ADJUSTABLE SEAL FOR SLIDING DOORS AND WINDOWS

An adjustable seal is provided for a sliding window panel of a door or window system. The adjustable seal includes first and second elongated seals and at least one elongated brush mounted to an elongated base. The elongated base is adjustably engaged to a lower or bottom side of the sliding window panel to close any gaps between the sliding window panel and the support surface along which the window panel slides.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to sliding doors and windows, and more particularly to an adjustable seal for sliding doors and windows.

BACKGROUND

Door systems include one or more movable door members in order to facilitate ingress and egress. Some systems include door members that are swing doors that move about a pivot axis. Some door systems include sliding door members or revolving door members. Window systems include one or more movable window members that can be raised or swung about a pivot axis to open and closed.

Sliding door and window systems have one or more sliding doors or sliding windows that move along at least one guide track or support surface between an open position and a closed position. Some sliding door systems have a sliding door that is bifurcated into multiple panels, such as an upper panel that can be decoupled from a lower panel to provide window functionality. The upper window panel typically hangs from an upper track so that all or a portion of the weight of the window panel is supported by the upper track. The lower door panel, in contrast, has all or a portion of its weight support on the guide track located on the floor.

For sliding doors, unevenness of the floor along the threshold can be an issue for operability of sliding door systems, particularly for sliding doors with an upper window panel and a lower door panel that are supported by different structures. For example, floor unevenness can create misalignment between the upper panel and the lower panel. As a result, a gap can be created between the upper panel and the lower panel, even if the lower panel is adjusted to attempt to account for the floor unevenness. Sliding windows that slide along a support surface between open and closed positions should also be sealed when closed. Therefore, further improvements in sliding door and window systems are needed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a sliding door system is provided with at least one sliding door. The sliding door has a bifurcated configuration with an upper sliding window panel and a lower door panel. An adjustable seal is provided between the upper sliding window panel and the lower door panel to seal any gaps between the upper sliding window panel and the lower door panel.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a sliding window system is provided with at least one sliding window panel. The sliding window panel moves along a support surface. An adjustable seal is provided between the sliding window panel and the support surface to seal any gaps between the sliding window panel and the support surface.

In an embodiment, the adjustable seal includes an elongated base adjustably mounted along a lower or bottom longitudinal side of the sliding window panel of a sliding door system or sliding window system. The adjustable seal further includes a first elongated seal mounted along the base, and a second elongated seal mounted along the base in a parallel or substantially parallel relationship to the first elongated seal to provide a dual seal arrangement. The adjustable seal also includes an elongated brush mounted to the base that extends between the first and second elongated seals.

This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “transverse” are used to denote motion or spacing along three mutually perpendicular axes, wherein each of the axes defines two opposite directions. The directions defined by each axis may be referred to as positive and negative directions, wherein the arrow of the axis indicates the positive direction. In the coordinate system illustrated inFIG.1the X-axis defines first and second lateral directions (horizontal in theFIG.1orientation), the Y-axis defines first and second longitudinal directions (vertical in theFIG.1orientation), and the Z-axis defines first and second transverse directions (into and out of the page in theFIG.1orientation.)

Additionally, the descriptions that follow may refer to the directions defined by the axes with specific reference to the orientations illustrated in the Figures. For example, the longitudinal directions may be referred to as “distal” (X+) and “proximal” (X−). These terms are used for ease and convenience of description, and are without regard to the orientation of the system with respect to the environment. For example, descriptions that reference a longitudinal direction may be equally applicable to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or an off-axis orientation with respect to the environment.

Furthermore, motion or spacing along a direction defined by one of the axes need not preclude motion or spacing along a direction defined by another of the axes. For example, elements which are described as being “laterally offset” from one another may also be offset in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions, or may be aligned in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions. The terms are therefore not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described herein.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Turning to the figures, in whichFIG.1illustrates a sliding door system100, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding door system100has a structural configuration that combines the functionality of a window with a sliding door, such as disclosed in US Patent Application Pub. No. 2023/0067739, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, embodiments in which a sliding window is employed without door functionality are also contemplated and not precluded by the present disclosure.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the sliding door system100is configured for mounting at a frame102in an opening to a building or other enclosure. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an example sliding door system100includes a door panel assembly110operable for lateral movement along the X-axis with respect to frame102via a guide track106mounted to floor104and via a header108mounted to the building structure. Header108may include a rail, pulley, track, or other structure from which all or a portion of the weight of door panel assembly110is supported. In addition, all or a portion of the weight of door panel assembly may be supported in guide track106. The sliding door system100may have a power source and sensors for automatic movement, and/or may be manually moved for opening and closing.

