Patent Application
20250160579
Various embodiments relate to shower door assemblies.
Simek et al. Patent Application Publication No. US 2023/0180969 A1, published on Jun. 15, 2023, to Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp., and discloses a shower door assembly.
According to an embodiment, a shower door assembly is provided with a track with a cavity formed therein, and an opening for access to the cavity. A lateral portion extends from the track and into the cavity. A shower door pane is provided with a pair of wheels mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane, each of the pair of wheels sized to be received in the track for translation along the track, wherein an upright clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is limited by the lateral portion to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in an upright orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation.
According to a further embodiment, the track opening is a side opening facing laterally inward.
According to another further embodiment, the lateral portion bounds an upper limit of translation of the pair of wheels within the cavity.
According to another further embodiment, the opening provides access to a channel which provides a track guide for receipt of the pair of wheels.
According to an even further embodiment, the opening has an upright dimension that is less than an overall diameter of each of the pair of wheels.
According to yet an even further embodiment, the track is further provided with an upper base, at least one sidewall, and at least one lower rail extending from the at least one sidewall. The channel is formed in the at least one lower rail.
According to yet another even further embodiment, the lateral portion is spaced apart from the upper base.
According to another even further embodiment, the lateral portion extends laterally inward from the at least one sidewall.
According to an even further embodiment, an overhang portion extends from the at least one sidewall to bound an upper limit of the opening.
According to another even further embodiment, the lateral portion is spaced apart from the opening within the cavity.
According to another even further embodiment, the lateral portion is spaced apart from the lower base.
According to another even further embodiment, the lateral portion is further provided with a lateral projection extending inward from the overhang portion.
According to another further embodiment, a guide is sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track.
According to an even further embodiment, the lateral portion bounds an upper limit of translation of the pair of wheels within the cavity by a limit dimension. The guide overlaps the shower door pane by an overlap dimension that is greater than the limit dimension to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track.
According to another embodiment, a method of installing a shower door assembly, installs a track to a shower opening, with an opening for access to a cavity with a lateral portion extending into the cavity. A pair of wheels of a shower door pane are inserted through an opening in the track at an angle and into a cavity within the track. The shower door pane is pivoted to an upright orientation, such that an upright clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is limited by a lateral portion of the track to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in an upright orientation.
According to a further embodiment, a guide is installed to the shower opening to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track.
According to an even further embodiment, an overlap dimension of the shower door pane relative to the track is adjusted to be greater than a range of upright translation of the shower door pane relative to the guide.
According to another further embodiment, the shower door pane is pivoted offset from vertical before inserting the pair of wheels in the opening of the track.
According to another further embodiment, the shower door pane is lowered until the pair of wheels engage the track.
According to another embodiment, a shower door assembly is provided with a track with an upper base, at least one sidewall, and at least one lower rail extending from the at least one sidewall, with a cavity formed therein, and an opening for access to the cavity, wherein the track opening is a side opening facing laterally inward, wherein the opening provides access to a channel which provides a track guide, and wherein the channel is formed in the at least one lower rail. A lateral portion extends from the track and into the cavity, wherein the lateral portion is spaced apart from the upper base, wherein the lateral portion extends laterally inward from the at least one sidewall, wherein the lateral portion is spaced apart from the opening within the cavity, and wherein the lateral portion is spaced apart from the lower base. An overhang portion extends from the at least one sidewall to bound an upper limit of the opening. A shower door pane is provided with a pair of wheels mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane, each of the pair of wheels sized to be received in the channel for translation along the track, wherein an upright clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is limited by the lateral portion to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in an upright orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation, and wherein an overall diameter of each of the pair of wheels is greater than an upright dimension of the opening. A guide is sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track, wherein the guide overlaps the shower door pane by an overlap dimension that is greater than the limit dimension to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track.
One general embodiment includes a shower door assembly that also includes a track with a cavity formed therein, and an opening for access to the cavity. The assembly also includes a lateral portion extending from the track and into the cavity. The assembly also includes a shower door pane. The assembly also includes a pair of wheels mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane, each of the pair of wheels sized to be received in the track for translation along the track, where an upright clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is limited by the lateral portion to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in an upright orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation.
Other embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The shower door assembly where the track opening is a side opening facing laterally inward. The lateral portion bounds an upper limit of translation of the pair of wheels within the cavity. The opening provides access to a channel which provides a track guide for receipt of the pair of wheels. The opening has an upright dimension that is less than an overall diameter of each of the pair of wheels. The track further may include an upper base, at least one sidewall, and at least one lower rail extending from the at least one sidewall; and where the channel is formed in the at least one lower rail. The lateral portion is spaced apart from the upper base. The lateral portion extends laterally inward from the at least one sidewall. The shower door assembly may include an overhang portion extending from the at least one sidewall to bound an upper limit of the opening. The lateral portion is spaced apart from the opening within the cavity. The lateral portion is spaced apart from the lower base. The lateral portion further may include a lateral projection extending inward from the overhang portion. The shower door assembly may include a guide sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track. The lateral portion bounds an upper limit of translation of the pair of wheels within the cavity by a limit dimension; and where the guide overlaps the shower door pane by an overlap dimension that is greater than the limit dimension to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track.
