Patent Description:
Under normal weather conditions, where there is generally no wind or elevated atmospheric pressure, water that manages to migrate into a doorway sill is able to flow out through dedicated flow passageways and weep holes provided in the sill. However, in heavy weather and storm conditions, sustained winds can prevent water from naturally weeping from the sill as designed. In such scenarios, water within the sill can progressively accumulate and potentially overflow the dam created by the sill, which may result in water leaking into the inside of the building.

What is needed is a sill assembly that is able to evacuate water effectively, that is easy to manufacture, assemble, maintain, and replace, and that is reliable. <CIT> discloses a threshold assembly comprising a sill for disposal below a closure. <CIT> discloses a lower cross member for a sliding window. <CIT> discloses a water management system for a fenestration assembly.

Embodiments disclosed herein include a water evacuation system that includes a sill providing a dam that defines one or more drain ports, an accumulation chamber defined within the interior of the sill and in fluid communication with the dam via the one or more drain ports, and one or more discharge ports defined in a front face of the sill and in fluid communication with the accumulation chamber. The water evacuation system further includes an internal ramp comprising a structure separate from the sill and arrangeable within the accumulation chamber below the one or more drain ports and including an angled upper surface directed toward the one or more discharge ports, wherein water entering the accumulation chamber via the one or more drain ports will impinge upon the angled upper surface and flow towards the one or more discharge ports to be evacuated from the sill. In some aspects, the internal ramp comprises an elongate body having opposing first and second ends, and a bottom arranged opposite the angled upper surface, each of the bottom and the angled upper surface extending between the first and second ends, wherein the angled upper surface extends at an angle relative to the bottom from an upper edge to a lower edge, and the lower edge is arranged closer to the one or more discharge ports when the internal ramp is arranged within the accumulation chamber. The angle may range between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. The elongate body may further include opposing end walls provided at each end. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes a pump in fluid communication with the sill via an inlet conduit to draw water from the sill into the inlet conduit, a discharge conduit extending from the pump to an outlet orifice to convey the water from the pump to the outlet orifice to be discharged to an exterior of a building, and a float switch mounted to the sill and in communication with the pump, wherein, when the water accumulating in the sill reaches a predetermined level and acts on the float switch, the float switch sends a signal to the pump to commence pumping the water out of the sill. The float switch may be arranged within one of the dam and the accumulation chamber, and the inlet conduit may extend between the pump and the one of the dam and the accumulation chamber. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes a discharge port cover secured to the sill at a corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports, the discharge port cover including a body that includes a front plate, a top extending laterally from and perpendicular to the front plate, and one or more coupling members receivable within the corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports to secure the discharge port cover to the corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports, wherein, when the discharge port cover is received within the corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports, a downspout is cooperatively defined between the discharge port cover and the front face of the sill. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes a movable shield actuatable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein, when the movable shield is transitioned to the deployed configuration, the movable shield diverts water away from the dam. In some aspects, the sill provides a mounting portion and a sliding door assembly is configured to be mounted to the sill at the mounting portion, the a sliding door assembly including a sill receptor that defines a cavity sized to receive the mounting portion, and one or more panels mounted to the sill receptor and extending vertically therefrom.

