EP0760893A1

EP0760893A1 - Door having snap-on facades

Info

Publication number: EP0760893A1
Application number: EP95917081A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard J. Lewis; Alan R. Leist
Original assignee: Clopay Building Products Co Inc
Current assignee: Clopay Corp
Priority date: 1994-05-11
Filing date: 1995-04-21
Publication date: 1997-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-21
Also published as: DE69507473D1; DE69507473T2; AU2390995A; CA2187532C; CA2187532A1; WO1995031627A1; EP0760893B1

Abstract

A door (10) whose outer appearance may be readily altered has at least one panel (12) with a back side (22) and a front face (23) including a plurality of horizontal locking slots (32, 34, 36) formed thereacross and interchangeable facades (14, 16) having a decorative front side (50) and a back side (52) with integrally formed, backwardly projecting clips (54, 56) adapted to releasably interlock with the slots. The panel includes end caps (38) adapted to receive the facades (14, 16) thereunder, with the facades being movable in the slots (32, 34, 36), to accommodate expansion and contraction of the facades and door.

Description

DOOR HAVING SNAP-ON FACADES

The present invention relates generally to doors and, more particularly, to doors having an external appearance that may be altered by attachment and removal of interchangeable snap-on facades.

Background of the Invention

Doors for use in entrance ways, passageways and as overhead garage doors are typically manufactured with a variety of external appearances so that they will be aesthetically compatible with varying architectures and personal tastes. Typically, the panels of the door have the external appearance formed directly therein such that it is a permanent feature of the door. Although such doors permit individuals to personalize the appearance of their doorways, such a system suffers from many shortcomings.

For example, if the individual should decide to change the appearance of the doorways, the existing doors must first be removed and then replaced with doors having the desired

appearance. Additionally, developers who build homes for the general market must select the doorways to be used rather than allowing the ultimate buyer to make the selection.

To more easily permit a manufacturer to produce doors having varying appearances, Audia U.S. Patent No. 5,095,675 and Corvese U.S. Patent No. 4,706,431 cut a groove into the front and back sides of a door panel. In these grooves, a decorative molding of any desired appearance may be secured. However, the moldings are attached to the panels by adhesive, screws or nails and may not easily be changed once attached. Further, by bonding the door and moldings together in this manner, differing expansions and

contractions of the components cannot be accommodated without considerable stress being placed on the components, possibly resulting in cracking or warping.

Another attempt used attachable facades for an overhead garage door as shown in Stansberry U.S. Patent No.

3,178,776. That patent discloses a garage door having intersecting rails and mullions that have outwardly extending shoulder ledges.

Replaceable facades are received between the shoulder ledges and a removable clip is placed along the ledges to hold the panels in place. Although such a system permits the alteration of the external appearance of a door following installation, it too has several limitations.

First, the basic door (not having facades in place) has an unsightly external appearance. Thus, it would be unlikely that the door would be used without the removable facades in place. Next, the external clips for holding the removable facades in place are always visible, and, hence, may detract from the desired aesthetic appearance of the door. Further, the clips are separate components and not an integral part of the door panels or facade, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the system. Finally, a door having removable facades such as that shown in the Stansberry patent would be unable to accommodate expansion and contraction of the door caused by temperature fluctuations without the

formation of unsightly gaps along the edges of the facades that are visible to the user.

A still further attempt permitted the user to place trim facades over glass panels in an overhead garage door. Schlicht et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,123,211 includes a rectangular frame to support a glass pane. A channel is located along the periphery of the frame to receive the ends of the trim facade. After the trim facade is placed within the channel, a retainer strip must be wedged between the trim facade and the frame to retain the facade within the frame. Thus, additional components are required to secure the facade to the panel. Further, because the retainer strip holds the facade snugly within the frame, the system cannot accommodate differing expansions and contractions of the panel and facade without buckling or the risk that the facade will fall out of the frame.

