The present invention relates to slide assemblies for mounting drawers in cabinetry. In particular, the invention relates to extension ball bearing slide assemblies with a durable pressure release slide latch mechanism which retains the slide assembly in a closed position and opens upon exerting an inward force to release and open the slide assembly.
Drawer slide assemblies mounted to cabinets and drawers for slidably opening and closing a drawer are well known in the art. The assemblies typically include at least two slide rails that are telescopically mounted within one another to extend and retract. The typical assembly includes an outside rail, which is mounted to the cabinet and an inside rail, which is mounted to the drawer. Ball bearing assemblies are usually mounted between the rails to reduce the friction between the rails. This reduction in friction between the rails allows the drawer to easily open and close. As a result, the drawer can unintentionally open causing injury and/or causing the contents of the drawer to escape. For example, a child can easily pull open a drawer and strike a body part against the open drawer causing injury. In another example, a drawer mounted to a cabinet installed in a recreational vehicle can unintentionally open during movement causing the contents of the drawer to dislodge and escape.
The prior art has attempted to solve these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,243 to Lee discloses a self-closing and opening-preventing device for slide rails. The device includes a housing mounted to the inside of a fixing rail attached to a cabinet. The housing has a central long pin guiding groove to accept a pin attached to a moveable rail. A cam slider moves within the housing and a spring is attached to the rear of the housing and to the cam slider. Engaging jaws mounted on the cam slider can be locked in the engaging holes. The engaging jaws are configured to receive an actuating pin fixed to a moveable rail to lock the opening-preventing device.
However, the device requires numerous parts that easily wear leading to failure of the device. Specifically, the spring remains in a stretched position until the engaging jaws engage the actuating pin. This constant tension leads to fatigue and premature failure. Further, the pins of the cam slider on which the engaging jaws are mounted are thin which leads to the severance of the pins from the cam slider.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,691 to Chi discloses a self-moving mechanism to keep a drawer slide in a closed position. The mechanism includes a housing mounted to a first slide rail, an actuator under spring compression moveable within the housing wherein the movement of the actuator is guided by a series of slots, and an angled slit formed in the web of a second slide rail telescopically mounted to the first slide. As the second slide retracts, the angled slit engages a pin attached to the actuator and the actuator urges the pin and the second slide into a retracted position. Flexible tines adjacent a longitudinal slot keeps the pin of the actuator, and thereby the second slide, in a retracted position. The mechanism disclosed in Chi requires thin tines cut into a wall in the housing to keep the second slide in a retracted position, which leads to fatigue and ultimately failure. The premature failure renders the entire mechanism useless. Further, Chi does not provide a push to open feature.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,485 to Berger discloses a closing and opening device for drawers. A latch housing is attached to an outer rail and a moveable catch component slidably moves within the latch housing. The moveable catch component is moved by a dog attached to a running rail slidingly engaged with the outer rail and attached to a drawer. The moveable catch component is biased by a coupling rod adjacent to the moveable catch component and under spring compression. The coupling rod has a ball head to frictionally engage a receiver of the moveable catch component. Opposite the moveable catch component is a lever hingedly connected to the coupling rod. The lever has a projection that guides the lever along a cam path.
However, the device in Berger requires the ball head to frictionally engage the receiver of the moveable catch component each and every time the drawer is closed. Once the projection and lever is released from the closed position the ball head remains frictionally engaged with the moveable catch component requiring further pulling force to release the drawer. This constant frictional engagement between the ball head and the receiver leads to premature wear and ultimately failure, which results in rendering the opening and closing device useless.
The prior art fails to disclose or suggest a pressure release slide latch mechanism with a push to open feature that will not result in premature failure. Therefore, there is a need for a pressure release slide latch mechanism of durable construction allowing for a reliable and easy push to open feature with fewer parts. Anticipated applications of the invention include, but are not limited to environments where no drawer knobs or pull handles are desired, environments where safety is a concern such, and/or environments where sanitary conditions are a concern. For example, hospitals may use the invention to reduce the collection of bacteria on handles or knobs and daycare centers where the invention may be used reduce injury from striking protruding hardware and from the unintentional opening of a drawer.
In a preferred embodiment, a pressure release slide latch mechanism for a drawer slide assembly comprises an outer slide member, an intermediate slide member telescopically mounted to the outer slide member, and an inner slide member telescopically mounted to the intermediate slide member. The preferred embodiment further comprises a channel plate having a track portion and a guide block attached to the outer slide member and a carriage slidingly engaged with the track portion of the channel plate. Two tension springs are attached to an end of the track portion and the carriage to bias the carriage. The guide block has a plurality of channels and a latch member to receive a pin of a follower pivotally attached to the inner slide member to releasably maintain the inner slide member and the intermediate slide member in a locked position with respect to the outer slide member. The pivotal movement of the follower is limited by a guide post connected to the follower and the engagement of the guide post with the inner slide member.
