Exemplary implementations of a thermally-efficient slidable fenestration assembly are glass window systems or glass door systems having one or more sliding glass panels. The fenestration assemblies are adapted to be mounted in an architectural structure such as a building or house. Accessory channels in the fenestration framework may be provided to facilitate nail-fin, retro-fit or screen adaptors as means to attach the assembly to the surrounding architecture. Stiles, tracks and rails of the assembly are specifically configured to reduce heat transfer across the fenestration assembly, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity and durability of the overall assembly. Certain stile, track and rail components may comprise materials of relatively low conductivities. Preferred stile configurations include interlock elements arranged to reduce the assembly's vulnerability to tampering from a position outside of the fenestration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to sliding fenestration systems such those associated with multi-panel sliding glass doors or horizontal and vertical windows. More particularly, the present invention relates to slidable fenestration assemblies which are highly energy-efficient.

BACKGROUND

Conventional slidable fenestration systems include single-slide or multi-slide glass window systems or sliding glass door systems. Many such systems are conventionally adapted to be mounted in an architectural structure such as a building or house. This mounting may be accomplished by way of, for example, block fit (block frame), retro-fit, nail-fin, or flush fin interfaces. Moreover, it is often preferable for fenestration systems to be designed to reduce heat transfer between the inside of the architectural structure and the outside of the architectural structure through the fenestration system. Such systems are frequently described as thermally-efficient, and are often designated with a U-factor which defines the quality of the system's insulating properties (resistance to heat flow).

What are needed are slidable fenestration assemblies which provide for improved thermal efficiencies, and are thus capable of reliably achieving, in their completely closed configurations, a U-factor of below 0.32, and as low as 0.28 or lower.

SUMMARY

Certain deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by the provision of features and implementations of slidable fenestration assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure. Such features and implementations represent improvements, particularly increased thermal efficiencies, over conventional fenestration systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views.

With reference to theFIGS. 1-5, certain preferred embodiments of a slidable fenestration assembly are depicted at100. Implementations of a slidable fenestration assembly in accordance with the present disclosure may be, for example, an energy-efficient single-slide or multi-slide glass window system or sliding glass door system capable of achieving, in their completely closed configurations, a U-factor of below 0.32, and as low as 0.28 or lower. Moreover, a slidable fenestration assembly in accordance with the present disclosure may be adapted to be mounted in an architectural structure such as a building or house. Depending upon the application, such mounting may be by way of, for example, block fit (block frame), retro-fit, nail-fin (e.g., new construction), flush fin, other conventional fenestration mounting means or the like. Accessory channels (e.g., adaptor channels) in the framework102, such as those features shown at144inFIGS. 8-10, may be provided to facilitate nail-fin, retro-fit or screen adaptors.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a slidable fenestration assembly100may have a longitudinal axis106, an orthogonal axis108and transverse axis110. These axes are preferably defined perpendicularly to one another. Depending upon the particular construction application, the slidable fenestration assembly100may be configured to be installed with the longitudinal axis106(e.g., the panel slide axis) oriented vertically with respect to a local horizontal plane, such as the foundation or floor of a house or building. Contrastingly, the slidable fenestration assembly100may be installed with the longitudinal axis oriented horizontally with respect to a local horizontal plane.

Preferred embodiments of a slidable fenestration assembly100may comprise a framework102and one or more panel elements104. Referring toFIG. 2, preferred implementations of a framework104may include one or more of, or some combination of, a proximal track111a, a distal track111b, and jambs115. The proximal track111aand distal track111bmay be opposingly disposed along the orthogonal axis108. A pair of jambs115may be opposingly disposed along the longitudinal axis106. Preferred implementations of a panel element104may include a glazing element146and a sash154(i.e., panel frame). The sash154may include one or more of, or some combination of, a proximal rail156, a distal rail158, an end stile160and an interlock stile162. In implementations of the slidable fenestration assembly100, at least one of the panel elements104is slidably retained within the framework102. In particular implementations of the slidable fenestration assembly100having multiple panel elements104, at least one of the panel elements104may be non-slidably affixed within the framework102.

