SHOWER DOOR ASSEMBLY

A shower door assembly is provided with a track with a cavity, and an opening providing access to a channel in the cavity that provides a track guide for receipt of the pair of wheels. A shower door pane is provided with a pair of wheels mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane. Each of the pair of wheels is sized to be received in the channel for translation along the track. A vertical clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is less than a depth of the channel to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in a vertical orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to shower door assemblies.

BACKGROUND

A shower door guide assembly is disclosed in Schultz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,810 B2, which issued to Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp., on Aug. 29, 2017.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a shower door assembly is provided with a shower door pane and a track with a side opening. A pair of wheels is mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane. Each of the pair of wheels is sized to be received in the track for translation along the track. A diameter of each of the pair of wheels is greater than a vertical dimension of the side opening to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in a vertical orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation.

According to a further embodiment, the track has a continuous cross-section along a length of the track.

According to an even further embodiment, the track has the continuous cross-section along the length without assembly notches formed through the track.

According to another further embodiment, the track is formed as a unitary component.

According to another further embodiment, the angled orientation for removal of the pair of wheels from the side opening of the track is up to thirty degrees offset.

According to another further embodiment, the side opening provides access to a channel which provides a track guide for receipt of the pair of wheels.

According to an even further embodiment, the track is provided with an overhang portion to bound a limit of the side opening.

According to an even further embodiment, the overhang portion is sized to provide a cavity within the track spaced apart from, and opposed to, the channel.

According to another further embodiment, a bracket is attached to an upper end of the shower door pane. At least one of the pair of wheels is attached to the bracket.

According to an even further embodiment, a post is attached to the bracket to space the at least one wheel away from the bracket.

According to an even further embodiment, a dimension between the post and the at least one wheel provides a limit to a range of vertical translation of the at least one wheel.

According to an even further embodiment, a guide is sized to receive the shower door pane for translation therethrough. The guide prevents rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track.

According to an even further embodiment, the guide overlaps the shower door pane by a dimension that is greater than the limit to the range of vertical translation of the at least one wheel.

According to another further embodiment, the guide overlaps the shower door pane at every position within a range of traverse translation of the shower door pane along the track.

According to an even further embodiment, the bracket has a plurality of mounting positions to permit vertical adjustment of the shower door pane relative to the guide. A range of adjustment of the bracket provides the overlap of the guide and the shower door pane by the dimension that is greater than the limit to the range of vertical translation of the at least one wheel.

According to another further embodiment, the guide is spaced apart from the first track. The guide is adapted to be installed to a shower floor or a shower sill.

According to another further embodiment, a second track is spaced apart from the first track. The guide is installed on the second track.

According to an even further embodiment, a fastener cap encloses a fastener that attaches the guide to the shower floor, the shower sill, or the second track.

According to another embodiment, a shower door assembly is provided with a shower door pane and a track with a side opening. A pair of posts is connected to the shower door pane. A pair of wheels are each mounted for rotation upon one of the pair of posts. Each of the pair of wheels is sized to be received in the track for translation along the track. Limited clearance for the pair of wheels in the side opening prevents removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in a vertical orientation. A guide is provided at a lower end of the shower door pane and is sized to receive the shower door pane for translation relative thereto. A distance from each post to an outer diameter of the corresponding wheel is less than an overlap between the guide and a bottom of the shower door pane to limit disengagement of the pair of wheels from the track in the vertical orientation.

According to another embodiment, a method to assemble a shower door assembly installs a track to a shower stall. A shower door pane is angled away from a vertical orientation. Wheels of the shower door pane are installed into the track. The shower door pane is pivoted to the vertical orientation. A guide is installed to limit the shower door pane to the vertical orientation to avoid removal of the shower door pane from the track.

According to a further embodiment, the shower door pane is lowered by a first dimension until the wheels engage a channel in the track before installing the guide. The guide is installed to overlap the shower door pane by a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.

According to another further embodiment the shower door pane is angled up to thirty degrees away from the vertical orientation.

According to another embodiment, a shower door assembly is provided with a track with an opening and a shower door pane. A pair of wheels is mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane. Each of the pair of wheels is sized to be received in the track for translation along the track. A diameter of each of the pair of wheels is greater than a vertical dimension of the opening to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in a vertical orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation.

According to a further embodiment, the track opening is a side opening facing laterally inward.

According to an even further embodiment, the track is provided with a second opening formed through a lower region and sized to receive the shower door pane therethrough.

According to another further embodiment, the opening provides access to a channel which provides a track guide for receipt of the pair of wheels.

According to an even further embodiment, the track is provided with a lateral portion to bound a limit of the opening.

According to another even further embodiment, the lateral portion is sized to provide a cavity within the track between the lateral portion and the channel.

According to yet another even further embodiment, a vertical clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is less than a depth of the channel to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in the vertical orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in the angled orientation.

According to another even further embodiment, the track is further provided with an upper base, at least one sidewall, and at least one lower rail extending from the at least one sidewall. The channel is formed in the at least one lower rail.

According to another even further embodiment, the lower rail extends laterally inward.

According to another further embodiment, the upper base provides the lateral portion.

According to another further embodiment, the lateral portion extends laterally inward from the at least one sidewall.

According to yet another further embodiment, the lateral portion is spaced apart from the upper base.

According to another embodiment, a shower door assembly is provided with a track with a cavity, and an opening providing access to a channel in the cavity that provides a track guide for receipt of the pair of wheels. A shower door pane is provided with a pair of wheels mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane. Each of the pair of wheels is sized to be received in the channel for translation along the track. A vertical clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is less than a depth of the channel to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in a vertical orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation.

According to a further embodiment, the track is provided with a lateral portion to bound a limit of the opening.

According to an even further embodiment, the lateral portion is sized to provide the cavity within the track between the lateral portion and the channel.

According to another even further embodiment, the track is further provided with an upper base, at least one sidewall, and at least one lower rail extending from the at least one sidewall. The channel is formed in the at least one lower rail.

According to another even further embodiment, the upper base provides the lateral portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a shower door assembly10according to an embodiment. The shower door assembly10is illustrated during installation into a shower stall12. The shower stall12includes a pair of sidewalls14and a floor16. The shower stall12may also include a sill17extending up from the floor16. The shower door assembly10includes a top track18that is installed to the pair of sidewalls14to span a length between the sidewalls14. The shower door assembly10may include a pair of track brackets20that are fastened to the sidewalls14to support the top track18.

A first shower door subassembly22is provided to be installed upon the top track18to translate relative to the top track18. The first shower door subassembly22includes a shower door pane24, which may be formed from tempered glass or any suitable material. The shower door pane24has a width that is less than a length of the top track18in order to translate the shower door pane24for ingress and egress of an occupant into and out of the shower stall12.

The first shower door subassembly22includes a pair of roller assemblies26mounted to an upper region of the shower door pane24. The roller assemblies26support the shower door pane24upon the top track18. The roller assemblies26cooperate with the top track18to support the roller assemblies26and the shower door pane24upon the top track18, while permitting translation of the first shower door subassembly22along the top track18.

FIG.1illustrates the first shower door subassembly22during installation. The first shower door subassembly22is illustrated within the shower stall12and angled offset from vertical to approach an installation of the roller assemblies26upon the top track18by lifting in a direction of arrows labeled 1.FIG.2illustrates an upper region of the shower door assembly10. The top track18includes a side opening28for access to a channel30, which provides a track guide. The roller assemblies26each include a wheel32projecting from the shower door pane24. The wheel32is sized to be inserted through the side opening28of the top track18to then rest upon the channel30. Once the wheels32are inserted into the side openings28, then the first shower door subassembly22is lowered in the direction of labeled arrow 2, and pivoted in a direction of labeled arrow 3 so that the wheels32are received in the channel30as illustrated inFIG.3.

FIG.4illustrates the upper region of the shower door assembly10for greater detail. The roller assembly26includes a bracket34fastened to an upper end the shower door pane24by fasteners36,38. A post40is fastened to the roller bracket34by a fastener42. The post40spaces the wheel32away from the roller bracket34to extend through the side opening28and into the top track18for contact upon the channel30.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the side opening28of the top track18has a vertical dimension labeled A. The wheel32has an outside diameter, which is labeled B. The wheel32diameter B is larger than the vertical dimension A of the side opening28. The limited clearance of the side opening28retains the wheel32within a cavity48in the top track18, and prevents disassembly of the first shower door subassembly22from the top track18in the vertical orientation of the shower door pane24.