Therefore, there is a significant need for a door having a base unit that is aesthetically pleasing but whose appearance may be easily and quickly altered by attachment of removable

interchangeable facades that include integral structure for releasable interlocking engagement with the door. Additionally, there is a need for a door having interchangeable facades that can accommodate expansion and contraction of the components without detracting from the appearance of the door.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a door whose external appearance may be easily and quickly altered. To this end, and in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a door is provided having at least one panel with a front face and a back side, with the front face having an elongated locking slot formed therein for releasable interlocking engagement with an interchangeable facade. The base door itself has an aesthetically pleasing

appearance, however, the door may include at least one

interchangeable facade having a decorative front side and a back side with an elongated, integrally formed, backwardly projecting clips thereacross that is adapted for releasable interlocking engagement with the locking slots. The slots and clips preferably are formed horizontally along the entire length of the panels and facades with the clips being movable within the slots. Caps having inwardly projecting ledges that overlay the ends of the facades may be secured to the ends of the panels to retain the facades within the slots.

It is contemplated that the slots will be spaced to permit attachment of a plurality of facades to each of the door panels. Further, the slots preferably include a lip extending from one of the edges of the slot with the clip comprising a flexible locking arm having an outwardly projecting finger that snaps onto the lip when the clip is inserted into the slot to releasably interlock the facade to the panel. The clip may include a support arm that is substantially parallel to the locking arm and is spaced for abutting relationship with the opposing edge of the slot.

The slots may also include lips extending from both edges of the slot with the clip having a pair of opposed flexible locking arms that snap onto both lips when the clip is inserted into the slot.

A further aspect of the invention contemplates the door being a sectional overhead garage door comprising a plurality of vertically interconnected panels, each of which includes a front face and a back side. Preferably, the slots are formed in and extend horizontally across the entire length of the panels.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the door may be either an entry door or a passageway door comprising a single panel, which includes slots formed in both sides of the panel for releasable interlocking engagement with the removable facades.

To accommodate expansion and contraction of the door and facades, the horizontal dimension of the facade is preferably less than that of the panel. As the structures expand and contract, the clip flexes and slides horizontally within the slot without causing buckling of the panels or facades. Further, the cap ledges that overlay the facade edges prevent the formation of unsightly gaps. The panels and facades are preferably plastic and may be extruded from thermoset or a thermoplastic such as ABS, polyvinylchloride or polycarbonate.

In use, the base door may be installed without

removable facades attached thereto. Subsequently, interchangeable facades having a variety of appearances may be attached to the door panels by snapping the clips on the interchangeable facades into the slots formed within the panels. To remove the facades, the user places a flat tool, such as a putty knife, under the facade to inwardly flex the locking arm, thereby releasing the clip from the slot.

By virtue of the foregoing, there is thus provided a base door having a pleasing initial appearance but whose appearance may be easily and quickly altered by attachment of interchangeable facades thereto. Further, the assembly is able to accommodate expansion and contraction of the components without affecting the external appearance of the door. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the descriptions thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a detailed description of the invention given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view, partially broken away, of an overhead garage door in accordance with the principles of the present invention with interchangeable facades secured to the panels;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of a panel of the overhead garage door of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the overhead garage door along 3-3 of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a section view of the overhead garage door along 4-4 of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4A is an enlarged view of the encircled portion 4A of the overhead garage door of Fig. 4;

Fig. 4B is an enlarged view of the encircled portion 4B of the garage door of Fig. 4; Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partially exploded, similar to Fig. 2 but with a different interchangeable facade in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of an entry or passageway door in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

Fig. 7 is a section view of the entry or passageway door along 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to Figs. 1-4, there is shown a multipanel overhead garage door 10 comprising a plurality of vertically

interconnected panels 12 having interchangeable facades 14, 16 removably attached thereto. Standard door rollers 17 are secured to the ends of each panel 12 for guiding garage door 10 in a standard track 18 attached to an opening 19 in a building wall 20. Panels 12 may be interconnected by any suitable method, but are shown interconnected by flexible hinges 21. Flexible hinges 21 are described more fully in Leist U.S. Patent Nos. 4,995,441 ;

5,054,536; and 5,129,441 , which are assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Although panels 12 may be of any height, they are preferably about 21 " in height, as is standard, and may be of any length necessary for the intended use. Further, each panel has a back side 22 and a front face 23 having a centrally positioned recess 24 extending across the full length of panel 12 formed therein.