Referring toFIG. 6, a glazing element146may include one or more panes148arranged parallel to one another. Each pane may be comprised of glass, Acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like. In addition, each pane148may be treated with one or more coatings such as, for example, one or more layers of a low-emission (otherwise commonly referred to as “Low-E”) coating or film. In glazing elements comprising two or more panes148, the panes148may be separated by a cavity150. The width of a cavity150may be maintained, at least in part, by a spacer152. The cavity150may be filled with a gas such as Argon, carbon dioxide, Freon, Krypton, a combination thereof or the like. In certain implementations of a glazing element146, a Low-E film (not shown) may be suspended within the cavity150between a pair of panes148. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 6-10, a glazing element146may be planar and have peripheral edge portions, each edge portion being receivable by respective glazing channels in sash components such as the interlock stile162(see, e.g.,FIG. 12), proximal rail156, distal rail158, and end stile160.

Referring toFIGS. 6, 11 and 12, an interlock stile162may include an outboard section166, an inboard section168, an interlock first thermal break200, an interlock second thermal break202, and an interlock element186. The outboard section166may have an outer facing wall170and a lateral facing wall172perpendicular to one another. The outer facing wall170and lateral facing wall172may intersect with one another at an outboard edge174. The inboard section168is preferably materially discontinuous with the outboard section166, and may have an inner facing wall176. The interlock stile162may further include an interlock stile glazing channel178in receiving engagement with one of the peripheral edge portions of the glazing element146. In certain preferred implementations of the interlock stile162, the interlock stile glazing channel178may be defined at least in part by mutually-opposing disposition of the outer facing wall170and the inner facing wall176. A glazing gasket164may be disposed between the glazing channel and the respective peripheral edge of the glazing element146, so as to help protectively secure the glazing element within the glazing channel and prevent gas from escaping from the cavity150. The interlock first thermal break200may be secured in coupling communication between the outer facing wall and the inboard section. The interlock second thermal break202may be secured in coupling communication between the lateral facing wall170and the inboard section168. As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7for example, such securement may be by way of clamping or crimped engagement between respective break nodes of the outboard and inboard section and respective ends of the interlock first and second thermal breaks.

In particular preferred implementations of the interlock stile162, the interlock first thermal break200, the interlock second thermal break202and the interlock element186may have relatively low thermal conductivities compared to the outboard section166and the inboard section168. By way of example, the interlock stile thermal breaks (and the other thermal breaks disclosed herein) may be comprised of, for example, 6/6 Polyamide Nylon or the like, and the interlock element186may be comprised of PVC, another polymer with low thermal conductivity, or the like. Contrastingly, the outboard section166and the inboard section168may be comprised of aluminum or a similar metal.

Referring toFIG. 21, an alternate implementation of an interlock stile162is shown with variations in the shapes of the interlock first thermal break200and interlock second thermal break202, and an interlock stile auxiliary break274(e.g., extruded PVC or the like). Referring toFIG. 22, a further alternate implementation of an interlock stile162is shown wherein an interlock stile cavity is filled with a foam insulation material278. Referring toFIG. 7, an inboard cavity280may optionally be filed with foam insulation.

Referring toFIG. 12, in certain preferred implementations of the interlock stile162, the interlock first thermal break200may have an extrusion cross-section elongated along an interlock first break axis204and the interlock second thermal break202may have an extrusion cross-section elongated along an interlock second break axis206. The interlock first and second break axes may be non-parallel to one another. For example, as shown in the particular implementation illustrated inFIG. 12, the interlock first break axis204and interlock second break axis206may be perpendicular to one another. It is envisioned that in alternative implementations, the interlock first break axis204and interlock second break axis206may be set at various other angles with respect to one another, such as 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or the like.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, an interlock element186may have an interlock channel188with a channel opening (i.e., at the open end or “mouth” of the interlock channel188), and an interlock base wall190and an interlock engagement lip192in opposing disposition with respect to one another to at least partially define the interlock channel188. In certain preferred implementations of an interlock stile162, the interlock base wall190may be secured to the outboard section166and the inboard section168so as to bridge an interlock gap238defined between the lateral facing wall172and the inner facing wall176. The interlock element186may include an opposing face194disposed oppositely of the channel opening. The interlock element186may be affixed to the remainder of the interlock stile by way of, for example, screws or rivets (not shown) connecting the interlock element186to the interlock second thermal break202.