As illustrated inFIGS.1-3, the door panel assembly110is configured for mounting at the frame102, which defines a doorway opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the door panel assembly110has a vertically or longitudinally bifurcated structural configuration (along the Y-axis) that includes at two stationary panels or sidelights112a,112band two sliding doors114a,114b. Sliding doors114a,114bare operable for movement in a lateral direction (along the X-axis) between a closed position to at least partially cover the doorway opening and an open position to at least partially expose the doorway opening. In the illustrated embodiments, two sliding doors114a,114bare shown, but embodiments with only one sliding door panel and/or only one stationary panel112a,112b, or no stationary panels, are also contemplated.

In the illustrated embodiment, each sliding door114a,114bhas a lateral or horizontally bifurcated structural configuration (along the X-axis) that includes an upper sliding window panel116a,116band a lower door panel118a,118bthat are split horizontally for independent movement relative to one another. However, as discussed above, embodiments in which one or more sliding window panels116a,116bare provided as sliding windows in a sliding window system without a door panel assembly110are also contemplated. An adjustable seal150a,150bis provided along the lower or bottom end of each sliding window panel116a,116b.

The upper sliding window panel116a,116bis releasably attached to the lower door panel118a,118bin a manner that facilitates selective placement of the sliding door114a,114bbetween a window operating mode and a door operating mode to permit ingress and egress of a user through the doorway opening. In the door operating mode, the sliding window panel116a,116band the lower door panel118a,118bare attached to each other, the attachment being released to place the upper sliding window panel116a,116bin the window operating mode.

In the illustrated embodiment, each sliding door114a,114bincludes a first lateral side120a,120band an opposite second lateral side122a,122b, respectively, as shown inFIG.2. Lateral sides120a,122aof sliding door114aextend in a longitudinal direction along the Y-axis between a first longitudinal side124aand a second longitudinal side126a. Lateral sides120b,122bof sliding door114bextend in a longitudinal direction along the Y-axis between a first longitudinal side124band a second longitudinal side126b. Longitudinal sides124a,126aand longitudinal sides124b,126bextend in a lateral direction along the X-axis.

In addition, for bifurcated door panels114a,114b, the lower door panels118a,118binclude upper longitudinal sides127a,127balong which provide a support surface along which the lower or bottom longitudinal sides129a,129bof window panels116a,116bmove. In other embodiments, the longitudinal sides127a,127bare a window sill that provide a support surface for the bottom longitudinal sides129a,129bof one or more sliding window panels116a,116bemployed in a sliding window system. In either embodiment, the sliding window panels116a,116beach include an adjustable seal150a,150b, respectively, the sealingly engages the support surface along longitudinal sides127a,127b.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the sliding window panel116a,116band associated lower door panel118a,118bcan be releasably coupled to one another with one or more clamp assemblies130that are operable to releasably interlock the upper sliding window panel116a,116band corresponding the lower door panel118a,118b. One or more clamp assemblies130can be used to facilitate the selective placement of the sliding door114a,114bbetween the window operating mode and the door operating mode. Other embodiments contemplate other structures for securing the window and door panels to one another. Of course, in embodiments in which there is no lower door panel118a,118b, clamp assembly130can be omitted.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the clamp assembly130includes an upper clamp body131and a lower clamp body132that provide a visual aid to the user to visually determine when the clamp assembly130is engaged or disengaged. The upper clamp body131is arranged as a receiver on the upper sliding window panel116a,116b, whereas the lower clamp body132is arranged on the lower door panel118a,118b.

The upper clamp body131has one or more protrusions133that include grooves or other structure to receive a clamp member134. The lower clamp body132has a pivotally-attached clamp member134, such as a hook, that is pivotably moveable via a handle135between a clamped position to place the clamp assembly130in a locked operating state, and an unclamped position to place the clamp assembly130in an unlocked state. In the clamped position, a user may pivot the clamp member134for engagement with the upper clamp member131and engagement with protrusion133. In the unclamped position, the clamp member134is counter-pivoted for disengagement with the upper clamp member131and movement out disengagement with protrusion133.

The structural configuration of the clamp assembly130facilitates self-centering of the upper sliding window panel116a,116band the lower sliding door panel118a,118b. Such self-centering serves to align the upper sliding window panel member11a,116band corresponding lower door panel118a,118bwhen placed from the window operating mode to the door operating mode. In addition, engagement of the clamp assembly130can draw the upper window panel116a,116btoward the corresponding lower door panel118a,118b, pressing adjustable seal150a,150bagainst the support surface along the longitudinal side127a,127b.

In the door operating mode, a user may place the clamp assembly130in the clamped or locked operating state by selectively manipulating the handle135to facilitate engagement of the clamp member134to the one or more protrusions133. Such engagement interlocks the upper sliding window panel116a,116band the corresponding lower sliding door panel118a,118b. In that way, the upper sliding window panel116a,116band corresponding lower sliding door panel118a,118bmay move jointly.

In the window operating mode, a user may place the clamp assembly130in the unclamped or unlocked operating state by selectively manipulating the handle135to facilitate disengagement of the clamp member134and the one or more protrusions133. Such disengagement releases the attachment of the upper sliding window panel116a,116band the corresponding lower sliding door panel118a,118b. As a result, in the window operating mode, the entire weight of the sliding door panels118a,118bis supported on guide track106.

Referring toFIG.6, lower door panel118ais partially shown along with longitudinal side127a, it being understood that door panel118bcan be similarly configured. In the illustrated embodiment, longitudinal side127aincludes a flat, channel or plate-like member152that extends along longitudinal side127afrom first lateral side120ato second lateral side122a. In an embodiment, adjustable seal150ais positioned in sealing engagement with the flat upper support surface154of member152. In an embodiment, the flat upper support surface154is formed along a window sill rather than along a lower door panel.

Further details of an embodiment of adjustable seal150a,150b(collectively and individually also referred to herein as adjustable seal150) is provided inFIGS.7-12. Adjustable seal150can be adjustable engaged along a bottom or lower side of a sliding window, such as upper sliding window panel116a,116of sliding door system110, or along a sliding window panel116a,116bof a sliding window system.

Adjustable seal150includes an elongated base160that is mounted to the bottom longitudinal sides129a,129bof sliding window panel116a,116bwith a pair of adjustable fastener assemblies180a,180b. Base160is configured to secure first and second elongated seals202,204along base160in a parallel or substantially parallel relationship. In an embodiment, each of the elongated seals202,204is a bulb seal with a hollow body and a semi-circular or semi-oval cross-sectional shape.

Base160is also configured to secure at least one elongated brush200along base160so that brush200extends from base160and between seals202,204. The elongated base160, elongated brush200, and elongated seals202,204are each elongated in the laterally extending X-axis direction.

Each fastener assembly180a,180bincludes an elongated fastener182with a head183positionable against a bottom facing side162of base160, and a stem185that extends through a corresponding hole163a,163bin center portion166of base160. Each fastener assembly180a,180balso includes a spring184, a spring guide186positionable in spring184, and a washer188positionable between spring guide and an upper facing side164of base160. Stem185is threadingly engaged to a web140of window panel116a,116b, with spring184being clamped between web140and upper facing side164of base160.

In an embodiment, web140includes a pair of elongated, internally threaded collars142a,142bextending therefrom adjacent each of the lateral sides120a,122aof sliding window panel116a,116bto provide a range of locations along which stem185of fastener182of each fastener assembly180a,180bcan be threadingly engaged. In an embodiment, web140extends between and connects a first wall144and a second wall146of sliding window panel116a,116b. In an embodiment, first wall144and second wall146extend downwardly from web140to form a cavity148at the bottom of window panel116a,116bin which the adjustable seal150is positioned.

