U.S. patent number 3,891,021 [Application Number 05/402,580] was granted by the patent office on 1975-06-24 for garage door with rolled overlapping joint for adjacent panels.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Stanley Works. Invention is credited to David Charles Geoffrey.
United States Patent |
3,891,021 |
Geoffrey |
June 24, 1975 |
Garage door with rolled overlapping joint for adjacent panels
Abstract
An overhang door of sectional construction of the type commonly
found employed in garages is provided having a rolled overlapping
joint formed between adjacent panel sections. The door is composed
of at least a pair of panel sections each having a substantially
rectangular configuration. Each of the pair of panel sections
includes a first roll having a radius of a first dimension formed
along and adjacent to the edge of one of the long sides of the
panel section and a second roll having a radius of a second
dimension formed along and adjacent to the edge of the other of the
long sides of the panel section. The second roll of one of the pair
of panel sections is operable for receiving therewithin the first
roll of the other of the pair of panel sections when the edges of
the corresponding long sides of the pair of panel sections are
placed in overlapping relation. A first stile means is supported on
one of the pair of panel sections at a right angle to the major
axis thereof and with one end of the first stile means being
located adjacent to the first roll of the panel section. In
addition, a second stile means is supported on the other of the
pair of panel sections at an angle to the major axis thereof and
with one end of the second stile means being located adjacent to
the second roll of the panel section. Hinge means are provided
including a first hinge portion operatively connected to the
aforereferenced one end of the first stile means and a second hinge
portion operatively connected to the aforementioned one end of the
second stile means operable to establish a joint connection between
the pair of panel sections wherein when the first and second hinge
portions are moved relative to each other the first roll of the
aforereferenced one of the pair of panel sections moves within and
relative to the second roll of the other of the pair of panel
sections.
Inventors: |
Geoffrey; David Charles
(Warren, MI) |
Assignee: |
The Stanley Works (New Britain,
CT)
|
Family
ID: |
23592508 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/402,580 |
Filed: |
October 1, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/235;
160/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
3/485 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
3/32 (20060101); E06B 3/48 (20060101); E06B
003/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;160/201,209,229,235 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Caun; Peter M.
Claims
Having thus described the invention, I claim:
1. A metal door of sectional construction comprising:
a. at least one continous, integrally formed sheet metal panel
section having a body portion with edge portions extending along
each of the horizontal edges thereof, one of said edge portions
being a roll form including a lip portion of arcuate cross section
projecting therefrom in a plane spaced from the plane of said body
portion and defining a concave recess in the inner surface thereof,
said one edge portion including a rail portion on the inner end of
said arcuate lip portion projecting away therefrom;
b. at least one other continuous, integrally formed sheet metal
panel section having a body portion with edge portions extending
along each of the horizontal edges thereof, one of said edge
portions being formed with a cooperating shoulder portion of
arcuate configuration spaced from the plane of said body portion
thereof and cooperatively configured to slidably seat the outer
surface of said arcuate lip portion of said one panel section, said
shoulder portion and said lip portion being slidable relative to
each other during movement of the door between open and closed
positions, said one edge portion including a rail portion on the
inner end of said shoulder portion projecting away therefrom;
and
c. hinge means including a first leaf hinge portion secured to said
rail portion of said one panel section and a second leaf hinge
portion secured to said rail portion of said other panel section,
said hinge means further including a barrel positioned within said
concave recess provided by said lip portion when said panels
sections are pivoted relative to each other, said lip portion and
said shoulder portion slide relative to each other and said hinge
portions pivot relative to each other.
2. The metal door as set forth in claim 1 further comprising first
stile means supported on said one panel section perpendicular to
the major axis of said body portion thereof and having one end
thereof secured to said rail portion.
3. The metal door as set forth in claim 2 comprising second stile
means supported on said other panel section perpendicular to the
major axis of said body portion thereof and having one end thereof
secured to said rail portion.
4. The metal door as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first leaf
hinge portion is fastened to said one end of said first stile means
and said second leaf hinge portion is fastened to said one end of
said second stile means, with said rail portions being disposed
between said ends of said stile means and said hinge leaf
portions.
5. The metal door as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rail
portions of said one and other panel sections extend in a common
plane parallel to the plane of said body portions thereof in the
closed position of said door.
