Foldable door

A garage door apparatus includes a screen that includes a flexible, perforated material. The garage door apparatus includes a first attachment arm attached to a first portion of a second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus includes a second attachment arm attached to a second portion of the second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus includes a third attachment arm attached to a first portion of a fourth side of the screen. The garage door apparatus includes a fourth attachment arm attached to a second portion of the fourth side of the screen. The garage door apparatus includes an attachment bar attached to the third side of the screen. The screen is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to a foldable door and more particularly to a foldable garage door.

BACKGROUND

Doors can be used in a variety of applications, for example, for covering an opening in a garage door. However, existing doors that are made out of wood or metal are costly and difficult to fabricate.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

In some embodiments, a garage door apparatus comprises a screen comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is attached to an edge of a garage door opening. The second side, the third side, and the fourth side are movable relative to the first side. The screen comprises a flexible, perforated material. The garage door apparatus comprises a first attachment arm extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the edge of the garage door opening and the second end projects into the garage door opening. The first attachment arm is attached to a first portion of the second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a second attachment arm extending between a third end and a fourth end. The third end is attached to the second end of the first attachment arm. The second attachment arm is attached to a second portion of the second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a third attachment arm extending between a fifth end and a sixth end. The fifth end is attached to the edge of the garage door opening and the sixth end projects into the garage door opening. The third attachment arm is attached to a first portion of the fourth side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a fourth attachment arm extending between a seventh end and an eighth end. The seventh end is attached to the sixth end of the third attachment arm. The fourth attachment arm is attached to a second portion of the fourth side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises an attachment bar attached to the third side of the screen and extends across the garage door opening between a first bar end and a second bar end. The first bar end is attached to the fourth end of the second attachment arm and the second bar end is attached to the eighth end of the fourth attachment arm. The screen is movable between a retracted position, in which the screen is located along the edge of the garage door opening such that the garage door opening is uncovered and the first attachment arm, the second attachment arm, the third attachment arm, the fourth attachment arm, and the attachment bar extend parallel to each other adjacent to the edge of the garage door opening, and an extended position, in which the screen extends from the edge to cover the garage door opening and the attachment bar extends along a second edge that is opposite the edge.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm are colinear when the screen is in the extended position.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm are substantially parallel to and adjacent to a third edge of the garage door opening.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm are non-colinear when the screen is in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, an attachment structure attaches the second attachment arm and the attachment bar, the attachment structure comprising a hinged portion wherein the second attachment arm is pivotable relative to the attachment bar.

In some embodiments, the attachment structure comprises a first attachment portion attached to the attachment bar and a second attachment portion attached to the second attachment arm.

In some embodiments, a garage door apparatus comprises a screen comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is attached to an edge of a garage door opening. The second side, the third side, and the fourth side are movable relative to the first side. The screen comprises a flexible, perforated material. The garage door apparatus comprises a first attachment arm extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the edge of the garage door opening and the second end projects into the garage door opening. The first attachment arm is attached to a first portion of the second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a second attachment arm extending between a third end and a fourth end. The third end is attached to the second end of the first attachment arm. The second attachment arm is attached to a second portion of the second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a third attachment arm extending between a fifth end and a sixth end. The fifth end is attached to the edge of the garage door opening and the sixth end projects into the garage door opening. The third attachment arm is attached to a first portion of the fourth side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a fourth attachment arm extending between a seventh end and an eighth end. The seventh end is attached to the sixth end of the third attachment arm. The fourth attachment arm is attached to a second portion of the fourth side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises an attachment bar attached to the third side of the screen and extending across the garage door opening between a first bar end and a second bar end. The first bar end is attached to the fourth end of the second attachment arm and the second bar end is attached to the eighth end of the fourth attachment arm. The screen is movable between a retracted position, in which the screen is located along the edge of the garage door opening such that the garage door opening is uncovered, and an extended position, in which the screen extends from the edge to cover the garage door opening and the attachment bar extends along a second edge that is opposite the edge.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm are colinear when the screen is in the extended position.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm are substantially parallel to and adjacent to a third edge of the garage door opening.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm are non-colinear when the screen is in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, an attachment structure attaches the second attachment arm and the attachment bar, the attachment structure comprising a hinged portion wherein the second attachment arm is pivotable relative to the attachment bar.

In some embodiments, the attachment structure comprises a first attachment portion attached to the attachment bar and a second attachment portion attached to the second attachment arm.