In use, to close the drawer slide assembly using the pressure release slide latch mechanism the intermediate slide member and the inner slide member approach a retracted position with respect to the outer slide member, the intermediate slide member engages the carriage and urges the carriage against the tension of the springs. Simultaneously, the inner slide member engages a set of bumpers on the carriage while the pin of the follower slidingly engages a ramp of the guide block and redirecting surfaces to guide the pin through an inlet channel and into a first positioning recess. Under spring bias from the springs attached to the channel plate and the carriage, the carriage extends the intermediate slide member and the inner slide member causing the pin to abut the latch member to retain the inner slide member and the intermediate slide member in a locked position with respect to the outer slide member.
To release the inner slide member and the intermediate slide member from the outer slide member, the inner slide member is urged against the tension of the springs to release the pin from the latch member and the pin is positioned by a redirecting surface into a second positioning recess. Under spring tension, the pin is allowed to travel through an outlet channel and engages redirecting surfaces to direct the pin out of the ramp to release the pin and thereby release the inner slide member and the intermediate slide member allowing the inner slide member and the intermediate slide member to telescopically extend with respect to the outer slide member.
The disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like pieces in different drawings carry the same number.
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In a preferred embodiment, outer slide member 100 is made of a durable metal or metal alloy. Other durable materials known in the art may be used. Catches 104, 105, and 106 are raised portions of outer body portion 101 stamped into outer body portion 101 having a generally hooked shape. Slots 107 and 108 are generally rectangular holes cut out of outer body portion 101. Other shapes and structures known in the art may be employed to provide a fastening means.
Cage 109 telescopically slides into race 102. Cage 109 includes a plurality of ball bearings 111 inserted into holes in cage 109 and positioned along an inside surface of race 102. Cage 110 telescopically slides into race 103. Cage 110 includes a plurality of ball bearings 112 inserted into holes in cage 110 and positioned along an inside surface of race 103.
In a preferred embodiment, cages 109, 110, and ball bearings 111 and 112 are made of a durable metal or metal alloy. Other durable materials known in the art may be used.
Intermediate slide member 200 telescopically mounts to outer slide member 100 with cages 109 and 110 positioned between intermediate slide member 200 and outer slide member 100. An outside surface of race 202 is adjacent ball bearings 111 of cage 109. An outside surface of race 203 is adjacent ball bearings 112 of cage 110. Intermediate slide member 200 has intermediate body portion 201 and opposing races 202 and 203 attached to intermediate body portion 201, end 215, and end 216. Intermediate body portion 201 has ridge 204 formed into intermediate body portion 201 and extends longitudinally and generally centrally along intermediate body portion 201.
In a preferred embodiment, intermediate slide member 200 is made of a durable metal or metal alloy. Other durable materials known in the art may be used. Ridge 204 is a stamped portion of intermediate body portion 201. Other structures known in the art may be employed to form ridge 204.
Intermediate stop 205 attaches to intermediate slide member 200 at end 215. Intermediate stop 205 has stop ridge 206 and stop catch 207. Intermediate stop 205 has a cross-sectional shape similar to that of intermediate slide member 200 enabling intermediate stop 205 to press-fit into intermediate slide member 200 at end 215 and conform to the cross-sectional shape of intermediate slide member 200. Other means of attachment known in the art may be employed.
In a preferred embodiment, intermediate stop 205 is made of a single piece of durable plastic. Other durable materials known in the art may be used.
Bearing retainer 208 telescopically inserts into intermediate slide member 200. Bearing retainer 208 has retainer body portion 209 and opposing cages 211 and 212 attached to retainer body portion 209. Retainer body portion 209 has retainer ridge 210 formed into retainer body portion 209 and extends longitudinally and generally centrally along retainer body portion 209. Cage 211 has a plurality of ball bearings 213 inserted into holes in cage 211. Cage 212 has a plurality of ball bearings 214 inserted into holes in cage 212.
In a preferred embodiment, bearing retainer 208, cages 211, 212, and ball bearings 213 and 214 are made of a durable metal or metal alloy. Other durable materials known in the art may be used. In this embodiment, retainer ridge 210 is a stamped portion of retainer body portion 209. Other structures known in the art may be employed to form retainer ridge 210.
Inner slide member 300 telescopically mounts to intermediate slide member 200 with bearing retainer 208 positioned between inner slide member 300 and intermediate slide member 200. Inner slide member 300 has inner body portion 301, opposing races 302 and 303, end 322, and end 323. End stop 304 is attached to inner body portion 301 at end 322. Inner body portion 301 has recesses 305 and 306 at end 323. Inner body portion 301 further has hole 310 through which fastener 327 is received, hole 319 through which fastener 324 is received, and guide slot 320. Race 302 has race slot 307 at end 323. Race 303 has race slot 308 at end 323.
In a preferred embodiment, inner slide member 300 is made of a durable metal or metal alloy. Other durable materials known in the art may be used. In this embodiment, guide slot 320 is generally rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, guide slot 320 is generally arcuate in shape. Other shapes will suffice.