In order to install the first shower door subassembly22, the shower door subassembly22is pivoted to an angle α as illustrated inFIG.5so that the wheel32can pass through the restricted side opening28. The angle α is illustrated as an offset of the wheel32from horizontal, but also consequently represents a pivotal angle of the shower door pane24from vertical. The angle α is designed so that the shower door pane24must be pivoted significantly in order to disassemble the shower door subassembly22from the top track18.

Top tracks18are often installed with the side opening28facing into the shower stall12to provide a consistent and uninterrupted outer face44to be viewed externally. Therefore, the first shower door subassembly22may often be installed as an inner shower door subassembly22that is installed from within the shower stall12as illustrated inFIG.1. The angle α is limited to avoid inconveniences during the installation, due to the depth of shower stalls12. A suitable range for the angle α may be up to thirty degrees. A suitable approach angle α for the installation of the first shower door subassembly22is thirteen degrees.

Referring again toFIG.4, the top track18includes an overhang portion46, which bounds an upper limit of the side opening28. The cavity48is provided in an upper region of the top track18to permit vertical translation of the wheel32relative to the top track18for maneuvering, such as lifting (motion 1 inFIG.1), pivoting (motion 3 inFIG.2) and lowering (motion 2 inFIG.2), during installation. As illustrated inFIG.4, a distance between a top of the post40and a top of the wheel32is C. The dimension C represents a range of vertical translation permitted by the roller assemblies26, while the wheels32are received in the top track18.

With reference again toFIG.1, the shower door assembly10includes a lower track50that is installed between the sidewalls14adjacent to the shower floor16. In the depicted embodiment, the lower track50is installed upon the sill17. The lower track50is illustrated in greater detail inFIG.6. A center guide52is installed upon lower track50. The center guide52includes a central divider54. The center guide52also includes an inner retainer56with a channel58between the inner retainer56and the central divider54. The channel58is sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane24to prevent rotation of the shower door pane24relative to the top track18.

With continued reference toFIG.6, the inner retainer56overlaps the shower door pane24by a dimension labeled D, from a top of the retainer56to the bottom of the shower door pane24. The overlap D is designed to be larger than dimension C (FIG.4) so that the if the shower door subassembly22is lifted the dimension C, the lower end of the shower door pane24is still retained within the channel58. The overlap D (FIG.6) prevents the first shower door subassembly22from being pivoted relative to the top track18, which may consequently result in disassembly of the shower door assembly10.

For the depicted embodiment, the first shower door subassembly22includes an optional trim member60along a lower portion of the shower door pane24. The dimension D is measured from the lower dimension of the trim member60, which adds to the overlap between the shower door pane24and the inner retainer56. Likewise, the dimension D includes a lowermost point of any components that may be installed upon the shower door pane24that add to the overlap.

FIG.7illustrates the roller bracket34has a plurality of apertures62according to an optional embodiment. InFIG.7, the plurality of apertures62are oriented at various elevations relative to the shower door pane24. Each of the apertures62is sized to receive the fastener42thereby permitting vertical adjustment at installation of the shower door pane24relative to the center guide52to avoid any interference of the shower door pane24within the center guide52.FIG.8illustrates manual installation with a tool64of the fastener42through one of the apertures62, and consequently into the post40of the roller assembly26. Installation in the lowermost aperture62minimizes the dimension of the overlap D, while installation in the uppermost aperture maximizes the dimension of the overlap D. The overlap D is designed to exceed the dimension C at the lowermost aperture62illustrated inFIG.8.

The shower door assembly10incorporates structural conditions through the use of geometric restrictions and sequentially ordered assembly methods such that no additional components or fixtures are necessary to fully retain the wheels32of a shower door subassembly22into the top track18. The inability of the shower door subassembly22to be removed from the assembled shower door assembly10by accident is often referred to as an anti-jump mechanism. This terminology comes from the characterization of a roller assembly26“jumping” off, or out of, the channel30of the top track18. The prior art has offered additional structural components added to the shower door assemblies10to prevent inadvertent disassembly. By control of geometries, dimensions and assembly sequences, additional hardware is omitted thereby reducing cost, simplifying installation, and improving aesthetics of the shower door assembly10.

