GB2560144A

GB2560144A - Modular track system

Info

Publication number: GB2560144A
Application number: GB1619446.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simmons Alexander
Original assignee: HOME DECOR GB Ltd
Current assignee: HOME DECOR GB Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-17
Filing date: 2016-11-17
Publication date: 2018-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-17
Also published as: GB2560144B; GB201619446D0; EP3542016A1; WO2018091897A1

Abstract

A modular track system comprising a track module 100 comprising one or more track channels 104 for guiding a door module. The system may be provided with additional first tracks connected longitudinally to change the track length. Alternatively or additionally the system may be provided with a second track 200 connected adjacent the first track to provide additional parallel tracks. The first track may have a U-shape and the second track may have an L-shape. The tracks may include grooves and slots 105-109 for connecting pins and plates for coupling tracks together (figs. 3, 6-9); the connecting pins may include a threaded portion. The tracks may be upper tracks or lower floor mounted tracks.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Modular track system Abstract Title: Modular track system (57) A modular track system comprising a track module 100 comprising one or more track channels 104 for guiding a door module. The system may be provided with additional first tracks connected longitudinally to change the track length. Alternatively or additionally the system may be provided with a second track 200 connected adjacent the first track to provide additional parallel tracks. The first track may have a U-shape and the second track may have an L-shape. The tracks may include grooves and slots 105-109 for connecting pins and plates for coupling tracks together (figs. 3, 6-9); the connecting pins may include a threaded portion. The tracks may be upper tracks or lower floor mounted tracks.

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Modular Track System

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular track system comprising a track module comprising one or more track channels for guiding a door module.

Background of the Invention

Large quantities of slidable doors are manufactured, installed and transported every day across a wide variety of industries. Conventionally the slidable doors are designed to move along top (e.g. ceiling-mounted) and/or bottom (e.g. floor-mounted) tracks when in use. Such tracks are often supplied with the slidable doors in long lengths which can cause the customer difficulty when transporting the tracks from the store to their home using normal vehicles. In fact, supplying the tracks in long lengths has become common for manufacturers and suppliers of “flat-pack” furniture. This is because by supplying the tracks in long lengths, manufacturers ensure that the customers are supplied with fewer components, requiring less construction, making it simple and easy for the customer to install the tracks and doors. However, transporting and storing long tracks increases the chances of damaging, possibly through warping or bowing, which usually has an adverse impact on the performance of the track. This leaves the customer with no choice but to either spend additional time and money on hiring a vehicle large enough to transport the tracks or organising for the doors to be delivered. Using delivery services can mean that the customer may have to wait days, if not weeks, until the purchased track reaches their home.

Two further issues associated with the tracks currently available on the market are (1) their inability to be easily lengthened to suit the specific needs of the customer after purchasing, and (2) the need to install an entirely new track length when the depth of the track and number of channels, and thus slidable doors, needs to be increased.

It is an objective of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the abovementioned disadvantages and provide a modular track system which is easy to transport, simple to assemble and versatile.

UK patent application entitled “Modular Door Assembly”, co-filed by the present applicant on the same date as the present application, discloses a modular door which may be used in combination with the modular track system described herein to form a modular door and track assembly.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a modular track system comprising one or more first track modules and optionally one or more second track modules, each of said first and second track modules comprising one or more track channels for guiding a door module, wherein (a) a first track module is configured to engage longitudinally with one or more further first track modules such that the one or more track channels of the first track module align with the one or more track channels of the further first track modules to provide one or more longitudinal track lengths; and/or (b) a or the first track module is configured to engage laterally with one or more second track modules comprising one or more track channels, to provide two or more laterally arranged track lengths.

The present invention seeks to solve one or more of the problems described herein with conventional, fully assembled track systems and disassembled track kits currently on the market.

The modular track system of the present invention provides a convenient solution to the aforementioned issues in relation to difficulty in transporting tracks for sliding doors. In particular, provision of one or more first track modules and/or one or more second track modules according to the present invention provides the user with a modular track system which can be quickly and efficiently transported and easily assembled by a single person.

Preferably, the first track module may be configured to reversibly engage with the further first track modules, i.e. the first track module may be configured to engage with one or more other first track modules. This allows the user to easily disassemble the track system of the present invention in order to perform repairs to components of the track and also modify or adapt the track system in accordance with the user’s specific needs.

