GB2132674A

GB2132674A - Barn door framing system

Info

Publication number: GB2132674A
Application number: GB08333805A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Larry Johnson; Billie Junior Uphoff
Original assignee: Lawrence Brothers Inc
Current assignee: Lawrence Brothers Inc
Priority date: 1982-12-27
Filing date: 1983-12-19
Publication date: 1984-07-11
Also published as: GB8333805D0; GB2132674B

Abstract

A door frame systems for sliding doors, e.g. barn doors comprises top and bottom horizontal frame members 66, 68 and vertical side frame members 70, 72, all of said frame members comprising elongate,substantially U- shaped channel members which are substantially identical in cross-section, joined by corner brackets 100. The door is suspended from hangers 183 running in blocks (180). The pair of doors 34, 36 are arrested at the centre of the opening by depending brackets (272) engaging a v-shaped stop (260) set in the ground, and locked by an upper latch 202-206. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Barn door framing system This invention is directed to improvements in a door frame system for a sliding door construction of the type used for barns or similar structures. The invention is directed to improvements of the door construction as a whole, as well asto various novel component features thereof.

Sliding door constructions for relatively large doors such as are used in barns or similar buildings are well known in the art. In addition to barns, such buildings generally include commercial or industrial buildings, which may take the form of a rigid framework structure covered with a suitable siding, often of aluminum or similar materials. While many advances have been made in the construction of such buildings, there remains room for improvement in the laterally sliding doors commonly provided for such structures.

In this regard, such doors are generally relatively large to provide for ingress and egress of large vehicles, livestock, orthe like.

A number of problems have arisen with sliding door constructions heretofore in use. Such doorcontruc- tions, in similarfashion to the buildings mentioned above generally comprise a framework ofwood, metal or other material upon which a "skin" or covering of siding, often of aluminum, is attached.

Such sliding doors are subject to damage and deformation from a variety of sources when in use. For example, vehicles, livestock or other objects moved through the doors may inadvertently collide with the door causing damage or deformation to portions of the skin, to the frame or both. Additionally, wind damage is frequently encountered. In this latter regard, in view ofthe relatively large size of such doors, sudden gusts of wind maydislodgethedoors from thetrackortracks generally provided therefor.

Such wind damage may also cause deformation or damage to the skin, to the frame or both in cases where the door is inadequately supported by the tracks or other support structures.

Heretofore, repair of such damage has proven relatively difficult and expensive. In most door constructions heretofore provided, repair of even relatively minor damage such as bent or deformed frame sections has usually required removal of the door structure from the building. Thereupon, the door must be extensivley disassembled to effect replacement or repair of the damaged part or parts, then re-assembled and remounted to the building. Additionally, the door structures heretofore provided have generally comprised a number of differently configured frame members of differing lengths as generally required to providevertical sidesoruprights, horizontal top and bottom frame members and one or more intermediate support members.Hence, in order to construct or repair such door structures, the contractor or supplier firm had to stock a large inventory of different frame components of varying lengths, in an effort to accommodate anticipated future construction and repair requirements. Needless to say, this has proven most difficult and expensive from a standpoint of inventory maintenance and control.

As an additional matter, sliding door constructions heretofore provided have frequently encountered difficulties in operation once installed on a building. In particular, track or guide members have generally been provided at the top and bottom surfaces of the assembled doors. The bottom track or guide usually comprises an open channel member for slidably receiving a bottom edge of a door. In operation this channel frequency becomes clogged with dirt, gravel or other debris, making opening and closing ofthe sliding doordifficultor impossible.Moreover, it has been found that these bottom guide channels become filled and clogged with snow and ice quite readily, even with buta minimum snowfall. Such clogging, from whatever source, impedes or prevents sliding of the doorforopening and closing.

Top guide members heretofore provided have generally consisted of a wheeled "truck" assembly from which a top portion ofthe door is suspended, which truck rides in a track attached to the building above the top of the door. This suspended operation has proven generallysatisfactory in most instances.

However, the phenomena known as "lifting" of the door in response to sudden gusts of winds has been encountered in many instances. Such "lifting" phenomena tend to liftthe entire door assembly, often releasing it from its bottomtrackorguide members even when the door is in a fully open orfully closed position. A related wind problem is that of twisting or torque forces applied to the door, which may also cause severe distortion of the doorframe or siding or both if the door is not adequately su pported. This latter wind damage often occured even when the door constructions heretofore provided are in fully open or fully closed positions.

As an additional matter, reliable positive latching and unlatching of such sliding door constructions from the outside of the building has rarely been provided heretofore. Many such constructions require additional access doors to the building for the purpose of manipulating various latching and closure assemblies located on the inside of the sliding door structures.

In this regard, particular difficulty has heretofore been encountered in achieving satisfactory latching and supportwhen the doors are closed for protection from wind damage in constructions in which sliding doors are provided in pairs. The doors of such a pair usually meet or butt up against each other substantially at a center of a doorway when in the closed condition and slide laterally oppositely to overlie opposite adjacent sides of the building when in the open condition.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the invention to provide a novel and improved sliding door construction which avoids the problems ofthe prior art.

A more specific object is to provide a sliding door construction which uses but a minimum of relatively simple and standardized parts, thus minimizing the problems of inventory maintenance and control for providers of construction and/or repair services.

This print takes account of replacement documents submitted after the date of filing to enable the application to comply with the formal requirements of the Patents Rules 1982.

Arelatedobjectisto provide a door construction in accordance with the foregoing object employing a minimal number of standardized construction members for simplified assembly and disassembly to facilitate both initial construction and later repairs.

Afurther object is to provide a sliding door construction employing a novel and improved guide track construction and arrangement which substantially avoids the problems ofthe prior art.

A related object is to provide a sliding door construction in accordance with the foregoing object which further employs a novel center door stop and latching arrangementforstructures employing double sliding door arrangements.

Afurther object is to provide a novel sliding door construction in accordance with the foregoing objects which is relatively simple in its construction and yet highly durable and reliable in operation over a long service life.

Briefly, in accordance with one aspect ofthe invention there is provided a novel and improved door frame system for a frame-and-panel door construction fora barn, orsimilarstructure, comprising a plurality of horizontal frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members joined with said top and bottom frame members to define a generally rectilinear frame structure, all of said frame members comprising elongate, substantially U-shaped channel members which are substantially identical in cross-section, wherein said channel members can be provided by stock material of identical U-shaped cross-section and cutto length as needed, to provide said frame with each frame member including three continuous side walls and an open sidewall.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is providedfortheframe members of a door frame system as defined above a plurality of generally U-shaped stiffener brackets dimensioned for complimentarilyembracing about the open sidewall of said U-shaped channels and mountable at spaced apart locations along the length of each of said plurality of channels.Thus each stiffener bracket may comprise a relatively short, U-shaped member, the sidewalls of which are complimentarily shaped for embracing outersidesurfacesofa U-shaped channel member and may include at least an additional upwardly extending tongue orflange member oriented and dimensioned to closely interfit between inner side wall surfaces of the U-shaped channel member,wherebythe addition of one or more similar such stiffener brackets to a length of said U-shaped channel member increases the overall strength of the member.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided corner joining means for a door frame system as defined above comprising corner bracketsforjoining respective top and bottom frame members with respective adjacent vertical frame members each said corner bracket comprising a substantially U-shaped member including perpendi cularlydisposed sections each said section having spaced upstanding side flanges thereof to define a pair of similar U-shaped surfaces for embracing respective open side faces of the respective U-shaped frame members, and clamping means for coupling said corner brackets to the respective frame members.

The clamping means may comprise an externally threaded fastener and a mating internallythreaded elongate nut member having a cross-sectional dimen sion fo r for complementarily interfitting through the open side wall of said U-shaped channel memberto be slideably insertabletherethrough and a length dimension greaterthan the internal spacing between facing interiorsurfacesofthespaced continuous side walls, for engaging at least one of said interior side wall surfaces to prevent rotation thereof during th readable advancement of said externallythreadedfastener member, and each of said corner brackets including a through aperture at each section thereof facing a frame memberfor receiving one said externally threaded member.Additional forms of corner bracing members may be provided to coactwith the corner bracket assembly above described for providing additional rigidity and structural strength to respective corners of the frame assembly.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention a novel guidetrackarrangementfor a door frame system as defined above comprises guiderail means mountable to an adjacent side surface of said barn, or similar structure, said guiderail means comprising at least one elongate substantially U-shaped channel member which is substantially identical in crosssection to said plurality of channel members comprising said frame members, and said guiderail means being provided by stock material of identical Ushaped cross-section and cut to length as needed. The guiderail may be mounted oriented downwardly and at any desired level upon the adjacent side of a building to substantiallyavoid clogging dueto ingress of dirt, debris, snow, ice, orthe like.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention a novel centre door stop arrangement employing reliable stop means for each of a pair of sliding doors comprises a generally U-shaped open end stop bracket mountable in inverted fashion to a threshold for said laterally sliding door, and a generally L-shaped stop engaging member mounted to a lower edge of said laterally sliding door and facing said stop bracket member, said L-shaped channel engaging member being dimensionedforcomplimentarily interfitting within the open end of said stop bracket memberto define simultaneously a limit of slidable movement of said doortothe closed position and also toresist movement of said door both in laterally and longitudinally of the plane of lateral slideable movement of said door in response to external forces applied thereto.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention a novel hanger assembly is provided for hanging a sliding door assembly from a track mounted truck assembly, while substantially avoiding vertical displacement of the door assembly in re sponsetowind induced lifting or other forces applied thereto, and comprises a truck assembly engageable in a guide track, and elongate,externallythreaded fastener member carried by said truck assembly for extending through a receiving frame portion of said door, and complimentary internally threaded fastener members threadably engaged with said elongate fastener member and positioned respectively above and below said receiving frame portion forgrippingly engaging said frame portion therebetween and threadably movable to define the vertical position of said door when hung from said elongate fastener member.