6. The metal door as set forth in claim 1 wherein said concave
recess faces away from said plane of said body portion of said one
panel section.
7. A metal door of sectional construction comprising:
a. at least one continuous, integrally formed sheet metal panel
section having a body portion with edge portions extending along
each of the horizontal edges thereof, one of said edge portions
being a roll form including a lip portion of arcuate cross section
projecting therefrom in a plane spaced from the plane of said body
portion and defining a concave recess in the inner surface thereof,
facing away from said plane of said body portion, and said one edge
portion including a rail portion projecting away from the inner end
of said lip portion;
b. at least one other continuous, integrally formed sheet metal
panel section having a body portion with edge portions extending
along each of the horizontal edges thereof, one of said edge
portions being formed with a cooperating shoulder portion of
arcuate configuration spaced from the plane of said body portion
thereof and cooperatively configured to slidably seat the outer
surface of said arcuate lip portion of said one panel section and
said one edge portion including a rail portion projecting away from
the inner end of said shoulder portion, said shoulder portion and
said lip portion being slidable relative to each other during
movement of said door between a closed and open position, and said
rail portions of said one and other panel sections extending in a
common plane parallel to the plane of said body portions thereof in
said closed position; and
c. hinge means including a first leaf hinge portion secured to said
rail portion of said one panel section, a second leaf hinge portion
secured to said rail portion of said other panel section, and a
barrel positioned within said concave recess provided by said lip
portion whereby when said panel sections are pivoted relative to
each other, said lip portion and said shoulder portion slide
relative to each other and said hinge portions pivot relative to
each other.
8. The metal door as set forth in claim 7 further comprising first
stile means supported on said one panel section perpendicular to
the major axis of said body portion thereof and having one end
thereof secured to said rail portion.
9. The metal door as set forth in claim 8 further comprising second
stile means supported on said other panel section perpendicular to
the major axis of said body portion thereof and having one end
thereof secured to said rail portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has long been the conventional practice to employ a swinging or
sliding barrier such as a door to open and close an entry. In this
connection, there have been provided heretofore a variety of types
of doors embodying different forms of construction. In most
instances, the doors which have been available heretodate are
characterized by the fact that they are designed to be utilized in
conjunction with a specific type of application. For example, the
form of door which is probably most familiar to all is the swinging
door commonly found employed for purposes of opening and closing
the entry into a building, the entry into the various rooms of a
house, the entry into different portions of commercial and/or
industrial structures, etc. In addition, there have been provided
previously folding doors which are characterized by the fact that
the door is formed of material sufficiently resilient to enable the
door to be moved to an expanded condition to close an entry and to
a collapsed condition to open an entry. When in the collapsed
condition, folding doors occupy relatively little of the area of an
entry and as such are often employed for purposes of opening and
closing the entry to a closet in the house. Yet another form of
door which has been provided heretodate is the overhang door most
often utilized for opening and closing the entry into an area such
as a garage, etc. Such a door is generally supported so as to be
movable between a first position wherein the door is positioned
substantially perpendicular to the floor of the garage and a second
position wherein most, if not all, of the door is disposed in a
plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of the floor of
the garage The overhang door when positioned in the aforereferenced
position thereof functions to close the entry to the garage and
when in the second position provides access into the garage by
opening the entry thereto.
It is readily obvious from reference thereto that although the
structures which comprise the aforedescribed doors are each
intended to be employed as a form of door, differences exist
therebetween insofar as concerns the nature of their construction
as well as the specific manner in which they are used. Generally
speaking, these differences are dictated basically by the nature of
the type of application in which the doors are utilized. Thus, for
example, with respect to the form of doors commonly found employed
to open and close an entry within a building, i.e., the
aforereferenced swinging door, such doors generally are of wooden
construction, are provided with a good finish so as to present a
pleasant appearance, and are sufficiently sturdy so that when
positioned to close the entry and locked in the latter position
they are operable to prevent unauthorized passage through the entry
unless substantial damage is first done to the door. Doors of the
folding type commonly are intended to function merely as a means of
blocking off the view of what is present on the other side of the
entry. As such, folding doors are generally not required to possess
the rigid type of construction which is found embodied in a
swinging door. Insofar as concerns overhang doors, since they are
most often utilized to close an open and entry providing access
from the outside of a structure to the interior thereof, they must
be of a sufficiently durable construction to be capable of
resisting exposure to various types of different weather conditions
without suffering premature deterioration while at the same time
providing reliable performance with minimum need for performing
maintenance thereon. In addition, another requirement of overhang
doors is that they be constructed so as to enable sections thereof
to pivot relative to each other as the door follows an arcuate path
in moving between the open and closed positions thereof.
With regard to the latter type of door, a number of different forms
thereof have been provided in the prior art heretodate. In general,
however, the prior art forms of this type of door have been
characterized by the fact that they possess one or more of the
following undersirable features. For example, since this type of
door is generally of sectional construction, joints are required
between adjacent panel sections as a means of interconnecting the
latter together to form a single door. In this regard, the joints
which have been provided in the prior art doors of this type have
presented the possibility for a person to pinch his fingers therein
while closing the door. Secondly, since the door is intended to
function to open and close the entry from the exterior to the
interior of a building, the door must be operable to restrict the
entrance of the elements such as wind, water and light into the
interior of the building. In this connection, prior art forms of
this type of door have not proven to be completely effective when
placed in use to provide a sufficiently tight seal between adjacent
panel sections of the door. More particularly, such prior art forms
of door have been characterized by the fact that they are unable to
restrict the aforereferenced elements while still maintaining a
mechanical configuration compatible with the radial or rotational
relationship of the joint, existing between two adjacent panel
sections, under operating conditions. In addition, some prior art
doors of this type have been characterized by the fact that they
are relatively difficult to assemble and/or install, thereby
increasing the cost of manufacture and/or installation thereof.
Moreover, the performance of prior art doors of this type in many
instances has not proven to be entirely satisfactory insofar as
concerns the ease with which the door is capable of being moved
between its open and closed positions, the manner in which the
panel sections pivot relative to each other, etc.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
novel and improved door of the type comprising a plurality of panel
sections and embodying a joint construction operable for connecting
the adjacent panel sections thereof together.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a
door wherein a radial overlapping joint construction is employed
which eliminates the possibility of a person pinching his fingers
while closing the door.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
door employing a radial overlapping joint construction which is
operable to restrict the passage therethrough of wind, water and
light, and which is capable of maintaining a mechanical
configuration compatible with the radial relationship of the joint
under operating conditions.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such a door
having a radial overlapping joint construction which provides all
of the advantages of the conventional continuous curl hinge door
yet facilitates much easier assembly and provides better
performance than the conventional continuous curl hinge door.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a
door embodying a plurality of adjacent panel sections
interconnected by means of a radial overlapping joint construction
which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble yet is
sufficiently durable so as to be capable of providing a relatively
long operating life.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be
readily attained in rolled metal door of sectional construction of
the type commonly found employed in garages. The door includes at
least one panel section having along one edge portion thereof a
roll form including a lip portion of arcuate cross-section
extending along the aforementioned edge portion, and affording a
recess in the inner surface thereof. At least one other panel
section is provided having along at least the edge portion thereof
adjacent to the one panel section a cooperating shoulder portion of
arcuate configuration slidably receiving therein the outer surface
of the arcuate lip portion of the aforementioned one panel member
whereby the shoulder portion and the lip portion are slidable
relative to each other during movement of the door between the
opened and closed portions thereof. In addition, hinge means are
provided including a first leaf hinge portion mounted on the one
panel section adjacent the one edge portion thereof and a second
leaf hinge portion mounted on the other panel section adjacent to
the aforedescribed one edge portion thereof. The barrel of the
hinge means is positioned within the aforereferenced recess
provided by the lip portion whereby when the first and second panel
sections are moved, the lip portion and the shoulder portion slide
relative to each other thereby causing a pivotal movement of the
one panel section and the other panel section relative to each
other.
