U.S. patent application number 12/127465 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for drawer actuator and latch system.
Invention is credited to Chong B. Wong.
Application Number | 20090039745 12/127465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345808 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090039745 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wong; Chong B. |
February 12, 2009 |
Drawer Actuator and Latch System
Abstract
A drawer manipulation system adapted to facilitate opening of a
drawer supported within a cabinet. The system includes at least one
biasing actuator adapted for mounting in supported relation at
projecting edge elements within the cabinet housing the drawer. The
actuator incorporates an arrangement of slotted engagement surfaces
adapted to accept supporting edge structures. The actuator may be
used in conjunction with a push-push latch assembly.
Inventors: |
Wong; Chong B.; (Vernon
Hills, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE, PATENT DEPARTMENT
GLENVIEW
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
40345808 |
Appl. No.: |
12/127465 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60964299 |
Aug 10, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/463 20170101;
E05B 65/44 20130101; E05Y 2201/264 20130101; E05B 9/08 20130101;
E05Y 2201/212 20130101; E05C 19/02 20130101; E05B 65/46
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/333 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04 |
Claims
1. A drawer manipulation system adapted for use within a cabinet
housing a moveable drawer to urge the drawer towards an open
position when the drawer is in an unlatched condition, the drawer
manipulation system comprising at least one biasing actuator, said
at least one biasing actuator comprising: a cylinder including a
first end defining a base and a second end defining a piston
acceptance port, the cylinder having a cylinder axis extending
along the length of the cylinder; a piston disposed in inserted
relation within the piston acceptance port and arranged in
substantially coaxial relation with the cylinder, the piston
including a distal portion projecting in a first direction away
from the cylinder towards a rear surface of the drawer, the piston
being moveable along the cylinder axis; a biasing spring housed
within the cylinder between the piston and the base of the
cylinder; a rearwardly projecting engagement slot disposed at a
surface adjacent the base of the cylinder, the rearwardly
projecting engagement slot projecting in a second direction facing
away from the first direction, the rearwardly projecting engagement
slot being adapted to slidingly engage a supporting rib member
projecting in the first direction away from a rear surface of the
cabinet; and a downwardly extending bracket structure projecting
away from the cylinder at a position forward of the base of the
cylinder, the bracket structure defining a channel extending in a
plane transverse to the cylinder axis, the channel adapted to
slidingly engage a support member projecting away from a floor
surface of the cabinet.
2. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one push-push latch adapted to selectively
secure the drawer in a closed position.
3. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, including
a pair of biasing actuators.
4. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, wherein
said rearwardly projecting engagement slot disposed across a
downwardly projecting tongue structure disposed adjacent the base
of the cylinder.
5. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, wherein
the supporting rib member comprises a lip of a channel frame
support disposed within the cabinet.
6. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, wherein
the support member projecting away from a floor surface of the
cabinet comprises a localized upstanding plate disposed at a
channel frame support within the cabinet.
7. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, wherein
the downwardly extending bracket structure comprises a pair of
opposing leg elements of substantially equivalent length such that
the channel is characterized by a substantially "U" shaped
profile.
8. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, wherein
the downwardly extending bracket structure comprises a first leg
having a first length in opposing relation to a second leg of a
second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second
length such that the channel is characterized by a substantially
inverted "J" shaped profile.
9. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 8, wherein
the first leg is disposed forward of the second leg.
10. A drawer manipulation system adapted for use within a cabinet
housing a moveable drawer to urge the drawer towards an open
position when the drawer is in an unlatched condition, the drawer
manipulation system comprising at least one push-push latch adapted
to selectively secure the drawer in a closed position and at least
one biasing actuator, said at least one biasing actuator
comprising: a cylinder including a first end defining a base and a
second end defining a piston acceptance port, the cylinder having a
cylinder axis extending along the length of the cylinder; a piston
disposed in inserted relation within the piston acceptance port and
arranged in substantially coaxial relation with the cylinder, the
piston including a distal portion projecting in a first direction
away from the cylinder towards a rear surface of the drawer, the
piston being moveable along the cylinder axis; a biasing spring
housed within the cylinder between the piston and the base of the
cylinder; a rearwardly projecting engagement slot disposed across a
downwardly projecting tongue element adjacent the base of the
cylinder, portions of the rearwardly projecting engagement slot
being disposed outboard of opposing sides of the cylinder axis, the
rearwardly projecting engagement slot projecting in a second
direction facing away from the first direction, the rearwardly
projecting engagement slot being adapted to slidingly engage a
supporting rib member projecting in the first direction away from a
rear surface of the cabinet; and a downwardly extending bracket
structure projecting away from the cylinder at a position forward
of the base of the cylinder, the bracket structure defining a
channel extending in a plane transverse to the cylinder axis, the
channel adapted to slidingly engage a support member projecting
away from a floor surface of the cabinet.
11. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 10,
including a pair of biasing actuators.
12. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 10, wherein
the supporting rib member comprises a lip of a channel frame
support disposed within the cabinet.
13. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 10, wherein
the support member projecting away from a floor surface of the
cabinet comprises a localized upstanding plate disposed at a
channel frame support within the cabinet.
14. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 10, wherein
the downwardly extending bracket structure comprises a pair of
opposing leg elements of substantially equivalent length such that
the channel is characterized by a substantially "U" shaped
profile.
15. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 1, wherein
the downwardly extending bracket structure comprises a first leg
having a first length in opposing relation to a second leg of a
second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second
length such that the channel is characterized by a substantially
inverted "J" shaped profile.
16. The drawer manipulation system as recited in claim 15, wherein
the first leg is disposed forward of the second leg.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Non-Provisional Application claims benefit to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/964,299 filed Aug. 10, 2007,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a drawer
manipulation system to facilitate opening and, more particularly,
to a system incorporating a biasing drawer actuator mountable in
supported relation relative to projecting edge portions of a
cabinet frame structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Drawer manipulation systems using biasing actuators and
cooperating latch structures are generally known. Such drawer
actuators operatively engage a rear portion of the drawer when the
drawer is in a closed position so as to urge the drawer towards an
open position to permit access to the interior by a user. When the
drawer is in the closed position, a latch assembly is engaged to
resist the biasing opening force provided by the actuator. Upon
disengagement of the latch assembly, the biasing force of the
actuator urges the drawer forward towards the open position.
[0004] So-called "push-push" latch assemblies are generally known.
Such latch assemblies typically lockingly engage a striker element
when the striker element is pushed into an acceptance opening
within the latch assembly. When a second pushing force is
subsequently applied to the striker the locking relation is
released and the striker is urged outwardly from the latch assembly
by an internal spring or other biasing element.
[0005] In a number of drawer environments the mounting of actuators
has proven to be difficult due to the need to secure the actuators
in a fixed and stable position so as to promote consistency of the
applied biasing force to the rear of the drawer over an extended
life of the system. By way of example only, and not limitation,
drawers located in appliances or other structures incorporating
metal or plastic cabinet structures with adjustable legs may
require particular skill and effort to provide a consistent
mounting arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides advantages and alternatives
over the prior art by providing a drawer manipulation system
incorporating a biasing actuator which may be used in combination
with a cooperating push-push latch wherein the actuator is adapted
for mounting in supported relation at edge portions of a support
frame structure within a cabinet housing the drawer.
[0007] According to one exemplary feature, a biasing actuator
adapted for mounting within a drawer cabinet at a position behind a
sling drawer is provided. The biasing actuator includes a
rearwardly projecting slot adapted to slidingly engage a support
frame rib member extending at least partially across the width of
the drawer cabinet and projecting away from the rear wall of the
cabinet. The biasing actuator further includes a downwardly
projecting bracket structure adapted to engage a support structure
projecting away from a bottom surface of the cabinet.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals
are used to designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an appliance system incorporating
drawers housed within appliance cabinet structures.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cut-away schematic drawing illustrating
components of a drawer system.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view illustrating
an arrangement of biasing actuators within a drawer system.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
mounting arrangement for a biasing actuator at a frame member of a
drawer cabinet.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away view of the actuator
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the actuator
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating another embodiment
of a biasing actuator.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates the actuator of FIG. 7 in mounted
relation at a support frame of a drawer cabinet.
[0017] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Turning now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is illustrated
an appliance system 10 such as a clothes washer and dryer or the
like. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the appliances in the
appliance system 10 includes a user manipulated drawer system 12
including a cabinet structure 14 and a user manipulated sliding
drawer 16. Of course, it is to be understood that the drawer system
12 is in no way limited to use within an appliance system. Rather,
a drawer system 12 consistent with the present disclosure may be
utilized in any suitable environment where storage is required.
[0019] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 2 and
3, the illustrated exemplary drawer system 12 incorporates a latch
assembly 20 mounted adjacent an edge of a drawer acceptance opening
within the cabinet structure 14. The latch structure 20 is
preferably a so called "push-push" latch assembly of a type well
known to those of skill in the art adapted to matedly engage a
strike element 22 extending away from an inwardly projecting
shoulder surface of a drawer fascia structure 24.
[0020] In operation, when the drawer 16 is pushed to a closed
position the strike element 22 is inserted into the latch assembly
and becomes locked against outward withdrawal. Applying a
subsequent pushing force causes the strike element 22 to be
released from locking engagement within the latch assembly 20. The
latch assembly 20 typically includes a spring biasing element to
urge the strike element 22 outwardly when the strike element is
disengaged.
[0021] In order to promote the outward opening movement of the
drawer 16, the drawer system 12 includes one or more biasing
actuators 30 adapted to apply an opening biasing force against a
rearwardly projecting surface of the drawer 16. By way of example
only, and not limitation, according to the arrangement illustrated
in FIG. 3, a pair of such actuators 30 may be disposed adjacent
rear corners of the cabinet structure 14. Of course, any other
suitable positioning arrangement may likewise be utilized if
desired.
