INTEGRATED GUIDE SYSTEM AND DOOR SEAL FOR A SOFT CLOSE SLIDING DOOR

A door system includes a door having a top edge, a leading edge, a trailing edge and an inner face. A first gasket is deformed into engagement with the inner face adjacent the top edge, a second gasket is deformed into engagement with the inner face adjacent the top edge and spaced from the first gasket. An acoustic barrier is positioned to close a gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face. A third gasket is mounted to a structure adjacent the door and a fourth gasket is mounted to the trailing edge of the door. Sealing members on the first gasket engage sealing members on the second gasket when the door is in the closed position.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to sliding doors and more particularly to soft close sliding doors and sliding doors having a sealing assembly.

BACKGROUND

A sliding door may be mounted on a track that allows the door to slide laterally relative to a door opening between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the door is spaced from the opening to allow ingress and egress through the door opening and in the closed position the door covers the opening to prevent ingress and egress through the door opening. A typical sliding door may be freely movable along the track such that the door is manually slid laterally between the open and closed positions. In certain circumstances the sliding door can approach the open and closed positions with an undesirable amount of force because the door is freely movable and the force applied to the door is variable. As a result, soft close systems have been developed that control the movement of the door as it reaches the fully open and/or fully closed positions. In some situations it is desirable to provide a door having a seal such that when the door is in the closed position the door is sealed to prevent or substantially reduce the transmission of air, sound, debris and the like across the door opening. In some embodiments the sealing system includes a bottom seal that engages the floor when the door is in the closed position.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a sliding door system comprises a door comprising a top edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge defining an inner face. The door is mounted for sliding movement relative to a door opening formed in a structure between a closed position and an open position. A first gasket and a second gasket are deformed into engagement with the inner face adjacent the top edge. The first gasket is spaced from the second gasket to create a gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face. An acoustic barrier is positioned at one end of the first gasket and the second gasket. The acoustic barrier engages the inner face and closes the gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face when the door is in the closed position.

The acoustic barrier may comprise a front side that slidably engages the inner face of the door. The front side of the acoustic barrier may be generally planar and deformable. The front side of the acoustic barrier may comprise a pad that slidably engages the inner face of the door. The acoustic barrier may comprise a plate that is dimensioned to extend between the first gasket and the second gasket. The plate may support the pad. The pad may comprise a pile pad. A back side of the acoustic barrier may comprise slots that receive a mounting fascia for the first gasket and the second gasket. The acoustic barrier may be fixed to the structure. A third gasket may be mounted to the structure such that it is positioned adjacent the trailing edge of the door when the door is in the closed position and a fourth gasket may be mounted to the trailing edge of the door. The third gasket may comprise a plurality of first deformable sealing members and the fourth gasket may comprise a plurality of second deformable sealing members. The plurality of first deformable sealing members may interdigitate with the plurality of second deformable sealing members when the door is in the closed position. The plurality of first deformable sealing members may alternate with the plurality of second deformable sealing members in a direction from the leading edge of the door toward the trailing edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. The third gasket may be mounted to the structure such that the plurality of first deformable sealing members extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the door. A channel member may be disposed generally vertically to receive the leading edge of the door when the door is in the closed position where the channel member comprises a fifth gasket that faces the door such that when the door is in the closed position and the leading edge of the door is received in the channel, the fifth gasket engages the door near the leading edge.