In accord with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the one
panel section is also provided with a rail portion projecting from
the end of the leaf portion spaced from the free edge thereof. The
aforedescribed rail portion comprises an extension of the leaf
portion extending substantially parallel to the plane of the body
of the one panel section. The other panel section is similarly
provided with a rail portion projecting from the end of the
shoulder portion spaced from the free edge thereof. In addition,
the door is provided with first and second stile means. The first
stile means is supported on the one panel section at a right angle
to the major axis of the latter and with one end of the first stile
means located adjacent and fastened to to the aforedescribed leaf
portion of the one panel section. The second stile means is
supported on the other panel section at a right angle to the major
axis of the latter and with one end of the second stile means
located adjacent and fastened to to the aforedescribed shoulder
portion of the other panel section. The first leaf hinge portion of
the hinge means is fastened to the aforementioned one end of the
first stile means while the second leaf hinge portion of the hinge
means is fastened to the aforesaid one end of the second stile
means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door embodying a radial
overlapping joint construction in accordance with the present
invention:
FIG. 2 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of a portion of
the door of FIG. 1 illustrating the radial overlapping joint
construction employed therein in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is an end view of a portion of the door of FIG. 1
illustrating the radial overlapping joint construction employed
therein constructed in accordance with the present invention
depicted in the assembled condition with parts omitted for purposes
of clarity of illustration;
FIG. 4 is an end view of a portion of the door of FIG. 1
illustrating the radial overlapping joint construction employed
therein constructed in accordance with the present invention
depicted in the disassembled condition and with parts omitted for
purposes of clarity of illustration;
FIG. 5 is an end view of a portion of the door of FIG. 1 employing
a radial overlapping joint construction constructed in accordance
with the present invention, illustrating the method of operation of
the radial overlapping joint construction; and
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a panel section of
a door employing a radial overlapping joint construction
constructed in accordance with the present invention taken
substantially along the line 6--6 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly FIG. 1
thereof, there is illustrated therein a door, generally designated
by reference numeral 10, employing therein a radial overlapping
joint construction constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The door 10 as found depicted in FIG. 1 is illustrated
therein being employed as an overhanging door of the type commonly
utilized for purposes of opening and closing the entry into a
garage. It is to be understood however that the door 10 is not
limited to the aforedescribed type of application but rather may
also be utilized in other types of applications without departing
from the essence of the invention. Referring further to FIG. 1 of
the drawings, the door 10 as shown therein is mounted for movement
between a first position wherein the door 10 is positioned in
substantially a vertical plane as viewed with reference to FIG. 1,
i.e., in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the plane
of the floor surface of the garage, and a second position (not
shown) wherein most, if not all, of the door 10 is disposed in a
plane which extends substantially parallel to the plane of the
floor surface of the garage. The aforesaid movement of the door 10
is accomplished by means of conventional structure employed in a
manner well known to those skilled in the art. Inasmuch as the
manner in which the movement of the door 10 is achieved is only
indirectly related to the subject matter of the present invention,
only a brief description of the aforereferenced structure has been
set forth here-in-below. It is believed however that the aforesaid
description is sufficient for purposes of obtaining an
understanding of the present invention.
More specifically, the door 10 is mounted for movement between a
pair of track members 12 and 14. The latter members 12 and 14 are
each provided with a suitably dimensioned channel (not shown) in
which a plurality of rollers 16 are caused to move. The rollers 16
are suitably supported in spaced relation on the door 10 along the
opposed edges thereof so as to be positionable in the
aforedescribed channels. The door 10 is preferably spring biased by
means of a spring means 18, one end (not shown) of which is
connected to a fixed support (not shown). The other end of the
spring means 18 as seen with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings is
attached to cord-like number 20 which in turn passes around a
pulley 22. Accordingly, when the door 10 occupies the position
depicted in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the spring means 18 is extended
and as such applies a pulling force on the door 10. The latter
force however is not sufficient to cause the door 10 to move its
substantially horizontal position (not shown). Rather, the door 10
must first be moved to a raised position, as viewed with reference
to FIG. 1 of the drawings, wherein the bottom of the door 10 is
spaced some suitable distance from the floor surface of the garage.
The spring means 18 is selected such that when the bottom of the
door 10 reaches the aforedescribed position, the force exerted by
the spring means 18 is sufficient to overcome the force represented
by the weight of the door 10 such that the door 10 is caused to
move the rest of the way to its second, i.e., horizontal position
under the influence of the spring means 18. The initial raising of
the bottom of the door 10 may be accomplished either by hand or
through the use of some form of power assisted means (not shown) of
the type commonly found employed for this purpose in the art.
