Patent Publication Number: US-8112954-B2

Title: Lock and seal system for sliding doors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/942,919, filed Jun. 8, 2007, entitled “LOCK AND SEAL SYSTEM FOR SLIDING DOORS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     Implementations of the present invention relate generally to systems and components for sealing and locking doors, including sliding doors for use with modular walls. 
     2. Background and Relevant Art 
     Office space can be relatively expensive, not only due to the basic costs of the location and size of the office space, but also due to any construction needed to configure the office space in a particular way. For example, an organization might purchase or rent a large open space in an office complex, and then subdivide or partition the open space into various offices, conference rooms, or cubicles, depending on the organization&#39;s needs and size constraints. Rather than having to find new office space and move as an organization&#39;s needs change, it is often necessary to have a convenient and efficient means to reconfigure the existing office space. Many organizations address their configuration and reconfiguration issues by dividing large, open office spaces into individual work areas using modular walls and partitions. 
     In particular, at least one advantage of modular systems is that they are relatively easy to configure. In addition, another advantage is that modular systems can be less expensive to set up, and can be reconfigured more easily than more permanently constructed office dividers. For example, a set of offices and a conference area can be carved out of a larger space in a relatively short period of time with the use of modular systems. If needs change, the organization can readily reconfigure the space. 
     In general, modular office partitions typically include a series of individual wall modules (and/or panels). The individual wall modules can either be free-standing or rigidly attached to one or more support structures. In addition, the wall modules are typically designed so that they can be assembled together to form a range of different configurations. In particular, a manufacturer or assembler can usually align and join the various wall modules together in almost any particular design, and then secure the design in place with any number of fasteners. These designs can include anything from large conference spaces to individual offices. A “finished” look is generally completed by adding gaskets or trim pieces in the joints between wall modules. 
     One will appreciate that modular wall systems may also include door openings to allow a person to enter and exit rooms or other enclosures defined by the modular wall systems. Closure apparatuses, such as doors, can facilitate opening and closing the door openings. In some cases, a manufacturer or designer will opt for a conventional swinging door, while in other cases, the manufacturer might opt for a sliding door configuration, whether for various aesthetic or space-saving purposes. 
     As will be appreciated, it is often desirable to isolate rooms and other enclosures created by modular systems from light and/or sound from outside sources. Gaps associated with doors, however, are often difficult to seal because doors open and close, and lack a static location to seal. This tends to be true for sliding doors used in modular wall systems as well in that gaps between a sliding door and a movable wall panel may be difficult to seal. 
     In the past, modular wall system manufacturers have placed astragal or other sealing beads along the lead edge of sliding doors to provide a seal between the sliding door and a surface with which the sliding door comes into contact when closed, whether that contact is with another door or a movable wall. Although this approach may provide a successful seal along the lead edge of the sliding door when the door is closed, it does not provide a seal elsewhere around the perimeter of the sliding door, and it requires the door to be fully closed to function properly. Furthermore, such sealing devices remain visible when the door is open, and may be unsightly. 
     One will appreciate that regardless of the type of door used, it is often desirable to secure doors in an open or closed position. For example, one may wish to secure a door in a closed position in order to secure a room and any articles contained therein. One will also appreciate that securing doors and spaces in a modular wall system presents a particularly difficult challenge due to the reconfigurable and non-permanent nature of the modular wall system. For example, it may be difficult to secure a sliding door used in conjunction with a modular wall system if the sliding door does not interface with a permanent structure. 
     To address the need to secure doors used in modular wall systems, conventional modular wall systems incorporate latches that may be located along the top or bottom of the sliding door. The latches may engage features in the floor or ceiling, such as holes. In order to engage the latch, the person must either reach down to turn a thumb lock (or similar device) along the bottom of the door, or reach up to the top of the door to engage a similar mechanism. In addition to being difficult to engage, such devices often do not provide a secure and stable position for the door. 
     Accordingly, these are a number of difficulties with securing and sealing doors in modular environments that can be addressed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Implementations of the present invention overcome one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and apparatuses configured to provide flexibility in the design of modular wall systems including sliding doors. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide for aligning and locking a sliding door in place, while simultaneously providing a non-obtrusive sealing mechanism between the door and other components. 
     For example, a locking system is provided including a sliding door having one or more receiving channels. The receiving channels can be configured to receive a pin extending from a support surface. The sliding door can further comprise a locking mechanism configured to selectively capture the pin when received by the receiving channel. In at least one implementation, the operating means of the locking mechanism can be located near a standard handle location to facilitate operation of the locking mechanism by a user. As a result, a user can operate the locking mechanism to capture the pin within the receiving channel and thereby secure the sliding door in a closed position. 
     In addition, a sealing system, in accordance with an implementation of the present invention, for sealing a gap between a modular wall and an adjacent sliding door can include a sliding door coupled to the modular wall. The sliding door can be configured to open and close a doorway in the modular wall. In at least one implementation, the sliding door can define one or more transverse gaps between the sliding door and the modular wall. In particular, the transverse gaps can be perpendicular to the direction of travel of the sliding door. A gasket seal can be coupled to the modular wall and configured to seal the transverse gaps. 
     A further implementation can include a method of providing a locking and sealing system for a sliding door. In particular, the method can include identifying a doorway in a modular wall system and coupling a sliding door to the doorway, for opening and closing the doorway. The sliding door can include one or more receiving channels. The receiving channels can be configured to receive a pin extending vertically from a support surface. In addition, the sliding door can include a locking mechanism configured to selectively drive a shaft to capture and release the pin when received by the receiving channel. In at least on implementation of the present invention, the method can include attaching the pin to a support surface proximate the doorway. In addition, the pin can be configured to engage the receiving channel of the sliding door when the sliding door is in a closed position. In a further implementation, the method can include coupling a gasket seal to a modular wall. The gasket seal can be configured to seal one or more transverse gaps between the sliding door and the modular wall when the sliding door is in a closed position. 
     Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an elevation view of a lock and seal system for sliding doors in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a first step of the operation of a locking system in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a second step of the operation of a locking system in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a third step of the operation of a locking system in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates a final step of the operation of a locking system in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a sealing system in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention extends to systems for locking and sealing sliding doors in a modular wall environment. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide for aligning and securing a sliding door (or “barn door”) in place, while simultaneously providing a non-obtrusive sealing mechanism between the door and other components. 
     As will be more fully understood herein, the sliding door of the system can include a receiving channel configured to receive a pin. An assembler can couple the pin of the system to a support surface proximate the door, such as a floor or ceiling. In addition, the system can include a locking mechanism configured to capture a pin that has engaged the receiving channel in order to secure the sliding door in a closed position. The locking mechanism can include an operating means located at a standard door handle height, so that a user can conveniently lock and unlock the door without having to bend down or reach up to engage the locking mechanism. 
     In addition, the system can include a means for sealing a gap between a sliding door and other components. For example, the system can include a sealing gasket configured to seal a gap between the sliding door and an adjacent modular wall. The sealing gasket can be integrated into an existing component, such as a connecting extrusion configured to connect a vertical trim to a modular wall, thereby reducing the quantity of parts required for the entire assembly. In addition, the sealing gasket can be attached to the modular wall, rather than the door itself, which can improve the aesthetics of the system, as well as provide the functional benefit of an improved light and sound barrier between modular spaces separated by the sliding door. 
     Referring now to the Figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an elevation view of a locking and sealing system  100  according to at least one implementation of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the locking and sealing system  100  can be practiced in an architectural design environment including one or more modular walls  110 . One will appreciate that an assembler/manufacturer of modular wall systems may desire to include a doorway  120  in a modular wall  110  so as to allow exit and entry into a modular space defined, at least in part, by the modular wall  110 . In order to improve the aesthetics of the doorway  120 , an assembler/manufacturer can include framing components such as vertical trim  122  coupled to the exposed vertical edges of the modular wall  110  and/or a doorframe header  124  spanning the upper portion of the doorway  120 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an assembler can associate a sliding door  130  with the doorway  120 . In particular, the assembler can configure the sliding door  130  to open and close the doorway  120  as desired by a user of the system  100 . To facilitate opening and closing the sliding door  130 , the assembler can couple a door pull  132  to a left or right side of the sliding door  130  with respect to the doorway  120 . Accordingly, a user can operate the door pull  132  to open and close the sliding door  130  as desired. 
     To further facilitate opening and closing the sliding door  130 , the system can include a mounting track  126  coupled to the modular wall  110  and/or doorframe header  124 . An assembler can then insert the mounting hardware (not shown) of the sliding door  130  into the mounting track  126  in order to couple the sliding door  130  to the mounting track  126 . In at least one implementation, an assembler/manufacturer can configure the mounting track  126  for sliding the sliding door  130  along the mounting track  126  in order to open and close the doorway  120 . For example, in at least one implementation, the mounting track  126  can include a roller track configured to receive and allow travel along the mounting track  126  of rollers coupled to the sliding door  130 . 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , the sliding door  130  has a left “handed” configuration. In other words, a user operates the door pull  132  located on the left side of the sliding door  130  and slides the sliding door  130  from left to right to open the sliding door  130 . One will appreciate, however, that an assembler or manufacturer can practice the present invention using a door with either a left or right handed door configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  can include a pin  138  extending from a support surface proximate the doorway  120 . In the illustrated example, the pin  138  extends from a support surface of the floor. One will appreciate, however, that the pin  138  can extend from any nearby support surface, such as that of a ceiling. In addition, in at least one implementation, the pin  138  can extend from the mounting track  126  itself Accordingly, although  FIG. 1  illustrates the receiving channel  136  being located along the bottom edge of the sliding door  130  to coincide with the location of the pin  138  on the support surface of the floor, one will appreciate that the receiving channel can be located at any location along an edge of the sliding door  130  to correspond with the location of the pin  138 . For example, a manufacturer can locate the receiving channel  136  near the top edge of the sliding door  130  if the pin  138  is configured to extend from the mounting track  126  or from a support surface of the ceiling. In any event, a manufacturer can form the pin  138  using any number of materials, including metallic and plastic materials. In at least one implementation, for example, a manufacturer can form the pin  138  using an alloy steel. 
       FIG. 1  further illustrates that a manufacturer can configure the pin  138  to engage a receiving channel  136  associated with the sliding door  130 . In at least one implementation of the present invention, the pin  138  engages the receiving channel  136  when the sliding door  130  is in a closed position. An assembler can further configure the pin  138  and the receiving channel  136  to achieve a desired alignment of the sliding door  130  when the sliding door  130  is in a closed position. 
     In at least one implementation, the system  100  can further comprise a locking mechanism  140  coupled to the sliding door  130 . In particular, a manufacturer can configure the locking mechanism  140  to capture the pin  138  once it engages the receiving channel  136 . As a result, a user can secure the sliding door  130  in a closed position by sliding the sliding door  130  until the pin  138  engages the receiving channel  136  and then operating the locking mechanism  140  to capture the pin  138  within the receiving channel  136 . 
     The locking mechanism  140  of the present invention can comprise an operating means. In at least one implementation, the operating means comprises a pin tumbler lock  141 , also known as a key tumbler lock. In particular, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a manufacturer can locate the pin tumbler lock  141  of the locking mechanism  140  at a location near the door pull  132  of the sliding door  130  so as to facilitate operation of the locking mechanism  140  by a user. 
     In at least one implementation, the assembler can couple the pin tumbler lock to a tie rod (not shown) extending from the location of the pin tumbler lock  141  to a point near the receiving channel  136 . As a result, a manufacturer can couple the tie rod to a shaft (e.g.,  142 ,  FIGS. 2A-2D ) configured to capture and release the pin  138 . Accordingly, once the pin  138  engages the receiving channel  136 , a user can operate the locking mechanism  140  to lower the shaft and prevent the pin  138  from disengaging the receiving channel  136 , thereby securing the sliding door  130  in a closed position. 
     Although the system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is configured for securing the sliding door  130  in a closed position, one will appreciate that a manufacturer can alternatively configure the system  100  to secure the sliding door  130  in an open position if desired. For example, the manufacturer can locate the receiving channel  136  and the pin  138  on the opposite side of the sliding door  130  with respect to the doorway  120 , and further configure the pin  138  to engage the receiving channel  136  when the sliding door  130  is in an open position. 
     As previously mentioned, a manufacturer can configure the system  100  to include multiple pins  138  and receiving channels  136  on opposite sides of the sliding door  130  such that the sliding door  130  can be secured in either an open or closed position with respect to the doorway  120 . Furthermore, a manufacturer can include pins  138  near a top and bottom of the doorway  120  to simultaneously engage multiple receiving channels  136  near a top and bottom of the sliding door  130 . To facilitate the use of multiple receiving channels  136 , the locking mechanism  140  can further comprise multiple tie rods extending from the operating means to the multiple receiving channels  136  in order to capture and release multiple pins  138 . In a further embodiment, the sliding door  130  can include multiple locking mechanisms  140  to interact with the multiple receiving channels  136  and pins  138 . 
     These and other components/mechanisms for locking the sliding door  130  are shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 2A-2D . For example,  FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate step by step views of a pin  138  engaging the receiving channel  136  of a sliding door  130 . In particular,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a receiving channel  136  of a sliding door  130  prior to engaging a pin  138 . In at least one implementation, and as illustrated by  FIG. 2A , the sliding door  130  can include an end cap  135  coupled to a corner or end of the sliding door  130 . In turn, the end cap  135  can include the receiving channel  136  formed therein. As is further illustrated by  FIG. 2A , the receiving channel  136  can include chamfered or radiused edges  137  to help guide a pin  138  or other protrusion into engagement within the receiving channel  136 . For example, radiused or chamfered edges provide a larger initial opening of the receiving channel  136  for easily receiving the pin  138 . The radiused or chamfered edges can then gradually narrow to the ultimately desired width of the receiving channel  136 , thereby guiding the pin  138  into engagement with the receiving channel  136 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates the pin  138  in alignment to engage the receiving channel of the sliding door  130 . As is illustrated, the exterior dimensions of the pin  138  can be similar to the interior dimensions of the receiving channel  136 . For example, the outside diameter and height of the pin  138  can be similar, albeit smaller than, the width and height of the receiving channel  136 . As a result, the pin  138  and receiving channel  136  can securely interface together to secure the position of the sliding door  130 . 
     Thereafter, and as illustrated in  FIG. 2C , a user can slide the sliding door  130  forward such that the pin  138  engages the receiving channel  136 . In at least one implementation, the pin  138  engages the receiving channel  136  when the door has reached its fully closed position. 
     As illustrated by  FIG. 2D , once the receiving channel  136  receives the pin  138 , a user can activate the locking mechanism (e.g.,  140 ,  FIG. 1 ) to capture the pin  138  and secure the sliding door  130 . In particular, the user can activate the locking mechanism (e.g.,  140 ,  FIG. 1 ) causing a shaft  142  to drop down and capture the pin  138  within the receiving channel  136 . By capturing the pin  138  within the receiving channel  136 , the locking mechanism (e.g.,  140 ,  FIG. 1 ) can secure the sliding door  130  in a closed position. 
     In at least one implementation, and referring again to  FIG. 1 , a manufacturer can locate the operating means of components of the locking mechanism  140  near a location common for locating a handle or door pull  132  to facilitate operation of the locking mechanism  140  by a user. For example, the locking mechanism  140  can include a standard and commonly available component such as a pin tumbler lock  141  located near the door pull  132 . In at least one implementation, the pin tumbler lock  141  of the locking mechanism  140  can include an asymmetrical cam for driving additional components of the locking mechanism  140 . 
     In particular, a manufacturer can couple the pin tumbler lock  141  of the locking mechanism  140  to a tie rod (not shown) extending from the pin tumbler lock  141  to the receiving channel  136 . In at least one implementation, the sliding door  130  can include a cavity extending from the pin tumbler lock  141  to the receiving channel  136 , through which the tie rod can pass. As previously mentioned, in at least one implementation, the sliding door  130  can include multiple receiving channels  136  configured to receive multiple pins  138 . In such a case, the sliding door  130  can further comprise multiple cavities extending from the pin tumbler lock  141  to the receiving channels  136 . In turn, the locking mechanism  140  can include multiple tie rods extending through the cavities to the receiving channels  136 . 
     As a result, an assembler can further couple a tie rod to a shaft  142  for driving the shaft  142 . In at least one implementation, the shaft  142  has a hexagonally-shaped cross section and includes threading at one end for attachment to the tie rod. The hexagonally-shaped cross section of the shaft  142  allows a manufacturer to configure the shaft  142  so that a flat, rather than rounded, surface of the shaft  142  interfaces with the pin  138  to securely capture the pin  138  within the receiving channel  136 . Furthermore, a manufacturer can configure the shaft  142  to pass through a hexagonally-shaped housing or hole (not shown) so as to maintain the orientation of the shaft  142  with respect to the receiving channel  140  and pin  138 . 
     Accordingly, a user can operate the pin tumbler lock  141  of the locking mechanism  140  to drive the tie rod, which in turn drives the shaft  142 . By so doing, the user is able to capture and release a pin  138  within the receiving channel  136 . As previously discussed, this allows the user to secure and release the sliding door  130  in an easy, reliable, and efficient manner. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates a system for sealing a sliding door  130  in a modular wall system. For example,  FIG. 1 , the system can include one or more gasket seals  129  for reducing/blocking the amount of light and sound passing through the doorway  120  when the sliding door  130  is in a closed position. In particular, a manufacturer can configure the gasket seal  129  to seal a gap between the sliding door  130  and other components, such as the modular wall  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , an assembler can include the seal  129  along the entire height of the modular wall  110  to provide a seal along the full height of the sliding door  130 . In at least one implementation, the system can also include a gasket seal  129  on each side of a doorway  120  so as to seal gaps on both sides of the sliding door  130 . 
     These and other components/mechanisms for sealing the sliding door are shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a sliding door  130  in sealing contact with a modular wall  110 . In particular,  FIG. 3  illustrates the edge of a modular wall  110  where the modular wall  110  meets a doorway  120 . As shown, the sliding door  130  defines a transverse gap between the modular wall  110  and the sliding door  130 . Specifically, the gap is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the sliding door  130 . 
     As further illustrated by  FIG. 3 , an assembler can couple vertical trim  122  to the edge of the modular wall  110  for improving the aesthetics of the doorway  120 . Specifically, an assembler can connect the vertical trim  122  to the modular wall  110  using one or more connectors  128   a - b  (or “connecting extrusions”). In at least one implementation of the present invention, a manufacturer can configure the connectors  128   a - b  to engage with a standard detail on a connection plate  112  of the modular wall  110 , and with a similar detail on the vertical trim  122 . 
     One will appreciate that the connection plate  112  can be an integrated part of the modular wall  110 , or can be a separate component. In at least one implementation of the present invention, the connection plate  112  extends along the full height of the modular wall  110  and/or doorway  120 . 
     In general, a manufacturer/assembler can repeat the connection of the connection plate  112  of the modular wall  110  and the vertical trim  122  multiple times from the bottom to the top of the modular wall  110 , depending on the height of the modular wall  110  and/or the need for stability. In at least one implementation, a manufacturer/assembler can continuously connect the connectors  128  to the connector plate  112  and/or the vertical trim  122  along the full height of the modular wall  110 . 
     After coupling a sliding door  130  to the doorway  120 , as illustrated by  FIG. 3 , the manufacturer/assembler can then seal the gaps between the modular wall  110  and sliding door  130  for various privacy concerns, such as light and sound, in any number of ways. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the manufacturer/assembler can include a gasket seal  129  to seal the gap between the sliding door  130  and the modular wall  110  when the door is in a closed position. As a result, the manufacturer/assembler can provide an acoustical and/or light seal between the modular wall  110  and the sliding door  130  as desired. 
     As further illustrated by  FIG. 3 , the gasket seal  129  can be integrated into one of the connectors (e.g.,  128   b ). By integrating the gasket seal  129  into an already necessary part, such as the connector  128   b , a manufacturer can reduce the number of parts necessary to assemble the system while still providing an acoustical and/or light seal around the sliding door  130 . In addition, by locating the gasket seal  129  in a non-obtrusive location, such as coupled directly to the modular wall  110  rather than directly to the sliding door  130 , the manufacturer/assembler can provide the acoustical and/or light seal desired while maintaining the aesthetics of the system  100 . 
     Along these lines,  FIG. 3  shows that the connector  128   b  can include the integrated gasket seal  129  as an extended feature on one side of the connector  128   b . Otherwise, connector  128   b  can be similar to standard connector  128   a . In either case, the gasket seal  129  can include a closed cell portion  129   a  that interfaces with the surface of the sliding door  130  for sealing the gap between the sliding door  130  and the modular wall  110 . The closed cell portion  129   a , which is illustrated as being triangular in  FIG. 3 , can also be generally circular in shape. Although  FIG. 3  only illustrates one side of the doorway  120 , one will appreciate that a manufacturer/assembler can install the gasket seal  129  along the vertical edges of the modular wall  110  on both sides of the doorway  120 . As a result, the manufacturer/assembler can provide a seal on both sides of the sliding door  130 . 
     In at least one implementation, the material used to manufacture the gasket seal  129  comprises any number of flexible plastic, rubber, or metallic materials. However configured, the manufacturer chooses the flexible material to optimize a seal. For example, the manufacturer can configure the gasket seal  129  to maintain a seal between the modular wall  110  and the sliding door  130  through the sliding door&#39;s  130  travel into a closed position. In at least one implementation, a manufacturer can form the gasket seal  129 , particularly the closed cell portion  129   a  of the gasket seal  129 , using a flexible PVC material, while the connectors  128  are formed using a rigid PVC material. 
     In addition to the foregoing, implementations of the present invention can also be described in terms of one or more steps in a method of accomplishing a particular result. For example, at least one implementation of the present invention comprises a method of providing a locking and sealing system for a sliding door. This method is described more fully below. 
     For example, at least one method in accordance with the present invention can comprise an act of determining a doorway to be locked and sealed. This act can include identifying a doorway in a modular wall system. For example, an assembler can identify a doorway  120  in a modular wall  110 . 
     The method can also comprise an act of mounting a sliding door to the doorway. This act can include coupling a sliding door to the doorway, wherein the sliding door is configured to open and close the doorway. In particular the sliding door comprises one or more receiving channels. Each receiving channel is configured to receive a pin extending vertically from a support surface. The sliding door also comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively drive a shaft to capture and release the pin, when received by the receiving channel, to secure and release the door. For example, an assembler can mount a sliding door  130  to a roller track  126  coupled to the upper portion of the doorway  120 , such that sliding the sliding door  130  along the roller track  126  opens and closes the doorway  120 . The sliding door  130  can include a receiving channel  136  along a bottom edge of the sliding door  130 , configured to receive a corresponding pin  138 . The assembler can further include a locking mechanism  140  configured to capture the pin  138  when received by the receiving channel  136  to secure the sliding door  130  in a closed position. 
     In addition, the method can comprise an act of coupling a pin to a support structure. This act can include attaching a pin to a support surface proximate the doorway, wherein the pin is configured to engage the receiving channel of the sliding door when the sliding door is in a closed position. For example, an assembler can couple the pin  138  to the floor&#39;s surface so that it engages the receiving channel  136  when the sliding door  130  is closed. 
     Furthermore, the method can comprise an act of installing a gasket seal around the doorway. This act can include coupling a gasket seal to a modular wall, wherein the gasket seal is configured to seal one or more transverse gaps between the sliding door and the modular wall when the sliding door is in a closed position. The gaps sealed by the gasket seal are perpendicular to the direction of travel for the sliding door. For example, an assembler can use connector  128   b , including an integrated gasket seal  129 , to couple the vertical trim  122  to the connector plate  112  of the modular wall  110 . As a result, the gasket seal  129  can seal the transverse gap between the sliding door  130  and the modular wall  110 . 
     The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.