Patent Abstract:
A ventilation system for sectional-type garage doors, utilizing rollers and axle pins with device bodies of adjustable geometry to hold the upper section of the sectional door at an inwardly-rotated angle to facilitate venting of the space. Component installation and operation does not impact normal operation and is completely reversible, requiring no modifications to the door itself.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/930,629 filed Jan. 23, 2014, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a garage door venting system and method for retrofitting a sectional garage door with a roller and axel pin device of adjustable geometry to cause it to rotate inwardly at the top through a simple geometry. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Especially in hot climates, garage temperatures rise significantly when doors are closed. Fumes from parked vehicles and stored volatile compounds can accumulate in unvented spaces. Both of these can cause significant problems for living quarters above garages. It is common practice to vent garages by partially opening the doors, leaving a gap under the unlocked door&#39;s bottom section. However, this may not result in adequate venting, and it poses numerous other issues such as rodent infestation, lack of security, flooding, entrance of blowing debris, etc. While venting solutions may be available (i.e. fans and screens that may be installed in any type of garage door), they require irreversible modifications to the door itself and may not be easily installable by someone unskilled in the trade. 
         [0004]    Some existing devices open a top door panel, but they are not variable; they are either fully closed or fully open. They must be adjusted to the door frame. There are no provisions for attaching to a common automatic garage door opener. They require new holes to be drilled in the door. The differences in modern garage door designs (solid wood, hollow fiberglass, plastic, metal) require different structural solutions for these holes. Required new brackets are specific to the door installation, and do not work with some garage doors. 
         [0005]    Further, the garage door environment is often dirty and humid, and door components can become covered with grime and corrosion. This can be a serious impediment to moving parts. Dirty hinges and other rotating components can bind, preventing movement of the door and triggering safety mechanisms. The more complex the rotation, the more susceptible the rotating component will be to binding. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a simple, single-arc rotation universal, variable setting, adjustable, retrofit system easily installed and reversible that overcomes these and other problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Embodiments provide a system of rollers, axle pins, and adjustable geometry device bodies for providing ventilation to an interior volume at least partially enclosed by a horizontally sectioned, vertically openable door comprising a pair of replacement rollers, axle pins, and adjustable geometry device bodies installed in a pair of original roller brackets of a top door section of the sectioned door, the pair of original roller brackets located at opposite ends of the top door section; at least one of the replacement adjustable geometry device bodies comprising a rotation stop mechanism; and, for automatically openable doors, an adjustable L-link device affixed to an original door opener bar link; whereby the top door section is rotatable inward. 
         [0008]    Other embodiments of the invention include a door vent device for venting a space having at least one opening closed by a horizontally sectioned, vertically openable door, the door comprising a top section hingedly connected to lower sections, the vent device comprising at least two adjustable roller device top fixtures; each of the adjustable roller device top fixtures comprising a replacement axle pin for insertion in a standard top bracket of the door top section; a pair of replacement rollers; a body plate; a rotating arm plate, and a rotation stop mechanism; whereby the door top section is rotatable inward. Another embodiment includes an adjustable L-link device affixed to an original door arm bracket. Additional embodiments further comprise at least one rotation stop mechanism knob. Other embodiments have a locking spring-loaded plunger. In a yet further embodiment, the width of the plates of the adjustable geometry device body is less than a horizontal separation between a door-side edge of the track and a track-side edge of nearest the standard door top bracket. For some embodiments, the horizontal separation is about one half inch. In other embodiments, the body plate defines a rotation arc. In embodiments, the rotation arc is at least similar to an arc defined by a rotation radius of the door top section. For a following embodiment, the rotation arc is defined by a radius from center of the lower roller of the door top section. For further embodiments the radius of the rotation arc is centered at a pivot of the rotating arm plate. In existing embodiments, the adjustable L-link device connects to a center automatic door opener. A subsequent embodiment provides that the door can be opened and closed by the automatic door opener with door top at any venting position. Another embodiment includes at least one swage fit stud. Yet another embodiment includes at least one swage fit bolt. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment provides a door vent method for venting a space having at least one opening closed by a horizontally sectioned, vertically openable door, the door comprising a top section hingedly connected to lower sections comprising the steps of removing door upper section top bracket; removing roller from standard top bracket; inserting adjustable roller device into track; placing standard top bracket onto adjustable roller device roller pin; reaffixing standard top bracket to door upper section; repeating preceding steps for opposite side; determining door top opening angle; adjusting a first adjustable roller bracket for door opening angle; adjusting a second adjustable roller bracket for door opening angle. Continuing embodiments comprise the steps of disconnecting a standard center bar from door; and connecting an adjustable L-link between door center and door raising hardware. Another embodiment adds the step of adjusting the center L-link for door vent opening angle. Other embodiments include the step of automatically or manually raising the door with door top at any angle provided by the adjustable roller devices and the adjustable L-link. Yet other embodiments include the step of automatically or manually closing the door with door top at any angle provided by the adjustable roller devices and the adjustable L-link. 