Follower 315 pivotally connects to inner slide member 300 with fastener 324 inserted through hole 319. Follower 315 includes follower body 316. Follower body 316 has end 325, end 326, and pivot hole 317 at end 326 through which fastener 324 is inserted. Guide post 318 attaches to follower body 316 between end 325 and end 326 and extends generally perpendicularly from follower body 316 into guide slot 320 of inner body portion 301. Pin 321 attaches to follower body 316 at end 325 and extends generally perpendicularly from follower body 316 away from inner body portion 301.
In a preferred embodiment, follower 315 is formed of a single piece of plastic such as Delrin® and Teflon®. Other durable materials, including other plastics, metals and metal alloys, may be used. In this embodiment, fastener 324, is a flush rivet. Other suitable fasteners known in the art may be employed.
Latch 309 pivotally connects to inner body portion 301 with fastener 327 through hole 310. Latch 309 has latch handle 311, resilient member 312, shoulder 314, and hole 313, sized to receive fastener 327. Resilient member 312 urges shoulder 314 towards race 302. Shoulder 314 engages stop catch 207 of intermediate stop 205 to prevent disengagement of inner slide member 300 from intermediate slide member 200.
In a preferred embodiment, latch 309 is formed of a single piece of plastic such as Delrin® and Teflon®. Other durable materials, including other plastics, metals and metal alloys, may be used. In this embodiment, fastener 327, is a flush rivet. Other suitable fasteners known in the art may be employed.
Referring to
Carriage 420 slidingly engages with track portion 401. Carriage 420 has frame 423, extension 425, and extension 426. Frame 423 has rail 424 extending generally centrally and longitudinally along frame 423 to slidingly engage with carriage track 407. Extension 425 has bumper 427 to which spring 421 is further attached. Extension 426 has bumper 428 to which spring 422 is further attached. The attachment of springs 421 and 422 to track portion 401 and carriage 420 biases carriage 420 along track portion 401 towards end 435.
Guide block 402 has ramp 430, inlet shoulder 412, inlet channel 409, positioning recess 411, latch member 429, redirecting surface 413, positioning recess 410, outlet channel 408, and outlet shoulder 414. Lugs 415 and 416 extend from end 434 adjacent guide block 402. Lugs 415 and 416 frictionally engage with slots 418 and 419, respectively, of base 417. Base 417 frictionally engages with the ends of races 102 and 103 of outer slide member 100 to further secure channel plate 400 to outer slide member 100.
In a preferred embodiment, channel plate 400, carriage 420, and base 417 are made of plastic. Other durable materials, including metals and metal alloys, may be used. In this embodiment, springs 421 and 422 are coil tension springs. Other resilient materials known in the art including, but not limited to elastic rubber bands may be employed. Other resilient biasing means known in the art may be employed including, but not limited to compression springs, elastomeric materials such as neoprene, fluid-filled piston/cylinder arrangements, and combinations thereof positioned in spring guide 403 and/or spring guide 404 at end 434 to urge carriage 420 towards end 435 will suffice.
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Bearing retainer 208 inserts into intermediate slide member 200 such that ball bearings 213 position between inside surface of race 202 and the outside surface of race 302 of inner slide member 300, and ball bearings 214 position between inside surface of race 203 and the outside surface of race 303 of inner slide member 300.
Ramp 430 has a generally trapezoidal shape with width 503 and width 504. Width 503 is greater than width 504. Inlet shoulder 412 includes redirecting surface 442 and peak 443. Outlet shoulder 414 includes redirecting surface 444, peak 445, and redirecting surface 446. Peaks 443 and 445 are offset such that peak 443 is closer to end 434 than peak 445. Peak 445 coincides with an edge of ramp 430. Latch member 429 includes peak 447 and redirecting surface 436.
Follower 315 pivotally attaches to inner slide member 300 with fastener 324. Follower 315 pivots about the central axis of fastener 324. The connection of follower 315 to inner slide member 300 is such that frictional forces keep the position of follower 315 relative to inner slide member 300 static and prevent follower 315 from freely rotating unless acted upon by a redirecting surface. The pivotal range of movement of follower 315 is limited by the sliding engagement of guide post 318 with guide slot 320. As follower 315 pivots, guide slot 320 has dimensions which restrict pin 321 to swing through arcuate path 505. Arcuate path 505 is less than width 503 to consistently direct pin 321 into guide block 402 via ramp 430 regardless of the position of follower 315.
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It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed and remain within the inventive concept. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover changes within the scope and spirit of the claims.
This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 14/566,917, filed on Dec. 11, 2014, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 14/281,643, filed on May 19, 2014, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 13/460,197, filed on Apr. 30, 2012, now abandoned. Each patent application identified above is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14566917 | Dec 2014 | US |
Child | 15595271 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14281643 | May 2014 | US |
Child | 14566917 | US | |
Parent | 13460197 | Apr 2012 | US |
Child | 14281643 | US |