In some embodiments, a sealing assembly for a door is provided where the door comprises a top edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge defining an inner face where the door is mounted for movement relative to a door opening formed in a structure between a closed position and an open position. A first gasket and a second gasket are deformed into engagement with the inner face adjacent the top edge where the first gasket is spaced from the second gasket to create a gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face. An acoustic barrier is positioned at one end of the first gasket and the second gasket, where the acoustic barrier engages the inner face and closes the gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face when the door is in the closed position. A third gasket is mounted to the structure such that it is positioned adjacent the trailing edge of the door when the door is in the closed position and a fourth gasket is mounted to the trailing edge of the door. The third gasket comprises a plurality of first deformable sealing members and the fourth gasket comprises a plurality of second deformable sealing members arranged such that the plurality of first deformable sealing members engage the plurality of second deformable sealing members when the door is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, a sliding door system comprises a door having a top edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge defining an inner face, the door being mounted for sliding movement relative to a door opening formed in a structure between a closed position and an open position. A first gasket is mounted to the structure such that it is positioned adjacent the trailing edge of the door when the door is in the closed position and a second gasket is mounted to the trailing edge of the door. One of the first gasket and the second gasket comprises a plurality of first deformable sealing members and the other one of the first gasket and the second gasket comprises at least one second deformable sealing member. The plurality of first deformable sealing members interdigitate with the at least one second deformable sealing member when the door is in the closed position.

The plurality of first deformable sealing members may alternate with the at least one second deformable sealing member in a direction from the leading edge of the door toward the trailing edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. The first gasket may be mounted to the structure such that the plurality of first deformable sealing members extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the door. A third gasket and a fourth gasket may be deformed into engagement with the inner face adjacent the top edge. The third gasket may be spaced from the fourth gasket to create a gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face. An acoustic barrier may be positioned at one end of the first gasket and the second gasket where the acoustic barrier engages the inner face and closes the gap between the first gasket, the second gasket and the inner face when the door is in the closed position. The acoustic barrier may comprise a front side that slidably engages the inner face of the door. The front side of the acoustic barrier may comprise a soft pad. The acoustic barrier may comprise a plate that supports the pad where the plate comprises slots that receive a mounting fascia for the third gasket and the fourth gasket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to the figures, an embodiment of a sliding door assembly is shown. While one embodiment of a door assembly is shown and described, the inventions described herein may be used in door assemblies other than the embodiment specifically shown and described herein.

The door assembly is shown generally at1and comprises a door2mounted for movement relative to a door opening4formed in a wall or other structure6. The door opening4may provide ingress to or egress from a room, building, or other structure. The opening4may be selectively opened or closed by moving the door2laterally relative to the opening4between a fully open position and a fully closed position as represented by arrow A inFIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the door may assume partially open/closed positions between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

The door2may comprise a generally planar member defining a top edge10, bottom edge12, a first or trailing edge14and a second or leading edge16. The door may be made of any suitable material and may be provided in a variety of suitable finishes and styles to meet both aesthetic needs and utilitarian requirements such as sound, smoke, fire proofing or the like. To support the door2for movement relative to the wall6an elongated mounting bracket18is mounted to the wall6over the opening4. The mounting bracket18is mounted substantially horizontally and may extend for the full length of travel of the door2. The mounting bracket18may be secured to the wall6by fasteners such as screws or the like. A track20is mounted to the mounting bracket18such that it extends for the full length of travel of the door2. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket18has an overhang portion18a. The track20is mounted substantially horizontally and extends over the opening4such that it supports the door2between the fully open position and the fully closed position. The mounting bracket18and track20may be made of a rigid, strong material such as, but not limited to, metal such as aluminum, steel, or the like, a plastic or polymer material or the like, or other suitable material, provided that the mounting bracket18and track20can support the door2. The track20has a generally inverted U-shape cross section that includes downwardly extending support members22connected at their upper ends by a cross member24. The cross member24may be secured to the overhang portion18aof the support track18by fasteners26such as screws. The lower ends of the support members22terminate in inwardly extending support surfaces28that define a gap therebetween. Trollies40are supported on the support surfaces28and extend into the gap as will herein after be described.

The support members22are formed to define a generally rectangular lower interior space19that communicates with the gap formed between the inwardly extending support surfaces28and a generally rectangular upper interior space21that communicates with the lower interior space, seeFIGS. 1 and 6. The upper interior space21is dimensioned to retain the soft close devices50a,50band the lower interior space is dimensioned to receive the trollies40and the stops32as will be hereinafter explained.

A front plate30may be secured to the mounting bracket and/or to the track to cover the support assembly and hide the internal components. The front plate30may be made of any suitable material and may be snap-fit to the mounting bracket18or it may be secured by separate fasteners. The front plate30may be provided in a variety of suitable finishes and styles to meet both aesthetic and utilitarian requirements.