Further preferably, the first track module may be configured to engage with the further first track modules via one or more intermediate members, i.e. one or more intermediate members may be used to form an engagement between two or more first track modules. This ensures that the track channels maintain alignment whilst being assembled by the user and during use.

The one or more intermediate member may be adapted to be fastenable to the first track modules using a fastening means. This increases the strength of connection between track modules of the present invention thus improving the durability of the system.

Further still, the first track modules may be operable to receive the one or more intermediate members.

Preferably, at least one of the one or more intermediate members may be a connecting pin. In addition, the first track modules may include a longitudinal groove to receive the connecting pin. Such connecting pins are economically manufactured as well as being easily handled and installed by the user without the need for specialised tools.

More, preferably, the connecting pin may include a threaded section to secure the connecting pin to a wall of the longitudinal grooves. The threaded section creates a complementary thread within the longitudinal grooves to enhance the strength of connection between the connecting pins and the longitudinal grooves without the need for a separate fastening means, such as adhesives or glues. The connecting pins ensure precise alignment of the track channels during installation of the longitudinal track connector described herein.

Beneficially, at least one of the one or more intermediate members may be a longitudinal track connector. This provides the user with an easily handled and installable mechanism for connecting track modules. The track connectors may be used in combination with the connecting pins, described herein, to enhance the rigidity, alignment and durability of the track channels.

The first track modules and may include a longitudinal channel to receive the longitudinal track connector.

A fastening means may reversibly connect the longitudinal track connector to the longitudinal channels. Further still, the fastening means may include a male component further comprising an external threaded portion and a female component further comprising an internal threaded portion, the external threaded portion configured to cooperate with the internal threaded portion.

Advantageously, the external threaded portion of the male component may extend through an aperture formed in the longitudinal track connector to cooperate with the internal threaded portion of the female component so as to apply a compressive force to the longitudinal track connector, thereby providing a reversible engagement between the longitudinal track connector and the longitudinal channels. This allows the user to easily assemble and disassemble the modular track system of the present invention.

Yet still, the first track module(s) may be configured to reversibly engage with the one or more second track modules. This advantageously allows the user to extend the track system of the present invention in a lateral direction, alone or in combination with the one more further first track modules used to provide a longitudinal extension, thus providing a modular track system with a unique versatility and flexibility for the user.

The first track module(s) may be configured to engage with the second track module(s) via an intermediate member.

The first track module(s) and the second track module(s) may be operable to receive the intermediate member. In some instances, the intermediate member may be a lateral track connector.

The first track module(s) and the second track module(s) may include lateral extension grooves configured to receive the lateral track connector to provide the engagement.

The lateral extension groove of the first track module(s) and the second track module(s) may be mutually positionable to form a lateral connection channel configured to receive the lateral track connector to provide the engagement.

Sometimes, the first track module(s) may be configured to engage longitudinally with one or more further first track modules such that the one or more track channels of the first track module align with the one or more track channels of the further first track modules to provide one or more longitudinal track lengths and the first track module(s) may be configured to engage laterally with one or more second track modules comprising one or more track channels, to provide two or more laterally arranged track lengths. In other words, an array of tracks channels extending in both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction may be provided.

The one or more first track modules and/or the one or more second track modules may be configured to fasten to a ceiling.

The aforementioned modular track system may be formed of first track modules only, i.e. wherein a first track module may be configured to engage longitudinally with one or more further first track modules such that the one or more track channels of the first track module align with the one or more track channels of the further first track modules to provide one or more longitudinal track lengths.

In the above embodiment, the first track modules may be configured to fasten to a floor. Preferably, the first track modules may include a floor fixing channel configured to fasten to one or more fixtures on the floor. In some instances, the one or more fixtures on the floor may be fixing buttons. The floor fixing channel may fasten to the one or more fixing buttons via a friction fit.

As used herein, the terms “fasten”, “engage”, “engagement” and “cooperate” refer to a component or element, such as a track module or any part thereof, being configured to directly connect to another component or element, or to indirectly connect to another component or element with one or more intermediate members interposed there between. Moreover, the components or elements may also be configured to permanently, semi-permanently or indeed reversibly connect or engage.

As used herein, the terms “interference fit”, “friction fit” and “press fit” refers to a fastening or connecting of two or more parts which is achieved by friction once the parts are pushed together.

As used herein, the term “intermediate member” may be any element or component suitable for causing engagement between separate components, such as track modules or parts thereof. For example, the intermediate member may include dowels, bolts, brackets, nail plates, connecting plates, connecting pins and/or any other suitable intermediate member.

