Variable multi-panel door

Abstract

A shifting multi-panel door includes: a front door panel supported on a first track and movable between an open position and a closed position; a rear door panel supported on a second track and movable between an open position and a closed position; a motion control track mounted to one of the door panels; and a follower mounted to the other of the door panels. The follower includes a first distal end received in the motion control track; the motion control track includes a feature frictionally engaged with the first distal end; wherein, when the front door moves between the open position and the closed position, engagement between the first distal end and the feature causes the rear door panel to move with the front door panel and permit sliding movement; wherein, when the front door panel and the rear door panel move between the open position and the closed position, the front door panel and the rear door panel move relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-panel door. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to controlling the movement of individual door panels of a multi-panel door relative to each other. Background Art

[0002] In many multi-panel doors, when the front door moves toward the open or closed position, the rear door remains stationary until the front door strikes the rear door and pushes or pulls the rear door along with it. This can create additional noise.

[0003] Therefore, while current multi-panel doors have served their intended purpose, a new and improved multi-panel door is needed that provides controlled movement of the front door panel relative to the rear door panel as the front door panel and the rear door panel move back and forth between an open position and a closed position. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a shifting multi-panel door includes: a front door panel, which is slidably supported on a first track and can move between an open position and a closed position; a rear door panel, which is slidably supported on a second track and can move between an open position and a closed position; a motion control track, which is mounted on one of the front door panel and the rear door panel; a follower, which is mounted on the other of the front door panel and the rear door panel and extends laterally from its plate, and the follower includes a first distal end housed in the motion control track; wherein the motion control track includes a feature piece suitable for frictionally engaging the first distal end of the follower, wherein, when the front door moves back and forth between the open position and the closed position, the frictional engagement between the first distal end of the follower and the feature piece in the motion control track simultaneously causes: the rear door panel to move back and forth between the open position and the closed position along with the front door panel, and allows sliding between the first distal end of the follower and the feature piece in the motion control track; wherein, when the front door panel and the rear door panel move back and forth between the open position and the closed position, the front door panel and the rear door panel move relative to each other.

[0005] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a shifting multi-panel door includes: a front door panel, which is slidably supported on a first track and can move between an open position and a closed position; a rear door panel, which is slidably supported on a second track and can move between an open position and a closed position; a motion control track, which is mounted on one of the front door panel and the rear door panel, and the motion control track includes an opening track and a closing track; a follower, which is mounted on the other of the front door panel and the rear door panel and extends laterally from its plate; the follower includes a first distal end, which is received in the opening track of the motion control track during the opening process of the front door panel and the rear door panel; and the follower includes a first distal end, which is received in the opening track of the motion control track during the closing process of the front door panel and the rear door panel. , the first distal end is received in the closing track of the motion control track; each of the opening track and the closing track includes a feature piece adapted to frictionally engage the first distal end of the follower; wherein, when the front door moves back and forth between the open position and the closed position, the frictional engagement between the first distal end of the follower and the feature piece in the motion control track simultaneously causes: the rear door panel to move back and forth between the open position and the closed position along with the front door panel, and allows sliding between the first distal end of the follower and the feature pieces in the opening track and the closing track; wherein, when the front door panel and the rear door panel move back and forth between the open position and the closed position, the front door panel and the rear door panel move relative to each other.

[0006] According to another aspect, the follower includes an eccentric feature that is adapted to allow the first distal end of the follower to switch from a closed track to an open track when the front door panel and the rear door panel are fully closed; to maintain engagement of the first distal end of the follower with the open track during the opening process of the front door panel and the rear door panel; to allow the first distal end of the follower to switch from an open track to a closed track when the front door panel and the rear door panel are fully opened; and to maintain engagement of the first distal end of the follower with the closed track during the closing process of the front door panel and the rear door panel.

[0007] According to another aspect, the opening track and the closing track are parallel and adjacent to each other; the closing track includes a first inclined surface that forces the first distal end of the follower to switch to the opening track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move to the closed position; and the opening track includes a second inclined surface that forces the first distal end of the follower to switch to the closing track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move to the open position.

[0008] According to another aspect, the first distal end of the follower includes a spring-biased roller ball, wherein the roller ball is spring-biased laterally outward toward the motion control track.

[0009] According to another aspect, the motion control track includes a lateral friction surface; a spring-biased rolling ball at a first distal end of the follower engages with and slides across the friction surface when the front door panel and the rear door panel move relative to each other; the spring bias of the rolling ball pushes the rolling ball against the friction surface of the motion control track.

[0010] According to another aspect, the feature in the motion control track includes at least a section of a friction surface in the opening track that extends laterally outward toward the follower; and at least a section of a friction surface in the closing track that extends laterally outward toward the follower; wherein, when the first distal end of the follower slides through at least a section of the friction surface in the opening track, the spring-biased rolling ball is laterally urged against the biasing force of the spring, thereby enhancing the force of the spring bias of the rolling ball to push the rolling ball against the friction surface of the opening track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move toward the open position, and reducing the amount of slip between the follower and the motion control track and the amount of movement of the front door panel and the rear door panel relative to each other; and when the first distal end of the follower slides through at least a section of the friction surface in the closing track, the spring-biased rolling ball is laterally urged against the biasing force of the spring, thereby enhancing the force of the spring bias of the rolling ball to push the rolling ball against the friction surface of the closing track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move toward the closed position, and reducing the amount of slip between the follower and the motion control track and the amount of movement of the front door panel and the rear door panel relative to each other.

[0011] According to another aspect, each of at least one section of the friction surface in the opening track and each of at least one section of the friction surface in the closing track, one of which is flat and extends laterally outward toward the follower a constant distance throughout the length, providing constant frictional engagement throughout the length; and the other of which is flat and inclined, extending laterally outward toward the follower a gradually varying distance throughout the length, and providing variable frictional engagement throughout the length.

[0012] According to another aspect, at least a section of the friction surface in the opening track provides an opening profile for the front door panel and the rear door panel during opening; and at least a section of the friction surface in the closing track provides a closing profile for the front door panel and the rear door panel during closing.

[0013] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-panel door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the front and rear support frames of a multi-panel door in a closed position;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the front and rear support frames of a multi-panel door in an open position;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the motion control track for a multi-panel door is shown;

[0019] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a follower wherein an eccentric feature is located on a first side of a cam;

[0020] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A perspective view of a follower of FIG. 1 , wherein the eccentric feature is located at a center point;

[0021] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A perspective view of a follower of FIG. 1 , wherein the eccentric feature is located on a second side of the cam;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A an enlarged view of a first distal end of the follower shown;

[0023] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The line 7-7 intercepts Figure 4 sectional view of

[0024] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 The line 8-8 intercepts Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of

[0025] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing the inclined section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0027] refer to Figure 1The shifting multi-panel door 10 according to the present disclosure includes: a front door panel 12, which is slidably supported on a first track 14 and can move between an open position and a closed position; and a rear door panel 16, which is slidably supported on a second track 18 and can move between an open position and a closed position. Figure 1 1 is shown in a closed position, wherein the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 extend through the opening. The front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 move along the first track 14 and the second track 18 and overlap each other in the open position; wherein the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are located on one side of the opening, as shown in the shadow at 20.

[0028] refer to Figure 2 The front door panel 12 includes a front support frame 22 including rollers 24; the rollers 24 are adapted to ride in the first track 14, thereby allowing the front door panel 12 to roll back and forth along the first track 14 between the open position and the closed position. The rear door panel 16 includes a rear support frame 26 including rollers 24; the rollers 24 are adapted to ride in the second track 18, thereby allowing the rear door panel 16 to roll back and forth along the second track 18 between the open position and the closed position. Figure 2 , the front support frame 22 and the rear support frame 26 are shown in a fully closed position, wherein the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are removed. Figure 3 , the front support frame 22 and the rear support frame 26 are shown in a fully open position, wherein the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are removed.

[0029] The motion control track 28 is mounted to one of the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the motion control track 28 is mounted on the front support frame 22 of the front door panel 12. The follower 30 is mounted to the other of the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 and extends laterally therefrom. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the follower 30 is mounted on the rear support frame 26 of the rear door panel 16. It should be understood that the motion control track 28 can be mounted on the front support frame 22 and the follower 30 can be mounted on the rear support frame 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 or alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the motion control track 28 can be mounted on the rear support frame 26 and the follower 30 can be mounted on the front support frame 22.