Referring toFIGS. 13A and 13B, the lateral facing wall172may be materially continuous, and may extend from the outer facing wall170to the interlock element186, and across at least a portion of the opposing face190. Moreover, with reference toFIGS. 6 and 13B, the lateral facing wall172may extend most or all of the way across the opposing face190so as conceal the remainder of the interlock stile162from a viewpoint236outward of and normal to the lateral facing wall172. This construction improves the aesthetics of the interlock stile while also protecting the interlock element186from being tampered with from a position outside of the interlock stile162.

Referring toFIGS. 11-13B, in certain preferred implementations of the interlock stile162, the outboard section166may include an interlock first break node240extending inward from the outboard facing wall170and an interlock second break node242extending inward from the lateral facing wall172. The inboard section168may include an interlock third break node244and an interlock fourth break node246. The interlock first thermal break200may be received in clamping securement by the interlock first break node240and the interlock third break node244. The interlock second thermal break202may be received in clamping securement by the interlock second break node242and the interlock fourth break node246. Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the outboard section166may include an interlock bracing wall184. The interlock bracing wall184may extend, for example, from the interlock first break node240to the interlock second break node242.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the interlock first break node240may extend inward from the outer facing wall170by way of a channel floor outboard segment180. The interlock third break node244may extend inward from the inner facing wall176by way of a channel floor inboard segment182. The channel floor outboard segment180and channel floor inboard segment182may define, at least in part, a floor portion of the interlock stile glazing channel178. As illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12for example, the interlock fourth break node246may be disposed along the channel floor inboard segment182between the inner facing wall176and the interlock third break node244.

Particular preferred implementations of a slidable fenestration assembly100may comprise a first and a second panel element104. The first panel element104may be slidably movable along the longitudinal axis106between an open position (see, e.g.,FIGS. 4 and 5) and a closed position (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 3) with respect to the second panel element. Referring toFIG. 6, the interlock channel188of the first panel element104is in receipt of the interlock engagement lip192of the second panel element104when the first panel element104is in its closed position.

Referring toFIGS. 7, 11 and 13A, in certain preferred implementations of a slidable fenestration assembly100, a respective interlock brush strip198may be affixed to each interlock element186oppositely of its interlock base wall190. A respective interlock bumper196may be disposed within each interlock channel188. The interlock bumper196may be made of a compressible polymer or the like. Referring toFIG. 6, when the first panel element104is in its closed position, (i) the interlock brush strip198of the first panel element may sealingly engage the inner facing wall176of the second panel element; (ii) the interlock brush strip198of the second panel element may sealingly engage the inner facing wall176of the first panel element; (iii) the interlock engagement lip192of the first panel element may sealingly engage the interlock bumper196of the second panel element; and (iv) the interlock engagement lip192of the second panel element may sealingly engage the interlock bumper196of the first panel element.

Preferred implementations of a slidable fenestration assembly100may comprise a framework102within which the one or more panel elements104are mounted. Certain implementations of a slidable fenestration assembly100may comprise, for example, 2, 3, 4, or more panel elements104, some or all of which may be slidable with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis106within the framework102. The features, components and subassemblies disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of sliding fenestration configurations with any number of panel elements and corresponding track channels. For example, in a fenestration assembly with 3 or more panel elements, at least one interlock stile162(i.e., in a panel disposed between two other panels) may be configured with a pair of opposingly-disposed interlock elements186arranged such that the interlock channels188of each of the pair of interlock elements open in opposite directions.

Referring toFIG. 9, the framework102may include a proximal track111aand a corresponding first panel element104may include a proximal rail156. The proximal track111amay have a proximal track frame member112, a proximal track insert120and a track element128. The proximal track frame member112may include a pair of proximal transverse facing walls248defining a proximal insert channel250therebetween. The proximal track insert120may be disposed within the proximal insert channel250and may have a plurality of proximal track channel walls124adefining proximal track channels126ainterposed laterally thereof. The track element128may be disposed within a respective one of the proximal track channels126a.