As used herein, the term “fastening means” refers to any element or component that secures two or more parts together. For example, the fastening means may include, but is not limited to, screws, pins, rivets, dowels, adhesives or any other suitable fastening means.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to a direction extending along and substantially parallel to the length of a track module of the present invention rather than across/sideways.

As used herein, the term “lateral” refers to a direction extending across or sideways relative to the length of a track module of the present invention rather than lengthwise, i.e. in a direction substantially orthogonal, or orthogonal, to, but in the same plane as, the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term “track channel” refers to any passage which guides movement of a slidable door, optionally via a suitable movement means, and thereby ensures that the door follows a set path (defined by the track).

As used herein, the term “slidable door” refers to any component which may be moved horizontally with respect to the plane of an opening (e.g. a doorway) and thereby selectively opens and closes the opening therein. Such doors are typically mounted on, or suspended from, one or more bottom or top tracks respectively.

As used herein, the term “movement means” refers to any component suitable for enabling a door to slidably move to open and close an opening in a doorway. Such components may include, for example, rollers, such as wheels and/or roller-balls, skates and/or caterpillar tracks.

As used herein, the term “top track” or “top track module” refers to any component which may be provided along a ceiling or upper horizontal surface of an opening (e.g.

doorway) from which a slidable door may be suspended. Such components may include one or more of the track channels as described herein.

As used herein, the term “bottom track” or “bottom track module refers to any component which may be provided along a floor or lower horizontal surface of an opening (e.g. doorway) on which a slidable door may be mounted. Such components may include track channels as described above.

For the purposes of clarity for the remaining description, the invention may, in parts, be described with reference to a doorway fitted with a slidable door and modular track system. Such a doorway may be considered as having a substantially planar opening which is closable by the slidable door, said opening having horizontal and vertical axes. Reference to horizontal and vertical axes are, unless otherwise stated, intended to be by reference to the horizontal and vertical axes of such a doorway. Such references are intended merely to aid understanding of the present invention and should not necessarily be considered as limiting the scope of protection sought.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Some embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawings. In the drawing figures, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

Figure 1 depicts an end view of a first top track module of a modular track system according to the present invention.

Figure 2 depicts an end view of a second top track module of a modular track system according to the present invention.

Figure 3 depicts a partial perspective view of a first top track module and second top track module of a modular track system according to the present invention aligned to laterally engage.

Figure 4 depicts a partial perspective view of the first top track module and second top track module shown in Figure 3 laterally engaged wherein cover strips are shown to ‘‘friction-fit” into fastening channels located in the first and second track modules.

Figure 5 depicts an end view of a number of top track modules of a modular track system according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, aligned to laterally engage to form a track system including five top track channels.

Figure 6 depicts partial perspective view of a first top track module, as illustrated in Figure 1 (although inverted), with connecting pins extending along the length of its longitudinal extension grooves and a longitudinal track connector aligned with a channel formed in the first top track module.

Figure 7 depicts a plan view of a connecting pin of a modular track system according to the present invention.

Figure 8 depicts a partial perspective view of a first top track module, as illustrated in Figure 1 (although inverted), receiving a track connector wherein the track connector is in cooperation with a grub screw and nut.

Figure 9 depicts a partial perspective view of a first top track module positioned to engage with a further top track module in a modular track system according to the present invention.

Figure 10 depicts an end view of a bottom track module of a modular track system according to the present invention in single track form.

Figure 11 depicts an end view of a bottom track module of a modular track system according to the present invention in double track form.

Figure 12 depicts an end view of a bottom track module of a modular track system according to the present invention in triple track form.

Figure 13 depicts a partial perspective view of a bottom track module in double track form, as illustrated in Figure 11 (although inverted), receiving connecting pins into its longitudinal extension grooves.

Figure 14 depicts a partial perspective view of a bottom track module, as shown in Figure 14, positioned to engage with a further bottom track module in a modular track system according to the present invention.

Figure 15 depicts a perspective of a fixing button of a modular track system according to the present invention.

Figure 16 depicts an end view of the bottom track module, as shown in Figure 12, fastened to a fixing button.