         [0010]    An additional embodiment provides a door vent system for venting a space having at least one opening closed by a horizontally sectioned, vertically openable door, the door comprising a top section hingedly connected to lower sections comprising providing a vent device comprising at least two adjustable roller device top fixtures; each of the adjustable roller device top fixtures comprising a replacement axle pin for insertion in a standard top bracket of the door top section; a pair of replacement rollers; a body plate; a rotating arm plate; a rotation stop mechanism; removing door upper section top bracket; removing roller from standard top bracket; inserting adjustable roller device into track; placing standard top bracket onto adjustable roller device roller pin; reaffixing standard top bracket to door upper section; repeating preceding steps for opposite side; disconnecting standard center bar from door; connecting adjustable L-link between door center and door raising hardware; determining door top opening angle; adjusting a first adjustable roller bracket for door opening angle; adjusting a second adjustable roller bracket for door opening angle; adjust center L-link for door opening angle; optionally automatically or manually raise door with door top at any angle provided by adjustable roller devices and adjustable L-link; optionally automatically or manually close door with door top at any angle provided by adjustable roller devices and adjustable L-link. 
         [0011]    The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a depiction of the system environment configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an installed vent system in a closed position configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a depiction of a device operation overview configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts device operation rotation geometry details configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective scale drawing of a top fixture adjustable roller device configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an adjustable roller device exploded view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top fixture adjustable roller device scale side view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a top fixture adjustable roller device scale side edge view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a top fixture adjustable roller device bottom up scale view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an adjustable L-link device perspective view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an adjustable L-link device exploded view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an adjustable L-link device scale side view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is an adjustable L-link device scale side edge view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is an adjustable L-link device bottom up scale view configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective scale view of a top fixture adjustable roller device in a closed position configured in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective scale view of a top fixture adjustable roller device in a closed position configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a top fixture adjustable roller device in an open position configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is an adjustable L-link device perspective view configured in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a view of an L-link device with door in open and raised position configured in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a view of adjustable roller devices and L-link device configured in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a top fixture adjustable roller device in a closed position configured in accordance with a third embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a top fixture adjustable roller device in an open position configured in accordance with a third embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a flow chart of a method configured in accordance with an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The invention includes rollers and axle pins with attached device bodies providing adjustable geometry. Embodiments are adjustable to any point between open and closed positions. Embodiments automatically adjust to the garage door by the structure of the design. Since embodiments replace the roller and pin which are universal to all garage door installations, no specific adjustments need to be made. Embodiments comprise an adjustable L-link for attaching to an automatic garage door opener. Since embodiments replace the existing roller and pin, they are flexible by virtue of their structure. Embodiments work with any existing bracket and roller track, whereas garage door brackets accept the same size pin, garage door tracks accept the same size rollers, and only the pin and roller are replaced. Embodiments operate with low head room hardware and do not interfere with track back hang assemblies. Manually opened doors without electrical operation do not require replacement of the L-link. 