Recess 24 includes a floor 26 about 0.6 to about 0.7 inch behind front face 23 and top and bottom edges 28, 30 separated by about 14 ½ inches. Elongated, horizontal locking slots 32, 34, 36 are formed in floor 26 and extend across the entire length thereof for a purpose to be described below.

Caps 38 may be secured to the ends of facades 12 for a purpose to be described below. Caps 38 include a ledge 40 extending inwardly about 1.2 inches over front side 23 of panels 12.

Caps 38 may be affixed to panels 12 by any accepted technique such as, by way of example, by screws or adhesive bonding.

Panels 12 are preferably formed from a plastic. Further, it has been found to be beneficial to extrude the panels from any extrudable material such as thermoset or thermoplastic including, by way of example, ABS, polycarbonate or poiyvinylchloride. Further, panels 12 are preferably hollow having a material thickness of about 0.06 inch. To provide internal support, steel U-shaped channels 42 are included in the top and bottom sections of each of panels 12. The remaining hollow portions of panel 12 may be filled by a material such as polystyrene to improve the insulating properties of door 10. Caps 38 are preferably plastic injection molded plastic. However, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that other materials, such as wood and steel, and other means of manufacture may be used in constructing panels 12 and caps 38.

Each panel 12 presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, panels 12 may include interchangeable top and bottom facades 14 and interchangeable middle facade 16 to alter the appearance thereof. As best seen in Figs. 4A and 4B, facades 14, 16 include a decorative front side 50 and a back side 52 having an elongated, integrally formed, backwardly projecting clip 54, 56, respectively, extending horizontally across the entire length thereof. Clips 54, 56 are adapted for releasable interlocking engagement with locking slots 32, 34, 36 as will be discussed below.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 4A, top and bottom facades 14 simulate the appearance of a corner molding and have a generally triangular cross-section with decorative front side 50 and back side 52 being joined by an edge wall 60. Edge wall 60 abuts top and bottom edges 28, 30 of recess 24 when facades 14 are releasably interlocked to panel 12 and has substantially the same height as top and bottom edges 28, 30 to create the appearance of a continuous surface.

Clip 54 which extends backwardly from back side 52 is adapted for releasable interlocking engagement with locking slots 32, 36. To this end, locking slots 32, 36 have a generally

rectangular cross-section and include a lip 62 having a ramped leading surface 64 extending inwardly from recess top and bottom edges 28, 30. Clip 54 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and includes a rectangular support arm 70 and a substantially parallel flexible locking arm 72 having an outwardly projecting finger 74 on the distal end thereof. Finger 74 has a ramped leading surface 76 for slidable engagement with lip leading surface 64. Further, support arm 70 and locking arm 72 are spaced to be snugly received within slot 32, 36.

When clip 54 is inserted into locking slot 32, 36, finger leading surface 76 slidably engages lip leading surface 64, flexing locking arm 72 inwardly. As finger 74 emerges beyond lip 62, locking arm 72 resumes its original shape and finger 74 snaps onto lip 62 of slot 32, 36, thereby releasably interlocking facade 14 to panel 12. Simultaneously, support arm 70 is in abutting relationship with the other edge 66 of slots 32, 36 to securely support facade 14. Following releasable attachment of interchangeable facade 14 to panel 12, slots 32, 36 and clip 54 are hidden from view. To remove facade 14, a thin flat tool, such as a putty knife, is inserted between edge 60 of facade 14 and recess top edge 28 or bottom edge 30 to flex locking arm 72 inwardly, thereby permitting the user to remove clip 54 from slots 32, 36.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 4B, middle facade 16, having a decorative front side 97 and a back side 98, is releasably secured to panel 12 by means similar to that used for top and bottom facades 14. Middle locking slot 34 includes a pair of lips 84 extending inwardly from top and bottom edges 80, 82 and have ramped leading surfaces 86 similar to lip 64 in slots 32, 36. Clip 56 projects backwardly from back side 98 and extends horizontally across the entire length thereof. Clip 56 includes a pair of locking arms 88 having outwardly projecting fingers 90 with ramped leading surfaces

