Garland, Texas Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Aston Global Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its innovative approach to enhancing the safety and aesthetics of frameless sliding glass doors. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12123249, titled ‘Integrated sliding glass panel bumpers’, introduces a built-in bumper system that seamlessly integrates into the mounting hardware, ensuring consistent protection without compromising design.
Traditional wall-mounted bumpers are often omitted during installation to preserve a minimalist look, leaving glass panels vulnerable to impact and potential shattering. Aston Global’s solution embeds the bumper directly into the structural components of the sliding system. This design ensures that the protective feature is automatically installed as part of the assembly process, eliminating the risk of oversight.
The integrated bumper assembly comprises a plate and a rail sleeve that houses the end of the top rail. A specially designed bumper, made from durable materials, is affixed to the plate. This configuration allows the bumper to absorb the force of the sliding glass panel, preventing direct contact with walls and reducing the likelihood of damage.
By incorporating the bumper into the essential hardware, Aston Global enhances both the functionality and the sleek appearance of frameless glass installations. This advancement not only improves user safety but also simplifies the installation process, making it a valuable innovation for modern architectural designs.