Rainwater deflection device and system

Abstract

To reduce entry of small debris and water through the rails of sliding glass doors during bad weather.SOLUTION: A deflection device having a geometric shape is fixedly attached to a rail of the door and applies sealing pressure to the floor and to the door. A substantially flat sheet-like body portion is provided with a lower sealing portion and an upper sealing surface, thereby ensuring effective water deflection. The deflection device may be a part of a reconfigurable system or kit or a customizable assembly kit. The purposes include reducing flooding during bad weather, easy installation and removal, rigidity for shape retention, flexibility for sealing force, and convenience during normal use of the door. This rainwater deflection device system provides a practical solution for various structures and improves protection performance and user convenience.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 994,231, filed November 25, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 428,113, filed August 3, 2021, which was filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371 as a U.S. national stage application of pending PCT International Application No. PCT / US21 / 12414, filed January 7, 2021, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates to storm damage mitigation devices, and more particularly to improved devices and related systems, including small, modular, reusable devices and related systems that help reduce the intrusion of small debris and water through the tracks of sliding glass doors during severe weather. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, there are no practical and / or efficient methods for reducing the amount of water that infiltrates sliding glass doors and their rails during severe weather in high-rise condominiums, townhouses, apartments, and private residences. The majority of sliding glass doors, whether hurricane-resistant or not, slide on rails that have weep holes to allow accumulated water to drain. However, under severe weather conditions, accumulated water does not drain. Under these severe weather conditions, the weep holes do not function properly because the storm winds force rainwater through the gap between the sliding glass door and the rail, causing it to infiltrate the interior. Currently, there are no practical methods for reducing water intrusion under these conditions. Current offerings are difficult to install and / or store, and current methods are difficult to implement and deploy.

[0004] It is known that in the design of sliding glass doors, which move on rails, water accumulation inside the rails is a problem. The rails of sliding glass doors are usually designed to have drainage holes for discharging water to the outside of the building. However, under adverse conditions, these drainage holes may be blocked by debris or the like, causing water to accumulate inside the rails, and there is a possibility that water may penetrate into the building from below the sliding door. In another situation such as a storm, rainwater may flow under the glass panel of the sliding door due to strong winds.

[0005] It is not always possible to design a structure that places the sliding glass door under an overhang sufficient to avoid the effects of rain and wind. In another situation, when using known water diversion means such as sandbags, even a small hole or tear in the sandbag can allow sand to enter the rail and cause undesirable dirt inside the rail, which is inconvenient and not recommended. Another drawback of using sandbags is that in order to open the sliding glass door from the inside, it is necessary to destroy the protective structure provided by the sandbags. Furthermore, in the case of high-rise buildings, since the sliding glass door leads to a closed balcony, it is impossible or unrealistic to return indoors after stacking sandbags against this sliding door.

[0006] Also, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,428,578 (Device for preventing flooding in sliding patio doors) by the present applicant, it is known in the art to use a wedge-shaped device to prevent flooding below the sliding patio door by closing the space between the lower part of the sliding door panel and the upper part of the rail of the sliding door. However, in this solution, in order to form a sealing surface against the rail due to the weight of the device itself and prevent the device from being blown away by strong winds, it is necessary to use a moldable and heavy material.

[0007] Other solutions proposed in the art have drawbacks in terms of a "one-size-fits-most" design, which has been proven to have no practical effect. Also, such means do not provide a comprehensive modular solution for reducing water intrusion from both the outside and inside of the sliding glass door system. There are a wide variety of types of sliding glass doors, which are multiplied by a huge number of installation situations. These types of doors usually have at least two doors (sliding doors and fixed doors), but there is a tendency for an increasing number of installation configurations of multiple doors and multiple panels with any number of movable and fixed door panels, any thickness, and any number of rails. Depending on different installation situations and door models, there are various installation types. For example, in some installation situations, the rails are located on or above the floor surface, so the rail structure is exposed above the floor surface. In another installation situation, the rails are located below the floor surface, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing "threshold-less" installation. In this case, since the rails are below the indoor floor surface and there is no protruding structure for attaching a water intrusion reduction device, new problems arise. In such a "threshold-less" installation, it is possible to provide recesses in the rails to form large openings, or in another installation situation, to cover the rails with a rail cover. However, in this case, the rail cover is not waterproof, is small in size, but still has gaps that require countermeasures to reduce water intrusion, resulting in new problems. Currently proposed solutions in the art do not provide an adjustable or modular system that can be adapted and configured by the user as needed to fit a specific door system or installation situation on a made-to-order basis.

[0008] It would therefore be advantageous to have a device that prevents water accumulation on the tracks of a sliding glass door while also being lightweight and easy to use. It would also be advantageous to have a device that allows the sliding glass door to be opened and closed without having to go outside or remove the device. It would further be advantageous to have a device of the above type that does not use sandbags or similar heavy, flexible means that could interfere with the smooth functioning of the tracks. Finally, it would be advantageous to have storm damage mitigation and debris reduction devices, equipment, and systems that are modular and easily configurable to maximize effectiveness in any installation, thereby providing a wide range of solutions for both indoor and outdoor use.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a lightweight, compact device that provides a physical barrier to deflect rainwater and wind away from the sliding glass door track during inclement weather, while also providing a modular solution for both outdoor and indoor use for customized installation. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Lightweight, compact, modular, and reusable devices and related systems are disclosed that provide a physical barrier that deflects rainwater and wind-borne debris away from the tracks of a sliding glass door or equivalent structure during severe weather. The disclosed devices and related systems include compact, reusable devices and modular systems that reduce water intrusion during severe weather, and include improvements over the devices and systems disclosed in commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 428,113 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 994,231.