Base160includes a plate-like center portion166connecting first and second mounting portions168,170at opposite ends of center portion166. Base160is symmetrical about a center axis C that extends longitudinally in the direction of the Y-axis when adjustable seal150is mounted to the sliding window panel116a,116b. Mounting portions168,170each include a pocket172,174configured to receive and retain brush200therein. Each mounting portion168,170also includes a rail176,178configured to receive and retain respective ones of the elongated seals202,204.

Each rail176,178forms a groove176a,178athat slidably receives a stem202a,204aof the elongated seals202,204. Stems202a,204acan be configured to dovetail with grooves176a,176bto secure elongated seals202,204on base160. Bulb portions202b,204bof each elongated seal202,204are located outside of groove176a,178ain order to contact the flat upper surface154of member152along door panel118a,118bor along a sill.

Each pocket172,174forms a receptacle172a,174athat is configured to receive an engagement portion200aof brush200. The symmetrical arrangement of pockets172,174allows brush200to be positioned in either pocket172,174and extend toward center axis C and between elongated seals202,204. When engaged in the selected pocket172,174, bristles200bof brush200extend from engagement portion200aand outwardly from pocket172,174in between elongated seals202,204. In an embodiment, bristles200bcross center axis C. Each pocket172,174may also include opposing inwardly projecting flanges172b,174bto contact engagement portion200aand assist in retaining brush200therein. Engagement portion200amay include a handle, covering, or other structure to which bristles200bare mounted and is securable in pocket172or pocket174with the associate flanges172b,174b.

In an embodiment, base160includes opposite lateral surfaces167a,167bon the outer facing sides of mounting portions168,170. Lateral surfaces167a,167bextend parallel to center axis C along the length of base160. In addition, base160includes upper sides167c,167dthat extend along pockets172,174of mounting portions168,170. Upper sides167c,167bare located above center portion166, and lateral sides167a,167bextend downwardly from respective ones of the uppers sides167c,167dalong the adjacent pocket172,174to rail176,178below center portion166. Rails176,178extend parallel to center portion166and parallel to each other below center portion166.

Mounting portion168includes a triangular void168abetween pocket172and rail176, and mounting portion170includes a triangular void170abetween pocket174and rail178. Voids168a,170areduce material within base160and allow flexing of the of the mounting portions168,170. In addition, the plate-like profile of center portion166and single attachment location for mounting portions168,170to center portion166allows mounting portions168,170to flex relative to center portion166and enhance sealing engagement by the elongated seals202,204against the support surface154.

Each of the pockets172,174and its associated receptacle172a,174ais oriented to extend along an axis A that is obliquely oriented to center axis C. In one embodiment, axis A is angled at an angle B ranging from 15 degrees to 50 degrees with respect to center axis C in order to provide clearance along center portion166for the fastener assemblies180a,180bwhile orienting brush200into the space between elongated seals202,204. In an embodiment, angle B ranges from 25 degrees to 40 degrees in order to provide the clearance. In an embodiment, angle B ranges from 30 degrees to 35 degrees in order to provide the clearance. In an embodiment, angle B is about 32 degrees in order to provide the clearance.

Fastener assemblies180a,180badjust the spacing between web140and base160at each of the lateral sides120a,122aof sliding window panel116aand/or lateral sides120b,122bof sliding window panel116b. As a result, fastener assemblies180a,180bcan be individually adjusted by raising or lowering base160to close the gap between the bottom of window panels116a,116band longitudinal sides127a,127bof door panels118a,118bor support surface154. Individual adjustment at each end of adjustable seal150allows the base160and elongated seals202,204to close a gap that isn't a constant width between the window panel116a,116band door panel118a,118b, or between window panel116a,116band support surface154.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. According to one aspect, a system includes a sliding window panel configured to slide along a support surface between an open position and a closed position, and an adjustable seal engaged to a bottom side of the sliding window panel facing the support surface. The adjustable seal includes an elongated base, first and second elongated seals mounted to the base and spaced apart from one another along the base, and an elongated brush mounted to the base that extends through the space between the elongated seals. The adjustable seal also includes first and second fastener assemblies for engaging respective opposite ends of the elongated base to the sliding window panel. The first and second fastener assemblies each include a fastener extending through the elongated base to engage the sliding window panel and a spring between the base and the window panel. The spring of each fastener assembly is adjustable with the fastener to position the respective opposite end of the base relative to the bottom of the sliding window panel so the first and second seals are each positioned against the support surface at each of the opposite ends of the elongated base.

