps is connected to the one of a welt and a
groove, adapted to slidably engage the other of a second welt and a
second groove provided in the slide track for such slidable
engagement.
65. The kit of claim 61 wherein the slide track is adapted to
replace the cross-member.
66. The kit of claim 61 further comprising a replacement
cross-member comprising one of a welt and a groove for slidable
engagement with the other of a second welt and a second groove
provided in the slide track for such slidable engagement.
67. The kit of claim 61 wherein the slidable door or sidewall
comprises a window.
68. The kit of claim 67 wherein the window is provided by a
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet in a coplanar and attached
relationship with the flexible sheet.
69. The kit of claim 68 wherein the resinous sheet is derived from
an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or a vinyl resin.
70. The kit of claim 61 wherein the slidable sidewall comprises a
passageway or a door.
71. A method for retrofitting a collapsible protective enclosure
with a slidable door or sidewall, comprising the steps of:
providing a collapsible protective enclosure having a frame
structure that comprises a cross-member, the cross-member spanning
the top of an opening in the collapsible protective enclosure to be
covered by the slidable door or sidewall; providing a slide track
having one of a welt and a groove for slidable engagement with a
slidable door or sidewall and attaching the slide track to the
frame structure such that the slide track spans the top of the
opening; providing a slidable door or sidewall having the other of
a welt and a groove, the slidable door or sidewall being sized to
completely cover the opening when in the closed position; and
engaging the one of a first welt and a first groove of the slide
track with the other of a welt and a groove of the slidable door or
sidewall such that the slidable door or sidewall is in slidable
engagement with the slide track, wherein the slide track is
attached to the frame structure by 1) attaching one or more slide
track supporting devices to the cross-member, then attaching the
slide track to the one or more slide track supporting devices, or
2) replacing the cross-member with a replacement cross-member
having, integrally associated therewith, means for attachment to
the slide track provided, the latter having, also integrally
associated therewith, corresponding means for attachment to the
replacement cross-member, or 3) replacing the cross-member with a
slide track that is adapted to provide a cross-member and that
comprises one of a welt and a groove for slidable engagement with
the other of a welt and a groove of a slidable door or
sidewall.
72. The method of claim 71 wherein the replacement cross-member
comprises one of a welt and a groove adapted to slidably engage the
other of a welt and a groove provided in the slide track for such
slidable engagement.
73. The method of claim 71 wherein the one or more slide track
supporting devices is a plurality of hooks, each of the plurality
of hooks having an adjustable strap associated therewith, wherein
each of the plurality of hooks has a hooked end adapted to
detachably engage the cross-member so as to hang therefrom, and a
flat end adapted to adjustably engage one of the adjustable straps,
and wherein the adjustable straps are connected to one of a welt
and a groove adapted to slidably engage the other of a welt and a
groove provided in the slide track for such slidable
engagement.
74. The method of claim 71 wherein the one or more slide track
supporting devices is a plurality of hooks, each of which comprises
a first end adapted to detachably engage the cross-member so as to
hang therefrom, and a second end adapted to detachably engage the
slide track.
75. The method of claim 74 wherein the slide track further
comprises a plurality of slots spaced along the length of the slide
track, each slot passing laterally therethrough and adapted to
detachably engage the second end of one of the plurality of hooks.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/387,308, filed Aug. 31, 1999, now pending,
which application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is generally directed to a slidable
door and sidewall, and more particularly, to a slidable door and
sidewall suitable for use with tents, awnings, restaurant patio
shielding and other protective enclosures, as well as methods
related thereto.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are numerous types of protective enclosures available
for protecting an interior space from the elements. For example,
tents, awnings, canopies, and other protective structures are
readily available from a number of different manufacturers for
those interested in shielding an interior space from one or more
natural elements such as sun, wind, rain and snow. Such protective
enclosures are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are
made from both natural and synthetic materials, including blends
thereof.
[0006] Historically, canvas and other natural fabrics have been
used in the manufacture of protective enclosures. Tents and
awnings, for example, have historically been made from canvas
because canvas provides for a high-level of protection from the
elements, and because canvas is generally readily foldable into a
more compact structure, which is highly desirable for purposes of
storage and transport. More recently, however, protective
enclosures have also been made from a variety of synthetic fabrics
which are also readily foldable, such as those made with polyamide
(e.g., nylon), polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., GORE-TEX),
and polyvinylchloride, as well as various blends thereof. In either
case, the natural and synthetic fabrics used in the manufacture of
protective enclosures are generally considered to be either
fibrous, like canvas, or non-fibrous (i.e., nonwoven), like many
synthetic fabrics such as vinyl sheets.
[0007] A significant improvement associated with protective
enclosures, made from either a natural and/or synthetic fabric, has
been the development of transparent windows and doors. More
specifically, protective enclosures for boats and automobiles have
been developed that include one or more transparent windows that
allow for unobstructed viewing for the occupant(s) within the
interior space associated therewith. For example, transparent
windows have been incorporated into automobile convertible tops
(e.g., rear windows), as well as boat enclosures (e.g., sailboat
storm dodger). These windows have traditionally been made from
either glass or clear vinyl. Similarly, transparent windows have
been incorporated into doorways and sidewalls of tents and awnings;
however, these windows have usually been made from only clear
vinyl, and not glass, for obvious safety reasons.
[0008] There are, however, several drawbacks associated with
protective enclosures having glass and clear vinyl windows. For
example, because glass is generally inflexible and a relatively
poor shock absorber, it may readily break. Thus, it has only
limited utility in an otherwise flexible and foldable protective
enclosure. As a substitute for glass, clear vinyl sheets have been
utilized for windows; however, such clear vinyl has a tendency to
form wrinkles and creases with use, it scratches relatively easily,
and it may lose its transparency (e.g., yellow) over time.
Furthermore, clear vinyl is somewhat susceptible to changes in size
and shape as a result of temperature fluctuations.
[0009] An alternative to both glass and clear vinyl windows has
been the use of semi-rigid clear plastic materials, such as
polycarbonate and acrylic-based thermoplastic sheets. These
materials are characterized by high transparency, ease of cleaning,
and high shock resistance. Moreover, these materials are generally
not susceptible to changes in size and shape as a result of
temperature fluctuations. As such, the use of semi-rigid clear
plastic materials as windows in protective enclosures has been seen
as a significant improvement over glass and clear vinyl, especially
in the context of high-end boat enclosures and party/exhibition
tents. Exemplary in this regard is U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,703 to Smith
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,771 to Sofie et al.
[0010] Although protective enclosures having semi-rigid clear
plastic windows are now available, there are still several
shortcomings associated with existing protective enclosures that
need to be overcome. For example, and in the context of high-end
boat enclosures and party/exhibition tents, existing protective
enclosures generally include one or more doors, several sidewalls,
as well as a plurality of windows. The doors and windows are
typically opened and closed by means of a zipper; however, other
means such as snaps, buttons, tie-downs, and VELCRO are also known.
Similarly, the sidewalls of such protective enclosures are
typically attached to one another (as well as to (1) flexible ropes
and/or awning cords generally associated with the underlying
rigid/flexible framing structure of pole tents, and (2) rigid
cross-members generally associated with the underlying rigid
framing structure of span tents) by means of a zipper, snaps,
buttons, tie-downs or VELCRO. The use of such attachment means
poses several disadvantages.