During installation, the top track18and the bottom track50are installed. The first shower door subassembly22can be installed to the top track18first if installed as the inner door as illustrated, to take advantage of the full opening of the shower stall12, between the sidewalls14. After the first shower door subassembly22is installed, an outer shower door subassembly66is installed as a second shower door subassembly66to the top track18.

The second shower door subassembly66is illustrated inFIGS.4-6. The second shower door subassembly66includes a shower door pane68fastened to a pair of roller assemblies70, which are illustrated inFIGS.4and5. The roller assemblies70include a roller bracket72that supports a concave wheel74. The concave wheel74is oriented upon a top surface76of the top track18to roll along the top track18. The top track18is designed to provide an upper guide at the top surface76for the concave wheels74. A pin78is installed in the roller assembly70to prevent the roller assembly70from being raised and disassembled from the top track18.

Referring now toFIG.6, after both shower door subassemblies22,66are installed to the top track18, then the center guide52is installed. Both shower door subassemblies22,66are slid away from one of the sidewalls14of the shower stall12. The center guide52includes an outer retainer80with a channel82formed between the outer retainer80and the divider54. The divider54separates the shower door subassemblies22,66. The outer retainer80retains the shower door pane68within the channel82to prevent rotation of the second shower door subassembly66relative to the top track18.

The center guide52is slid beneath the first and second shower door subassemblies22,66. According to an embodiment, each shower door pane24,68may be sized with a width which causes the shower door panes24,68to overlap at a center of the lower track50at any position of the shower door subassemblies22,66once the shower door subassemblies22,66are fully installed. The center guide52is slid to a center position upon the lower track50. Then the center guide52is fastened to the lower track50to affix the center guide52to the central position. According to an embodiment, the installer may drill an aperture in the lower track50, and then install a fastener into the lower track50and the center guide52. According to an optional embodiment, a fastener cap84may be provided to affix to the lower track50to cover the drilled aperture and the fastener.

FIG.9depicts a schematic view of the shower door assembly10. Once assembled, the shower door pane24has a width that overlaps a central position anywhere in a range of traverse travel (indicated by the arrow in the Figure). Therefore, the shower door pane24maintains cooperation within the central guide52at any position along the range of travel of the shower door pane24. Likewise, the center guide52has a width sized to maintain suitable contact with the shower door pane24. The center guide52prevents pivoting of the shower door pane24at any position of the shower door pane24.

In order to disassemble the shower door assembly10, the center guide52is first removed before the first shower door subassembly22can be pivoted to remove the wheels32from the top track18.

According to another embodiment, the center guide52can be installed prior to the second shower door subassembly66. For example, the top and bottom tracks18,50are installed to the shower stall12between the sidewalls14. Then, the first shower door subassembly22is installed upon the top track18. Next, the center guide52is installed upon the lower track50in cooperation with the first shower door subassembly22. The second shower door subassembly66can then be installed to the top track18and the center guide52. Then the pin78can be installed to retain the second shower door subassembly66upon the top track18.

According to another embodiment, the second shower door subassembly66may be a fixed panel66instead of a sliding bypass panel66. In this embodiment, the bottom track50is installed into the shower stall12. Then, the fixed panel66is installed to the bottom track50. Next, the top track18is installed into the shower stall12in cooperation across the fixed panel66. Next, the first shower door subassembly22is installed as a sliding bypass panel upon the top track18, which may be an inner door subassembly22. Next, the center guide52is installed upon the lower track50to retain the first shower door subassembly22upon the top track18. Alternatively, the fixed panel66is installed onto the floor or the sill17without mounting to a bottom track50. In this embodiment, the center guide52may be installed directly to the shower floor16or to the sill17to cooperate with retaining the first shower door subassembly22upon the top track18.

Each of the tracks18,50may be formed from a suitable structural material, such as extruded aluminum, or the like. The tracks18,50may each be formed with a continuous cross-section along the length of the track18,50. Due to the retention features described above, the top track18is formed with the continuous cross-section without assembly notches formed through the track. Likewise, the top track18may be extruded as a unitary component without requiring assembly of multiple components together as a top track.

FIG.10illustrates a shower door assembly110according to an embodiment. The shower door assembly110is illustrated during installation into a shower stall112. The shower stall112includes two or three sidewalls114and a floor116. The shower stall112may also include a sill118extending up from the floor116. The shower door assembly110includes a top track120that is installed to the pair of sidewalls114to span a length between the sidewalls114. The shower door assembly110may include a pair of side supports121that are fastened to the sidewalls114to support the top track120and to frame in the shower door assembly110.

A first shower door subassembly122is provided to be installed upon the top track120to translate relative to the top track120. The first shower door subassembly122includes a shower door pane124, which may be formed from tempered glass or any suitable material. The shower door pane124has a width that is less than a length of the top track120in order to translate the shower door pane124for ingress and egress of an occupant into and out of the shower stall112.

The first shower door subassembly122includes a pair of roller assemblies126mounted to an upper region of the shower door pane124. The roller assemblies126support the shower door pane124upon the top track120. The roller assemblies126cooperate with the top track120to support the roller assemblies126and the shower door pane124upon the top track120, while permitting translation of the first shower door subassembly122along the top track120.

FIG.10illustrates the first shower door subassembly122during installation. The first shower door subassembly122is illustrated within the shower stall112and angled offset from vertical to approach an installation of the roller assemblies126upon the top track120by lifting in a direction of arrows labeled 1.FIG.11illustrates an upper region of the shower door assembly110. The top track120includes a pair of laterally inward facing openings128for access to a channel130, which provides a track guide. The roller assemblies126each include a wheel132projecting from the shower door pane124. The wheel132is sized to be inserted through the opening128of the top track120to then rest upon the channel130. Once the wheels132are inserted into the openings128, then the first shower door subassembly122is lowered in the direction of labeled arrow 2, and pivoted in a direction of labeled arrow 3 so that the wheels132are received in the channel130as illustrated inFIG.12.

With reference toFIGS.11and12, the roller assembly126includes a bracket134fastened to an upper end the shower door pane124by fasteners136,138. A bearing assembly140is fastened to the roller bracket134by a fastener142. The bearing assembly140spaces the wheel132away from the roller bracket134to extend through the opening128and into the top track120for contact upon the channel130.

As illustrated inFIG.12, a depth of the channels130is labeled as dimension A. A vertical clearance of the wheels132within a cavity144beyond the opening128in the track120is labeled as dimension B. The vertical clearance B of the wheels132is less than or equal to the depth A of the channels130to prevent removal of the pair of wheels132from within the cavity144while in a vertical orientation as depicted inFIG.12. Similar to the prior embodiment, the opening128of the top track120has a vertical dimension. The wheel132has an outside diameter. According to an embodiment, the wheel132diameter may be larger than the vertical dimension of the opening128. The limited clearance of the opening128retains the wheel132within the cavity144in the top track120, and prevents disassembly of the first shower door subassembly122from the top track120in the vertical orientation of the shower door pane124.

In order to install the first shower door subassembly122, the shower door subassembly122is pivoted to a nonvertical angle as illustrated inFIGS.10and11so that the wheels132can pass through the restricted opening128. The angle is an offset of a rotational axis of the wheel132from horizontal, but also consequently represents a pivotal angle of the shower door pane124from vertical. The angle is designed so that the shower door pane124must be pivoted significantly in order to disassemble the shower door subassembly122from the top track120.

The top track120is installed with the openings128facing laterally inward and concealed between sidewalls146,148of the track120. The top track120includes an upper base150, and the sidewalls146,148extend downward from the upper base150. The base150extends laterally between the sidewalls146,148and bounds an upper limit of the cavity144for retaining the wheels132. The sidewalls146,148provide uninterrupted outer faces146,148that conceal the wheels132and the channels130. A pair of lower rails151each extend centrally inward from one of the sidewalls146,148. A lower opening152is formed between the rails151and sized to permit the roller assemblies126each pass through the opening while the brackets134extend through the opening152. The channels130are each formed in one of the lower rails151. The sidewalls146,148each extend below the rails151to also conceal the roller brackets134.

