Patent Publication Number: US-8991101-B2

Title: Door entryway system

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 13/215,905, filed Aug. 23, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to entryway systems for residential and commercial buildings and more particularly to threshold assemblies of entryway systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Entryway systems used in building construction generally include a pair of vertically extending door jambs and a head jamb that frame the entryway and receive a hinged door panel. An elongated threshold assembly is attached at its ends to the bottoms of the door jambs and spans the bottom of the entryway. Many modern threshold assemblies include a frame defining an upwardly open channel from which a sill slopes outwardly and downwardly. A threshold cap is disposed in the upwardly open channel and underlies a closed door mounted in the entryway. The threshold cap usually is manually adjustable (using, for example, screw mechanisms) in a vertical direction to engage and form a seal with the bottom of the door panel or a flexible sweep attached thereto. 
     For years, manufacturers of threshold assemblies for entryway systems have struggled with preventing the leakage of incidental rain water beneath the threshold, in order to avoid rainwater causing rot to the underlying sub floor. One location where such incidental leakage is a problem is between the threshold cap and the underside of a door panel or door sweep. In this regard, houses can settle after construction, thus compromising the weathersealing of the door panel due to movement of the mating components from their intended position. Homeowners must then be able to vertically adjust the threshold cap manually in order to correct this issue, which can be difficult to properly achieve. Furthermore, cap plugs used to address these issues placed in adjustment hardware holes can interfere with the sealing of the threshold cap to the underside (e.g., the bottom of the door) of the door panel. 
     Another location where such incidental leakage is a problem is along the gap between a forward wall of the upwardly open channel of the frame and the threshold cap that rides in the channel. This region poses a particular leakage problem because it is exposed to the elements on the outside of the entryway and, in a blowing rain for example, rainwater can be forced by several hydrodynamic mechanisms into the gap. When this happens, water can collect in the channel under the threshold cap, from where it flows to the ends of the threshold assembly and onto the sub floor below. 
     A variety of attempts to stem leakage along the gap between the threshold cap and its channel have been made over the years. For example, some threshold assemblies include an upstanding dam that forms the upper part of the outside channel wall. It is also common where plastic threshold caps are used to form the threshold cap with an overlapping tongue along its outside edge that overlaps the dam to prevent leakage of rainwater from the top of the threshold cap directly into the gap between the forward edge of the cap and its channel. 
     The various techniques used in the past to seal the gap between a threshold cap and its channel have generally been less than successful. For example, flexible bellows-type seals tend to harden, shrink and crack over time, allowing water to seep directly through the bellows and into the channel. Where flexible fins are used to create the seal, dirt can accumulate between the fin and the surface of the threshold cap, breaking the seal. In addition, in cases where the entryway system may not be installed on a perfectly level surface, the threshold assembly can be racked to the extent that the fin separates from the threshold cap, resulting in severe leaks and an unsightly appearance. The seal also can be affected by the natural differential thermal expansion and contraction experienced by the various different materials of the assembly. Even with plastic threshold caps with dams and overlapping tongues, leakage still can occur due to the capillary effect between the tongues and the dams. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for an entryway system that includes a door entryway system and threshold assembly that improves management of water, both incidental and non-incidental, entering the threshold assembly. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one embodiment, a door entryway system can include a door sweep capable of attachment to a bottom of a door panel. The door entryway system can also include a threshold assembly having a self-articulating threshold cap configured to self-adjust toward the door sweep and interact therewith to form a sealing barrier when the door panel is in a closed position. 
     The door entryway system can also include a threshold assembly that can be configured to sealingly interact with the door sweep. The threshold assembly can include a threshold substrate having a nosing defining one side of an open-ended sill channel. Also included in the threshold assembly is a self-articulating threshold cap that can be received within the open-ended sill channel. The self-articulating threshold cap can be configured to self-adjust toward the door sweep and interact therewith to form a sealing barrier when the door panel is in a closed position. A nosing strip also can be secured to the nosing and configured to sealingly engage the self-articulating threshold cap. 
     An additional embodiment of a door entryway system can include a door sweep capable of being attached to a bottom of a door panel and a threshold assembly configured to sealingly interact with the door sweep. The threshold assembly can include a threshold substrate defining an open-ended sill channel, and further comprising a threshold cap disposed within the sill channel. The threshold assembly can also include a self-articulating means for maintaining a sealing barrier between the door sweep and the threshold cap when the door panel is in a closed position. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a threshold assembly for a door entryway system of a building structure. The threshold assembly can include a threshold substrate having a forward end adapted to be disposed exterior to a building structure. The forward end can include at least one drain hole configured to allow water to exit the threshold substrate. In addition, the threshold assembly can include at least one air inlet configured to allow air to enter the threshold substrate. The air inlet can be separate from the drain hole. Further, the air inlet can be in an elevated arrangement with respect to the drain hole such that water exits the threshold substrate through the at least one drain hole. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, the forward end of the threshold substrate can optionally include a forward edge with the drain hole and the air inlet can be at least partially defined by the forward edge. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, the forward edge of the threshold substrate can optionally define a pair of drain holes positioned at opposing ends thereof. In such an embodiment, a plurality of the air inlets can be disposed between the pair of drain holes along the forward edge. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, the forward edge can define a recess forming the one or more air inlets. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, the forward edge can optionally include a wall extending substantially perpendicular to a floor of the threshold substrate. In addition, the forward edge can optionally include a lip extending substantially perpendicular from the wall. The forward edge can define a recess extending from the wall and about the lip to form an air inlet. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, optionally included thereon is a decking cover plate configured to extend about the threshold substrate to form an upper surface thereof. The decking cover plate can extend about the lip so as to cooperate with the forward edge to form the at least one air inlet. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, the forward edge can include a top surface defining a recess. The decking cover plate can extend about the threshold substrate to form an upper surface thereof. The optionally decking cover plate can be in abutting contact with the top surface of the forward edge to enclose the recess so as to cooperate therewith to form the at least one air inlet. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold assembly for a door entryway described above, the threshold substrate is constructed from an injection molded plastic material. Other materials can be used to form the threshold substrate. 
     An additional, second embodiment of a threshold assembly for a door entryway system can include a threshold substrate having a nosing defining one side of an open-ended sill channel. The threshold substrate can also include a self-articulating threshold cap received within the open-ended sill channel. The self-articulating threshold cap can be configured to self-adjust toward one of a door panel and a door sweep and being capable of interacting therewith so as to form a sealing barrier therebetween when the door panel is in a closed position. In addition, a nosing strip can be secured to the nosing and is configured to sealingly engage the self-articulating threshold cap. Optionally, the nosing strip can include a resilient fin configured to sealingly engage the self-articulating threshold cap. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, the self-articulating threshold cap can optionally include a top articulating portion having a top wall and a locking wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the top wall. The resilient fin can interact with the locking wall to form a sealing barrier along a length of the threshold substrate. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, the self-articulating threshold cap can further optionally include a bottom support wall disposed adjacent to a floor of the sill channel. The self-articulating threshold cap can have a rear wall operably engaged with and extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom support wall so as to be substantially parallel with an inside surface of the nosing. Further, the rear wall can have a projection configured to interact with the nosing strip to form a sealing barrier. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, optionally included therein is a biasing mechanism configured to interact with the threshold cap and to bias the threshold cap against the door sweep when the door panel is in the closed position. The biasing mechanism can be disposed within a cavity defined by the threshold cap. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, the threshold cap can optionally include an articulating top portion capable of being deflected by the door panel or door sweep when the door panel is moved toward the closed position. The articulating top portion of the threshold cap is capable of biasing toward the door panel or the door sweep when the door panel is in the closed position. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, the threshold cap is optionally an integrally-formed and unitary workpiece constructed from, for example, a polymer material. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, the threshold cap can include a bottom support wall capable of engaging a floor of the sill channel, a front wall operably engaged with the bottom support wall, an articulating top portion extending from the front wall, a rear wall operably engaged with the bottom support wall, and an intermediate wall extending from the bottom support wall. The top articulating portion can include a top wall and a locking wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the top wall. The locking wall can extend between the rear wall and intermediate wall. The locking wall can have a hook portion configured to interact with the intermediate wall to prevent the locking wall from entirely advancing therepast. 
     In the second embodiment of the threshold assembly described above, the threshold substrate is optionally constructed from an injection molded plastic material. 
     Yet another embodiment of the invention is a threshold cap capable of being received within a sill channel of a threshold assembly for a door entryway. The threshold cap can include a bottom support wall capable of engaging a floor of the sill channel. A front wall can be operably engaged with the bottom support wall and has at least a portion thereof being substantially perpendicular to the bottom support wall. The threshold cap can also include an articulating top portion extending from the front wall. The articulating top portion can be configured to bias against one of a door sweep mounted to a door panel when the door panel is in a closed position. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, optionally included is a rear wall operably engaged with and extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom support wall so as to be substantially parallel with the front wall. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, the rear wall optionally includes a longitudinally extending projection configured to interact with the threshold assembly to form a sealing barrier along the sill channel. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, optionally included on the top articulating portion is a top wall and a locking wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the top wall. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, optionally included is an intermediate wall having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg can extend perpendicularly from the bottom support wall and the second leg can depend perpendicularly from the first leg toward the rear wall. The locking wall can extend between the rear wall and the second leg and can have a hook portion configured to interact with the second leg to prevent the locking wall from advancing entirely therepast. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, optionally included is a biasing mechanism adapted to bias the top portion toward the one or both of the door panel and the door sweep assembly. Such biasing allows sealing contact therewith when the door panel is in the closed position. The biasing mechanism can be disposed within a cavity at least partially defined by the bottom support wall, the front wall and the articulating top portion. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, the threshold cap can optionally be an integrally-formed and unitary workpiece constructed from a polymer material. 
     In the embodiment of the threshold cap described above, optionally the front wall includes a cap leg capable of being received within a spacer of the threshold assembly. 
     An additional embodiment of the invention is a door sweep for a door entryway system. The door sweep can include a support wall capable of attachment to a bottom of a door panel. The support wall can have a first edge and a second edge. The door sweep can also include a resilient sealing provision disposed at the first edge of the support wall. The resilient sealing provision is capable of sealingly engaging a self-articulating threshold cap of the door entryway system when the door panel is in a closed position. Included in the door sweep can be a rigid arm extending from the support wall and being capable of interacting with the self-articulating threshold cap to deflect a top portion thereof downward when the door panel is moving toward the closed position. The rigid arm is capable of sealingly engaging the self-articulating threshold cap when the door panel is in a closed position. 
