Abstract:
A closure assembly comprising at least two closures moveable in a closure frame, said closure frame including a header, sill and including a track sized to extend the full-length the header and sill thereby providing for guided movement of each individual closure to the maximum extent to and from a fully closed position, the at least two closures presenting a straight line, in-line, closure, such as a window, entry door, French door, patio door assembly and when the closures are pivoted from a closed position whereat said closures are parallel to the extension of said closure frame to a second position wherein free end of the closer is pivoted away from the closure frame, the free end of said closure including an inter-engaging member which inter-engage with adjacent members to brace together said closures thereby against any loading such as wind loads or the like.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to multi-closure assemblies and particularly to those which may be used for windows, doors, patio doors, French doors, and entry doors or the like and finds particular application in patio doors, casement windows and specifically in a frame including multi-closure members such as individually pivoting casement style members which engage when fully closed, namely all closure members are closed, and provide a continuous shared plane, and when in the fully pivoted open position provide maximum opening from jamb to jamb for entry and exit from the dwelling. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally in the window and door industry windows are considered to provide the main function of letting in light to a building. Of late it is desirable to have large windows within the building which improve the room lighting but which do not support structural loads. It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a preferably load bearing structural closure for installation within a building which includes a multiplicity of closures (and preferably casement style) to provide an enhanced shared plane assembly. Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art by considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a closure assembly comprising at least two closures moveable in a closure frame, said closure frame including a header, sill and including a track sized to extend the full-length of the header and sill from jamb to jamb thereby providing for guided movement of each individual closure to the maximum extent to and from a fully closed position, the at least two closures presenting a straight line or shared plane, in-line, closure, such as a window, entry door, French door, or patio door assembly and when the closures are pivoted from a closed position whereat said closures are parallel to the extension of said closure frame to a second position wherein the free end of the closure is pivoted away from the closure frame, the free end of said closures have an inter-engaging member which inter-engages with adjacent members to brace together said closures thereby against any loading such as wind loads or the like. 
     This invention takes advantage of prior known inventions also invented by the present inventor including the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,506 and specifically FIGS. 1B, 2, and 3 there in. The teachings in relation to the construction of the pivoting shaft, pivot shoes, the rack, pinion and pivot shoe and the inter-engagement thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if they were written into this application. Further the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,781 are also hereby incorporated by reference with respect to the teachings of screens contained within a pocket in the jamb of a closure assembly and the pocket being disposed in a jamb section and of a particular shape compatible with the shape of the pivot bracket as best seen in FIG. 48 of that patent. 
     Specifically referring to the closure assembly construction in the preferred embodiments, each consists of a frame including a header, sill, and two jambs, each header and sill including racks within each track and sized to fit the full-length of the header and sill in parallel fashion as per the teachings of the herein mentioned patents. The sashes in these frames are built on the same concept. Each casement as illustrated in the figures can include a bubble seal all around for exceptional waterproofing and weatherproofing. The shaft is provided on one side at the pivoting end of the closure and includes an engaging pivot shoe that rides in the track which includes a pinion gear that engages the rack in each track of the header and sill. The opposite side of the closure, namely the free end, is designed with an inter-engaging extrusion that works as an interlocking portion to secure each closure to one another whether in the closed position or the fully pivoted position. As a result no visible hardware is seen on the outside except for a casement handle on the first sash on the inside. The multiple shafts at the pivoting ends of the closures also serve to reinforce and strengthen the entire window by co-operating in an interlocking manner with the inter-engaging members at the free ends of the closures. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a closure assembly including multiple closures for example casement French doors, patio doors or the like which provide an improved appearance and clean straight line or in line appearance in a parallel closure assembly because of the unique pivoting and interlocking edge. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a closure assembly having two ends comprising first and second tracks disposed within the full length of a header and sill portion of said closure assembly proximate the top and bottom of the assembly respectively and extending from jamb to jamb of said assembly, at least three slidable and pivotable closure members for movement in relation to said tracks, the closure members including framing sections therefor and being engaged with the tracks proximate first and second pivots adjacent the pivoting end of each closure member, the first and second pivots being interconnected by a multiple segment shaft disposed within framing sections of said closure members, the shaft including at least two portions, the shaft providing for accurate installation, retention, removal, adjustment and alignment of the first and second pivots within the tracks in a substantially parallel line with respect to one another and for pivotally supporting the closure members which may be safely and securely pivoted away from the closure assembly, whereby the first and second interconnected pivots are adapted to remain engaged with the tracks while supporting the closure member both when it is pivoted away from the closure assembly and when it is slidable relative to the tracks, the closure members having a free end and a pivoting end with inter-engaging members proximate the free end of each closure member, which engage the adjacent closure member proximate the free end thereof when said closure members are pivoted to a fully open position and further positioned whereat the pivoting ends of said closure members are also located adjacent one another to provide a maximum opening to exit or enter a building at this position for example when said closure assembly is for a patio door, and wherein when said closures are at a fully closed position when adjacent pivot ends and free ends inter-engage and seal with respect to one another to present a shared plane, straight line in line flush appearance for all closures in relation to said closure assembly. 
