Patent ID: 6871448
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for creating and sealing an unobstructed opening across a lower portion of a passageway covered by a sliding door movable between open and closed positions comprising a barrier plate having a notch adapted to extend across the lower portion of the passageway, wherein said apparatus further comprises: a compression panel, a carrier bracket attached to the sliding door, wherein said compression panel is mounted on said carrier bracket to be moved with the sliding door and to be movable toward said barrier plate and away from said barrier plate; a compressible gasket, adapted to be disposed between said compression panel and said barrier plate to extend adjacent said notch when the sliding door is in the closed position; and an actuator, disposed adjacent said compression panel when the sliding door is in the closed position, mounted to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein movement of said actuator into said engaged position when the sliding door is in the closed position causes said compression panel to be moved in contact with said actuator toward said barrier plate, compressing said compressible gasket between said compression panel and said barrier plate, and wherein movement of said actuator into said disengaged position when the sliding door is in the closed position allows movement of said compression panel in contact with said actuator away from said barrier plate, releasing compression of said compressible gasket between said compression panel and said barrier plate.