One general embodiment includes a method of installing a shower door assembly. The method also includes installing a track to a shower opening, with an opening for access to a cavity with a lateral portion extending into the cavity. The method also includes inserting a pair of wheels of a shower door pane, through an opening in the track at an angle and into a cavity within the track. The method also includes pivoting the shower door pane to an upright orientation, such that an upright clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is limited by a lateral portion of the track to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in an upright orientation.
Other embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method may include: installing a guide to the shower opening to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track. The method may include: adjusting an overlap dimension of the shower door pane relative to the track to be greater than a range of upright translation of the shower door pane relative to the guide. The method may include: pivoting the shower door pane offset from vertical before inserting the pair of wheels in the opening of the track. The method may include: lowering the shower door pane until the pair of wheels engage the track.
One general embodiment includes a shower door assembly that also includes a track that may include an upper base, at least one sidewall, and at least one lower rail extending from the at least one sidewall, with a cavity formed therein, and an opening for access to the cavity, where the track opening is a side opening facing laterally inward, where the opening provides access to a channel which provides a track guide, and where the channel is formed in the at least one lower rail. The assembly also includes a lateral portion extending from the track and into the cavity, where the lateral portion is spaced apart from the upper base, where the lateral portion extends laterally inward from the at least one sidewall, where the lateral portion is spaced apart from the opening within the cavity, and where the lateral portion is spaced apart from the lower base. The assembly also includes an overhang portion extending from the at least one sidewall to bound an upper limit of the opening. The assembly also includes a shower door pane. The assembly also includes a pair of wheels mounted for rotation upon the shower door pane, each of the pair of wheels sized to be received in the channel for translation along the track, where an upright clearance of each of the pair of wheels within the cavity is limited by the lateral portion to prevent removal of the pair of wheels from the track while in an upright orientation, and to permit the pair of wheels to be removed in an angled orientation, and where an overall diameter of each of the pair of wheels is greater than an upright dimension of the opening. The assembly also includes a guide sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track, where the guide overlaps the shower door pane by an overlap dimension that is greater than the limit dimension to prevent rotation of the shower door pane relative to the track. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and are presented in order of introduction for a particular embodiment, and may vary in the introduction of various embodiments. For example, a first subassembly could be termed a second subassembly, and, similarly, a second subassembly could be termed a first subassembly, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first subassembly and the second subassembly are both subassemblies, but they are not the same subassembly in the context of a particular embodiment.
Shower door assemblies are utilized with shower enclosures, and are designed to contain water within the enclosure and prevent it from spilling out onto a bathroom floor. Shower doors are typically made from glass, though some might employ acrylic, plastic, or any suitable pane. Glass doors can be clear, frosted, or patterned to offer varying degrees of privacy and style.
Shower door assemblies offer various options and styles. For example, sliding shower door assemblies consist of two or more panels that slide along a track. Sliding shower door assemblies are compact and conserve space by not requiring extra room to swing open. Hinged or swing shower door assemblies open outward on hinges. Swing shower door assemblies require adequate space to swing open but can provide a traditional look and ease in ingress and egress. Bi-fold shower door assemblies fold in on themselves and are optimal for tight spaces. Frameless shower door assemblies are made of tempered glass with minimal metal framing, to offer a sleek, modern look that are easier to clean. Framed shower door assemblies include a metal frame that surrounds the glass, offering extra support and sometimes additional features like built-in hardware.
Shower door assemblies offer additional features and hardware. Handles are mounted through the pane of the door. In framed designs, the handle may be mounted to the frame along an edge of the door. Handles come in various styles and finishes, from sleek chrome to brushed nickel. Rubber or silicone seals may be provided along the edges of shower doors to help prevent leaks and maintain water containment. For sliding doors, track subassemblies may include a top and sometimes a bottom track, to guide movement of the door. Some doors have built-in towel bars or hooks for added convenience, which may also be utilized as handles.
The design of a shower door can range from minimalist to ornate, depending on the overall bathroom decor. Clear glass doors can make a space feel larger and more open, while frosted or patterned glass can provide additional privacy. A selected shower door assembly combines functionality with aesthetics, helping to define a look and usability of the shower enclosure.
A first shower door subassembly 22 is provided to be installed upon the top track 18 to translate relative to the top track 18. The first shower door subassembly 22 includes a shower door pane 24, which may be formed from tempered glass or any suitable material. The shower door pane 24 has a width that is less than a length of the top track 18 in order to translate the shower door pane 24 for ingress and egress of an occupant into and out of the shower stall 12.
The first shower door subassembly 22 includes a pair of roller assemblies 26 mounted to an upper region of the shower door pane 24. The roller assemblies 26 support the shower door pane 24 upon the top track 18. The roller assemblies 26 cooperate with the top track 18 to support the roller assemblies 26 and the shower door pane 24 upon the top track 18, while permitting translation of the first shower door subassembly 22 along the top track 18.