In the following detailed description, only certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, simply by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art would realise, the described embodiments may preferably be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Specific embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 illustrates a first top track module (100) of a modular track system according to the present invention. The first top track module (100) includes an elongate top wall (101) having elongate side walls (102, 103) depending therefrom, configured to define a track channel (104) for receiving a slidably moveable door when in use. Lateral extension grooves (105, 108) are formed on an exterior surface of the first track module (100) in the regions where the top wall (101) and each of the side walls (102, 103) join. Longitudinal extension grooves (106, 109) are formed on an interior surface of the first track module (100), again in the regions where the top wall (101 and each of the side walls (102, 103) join, and face in towards track channel (104). The first top track module (100) also includes a fastening channel (107) and a drill start (115) which are described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figure 2, a second top track module (200) according to the present invention includes an elongate top wall (201) having a single elongate side wall (202) depending from side edge thereof. Lateral extension groove (205) is formed on an exterior surface of the second track module (200) in the region where the top wall (201) and side wall (202) join. Lateral extension groove (203) is formed on the opposite long edge of the top wall (201) to the lateral extension groove (205). Longitudinal extension groove (204) is formed on an interior surface of the second track module (200), again in the region where the top wall (201) and the side wall (202) join. The second top track module also includes a fastening channel (206) and a drill start (207) which are described in more detail below.

It will be appreciated that the top track modules of the present invention may include one or more additional track channels integrally or otherwise formed as part of the top track module. In this situation, the top track module may further include any number of additional side walls and top walls configured to define the additional track channels. Such additional track channels may also be suitable for receiving a slidably moveable door thus allowing the “layering” of more than one door within the modular track system of the present invention when fully assembled and in use.

Figure 3 depicts a first top track module (100) and second top track module (200) aligned to laterally engage. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a first top track module (100) positioned adjacent to a second top track module (200) wherein lateral extension groove (105) of first top track module (100) aligns with lateral extension groove (203) of second top track module (200) to form a lateral connection channel (301). Lateral track connector (300) extends along the length of lateral connection channel (301) to provide engagement between top track module (100) and second top track module (200). The lateral track connector (300) includes shearable protrusions (not shown) formed along its length. As the track connector is pushed into the lateral connection channel (301), the protrusions are sacrificed and shear off to form a tight fit between the lateral track connector (300) and the connection channel (301). When in engagement the first top track module (100) and the second top track module (200) provide a further track channel (302), formed between sidewalls (103) and (202), for receiving a further slidably moveable door. When extending along and positioned within the lateral connection channel (301) the lateral track connector (300) secures the top track modules (100, 200) together providing stability and strength to the modular top track system. This helps facilitate fastening of the modular track system to a ceiling and ensures that the track modules maintain alignment whilst fastening to a ceiling. Fastening of the modular top track system to a ceiling can be achieved using screws which extend through fastening channel (107) formed in top wall (101) of first top track module (100) and/or fastening channel (206) formed in top wall (201) of second top track module (200). Both fastening channels (107) and (206) include pre-formed drill starts (shown in Figures 1 and 2 as drill starts (115) and (207), respectively). These drill starts facilitate drilling of screws through fastening channels (107) and (206) and top walls (101) and (201) to secure the track modules to a ceiling. As shown in Figure 4, cover strips (401) may also be provided to “friction-fit” or “push fit” into fastening channels (107) and (206) thus covering the head of screws used to fasten the track modules to a ceiling and which extend through top walls (101) and (201). As illustrated in Figure 4, the cover strips (401) may engage with the fastening channels (107) and (206) via a “push fit”. This engagement may be reversibly such that the cover strips (401) can be removed without damage to either the fastening channels (107) and (206) or the cover strips (401). As seen in Figure 4, the cover strips (401) include upstanding protrusions (403) which extend up from a flat cover surface of the strips (401). These protrusions (403) insert into fastening channels (107) and (206) to connect the cover strips (401) to the fastening channels (107) and (206). This connection occurs via teeth (402) formed on the protrusions (403), the teeth (402) extending perpendicularly away with respect the protrusions. The teeth “push fit” against lips (110) formed on the fastening channels (107) and (206) to cause connection between the cover strips (401) to the fastening channels (107) and (206).

As will be appreciated, one or more further second top track modules may be aligned to laterally engage with the first top track module (100) and/or the second top track module (200) using similar or identical connection mechanisms and components as described above. In doing this, the modular top track system may be further extended in a lateral direction thus increasing the number of track channels for receiving slidably moveable doors, included in the system, an infinite number of times. Figure 5 provides an illustrative example of a modular track system according to the present invention having top a first top track module (100), on either side of which two second top track modules (200) are laterally in engagement so as to provide five track channels (104) and (302) overall. Again, similar connections mechanisms and components described herein may be used. For the avoidance of doubt, the second track modules (200) are identical, but used in one orientation when forming the two additional track channels on the right hand side (as viewed in Figure 5) of the first track module (100), and used in an opposite orientation when forming the two additional track channels on the left hand side (as viewed in Figure 5) of the first track module.

