Hidden middle transom fixing part

Abstract

A sliding window or a sliding door comprising at least one middle transom attached to an interlock mullion via a fixing part, wherein the fixing part comprises: at least one drainage means for draining the interlock mullion; and first and second fastening means for fastening the fixing part to the middle transom and an interior of the interlock mullion. A method of assembling the sliding window or sliding door.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sliding windows and sliding doors and, more specifically, to a fixing part for attaching a middle transom to a mullion of a sliding window or sliding door. The present disclosure also relates to a method of assembling a mullion to a middle transom using the fixing part.BACKGROUND

[0002] Due to their ability to provide a maximum opening with a minimum space requirement, sliding doors have become increasingly popular when compared to more traditional hinged doors. Currently, there are numerous types of sliding door available on the market. These include: interior sliding doors, such as closet doors, pantry doors, and sliding doors used as room dividers; and exterior sliding doors, for example patio doors.

[0003] Generally, a sliding door is comprised of at least one sliding panel and at least one fixed panel, wherein a sliding panel is a panel slidable by sideways movement between an open position and a closed position. Each door panel (i.e., fixed panel or sliding panel) may be composed of a frame formed from at least two horizontal members, commonly referred to as transoms, and at least two vertical members, commonly referred to as mullions. The transoms and the mullions may be formed from a lightweight material, such as extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy. The transoms and the mullions may connect to form frame units that receive infill panels of an infill material. Depending on the intended use and / or desired aesthetics of the sliding door, a range of infill materials can be used, including wood, metal, or glass. The transoms and mullions may further assemble with gaskets to create a glazing pocket configured to capture and form a seal with the infill panels.

[0004] The mullion forming one side of a sliding panel may be an interlock mullion. An interlock mullion is a special type of mullion which is configured to interlock with and form a seal with a mullion of an adjacent fixed panel when the sliding panel is in the closed position. Fixed panels of sliding doors may also comprise interlock mullions for interlocking with the interlock mullions of adjacent sliding panels. In contrast to the remaining mullions (i.e., lock mullions) of a sliding door, an outer side wall of each interlock mullion remains visible after assembly and installation of the sliding door.

[0005] A door panel of a sliding door may comprise multiple frame units. For example, the door panel may comprise at least one middle transom located intermediate an upper transom and a lower transom, the upper and lower transom forming outer edges of the door panel. A middle transom is located between two infill panels of the door panel.

[0006] Current strategies for attaching a mullion of a door panel of a sliding door to a middle transom include: forming an aperture in the outer side wall of the mullion; and screwing the mullion to the middle transom via said aperture such that a head of the screw remains visible from the exterior of the mullion on the outer side wall of the mullion after assembly of the mullion to the middle transom. In some cases, the aperture and the screw head are further covered with a cap. However, the cap itself also remains visible from the exterior of the mullion on the outer side wall of the mullion after assembly of the mullion to the middle transom. An invisible mullion to middle transom attachment (i.e., the means of attachment is not visible from the exterior of the mullion) is especially desirable where the mullion is an interlock mullion, to improve, in particular, the aesthetics of the sliding door. Therefore, a means of attaching a mullion to a middle transom, which avoids having a visible screw head or cap on the exterior of the mullion, would be beneficial.

[0007] Moreover, the middle transoms of sliding doors typically need to be prepared, e.g., by milling, to include a drainage feature, which ensures that, upon assembly to a mullion, any water getting into the interior of said mullion is drained through the middle transom, thus preventing any potential corrosion. The requirement of preparing a middle transom to include a drainage feature results in increased manufacturing costs and production times of the sliding door. Therefore, it would be beneficial if this preparation could be avoided all together.

[0008] Although the above refers exclusively to "sliding doors", it can be appreciated that the same limitations (i.e., visible middle transom attachment and additional preparation of middle transom to include a drainage feature) may apply to sliding windows. Thus, there is a need for both improved sliding doors and sliding windows, which overcome these limitations.SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sliding window or a sliding door comprising at least one sliding panel and at least one fixed panel, wherein both the at least one sliding panel and at least one fixed panel comprise at least one interlock mullion, wherein the at least one sliding and / or the at least one fixed panel comprises at least one middle transom located between two infill panels and attached to one of the interlock mullions via a fixing part, wherein the fixing part comprises: at least one drainage means for draining the interlock mullion; a first fastening means for fastening the fixing part to the middle transom; and a second fastening means for fastening the fixing part to an interior of the interlock mullion such that the fixing part is not visible from an exterior of the interlock mullion.

[0010] The at least one drainage means may comprise at least one drainage channel or at least one drainage aperture. Preferably the at least one drainage means comprises two drainage channels or two drainage apertures. Advantageously, the two drainage apertures may be arranged symmetrically about a plane of symmetry passing through a centre of the fixing part and extending between a front side and a back side of the fixing part.

[0011] The first fastening means may comprise a screw hole, wherein the fixing part is attached to the middle transom via a screw.

[0012] The second fastening means may comprise a first clipping portion located on a first side of the fixing part and a second clipping portion located on a second side of the fixing part, wherein the first side opposes the second side, wherein the fixing part is attached to the interlock mullion via engagement of the clipping portions with interior projections of the interlock mullion.

[0013] Conveniently, the fixing part may further comprise a first protrusion projecting from a front side thereof, the first protrusion being configured for receipt within an aperture of the middle transom.

[0014] The fixing part may further comprise a second protrusion projecting from a back side thereof; and the interlock mullion may comprise at least one aperture located in an interior wall of the interlock mullion, wherein the second protrusion is configured for receipt within the at least one aperture located in the interior wall of the interlock mullion.

[0015] The at least one aperture located in the interior wall of the interlock mullion may comprise two vertically spaced apertures.

[0016] The interlock mullion may comprise at least one aperture located in an interior wall of the interlock mullion, wherein the at least one aperture is configured for receipt of a head of the screw.

[0017] The sliding window or sliding door may additionally comprise at least one middle transom attached to a lock mullion via a fixing part as disclosed herein.

[0018] The interlock mullion and the middle transom may be formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0019] The fixing part may be formed of a reinforced plastic. For example, the fixing part may be formed of a glass fibre reinforced polyamide.

[0020] The fixing part may be symmetrical about a plane of symmetry passing through a centre of the fixing part and extending between a front side and a back side of the fixing part.

[0021] In another aspect, there is provided a fixing part for use in attaching a middle transom to a mullion of a sliding door or a sliding window, comprising at least one drainage means for draining an interlock mullion; a first fastening means for fastening the fixing part to a middle transom; and a second fastening means for fastening the fixing part to an interior of the interlock mullion such that the fixing part is not visible from an exterior of the interlock mullion.

[0022] The at least one drainage means may comprise at least one drainage channel or at least one drainage aperture, preferably wherein the at least one drainage means comprises two drainage channels or two drainage apertures. Advantageously, the two drainage apertures may be arranged symmetrically about a plane of symmetry passing through a centre of the fixing part and extending between a front side to a back side of the fixing part.

[0023] The first fastening means may comprise a screw hole, wherein the fixing part is configured for attachment to the middle transom via a screw.

[0024] The second fastening means may comprise a first clipping portion located on a first side of the fixing part and a second clipping portion located on a second side of the fixing part, wherein the first side opposes the second side, wherein the fixing part is configured for attachment to an interlock mullion via engagement of the clipping portions with interior projections of the interlock mullion.

[0025] Conveniently, the fixing part may further comprise a first protrusion projecting from a front side thereof, the first protrusion being configured for receipt within an aperture of a middle transom.

[0026] The fixing part may further comprise a second protrusion projecting from a back side thereof, wherein the second protrusion is configured for receipt within the at least one aperture located in the interior wall of the interlock mullion.

[0027] The fixing part may be formed of a reinforced plastic. For example, the fixing part may be formed of a glass fibre reinforced polyamide.

[0028] The fixing part may be symmetrical about a plane of symmetry passing through a centre of the fixing part and extending between a front side and a back side of the fixing part.

[0029] In the last aspect of the present disclose, there is provided a method for assembling one of the at least one sliding panels or at least one fixed panels of the sliding window or sliding door described herein, comprising: a) attaching a fixing part to a middle transom via the first fastening means; b) installing a wrap-around gasket on an end of each of two infill panels; c) installing the infill panels and the wrap-around gaskets on the middle transom; and d) installing the interlock mullion on the wrap-around gaskets and, at the same time, attaching the interlock mullion to the fixing part via the second fastening means, wherein the fixing part is not visible from an exterior of the interlock mullion after attachment of the interlock mullion to the fixing part.

[0030] The attaching step a) may comprise receiving a first protrusion extending from a front side of the fixing part in an aperture of the middle transom.

[0031] The method may further comprise, prior to step d), preparing the interlock mullion for assembly to the middle transom, wherein the preparing comprises forming at least one aperture in an interior wall of the interlock mullion.

[0032] Preferably, the preparing comprises forming two vertically spaced apertures in the interior wall of the interlock mullion.

[0033] The installing step d) may comprise receiving a protrusion extending from a back side of the fixing part in the at least one aperture in the interior wall of the interlock mullion.

[0034] The method may further comprise: attaching a second fixing part to the middle transom; and attaching a lock mullion to the second fixing part via the second fastening means.

[0035] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Moreover, it must be noted that the various features of any of the above statements may be combined without restriction, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1A is an exploded view of a middle transom assembled to a mullion of a sliding window or a sliding door of the prior art. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1A. Figure 2A is an exploded view of a middle transom assembled to a mullion of a sliding window or a sliding door in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a further exploded view of the assembly of Figure 2A. Figure 3A is a perspective view of a fixing part in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 3B is a further perspective view of the fixing part of Figure 3A. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing part assembled to a middle transom in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a plan view of an assembled mullion and middle transom in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a section of a mullion in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled mullion and middle transom in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a section of a mullion in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a middle transom assembled to two mullions in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure provides: a sliding window or a sliding door comprising a fixing part for attaching a middle transom to an interlock mullion; and a fixing part for attaching a middle transom to an interlock mullion. The sliding window or sliding door of the present disclosure comprises at least one sliding panel and at least one fixed panel. Each panel (i.e., sliding or fixed) may independently comprise one or more middle transoms attached to an interlock mullion via a fixing part. Accordingly, the sliding window or sliding door of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of fixing parts.

[0038] Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to Figures 1A and 1B, an assembly of a middle transom 100 to a mullion 110, more specifically an interlock mullion 110 of a sliding panel or a fixed panel of a sliding window or a sliding door according to the prior art will now be described in more detail. As depicted in Figure 1A, the interlock mullion 110 is prepared for assembly to the middle transom 100 by forming at least one aperture 120 in an outer side wall of the mullion 110 for receiving a fastener 130, e.g., a screw 130, therethrough. As a result, when the mullion 110 is attached to the middle transom 100 via screw 130, a head 140 of the screw 130 remains visible from the exterior of the interlock mullion 110. As shown in Figure 1B, the visible attachment, comprising the screw head 140 and the aperture 120, is typically masked by a cap 150, which covers the aperture 120. However, the cap 150 also remains visible from the exterior of the interlock mullion 110. Therefore, an invisible assembly of the interlock mullion 110 to the middle transom 100 is ultimately not achieved in the prior art. "Invisible assembly" is used herein to mean that neither an attachment means (e.g., a screw 130) to the middle transom 100 nor a cover covering such an attachment means (e.g., a cap 150) are visible from an exterior of the interlock mullion 110.

[0039] Moreover, although not depicted in Figures 1A and 1B, the middle transom 100 of sliding windows and sliding doors of the prior art requires preparation for assembly to the mullion 110. The preparation comprises introducing a drainage feature into the portion of the middle transom 100, which is located within the mullion 110 after assembly of the transom 100 to the mullion 110. Typically, the drainage feature comprises at least one aperture produced by milling of the transom 100. The drainage feature provides a means for draining any water which gets into the interior of the mullion 110, and thereby preventing any potential corrosion. Water is drained through mullion 110 towards the lower (i.e., bottom) transom of the window or door panel (i.e., sliding panel or fixed panel) via the drainage feature. The requirement to additionally prepare the middle transom 100 to comprise a drainage feature, e.g., by milling, results in an increased manufacturing time as well as an increased cost of the sliding window or door. Therefore, it would be advantageous if the step of preparing the middle transom 100 to comprise a drainage feature were avoided all together.

[0040] The shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by the present disclosure, wherein a fixing part 300 is used for attaching an interlock mullion 210 to a middle transom 200 of a sliding panel or fixed panel of a sliding door or sliding window. As depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, employing the fixing part 300 to assemble the middle transom 200 to the interlock mullion 210, eliminates the need to introduce an aperture into an outer side wall of the interlock mullion 210. As such, the means of attachment of the interlock mullion 210 to the middle transom 200 is not visible from an exterior of the mullion 210.

[0041] Furthermore, the fixing part 300 of the present disclosure comprises at least one drainage means 310 for draining the interlock mullion 210. The at least one drainage means 310 eliminates the requirement to prepare the middle transom 200 to comprise a drainage feature, resulting in a simplified fabrication process for the sliding window or sliding door.

