AU2017261602B2

AU2017261602B2 - A floor track for a sliding door and/or gate

Info

Publication number: AU2017261602B2
Application number: AU2017261602A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lance Malcolm Vater
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-26
Filing date: 2017-11-17
Publication date: 2019-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-18
Also published as: AU2017261602A1; AU2013201598A1

Abstract

A floor track for a sliding door including a main rail adapted to support and directionally guide the wheels of the sliding door. The main rail having an upper section definable with a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration along said main rail upper section length, wherein converging opposing inclined surfaces towards an apex of the substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration are adapted to engage the peripheral rim edges of a wheel of the sliding door so that the load of the sliding door is kept away from the apex of the substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration.

Description

ABSTRACT

2017261602 17 Nov 2017

A FLOOR TRACK FOR A SLIDING DOOR AND/OR GATE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] This invention relates to an above or in-ground floor track for sliding doors and/or gates and more particularly to a floor track that has a main central rail adapted to receive support and to provide direction or guidance to the wheels (or rollers and so forth) of such sliding doors and/or gates.

BACKGROUND ART DISCUSSION [002] From here on after the specification refers to these kinds of floor tracks for use with sliding doors but as introduced above the track can be utilised in akin type products such as gates and so forth and therefore the scope of this specification is to incorporate such embodiments.

[001] The word wheel is also used but this term also covers such akin arrangements such as rollers^ castors and similar such rail engaging devices that allow movement there along.

[002] Wheels on sliding doors allow ground engagement so that the door can be shifted, for example between open and closed positions. In order to assist this movement from point A to point B wheels are often mounted to a track which includes a main rail support. This rail support often has a shape which correlates to the contoured shape of the rail engaging part of the wheel.

[003] This rail engaging section of the wheel is curved and/or contoured so it is able to rest comfortably upon the matching shape of the main rail of the floor track.

[004] The contoured mating shape of both the main rail engaging periphery edge of the wheel and that of the main rail itself places a significant load pressure upon the top of the main rail.

[005] Problems arise when the main rail becomes damaged and chips and bumps interrupt that smooth contoured finish of the main rail circumferential edge or apex and as this circumferential edge or apex has the load of the

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 wheel thereupon it, it soon becomes difficult to conveniently and efficiently slide the door along the main rail as the bumps, dents, dimples, accumulated debris stuck the top of the main rail and so forth, all present themselves as obstacles for ongoing sliding of the door.

[006] Also as the wheel of the sliding door and the main rail are configured to comfortably come together with the same contoured contacting surfaces, there is nothing preventing the wheel from being derailed accidently or even in some cases deliberately as there is no inherent anchoring in such a matched contoured contact which is often curved between both the main rail and that part of the wheel which is engaging the main rail for movement and directional guiding so as to move the door from one position to another through a sliding action.

[007] Accordingly it would be advantageous to be able to provide a floor track wherein the main rail if damaged with bumps, dimples, protrusions, accumulated debris and so forth so as to interrupt the overall contour at the top of the main rail to where the majority of load sits thereupon, that such problems can be overcome through the use of a rail and wheel assembly which is still adapted to support and directionally guide the wheels of a sliding door but do so even in the event that the main rail of such a support becomes damaged as referred to above.

[008] It would also be advantageous to provide a floor track which includes a main rail which would be inherently adapted to improve upon the ability to be able to anchor the wheel to the main rail so as to reduce accidental and/or deliberate derailment thereby providing increased safety and security than would otherwise be expected from such conventional floor tracks for sliding doors.

[009] Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a floor track for a sliding door and/or gate that includes a main rail adapted to support and directionally guide the wheels of a sliding door so that the door can move from point A to point B and back again as required even in the event that the top or apex of the main rail becomes damaged to include dents, dimples or other

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 disfigurements that would normally provide an obstacle to the convenient and efficient sliding of the door.

[010] A further object of this invention is to provide a floor track for a sliding door wherein the wheels of the sliding door are securable upon the main rail adapted to support the wheel so as to prevent derailment.

[011] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a complete reading of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [012] Accordingly in one form of the invention there is provided a floor track for a sliding door, said floor track including;

a main rail adapted to support and directionally guide the wheels of a sliding door;

said main rail having an upper section definable with a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration along said main rail upper section length, wherein converging opposing inclined surfaces towards an apex of the substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration are adapted to engage the peripheral rim edges of a wheel of the sliding door so that the load of the sliding door is kept away from the apex of the substantially triangular crosssectional configuration.

[013] An advantage of such an arrangement is that rather than having a matched contour of the curvature associated with the skirting between the respective circumferential peripheral edges of the wheel and that of the main rail which supports the ground-engaging section of the wheel, in this invention that curvature of the main rail has been replaced by a substantially triangular configuration so that the sides of the sliding door wheels rest upon the side of the triangular configuration rather than previously where the weight disbursement of that internal curvature of the peripheral width of the wheel was placed upon the top of the main rail.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [014] Therefore if the apex becomes damaged and bumps, dents, accumulated debris and so forth are introduced along the length of the main rail, this will not have a consequence upon the general sliding ability of the wheel because the wheel is now engaging and placing the load upon the inclined surfaces so that the wheel is slightly raised up or at least that contoured portion of the wheel which previously would mate up and match in its complete configuration with the exposed surface of the main rail is no longer the case.

[015] The wheel assembly which supports the wheel engaging the main rail adapted to support and directionally guide the wheels includes an extension which is able to extend out and engage under the base of the triangular crosssectional configuration.

[016] Advantageously not only do the inclined surfaces provide a contact point for the respective sides of the wheel rim edges to engage thereby keeping the main load of the wheel and the corresponding door away from the apex of the main rail, the base of the triangular cross-sectional configuration provides an inherent point to which an extension from the wheel assembly which supports the wheel is able to engage there under.

[017] Therefore if one was to attempt to try and de-rail the wheel it would be prevented from doing so as the wheel assembly extensions are able to clamp themselves about the base portion of the triangular cross-sectional configuration.

[018] Accordingly the introduction of the substantially triangular crosssectional configuration provides dual functionality and improvement over the conventional main rail by providing support surfaces away from the apex of the main rail which is easily damaged by bumping and so forth, but also the inherent location created by the triangular cross-sectional configuration which allows a location for extensions coming from the wheel assembly to clamp there about.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [019] Advantageously by being able to prevent either accidental or deliberate derailment improves overall safety and security of sliding doors utilising such floor track arrangements as described for this invention.

[020] In preference the upper section of the main rail which is defined by a substantially triangular cross-section configuration is supported by a bottom section wherein the bottom section includes two vertical uprights that engage the base of the triangular cross-section configuration wherein the vertical uprights define a gap between each other and wherein a lateral platform extends substantially orthogonally out from the base of each of the respective vertical uprights.

[021] In one embodiment of the invention the floor track is positionable above ground and in an alternative embodiment the floor track for the sliding door is positionable in-ground.

[022] In preference the floor track for a sliding door positionable in-ground further includes a substantially right-angled side skirting having, a vertical surface and a horizontal surface outwardly extending therefrom said vertical surface, wherein the elevation of the horizontal surface on one side of the apex is at a higher elevation relative to the horizontal surface on the other side above said main rail apex.

[023] An advantage of such an arrangement is that by having one of the side skirtings at a slightly lower elevation to the other assists in drainage from the building floor and also allows two or more tracks to be nested one within the other for improved self-alignment to provide correct spacing between multiple tracks.

[024] As is to be appreciated as one side of the railing is slightly lower than an adjacent track arrangement with the slightly raised right angle skirt allows the two, or in fact multiple, tracks to come together such that the overall laying of multiple tracks has an inbuilt self-aligning mechanism and means to provide correct spacing as referred to above between adjacent tracks.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [025] In preference the floor track arrangement for the sliding door further includes a support bracket wherein the support bracket includes an upstanding T section adapted to slide in between the gap defined by the vertical uprights at the base of the triangle and wherein the top of the T configuration is adapted to be positioned within the triangular confines of the substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration of the main rail.

[026] An advantage of such an arrangement is that once again simple defined shaping of the support bracket allows a fastening and mounting mechanism of the support bracket to the main floor track without additional fastening mechanisms.

[027] While conventional arrangements will be discussed in greater detail where the preferred embodiments can be used to actually fix and mount the support bracket in place under ground, the actual ability to mount the floor track to the support bracket can be achieved through the T shaped tab extension.

[028] Advantageously the support bracket is designed to locate the main rail of the floor track and allow the correct levelling and alignment before concrete is poured and formed around the in-ground positioned floor track.

[029] In order now to describe the invention in greater detail preferred embodiments will be shown with the assistance of the following illustrations and accompanying text.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [001] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floor track arrangement in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[002] Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the floor track arrangement shown in Figure 1.

[003] Figure 3 shows a multiple floor track arrangement.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [004] Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the multiple floor track arrangement shown in Figure 3.

[005] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing the use of the support bracket in conjunction with the floor track arrangement and also the use of the preferred wheel that is used as part of the sliding door.

[006] Figure 6 for the most part is a cross sectional view of Figure 5 wherein the support bracket has been slotted back in to floor track arrangement.

[007] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the floor track arrangement and particularly the main rail adapted to support and directionally guide the wheels of a sliding door is mountable above the ground.

[008] Figure 8 is a cross sectional view illustrating the addition to the wheel assembly in order to provide a means for eliminating or substantially ameliorating the possibility of derailment of the wheel from the floor track arrangement.

[009] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the invention focusing on the feature of including an additional extension as part of the wheel assembly which is able to prevent derailment as shown if figure 8.

[030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [031] Referring to the drawings now in greater detail wherein Figures 1 to 6 for the most part provide for the floor track arrangement which is mountable and fastenable in-ground.

[032] The floor track arrangement is shown generally as (10) and includes a main rail (11) having a substantially triangular cross sectional configuration along its length to provide an apex (14) and incline surfaces (12) and (13).

[033] The apex (14) and incline surfaces (12) and (13) define the upper portion of the main rail (11) and provide slot opening (27).

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [034] The upper portion of the main rail is supported by a vertical upright section (15) and (16) which bends out along folds (17) and (18) to the lateral extensions (19) and (20).

[035] Both lateral extensions (19) and (20) terminate in a right angle skirt which has vertical uprights (21) and (23) and lateral lips (24) and (25).

[036] As best seen in Figure 4 there is a height elevation difference between the lateral lip (24) on one side of the apex (14) to that of the corresponding horizontal lip (25) so that when two floor tracks come together they are able to comfortably nest one within the other.

[037] As discussed precedingly this height difference between the respective sides of the main rail by providing an outer edge lower therefore helping draining from a building floor and so forth when such track arrangements are introduced as part of the sliding door assembly.

[038] Advantageously it also allows multiple tracks to be nested one within the other and wherein the height elevation differences provide an inherent self-alignment and correct spacing between the multiple tracks.

[039] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate one of the important aspects of this invention notably the fact that the apex (14) of the main rail (11) does not come in contact with the wheel (14).

[040] As can be seen notably in the cross sectional view of Figure 6, the peripheral side edges (44) and (45) of the wheel (43) have been configured to rest upon the corresponding inclined surfaces (12) and (13).

[041] As is notable the apex (14) is free from direct contact and engagement with the wheel (14).

[042] Therefore unlike in previous conventional arrangements where there is a continuous contoured contact between the wheel and the main rail along the profiled engaging edges, in this instance it is the inclined surfaces which are accepting the load of the wheel and the apex is no longer wheel engaging.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [043] Advantageously if damage such as an impact and so forth upon the main rail occurs and there is bumps and dints in the apex this will not translate to obstacles for the general sliding functionality upon the floor track (10).

[044] The reason being is that the wheel (43) and the use of the periphery edges (44) and (45) to rest upon the inclined surfaces (12) and (13) to carry the weight means that it does not matter if the apex of the main rail becomes damaged as the apex, unlike in conventional designs, is no longer responsible for carrying the weight of the wheel assembly as part of the sliding door arrangement.

[045] Figures 5 and 6 also introduce a further preferred feature of the invention through the use of the support bracket (35) which includes general uprights (36) and (37) plus the main support top plate (38).

[046] Fastening holes (39a) and (39b) allow the support plate (35) to be mounted and fastened into place as required.