In accordance with a still furtheraspect of the invention, there is provided a novel latching assembly for positively latching one or a pair of sliding doors in a closed condition, which latching assembly is further capable of being operated from the exterior side of the door, and comprising a vertical door frame member having an open end proximate the inner vertical edges of the frame, a strike member mounted within said frame member, resilient means biasing said strike member to an extended position, mounting means for said strike member permitting itto be retracted from said extended position a strike plate member adapted for mounting to a header beam, orthe like, provided by a building structure with which said sliding door is associated, said strike plate member including a strike aperture for receiving said strike and a cam surface against which an edge surface of said strike member engage as the door is moved to the closed position, said cam surface serving to bias said strike memberto a retracted position preparatoryto engagement in said strike aperture, and operating means for remotely operating said strike member to disengage said strike memberfrom said strike aperture.

The foregoing aspects and features of the invention are contemplated for use either singly or in combination to achieve a novel sliding door construction in accordance with the invention.

The foregoing as well as other objects, features and advantages ofthe invention will become more readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description of some embodiments, byway of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:: Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a building employing a sliding door assembly ofthetype to which this invention pertains; Fig. 2 isa partial, enlarged front elevation ofthe doors ofthe building of Fig. 1, broken away to illustrate various features of the novel door assembly and construction ofthis invention; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating a novel corner bracket assembly in accordance with features ofthis invention; Fig. 4 is a sectional viewtaken generally along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, and rotated through 90 degrees; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating assembly of a corner portion of a novel door frame assembly in accordance with one form ofthe invention;; Fig. 6 is an elevational view, partially in section and partially broken away, illustrating the assembled condition ofthe components shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an assembled view of a corner portion of a frame assembly, similar to Fig. 5 and illustrating anotherform of construction in accordance with the invention; Fig.8 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view illustrating furtherfeatures ofthe assembly of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is an elevation similarto Figs. 6 and 7 and illustrating yet anotherform ofcornerconstruction in accordance with the invention; Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a corner bracing component utilized in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a novel stiffener bracket and coupling arrangement for use with the frame members in accordance with this invention;; Fig. 12 is a sectional view illustrating assembly of the partshown in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary front elevation illustrating a novel hanger assembly for hanging a sliding door from an overhead track and a center door latch arrangement, both in accordance with this invention; Fig. 14 is a sectional viewfurther illustrating novel aspects ofthe door hanger assembly portion of Fig.

13; Fig. 15 is a side elevation partially in section, illustrating a novel door guide assembly in accordance with the invention; Fig. 16 is a top elevation, partially in section, further illustrating details of the guide assembly of Fig. 1 5; Fig. 17 is a top plan view, partially in section, taken generally along the line 17-17 of Fig. 2 and illustrating a novel door edge guide assembly in accordance with this invention; Fig. 18 is an enlarged plan view, partially broken away illustrated a novel centerdoorstop assembly in accordance with this invention; Fig. 19 is a developmentviewtaken generally on the line 19-19 of Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken generally on the line 20-20 of Fig. 18;; Fig. 21 is a partial view illustrating the operating mechanism for the overhead latch of Fig. 13; Fig. 22 is a sectional viewtaken along the line 22-22 of Fig.21; Fig. 23 is a sectional viewtaken along the line 23-23 of Fig. 21.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1, a typical barn or similar building is shown and designated generally bythe reference numeral 30, and of a frame-and-siding type of construction. Such buildings are generally well known in the art. In accordance with the invention a novel sliding door assembly designated generally bythe reference numeral 32 is provided forthe building 30. In the illustrated embodi ment,the door assembly 32 comprises a pair of similar sliding doors 34 and 36 which meet generally at a center portion of the associated doorway 38 to definethefully closed position thereof. In accordance with conventional practice, these doors 34 and 36 are suspended from an overhead guidetrack40 by suitable means as will be seen later, to open laterally outwardly over adjacent side surfaces 42, 44 of the building 30.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, novel lower guide members 46 and 48 are provided which, as will be seen later, are mounted with an open side wall facing downwardly and also some suitable distance above the ground or grade surface 50.

Advantageously, this inverted mounting and the placement of guide members 46 and 48 spaced above the ground or grade surface 50 avoids obstruction or clogging thereof by dirt, debris, snow or ice. Such clogging was often a problem in prior art constructions.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 1 the guide member 46 is located a distance 52 above the grade surface 50 while the guide member 48 is located a distance 54 spaced above the grade surface. This illustration is by way of example only, the guides 46 and 48 normally being placed at the same level. However, Fig. 1 does illustratethatthis level may be any selected level as will be more fully described later.

An additional access door 56 is provided in the building 30 as illustrated in Fig. 1. However, in accordance with anotherfeature of the invention the sliding doors 34 and 36 are provided with a novel latching system to be described later, which may be operated via handle mechanisms 58 on the exterior side of the doors 34 and 36; the mechanisms 58 being discussed with regard to Figs. 21-23. In many prior art structures such latching or locking systems have not heretofore been available, an access door such as the door 56 being requiredto enterthe building to unlatch the sliding doors from the interior. However, in the present example, the access door 56 is provided for convenience only in view ofthe exterior accessible latching feature as will be described later.If desired the access door 56 may be provided directly in one of the sliding doors 34 or 36.

Referring nowto Fig. 2 an enlarged view of the sliding door 34 partially broken away and a fragmen taryviewof an edge portion ofthe door 36 illustrate the substantially identical constructions thereof.

Hence, only the door34will be described in detail it being understood that the door 36 is substantially identical in construction.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the door 34 comprises a rectilinearframesystem or assembly 60 to which is mounted a suitable siding material 62, preferably to match the siding of the exterior of the building 30. The novel construction of the invention as will presently be seen further permits a layer of suitable insulation 64to be applied to the frame 60 intermediate the outer skin or siding 62 thereby providing an insulated door. In many prior art constructions, application of such insulation was difficult or impossible. Such insulation 64 may be added even sometime after construction and installation ofthe door by the simple expedient of removing the skin or siding 62 which may be relatively simply and inexpensively removed and re-applied to the frame 60 using conventional screw type fasteners 63.

In accordance with a feature ofthe invention, the door frame 60 comprises a plurality offrame members including substantially identical top and bottom horizontal frame members 66 and 68. The top and bottom frame members 66 and 68 are joined at respective ends thereof with substantially identical vertical side frame members 70 and 72, to define substantially square corners. Suitable corner joining brackets 100 as will be described later, couple the respective top and bottom frame members 66 and 68 with side frame members 70 and 72 to define the substantially rectilinearframe structure 60. One or more intermediateframe members74,76 and 78 (see door36) are also provided in the illustrated embodiment.Similar corner joining brackets 100 are utilized to couple these intermediate frame members 74, 76 and 78 to intermediate portions ofthe respective side frame members 70 and 72. Fewer or more such intermediate members may be utilized in accordance with the size of the doors 34 and 36to be provided.

Moreover, the intermediate frame members may be oriented vertically ratherthan horizontally as appropriateforthe particularshape and sizeofthe door to be provided.

Referring nowto Figs. 3 through 5 inclusive, additional novelfeaturesoftheframe members and corner brackets described above and the cooperation therebetween in the formation of corner joints will be described. Initially, itwill be note that all of the frame members described herein comprise generally Ushaped channel members which are substantially identical in cross-sectional configuration. Advantageously, then, the builder need not carry a large inventory of parts for either construction or repair of doors constructed in accordance with the invention.

Rather, only a quantity of channel stock material is required, so that individual pieces to form the frame members thus far described, may be cut to length as required for a particular door. This greatly facilitates both initial construction and later repair of sliding doors of any desired shape or size as required for a particular building installation.

Referring now more particularlyto Figs. 4 and 5 the frame channel members 70,74 and 66,70 are respectively illustrated. Here, itwill be seen that in cross-section each of these channels comprises a generally U-shaped elongated channel member which may be constructed for example by either an extrusion process or a forming procedure. This standardized channel member generally includes a base wall portion 80 which integrally joins a pair of substantially parallel side walls 82 and 84, which are formed at substantially right angles to the base wall 80. Advantageously, these side walls 82 and 84 are formed to cooperate with a corner bracket assembly 100 which will be described presently.In this regard, these walls 82 and 84 are inwardly recessed or stepped somewhat at end portionsthereof remote from the base wall 80 to form a pair of substantially co-extensive and parallel recessed surfaces 82a and 84a. These recessed surfaces 82a and 84a define a height dimension 91 and are recessed by an amount substantially similarto the thickness of the material utilized to form the channel member 70 in the illustrated embodiment. However, as will presently be seen the amount ofthis recess or inward stepping of these wall portions 82a and 84a is also such as to accommodate the similar thickness of a portion of a bracket member 100 which is applied thereto to form a corner between channel members 66 and 70. As such the resulting joint provides a relatively smooth exterior surface which facilitates application of the siding 62 or insulation 64.