[0011] In an embodiment, a rain deflector apparatus is disclosed that provides a water-resistant body surface configured to reduce water ingress into a rail (or similar structure) of a sliding glass door. The rain deflector apparatus is preferably (but not limited to) fixedly attached to the rail of the sliding glass door, and due to the novel geometry and function of the rain deflector apparatus, the seal pressure against the floor or rail and the sliding glass door itself is maintained, whereby water and debris are deflected away from the sliding glass door and the rail, reducing water ingress into the rail (or similar structure) of the sliding glass door.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the rain deflector apparatus has a body portion that is a substantially flat sheet, the body portion having a front face, a back face, and a predetermined thickness, defining an upper edge, a lower edge, a right edge, and a left edge. In an embodiment, the thickness may vary across the upper and lower edges. The lower seal portion preferably extends from the lower edge and substantially across the full length of the body portion from the right edge to the left edge. The upper seal surface portion is preferably disposed adjacent to the upper edge and extends across the full length of the body portion. Finally, one or more attachment mechanisms are spaced apart and disposed between the upper seal surface portion and the lower seal portion on the back face.

[0013] A further embodiment of the present invention includes one or more rain deflector apparatuses incorporated as part of a system useful for preventing rainwater and debris generated by storms from entering the rail of a sliding glass door or a similar structure.

[0014] Further embodiments of the present invention provide the same primary structures of the preferred embodiment, i.e., body section, upper seal section, lower seal section, and mounting section, as a composite system assembled into one or more configurable structures as a modular system. In these embodiments, the present invention provides a modular and configurable solution to a problem.

[0015] Another embodiment of the rainwater deflector system further includes a structure configured to additionally reduce rainwater intrusion when installed inside a glass door or similar structure.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention includes one or more of the structures, features, and components disclosed herein assembled as a kit for modular assembly customized by an end user, such as, but not limited to, a homeowner.

[0017] The object of this invention is to provide a practical and effective method for reducing the amount of water that enters through sliding glass doors during inclement weather in high-rise condominiums, townhouses, apartments, and private residences by reducing the Bernoulli effect, which is a concentrated positive pressure that pushes water out, due to the linear cavity formed by the weep holes and the working space between the door opening and the door threshold.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rainwater deflector that can be easily installed and removed from a sliding glass door assembly or similar structure.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a stormwater deflection device that is sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape and stormwater deflecting properties, yet flexible enough to be able to press against an adjacent mounting surface, thereby providing a sealing force to press the stormwater deflection device against the mounting surface when the stormwater deflection device is secured in place.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a stormwater deflection device that is at least partially flexible, i.e., flexible, so that a sliding glass door panel adjacent to the exterior of which the stormwater deflection device is located can be opened and closed without removing the stormwater deflection device.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide easy accessibility, i.e., to allow individuals to enter and exit through the sliding glass door as normal after the external device is installed.

[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide one or more rainwater deflection devices as part of a system for deflecting rainwater away from a sliding glass door or similar structure.

[0023] Other features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0024] Tests and Results Testing conducted and verified by independent engineers confirmed the invention is a "unique solution designed to address the need for storm mitigation." The system, when installed according to manufacturer specifications, provides enhanced protection against water intrusion through the rails of sliding glass doors. By enhancing the durability of these structures, the system plays a key role in mitigating potential damage and economic loss from severe weather events.

[0025] The tests covered a variety of severe weather conditions, with a particular focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the system of the present invention in reducing water intrusion compared to a control test without the system. The objective of the tests was to verify whether the use of the device and system of the present invention significantly reduces water intrusion under the influence of sustained wind pressure. The scope of the study was primarily focused on evaluating the effects of positive wind pressure, providing valuable insight into the performance and potential benefits of this protection measure in enhancing the durability of sliding doors when faced with extreme weather conditions.

[0026] Testing was conducted in a facility equipped with 12 motors, an 8,400 horsepower fan unit, flow control, and a water spray system to generate a 14-foot-high by 20-foot-wide flow field, allowing for repeated testing at wind speeds up to 157 mph. These tests involved 4 inches of rain per hour and wind speeds of 100 to 157 mph for five minutes under controlled environmental conditions. During testing, the inventive system disclosed herein demonstrated the removal of 95% to 99% of all water entering through the sliding glass door rails.

[0027] Testing has demonstrated that the device and associated system of the present invention is highly effective in reducing water intrusion and providing protection, even under the most severe weather conditions.

[0028] While the invention has been described and illustrated herein as embodied in an apparatus and associated system for preventing wind-borne rainwater and debris from entering through a sliding glass door, the invention is not limited to the details shown in those embodiments, as various modifications and structural changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the invention has been described in the context of a sliding glass door, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be appropriately sized and configured for other applications, such as, but not limited to, windows, sliding glassless doors, and other similar structures.

[0029] The invention, its method of organization, operation and installation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the different views, and the accompanying drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification and serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages of the present invention.

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[0031] While the claimed invention is susceptible to alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Before describing the embodiments in accordance with the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments are represented, where necessary, by conventional reference numerals in the drawings, and that only certain details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention are shown, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are obvious to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments may not be shown in order to avoid obscuring the various embodiments.

[0033] Although embodiments may be disclosed as including a plurality of features, in other embodiments of the invention, they may not include all such features and may include a lesser number of features. Thus, for example, a claim may relate to only a lesser number of features and not all of the features in an illustrated embodiment, and the claim is considered to include no features other than those expressly recited.

[0034] This disclosure is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention. Nor does this disclosure list features that need to be presented in all embodiments. Further, in the various figures, structures such as doors, glass, rails, panels, thresholds, frames, floors, etc. are illustrated to show the invention in representative installation environments and contexts. These structures are shown for reference only and do not constitute a part of the invention and do not limit the claims in any way unless expressly included in the claims.

[0035] Non-limiting Definitions The names of the inventions and the headings of each section provided in this application are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure in any way.

[0036] In this specification, the appended claims and the drawings, terms and phrases have the meanings commonly used in the relevant art, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. The terms used in this specification are for the sole purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0037] The following non-limiting definitions are provided as a guide for interpreting the present invention.