Referring again toFIG. 9, the proximal rail156may have a proximal rail first section216, a proximal rail second section218, proximal rail glazing channel252, a proximal shoe channel254, a proximal first thermal break220aand a proximal second thermal break222a. The proximal rail first section216may have a proximal first facing wall256. The proximal rail second section218may be materially discontinuous with the proximal rail first section216and may have a proximal second facing wall258disposed oppositely of the proximal first facing wall256. The proximal rail glazing channel252may be in receiving engagement with one of the peripheral edge portions of the respective glazing element146, and may be defined between the proximal first and second facing walls. The proximal shoe channel254may also be defined between the proximal first and second facing walls, but disposed oppositely of the proximal rail glazing channel252. A proximal rail shoe228amay be disposed within the proximal shoe channel254. One or more roller assemblies230may be disposed within the proximal rail shoe228aand have one or more wheels232in engagement with the track element128so as to be guidedly rollable thereon. Shoe brush strips234may be affixed to the proximal rail shoe to laterally-engage respective proximal track channel walls124a. The proximal first thermal break220amay be secured in coupling communication between the proximal first and second facing walls. Similarly, the proximal second thermal break222amay be secured in coupling communication between the proximal first and second facing walls.

In certain preferred implementations of the slidable fenestration assembly100with interfacing proximal track and rail subassemblies (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS. 9and19), the proximal track insert120may have a relatively low thermal conductivity compared to all or portions of the proximal track frame member112. For example, the proximal track insert120may be comprised of PVC, another polymer with low thermal conductivity, or the like. In contrast, the proximal track frame member112may be comprised primarily of aluminum, with frame thermal breaks118comprising polyurethane or the like (e.g., formed by “pour and debridge” process). The track element may be comprised of a metal (such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel) or a plastic. Therefore, the proximal track insert120may also have a relatively low thermal conductivity compared the track element128, and may be disposed in thermally-insulative communication between the proximal track frame member112and the track element128. The proximal first thermal break220a, proximal second thermal break222a, and the proximal rail shoe228amay have relatively low thermal conductivities compared to the proximal rail first section216and proximal rail second section218. For example, the proximal first thermal break220aand proximal second thermal break222amay be comprised of 6/6 polyamide Nylon or the like, the proximal rail shoe228amay comprise PVC, another polymer with low thermal conductivity, or the like, and the proximal rail first section216and proximal rail second section218may comprise aluminum or the like.

Referring toFIG. 10, the framework102may include a distal track111band a corresponding first panel element104may include a proximal rail158. The distal track111bmay have a distal track frame member114and a distal track insert122. The distal track frame member114may include a pair of distal transverse facing walls262defining a distal insert channel264therebetween. The distal track insert122may be disposed within the distal insert channel264and may have a plurality of distal track channel walls124bdefining distal track channels126binterposed laterally thereof. The distal track insert122may be retained within the distal insert channel264by way of insert detents260protruding inwardly from the distal transverse facing walls262.

Referring again toFIG. 10, the distal rail158may have a distal rail first section216, a distal rail second section218, distal rail glazing channel266, a distal shoe channel268, a distal first thermal break220band a distal second thermal break222b. The distal rail first section216may have a distal first facing wall270. The distal rail second section218may be materially discontinuous with the distal rail first section216and may have a distal second facing wall272disposed oppositely of the distal first facing wall270. The distal rail glazing channel266may be in receiving engagement with one of the peripheral edge portions of the respective glazing element146and may be defined between the distal first and second facing walls. The distal shoe channel268may also be defined between the distal first and second facing walls, but disposed oppositely of the distal rail glazing channel266. A distal rail shoe228bmay be disposed within the distal shoe channel268. Shoe brush strips234may be affixed to the distal rail shoe to laterally-engage respective distal track channel walls124b. The distal first thermal break220bmay be secured in coupling communication between the distal first and second facing walls. Similarly, the distal second thermal break222bmay be secured in coupling communication between the distal first and second facing walls.

In certain preferred implementations of the slidable fenestration assembly100with interfacing distal track and rail subassemblies (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 20), the distal track insert122may have a relatively low thermal conductivity compared to all or portions of the distal track frame member114. For example, the distal track insert122may be comprised of PVC, another polymer with low thermal conductivity, or the like. In contrast, the distal track frame member114may be comprised primarily of aluminum, with frame thermal breaks118comprising polyurethane or the like (e.g., formed by “pour and debridge” process). The distal first thermal break220b, distal second thermal break222b, and the distal rail shoe228bmay have relatively low thermal conductivities compared to the distal rail first section216and distal rail second section218. For example, the distal first thermal break220band distal second thermal break222bmay be comprised of 6/6 polyamide Nylon or the like, and the distal rail shoe228bmay comprise PVC, another polymer with low thermal conductivity, or the like. In contrast, the distal rail first section216and distal rail second section218may comprise aluminum or the like. The distal rail first section216and distal rail section218may be partially received by respective said distal track channels126b.