         [0036]    PEM® is a brand of swage studs, pins or nuts that, when pressed into ductile metal, are prevented from rotating in the metal. PEM® is a registered trademark of the Penn Engineering &amp; Manufacturing Corp. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a depiction of the system environment  100 . Sectional garage door  105  includes open, venting, top section  110  for venting rising heat  115  and fumes and gasses  120 . Building structure  125  includes garage door opening  130 , garage floor  135 , garage ceiling  140 , and occupied space  145  above the garage. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the right side of an installed vent system embodiment  200  in a closed position. System components comprise right side adjustable roller device top fixture  205  and adjustable center L-link device  210 . Right side replacement door axle  215  is shown in standard top bracket  220 . Right side replacement top roller  225  is attached to right side adjustable roller device top fixture  205 , and runs in standard right side track  230 . Below right side adjustable roller device top fixture  205  is right side (lower) standard roller and bracket  235  for top door section  240 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a depiction of a device embodiment overview  300 . Three positions, fully closed A, partially open B, and fully open C are shown. Fully closed position  305  depicts a simplified double-roller device  310  affixed to the top bracket, replacing its roller and pin. Partially opened position  315 , B, indicates radius and arcs of rotation for the top bracket component in relation to the replacement roller device components. Fully opened position  320 , C, shows the roller device at its maximum travel, and therefore the top door section maximum open position. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  depicts device operation rotation geometry details  400 . Simplified top fixture adjustable bracket  405  is shown in track  410 . Fully closed  415  and fully open  420  positions are depicted. Door top section has a rotation radius  425  from the center of the upper door section lower roller center. Adjustable roller device has an arc  430 . For embodiments, the adjustable roller arc curvature is at least similar to the arc defined by the door top section rotation radius. This can reduce binding of rollers as the door top section rotates to an open position. Standard top bracket  435  is used by adjustable roller device to control opening position of door top section. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a perspective drawing of a top fixture adjustable roller device first embodiment  500 . Components comprise dual rollers  505 , roller pin  510 , and adjustment pin  515 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a top fixture adjustable roller device first embodiment exploded view  600 . Components comprise first flat plate  605 , second flat plate  610 ; first roller  615 , second roller  620 , roller attachment bolt  625 , PEM® self-clinching threaded stud  630 , steel binding post  635 , locking spring-loaded plunger  640 , PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  645 , lock nut  650 , and nylon washers  655 . For embodiments, each assembly comprises two steel plates. Embodiments of the plates are made of ASTM A36 steel plate, a low carbon steel that exhibits good strength coupled with formability. It is easy to machine and fabricate and can be securely welded. The steel can be galvanized or powder coated to provide increased corrosion resistance. This structure provides a clean, anti-friction device to operate reliably in dirty environments. These plates pivot to allow the device to adjust, and, in embodiments, are held together by a PEM® threaded swage stud. Embodiments have adjustment holes 100, 90, 80, 45, and 0 degrees. As mentioned, the rollers and shaft are standard off the shelf rollers that work properly with existing garage door track systems. In embodiments, these rollers are attached to the plates using a PEM® threaded swage stud. Adjustment for embodiments uses a spring loaded plunger that is threaded into a PEM® nut. When the ring on the pin is pulled, the pin is disengaged from the corresponding hole in the second plate allowing the two plates to pivot. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a top fixture adjustable roller device first embodiment side scale view  700 . Components comprise first flat plate  705 , first roller  715 , second roller  720 , binding post  735 , locking spring-loaded plunger  740 , and PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  745 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a top fixture adjustable roller device first embodiment side edge scale view  800 . Dimension A is 5.20 inches in embodiments. Components comprise first flat plate  805 , second flat plate  810 ; first roller  815 , second roller  820 , PEM® self-clinching threaded stud  830 , steel binding post  835 , locking spring-loaded plunger  840 , and PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  845 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a top fixture adjustable roller device first embodiment bottom up scale view  900 . Dimension B is 3.60 inches in embodiments. Dimension C is the gap between the original top bracket  960  for the top door section and the near edge of the track  965 ; it is about 0.25 to about 0.5 inch in embodiments. In embodiments, at least first plate  905  and second plate  910  fit entirely within this gap. Components comprise first flat plate  905 , second flat plate  910 ; second roller  920 , PEM® self-clinching threaded stud  930 , locking