Embodiments not covered by the appended claims include a water evacuation system that includes a sill providing a dam that defines one or more drain ports, an accumulation chamber defined within the interior of the sill and in fluid communication with the dam via the one or more drain ports, and one or more discharge ports defined in a front face of the sill and in fluid communication with the accumulation chamber. The water evacuation system further includes a pump in fluid communication with the sill via an inlet conduit, and a discharge conduit extending from the pump to an outlet orifice to convey water from the pump to the outlet orifice to be discharged to an exterior of a building. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes a float switch mounted to the sill and communicably coupled to the pump, the float switch including a static portion secured to the sill, and a floating portion pivotably coupled to the static portion and buoyant in water, wherein, when water accumulating in the sill reaches a predetermined level, the floating portion floats on the water and sends a signal to the pump to commence operation. The float switch may be arranged within one of the dam and the accumulation chamber. The inlet conduit may extend between the pump and the one of the dam and the accumulation chamber. One or both of the inlet and discharge conduits may extend at least partially through a frame member extending vertically from the sill. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes an internal ramp arranged within the accumulation chamber below the one or more drain ports and including an angled upper surface directed toward the one or more discharge ports, wherein, water entering the accumulation chamber via the one or more drain ports will impinge upon the angled upper surface and flow towards the one or more discharge ports to be evacuated from the sill. The internal ramp may comprise an elongate body having opposing first and second ends, and a bottom arranged opposite the angled upper surface, each of the bottom and the angled upper surface extending between the first and second ends, wherein the angled upper surface extends at an angle relative to the bottom from an upper edge to a lower edge, and the lower edge is arranged closer to the one or more discharge ports. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes a discharge port cover secured to the sill at a corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports, the discharge port cover including a body that includes a front plate, a top extending laterally from and perpendicular to the front plate, and one or more coupling members receivable within the corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports to secure the discharge port cover to the corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports, wherein, when the discharge port cover is received within the corresponding one of the one or more discharge ports, a downspout is cooperatively defined between the discharge port cover and the front face of the sill. In some aspects, the water evacuation system further includes a movable shield actuatable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein, when the movable shield is transitioned to the deployed configuration, the movable shield diverts water away from the dam.

Embodiments disclosed herein further include a method that includes the steps of receiving water into a dam of a sill, draining the water from the dam into an accumulation chamber via one or more drain ports defined in the dam, the accumulation chamber being defined within the interior of the sill below the dam, receiving the water draining into the accumulation chamber on an internal ramp comprising a structure separate from the sill and arrangeable within the accumulation chamber, the internal ramp including an angled upper surface directed toward one or more discharge ports defined in a front face of the sill and in fluid communication with the accumulation chamber, and flowing the water from the internal ramp towards the one or more discharge ports to be evacuated from the sill.

Embodiments not covered by the appended claims further include a method that includes the steps of receiving water into a dam of a sill, draining at least a portion of the water from the dam into an accumulation chamber via one or more drain ports defined in the dam, the accumulation chamber being defined within the interior of the sill below the dam, and the sill having a float switch mounted thereto and arranged within one of the dam and the accumulation chamber, the float switch including a static portion secured to the sill, and a floating portion pivotably coupled to the static portion and buoyant in the water. The method may further include accumulating the water within the one of the dam and the accumulation chamber and thereby causing the floating portion to float on the water, sending a signal to a pump in communication with the float switch when the water accumulating in the one of the dam and the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined level, drawing the water out of sill with the pump upon receiving the signal, and pumping the water to an outlet orifice to be discharged to an exterior of a building via a discharge conduit extending from the pump to the outlet orifice.

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments.

The present disclosure is related to doorway construction and, more particularly, to doorway sills that incorporate enhanced water evacuation systems.

The embodiments disclosed herein describe a door water evacuation system designed to maintain pressure equalization, maintain positive outlet velocity, and provide an irreversible flow path. The door water evacuation system may include components that are 2D extrudable or 3D printable, and may be designed as an add-on part to existing door assemblies. The door water evacuation systems described herein may also occupy a small space and be capable of fitting in the original sill structure of an existing door assembly, or other façade-type systems. In one embodiment, the door water evacuation system includes a cap that covers a weep hole defined in the sill of an existing door assembly. In another embodiment, or in addition thereto, an internal ramp is included (e.g., extruded) within the sill and allows water to flow toward discharge ports at a quicker pace. In yet other embodiments, or in addition thereto, a pump and an interconnected float switch are attached to the sill and the pump is automatically activated when water within the sill reaches a predetermined level. The pump operates to draw the water out of the sill so that it does not enter the interior of the building.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of a prior art sill <NUM> that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the sill <NUM> may be used to support a sliding door assembly <NUM>, and the sliding door assembly <NUM> includes a sill receptor <NUM> and a panel <NUM> mounted to the sill receptor <NUM> and extending vertically therefrom. The panel <NUM> may comprise, for example, one or more panes of window glass, polycarbonates, or other clear, translucent, tinted, or opaque panels. In the illustrated example, the panel <NUM> includes three panes mounted to each other (e.g., back to back), but could alternatively include more or less than three. The panel <NUM> may be mounted to the sill receptor <NUM> using one or more gaskets, shown as a first or "exterior" gasket 108a and a second or "interior" gasket 108b.

The sill <NUM> may be mounted to or otherwise placed on a lower substrate <NUM>, such as the ground, the floor of a building, or any other planar, underlying surface. The sill <NUM> may comprise a rigid structure (e.g., an extrusion) made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, another metal, other metal alloys, a plastic, a composite material, or any combination thereof. As illustrated, the sill <NUM> includes an exterior portion <NUM>, which constitutes the exposed portion of the sill <NUM> that is commonly subject to foot traffic, etc..

In some cases, a sliding screen door may be mounted to the sill <NUM>. For example, the sill <NUM> further includes an interior or "mounting" portion <NUM> sized to receive and mount the sliding door assembly <NUM> to the sill <NUM>. More specifically, the interior portion <NUM> may be configured to be received within a cavity <NUM> defined in a lower portion of the sill receptor <NUM>. One or more seals, shown as a first or "exterior" seal 118a and a second or "interior" seal 118b may be configured to seal corresponding interfaces between the sill receptor <NUM> and the interior portion <NUM>. While not shown, the sliding door assembly <NUM> may include one or more rolling elements or wheels rollingly engageable with a track <NUM> provided on the interior portion <NUM>.

The sill <NUM> may further provide or otherwise define a dam <NUM> that interposes the exterior portion <NUM> and the interior portion <NUM>. During operation of the sill <NUM>, the dam <NUM> may be configured to receive water <NUM> (e.g., precipitation, melted ice, etc.) originating from the exterior. For example, during a weather event with precipitation, water <NUM> in the form of precipitation may impact and flow down the exterior surfaces of the sliding door assembly <NUM> to be received within the dam <NUM>.

The dam <NUM> helps prevent the water <NUM> from migrating past the interior portion <NUM> and into the interior of the building. To help accomplish this, one or more drain ports <NUM> (one shown) may be defined in the bottom of the dam <NUM> to allow accumulated water <NUM> to flow into an accumulation chamber <NUM> defined within the interior of the sill <NUM> below the dam <NUM>. The accumulation chamber <NUM> may define and otherwise provide a flow path within the interior of the sill <NUM> that places the dam <NUM> in fluid communication with one or more weep holes or "discharge ports" <NUM> (one shown) defined in the front face <NUM> of the sill <NUM>. Accordingly, water <NUM> draining into the accumulation chamber <NUM> from the dam <NUM> via the drain ports <NUM> may be able to exit the interior of the sill <NUM> by circulating through the flow path provided by the accumulation chamber <NUM> until being discharged from the sill <NUM> via the discharge port(s) <NUM>.

Under normal weather conditions, when there is generally no wind or elevated atmospheric pressure, water <NUM> received within the dam <NUM> is readily able to circulate out of the sill <NUM> by flowing into the accumulation chamber <NUM> and being discharged via the discharge ports <NUM>. However, in heavy weather and storm conditions, sustained winds impacting the discharge ports <NUM> can prevent water from naturally weeping from the sill <NUM> as designed. Moreover, heavy storm conditions that precipitate large volumes of water <NUM> can potentially overwhelm the capacity (volume) of the dam <NUM> and/or the flow rate capacity of the water <NUM> being discharged from the sill <NUM> at the discharge ports <NUM>. In such scenarios, the water <NUM> will progressively accumulate and potentially overflow the dam <NUM> and migrate into the inside of the building.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the sill <NUM> may include or otherwise incorporate a water evacuation system operable to enhance the evacuation and drainage of the water <NUM> from the sill <NUM>, and thereby help prevent migration of the water <NUM> into the inside of the building. In some embodiments, as discussed below, the water evacuation system may comprise a static system that naturally urges the water <NUM> out of the sill <NUM> via natural forces. In other embodiments, however, the water evacuation system may comprise a dynamic system that includes movable or mechanized components that actively pump or impel the water <NUM> out of the sill <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the water evacuation system can include both dynamic and static elements, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It should be noted that, while the sill <NUM> is shown in <FIG> in conjunction with and supporting the sliding door assembly <NUM>, it is contemplated herein that the sill <NUM> could alternatively be used in conjunction with and otherwise support any type of sliding or pivoting façade system or component. Example façade systems that may be used in conjunction with the sill <NUM> and the water evacuation systems described herein include, but are not limited to, a swinging door, a sliding window, a swinging window, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the sliding door assembly <NUM> may alternately be referred to herein as a "façade system".

<FIG> is an isometric view of an example discharge port cover <NUM>, and <FIG> is an isometric view of an example water evacuation system <NUM> that incorporates the discharge port cover <NUM>, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring first to <FIG>, the water evacuation system <NUM> includes the sill <NUM> of <FIG>, which includes the dam <NUM>, the accumulation chamber <NUM> defined within the interior of the sill <NUM>, and the discharge port(s) <NUM> (shown in dashed lines) defined in the front face <NUM> of the sill <NUM> and in fluid communication with the accumulation chamber <NUM>. The water evacuation system <NUM> further includes the discharge port cover <NUM>, which is sized and otherwise configured to be received by or within a corresponding one of the discharge ports <NUM>. In <FIG>, the discharge port cover <NUM> is occluding the corresponding discharge port <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the discharge port cover <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, which may comprise a monolithic, one-piece part, but could alternatively consist of multiple pieces connected or otherwise coupled together to form the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be made of a variety of rigid materials including, but not limited to, a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a hard rubber, a composite material, wood, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the body <NUM> may be 3D printed, but could alternatively be manufactured via other known means of manufacturing, such as injection molding.

As illustrated, the body <NUM> includes or otherwise defines a front plate <NUM>, and a top <NUM> that extends laterally and perpendicular to the front plate <NUM>. When the discharge port cover <NUM> is received within the discharge port <NUM> (<FIG>), the front plate <NUM> will extend substantially parallel with the front face <NUM> (<FIG>), and the top <NUM> will extend substantially perpendicular to the front face <NUM>. Unlike conventional discharge port covers, which commonly do not have a top, discharge port cover <NUM> includes the top <NUM>, which may help maintain pressure equalization and maintain positive outlet velocity at the discharge port <NUM>. In particular, the top <NUM> may help block wind from entering the discharge port <NUM>, which could otherwise break pressure equalization and prevent the water from draining out the discharge port <NUM>.

The body <NUM> further includes one or more coupling members <NUM> extending from the front plate <NUM> and configured to be received within the discharge port <NUM> via a snap fit or interference engagement. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the coupling members <NUM> may also be secured to or otherwise form part of the bottom surface of the top <NUM>. Advancing the coupling members <NUM> into the discharge port <NUM> may result in the discharge port cover <NUM> being removably attached to the sill <NUM> at the discharge port <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, in example operation of the water evacuation system <NUM>, the discharge port cover <NUM> is installed in the discharge port(s) <NUM> to prevent wind from entering into the interior of the sill <NUM>, and thereby preventing water from draining from the sill <NUM> via the discharge port(s) <NUM>. When the discharge port cover <NUM> is attached to the sill <NUM> at a corresponding discharge port <NUM>, a downspout <NUM> is cooperatively defined between the discharge port cover <NUM> and the front face <NUM> of the sill <NUM>. The downspout <NUM> fluidly communicates with the corresponding discharge port <NUM>. Accordingly, water that drains into the accumulation chamber <NUM> from the dam <NUM> will be able to weep or flow out of the sill <NUM> via the discharge port <NUM> and the corresponding downspout <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> and the top <NUM> of the discharge port cover <NUM> continuously block wind that would otherwise circulate into the discharge port <NUM> and impede flow of the water out of the sill <NUM> via the discharge port <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of an example internal ramp <NUM>, and <FIG> is an isometric view of another example water evacuation system <NUM> that incorporates the internal ramp <NUM>, according to one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring first to <FIG>, the water evacuation system <NUM> includes the sill <NUM>, which includes the dam <NUM>, the accumulation chamber <NUM>, and the discharge port(s) <NUM> (shown in dashed lines) defined in the front face <NUM> of the sill <NUM> and in fluid communication with the dam <NUM> via the drain port(s) <NUM> and the accumulation chamber <NUM>. The water evacuation system <NUM> further includes the internal ramp <NUM> arranged within the accumulation chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the internal ramp <NUM> may comprise an integral part of the sill <NUM>. In such embodiments, the internal ramp <NUM> may be formed or otherwise co-extruded simultaneously with the sill <NUM> and within the accumulation chamber <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the internal ramp <NUM> may comprise a separate component part designed to be received within the interior of the sill <NUM>. In such embodiments, the internal ramp <NUM> may be installed in the sill <NUM> in a retrofit application or the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, the internal ramp <NUM> is depicted as a separate component part that includes an elongate body <NUM>, which may comprise a monolithic, one-piece part, but could alternatively consist of multiple pieces connected or otherwise coupled together to form the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be made of a variety of rigid materials including, but not limited to, a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a hard rubber, a composite material, wood, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the body <NUM> may be 3D printed, but could alternatively be manufactured via other known means of manufacturing, such as injection molding.

As illustrated, the body <NUM> may comprise a generally rectangular structure having opposing first and second ends 306a and 306b. The body <NUM> also provides or defines a bottom <NUM> and an angled upper surface <NUM> opposite the bottom <NUM>, and each of the bottom <NUM> and the angled upper surface <NUM> extend between the first and second ends 306a,b. In some embodiments, the bottom <NUM> may provide and otherwise define a planar or flat surface configured to be received against a corresponding planar bottom surface of the accumulation chamber <NUM> (<FIG>). In contrast, the angled upper surface <NUM> may be angled relative to the bottom <NUM> from a first or "upper" edge 312a to a second or "lower" edge 312b. Because of the angled nature of the upper surface <NUM>, water impinging on the angled upper surface <NUM> will have the natural tendency to flow in the downward direction, and otherwise from the upper edge 312a toward the lower edge 312b.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the body <NUM> may optionally include opposing end walls <NUM> provided at each end 306a,b. The upper surface of each end wall <NUM> may extend parallel to the bottom <NUM>. Consequently, the end walls <NUM> may progressively increase in size in the direction from the upper edge 312a toward the lower edge 312b. In some embodiments, the end walls <NUM> may help maintain water flowing down the angled upper surface <NUM> instead of flowing laterally past the ends 306a,b of the body <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the internal ramp <NUM> is shown arranged within the accumulation chamber <NUM>. As indicated above, the internal ramp <NUM> may comprise an integral part of the sill <NUM> co-extruded with the sill <NUM> and within the accumulation chamber <NUM>, but can alternatively comprise a separate component part designed to be received within the accumulation chamber <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

As illustrated, the internal ramp <NUM> is arranged or otherwise oriented such that the angled upper surface <NUM> is directed toward the discharge port <NUM>. More specifically, the internal ramp <NUM> is arranged such that the lower edge 312b is arranged closer to the discharge port <NUM>, as compared to the upper edge 312a. As a result, water <NUM> entering the accumulation chamber <NUM> via the drain port(s) <NUM> will impinge upon the angled upper surface <NUM> and immediately start flowing towards the discharge port <NUM> based on the potential energy imparted to the water <NUM> by the angled upper surface <NUM>. The downwardly angled upper surface <NUM> increases the potential speed or flow rate of the water <NUM> being evacuated from the sill <NUM>, thus allowing the water <NUM> to evacuate at a quicker pace. Moreover, as the water <NUM> flows toward the discharge port <NUM>, and because water is generally cohesive, the kinetic energy of the flowing water <NUM> may also have a tendency to draw cohesively connected water <NUM> toward the discharge port <NUM>.

The angled upper surface <NUM> may exhibit an angle <NUM> relative to the bottom <NUM> of the internal ramp <NUM>, or otherwise relative to the bottom surface of the accumulation chamber <NUM>. The angle <NUM> may range between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the angle <NUM> may be about <NUM>°, but could be more or less than <NUM>°, depending on the application. In some embodiments, the angle <NUM> may be constant between the upper and lower edges 312a,b of the angled upper surface <NUM>. In such embodiments, the angled upper surface <NUM> may comprise a constant planar surface extending between the upper and lower edges 312a,b. In other embodiments, however, the angle <NUM> may vary between the upper and lower edges 312a,b. In such embodiments, the angled upper surface <NUM> may comprise a discontinuous surface having varying degrees of elevation between the upper and lower edges 312a,b, and based on the variation of the angle <NUM>.

While the water evacuation system <NUM> depicts a single internal ramp <NUM>, it is contemplated herein to incorporate a plurality of internal ramps. In such embodiments, multiple internal ramps may be configured to further increase the velocity of the water being evacuated from the sill <NUM>. In some applications, it is contemplated herein to have multiple, stacked internal ramps that feed each other in opposite directions, thus extending the flow path between the drain ports <NUM> to the discharge ports <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric, schematic view of example assembly of the water evacuation system <NUM> of <FIG>, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the internal ramp <NUM> may be advanced laterally into the accumulation chamber <NUM> until being arranged directly below a corresponding one of the drain ports <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the water evacuation system <NUM> may include a plurality of internal ramps <NUM> extended into the accumulation chamber <NUM> in series and arranged side-by-side.

In at least one embodiment, a height of one or both of the end walls <NUM> may be sized so as to provide an interference fit with the upper and lower surfaces of the accumulation chamber <NUM> when installed therein. In other embodiments, however, the internal ramp <NUM> may be secured within the accumulation chamber <NUM> by other means including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, a snap fit engagement, a mechanical attachment, one or more mechanical fasteners, an adhesive, a magnetic attachment, or any combination thereof.

<FIG> also depicts inclusion of the discharge port cover <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the water evacuation system <NUM> may include the discharge port cover <NUM>, which may enhance the ability of the water evacuation system <NUM> to evacuate or drain water from the sill <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic, isometric view of another example water evacuation system <NUM>, according to one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the water evacuation system <NUM> includes the sill <NUM>, which includes the dam <NUM>, the accumulation chamber <NUM>, and the discharge port(s) <NUM> (shown in dashed lines) defined in the front face <NUM> of the sill <NUM>. The discharge port(s) <NUM> are in fluid communication with the dam <NUM> via the drain port(s) <NUM> and the accumulation chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the water evacuation system <NUM> includes the discharge port cover <NUM>, which is mounted to a corresponding discharge port <NUM> to enhance the ability of the water evacuation system <NUM> to evacuate and drain water from the sill <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sill <NUM> may be operatively coupled to opposing first and second frame members <NUM> that extend vertically from opposing lateral ends of the sill <NUM>. The water evacuation system <NUM> may further include a pump <NUM> in fluid communication with the sill <NUM> via an inlet conduit <NUM> that extends between the pump <NUM> and the sill <NUM>. The inlet conduit <NUM> may extend to a location on the sill <NUM> where the accumulation of water <NUM> (<FIG>) may occur. In some embodiments, for example, the inlet conduit <NUM> may extend into the dam <NUM>, but could alternatively extend into the accumulation chamber <NUM>. When the pump <NUM> is operating (pumping), water <NUM> accumulating in the sill <NUM> (either within the dam <NUM> or the accumulation chamber <NUM>) may be drawn into the inlet conduit <NUM>, which actively evacuates the water <NUM> from the sill <NUM>.

As illustrated, the water evacuation system <NUM> may further include a discharge conduit <NUM> extending from the pump <NUM> to an outlet orifice <NUM>. Water <NUM> that is drawn from the sill <NUM> by operating the pump <NUM> may then be discharged (pumped) to the exterior of the building by flowing through the discharge conduit <NUM> and exiting the outlet orifice <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the inlet and discharge conduit <NUM>, <NUM> may extend at least partially through one of the frame members <NUM> (shown in phantom). In such embodiments, the outlet orifice <NUM> may be defined in a front (exterior) face of the corresponding frame member <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, one or both of the inlet and discharge conduits <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to extend solely within the interior of the sill <NUM>. In such embodiments, the outlet orifice <NUM> may be defined on the front face <NUM> sill <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the water evacuation system <NUM> may further include a float switch <NUM>. The float switch <NUM> may be communicably coupled to the pump <NUM> via a communication line <NUM>. In some embodiments, the communication line <NUM> may comprise a wired interface, such as an electrical or fiber optic line. In other embodiments, however the communication line <NUM> may comprise any wired or wireless interface that allows the float switch <NUM> to communicate a signal to the pump <NUM>.

The float switch <NUM> may be secured to the sill <NUM> in a location where the water <NUM> (<FIG>) tends to accumulate. In some embodiments, for example, the float switch <NUM> may be arranged within the dam <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the float switch <NUM> may be arranged within the accumulation chamber <NUM>.

The float switch <NUM> may include a static portion 418a that is secured to the sill <NUM>, and a floating portion 418b pivotably coupled to the static portion 418a. The floating portion 418b may be buoyant in water and thereby able to pivot relative to the static portion 418a as the level of the water <NUM> (<FIG>) accumulating in the sill <NUM> (either within the dam <NUM> or the accumulation chamber <NUM>) increases and acts on the floating portion 418b. Once the accumulating water <NUM> reaches a predetermined level or limit, the floating portion 418b will pivot and engage a contact point provided on the static portion 418a, which triggers communication of a signal to the pump <NUM>. Upon receiving the signal, the pump <NUM> may be activated to commence actively drawing (pumping) water <NUM> from the dam <NUM> or the accumulation chamber <NUM> via the inlet conduit <NUM>, depending on where the inlet conduit <NUM> extends to. The water <NUM> drawn from the sill <NUM> may then be discharged to the exterior the building via the discharge conduit <NUM> and the outlet orifice <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may be arranged within one of the frame members <NUM>, but could alternatively be arranged within a dedicated housing <NUM> mountable to or within the frame member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be arranged within a dedicated chamber or pocket defined within the sill <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The pump <NUM> may be a submersible or non-submersible pump. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be equipped with one or more batteries configured to power operation of the pump <NUM>, such as a <NUM> V or <NUM> V power source. In other embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be wired to the local power of the building, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> also depicts inclusion of the discharge port cover <NUM> and the internal ramp <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the water evacuation system <NUM> may include the discharge port cover <NUM> and the internal ramp <NUM>, which may enhance the ability of the water evacuation system <NUM> to evacuate or drain water from the sill <NUM>.

<FIG> are schematic, side views of another example water evacuation system <NUM>, according to one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the water evacuation system <NUM> includes the sill <NUM>, which includes the dam <NUM>, the accumulation chamber <NUM>, and the discharge port(s) <NUM> (shown in dashed lines) defined in the front face <NUM> of the sill <NUM> and in fluid communication with the dam <NUM> via the drain port(s) <NUM> and the accumulation chamber <NUM>.

The water evacuation system <NUM> further includes a movable shield <NUM>. In some embodiments, the movable shield <NUM> may have a length equal to the length of the sliding door assembly <NUM> and/or the sill <NUM>. The movable shield <NUM> is actuatable between a first or "stowed" configuration, as shown in <FIG>, and a second or "deployed" configuration, as shown in <FIG>. As illustrated, the movable shield <NUM> may be pivotably coupled to the sill receptor <NUM> at a hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may comprise a living hinge, but could alternately comprise a spring-loaded hinge, such as a hinge that includes a torsion spring that naturally biases the movable shield <NUM> to the stowed configuration.

The water evacuation system <NUM> may further include an actuator <NUM> operable to move the movable shield <NUM> between the stowed and deployed configurations. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the actuator <NUM> may be arranged within the cavity <NUM> defined within the lower portion of the sill receptor <NUM>, but could alternatively be arranged at other locations capable of engaging the backside of the movable shield <NUM>. With the movable shield <NUM> in the deployed configuration, as shown in <FIG>, water <NUM> in the form of precipitation may impact and flow down the exterior surfaces of the sliding door assembly <NUM> until eventually reaching the movable shield <NUM>. Instead of flowing into the dam <NUM>, the water <NUM> is diverted by the deployed movable shield <NUM> onto the exterior portion <NUM> and off the sill <NUM> to the exterior of the building.

In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may include a biasing element <NUM> engageable with the backside of the movable shield <NUM>. Upon activation of the actuator <NUM>, the biasing element <NUM> may be deployed and otherwise able to transition the movable shield <NUM> to the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the biasing element <NUM> may comprise a coil spring. In other embodiments, however, the biasing element <NUM> may comprise a hydraulic cylinder system attached to the backside of the movable shield <NUM> and actuatable to pivot the movable shield <NUM> to the deployed configuration. In yet further embodiments, the biasing element may comprise a mechanical linkage extending between the movable shield <NUM> and a portion of the sliding door assembly <NUM>. In such embodiments, closing the sliding door assembly <NUM> causes the mechanical linkage to automatically act on the movable shield <NUM> and thereby transition the movable shield <NUM> to the deployed configuration.

In some embodiments, the movable shield <NUM> may be automatically transitioned from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration upon moving the sliding door assembly <NUM> to its closed position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are numerous ways to accomplish this. In some embodiments, for example, the water evacuation system <NUM> may further include a sensor or similar contact location that is activated (triggered) upon closing the sliding door assembly <NUM>. In such embodiments, once the sliding door assembly <NUM> is closed, the sensor may send a signal to the actuator <NUM> to transition the movable shield <NUM> to the deployed configuration. In other embodiments, the float switch <NUM> (<FIG>) may be able to communicate with the actuator <NUM>. In such embodiments, once the accumulating water <NUM> reaches a predetermined level or limit a signal may be sent to the actuator <NUM> to transition the movable shield <NUM> to the deployed configuration. In yet other embodiments, the water evacuation system <NUM> may further include one or more sensors <NUM> in communication with the actuator <NUM> and configured to sense the water <NUM> in the form of precipitation. Upon sensing the precipitation, the sensors <NUM> may send a signal to the actuator <NUM> to transition the movable shield <NUM> to the deployed configuration.

The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below.

Claim 1:
A water evacuation system (<NUM>), comprising:
a sill (<NUM>) providing:
a dam (<NUM>) that defines one or more drain ports (<NUM>);
an accumulation chamber (<NUM>) defined within the interior of the sill and in fluid communication with the dam via the one or more drain ports; and
one or more discharge ports (<NUM>) defined in a front face of the sill and in fluid communication with the accumulation chamber; and
an internal ramp (<NUM>) comprising a structure separate from the sill and arrangeable within the accumulation chamber below the one or more drain ports, the internal ramp including an angled upper surface (<NUM>) directed toward the one or more discharge ports,
wherein water entering the accumulation chamber via the one or more drain ports will impinge upon the angled upper surface and flow towards the one or more discharge ports to be evacuated from the sill.