Abstract:
A foldable closure structure comprising a foldable curtain having a plurality of panel members hingeably interconnected along opposed vertical edges. Detachable hinge means are secured in spaced apart relationship to each of the vertical edges of the panel members. A connecting rod interconnects the hinge means of adjacent vertical edges along a common axis. Suspension means are provided for suspending the curtain in a frame opening. The hinge means are each provided with attachment means for detachable connection to a portion of a respective vertical edge of adjacent panel members.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     (a) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a foldable closure structure having detachable hinge members for interconnecting adjacent panels and for pivotally securing the panels together. 
     (B) Description of Prior Art 
     Prior art foldable closure structures generally comprise numerous parts which are difficult to assemble and manufacture. Also, some of these structures are difficult and time-consuming to install in view of their weight and complex assembly. Still further, such structures are costly to manufacture and repair because of the great number of parts and materials used. Furthermore, known foldable closures have openings therein reducing their security aspect. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved foldable closure structure which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, thus providing a structure which is easy to manufacture, economical, easy to install and of light weight. 
     It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a structure having interchangeable parts and which can be assembled in various lengths without requiring special tools or pre-assembly. Thus, the structure can be easily shipped in its non-assembled form and requires very little skill for installation and repair. 
     According to the above features, from a broad aspect, the present invention provides a foldable closure structure comprising a foldable curtain having a plurality of panel members hingeably interconnected along opposed vertical edges. Detachable hinge means are secured in spaced apart relationship to each of the vertical edges. A connecting rod pivotably interconnects the hinge means of adjacent vertical edges along a common axis. Suspension means are also provided for suspending the curtain from a track secured above an opening. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a fragmented plane view of the folding closure structure extending across an opening; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmented sectional view through a portion of the curtain; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmented sectional end view of a further embodiment of a panel end edge; and 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented view of the hinge members. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, there is shown generally at 10, the foldable closure structure of the present invention. The structure 10 is a foldable curtain formed from a plurality of elongated rectangular panel members 12 which are interconnected along opposed vertical edges 13 by detachable hinge means 14 adapted to receive and retain the vertical edge 13 therein. The hinge means 14 consist of a plurality of hinge members 15 secured along a vertical edge of each panel member 12 and in spaced apart relationship. The spacing between the hinge members 15 is equal to the length of the hinge member to permit hinge members 15 of an adjacent panel 12 to be interposed in the spaces to provide a series of hinge members positioned in alignment for interconnecting two adjacent panels 12 together. The interconnection is made by securing a connecting rod 17 in a circular bore 18 provided in the member 15. A washer and bolt 29 is attached to each end of the rod 17 which terminates flush with the ends of the panel members 12. 
     The foldable curtain 10 is suspended in an opening 20 by support rods 19 which are held in a vertical through bore 21 extending vertically along the panel member 12. The support rod 19 is provided with a connectable end 22 which is adapted to be received in a ceiling track 23 for slidable engagement therewith whereby to permit the panel members 12 of the curtain 10 to be foldable in an accordion fashion. As shown in FIG. 1, a support rod 19 is provided in every second panel member 12. 
     As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, each hinge member 15 is provided with a cylindrical bore 18 for receiving the connecting rod 17 therein as mentioned hereinabove. A further through bore 25 is disposed parallel to the circular bore 18 and provides the attachment means. A panel receiving opening 26 is formed in each member 15 and extends to the attachment through bore 25 whereby to permit the vertical end edge 13 of a panel member 12 to be slid into the attachment bore. Thus, the panel member 12 extends out of the panel receiving opening 26 and the hinge is secured to the panel by merely sliding it over the vertical edge of the panel from the end thereof. Each hinge member 15 is also provided with an abutment surface 27, herein a concave surface, extending parallel to the through bore 25 for abutment with a portion of the vertical edge 13 of the panel member 12 adjacent to the panel member to which the hinge member is connected to. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, when the curtain panel members 12 are fully extended, the end edges 13 are in abutment with the surface 27. In its fully extended position, the panels 12 extend in an expanded accordion fashion with the panels traversing the central longitudinal axis of the curtain at an angle of approximately 10° . 
     As shown, the vertical end edges 13 of the panel members 12 are enlarged and hereinshown as being tubular edges having a hole 13&#39;  in at least the extremities of the ends of the tubular edge whereby to permit securement of the panels between a plurality of hinge members 15. The attachment through bore 25 in the hinge members 15 are also of circular cross-section to receive the tubular edge of the panel members 12. It is within the ambit of the present invention to provide end edges 13 and attachment through bores 25 of cross-sections different than circular as these provide a rigid connection and many shapes can provide a rigid connection. As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular end edge 13 may be formed of a tubular member 30 having an elongated slot 31 along its entire length for connection to a vertical flat edge 33 of the rectangular panel member 12. The edges of the tubular member 30 adjacent the slot 31 may be serrated, as shown at 34, for securing the panel member 12 therein. Also, glue is preferably applied to the end edge of the panel 12 before inserting it into the tubular member 30. 
     Although not shown in the drawings, it is within the ambit of the present invention to provide reinforcing metallic strands throughout the panel members 12 whereby to provide a stronger curtain. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the curtain 10 is supported by the support rods 19 which are preferably located at every second panel member 12 depending, of course, on the width of these panels. If a support rod 19 is not provided in one of the panel members 12, a connecting rod 17 is inserted into the vertical through bore 21 of the panel and held therein by securement means such as the washer and bolt 29 threaded into each end of the connecting rod 17. 
     The foldable curtain 10 is also secured at its vertical ends by suitable connectors attached to the vertical wall members 40 as is commonly used in the art, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,982 issued to the assignee of the present application. 
     The panel members 12 are preferably constructed of plastic and in the present case, these are extrusion moulded. The panels may be constructed of other suitable materials such as aluminum, wood, steel, etc. Also, the hinge members 15 may be formed of plastic or aluminum material and the same hinge member is provided for connection to either one of opposed end edges of the panel members 12. These hinge members can be formed, for example, by injection moulding. Thus, it can be seen that the curtain of the present invention is relatively light and economical to manufacture and easy to assemble. In its assembled state, it can be seen that the end panels 12 of the curtain wall are secured to the wall members by a cleat section as disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. patent and not forming part of this invention.