[0011] For example, zippers, snaps, buttons, tie-downs and VELCRO
are all somewhat cumbersome to use in the sense that they require a
relatively high level of physical and cognitive effort to
successfully operate. As such, zippers, snaps, buttons, tie-downs,
VELCRO, and the like may pose a significant safety concern in an
emergency situation. Indeed, large party/exhibition tents are
generally occupied with their doors open, or at least unsecured, to
facilitate evacuation in the event of a fire or other emergency. In
addition, the assembly and disassembly of protective enclosures
such as party/exhibition tents (and storage of the same) is often
an arduous task because of the multiple and non-modular components
involved.
[0012] Accordingly, while significant advances have been made in
the field of protective enclosures, there remains a need in the art
for improved protective enclosures and methods related thereto. In
particular, there is a need for slidable doors and sidewalls
associated with such protective enclosures that can be readily
opened and closed. There is also a need for windows associated with
such doors and sidewalls, as well as protective enclosures, that
remain transparent after prolonged use and repeated cleaning, and
that can be readily placed and maintained in fully open, partially
open, and closed positions, and that, when in the fully open and
partially open positions, can also provide a screened opening
allowing the passage of air, but not, for example, insects. The
present invention fulfills these needs, and provides for further
related advantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In brief, the present invention is generally directed to a
slidable door and sidewall, and more particularly, to a slidable
door and sidewall suitable for use with tents, awnings, restaurant
patio shielding, and other protective enclosures, as well as to
such protective enclosures that include such a slidable door and
sidewall. The present invention is also directed to methods for
retrofitting a protective enclosure (e.g., a frame structure
associated with a collapsible tent) with a slidable door or
sidewall, as well as to kits for accomplishing the same.
[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
slidable door or sidewall adapted for detachable attachment with a
protective enclosure, wherein the slidable door or sidewall
comprises a flexible sheet having a continuous outer perimeter that
defines a plurality of discrete outer edges, wherein at least one
of the outer edges is adapted to slidably engage a slide track. The
flexible sheet may either be a fibrous material, a non-fibrous
material, or a blend thereof. In a more particular embodiment, the
slidable door or sidewall further comprises at least one magnet
integrally associated with at least one of the outer edges of the
flexible sheet, wherein the at least one outer edge having the at
least one magnet integrally associated therewith is not the same as
the at least one outer edge adapted to slidably engage the slide
track.
[0015] The foldable door or sidewall may further comprise a
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet in a fixedly, detachably or
hingedly attached and generally coplanar relationship with the
flexible sheet, wherein the semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet
defines a window. The semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet may
be transparent, and may have a decorative decal or strip affixed
thereto so as to alter its transparency. In a related embodiment,
the window comprises a mesh material that provides a screened
opening allowing the passage of air, but not, for example, insects,
when the window is fully or partially open.
[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a collapsible protective enclosure comprising the inventive
slidable door or sidewall. The inventive protective enclosure,
which is suitable for protecting an interior space from one or more
natural elements, includes a frame structure that defines the
interior space, the latter being further defined by a floor, a
plurality of walls, and a roof. The roof and plurality of walls
intersect at a plurality of edges. The frame structure includes a
cross-member spanning across at least one of the walls and adjacent
to at least one of the plurality of edges. In certain particular
embodiments, the cross-member itself also provides a slide track.
In other particular embodiments, the protective enclosure includes
a slide track that is detachably attached to the cross-member.
[0017] In any case, the slide track has one of a welt and a groove
for slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a groove of
the slidable door or sidewall. The other of the welt and the groove
is provided along at least one of the discrete outer edges of the
continuous outer perimeter of the flexible sheet of the slidable
door or sidewall. When slidably engaged in the slide track, the
slidable door or sidewall is in a coplanar relationship with at
least one of the walls of the protective enclosure. In more
specific related embodiments, another of the plurality of door or
sidewall outer edges has at least one magnet integrally associated
therewith, and the slidable door or sidewall further comprises a
window provided by a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet,
where, in certain embodiments, the window is fixedly attached and,
thereby permanently closed, and, in other certain embodiments, is
capable of being in a fully open, partially open, or closed
position.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to an architectural window adapted for fixed, detachable, or hinged
attachment to a wall, or a slidable door or sidewall, of a
collapsible protective enclosure. The architectural window
comprises a border sheet having outer and inner continuous
perimeters that define a plurality of discrete outer and inner
edges and a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet in a fixed and
coplanar relationship with the border sheet. In specific related
embodiments, the architectural window further includes,
respectively, at least one magnet, at least one securing strap, or
a combination thereof, for maintaining the window in a open or
closed position; at least one retaining strap for maintaining the
window in a partially open position; and a means for providing a
screened opening that allows the passage of air, but not, for
example, insects, when the window is in the fully or partially open
position.
[0019] The present invention is also directed to a method for
retrofitting a protective enclosure with a slidable door or
sidewall. In all cases, the method entails carrying out the first
step of providing a protective enclosure and a cross-member, where
the cross-member spans across a portion of the protective
enclosure. In one related embodiment, where the cross-member itself
provides a slide track having one of a welt and a groove, the
method entails carrying out only the additional steps of providing
a slidable door or sidewall having the other of a welt and a
groove; and engaging the other of a welt and a groove with the one
of a welt and a groove such that the slidable door or sidewall is
in slidable engagement with the slide track.
[0020] In another related embodiment, where the cross-member is
capable of slidable engagement with a slide track, the method
entails carrying out the additional steps of providing a separate
slide track; slidably engaging the slide track with the
cross-member; providing a slidable door or sidewall capable of
slidable engagement with the slide track; and slidably engaging the
door or sidewall and slide track as in the above-described
method.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, where a conventional cross-member
is provided, the method entails the additional steps of providing a
slide track and one or more slide track supporting devices;
attaching the one or more slide track supporting devices to the
cross-member; attaching the slide track to the one or more slide
track supporting devices; providing a slidable door or sidewall
capable of slidable engagement with the slide track; and slidably
engaging the door or sidewall with the slide track, as in the
above-described methods
[0022] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to a kit adapted to retrofit a protective enclosure with a foldable
door or sidewall. For all embodiments thereof, the kit includes at
least the following components: a slide track having one of a welt
and groove for slidable engagement with a slidable door or
sidewall, and a slidable door or sidewall that includes a flexible
sheet, the flexible sheet having a continuous outer perimeter that
defines a plurality of discrete outer edges, wherein at least one
of the outer edges has the other of a welt and a groove. In a more
specific related embodiment, the slide track is configured to
replace a cross-member associated with the protective enclosure
being retrofitted.
[0023] In other specific related embodiments, the kit includes a
grooved rod or a rod and one or more hooks having adjustable
straps. Further, the slide track has one of a second welt and a
second groove for slidable engagement with the grooved rod or rod,
and each of the one or more hooks has a hooked end adapted to
detachably attach to a cross-member associated with the protective
enclosure and a flat end having at least two slits adapted to
adjustably engage a strap, and wherein each of the one or more
straps is connected to the grooved rod or rod.
[0024] In yet another specific related embodiment, the kit includes
one or more hooks and a slide track configured so as to allow one
end of each hook to be directly and detachably attached thereto,
the other end of each hook adapted to detachably attach to a
cross-member.