In some embodiments, a garage door apparatus comprises a screen comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is attached to an edge of a garage door opening. The second side, the third side, and the fourth side are movable relative to the first side. The screen comprises a flexible, perforated material. The garage door apparatus comprises a first lateral support arm attached at one end to the edge of the garage door opening and at an opposing end to a first bar end of an attachment bar. The first lateral support arm is attached to the second side of the screen. The garage door apparatus comprises a second lateral support arm attached at one end to the edge of the garage door opening and at an opposing end to a second bar end of the attachment bar. The second lateral support arm is attached to the fourth side of the screen. The attachment bar is attached to the third side of the screen and extends across the garage door opening between the first bar end and the second bar end. The screen is configured to move between a retracted position, in which the screen is compressed such that the garage door opening is uncovered by the screen, and an extended position, in which the screen extends from the edge to cover the garage door opening such that the screen is substantially planar.

In some embodiments, the first lateral support arm extends linearly when the screen is in the extended position.

In some embodiments, the first lateral support arm is substantially parallel to and adjacent to a third edge of the garage door opening.

In some embodiments, the first lateral support arm is non-linear when the screen is in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, an attachment structure attaches the first lateral support arm and the attachment bar, the attachment structure comprising a hinged portion wherein the first lateral support arm is pivotable relative to the attachment bar.

In some embodiments, the attachment structure comprises a first attachment portion attached to the attachment bar and a second attachment portion attached to the first lateral support arm.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be clear to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operations thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one value, and/or to “about” another value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one value to the other value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

Directional terms as used herein—for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc.—are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “including”, and variations thereof, shall be construed as synonymous and open-ended, unless otherwise indicated. A list of elements following the transitional phrases comprising or including is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list may also be present.

Modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit a the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, a quantity, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B or two different or two identical ends or the same end.

The present disclosure relates to a garage door apparatus101for covering a garage door opening103. For example, referring toFIGS. 1-3, the garage door apparatus101can comprise one or more structures (e.g., a screen, attachment arms, etc.) that can be moved between a plurality of positions, wherein in some positions (e.g., a retracted position), the garage door apparatus101may not cover the garage door opening103, and in other positions (e.g., an extended position), the garage door apparatus101may cover the garage door opening103. In some embodiments, the garage door opening103can comprise a space, a gap, a hole, etc. within a wall of a garage that allows for the ingress/egress of objects (e.g., vehicles, people, equipment, etc.). When a door or screen (e.g., or the garage door apparatus101) covers the garage door opening103, then the ingress/egress of objects through the garage door opening103is prevented, and when the door or screen (e.g., or the garage door apparatus101) is retracted and does not cover the garage door opening103, then the ingress/egress of objects through the garage door opening103is permitted.

The garage door opening103can comprise several sizes and shapes, for example, a quadrilateral shape (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.), a circular shape, an oval, shape, etc. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-3, the garage door opening103can comprise a square shape. The garage door opening103may be defined by one or more edges, for example, an edge105, a second edge107, a third edge109, and a fourth edge111. The edges105,107,109,111may, in some embodiments, comprise portions of a wall within which the garage door opening103is defined, such that the edges105,107,109,111border and define the garage door opening103. In some embodiments, the edge105may be located at an upper side of the garage door opening103. The second edge107may be located at a bottom side of the garage door opening103(e.g., wherein the second edge107may comprise a part of a floor). The edge105and the second edge107may be spaced apparat and located at opposing sides of the garage door opening103such that the garage door opening103may be located between the edge105(e.g., at an upper or top side relative to a gravitational direction) and the second edge107(e.g., at a lower or bottom side relative to the gravitational direction). The third edge109and the fourth edge111may be located at adjacent lateral sides of the garage door opening103. For example, the third edge109and the fourth edge111can be spaced apart with the garage door opening103located in between. In some embodiments, the third edge109can extend between the edge105and the second edge107(e.g., at one end of the edge105and the second edge107) while the fourth edge111can extend between the edge105and the second edge107(e.g., at an opposing end of the edge105and the second edge107). In some embodiments, the edge105and the second edge107can extend substantially horizontally while the third edge109and the fourth edge111can extend substantially vertically.

The edges105,107,109,111are not limited to comprising portions of a wall within which the garage door opening103is defined. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the edges105,107,109,111can comprise a structure that is not a wall, such as, for example, a door. For example, in some embodiments, the edge105can comprise a portion of a separate garage door that can selectively cover the garage door opening103. As such, when the separate garage door is opened (e.g., raised), then the edge105may be defined by a bottom of the separate garage door.

The garage door apparatus101can comprise one or more structures for selectively covering the garage door opening103. For example, the garage door apparatus101can comprise a screen117. The screen117can comprise a flexible, perforated, and semi-permeable material. For example, the flexible, perforated, and semi-permeable material can comprise a mesh screen that comprises a plurality of openings that are separated by connected strands of an interlaced material such as metal, fiber, etc. Due to the screen117comprising the perforated and semi-permeable material, the screen117can selectively allow for air to pass through the screen117while limiting the passage of larger particles (e.g., particles that are larger than the openings in the screen117), such as animals (e.g., insects, birds, etc.), debris (e.g., leaves, seeds, etc.), or other items. The screen117can therefore provide a cover to the garage door opening103. In some embodiments, the screen117can be flexible such that the screen117is capable of being bent easily without breaking, and wherein the screen117can be moved between multiple positions (e.g., bent/folded positions, extended flattened positions, etc.) without breaking or retaining a shape. In some embodiments, the screen117is not limited to comprising the flexible, perforated, and semi-permeable material. Rather, in some embodiments, the screen117can comprise a vinyl material (e.g., that is non-perforated and does not comprise openings) that is substantially solid.

The screen117can comprise one or more sides. For example, in some embodiments, the screen117can comprise a first side121, a second side123, a third side125, and a fourth side127. In some embodiments, the first side121can be attached to the edge105of the garage door opening103. For example, by being attached to the edge105, the first side121can be attached to a wall that defines the garage door opening103, or another structure (e.g., a separate garage door). In these embodiments, by being attached to the edge105, the first side121can remain in position relative to the garage door opening103.

The second side123, the third side125, and the fourth side127of the screen117can be movable relative to the first side121. For example, by being movable relative to the first side121, the second side123, the third side125, and the fourth side127can move (e.g., slide, translate, pivot, etc.) relative to the first side121such that the second side123, the third side125, and the fourth side127can move between a retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1) and an extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3). In some embodiments, the screen117can comprise a width129that may substantially match a width131of the garage door opening103. For example, the width129of the screen117can be measured in a direction that is parallel to the first side121(e.g., between the second side123and the fourth side127) when the screen117is in an extended position. The width131of the garage door opening103can be measured between the third edge109and the fourth edge111. In some embodiments, by substantially matching the width129of the screen117to the width131of the garage door opening103, the screen117can cover substantially all of the garage door opening103when the screen117is in the extended position. In this way, the screen117can limit particles or materials from passing through the garage door opening103when the screen117is in the extended position.

The garage door apparatus101can comprise one or more lateral support arms such as, for example, a first lateral support arm135and a second lateral support arm137. The first lateral support arm135can be attached to the second side123of the screen117while the second lateral support arm137can be attached to the fourth side127of the screen117. The first lateral support arm135and the second lateral support arm137can be spaced apart and may be movable between a retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1) and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3). In the retracted position, the first lateral support arm135and the second lateral support arm137can extend non-linearly, for example, by being in a bent configuration (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1). In the extended position, the first lateral support arm135may be located adjacent to the third edge109while the second lateral support arm137may be located adjacent to the fourth edge111.

In some embodiments, the first lateral support arm135can comprise one or more attachment arms, for example, a first attachment arm141and a second attachment arm143. The first attachment arm141can extend between a first end145and a second end147. In some embodiments, the first attachment arm141can comprise an inflexible material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, etc.) that may be resistant to bending and/or breaking, with the first attachment arm141extending substantially linearly between the first end145and the second end147. The first end145can be attached to the edge105of the garage door opening103and the second end147can project into the garage door opening103(e.g., seeFIG. 2) when the screen117is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. The first attachment arm141can be attached to a first portion152of the second side123of the screen117. For example, the first portion152of the second side123of the screen117can comprise an upper part (e.g., an upper half) of the second side123of the screen117, with the first attachment arm141attached to the first portion152(e.g., for example, with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). As will be described herein, the first end145can be attached to the edge105in several ways, for example, to allow movement between the first attachment arm141and the edge105. For example, in some embodiments, the first end145can be pivotably attached to the edge105such that the first attachment arm141can pivot relative to the edge105between the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), an intermediate position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 2), and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3).

The second attachment arm143can extend between a third end151and a fourth end153. In some embodiments, the second attachment arm143can comprise an inflexible material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, etc.) that may be resistant to bending and/or breaking, with the second attachment arm143extending substantially linearly between the third end151and the fourth end153. The third end151can be attached to the second end147of the first attachment arm141. The third end151can be attached to the second end147in several ways, for example, to allow movement between the second attachment arm143and the first attachment arm141. For example, in some embodiments, the third end151can be pivotably attached to the second end147such that the second attachment arm143can pivot relative to the first attachment arm141between the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), an intermediate position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 2), and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3). The second attachment arm143can be attached to a second portion154of the second side123of the screen117. For example, the second portion154of the second side123of the screen117can comprise a lower part (e.g., a lower half) of the second side123of the screen117, with the second attachment arm143attached to the second portion154(e.g., for example, with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.).

Referring to the second lateral support arm137, the second lateral support arm137can comprise one or more attachment arms, for example, a third attachment arm157and a fourth attachment arm158. The third attachment arm157can extend between a fifth end159and a sixth end161. In some embodiments, the third attachment arm157can comprise an inflexible material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, etc.) that may be resistant to bending and/or breaking, with the third attachment arm157extending substantially linearly between the fifth end159and the sixth end161. The fifth end159can be attached to the edge105of the garage door opening103and the sixth end161can project into the garage door opening103(e.g., seeFIG. 2) when the screen117is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. The third attachment arm157can be attached to a first portion163of the fourth side127of the screen117. For example, the first portion163of the fourth side127of the screen117can comprise an upper part (e.g., an upper half) of the fourth side127of the screen117, with the third attachment arm157attached to the first portion163(e.g., for example, with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). As will be described herein, the fifth end159can be attached to the edge105in several ways, for example, to allow movement between the third attachment arm157and the edge105. For example, in some embodiments, the fifth end159can be pivotably attached to the edge105such that the third attachment arm157can pivot relative to the edge105between the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), an intermediate position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 2), and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3).

The fourth attachment arm158can extend between a seventh end167and an eighth end169. In some embodiments, the fourth attachment arm158can comprise an inflexible material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, etc.) that may be resistant to bending and/or breaking, with the fourth attachment arm158extending substantially linearly between the seventh end167and the eighth end169. The seventh end167can be attached to the sixth end161of the third attachment arm157. The seventh end167can be attached to the sixth end161in several ways, for example, to allow movement between the fourth attachment arm158and the third attachment arm157. For example, in some embodiments, the seventh end167can be pivotably attached to the sixth end161such that the fourth attachment arm158can pivot relative to the third attachment arm157between the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), an intermediate position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 2), and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3). The fourth attachment arm158can be attached to a second portion165of the fourth side127of the screen117. For example, the second portion165of the fourth side127of the screen117can comprise a lower part (e.g., a lower half) of the fourth side127of the screen117, with the fourth attachment arm158attached to the second portion165(e.g., for example, with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.).

In some embodiments, the garage door apparatus101can comprise an attachment bar173that may be attached to the third side125of the screen117. The attachment bar173can extend across the garage door opening103between a first bar end175and a second bar end177. The first bar end175may be attached to the fourth end153of the second attachment arm143, and the second bar end177can be attached to the eighth end169of the fourth attachment arm158. In some embodiments, the attachment bar173can comprise an inflexible material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, etc.) that may be resistant to bending and/or breaking. The attachment bar173can extend substantially linearly between the first bar end175and the second bar end177. In some embodiments, the attachment bar173can comprise a length that may substantially match the width129of the screen117and the width131of the garage door opening103. As such, the attachment bar173can extend across substantially all of the width131of the garage door opening103, with the first bar end175located adjacent to and/or in contact with the third edge109, and the second bar end177located adjacent to and/or in contact with the fourth edge111.

The attachment bar173can be attached to the second attachment arm143and the fourth attachment arm158in several ways, for example, to allow movement between the attachment bar173and the second attachment arm143and the fourth attachment arm158. For example, in some embodiments, the first bar end175can be pivotably attached to the fourth end153such that the attachment bar173can pivot relative to the second attachment arm143between the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), an intermediate position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 2), and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3). Similarly, in some embodiments, the second bar end177can be pivotably attached to the eighth end169such that the attachment bar173can pivot relative to the fourth attachment arm158between the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), an intermediate position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 2), and the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the attachment bar173can remain either parallel to the edge105(e.g., and the second edge107), or may be non-parallel to the edge105(e.g., and the second edge107).

In some embodiments, the attachment bar173can comprise a relatively heavy material such that the attachment bar173may be resistant to the elemental forces (e.g., wind, rain, snow, etc.) that may act upon the screen117. For example, when the attachment bar173is in the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3) such that the screen117covers the garage door opening103), the attachment bar173may be in contact with the second edge107, such as, for example, resting upon the second edge107. In this way, the second edge107(e.g., the ground or a floor of the garage door) can support the attachment bar173. Due to the weight of the attachment bar173, the attachment bar173may tend to remain in place and may be resistant to movement into or out of the garage door. As such, when an elemental force acts upon the screen117, such as, for example, wind blowing upon the screen117, the attachment bar173may maintain the screen117in a position that covers the garage door opening103while not blowing into the garage.