     According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a closure assembly comprising:
         1) an opening extending within a closure frame
           ii) the frame having two ends and having disposed therein or attached thereto track portions extending substantially parallel to said frame;   iii) at least three closure members having framing portions and two ends and being slidable within said track portions and pivotable proximate at least one end thereof and latchable in the track portions proximate the free end thereof;   iv) each of said track portions having disposed therein at least one pivot shoe adjacent the pivoting end of each closure member, each shoe being substantially compatibly shaped with the track portions and having a top and bottom, each shoe having disposed therein adjacent the pivoting end of the at least three closure members an opening extending from the top toward the bottom of the shoe wherein pivot means are disposed, said pivot means provided with said pivot shoe being interconnected by a multiple segment shaft disposed within said framing portions of said at least three closure members, the shaft including at least two portions, the shaft providing for accurate installation, retention, removal, adjustment and alignment of the first and second pivots within the track portions in a substantially parallel line for pivotally supporting the at least three closure members for safe and secure pivoting away from the closure assembly;   v) two closure members having latching means provided therewith for latching the two closure members in relation to the track portions to prevent the two closure members from pivoting upon the pivot means when each closure member remains slidable with said track portions;   vi) the at least three closure members being braced by the multiple segment shaft interconnecting the pivot means disposed with each of the track portions, the substantially parallel alignment of the pivot means provided by the multiple segment shaft preventing the pivot means from misaligning or disengaging from the relevant track portions when each closure member is rotated to an open position or when it remains slidable within said track,   (vii) the closure members having a free end and a pivoting end with inter-engaging members proximate the free end of each closure member, which engage the adjacent closure member proximate the free end thereof when said closure members are pivoted to a fully open position and further positioned whereat the pivoting ends of said closure members are also located adjacent one another to provide a maximum opening to exit or enter a building at this position for example when said closure assembly is for a patio door, and wherein when said closures are at a fully closed position when adjacent pivot ends and free ends inter-engage and seal with respect to one another to present a shared plane, straight line in line flush appearance for all closures in relation to said closure assembly.   
               

     Preferably the first and second pivot portions further comprise a rotatable pinion disposed therewith for facilitating the movement of the carrier relative to the track. 
     Preferably the rotatable pinion moves in cooperation with a rack disposed with said track. 
     More preferably retractable screens are provided disposed within each jamb of the assembly which accumulates on and pays out (feeds out or rolls out) from a spring biased roll disposed within each jamb, the screen being retractable for egress or cleaning purposes, and available as desired by providing a detent on the opposite screen handle or closure frame engageable with the screen when in its operable position. 
     In a preferred embodiment a pivot shoe is provided for engagement with said rack and track further comprising a carrier having a top and a bottom, the carrier having disposed proximate the bottom thereof means, and preferably slots, for retaining rollers, and the rollers in use thereof for providing the smooth movement of the carrier within the track, preferably the rollers being engaged with a predetermined channel formed in said track, said carrier also having an opening disposed proximate the top thereof wherein a pivot gear is disposed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front interior view of a frame assembly wherein multiple closures move in a horizontal direction, and pivot outwardly from said frame illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  embodying the invention and depicting the use of rollout screens and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting the inter-engagement members in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a similar view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 3  depicting closure  35  thereof in an open position and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the components of the hardware of  FIG. 3  to be installed in a multi closure member assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a further perspective view of  FIG. 1  with all closures at the pivoted position illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a further view of the closures of  FIG. 6  with the members  34  and  35  both pivoted and moved laterally to a position whereat the free ends of said members inter-engage by inter-engaging members  34   m  and  35   m.    
