Patent Abstract:
A window or door assembly and/or system having a drain method and device that is less invasive than previous implementations. The assembly can include slidable window or door panels and an upright support allowing translational movement of the panels. Distal thereto, a weeping upright is provided. The upright support and the weeping upright can form a channel therebetween where the liquid is collected, wherein the channel in one embodiment is L-shaped. To remove liquid from the channel, an accumulator that is perpendicular to the channel can receive the fluid through an opening. Liquid can also be removed through a drainage opening within the upright support or weeping upright. An aperture along with a connector along a bottom portion of the channel can also be used to remove the liquid within the channel.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The application generally relates to sliding door or window assemblies, and more particularly, to a draining frame for removing moisture or other liquid that may accumulate within a sliding door or window assembly, and a system including such assembly and drainage frame. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The ability to drain rain water or other condensation from window sills and patio doors is desired for some installations. Sliding closure assemblies may require some form of drainage to prevent rain water and condensation from entering the interior of a building around the movable panes. In the past, positioned drain holes throughout the assemblies have been provided to allow water to escape as it forms. 
         [0003]    While numerous drainage systems have been designed to solve this problem, most such drainage systems require a hollow sill construction. These systems are not adapted to the drainage of horizontally sliding closure assemblies such as patio doors which are normally constructed with a solid sill for strength and durability. The infiltration of wind driven water may be a particular problem with patio doors for some installations because it is desirable to have a sill profile that is as low and unobtrusive as possible to facilitate passage through the door with wheelchairs and the like. 
         [0004]    Many systems have been designed for directional drainage of water and moisture. Nevertheless, these systems have been invasive requiring intensive ground preparations. One such drainage system utilizes a collection pan mounted under a channel where the liquid is collected. The pan collects the liquid from the channel through an aperture, usually by way of gravity. Because of its lower position, the collection pan requires additional trenching work so that the collection pan can be properly fitted. 
         [0005]    The present application provides a frame drain method and system for horizontally sliding closure assemblies such as patio doors or windows which permits the drainage of water from the interior of the closure. A system consisting of such frame and assembly allows minimally invasive techniques requiring less trenching or other work performed. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0006]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises, in combination: an upright support allowing translational movement of at least one slidable closure element above a ground level; a weeping upright distal from said upright support forming a channel therebetween topping proximate said ground level; and an accumulator perpendicular to said channel and in fluid communication with said channel so that fluid received in said channel formed between said upright support and weeping upright flows to said accumulator. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises, in combination: an upright support allowing translational movement of at least one slidable closure element above a ground level; a weeping upright distal from said upright support topping proximate said ground level; wherein said weeping upright is shaped so as to form, in cooperation with said upright support, an L-shaped channel therebetween; and a drainage opening within one of said upright support, weeping upright, and L-shaped channel for removing said liquid within said channel. 
         [0008]    In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed. The system comprises, in combination: a slidable closure element; an upright support allowing translational movement of said slidable closure element above a ground level; a weeping upright distal from said upright support topping proximate said ground level; wherein said weeping upright is shaped so as to form, in cooperation with said upright support, an L-shaped channel therebetween; and a drainage opening within one of said upright support, weeping upright, and L-shaped channel for removing said liquid within said channel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The novel features believed to be characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary window or door frame system that empties liquid into an accumulator in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an elevated front cross sectional view thereof; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top cross sectional view thereof; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a cross section thereof; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view thereof; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a magnified top view of the accumulator thereof; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a magnified side perspective view thereof; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an illustrative window or door frame system having a conduit emptying from the side of its upright support in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a side view thereof; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a top cross sectional view thereof; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a magnified side view thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of an exemplary window or door frame system that empties liquid a bottom portion in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side view thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a closer top perspective view thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is an expanded view thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary window or door frame system depicting sliding panels in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a top perspective unfinished view thereof; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective finished view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. 
         [0029]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-7  show an exemplary window or door frame system  100  having an accumulator  102  for collecting and removing liquid on a side portion in accordance with one aspect of the present application. For sliding door assemblies, the system  100  can be positioned in the ground such that barriers from preventing ingress or egress are reduced or completely removed. As will be shown below, the accumulator  102  reduces the excavation process for installing the system  100  and allows for quicker setup times as well. While primarily intended for use with doors and windows, the system  100  can also accommodate other types of slidable paneling. 
         [0030]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  can include at least one support member  104 . The support member  104  can provide a sturdy bottom for other components of the system  100 . While the support member  104  can be considered as a separate component, it should also be noted that the components described herein can be one continuous element. Attached thereto, mounting elements  112  can be used to provide additional support for the entire system  100 . 
         [0031]    Coupled to the support member  104  can be an upright support  106  and a weeping upright  108 . As shown, the upright support  106  and the weeping upright  108  may be parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the upright support  106  can be an elongated track extending upright from the support member  104 , As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upright support  106  can extend past the accumulator  102  positioned over a floor or window sill, The upright support  106  can form a slight barrier to prevent liquid from the exterior area entering into the interior area. 
         [0032]    Continuing with  FIG. 1 , a weeping channel  108  can be provided for each of the upright supports  106 . As shown, the weeping channel  108  is parallel to the upright support  106  and spaced slightly apart. The weeping channel  108  can capture liquid either dripping or running off the panels or running across the floor surface and over the top of track from the exterior area toward the interior area. For windows, the weeping channel  108  captures liquid that can come over the sill. 
         [0033]    Depicted in  FIG. 16 , the upright support  106  can be positioned such that a lip extends past the floor or window sill  1602 . The lip can prevent liquid from entering into the residence or interior. The weeping channel  108  can end at the floor or window sill  1602  or slightly below there. Through this combination, minimal barriers are imposed while still allowing the ability to collect liquid that enters within. 
         [0034]    The upright support  106  can engage slidable panels  1604 . The panels  1604  can include windows, doors, etc. In one embodiment, the panels  1604  can incorporate wheels  1606  which can engage with the upright support  106 . In one embodiment, the upright support  106  can include a shaped top surface for smooth engagement with the wheels  1606  of the slidable panels  1604 . Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other configurations for slidable panels  1604  exist such as nearly frictionless surfaces, ball bearings, etc. While the slidable panels  1604  as shown are straight, the slidable panels  1604  can contain curves and the system  100  can be modified for the curved slidable panels  1604 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is a top perspective unfinished view of the window or door frame system  100 . As shown, installation of the system  100  typically uses minimal trenching work. The unfinished floor  1702 , in one embodiment, can provide a proper surface for placing the system  100 . The panels  1604  of the system  100  described above can be in a closed or opened position. In the open position, the panels  1604  are placed into the side as shown. The panels  1604  can be extended therefrom into a closed position along the upper supports  106 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective finished view of the window or door frame system  100 . The flooring  1602  can be placed within the system  100  such that the upright supports  106  are minimally exposed while the weeping channel  108  is at or below the finished flooring  1602  as shown. 
         [0037]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the upright support  106  and the weeping upright  108  can form a channel  110  therebetween. The channel  110  can lie on top of the support member  104 . In one embodiment, the channel  110  can be part of the support member  104 . Alignment fasteners  114  can be coupled between each of the upright supports  106  and weeping uprights  108 . The alignment fasteners  114  can provide lateral support to the system  100 . 
         [0038]    As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the channel  110  can be used to remove liquid or other types of accumulated moisture from the system  100 . An inlet  302  feeding into an accumulator  102  can be at the end of the channel  110 . In the shown embodiment, the inlet  302  can be circular. In one embodiment, the inlet  302  can be provided in other shapes like a square. The inlet  302  can also conform to the shape of the channel  110 . 
         [0039]    A filter (not shown) can be used so that larger debris does not enter into the channel  110 . In one embodiment, the filter can be a grate. The grate can allow liquid to flow through while preventing other fragments from entering, In one embodiment, the channel  110  can allow the debris to flow therethrough. The inlet  302  can be large enough to allow large debris to flow into the accumulator  102  where it can be later collected or passed through the accumulator  102  altogether. 
         [0040]    As previously discussed, the channel  110  provides a flow of liquid into the accumulator  102  through the inlet  302 . In one embodiment, the channel  110  can be sloped so that the liquid is directed into the inlet  302 . The slope allows gravity to funnel the liquid through. When multiple accumulators  102  are used, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the channel  110  can be slopped midway directing liquid to each end. 
         [0041]    Generally, the accumulator  102  is covered to prevent injuries. In one embodiment, the covering for the accumulator  102  can be opened such that debris or other materials can be removed. The accumulator  102  can be perpendicular to the channels  110 . After the liquid is received from the channel  110  and into the accumulator  102 , the accumulator can divert the liquid to an outlet  202 . In one embodiment, the accumulator  102  can be sloped so that gravity forces the liquid to the outlet  202 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a cross section of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . The alignment fasteners  114  can be coupled to the upright support  106  and weeping upright  108 . The alignment fasteners  114  can be coupled such that any fluid therein can be distributed within the channel  110  through a drainage canal  402 . Typically, the canal  402  is sloped so that liquid empties into the channel  110 . With the alignment fasteners  114 , a stronger frame system  100  can be provided. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . While three support members  104  are shown, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that fewer or more support members  104  can be interconnected together. Each of the support members  104  can include an upright support  106  and a weeping upright  108  with a channel  110  therebetween that feeds into the accumulator  102 . The cross sectional view shows the inlet  302  feeding into the accumulator  102  with the accumulator  102  funneling the liquid into the nozzle  204 . The nozzle  204  can be bent at an angle so that the liquid continuously travels out using gravity. 
         [0044]    The weeping upright  108 , which is not load-bearing, can take a variety of shapes and is not limited to the vertical structure shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . For example, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , the weeping upright  106  can be shaped so as to form, in cooperation with the upright support  106 , an L-shaped channel  110 , as best seen in  FIGS. 8-10  and  12 - 14 . This configuration converts channel  110  into a combination channel and accumulator, creating a drainage basin that runs the entire length of the system  100  as compared to prior designs wherein drainage is confined to a collection box mounted below the track and occupying only a small portion of the length of the track. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a magnified top view of the accumulator  102 . As shown, the inlet  302  feeds liquid into the accumulator  102  through the channel  110 .  FIG. 7  is a magnified side perspective view of the accumulator  102 . In one embodiment, a hose or other type of tubing can be connected to the nozzle  204 . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1-7  provided numerous components for the system  100 . Known to those skilled in the relevant art, fewer or more components can be incorporated into the system  100 . In one embodiment, the system  100  can incorporate a check valve. The check valve can allow liquid to flow one-way, while preventing any liquid from coming the opposite way. The check valve can be placed within the accumulator  102 . Alternatively, the check valve can be incorporated into the nozzle  204  or other extension thereof. 
         [0047]    In one exemplary window or door frame system  100 , liquid can be removed from the channel  110  from a side drainage opening  802  as depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 . Generally described and shown in  FIG. 8 , the upright support  106  and the weeping upright  108  can be held together through support members  104 . The support members  104  can then be placed on mounting elements  112 . Alignment fasteners  114  can also be used to provide lateral support for the system  100 . Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that similar components can be present in each of the exemplary window or door frame systems  100 . 
         [0048]    The drainage opening  802  can be positioned within the upright support  106 . Alternatively, the drainage opening  802  is provided in the weeping upright  108 . Typically, the drainage opening  802  can positioned such that a portion of the drainage opening  802  is above a bottom of the channel  110  and another portion of the drainage opening  802  can be right at or slightly below the channel  110  as more clearly shown in  FIG. 9 . By positioning the drainage opening  802  in such a way, the maximum amount of liquid can be removed from the channel  110 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the drainage opening  802  can be connected to an elbow joint  804 . While the elbow joint  804  allows the flow of liquid away from the other components of the system  100 , those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of connectors can be used and attached to the drainage opening  802 . Typically, the elbow joint  804  and the drainage opening  802  can contain threading so that the elbow joint can be fitted securely removing the possibility of leaks. 
         [0050]    Generally, a conduit  806  can be coupled to the elbow joint  804  to further carry the liquid from the channel  110  away from the system  100 . The conduit  806  can take the form of a hose or other type of tubing. The channel  110  can be sloped such that the liquid therein is provided to the drainage opening  802 . While numerous conduits  806  are shown, one centralized conduit  806  can be used to remove the liquid. 
         [0051]    As noted above, the weeping upright  108  can be shaped so as to form, in cooperation with upright support  106 , an L-shaped channel  110 . angled such that more liquid can flow through the channel  110 . This implementation of the weeping upright  108  can be used in the embodiments described herein. Optionally, the upright support  106  can be shaped, perhaps in similar manner, to expand the channel  110 , either in cooperation with a vertical weeping upright  108  or a shaped weeping upright  108 . 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the drainage opening  802  can be placed proximate the middle of the upright support  106  or the weeping upright  108 . Alternatively, the drainage opening  802  can be placed on one side. The channel  110  may be sloped so that the liquid flows towards the drainage opening  802 . While only one opening is shown in each of the upright supports  106  or weeping uprights  108 , those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that there can be two or more drainage openings  802  placed therein. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  is a top cross sectional view of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . As shown, alignment fasteners  114  can provide lateral support for the system  100 . One end of the alignment fastener  114  can connect to the upright support  106  while the other end can connect to the weeping upright  108 . The alignment fastener  114  can contain a drainage canal  402  that empties into the channel  110 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  is a magnified side view of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . The magnified view shows the threading for the elbow joint  804  into the drainage opening  802  which is within the upright support  106 . A conduit  806  can be coupled to the elbow joint  804 . The conduit  806  and the elbow joint  804  can be connected through threading known to those skilled in the relevant art. 
         [0055]    As provided above,  FIGS. 16-18  depict the window or door panels  1604  that can be placed on the upright support  106 . Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the window or door panels  1604  can be implemented on the embodiment described above. 
         [0056]    In one exemplary window or door frame system  100 , liquid can be removed through a bottom portion as depicted in  FIGS. 12-15 . The upright support  106  and the weeping upright  108  can be held together through support members  104 . The support members  104  can then be placed on mounting elements  112 . Alignment fasteners  114  can also be placed for lateral support in the system  100 . Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that similar components can be present in each of the exemplary window or door frame systems  100 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the drainage opening  802  opens into the bottom of the L-shaped channel  110  through the support member  104 . While only one drainage opening  802  per support member  104  is shown, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that there can be two or more openings for each support member  104 . In one embodiment, the channel  110  can be sloped such that liquid therein can be funneled downwards by gravity into the drainage opening  802 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . The drainage opening  802  can be coupled to an elbow joint  804 . In one embodiment, a simple connector can be used instead of the elbow joint  804 . The elbow joint  804  can then be connected to a conduit  806 .  FIG. 13  illustrates that more than one conduit  806  can be used. In other embodiments, a single conduit  806  can be connected to each of the elbow joints  804 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 14  is a closer top perspective view of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . The upright support  106 , weeping upright  108 , and channel  110  therebetween can be coupled through an alignment faster  114  that provides additional support for the system  100 .  FIG. 15  is an expanded view of the exemplary window or door frame system  100 . The threading used by the elbow joint  804  can be fitted securely into the drainage opening  802  so that leaks are prevented. The conduit  806  can be coupled thereto. 
         [0060]    As provided above,  FIGS. 16-18  depict the window or door panels  1604  that can be placed on the upright support  106 . Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the window or door panels  1604  can be implemented on the embodiment described above. 
         [0061]    The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4