In some embodiments, the screen117may be movable between a retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1), in which the screen117may be located along the edge105of the garage door opening103such that the garage door opening103is uncovered (e.g., uncovered by the screen117), and wherein the first attachment arm141, the second attachment arm143, the third attachment arm157, the fourth attachment arm158, and the attachment bar173can extended parallel to each other adjacent to the edge105of the garage door opening103. For example, by extending parallel to each other, in some embodiments, the first attachment arm141, the second attachment arm143, the third attachment arm157, the fourth attachment arm158, and the attachment bar173may be parallel to one another while also being parallel to the edge105. In the retracted position, the screen117may be not fully-extended (e.g., crumpled, creased, wrinkled, condensed, etc.) and, instead, may be located adjacent to the edge105while not extending across the garage door opening103toward the second edge107. The screen117may be movable from the retracted position to the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 3), in which the screen117can extend from the edge105to cover the garage door opening103, and the attachment bar173can extend along the second edge107that is opposite the edge105. For example, in the extended position, the screen117may be partially or fully extended such that the screen117is substantially planar (e.g., lies within a plane) while extending within and covering the garage door opening103. In the extended position, the sides of the screen117can be adjacent to the edges of the garage door opening103such that minimal gaps or spaces are located between the screen117and the edges of the garage door opening103. For example, in the extended position, the first side121of the screen117(e.g., and the first lateral support arm135comprising the first attachment arm141and the second attachment arm143) can extend along and adjacent to (and/or in contact with) the third edge109of the garage door opening103. In the extended position, the fourth side127of the screen117(e.g., and the second lateral support arm137comprising the third attachment arm157and the fourth attachment arm158) can extend along and adjacent to (and/or in contact with) the fourth edge111of the garage door opening103. In the extended position, the attachment bar173can extend along and adjacent to (and/or in contact with) the second edge107of the garage door opening103. In this way, substantially all (e.g., greater than or equal to about 95%) of the garage door opening103may be covered by the garage door apparatus101.

Referring toFIG. 10, an example of an attachment structure1001that can attach one or more of the attachment arms141,143,157,158and/or the attachment bar173is illustrated. For the purposes of illustration, the attachment structure1001is illustrated as attaching the first bar end175of the attachment bar173to the fourth end153of the second attachment arm143. However, the attachment structure1001is not limited to attaching the attachment bar173and the second attachment arm143. Rather, in some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can be used to attach zero or more of the other attachment arms141,143,157,158and/or the attachment bar173. For example, the attachment structure1001can be used to attach the first end145of the first attachment arm141to the edge105. In some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can be used to attach the second end147of the first attachment arm141to the third end151of the second attachment arm143. In some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can be used to attach the fifth end159of the third attachment arm157to the edge105. In some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can be used to attach the sixth end161of the third attachment arm157to the seventh end167of the fourth attachment arm158. In some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can be used to attach the eighth end169of the fourth attachment arm158to the second bar end177of the attachment bar173.

The attachment structure1001can comprise a first attachment portion1003and a second attachment portion1005. The attachment structure1001can comprise a hinged portion1007that may be attached to the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005, with the hinged portion1007allowing pivotable movement of the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005relative to each other. For example, referring to the first attachment portion1003, the first attachment portion1003can extend between a first end1011and a second end1013. In some embodiments, the first attachment portion1003can comprise a decreasing size (e.g., width) from the first end1011toward the second end1013. The first end1011can be attached to the hinged portion1007and the second end1013can be located a distance apart from the hinged portion1007. In some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can comprise a plurality of first fasteners1015(e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) that can attach the first attachment portion1003to the first bar end175of the attachment bar173. For example, the first fasteners1015can extend through openings in the first attachment portion1003and may extend through openings in the attachment bar173. The first fasteners1015can be spaced apart along the length of the first attachment portion1003, such that one or more of the first fasteners1015may be located in closer proximity to the hinged portion1007than other of the first fasteners1015. Such an arrangement of the first fasteners1015can provide for a secure attachment of the first attachment portion1003and the first bar end175of the attachment bar173, such that relative movement between the attachment bar173and the first attachment portion1003is limited.