Extending from the side walls 82 and 84 are a pair of integrally formed, composite flange members 86 and 88 which are substantially identical and oppositely oriented. The composite flange members serve to define an open side wall for the U-shape configuration of the frame members. Briefly, each composite flange member includes a first inwardly extending portion 86a, 88a which is substantially parallel with the base wall 80. Second flange portions 86b, 88b are formed integral with and transverse to respective first por tions 86a, 86b, extending inwardly of the U-shaped channel. These second flange portions 86b and 88b are substantially parallel with each other and with the respective side walls 82 and 84.The space between these second flange portions 86b and 88b defines a slot in the partially open side wall portion of the channel member 70 and is here designated by the reference numeral 90, Fig. 5.

Directing attention to Figs. and 4, the corner bracket member 100 comprises first and second sections or base surfaces 102 and 104 which are formed at substantially a right angle. This bracket member 100 is formed to a generally U-shaped configuration which defines respective outwardly extending side walls 106 and 108 which are substantially pependicularto the base surfaces 102 104 and co-extensive therewith.The height 109 of these site walls 106, 108 is no greater than the height dimension 91 ofthe recessed channel surfaces82a, 84a.The width dimension 110 between the respective side walls 106 and 108 is substantially the same as the dimension between the outer surfaces of the inwardly recessed portions 82a and 84a of the walls of the channels such as channel 70 described above. (It will be remembered that all the channel members heretofore described are substantially identical in crosssectional configuration.) Moreover, the thickness of the material forming walls 106 and 108 of the bracket 100 issubstantiallythesame as the amount of inward recess of these wall portions 82a and 84a, whereby the bracket member 100 closely interfits with the sides of each channel.Advantageously, then the brackets 100 provide additional strength aboutthe end pairs of the channels resisting outward deformation thereof.

Additionally, the assembled bracket and channel togetherdefinesubstantiallyplanarcompositeouter side surfaces. This latterfeature is particularly advantageous in applying the siding 62 and/or insulation 64 as illustrated in Fig. 2 to the assembled frame member, without any interference from protruding surfaces which might otherwise cause unsightly bumps or ripples in the assembled door. As best seen in Fig. 2, substantially identical bracket members 100 may be utilized to interconnect all corners formed between the respective frame members described herein.

In accordancewithafurtherfeatureofthe invention, a novel coupling of fastener arrangement is provided forjoiningthese brackets 100 with respective channel membersto form the corners therebetween. This coupling arrangement comprises a conventional ex ternallythreadedscrewor bolt type fastener 112 and an elongate nut-like mating fastener element 114.

The mating fastener element 114 comprises a relatively narrow elongate member having a central through aperture 1 16 which is tapped to mate with the threaded screw or bolt 112. In the illustrated embodiment,the elongate fastener member 114 is also generally U-shaped having a pair of upturned side wall portions 118 and 120. Preferably, the spacing between outer extremities of the side walls 118, 120 is no greater than the spacing 90 defined bytheflange portions 86b, 88b forming the opening or slot in the open sidewall ofthe U-shaped channel members.

However, the overall length of the fastener member 114 is preferably greater than the cross-sectional dimension ofthe interior ofthe channel member between interior surfaces of side wall portions 82a and 84a to limit rotative movement ofthe element 114 when assembled within the frame section 70. In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the opposite end portions ofthefastener member 114 are bent over to form downwardly extending ears or tabs 122,124,extending oppositely ofthe side walls 118 and 120. Advantageously, these tabs aid in grippingly engaging the interior surfaces of respective flange portions 86b and 88b upon assembly and th readable engagement with the screw or bolt 112.

Thus, relative rotation of the fastener member 114 is prevented during rotation of the fastener 112 in either direction byengagementwith the interior surfaces of the channel as described.

Assemblyoftheforegoing parts is relatively simple.

Initiallythescrewor bolt 112 is insertedthrough apertures 115 and 117 provided therefor in the bracket portions 102 and 104. Thereafter, the mating fastener element or nut 114 may be loosely threaded upon the bolt 112. Thereupon the respective fastener elements 114 are oriented to pass through the respective open slots 90 of the channel members 66 and 70. Upon rotation ofthe bolt 112 by a suitable drive tool itwill be seen that initial rotation of the mating fastener elements 114will cause its end parts to come in contact with one or both of respective side walls 82a and 84a of the respective channels 66 and 70 preventing further rotation.In this regard,the length offastener 112 is preferably such thatthe mating fastener 114 will not extend into the space between side walls 82,84, that is, above the height or extent 91 of side wall portions 82a, 84a. The bolt 112 may then be tightened, thereby drawing the mating fastener 114 tightly into engagement against the upper or innermost edges of respectiveflange portions 86b and 88b, forming a tight reliable corner joint between bracket 100 and respective channels 66 and 70. As the fastener elements 114 are drawn into engagement with flange portions 86b and 88b,thetabs 122,1 24 will be disposed within interiorframe channels defined by the composite flange membes 86 and 88 and the respective side wall portions 82a and 84a.This serves to further resist and control rotation of nut elements 114, as well as strengthen the channel orframe members 66 and 70. Inthis regard thetabs 122 and 124 are locked within the interior channel of the frame defined bytheflange members 86 ad 88, which prevents the nut member 114from rotating. Thus any forces tending to collapse the frame cross-section will be resisted by the nut members 114; since they are in effect locked in place due to the disposition of tabs 122 and 1 24 withi n the interiorframechannels.

Referring nowto Fig. and Fig.6, a corner brace member 130 may be employed with the bracket assembly 100to further strengthen the corner joint formed as described above, when needed due to the size ofthe door orto provide an increased degree of structural strength or integrity. This corner brace member 130 is preferably of greaterthicknessthantheofgreaterthicknessthan the materials forming the channels and corner bracket heretofore described and includesaflatweborwall portion 132. The web or wall 132 defines at least one rightanglecorner, and in the illustrated embodiment is generally triangular in form. To either side ofthe right angle corner of the web 132 there is provided composite wall structures.These wall structures include bent oversidewall members 134 and 136 which areformed integrally with the web 132, preferably, at an angle of substantially 90 degrees with respectto the flat surface oftheweb 132. In addition to the sidewall members 134 and 136 the composite wall structure includes additional sidewall portions 138 and 140 disposed laterally of the first mentioned side walls 134and 136.

It will be noted thatthefirst side walls 134 and 136 are offsetwith respect to the side walls 138 and 140 so as to accommodate the thickness of the base portions 102, 104ofthe corner bracket 100. As best illustrated in Fig. 6, the side wall portions 134 and 136 closely interfit over the bracket 100 when assembled with respective channels 66 and 70 to form a cornerjoint. At the same time, the outer side walls 138 and 140 overlie and abutthe respective open side of the channels 66 and 70 and in particularthefacing surfaces of the first flange portions 86a and 88a thereof.In the illustrated embodimentthe sidewall portions 134 and 136 of the brace member 130 extend respectively outwardly from a cut away corner portion of the web 132to an extent at least as great as the outward extent of respective portions 102 and 104 of the corner bracket 100which these side walls 134 and 136 overlie. In the illustrated embodiment a small space or gap is provided between respective sidewalls 134,138 on the one hand and 136 and 140 ontheother hand.

However, these walls might be formed continuously without departing from the invention, so long as the offset of side walls 134 and 136 is maintained.

Assembly ofthe additional brace member 130 with the corner bracket 100 and associated channels is facilitated bysuitablethrough apertures 142and 142a in side walls 138 and 140 and similar through apertures 144 and 144a in side walls 134 and 136.

These through apertures are sized for accommodating additional ones of the fasteners or bolts 112 of a coupling arrangement similarto that as described above.

To effect assembly of the parts of Fig. 5, fasteners 112 and mating fastener elements 114 may be loosely pre-assembledthrough each of the apertures 142 and 142a. Thereafter, the corner bracket member 100 is alignedwith the surfaces 134 and 136 so that the respective through apertures 144 and 144a are in alignment with through apertures 115 and 117.

Similar coupling assemblies comprising mating fasteners 112 and 114 maythem be loosely preassembled with these aligned apertures 115, 144 and 117,1 44a, respectively. Thereafterthe pre-assembled bracket 100 and racing member 130 may be aligned with the respective ends of channels 66 and 70 to be joined. The respective fastener members 114 are then inserted through the open face portions 90 of the channels and tightened as described above with reference to assembly of corner bracket 100 with channels 66 and 70. The downwardly depending end tabs 122 and 124 advantageously resist loosening or partial disengagement ofthe tightened fasteners 112, 1 14 due to vibration orthe like while in service.

From the foregoing descriptions, itwill be seen that disassembly of the parts thus far described for repair orthe like is relatively simple. Only a single tool is required to rotate respective bolts 112. Thereupon, fasteners 114 may be removed by reversing the assembly steps described above. Hence, repair of doors constructed in accordance with the invention is greatly facilitated . Moreover, since all channel memberscomprisesuitable lengths of the same stock material, and all brackets and fasteners are respectively substantially identical, replacementthereof is simplified. The repair firm need only inventory channel stockwhich may be cutto required lengths "on the job", and a supply of the described brackets and fasteners.

Reference is next invited to Figs. 7 through 10 wherein two additional corner bracing assemblies in accordance with alternative forms ofthe invention are illustrated.

Referring initiallyto Figs. 7 and 8, a first alternative form of bracing member 150 is illustrated. This bracing member 150 comprises an elongate channel member which is preferably a length of channel material substantially identical in cross-section to the channel members 66, etc., previously described with reference to the frame members forming the frame 60 of Fig. 2. This section of channel member 150 is cut to suitable length and its end portionsformedatangles so that it may be positioned to span the corner joint formed by bracket 100 with frame members 66 and 70.

In the illustrated embodiment a miterjoint is defined between substantially 45 degree angle cuts on the cross bracing channel 150 and respective faces of the frame member channels 66 and 70.

The respective ends ofthe brace or support channel 150 and frame members 66 and 70 are joined by bracket members 152 and 154which ar similarly configured to the corner bracket 100 described above.

However, the transversely disposed sections of the brackets 1 52and 154 are formed to accommodate the angle defined by the channel 150 andtheframe members 66 or 70.

Coupling assemblies comprising bolt members and nuttype fastener elements substantially identical with the mating fasteners 112 and 114 described above are utilized in similarfashion at either end of the angled bracket members 152 and 1 54for coupling the brace channel 150 to the two frame member channels 66 and 70. From the foregoing itwill be appreciated that assembly ofthe brace channel member 1 with respective frame channel members 66 and 70 is substantially identical with the assembly described above of the corner bracket 100 therewith. That is, the fastener members 112 and 114 may be pre-assembled with the respective bracket members 154 and 152 and thereafter aligned with respective open side walls of the brace channel 150 and of the frame member channels 66 and 70 and tightened to achieve a reliable and yet removable connection therebetween. Hence the brace assembly may also be readily removed for replacement or repair if required.

Referring nowto Figs. 9and 10 yet another embodiment of a brace arrangement is illustrated. In Fig. 9 a corner joint between typical frame members 66 and 70 is achieved as described above by use ofthe bracket assembly 100 including associated fasteners 112,114.A brace member 160 is employed to strengthen the joint. In this regard, the brace 160 comprises an elongated bracket member of similar cross-sectional configuration as the bracket member 100. The respective outer end portions of this brace member 160, however, are formed at substantially a 45 degree angle to closely interfit with the respective channel members 66 and 70 in the same fashion as the sections 102 and 104 of bracket 100 interfittherewith as described above.The intermediate portion is relatively elongate and of a U-shaped cross-section, as shown in Fig. 10. Substantially identical coupling assemblies comprising fasteners 112 and 114are utilized to effect assembly of brace 160 in much the same way as described above.

Reference is next invited to Figs. 11 and 12, wherein a novel stiffener bracket assembly for enhancing the structural rigidityofthe channel members providing the respective frame members described above is illustrated. This stiffener bracket is designated generally 170 and is of a generally U-shaped configuration.

Preferably the stiffener bracket 170 is of substantially identical cross-sectional configuration as the Ushaped bracket members forming corner brackets 100,152,154and bracing member 160 previously described. In this regard the bracket 170 includes a base portion 171 and upstanding sidewall portions 172 and 174, which are designed closelyto embrace the inwardly recessed portions 82a and 84a of respective continuous side walls of the channel member 70 to which the bracket 170 is to be attached.

The stiffener bracket 170 additionally includes tabs or flanges 176, which extend from base portion 171 in the same direction as side walls 172 and 174, only one such tab being shown in Fig. 1 These tabs orflanges 176 are preferably of width slightly less than the spacing 90 of the slot defined by the inwardly facing flange surfaces 86b, 88b of the channel member 70, so that the tabs 176 may be disposed between said facing flanges. In this regard, it will be remembered that all of the channel members comprising the frame members offrame 60 heretofore described are essentially identical in cross-section.Hence, interfitting of the plurality of similar stiffener brackets with these channel members at desired locations along their lengths is substantially identical for each channel member. In this regard a coupling assembly comprising the screw or bolt 112 and fastener member 114 described above is utilized in similarfashion as previously described to securely couple each stiffener bracket 170 with an associated frame member70, as shown in Fig. 12. Preferably, and referring again briefly to Fig. 2, stiffener brackets 170 may be applied to each of the frame members at a plurality of spaced apart locations to enhance the rigidity of these members, as needed.

More specifically, with reference to the assembled construction of Fig.12, it will be recognized that side walls 172 and 174 of stiffener bracket 170 embrace the frame member 70 and resist lateral outward deformation of the side walls 82, 84 of said member. The tabs or ears 176 which are located substantially centered with respect to the side walls 172 and 174 resist inward collapse or deformation of the side walls 82 and 84 of the channels. Accordingly, the provision of stiffener brackets 170, as described, at spaced apart locations on the respective frame members greatly, enhances the structural rigidity of the frame members in resisting inward or outward deformation oftheframe cross-section.

In accordance with a furtherfeature ofthe invention, itwill be notedthatall ofthe bracket members thusfar described with respect to the frame structures 60 comprise a relatively few standardized parts. All of the bracket members thus far described are readily and simply formed from similar U-shaped stock material by cutting to the desired length and forming at desired angles. Formation of the stiffener bracket 170 differs only in the additional step of providing the folded over tabs or ears 176 at the respective ends thereof.

Reference is next invited to Figs. 13 and 1 4wherein a novel hanger assembly 183 for suspending the doors from an overhead guide track is illustrated; as is a latch arrangement forthe sliding doors 34 and 36. In accordance with conventional practice, the sliding doors 34 and 36 are suspended from an overhead track 180 by means of a suitable wheeled truck structure or assembly designated generally 182, and which rides in said track 180.In accordance with the invention,thetrack 180 preferably comprises a suitable length of channel material of identical Ushaped cross sectional configuration to the stock channel material utilized to form the frame componentsthus far described. Thetrack 180 may be affixed to the barn by suitable brackets 184 spaced along the width ofthe opening providedforthe door 34, as illustrated in Fig. 14.

The hanger assembly 183 employs mutuallytransverse pivot structures 186 and 188 to provide freedom of movement of the door 34 in both the direction of sliding of the door 34 and the direction substantially perpendicularthereto. This arrangement assures relatively free sliding of the door34without interference from the adjacent surfaces ofthe barn or other building 30. Preferably, a suitable sheet of flashing material 190 is also provided to overlay and protect the components thus far described from the elements.

The door 34 is suspended from the lower pivot assembly 188 by means of an elongate externally threaded member 192 which extends through a suitable through aperture 193 provided in the end wall 80 of the top frame member 66. The lower end ofthis elongate fastener 192 extends through the slot 90 in the open side wall ofthe frame member 66. Advantageously a stiffener bracket 170 as described above is utilized to receive the lower end of the fastener 192 and provide additional rigidity about the portion of the frame opening or slot 90 through which it extends. A suitable mating nut member 194 is provided at the lower end ofthe member 192 to hold the fastener 182 and stiffener bracket 170 in assemblywith respect to the channel 66. This nut 194 also effectively defines the relative height at which the door 34 is suspended by the foregoing structure. Advantageously, it will be seen that the height of the door 34 may therefore be readily varied as desired by rotation ofthe nut 194to achieve proper suspension thereof in the opening provided therefor in the barn or other building 30.

In accordance with a furtherfeature of the hanger assembly 183, a second nut member 196 is also provided attheupperendoftheelongatethreaded member 192 and is in engagement with the upper base surface 80 ofthe frame member 66. An additional suitableflashing member 198 is also interposed intermediate the nut 186 on top surface offrame 66 and preferablyoverliesthe upper edge ofthe siding material 62 ofthe door34. Advantageously the provision ofthe upper nut member 196 substantially resists upward vertical movement or "lifting" of the door 34 in response to external forces such as wind.In this regard, the phenomona of wind lift has often been encountered in prior art sliding door arrangements, and can cause damage and/or deformation to the sliding door structures heretofore provided.

The suspension system described above substantially avoids problems of misalignment and wind lift encouteredwith many priorartarrangements.

Moreover, re-adjustment of the suspension system of the invention permits the height of the door to be suitably adjusted forfree sliding action thereof even after initial installation. Preferably, two similar such truck and suspension structures at spaced apart locations are utilized for each of the sliding doors 34, 36, see Fig. 2.

As further illustrated in Fig. 13, a center stop and latch arrangement is also provided for doors 34 and 36. Preferably, a stop along the overhead track or channel 180 is provided bythe simple expedient of interposing a stop member such as a length of wood 200 atthe end or center portion thereof, depending on whether a single sliding door or double doors 34,36 as in the illustrated embodiment are utilized. As also shown in Fig. 2, end portions 201,203 ofthis center stop member 200 are located to provide stops forthe trucks 182 as the doors 34,36 reach a center orfully closed position.

Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 13, upon reaching the center position a latch assembly is provided for each of the doors 34,36 to promote positive closing. In the illustrated embodiment, as bestviewed in Fig. 13, each latch assembly comprises a strike plate 202 having a suitable strike aperture204 positioned for accepting and retaining a strike member 206 mounted to each door34,36. Advantageously, the strike plate 202 is provided with a suitably cammed or inclined strike surface 208 to guide the strike member 206 into engagementwith the strike aperture 204 asthe door 34 slides in the direction indicated generally by the arrow 212, whereupon the strike member 206 will be engaged in aperture 204to latch the door in the closed position.The strike plate 202 is preferably mounted to the central wood or stop member 200 by suitable means such as screws 213. Suitable through aper tured flange portions 214 and 216 are provided at the respective ends ofthe strike plate 202 for flat abutment againstthe undersurface ofthe member 200 and for receiving the attaching screws or other means 213 therethrough.