The shower door subassembly122may be installed as an inner shower door subassembly122that is installed from within the shower stall112as illustrated inFIG.10. The pivot angle is limited to avoid inconveniences during the installation, due to the depth of shower stalls112. A suitable range for the approach angle may be up to thirty degrees. A suitable approach angle for the installation of the first shower door subassembly122may be thirteen degrees or less.

Referring again toFIGS.10and11, the cavity144is provided in an upper region of the top track120to permit vertical translation of the wheel132relative to the top track120for maneuvering, such as lifting (motion 1 inFIG.10), pivoting (motion 3 inFIG.11) and lowering (motion 2 inFIG.11), during installation.

With reference again toFIG.10, the shower door assembly110includes a lower track153that is installed between the sidewalls114adjacent to the shower floor116. In the depicted embodiment, the lower track153is installed upon the sill118. The lower track153is illustrated in greater detail inFIG.13. A center guide154is installed upon lower track153. According to another embodiment, the lower track153is omitted. Under this option, the center guide154is installed directly upon the sill118, or to the floor116.

The center guide154includes a central divider156. The center guide154also includes an inner retainer158with a channel160between the inner retainer158and the central divider156. The channel160is sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane124to prevent rotation of the shower door pane124relative to the top track120. The center guide154also includes an outer retainer162with a channel164to receive a second shower door assembly122.

With continued reference toFIG.13, the inner retainer158and the outer retainer162overlap the shower door panes124by at least a dimension labeled C, from a top of the retainers158,162to the bottom of the shower door pane124. The overlap C is designed to be larger than dimension B (FIG.12) so that the if the shower door subassembly122is lifted the dimension B, the lower end of the shower door pane124is still retained within the channel160. The overlap C (FIG.13) prevents both shower door subassemblies122from being pivoted relative to the top track120, which may consequently result in disassembly of the shower door assembly110.

For the depicted embodiment, the shower door subassemblies122include an optional trim member166along a lower portion of the shower door pane124. The dimension C is measured from the lower dimension of the trim member166, which adds to the overlap between the shower door pane124and the retainers158,162. Likewise, the dimension C includes a lowermost point of any components that may be installed upon the shower door pane124that add to the overlap.

The shower door assembly110incorporates structural conditions through the use of geometric restrictions and sequentially ordered assembly methods such that no additional components or fixtures are necessary to fully retain the wheels132of the shower door subassembly122into the top track120. The inability of the shower door subassembly122to be removed from the assembled shower door assembly110by accident is often referred to as an anti-jump mechanism. This terminology comes from the characterization of a roller assembly126“jumping” off, or out of, the channel130of the top track120. The prior art has offered additional structural components added to the shower door assemblies110to prevent inadvertent disassembly. By control of geometries, dimensions and assembly sequences, additional hardware is omitted thereby reducing cost, simplifying installation, and improving aesthetics of the shower door assembly110.

During installation, the top track120and the bottom track153are installed. The first shower door subassembly122can be installed to the top track120first if installed as the inner door as illustrated, to take advantage of the full opening of the shower stall112, between the sidewalls114. After the first shower door subassembly122is installed, the outer shower door subassembly122is installed as a second shower door subassembly122to the top track120.

Referring now toFIG.13, after both shower door subassemblies122are installed to the top track120, then the center guide154is installed. Both shower door subassemblies122are slid away from one of the sidewalls114of the shower stall112. The center guide154is slid beneath the first and second shower door subassemblies122. According to an embodiment, each shower door pane124may be sized with a width which causes the shower door panes124to overlap at a center of the lower track153at any position of the shower door subassemblies122once the shower door subassemblies122are fully installed. The center guide154is slid to a center position upon the lower track153, the sill118, or the shower floor116. Then the center guide154is fastened to the lower track153, the sill118, or the shower floor116, to affix the center guide154to the central position.

In order to disassemble the shower door assembly110, the center guide154is first removed before the first shower door subassembly122can be pivoted to remove the wheels132from the top track120.

According to another embodiment, the second shower door subassembly122may be a fixed panel122instead of a sliding bypass panel122. In this embodiment, the bottom track153is installed into the shower stall112. Then, the fixed panel122is installed to the bottom track153. Next, the top track120is installed into the shower stall112in cooperation across the fixed panel122. Next, the first shower door subassembly122is installed as a sliding bypass panel upon the top track120, which may be an inner door subassembly122. Next, the center guide154is installed upon the lower track153to retain the first shower door subassembly122upon the top track120. Alternatively, the fixed panel122is installed onto the floor or the sill118without mounting to a bottom track153. In this embodiment, the center guide154may be installed directly to the shower floor116or to the sill118to cooperate with retaining the first shower door subassembly122upon the top track120.

Each of the tracks120,153may be formed from a suitable structural material, such as extruded aluminum, or the like. The tracks120,153may each be formed with a continuous cross-section along the length of the track120,153. Due to the retention features described above, the top track120is formed with the continuous cross-section without assembly notches formed through the track. Likewise, the top track120may be extruded as a unitary component without requiring assembly of multiple components together as a top track.

FIG.14illustrates a shower door assembly210according to an embodiment. The shower door assembly210is illustrated assembled separate from a shower stall. The shower door assembly210includes a top track220. A pair of shower door subassemblies222are installed upon the top track220to translate relative to the top track220. Each shower door subassembly222includes a shower door pane224, which may be formed from tempered glass or any suitable material. The shower door pane224has a width that is less than a length of the top track220in order to translate the shower door pane224for ingress and egress of an occupant into and out of the shower stall.

Each shower door subassembly222includes a pair of roller assemblies226mounted to an upper region of the shower door pane224. The roller assemblies226support the shower door pane224upon the top track220. The roller assemblies226cooperate with the top track220to support the roller assemblies226and the shower door pane224upon the top track220, while permitting translation of the shower door subassemblies222along the top track220.

FIG.15illustrates a portion of one of the first shower door subassembly222during installation. The first shower door subassembly222is illustrated angled offset from vertical to approach an installation of the roller assemblies226upon the top track220by lifting.FIGS.15and16illustrate an upper region of the shower door assembly210. The top track220includes a pair of laterally inward facing openings228for access to a channel230, which provides a track guide. The roller assemblies226each include a wheel232projecting from the shower door pane224. The wheel232is sized to be inserted through the opening228of the top track220to then rest upon the channel230. Once the wheels232are inserted into the openings228, then the first shower door subassembly222is lowered in the direction of the downward inclined arrow, and then pivoted in a direction so that the wheels232are received in the channel230as illustrated.

The roller assembly226includes a bracket234fastened to an upper end the shower door pane224. A shaft240is fastened to the roller bracket234by a fastener242. The shaft240spaces the wheel232away from the roller bracket234to extend through the opening228and into the top track220for contact upon the channel230.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the channels230include a depth to receive the wheels232. A vertical clearance of the wheels232within a cavity244beyond the opening228in the track220is limited. The vertical clearance of the wheels232is less than or equal to the depth of the channels230to prevent removal of the pair of wheels232from within the cavity244while in a vertical orientation as depicted inFIGS.15and16. Similar to the prior embodiments, the opening228of the top track220has a vertical dimension. The wheel232has an outside diameter. According to an embodiment, the wheel232diameter may be larger than the vertical dimension of the opening228. The limited clearance of the opening228retains the wheel232within the cavity244in the top track220, and prevents disassembly of the first shower door subassembly222from the top track220in the vertical orientation of the shower door pane224.

In order to install the first shower door subassembly222, the shower door subassembly222is pivoted to a nonvertical angle as illustrated partially inFIG.15so that the wheels232can pass through the restricted opening228. The angle is an offset of a rotational axis of the wheel232from horizontal, but also consequently represents a pivotal angle of the shower door pane224from vertical. The angle is designed so that the shower door pane224must be pivoted significantly in order to disassemble the shower door subassembly222from the top track220.

The top track220is installed with the openings228facing laterally inward and concealed between sidewalls246of the track220. The top track220includes an upper base250, and the sidewalls246extend downward from the upper base250. The base250extends laterally between the sidewalls246. The sidewalls246provide uninterrupted outer faces246that conceal the wheels232and the channels230. A pair of lower rails251each extend centrally inward from one of the sidewalls246. A lower opening252is formed between the rails251and sized to permit the roller assemblies226each pass through the opening while the brackets234extend through the opening252. The channels230are each formed in one of the lower rails251. A lateral projection254extends inward from each sidewall246and bounds an upper limit of the cavity244for retaining the wheels232within the cavities244. The lateral projections254are portions of the top track220and are spaced apart from the channels230and the upper base250.

The shower door subassembly222may be installed as an inner shower door subassembly222that is installed from within the shower stall. The pivot angle is limited to avoid inconveniences during the installation, due to the depth of shower stalls. A suitable range for the approach angle may be up to thirty degrees. A suitable approach angle for the installation of the first shower door subassembly222may be thirteen degrees or less.

Referring again toFIG.15, the cavity244is provided in a lower region of the top track220to permit vertical translation of the wheel232relative to the top track220for maneuvering, such as lifting, pivoting, and lowering during installation.

With reference again toFIG.14, the shower door assembly210includes a lower track256. A center guide258is installed upon lower track256. Alternatively, the center guide258may be installed directly to a shower floor or sill; and the lower track256may be omitted. The center guide258prevents rotation of the shower door pane224relative to the top track220.

The shower door assembly210incorporates structural conditions through the use of geometric restrictions and sequentially ordered assembly methods such that no additional components or fixtures are necessary to fully retain the wheels232of the shower door subassembly222into the top track220. The inability of the shower door subassembly222to be removed from the assembled shower door assembly210by accident is often referred to as an anti-jump mechanism. This terminology comes from the characterization of a roller assembly226“jumping” off, or out of, the channel230of the top track220. The prior art has offered additional structural components added to the shower door assemblies210to prevent inadvertent disassembly. By control of geometries, dimensions and assembly sequences, additional hardware is omitted thereby reducing cost, simplifying installation, and improving aesthetics of the shower door assembly210.

During installation, the top track220and the bottom track256are installed. The first shower door subassembly222can be installed to the top track220first if installed as the inner door as illustrated, to take advantage of the full opening of the shower stall. After the first shower door subassembly222is installed, the outer shower door subassembly222is installed as a second shower door subassembly222to the top track220.

After both shower door subassemblies222are installed to the top track220, then the center guide258is installed. Both shower door subassemblies222to one end of the shower stall. The center guide258is slid beneath the first and second shower door subassemblies222. According to an embodiment, each shower door pane224may be sized with a width which causes the shower door panes224to overlap at a center of the lower track256at any position of the shower door subassemblies222once the shower door subassemblies222are fully installed. The center guide258is slid to a center position upon the lower track256. Then the center guide258is fastened to the lower track256to affix the center guide258to the central position.

Once assembled, the shower door pane224has a width that overlaps a central position anywhere in a range of traverse travel. Therefore, the shower door pane224maintains cooperation within the central guide258at any position along the range of travel of the shower door pane224. Likewise, the center guide258has a width sized to maintain suitable contact with the shower door pane224. The center guide258prevents pivoting of the shower door pane224at any position of the shower door pane224.

In order to disassemble the shower door assembly210, the center guide258is first removed before the first shower door subassembly222can be pivoted to remove the wheels232from the top track220.

According to another embodiment, the second shower door subassembly222may be a fixed panel222instead of a sliding bypass panel222. In this embodiment, the bottom track256is installed into the shower stall. Then, the fixed panel222is installed to the bottom track256. Next, the top track220is installed into the shower stall in cooperation across the fixed panel222. Next, the first shower door subassembly222is installed as a sliding bypass panel upon the top track220, which may be an inner door subassembly222. Next, the center guide258is installed upon the lower track256to retain the first shower door subassembly222upon the top track220. Alternatively, the fixed panel222is installed onto the floor or the sill without mounting to a bottom track256. In this embodiment, the center guide258may be installed directly to the shower floor or to the sill to cooperate with retaining the first shower door subassembly222upon the top track220.

Each of the tracks220,256may be formed from a suitable structural material, such as extruded aluminum, or the like. The tracks220,256may each be formed with a continuous cross-section along the length of the track220,256. Due to the retention features described above, the top track220is formed with the continuous cross-section without assembly notches formed through the track. Likewise, the top track220may be extruded as a unitary component without requiring assembly of multiple components together as a top track.