92 that are spaced to be received within slot 34. As clip 56 is inserted into slot 34, finger leading surfaces 92 slidably engage lip leading surfaces 86 flexing locking arms 88 inwardly. As fingers 90 are inserted beyond lips 84, locking arms 88 resume their

undeformed shape with fingers 90 snapping onto lips 84 of slot 34 and releasably interlocking facade 16 to panel 12. As before, slot 34 and clip 56 are hidden from view when facade 16 is secured to panel 12. To remove facade 16 from panel 12, a thin, flat tool, such as a putty knife, is inserted between facade backside 98 and recess floor 26 to flex finger 90 inwardly, thereby releasing clip 56 from slot 34.

To ensure that top and bottom edges 94, 96 of facade back side 98 abut the floor 26 of recess 24, back side 98 slopes backwardly as shown in phantom lines in Fig. 4B. As clip 56 is inserted into slot 34, top and bottom edges 94, 96 of facade 16 contact back side 98 and are urged away from panel 12 until clip 56 is releasably locked into slot 34 as described above. At this point, facade back side 98 has a concave shape caused by clip 56 being pulled backwardly into slot 34. This urges top and bottom edges 94, 96 to remain adjacent to font face 23, thereby giving panel 12 and facade 16 the appearance of being a single component.

The interchangeable facades 14, 16 are preferably formed from plastic. Further, it has been found to be advantageous to extrusion mold the facade from a thermoplastic such as ABS, polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride. Still further, the facades may be hollow with a wall thickness of about 0.06 inch, as shown, to decrease weight and cost. However, as will be readily appreciated, other materials, such as wood or steel, may be used without deviating from the spirit or principles of the present invention.

As noted above, locking slots 32, 34, 36 and clips 54, 56 preferably extend across the entire length of panels 12 and facades 14, 16 respectively. However, locking slots 32, 34, 36 may comprise a plurality of discrete short slots with clips 54, 56 comprising a plurality of discrete, short clips (not shown) that have a length shorter than the slots. Thus clips 54, 56 and facades 14, 16 may move horizontally along panels 12. To assist in retaining facades 14, 16 on panels 12, caps 38 may be secured to the ends of panel 12. To accommodate differing thermal expansions and contractions of panels 12 and facades 14, 16 due to the use of different materials and other environmental factors, facades 14, 16 are preferably somewhat shorter in length than panels 12. Further, clips 54, 56 should be flexible. As the components expand and contract, clips 54, 56 may flex and/or slide horizontally within slots 32, 34, 36. This permits changes in size of either the panels 12 or facades 14, 16, or both to be accommodated without buckling.

Additionally, cap ledge 40, which extends across the ends of facades 14, 16, prevents the user from seeing any gap between the ends of facades 14, 16 and the ends of panels 12.

With reference to Fig. 5, there is shown another interchangeable facade 100 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Facade 100 includes upper and lower edges 102, 104, decorative front side 106 and a back side 108 including a pair of elongated, integrally formed clips 110 projecting backwardly from facade upper and lower edges 102, 104. The height of facade 100 is chosen such that upper and lower edges 102, 104 of facade 100 are in abutting relationship with recess top and bottom edges 28, 30 when facade 100 is secured to panel 12. As before,, clips 110 preferably extend horizontally across the entire length of back side

108 although clips 110 may comprise a plurality of discrete clips. Preferably clips 110 have the same structure as clips 54 such that they releasably interlock with locking slots 32, 36 as shown in Fig. 4A. Front side 106 may include a variety of appearances formed therein such as, by way of example, a tudor appearance, the address of the individual or the name of the individual.

To releasably interlock facade 100 to panel 12, clips 110 are slidably inserted into slots 32, 36 until finger 74 of locking arm 72 snaps onto lip 62 of slot 32, 36 (see Fig. 4A). Again, when facade 100 is secured to panel 12, clips 110 and slots 32, 34, 36 are hidden from view. To remove facade 100, a thin, flat tool, such as a putty knife, is inserted between upper and lower edges 102, 104 of facade 100 and recess top and bottom edges 28, 30 to flex finger 74 inwardly, thereby releasing clips 110 from slots 32, 36.

Although panels 12 are shown having three horizontal slots 32, 34, 36 formed therein, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number and orientation of slots may be used without deviating from the principles of the present invention. By forming the slots horizontally, both panels 12 and facades 14, 16, 100 may be extrusion molded. However, panels 12 and facades 14, 16, 100 may be injection molded with the locking slots being formed vertically. Additionally, the slots need not extend across the entire length of the panel. However, three horizontal slots were chosen as providing the user with considerable flexibility in the selection of design options for door 10.

In use, to attach facade 14, 16, 100 to panel 12, the user first flexes facade 14, 16, 100 and inserts the ends thereof into recess 24 between the floor 26 on panel front side 23 and cap ledges 40. Clips 54, 56, 110 are then inserted into locking slots 32,

34, 36 until fingers 74, 90 snap onto lips 62, 84 thereby releasably interlocking the facades to the panels. To remove facades 14, 16, 100, the user inserts a thin, fiat tool either between facade upper or lower edges 94, 96, 102, 104 and recess edges 28, 30, if it is a top or bottom facade 14 or a full panel facade 100, or inserts the tool between facade back side 98 and floor 26 if it is middle facade 16. The tool is inserted until fingers 74, 90 are flexed inwardly, releasing clips 54, 56, 110 from slots 32, 34, 36. The user then flexes facades 14, 16, 100 to remove them from the space between panel front side 23 and cap ledge 40.

With reference to Figs. 6 and 7, there is shown an entry door or passageway door 120 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention comprising a single panel door 122 having interchangeable facades 130 removably attached thereto. Single panel door 122 includes a pair of stiles 132 and rails 134 having a front face 136 and a back side 138 secured thereto with caps 140, 142 affixed to the periphery of front face 136 and back side 138.

Front face 136 and back side 138 include a plurality of elongated, horizontally disposed locking slots 144, 146 formed therein and extending thereacross that are similar to locking slots 32, 36. As before, locking slots 144, 146 may comprise a pluraiity of discrete slots rather than a continuous single slot. Stiles 132 include U-shaped grooves 148 formed therein to accommodate slots 144, 146. Front face 136 and back side 138 are secured to stiles 132 and rails 134 by adhesive bonding or any other suitable technique.

Facade 130 is similar to full panel facade 100 (see Fig. 5) and includes an elongated, integrally formed upwardly facing clip 150 and downwardly facing clip 152 similar to, and operating in the same manner as, clip 54 (see Fig. 4A). Facade 130 is releasably interlocked to front and back face 136, 138 by inserting clips 150, 152 into locking slots 144, 146 until fingers 74 snap onto lip 62 (see Fig. 4A). As before, slots 144, 146 and clips 150, 152 are hidden from view when facade 130 is secured to panel 122.

Caps 140, 142 have a generally U-shaped cross-section comprising a base 154 and front and rear ledges 156. Base 154 is affixed to stiles 132 and rails 134 by any recognized technique. However, it is preferred that screws be used to provide a more positive contact. Additionally, the outside ends 158 of caps 140,

142 should be angled inwardly about 45 º such that, when

assembled, caps 140, 142 form a substantially rectangular frame for single paneled door 122 having a mitered appearance.

Ledges 156 may be spaced to snugly receive front face 136 and back side 138 therebetween (as shown), or may be spaced sufficiently to also receive facades 130 therebetween. If ledges 156 are adjacent front face 136 and back side 138 when assembled, facades 130 should be sized to abut ledge 156 when releasably interlocked with panel 122. However, to accommodate expansion and contraction of panel 122 and facade 130, ledges 156 may be spaced to overlap and receive facades 130 therebetween with clips 150, 152 being movable in slots 144, 146. As with the overhead garage door 10, facades 130 should be a length sufficient to extend under ledges 156, but preferably shorter than faces 136, 138. Thus, expansion and contraction of the components will not cause buckling of panel 122 or facade 130 or permit the user to see unsightly gaps. Additionally, top and bottom caps 140 may be sized to snugly receive front and back faces 136, 138 therebetween while side caps 142 may be sized to receive facades 130 therein.

