(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a retaining mechanism that can be automatically released in a slide, and more particularly, one that allows temporary positioning when a first rail and a second rail of the slide extend in relation to each other and automatic release when the slide is retracted.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Whereas a slide generally available in the market designed with comparatively more powerful functions relates to one that when a mobile rail extends, it is prevented from easily sliding into a fixed rail again, meaning that the mobile rail will be retained by the fixed rail and prevented from retracting when extended. This kind of locating function to prevent retraction is found in two modes, “secured locking” and “elastically temporary locating”; wherein, the former operates in conjunction with a control member to release the locking so as to push the mobile rail back into the fixed rail; and the latter relies upon applying a certain impetus to the mobile rail to automatically release the locking so as to further push the mobile rail into the fixed rail.
The inventor of this application is entitled with many patents working on the Secured Locking mode including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,367,899 B1, 6,375,290 B1, 6,390,575 B1, 6,412,891 B1, 6,450,600 B1, 6,585,337 B1, 6,851,774 B2, 6,935,710 B2, and prior arts including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,730,514, 6,764,150 B2, and Application No. US2005/0248247 A1 that can be cited for references.
In the case of the “elastically temporary locating” mode, the inventor of this application is the owner of patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,457,790 B1, and 6,945,619 B1; and prior arts including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,126,255, 6,257,683 B1 and 6,402,275 B1.
On considering that depending on the use occasion of the slide, mechanism demands and assembly of components may vary; the present invention is an improvement to the U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,619 to further bring a summary and precise space of construction members.
The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide an auto release retaining mechanism of a slide that allows temporary locating when a first rail and a second rail of the slide extend in relation to each other and the automatic release for the second rail to be received into the first rail when retracted.
To achieve the purpose, the present invention includes a locating member, an elastic member, and a retaining member operating in conjunction with a first rail and a second rail. The second rail slides into the first rail. The locating member and the elastic member are disposed on the second rail. The retaining member is disposed on the first rail. The elastic member applies pressure upon the locating member for it to hold against the retaining member when the second rail slides in relation with the first rail and extends to its extreme. The locating member includes a chute, an angular portion, a guide grain, and a locking member. The elastic member is fixed to the second rail and holds against the locating member. A guide section is disposed to the second rail and an inclined guide edge is provided to the guide section. The locking member passes through the chute to connect the locating member to the second rail with the guide grain to pass through the second rail to slide on the guide section and hold against the inclined guide edge.
Alternatively, the present invention may include a locating member, an elastic member, a positioning member, and a retaining member operating in conjunction with a first rail and a second rail. The second rail slides into the first rail. The locating member, the elastic member, and the positioning member are provided on the second rail. The retaining member is disposed on the first rail. The elastic member applies pressure upon the locating member and the positioning member so that when the second rail slides in relation to the first rail and extends to its extreme, both the locating member and the positioning member relatively hold against both ends of the retaining member. The locating member includes a chute, an angular portion, a guide grain, and a locking member. The elastic member is fixed to the second rail and holds against the locating member and the positioning member. The second rail is disposed with a guide section containing an inclined guide edge. The locking member passes through the chute to connect the locating member to the second rail while the guide grain of the locating member passes through to slide on the guide section of the second rail with the guide grain holding against the inclined guide edge.
Furthermore, the present invention may include a locating member, an elastic member, a positioning member, a retaining member, and a breakaway pull operating in conjunction with a first rail and a second rail. The second rail slides in the first rail. The locating member, the elastic member, the positioning member and the breakaway pull are disposed on the second rail, and the retaining member is disposed on the first rail. The elastic member applies pressure upon the locating member and the positioning member. The elastic member is provided with an extension portion to restrict the breakaway pull. Both the locating member and the positioning member relatively hold against both ends of the retaining member when the second rail slides in relation to the first rail and extends to its extreme. The locating member includes a chute, an angular portion, a guide grain, and a locking member. The elastic member is fixed to the second rail and holds against the locating member and the positioning member. The guide section is disposed to the second rail and contains an inclined guide edge. The locking member passes through the chute to connect the locating member to the second rail. The guide grain of the locating member passes through and slides on the guide section of the second rail to hold against the inclined guide edge. The breakaway pull is inserted to slide on the second rail and an erected bit is disposed to the breakaway pull in relation to the positioning member which in turn driven by sliding the breakaway pull to have the erected bit to hold against the positioning member.
In comparison with the prior art, the present invention provides advantages that it makes easier the assembling of the elements of the mechanism within the limited space available by the second rail, and allows savings of certain parts without compromising its functionality to reduce production cost and upgrade competition strength in the market.
Referring to
Both the locating member (1) and the elastic member (2) are disposed to the second rail (3). The retaining member (42) is provided to the first rail (4). The elastic member (2) applies pressure on the locating member (1). The locating member (1) holds against the retaining member (42) when the second rail (3) slides and extends in relation to the first rail (4). The locating member (1) includes a chute (11), an angular portion (12), a locking member (13), and a guide grain/post (14). The elastic member (2) is fixed to the second rail (3) by means of a locking member (21) and has a first elastic arm (22) to hold against one side of the locating member (1). A guide section (31) is provided on the second rail (3) and the guide section (31) contains an inclined guide edge (311). The locking member (13) passes through the chute (11) to connect the locating member (1) to the second rail (3), and the guide grain/post (14) of the locating member (1) passes through and slides on the guide section (31) of the second rail (3) to relatively hold against the inclined guide edge (311).
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