US2841218A - Closure device - Google Patents

Description

July 1, 195s B. GOODMAN 2,841,213

CLOSURE DEVICE Filed Aug. 2 3, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l HG. z. 2. ,4 a n 2o l. l l l, la"

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INVENTOR.

'ay 'K2/ W B. GOODMAN CLOSURE DEVICE July l, 1958 2 Sheets-Shea?l 2 Filed Aug. 23, 1954 INVENTOR.

United bitates Patent f cresima DEVICE Bayar Goodman, Los Angeles, Calif., assgnor to Wilshire Manllifacturing Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a partners p Application August 23, 1954, Serial No. 451,413

Claims. (Cl. Idil- 118) This invention relates to a closure device and more particularly to a closure device utilized to open and close the area of a portable fireplace screen.

In prior fireplace screens, the opening is covered with wire mesh which is normally extended across the front end of the screen and is gathered at the sides of the screen to permit access to the interior of the lireplace. This wire screen in closed position obstructs the view of the fire and yet permits sparks and soot to enter the living quarters. By the present invention, a closure device is provided in which two panels move relative to each other to provide the closure for any opening. These panels are arranged so that a lower panel is moved downwardly and an upper panel is moved upwardly by a linkage which prevents binding of the panels during movement. When the invention is utilized in connection with a fireplace screen, the panels can be formed of tempered glass or other suitable transparent material. A top stationary panel is positioned at the top ot the screen frame so that the upper panel overlaps this stationary panel when the upper panel is moved to open position. Also, a stationary base panel is positioned below the lower panel so that the lower panel overlaps the base panel when the lower panel is moved to open position. The closure means is particularly adapted for use in connection with portable fireplace screens since the linkage mechanism can lbe carried by the frame of the screen and supported independently of the replace structure.

It is understood that the closure device of this invention can be utilized as a closure for any opening and can be supported either by the structure forming the opening or by an independent frame. Also, the panels can be constructed of any suitable material which is either opaque or transparent. A fireplace screen incorporating the invention has advantages over prior devices utilizing wire mesh as the closure in that the lire can be clearly viewed through the glass panels when in closed position and thereis no damage from sparks and soot entering the room. Also, with the closure in closed position, cold air is prevented from entering the room from the replace when the fireplace is not in use. Since the fireplace screen can be portable, additional supporting means, such as supports permanently attached to the fireplace itself, are not needed in order to` place the screen in use and the screen can easily be removed from in front of the replace for the purpose of repairing and cleaning the fireplace. The linkage mechanism utilized in the invention provides for counterbalancing the two movable panels by connecting the tops of the panels together so that the weight of the lower panel aids in raising the upper panel. Also, the bottoms of the two movable panels are connected together so that panels will move relative to their supporting frame without binding.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a closure device for moving two panels away 2,841,218 Patented July 1, 1958 ice ` from each other while guiding the movement of the panels.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closure device in which the movable elements are connected together to counterbalance each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable fireplace screen having movable transparent panels which do not obstruct the view and which are easily moved apart.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a portable fireplace screen having movable panels which are connected together by securing the tops of the panels together and the bottoms of the panels together in such a manner that panels are easily moved relative to each other.

These, and other objects of the invention, not specifically set forth above, will become readily apparent from the accompanying description and drawings in which:

Figure 1- is Ia. front elevational view of a fireplace screen incorporating the novel closure device of the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section along line 2-2 of Figure 1 illustrating the supporting legs for the iireplace screen and the relationship of the vario-us panels in closed position.

Figure 3 is a horizontal section along line 3-3 of Figure 2 showing the manner in which the operating handle is connected to the upper movable panel.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section along line 4 4 of Figure 2 showing the pulley positioned at one corner of the supporting frame for receiving the linkage mechanism.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of a section of the back of the replace screen taken along lines 5 5 of Figure 2 'and illustrating the channel support for the movable panels.

Figure 6 is a vertical section along line 6-6 of Figure 5 showing the manner in which the upper and lower panels are supported in closed position.

Figure 7 is a vertical section along line '7 7 of Figure l illustrating the construction of the bottom stationary panel and the guide for the cross-over wires of the linkage mechanism.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the back side of the screen illustrating the panels and linkage mechanism in closed position.

Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to Figure 8 showing the panels and linkage mechanism in open position.