[0025] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
evident upon reference to the following detailed description and
related Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1A is an exploded top isometric view of a slidable door
or sidewall comprising a welt, and a partial isometric view of a
slide track comprising a groove, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 1B is an exploded top isometric view of a slidable door
or sidewall comprising a groove, and a partial isometric view of a
slide track comprising a welt, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2A is a top isometric view of a slidable sidewall
according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising two
welt segments and shown in the fully extended position.
[0029] FIG. 2B is an exploded top isometric view of the slidable
sidewall of FIG. 2A, shown in an open, non-extended position with
folds, and a partial isometric view of a slide track comprising two
grooves, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a slidable and foldable
sidewall according an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of a slidable sidewall
comprising a detachably attached window according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of a slidable sidewall
comprising a hingedly attached window according to an embodiment of
the present invention where the window is shown in the partially
open position with a screen installed.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a top isometric view of a representative prior
art frame structure associated with a span tent.
[0034] FIG. 6B is a top isometric view of a representative prior
art span tent.
[0035] FIG. 7A is a top isometric view of a representative prior
art frame structure associated with a pole tent.
[0036] FIG. 7B is a top isometric view of a representative prior
art pole tent.
[0037] FIG. 8A is a partial top isometric view of a representative
slide track according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the slide track has two opposing grooves each of which is
adapted to slidably engage a cylindrical welt, such as a fabric
encased rod.
[0038] FIG. 8B is a partial top isometric view of a representative
slide track according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the slide track has three grooves in a triangular
relationship with one another, each of which is adapted to slidably
engage a cylindrical welt, such as a fabric encased rod.
[0039] FIG. 9A is a partial top isometric view of a representative
slide track according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the slide track has a groove and a welt in an opposing
relationship with one another, and wherein the groove is adapted to
slidably engage a cylindrical welt and the welt is adapted to
slidably engage a cylindrical groove.
[0040] FIG. 9B is a partial top isometric view of a representative
slide track according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the slide track has two welts in an opposing relationship
with one another, and wherein each welt is adapted to slidably
engage a cylindrical groove.
[0041] FIG. 9C is a partial top isometric view of a representative
slide track according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the slide track has a groove and two welts in a triangular
relationship with one another, and wherein the groove is adapted to
slidably engage a cylindrical welt and each of the welts is adapted
to slidably engage a cylindrical groove.
[0042] FIG. 10 is an exploded partial isometric view of a slide
track supporting device, a slide track and a cross-member,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 11 is an exploded partial isometric view of a slide
track supporting device, a slide track, a cross-member and a
slidable door or sidewall according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a slidable and
foldable door that is hanging from a cross-member associated with a
protective enclosure via a plurality of slide track supporting
devices, wherein the slidable and foldable door is in slidable
engagement with the slide track according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a folded door or sidewall,
a corresponding bag, a storage container having a mounted slide
track (having a plurality of grooves adapted to slidably engage a
welt) in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] As noted above, the present invention is generally directed
to a slidable door and sidewall, and more particularly, to a
slidable door and sidewall suitable for use with tents, awnings,
restaurant patio shielding, and other collapsible protective
enclosures. The present invention is also directed to a collapsible
protective enclosure (e.g., frame structure associated with a
collapsible tent) comprising a slidable door or sidewall; to an
architectural window adapted for fixed, detachable, or hinged
attachment to a wall or a slidable door or sidewall of a
collapsible protective enclosure; to methods for retrofitting a
collapsible protective enclosure with a slidable door or sidewall;
and to kits for accomplishing the same. Although many specific
details of certain embodiments of the present invention are set
forth in the following detailed description and accompanying
figures, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present
invention may have additional embodiments, or that the invention
may be practiced without several of the details disclosed
herein.
[0047] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
slidable door or sidewall that is adapted for detachable attachment
and slidable engagement with a slide track coupled to a collapsible
protective enclosure along the top of an opening therethrough. The
slide track has one of a welt and a groove for slidable engagement
with the slidable door or sidewall.
[0048] In its simplest form, the slidable door or sidewall
comprises a flexible sheet that has a continuous outer perimeter,
wherein the continuous outer perimeter defines a plurality of
discrete outer edges. At least one of the outer edges of the
flexible sheet comprises the other of a welt and a groove for
slidable engagement with the one of a welt and a groove of the
slide track. Thus, at least one of the outer edges of the flexible
sheet of the slidable door or sidewall may comprise a welt for
slidable engagement with a groove comprised in the slide track, or
at least one of the outer edges of the flexible sheet may comprise
a groove for slidable engagement with a welt comprised in the slide
track.
[0049] In a particular embodiment, the flexible sheet is in the
form of a rectangular sheet of fabric that comprises a welt
provided by a rod that is attached along one of the outer edges of
the flexible sheet, the material thereof being sewn so as to encase
the rod therein. In this manner, the outer edge of the flexible
sheet having the attached rod is adapted to slidably engage a
groove comprised in a slide track. Typically, the slide track is
incorporated into a collapsible protective enclosure so as to be in
an elevated relationship with the ground so that the slidable door
or sidewall may hang from the slide track while being slidably
engaged therewith. The expression "slidably engaged," as used
herein, means that the slidable door and sidewall may be moved
along the slide track in any number of positions by virtue of
having a welt associated with its top outer edge, where the welt is
engaged with a groove of the slide track, or by virtue of having a
groove associated with its top outer edge, where the groove is
engaged with a welt of the slide track.
[0050] In another particular related embodiment, the slidable door
or sidewall further comprises at least one magnet integrally
associated with at least one of the plurality of discrete outer
edges of the flexible sheet, other than the at least one discrete
outer edge that comprises the other of a welt and a groove. Such
integral association of the at least one magnet with an outer edge
of the flexible sheet may be accomplished by sewing the material
adjacent to the outer edge so as to encase the magnet therein. In
one related, specific embodiment, the magnet is a magnetic strip.
Suitable magnetic strips are available from a number of suppliers
such as Tricomp, Inc., Pompton Plains, N.J.
[0051] Two exemplary slidable doors of the present invention are
shown as slidable doors 100 and 120 in FIGS. 1A and 1B,
respectively, as adapted for slidable engagement with slide tracks
140 and 160, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1A, the slidable door
100 includes a rectangular flexible sheet 101 having a continuous
outer perimeter that defines four discrete outer edges 102, 104,
106 and 108. The flexible sheet 101 may be made from a fibrous
material such as, for example, a canvas made with naturally
occurring fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, jute, and ramie.
Alternatively, the flexible sheet 401 may be made from a synthetic
material such as, for example, a vinyl (e.g., DURA-PRO available
from Duracote Corporation, Ravenna, Ohio) or other suitable
plastic.
[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 1A, the flexible sheet 101 has three
magnetic strips 110, 112, and 114 sewn directly along outer edge
108. The magnetic strips 110, 112 and 114 are adapted to
magnetically couple to corresponding magnets associated with a
second slidable door (not shown) or collapsible protective
enclosure (not shown). In addition, the flexible sheet 101 has a
welt provided by a cylindrical rod 116 (shown in hidden lines)
encased in a pocket of the material of the flexible sheet 101,
adjacent to the outer edge 102 and sewn so as to form the pocket.
Also as shown, the welt provided by the encased rod 116 may
slidably engage a groove 141 of the slide track 140 (shown in
part). When the slide track 140 is attached to an elevated
cross-member coupled to a collapsible protective enclosure, the
slidable door or sidewall slidably hangs from the slide track
140.
