A patch fitting coverplate or cap for a patch fitting that extends a pivot point centerline of the patch fitting. The patch fitting coverplate may be constructed as a retrofit cover to integrate a patch fitting of one standard pivot point centerline to a door pane of another standard pivot point centerline. A patch fitting assembly including the patch fitting coverplate and patch fitting may also include buffers to fill in the interior portion between the extended patch fitting coverplate and the patch fitting. The patch fitting may be tapered at an edge close to the pivot axis of the door pane for smooth actuation of the door pane.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments are related to coverplates for patch fittings for glass doors.

BACKGROUND

Patch fitting are conventionally used to hold plate glass door panes (or other transparent, translucent, or opaque panels) in a doorway opening or for use as a wall partition and may be used to control the closing and latching speed of the glass door panes. Usually, the patch fitting runs along a portion of one or more edges of the glass door pane and secures the pane to a pivot point.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the patch fitting coverplate, the patch fitting coverplate is operatively couplable to a door pane associated with a door frame. The patch fitting coverplate comprises a body constructed and arranged to cover and external portion of the patch fitting. In this embodiment, the body comprises a tapered edge tapered relative to a horizontal axis of the door pane and a leading edge extending from the tapered edge in a direction towards a midplane of the door pane when the door pane is coupled to the patch fitting.

In another embodiment of the patch fitting coverplate, the patch fitting coverplate is operatively couplable to a door pane and a pre-existing coverplate having leading edge spaced away from a spindle extending from the pre-existing patch fitting by a first distance. The patch fitting coverplate comprises a body constructed and arranged to cover a portion of the pre-existing patch fitting. In this embodiment, the patch fitting coverplate includes a leading edge configured to be spaced away from the spindle extending from the pre-existing patch fitting by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

In yet another embodiment of the patch fitting coverplate, the patch fitting coverplate is operatively couplable to a door pane. The patch fitting coverplate comprises a body constructed and arranged to cover an external portion of the pre-existing patch fitting and one or more buffers cooperating with the body. In this embodiment, the body is operatively couplable to the pre-existing door patch through a friction fitting with the one or more buffers.

In yet another embodiment of the patch fitting coverplate, the patch fitting coverplate is operatively couplable to a door pane and a pre-existing coverplate having leading edge spaced away from a spindle extending from the pre-existing patch fitting by a first distance. The patch fitting coverplate comprises a body constructed and arranged to cover a portion of the pre-existing patch fitting. In this embodiment, the body comprises a tapered edge tapered relative to a horizontal axis of the door pane and a leading edge extending from the tapered edge in a direction towards a midplane of the door pane when the door pane is coupled to the patch fitting. In this embodiment, the leading edge of the body is configured to be spaced away from the spindle extending from the pre-existing patch fitting by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. In this embodiment, the body is operatively couplable to the pre-existing door patch through a friction fitting with the one or more buffers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to install a glass door, a glass door pane is conventionally clamped between two plates. In some cases, the plates are formed as a part of a patch fitting assembly, which secures the glass door pane to a pivot point or other operable mechanisms and enables actuation of the glass door pane around a pivot axis. The patch fitting assembly typically includes a complex and costly patch fitting, which may include hydraulic controls for controlling/dampening (e.g., closing, latching) speeds of the glass door pane. A typical standard distance between the pivot axis of the patch fitting assembly installed on the glass door pane and a proximal portion of the door frame is 2¾ inches, whereas another typical standard distance between the pivot point and a proximal portion of the door frame is 2 9/16 inches. Due to the discrepancy of the pivot point centerline standards, it may be challenging to interface a patch fitting of one standard with a glass door pane of another standard.

In view of the above, the inventors have recognized the benefits of a coverplate that may be fit over a patch fitting to modify the pivot point centerline between the patch fitting and a door frame, without requiring any changes to the patch fitting geometry, which may be costly and complex. The coverplate may act to retrofit existing patch fittings with any pivot point centerline to interact with glass door panes and floor plates of any other standard pivot point centerline.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a patch fitting assembly may be installed at the pivot point of a glass door pane to enable controllable actuation of the glass door pane. The patch fitting assembly may be installed between the glass door pane and the floor underneath the glass door pane, connected through a floor plate installed directly on the floor. When the glass door pane is actuated, the patch fitting may rotate around a pivot point on the floor plate, while the floor plate remains stationary with respect to the glass door pane. A vertical axis of the glass door pane passing through the patch fitting assembly may be known as a pivot axis, around which a portion of the patch fitting assembly and the glass door pane rotate.

In other embodiments, the patch fitting assembly may be installed between the glass door pane and the upper portion of the door frame, which may surround the glass door pane, directly above the patch fitting assembly installed on the floor. The axis between the patch fitting assembly installed on the floor and the patch fitting assembly installed on the frame may create a pivot axis, around which a portion of the patch fitting assembly and the glass door pane rotate.

In some embodiments, the patch fitting assembly may include a pair of coverplates covering opposite sides of a patch fitting, which may hold a glass door pane, buffers between the coverplates and the patch fitting, a floor plate attaching the assembly to the floor, and covers for the floor plate.

The patch fitting may include a largely geometric body with a spindle extending down from the lower portion of its body, which may interact with a recess in the floor plate as described in detail below. The patch fitting may be a hydraulic patch fitting with controls to adjust closing speed of the glass door pane and to latch the glass door pane after opening to a particular angle. These controls may enable safe, quiet, and reliable operation of the glass door pane, which may typically be heavy and prone to fracture.

In some embodiments, the patch fitting may further include a channel across the top-most portion of the patch fitting to seat a portion of the glass door. In some embodiments, the channel may be sized to suitably fit a standard or non-standard glass door pane within the channel. The surface of the channel may include material to enhance the friction between the glass door pane and the patch fitting such that the glass door pane remains stationary relative to the patch fitting. The frictional interaction between the glass door pane and the patch fitting may reduce dislocation of the glass door pane during normal operation of the glass door, wherein a user may push or pull the glass door pane at a location distal form the patch fitting, where the moment arm between the applied force and the patch fitting may be substantial.

In these embodiments, the pair of coverplates may be situated on opposing sides of the glass door pane, each covering a different portion of the patch fitting. In some embodiments, the pair of coverplates may be mirrored across the plane of the glass door pane, such that there may be a first coverplate and a second coverplate with mirrored features. The coverplates may include a planar face that may be substantially parallel with an associated glass door pane, and edges extending out of plane from the coverplate face towards the glass door to substantially cap (i.e. cover) either the patch fitting and/or a corner of the glass door pane. The coverplates may protect the patch fitting, which may have complex geometry, from potential damage and debris, and may extend the life of the patch fitting. The coverplates may also add aesthetic value to the patch fitting assembly, presenting a smooth and planar face to the patch fitting without revealing the underlying complexities of the patch fitting. In some embodiments, the coverplates may be removably attached to the patch fitting for ease of installation, but may remain stationary relative to the patch fitting during normal operation. Accordingly, during normal use, the coverplates may resist external force, and may even serve as a push surface by which an associated glass door may be normally operated (i.e., pushed open or closed). In some embodiments, when the coverplates are installed on the patch fitting, the coverplates remain stationary with respect to the patch fitting, the glass door pane, and the buffer. The coverplates may be any suitable shape, such as a square or a rounded shape, as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In some embodiments, the coverplates may include a tapered edge which may cover the back edge of the glass door pane. In these embodiments, the tapered edge may be situated between a proximal portion of the door frame and the glass door pane. In these embodiments, the coverplates enable smooth actuation of the glass door, and reduce potential collisions between the patch fitting assembly and the glass door pane when the glass door pane is actuated. The tapered edge may be characterized by a taper angle measured between the plane of the tapered edge and a plane normal to the glass door pane. In some embodiments, the taper angle may be between 12° and 16°, for example 15.6°. The tapered edge may have any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a substantially curved shape as the present disclosure is not so limited. In some embodiments, the geometry of the tapered edge may also enable integration of the coverplates with door rail end caps of similar geometries.