In an embodiment, the elongated base includes a first mounting portion including a first pocket and a first rail extending along the base, a second mounting portion including a second pocket and a second rail extending along the base, and a center portion extending along the base that connects the first mounting portion to the second mounting portion. The first seal mounted to the first rail and the second seal mounted to the second rail.

In a further embodiment, the brush includes an engagement portion and bristles extending from the mounting portion, each of the first and second pockets includes a receptacle configured to receive the engagement portion of the brush, and the engagement portion of the brush is positioned in the receptacle of one of the first and second pockets.

In a further embodiment, the first and second mounting portions are movable relative to one another by flexing about the center portion to bias the first and second seals against the support surface.

In a further embodiment, the center portion includes a first hole adjacent one of the opposite ends of the base and a second hole adjacent the other of the opposite ends of the base. The fasteners of the first and second fastener assemblies are positioned through respective ones of the first and second holes and engaged to the sliding window panel.

In yet a further embodiment, the sliding window panel includes a first wall and a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a web that extends between and connects the first and second walls. The web includes first and second internally threaded collars that extend from the web. The fasteners of the first and second fastener assemblies are threadingly engaged to respective ones of the first and second collars.

In yet a further embodiment, the first wall and the second wall each extend from the web to the bottom of the sliding window panel. The first and second walls and the web form a cavity along the bottom of the sliding window panel. The adjustable seal is positioned at least partially within the cavity.

In an embodiment, the system includes a lower door panel and the support surface is provided along an upper side of the lower door panel.

In a further embodiment 9, the sliding window panel is coupled to the lower door panel to operate the sliding window panel and lower door panel together in a door mode, and the sliding window panel is released from the lower door panel to operate independently of the lower door panel a window mode.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an adjustable seal for a sliding window panel is provided. The adjustable seal includes an elongated base including a center portion. The center portion extends between and connects a first mounting and a second mounting portion of the base. The first mounting portion includes a first pocket and a first rail extending along the base, and the second mounting portion including a second pocket and a second rail extending along the base. The adjustable seal also includes a first elongated seal engaged to the first rail, a second elongated seal engaged to the second rail, and a brush engaged to one of the first pocket and the second pocket. The brush extends between the first seal and the second seal.

In an embodiment, each of the first rail and the second rail includes a groove extending therealong, and each of the first elongated seal and the second elongated seal includes a stem that is received in a corresponding groove of the first and second rails.

In a further embodiment, the stems of the first and second elongated seals are dovetailed in the corresponding groove of the first and second rails.

In a further embodiment, the first pocket and the second pocket each include a receptacle, and the brush includes an engagement portion engaged to the base in the one of the first pocket and the second pocket. The brush includes bristles extending from the engagement portion in between the first and second elongated seals.

In yet a further embodiment, each of the first and second pockets includes opposite inwardly projecting flanges extending into the receptacle thereof. The flanges engage the engagement portion of the brush to retain the brush in the one of the first pocket and the second pocket.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second mounting portions is capable of flexing relative to the center portion.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second pockets extends along an axis that is obliquely oriented to a center axis that bisects the center portion of the base.

In a further embodiment, each of the first and second rails extends parallel to the center portion of the base and is positioned below the first pocket or the second pocket of the corresponding first and second mounting portion.

In a further embodiment the center portion of the base includes a bottom side that faces toward the first and second elongated seals and an opposite upper facing side. The first and second pockets project above the upper facing side of the center portion.

In an embodiment, the adjustable seal includes a first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly for engaging opposite ends of the base to the sliding window. Each of the first and second fastener assemblies includes a fastener positionable through a corresponding hole in the base and a spring around the fastener that extends between the base and the sliding window panel.

In a further embodiment, each of the fastener assemblies includes a washer positionable against the base and a spring retainer around the fastener that is positioned between the fastener and the spring.