Sliding door assembly

ABSTRACT

A sliding door has a sash suspended from a top leg of a frame by having a curved channel extend along this leg and providing the sash with a post that passes through the channel and a roller attached to the post, such that the roller sits on the leg and permits the sash to slide relative to the frame. In closing the door, the sash moves towards the inner portion of the frame and is pressed against a compression gasket that extends about the inner portion of the door in order provide an airtight seal between the sash and the frame. A handle is operatively connected to a dog that is attached to the frame which dog acts on an inner wall of a jamb on the frame in order to maintain the seal.

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, it is seen that the sliding door assembly of the present invention, generally denoted by reference numeral , is comprised of a first sash that slides within a frame and a second sash that is fixed to the frame and to a mullion described below. Each sash and may have appropriate glazing therein as desired.

As seen, the frame , which may be generally rectangular has a top leg , a bottom leg , a first side joining the top leg and the bottom leg and a second side also joining the top leg and the bottom leg . The mullion extends between the top leg and the bottom leg , which mullion is generally parallel with the two side legs and and positioned between the side legs and . The top leg has at least one channel located thereon below the nailing fin . Each channel has a straight portion and a curved portion. The bottom leg also has at least one channel that also has a straight portion and a curved portion. Advantageously, although strictly not necessarily, each bottom channel is coextensive with a respective one of the top channel and vice versa. At least one weep hole is located below on the bottom leg so that any moisture that enters the second channel is expelled through the weep hole .

A pocket is located on the first side leg , the portion of the top leg that extends between the first side leg and the mullion , on the mullion , and on the bottom leg between the first leg and the mullion so that the pocket is continuous. A compression gasket is located within the pocket and is also continuous and may be of single piece construction. A first jam is located on the first side leg such that the first jamb has a first seating face , a first angled face , that is angled relative to the first seating face , and a first inner wall beyond the first angled face . At least one first opening is located on the first angled face of the first jamb . A second jamb is located on the mullion , the second jamb having a second seating face , a second angled face , that is angled relative to the second seating face , and a second inner wall beyond the second angled face . At least one second opening is located on the second jamb in order to allow access to the second inner wall .

The first sash has a top edge and a bottom edge joined by a first side edge and a second side edge . A post is located on the top edge of the first sash and has a roller assembly on the top thereof. As seen in FIG. 8, the roller assembly is comprised of one or more rollers that have an axial pin that passes through an opening located on the post , the axial pin having an appropriate clip to retain the axial pin within the opening . The post passes through the first channel such that the rollers sit on the top surface of the top leg and roll thereon. This gravitationally suspends the first sash from the frame . The post is able to rotate with respect to the first sash in order to allow the roller assembly to turn with a corresponding change of direction of the first sash when the post enters the curved portion of the first channel so that the post and its roller assembly can follow the curvature of the first channel . The roller assembly can be clipped onto the top edge of the first sash . The first sash can have more than one post and roller assembly , such as illustrated in FIGS. 1, , and , wherein the first sash has a post and roller assembly proximate each corner of the first sash with each post passing through a respective first channel of the top leg of the frame . If first sash is particularly large or heavy, the first sash can have three or more posts and roller assemblies each cooperating with a respective first channel on the top leg of the frame . Alternately, the roller assembly can comprise multiple rollers or roller pairs disposed serially along the post (similar to the landing gear carriage of a jumbo jet) which roller assembly can be attached to the first sash by one or more posts .

At least one pin is attached to the bottom edge of the first sash such that the pin passes through the second channel located on the bottom leg of the frame . Advantageously, although not necessarily, each pin is disposed generally directly below each post located on the top edge of the first sash . The pin rides in the second channel during first sash movement and, by having a diameter that is only slightly smaller than the width of the second channel , helps maintain the stability of the first sash during first sash movement.

A third jamb is located on the first side edge of the first sash , which third jamb has a third seating face , a third angled face , and at least one third opening , while a fourth jamb is located on the second side edge of the first sash , which fourth jamb has a fourth seating face ,a fourth angled face , and at least one fourth opening .

Accordingly, the first sash is able to slide within at least a portion of the frame with the post and roller assembly suspending the first sash from the top leg of the frame such that the roller assembly facilitates the sliding of the first sash . This permits the first sash to slide between an open position (FIGS. 1, C, C, and ) and a closed positioned (FIGS. 2, A, B, A, and B) with respect to the frame .

In order to slide the first sash from the open position to the closed position, the first sash is moved appropriately. As the first sash nears closing, the post enters the curved portion of the first channel of the top leg of the frame (and correspondingly, the pin enters the curved portion of the second channel of the bottom leg of the frame ) causing the first sash to change direction from is lateral movement with respect to the frame and move toward the gasket in following the curvature of the first channel of the top leg . When the first sash is fully closed, the third jamb seats on the first jamb such that the third seating face of the third jamb is seated on the first seating face of the first jamb and the first angled face of the first jamb seats on the third angled face of the third jamb . Correspondingly, the second jamb seats on the fourth jamb such that the second seating face of the second jamb is seated on the fourth seating face of the fourth jamb and the second angled face of the second jamb seats on the fourth angled face of the fourth jamb . The inner face of the first sash presses against the gasket in order to create a seal.