spring-loaded plunger  940 , and PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  945 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an adjustable L-link device first embodiment  1000 . Components comprise L-link adjustment plate  1005 , L-link arm  1010 , perforated bar  1015 , first lock nut  1025 , PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  1030 , and locking spring loaded plunger  1035 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is an adjustable L-link device exploded view first embodiment  1100 . Components comprise L-link adjustment plate  1105 , L-link arm  1110 , perforated bar  1115 , nylon washer  1120 , first lock nut  1125 , PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  1130 , locking spring loaded plunger  1135 , standard bolt  1140 , second lock nut  1145 , and PEM® self-clinching threaded stud  1150 . The adjustable L-link device mounts in the center of the top garage door panel where the automatic opener connects. In embodiments, this device consists of two powder coated steel plates that are connected with a bolt and lock nut. Generally, embodiments for device plates are formed using sheet steel metal stamping to provide narrow, reliable, components at an inexpensive price. Embodiments use the same spring plunger and PEM® nut as the adjustable roller device, and have 110 degrees of adjustment with locking locations every 5 degrees. 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is an adjustable L-link device first embodiment side scale view  1200 . Dimension D is 1.00 inches in embodiments. Components comprise L-link adjustment plate  1205 , L-link arm  1210 , perforated bar  1215 , first lock nut  1225 , locking spring loaded plunger  1235 , and arc of plunger location holes  1255 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  is an adjustable L-link device first embodiment side edge scale view  1300 . Components comprise L-link adjustment plate  1305 , L-link arm  1310 , perforated bar  1315 , first lock nut  1325 , PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  1330 , and locking spring loaded plunger  1335 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  is an adjustable L-link device first embodiment bottom up scale view  1400 . Components comprise L-link adjustment plate  1405 , L-link arm  1410 , perforated bar  1415 , first lock nut  1425 , PEM® self-clinching threaded nut  1430 , and locking spring loaded plunger  1435 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a second embodiment  1500  for top fixture adjustable roller device. Components comprise dual rollers  1505 , roller pin  1510 , and adjustment knob  1515 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  is a perspective scale drawing of a top fixture adjustable roller device second embodiment  1600 . Components comprise roller pin  1610 , adjustment knob  1615 , arm  1620 , adjustable plate  1625 , rotation arc  1630 , and standard top bracket  1635 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 17  is another perspective scale drawing of a top fixture adjustable roller device second embodiment  1700 . Components comprise roller pin  1710 , adjustment knob  1715 , arm  1720 , adjustable plate  1725 , and standard top bracket  1735 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an adjustable L-link device second embodiment  1800 . Components comprise L-link arm  1805 , perforated bar  1810 , and adjustment knobs  1815 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an adjustable L-link device with raised door  1900 . Components comprise L-link arm  1905  and perforated bar  1910 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of second embodiments  2000  for top fixture adjustable roller device and an adjustable L-link device. Components comprise left side top fixture adjustable roller device  2005 , right side top fixture adjustable roller device  2010 , and adjustable L-link arm device  2015 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a third embodiment top fixture adjustable roller device  2100 . Components comprise roller pin  2105 , first roller bolt  2110 , adjustable plate  2115 , arm  2120 , second roller bolt  2125 , rotation arc  2130 , rotation bolt  2135 , and locking device  2140 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a third embodiment top fixture adjustable roller device with door in open position  2200 . Components comprise roller pin  2205 , arm  2215 , rotation bolt  2230 , rotation arc  2235 , and locking device  2240 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 23  is a method of operation for an embodiment  2300 . Steps comprise removing door upper section top bracket  2305 , removing roller from standard top bracket  2310 , inserting adjustable roller device into track  2315 , placing standard top bracket onto adjustable roller device roller pin  2320 , reaffixing standard top bracket to door upper section  2325 , repeating preceding steps for opposite side  2330 , disconnecting standard center bar from door  2335 , connect adjustable L-link between door center and door raising hardware  2340 , determine door top opening angle  2345 , adjust a first adjustable roller bracket for door opening angle  2350 , adjust a second adjustable roller bracket for door opening angle  2355 , adjust center L-link for door opening angle  2360 , optionally automatically or manually raise door with door top at any angle provided by adjustable roller devices and adjustable L-link  2365 , optionally automatically or manually close door with door top at any angle provided by adjustable roller devices and adjustable L-link  2370 . 
         [0060]    The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4