As illustrated in
In order to install the first shower door subassembly 22, the shower door subassembly 22 is pivoted to an angle as illustrated in
Top tracks 18 are often installed with the side opening 28 facing into the shower stall 12 to provide a consistent and uninterrupted outer face 44 to be viewed externally. Therefore, the first shower door subassembly 22 may often be installed as an inner shower door subassembly 22 that is installed from within the shower stall 12 as illustrated in
Referring again to
As illustrated in
The track 18 includes a lateral portion as a lateral projection 86. The lateral projection 86 may be formed integrally with the track 18, for example, by an extrusion process. The lateral projection 86 extends inward from the overhang portion 46 into the cavity 48 and is spaced apart from the lower base 90. The lateral projection 86 bounds an upper limit within the cavity 48 for limited translation of the roller 32 to a dimension C.
With reference again to
The center guide 52 includes a central divider 54. The center guide 52 also includes an inner retainer 56 with a channel 58 between the inner retainer 56 and the central divider 54. The channel 58 is sized to receive a lower end of the shower door pane 24 to prevent rotation of the shower door pane 24 relative to the top track 18.
With continued reference to
For the depicted embodiment, the first shower door subassembly 22 includes an optional trim member 60 along a lower portion of the shower door pane 24. The dimension D is measured from the lower dimension of the trim member 60, which adds to the overlap between the shower door pane 24 and the inner retainer 56. Likewise, the dimension D includes a lowermost point of any components that may be installed upon the shower door pane 24 that add to the overlap.
The shower door assembly 10 incorporates structural conditions through the use of geometric restrictions and sequentially ordered assembly methods such that no additional components or fixtures are necessary to fully retain the wheels 32 of a shower door subassembly 22 into the top track 18. The inability of the shower door subassembly 22 to be removed from the assembled shower door assembly 10 by accident is often referred to as an anti-jump mechanism. This terminology comes from the characterization of a roller assembly 26 “jumping” off, or out of, the channel 30 of the top track 18. The prior art has offered additional structural components added to the shower door assemblies 10 to prevent inadvertent disassembly. By control of geometries, dimensions and assembly sequences, additional hardware is omitted thereby reducing cost, simplifying installation, and improving aesthetics of the shower door assembly 10.
During installation, the top track 18 and the optional bottom track 50 are installed. The first shower door subassembly 22 can be installed to the top track 18 first if installed as the inner door as illustrated, to take advantage of the full opening of the shower stall 12, between the sidewalls 14. After the first shower door subassembly 22 is installed, an outer shower door subassembly may be installed as a second shower door subassembly to the upper base 94 of the top track 18. Simek et al. United State Patent Application Publication No. US 2023/0180969 A1, which published on Jun. 15, 2023, to Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp., illustrates an example of a suitable outer shower subassembly.
Referring again to
The center guide 52 is slid beneath the first and second shower door subassemblies 22. According to an embodiment, each shower door pane 24 may be sized with a width which causes the shower door panes 24 to overlap at a center of the lower track 50 at any position of the shower door subassemblies 22 once the shower door subassemblies 22 are fully installed. The center guide 52 is slid to a center position upon the sill 17. Then the center guide 52 is fastened to the sill 17 to affix the center guide 52 to the central position. According to an embodiment, the installer may drill an aperture in the sill 17, and then install a fastener into the center guide 52 and the fastener anchor 88. In order to disassemble the shower door assembly 10, the center guide 52 is first removed before the first shower door subassembly 22 can be pivoted to remove the wheels 32 from the top track 18.
According to another embodiment, the center guide 52 can be installed prior to the second shower door subassembly. For example, the top and bottom tracks 18, 50 are installed to the shower stall 12 between the sidewalls 14. Then, the first shower door subassembly 22 is installed upon the top track 18. Next, the center guide 52 is installed upon the lower track 50 in cooperation with the first shower door subassembly 22. The second shower door subassembly can then be installed to the top track 18 and the center guide 52.
According to another embodiment, the second shower door subassembly may be a fixed panel instead of a sliding bypass panel. In this embodiment, the bottom track 50 is installed into the shower stall 12. Then, the fixed panel is installed to the bottom track 50. Next, the top track 18 is installed into the shower stall 12 in cooperation across the fixed panel. Next, the first shower door subassembly 22 is installed as a sliding bypass panel upon the top track 18, which may be an inner door subassembly 22. Next, the center guide 52 is installed upon the lower track 50 to retain the first shower door subassembly 22 upon the top track 18. Alternatively, the fixed panel is installed onto the floor or the sill 17 without mounting to a bottom track 50. In this embodiment, the center guide 52 may be installed directly to the shower floor 16 or to the sill 17 to cooperate with retaining the first shower door subassembly 22 upon the top track 18.
Each of the tracks 18, 50 may be formed from a suitable structural material, such as extruded aluminum, or the like. The tracks 18, 50 may each be formed with a continuous cross-section along the length of the track 18, 50. Due to the retention features described above, the top track 18 is formed with the continuous cross-section without assembly notches formed through the track. Likewise, the top track 18 may be extruded as a unitary component without requiring assembly of multiple components together as a top track.
While various embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/599,653 filed Nov. 16, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63599653 | Nov 2023 | US |