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are yet further schematics and front views of the assembly of  FIG. 7  illustrating the closure members at a position allowing for the maximum opening available for exiting the building and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a top view of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a close-up view of the assembly adjacent the top of closure  31  showing the preferred rollout screen assembly. 
         FIG. 9B  is an exploded view illustrating a screen cassette of prior art. 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up perspective illustration of the free end of closure member  32  with the inter-engaging member  32   m  installed at the free end of the closure member and illustrated in one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a close-up top view of the inter-engagement members shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8C  and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a similar view to  FIG. 11  illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the closure assembly of  FIG. 1  illustrating the operation of latching pin P and the engagement of a pivoting end with a free end of adjacent closures. 
         FIGS. 14, 15 and 16  are prior art. 
         FIGS. 17A-C  and  18 A-C Illustrate one of the embodiments of the current invention in different operational states. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a front schematic view of the present invention illustrating five adjacent casement style closure members such as doors or window sashes  31 - 35  which are interconnected when at the closed position as shown. A special inter-engagement member ( 32   m - 35   m ) is disposed adjacent the free end ( 32   d - 35   d ) of each closure as best seen in  FIG. 6  and provided for each closure with the exception of the closure member  31  at  31   d.    
     A closure framing section  11  ( FIG. 1 ) therefore is provided including a header  10  and a sill  20  with opposite jambs sections J 1  and J 2 . The header section  10  may be reinforced or alternatively there may be contained within said frame above said header as necessary a lintel or the like to increase the load carrying ability of this assembly  11 . A pivot shaft (T) ( FIG. 13 ) is disposed at the pivoting end ( 31   b - 35   b ) of each closure member  31  through  35 . Each closure member includes framing sections ( 31   a - 35   a  and  31   c - 35   c ) as well. A handle h is disposed on the left side of the closure member  31 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  there is shown the invention of  FIG. 1  further enhanced by a roll screen system S 1 , S 2  which will be described hereinafter and is best seen in detail in a  FIG. 9A . U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,781 also assigned to the present assignee provides the essential teachings of such a roll screen assembly which is incorporated by reference in relation the provision of a pocket in a jamb section of the closure frame and the compatible shape of a pivot bracket with said pocket. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  the closure assembly is illustrated showing the inter-engaging members  32   m - 35   m  when in the closed position. These members also inter-engage at the fully open pivoted position to brace the assembly against any loading including wind loads. Please refer to  FIGS. 8A and 8C  in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 12  the closure assembly is shown with the closure member  35   m  at an open position as seen from the interior of the building. The pivot assembly having a multiple segment shaft, first and second pivots, racks and pinions, is constructed according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,506 as seen in  FIGS. 14 through 16  the details of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety in relation to the teachings of the construction of the shaft ( 30 ), the pivot shoe ( 39 ), the rack  18  and cooperating pinion  35 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  there is illustrated the closure assembly  11  from  FIG. 1  with the framing members  10  and  20  removed, showing inter-engaging members  32   m - 35   m , a track  17  in the header and a track  16  in the sill. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  there is illustrated the closure assembly with all closures  31 - 35  shown in perspective pivoted away from said closure frame on their respective pivots. However each closure has yet to be moved in the track on its pivot shoe. In  FIG. 7  closures  34  and  35  are shown with the pivot ends adjacent one another and the free ends thereof braced together by the inter-engagement of members  34   m  and  35   m  in  FIG. 7 , and as best seen and described in relation to  FIG. 11 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate all closures  31  through  35  at the pivoted position providing the largest opening possible for entry or exit from the interior of the building. The screen assembly S 1  may be used to cover that opening when not used to prevent insects from entering. Alternatively sunscreens or shades can be used which can be secured at the various positions shown herein, such as  FIG. 5 . The free ends of the closures (d) are braced to one another by bracing elements also referred to as inter-engaging members  32   m  through  35   m , the details of which will be described hereinafter. In alternative embodiments other assemblies may include entry doors, French doors, patio doors, casement windows or the like as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Very large “Window Walls” can be provided which in the example illustrated in  FIG. 1  cover  15  foot openings which is heretofore unknown, and therefore open up many possibilities to interior design. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 8C  and  FIG. 5  a multiplicity of openings (o) are in track  17  and track  16  for drainage purposes. Further rollout screen assemblies S 1  and S 2  are shown hidden in the jamb pockets when not used but having handle assemblies butted together and secured as shown.  FIG. 9A  illustrates the pocket Pk from which the screen assembly pays/rolls/feeds out as taught in the aforementioned patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,781 the details of which are illustrated in  FIG. 9B . The reader is referred to the description of  FIG. 48  in that document the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in full. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 , the pin assembly P is spring biased to a channel in the frame and includes a shoulder P 2  which releases from the channel when an opening motion of said closure is applied sufficient to overcome the force of the spring. This action permits the closure to move away from the closure frame in the opening direction at any position on the tracks. 