Turning now to FIG. 2 of the drawing, the door 10 as illustrated
therein includes at least three panel sections 24, 26 and 28, each
connected to the adjacent panel section by means of a radial
overlapping joint construction in a manner which will be set forth
fully hereinafter. Inasmuch as each of the panel sections 24, 26
and 28 is of similar construction, for purposes of describing the
construction thereof it is deemed sufficient to set forth
hereinafter a detailed description of only one of the panel
sections, i.e., panel section 26.
Panel section 26 is of rolled metal construction having a
substantially rectangular configuration as best seen with reference
to FIG. 1 of the drawings. In accord with the illustrated
embodiment of the invention, the panel section 26 is provided
intermediate the long sides thereof with a truss 30 which
preferably extends the entire length of the panel section 26. Also,
the panel section 26 is preferably formed with a plurality of
undulations 32 extending vertically as viewed with reference to
FIG. 2 of the drawings between the truss 30 and a truss 34. The
truss 34 in accord with the illustrated embodiment of the invention
is not formed integrally as a part of the panel section 26 in the
manner of the truss 30 but rather comprises a separate member
having a length which is sufficient to extend the entire length of
the panel section 26. In addition the truss 34 is provided with a
pair of flange portions 34a and 34b, the latter being employed for
purposes of fastening the truss 34 in place on the panel section
26. Any suitable conventional form of securing means may be
employed for purposes of mounting the truss 34 on the panel section
26 such as welding, thread fasteners, etc. The trusses 30 and 34 as
well as the undulations 32 provide additional rigidity to the panel
section 26. Accordingly, if so desired, a greater or lesser number
of such strengthening means could be employed with the panel
section 26 without departing from the essence of the invention.
Continuing with the description of the panel section 26, the latter
as best understood with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of the
drawings is provided along one edge position thereof with a roll
form including a lip portion 36 of arcuate cross-section. The lip
portion 36 is formed by reversibly bending upon itself the
aforementioned one edge portion of panel section 26. A rail portion
38 projects outwardly from the end of the lip portion 36. The rail
portion 38 comprises an extension of the lip portion 36 extending
substantially parallel to the plane of the body of the panel
section 36. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the tip
38a of the rail portion 38 is reversibly bent inwardly so as to be
positioned in engagement with the rail portion 38. Moreover, it can
be seen from reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings that a
recess 40 is provided along the aforementioned one edge portion of
the panel section 26 by virtue of the aforedescribed construction
of the lip portion 36 and shoulder portion 38.
Another edge portion of the panel section 26 is provided with a
shoulder portion 42 of arcuate configuration. The shoulder portion
42 is suitably dimensioned so as to be capable of being slidably
seated within the lip portion 36 of panel section 26 in the manner
depicted in FIG. 2 of the drawings for a purpose yet to be
described. The shoulder portion 42 terminates in a rail portion 44
which projects outwardly therefrom. The rail portion 44 extends
substantially parallel to the plane of the body of the panel
section 26 and moreover is positioned in substantially the same
plane as the aforedescribed rail portion 38. IN a manner similar to
that of the rail portion 38, the tip 44a of the rail portion 44 is
reversibly bent inwardly so as to be positioned in engagement with
the rail portion 44. In accord with the illustrated embodiment of
the invention, a channel-shaped cutout portion 46 is preferably
provided adjacent to but in spaced relation to the shoulder portion
42.