A stop32may be secured to and supported at each end of the track20to close the track after the trollies40and soft close devices50are inserted into the track. Referring toFIG. 10each stop32may comprise an elastomeric bumper or cushion36supported in a block38such that the bumper36extends from the block in a position where the trolley40may strike the bumper36. Threaded members37threadably engage the block38and reverse threadably engage an opposing mounting bracket39such that rotation of the threaded members37forces the block38and plate39together. Block38is positioned in the lower interior space and plate39is positioned outside of and below the track20such that when the stops32are disposed in the track20and the block38and plate39are moved toward one another the support surfaces28of track20are clamped between the block38and plate39. The stops32may be secured in the track by any suitable mechanism. An end plate34may be attached to each end of the mounting bracket18and front plate30such as by screws to complete the assembly. The end plates34may be provided in a variety of suitable finishes and styles to meet both aesthetic needs and utilitarian requirements such as sound, smoke, fire proofing or the like

A frame80may be provided that defines or surrounds the opening4. The frame80may be formed by individual frame members or caps82,84,86that fit over the opening4formed in wall6where the caps82,84,86may be secured to the wall by suitable fasteners. A greater or fewer number of frame members may be used. In other embodiments the frame80may be formed as part of the wall6. The frame80may also comprise frame fascias88,90,92,102that connect to the caps using a snap-fit connection separate fasteners or the like.

In some embodiments, a seal between the door2and the wall6and door frame4is provided. The seal may create a barrier against sound, air, smoke, light, sightlines, debris or the like. Gaskets91,93,96,98, and100are provided to create the seal. The gaskets91,93,96,98and100may be formed of any suitable compressible, resilient material such as rubber, polymer or the like. The gaskets91,93,96,98and100create a seal around the periphery of the opening4. In some embodiments each gasket91,93,96,98and100may comprise at least one elongated sealing member that extends to the door to form a seal against the door. Referring toFIG. 18, gaskets91are supported in front plate30such that they extend along and engage the outer face of the door adjacent the top edge10of the door when the door is in the closed position. The gaskets91engage the front face of the door and are deformed into engagement with the front face to create the seal. The gaskets91may be supported in elongated slots or holders formed on the front plate30or by other securement mechanisms. Gaskets93are supported on mounting bracket18such that they extend along and engage the inner face of the door adjacent the top edge10of the door when the door is in the closed position. The gaskets93engage the inner face of the door and are deformed into engagement with the inner face to create the seal. The gaskets93may be supported in elongated slots or holders formed on the mounting bracket18or by other securement mechanisms.

Referring toFIGS. 20 through 26, in some embodiments, an acoustic barrier300may be provided to increase the sound proofing of the door. The embodiment ofFIG. 20uses the same reference numbers to describe the same elements previously described with reference toFIGS. 1-19. The acoustic barrier300prevents sound from penetrating the door through a gap310(FIG. 26) formed between the vertically spaced gaskets91and the inner face of the door2when the door is in a closed position.

The acoustic barrier300comprises a relatively flat plate302that is dimensioned to fit between the door2and the structure6and to extend across the gaskets91. A front side302aof plate302is planar and faces the door2of the plate. A pad310is attached to the front side302aof the plate302such as by an adhesive layer303. The pad310is deformable and may be resiliently deformable such that it may be pressed into engagement with the inner face of the door2. The pad310may be formed of a relatively soft material such as a pile material.