[0042] The fixing part 300 of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail and with reference to the figures. The fixing part 300 may be monolithically manufactured, e.g., by molding, from any material known in art which provides sufficient rigidity to durably attach the transom 200 to the mullion 210 without failure. Preferably, the fixing part 300 may be formed from a reinforced plastic, such as a glass fibre reinforced polyamide. Alternatively, the fixing part 300 may be formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both materials are cost-effective plastic materials that are suitable for use in glazing applications due to their favourable mechanical properties, e.g., relatively high impact resistance, toughness, and rigidity. Furthermore, producing fixing part 300 from a plastic (i.e., a thermally insulating material) may improve the thermal insulation of the sliding door or sliding window by acting as a thermal break. Fixing part 300 reduces the contact area between the mullion 210 and transom 200, which in turn reduces heat transfer between the mullion 210 and transom 200.

[0043] The dimensions of the fixing part 300 may be determined entirely by the dimensions of the middle transom 200 and the mullion 210 to be assembled. As such, the dimensions of the fixing part 300 can be scaled up or down as required.

[0044] Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, the fixing part 300 comprises: at least one drainage means 310 for draining a mullion 210; a first fastening means 320 for fastening the fixing part 300 to a middle transom 200; and a second fastening means 330 for fastening the fixing part 300 to an interior of the mullion 210.

[0045] The at least one drainage means 310 may comprise at least one drainage channel 310 or at least one drainage aperture 310. In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the fixing part 300 may comprise two drainage channels 310 or two drainage apertures 310. Preferably, the two drainage channels 310 or two drainage apertures 310 are arranged symmetrically about a plane of symmetry passing through a centre of the fixing part 300 and extending between a front side 370 and a back side 350 of the fixing part 300. It can be appreciated that an even number of symmetrically arranged drainage apertures 310 or drainage channels 310 may allow the fixing part 300 to be symmetrical, resulting in easier installation of the fixing part 300 to the middle transom 200 and mullion 210, i.e., no "correct" orientation of the fixing part 300 required. Furthermore, two drainage channels 310 or apertures 310 may provide improved drainage function when compared to a fixing part 300 comprising only one drainage channel 310 or drainage aperture 310.

[0046] The fixing part 300 may be attached to the middle transom 200 by various fastening means known in the art. Nevertheless, as depicted in Figure 2B, in a preferred aspect, the fixing part 300 is fastened to the middle transom 200 by the first fastening means 320, wherein the first fastening means 320 comprises a screw hole 320, and the fixing part 300 is attached to the middle transom 200 via a screw 260. In alternative aspects (not depicted by figures), the first fastening means 320 of the fixing part 300 may comprise a second screw hole, and the fixing part 300 may be attached to the middle transom 200 via two screws. As depicted in Figure 2A, in preferred aspects, an end of the middle transom 200 may comprise two vertically spaced apertures 240, 250. Each of these vertically spaced apertures 240, 250 may by configured to receive a screw 260. In preferred aspects wherein the fixing part 300 is attached to the middle transom 200 via a screw 260, the screw 260 may be received in either of the two vertically spaced apertures 240, 250. In other words, the fixing part 300 may be correctly installed on the middle transom 200 in multiple orientations.

[0047] In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the fixing part 300 may additionally comprise a first protrusion 360 projecting from a front side 370 thereof, wherein the first protrusion 360 is configured, i.e., sized and shaped, for receipt within an aperture 240, 250 of the middle transom 200. It can be appreciated that the first protrusion 360 may act as a guiding means for a correct assembly of the fixing part 300 to the middle transom 200, resulting in simplified assembly of the sliding window or sliding door. For example, in aspects wherein the fixing part 300 is attached to the middle transom 200 via a screw 260, receipt of the first protrusion 360 within the aperture 240, 250 of the middle transom 200 may help to ensure correct orientation of the fixing part 300 with respect to the middle transom 200. It can be appreciated that the size and shape of the first protrusion 360 may be dependent on the size and shape of the aperture 240, 250 of the middle transom 200, which may in turn depend of the dimensions of the transom 200.