     In an embodiment of the door sweep described above, optionally included is a resilient fin disposed at the second edge of the support wall and extending outwardly therefrom. The resilient sealing provision can be a resilient bulb capable of interacting with the self-articulating threshold cap when the door panel is in a closed position. 
     In the embodiment of the door sweep described above, the rigid arm can optionally be integrally formed with the support wall. 
     In the embodiment of the door sweep described above, optionally the rigid arm and the resilient sealing provision are separate and discrete components. 
     In the embodiment of the door sweep described above, the rigid arm can optionally include an inclined portion angularly extending from the support wall. The rigid arm can also include an arcuate portion extending from the inclined portion. Both the arcuate portion and the inclined portion can be configured to interact with the self-articulating threshold cap such that the threshold cap is initially deflected away from the support wall by the inclined portion and then maintained in sealing contact with arcuate portion when the door panel is in the closed position. 
     In the embodiment of the door sweep described above, optionally the rigid arm is a plastic material. 
     In the embodiment of the door sweep described above, optionally included therein is at least one rigid mounting leg with flexible barbs for matingly engaging at least one slot in the door panel bottom face. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a water management system for a door entryway system. The water management system can include a threshold assembly adapted to span a door entryway along a length thereof. The threshold assembly can include a threshold substrate defining an open-ended sill channel between a first wall and a second wall. A threshold cap can be positioned within the sill channel and can have a front wall facing and spaced apart from the first wall so as to form a gap therebetween, in the absence of at least one sealing provision provided along the length of the gap for sealing thereof. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, optionally included therein is at least one spacer that is at least partially disposed between the front wall and the first wall so as to maintain the gap formed therebetween. The spacer can extend partially along a length of the gap corresponding to the length of the door entryway such that water is capable of entering the threshold assembly via the gap. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, the first wall can be a substrate dam and the second wall can be a nosing. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, optionally included therein are a plurality of the spacers. The spacers can be spaced apart along the length of the gap and each spacer can be at least partially disposed between the front wall and the first wall so as to maintain the gap formed therebetween. The spacing between adjacent spacers allows water to enter the threshold assembly via the gap. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, the gap distance between the front wall and the first wall can be about 2.0 mm to about 5.0 mm. In other embodiments, however, the gap distance can be smaller than 2.0 mm or larger than 5.0 mm. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, optionally one spacer can define a spacer channel and a portion of the threshold cap can be received within the spacer channel for securing thereto. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, the threshold substrate can optionally define at least one chamber in fluid communication with the sill channel via a drain channel defined by the first wall and extending therethrough. 
     In the embodiment of the water management system described above, the threshold substrate optionally includes at least one drain hole in communication with the at least one chamber. The drain hole (or holes) can be disposed about an exterior edge of the threshold substrate and configured to allow water contained within the chamber to exit the threshold substrate. 
     In an embodiment of the water management system described above, optionally included in the threshold assembly can be a decking cover plate positioned adjacent to the threshold substrate. The decking cover plate can have a decking dam disposed in planar relation to the first wall such that the decking dam forms an extension thereof with respect to the sill channel. 
     The invention can include yet an additional, second, embodiment of a water management system for a door entryway system. The water management system can include a threshold assembly adapted to span a door entryway along a length thereof. The threshold assembly can define an open-ended sill channel for at least part of the entryway length. Also included is a water management means for directing water received within the open-ended sill channel out of the threshold assembly. In addition, a gap means can ensure that a gap is provided at the open-ended sill channel such that water is capable of flowing therein. 
     The second embodiment of the water management system described above can optionally include a drain path means for directing water received within the open-ended sill channel out of the threshold assembly. 
     The second embodiment of the water management system described above can include an optional chambering means for directing water received within the open-ended sill channel out of the threshold assembly. Also included is an air pressure equalization means for improving water exit flow from the threshold assembly and air flow into the threshold assembly. The air pressure equalization means can include a drain means for draining water from the threshold assembly and air inlet means for allowing air to flow into the threshold assembly separate from the drain means. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an entryway system having a threshold assembly with a self-articulating threshold cap, and implementing a water management system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2-6  are cross-sectional side elevation views of various entryway systems having a threshold assembly with one of a fixed threshold cap and a manually adjustable threshold cap, and implementing a water management system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7-11  are various views of a threshold assembly having a plurality of spacers disposed between a threshold base substrate and a threshold cap for implementing a water management system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are perspective views of a threshold base substrate for use in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 14-16  are perspective views of a threshold assembly having drain holes and separate air inlets, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view a threshold assembly having a self-articulating threshold cap, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of a threshold assembly having a self-articulating threshold cap in an unbiased position, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of a threshold assembly having a self-articulating threshold cap in a biased position, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  are perspective views of a self-articulating threshold cap, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a door sweep, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a threshold assembly having a self-articulating threshold cap not interacting with a door panel in an open position, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a threshold assembly having a self-articulating threshold cap interacting with a door sweep of a door panel between a closed and an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to certain preferred aspects. These aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
       FIGS. 1-6  each illustrate an entryway system  10  having a threshold assembly  11  including a threshold substrate  12 , which, in some instances, may be a unitarily molded plastic workpiece. The threshold substrate  12  may be configured to define a longitudinally extending upwardly open sill channel  13 . The sill channel  13  is flanked along its outside edge by a first wall (e.g., upstanding substrate dam  14 ) and along its inside edge by a second wall (e.g., an integrally formed nosing  15 ). The substrate dam  14  and the nosing  15  form the outside and inside walls, respectively, of the upwardly open sill channel  13 . The upwardly open sill channel  13  is sized to receive a threshold cap  100  (self-adjustable (see  FIG. 1 ); non-adjustable (see  FIG. 3 ); or vertically adjustable (see FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 )) for underlying a door panel  200  in a closed position. The threshold substrate  12  projects outwardly a predetermined distance from the upstanding substrate dam  14 . The threshold substrate  12  preferably is made of a deterioration resistant material, but may be made of any other material with appropriate support such as, for example, wood. In some instances, the threshold substrate  12  may be formed by a traditional injection molding process, or by an extrusion process. 
     In some instances, a nosing strip  16  may be attached to an inside edge  17  of the sill channel  13  so as to extend upwardly therefrom over the nosing  15 . According to some aspects, the nosing strip  16  may extend across the sill channel  13  to cover a floor  18  thereof. A downwardly projecting nosing barbed tab  19  can be positioned and configured to be snapped into place within a nosing attachment slot  20  to hold the nosing strip  16  securely in place within the sill channel  13 . 
     A decking cover plate  21  may be attached with appropriate means (e.g., mechanical, adhesive, etc.) to the threshold substrate  12  and forms a main upper tread surface  22  of the threshold assembly  11 . According to some aspects, the decking cover plate  21  may include an upstanding decking dam  23  that extends upward from the substrate dam  14  to provide a water entry barrier that reduces the amount of water directly entering the sill channel  13 . The decking cover plate  21  may have a contoured outside edge portion  24  (see  FIGS. 14-19 ) configured to fit over the compatibly contoured forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12 . A downwardly projecting barbed decking tab  26  may be formed along an inside surface  27  of the decking cover plate  21  and may be positioned and configured to be snapped into place within a decking attachment slot  28  to hold the decking cover plate  21  securely in place on the threshold substrate  12 . 
     While the threshold assemblies  11  of  FIGS. 1-6  have discrete components (e.g., the threshold substrate  12 , the decking cover plate  21 , and the nosing strip  16 ), it will be understood that this is not a limitation of the disclosure. That is, the threshold assembly  11 , for example, can be formed completely from an aluminum extrusion, can be formed completely from an extruded or injection molded plastic material, or may be a combination thereof. The particular construction of the threshold assembly  11  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  is chosen because it is a common construction and because it serves well to illustrate the present disclosure. Those of skill in the art will understand, however, that a variety of threshold assembly constructions may well be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. 
     The elongated threshold cap  100  is disposed in and projects upwardly from the upwardly open sill channel  13 . The threshold cap  100  may be formed of single or multiple materials or components, wherein such suitable materials may include wood, plastic, a composite, or another appropriate material. The threshold cap  100  is positioned to underlie a closed door panel  200  mounted in an entryway that includes the threshold assembly  11 . In some instances, as shown in FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 , an array of vertical adjustment screw mechanisms  29  may be provided for selectively and manually adjusting the height of the threshold cap  100  such that the threshold cap  100  sealingly engages a door sweep  300  mounted to a bottom edge  201  of a closed door panel  200  to form a seal between the bottom edge  201  of the door panel  200  and the threshold cap  100 . A door sweep  300  can be formed of multiple components. Accordingly, the phrase door sweep is sometimes referred to herein as a door sweep assembly. 
     According to aspects of the present disclosure, a gap  30  may be formed between the forward cap edge  31  of the threshold cap  100  and an inside surface  32  of the substrate dam  14  that defines an outside wall of the upwardly open sill channel  13 . The gap  30  may be in the range of about 0.08 inches (2.03 mm) to about 0.20 inches (5.08 mm) between the forward cap edge  31  and the inside surface  32 . For instance, a common dimension of the gap  30  in the threshold assembly  11  may be about 0.14 inches (3.55 mm). Since the gap  30  is exposed to the elements on the outside of a building structure, it can afford the opportunity for rainwater to leak or seep into the upwardly open sill channel  13  and ultimately to the sub floor upon which the threshold assembly  11  rests. In this regard, prior threshold assemblies have attempted to provide a watertight barrier within or otherwise about the gap  30 , using sealing provisions, such as, for example, weatherstripping, flexible foam tape, etc., to prevent water from entering the sill channel  13 . Accordingly, prior threshold assemblies intend to prevent water from entering the interior of the building structure by attempting to plug all possible water entry points. However, this is difficult to achieve and such sealing provisions typically allow at least some incidental water to seep or otherwise leak into the sill channel  13 . 
     Such prior threshold assemblies may thus provide drain systems that attempt to remove the incidental water from the sill channel  13 . However, such prior drain systems may only be capable of handling minimal amounts of water (i.e., incidental water that has leaked through the seal and into the sill channel). In this regard, prior threshold assemblies may not be equipped to handle non-incidental water (i.e., water that is naturally allowed to flow or otherwise enter the sill channel, rather than just minimally leak or seep into the sill channel). Moreover, such prior threshold assemblies may have not envisioned allowing such non-incidental water to enter the threshold assembly. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure seek to allow non-incidental water to enter the threshold assembly  11  and then appropriately manage such non-incidental water. That is, the entryway system  10  of the present disclosure is configured to allow water to enter the sill channel  13  on the exterior of any sealing provisions and then manages the water and provides an avenue for water drainage out of the threshold assembly  11 . As such, the gap  30  is not entirely filled or otherwise entirely protected with a sealing mechanism(s) and is, instead, allowed to remain at least partially open-ended to receive non-incidental water therein. 
     In this regard, the present disclosure accepts that at least some water will enter the threshold assembly  11  regardless of the attempted sealing of the gap  30 , and, as such, the present disclosure provides a water management system that allows non-incidental water into the threshold assembly  11  and then appropriately manages the water out thereof. To that end, some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing an unobstructed water entry path from the gap  30  to the exterior of a building structure. In some instances, water entry barrier provisions (e.g., flange  304 , decking dam  23 , fin  301  (see  FIG. 6 )) may be provided in which such provisions help define the water entry path. But, such provisions do not obstruct the water entry path and instead may, in some instances, only assist in defining the water entry path. In other instances, sealing provisions (e.g., fin  301  (see  FIGS. 2-4 )) may be provided wherein the water leaks or otherwise seeps through the sealing provision and into the sill channel  13  via the gap  30 . 
     Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may provide the gap  30  as partially or entirely unobstructed such that water may flow directly into the sill channel  13 . For example, in some instances, the threshold cap  100  may be positioned or secured toward the nosing  15  such that the gap  30  is provided between the threshold cap  100  and the substrate dam  14 . Appropriate securement or fastening mechanisms may be provided for ensuring that the threshold cap  100  maintains its spacing from the substrate dam  14  to maintain the gap  30 . That is, the threshold cap  100  may be secured toward the nosing  15  so as to maintain the gap  30 . 
     In other instances, one or more spacers  33  may be positioned within the gap  30  to maintain the gap  30  between the forward cap edge  31  of the threshold cap  100  and an inside surface  32  of the substrate dam  14 . When a plurality of the spacers  33  is provided, the spacers  33  are spaced apart from each other along a length of the sill channel  13  spanning an entryway, as shown in  FIGS. 7-11 . In some instances, the spacers  33  may define a spacer channel  34  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) configured to receive a portion of the threshold cap  100  (e.g., a cap leg  101  of a front wall  106  of the threshold cap  100 ) for securing the spacers  33  within the sill channel  13 . The spacers  33  may be disposed between the forward cap edge  31  of the threshold cap  100  and the inside surface  32  of the substrate dam  14  to maintain the gap  30 . As such, water may enter the sill channel  13  between the spacers  33 . That is, since the spacers  33  do not extend along the length of the channel  13  to fully fill the gap  30 , there are formed openings  35  between the spacers  33  that allow water to enter the sill channel  13 . In this regard, portions of the gap  30  may be left unfilled such that no sealing mechanism is provided between the threshold cap  100  and the substrate dam  14 . 
     However, in some instances, a sealing provision (e.g., a fin  301 ) may be provided on the door sweep  300  to limit the amount of water allowed to unimpededly enter the sill channel  13 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . Further, in some instances, the decking dam  23  may provide a similar function (i.e., providing at least some impedance to water entry into the threshold assembly  11 ). 
     In some instances, a single spacer  33  of unitary construction may be provided and extended partially or entirely along the length of the threshold assembly  11 , wherein the spacer  33  itself may define one or more vertical slots (not shown) extending therethrough or otherwise defined thereby that allow the water to enter the sill channel  13 . 
     The spacers  33  may be of various configurations, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . The specific configuration of the spacer may typically depend upon the type of threshold cap  100  incorporated into the threshold assembly  11 . Preferably, the spacer  33  may interlock or otherwise securely engage the threshold cap  100  in an interference or snap fit. For example, the spacer  33  may define a spacer channel  34  configured to receive a portion of the threshold cap  100  such as, for example, the cap leg  101 . In some instances, the spacer  33  may be configured to accommodate the vertical adjustment screw mechanisms  29  associated with the vertically adjustable threshold cap  100  (FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 ). In other instances, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the spacer  33  may include one or more spacer walls  56  capable of interacting with various portions of the threshold cap  100 . Furthermore, in some instances, the spacer  33  may extend substantially entirely along the floor  18  of the sill channel  13  between the substrate dam  14  and the nosing  15 . 
     Upon entering the gap  30  and flowing into the sill channel  13 , the water is managed and directed out of the threshold assembly  11  through the threshold substrate  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , the threshold substrate  12  is configured to direct the water from the sill channel  13  out of the threshold assembly  11  via a path that causes the water to eventually exit via one or more drain holes  36  (i.e., weep holes). More specifically, the water is directed out of the sill channel  13  through one or more drain channels  37  defined by the substrate dam  14 . The spacers  33  may be offset from the drain channels  37  such that the water can flow from the sill channel  13  into the drain channels  37  according to the corresponding drain path. The water may then be directed out of the drain holes  36  via gravity flow due to a substrate floor  38  of the threshold substrate  12  being downwardly sloped from the sill channel  13  toward the forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12 . 
       FIGS. 10-13  illustrate a molded plastic threshold substrate  12  for installation in a threshold assembly  11  according to the present disclosure. The threshold substrate  12  is formed with the forward edge  25 , a back or inside edge  39 , and a pair of side edges  40 ,  41 . The upwardly open channel  13  is defined adjacent and along the back edge  39  of the threshold substrate  12  for receiving and holding the threshold cap  100 . The upwardly open channel  13  is bounded along the back edge  39  of the threshold substrate  12  by the upstanding nosing  15 . An array of spaced apart support walls  42  extend from the substrate dam  14  proximate to the forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12 . In this regard, the decking cover plate  21  may be snapped or otherwise secured in place on the threshold substrate  12  covering and being supported by the support walls  42  thereof. The substrate dam  14 , the support walls  42 , the forward edge  25 , and the side edges  40 ,  41  cooperate to form a plurality of chambers  43  that, in some instances, may be continuously connected. That is, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the support walls  42  do not extend to the forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12 . In this manner, the drain holes  36  may be positioned at opposing side ends of the threshold substrate  12 . In some instances, the chambers  43  may be closed such that water cannot flow from one chamber to another. In such instances, each chamber  43  may include a corresponding drain hole  36  for permitting removal of water therefrom. A deflector wall  44  may be provided so as to direct water toward the drain holes  36 . Additional back pressure walls  42 A,  42 B assist in preventing water inflow caused by back exterior pressure. 
     Accordingly, the drain channels  37 , which communicate with the sill channel  13  and the drain holes  36 , form a water management system for the threshold assembly  11 . More specifically, rain water that may collect in the sill channel  13  via the gap  30  is channeled away from the sill channel  13  by flowing to the forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12 , into the drain channels  37 , through the chambers  43 , and out the drain holes  36 . In this manner, the non-incidental rainwater is appropriately managed such that there is no path for water to leak beneath the threshold assembly and rot or otherwise deteriorate the subfloor upon which it rests and all water is drained to the forward edge of the threshold assembly  11  and out thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the outside edge portion  24  of the decking cover plate  21  fits over the forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12 . In some instances, the forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate  12  may define a lip  45  extending beyond a forward wall  46  of the threshold substrate  12 , which may be substantially perpendicular to the substrate floor  38  ( FIGS. 11-12 ); In this regard, the outside edge portion  24  of the decking cover plate  21  may be correspondingly configured to mate with the lip  45 , such as, for example, the outside edge portion  24  having a U-shaped profiled configured to wrap about the lip  45 . In such a configuration, the decking cover plate  21  terminates above the ground surface such that the drain holes  36  (as defined by the forward wall  46  of the threshold substrate  12 ) are not covered thereby. That is, the outside edge portion  24  does not extend the entire height of the forward wall  46  so as to leave a portion thereof uncovered. Such a configuration eliminates the need to provide or otherwise define corresponding drain holes in the decking cover plate  21 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10-12 ,  14  and  15 , according to further aspects of the present disclosure, one or more air inlets  50  may be provided in addition to and separate from the drain holes  36 . The air inlets  50  allow air to enter the chambers  43  defined, for example, between the threshold substrate  12  and the decking cover plate  21 . According to one particular aspect, the forward wall  46  of the threshold substrate  12  may at least partially define the air inlets  50  (e.g., slots) at an upper end  47  thereof for allowing air to enter the chambers  43 . In this regard, the one or more air inlets  50  may be provided in an elevated arrangement with respect to the drain holes  36 . In such a configuration, the water may exit the threshold assembly  11  through the drain holes  36  and not through the air inlet(s)  50 . 
     In instances where the threshold substrate  12  is injection molded, the forward wall  46  may be injection molded with recesses that define the air inlets  50 . Further, the air inlets  50  may extend from a vertical surface  48  of the forward wall  46  and over a chamfered portion  55  and a top surface  49  of the forward edge  25 , such that the decking cover plate  21  is flush against the top surface  49  of the forward edge  25  except at the recessed air inlets  50 . That is, the decking cover plate  21  cooperates with the forward wall  46  and forward edge  25  of the threshold substrate to form the air inlets  50 , wherein the decking cover plate  21  provides an upper barrier. Such separate air inlets  50  and drain holes  36  provide advantages over prior art threshold assemblies, which have drain holes that provide both an exit for water and an inlet for air to enter the threshold assembly  11  for equalizing air pressure therein. 
     That is, in prior threshold assemblies, the drain holes typically are used not only to provide an exit for water, but to also allow air to enter the threshold assembly for equalizing air pressure therein. However, such configurations typically allow air to enter the drain holes to the detriment of allowing water to exit therefrom. In this regard, allowing air to enter only through the drain holes can create a bubbling effect. As such, aspects of the present disclosure provide air inlets  50  separate from the drain holes  36 , which allows air to enter the chambers  43  via a mechanism other than the drain holes  36 . 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  17 - 19 ,  23  and  24 , the threshold assembly  11  may include a self-articulating or self-adjusting threshold cap  100 . That is, one aspect of the present disclosure is a self-articulating threshold cap  100  capable of self-adjusting to sealingly interact with the underside of the door panel  200  or otherwise with the door sweep  300  attached to the underside of the door panel  200 . In other words, the threshold cap  100  may self-bias against the door panel  200  to maintain contact therewith, regardless of settling of a building or other cause that creates additional or reduced space between the threshold cap  100  and the door panel  200  or door sweep  300 . Such a configuration is contrasted with prior threshold caps that are fixed or otherwise manually adjustable in a vertical direction using, for example, vertical adjustment screw mechanisms  29  (see  FIGS. 2-6 ). The threshold cap  100  may be configured for removal and replacement within a threshold assembly  11  either before or after installation thereof in an entryway. In some instances, the threshold cap  100  may include a mechanism, integral or otherwise, causing it to naturally remain in contact with the door panel  200  as intended. In this regard, the threshold cap  100  is not manually adjusted, but instead may be displaced by the movement of the mating door panel  200  or the door sweep assembly  300 . The threshold cap  100  may be integrally formed and may be constructed from a plastic or polymeric material using, for example, an extrusion process. The material of construction of the threshold cap  100  may have an elastomeric feature that allows the threshold cap  100  to inherently bias against the door panel  200  when in contact therewith. That is, the threshold cap  100  may be formed of a polymeric material that permits at least a portion thereof to flex or otherwise deflect in accordance with the structural aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, the threshold cap  100  may include an integral feature causing a portion thereof to tend to stay in a position biased toward the door panel  200  or the door sweep assembly  300 . According to some aspects, the threshold cap  100  may include supplemental biasing mechanisms used to assist a portion of the threshold cap  100  to tend to stay in an upward position (e.g., a biasing spring  51 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17-21 , according to one particular aspect of the present disclosure, the threshold cap  100  may include an articulating top portion  102  having a continuous surface  103  capable of interacting with the door panel  200  or the door sweep assembly  300 . The threshold cap  100  may include a bottom support wall  104  capable of being disposed within the sill channel  13  to engage the floor  18  thereof. A rear wall  105  may extend perpendicularly from the bottom support wall  104 . The rear wall  105  may include a projection  114  capable of interacting with the nosing  15  or the nosing strip  16  (when provided) to form a sealing barrier therewith. A front wall  106  may depend from the bottom support wall  104  or otherwise be connected thereto via, for example, an arcuate portion  113 , and at least a portion of the front wall  106  may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom support wall  104 . In some instances, the front wall  106  may include an extension, such as, for example, the cap leg  101 , configured to be securely received within the spacer channel  34 . The articulating top portion  102  extends from the front wall  106 . The articulating top portion  102  is configured to self-bias against the underside of the door panel  200  or the door sweep assembly  300  when the door panel  200  is in the closed position. The articulating top portion  102  may include a top wall  107  and a locking wall  108  extending substantially perpendicular to the top wall  107 . 
     The threshold cap  100  may further include an intermediate wall  109  disposed between the rear wall  105  and the front wall  106 . The intermediate wall  109  acts to constrain the articulating top portion  102 . The intermediate wall  109  may include a first leg  110  and a second leg  111 . The first leg  110  may extend perpendicularly from the bottom support wall  104 . The second leg  111  may depend perpendicularly from the first leg  110  toward the rear wall  105 . The locking wall  108  may extend between the rear wall  105  and the second leg  111 . In some instances, the locking wall  108  may have a hook portion  112  configured to interact with the second leg  111  to prevent the locking wall  108  from advancing therepast. A cap leg  101  may be provided for being received within the spacer channel  34  such that each spacer  33  is maintained within the sill channel  13 . It is noted that the described legs, walls, and portions of the threshold cap  100  substantially extend along the entire length thereof. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates one aspect of a threshold assembly  11  according to the present disclosure in which the door panel  200  is in an open position, wherein the threshold cap  100  is not interacting with the door sweep assembly  300 . In some instances, the self-articulating threshold cap  100  may include the biasing spring  51  or other biasing mechanism configured to bias the articulating top portion  102  of the threshold cap  100  in an upwardly position for interacting with the door sweep assembly  300 . In some instances, the biasing spring  51  or other biasing mechanism may be disposed within a cavity  115  generally defined by the threshold cap  100  and extending along the length thereof. In some instances, the cavity  115  may be defined by the bottom support wall  104 , the arcuate portion  113 , the front wall  106 , the intermediate wall  109 , and the articulating top portion  102 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates the door panel  200  in a partially closed position, wherein the door sweep assembly  300  has started to engage and interact with the threshold cap  100 . As shown, the door sweep assembly  300  interacts with the threshold cap  100  so as to force the top portion  102  thereof downward such that at least a portion of the door sweep assembly  300  can advance therepast. More particularly, the door sweep assembly  300  interacts with the top portion  102  to force the top wall  107  downward from an inclined position to an orientation substantially parallel to the bottom support wall  104 . In this manner, the top portion  102  may move from a biased position to an unbiased position when interacting with the door panel  200  or the door sweep assembly  300 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the door panel  200  in a closed position, wherein the door sweep assembly  300  is entirely engaged with the threshold cap  100  along the length of the threshold assembly  11 . In this regard, the top portion  102  of the threshold cap  100  is biased upward toward the door panel  200  to sealingly interact with one or more portions of the door sweep assembly  300  to form a sealing barrier. Further, at least one portion of the nosing strip  16  may be configured to contact the threshold cap  100  along the length of the threshold assembly  100  so as to form an additional seal therewith. In some instances, both the door sweep assembly  300  and the nosing strip  16  may be configured to contact the threshold cap  100  upon closing of the door panel  200  such that multiple sealing barriers are formed along the length of the threshold assembly  11 . 
     The nosing strip  16 , which may be of extruded plastic with a wood grain or other appropriate appearance, may be snapped or otherwise attached into place covering the nosing  15  of the threshold substrate  12 . The nosing strip  16 , which is visible from the inside of a building structure, covers the nosing  15  of the threshold substrate  12  and hides any junctions between adjacent threshold substrates  12 . According to some aspects, the nosing strip  16  may include a nosing portion  52 , a nosing fin  53 , and a sill channel cover portion  54 . The nosing portion  52  may extend about the nosing  15  of the threshold substrate  12 , from within the sill channel  13  to the back edge  39  of the threshold substrate  12 . A barbed tab  19  of the nosing strip  16  may be configured to be received within the nosing attachment slot  20  so as to engage the threshold substrate  12  for anchoring thereto. The nosing fin  53  may be flexible and capable of interacting with the locking wall  108  of the threshold cap  100  to form an additional seal along the length of the threshold assembly  11 . Further, in some instances, a resilient sealing provision (e.g., bulb  302 ) of the door sweep assembly  300  may sealingly contact the nosing strip  16 , and top wall  107 . As previously mentioned, the nosing strip  16  may extend across the floor  18  of the sill channel  13 . In such instances, the nosing strip  16  may be used to extend across adjacent interlocking threshold substrates  12  for covering a seam formed between the adjacent threshold substrates  12 , as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,336 to Bennett, which is assigned to Endura Products, Inc. (also the assignee of the present disclosure), and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The door sweep assembly  300  may be integral with or otherwise attached, secured or fixed to a bottom portion of the door panel  200 . In some instances, the door panel  200  includes an underside or bottom edge  201  with the door sweep assembly  300  flush thereagainst. According to some aspects, the door sweep assembly  300  may include a support wall  303  secured to the bottom edge  201  of the door panel  200  and extending along the width thereof. The door sweep assembly  300  may be attached to the door panel  200  using, for example, one or more door sweep barbs  306  (as shown in  FIG. 22 ) capable of being received within corresponding door slots (not shown) defined by the door panel  200 . A flange  304 , an arm  305 , and the resilient bulb  302  depend from the support wall  303 . The flange  304  and resilient bulb  302  are preferably flexible, while arm  305  is preferably rigid. In some instances, all three may be integrally formed with the support wall  303 . While it is preferred that bulb  302  be generally ovoid, other suitable shapes are possible. It should be understood that bulb  302  extends the length of the door sweep assembly  300 , but since the cross-sectional shape is bulb-like, it is described as a bulb. 
     The flange  304  may include a flexible seal fin  307  that fits between to the door panel  200  and support wall  303  for sealing the joint between the door panel  200  and door sweep assembly  300 , thus preventing water penetration along the joint. 
     The rigid arm  305  can be configured to interact with the threshold cap  100  so as to force the articulating top portion  102  thereof in a substantially downward direction (toward the floor  18  of the sill channel  13 ) as the door panel  200  is moved to the closed position. The rigid arm  305  continues to maintain contact with the threshold cap  100  due to the upward biasing thereof by, for example, the biasing spring  51 , thereby forming a first seal along the length of the entryway system  10 . In this regard, the rigid arm  305  interacts with the surface  103  and compresses the articulating top portion  102  of the threshold cap  100  into an unbiased position. The rigid arm  305  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, for example, a plastic material, and may be integrally formed with the support wall  303 . 
     The rigid arm  305  may include an arcuate portion  308  and an inclined portion  309 , both configured to interact with the threshold cap  100  such that the threshold cap  100  is initially forced downward and then allowed to bias against the door sweep assembly  300 . In this regard, the inclined portion  309  may be in a sloped configuration with respect to the support wall  303  such that the inclined portion  309  provides the initial contact between the door sweep assembly  300  and the threshold cap  100 . Upon contact, the top portion  102  of the threshold cap  100  then rides along the inclined portion  309 , towards the arcuate portion  308 , so as to maintain contact therewith as the door panel  200  is moved to the closed position. Continuing, as the door panel  200  is closed, the arcuate portion  308  eventually contacts the top portion  102  and forces the top portion  102  downward to a lower position. As the arcuate portion  308  moves along the top wall  107 , while maintaining contact therewith due to the upward biasing of the threshold cap  100 , the top portion  102  moves upward away from the floor  18  and into sealing contact with the door sweep assembly  300  upon the door being in a fully closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bulb  302  may be configured to sealingly interact with the threshold cap  100 , thereby forming a second seal along the length of the entryway system  10 . In some instances, the bulb  302  may also be capable of contacting the nosing strip  16  to form an additional sealing barrier along the length of the entryway system  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, the door sweep assembly  300  and the threshold cap  100 , when used together, provide a strong positive seal between the door panel  200  and the threshold assembly  11 . 
     The above descriptions of preferred embodiments of the disclosure are intended to illustrate various aspects and features of the invention without limitation. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Features from one embodiment or aspect may be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspect in any appropriate combination. For example, any individual or collective features of method aspects or embodiments may be applied to apparatus, product or component aspects or embodiments and vice versa.