Referring now to Figure 6, the first top track module (100) (now shown as inverted) is able to engage with a further first top track module longitudinally to increase the length of the track channel (104). This is done using intermediate members in the form of connecting pins (701) which, in use, extend along the length of longitudinal extension grooves (106) and (109) of first top track module (100). Each of the connecting pins (701) includes a threaded section (801) (as shown in Figure 7) which, as the connecting pins are guided (by rotation) into longitudinal extension grooves (106) and (109), form a “screw fit” between the connecting pins (701) and the inner wall of the longitudinal extension grooves by cutting a complementary thread into the wall of the longitudinal extension groves. In use, the connecting pins (701) are positioned within the longitudinal extension grooves such that approximately half of the length of the connecting pins is located within the longitudinal extension grooves with the other half protruding out from the longitudinal extension grooves. The other half protruding out from the longitudinal extension grooves is then inserted into the corresponding longitudinal extension grooves of an adjacent further first top track module to ensure alignment of the modules during construction and use. In some embodiments, the other half protruding out from the longitudinal extension grooves may also include a threaded section to form a “screw fit” as described above.

A longitudinal track connector (702) is configured to extend along channel (107) of the first top track module and is secured to channel (107) using a nut and screw mechanism. This is shown more clearly in Figure 8 which illustrates longitudinal track connector (702) partially located within channel (107). The longitudinal track connector includes apertures (901, 902) formed at either end of the longitudinal track connector’s length. Grub screw (904) extends through aperture (901) and engages with nut (903) located within a recess (illustrated as (703) in Figures 6 and 8) formed in the longitudinal track connector (702). As grub screw (904) engages with an internal threaded surface of the nut (903) a compression force is applied to the longitudinal track connector (702) which forces the longitudinal track connector into channel (107) ensuring that the longitudinal track connector is tightly secured to the first top track module (100). Longitudinal track connector (702) is positioned within channel (107) such that half the length of the longitudinal track connector is located within the channel (107) with the other half protruding out from the channel (107). The longitudinal track connector (702) includes wings (905) formed either side of the recess (703). The wings (905) are retained within the channel (107) by lips (110) formed in the channel (107).

As illustrated in Figure 9, once the connecting pins (701) and the longitudinal track connector (702) are secured in place in a first top track module (100), the protruding ends of each of the connecting pins (701) and the longitudinal track connector (702) are slid into corresponding longitudinal extension grooves and a channel formed within a further first top track module (100a). The longitudinal track connector (702) is then tightly secured to the further first top track module (100a) using the nut and screw mechanism, as described above, via aperture (902) formed in longitudinal track connector (702).

Whilst further first top track module (100a) may be identical to first top track module (100) in terms of its profile and dimensions, it is envisaged that other top track modules may be used to engage with first track module (100) longitudinally to increase the length of the track channel (104). It will also be appreciated that top track module (100a) can also be aligned to laterally engage with the top track modules, having similar or identical profiles and dimensions to second top track module (200), using similar or identical connection mechanisms and components as described herein.

It is envisaged that a modular track system according to the present invention may be configured to extend both longitudinally, for example as illustrated in Figures 6, 8 and 9, and laterally, for example as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Whilst Figure 9 provides an example of two top track modules (100) and (100a) in engagement to provide a longitudinal track extension, it will also be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention two or more first top track modules may be provided thus providing a method of varying the length of the modular track system and, ultimately, the track channels within the system. This allows the user to change the path length for a slidable door according to the dimensions of the door way in which it is installed. In this scenario, it may also be possible to laterally extend one or more of the top track modules, for example using the mechanisms illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, to increase the number of track channels within the track system. This dual longitudinal and lateral extension functionality allows the user to not only increase the length of the modular track system, when installed, but also the number of track channels with the system. This allows the user to layer the number of doors installed at the entrance of a door as well as setting the desired path length according for each door.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate bottom track modules in single, double and triple track form respectively. As shown in Figure 10, the bottom track module (111) includes a single track channel (112) and longitudinal extension grooves (113, 114). Figure 11 shows bottom track module (120) having two track channels (121, 122) and two longitudinal extension grooves (123, 124). Figure 12 shows bottom track module (130) having three track channels (131, 132, 133) and two longitudinal extension grooves (134, 135). In use, the bottom track modules illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12 are situated on the floor such that the base of the track channels are in contact with the floor and the track channels open upwardly to receive a door. All of the bottom track modules illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12 include sloped sidewalls (116), (126) and (138). The sloped side walls improve the safety profile of the bottom track modules by preventing injury to a user accidently stepping on the bottom track modules. The sloped side walls also allow smooth movement of objections across the bottom track modules, for example vacuum cleaners, brushes etc.