Strike member 206 is carried in a spring loaded assembly including a compression spring 210 which is mounted within the vertical frame member72 of the doorframe 60. In this regard, a suitable generally elongate, U-shaped bracket mem ber 218 having suitable top and bottom apertures 219,221 for receiving the strike 206 is provided. The upper portion of strike 206 is shaped to interfit with the strike aperture 204 ofthe strike plate 202 and preferably has a somewhat rounded upper surface 206a, to promote sliding engagement along the cam surface 208 ofthe strike plate 202. Axially spaced from the strike engaging surface 206a the strike member 206 is preferably stepped inwardly as indicated at 220 to provide an abutment for the adjacent end of compression spring 210.The opposite end ofthe spring 210 abutsthe lower end of the mounting bracket 218.

A lower, reduced dimension portion 206b ofthe strike member 206 extendsthrough aperture 221 in the lower end of bracket 218. Asuitable chain 222 or other elongate means is coupled to this end 206b and extended through the channel 72 to a handle or other mechanism to effect release ofthe strike 206 from the strike aperture 204for opening the door34.

Referring again brieflyto Fig. 2, itwill be seen that the chain or other elongate flexible coupling member 222 may be brought out through the open side wall portion 90 (not visible in Fig. 2 but shown in Fig.21) of the vertical frame member to engage a lever 224for operating the spring loaded strike assembly as described. The lever 224 preferably is coupled by a rod-like extension 226 to the previously described handle operating mechanism 58 mounted exteriorally of the door 34 or 36. Hence, the latch assemblyforthe sliding doorofthe invention may readily be operated from the exterior thereof as previously mentioned.

Reference is next invited to Figs. 15 and 16 wherein the guide arrangement briefly referred to above with reference to Fig. 1 is illustrated in detail. Initially, itwill be seen thatthe guide members ortracks 46,48 each comprise a section of channel 230 in Figs. 15 and 16, which is identical in U-shaped cross-sectional configuration to the material from which the frame members and guide track 180 are cut. Hence, the section of channel 230 for guide members 46 and 48 maybesuitablyformed by cutting stock channel material described above to a suitable length, as desired. Preferably, a section offlashing 232 is also provided over and aboutthe channel 230 to protect it and the associated structure from the elements. It will be noted thatthe slot 90 in the open sidewall of the channel section 230 faces in a downward direction with respect to the sidewalls 42,44 of the structure, thus promoting drainage and further discouraging the ingress of dirt, debris, snow, ice orthe like and providing forfree sliding of the door36 along the channel 230.

The door 36 is provided with a cooperating guide pin member 234 which is preferably a cylindrical, L-shaped pin having a first leg 236 thereof shaped for reception in and slidable engagement with the slot 90.

The remaining leg 238 of the L-shaped pin member 234 is preferably externally threaded as indicated at 239. This threaded end 238 of the pin 234 is engaged by nuts 241,243 with a suitable slot 240 provided in a mounting bracket 242 providing for adjustment in the position of said pin 234. Bracket 242 is L-shaped having a relatively shorter leg 242a thereof cou pled with the outer most frame member70 ofthe associated door 34. Preferably a coupling arrangement comprising the bolt or screw 112 and nut member 114 described above are utilized forthis purpose. However, itwill be noted that in this instance the orientation ofthefastener member 114 is invertd so that the side surfaces 118, l20thereofabutthe inner end or base surface of the channel 70.A relatively longer leg 242b ofthe bracket member 242 carries the aperture 240 which will be seen in Fig. 16 to preferably comprise an elongate slot for suitably positioning the guide pin member 234 at a desired location along its length. It will further be noted that the lengths of the legs 236 and 238 ofthe guide pin 234 are sufficient to allow variable axial positioning thereof within bracket 242 and channel 230, respectively. These features accommodate the range of adjustment of height of the door 34 provided by the suspension structure just described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14,andthe spacing ofthe door from sidewall 42 ofthe building 30 to permitfree sliding of the door 34.

The guide structure comprised of the channel 230 and pin 234 just described avoids the problems encountered in the prior art due to the clogging ofthe guide channels by dirt, debris, snow, ice and the like.

Advantageouslythe downward orientation ofthe slot 90 ofthe channel guide 230 avoids such accumulation.

Moreover, as previously mentioned, the guide 230 may be mounted at a suitable height on the side walls 42, 44 of the building 30 above the ground or grade level 50 to avoid accumulations ofsnoworthe like hindering the operation thereof. In this regard, the cooperating pin member 234 and bracket 242 may be mounted at any vertical level along the side channel or frame member70to cooperate with the level selected for mounting of the guide channel 230. With the guide tracks 46,48 mounted some distance above the lower edge ofthe door, as illustrated at 52 in the right hand portion of Fig. 1 ,the structural integrity of the door is increased.More specifically, the outer vertical edges ofthe doors 34,36will be supported at all times by the guide tracks 46,48 at a location intermediate their respective lengths, thus rendering the doors less susceptibletowind damage.

Reference is next directed to Fig. 17 wherein one form of edge guide assembly 250 is illustrated.

Preferably, this edge guide assembly 250 is mounted at a lower outer edge of each door 34,36 as shown in Fig. 2. Accordingly at least an outer, lower edge portion ofthe assembled door 34 will always be present within the edge guide 250, thus helping to avoid any problems due to wind lift, orthe like.

The edge guide 250 comprises a relatively short, U-shaped bracket member 252 which is suitable mountedto an extension 254 of the lower edge part of doorframe255 provided forthe structure or building 30. Suitable fasteners such as screws 256 may be utilizedforthis purpose. Additionally, a guide member 258 is also provided.This guide member 258 comprises a flat strip of material having flared lateral edge portions to provide a guide for initial slideable mounting of the door 34 with respect to the edge guide member. Itwiil be appreciated from the foregoing that the lower edge ofthe door 34 will be located and supported within the edge guide assembly 250 at all times, without regardforthe relative position of the door 34 as it slides between its fully opened and fully closed positions.

Advantageously, provision ofthis additional edge guide 250 provides another point of slideable engagement with the door 34 to resist movement thereof in response to external forces such as wind orthe like.

This feature is particularly advantageous when the door is in its fully open position against the adjacent sidewall 42, whereupon a trailing or inside lateral edge portion of the bottom thereof will be securely slideably held within the edge guide member 250. This holding, together with the guide assembly described above with reference to 15 and 16 and the suspension described above with references to Figs. 13 and 14 securely holds the door at four laterally and vertically spaced points against potentially damaging gusts of wind orthe like.

Reference is next invited to FIGS. 18 through 20 wherein there is shown a novel center guide and stop arrangement for accommodating a single sliding door or double sliding doors 34,36 ofthe illustrated embodiment. This novel center guide and stop arrangement cooperates with the center latch arrangement described above to ensure proper centering and retention ofthe doors when in the fully closed position. Moreover, the guide and stop arrangement also aids in resisting movement of the doors in response to gusts of wind orthe like when in thefully closed position.

The center guide and stop arrangement includes a generally U-shaped stop member 260 which has laterally outwardly extending ears orflanges portions 262,264, FIG.19, for attachmentthereofto a mounting surface provided at the center of the doors 34,36atthe grade or ground level 50 by a bracket 265. The bracket 265 is coupled to these ears orflanges 262 by means such as nuts and bolts, as indicated at 266. The bracket 265 may be secured to a member such as a wood post 268 which is mounted in a cement footing 270 orthe like somewhat below the grade level 50, or the U-shaped stop member 260 may be mounted directly to a concrete approach by the use of screws and concrete expansion anchors.The open lateral ends of the U-shaped channel member 260 face in the directions of the respective slidably mounted door assemblies 34 and 36. Hence, the U-shaped member 260 is positioned for receiving a complimentary dimensioned hook member 272 which is carried by the lower inner edges of the respective door assemblies 34 and 36.

Referring to the door assembly 34, it will be seen thatthe hook member 272 is a generally L-shaped piece of material. In this regard, both the hook member 272 and the stop member 260 are preferably formed of relatively heavy gauge material to ensure structural rigidity and durability thereof. The shorter leg ofthe L-shaped member 272 has a converging leading edge273to ensure initial guidance thereof into the open end of the member 260. The longer leg 272a ofthis L-shaped member 272 extends into the frame member 72 ofthe door structure 34. A U-shaped clamp bracket member 276 is provided interiorly of the frame 72 and is of substantially similar structure to the bracket 218 described above with reference to FIG.

13. This latter bracket 276 is dimensioned for clamping the longer leg 272a into close engagement with the composite flange portions 86, 88 interiorly ofthe frame 72. A suitable through slot 280 is provided in the longer leg 272a through which is disposed a screw or bolt 112 which draws the bracket 276 into clamped position. The slot 280 permits the leading edge 273to bevertically adjusted to ensure proper engagement with the bracket 260.

As the door 34 or36 approaches the closed position, the leading edge 273 of member 272 will be guided for disposition within the open end ofthe guide and stop member 260. Abutment of the hook-like member 272 with the stop member 260 serves to limit movement of the door, and will centerthe doors 34 and 36 in the closed position. Further, with the hook member 272 engaged within stop member 260, the leading, lower edge ofthe door is securely held in the closed position againstanyforces occasioned by potentially damaging gusts of wind.