Referring to the second attachment portion1005, the second attachment portion1005can be similar or identical in size, shape, and structure as the first attachment portion1003. For example, the second attachment portion1005can extend between a first end1021and a second end1023. In some embodiments, the second attachment portion1005can comprise a decreasing size (e.g., width) from the first end1021toward the second end1023. The first end1021can be attached to the hinged portion1007and the second end1023can be located a distance apart from the hinged portion1007. In some embodiments, the attachment structure1001can comprise a plurality of second fasteners1025(e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) that can attach the second attachment portion1005to the fourth end153of the second attachment arm143. For example, the second fasteners1025can extend through openings in the second attachment portion1005and may extend through openings in the second attachment arm143. The second fasteners1025can be spaced apart along the length of the second attachment portion1005, such that one or more of the second fasteners1025may be located in closer proximity to the hinged portion1007than other of the second fasteners1025. Such an arrangement of the second fasteners1025can provide for a secure attachment of the second attachment portion1005and the fourth end153of the second attachment arm143, such that relative movement between the second attachment arm143and the second attachment portion1005is limited.

The hinged portion1007can extend along a hinge axis1031, with the first attachment portion1003and/or the second attachment portion1005rotatable about the hinge axis1031. For example, the hinge axis1031can intersect the hinged portion1007and may extend through the garage door opening103. The hinged portion1007can function as a mechanical bearing in which the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005can rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation (e.g., the hinge axis1031). The hinged portion1007can prevent, however, translations or rotations in directions other than about the hinge axis1031, such that the hinged portion1007comprises one degree of freedom. The hinged portion1007can therefore prevent movement of the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005in other directions, for example, a first direction1033and/or a second direction1035that are parallel to the hinge axis1031. Accordingly, the hinged portion1007can reduce the likelihood of the elemental forces (e.g., wind, etc.) acting upon the screen117and causing the screen117to move in the first direction1033or the second direction1035. Similarly, the hinged portion1007can facilitate movement of the second attachment arm and the attachment bar, such that the second attachment arm may be pivotable relative to the attachment bar.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the hinged portion1007can facilitate movement of the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005as the screen117is moved between the retracted position and the extended position. For example, when the screen117is in the extended position (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3andFIG. 10), the screen117can cover the garage door opening103such that an axis traveling parallel to the hinge axis1031(e.g., along the first direction1033or the second direction1035) can intersect the screen117upon passing through a center of the garage door opening103(e.g., at a midpoint between the edge105and the second edge107, and at a midpoint between the third edge109and the fourth edge111). When the screen117is in the retracted position (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1), the screen117does not cover the garage door opening103such that an axis traveling parallel to the hinge axis1031(e.g., along the first direction1033or the second direction1035) does not intersect the screen117upon passing through a center of the garage door opening103(e.g., at a midpoint between the edge105and the second edge107, and at a midpoint between the third edge109and the fourth edge111). In the extended position, the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005can form an angle that is within a range from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, or within a range from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, or about 90 degrees. As such, the first lateral support arm135(e.g., and the second lateral support arm137) and the attachment bar173can likewise form an angle that is within a range from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, or within a range from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, or about 90 degrees. In the retracted position (e.g., illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4), first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005may be in close proximity and/or in contact, such that the first attachment portion1003and the second attachment portion1005can form an angle that is within a range less than about 10 degrees, or about zero degrees. As such, in the retracted position, the first attachment portion1003may be substantially parallel to the second attachment portion1005.

In some embodiments, the first attachment arm141and the second attachment arm143can be colinear (e.g., extending linearly along the same axis) when the screen117is in the extended position. For example, the first attachment arm141and the second attachment arm143may be substantially parallel to and adjacent to the third edge109of the garage door opening103. As such, in this way, the first lateral support arm135can extend linearly and along the same axis when the screen117is in the extended position, with the first lateral support arm135being substantially parallel to and adjacent to the third edge109of the garage door opening103. In some embodiments, the first attachment arm141and the second attachment arm143can be non-colinear when the screen117is in the retracted position. For example, by being non-colinear, the first attachment arm141and the second attachment arm143can extend along different axes in the retracted position. As such, in this way, the first lateral support arm135can be non-linear when the screen117is in the retracted position. The second lateral support arm137(e.g., and portions thereof including the third attachment arm and the fourth attachment arm) can be moved in a substantially identical manner.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the garage door apparatus101can comprise one or more structures that can facilitate movement of the screen117and assist in maintaining a position of the screen117(e.g., in the retracted or extended position). For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the garage door apparatus101can comprise a support bracket901that can hold one of the lateral support arms135,137in place. For the purposes of illustration, the support bracket901is illustrated as being attached to the third edge109, such that the support bracket901can support the first lateral support arm135. However, the support bracket901is not limited to attaching the third edge109, and in some embodiments, additional support brackets901can be attached to the second edge107and/or the fourth edge111. For example, a support bracket901can be attached to the second edge107for supporting the attachment bar173. In addition, or in the alternative, a support bracket901can be attached to the fourth edge111for supporting the second lateral support arm137.