Figure 13 illustrates the double track module (120), also depicted in Figure 11, in an inverted orientation. As shown, bottom track module (120) receives connecting pins (140, 141) into longitudinal extension grooves (123, 124). Once located within grooves (123, 124), grub screws (142, 143) insert into threaded apertures (144, 145) formed within connecting pins (140, 141) to secure the connecting pins to the inner wall of the longitudinal grooves. As grub screws (142, 143) are threaded into apertures (144, 145), they apply a force to the connecting pins causing a portion of their outer surface (in the region of the grub screw) to be pushed against the inner walls of the longitudinal grooves, thus forming a friction fit to secure the connecting pins tightly to the bottom track module. In use, the connecting pins (140, 141) are positioned within longitudinal grooves (123, 124) such that half the length of the connecting pins is located within the longitudinal grooves (123, 124) whilst the other half protrudes out thereof. As illustrated in Figure 14, once the connecting pins (140, 141) are in secured in place, the protruding ends of the connecting pins (140, 141) then slide into corresponding longitudinal extension grooves formed within a further bottom track module (150). The connecting pins (140, 141) are secured to the bottom track module (150) using grub screws which are threaded into apertures (146, 147). This engagement extends the length of track channels (121, 122).

Figure 15 shows a fixing button (160) which when screwed to a floor is used to secure bottom track modules or a fully assembled modular bottom track system to a floor. The fixing button (160) is circular in shape and includes a recess in its centre for receiving a screw (161). As shown in Figure 16 fixing channel (125) of bottom track module (120) is pushed over fixing button (160) which has been screwed to the floor. As the bottom track module (120) is placed pushed over fixing button (160), a mechanical fit is formed between the fixing button (160) with fixing channel (125) to secure the bottom track module (120) to the floor, because the upper rim (170) of the fixing button (16) has a wider diameter than the width of the fixing channel (125) defined by lips (171, 172). As it will be appreciated, one or more fixing buttons may be used to secure bottom track modules of varying length and size to the floor.

Whilst the longitudinal extension and fixing to floor of bottom track modules are described with reference to double track module (120), it will be appreciated that bottom track modules of varying track channel number, such as single and triple shown in Figure 12 and 14, may be extending using similar mechanisms and fixed to the floor using the same fixing button as described above.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments of the present invention, the top track modules and bottom track modules, as described herein, may be installed to the upper and lower cross rails, respectively, of a doorway, i.e. there may be two modular track systems in use - an upper system and a lower system. In this situation, one or more track channels formed in the top track modules are aligned with complementary one or more track channels in the bottom track modules to form a set path for one or more sliding door.

In some embodiments the track modules or any component thereof according to the present invention may be formed of a suitable metal material, alloy material, plastic material, wood material, glass material or a combination thereof. Suitable metals and alloys may include aluminium, brass, copper, stainless steel, and wrought iron. More preferably the track modules or any component thereof may be formed of extruded aluminium, for example alloy 6063 T6. In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the extruded aluminium may be from 0.9mm to 2.0mm, for example 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm or 1.8mm. Preferably, the track modules or any component thereof may be formed of alloy 6063 T6 having a thickness of 1,6mm.

A connecting pin of the present invention may be formed of any suitable material. Such materials include a metal material, an alloy material, a plastic material, a wood material, a glass material or a combination thereof. Preferably, the connecting pin may be formed of zinc coated mild steel.

A track connector of the present invention may be formed of any suitable material. Such materials include a metal material, an alloy material, a plastic material, a wood material, a glass material or a combination thereof. Preferably, the track connector may be formed of glass filled nylon. In some embodiments, the track connector may be formed by injection moulding from glass filled nylon.