     When the closure is moved to the closed position the pin P engages the interior of the closure frame via blunt face P 1  and is returned to its position in the channel. 
     In  FIG. 10 , the inter-engaging member  32   m  has two fingers  32   x  and  32   y , and a foot  32   z . In  FIG. 11 , the foot  32   z  is inter-engaged between fingers  33   x  and  33   y  of the inter-engaging member  33   m . In  FIG. 12 , the inter-engaging members  32   m - 35   m  are interlocked in a similar manner. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13  there is illustrated the engagement of adjacent closure members at the free end ( 33   d ) and the pivoting end ( 32   b ) when at the closed position. The closure  33  on the right is free to pivot in an opening direction when sufficient force is applied by pushing on the closure in an opening direction to overcome the spring provided with the pin P. No handle is therefore necessary to do so. This is true for all closures  32  through  35  previously illustrated. 
       FIGS. 14 to 16  illustrate the pivot assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,506 used in the present closure assembly the teachings of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.  FIG. 14  illustrates a casement style window wherein only one sash is provided which is fastened on shaft assembly  30  including portions  31  and  32 . A link L is provided secured proximate ends L 1  adjacent the center of the sash  21  proximate the bottom thereof and adjacent the rack  18  adjacent the opening end of the window sash  21 . By positioning the sash in this manner a full range of pivoting motion is available. If the link end L 1  is removable from the sash, then the window sash may be moved totally to the opposite end remote the pivoting end  21   b  on shoe  39 . Shoe  39  contains a pinion  39   a  which is connected to the shaft  30  and engages the rack  18  as it moves along the window sill and header in parallel arrangement between the upper and lower pivots maintained in parallel by the shaft  30 . In this manner the casement style window may be pivoted as normal to an open position, and the pivoting end may be moved to the other end of the window frame away from side  21   b  to allow ease of cleaning. By supplying the hardware described herein, a casement window may be assembled without the need for expensive pivots and linkages and without a great deal of assembly labour. As seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a rollaway screen S 1  may be provided which is housed in the jamb channel as illustrated. The screen S 1  pulls across to engage detent D 1  with detent D 2  in the opposite channel jamb, whereat it may be locked. This allows a user to clean the glass on the inside without the need to remove the screen as in prior art casement structures. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a two sash window in which sashes  20  and  40  are slidable within lower track  16  and upper track  17  upon upper and lower shoes  39 . The lower shoe  39  may also be connected to a secondary shoe  39   a  as desired for carrying the window which includes rollers  39   b  on the bottoms thereof respectively for ease of movement within track  16 . The pinions  35  rest within each shoe  39  which engage with the lower rack  18  and upper rack  15 . Sash  40  has its own interconnected system which is not illustrated here. 
       FIG. 17A  illustrates a two pane closure  111  with the left closure  131  open and right closure  132  shut as best seen in  FIGS. 17B and 17C . In this illustration the two bug screens S 1  and S 2  are in a closed position abutting proximate the center of the opening.  FIGS. 18A-C  illustrates the same embodiment of the closure with two panes  131  and  132  while the right pane  132  is moved to the left of the closure as best illustrated in  FIGS. 18B and 18C . In this position the pivoting ends  131   b  and  132   b  are close together and free ends  131   d  and  132   d  are inter-engaged by the inter-engaging member  132   m . The bug screens S 1  and S 2  in this embodiment are also closed. 
     As many changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. It is intended that all matter contained herein be considered illustrative of the invention and not it a limiting sense.