Referring to the form of the invention chosen for illustration in Figure l, the irescreen 1t) has a frame 11 consisting of upright angle members 12 and i3 and a top angle member 14 having its vertical side overlapping the front surface of members l2 and i3 and secured thereto by rivets 15. An angle iron 16 is secured to the top side of member 14 by rivets 1.7 and to the side surface of member 12 by rivet 18. A similar angle iron (not shown) is secured in a like manner at the opposite top corner to members 13 and 14 by rivets 20 and 2l, respectively, so that the two angle irons serve to rigidly tie the frame members together at the top. p

A pair of angle irons 22 and 23 are positioned at the bottom of the frame and are secured to the side surface of upright members 12 and 13, respectively, by bolts 2li in order to provide a bottom support for the frame 1i. The bottom stationary panel 2S extends across the bottom of the frame and has its opposite ends positioned between the front surface of members 12 and 13 and the sides of angle irons 22 and 23 respectively in order to hold the panel in place. An angle surface 26 of the panel extends across the front of the frame and rests upon the horizontal legs of angle irons 22 and 23. The bottom panel 2S is composed of a center section 27 and top and bottom sections 28 and 29, respectively, which are joined to the center section along vseams 36 and 31 respectively, formed by bent edges of the sections. A number of openings 32 are provided in the center section 27 to permit air to pass through the screen. Legs 33 and 34 are secured to the bottom front surfaces of members 12 and 13, respectively, by brazing or otherwise and a pair of rear braces 35 and 36 are secured at one end to angle irons 22 and 23, respectively. The other end of each brace carries a screw 37 which can be adjusted so that the legs and braces will maintain the screen in vertical position.

Referring now to the support for the transparent panels, a channel member 38 (only one of which is shown) is supported at each side of the screen by members 12; and 13 and by top and bottom brackets 39 and 40 secured to each 4member by rivets 4l. it is understood that the channel members are constructed exactly the sameV so that the description of one will apply to the other. Each channel member 38 has a first channel 42 extending almost the full height of the screen and a second channel 43 secured to the upper part of the lfirst channel toward the front of the screen. A top stationary panel 44'of heat treated glass has one end received by cachot the channels 42 and is supported in the top part ot each channel 42 on stops 45 positioned within the channels. Thus, the top stationary panel 44 and the bottomV stationary panel 25 deline the opening of the screen.

An upper movable panel `46, likewise constructed of heat treated glass, has its opposite ends received in channels 43 and is supported in its lowermost position on stops 47 within channels 43. In this position, the upper edge of panel 46 just overlaps the lower edge of stationary panel 44. A lower movable panel 48, also constructed of heat treated glass, has its opposite ends received in channels 42 and is normally held in the uppermost position with its upper edge overlapping the lower edge of panel 46 and its lower edge overlapping the upper edge of section 28 of panel 2S. Thus, it is apparent that movable panels 46 and 48 together with stationary panels 44 and 25 are capable of completely closing the front of the fireplace screen 10.

The linkage mechanism by which the movable panels' are moved from closed position to open position and by which thc weights of the panels are counterbalanced will now be described. Each endV of panel 46 carries a sling member comprised of straps 49 and 50 which pass on opposite sides of the panel and are secured together at their ends. In a like manner, each end of panel 48 carries a sling member comprised of straps 51 and 52 secured together in the same manner as straps 49 and Si).

Pulleys 53 and S4 are supported at opposite top corner at one end of the frame with the top of panel 48 at the 1 same end of the frame by connecting with the sling members over pulley 53 while a second chain 59 connects the two panels at the other end of the frame over pulley 54 in the sam-e manner. Another chain 69 connccts the bottoni of panel 48 at one end of the frame with the bottom of panel 46 at the other end of the frame by connecting with the corresponding sling members over pulleys SS and S6. Also, a chain 6l connects the bottom of panel 48 with the bottom of panel 46 over pulleys 57 and 54st by connecting with the sling members at the opposite end of each panel from those with which chain 6l? connects. Since the panels 46 and 48 are offset from each other because of being mounted in offset channels 43 and 42 respectively, it is necessary for chains 60 and 61 to cross over each other and for this reason, it is desirable to utilize an intermediate wire link 62 in chain 60 and an intermediate wire link 63 in chain 61, the intermediate links being hooked to the chains or otherwise secured. In order to `support links 62 and 63 and provide smooth relative movement, a U-shaped bracket 64 is secured in the center of section 29 of the bottom sta tionary panel 25 and receives both of the wire links. A member 65 is connected with strap 59 at one end of panel 46 by means of rivets 66 and carries a post 67 which projects through a slot 68 in the side surface of member 12. Knob 69 is secured to post 67 and can be manually moved up and down into the full line or dashed line position illustrated in Figure 5 in order to open and close thel lireplace screen.