[0022] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, according to one contemplated
arrangement the actuators 30 may include a biasing piston element
32 including an outwardly projecting distal end adapted to engage a
rear surface of the drawer 16 and a proximal end disposed within a
cylinder 34. As illustrated, the cylinder 34 may include a biasing
spring element 36 which is compressed as the piston element 32
moves into the cylinder 34 along the cylinder axis. Thus, the
spring element 36 applies a constant biasing force urging the
piston element 32 towards an outward projecting position thereby
applying force against a rear surface of the drawer 16.
[0023] In operation, when the drawer 16 is moved to a closed
position, the piston element 32 moves along a plane and is forced
into the cylinder 34 thereby compressing the spring element 36.
While the strike element 22 is held in locked relation within the
latch assembly 20, the spring element 36 is retained in a state of
compression. However, upon the release of the strike element 22
from locked relation within the latch assembly 20, the spring
element 36 urges the piston element 32 to an outward position
thereby causing the drawer 16 to also move. Thus, the actuators 30
may operate in concert with the latch assembly 20 to permit
controlled outward movement of the drawer 16.
[0024] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 4 and
6, the actuators 30 may be adapted for positional mounting using
projecting edges of a supporting channel frame structure 40
disposed adjacent a rear wall of the cabinet structure 14. As
illustrated, according to one contemplated arrangement, the
actuator 30 may include a downwardly projecting tongue 42 disposed
adjacent to the base of the actuator and including a rearwardly
projecting slot 44. As shown, the depth dimension of the slot 44
resides in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of the
cylinder 34 with the width dimension being in a substantially
transverse horizontal orientation relative to the axis of the
cylinder 34 such that portions of the rearwardly projecting
engagement slot are disposed outboard of opposing sides of the
cylinder axis.
[0025] According to the illustrated exemplary configuration, the
actuator 30 further includes a downwardly projecting bracket
structure 46 disposed at a position forward of the tongue 42. In
the illustrated arrangement the bracket structure includes a first
leg 48 and a second leg 50 defining boundary surfaces for a
substantially "U" shaped channel 52. As shown, the channel 52
projects downwardly in a plane oriented at a substantially right
angle to the plane defined by the slot 44.
[0026] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the arrangement of the slot
44 and the channel 52 facilitates a secure placement of the
actuators 30 utilizing slotted engagement with protruding edge
portions of the channel frame structure 40. In particular, the slot
44 is adapted to engage a rib member 56 extending across at least a
portion of the width of the drawer cabinet structure. By way of
example only, and not limitation, the rib member 56 may be an
inwardly projecting lip of the channel frame structure 40. As
shown, the rib member projects generally away from a rear wall of
the cabinet structure 14 and towards a back surface of the drawer
16. The engagement between the slot 44 and the rib member 56 is
preferably a substantially sliding engagement so as to permit a
sliding motion of the actuator 30 during installation.
[0027] As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4, during installation the
actuator 30 may first be arranged in engaged relation to the rib
member 56 to establish the proper vertical placement. The actuator
30 may then be moved to the proper position along the width of the
cabinet structure 14 by sliding along the rib member 56 as shown by
the directional arrow until the channel 52 engages an upstanding
support plate member 60. Upon reaching this position, the
upstanding support plate member 60 is held between the first leg 48
and the second leg 50. The actuator 30 may then be secured in place
by a screw 62 or other fastening structure as may be desired. The
actuator 30 is thus restrained against both horizontal and vertical
displacement. As shown, the upstanding support plate member 60 may
have a slightly reduced thickness relative to the channel frame
structure 40 thereby defining a step 64 which engages the lower
terminal surface of the first leg 48 of the bracket structure 46 to
further assist in positioning of the actuator 30. Such an
arrangement may provide additional support against tilting.
[0028] As illustrated, the edge structures engaging the actuator 30
may be portions of a channel frame structure 40 disposed at an
interior portion of the cabinet structure 14. However, the
invention is in no way limited to the use of such a separate
channel frame structure. To the contrary, it is contemplated that
virtually any arrangement of corresponding edge elements may be
utilized if desired. By way of example only, and not limitation,
the rib member 56 and/or the upstanding support member 60 may be
integral with the cabinet structure 14 if desired.
[0029] Of course, the present invention is susceptible to a number
of different embodiments. By way of example only, and not
limitation, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of
an actuator 130 wherein elements corresponding to those previously
described are designated by like reference numerals increased by
100. As illustrated, the actuator 130 incorporates a modified
bracket structure 146 having a first leg 148 and a substantially
shorter second leg 150 opposing the first leg 148 so as to define a
generally inverted "J" shaped profile with a shallow channel 152
between the first leg 148 and the second leg 150.
[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary orientation of the actuator
130 relative to a rib member 156 and upstanding support plate 160
as previously described in relation to FIG. 4. As will be noted, in
this arrangement, the second leg 150 extends only a portion of the
distance from the upper edge of the support plate 160. However, the
actuator 130 is nonetheless provided with full support.
[0031] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0032] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *