In-floor, adjustable, multiple-configuration track assembly for sliding panels with built-in weep system

• US 20060096061A1
• Filed: 12/21/2005
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Weiland Sliding Doors and Windows Incorporated (Weiland International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Weiland Sliding Doors and Windows Incorporated (Weiland International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Weiland, William R., Ulibarri, Robert A.
• Application Number:
  US11/313,422
• Publication Number:
  US 20060096061A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 16/102
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 15/0686 Tracks E05D15/0665 - E05D15/0682 and E05D15/0691 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/4636 for doors E06B3/4609 and E06B3/4654 - E06B3/4681 take precedence; sliding shower doors A47K3/34
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 7/14 Measures for draining-off condensed water or water leaking-in frame members for draining off condensation water, throats at the bottom of a sash

Abstract

An in-floor, adjustable, track assembly for sliding panels with a built-in weep system, the track assembly including: a base having a track extending upward therefrom, wherein the track is configured to engage undercarriage wheels of at least one vertically-oriented panel and support motion of the panel along the track; a conduit coupled to the base and configured to allow moisture that collects on the base to egress from the base; a track support rail configured to be placed underneath the base; and an alignment clamp configured to be coupled to a portion of the base and a portion of the track support rail, wherein the alignment clamp aligns and secures the base and the support rail in a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to one another.

Claims

1. A track assembly for sliding panels, comprising:

a base having a track extending upward therefrom, wherein the track is configured to engage undercarriage wheels of at least one vertically-oriented panel and support motion of the panel along the track;

a conduit coupled to said base and configured to allow moisture that collects on the base to egress from the base;

a track support rail configured to be placed underneath the base; and

an alignment clamp configured to be coupled to a portion of the base and a portion of the track support rail, wherein the alignment clamp aligns and secures the base and the support rail in a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to one another.

2. The track assembly of claim 1 further comprising an upright splash guard, located parallel to and spaced apart from the track, the splash guard forming an open-top channel with the track and the base for collecting moisture therein, and wherein the conduit is coupled to the open-top channel.

3. The track assembly of claim 2 further comprising a collection pan positioned under the open-top channel to collect moisture from the channel, wherein the conduit is coupled to the collection pan.

4. The track assembly of claim 1 wherein the conduit comprises a flexible tube.

5. The track assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment clamp comprises:

a body;

a lip portion extend outwardly from the body and configured to overlap and contact the portion of the base; and

an aperture located in the body and configured to receive a threaded screw therethrough, wherein the threaded screw further secures the alignment clamp to the track support rail.

6. The track assembly of claim 5 wherein the support rail comprises:

a longitudinal body;

a groove formed along at least a portion of the longitudinal body and having a slot that opens upwardly toward a top surface of the support rail; and

a threaded element configured to be positioned within the groove so as to engage the threaded screw, wherein the threaded screw is configured to pass through the slot and engage the threaded element, thereby securing the alignment clamp to the longitudinal body of the support rail and clamping the alignment clamp onto the portion of the base.

7. The track assembly of claim 6 wherein the threaded element comprises a threaded nut and wherein a diameter of the threaded nut is slightly smaller than an internal diameter of the groove such that the alignment of the base with respect to the support rail may be adjusted prior to tightening of the threaded screw with the threaded nut.

8. A track assembly for a sliding panel comprising:

a base having a track extending upward therefrom to engage the sliding panel so as to guide linear movement of the sliding panel;

an aperture in the base for draining moisture from a top surface of the base;

a conduit coupled to the aperture for diverting the moisture to a desired location;

a track support rail configured to be placed underneath the base; and

means for aligning and securing the base and the support rail in a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to one another.

9. The track assembly of claim 8 wherein the means for aligning and securing comprises means for clamping the base and the support rail together.

10. The track assembly of claim 8 further comprising an upright splash guard, located parallel to and spaced apart from the track, the splash guard forming an open-top channel with the track and the base for collecting moisture therein, and wherein the conduit is coupled to the open-top channel.

11. The track assembly of claim 10 further comprising a collection pan positioned under the open-top channel to collect moisture from the channel, wherein the conduit is coupled to the collection pan.

12. The track assembly of claim 8 wherein the conduit comprises a flexible tube.