Pocket door system
There is disclosed a pocket door system. The pocket door system comprises a pocket door sized and shaped to fit into a pocket opening in a wall. Associated with the pocket door is a storage means which is sized and shaped to fit into the pocket opening in the pocket door. The pocket door system also comprises a means for sliding the pocket door and the associated storage means into and out of the pocket opening. A kit for installing a pocket door system is also disclosed.
This invention relates generally to an improved pocket door system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPocket door systems have become an increasingly preferred door system in the construction of residential and commercial building structures in which room space is limited.
Typically, the pocket door system is mounted within a rough opening provided in a non-bearing partition wall, adjacent to a doorway. In such a system, it is common to suspend the door on a pair of trolley assemblies which ride in a track fixed above the top of the pocket door. For ease of installation, the pocket door system is commonly mounted prior to the installation of plasterboard or another similar wall surface covering. Once the pocket door system installation is complete, the doorway is opened by rolling the pocket door into a pocket formed by the door assembly and wall surface covering. Similarly, the doorway may be closed by rolling the pocket door from the pocket into the doorway.
The ability of storing the pocket door in the pocket systems when the doorway is open has advantages for smaller rooms, since, for example, the dedication of room space to accommodate a standard hinged door is not necessary.
Although the known pocket door assemblies are useful in the construction of residential and commercial building structures in which room space is limited, there is a continuing need to find ways to make the most of the limited space in buildings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a simple, cost efficient way in which to improve the space saving advantages of conventional pocket door systems by associating with the pocket door with a means for storing various articles.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a pocket door system comprising:
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- a pocket door sized and shaped to fit into a pocket opening in a wall;
- a storage means associated with said pocket door, said storage system being sized and shaped to fit into said pocket opening with said pocket door; and
- a means for sliding said pocket door and said associated storage means into and out of said pocket opening.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for installing a pocket door comprising:
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- a pocket door sized and shaped to fit into a pocket opening in a wall;
- a storage means associated with said pocket door, said storage means being sized and shaped to fit into said pocket opening with said pocket door; and
- a means for sliding said pocket door and said associated storage means into and out of said pocket opening.
Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:
The present invention is described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof as shown in the appended drawings. While the present invention is described below including preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments which are within the scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein. In the figures, like elements are given like reference numbers. For the purposes of clarity, not every component is labelled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, and initially to
The pocket door 18 and associated storage means 20 are mounted for sliding movement into a wall pocket opening designated generally by the reference numeral 30. When the pocket door 18 and associated storage means 20 are slid out of the pocket opening 30, into the doorway opening 16, the doorway opening 16 is covered, and the associated storage means 20 is accessible only from the second room 24. Similarly, when the pocket door 18 and associated storage means 20 are slid into the pocket opening 30, the doorway opening 16 is uncovered. As can be appreciated, the pocket door 18 may be fitted with one or more conventional door handles (not shown) to facilitate opening and closing of the pocket door 18, as well as one or more conventional locking mechanisms (not shown) to prevent the pocket door 18 from opening.
Turning now to
The pocket door system 10 includes a sliding means for supporting the pocket door 18 and associated storage means 20 and allowing them to slide into and out of the pocket opening 30. The sliding means preferably comprises an upper hanger assembly 38 and a lower sliding track 40.
As best seen in
By way of example, a suitable upper hangar assembly 38 is manufactured by K.N. Crowder Mfg. Inc. in association with the trade-mark CROWDERTRACK™. The track 39 has a generally C-shaped cross-section as shown in
As best seen in
Although it is preferable that the sliding means comprises both the upper hanger assembly 38 and the lower sliding track 40, it is contemplated that other embodiments may utilize either one or the other. What is important is that the pocket door 18 and associated storage means 20 are capable of slidable movement into and out of the pocket opening 30.
As shown in
Although, less preferred, it is also contemplated that conventional pieces of lumber or other material may be used in place of the composite stud assemblies 58 discussed above, or that they may be entirely omitted. What is important is that supporting members, such as the studs 58, should be positioned on opposite sides of the pocket door 18 and associated storage means 20 to provide rigidity to the pocket enclosure as well as a surface to which the wall surface structure 14 may be secured.
Referring to
In
The advantages of a pocket door system as illustrated in
While reference has been made to various preferred embodiments of the invention other variations are comprehended by the broad scope of the appended claims. Some of these have been discussed in detail in this specification and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and alterations are comprehended by this specification are intended to be covered, without limitation.
Claims
1. A pocket door system comprising:
- a pocket door sized and shaped to fit into a pocket opening in a wall;
- a storage means associated with said pocket door, said storage means being sized and shaped to fit into said pocket opening with said pocket door; and
- a means for sliding said pocket door and said associated storage means into and out of said pocket opening.
2. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said storage means comprises a plurality of shelves.
3. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said plurality of shelves are secured to said pocket door.
4. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said shelves are adjustable and may be positioned at different positions to suit the end user.
5. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for sliding said pocket door into and out of said pocket opening comprises at least an upper hanger assembly.
6. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for sliding said pocket door into and out of said pocket opening comprises at least a lower sliding track.
7. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for sliding said pocket door further comprises an upper and a lower sliding support mechanism for guiding said pocket door into and out of said pocket.
8. A pocket door system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pocket door, when out of said pocket opening, covers a doorway opening.
9. A kit for installing a pocket door system comprising:
- a pocket door sized and shaped to fit into a pocket opening in a wall;
- a storage means associated with said pocket door, said storage means being sized and shaped to fit into said pocket opening with said pocket door; and
- a means for sliding said pocket door and said associated storage means into and out of said pocket opening.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 7, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 10, 2008
Inventor: Jeff H. Layton (Toronto)
Application Number: 11/482,361