[0038] The terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly stated otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] The term "plurality" means "two or more" unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0040] The term "herein" means "in this application, including anything that may be incorporated by reference," unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0041] The phrase "at least one of," when modifying multiple items (such as an enumerated list of items), means any combination of one or more of those items. For example, the phrase "at least one of a gadget, a car, and a wheel" means either (i) a gadget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a gadget and a car, (v) a gadget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a gadget, a car, and a wheel. When the phrase "at least one of," when modifying multiple items, it does not mean "one of each" of the multiple items.

[0042] Numerical values such as "1" and "2," when used as cardinal numbers to indicate a quantity of something (e.g., 1 widget, 2 widgets), refer to the quantity indicated by the number, not to at least one of the quantity indicated by the number. For example, the phrase "1 widget" does not mean "at least one widget." Thus, the phrase "1 widget" does not encompass, for example, two widgets.

[0043] Unless otherwise explicitly specified, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on". That is, the phrase "based on" represents both "based only on" and "based at least on". The phrase "based at least on" is synonymous with the phrase "based on at least a part of".

[0044] The term "e.g." and its synonyms mean "for example" and do not limit the term or phrase being explained. For example, in the sentence "A computer transmits data (e.g., instructions, data structures) via the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that "instructions" are an example of "data" that a computer may transmit via the Internet, and "data structures" are an example of "data" that a computer may transmit via the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are only examples of "data", and things other than "instructions" and "data structures" may also be "data".

[0045] The term "respective" and its synonyms mean "individually". Therefore, when two or more things have "respective" characteristics, those things each have their own unique characteristics. However, those characteristics may or may not be different from each other. For example, the phrase "Each of the two machines has its respective function" means that the first machine has a predetermined function and the second machine also has a predetermined function, but the function of the first machine may be the same as or different from the function of the second machine.

[0046] The term "i.e." and its synonyms mean "that is" and limit the term or phrase being explained. For example, in the sentence "A computer transmits data (i.e., instructions) via the Internet", the term "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the "data" transmitted by the computer via the Internet.

[0047] Any numerical range shall include integers and decimals / fractions within that range. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is to be interpreted as specifically including integers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4,...9), and non-integers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2,...1.9).

[0048] If two or more terms or phrases are synonyms (e.g., because it is specified that the terms or phrases are synonyms), the description of one such term / phrase does not mean that the description of another such term / phrase must have a different meaning. For example, if there is a description that the meaning of "including" is synonymous with "including but not limited to", simply using the phrase "including but not limited to" does not mean that the term "including" has a meaning other than "including but not limited to".

[0049] The terms "including", "comprising" and their derivatives mean "including but not limited to" unless otherwise explicitly specified. Further, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification identify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0050] The term "product" means any machine, manufactured article, and / or composition of matter unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] The terms "invention", etc. mean "one or more inventions disclosed in the present application", unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0052] The terms "predetermined embodiment", "embodiment", "plural embodiments", "the embodiment", "the plural groups of embodiments", "one or an embodiment thereof", "some embodiments", "specific embodiment", "one embodiment", "another embodiment", etc. mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0053] The term "modified embodiment" of the invention means one embodiment of the present invention, unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0054] When referring to "another embodiment" in the description of one embodiment, it does not mean that the referred embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (for example, the embodiment described before the referred embodiment), unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0055] The term "seal" means a part of a device configured to prevent liquid (such as rainwater) or debris from passing from one side of the seal to the other. The effect of the seal depends on compressive force (for example, in the case of bulb seals or blade seals) and adhesive force (in the case of adhesive seals). This specification does not require a perfect seal or an airtight seal, or a perfect watertight seal.

[0056] As used herein, the term "adverse weather conditions" includes grammatical synonyms and refers to natural or man-made environmental events in which water (or other liquid) and, in some cases (as defined below), debris are accumulated by wind force and pass through a given barrier of a structure (here, for example, a sliding glass door riding on rails) and enter the interior of the structure, causing damage to the interior of the structure. The term "adverse weather conditions" as used herein does not mean to imply the severity of a particular meteorological category such as a tropical storm or a hurricane, but rather generally describes events that have a sufficient likelihood of causing undesirable flooding. The present invention is believed to have some effect on rising or stagnant water (such as in the case of floods or puddles), but such situations are not within the scope of the term "adverse weather conditions" or its equivalents as used herein.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "rain" and "water" are meant to include any liquid moved by wind. The liquid can include, but is not limited to, water, seawater, pool water, and rainwater. The present invention is believed to have some effect on rising or stagnant water (such as in the case of floods or puddles), but such situations are not within the scope of the terms "rain" and "water" or their equivalents as used herein. When the terms "rain", "water", or their equivalents are used in the claims, it is for the purpose of context description and does not limit the claims in any way.

[0058] "Debris" means any solid, i.e., non-liquid substance, that has the potential to clog a rail, a drain hole, or its equivalent structure. As used herein, the term "debris" is not intended to include large substances carried by the wind that pose a risk of adverse effects to the structure to be protected. For example, the invention disclosed herein is not intended to provide impact resistance against large projectiles that may damage or harm a sliding glass door, and debris is typically considered to be soil, sand, leaves, or other similar substances that accumulate within or around a rail and may clog a drain hole and prevent proper drainage. Accordingly, those skilled in the art would not consider a shutter, an impact-resistant panel, or other similar structures to be equivalent alternatives to the present invention or to belong to the same category or field as the present invention.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "extrusion" or "extruded" are primarily used to represent a part, component, or mechanism represented by a two-dimensional shape projected three-dimensionally along a predetermined path. For example, a cylinder may be represented as an extruded circle herein. When the terms "extrusion" or "extruded", or their grammatical synonyms are used, in no sense is the present invention limited to a specific manufacturing method. As used herein, "extrusion" or "extruded product" refers to, for example, something machined, formed, cast, or pushed into a mold and cut to a predetermined length, such as by a conventional extrusion process. If only a two-dimensional side view or cross-sectional view is shown in a particular figure or drawing, those skilled in the art are familiar with the "extruded" figure, and it is shown only for the purpose of simplification. Such simplification of the disclosure is not intended to limit, disclaim, or waive the scope of the claims.

[0060] The term "adhesive" and grammatically equivalent terms are intended to include any attachment or fastening structure, and the attachment or fastening is achieved by first applying a compressive force, thereby "activating" the adhesive. The holding strength of the adhesive is selected based on the desired installation application and may range from a re-adherable strength to a permanent strength. The meaning of the term "adhesive" includes hook-and-loop fasteners and equivalents known in the art. The adhesive may simply be an applied "paste" or may include a support foam, rigid foam, compressible foam, pad, or other similar substrate.

[0061] The present invention solves one or more of the above-described problems and deficiencies of the prior art, but is also considered useful for solving other problems and deficiencies in many technical fields. Therefore, the invention described in the claims should not be construed as necessarily limited to solving any of the specific problems or deficiencies described herein. To facilitate the disclosure of the present invention, specific aspects of the prior art and methods in related technical fields have been described, but the applicant does not deny these technical aspects or methods in any sense, and it is considered that the invention described in the claims encompasses one or more of the prior art aspects or methods described herein.

[0062] Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so that the embodiments herein are not unnecessarily obscured. The examples used herein are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the implementation methods of the embodiments herein and enable those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments herein. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. Specifically, the names, types, and values of the components shown in the exemplary schematic diagrams are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention and are presented only as possible embodiments.

[0063] Rainwater Deflection Device 100 This specification discloses a rain deflector apparatus having novelty, which improves upon the prior art and adds novel features to the inventions disclosed in co-owned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 428,113 and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 994,231. The rain deflector apparatus of the present invention can be used alone or, if necessary, in combination with a plurality of deflector devices to correspond to the number of panels of a sliding glass door, window, or other similar structure. Throughout this disclosure, the rain deflector apparatus of the present invention may be referred to as a fixed deflector device or a movable deflector device. This nomenclature corresponds, for example, to a sliding glass door with multiple panels where one door slides (movable) and the other door is fixed (stationary). In another sliding glass door system, there may be multiple "movable" doors, and this disclosure contemplates all of these various combinations and installation conditions.

[0064] A primary objective of the present invention is to prevent, to the greatest extent possible, the accumulation of water and debris within the rails of a sliding glass door, and in particular, to reduce the ingress of water into the structure through the gap between the sliding door and the rails of the door, especially in stormy conditions. This is achieved by a combination of a physical barrier and one or more seals. In some embodiments, such seals can be realized by using a valve seal, a wiper seal, a compression mechanism such as a compressible gasket material, or a bonding surface such as an adhesive (but not limited thereto). In another embodiment, the seal is sufficiently achieved by the geometric shapes and structural relationships between the various components of the present invention, and in conjunction therewith, the structures are pressed against each other to form the seal.

[0065] Referring to the entire figure, particularly FIGS. 1 - 5, a preferred embodiment of the rainwater deflection device 100 according to the present invention is disclosed. The rainwater deflection device 100 includes a main body 110, a first portion 120 that provides a seal along the lower part of the device, a second portion 130 that provides a seal along the upper part of the device, and a third portion 140 that provides an attachment mechanism for fixing the device 100 to the rail of a sliding door or a similar structure.

[0066] The main body portion 110 has a front surface 111, a back surface 112, and a thickness 113. This main body portion defines an upper edge portion 114, a lower edge portion 115 distal to the upper edge portion 114, a right edge portion 116 substantially orthogonal to the upper edge portion 114, a left edge portion 117 distal to the right edge portion 116, a front side 118 close to the front surface 111, and a back side 119 close to the back surface 112. The main body portion 110 provides the main surfaces for the device 100 to deflect rain, wind, and debris and change their directions.

[0067] The first portion 120 of the main body portion 110 is close to the lower edge portion 115 and is configured to form a first seal 121 against a first adjacent structure 1. In a typical installation, the first adjacent structure 1 is the floor just outside the rail of a sliding glass door.

[0068] The second portion 130 of the main body portion 110 is close to the upper edge portion 114 and is configured to form a second seal 131 against a second adjacent structure 2. In a typical installation, the second adjacent structure 2 is a panel of a sliding glass door.

[0069] The third portion 140 of the main body portion 110 is close to the back surface 112 and is configured to removably attach the device 100 to a third adjacent structure 3. When the device 100 is attached to the third adjacent structure 3, the first seal 121 and the second seal 131 engage to prevent rainwater R and debris D from moving from the front side 118 to the back side 119 (see FIG. 5). In a typical installation, the third adjacent structure 3 is a rail in which a panel of a sliding glass door seats inside.

[0070] The rainwater deflecting device 100 is preferably made of a water-resistant material and a weather-resistant material that are resistant to the outdoor environment in which the present invention operates. The rainwater deflecting device 100 can be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), santoprene, neoprene, silicone, TPE, PE, PP, or other suitable materials (however, it is not limited thereto).

[0071] In a further embodiment, the rainwater deflecting device 100 can be made of a biodegradable material, a reusable material, a divertible material, or a disposable material.

[0072] In an embodiment, the material of the rainwater deflecting device 100 can have a rigidity such that it does not buckle under its own weight in the height direction, but can have a certain degree of flexibility in the length direction. In another embodiment, the relative rigidity or flexibility of the device is achieved by the geometric shape of the parts or additional components.

[0073] In an embodiment, the rainwater deflecting device 100 has a one-piece structure with the same material throughout.

[0074] In some other embodiments, the rainwater deflecting device 100 can be manufactured as a composite structure combining different materials. Such manufacturing is preferably carried out along one or more of the various functional structures described above (i.e., the main body, the upper part and the seal, the lower part and the seal, and the mounting part).

[0075] In yet another embodiment, one or more of the various functional structures of the rainwater deflecting device 100 can be manufactured as separate parts or sub-assemblies and assembled to form the rainwater deflecting device 100.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of the rainwater deflection device 100 is configured such that the third portion 140 protrudes from the back of the main body at an angle A with respect to the main body so as to dispose the main body at an angle A' with respect to the vertical direction after installation. Thereby, rain R or debris D that has fallen on the front surface flows downward in a direction away from the upper edge.

[0077] Embodiments of the present invention include a sealing mechanism or sealing component integrated into the first portion, and the sealing mechanism or sealing component is selected from the group consisting of a blade seal, a wiper seal, a flat compression seal (such as, but not limited to, a gasket), and an adhesive seal.

[0078] Embodiments of the present invention include a sealing mechanism or sealing component integrated into the second portion, and the sealing mechanism or sealing component is selected from the group consisting of a blade seal, a wiper seal, a flat compression seal (such as, but not limited to, a gasket), and an adhesive seal.

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention include a mounting structure mechanism or a component of the mounting structure integrated into the third portion, and the mounting structure mechanism or the component of the mounting structure is selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, and an adhesive.

[0080] In another embodiment, at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion is configured to pivot with respect to the main body. This can be achieved through a pivotally fixed attachment between separate components (as in the case where the rainwater deflection device is composed of a plurality of separate components), or by a geometric or material configuration that allows one portion to pivot with respect to another portion (as in the case of an integral structure).

[0081] Modular Rainwater Deflection Device System 200 As mentioned above, in some embodiments it may be advantageous within the scope of the present invention to manufacture one or more of the various functional features of the stormwater deflection device as separate components.

[0082] 6-22, exemplary components and accessories are disclosed, along with an exemplary embodiment of such a modular stormwater deflector system 200. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the exemplary system includes a deflector 210, an upper seal device 220, a lower seal device 230, and one or more mounting devices 240.

[0083] The components of the system are configured with features that facilitate secure assembly and connection of the components. As shown, the components are preferably securely attached during use but easily removable after use. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the deflection device 210 is configured with multiple protrusions 211, or "accessory rails," having offset cylindrical profiles (substantially circular). Each of the protrusions 211 is configured to insert into and mate with mating portions of one or more additional components, such as the upper seal device 220, the lower seal device 230, and one or more mounting devices 240. In another embodiment, the protrusions 211 may be further configured to receive one or more adapters or other accessories, as described herein.

[0084] In an embodiment, system 200 always includes at least one deflection device 210 as a main component to which other components are attached. In a non-limiting embodiment, the deflection device includes one or more attachment rails to which one or more components (or "attachments") can be attached.

[0085] As noted above, in connection with embodiments of the stormwater deflection device 100, the upper and lower sealing devices 220, 230 may each include different types of sealing components depending on the particular needs of the installation. These seal types may be, for example, but are not limited to, a valve seal (as shown in the upper sealing device 220 of FIG. 6 and the lower sealing device 230 of FIG. 7), a blade seal (as shown in the lower sealing device 230 of FIG. 6), a compression seal (e.g., a gasket), or an adhesive seal (as shown in the upper sealing device 220 of FIG. 7).

[0086] Also, according to embodiments, the length of the attachment mechanism 240 may be shorter than the length of the rainwater deflection device 210 (see, for example, FIGS. 17 and 19). In this case, multiple attachment mechanisms 240 may be assembled in a state where they are inserted along the length of one or more protrusions 211, and then slid along the protrusions 211 to be positioned in the most desirable position for ease of installation and safety.

[0087] deflection device The deflection device is a primarily flat sheet structure, as shown schematically in the various figures, and is herein structurally correlated with the main body of the stormwater deflection device 100. In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 8-9, a deflection device 800 according to the present invention has a main body 210 having a front surface, a back surface, and a thickness between the top surface and the back surface (as described in relation to the stormwater deflection device 100), the main body defining a top edge, a bottom edge distal to the top edge, a right edge substantially perpendicular to the top edge, a left edge distal to the right edge, a front side proximate the front surface, and a back side proximate the back surface.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of accessory rails 211 are shown. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the accessory rail is substantially cylindrical and is configured to fit into a mating component that includes a partial or substantially annular mechanism having an inner diameter substantially similar to the outer diameter of the cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The cylindrical cross-sectional shape provides certain mechanical advantages (such as allowing the attached component to pivot coaxially around it), but it is contemplated that the cross-sectional shape of these accessory rails is within the scope of the present invention if it is any shape that allows the component to be attached.

[0089] Here, the upper protrusion protruding distally from the upper edge extends along its entire length from the right edge to the left edge of the deflector device. This upper protrusion has a cross-sectional shape configured to be assembled with a separate component.

[0090] Similarly, the lower protrusion protruding distally from the lower edge extends along its entire length from the right edge to the left edge of the deflector device. This lower protrusion has a cross-sectional shape configured to be assembled with a separate component.

[0091] Finally, one or more rear protrusions protrude distally from the rear. This rear protrusion extends along its entire length from the right edge to the left edge of the deflector device and is spaced between the upper edge and the lower edge. This rear protrusion also has a cross-sectional shape configured to be assembled with a separate component.

[0092] In the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein, a deflector device is shown in which all of the various protrusions have the same protrusion shape, but this is for simplicity of disclosure, and it should be understood that one or more different protrusion shapes are within the scope of the present invention and are contemplated to be included therein.

[0093] The deflection device forms an accessory rail with an upper protrusion, a lower protrusion, and a rear protrusion, and a combination of a plurality of attachment parts can be assembled on the accessory rail, so it becomes the framework of a modular rainwater deflection system. Especially in the case of the rear protrusion, since the rail extends over the entire length of the deflection device, as will be described below, by sliding a component shorter in length than the rear protrusion(s) along the length direction of the accessory rail, the position and number of the attachment mechanism and other components used on the accessory rail can be optimized. In this way, this system is not only modular but also adaptable to different installation conditions.

[0094] Sealing device Disclosed is a sealing device that is selectively used as an upper sealing device or a lower sealing device according to the attachment side of the deflection device. In this section, the "sealing device" and various mechanisms and components of the sealing device may be used interchangeably as an "upper" sealing device or a "lower" sealing device.

[0095] The sealing device includes a portion configured to attach the sealing device to the deflection device and another portion that provides a "sealing" structure. Non-limiting examples of the sealing device are shown in FIGS. 10 to 15. Although it is conceivable to manufacture the sealing device as a single part, from the perspective of modularity, it is also advantageous to manufacture it as an assembly of multiple parts, which is within the scope of the present invention. The length of the sealing device is preferably configured to be the same as the length of the deflection device. In this case, a continuous sealing surface can be formed over the entire length of the deflection device. However, considering the modular and configurable aspects of the present invention, the sealing device may have a length different from that of the deflection device (i.e., either longer or shorter than the deflection device), which is within the scope of the present invention. For example, in a specific installation, it may be desirable to use components of a plurality of short sealing devices continuously assembled on the accessory rail.

[0096] The sealing device includes an attachment part AP and a sealing part SP.

[0097] Figures 10-11 show a sealing device 1100 having an attachment portion AP and an adhesive seal SP. In embodiments, these figures also show a sealing device having an attachment portion and a compression seal or gasket seal.

[0098] 12-13 show a seal device 1200 having an attachment portion AP and a wiper or blade seal SP. In embodiments, the seal may include multiple "blades" of the same or different lengths.

[0099] 14-15 show a sealing device 1400 having an attachment portion AP and a valve seal SP. The valve seal shown in these figures has a circular cross section, although other cross-sectional shapes are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] Mounting device As described in connection with the stormwater deflection device 100, the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 includes a mounting portion, shown as a mounting device 240. The mounting device 240 includes a portion AP configured to be attached to one of the protrusions 211 of the deflection device 210. Unlike the sealing device, the mounting device is preferably attached to the protrusion 211 located on the rear side of the deflection device 210. Another portion of the mounting device is a portion SA configured to be fixedly attached to a rail, door, frame, or other similar structure.

[0101] As mentioned above, the attachment device may be a clamp, clip, adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0102] 16-19 show an example of a mounting device having a first portion AP configured to insertably receive a protrusion 211 and a mounting portion SA distal to the first portion and configured to be fixedly mounted to a rail, door, frame, or other similar structure.

[0103] The example shown in Figures 16-17 illustrates the use of thumb screws, however clip and clamp mechanisms as well as other equivalent mechanisms known in the art may also be used.

[0104] The example shown in Figures 18-19 illustrates the use of adhesive SA, although other equivalent adhesive mechanisms (as described in the definitions section above) may also be used.

[0105] The sealing device (upper and / or lower) is preferably the same length as the deflector, which advantageously provides a continuous sealing surface along the length of the stormwater deflector, while the mounting device is preferably shorter in length than the deflector (as shown in Figures 16-19), allowing multiple mounting devices to be assembled on the deflector and positioned along the length of the deflector as required, facilitating easy and secure attachment to the mounting structure (such as the rail portion of a sliding door).

[0106] adapter 20-21 illustrate an exemplary adapter 250. The adapter has two ends that are distal to each other and spaced a predetermined distance apart. One end 251 is configured to fit over the contours of the attachment rail of the deflection device, and the other end 252 is configured to fit over the attachment portion of various components.

[0107] 7, embodiments of the present invention also include one or more adapters 250 configured to mount between, for example, the deflection device 210 and the upper seal device 220, thereby extending the length of the deflection device and / or increasing the mounting angle of the attached components. Different lengths and / or mounting angles can be achieved by employing different geometries and profiles for these adapters.

[0108] Figures 37 to 40 show another type of adapter 3900 used to fabricate a plurality of deflection device systems 3700. The adapter 3900 also has opposite ends that are distal to each other and spaced a predetermined length apart, and is configured to couple one deflection device 210 to another deflection device 210. The basic features of this adapter 3900 are a central body portion 3910 and two female receiving portions 3920. The female receiving portions 3920 are configured to receive the protrusions 211 of the deflection devices in a manner that allows the protrusions to be inserted therein.

[0109] In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 39, the adapter 3900 can also have one or more additional female receiving portions 3921, for example, to increase the rigidity between components. The adapter 3900 can further include one or more optional additional male protrusions 3930 configured to be received by another mounting portion.

[0110] By using this type of adapter to interconnect the deflection devices, it is possible to increase the overall height of the system. Further, by connecting one, two, or more deflection devices to increase the height, installations with wide rails become possible, so that the horizontal distance between the upper and lower parts of the system can be made larger.

[0111] End cap FIG. 22 shows an exemplary end cap 2200 that is attached to a deflection device by being fixed on or within an end of one or more accessory rails. The end cap has a mounting portion 2210 and a cap portion 2220, and is configured to cover a side portion of the deflection device between the deflection device and a door or similar structure when assembled to the deflection device.

[0112] Plurality of Panel Systems 1000 and Indoor Flood Prevention Components As disclosed herein and in the parent application referenced above, embodiments of the present invention include a system 1000 having multiple rainwater deflection devices. For example, in an installation with a two-panel sliding glass door, one glass panel is fixed and the other glass panel is movable (sliding relative to the fixed panel). The system 1000 of the present invention includes one or more rainwater deflection devices 1010 (which may be any embodiment disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, the rainwater deflection device 100, the modular rainwater deflection device system 200, or any combination of embodiments disclosed herein or incorporated by reference), each rainwater deflection device 1010 mounted exteriorly relative to at least one fixed glass panel and at least one movable glass panel, respectively, such that the system is effective to substantially redirect rain and debris from the exterior to the interior of the sliding glass door.

[0113] Embodiments of the present invention include interior water mitigation components. The various interior water mitigation components disclosed and described herein function similarly to the rainwater deflection devices described above to reduce water intrusion through the panels and rails of sliding glass doors; however, whereas rainwater deflection devices are installed outdoors, these interior water mitigation components are preferably configured for indoor installation and are primarily intended to reduce further intrusion of water that may have passed through the rainwater deflection device. While these interior water mitigation components can be used alone, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a system including a combination of one or more outdoor-installed rainwater deflection devices and one or more interior water mitigation components installed indoors provides the most complete water intrusion mitigation solution.

[0114] 23, there is shown a simplified diagram of a system 1000 in which a rainwater deflector 1010 is installed on the exterior of a sliding glass door and one or more interior water-blocking components are installed on the interior of the sliding glass door. The one or more interior water-blocking components may be selected from the group consisting essentially of a sheet, a tape, a foam, an adhesive, a padded adhesive, and a clamp.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment, the system 1000 includes a rainwater deflector 1010 for each sliding glass door panel. The rainwater deflector 1010 is attached by being fixedly attached to a suitable structure on the outside of the corresponding sliding glass door panel. For example, if the rail is exposed, the attachment mechanism may be a clamp with clips, thumbscrews, adhesive, or other fastening mechanism that fixedly attaches the attachment mechanism to the rail. If there is no rail, or if the rail does not allow for clips or clamps to be attached, the attachment mechanism may be adhesive, as described in the previous embodiment.

[0116] Once secured, the rainwater deflector 1010 is pressed against the sliding glass door and the floor (or other surface) adjacent to the door. The top and bottom "seal" joints can be achieved by any of the sealing mechanisms disclosed above.

[0117] Indoors, water-ingress prevention components can be used alone or in combination. It is understood that the following additional water-ingress prevention components can be used in systems utilizing one or more rainwater deflectors. While any one or combination of the additional water-ingress prevention components can be used, in the most complete embodiment (shown in FIG. 23), the indoor water-ingress prevention component comprises a plastic (or similar) sheet taped to the glass and covering the inside portion of the rail. A length of flexible foam is pressed against the inside of the rail to sandwich the sheet between the rail and the foam, sealing the sheet into the rail groove. One or more clamps 1020 are used to secure the foam and / or sheet to the inside of the rail.

[0118] By way of example and not limitation, exemplary clamps are shown in Figures 24-34 and 45-55.

[0119] Clamps 2400 and 2600 of Figures 24-27 include thumbscrews for attaching the clamp to a rail or similar structure while holding down the foam and / or sheeting.

[0120] Clamp 4500 in Figure 45 is a low-profile version of clamp 2400, and Figure 46 shows clamp 4500 installed on no-sill riser 4110 to hold foam rail filler in place.

[0121] Clamps 3100 and 3300, shown in Figures 28-34, mount upward against the door jamb 2801 (vertical frame component) and include flexible foam on multiple sides to provide a flexible sealing surface. These types of clamps are advantageous for installation on shallow or "thresholdless" rails and when inserting such foam is not possible. In such cases, a padded adhesive 2910 can be used to further cover the small gap between the door and rail, as shown in Figure 29.

[0122] Furthermore, the clamp 3100 shown in FIGS. 31-32 includes offset "legs" 3101 and 3102 for installation to fit between doors located in different planes. Also, these legs are inclined with respect to each other (inner angle 3103), thereby providing an internal clamping force for mounting to fit on the door frame.

[0123] In other situations, such as when there is a small gap between the door and the floor, rail, rail cover, or other similar structure, or when the finished floor is in the same plane as the door's rail, embodiments of the present invention include a small-gap clamp 4800 (FIGS. 48-51), or a gap-filling clamp 5200 (FIGS. 52-55). The gap-filling clamp 5200 includes a flexible or semi-flexible body portion 5210 that allows the clamp to be inserted into the small gap under pressure, and a pull tab 5210 for pulling out and removing the clamp 5200.

[0124] In another exemplary embodiment, the system 4100 shows an additional flood prevention component installed in a sliding glass door that does not have a threshold but has a rail cover, or there is no means to insert foam into other structures, or there is no structure for attaching a clamp. Referring to FIGS. 41-44, particularly FIG. 44, such an installation situation is described. FIG. 44 shows a cross-section of a sliding glass door of a type where the rail is located below the adjacent indoor floor surface and has a rail cover. As can be seen from this installation example, there is no rail structure for pushing foam inside. Also, there is no rail or other structure for attaching the clamp 2400. To provide a mounting structure for the clamp 2400, a thresholdless type starting component 4110 is utilized, and this starting component is preferably fixed to a predetermined position on the floor by an adhesive 4120. With the thresholdless type starting component 4110 fixed in place, after arranging foam to cover the gap between the sliding glass door, the rail, and the rail cover, the foam can be pressed into place by fixedly attaching the clamp 2400 onto the thresholdless type starting component 4110.

[0125] Rainwater Invasion Prevention Kit In an embodiment, the various components disclosed herein are combined in a kit for assembly and installation by a user. FIG. 35 shows a non-limiting and exemplary kit 2000. FIG. 36 shows a parts list (parts inventory) of the exemplary kit 2000.

[0126] Kit 2000 provides various modular components for a user to assemble and install a complete rainwater intrusion prevention system on a sliding glass door (fixed door and movable door) having a plurality of panels, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Kit 2000 includes two rainwater deflectors and a plurality of clamps, seals, and adapters that can be installed on the rainwater deflectors in a manner most suitable for specific installation conditions as described above.

[0128] Furthermore, kit 2000 includes the various components described above to prevent further water ingress into the inside of the sliding glass door. These components include clamps, foams, adhesives, and sheets. In kit 2000, as shown, the "adhesive tape roll with MFSA-dispenser M1" of item 16 (see FIG. 36) includes a sheet with an adhesive pre-applied to facilitate installation.

[0129] Kit 2000 can optionally incorporate any of the parts, assemblies, and components disclosed herein in any quantity or configuration, and it is understood that they are still within the scope of the present invention. The illustrated kit 2000 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the kit with respect to its components or quantities.

[0130] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In particular, features of one embodiment may be utilized in other embodiments. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, and also to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular uses envisioned.

Claims

1. A rainwater deflection device, comprising a main body portion having a front surface, a back surface, and a predetermined thickness, and defining an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion distal to the upper edge portion, a right edge portion extending from the upper edge portion to the lower edge portion, and a left edge portion distal to the right edge portion; said main body portion; a first portion of the main body portion adjacent to the lower edge portion, configured to form a first seal against a first adjacent structure; said first portion; a second portion of the main body portion adjacent to the upper edge portion, configured to form a second seal against a second adjacent structure; said second portion; a third portion of the main body portion adjacent to the back surface, configured to removably attach the rainwater deflection device to a third adjacent structure, and when the rainwater deflection device is attached to the third adjacent structure, the first seal and the second seal engage to prevent rainwater intrusion; said third portion A rainwater deflection device having the above.

2. The rainwater deflection device according to Claim 1, wherein the third portion of the main body portion is further configured to dispose the main body portion at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction, whereby rainwater falling on the front surface flows down on the front surface in a direction away from the upper edge portion. A rainwater deflection device.

3. The rainwater deflection device according to Claim 1, wherein the rainwater deflection device has an integral structure. A rainwater deflection device.

4. The rainwater deflection device according to Claim 1, wherein at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion is a separate component configured to be attached to the main body portion. A rainwater deflection device.

5. The rainwater deflection device according to Claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a seal selected from the group consisting of a blade seal, a wiper seal, a valve seal, a compression seal, and an adhesive seal. A rainwater deflection device.

6. The rainwater deflection device according to Claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a seal selected from the group consisting of a blade seal, a wiper seal, a valve seal, a compression seal, and an adhesive seal. A rainwater deflection device.

7. The rainwater deflection device according to Claim 1, wherein the third portion includes an attachment structure selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, and an adhesive. A rainwater deflection device.

8. In the rainwater deflection device according to claim 1, at least one of the first part, the second part, and the third part is configured to pivot with respect to the main body part. A rainwater deflection device.

9. In the rainwater deflection device according to claim 1, the main body part is further configured to have one or more protrusions configured to receive one or more attachment parts. A rainwater deflection device.

10. A modular rainwater deflection device system, A deflection device having a main body part and a plurality of attachment protrusions disposed on the main body part, An upper seal device configured to be attached to one of the attachment protrusions, A lower seal device configured to be attached to one of the attachment protrusions, One or more attachment devices configured to be attached to one or more of the attachment protrusions, Having, Thereby, the modular rainwater deflection device system can be sealably attached to a structure, thereby reducing water intrusion into the structure. A modular rainwater deflection device system.

11. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 10, further, Having one or more adapters, the adapter being configured to be attached between the deflection device and one of the upper seal device, the lower seal device, one of the one or more attachment devices, another adapter, or another deflection device. A modular rainwater deflection device system.

12. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 10, further, Having an end cap attached to one end of the deflection device. A modular rainwater deflection device system.

13. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 10, the upper seal device further has an upper attachment part and an upper seal part. A modular rainwater deflection device system.

14. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 13, the upper seal part is selected from the group consisting essentially of a valve seal, a wiper seal, a blade seal, and an adhesive seal. A modular rainwater deflection device system.

15. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 10, the lower sealing device further has a lower mounting portion and a lower sealing portion. The modular rainwater deflection device system.

16. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 15, the lower sealing portion is selected from the group consisting essentially of a valve seal, a wiper seal, a blade seal, and an adhesive seal. The modular rainwater deflection device system.

17. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 10, the one or more mounting devices further have a deflection device mounting portion and a rail mounting portion. The modular rainwater deflection device system.

18. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 17, the rail mounting portion is selected from the group consisting essentially of a clip, a clamp, and an adhesive. The modular rainwater deflection device system.

19. In the modular rainwater deflection device system according to claim 10, the one or more mounting devices are slidably attached to the deflection device. The modular rainwater deflection device system.

20. A system for deflecting rainwater from a sliding glass panel, the sliding glass panel having at least one fixed glass panel and at least one movable glass panel that moves within a rail, defining an inner side and an outer side, the system comprising: One or more rainwater deflection devices, each rainwater deflection device being installed outside each of at least one fixed glass panel and each of at least one movable glass panel, each of the rainwater deflection devices comprising: A main body portion having a front surface, a back surface, and a predetermined thickness, defining an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion distal to the upper edge portion, a right edge portion extending from the upper edge portion to the lower edge portion, and a left edge portion distal to the right edge portion. The main body portion; A first portion of the main body portion proximate to the lower edge portion, configured to form a first seal with a first adjacent structure. The first portion; A second portion of the main body portion proximate to the upper edge portion, configured to form a second seal with a second adjacent structure. The second portion; A third portion of the main body adjacent to the back surface, configured to removably attach the rainwater deflecting device to a third adjacent structure, and when the rainwater deflecting device is attached to the third adjacent structure, the first seal and the second seal engage to prevent the passage of rainwater, the third portion and having Thereby, the system has the effect of substantially preventing rainwater from entering from the outside to the inside of the sliding glass panel. System.

21. In the system according to claim 20, further A system having a flexible foam barrier configured to be disposed within the inner rail of the sliding glass panel.

22. In the system according to claim 20, further A system having a sheet disposed inside the sliding glass panel and restrained between the flexible foam barrier and the rail.

23. In the system according to claim 20, further A system having one or more clamps configured to substantially restrain the flexible foam barrier within the rail.

24. In the system according to claim 20, further A system having one or more clamps attached to a door frame adjacent to the rail, whereby a seal is formed around the door frame.

25. In the system according to claim 20, further A system having an adhesive with a pad configured to fill a small gap in the inner portion of the sliding glass panel.

26. In the system according to claim 20, further having a starting device for the thresholdless type.

27. A kit for deflecting rainwater from a sliding glass panel, the sliding glass panel having at least one fixed glass panel and at least one movable glass panel that moves within a rail, defining an inner side and an outer side, and the kit being installable and reconfigurable by a user, one or more deflecting devices, a plurality of mounting devices, and a plurality of sealing devices The kit having.

28. In the kit according to claim 27, further A kit having at least one or more of an adapter, an end cap, a foam, a clamp, a tape, a thresholdless type starting device, a flat adhesive, an adhesive with a pad, and a sheet.

Images