[0030] The follower 30 includes a first distal end 32 that is received in the motion control track 28. The motion control track 28 includes a feature 34 that is adapted to frictionally engage the first distal end 32 of the follower 30. As the front door panel 12 moves back and forth between the open position and the closed position, the frictional engagement between the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 and the feature 34 in the motion control track 28 simultaneously causes the rear door panel 16 to move back and forth with the front door panel 12 between the open position and the closed position, and enables sliding movement between the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 and the feature 34 in the motion control track 28; wherein, as the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 move back and forth between the open position and the closed position, the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 move relative to each other. The frictional engagement between the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 and the feature 34 in the motion control track 28 provides sufficient friction to transmit the movement of the front door panel 12 to the rear door panel 16, while enabling slippage between the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 and the motion control track 28 to cause the rear door panel 16 to move at a different speed than the front door panel 12.

[0031] The feature 34 of the motion control track 28 provides a variable amount of frictional engagement between the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 and the motion control track 28 to allow the movement of the rear door panel 16 relative to the front door panel 12 to be adjusted to a specific profile as the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 move back and forth between the open position and the closed position.

[0032] See also Figure 4 In one exemplary embodiment, the motion control track 28 includes an opening track 36 and a closing track 38. Each of the opening track 36 and the closing track 38 includes a feature 34; the feature 34 is adapted to frictionally engage the first distal end 32 of the follower 30.

[0033] See also Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figure 5C In one exemplary embodiment, the follower 30 includes an eccentric feature 40. The eccentric feature 40 allows the follower 30 to be positioned in a first position (e.g., Figure 5A As shown, wherein the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 is aligned with the opening track 36) and the second position (as Figure 5C 38 ). The over-center feature 40 includes a latch member 42 that is biased toward a cam 46 by a latch spring 44. When the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 is in the first position, as shown, Figure 5AAs shown, the latch member 42 is biased toward the cam 46 and adjacent the cam 46 on the first side 48. In order to switch the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to the second position, as shown by arrow 50, sufficient force must be applied to the first distal end 32 to force the latch member 42 to follow the surface of the cam 46 and compress the latch spring 44, as shown by arrow 52. Once the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 reaches the center, as shown by arrow 52, Figure 5B As shown, the first distal end 32 will move further toward the second position (as shown by arrow 50), which will push the latch member 42 toward the second side 54 of the cam 46, thereby allowing the latch spring 44 to push the latch member 42 toward and adjacent the cam 46 (as shown by arrow 56) and fix the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 in the second position. Figure 5C shown.

[0034] When the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are both fully closed, the over-center feature 40 enables the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to switch from the closing track 38 to the opening track 36, and enables the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to maintain engagement with the opening track 36 during the opening process of the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16. Further, when the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are both fully open, the over-center feature 40 enables the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to switch from the opening track 36 to the closing track 38, and enables the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to maintain engagement with the closing track 38 during the closing process of the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16.

[0035] Reference again Figure 4 , the opening track 36 and the closing track 38 are parallel to and adjacent to each other. The closing track 38 includes a first inclined surface 58; when the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are moved to the closed position, the first inclined surface 58 forces the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to switch to the opening track 36, as indicated by arrow 60. Furthermore, the opening track 36 includes a second inclined surface 62; when the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are moved to the open position, the second inclined surface 62 forces the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 to switch to the closing track 38, as indicated by arrow 64.

[0036] refer to Figure 6The first distal end 32 of the follower 30 includes a spring-biased rolling ball 66. The rolling ball 66 is biased laterally outward toward the motion control track 28 by a ball spring 68, as indicated by arrow 70. The motion control track 28 includes a lateral friction surface 72. When the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 move relative to each other, the spring-biased rolling ball 66 at the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 engages with and slides across the friction surface 72. The force of the ball spring 68 pushes the rolling ball 66 against the friction surface 72 of the motion control track 28. The greater the force with which the rolling ball 66 pushes against the friction surface 72, the greater the frictional resistance to slippage. If the force with which the rolling ball 66 pushes against the friction surface 72 is very large, the amount of slippage between the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 will be low, and the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 will move very slightly or slowly relative to each other. Alternatively, if the force of the rolling ball 66 against the friction surface 72 is very small, the amount of slip between the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 will be higher, and the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 will move more freely relative to each other.

[0037] See also Figure 4 and Figure 7 In one exemplary embodiment, the feature 34 adapted to frictionally engage the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 includes at least one segment 74 of the friction surface 72 in the opening track 36, the at least one segment 74 extending laterally outwardly toward the follower 30. Figure 4 and Figure 8 The feature 34 adapted for frictionally engaging the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 includes at least one segment 76 of the friction surface 72 in the closed track 38 , the at least one segment 76 extending laterally outwardly toward the follower 30 .

[0038] As the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 slides across at least a section 74 of the friction surface 72 in the opening track 36, the spring-biased rolling ball 66 is urged laterally against the biasing force of the ball spring 68, thereby compressing the ball spring 68 and increasing the force with which the rolling ball 66 pushes against the friction surface 72 of the opening track 36. This reduces the amount of slippage between the follower 30 and the motion control track 28, and the amount of movement of the front door panel 12 and rear door panel 16 relative to each other as the front door panel 12 and rear door panel 16 move toward the open position.

[0039] See again Figure 4 and Figure 7In one exemplary embodiment, the opening track 36 includes a first segment 74A of the friction surface 72 in the opening track 36 and a second segment 74B of the friction surface 72 in the opening track 36; the first segment 74A extends laterally outward toward the follower 30, and the second segment 74B extends laterally outward toward the follower 30. The first segment 74A extends laterally outward toward the follower 30 a first distance 78. The second segment 74B extends laterally outward toward the follower 30 a second distance 80, which is greater than the first distance 78.

[0040] As the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 slides across at least a section 76 of the friction surface 72 in the closure track 38, the spring-biased rolling ball 66 is urged laterally against the biasing force of the ball spring 68, thereby compressing the ball spring 68 and increasing the force with which the rolling ball 66 pushes against the friction surface 72 of the closure track 38. This reduces the amount of slippage between the follower 30 and the motion control track 28, and the amount of movement of the front door panel 12 and rear door panel 16 relative to each other as the front door panel 12 and rear door panel 16 move toward the closed position.

[0041] See again Figure 4 and Figure 8 In one exemplary embodiment, the closed track 38 includes a third segment 76A of the friction surface 72 in the closed track 38 and a fourth segment 76B of the friction surface 72 in the closed track 38; the second segment 76A extends laterally outward toward the follower 30, and the fourth segment 76B extends laterally outward toward the follower 30. The third and fourth segments 76A, 76B extend laterally outward toward the follower 30 a third distance 82.

[0042] See again Figure 2 , when the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are in the fully closed position, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 is located at the first position 84 in the opening track 36 of the motion control track 28, as shown Figure 4 As the front door panel 12 moves toward the open position, as shown by arrow 86, the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16. Figure 4 and Figure 7 As the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 moves within the opening track 36, as indicated by arrow 88. The first distal end 32 of the follower 30 first passes through a first flat region 90 where the frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 in the follower 30 and the friction surface 72 of the motion control track 28 is minimal, thereby causing minimal movement of the rear door panel 16 as the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16 toward the open position.

[0043] The first distal end 32 of the follower 30 then engages a first segment 74A of the friction surface 72 in the opening track 36, which extends laterally outward toward the follower 30. The first segment 74A extends laterally outward toward the follower 30 a first distance 78, thereby compressing the ball spring 68 and increasing the frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72. As the front door panel 12 moves toward the open position, the increased friction reduces the amount of slip between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72, causing the rear door panel 16 to be pushed toward the open position by the front door panel 12. Because slip still exists, relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, still occurs; however, the relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, is reduced compared to the relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, when the follower 30 passes through the first flat region 90.

[0044] The first distal end 32 of the follower 30 then passes through the second flat region 92 where, again, there is very little frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 in the follower 30 and the friction surface 72 of the motion control track 28, thereby causing very little movement of the rear door panel 16 as the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16 toward the open position.

[0045] Finally, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 then engages the second segment 74B of the friction surface 72 in the opening track 36, which extends laterally outward toward the follower 30. The second segment 74B extends laterally outward toward the follower 30 by a second distance 80, thereby compressing the ball spring 68 and increasing the frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72. The second distance 80 is greater than the first distance 78, so that the ball spring 68 is compressed more than when the follower engages the first segment 74A, and the ball spring 68 increases the frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72 compared to when the follower 30 engages the first segment 74A. This increase in friction reduces the amount of slip between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72 and causes the rear door panel 16 to be urged toward the open position by the front door panel 12 as the front door panel 12 moves toward the open position. Because slippage still exists, there is still relative movement between the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16; however, the relative movement between the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 is reduced compared to the relative movement between the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 when the follower 30 passes through the first and second flat areas 90, 92 and the first section 74A.

[0046] When the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are close to the fully open position, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 is located at the second position 94 in the opening track 36 of the motion control track 28, as shown in FIG. Figure 4At this time, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 engages the second inclined surface 62, wherein the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 switches over the closed track 38 to reach the third position 96, as shown by arrow 64; and the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are fully opened, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, when the front door panel 12 moves toward the closed position, as shown by arrow 98, the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16. Figure 4 and Figure 8 As the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 moves within the closed track 38, as indicated by arrow 100. The first distal end 32 of the follower 30 engages the third segment 76A of the friction surface 72 in the closed track 38, which extends laterally outward toward the follower 30. The third segment 76A extends laterally outward toward the follower 30 a third distance 82, thereby compressing the ball spring 68 and increasing the frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72. As the front door panel 12 moves toward the closed position, the increased friction reduces the amount of slip between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72, causing the rear door panel 16 to be pulled toward the closed position by the front door panel 12. Because slip still exists, relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, still occurs; however, the relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, is reduced.

[0048] The first distal end 32 of the follower 30 then passes through the third flat region 102 wherein frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 in the follower 30 and the friction surface 72 of the motion control track 28 is minimal, thereby causing minimal movement of the rear door panel 16 as the front door panel 12 moves relative to the rear door panel 16 toward the closed position.

[0049] Finally, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 then engages the fourth segment 76B of the friction surface 72 in the closing track 38, which extends laterally outward toward the follower 30. The fourth segment 76B extends laterally outward toward the follower 30 a third distance 82, thereby compressing the ball spring 68 and increasing the frictional engagement between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72, just as in the third segment 76A. This increased friction reduces the amount of slip between the rolling ball 66 and the friction surface 72, causing the rear door panel 16 to be pulled toward the closed position by the front door panel 12 as the front door panel 12 moves toward the closed position. Because slip still exists, relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, still occurs; however, the relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, is reduced compared to the relative movement between the front and rear door panels 12, 16, when the follower 30 passes through the third flat region 102.

[0050] When the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are close to the fully closed position, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 is located at the fourth position 104 in the closed track 38 of the motion control track 28, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 At this time, the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 engages the first inclined surface 58, wherein the first distal end 32 of the follower 30 switches over the opening track 36 to reach the first position 84, as shown by arrow 60; and the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 are fully opened, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0051] Each of the first, second, third and fourth sections 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B of the friction surface 72 extending laterally outward toward the follower 30 may be flat and extend laterally outward toward the follower 30 a constant distance throughout its length, as shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This profile provides constant frictional engagement over the entire length of segments 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B. Figure 9 Alternatively, one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth segments 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B of the friction surface 72 extending laterally outward toward the follower 30 can be flat and angled segments 106 that extend laterally outward toward the follower a gradually varying distance throughout their length. This profile provides a gradually increasing or decreasing frictional engagement along the entire length of the segment 106. The angled segments 106 can also gradually reduce the force required to open or close the front and rear door panels 12, 16 by utilizing the stored potential energy of the compressed ball spring 68 to follow the decreasing inclination of the friction surface 72 toward the open or closed position. Such an embodiment can reduce the force required to continue movement of the front and rear door panels 12, 16, or even allow the front and rear door panels 12, 16 to continue movement without further applied force.