Finally, attention is invited to FIGS. 21-23 wherein there is illustrated a preferred construction forthe handle mechanism 58. The mechanism 58 is mounted to a horizontal U-shaped cross member76 utilizing the above discussed coupling arrangement provided by a bolttypefastener 112 and an elongate nut-like member 114, as shown in FIG. 22. The mechanism 58 includes a main mounting bracket 290 which is generally C-shaped. Extending through a vertical section 292 ofthe bracket 290 is the aforementioned rod-like operating member or stem 226 to which the lever 224 is removably mounted.Astem support bracket 293 is carried by the main bracket 290 which supports the free end ofthe rod-like stem member 226.To the opposite end ofthe member 226 there is affixed a handle 294, which is disposed exteriorly of the frame or skin 62. As is illustrated in dotted outline in FIG. 21, rotation of the handle 294 will produce rotative movementofthe lever224and corresponding movement of chain 222 attached thereto.

With reference to the right hand side of FIG. 21, it can be seen that the chain 222 extends into the interior of the vertical side frame section 72, and upwardly, wherein said chain is affixed to the strike member 206, as shown in FIG. 13. Affixed to the bracket 100 used to join frame sections 76 and 72, is a chain guide 296 which includes an arcuate portion 298 that facilitates and guides movement of the chain 222.

Looking to Fig. 23, it should be noted that the upper section 300 ofthe C-shaped mounting plate 290 includes a slot 302. Disposed in the slot is the end portion 304 of the lever 224, which end portion is notched or of a reduced width. The engagement of end portion 304 in slot 302 defines the limits of movement ofthe lever 224 between the positions shown in Fig. 21.

Recalling thatthe claim 222 is affixed to the strike 206, the force applied on the strike 206, by spring 220, Fig. 13, istransmitted to lever 224 by chain 222. This force tends to bias the lever 224 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 21,thereby moving the notched or reduced end portion 304 of the lever into engagement with the edge of slot 302, the full line position of Fig. 21. Operation of handle 294 thus can only rotate the lever 224 in a clockwise direction to the dotted position of Fig. 21 causing the chain 222 to retract, which also retracts the latch bolt 206.

It should be noted thatthe operating mechanism 58 is "non-handed" in that it can be used on eitherthe left hand door 34 in an orientation as shown in Figs. 21-23, or on the right hand door 36. To adapt the mechanism 58 forthe right hand door 36, all that need be done is to remove the lever 224 from the rod-like or post member 226 and invert its orientation. More specifically, with regard to Fig. 21, the mechanism 58 is set up for mounting to the left hand door 34 with ahe notched end 304 of the lever 224 oriented to the left as viewed.

If the lever 224 is inverted or reversed in its orientation the notched end 304 will be disposed to the right as viewed. Thus, when this end portion 304 is engaged in slot 302 and is affixed to the chain 222 for the latch mechanism of right hand door36, the chain will bias the lever 224 in a clockwise direction to engage the slot periphery. With this alternate arrangement (not shown) the lever 224 can only move in a counterclockwise direction upon operation of handle 294.

Accordingly, a supplier of the overall door system need only stock one type of operating mechanism, as the mechanism 58 of Figs. 21-23 can be employed for either right or left hand doors. This feature thus further serves to reduce the inventory of parts required and to enhance the usefulness of the overall system.

Claims

1. A doorframe system for aframe-and-panel door construction for a barn, or similar structure, comprising a plurality of horizontal frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members joined with said top and bottom frame members to define a generally rectilinear frame structure, all of said frame members comprising elongate, substantially U-shaped channel members which are substantially identical in crosssection, wherein said channel members can be provided by stock material of identical U-shaped cross-section and cut to length as needed, to provide said frame with each frame member including three continuous side walls and an open side wall.

2. Aframe system according to Claim 1 and further including corner joining means comprising corner brackets for joining respective top and bottom frame members with respective adjacent verticatframe members to define cornerjointsfor said substantially rectilinearframe structure each said corner bracket comprising a substantially U-shaped member including perpendicularly disposed sections each said section having spaced upstanding sideflanges there ofto define a pair of similar U-shaped surfaces for embracing respective open side faces of the respective U-shaped frame members, and clamping means for coupling said corner brackets to the respective frame members.

3. Aframe system according to Claim 2 and further including at least one intermediateframe member coupled intermediate said top and bottom frame members of said pair of side frame members by substantially identical corner brackets, said intermediate frame member also comprising an elongate substantially U-shaped channel memberofsubstan- tially identical cross-sectional configuration to said horizontal and vertical frame members.

4. Aframe system according to claim 2, wherein the respective continuous side walls of each of said U-shaped channel members adjacent the open side wall include stepped portions for receiving the side flanges of said U-shaped corner brackets1 which side flanges are engaged with, and overlie the outer surfaces of said stepped portions so asto maintain substantially planar side surfaces for the assembled frame members and brackets.

5. Aframe system according to claim 2, wherein each said U-shaped channel member comprises a base wall anda pair of substantially parallel and co-extensive side wal Is integral with said base wall and disposed at substantially rightang les thereto, said base wall and side walls defining the continuous side walls for said frame members said side walls respectively terminating in substantially similar laterally oppositely extending composite flange members comprising firstflange portions substantially parallel to said base wall and second flange portions projecting internally from said first flange portions and spaced apart in inwardly facing relation the first and second flange portions defining the open sidewall of said U-shaped channel.

6. Aframe system according to claim 3, wherein said at least one intermediate channel is horizontally disposed, substantially in parallel relation to the respective top and bottom frame members and coupled at respective outer ends thereof with the respective side frame members.

7. Aframe system according to claim 2, wherein each said clamping means comprises an externally threaded fastener and a mating internallythreaded elongate nut member having a cross-sectional dimen sion fo r for complimentarily interfitting through the open sidewall of said U-shaped channel memberto be slidably insertable therethrough and a length dimension greaterthan the internal spacing between facing interior surfaces ofthe spaced continuous side walls, for engaging at least one of said interior side wall surfaces to prevent rotation thereofduring threadable advancement of said externally threaded fastener member, and each of said corner brackets including a through aperture at each section thereof facing a frame memberfor receiving one said externally threaded member.

8. Aframe system according to claim 7 wherein said open end wall is defined by oppositely facing spaced composite flange members, each defined by a firstflange portion and a second flange portion extending internally of said frame member, and said internally threaded nut member includes at least one downturned end portion at a longitudinal end thereof and directed generallytoward said fastener for engaging an interior surface of one of said second flange portions defining said open end wall to further prevent rotation of said internally threaded fastener member during threadable advancement or retraction of said externallythreaded fastener member with respect thereto.

9. Asliding door construction for a barn or similar structure comprising: a frame including a plurality of frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members and a pair of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members coupled with said top and bottom frame membersto define a generally rectilinear frame, wherein all of said plurality of frame members comprises elongate, substantially U-shaped channels which are substantially identical in cross-section, wherein said channel members are provided by sections of stock material of identical U-shaped construction which are cut to length as needed.

10. Asliding door assembly according to claim 9 and further including edge bracket means located for slideably receiving a lower, outer edge portion of said sliding door when said door is in a fully closed position and for slideably guiding the lower edge of said door as the door is slideably moved form said fully-closed position toward a fully open position.

11. A sliding door construction according to claim 10, wherein said edge guide assembly comprises a generally U-shaped bracketmemberattachedtoa side wall surface of said barn or similar structure at a location for receiving said lower outer edge portion of said sliding door when in said fully closed position.

12. A method of providing a door frame structure for a frame-and-panel type door construction for a barn, or the like, wherein said frame structure is provided by a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame sections joined together, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of channel members all of a substantially uniform U-shaped cross section wherein the open portion of said U-shaped cross section includes a pair of opposed flanges extending towards each other, but terminating short of abutment; severing from said channel members a required number of frame sections of desired length, whereby, due to the U-shaped cross section of the channel members from which the frame sections are severed, each said frame section will include open ends, three continuous side walls and an open side wall, the open side wall being defined by said opposed flanges; providing a plurality of corner bracket assemblies each including transverse sections of a generally U-shaped configuration, including each section upstanding side flanges; engaging said bracket assembly with a pair offrame sections to be joined, by disposing the bracket sections in overlying relationship to the open side walls of said frame sections to be joined, with the upstanding side flanges on each said section embracing the adjacent closed side surfaces; disposing clamping means internally of said frame sections which clamping means extend outwardly through said open side walls to engage said corner bracket assemblies drawing said frame sections and bracket assemblies into clamped, assembled engagement with said clamping means.

13. A bracket assemblyforjoining a pair of frame memberstogether, wherein the frame member may be joined at their respective ends, or one frame member having its end joined to the other frame member at an intermediate location, each said frame member being of a U-shaped configuration in section to define at least three substantially continuous side wallsand oneopen sidewall, said open sidewall including a slot running the length thereof and defined by a pair of opposed flanges, said bracket assembly including a bracket member including transversely disposed sections, each section being of a U-shaped configuration defining a base wall with spaced side flanges, aperture means in each base wall, and clamping means mounted in each said aperture means.

