II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

[001] The present disclosure relates to doors, windows or the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vertically telescoping closure apparatus for use as door, window, or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art.

[002] Swinging doors, tilt doors or sectional doors are widely used in homes, apartment buildings, and many commercial establishments. Swinging doors includes at least two door panels hingedly attached to a door frame. The door panels need to be swing inside or outside to open the door. While swinging, a standard space has to be left unoccupied on either side of the door panel for pushing or pulling the door from either side. Thus, swinging door occupies more space. Tilt doors were designed to address the problems of space occupation by the swinging door.

[003] Tilt doors are typically tilted as a single entity from a vertical plane to a horizontal plane parallel to the ceiling, but have the disadvantage that they might hit objects located close to the door, during tilting operation. This problem is greatly reduced by sectional doors, which generally contain multiple panels of relatively small height, which are pivotally connected to each other. Such doors can be opened by rolling up the panels on a shaft or reel, for example, in a manner similar to a roller shutter. Such doors may even have doors and windows, which are rolled up along with the entire door. However, the sectional doors are not suitable for household installations, as the roll formed is too large in diameter and occupies more wall space. [004] Several devices have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include an apparatus that is capable of addressing the foregoing discussed issues.

[005] Applicant believes that a related reference corresponds to US patent number 6311757 filed by Wolfgang Schuette et al. describes a door or gate closure. Wolfgang reference discloses a door or gate closing mechanism having rectangular closing elements disposed horizontally and in parallel to one another, which are movable in manner overlapping one another and form a stack to open the door. However, Wolfgang reference lacks to provide a design configuration that could be used for various applications such as doors, windows, shutters, security door or the like.

[006] Another related reference is US patent number 8453705 filed by Jason D. Miller et al. describes vertically movable door with safety barrier. Jason reference discloses a vertically moving door of a truck loading dock, which includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door could be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lattice of straps or a mesh is installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft. However, Jason reference lacks to provide a design configuration that could be used for various applications such as doors, windows, shutters, security door, wind resistance door or the like.

[007] Other documents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

Ill SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vertically telescoping closure apparatus for use as door, window, shutter or the like.

[009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a vertically telescoping closure apparatus comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels that could be telescopically contracted for storage and extended for closing a doorway.

[010] It is yet another object of the present invention to a vertically telescoping closure apparatus capable of withstanding severe climatic conditions by eliminating sealing errors.

[011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vertically telescoping closure apparatus comprising the plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels having a curved structure to accommodate rounded structure such as rockets, silos or the like. [012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vertically telescoping closure apparatus that prevent entrance of burglars without the feeling of insecurity, which accompanies the use of the usual wire-cloth screens installed on windows.

[013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vertically telescoping closure apparatus that prevents noise resulting from closing of parts of conventional door. [014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vertically telescoping closure apparatus comprising an economically feasible configuration without adding significant cost, weight or other detrimental features to the design.

[015] Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing any limitations thereon.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [016] With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 in a home, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprising a frame 12 and a plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels 28 is illustrated.

Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a rear skeleton view of the vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A grille support assembly 22 having a plurality of bars 24 and transverse linking members 26 is illustrated. A lower frame member 20 having a solid structure to serve as a counter weight is illustrated.

Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a front view of the vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 in contracted position according to an embodiment of the present invention. The panels 28 could be completely stored in a box or an upper frame member 18. The box is installed in the threshold of construction so it could be completely concealed. The vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 could be installed over any existing threshold such as door, windows or the like.

Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 having a curved structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates a rear skeleton view of the vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 having the curved structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[017] Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-5, where the present invention is generally referred with numeral 10, it can be observed that a vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 for use as door, window, shutter or the like, is disclosed.

[018] The apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12 defining an opening or a doorway. The frame 12 comprises a left frame member 14, right frame member 16, an upper frame member 18 and a lower frame member 20. The left frame member 14 is spaced apart from the right frame member 16. The upper frame member 18 is connected to an upper end of the left frame member 14 and right frame member 16. The lower frame member 20 is connected to a lower end of the left frame member 14 and right frame member 16. In one embodiment, the frame 12 is rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, the frame 12 is of square shape. In another embodiment, the frame 12 could be of any shape that is suitable to function as the doorway.

[019] A plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels 28 is disposed at the opening. The overlapping panels 28 are configured to extend or contract along the frame 12. Each panel 28 comprises a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of each panel 28 is joined to the overlapping adjacent panel 28 and the second end is left unjoined at the adjacent panel 28 for enabling each panel 28 to shift axially with respect to one another between a telescopically contracted array and a telescopically extended array. In one embodiment, the first end of each panel 28 is joined to the overlapping adjacent panel 28 by means of cooperating tabs and slots. In one embodiment, the plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels 28 comprises a curved structure to accommodate rounded structure such as rockets, silos or the like.

[020] In one embodiment, the upper frame member 18 is a holding box, configured to hold the panels 28 so that the panels would be completely concealed and are stored flushed to the threshold. In one embodiment, the frame 12 is a decorative piece configured to conceal the fully retracted panels 28. In one embodiment, the lower frame member 20 is relatively solid piece configured to serve as a counterweight.

[021] A grille support assembly 22 is disposed at a rear side of the plurality of panels 28. The grille support assembly 22 comprises a plurality of parallel bars 24. In one embodiment, at least one bar 24 disposed at the first end of each panel 28 is interconnected to an adjacent bar 24 by at least two transverse linking members 26 pivotally. Each linking member 26 have a center portion that are mutually pivotably connected by pivot member 30. The linking members 26 enable the grille support assembly 22 to co-operatively expand and contract with the plurality of panels 28.

[022] In one embodiment, the pivot member 30 could have different shapes. In another embodiment, the number of parallel bars 24 and the number of linking members 26 depends on the overall dimensions of the structure, and can be chosen freely. In one embodiment, each bar 24 comprises a slot 32 on opposing ends to connect with the respective transverse linking members 26. In one embodiment, outer ends of the transverse linking member 26 is pivotally connected at each slot 32 by fastening member 34. [023] The vertically telescoping closure apparatus 10 further comprises a handle. The handle enables manual expansion or contraction of the door. The vertically telescoping door further comprises one or more electromechanical components such as motor, switch to enable automation expansion or contraction of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels 28 to open or close the doorway.

[024] In one embodiment, the upper frame member or header 18 comprises a wider receptacle to allow the panels 28 to slide into the upper frame member 18. In another embodiment, the upper frame member 18 is a decorative top shutter for retracting the telescopic security window/panels 28. In yet another embodiment, the threshold of the upper frame member or header 18 could be larger than the threshold of the door for installation. In one embodiment, the left frame member 14 and right frame member 16, are configured to function as a side shutter to allow for panels 28 to be installed. In one embodiment, the plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels 28 is retracted utilizing an internal mechanism or rails installed within the frame 12. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises a comprises a curved structure to accommodate rounded structure such as rockets, silos or the like.

[025] In one embodiment, the panels 28 and the grille support assembly 22 are made of rigid members. In one embodiment, the panels 28 are made of aluminum. In another embodiment, the grille support assembly 22 is made of steel. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 is of 112” in height, 114” in length and 48” in width. In another embodiment, the material, dimension, design and shape of the apparatus 10 may vary according to the preference of the end user.

[026] The apparatus 10 further comprises a pulley system 36 driven by a motor 38 having at least two pulleys, a belt, wires enclosed in conduits and a connector 40 such as a rope coupled to the panel 28 proximal to the lower frame member 20. The connector 40 of the pulley system 36 coupled to the middle portion of the panel 28. The motor 38 is recessed at the ceiling or apparatus 38 with an opening. The conduit is configured to protect the wires from rubbing against hard surfaces. The opening provides access to the motor 38 for control or maintenance purpose. The pulley system 36 is driven at various speeds for opening, closing, braking and maintaining a given position of the telescoping door. The pulley system 36 is configured to allow full retraction and expansion of the telescoping door. [027] The present invention further comprises counterweights 44 to drive the pulley system 36 manually. The wires and belts are used to operatively connect the pulley system 36 with the counterweights 44 and motor 38. The pulley system 36 could be operated manually in case of emergency situation such as motor malfunction or power outage. The apparatus 10 further comprises a clamp 46 disposed at the panel 28 proximal to the lower frame member 20. The clamp 46 is configured to be attached to any part of the frame 12 to open, close, and maintain a given position of the telescoping door. The clamp 46 could be made of any material, including but not limited to metal. A weather strip 48 is provided alongside the frame 12 of the telescoping door.

[028] Advantageously, the present invention eliminates conventional/common problems such as improper sealing or closure of door. The invention is also significantly more compact and easier to install than most common household garage doors because of the elimination of an extended track of conventional door. The apparatus 10 could be either operated automatically or manually. The functionality of extending or contracting along the frame 12, makes the hinges and joints as a most reinforced part. The design of the invention also removes the need for long wall tracks which eliminates issues relating to their maintenance. The contraction of panels 28 allows for compact storage.

[029] The apparatus 10 could be used as door, window, shutter or the like. Further, the apparatus 10 is capable of withstanding severe climatic conditions, prevent entrance of burglars without the feeling of insecurity which accompanies the use of the usual wire-cloth screens installed on windows, and prevents noise resulting from closing of parts of conventional door. Further, the apparatus 10 comprises an economically feasible configuration without adding significant cost, weight or other detrimental features to the design. The apparatus 10 could also be used in airplanes and rockets. Apparatus 10 to be used in aircrafts such as airplanes or rockets may be convex in shape, preferably.

[030] The apparatus 10 could be used as door, window, shutter or the like. Further, the apparatus 10 is capable of withstanding severe climatic conditions, prevent entrance of burglars without the feeling of insecurity which accompanies the use of the usual wire-cloth screens installed on windows, and prevents noise resulting from closing of parts of conventional door. Further, the apparatus 10 comprises an economically feasible configuration without adding significant cost, weight or other detrimental features to the design.

[031] The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

VI. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [032] The vertically telescoping closure apparatus has several implementations for industrial applicability. It may be suitable to provide the closure apparatus on a door, window, shutter or the like. The closure apparatus includes a frame that defines an opening. Along the opening, a plurality of longitudinally aligned overlapping panels are disposed. The panels are arranged such that each panel can shift axially with respect to one another between a telescopically contracted array and a telescopically extended array. Further included may be a grille support assembly including a plurality of bars secured to a rear side of each of the panels. At least one bar secured to the panels is pivotally interconnected to an adjacent bar by at least two traverse linking members. The linking member permit the grille support assembly to expand and contract with the plurality of panels. The closure apparatus is capable of withstanding severe weather conditions by eliminating problems that may arise with sealing of the opening. Additionally, the closure apparatus provides adequate security against theft.