A back side302bof the plate302is also generally planar and faces the support structure6. Two pairs of grooves or slots306are formed in the back side302bof the plate302and extend through the width of the plate from the leading edge to the trailing edge of plate302. The grooves or slots306extend parallel to and are aligned with the gaskets91. In a typical installation, the direction of travel of the door is generally horizontal such that the gaskets91and grooves or slots306extend substantially horizontally. The grooves or slots306are shaped and dimensioned to closely but slidably receive flanges92a,92bon the mounting fascia92for the gaskets91such that the plate302may be slid onto the end of the wall mounting fascia92. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves or slots306each define a pair of parallel substantially L-shaped recesses that are shaped and dimensioned to receive matingly shaped flanges92a,92bon the mounting fascia92. The back side302bof plate302, except for grooves or slots306, is planar and is configured such that it engages the structure between and immediately adjacent to the gaskets91. In the illustrated embodiment, portion314of back side302bengages bracket18in the area immediately above the gaskets91. Portion316of back side302bengages mounting fascia92in the area between the gaskets91. Portion318of back side302bengages bracket18in the area immediately above the gaskets91. The plate302is fixed to the structure6such as by a screw304that engages aperture309on plate302or other fixing mechanism such that the acoustic barrier300is fixed in position as shown inFIG. 26. The acoustic barrier300is positioned just beyond the end of the gaskets91at the trailing edge14of the door2. The plate302is configured such that the back side302bof the plate, except for the area of grooves or slots306, is planar and abuts the structure6. The pad310contacts the back side of the door2such that door2slides over pad310as the door is opened and closed. The acoustic barrier300closes gaps that would otherwise be found at the end of gaskets91to further attenuate the passage of sound through the door opening.

Referring toFIG. 19gasket100is mounted to the back face of the door and extends for substantially the entire height of the door. The gasket100engages the facing surface of the wall6or fascia102, as shown, and is deformed into engagement with the wall6or fascia102to create the seal along the trailing edge14of the door2. The gasket100may be supported in elongated slots or holder104formed on or mounted to the door or by other securement mechanisms.

Referring toFIGS. 20, 27 and 28, to further enhance the sound attenuation of the door, a mating second gasket400is mounted on the door frame. The mating second gasket400may be mounted to fascia102, as shown inFIG. 20, and extends for substantially the entire height of the door2. The mating second gasket400is located along the trailing edge14of the door2when the door is in the closed position. The gasket400is mounted in a fixed position on structure6such that the door2slides over the gasket400as the door2is opened and closed. In one embodiment, the gasket400is shown in end view inFIG. 27and comprises three sealing members400a,400band400cthat extend from a base member404. The gasket400may be formed of any suitable compressible, resilient material such as rubber, polymer or the like. The three sealing members400a,400band400cextend at an angle relative to the base404such that when the base404is secured to the structure6the sealing members400a,400band400cangle or tilt in a direction toward the leading edge16of the door2and away from the trailing edge14of the door2. The sealing members400a,400band400calso decrease in length from base404from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

The sealing members400a,400band400care configured and spaced from one another such that when the door is in the closed position, the sealing members400a,400band400cinterdigitate with the sealing members100a,100band100cof gasket100. The sealing members400a,400band400calternate with the sealing members100a,100band100cin a direction from the leading edge of the door toward the trailing edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. Specifically, sealing member400cis positioned outside of sealing member100a, sealing member400bis positioned between sealing member100aand100band sealing member400cis positioned between sealing member100band100c. As shown inFIG. 28, the sealing members100a,100b,100cand the sealing members400a,400b,400care not shown in a deformed state as would be the case in actual use of the door where the sealing members400a,400b,400care compressed and deformed against the door2and the sealing members100a,100b,100care compressed and deformed against support structure6. Because the gaskets100and400each have a base100dand404, respectively, from which the sealing members extend, at least some of the sealing members on each of the gaskets are compressed and deformed against the opposite base. The interengagement of sealing members100a,100b,100cof gasket100and sealing members400a,400band400cof gasket400further attenuates the passage of sound. The interengagement of sealing members100a,100b,100cof gasket100and sealing members400a,400band400cof gasket400and the acoustic barrier300cooperate to attenuate the passage of sound through the trailing edge14of the door2.