In order to press the first sash against the gasket on the frame a compression subsystem is used. The compression subsystem is comprised of at least one dog gear that is rotatably attached to the first side edge of the first sash and to the second side edge of the first sash . A handle is attached to the first sash and is operatively connected to the dog gears . More than one dog gear may be located along the first side edge of the first sash and along the second side edge of the first sash . The handle may be connected by a gear system (not illustrated) of any standard design that directly connects to each dog gear or some or all of the dog gears may be attached to a shaft such that operation of the handle causes the gear system to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates the dog gears . The handle may have an appropriate lock subsystem, such as a bi-directional clutch or an over-center latch, in order to maintain the handle in a given position. Specifically, when the first sash is in the closed position, the handle is rotated so as to rotate the dog gears such each dog gear in the right side edge of the first sash pass through a respective first opening of the first jamb and through a respective third opening of the third jamb and presses upon the first inner wall of the first jamb , while simultaneously, each dog gear on the second side edge of the first sash passes through a respective second opening of the second jamb and through a respective fourth opening of the fourth jamb and presses upon the second inner wall of the second jamb . This causes the first sash to be pressed onto the gasket on the frame thereby creating a seal. This also prevents the first sash from moving, thereby effectively locking the door system . The lock subsystem of the handle maintains the dog gears in this position. In order to move the first sash into the open position, the handle is counterrotated causing the dog gears to rotate in reverse direction and thereby exiting their respective openings. This unlocks the first sash and allows it to slide with respect to the frame .

A first detent is located on the top leg proximate the curved portion of the first channel while a second detent is located on the top leg proximate the opposite side of the first channel relative to the side with the first detent . When the first sash is slid into the closed position, the roller rolls into the first detent with this detent helping to hold the sash in the closed position without having to lock the sash closed. The first detent maintains the roller within the detent thereby helping prevent the sash from sliding back into an opened position. The first detent is ramped so that when a person is sliding the sash into the closed position, the roller gradually rolls into the first detent avoiding the sash from being slammed closed. Additionally, when the sash is being slid open, the ramped nature of the first detent helps the person opening the sash to be able to gradually and easily roll the roller out of the detent and place the sash into an open position. In similar fashion, when the first sash is slid into a fully open position, the roller rolls into the second detent with this detent helping to hold the sash in the open position. The second detent maintains the roller within the detent thereby helping prevent the sash from sliding back into a partially open position. The second detent is also ramped so that when a person is sliding the sash into the fully open position, the roller gradually rolls into the second detent avoiding the sash from being slammed open. Additionally, when the sash is being slid back toward a closed position, the ramped nature of the second detent helps the person performing this task to be able to gradually and easily roll the roller out of the second detent .

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sliding door assembly of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sliding door assembly of the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 3A is a sectioned view, taken along line A-C in FIG. 2, showing the door in a closed and locked position.

FIG. 3B is a sectioned view, taken along line A-C in FIG. 2, showing the door in a closed and unlocked position.

FIG. 3C is a sectioned view, taken along line A-C in FIG. 2, showing the door in an open position.

FIG. 4A is a sectioned view, taken along line A-C in FIG. 2, showing the door in a closed and locked position.

FIG. 4B is a sectioned view, taken along line A-C in FIG. 2, showing the door in a closed and unlocked position.

FIG. 4C is a sectioned view, taken along line A-C in FIG. 2, showing the door in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the operable sash illustrating the range of motion of the sash.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the sliding door assembly.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the top side edge of the sash.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the roller assembly.

CLAIMS

1. A sliding door comprising: a frame having a top leg and a bottom leg joined by a first side leg and a second side leg; a compression gasket extends along a portion of the top leg, the first side leg, a portion of the bottom leg, and between the top leg and the bottom leg; a first jamb extending along the first side leg, the first jamb having a first angled face that is angled relative to the first side leg, an opening located in the first angled face, and an inner wall; a sash, having a second jamb with a second angled face that is angled relative to the first side leg and is located along a side edge of the sash, the sash also having an inner face and an outer face, the sash being suspended on the top leg of the frame and capable of sliding on the top leg; a dog rotatably attached to the side edge of the sash; a handle attached to the sash and operatively connected to the dog for rotation of the dog; and wherein the sash is slidable between an open position and a closed position wherein when the sash is in the closed position, the first angled face faces the second angled face, and the handle is activated in order to rotate the dog in order for the dog to pass through the opening and act on the inner wall so that the inner face of the sash presses against the gasket in order to achieve a seal between the sash and the gasket.

2. The sliding door as in claim 1 wherein the gasket is located within a pocket that extends along the portion of the top leg, the first side leg, the portion of the bottom leg, and between the top leg and the bottom leg.

3. The sliding door as in claim 2 further comprising a mullion that extends between the top leg and the bottom leg such that the portion of the pocket that extends between the top leg and the bottom leg is located on the mullion.

4. The sliding door as in claim 1 wherein the top leg has a first channel, the first channel having a first end and a second end and extending along the portion of the top leg, and the sash has a post that passes through the first channel, the post having a roller that rolls along the top leg in order to allow the sliding of the sash along the top leg.

5. The sliding door as in claim 4 wherein said first channel curves toward the gasket proximate the first leg and the post on the sash rotates in order to allow the sash to follow the curve of the first channel.

6. The sliding door as in claim 4 wherein the bottom leg has a second channel and the sash has a pin that passes through the second channel, the pin stabilizing the sash during sash movement.

7. The sliding door as in claim 6 further comprising a weep hole located on the bottom leg such that fluid that enters the second channel is expelled through the weep hole.

8. The sliding door as in claim 4 wherein the top leg has a first ramped detent located proximate the first end of the first channel such that the roller rolls into the first ramped detent whenever the sash is being positioned into the closed position.

9. The sliding door as in claim 8 wherein the top leg has a second ramped detent located proximate the second end of the first channel such that the roller rolls into the second ramped detent whenever the sash is being positioned into the open position.

10. The sliding door as in claim 1 wherein the handle can be latched in order to maintain the dog in the acting relationship with the inner wall.

11. The sliding door as in claim 1 wherein the handle has a bi-directional clutch in order to maintain the dog in the acting relationship with the wall.

12. A sliding door comprising: a frame having a top leg and a bottom leg joined by a first side leg and a second side leg such that a first channel is located along a first portion of the top leg, the first channel having a first end and a second end; a pocket extending along a second portion of the top leg, the first side leg, a portion of the bottom leg, and between the top leg and the bottom leg, a compression gasket located within the pocket; a first jamb extending along the first side leg, the first jamb having a first angled face that is angled relative to the first side leg, a first opening located in the first angled face, and a first inner wall; a first sash, having a second jamb with a second angled face that is angled relative to the first side leg and is located along a first side edge of the sash, the first sash also having a top edge and a bottom edge joined by said first side edge and a second side edge, and an inner face and an outer face; a post having a roller, the post attached to the top edge of the first sash and passing through the first channel such that the roller rests on the top leg in order to suspend the first sash therefrom and permit the sash to slide along the top leg; a first dog rotatably attached to the first side edge of the first sash; a handle attached to the first sash and operatively connected to the first dog for rotating the first dog; a second sash attached to the frame; and wherein the first sash is slidable between an open position and a closed position wherein when the first sash is in the closed position, the first jamb seats on the second jamb such that the first angled face faces the second angled face, the handle is activated in order to rotate the first dog in order for the first dog to pass through the first opening and act on the first inner wall so that the inner face of the first sash presses against the gasket in order to achieve an airtight seal between the first sash and the gasket.

13. The sliding door as in claim 12 wherein first channel curves toward the gasket proximate the first end, and the post on the first sash rotates in order to allow the first sash to follow the curve of the first channel.

14. The sliding door as in claim 13 wherein the top leg has a first ramped detent located proximate the first end of the first channel such that the roller rolls into the first ramped detent whenever the sash is being positioned into the closed position.

15. The sliding door as in claim 14 wherein the top leg has a second ramped detent located proximate the second end of the first channel such that the roller rolls into the second ramped detent whenever the sash is being positioned into the open position.

16. The sliding door as in claim 12 wherein the bottom leg has a second channel and the first sash has a pin located on the bottom edge that passes through the second channel, the pin stabilizing the first sash during first sash movement.

17. The sliding door as in claim 16 further comprising a weep hole located on the bottom leg such that fluid that enters the second channel is expelled through the weep hole.

18. The sliding door as in claim 12 wherein the handle can be latched in order to maintain the dog in the acting relationship with the inner wall.

19. The sliding door as in claim 12 wherein the handle has a bi-directional clutch in order to maintain the dog in the acting relationship with the first inner wall.

20. The sliding door as in claim 12 further comprising a mullion that extends between the top leg and the bottom leg such that the portion of the pocket that extends between the top leg and the bottom leg is located on the mullion.

21. The sliding door as in claim 20 wherein the second sash is fixedly attached to the frame and to the mullion.

22. The sliding door as in claim 20 further comprising: a third jamb extending along the second side edge the first sash, the third jamb having a third angled face; and a fourth jamb having a fourth angled face located along the mullion, a second opening located on the fourth angled face, and a second inner wall such that when the first jamb is in the closed position, the third jamb seats on the fourth jamb such that the third angled face faces the fourth angled face.

23. The sliding door as in claim 22 further comprising a second dog rotatably attached to the second side edge of the first sash and operatively connected to the handle such that when the handle is activated the second dog rotates in order for the second dog to pass through the second opening and act on the second inner wall.

COPYRIGHT

User acknowledges that Fairview Research and its third party providers retain all right, title and interest in and to this xml under applicable copyright laws. User acquires no ownership rights to this xml including but not limited to its format. User hereby accepts the terms and conditions of the License Agreement.