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a plurality of stiles 48 are
preferably provided at suitably spaced locations along the length
of the panel section 26. Similarly, each of the panel sections 24
and 28 are likewise provided with a plurality of stiles 50 and 52,
respectively. As depicted in FIG. 2, each of the stiles 48 has a
length which is sufficient to extend substantially the width of the
panel section 26. More particularly, the stile 48 has a
configuration which conforms to that of the inner surface of the
panel section 26 whereby the stile 48 is an engagement with the
truss 30 and truss 34. The stile 48 is preferably provided with a
longitudinally extending slot 54 which extends substantially the
length of the stile 48. In addition, a pair of cutouts 56 and 58
are preferably provided intermediate the ends of the stile 48 and
suitably spaced relative to each other such that when the stile 48
is supported on the panel section 26 cutout portions 56 and 58 are
located in juxtaposed relation to the truss 30 and the truss 34,
respectively. The stile 48 may be secured to the inner surface of
the panel section 26 through the use of any suitable conventional
securing means such as welding, through the use of thread
fasteners, etc. Adjacent each of the ends of the stile 48, there is
preferably provided fastening means 60, only one of which is
visible in the drawings. The fastening means 60 are employed for a
purpose yet to be described. The stiles 50 and 52 are similarly
provided with fastening means, as exemplified for example by
numeral 62 which is visible in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
Turning again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, as depicted therein the
adjacent panel sections 24 and 26 are interconnected by means of
hinge means 64. The latter hinge means 64 comprise a first leaf
hinge portion 66 one end of which terminates in a barrel portion 70
and a second leaf hinge portion 68 one end of which terminates in a
barrel portion 72 such as to be cooperable with the barrel portion
70 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The barrel
portions 70 and 72 are maintained in engagement by means of a hinge
pin 74. The leaf hinge portion 66 and 68 are fastened to the stiles
48 and 50, respectively, by means of fasteners 76 which are
received in the fastening means 60 and 62, respectively. In accord
with the illustrated embodiment of the invention, washers 78 are
preferably interposed between the head of the fasteners 76 and the
outer surface of the hinge portions 66 and 68.
Turning now to a consideration of the mode of operation of the
aforedescribed radial overlapping joint construction employed in
the door 10, it can be seen with reference to FIG. 5 of the
drawings that as the door 10 moves between its opened and closed
positions, the panel sections 24, 26 and 28 are caused to pivot
relative to each other. During this pivotable movement a lip
portion 36 slidably seated in the shoulder portion 38 slides
relative to the latter. The panel sections 24 and 26 remain
interconnected by vitrue of the fact that the leaf hinge portion 66
is fastened to the stile 48 which in turn is secured to the panel
section 26 while the leaf hinge portion 68 is fastened to the stile
50 which in turn is secured to the panel section 24. The rail
portions 44 and 48 function as stop means whereby as the door 10
moves between open and closed positions, depending on which
direction the door 10 is moving in one or the other of the rail
portions 44 and 48 interacts with the face of the corresponding
hinge portion 66 or 68 to limit the pivot action of the respective
adjacent panel sections 24 and 26. It will be noted that inasmuch
as the lip portion 36 is positioned in the shoulder portion 38
along the entire length of the edge portions of the adjacent panel
sections, no opening exists there between into which a person could
catch his fingers. Similarly, the positioning of the lip portion 36
within the shoulder portion 38 establishes a tight construction
there between which restricts the passage there through of wind,
water and light.
Although only one embodiment of a door constructed in accordance
with the present invention has been shown in the drawings and
described hereinabove, it is to be understood that modifications in
the construction thereof may be made thereto by those skilled in
the art without departing from the essence of the invention. In
this connection, some of the modifications which can be made in the
door 10 have been alluded to hereinabove while others will become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art when exposed to the
present description and illustration of the construction of the
door 10.
Thus it can be seen that the present invention provides a novel and
improved door of the type comprising a plurality of panel sections
and embodying a joint construction operable for connecting the
adjacent panel sections thereof together. Moreover, in accord with
the present invention a door has been provided wherein a radial
overlapping joint construction is employed which eliminates the
possibilty of a person pinching his fingers while closing the door.
The door of the present invention is operable also to restrict the
passage therethrough of wind, water and light, and is capable of
maintaining a mechanical configuration compatible with the radial
relationship of the joint under operating conditions. Furthermore,
in accord with the present invention there has been provided a door
having a radial overlapping joint construction which provides all
of the advantages of the conventional continuous curl hinge door
yet facilitates much easier assembly and provides better
performance than the conventional continuous curl hinge door.
Finally, a door embodying a plurality of adjacent panel sections
interconnected by means of a radial overlapping joint construction
has been provided in accord with the present invention which is
relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble yet is
sufficiently durable so as to be capable of providing a relatively
long operating life.
* * * * *