[0048] Referring now to Figures 5 and 7, the fixing part 300 of the present disclosure is attached to the interlock mullion 210 by the second fastening means 330. The fixing part 300 may be attached to the interlock mullion 210 by various fastening means known in the art. In preferred aspects, the second fastening means 330 may comprise a first clipping portion 330 located on a first side of the fixing part 300 and a second clipping portion 330 located on a second side of the fixing part 300, wherein the first side opposes the second side. The fixing part 300 may be attached to the interlock mullion 210 via an engagement of the clipping portions 330 of the fixing part 300 with interior projections 280 of the interlock mullion 210, i.e., projections 280 extending from an interior surface of the interlock mullion 210. As depicted in Figure 5, the interlock mullion 210 may comprise two interlocking parts. The engagement of the clipping portions 330 may be via an interference fit, wherein the interference fit may be a snap fit. The clipping portions 330 represent a preferred aspect of the second fastening means, providing a simple fastening means which is not visible from the exterior of the mullion 210. Additionally, the clipping portions 330 allow the mullion 210 to be readily assembled to, i.e., clipped to, the fixing part 300 and transom 200.

[0049] The clipping portions 330 of the fixing part 300 are preferably of a reduced thickness when compared to the remainder of the fixing part 300. This reduced thickness provides an adequate flexibility to the clipping portions 330, allowing them to perform their clipping function and achieve strong engagement with the interlock mullion 210.

[0050] In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, as depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the fixing part 300 may further comprise a second protrusion 340 projecting from a back side 350 thereof, wherein the second protrusion 340 is configured for receipt within at least one aperture 220, 230 located in an interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210. The second protrusion 340 may act as a guiding means facilitating correct installation of the fixing part 300 to the interlock mullion 210, wherein the guiding means ensures that the interlock mullion 210 is attached in a correct orientation with respect to the fixing part 300. In such aspects, the interlock mullion 210 is prepared for assembly to the fixing part 300 by forming at least one aperture 220, 230 in the interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210. For example, the at least one aperture 220, 230 may be formed by milling. Preferably, the interlock mullion 210 comprises two vertically spaced apertures 220 and 230 in the interior wall 290, as depicted in Figure 6. The protrusion 340 may be received in either of the two apertures, allowing the fixing part 300 to be installed correctly on the mullion 210 in two orientations, thereby simplifying assembly.

[0051] In other aspects of the present disclosure, as depicted in Figure 7, a guiding function for installing the interlock mullion 210 on the fixing part 300 may be alternatively performed by a head 270 of a screw 260. In such aspects, the at least one aperture 220 located in the interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210 may be configured for receipt of the head 270 of the screw 260. In preferred aspects, the screw 260 that performs the guiding function is same screw 260 that is utilized for attaching the fixing part 300 to the middle transom 210.

[0052] While the fixing part 300 of the present disclosure has been described above in connection with attaching a middle transom 200 to an interlock mullion 210, the fixing part 300 may, as depicted in Figure 9, equally be employed for attaching a middle transom 200 to a lock mullion 510 of the sliding window or sliding door. The middle transom 200 may be attached to an interior of the lock mullion 510 as described above, e.g., via clipping portions 230, thereby facilitating easier installation of the lock mullion 510 to the middle transom 200. It can be appreciated that attachment of a lock mullion 510 to a middle transom 200 via the fixing part 300 eliminates the need to prepare the middle transom 200 for drainage of the lock mullion 510, e.g., by milling.

[0053] The present disclosure also provides a method for assembling a sliding panel or a fixed panel of a sliding window or a sliding door. The method comprises: a) attaching a fixing part 300 as described above to a middle transom 200 via the first fastening means 320; b) installing a wrap-around gasket on an end of each of two infill panels; c) installing the infill panels and the wrap-around gaskets on the middle transom 200, e.g., one infill panel either side of the middle transom; and d) installing the interlock mullion 210 on the wrap-around gaskets and, at the same time, attaching the interlock mullion 210 to the fixing part 300 via the second fastening means 330.

[0054] The attaching step a) may comprise receiving a protrusion 360 extending from a front side 370 of the fixing part 300 in an aperture of the middle transom 200. The protrusion may act as a guide to ensure correct orientation of the fixing part 300 with respect to the middle transom 200.

[0055] Preferably, the method further comprises, prior to step d), preparing the interlock mullion 210 for assembly to the middle transom 200, wherein the preparing comprises forming at least one aperture 220 in an interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210. In some aspects, preparing the interlock mullion 210 for assembly to the middle transom 200 may comprise forming two vertically spaced apertures 220 and 230 in an interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210.

[0056] The installing step d) may comprise receiving a protrusion 340 extending from a back side 350 of the fixing part 300 in the at least one aperture 220 in the interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210. The protrusion 340 may act as a guide to ensure correct orientation of the fixing part 300 with respect to the interlock mullion 210.