The support bracket901can be attached to the third edge109at an inner side of the third edge109such that the support bracket901may extend into the garage door opening103. In some embodiments, the support bracket901can comprise a non-planar shape with a plurality of portions. For example, the support bracket901can comprise a first support portion903, a second support portion905, and a third support portion907. The first support portion903can comprise a substantially planar shape that may be in contact with the third edge109. In some embodiments, the first support portion903can comprise one or more openings that can receive a fastener. In this way, the fastener can attach the first support portion903to the third edge109, such that the first support portion903may be flush with and in contact with the third edge109. The second support portion905can be non-planar relative to the first support portion903and can project from the first support portion903in a direction away from the third edge109(e.g., into the garage door opening103). For example, in some embodiments, the second support portion905can extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular relative to the first support portion903, such that an angle formed between the first support portion903and the second support portion905may be within a range from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the third support portion907can be non-planar relative to the first support portion903and the second support portion905. The third support portion907can extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular relative to the second support portion905, such that an angle formed between the third support portion907and the second support portion905may be within a range from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees (or about 90 degrees). In some embodiments, the third support portion907may be substantially parallel to the first support portion903while being spaced a distance apart from the first support portion903. For example, the first support portion903can be positioned on one side of the second support portion905while the third support portion907can be positioned on an opposing side of the second support portion905. As such, a plane along which the second support portion905extends can extend between the first attachment portion1003(e.g., positioned on one side of the plane) and the second attachment portion1005(e.g., positioned on an opposing side of the plane).

In operation, the support bracket901can define a gap909positioned between the third support portion907and the third edge109. For example, the gap can be bounded by the third edge109and the third support portion907at opposing sides, and by the second support portion905, with a fourth side being unbounded. In this way, the support bracket901can receive a portion of the first lateral support arm135. In some embodiments, the support bracket901is located in close proximity to the second edge107such that the support bracket901can receive the second attachment arm143within the gap909. For example, when the screen117is in the extended position, the second attachment arm143can be received within the gap909. Due to the third support portion907contacting the second attachment arm143, the third support portion907can maintain the second attachment arm143within the gap909adjacent to the third edge109. Accordingly, the screen117can remain in the extended position without risk of being inadvertently dislodged from the edges.

Referring toFIG. 8, in some embodiments, the garage door apparatus101can comprise a biasing device801that can assist in biasing the screen117to the extended or retracted positions and/or can assist in moving the screen117in a closed manner. For example, the biasing device801can comprise a bracket portion803and a biasing portion805. The bracket portion803can be a fixed, non-movable, stationary structure that can be attached to one of the edges of the garage door opening103, for example, the second edge107. In some embodiments, one end of the bracket portion803can be attached to the second edge107while an opposing edge of the bracket portion803can extend toward and into the garage door opening103. The bracket portion803can be attached in several ways to the second edge107, for example, with mechanical fasteners or the like.

In some embodiments, the biasing portion805can be attached to the bracket portion803at one end of the biasing portion805and to the first lateral support arm135at an opposing end of the biasing portion805. The biasing portion805can comprise several devices that can facilitate movement of the screen117. For example, in some embodiments, the biasing portion805can comprise a spring, such as a helical spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, etc. In these embodiments, the spring can comprise an elastic object that can store mechanical energy. For example, the spring can be compressed or stretched from a resting position and may exert an opposing force that can be approximately proportional to the change in length of the spring. In this way, when the biasing portion805comprises a spring, the biasing portion805can assist in maintaining the screen117in the extended position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 6), or may assist in maintaining the screen in the retracted position. The biasing portion805is not limited to a spring, however, and may instead comprise a closer (e.g., a mechanical device that allows for movement of a structure, such as the first lateral support arm135relative to the second edge107, in a controlled manner and preventing the structure from slamming after being opened). In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 8, the biasing portion805comprises a pneumatic closer in which a cylinder houses air and a piston rod that moves within the cylinder. The piston rod can comprise a disk that moves within the cylinder. As the piston rod moves, the gas within the cylinder can compress. Accordingly, when the biasing portion805comprises a pneumatic closer, the biasing portion805can slow the speed at which the first lateral support arm135moves (e.g., between the extended and retracted positions) relative to the second edge107. In some embodiments, the biasing device801is not limited to being attached between the second edge107and the first lateral support arm135. Rather, in addition, or in the alternative, a biasing device801can be attached between the fourth edge111and the second lateral support arm137.

Referring toFIGS. 4-10, the operation of the garage door apparatus101is illustrated and may be explained. Initially, in some embodiments and as illustrated inFIG. 4, the garage door apparatus101may be in a retracted position such that the screen117may not cover the garage door opening103. Rather, the screen117may be compressed (e.g., not extended and non-planar, not stretched, slackened and/or loosened) and stored/located at the top of the garage door opening103adjacent to the edge105. Next, referring toFIG. 5, the screen117may be moved from the retracted position toward the extended position. For example, during the movement of the screen117, the attachment bar173may be lowered and the first lateral support arm135and the second lateral support arm137may be moved from the non-planar, stored position (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 4) to the extended position. For example, the hinged portions1007(e.g., illustrated inFIG. 10) can facilitate movement of the attachment arms141,143,157,158and the attachment bar173. For example, in the retracted position ofFIG. 4, the attachment arms141,143,157,158and the attachment bar173may extend parallel to each other with angles defined by the hinged portions1007being substantially zero. However, as the attachment bar173is lowered, the angles may change. For example, a first angle501may be defined between the first attachment arm141and the edge105. A second angle503may be defined between the first attachment arm141and the second attachment arm143. A third angle505may be defined between the second attachment arm143and the attachment bar173. Similar or identical angles501,503,505may be formed relative to the third attachment arm157, the fourth attachment arm158, and the attachment bar173. As the attachment bar173is lowered from the edge105toward the second edge107, the angles501,503,505may increase. For example, the first angle501may initially be about zero in the retracted position, but may gradually increase to about 90 degrees (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 10) when in the extended position. As illustrated inFIG. 5, in an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position, the first angle501may be within a range from about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees. Similarly, the second angle503may initially be about zero in the retracted position, but may gradually increase to about 180 degrees (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 10) when in the extended position. As illustrated inFIG. 5, in an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position, the second angle503may be within a range from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees. The third angle505may substantially match the first angle501when the attachment bar173is parallel to the edge105. For example, the third angle505may initially be about zero in the retracted position, but may gradually increase to about 180 degrees (e.g., illustrated inFIG. 10) when in the extended position. As illustrated inFIG. 5, in an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position, the third angle505may be within a range from about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees.

The attachment bar173may continue to be lowered, with the attachment bar173remaining parallel to the edge105(e.g., illustrated inFIG. 5) or non-parallel to the edge105(e.g., illustrated inFIG. 6). In the extended/lowered position ofFIG. 7, the screen117may fully cover the garage door opening103. To further assist in maintaining the screen117in the extended position, the biasing device801(e.g., illustrated inFIG. 8) may support the first lateral support arm135in the extended position. Likewise, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the support bracket901can hold or maintain the first lateral support arm135in the extended position with the first lateral support arm135positioned within the gap909.

Referring briefly toFIGS. 11-13, the garage door apparatus101is not limited to being attached to a wall (e.g., the edge105) that defines the garage door opening103. Rather, in some embodiments, the garage door apparatus101can be attached to a garage door1101that can be moved between a lowered position (e.g.,FIG. 11) and a raised position (e.g.,FIG. 13). For example, the garage door1101can comprise a lower edge that may function as the edge105that defines the garage door opening103when the garage door1101is in the raised position. The structure of the garage door apparatus101may be substantially similar or identical to the garage door apparatus101described herein relative toFIGS. 1-10. For example, the garage door apparatus101may be attached to the edge107(e.g., the lower edge) of the garage door1101. When the garage door1101is in the lowered or closed position (e.g.,FIG. 11), the garage door1101may cover the garage door opening103while the screen117is compressed, such that the screen117does not cover the garage door opening103. When the garage door1101is in the raised or opened position (e.g.,FIG. 13), the screen117may cover the garage door opening103. In some embodiments, the screen117may be removable from the edge105(e.g., relative to some or all of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-13). By being removable, the screen117can be selectively storable when not needed. For example, the screen117can be detached from the edge105and stored, and may be re-attached to the edge105when desired to be in use. The screen117can be removed/re-attached in several ways, for example, with mechanical fasteners or the like.

It should be understood that while various embodiments have been described in detail relative to certain illustrative and specific examples thereof, the present disclosure should not be considered limited to such, as numerous modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.