[0052] The first and second segments 74A, 74B of the friction surface 72, which extend laterally outward toward the follower 30, provide an opening profile for the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 during opening. The third and fourth segments 76A, 76B of the friction surface 72, which extend laterally outward toward the follower 30, provide a closing profile for the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 during closing. By varying the length of the segments 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B, 106 and the distance that each segment 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B, or 106 laterally extends outward, the opening and closing profiles can be uniquely adjusted to achieve a desired behavior of the multi-panel door 10 by controlling the relative movement of the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 relative to each other as the front door panel 12 and the rear door panel 16 move back and forth between the open and closed positions.

[0053] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A variable position multi-panel door comprising: a front door panel slidably supported on the first track and movable between an open position and a closed position; a rear door panel slidably supported on the second track and movable between the open position and the closed position; a motion control track mounted to one of the front door panel and the rear door panel; as well as a follower mounted to and extending laterally from the other of the front door panel and the rear door panel; the follower including a first distal end received in a motion control track, wherein the first distal end of the follower includes a spring-biased rolling ball, wherein the rolling ball is spring-biased laterally outward toward the motion control track; wherein the motion control track includes a feature adapted to frictionally engage the first distal end of the follower; wherein, when the front door moves back and forth between the open position and the closed position, frictional engagement between the first distal end of the follower and the feature in the motion control track simultaneously causes: The rear door panel moves back and forth between the open position and the closed position along with the front door panel; and The first distal end of the follower is allowed to slide between a feature in the motion control track; wherein the front door panel and the rear door panel move relative to each other as the front door panel and the rear door panel move back and forth between the open position and the closed position.

2. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 1, wherein: The motion control track includes a lateral friction surface; when the front door panel and the rear door panel move relative to each other, the spring-biased rolling ball at the first distal end of the follower engages with and slides across the friction surface; The spring bias of the rolling ball urges the rolling ball against the friction surface of the motion control track.

3. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 2, wherein: The feature in the motion control track includes at least one section of the friction surface extending laterally outward toward the follower; wherein, when the first distal end of the follower slides through at least one section of the friction surface, the spring-biased rolling ball is laterally pushed against the biasing force of the spring, thereby enhancing the force of the spring bias of the rolling ball to push the rolling ball against the friction surface of the motion control track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move back and forth between the open position and the closed position, and reducing the amount of slippage between the follower and the motion control track and the amount of movement of the front door panel and the rear door panel relative to each other.

4. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one segment is flat and extends laterally outwardly a constant distance toward the follower over the entire length of the at least one segment, and the frictional engagement between the first distal end of the follower and the friction surface in the at least one segment provides constant frictional engagement between the follower and the motion control track.

5. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one segment is flat and inclined such that the at least one segment extends laterally outwardly toward the follower a gradually varying distance throughout the length of the at least one segment, and frictional engagement between the first distal end of the follower and the friction surface in the at least one segment provides a variable frictional engagement between the follower and the motion control track.

6. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one segment includes a first segment extending laterally outward toward the follower a first distance and a second segment extending laterally outward toward the follower a second distance greater than the first distance.

7. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 3, wherein: The motion control track includes an opening track and a closing track; wherein, during the opening process of the front door panel and the rear door panel, the first distal end of the follower engages with the opening track of the motion control track, and during the closing process of the front door panel and the rear door panel, the first distal end of the follower engages with the closing track of the motion control track.

8. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 7, wherein: The follower includes an eccentric feature adapted to: When the front door panel and the rear door panel are fully closed, allowing the first distal end of the follower to switch from the closed track to the open track; During the opening of the front door panel and the rear door panel, the first distal end of the follower remains engaged with the opening track; When the front door panel and the rear door panel are fully opened, allowing the first distal end of the follower to switch from the opening track to the closing track; as well as The first distal end of the follower remains engaged with the closure track during closing of the front door panel and the rear door panel.

9. The shifting multi-panel door according to claim 8, wherein: The opening track and the closing track are parallel to and adjacent to each other; the closing track includes a first inclined surface, the first inclined surface forcing the first distal end of the follower to switch to the opening track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move to the closed position; And the opening track includes a second inclined surface that forces the first distal end of the follower to switch to the closing track when the front door panel and the rear door panel move to the open position.

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