A cover strip of the present invention may be formed of any suitable material. Such materials may include a metal material, an alloy material, a plastic material, a wood material, a glass material or a combination thereof. Preferably, the cover strip may be formed of high density polyethylene. In some embodiments, the cover strip may be extruded high density polyethylene. In further embodiments, the thickness of the high density polyethylene may be from 0.9mm to 2.0mm, for example 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm or 1.8mm. More preferably, the cover strip may be formed of extruded high density polyethylene having a thickness of 1,5mm.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the extruded aluminium may be from 0.9mm to 2.0mm, for example 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm or 1.8mm. Preferably, the track modules or any component thereof may be formed of alloy 6063 T6 having a thickness of 1,6mm.

A modular track system according to the present invention may be supplied as a kit of parts.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular track system comprising one or more first track modules and optionally one or more second track modules, each of said first and second track modules comprising one or more track channels for guiding a door module, wherein:

a first track module is configured to engage longitudinally with one or more further first track modules such that the one or more track channels of the first track module align with the one or more track channels of the further first track modules to provide one or more longitudinal track lengths; and/or a or the first track module is configured to engage laterally with one or more second track modules, to provide two or more laterally arranged track lengths.

2. A modular track system according to claim 1, wherein the first track module is configured to reversibly engage with the further first track modules.

3. A modular track system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first track module is configured to engage with the further first track modules via one or more intermediate members.

4. A modular track system according to claim 3, wherein the one or more intermediate members is adapted to be fastenable to the first track module and further first track modules using a fastening means.

5. A modular track system according to the claim 4, wherein the first track module and the further first track modules is operable to receive the one or more intermediate members.

6. A modular track system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one of the one or more intermediate members is a connecting pin.

Ί. k modular track system according to claim 6, wherein the first track module and the further first track modules comprise a longitudinal groove to receive the connecting pin.

8. A modular track system according to claim 7, wherein the connecting pin comprises a threaded section to secure the connecting pin to a wall of the longitudinal grooves.

9. A modular track system according to claims 3 to 8, wherein at least one of the one or more intermediate members is a longitudinal track connector.

10. A modular track system according to claim 9, wherein the first track module and the further first track modules comprise a longitudinal channel to receive the longitudinal track connector.

11. A modular track system according to claim 10, wherein the fastening means reversibly connects the longitudinal track connector to the longitudinal channels.

12. A modular track system according to claim 11, wherein the fastening means comprises a male component further comprising an external threaded portion and a female component further comprising an internal threaded portion, the external threaded portion configured to cooperate with the internal threaded portion.

13. A modular track system according to claim 12, wherein the external threaded portion of the male component extends through an aperture formed in the longitudinal track connector to cooperate with the internal threaded portion of the female component to apply a compressive force to the longitudinal track connector providing a reversible engagement between the longitudinal track connector and the longitudinal channels.

14. A modular track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first track module is configured to reversibly engage with the second track module.

15. A modular track system according to claim 14, wherein the first track module is configured to engage with the second track module via an intermediate member.

16. A modular track system according to claim 15, wherein the first track module and the second track module are operable to receive the intermediate member.

17. A modular track system according to claim 16, wherein the intermediate member is a lateral track connector.

18. A modular track system according to claim 17, wherein the first track module and the second track module comprise lateral extension grooves configured to receive the lateral track connector to provide the engagement.

19. A modular track system according to claim 18, wherein the lateral extension groove of the first track module and the second track module are mutually positionable to form a lateral connection channel configured to receive the lateral track connector to provide the engagement.

20. A modular track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

the first track module is configured to engage longitudinally with one or more further first track modules such that the one or more track channels of the first track module align with the one or more track channels of the further first track modules to provide one or more longitudinal track lengths; and the first track module is configured to engage laterally with one or more second track modules comprising one or more track channels, to provide two or more laterally arranged track lengths.

21. A modular track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first track modules and/or the second track modules are configured to fasten to a ceiling.

5

22. A modular track system according to claim 1, formed of first track modules only.

23. A modular track system according to claim 22, wherein the first track modules are configured to fasten to a floor.

24. A modular track system according to claim 23, wherein the first track modules comprise a floor fixing channel configured to fasten to one or more fixtures on the floor.

25. A modular track system according to claim 24, wherein the one or more fixtures on the floor are fixing buttons.

26. A modular track system according to claim 25, wherein the floor fixing channel fastens to the one or more fixing buttons via a mechanical

20 connection.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1619446.6 Examiner: Ben Munns