[0057] The installing step d) may comprise receiving a head 270 of a screw 260 in the at least one aperture 220 in the interior wall 290 of the interlock mullion 210.

[0058] The method may further comprise attaching a second fixing part to the middle transom; and attaching a lock mullion to the second fixing part via the second fastening means of the second fixing part.

[0059] The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the appended claims. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein. While systems and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components, the systems and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of' the various components. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

[0060] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items, with the terms "and" or "or" to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one of" allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0061] Although various example embodiments have been disclosed, a person of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would fall within the scope of the appended claims. For that reason, the appended claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sliding window or a sliding door comprising: at least one sliding panel; and at least one fixed panel, wherein both the at least one sliding panel and at least one fixed panel comprise at least one interlock mullion, wherein the at least one sliding panel and / or the at least one fixed panel comprises at least one middle transom located between two infill panels and attached to one of the interlock mullions via a fixing part, wherein the fixing part comprises: at least one drainage means for draining the interlock mullion; a first fastening means for fastening the fixing part to the middle transom; and a second fastening means for fastening the fixing part to an interior of the interlock mullion such that the fixing part is not visible from an exterior of the interlock mullion.

2. The sliding window or sliding door according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drainage means comprises at least one drainage channel or at least one drainage aperture, preferably wherein the at least one drainage means comprises two drainage channels or two drainage apertures.

3. The sliding window or sliding door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening means comprises a screw hole, wherein the fixing part is attached to the middle transom via a screw.

4. The sliding window or sliding door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening means comprises a first clipping portion located on a first side of the fixing part and a second clipping portion located on an second side of the fixing part, wherein the first side opposes the second side, wherein the fixing part is attached to the interlock mullion via engagement of the clipping portions with interior projections of the interlock mullion.

5. The sliding window or sliding door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing part further comprises a first protrusion projecting from a front side thereof, the first protrusion being configured for receipt within an aperture of the middle transom.

6. The sliding window or sliding door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the fixing part further comprises a second protrusion projecting from a back side thereof; and the interlock mullion comprises at least one aperture located in an interior wall of the interlock mullion, wherein the second protrusion is configured for receipt within the at least one aperture located in the interior wall of the interlock mullion.

7. The sliding window or sliding door according to claim 6, wherein the at least one aperture located in the interior wall of the interlock mullion comprises two vertically spaced apertures.

8. The sliding window or sliding door according to claims 3-5, wherein the interlock mullion comprises at least one aperture located in an interior wall of the interlock mullion, wherein the at least one aperture is configured for receipt of a head of the screw.

9. A fixing part for use in attaching a middle transom to an interlock mullion of a sliding door or a sliding window, the fixing part comprising at least one drainage means for draining an interlock mullion; a first fastening means for fastening the fixing part to a middle transom; and a second fastening means for fastening the fixing part to an interior of an interlock mullion such that the fixing part is not visible from an exterior of the interlock mullion.

10. The fixing part according to claim 9, wherein the at least one drainage means comprises at least one drainage channel or at least one drainage aperture, preferably wherein the at least one drainage means comprises two drainage channels or two drainage apertures.

11. The fixing part according claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first fastening means comprises a screw hole, wherein the fixing part is configured for attachment to a middle transom via a screw.

12. The fixing part according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second fastening means comprises a first clipping portion located on a first side of the fixing part and a second clipping portion located on an second side of the fixing part, wherein the first side opposes the second side, wherein the fixing part is configured for attachment to an interlock mullion via engagement of the clipping portions with interior projections of the interlock mullion.

13. The fixing part according any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fixing part further comprises a first protrusion projecting from a front side thereof, the first protrusion being configured for receipt within an aperture of a middle transom.

14. The fixing part according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the fixing part further comprises a second protrusion projecting from a back side thereof, and wherein the second protrusion is configured for receipt within an at least one aperture located in an interior wall of an interlock mullion.

15. A method for assembling one of the at least one sliding panels or the at least one fixed panels of the sliding window or sliding door according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising: a) attaching the fixing part to the middle transom via the first fastening means; b) installing a wrap-around gasket on an end of each of the two infill panels; c) installing the infill panels and the wrap-around gaskets on the middle transom; and d) installing the interlock mullion on the wrap-around gaskets and, at the same time, attaching the interlock mullion to the fixing part via the second fastening means, wherein the fixing part is not visible from the exterior of the interlock mullion after attachment to the interlock mullion.

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