The seal may comprise a channel member94that is disposed generally vertically and faces the leading edge16of the door2. The channel member94is dimensioned to receive the edge16of the door. The channel member94may comprise gaskets96and98that face both sides of the door such that when the door is in the closed position and the leading edge16of the door is received in the channel94, gasket96engages the outer face of the door near leading edge16and gaskets98engage the inner face of the door near the leading edge16to create the seal. The gaskets96and98may be formed of any suitable compressible, resilient material such as rubber, polymer or the like. The gaskets96and98extend the height of the channel member94and door2to create a seal along the height of the door. In some embodiments each of the gaskets96and98may comprise at least one elongated sealing member that forms a seal against the door. The gaskets may be formed of any suitable compressible, resilient material such as rubber, polymer or the like. The gaskets96and98may be supported in elongated slots or holders formed on or mounted to the channel member94or by other securement mechanisms.

To seal the bottom of the door, the bottom edge of the door may include a bottom seal that is moved into engagement with the floor when the door is in the closed position as will hereinafter be described. The arrangement of the gaskets as described above and the bottom seal create a door seal that extends about the periphery of the door to prevent the movement of air, sound, light, smoke or the like from moving through the door opening when the door is closed.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, the door2is supported by and suspended from the trollies40where one of the trollies is mounted near the front edge16of the door and the other one of the trollies40is mounted near the rear edge14of the door. The trollies40are identical such that one of the trollies is described in detail. The trolley40comprises a carriage42that rotatably supports a plurality of wheels44that are disposed such that the wheels ride on the support surfaces28of track20. The wheels44are arranged in pairs where in the illustrated embodiment, two pairs of wheels are provided. The trolley is mounted on the door using an apron assembly. The carriage42includes a threaded hole for receiving a threaded fastener46such as a screw such that the carriage42may be moved axially along the length of screw when the carriage42is rotated relative to the screw. A plate48is fixed to the top edge10of the door4trapping the head of screw between the door and the plate48. The plate48may be positioned in a pocket49formed in the edge of the door such that the plate48is flush with the top edge10. The plate48may be fixed to the top edge10of the door4by suitable fasteners such as screws that are inserted through holes47and threaded into the door. A lock nut45may be provided to clamp the plate48between the head of the screw46and the nut45to fix the screw in position. The carriage42may be threaded along the length of the screw46to adjust the position of the carriage42and wheels44relative to the door to position the door a set distance below the track and to adjust the position of the door relative to the floor in order to account for variations in the construction of the door. The fastener46extends into the gap between the support surfaces28such that the wheels44are supported on to support surfaces28.

An activator pin assembly60is mounted in the top edge10of the door4using a separate apron assembly from that used to mount the trollies40to the door. The activator pin assembly60comprises an activator pin62having a threaded end62athat is threaded into a threaded sleeve64. The threaded sleeve64is retained in a hole66formed in the top edge10of the door4. A plate66may be fixed to the top edge of the door to retain the threaded sleeve64between the door and the plate and thereby fix the activator pin62to the door. The plate66may be positioned in a pocket68formed in the edge of the door4such that the plate66is flush with the surface of the top edge10. The plate66may be fixed to the top edge of the door by suitable fasteners such as screws that are inserted through holes68and threaded into the door. A lock nut70and lock washer72may be provided to fix the position of the activator pin62. Rotation of the activator pin62relative to sleeve64and lock nut70increases or decreases the height of the activator pin62relative to the top edge of the door such that the height of the pin is adjustable.

In one embodiment, the activator pin62is located in the center of the door approximately midway between the leading edge16and the trailing edge14and may be positioned proximate to the vertical centerline of the door. The single activator pin62may be used to provide soft close functionality in both the opening direction and in the closing direction such that it is not necessary to provide two activators. While the activator pin is described as being positioned approximately midway between the leading edge16and the trailing edge14it may be slightly offset from the center of the door to allow the door to overlap with the opening as shown inFIG. 3.