The operation of the closure device will now be described. Referring to FigureV 8, the closure device is shown in closed position with panel 46 in its lowermost position and panel 48 in its uppermost position. It is apparent that the lower panel 43 is held in position by the weight of panel 46 since the upper edges of both panels are connected together. This result is obtained since both of the panels are ot about equal size and weight, and, of course, some friction is provided by the linkage connecting the tops of the panels which will prevent movement if some difference in weight of panels is present. Because of the counterbalance between panels 46 and 48, the knob 69 can be raised with a minimum of exertion in order to move the panel into open position as illustrated in Figure 9 and, of course, only minimum exertion is required to return the knob to closed position because of this counterbalance. Referring to Figure 9, the panel 46 has moved upward to cover top stationary panel 44 and panel 48 has moved downward behind bottom stationary panel 25. Thus, an opening is provided in the screen 10 for access to the interior of the lireplace.

Because of the manner in which the lower surfaces of panels 46 and 48 are connected together, the panels will move in channels 42 and 43 without binding and will remain parallel to each other. For instance, if the handle end of panel 46 is raised, this movement will be transmitted through chain 61 to one end of panel 48 and then to the opposite end of panel 46 through chain 59 in order to move this opposite end with the handle end. Upward movement of the opposite end of panel 46 will move the end of panel 4S connected to chain 60 downward so that the ends of panel 48 will also move together. Of course, the same action results when handle 69 is lowered so that the panels will move together in parallel relationship. It is understood that a handle 69 could be secured at the center of panel 46 and thus replace knob 69. v

As previously described, the panels 44, 46, and 48 are constructed of heat treated or tempered glass which does not weaken when subjected to high temperature and which will not break easily when struck with hard objects, such as fireplace tools. The use of glass for these panels permits the interior of the replace to be observed when the panels are in closed position and the panels also protect against soot, smoke and sparks from the fireplace since the panels can completely close off the front of the fireplace. The cover panel 25 is preferably formed of some suitable metal sheet so that it can form a structural member of the frame and can contain the openings 32 which provide the draft for the fireplace. By providing the frame 11 with legs, the frame can be held in upright position without attach.- ment to the fireplace itself so that the fireplace screen of this invention can be easily installed and removed.

Of course, when tending to the lire it is only necessary to open and close the panels 46 and 48 in order to have sucient access to the interior of the lireplace.

By the present invention. a novel portable fireplace screen is provided which incorporates a novel closure device completely supported by the screen itself. It is understood that the closure device and associated linkage mechanism can be utilized for various other closures in addition to fireplace screens and that any suitable material, either opaque or transparent, can be used for any of the panels of the closure device. Also, it is not necessary that the linkage mechanism be connected to the upper and lower edges at the ends of the movable panels since the same result can be obtained by connecting with the panels at other positions by means of any suitable attachment. Various other modifications are contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter dened by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A closure device comprising a frame having panel mounting means, a pair of panels supported by said mounting means for guided movement in substantially parallel oiset planes, a linkage means for causing said panels to move in unison in opposite directions comprising a pair of pulley means located above the opposite ends of said panels, a link trained around each of said pulleys and connecting the same corresponding ends of said panels, pulley means located below the ends of each of said panels, and a second pair of links connecting opposite ends of diierent panels and trained around the second mentioned pulley means whereby said panels will be caused to move in unison in opposite directions without binding in said frame, said frame having a slot formed adjacent said panel mounting means substantially parallel with the path of movement of one of said panels, and rigid means fixed with said one panel and protruding through said slot for effecting movement of said panels in unison.

2. A closure device as defined in claim 1 further characterized by said movable panels being movable from a closed overlapping position wherein the opening of said frame is closed to an open position wherein the frame opening is defined by the space between said panels.

3. The closure device deined in claim 2 further characterized by said links being in the form of flexible chains.

4. A iireplace screen comprising a frame having top and bottom offset stationary panels and upper and lower movable panels, guide means for guiding said movable panels to move in parallel offset relationship, said movable panels being positioned adjacent each other in overlapping relationship in closed position, and said lower panel being movable in the plane of saidttop panel, linkage means for causing movement of said upper panel upwardly and said lower panel downwardly in unison in offset relationship with respect to said top and bottom panels so as to provide an opening between said movable panels, said linkage means comprising a pair of pulley means located above the opposite ends of said top stationary panel chains connecting the same corresponding ends of said movable panels and trained around their respective pulley, a pair of double pulleys located below the ends of said movable panels, and chains for connecting the opposite ends of different movable panels and trained around their respective pulleys for effecting movement of said movable panels in unison in opposite directionsv and without binding in said guiding means, said frame having a slot formed adjacent said guide means substantially parallel with the path of movement of one of said movable panels, and rigid means fixed with said one movable panel and protruding through said slot for effecting movement of said movable panels in unison.

5. A fireplace screen as dened in claim 4 wherein said upper and lower movable panels are constructed of tempered glass to permit observation through said screen.

References Cited in the lite of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 796,448 Potthoff Aug. 8, 1905 935,577 Beatty Sept. 28, 1909 2,398,240 Merryweather et al Apr. 9, 1946 2,682,305 Kozlowski lune 29, 1954

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