Additional variations may be desirable, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, depending upon the intended use for the door.

Although single panel door 122 is shown having four locking slots 144, 146 formed therein, it will be readily appreciated that any number, orientation and type of slots may be used to provide a door having an external appearance that may be easily and readily altered by attachment and removal of facades. Additionally, facades 130 may include a single integrally formed clip, such as facade 14 (see Figs. 4 and 4A), or facade 16 (see Figs. 4 and 4B) in place of multiple clips 150, 152.

Facades 130 and single panel door 122 are preferably injection molded or extruded from thermoset or a thermoplastic such as ABS, polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride.

In use, to releasably interlock facade 130 to single panel door 122, if ledges 156 abut front and back faces 136, 138, clips 150, 152 are merely inserted into locking slots 144, 146 until fingers 74 snap onto lips 62 (see Fig. 4A). Alternatively, if ledges 156 are spaced to receive facade 130 therebetween, facade 130 must first be flexed to permit the ends thereof to be inserted under ledges 156. The remainder of the insertion process is identical to that just described. To remove facade 130 from single panel door 122, a thin flat tool, such as a putty knife, is inserted under facade 130 to flex finger 74. Clips 150, 152 may then be removed from slots 144, 146. Again, if ledges 156 are spaced to receive facade 130 therebetween, facade 130 must be flexed for removal from between ledges 156.

By virtue of the foregoing, there is thus provided a door whose outward appearance may be easily and readily changed by releasably interlocking removable facades thereto. Additionally, the door is able to accommodate expansion and contraction of the door and facades without buckling or the formation of gaps.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of different embodiments which have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broadest aspect is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A door having an external appearance that is alterable by attachment of interchangeable facades comprising:

a panel having a front face and a back side, said front face having a locking slot formed therein for releasable interlocking engagement with a removable facade so that the appearance of said panel is changeable, said locking slot being hidden from view when the facade is releasably secured to said panel, said locking slot adapted to accommodate ambient environmental expansion and contraction of said panel and the facade.

2. The door of claim 1 further comprising an

interchangeable facade having a decorative front side and a back side including a backwardly projecting clip adapted for releasable interlocking engagement with said locking slot for changing the appearance of said panel, said clip being hidden from view when said facade is removably secured to said panel.

3. The door of claim 2 wherein said slot is integrally formed in the panel along its entire length.

4. The door of claim 3 wherein said clip is integrally formed in the facade along its entire length.

5. The door of claim 4 wherein said facade is shorter in length than said panel and said clip is movable within said slot, said door further comprising caps secured to the ends of said panel, each of said caps including an inwardly projecting ledge, said ledge overlaying said facade when said cap is secured to said panel, said facade being retained within said slot by said caps such that said door can accommodate said expansion and contraction.

6. The door of claim 2 wherein said panel includes a pluraiity of slots spaced to permit attachment of a plurality of facades to said panel.

7. The door of claim 2 wherein said slot includes first and second edges, said first edge having a lip formed therealong.

8. The door of claim 7 wherein said clip comprises a flexible locking arm, said locking arm including an outwardly projecting finger adapted to releasably interlock with said lip to releasably secure said facade to said panel.

9. The door of claim 8 where said clip further includes a support arm substantially parallel to said locking arm, said support arm spaced for abutting relationship with said second edge of said slot when said clip is inserted into said slot.

10. The door of claim 2 wherein said slot includes first and second edges, each of said first and second edges having a lip formed therealong.

11. The door of claim 10 wherein said clip comprises a pair of opposed flexible locking arms, said locking arms including outwardly projecting fingers adapted to releasably interlock with said lips to releasably secure said facade to said panel.

12. The door of claim 2 wherein said door is an overhead garage door comprising a plurality of vertically interconnected panels, each of said panels including a plurality of said slots.

13. The door of claim 12 wherein each of said slots are formed horizontally in said front face.

14. The door of claim 13 wherein each of said panels includes three slots formed therein.

15. The door of claim 2 wherein said door is an entry or inside passageway door, said front face and said back side having slots formed therein.

16. The door of claim 2 wherein both said panels and said facades are plastic.

17. The door of claim 16 wherein said facades are made from ABS.

18. An overhead garage door having an external appearance that may be altered by attachment of interchangeable facades comprising:

a plurality of vertically interconnected panels, each of said panels having a front face and a back side, said front face including a plurality of elongated horizontal locking slots formed therein and extending along the entire length of said panel; and

a plurality of interchangeable facades, each of said facades having a decorative front side and a back side including an elongated, backwardly projecting clip integrally formed along the entire length of said facade for releasable interlocking engagement with said locking slots,

whereby said slots and said clips cooperate to

releasably secure said facades to said panels, said locking slots and said clips being hidden from view when said facades are secured to said panels.

19. The overhead garage door of claim 18 wherein the horizontal dimension of said facades is less than the horizontal dimension of said panels, said clips being movable within said slots, said door further comprising caps secured to the ends of said panels, each of said caps including an inwardly projecting ledge, said ledges overlaying the ends of said facades when said caps are secured to said panels, said facades being retained within said slots by said caps such that said door can accommodate expansion and

contraction of said panels and said facade.

20. The door of claim 18 wherein said slots include first and second edges, said first edges having a lip formed therealong.

21. The overhead garage door of claim 20 wherein said clip comprises a flexible locking arm including an outwardly projecting finger adapted to releasably interlock with said lip to releasably secure said facade to said panel.

22. The overhead garage door of claim 21 wherein said clip further comprises a support arm substantially parallel to said locking arm, said support arm spaced for abutting relationship with said second edge of said slot when said clip is inserted into said slot.

23. The overhead garage door of claim 18 wherein said slots include first and second edges, each of said first and second edges having a lip formed therealong.

24. The overhead garage door of claim 23 wherein said clip comprises a pair of opposed flexible locking arms, said locking arms including outwardly projecting fingers adapted to releasably interlock with said lips to releasably secure said facade to said panel.

25. The overhead garage door of claim 18 wherein each of said panels includes three slots formed therein.

26. The overhead garage door of claim 18 wherein said panels are plastic.

27. The overhead garage door of claim 18 wherein said facades are plastic.

28. A door having an external appearance that may be altered by attachment of interchangeable facades comprising:

at least one panel having a front face and a back side, at least one of said front face and said back side including an elongated, horizontal locking slot formed therein and extending along the entire length of said panel;

at least one interchangeable facade having a decorative front side and a back side including an elongated, backwardly projecting flexible clip integrally formed along the entire length of said facade for releasable interlocking engagement with said slot, said facade having a horizontal dimension less than the horizontal dimension of said at least one panel, said clip being movable within said slot; and

caps secured to the ends of said at least one panel, each of said caps including an inwardly projecting ledge, said ledge overlaying an edge of said facade when said cap is secured to said panel,

whereby said slot, said flexible clip, and said caps cooperate to releasably secure said facade to said at least one panel while accommodating expansion and contraction of said panel and said facade, said locking slot and said clip being hidden from view when said facade is secured to said panel.

29. An interchangeable facade adapted for releasable interlocking engagement with a door having at least one panel, the panel including a front face and a back side, the front face having an elongated locking slot formed therein, comprising:

a decorative front side and a back side;

an elongated, integrally formed clip projecting backwardly from said back side, said clip adapted for releasable interlocking engagement with the slot, said clip and the locking slot being hidden from view when said facade is secured to the door.

30. The removable facade of claim 29 wherein the slot has a first edge having a lip formed therealong and a second edge, said clip comprising a flexible locking arm having an outwardly projecting finger adapted to releasably interlock with the lip to releasably secure said facade to the door.

31. The removable facade of claim 30 wherein said clip further comprises a support arm substantially parallel to said locking arm, said support arm spaced for abutting relationship with the second edge of the slot when said clip is inserted into the slot.

32. The removable facade of claim 29 wherein the slot has first and second edges, both of the first and second edges including a lip formed therealong, said clip comprising a pair of opposed flexible locking arms, said locking arms including outwardly projecting fingers adapted to releasably interlock with the lips to releasably secure said facade to the panel.