[047] The support bracket includes quite a unique engagement feature through the use of the substantially cross sectional T shaped protrusion shown generally as (41) in Figure 6 that includes the main vertical section (41) and two flanged out lateral arms (41a) and (41b).

[048] The base of the T includes a triangular type fold support and as can be appreciated can be formed from the single sheet by folding and pressing into the required configuration.

[049] Advantageously the presented configuration (41) shown in Figure 6 is inherently adapted through this shape to provide support engagement with the floor track arrangement as the main vertical upright (40) portion is able to pass through a defined opening (32) and then the flanged out lateral arms (41a) and (41b) fix up against the internal surfaces of the base sections (29) and (31) of the main rail (11).

[050] Advantageously no additional separate fastening considerations need to be made.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [051] The bracket can be conveniently fixed into place and the floor track then slid in position or vice versa.

[052] The support bracket (35) through the use of the T extension (41) is able to conveniently locate the slots provided by the cross sectional configuration of the main rail and accordingly provides correct leveling and alignment before concrete is poured and formed around the floor track arrangement.

[053] Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention however in this instance the floor track arrangement shown generally as (50) can be mounted above ground.

[054] Nonetheless the same functionality remains in that the main rail includes an apex (51) and inclined surfaces (52) and (53). There are base portions (54) and (55) and the general upright supports include the bended fold (56) and (57) that flange out into lateral extensions (58) and (59).

[055] A series of fastening holes (60) is included to allow the floor track arrangement (50) to be mounted above ground as required.

[056] Figures 8 and 9 introduce the preferred embodiment wherein the additional feature is included as part of the wheel assembly so as to engage the underside of the upper section of the main rail so as to prevent the wheel and accordingly the connected sliding door from being derailed.

[057] It is important to note that Figures 8 and 9 show one preferred embodiment and there can literally be scores of different such embodiments as the main embodiment is to include an extension as part of the wheel assembly or the support for the wheel which is able to extend and anchor there under the unique substantially triangular cross sectional configuration brought about by the upper section of the main rail which is adapted to support and directionally guide the wheel of the sliding door.

[058] As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9 there is a wheel assembly support cassette (61) where the wheel (62) is enclosed therein.

2017261602 17 Nov 2017 [059] Extensions (62) which include lateral hooks (63) which are positionable under the base portion (64) and (65) of the upper portion of the main rail which includes the triangular cross sectional configuration.

2017261602 04 Sep 2019

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION

1. A floor track for a sliding door, said floor track including;

a main rail adapted to support and directionally guide wheels of a sliding door;

said main rail having an upper section definable with a substantially triangular crosssectional configuration along said main rail upper section length, wherein converging opposing inclined surfaces towards an apex of the substantially triangular crosssectional configuration are adapted to engage the peripheral rim edges of a wheel of the sliding door so that the load of the sliding door is kept away from the apex of the substantially triangular cross- sectional configuration; and wherein a support bracket includes an upstanding T section adapted to slide in between a gap defined by vertical uprights at a base of a triangle and wherein a top of the upstanding T section is adapted to be positioned within the triangular confines of the substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration of the main rail.
2. The floor track for a sliding door of claim 1 wherein the floor track is positionable above ground.
3. The floor track for a sliding door of claim 1 wherein the floor track is positionable in-ground.
4. The floor track for a sliding door of claim 3 wherein the floor track for a sliding door positionable in-ground further includes a substantially right-angled side skirting having a vertical surface and a horizontal surface outwardly extending therefrom said vertical surface, wherein the elevation of the horizontal surface on one side of the apex is at a higher elevation relative to the horizontal surface on the other side above said main rail apex.
5. The floor track for a sliding door of claim 4 wherein a plurality of floor tracks can aligned one with the other by placing a raised horizontal surface outwardly extending with a lowered horizontal surface outwardly extending of the respective floor tracks being aligned one with the other.

2017261602 04 Sep 2019
6. The floor track for a sliding door of claim 1 wherein the floor track is a continuous integral length that can be cut to size as required.

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Figure 1

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Figure 3

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Figure 5

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Figure 6

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Figure 7

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Figure 8