In some embodiments, the tapered edge may be accompanied by a leading edge extending from the tapered edge in the direction towards the glass door pane. The leading edge may provide aesthetic benefits of capping the portion of the patch fitting closest to the proximal portion of the door frame. The leading edge may only be present on one end of the patch fitting, where the glass pane is closest to the proximal portion of the door frame. The tapered edge and the leading edge may be different heights, which may allow the glass pane to extend out beyond the patch fitting assembly, closer to the proximal portion of the door frame. In some embodiments, the leading edge may be orthogonal to the coverplate face, such that a lead angle measured between the plane of the coverplate and the plane of the leading edge may be 90°. In other embodiments, it may be preferable for the leading edge to be tapered akin to the tapered edge for aesthetic purposes or to maximize the clearance between the patch fitting assembly and the glass door pane.

In some embodiments, the bottom face of the coverplates may include recesses to accommodate the extended spindle of the patch fitting. These recesses may be suitably sized to allow the extended spindle to engage with the floor plate without limiting the functionality of the spindle. In some embodiments, the recesses may be larger than the spindle to allow variable adjustment of the spindle location with respect to the coverplates. The recesses may be measured by a recess depth, measured as the distance the recess extends normal to the plane of the coverplate face, a recess width, measured as the distance between the edges of the recess at the plane of the glass door, and a recess inner width, measured as the distance between the edges of the recess at the recess depth. In some embodiments, the recess inner width may be the same size as the recess width. In other embodiments, it may be suitable for the recess to include a taper between the recess inner width and the recess width for relief of stress concentrations. The recesses may be arranged with any suitable shape to accept the spindle, including a semi-ellipse or a semi-octagon, as the current disclosure is not so limited. In embodiments where the coverplates are a pair of mirrored coverplates, the recesses may also be mirrored on each of the pair of mirrored coverplates. In other embodiments, the recesses may not be mirrored and each of the pair of mirrored coverplates may include a different recess geometry to accommodate the spindle, as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In some embodiments, the coverplates may include an added functionality of changing the pivot point centerline of the patch fitting assembly. In all embodiments, the pivot point centerline is measured as the distance between the central axis of the spindle of the patch fitting and the proximal portion of the door frame. In some embodiments, the coverplates may extend the pivot point centerline of a patch fitting from 2 9/16 inches to 2¾ inches. In these embodiments, the coverplates extend beyond the patch fitting in a direction towards the proximal portion of the door frame. The extension of the coverplate with respect to the patch fitting with a pivot point centerline of 2 9/16 inches may enable the patch fitting to be integrated with glass door panes designed with a pivot point centerline of 2¾ inches. In some embodiments, it may be suitable for the coverplates to extend the pivot point centerline to a distance between 2 9/16 inches and 2¾ inches. In some embodiments, the pivot point centerline of the patch fitting assembly may be 2¾ inches.

In all embodiments, the length of the coverplate is measured from the leading edge to the opposite side of the coverplate. In embodiments where the coverplate extends the pivot point centerline of a patch fitting from 2 9/16 inches to 2¾ inches, the length of the coverplate may be between 7 and 8 inches, for example 7.5 inches.

In embodiments where the coverplates extend beyond the patch fitting, the patch fitting assembly may include buffers. The buffers may be disposed on an interior portion of the coverplates between the glass door pane and the patch fitting. The buffers may separate the coverplates from the glass door to avoid undesirable contact or potential damage. In some embodiments, the buffers may provide rigid structural support to the portions of the coverplates not directly covering the patch fitting. For example, if the portion of a coverplate which extends beyond the patch fitting experiences an impact force (e.g. a kick), the buffers may potentially protect the coverplate from potential indentation or damage. In some embodiments, the buffers may be constructed and arranged with a shock absorbing material (e.g., rubber, silicone, foam, polyether plastics, etc.) such that any external force applied to the coverplates is damped and distributed evenly to the glass door pane. In other embodiments, the buffers may include internal geometry (e.g. honeycomb) to enhance the shock absorbance or rigidity while minimizing weight of the patch fitting assembly.

In some embodiments, the buffers may be arranged to enhance the friction between multiple surfaces. In these embodiments, the buffers may be composed of a friction-enhancing material (e.g., rubber, silicone, cork, cellulose-based composites). In some embodiments, the buffers may enhance the friction between the glass door pane and the coverplates, and/or the friction between the patch fitting and the coverplates. As described earlier, during normal operation, a user may push or pull the glass door pane at a location distal form the patch fitting assembly, the moment arm between the applied force and the patch fitting may be substantial. The frictional interaction between the patch fitting and the glass door panes (through the buffer), and/or the frictional interaction between patch fitting and the coverplates (through the buffer) may potentially prevent dislocation of the glass door pane during normal operation. In some embodiments, the frictional properties of the buffers may allow the coverplates to be reliably installed onto the patch fitting using a friction fit, without the need for complex mechanical fasteners.

In some embodiments, the buffers may be a pair of buffers, each of the pair of geometric buffers arranged between the patch fitting, the coverplates, and the glass door pane. In these embodiments, every face of the buffer may interface with a surface of either the patch fitting, the coverplates, or the glass door pane. Accordingly, the buffers may frictionally couple the patch fitting, the coverplates, and the glass door pane. In some embodiments, the pair of buffers may be mirrored akin to an embodiment of mirrored coverplates. In other embodiments, a pair of mirrored buffers may interface with a pair of non-mirrored coverplates, a pair of non-mirrored buffers may interface with a pair of mirrored coverplates, or any other suitable combination as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In some embodiments, the buffers may be attached to the coverplate using adhesives or a fastening means. In other embodiments, the buffers may be attached to the patch fitting using adhesives or a fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, there may be sufficient friction between the buffers and neighboring interfaces (e.g. patch fitting, coverplate, glass door pane) that the buffers need not be adhesively attached to the coverplate. In other embodiments, a combination of adhesive attachment and a fastening means (e.g. screws, bolts, nails, rivets) may be used to attach the coverplate to the buffers.

In some embodiments, the patch fitting assembly may include a floor plate and associated covers. The floor plate may be configured to be installed on the floor directly under the patch fitting, and remain stationary with respect to the floor anytime the glass door pane is actuated. The floor plate may interact with the patch fitting by inserting the spindle extending from the bottom face of the patch fitting into a recess of the floor plate. The spindle may be fixed relative to the floor plate when the patch fitting (and glass door pane) is rotated around the spindle. The insertion of the spindle into the floor plate may distribute the weight of the patch fitting on the floor plate and reduce displacement of the patch fitting with respect to the floor plate.

In some embodiments, the floor plate may be shorter than the patch fitting in the direction parallel to the door. In these embodiments, there may be a portion of the patch fitting assembly, and a substantial portion of the glass door pane edge, that may be suspended and offset from the floor by an offset distance. The offset distance may be measured between the bottom edge of the coverplates and the floor. The offset distance may be sufficiently large to reduce accumulation of dust or debris at the edge of the glass door pane, by sweeping the floor any time the glass door is operated. The offset distance may also be sufficiently small to reduce substantial air flow from one side of the glass door to the other side of the glass door. In some embodiments, the offset distance may be suitably small to reduce substantial acoustic noise transfer from one side of the glass door to the other side of the glass door.

In some embodiments, the floor plate may include floor plate covers to protect the floor plate, which may have complex geometry and topography, from damage and debris, and may extend the life of the floor plate. The floor plate covers may also add aesthetic value to the patch fitting assembly, presenting a smooth and planar face to the floor plate without revealing the underlying complexities of the floor plate.

In some embodiments, when the patch fitting assembly is installed on the glass door pane and the floor, a first gap between the glass door pane and the proximal portion of the door frame may be suitably arranged to allow smooth operation of the glass door (e.g. swinging open and close) without potential collision of the glass door pane and the proximal portion of the door frame. In some embodiments, the first gap may be suitably small to restrict substantial air flow from one side of the glass door to the other side of the glass door through the first gap. In some embodiments, the first gap may be suitably small to reduce substantial acoustic noise transfer from one side of the glass door to the other side of the glass door. In one example, the glass door and patch fitting assembly may be used for a conference room wherein private meetings may be conducted, necessitating that the glass door transmit a minimal amount of the noise from the conference room to nearby areas. In embodiments where the coverplates extend the pivot point centerline of the patch fitting from 2 9/16 inches to 2¾ inches, the first gap may be ⅛ inch.

In some embodiments, when the patch fitting assembly is installed on the glass door pane and the floor, a second gap between the leading edge of the coverplates and the proximal portion of the door frame may be suitably arranged to allow smooth operation of the glass door (e.g. swinging open and close) without potential collision of the glass door pane and the proximal portion of the door frame. In some embodiments, the second gap may be suitably small to reduce transmission of air or noise from one side of the glass door to the other side of the glass door, as described previously. In some embodiments, the second gap may be larger than the first gap. In these embodiments, the difference in height between the tapered edge and the leading edge of the coverplates may allow the glass pane to extend out beyond the patch fitting assembly, closer to the proximal portion of the door frame. In these embodiments, the glass door pane may include a chamfer for smooth rotation of the glass door pane against the proximal portion of the door frame during normal operation. In embodiments where the coverplates extend the pivot point centerline of the patch fitting from 2 9/16 inches to 2¾ inches, the second gap may be 13/32 inch.

Turning to the figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments may be used either individually and/or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein. For example, while all the embodiments described herein refer to coverplates for a hydraulic patch fitting, the coverplates may be configured for any suitable patch fitting, as the present disclosure is not so limited. In another example, while all the embodiments described herein refer to a glass door pane, the door pane on which the patch fitting is installed may be any suitable mater, as the present disclosure is not so limited.

FIG.1Adepicts one embodiment of the patch fitting assembly100installed on a glass door pane10within a door frame1, including a proximal portion1A, an upper portion1B, and a distal portion1C. AlthoughFIG.1Ashows the patch fitting assembly installed on a lower portion of the door10, it may also be suitable to install a complementary patch fitting assembly at an upper portion of the door10, at the upper portion of the door frame1. In the example shown inFIG.1A, the door10is in a closed configuration, wherein the plane of the door10is contained within the door frame1. In another example shown inFIG.1B, the glass door pane10may be in an operative mode, wherein it is rotated around a pivot axis. In this example, portions of the patch fitting assembly100remain stationary to the glass door pane10, and portions of the patch fitting assembly100, namely the floor plate130, remain stationary to the floor.

FIG.2depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a patch fitting assembly100. The patch fitting assembly includes a patch fitting120, a pair of coverplates110A,110B, a floor plate130, and buffers140A,140B.

In this embodiment, the patch fitting120is a hydraulic patch fitting with controls121that may, for example, adjust the closing speed of the glass door pane or the latch angle of the patch fitting120. These controls may include set screws or any other suitable adjustment mechanism, as the present disclosure is not so limited, to adjust the closing speed of the door. Furthermore, the patch fitting120includes a channel122across the top portion of the patch fitting120. In the depicted embodiment, the channel122is suited to receive a portion of the bottom edge of a glass door pane10. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the channel122may include material to enhance the friction between the glass door pane10inserted in the channel122and the patch fitting120such that the glass door pane remains stationary relative to the patch fitting. In other embodiments, the channel122may include a separate insert arranged as a friction enhancing material (e.g., rubber, silicone, cork, cellulose-based composites), as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In some embodiments, the channel122may be characterized by a width W measured across the channel122. In these embodiments, a glass door pane10with a suitable width similar to W, with suitable tolerancing, may be seated in the channel122. In some embodiments, W may be between ⅜ inch and ½ inch, for example ⅜ inch or ½ inch.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG.2, the patch fitting assembly100includes a pair of coverplates110A,110B, which can be installed on opposing sides of the glass door pane10. In this embodiment, the coverplates110A,110B are mirrored, such that the pair of coverplates includes a first coverplate110A and a second coverplate110B with mirrored features as depicted inFIG.2. In some embodiments, the coverplates110A,110B may include a planar face that may be substantially parallel with an associated glass door pane10, and edges extending out of plane from the coverplate110A,110B face to substantially cap (i.e. cover) either the patch fitting and/or a corner of the glass door pane. Although the edges of the coverplates110A,110B are depicted as orthogonal to the coverplate110A,110B face, in some embodiments, any combination of the edges may be tapered for aesthetic or functional purposes. While the coverplates110A,110B inFIG.2are depicted as a pair, a single coverplate assembly, connected through the bottom portion of the glass door pane10, or any other configuration of the coverplates110A,110B may be used, as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG.2, the patch fitting assembly100further includes a floor plate130and associated covers131,132. The floor plate130is configured to be installed on the floor directly under the patch fitting120, and remain stationary with respect to the floor anytime the glass door pane10is actuated. In some embodiments, the floor plate130may interact with the patch fitting by inserting a spindle125(seeFIG.3B) extending from the bottom face of the patch fitting into a recess133of the floor plate130. The spindle125may be fixed relative to the floor plate130when the patch fitting120(and glass door pane10) is rotated around the spindle. The insertion of the spindle125into the floor plate130may distribute the weight of the patch fitting120on the floor plate130and reduce displacement of the patch fitting120with respect to the floor plate130.

The floor plate covers131,132may be installed on the upper portion of the floor plate130once the floor plate130has been adjusted. In other embodiments, the covers131,132may be installed on the upper portion of the floor plate130after the patch fitting120has been installed on the floor plate130, as the present disclosure is not so limited. In some embodiments, the covers131,132may protect the floor plate130from debris or damage, and may add aesthetic value to the patch fitting assembly.

The patch fitting assembly100shown inFIG.2may further include buffers140A,140B. The buffers140A,140B may be installed between the interior portion of the coverplates110A,110B and the patch fitting120as discussed below. Although the buffers140A,140B are depicted as a pair of mirrored, solid, polygonal bodies, any suitable geometry for the buffers140A,140B may be used, as the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, the buffers may include a single body spanning both sides of the coverplates110A,110B. In other embodiments, the buffers140A,140B may be perforated or include internal architecture (e.g. honeycomb) for shock absorbing benefits. As described below, the buffers140A,140B may be arranged to enhance the friction between multiple surfaces. In these embodiments, the buffers may be composed of a friction-enhancing material (e.g., rubber, silicone, cork, cellulose-based composites).

FIG.3depicts coverplates110A,110B installed on a patch fitting120with buffers140A (not visible),140B. In some embodiments, when the coverplates are installed, the spacing between the coverplates S may be equivalent to the width W of the channel122. In this way, the glass door pane10may be suitably immobilized between the patch fitting10and the coverplates110A,110B.

As depicted inFIG.3, coverplates110A,110B may include tapered edges111A,111B and leading edges112A,112B. The tapered edges111A,111B may cover a back edge of the glass door pane10. In these embodiments, the tapered edges111A,111B may be situated between the proximal portion of the door frame1A and the glass door pane10. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.3, the leading edges112A,112B may extend from the tapered edges111A,111B in the direction towards the glass door pane. The leading edges112A,112B may provide aesthetic benefits of capping the portion of the patch fitting120closest to the proximal portion of the door frame1A. The leading edges112A,112B may only be present on one end of the patch fitting120, where the glass door pane10is closest to the proximal portion of the door frame1A. The tapered edges111A,111B and the leading edges112A,112B may be different heights, which may allow the glass door pane10to extend out beyond the patch fitting assembly100, closer to the proximal portion of the door frame1, as discussed below.

FIG.4Ais a top view of a coverplate110B, with tapered edge111B and leading edge112B. In all embodiments, the length L of the coverplates110A,110B is measured from the leading edge112A,112B to the opposite side of the coverplates110A,110B. In embodiments where the coverplates110A,110B extend the pivot point centerline of a patch fitting120, the length L of the coverplates110A,110B may be between 7 and 8 inches, for example 7.5 inches, as depicted inFIG.4A.

FIG.4Bis a bottom view of a coverplate110B, with tapered edge111B and leading edge112B. The tapered edge111B may enable smooth actuation of the glass door and potentially prevent collisions between the patch fitting assembly100and the glass door pane10when the glass door pane10is actuated. The tapered edge111B may be characterized by a taper angle T, measured between the plane of the tapered edge111B and a plane normal to the glass door pane10. In some embodiments, the taper angle T may be between 12° and 16°, for example 15.6°. Although the tapered edge111B shown inFIG.4Bis linear, a substantially curved tapered edge may also be suitable, as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In some embodiments, the leading edge112B may be orthogonal to the coverplate110B face, as shown inFIG.4B, such that a lead angle A measured between the plane of the coverplate110B and the plane of the leading edge112B may be 90°. In other embodiments, it may be preferable for the leading edge112B to be tapered akin to the tapered edge111B for aesthetic purposes or to maximize the clearance between the patch fitting assembly100and the glass door pane10.

Furthermore, as seen inFIG.4B, bottom face of the coverplate110B may include a recess117to accommodate the spindle125of the patch fitting120. The recess117may be suitably sized to allow the spindle125to engage with the floor plate130without limiting the functionality of the spindle125. In some embodiments, the recess117may be larger than the spindle125to allow variable adjustment of the spindle location with respect to the coverplates110A,110B. As shown inFIG.4B, the recess117may be measured by a recess depth Rd, measured as the distance the recess117extends normal to the plane of the coverplate110B face, a recess width Rw1, measured as the distance between the edges of the recess117at the plane of the glass door10, and a recess inner width Rw2, measured as the distance between the edges of the recess117at the recess depth Rd. In some embodiments, the recess inner width Rw2may be the same size as the recess width Rw1. In other embodiments, as shown inFIG.4B, it may be suitable for the recess117to include a taper between the recess inner width Rw2and the recess width Rw1for relief of stress concentrations. The recess117may be arranged with any suitable shape to accept the spindle325, including a semi-ellipse or a semi-octagon, as the current disclosure is not so limited. In embodiments where the coverplates110A,110B are a pair of mirrored coverplates110A,110B, the recess117may also be mirrored on each of the pair of mirrored coverplates110A,110B. In some embodiments, the recess depth Rd may be between 1/10 and 3/10 inch, for example 3/16 inch. In some embodiments, the recess width Rw1may be between 1 and 2 inches, for example 1⅝ inches. In some embodiments, the recess inner width Rw2may be between 1 and 2 inches, for example 1⅜ inches.

As noted above, embodiments of the coverplate disclosed herein may be fit over a patch fitting so as to modify the pivot point centerline between the patch fitting and a proximal portion of the door frame, without requiring any changes to the patch fitting geometry. The coverplate may act to retrofit existing patch fittings with any pivot point centerline to interact with glass door panes and floor plates of any other standard pivot point centerline. As such, the coverplates110A,110B may include an added functionality of changing the pivot point centerline C of the patch fitting assembly100. As shown inFIG.5A, the pivot point centerline C is measured as the distance between the central axis of the spindle125of the patch fitting120and the proximal portion of the door frame1A.FIG.5Ais a side view of the patch fitting assembly100installed on a glass door pane10, floor2, and proximal portion of the door frame1A. The coverplates110A,110B and the floor plate130are not included inFIG.5Afor clarity.

In some embodiments, the coverplates110A,110B may extend the patch fitting120in a direction toward the portion of the proximal portion of the door frame1A. In some embodiments, it may be suitable for the coverplates110A,110B to extend the pivot point centerline C to a distance between 2 9/16 inches and 2¾ inches, for example 2¾ inches. As seen inFIG.5A, the buffers110A (not visible),110B may fit the space between the patch fitting120and the coverplates110A,110B when the coverplates extend the pivot point centerline C of the patch fitting assembly100.

FIG.5Bdepicts a side view of an embodiment of the patch fitting assembly100installed on a glass door pane10, a floor2, and nearby the proximal portion of the door frame1A. In some embodiments, such as the one depicted inFIG.5B, the glass door pane10and the proximal portion of the door frame1A may be separated by a first gap G1when the glass door pane10is installed in a patch fitting assembly100. The first gap G1may be suitably arranged to allow smooth operation of the glass door without impinging of the glass door pane10and the proximal portion of the door frame1A. In embodiments where the coverplates110A,110B extend the pivot point centerline C of the patch fitting120from 2 9/16 inches to 2¾ inches, the first gap G1may be ⅛ inch.

In some embodiments, such as the one depicted inFIG.5B, the leading edge112A,112B of the coverplates110A,110B and the proximal portion of the door frame1A may be separated by a second gap G2when the glass door pane10is installed in a patch fitting assembly100. In some embodiments, the second gap G2may be larger than the first gap G1. In these embodiments, the difference in height between the tapered edges111A,111B and the leading edges112A,112B of the coverplates may allow the glass pane10to extend out beyond the patch fitting assembly100, closer to the proximal portion of the door frame1A, as depicted inFIG.5B. In embodiments where the coverplates110A,110B extend the pivot point centerline C of the patch fitting120from 2 9/16 inches to 2¾ inches, the second gap G2may be 13/32 inch.

As shown inFIGS.1B and2, in some embodiments, the floor plate130may be shorter than the patch fitting120in the direction parallel to the floor. In these embodiments, there may be a portion of the patch fitting120, and a substantial portion of the glass door pane10edge, that may be suspended and offset from the floor2by an offset distance F. As shown inFIG.5B, the offset distance F may be measured between the bottom edge of the coverplates110A,110B and the floor2. In some embodiments, the offset distance F may be between ¼ and ¾ inch, for example 15/32 inch.

FIG.6Adepicts a top view taken along line6-6ofFIG.3, of the patch fitting120assembled with coverplates110A,110B and buffers140A,140B. The glass door pane10has been omitted from this view for clarity. The buffers may be disposed on an interior portion of the coverplates110A,110B between the glass door pane10and the patch fitting120. In embodiments where the coverplates110A,110B extend beyond the patch fitting120, as seen inFIG.6A, the buffers140A,140B may be disposed on an interior portion of the coverplates110A,110B. In some embodiments, the buffers140A,140B may separate the coverplates110A,110B from the glass door pane10to avoid undesirable contact or potential damage. In some embodiments, the buffers140A,140B may be arranged to enhance the friction between multiple surfaces. In these embodiments, the buffers140A,140B may be composed of a friction-enhancing material (e.g., rubber, silicone, cork, cellulose-based composites). In some embodiments, the buffers140A,140B may provide rigid structural support to the portions of the coverplates110A,110B extending beyond the patch fitting120.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.6Btaken along line6-6ofFIG.3, coverplate110A may include surfaces114A, disposed at the bottom portion of the coverplate110A,115A, disposed on the side portion of the coverplate110A, and116A, disposed on the interior of the tapered edge111A of the coverplate110A. Similarly, coverplate110B may include surfaces114B, disposed at the bottom portion of the coverplate110B,115B, disposed on the side portion of the coverplate110B, and116B, disposed on the interior of the tapered edge111B of the coverplate110B. In some embodiments, as shown in the perspective view ofFIG.6C, the coverplates110A,110B may include surfaces113A,113B, disposed on the interior upper portion of the coverplates110A,110B.

As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, both perspective top views of the buffers140A,140B, each buffer may include multiple faces. In some embodiments, every face of the buffers140A,140B may interface with a surface of either the patch fitting120, the coverplates110A,110B, or the glass door pane10. Accordingly, the buffers may frictionally couple the patch fitting120, the coverplates110A,110B, and the glass door pane10.

In some embodiments, faces143A,143B of the buffers140A,140B may be in contact with the surfaces113A,113B of the coverplates110A,110B. In some embodiments, faces144A,144B of the buffers140A,140B may be in contact with the surfaces114A,114B of the coverplates110A,110B. In some embodiments, faces145A,145B of the buffers140A,140B may be in contact with the surfaces115A,115B of the coverplates110A,110B. In some embodiments, faces146A,146B of the buffers140A,140B may be in contact with the surfaces116A,116B of the coverplates110A,110B. In some embodiments, faces149A,149B of the buffers140A,140B may be in contact with opposing sides of the glass door pane10. In some embodiments, faces148A,148B of the buffers140A,140B may be in contact with the surface128of the patch fitting120, as shown inFIG.2. In some embodiments, the buffers140A,140B may only include a portion of the contact pairs depicted inFIGS.2,6A-6C, and7A-7B.

In some embodiments, the pair of buffers140A,140B may be mirrored akin to an embodiment of the mirrored coverplates110A,110B. In other embodiments, a pair of mirrored buffers140A,140B may interface with a pair of non-mirrored coverplates110A,110B, a pair of non-mirrored buffers140A,140B may interface with a pair of mirrored coverplates110A,110B, or any other suitable combination as the present disclosure is not so limited.

The coverplates110A,110B may be composed of a material for rigidity and/or to minimize long-term wear. For some applications, it may be desirable to coat the coverplates110A,110B with a material for various reasons. For example, and without limitations, the coating may produce a desired finish, protect the finish of patch fitting assembly100, enhance friction, and/or provide an anti-microbial layer.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Thus, it should also be appreciated that features described herein as being part of one or more embodiments may be combined with or removed from other embodiments, as the present disclosure invention is not limited to any particular embodiment having any particular feature. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.