[0053] The cylindrical rod 116, shown in FIG. 1A, has a round
cross-section. However, in other related embodiments, welts may be
provided by rods having differently shaped cross-sections such as,
for example, triangular, rectangular and oval cross-sections. Also,
a welt may be provided by two or more rods, aligned in a pocket,
with relatively short gaps therebetween. The gaps allow the
slidable door or sidewall to also be foldable about a number of
axes perpindicular to the welt, the number being equal to the
number of such gaps.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 1B, slidable door 120 is the same as
slidable door 100, except that, instead of having a welt, it has a
groove provided by a hollow tube 122 attached to flexible sheet 101
along outer edge 102 by means of fasteners 124. The hollow tube 122
has a round cross section. However, hollow tubes having differently
shaped cross-sections (e.g., triangular, rectangular, oval, etc.)
may be used. The hollow tube 122 comprises longitudinal edges 126
defining an opening 128 therebetween that extends along the top the
hollow tube 122 and along its entire length. As shown, the groove
provided by the hollow tube 122 is adapted to slidably engage a
welt 161 of the slide track 160 (shown in part). The welt 161
extends from the body 162 of the slide track by way of arm 164. The
space between the edges 126 defining the opening 128 is such that
the arm 164 can slide therebetween when the slidable door 120 is
slidably engaged with the slide track 160.
[0055] The present invention, in another related embodiment, is
directed to a slidable door or sidewall adapted for detachable
attachment and slidable engagement with a slide track coupled to a
collapsible protective enclosure along the top of an opening
therethrough, where the slide track has one of a purality of welts
and a plurality of grooves for slidable engagement with the
slidable door or sidewall, and the slidable door or sidewall has
the other of a segmented welt and a segmented groove. The slidable
door or sidewall comprises a flexible sheet that has a continuous
outer perimeter defining discrete outer edges, at least one of
which comprises the other of a segmented welt and a segmented
groove. In general, the other of a segmented welt and a segmented
groove comprises n segments of substantially equal length where n
is greater than or equal to 2. The segments are of substantially
the same length and spaced apart along the at least one outer edge
such that the distance between any two consecutive segments, as
measured along the at least one outer edge is substantially equal
to the length of a segment.
[0056] The inventive slidable door or sidewall having the other of
a segmented welt and a segmented groove, where the number of
segments is n, is adapted for slidable engagement with one of n
welts and n grooves of a slide track where any two consecutive
segments slidably engage one of two adjacent welts and two adjacent
grooves in the slide track. As the slidable door or sidewall is
opened, the flexible sheet folds upon itself, and when the slidable
door or sidewall is fully open, the flexible sheet comprises
2+2(n-2) folds. In a more specific embodiment, the above slidable
door or sidewall further comprises at least one magnet integrally
associated with the flexible sheet in a manner similar to the
slidable door 100 or 120.
[0057] An exemplary slidable sidewall 200 having two welt segments
is shown, fully extended, in FIG. 2A. As shown, the slidable
sidewall 200 includes a flexible sheet 201 having a continuous
outer perimeter that defines four discrete outer edges 202, 204,
206 and 208. The flexible sheet may be made from the materials
discussed above in connection with the slidable door 100. Also, as
shown in FIG. 2A, the flexible sheet 201 has three magnetic strips
210, 212 and 214 sewn directly along outer edge 208. In addition,
the flexible sheet 201 has a first welt provided by a first
cylindrical rod 216 and a second welt provided by a second
cylindrical rod 218, where both rods are encased in a pocket of the
material of the flexible sheet 201, adjacent to the outer edge 202
and sewn so as to form the pocket.
[0058] The slidable sidewall 200 is shown in an opened,
non-extended position in FIG. 2B, where the flexible sheet 201 has
a first fold 220 and a second fold 222. Also shown is a slide track
(shown in part) 240 comprising a first groove 242 adapted for
slidable engagement with the first welt provided by the first
encased rod 216, and a second groove 244 adapted for slidable
engagement with the second welt provided by the second encased rod
218. In use, the first and second welts are slidably engaged with
the first and second grooves, 242 and 244, respectively.
[0059] The present invention, in another embodiment, is directed to
slidable doors and sidewalls, such as those described above, but
further comprising an opening therethrough. The opening, in
specific embodiments is an open window, passageway or door,
respectively. Where, for example, the opening is an open window,
the latter is bounded by an inner perimeter of the flexible sheet,
the inner perimeter having associated therewith an inner perimeter
region, as well as a plurality of discrete inner edges having edge
regions associated therewith, the latter, when combined, being
equivalent to the perimeter region. The term "region," as used in
this context, is defined herein as that portion of the flexible
sheet adjacent to the inner perimeter or discrete inner edges. In a
more specific embodiment, the plurality of discrete inner edges
comprise two substantially vertical side inner edges and two
substantially horizontal inner edges--one an upper inner edge, and
the other a lower inner edge.
[0060] In another embodiment, the slidable door or sidewall having
a fexible sheet that comprises an inner perimeter defining a window
therethrough, further comprises a semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous
sheet (hereinafter, "resinous sheet"). The resinous sheet has a
continuous perimeter and associated perimeter region, the term
"region" being defined as above for the slidable door or sidewall,
but, here, in the context of an outer perimeter. When the resinous
sheet is in a coplanar relationship with the flexible sheet, its
perimeter region is coextensive with the inner perimeter region of
the flexible sheet. In related embodiments, the resinous sheet may
be coplanar with and fixedly attached to the flexible sheet; or
coplanar with (when attached) and detachably attached to the
flexible sheet so as to provide a removable window; or hingedly
attached to the flexible sheet so as to provide a window capable of
being in a fully open, partially open, or closed position, the
resinous sheet being coplanar with the flexible sheet when the
window so provided is in the closed position.
[0061] The resinous sheet may be made from a thermoplastic resin
such as, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acrylic,
nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or
vinyl resin. All of these thermoplastics are available in sheet
form from a number of different suppliers (e.g., Sheffield
Plastics, Reading, Pa.). In addition, the resinous sheet may be
transparent or it may be opaque. In alternative embodiments, the
semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheet is mirrored or is adapted
to change its opacity with changes in surrounding light intensity
(i.e., the sheet may darken in sunlight). Furthermore, the resinous
sheet may include one or more decorative strips or decals. For
example, the resinous sheet may include on its surface a decorative
strip that alters its transparency. Thus, in a further embodiment,
the resinous sheet includes a strip of beveled tape that has the
appearance of beveled glass (e.g., ACCENTRIM tape made by 3M
Industrial Tape and Specialties Division, St. Paul, Minn.), which
strip causes the window to have the appearance of beveled
glass.
[0062] In related embodiments, the slidable door or sidewall
comprises a plurality of resinous sheets and is foldable,
respectively. Shown in FIG. 3, is an exemplary slidable sidewall
300 that comprises six closed windows provided by six resinous
sheets 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 and 330 that are coplanar with, and
fixedly attached to, a flexible sheet 301. In this illustrated
embodiment, the flexible sheet 301 has six inner perimeters,
corresponding to the six windows, and a continuous outer perimeter
that defines four discrete outer edges 302, 304, 306 and 308. Also,
as shown, the flexible sheet 301 has three magnetic strips 310, 312
and 314 sewn directly along outer edge 308. In addition, the
slidable sidewall 300 has a welt provided by two rods 316 and 318
encased in pockets of the material of the flexible sheet 301 that
is adjacent to the outer edge 302 and sewn so as to form the
pockets. Moreover, because the two rods 316 and 318 have a gap
therebetween, as shown, and because the slidable and foldable door
300 has a bisecting first crease 332 and two perpindicular
trisecting creases 334 and 336, the slidable and foldable door 300
may be readily folded into a smaller rectangular shape for purposes
of storage and transportation.
[0063] For certain embodiments, such as slidable sidewall 300,
where the resinous sheet is fixedly attached to the flexible sheet
of the slidable door or sidewall, the fixed attachment is
accomplished by means of an adhesive bond between the perimeter
region of the resinous sheet and inner perimeter region of the
flexible sheet or border sheet. Exemplary methods for adhesively
bonding such resinous sheets to such flexible sheets are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,472,771, 5,660,916 and 5,851,637, which are all
to Sofie et al., and are all incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety. In short, these patents disclose methods for
adhesively bonding a flexible fibrous sheet to a semi-rigid
thermoplastic resinous sheet by (1) contacting an edge surface of
the flexible fibrous sheet with a thermosetting resin, (2) allowing
the resin to cure to yield a unified surface, (3) applying an
adhesive along an edge surface of the semi-rigid sheet to yield an
adhesive surface, and (4) contacting the unified surface of the
flexible fibrous sheet with the adhesive surface of the semi-rigid
sheet so that they adhere together.
[0064] When the resinous sheet is fixedly or detachably attached to
the flexible sheet, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
resinous sheet is coplanar with, and fixedly attached to a border
sheet. The latter may be made from the same or a different material
than the flexible sheet and may be substantially rigid or flexible.
Also, the fixed attachment of the resinous sheet to the border
sheet may be accomplished as described above for the fixed
attachment of the resinous sheet to the flexible sheet. The border
sheet has outer and inner perimeters with outer and inner perimeter
regions associated therewith. Also, the outer and inner perimeters
of the border sheet define a plurality of discrete outer and inner
edges and edge regions, respectively. The term "region," as used
herein, is generally defined as above, only here in the context of
an inner perimeter, as well as an outer perimeter. When the
resinous sheet is fixedly attached to the border sheet, the
perimeter region of the resinous sheet is coextensive with the
inner perimeter region of the border sheet.
[0065] In one related embodiment of a slidable door or sidewall of
the present invention that comprises a resinous sheet, detachably
attached to the flexible sheet of the door or sidewall, the
resinous sheet is fixedly attached to a border sheet, as described
above, and, further, the outer perimeter region of the border sheet
comprises at least one first magnet, and the inner perimeter region
of the flexible sheet comprises at least one second magnet. The at
least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are
adapted to couple so as to allow the resinous sheet to detachably
attach to the flexible sheet.
[0066] Shown in FIG. 4 is an exemplary slidable sidewall 400 that
comprises a detachably attached window provided by a resinous sheet
444 fixedly attached to a border sheet 418. The slidable sidewall
400 includes a flexible sheet 401 having a continuous outer
perimeter that defines four discrete outer edges 402, 404, 406,
408. As shown, twelve magnetic strips 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430,
432, 434, 436, 438, 440, 442, are sewn directly along the outer
edges 446, 448, 450 and 452 of the border sheet 418. The magnetic
strips are adapted to magnetically couple to corresponding magnetic
strips (not shown) sewn directly into the inner perimeter region
(directly behind the border sheet 418) of the flexible sheet 401.
The border sheet 418 also comprises a continuous inner perimeter
that defines four discrete inner edges 454, 456, 458, 460. Also
shown in FIG. 4 is a welt provided by cylindrical rod 416, and
three magnetic strips 410, 412, 414, adapted to magnetically couple
with corresponding magnets (not shown) associated with a second
slidable sidewall (not shown) or collapsible protective enclosure
(not shown).
[0067] In related embodiments, other means for detachably attaching
the resinous sheet to the slidable door or sidewall of the present
invention may be used as would be well appreciated by those skilled
in the art. For example, securing straps can be sewn to the border
sheet and engaged with hooks, clasps, or other securing straps
attached to the flexible sheet.
[0068] The present invention, in another embodiment, is directed to
a slidable door or sidewall that comprises a resinous sheet,
hingedly attached, by means of a hinge, to the flexible sheet of
the door or sidewall, the resinous sheet being fixedly attached to
a border sheet, as described above. In a particular related
embodiment, the border sheet is hingedly attached, along one of its
discrete outer edges, to the inner perimeter region of the flexible
sheet coextensive therewith, and, when the resinous sheet is in the
closed position, at least one of the discrete outer edge regions of
the border sheet, not hingedly attached to the flexible sheet, is
detachably attached to the at least one inner perimeter region of
the flexible sheet that is coextensive therewith. Similarly, the
hingedly attached resinous sheet can be maintained in a fully open
position by adapting at least one of the discrete outer edge
regions of the border sheet, not hingedly attached to the flexible
sheet, to detachably attach to a region of the flexible sheet
coextensive therewith when the resinous sheet is in the fully open
position.
[0069] In a yet more particular related embodiment, the border
sheet has four discrete outer edges, defined by its outer
perimeter, that include two substantially vertical side outer edges
and substantially horizontal upper and lower outer edges. The lower
edge region of the border sheet is hingedly connected to the lower
edge region of the flexible sheet, coextensive therewith. Also, at
least one of the side and upper outer edge regions of the border
sheet is adapted to be detachably attached to the at least one of
the side and upper inner edge regions of the flexible sheet,
coextensive therewith, for maintaining the resinous sheet in a
closed position. In specific embodiments, the detachable attachment
is provided by securing means that comprise at least one pair of
coupling magnets, or at least one securing strap, along with a hook
or clasp for engaging the same, or a combination of the above.
Similar securing means can be used to maintain the resinous sheet
in the fully open position by detachably attaching at least one of
the side and upper outer edge regions of the border sheet to the to
a region of the flexible sheet coextensive therewith when the
resinous sheet is in the fully open position.
[0070] Another embodiment of the present invention that is directed
to a slidable door or sidewall comprising a hingedly attached
window, as described above, further comprises at least one
retaining strap adapted to maintain the window in a partially open
position. Related embodiments further comprise a sheet of mesh
material, adapted to provide a screen, allowing the passage of air,
but not small objects such as insects, through the opening of the
flexible sheet when the window is in the partially open and fully
open position, respectively.
[0071] A specific embodiment of the present invention, directed to
a slidable sidewall that comprises a hingedly attached window
having at least one retaining strap adapted to maintain the window
in a partially open position and a sheet of mesh material adapted
to provide a screen when the window is partially open and to
collapse and fold when the window is closed so as not to obstruct
the view through the window, is shown in FIG. 5. As shown, the
slidable sidewall 500 includes a welt provided by cylindrical rod
516 and a flexible sheet 501 having an outer perimeter defining
discrete outer edges 502, 504, 506, 508. Three magnetic strips 510,
512, 514 are shown attached along outer edge 508. A window is
provided by resinous sheet 536, fixedly attached to border sheet
518. The border sheet 518 is hingedly attached to flexible sheet
501 by means of hinge 538. The window is shown in a partially open
position, and held in place by retaining straps 540. Also, shown is
a single sheet of mesh material 542, the entire perimeter of which
is attached along outer edges 544, 548, 550 of the border sheet
518, as well as along the inner edge regions of the flexible sheet,
coextensive therewith. The sheet of mesh material may be either
fixedly or detachably attached as described.
[0072] As shown, the sheet of mesh material 542 provides a screen,
allowing the passage of air, but not of small objects such as
insects. In addition, the sheet of mesh material 542 and the
retaining straps 540 are adapted to collapse and fold when the
window is closed so as not to obstruct the view through the
resinous sheet 536. Also as shown, eight magnetic strips 520, 522,
524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534 are sewn directly along the outer
edges 544, 548, 550 of the border sheet 518. The magnetic strips
are adapted to magnetically couple to corresponding magnetic strips
(not shown) sewn directly into the inner perimeter region (directly
behind the border sheet 518) of the flexible sheet 501.
[0073] The present invention, in another embodiment, is directed to
a collapsible protective enclosure (hereinafter, "enclosure")
comprising a slidable door or sidewall of the present invention and
a slide track for slidable engagement therewith. As used herein,
the expression "collapsible protective enclosure" or "enclosure"
refers to an enclosure suitable for protecting an interior space
from one or more natural elements such as sun, wind, rain and snow,
and is to be construed to encompass all types of tents, awnings,
cabanas, canopies, gazebos, sunshades/wind blocks (for use with,
for example, restaurant patios), tops/shielding (suitable for use
with, for example, boats/motor vehicles), as well as like
protective systems. In this context, and for purposes of
illustrating the present invention, the underlying frame structure
and protective covering associated with two exemplary prior art
collapsible protective enclosures, namely, a span tent and a pole
tent, are shown in FIGS. 6A-B and FIGS. 7A-B, respectively.
[0074] More specifically, and as shown in FIG. 6A, a frame
structure 600 of an exemplary prior art span tent (covering not
shown) consists of four legs 602, 604, 606 and 608, four
cross-members 610, 612, 614 and 616, and a roof support structure
618 that, in combination, defines an interior space 620. The
interior space 620, defined by frame structure 600, further defines
a floor, four walls, and a roof (none shown), wherein the four
walls and roof intersect at four corresponding edges, which edges
622, 624, 626 and 628 are shown in corresponding FIG. 6B. Thus, the
four edges associated with the intersection of the roof and four
walls are adjacent and parallel to respective cross-members 610,
612, 614 and 616. FIG. 6B shows the exemplary span tent 601 having
a protective covering 630 draped over and fastened to the frame
structure 600 of FIG. 6A.
[0075] Similarly, and as shown in FIG. 7A, a frame structure 700 of
an exemplary prior art pole tent (covering not shown) consists of
six exterior legs 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 and 712 and two interior
poles 714 and 716. The frame structure 700 also consists of a
securing rope network 718, that, in turn, consists of two
cross-members 720, 722. In addition, the frame structure 700 also
defines an interior space 724 bounded by a defined floor, six walls
and a roof (none shown). FIG. 7B shows the exemplary pole tent 701
having a protective covering 725 partially draped over and fastened
to the frame structure 700 of FIG. 7A, thereby defining six edges
(of which only three edges 724, 726, 728 are shown). Thus, six
edges are defined by the intersection of the roof and six walls,
wherein two of the edges are adjacent and parallel to the two
cross-members 720, 722 (i.e., edge 728 of FIG. 7B is adjacent and
parallel to cross-member 220 of FIG. 2B).
[0076] As noted, the enclosures of the present invention further
comprise a slidable door or sidewall and a slide track, the slide
track having one of a welt and a groove for slidable engagement
with the other of a welt and a groove of the slidable door or
sidewall. Thus, the slide track, which is attached to the frame
structure of the enclosure, is used to slidably hang the slidable
door or sidewall from the frame structure. The slidable door or
sidewall comprises a flexible sheet, as described above for certain
embodiments of the present invention directed to slidable doors and
sidewalls, and in specific related embodiments, may further
comprise one or more magnets integrally associated with an outer
edge of the flexible sheet, as described above, as well as inner
perimeters defining doors, passageways, and windows therethrough,
as well as fixedly attached, detachably attached and hingedly
attached windows, as described above.
[0077] In related embodiments, the enclosures of the present
invention include a plurality of slidable doors, a plurality of
slidable sidewalls, and a combination thereof, respectively. The
enclosures may also include a plurality of slide tracks. The one of
a welt and a groove of the slide rack for slidable engagement with
a slidable door or sidewall may be one of a plurality of welts and
a plurality of grooves, for example, one of two welts and two
grooves for slidable engagement with two slidable doors. In
particular embodiments, respectively, the slide track may be
detachably attached to a cross-member so as to suspended therefrom,
or may be slidably engaged with the cross-member, or the
cross-member and the slide track may be one and the same. For
example, a specific embodiment is directed to an enclosure that
includes a cross-member comprising one of a welt and a groove for
slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a groove of a
slide track. Or, in another embodiment, the cross-member includes
one of a welt and a groove for slidable engagement with a slidable
door or sidewall, in which case, the cross-member itself provides
the slide track.
[0078] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate two exemplary slide tracks of the
present invention. More specifically, FIG. 8A illustrates a partial
top isometric view of a representative slide track 800 in
accordance with the present invention, wherein the slide track has
two opposing grooves 802, 804, both of which are adapted to
slidably engage a cylindrically-shaped welt or an "awning cord."
For example, groove 804 is adapted to slidably engage a welt of a
slidable door or sidewall provided by a fabric encased rod, and
groove 802 is adapted to slidably engage a welt attached to, or
provided by, a cross-member, or an "awning cord."
[0079] Similarly, FIG. 8B illustrates a partial top isometric view
of a representative slide track 850 in accordance with the present
invention, wherein the slide track has three grooves 852, 854, 856
in a triangular relationship with one another, and which are all
adapted to slidably engage a cylindrically-shaped welt or an
"awning cord." For example, grooves 854, 856 are each adapted to
slidably engage a welt of a slidable door or sidewall provided by a
fabric encased rod, and groove 852 is adapted to slidably engage a
welt attached to, or provided by, a cross-member, or an "awning
cord." Although FIGS. 8A and 8B depict grooves adapted to slidably
engage welts provided by fabric encased "cylindrical" rods or
awning cords (e.g., each groove runs along entire length of slide
track), the present invention is not so limited. In particular, the
grooves of the slide tracks may be adapted to slidably engage welts
having other than round cross-sections, for example, welts having
oval, triangular, square, rectangular and pentagonal
cross-sections.
[0080] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate three additional exemplary
slide tracks of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 9A
illustrates a partial top isometric view of a representative slide
track 900 in accordance with the present invention, wherein the
slide track has a welt 902 and a groove 904 in an opposing
relationship. For example, the groove 904 is adapted to slidably
engage a cylindrical welt of a slidable door or sidewall provided
by a fabric encased rod, and the welt 904 is adapted to slidably
engage a cylindrical groove attached to, or provided by, a
cross-member. In contrast, the slide track 920 of FIG. 9B has a
welt 922 and a groove 924. The slide track of FIG. 9C has a groove
942 and two welts 944, 946 in a triangular relationship with one
another, where, for example, welts 944, 946 are each adapted to
slidably engage a cylindrical groove of a slidable door or
sidewall, and groove 942 is adapted to slidably engage a welt
attached to, or provided by, a cross-member, or an "awning
cord."
[0081] Further, the slide tracks of the present invention may be of
any length. In certain embodiments of the enclosure of the present
invention, the slide track comprised therein is substantially the
same length as the cross-member which it is removably attached to,
and slidably engaged with, respectively. In addition, the groove or
welt of the slide track adapted for slidable attachment to a
cross-member, and the other of the welt and the groove for slidable
engagement with a slidable door or sidewall, generally run along
the slide track's entire length. Furthermore, the slide tracks of
the present invention may be made from any number of solid
materials such as, for example, plastic, metal, or even wood.
[0082] In one embodiment, the slide track is made from a plastic
material such as, for example, a high or low density polyethylene
(i.e., HDPE and LDPE), wherein the plastic material is
appropriately shaped by employing a conventional extrusion
technique. In one such extrusion process, a viscous melt of a
thermoplastic material is forced under pressure through a shaping
die in a continuous stream, wherein the die has a shape nearly
identical to that of the cross-section (e.g., front face of
exemplary slide tracks depicted in FIGS. 8A-B and 9A-C) of the
slide track. The manufacturing of suitable slide tracks in
accordance with the present invention is well within the skill of
one having ordinary skill in the art. Suitable slide tracks are
also readily available from specialty architectural product
suppliers (e.g., John Boyle and Company, Inc., Statesville, N.C.
and Taco West, Inc., Kent, Wash.).
[0083] In further specific embodiments directed to enclosures of
the present invention, the latter comprise a slide track that is
detachably attached to a cross-member so as to be suspended
therefrom by means of, for example, a plurality of hooks. In one
particular embodiment, each of the plurality of hooks includes a
first end for detachable engagement with the cross-member and a
second end for direct, detachable engagement with the slide track.
For example, the first end may be hooked so as to hang from a
cylindrical cross-member, and the second end may be configured so
as to engage a slot passing laterally through the slide track.
[0084] FIG. 10 shows a partial isometric view of an exemplary slide
track 1000 configured for such detachable attachment to a
cross-member 1002, as well as one of a plurality of an exemplary
hook 1004 used for such detachable attachment. The slide track 1000
includes a plurality of slots 1006 along its length, two of which
are shown (in both solid and hidden lines). Each slot 1006 passes
through the slide track 1000 from side to side, as shown, and has a
hook detachably associated therewith. The hook 1004 has a first end
1008 that is rounded and, thus, adapted to be hooked onto the
cylindrical cross-member 1002, and a flat end 1010 adapted to
insert into any of the slots 1006 such that the lip 1012 can retain
the flat end 1010 in the slot 1006. The height of the slot 1006 is
slightly greater than the height of the lip 1012. As shown in FIG.
10, the slide track 1000 has a groove 1014 that runs along
substantially the entire length of the slide track, for slidable
engagement with a welt of a slidable door or sidewall. A related
embodiment comprises a slide track having a welt that runs
substantially along its entire length for slidable engagement with
a groove of a slidable door or sidewall.
[0085] One skilled in the art may readily appreciate that the
hooked end of the hook for engaging the cross-member may have a
different shape, as dictated by the shape of the cross-section of
the cross-member. For example, the hooked end may be rectangular,
rather than rounded, where the cross-member has a rectangular,
rather than round, cross-section. One skilled in the art may also
readily appreciate that the hooks may be detachably attached to the
slide track by other means, for example, by means of fasteners such
as screws, bolts with nuts, or pins with holes or grooves for
engaging retaining clips.
[0086] In another embodiment, an enclosure of the present invention
comprises a slide track that is detachably attached to a
cross-member so as to be suspended therefrom in such a way that the
level of the slide track is adjustable relative to the
cross-member. This may be useful, for example, where the enclosure
is situated on ground that is not level. In a related, specific
embodiment, the enclosure comprises a plurality of hooks where each
hook is adapted to adjustably engage an adjusting strap that, in
turn, is connected to the fabric of a welt provided by a fabric
encased rod, or to a groove, the welt or groove being adapted for
slidabe engagement with a groove or welt, respectively, provided in
a slide track. For a particular related embodiment, FIG. 11
illustrates a partial view of a slidable door or sidewall 1100
adapted for detachable and slidable engagement with an enclosure
(not shown). Also shown is a partial view of a slide track 1102,
one of a plurality of hooks 1104, one of a plurality of adjusting
straps 1106, and, connected thereto, a welt provided by a fabric
encased rod 1108 (shown in hidden lines). A partial view of a
cylindrical cross-member 1110 is also shown.
[0087] As shown, the hook 1104 has a first end 1112 that is rounded
and, thus, adapted to be hooked onto the cross-member 1110, and a
second end 1114 adapted for adjustable connection with the
adjusting strap 1106. The latter allows for uniform adjustment and
positioning of the slidable door or sidewall 1100 in relation to
the cross-member 1110 from which it hangs. The welt provided by the
fabric encased rod 1108 slidably engages a first groove 1116 in the
slide track 1102 such that the slide track 1102 hangs from the
cross-member 1110 of the enclosure. The slidable door or sidewall
1100 includes a welt provided by a second fabric encased rod 1118
for slidable engagement with a second groove 1120 in the slide
track 1102. Thus, the slidable door or sidewall 1100 hangs from the
slide track 1102 and is slidable therein in that it may be moved
along the slide track 1102 in any number of positions.
[0088] In a related embodiment, the adjusting straps are connected
to a groove for slidable engagement with a first welt of a slide
track, where the slide track also has one of a second welt and a
groove for slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a
groove of a slidable door or sidewall.
[0089] One specific embodiment of the inventive enclosure of the
present invention is illustrated by FIG. 12. As shown, the
enclosure comprises a slidable and foldable door 1200 of the
present invention that is moved along a slide track 1202 by means
of a door handle 1203 in either of two directions, as indicated. To
prevent disengagement, the slide track 1202 may have two end caps
1204, 1206 attached at both of its ends. The slidable and foldable
door includes a welt along its top outer edge provided by two
fabric encased rods 1208, 1209 (shown in hidden liens). The welt is
slidably engaged to the slide track 1202. The latter adjustably
hangs from a cross-member 1210 (associated with a frame structure
of the enclosure, that is not shown) by means of a plurality of
adjustable slide track supporting devices 1212. In addition, the
slidable and foldable door 1200 has three magnetic strips 1214,
1216, 1218 attached to a side outer edge and adapted to
magnetically couple to one or more magnetic strips associated with
a second slidable door or sidewall 1222. The slidable and foldable
door 1200 has other features that are essentially the same as those
described for the slidable and foldable door shown in FIG. 3.
[0090] In yet another specific embodiment of the enclosure of the
present invention, the slide track, comprised therein, is directly
attached to an elevated edge of the protective covering sheet of
the enclosure, where the elevated edge runs along the top of an
opening therethrough and extends beyond the same in at least one
direction. In related embodiments, respectively, the slide track is
provided by one of a welt and groove adapted to slidably engage the
other of a welt and a groove of a slidable door or sidewall. The
slide track may be fixedly attached to the elevated edge by means
well known to those skilled in the art, for example, by means of
stitches, adhesive, or a combination thereof.
[0091] The present invention, in another embodiment, is directed to
an architectural window adapted for attachment to a slidable door
or sidewall of an enclosure. The architectural window comprises a
border sheet and a resinous sheet in a fixed and coplanar
relationship therewith, as previously described for the windows
attached to the slidable doors and sidewalls of the present
invention. In related, more specific embodiments, respectively, the
architectural window of the present invention may further comprise
at least one securing strap, at least one magnet, and a combination
thereof, for maintaining the window in a fully closed or fully open
position. In another, more specific embodiment, the architectural
window further comprises a hinge in an attached relationship with
the border sheet for hinged attachment to the slidable door or
sidewall, as previously described, and at least one retaining strap
for maintaining the window in a partially open position. The at
least one magnet, at least one securing strap, and at least one
retaining strap are as described previously.
[0092] The present invention is further directed to kit adapted to
retrofit an enclosure, such as one described herein, with a
slidable door or sidewall in accordance with the present invention.
More specifically, in one embodiment, the kit of the present
invention includes a slidable door or sidewall of the present
invention, a slide track comprising one of a first welt and a first
groove for slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a
groove of the slidable door or sidewall, and means for attaching
the slide track to a cross-member spanning and adjacent to the top
of an opening in the enclosure to be covered by the slidable door
or sidewall. The kit may include a plurality of slidable doors and
sidewalls for slidable engagement with one or more slide tracks,
and may include a plurality of slide tracks for attachment to a
corresponding number of cross-members. Also, the kit may include a
slide track or plurality of slide tracks where one or more slide
tracks have one of a plurality of welts and a plurality of grooves
for slidable engagement with a corresponding number of slidable
doors or sidewalls.
[0093] In one particular embodiment of the retrofit kit of the
present invention, the means for attaching the one or more slide
tracks to the one or more cross-members is a plurality of hooks,
each of the plurality of hooks comprising a first end adapted to
detachably attach to any one of the cross-members, and a second end
adapted to detachably attach to any one of the slide tracks,
wherein each of the slide tracks further comprises a plurality of
slots spaced along its length, each slot passing laterally
therethrough and adapted to detachably engage the second end of any
one of the hooks. Exemplary hooks and slide tracks for this
embodiment include those shown in FIG. 10 and otherwise described
previously in the present application.
[0094] In another particular embodiment of the retrofit kit of the
present invention, the means for attaching the one or more slide
tracks to the one or more cross-members is a plurality of hooks
having adjustable straps, each of the plurality of hooks having a
first end adapted to detachably attach to any one of the
cross-members, and a second end adapted to adjustably engage a
strap, wherein each of the adjustable straps is connected to one of
a welt and a groove adapted to slidably engage the other of a
second welt and a second groove provided in any one of the slide
tracks for such slidable engagement. Any one of the slide tracks
further comprises one of a first wet and a first groove for
slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a groove of the
slidable door or sidewall. Exemplary hooks, straps, slide tracks,
and welts and grooves attached to the straps, for this embodiment,
include those shown in FIG. 11 and otherwise described previously
in the present application.
[0095] In yet other particular embodiments, respectively, the
retrofit kit of the present invention includes a slide track
adapted to replace the cross-member of the enclosure, and includes
a replacement cross-member that comprises one of a welt and a
groove for slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a
groove of the slide track, also included in the kit.
[0096] As noted above, the retrofit kits of the present invention
include slidable doors and sidewall in accordance with the present
invention. Thus, the slidable doors and sidewalls may also include
openings and windows, as described for those embodiments of the
present invention directed to slidable doors and sidewalls.
[0097] The present invention is also directed to a method for
retrofitting an enclosure with a slidable door or sidewall of the
present invention. More specifically, the method for retrofitting
an enclosure with a slidable door or sidewall, in one embodiment,
comprises the steps of: providing an enclosure having a frame
structure that includes a cross-member, the cross-member spanning
across the top of an opening in the enclosure to be covered by the
slidable door or sidewall; providing a slide track having one of a
welt and a groove for slidable engagement with a slidable door or
sidewall and attaching the slide track to the frame structure such
that the slide track spans the top of the opening; providing a
slidable door or sidewall of the present invention having the other
of a welt and a groove, the slidable door or sidewall being sized
to completely cover the opening when in the closed position; and
engaging the one of a first welt and a first groove of the slide
track with the other of a welt and a groove of the slidable door or
sidewall such that the slidable door or sidewall is in slidable
engagement with the slide track.
[0098] In a particular related embodiment, the slide track is
attached to the frame structure by attaching one or more slide
track supporting devices to the cross-member, then attaching the
slide track to the one or more slide track supporting devices.
Examples of this aspect of the embodiment include those described
previously and shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In another particular
related embodiment, the slide track is attached to the frame
structure by replacing the cross-member with a replacement
cross-member having, integrally associated therewith, means for
attachment to the slide track provided, the latter having, also
integrally associated therewith, corresponding means for attachment
to the replacement cross-member. For example, the replacement
cross-member may comprise one of a welt and a groove, integrally
associated therewith, for slidable engagement with the other of a
second welt and a second groove of the slide track, where the slide
track also comprises one of a first welt and a first groove for
slidable engagement with the other of a welt and a groove of the
slidable door or sidewall. In yet another particular related
embodiment, the slide track is attached to the frame structure by
replacing the cross-member with the slide track, the latter adapted
to attach to the frame structure so to function as a cross-member
while also comprising one of a welt and a groove for slidable
engagement with the other of a welt and a groove of a slidable door
or sidewall.
[0099] Finally, the present invention is still further directed to
a system for conveniently storing and transporting the slidable and
foldable doors and sidewalls of the present invention. In this
embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 13, a slidable and foldable door
or sidewall of the present invention may be folded along its
respective crease lines into a smaller configuration. For example,
a rectangular slidable and foldable door or sidewall may be folded
into a smaller rectangle having a surface area roughly one sixth of
that of the unfolded slidable and foldable door or sidewall. In
this configuration, the folded door or sidewall 1300 may then be
inserted into a corresponding storage bag 1302, wherein the storage
bag 1302 has, for example, a welt 1304 across an edge (i.e., a
fabric encased rod 1306 shown in hidden lines). The storage bag may
have carrying straps 1308, 1310, and may have a fabric reinforced
bottom portion 1312 for added protection against dragging.
[0100] Because the storage bag 1302 has a welt 1304 across an edge,
it is capable of slidable engagement with a mounted slide track
1314. As shown, the slide track 1314 is mounted onto the ceiling of
a storage container 1316, wherein the slide track 1314 has a
plurality of grooves 1318 that are all adapted to slidably engage
the welt 1304 of the storage bag 1302. The storage container 1316
may be the back end of a truck, or it may be a crate. In either
case, the storage container 1316 is generally adapted to receive a
plurality of storage bags, and it may even store unfolded doors
and/or sidewalls which may be important when, for example, these
components need drying.
[0101] Although not shown, the storage bags are generally color
coded so as to facilitate tracking, set-up, and disassembly of the
various components that comprise a protective enclosure. For
example, a yellow color coded bag may be designated to store six
paneled sidewalls (the six letters of "y-e-l-l-o-w" corresponds
with six panels), a blue color coded bag may be designated to store
four paneled sidewalls (the four letters of "b-l-u-e" corresponds
with four panels), and a red color coded bag may be designated to
three paneled doors (the three letters of "r-e-d" corresponds with
three panels). In this fashion, the tracking, setup, and
disassembly of an enclosure of the present invention may be greatly
facilitated, especially in the context of large party/exhibition
tents that have multiple sidewalls and doors of varying size.
[0102] While the products and methods of the present invention have
been described in the context of the embodiments illustrated and
described herein, the invention may be embodied in other specific
ways or in other specific forms without departing from its spirit
or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments
are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and
all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency
of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
[0103] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
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