Referring more specifically toFIG. 6, a pair of soft close devices50a,50bare used in conjunction with the single activator pin62such that the single activator pin62interacts with both soft close devices. Soft close devices are known and a variety of different types of soft close devices may be used to interact with the activator pin to control the opening and closing of the door. A typical soft close device includes a housing52that retains a carrier or catch54that is engaged in a first position by the activator pin62as the door2reaches the end of travel. The carrier or catch54is operatively connected to a damping device such as spring, pneumatic or gas cylinder or the like, or combinations of such elements, that move the carrier/catch and the door via the engagement of the carrier/catch with the activator pin, from the first position near the fully closed or near the fully open position to a second position at the fully closed or the fully open positions. As the door moves to the fully closed position the activator pin62engages the catch/carrier54of the first soft close device50aand when the door moves to the fully open position the activator pin62engages the carrier/catch54of the second soft close device50b. The soft close device50amoves the door from the first position near the fully closed position (FIGS. 2 and 7) to a second position at the fully closed position (FIGS. 3 and 8). The soft close device50boperates in the same manner for the fully open position. The damping device moves the door in a controlled manner such that the door does not open or close with too much force. The carrier or catch54is moved from the second position to the first position by the reverse movement of the door and/or by a separate biasing mechanism. The soft close devices50a,50bare positioned in the track20in the upper interior space21. Set screws23engage the soft close devices50aand50bto clamp the soft close devices in position against the track20.

With a single activator pin approximately centrally positioned on the door, the soft close devices50are positioned such that the first soft close device50ais engaged by the activator pin as the door nears the fully closed position and the second soft close device50bis engaged by the activator pin as the door nears the fully open position. When the door is at the halfway point of travel between the fully open position and the fully closed position (FIG. 1), the soft close devices50a,50bare spaced approximately equally from the activator pin62allowing for the overlap of the door against the door frame when the door is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the activator pin may be located offset from the centerline of the door. In such an embodiment, the soft close devices may be located in more non-symmetrical positions to maintain the movement of the door. For example, referring toFIG. 1if the activator pin is moved left of the centerline, the soft close devices may be moved to the left the same distance. The distance between the activator pin and the soft close devices determines the amount of travel the door moves in the opening and closing directions. The actual spacing between the soft close devices50a,50bdepends on the width of the door, the width of the opening and the desired amount of travel of the door.

The use of a single activator pin simplifies the installation of the system, minimizes the number of components and makes alignment of the door easier. It will be appreciated that the use of a single activator pin eliminates the need for a second activator pin. Using a single activator also minimizes door preparation because only a single pin activator mounting structure needs to be installed on the door. Moreover, by locating the single activator pin at the center of the door, the angle of the door and the heights of the edges of the door may be adjusted without moving the activator pin significantly relative to the first and second soft close devices making installation of the door easier. Also, using an activator pin that is mounted to the door separate from the trollies, the position of the trollies relative to the door can be adjusted independently of the position of the activator pin relative to the door. In some embodiments, a single soft close device may be used adjacent one of the open and closed positions.

Referring toFIGS. 11 through 16an integrated guide system and bottom door seal will be described. The door seal may include a bottom door seal118that seals the bottom of the door against the floor or other support structure such that the door is sealed about its entire periphery when the door is in the closed position. Bottom door seals are known where the door seal is moved vertically from a retracted position (FIG. 14A) to an extended position (FIG. 14B) when the door is moved to the closed position such that a sealing member122of the bottom door seal118engages the floor. One example of such a bottom door seal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,584 issued to Pemko Manufacturing Co. on Oct. 3, 2000 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The bottom door seal118uses a drive mechanism120to move sealing member122vertically from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment a plurality of springs124are used to move the sealing member120vertically between the retracted and extended positions. The springs124may be mounted between a plurality of blocks126where the ends of each of the springs are mounted to the adjacent blocks and the center of the each of the springs is mounted to the sealing member122. At least one of the blocks is slidable laterally relative to the housing and at least one of the blocks is mounted in a fixed position relative to the housing. A push rod130(FIG. 16) is operatively connected to the slide blocks such that when the push rod130is moved to actuate the door seal (such as when the door is closed and the push rod engages the vertical wall of channel member94), the movement of the push rod130is transmitted to the slide blocks via the springs124such that the slide blocks are also moved laterally. Because the fixed block is fixed in position, the movement of the slide blocks causes the springs to deform such that the springs force the sealing member122vertically downward to seal against a floor or other structure. The sealing member122may comprise a deformable gasket132that deforms into engagement with the floor to create a tight seal. Although a specific example of a bottom door seal has been shown and described it is to be understood that the integrated guide assembly100of the invention may be used with any bottom door seal. The gasket132may be formed of any suitable compressible, resilient material such as rubber, polymer or the like such that the gasket deforms into engagement with the floor.

The integrated guide assembly100comprises a housing202that fits into a groove204formed in the bottom edge12of the door2. The groove204extends along and is open to the bottom edge12of the door2. The groove204extends parallel to the direction of travel of the door. Housing202fits into the groove204such that the housing202and the groove204extend for the width of the door2between the leading and trailing edges of the door. The housing202defines a first channel208and a second channel210. Both of channels208,210extend along the length of the housing202and for the width of the door2and both channels208,210open toward the bottom edge of the door. In one embodiment a common interior wall212defines the interior side of both of the channels208,210such that the channels are disposed closely adjacent and parallel to one another to minimize the width of the housing. Channel208is further defined by outer wall214and channel210is defined by outer wall216. Channel208is closed by top wall218that extends between the interior wall212and the outer wall214and channel210is closed by top wall220that extends between the interior wall212and the outer wall216. In the illustrated embodiment the housing202includes a pair of opposed flanges222,224that extend from outer walls214and216, respectively and that may be secured to the bottom edge36of the door2. The flanges may be eliminated such that the housing terminates at the end of or inside of the groove204. The housing202may comprise a unitary one-piece member such that the channel for receiving the guide member and the channel for receiving the bottom seal are part of the same member. For example, in some embodiments, the housing may be an extruded member. As used herein the housing202may be considered a unitary one-piece member where the housing202, including both channels208and210, is made of separate components provided the components are connected together outside of the door and are installed in the door as a unit. For example the housing may be made of planar members secured to one another by welding, crimping, fasteners or the like.

The first channel208is dimensioned to receive the bottom seal118such that the sealing member122may be retracted and extended to seal with the floor or other surface as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B. The second channel210is dimensioned and configured to slidably receive the door guide230. The door guide230comprises an upright guide member232that, when engaged with channel210maintains the bottom edge of the door in position relative to the wall as the door is opened and closed. In the illustrated embodiment the guide member232comprises a flat plate that is closely but slidably received in channel210. The door guide230further comprises a support member240that supports the guide member. The support member240is arranged such that it does not interfere with the engagement of the sealing member122with the floor when the sealing member122is extended from the housing.

The support member240is positioned such that it extends away from and behind the sealing member122. In one embodiment the support member240comprises an L-shaped member having a horizontal section or leg242that may extend along the floor and may be secured thereto and a vertical portion or leg244that may be secured to the wall behind the door. It is important for the sealing member122to be able to make contact with the floor along its entire length in order to provide a suitable barrier against sound, air, light etc. Therefore, arranging the support240such that it does not extend under the sealing member122allows the seal to contact the floor in uninterrupted manner. The guide member232has a front side232athat faces toward the bottom seal118and a back side232bthat faces away from the bottom seal118. In one embodiment, where the channels are disposed closely adjacent to one another the support member240does not extend beyond the front side232asuch that it does not extend under the sealing member122.

End plates248,250may be mounted to the side edges of the door2to cover the bottom seal. End plate248includes a slot252to allow the guide member232to extend through the end plate. Endplate250includes an aperture254that allows the push rod130to extend through end plate250. In one embodiment screws260may extend through apertures in the end plates and engage threaded holes262in the housing202to secure the end plates248,250in position.

The integrated guide system and bottom door seal ofFIGS. 11-16may be used with the peripheral door seal and soft close system described with respect toFIGS. 1-10. However, the integrated guide system and bottom door seal, the peripheral door seal and the soft close system may be used independently of one another. When used together the integrated guide system and bottom door seal, the peripheral door seal provide a sealing system that resists the transmission of air, light, sound across the door.