Referring toFIG. 9, in particular preferred implementations of the proximal rail156, the proximal rail first section216may include a proximal break offset portion224adefining a proximal relief channel226awhich may open toward the proximal shoe channel254. In such implementations, the proximal second thermal break222amay be secured to the proximal first facing wall216by way of the proximal break offset portion224a. Similarly, referring toFIG. 10, in particular preferred implementations of the distal rail158, the distal rail first section216may include a proximal break offset portion224bdefining a distal relief channel226bwhich may open toward the distal shoe channel268. In such implementations, the distal second thermal break222bmay be secured to the distal first facing wall216by way of the distal break offset portion224b. The relief channels (226aand226b) uniquely provide improved clearance for protruding features of an automated crimping tool used to crimpingly secure the thermal breaks in coupling communication with respective first and second facing walls.

Referring toFIG. 23, in particular implementations of a rail subassembly (e.g.,158or158), a rail auxiliary break276may be inserted between the first and second thermal breaks. The rail auxiliary break276may be comprised of PVC or the like.

Particular implementations of a sliding fenestration assembly100with interfacing track and rail subassemblies (such as those illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10) may comprise a framework102including a track (e.g.,111aor111b), and a panel element104including a rail (e.g.,156or158). In such implementations, the track may include a track element128disposed within a respective track channel (e.g.,126a) and configured to supportingly and guidingly engage a wheel232of a wheel assembly230. The track insert (e.g.,120) may have a relatively low thermal conductivity compared to the track frame member (e.g.,111a) and the track element128, and maybe disposed in thermally-insulative communication therebetween. The track (e.g.,111aor111b) may include a brush strip mounting adaptor130in receiving engagement with an end of a track channel wall (e.g.,124aor124b), and a pair of opposingly-disposed track brush strips132. One of the track brush strips132may be affixed to the brush strip mounting adaptor130, and another of the track brush strips132may be affixed to one of the transverse facing walls (e.g.,248or262). The brush strip mounting adaptor130may preferably be comprised of aluminum or the like. In the alternative, the brush strip mounting adaptor130may be comprised of PVC or other polymer with relatively low conductivity (e.g., compared to aluminum).

Referring toFIG. 8, a jamb115may comprise a jamb frame member116having one or more jamb channels136, a jamb bumper138and jamb brush strips135. The jamb frame member116may be comprised primarily of aluminum, with frame thermal breaks118comprising polyurethane or the like. The jamb bumper138may be comprised of, for example, a self-adhesive sponge neoprene or the like. An end stile160may comprise an end stile first section208, and end stile second section210, and a pair of end stile thermal breaks212. The end stile thermal breaks may be comprised of 6/6 Polyamide Nylon or the like. Contrastingly, the end stile first section208, and end stile second section210may be comprised of aluminum. An auxiliary thermal break214may be provided, and may be comprised of PVC, another polymer with low thermal conductivity, or the like.

Referring toFIGS. 20 and 20A, a track shroud140may be provided to be removably attached to the track insert (e.g., by way of engagement between flexible clip arms and shroud clip detents142). This may be useful primarily for aesthetic reasons, to conceal a portion of a track that will not be occupied by a panel element104. The track shroud140may preferably be comprised of aluminum or other material that matches the material and appearance of the adjacent track frame members or sash components.

It is envisioned that in certain implementations of a slidable fenestration assembly100, the glazing element146may be substituted by an opaque panel comprising, for example, wood, MDX, or the like. Moreover, the glazing element or its substitute opaque panel may be non-planar.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the track (e.g.,111band111b) and/or jambs115may have a transverse width282, the size of which will depend upon, for example, the application of the fenestration assembly100and number of slidable panel elements incorporated therein. For example, in certain implementations of the assembly100with a dual-panel configuration, the transverse width282may be 4.5335 inches. However, other widths and dimensions are possible in alternative implementations. Moreover, the other features and components shown in the corresponding figures may have dimensions which may be proportionally deduced from the respective transverse width282.

As would be readily-apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art with the benefit of this disclosure, many or most of the components disclosed herein, particularly the metal and polymer components which are elongated and have constant cross-sections, may be preferably formed by conventional extrusion processes.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Various changes, modifications, and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof. It is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications.