BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glide rail system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an end view of the rail used in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3-3A are end views of the glide rail system of FIG. 1, FIG. 3A having the end plug 43 removed.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of glides connected by an integrally formed bridge.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of glides connected by an attached bridge.
FIGS. 6-8 are additional views of the roll-formed track, an inverted bridge-connected glide bracket, and a wire-tray-carrying glide.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present glide rail system 30 (FIG. 1) includes a tubular extension member 31 (also called a “track”) that defines a track, a pair of stationary glides 32 configured for attachment to a stationary support and for sliding engagement with the track, and a tray carrier 33 with a second pair of glides 34 configured for attachment to an extendable tray and for sliding engagement with the track. One set of the components can be used on each side of the extendable tray (see dashed lines) for supporting the tray for smooth extension. Preferably, the components are designed to be telescopingly assembled and for configured snap-assembly or friction-fit or other quick-attachment method to the cabinet and tray for efficient and low-cost assembly. Further, the components are designed using materials that resist rust and degradation, even after substantial use in a harsh, hot, damp environment, such as a dishwasher. The system is durable, robust, low-cost, high-strength, and designed for stable, smooth, horizontal extension of a tray (or drawer, or other component). Further, the system is constructed of relatively few components, and the components are designed for efficient and low-cost assembly without the need for substantial secondary operations. Notably, the present system is designed especially for supporting a dishwasher for extension, but it is contemplated that it could also be used in other applications, such as in a refrigerator drawer, a desk or cabinet drawer, and in many other similar drawer, tray and component applications where smooth extension of a component is desired and where sanitary and non-rusting sliding support is desired.
The illustrated extension member 31 is roll-formed from a sheet of metal into a tubular cross section (FIG. 2). The illustrated extension member 31 is preferably roll-formed for efficient and low-cost manufacture, but it is contemplated that it could be stamped, extruded, or formed using other manufacturing methods if desired. The tubular cross section includes opposing flat vertical side walls 35 and 36, connected by top and bottom arcuately concave walls 37 and 38, with all parts of the cross section being rolled to form generous radii and to eliminate sharp edges. Also, the cross section is symmetrical, so that the extension member 31 can be used on right- and left-hand sides of the tray. The extension member 31 is roll-formed to abut opposing edges of its raw sheet stock and then is welded to form a permanent tube, with the welded abutting edges being located in an optimal location such as along a center of the flat side walls 35 or 36, or along a bottom location for low visibility. The extension member 31 is tubular for high-strength, which also gives it a high-strength-to-weight ratio, and is preferably made of a non-rusting strong material suitable for sanitary use and for long-term use in the harsh environment inside the dishwasher.
The stationary glides 32 (FIGS. 3 and 3A) each include a mount section 39 adapted for snap or hook attachment (or adapted for attachment by fasteners) to a dishwasher cabinet, and include a slide section formed by top and bottom flanges 40 and 41. The flanges 40 and 41 are L-shaped and opposing, such that they slideably engage top and bottom edges of the outer side wall 35 and further they extend into channels of the top and bottom concave walls 37 and 38. The glides 32 are preferably acetal, such that the extension member 31 slidingly positively engages the glides 32 with low friction for smooth inward and outward sliding extension. A polymeric plug 43 (FIG. 1) friction-fits into each end of the extension member 31 and limits sliding extension of the extension member 31 on the glides 32 and 34. The plugs 43 further close ends of the extension member 31.
The glides 34 (FIG. 3) on the tray carrier 33 are similar to glides 32, in that glides 34 are acetal and include a mount section 49 adapted for attachment to a bracket 53, and include a slide section forming top and bottom flanges 50 and 51. The flanges 50 and 51 are L-shaped and opposing, such that they slidingly engage top and bottom portions of the inner side wall 36 and extend into channels of the top and bottom concave walls 37 and 38. A bracket 53 engages the mount section 49 and ties the glides 34 together in a stable arrangement so that they do not tend to twist or bind the movement of the tray. The bracket 53 includes an inner mount section 54 with flanges 55 and 56 (FIG. 1) for attachment to a dishwasher tray. The attachment can be by positive means, such as by fasteners or can be by releasably engaging means, such as by hook or snap or frictional attachment. Such attachment structures can be designed by a skilled artisan, and they are not the present focus, such that they do not require a detailed explanation in the present discussion.
The outer glides 32 can be tied together by the dishwasher cabinet. Alternatively, the glides 32 can be connected by an integrally formed bridge 57 (FIG. 4) or by an attached bridge 58 (FIG. 5) for increased stability. This also assists with efficient and quick assembly. FIGS. 6-8 show an additional view of the roll-formed track 31, a view of an inverted bridge-connected glide bracket similar to bracket 53, and a wire-tray-carrying glide similar to glide 34.
The front outer glide 32 is positioned about ¼ inch higher than the rear outer glide 32, so that the tubular tracks 31 are tilted to drain toward a rear of the track. This can also be done by making the flanges on the front glide 32 to be about ¼ inch higher than similar flanges on the rear glide 32. This angled arrangement of the tracks causes moisture to drain out of the track, and further causes the moisture to drain rearwardly past the rear plug 43 into the dishwasher cabinet (rather than forward out of the cabinet). It is contemplated that this angled arrangement can also be used to provide for a self-closing drawer that automatically slides by gravity toward a closed position.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Patent Application
20080067905
