Patent Publication Number: US-10316577-B2

Title: Recessed handle for sliding window and door

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a door for a handle or a window, and more specifically to a door for a handle or window where the handle is recessed in the wall or frame of the window or door. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Current sliding door and window function and design provides a handle extrusion on a leading edge of a sliding panel of the door or window. The handle extrusion allows the sliding panel to only partially enter a window or door jamb when the sliding panel is in a closed position (i.e., closing an opening of the window or door). Even if the jamb frame track is flush with an edge of a wall, a relatively large sightline is created as compared to interlocking stiles at the meeting point of other window or door panels. In addition, the handle “pull” itself adds to the sightline created by the handle extrusion, diminishing the viewing area of the panel when the panel is in a closed position. 
     For example,  FIGS. 1-3  show a traditional sliding door  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , which is a horizontal view illustrating sliding door  10  in a closed position, sliding door  10  includes a panel  12  and a sash frame  14   a  connected to the panel  12  at one end. The panel  12  includes a first transparent member  12   a  and a second transparent member  12   b  defining a space  12   c  there between. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in a traditional sliding door  10 , the sash frame  14   a  includes a handle  16  used for opening and closing the sliding door panel  10 . Furthermore, the sash frame  14   a  is one member of the sliding door jamb and frame  14 . The sliding door jamb and frame  14  also includes the door jamb  14   b , which is attached to wall  18 . In the traditional sliding door  10 , the door jamb  14   b  extends from the wall  18  such that the door jamb  14   b  and the sash frame  14   a  extend outside the wall  18  when the sliding door  10  is in a closed position. 
     As shown in an elevation view in  FIG. 2 , the sliding door  10  is shown in a closed position. The door jamb  14   b  of the sliding door jamb and frame  14  extends from wall  18 . When the sliding door  10  is in a closed position, the sash frame  14   a  abuts the door jamb  14   b . Since the door jamb  14   b  extends outside the wall  18 , the sash frame  14   a , which is attached to the door panel  12 , cannot enter the wall  18 . Thus, as seen in  FIG. 2 , there is a large area of the sliding door  10  that is obstructed by the sash frame  14   a  and the door jamb  14   b , causing the viewing area of the sliding door  10  and the door panel  12  to be severely diminished. 
       FIG. 3  is a horizontal view illustrating a traditional sliding door  10  in an open position. An opening  20  is defined between the sash frame  14   a  and the door jamb  14   b . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the door jamb  14   b  projects from the wall  18 . Thus, when the door is closed, the sash frame  14   a  abuts door jamb  14   b  and does not enter the wall  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , causing increased sightlines through the traditional sliding door  10 . 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a handle for a door or window that can be recessed in wall, such that a door or window having a handle that maximizes the viewing area of the door or window panel and creates a visual appearance that the vertical translucent edge of the glass is aligned with the intersecting, perpendicular wall. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One or more exemplary embodiments include a door or window handle extrusion that is configured to be recessed in a wall. 
     Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the exemplary embodiments. 
     In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a sliding member includes a panel having at least one transparent member, a handle connected to the panel, and a jamb recessed in a wall by an amount corresponding to a recessed door jamb depth, where the handle is at least partially received in the jamb when the sliding member is in a closed position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle is not visible when viewed in a perpendicular direction with respect to the panel. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle is flush with an outer portion of the wall. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the sliding member may further include a sliding panel frame connected to the panel, where the sliding panel frame is flush with the outer portion of the wall and the sliding panel frame is not visible when the sliding member is in the closed position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle may be connected to the sliding panel frame. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the door jamb may include at least one recessed handle pocket, and the at least one recessed handle pocket may be configured to allow a user to interact with the handle. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least one recessed handle pocket may extend in a direction perpendicular to a movement of the sliding member. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least one recessed handle pocket may extend a length of the door jamb. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the sliding member may further include a lock configured to prevent the sliding member from being opened. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the lock may include at least one protrusion connected to the sliding member, a sliding portion configured to slide within the door jamb, and at least one locking member connected to the sliding portion, where the at least one locking member engages the at least one protrusion when the lock is in a locking position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least one transparent member is transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. 
     In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a jamb for a sliding member, the jamb including at least one recessed handle pocket and a receiver, where the jamb is recessed in a wall, and the sliding member is at least partially received by the receiver when the sliding member is in a closed position such that a leading edge of a sliding panel frame is at least partially recessed in the wall when the sliding member is in a closed position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, a handle connected to the sliding member is configured to be flush with the wall and completely recessed in the wall when the sliding door is in a closed position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the leading edge of the sliding member is completely recessed in the wall when the sliding member is in a closed position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the jamb further includes a lock configured to prevent the sliding member from being opened. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the lock includes at least one protrusion connected to the sliding member, a sliding portion configured to slide within the door jamb, and at least one locking member connected to the sliding portion, where the at least one locking member engages the at least one protrusion when the lock is in a locking position. 
     In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a sliding panel frame for a sliding member includes a handle connected to the sliding panel frame and at least one transparent panel, where a leading edge of the sliding panel is at least partially received by a receiver of a jamb such that the sliding panel frame is at least partially recessed in a wall when the door is in a closed position. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle is not visible when viewed in a perpendicular direction with respect to the panel. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the sliding panel may include a locking member connected to the sliding panel frame, wherein the locking member is configured to interact with a sliding portion of the jamb to lock the sliding member in a closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a traditional sliding door in a closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevation view of a traditional sliding door in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a traditional sliding door in an open position; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a sliding door in an open position according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a sliding door in a closed position according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a sliding door in a closed position according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a sliding door in a closed position with a locking mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a sliding window in an open position according to a second exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of a sliding window in a closed position according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, reference will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present description. When the detailed description of the relevant known function or configuration is determined to unnecessarily obscure the important point of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. 
     The term “sliding door” as recited herein is not limited to a door. “Sliding door” may also include a sliding window or any other sliding panel having the characteristics described herein. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of a sliding door  100  according to a first exemplary embodiment in an open position. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a jamb  125 , which includes a receiver  128  and a recessed handle pocket frame  114   a , is recessed in a wall  118 . The recessed handle pocket frame  114   a  defines a recessed handle pocket  115 . The jamb  125  can receive a panel  112  such that a handle  116  of the sliding panel  112  is recessed in the recessed handle pocket  115  and an edge of the sliding panel  112  is recessed in the receiver  128 , to maximize the viewing area through the panel  112 . 
     The sliding door  100  includes a panel  112  attached to a sliding panel frame  122 . The panel  112  includes a first transparent member  112   a  and a second transparent member  112   c , defining a space  112   b . However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the panel  112  may include one or more transparent members and may include a plurality of spaces defined between the transparent members or, in some exemplary embodiments, there may be no spaces. Furthermore, the panel  112  may include a transparent member made of any material known in the art. In addition, the transparent member may only be semi-transparent or opaque and may include, but is not limited to, ultraviolet protection and other properties that modify the durability or transparency of the panel  112 . 
     The sliding panel frame  122  may include a projection on both sides of the panel  112 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . These projections form handle  116 , which function as a traditional handle, allowing a user to “push” or “pull” the sliding door  100 . Exemplary embodiments of the handle  116  are not limited to projections. Instead, the handle  116  may be any handle, lever, or other mechanism known in the art to allow a user to push or pull the sliding door  100 . Furthermore, the handle  116  may be directly connected to the panel  112  or the handle  116  may be indirectly connected to the panel  112  through sliding panel frame  122 . It will be understood that the sliding panel frame  122  is not limited to a certain size or shape. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the sliding door  100  further includes a jamb  125  recessed in a wall  118  by an amount corresponding to a recessed door jamb depth  114 , the jamb  125  including a receiver  128  and a recessed handle pocket frame  114   a , which defines a recessed handle pocket  115 . The handle  116  allows a user to open the sliding door  100  from a closed position to an open position. In an open position, an edge of the sliding panel frame  122  of the sliding door  100  and the wall  118  define an opening  124 , as further shown in  FIG. 4 . When the sliding door  100  is in a closed position, a leading edge of the sliding panel frame  122  is received by the recessed door jamb depth  114  such that the sliding panel frame  122  and the handle  116  are recessed in the wall  118 . According to the first exemplary embodiment, the handle  116  is recessed in the recessed handle pocket  115 . Accordingly, the sliding panel frame  122  is received in the receiver  128  and the handle  116  is received in the recessed handle pocket  115  of the jamb  125 , such that the handle  116  is flush with an outer portion of the wall  118 . 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, when the sliding door  100  is in a closed position, the edge of the sliding panel frame  122  of the sliding door  100  and the wall  118  no longer define an opening, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Thus, the viewing area of the sliding door  100  is maximized and the visual appearance that the vertical translucent edge of the glass is aligned with the intersecting, perpendicular wall is formed. According to one exemplary embodiment, the receiver  128  acts as a stop for the sliding door  100  to prevent the sliding door  100  from further closing. 
     According to the first exemplary embodiment, the sliding door  100  may include a seal  126  on the receiver  128 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The seal  126  helps maintain a strong seal between the receiver  128  and the sliding door  100  when the sliding door  100  is in a closed position. It will be understood that the seal  126  is not limited to being located on the receiver  128 , but may be placed in any area suitable for providing a seal when the door  100  is in a closed position. 
     An elevation view of the sliding door  100  in a closed position is shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the handle  116  is recessed in the recessed handle pocket  115 . Accordingly, the panel  112 , having translucent members  112   a  and  112   b , is flush with the wall  118 , as shown by reference A, creating the appearance that the panel  112  aligns with the wall  118 , maximizing the viewing area of the panel  112 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the jamb  125  is recessed in the wall a depth equal to the recessed door jamb depth  114 . The jamb  125  includes a recessed handle pocket  115  on either side of the receiver  128 , which is recessed in the wall  118 . The recessed handle pocket  115  allows the user to grasp the handle  116  when the sliding door  100  is in a closed position so that the user can move the sliding door  100  to an open position. Furthermore, the recessed handle pocket  115  allows the user to close the sliding door  100  using handle  116 , such that the handle is recessed in the recessed handle pocket  115 . The recessed handle pocket  115  may extend any length equal to the entire length of the recessed door jamb depth  114  in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding door  100  or to a length large enough for a user to engage the handle  116 . Furthermore, it will be understood that the jamb  125  may be a jamb for a door, a window, or any other sliding member. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 7 , the handle  116  is provided on the sliding panel frame  122 . However, the handle  116  may be separately attached to the sliding door  100 . Furthermore, the handle  116  is not limited to a handle, but may be any mechanism known in the art to allow a user to push or pull the sliding door  100 , so long as the handle  116  and sliding panel frame  122  can be recessed in the jamb  115  when the sliding door  100  is in a closed position. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the sliding door  100  is provided with a lock  120  to lock and prevent the sliding door  100  from being opened. The lock  120  includes a protrusion (not shown) provided on the sliding panel frame  122  and a sliding portion  120   a  provided in the recessed door jamb depth  114  and connected to the jamb  125 . The sliding portion  120   a  is capable of sliding within the recessed door jamb depth  114  between a first position and a second position. In a first position, locking members (not shown), which are provided on the sliding portion  120   a , engage with the protrusions, preventing the sliding door  100  from being opened. When the sliding portion  120   a  is moved into the second position, the locking members are disengaged from the protrusions, allowing the sliding door  100  to be opened. It will be understood that lock  120  is merely one exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism. For example, other exemplary embodiments of the lock may include a cremone, a pin, a cylinder, a push latch, a hook latch, a bolt latch, or an electromagnet, not of which are shown in the figures. However, these are merely exemplary embodiments, and any locking mechanism known in the art may be substituted for lock  120 . 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view and  FIG. 9  is an elevation view of a sliding window  100  according to a second exemplary embodiment. Like reference numerals in  FIGS. 8 and 9  refer to like features as described above. According the second exemplary embodiment, the sliding window  100  includes similar features to the sliding door  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the sliding window  100  includes a handle  116  on only a single side of the sliding door  100 . Furthermore, the jamb  125  defines only a single recessed handle pocket  115 , on the same side as the handle  116 . Other features and functions of the sliding window  100  are similar to those functions and features of the sliding door  100 . For example, the sliding window  100  may include a jamb  125  having a lock  120 . 
     The foregoing is illustrative of exemplary embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.