14. A bracket assembly according to claim 13 wherein said clamping means comprising an external lythreaded fastener member and an elongate nut member, having a cross-sectional dimension for complimentarily interfitting through the open side wall of said U-shaped frame memberto be slideably insertabletherethrough and a length dimension greaterthan the internal spacing between facing interiorsurfaces of the spaced continuous side walls, for engaging at least one of said interior side wall surfaces to prevent rotation thereofduring threadable advancement of said externallythreadedfastener member, said nut member engaging said opposed flanges defining said open side wall to permit said bracket to be drawn into clamped engagement, and said side flanges on said bracket being spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit said base wall to be engaged in overlying relation to said open sidewall while said sideflanges embrace the adjacent con tinuouswallsoftheframe member.

15. A bracket assembly according to claim 14, wherein said opposed flanges in the frame member defining the open side wall include inwardly turned end flange portions and said internally threaded nut member includes at least one downturned end portion at a longituninal end thereof and directed generally toward said fastener for engaging an interior surface of one of said inwardlyturned end flange portions defining said open end wall to further prevent rotation of said internally threaded fastener member during threadable advancement or retraction ofsaid externallythreaded fastener member.

16. A doorframe system for a frame-and-panel doorconstructionfora barn, orsimilarstructure, comprising a plurality of horizontal frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical sideframemembersjoinedwith saidtop and bottom frame members to define a generally rectilinear frame structure, all of said frame members comprising elongate, substantially U-shaped channel members which are substantially identical in crosssection, and guiderail means mountable to an adjacent side surface of said barn, or similar structure, said guiderail means comprising at least one elongate substantially U-shaped channel member which is substantially identical in cross-section to said plurality of channel members comprising said frame members, said channel members providing said frame members and said guiderail means being provided by stock material of identical U-shaped cross-section and cut to length as needed, to provide each frame member and the guiderail with three continuous side walls and an open sidewall.

17. A doorframe system according to claim 16, wherein said at least one generally U-shaped channel member mountable at a desired vertical height on a side surface of said barn or similar structure is mountable with the open side wall of said channel member facing downwardly, and pin means carried by said door frame and dimensioned for slideable engagement in said U-shaped channel, and bracket means for mounting said pin means at a desired level on said doorframe.

18. A door frame system according to claim 17, wherein said open side wall is defined by similar laterally inwardly extending composite flange members comprising firstflange portions substantially parallel to the opposed side wall and second flange portions projecting integrallyfrom said first flange portions and substantially parallel with the adjacent sidewalls and spaced apart in inwardlyfacing relation to define a partially open side wall of said U-shaped channel, and said pin means comprises an L-shaped pin member having a first leg dimensioned for slideable engagement between the facing surfaces of said second flange portions of said channel and a second leg mounted to said bracket means.

19. A doorframe system according to claim 17, wherein said bracket means comprises a generally L-shaped bracket including a first leg formed with an elongate slot having a height dimension for receiving said pin means coupled therethrough to permit positioning of said pin therealong at a desired location, and a second leg formed at right anglesto said first leg and having meansforaccepting addition alfastenermeanstherethroughforcoupling said bracket to said doorframe.

20. A guide assemblyfor a laterally sliding door for a barn or similar structure, comprising: at least one generally U-shaped channel member mountable at a desired vertical height on a wall of said barn or similar structure adjacent said laterally sliding door, with a open sidewall of said channel member facing downwardly, pin means dimensioned for slideable engagement in said U-shaped channel, and bracket meansformounting said pin mean ata desired level on said frame, said bracket means being coupled to and extending laterallyoutwardlyofasidesurfaceof said door frame.

21. A guide assembly according to claim 20, wherein each said U-shaped channel comprises a continuous base wall and a pair of substantially parallel and continuous sidewalls integral with said base wall and at substantially right angles thereto, said side walls respectively terminating insubstantial- ly similar laterally inwardly extending composite flange members comprising firstflange portions substantially parallel to said base wall and second flange portions projecting integ rally from said first flange portions and substantially parallel with said side walls and spaced apart in inwardly facing relation to define a partially open side wall for said U-shaped channel and said pin means comprises an L-shaped pin memberhavingafirstlegdimensionedfor slideable engagement between the facing surfaces of said second flange portions of said channel.

22. A guide assembly according to claim 20 wherein said bracket means comprises a generally L-shaped bracket including a first leg formed with an elongate slot having a height dimension for receiving said pin member coupled therethrough and a length sufficientto permit positioning of said pin therealong at a desired location, and a second leg formed at right angles to said first leg for coupling to a side surface of said doorframes, whereby said pin may be laterally positioned upon said bracket with respect to said door side surface for engagement within said U-shaped guide channel.

23. Adoorframesystemforaframe-and-panel door construction for a barn, or similar structure, comprising: a plurality of horizontal frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members joined with said top and bottom frame members to define a generally recti linearframe structure, all of said frame members comprising elongate, substantially U-shaped channel members which are substantially identical in crosssection, wherein said channel member can be provided by stock material of identical U-shaped crosssection and cutto length as needed, to provide said frame memberwith each frame member including three continuous side walls and an open side wall, and cornerjoining means comprising corner brackets for joining respective top and bottom frame members with respective adjacent vertical frame members to define cornerjointsfor said substantially rectilinear frame structure, and bracing means associated with each said cornerjointtofurtherstrengthen said joint and assurethesubstantially rectilinear configuration of said frame.

24. A doorframe system according to claim 23, wherein said bracing meansforsaid corner joint further includes a brace member comprising, a solid web of material defining at least on right angle corner an integral wall structure extending laterally of said web on either side of said right angle corner, each said wall structure being of greater length than the respective section of the corner bracket and having an offsetsegmentto accommodate said corner bracket thereagainstwhile the remainded of said wall structure engages the respective channels at locations longitudinally of said corner bracket.

25. Adoorframesystem according to claim 24, wherein said laterally extending wall structures of said brace member are respectively formed in two spaced-apart segments, a first of said segments being said offset segment to overlie a respective surface said corner bracket and a second one of said segments being disposed for substantially flush engagement with a facing surface of the channels.

26. A doorframe system according to claim 23, wherein said bracing means for said corner joint further comprises a channel member of substantially identical cross-sectional configuration to said frame member channels and having end surfaces cut at anglesforsubstantially interfitting with said joined frame members spanning respective corners therebetween, and a pair of bracket members of substantially identical cross-sectional configuration to said corner bracket and formed at angles for joining respective end parts of said brace memberwith adjacent surfaces ofthe U-shaped frame members spanned thereby.

27. A door frame system according to claim 23, wherein said bracing means for said corner joint further comprises a second elongate bracket member ofsubstantiallyidentical cross-sectional configuration to said corner bracket member and dimensioned for spanning the corner defined thereby at locations outwardly spaced therefrom respective end portions of said spanning bracket member being formed at complimentary angles for interfitting with respective adjacent portions of the respectiveframechannel members.

28. A bracket assemblyforjoining a pair of frame members together, wherein the frame member may be joined at their respective ends, or one frame member having itsendjoinedtotheotherframe member at an intermediate location, each said frame member being of a U-shaped configuration in section to define ine at Ieastthree substantially continuous side walls and one open side wall said open side wall including a slot running the length thereof and defined by a pairofopposed flanges, said bracket assembly including a bracket member and bracing means, said bracket member including transversely disposed sections, each section being of a U-shaped configuration defining a base wall with spaced side flanges, aperture means in each base wall and clamping means mounted in each said aperture means, said bracing meansfurtherincluding a brace member comprising, a solid web of material defining at least one right angle corner, an integral wall structure extending laterally of said web on either side of said right angle corner, each said wall structure being of greater length than the respective section of the cornerbracketand having an offset segment to accommodate the transverse section of said bracket memberthereagainstwhilethe remainder of said wall structure engages the respective frame sections at locations longitudinally of said transverse sections.

29. A bracket assembly according to claim 28, wherein said laterally extending wall structures of said brace member are respectivelyformed in two spaced-apart segments, a first of said segments being said offset segment to overlie the transverse sections of said bracket member, and a second one of said segments being disposed for substantially flush engagement with the facing surface of said open side wall oftheframe member.

30. A bracket assembly according to claim 28, wherein said clamping means comprises an external lythreaded fastener member and an elongate nut member, having a cross-sectional dimension for complimentarily interfitting through the open side wall of said U-shaped frame member to be slideably insertabletherethrough and a length dimension greaterthan the internal spacing between facing interior surfaces ofthe spaced continuous side walls, for engaging at least one of said interior side wall surfaces to prevent rotation thereof during threadable advancementofsaid externally threaded fastener member, said nut member engaging said opposed flanges defining said open side wall to permit said bracket to be drawn into clamped engagement, and said side flanges on said bracket being spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit said base wall to be engaged in overlying relation to said open sidewall while said side flanges embrace the adjacent continuous walls of the frame member.

31. A bracket assembly according to claim 30, wherein said opposed flanges on the frame member defining the open side wall include inwardlh turned end flange portions and said internally threaded nut member includes at least one downturned end portion ata alongitudinal end thereof and directed generally toward said fastener for engaging an interior surface of one of said inwardly turned end flange portions defining said open end wall to further prevent rotation of said internally threaded fastener member during threadable advancement or retraction a said externallythreaded fastener member.

32. A doorstop for a laterally sliding cloor compris- ing a generally U-shaped open end stop bracket mountable in inverted fashion to a threshold for said laterally sliding door, and a generally L-shaped stop engaging membermountedtoa lower edge of said laterally sliding door and facing said stop bracket member, said L-shaped channel engaging member being dimensioned for complimentarily interfitting within the open end of said stop bracket member to define simultaneously a limit of slideable movement of said door to the closed position and also to resist movement of said door both in laterally and longitudi- nally of the plane of lateral slideable movement of said door in response to external forces applied thereto.

33. A door stop according to claim 32, wherein said L-shaped stop engaging memberfurthercom- prises a converging leading edge portion to facilitate sliding engagementwith said stop bracket.

34. A door stop according to claim 33, wherein said L-shaped stop engaging members further includes a longitudinally slotted leg at substantially right angles to said stop bracket engaging portion thereofforslideably interfitting within an end of a door frame channel and further including bracket means for securely mounting said end within said doorframe.

35. A doorframe system for a sliding door for a barn or similar structure comprising in combination: a frame inluding a plurality for frame members and including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame membersanda pair of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members coupled with said top and bottom frame members to define a generally rectilinear doorframe, wherein all of said plurality of frame members comprise elongate, substantially U-shaped channels which are substantially identical in cross-section, wherein said channel members are provided by sections of stock material of identical U-shaped construction which are cutto length as needed, and further including doorstop means comprising, a generally U-shaped bracket mountable in inverted fashion to a threshold for said sliding door and a generally L-shaped stop engaging member coupled to a lower edge of said door frame and facing said channel member, said L-shaped channel engaging member being dimensioned for complimentarily interfitting with said U-shaped bracket member to limit slideable movement of said door while simul taneously defining a closed position thereof and resisting movement of said door in planes transverse to the plane of movement thereof in response to external forces applied thereto.

36. In combination, a door frame system and a latch assemblyfor a sliding door fabricated using said frame system, and comprising, a vertical doorframe member having an open end proximate the inner vertical edges of the Frame, a strike member mounted within said frame member, resilient means biasing said strike member to an extended position, mounting means for said strike member permitting itto be retracted from said extended position, a strike plate member adapted for mounting to a header beam, or the like, provided by a building structure with which said sliding door is associated, said strike plate memos including a strike aperture for receiving said strike and a cam surface againstwhich an edge surface of said strike member engage as the door is moved to the closed position, said cam surface serving to bias said strike member to a retracted position preparatory to engagement in said strike aperture, and operating means for remotely operating said strike member to disengage said strike member from said strike aperture.

37. The combination according to claim 36, wherein said means for mounting said strike member within said open ended frame member comprises, a Ushaped bracket receivable within the end of said frame member, said strike member being disposed generai- ly within the confines of said U-shaped bracket, said U-shaped bracket including a base portion and flanged end portions, the uppermostflanged end portion including an opening through which an end of said strike member projects for engagementwith the strike plate, and threaded aperture means in said base memberfor engagement by a bolt member to effect clamped engagement of the bracketwith the frame section.

33. The combination according to claim 37, where- in said resilient means is also carried within said bracket, and the other flanged end portion ofthe bracket is apertured to permit retractive means of the strike and enableconnectionsthereto of operating means.

39. An operating mechanismforalatcharrange- ment ofthe type to be employed with a sliding door, or the like, said operating mechanism comprising: a mounting bracket adapted for connection to a frame member; handle means including a rntatable stem member; a lever member removably mounted to said stem, said lever member including a notched end defining an end portion of reduced width prnximate a lateral edge of said lever; said mounting bracket including a slot, with said notched end portion being disposed therein; said lever having a second end portion disposed on the side of said stem opposite that of said notched end portion, said second end portion including means for attachment a? said lever to operating means of said latch arrangement, such that operation of said handle means will produce rotation of said stem and lever members and correspondingly operation of said latch arragement; the disposition of said notched end portion of the lever in said slot serving to define the limits of movement of said lever, and cooperating with the removable mounting of said lever to said stem in orderto permit the orientation of the lever and correspondinglythe disposition of the notched end reiativeicotheslotto be varied, such that said operating mechanism can be mounted for left or right hand.

40. An operating mechanism of claim 39 ern- plotzed in combination with a door frame system, wherein said system includes frame members which are elongate U-shaped channel members, including three continuous side walls and an open side wall defined by a pair of opposed flanges, said operating mechanism including coupling means for affixing said mounting bracketto said frame member through said open sidewall.

41. An operating mechanism according to claim 39furtherincluding astemsupportbracketfor supporting the end of said stem remote from said handle.

42. A doorframe system for a frame-and-panel door construction for a barn, orsimilarstructure, comprising: a plurality of horizontal frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members joined with said top and bottom frame members to define a generally rectilinear frame structure, all of said frame members comprising elongate, substantially U-shaped channel members which are substantially identical in crosssection, wherein said channel member can be provided by stock material of identical U-shaped crosssection and cut to length as needed,to provide said frame member with each frame member including three continuous side walls and an open side wall, and a plurality of generally U-shaped stiffener brackets dimensioned for complimentarily embracing about the open sidewall of said U-shaped channels and mountable atspaced apart locationsalong the length of each of said plurality of channels.

43. A doorframe system according to claim 42, wherein said stiffener brackets further include at least one upwardly projecting flangedimensionedto inter fit closely with in said open sidewall of said U-shaped frame members to oppose inward collapse thereof, whereby each of said frame members and its associated spaced apart stiffener brackets coupled thereto exhibits substantially increased structural rigidity in resisting cross-sectional expansion and contraction.

44. A doorframe system according to claim 42, wherein said U-shaped stiffener bracket comprises a base wall and a pair of parallelsideflangesextending integrally from opposed lateral edges of said base wall at substantially right angles thereto, and at least one upwardlyturned flange member extending from said base wall in generallythesame direction as said side flanges, said flange member being spaced from the respective sideflanges and dimensioned for complimentarily interfitting within the open side wall of theframemembertowhich it is affixed, with said upwardly turned flange disposed within said open side wall.

45. Aframe system according to claim 42, wherein the respective continuous side walls of each of said U-shaped frame members include stepped back portions for receiving side flanges of said U-shaped stiffener erbrackets engaged with outer surfaces thereof soasto maintain substantially planarside surfaces of the assembled channel and bracket.

lot6. Astiffenerbracketassemblyforan elongate frame member of the type which is U-shaped in cross-section and thereby including three substantially continuous side walls and an open side wall, said stiffener bracket being of a U-shaped configuration and comprising a base wall and a pair of parallel side flanges extending integrallyfrom opposed lateral edges of said base wall at substantially right angles thereto, and at least one upwardlyturned flange member extending from said base wall in generally the same direction as said side flanges, said flange member being spaced from the respective side flanges and dimensioned for complimentarily interfitting within the open sidewall oftheframe memberto which it is affixed, said side flanges adapted to embrace the exterior surface ofthe continuous side walls adjacent to said open end wall, such that when said stiffener bracket is assembled to a U-shaped frame member said side flanges will resist expansion of the frame cross-section, while said flange member disposed within the open side wall will resist contraction of the frame member, whereby the frame member will exhibit substantially increased structural integrity in resisting cross-sectional expansion and contraction.

47. A stiffener bracket assembly according to claim 46, wherein a pair upwardlyturned flanges are provided, one said flange being integral with each edge of base wall disposed transverse to said side flanges.

48. A stiffener bracket assembly according to claim 46 further including clamping means for maintaining said bracket in engagement with a frame member.

49. A stiffener bracket assembly according to claim 48, wherein said base wall includes an aperture with said clamping means carried therein, said clamping means comprising an externally threaded fastener member and an elongate nut member, having a cross-sectional dimension for complimentarily interfitting through the open sidewall of said U-shaped frame memberto be slidably insertable therethrough and a length dimension greaterthan the internal spacing between facing interior surfaces of the spaced continuous side walls, for engaging at least one of said interior side wall surfaces to prevent rotation thereof during th readable advancement of said externally threaded fastener member.

50. A doorframe system for sliding door construc tionfora barn or similarstructure, comprising in combination a frame including a plurality of frame members including vertically spaced top and bottom horizontal frame members and a pair of horizontally spaced vertical side frame members coupled with said top and bottom frame members to define a generally rectilinear door frame, wherein all of said plurality of frame members comprise elongate, substantially U-shaped channels which are substantially identical in cross-section, wherein said channel members are provided by sections of stock material of identical U-shaped construction which are cut to length as needed; and a hangerassemblyforhanging said door frame, said hanger assembly comprising: a truck assembly engageable in a guide track of said Ushaped construction, an elongate, externallythreaded fastener member pivotally carried by said truck assemblyforextending through an aperture in a top horizontal frame member of said door, and complimentary internallythreaded fastener members threadably engaged with said elongatefastener member and aligned respectively above and below the top horizontal frame member for grippingly engaging said frame membertherebetween and threadably movable to define the height of said door when hung from said elongate fastener member while substantially resisting vertical movement of the door in response to external forces applied thereto.

51. A hangerassemblyfora laterally sliding door comprising a truck assembly engageable in a guide track, an elongate, externallythreaded fastener member carried by said truck assembly for extending through a receiving frame portion of said door, and complimentaryinternallythreadedfastener members threadably engaged with said elongate fastener member and positioned respectively above and below said receiving frame portion for grippingly engaging said frame portion therebetween and threadably movable to define the vertical position of said door when hung from said elongate fastener member while substantially resisting vertical movement ofthe door in response to external forces applied thereto.

52. A door frame system for a frame-and-panel door construction for a barn, or similar construction, the door frame system being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.