U.S. patent application number 14/481759 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-04 for undermount slide assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan Manufacturing Corporation dba Jonathan Engineered Solutions. Invention is credited to Patty J. Brock, Gaetano G. Galletti.
Application Number | 20150150375 14/481759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53264021 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150150375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brock; Patty J. ; et
al. |
June 4, 2015 |
UNDERMOUNT SLIDE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An undermount slide assembly includes an outer slide segment, an
intermediate slide segment and an inner slide segment. The outer
slide segment has a web, a first flange and a second flange. The
web defines an upper surface that is mountable to a first object.
The intermediate slide segment has a web, a first flange and a
second flange. The web is received within a space defined between
the first and second flanges of the outer slide segment. At least
portions of the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide
segment extend below the first and second flanges of the outer
slide segment. The web and the first and second flanges of the
intermediate slide segment define a space therebetween. An inner
slide segment is received within the space defined between the web
and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide
segment.
Inventors: |
Brock; Patty J.; (Irvine,
CA) ; Galletti; Gaetano G.; (Costa Mesa, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jonathan Manufacturing Corporation dba Jonathan Engineered
Solutions |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53264021 |
Appl. No.: |
14/481759 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61876147 |
Sep 10, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/334.38 ;
312/334.44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2210/0072 20130101;
A47B 2210/0056 20130101; A47B 88/493 20170101; A47B 2210/0016
20130101; A47B 2210/0032 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/14 20060101
A47B088/14; A47B 88/16 20060101 A47B088/16; A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04 |
Claims
1. An undermount slide assembly, comprising: an inner slide segment
having a web, a first flange and a second flange, wherein the web
defines an upper surface that is mountable to a first object; an
intermediate slide segment having a web, a first flange and a
second flange, wherein the web is received within a space defined
between the first and second flanges of the inner slide segment,
wherein at least portions of the first and second flanges of the
intermediate slide segment extend below the first and second
flanges of the inner slide segment, wherein the web and the first
and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment define a space
therebetween; an outer slide segment received within the space
defined between the web and the first and second flanges of the
intermediate slide segment.
2. The undermount slide assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer
slide segment comprises a slide engagement portion that is
generally or substantially cylindrical in shape.
3. The undermount slide assembly of claim 2, wherein the space
defined by the web and the first and second flanges of the
intermediate slide segment is partially cylindrical in shape.
4. The undermount slide assembly of claim 1, further comprising
sets of bearings between one or more of the outer, intermediate and
inner slide segments.
5. The undermount slide assembly of claim 4, wherein lateral
bearings are provided between the inner and intermediate slide
segments.
6. The undermount slide assembly of claim 5, wherein only lateral
bearings are provided between the inner and intermediate slide
segments.
7. The undermount slide assembly of claim 4, wherein an upper set
of bearings is provided between the intermediate slide segment and
the outer slide segment.
8. The undermount slide assembly of claim 7, wherein additionally
lateral bearings are provided between the intermediate slide
segment and the outer slide segment.
9. The undermount slide assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer
slide segment comprises a mounting portion.
10. The undermount slide assembly of claim 9, wherein the mounting
portion is L-shaped in cross-section.
11. The undermount slide assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner
slide segment is a two-piece construction in which a first member
that supports the first object is removable from a second member
that is directly engaged with the intermediate slide segment.
12. The undermount slide assembly of claim 11, further comprising a
lock arrangement that secures the first member relative to the
second member and allows selective removal of the first member from
the second member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Related applications are listed in an Application Data Sheet
(ADS) filed with this application. The entirety of each application
listed in the ADS is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to slide assemblies, in
general, and to slide assemblies suitable for use in an undermount
application, in particular.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Undermount slide assemblies are used to movably support one
object (e.g., a drawer) relative to another object (e.g., a cabinet
or enclosure). Typically, an undermount slide assembly is located
underneath the movable object, in contrast to other slide
assemblies, which are typically located on the side of the movable
object. Because it is located underneath the movable objection, the
slide assembly occupies space that otherwise could be occupied by
the movable object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for new undermount slide
assemblies that accomplish to at least some extent one or more of
the following: reduce the overall cross-sectional dimensions
(especially height), increase load capacity and improve performance
(e.g., ease of movement, reliability or longevity). The systems,
methods and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no
single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for
their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the
claims, some of the advantageous features will now be
summarized.
[0007] An embodiment involves an undermount slide assembly
including an outer slide segment having a web, a first flange and a
second flange, wherein the web defines an upper surface that is
mountable to a first object. An intermediate slide segment has a
web, a first flange and a second flange, wherein the web is
received within a space defined between the first and second
flanges of the outer slide segment, and wherein at least portions
of the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment
extend below the first and second flanges of the outer slide
segment, and wherein the web and the first and second flanges of
the intermediate slide segment define a space therebetween. An
inner slide segment is received within the space defined between
the web and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide
segment.
[0008] In some configurations, the inner slide segment comprises a
slide engagement portion that is generally or substantially
cylindrical in shape. In some configurations, the space defined by
the web and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide
segment is partially cylindrical in shape.
[0009] In some configurations, sets of bearings are provided
between one or more of the outer, intermediate and inner slide
segments. The bearings can comprise lateral bearings are provided
between the outer and intermediate slide segments. In some
configurations, only lateral bearings are provided between the
outer and intermediate slide segments. In some configurations, an
upper set of bearings is provided between the intermediate slide
segment and the inner slide segment. In some configurations,
additionally lateral bearings are provided between the intermediate
slide segment and the inner slide segment.
[0010] In some configurations, the inner slide segment comprises a
mounting portion. The mounting portion can be L-shaped in
cross-section. The inner slide segment can be a two-piece
construction in which a first member that supports the first object
is removable from a second member that is directly engaged with the
intermediate slide segment. The undermount slide assembly can
include a lock arrangement that secures the first member relative
to the second member and allows selective removal of the first
member from the second member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to
indicate general correspondence between reference elements. The
drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described
herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an undermount slide
assembly having certain features, aspects and advantages in
accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the undermount slide assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of a pair of undermount slide
assemblies supporting a drawer relative to a cabinet. The front of
the drawer is removed to show underlying structure. The undermount
slide assemblies include a multi-piece inner slide segment, which
facilitates quick disassembly and removal of the drawer from the
cabinet.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slide assembly of FIG. 3
separate from the drawer and cabinet.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an inner
slide segment illustrating a retention arrangement for retaining a
first member of the inner slide segment relative to a second member
of the inner slide segment and allowing selective removal of the
first member from the second member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Preferred embodiments of the undermount slide assemblies
preferably include three slide segments telescopically engaged with
one another to move between a closed position and an open position.
The segments may be any suitable shape to permit telescopic
engagement between the segments. However, certain preferred
cross-sectional shapes are illustrated and/or described herein that
are believed to provide advantages over other possible shapes.
Typically, one or more slide assemblies permit one object to be
supported and moved relative to another object. One object is often
stationary, such as an enclosure or cabinet, and the other object,
such as a drawer, is movable between an open and closed position
relative to the stationary object. Often, a slide assembly is
provided on each side of the supported object.
[0018] For convenience, the slide assembly is referred to as having
an outer or outboard side and an inner or inboard side. The outer
or outboard side typically is positioned closer to the stationary
object in a lateral direction relative to the inner or inboard
side. Also, the slide assembly is referred to as having a forward
end and a rearward end. The slide assembly opens from the forward
end and moves away from the rearward end. The slide assembly is
also referred to as having an upper portion and a lower portion.
These, and other relative terms (top, bottom, above, below, etc.)
are used for convenience and with respect to the particular
orientation shown in the referenced figures and are not intended to
be limiting. Thus, the slide assemblies can also be used in other
orientations or applications, or adapted for use in orientations or
applications other than those illustrated.
[0019] The preferred embodiments disclosed herein are well-suited
for use in movably supporting drawers relative to an enclosure or
cabinet, preferably in an undermount orientation. For example, and
without limitation, the illustrated slide assembly is well-suited
for use in commercial, business or other airplane applications, or
other similar applications. In addition, the slide assemblies are
capable of supporting the loads expected by the intended
application, and often additional loading, while still maintaining
smooth extension and retraction of the slide assembly. Preferably,
the slide assemblies are lightweight for the given load capacity
and, thus, can be constructed from aluminum, for example, instead
of steel. Holes may be provided throughout any portion or all of a
length of the individual slide segments of the slide assemblies to
further reduce weight. The slide assemblies can be of any desired
length and have any desired travel distance.
[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an undermount slide assembly 20
having certain features, aspects and advantages of the preferred
embodiments. FIG. 1 is a rear view of the slide assembly 20 in an
open position. FIG. 2 is a front view of the slide assembly 20. In
the illustrated arrangement, the slide assembly 20 includes three
slide segments: a first or inner slide segment 22, a second or
intermediate slide segment 24 and a third or outer slide segment 26
telescopically engaged with one another and movable between a
closed position and an open position. However, in other
arrangements, the slide assembly 20 may include only two segments,
or more than three segments. In this context, the terms outer,
intermediate and inner refer to an orientation of the slide
segments relative to one another in accordance with the
correspondence with the function of slide segments of a side mount
slide assembly. In other words, the inner slide segment 22 is
positioned to be connected to the movable object or drawer. The
inner slide segment 22 is actually positioned outwardly of at least
portions of the intermediate slide segment 24 and/or outer slide
segment 26. Similarly, the intermediate slide segment 24 surrounds
or is positioned outwardly of at least a portion of the outer slide
segment 26, which is coupled to the stationary object or cabinet.
However, other arrangements are also possible. Therefore, the
terminology is used herein as a convenience and is not intended to
be limiting unless indicated otherwise.
[0021] As described in greater detail hereinafter, the slide
assembly 20 can include one or more locking mechanisms that permit
the slide assembly 20 to be selectively locked or retained (e.g., a
detent arrangement) in one or more of a closed position, an open
position, and a partially open or closed position, among others. In
addition, the slide assembly 20 preferably includes bearings (ball
bearings, rollers or other suitable arrangements) interposed
between the slide segments 22, 24, 26 to facilitate smooth relative
movement therebetween. However, in other arrangements, the segments
22, 24, 26 can slide directly on one another without any bearing
arrangement.
[0022] Preferably, one or more of the slide segments 22, 24, 26 are
formed by an extrusion or other similar or suitable process into a
final or near-final cross-sectional shape. Preferably, one or more
of the slide segments 22, 24, 26 are constructed from an aluminum
material. However, other suitable materials (e.g., metals or
plastics) and/or suitable manufacturing methods can be used to suit
the desired application.
[0023] Preferably, the inner slide segment 22 includes a web or
horizontal wall portion 22a, a first flange or inner wall portion
22b and a second flange or outer wall portion 22c. The inner wall
portion 22b and outer wall portion 22c extend in the same direction
from opposite edges of the horizontal wall portion 22a. In the
illustrated arrangement, the inner wall portion 22b and outer wall
portion 22c extend downwardly from the horizontal wall portion 22a.
Preferably, the web or horizontal wall portion 22a is generally or
substantially planar or, in cross-section, generally linear in
shape having a generally or substantially planar (or linear) upper
surface and a generally or substantially planar (or linear) lower
surface.
[0024] The illustrated intermediate slide segment 24 is formed with
a cross-sectional shape generally similar to that described above
with respect to the inner slide segment 22. Thus, the intermediate
slide segment 24 preferably includes a web or horizontal wall
portion 24a, a first flange or inner wall portion 24b and a second
flange or outer wall portion 24c. In the illustrated arrangement,
transitions between the web 24a and first and second flanges 24b,
24c are less obvious or less pronounced than those of the inner
slide segment 22. Preferably, the horizontal wall portion 24a has a
generally or substantially planar (or linear in cross-section)
upper surface facing the web 22a of the inner slide segment 22 and
a generally or substantially semi-cylindrical (or semi-circular in
cross-section) lower surface facing away from the inner slide
segment 22. The lower surface could define a portion of a cylinder
other than exactly one-half or semi-cylindrical. For example, the
lower surface could be less than or greater than one-half of a
cylinder. Also, the term cylinder is used in a broad sense herein,
covering an extrusion of a closed loop of any shape--not
necessarily circular (e.g., rectangular, square, oval or
irregular).
[0025] In addition, the intermediate slide segment 24 preferably
has a narrower upper portion, at least a portion of which is
received within the inner slide segment 22 (within a space defined
between the flanges 22b, 22c), and a wider lower portion, at least
a portion of or, preferably, an entirety of is located below the
flanges 22c, 22c of the inner slide segment 22 (outside of or below
the space defined between the flanges 22b, 22c). Preferably, a
width of the outer surfaces of the flanges 24b, 24c (a maximum
outer dimension of the illustrated intermediate slide segment 24)
of the intermediate slide segment 24 is no wider than a width of
the outer surfaces of the flanges 22b, 22c (a maximum outer
dimension of the illustrated inner slide segment 22) of the inner
slide segment 22. Preferably, the width of the intermediate slide
segment 24 is about the same as a width of the space between the
flanges 22b, 22c or slightly greater than that width. Thus,
preferably, the width of the intermediate slide segment 24 is equal
to or somewhere between the width of the space between the flanges
22b, 22c and the width of the inner slide segment 22.
[0026] The illustrated outer slide segment 26 preferably has a
slide engagement portion 26a and a mounting portion 26b. The slide
engagement portion 26a engages the other segments 22, 24 of the
slide assembly 20 and the mounting portion 26b extends from the
slide engagement portion 26a and is configured to permit the outer
slide segment 26 to be attached or mounted to an object (such as
the stationary object in the illustrated arrangement). The slide
engagement portion 26a and the mounting portion 26b can be of a
unitary construction (i.e., formed as a single piece) or can be
multiple pieces coupled together. For example, the slide engagement
portion 26a can be a first piece (e.g., an extruded piece) and the
mounting portion 26b can be a second piece (e.g., an extruded or
bent piece).
[0027] Preferably, the slide engagement portion 26a of the outer
slide segment 26 is generally or substantially cylindrical in shape
(or circular in cross-sectional shape). The slide engagement
portion 26a is received within the intermediate slide segment 24
(within the spaced defined by the web 24a and flanges 24b, 24c).
The mounting portion 26b can have either or both of a first or
horizontal portion 30 and a second or vertical portion 32. Thus, in
some arrangements, the mounting portion 26b is generally or
substantially L-shaped in cross-section. In the illustrated
arrangement, the horizontal portion 30 spaces the vertical portion
32 in a lateral direction from the slide engagement portion 26a.
Preferably, the vertical portion 32 is positioned outwardly from
the slide engagement portion 26a a distance sufficient to allow the
inner slide segment 22 to be secured to preferably a bottom surface
of the movable object 40 at a location spaced inwardly from an
outer edge thereof. The vertical portion 32 can be secured to a
vertical surface of the stationary object 42. Alternatively or in
addition, the horizontal portion 30 could be secured to a
horizontal surface of the stationary object 42. If desired, the
vertical portion 32 could be omitted. In addition, other suitable
constructions for the mounting portion 26b can be employed to suit
the desired application.
[0028] Preferably, the intermediate slide segment 24 is supported
for movement relative to the inner slide segment 22 by a plurality
of bearings and, in particular, ball bearings 50. In the
illustrated arrangement, a first set of ball bearings are provided
between the respective inner flanges 22b, 24b of the inner and
intermediate slide segments 22, 24 and a second set of ball
bearings are provided between the respective outer flanges 22c, 24c
of the inner and intermediate slide segments 22, 24. Thus, the ball
bearings 50 are provided on each lateral side of the slide segments
22, 24. In the illustrated arrangement, the lateral side bearings
50 are the only bearings between the inner slide segment 22 and the
intermediate slide segment 24. The slide segments 22, 24 preferably
surround enough of the bearings 50 (have sufficient ball wrap) to
permit such an arrangement. However, in other arrangements,
alternative or additional bearing arrangements can be provided. For
example, one or more bearing arrangements could be provided between
the respective webs 22a, 24a of the inner and intermediate slide
segments 22, 24.
[0029] The individual ball bearings 50 preferably are constructed
from a polymer material for light weight and, if desired, can be
spaced from one another by separate bearing carriers between the
respective bearing surfaces of the outer slide segment 22 and
intermediate slide segment 24. However, in other preferred
embodiments, the carriers may be interconnected by a horizontal
wall portion to define a single carrier that carries the inner and
outer ball bearings 50. Forward and rearward bearing stops can be
provided in the path of the ball bearings 50 to retain the bearings
50 from becoming dislodged from the slide assembly 20.
[0030] Preferably, the outer slide segment 26 is supported for
movement relative to the intermediate slide segment 24 by a
plurality of bearings and, in particular, ball bearings 60. In the
illustrated arrangement, three sets of bearings are provided: an
inner lateral set of bearings, an outer lateral set of bearings and
an upper set of bearings. The upper set of bearings can be
centrally located on the outer slide segment 26 and/or on the slide
assembly 20. That is, preferably, the slide assembly 20 (with the
exception of the mounting portion 32) can be generally or
substantially symmetrical about a central, vertical axis. The upper
set of bearings can be located partially or completely within the
space defined by the inner slide segment 22. That is, the upper set
of bearings can be partially or completely above a lower edge of
the flanges 22b, 22c. The upper set of bearings can be
approximately even with or slightly below the lateral bearings 50
between the inner slide segment 22 and the intermediate slide
segment 24. The illustrated arrangement provides the slide assembly
20 with a relatively small overall height, while also providing an
advantageous load-carrying capacity.
[0031] The individual ball bearings 60 can be constructed from a
polymer material to be light weight and, if desired, can be
separated from one another by a single carrier that carries the
inner and outer ball bearings 60. However, separate bearing
carriers respectively carrying the inner and outer bearings could
also be used. Forward and rearward bearing stops can be provided in
the path of the ball bearings 60 to prevent the bearings 60 from
being dislodged from the slide assembly 20. Although loose ball
bearings 50 and 60 are illustrated, other suitable mechanisms may
be used to allow smooth movement between the individual segments
22, 24, 26, including solid bearing surfaces, for example.
[0032] The slide assembly 20 may include multiple locks, which
operate to secure segments in desirable positions relative to one
another and release the segments at a desirable time during cycling
of the slide assembly 20. For example, a first lock arrangement
could couple the inner slide segment 22 for movement with the
intermediate slide segment 24 during the initial opening of the
slide assembly 20 from the closed position and then decouple the
inner slide segment 22 from the intermediate slide segment 24 to
allow the inner slide segment 22 to continue moving toward an open
position independently of the intermediate slide segment 24. Such a
first lock arrangement could also secure the intermediate segment
24 in an open position relative to the outer segment 26. Moreover,
the first lock arrangement could be released by the inner slide
segment 22 during closing of the slide assembly 20.
[0033] The slide assembly 20 could also or alternatively include a
second lock arrangement that operates to selectively secure the
inner slide segment 22 in an open position relative to the
intermediate slide segment 24 and prevents movement in at least one
direction from the open position. Such a second lock arrangement
could inhibit movement in both directions from the open position.
In other words, the second lock arrangement could prevent removal
of the inner slide segment 22 from the intermediate slide segment
24. In addition, closing of the inner slide segment 22 could be
prevented until the second lock arrangement is released.
[0034] The slide assembly 20 could also employ other locks to
accomplish other functions. For example, a third lock arrangement
could be operable to selectively secure the inner slide segment 22
in an intermediate position, between an open position and a closed
position, relative to the intermediate slide segment 24. The slide
assembly 20 could also include a fourth lock arrangement or a "lock
closed" arrangement. The fourth lock could be configured to
selectively secure the slide assembly 20 in a closed position, in
which the intermediate slide segment 24 is retracted relative to
the outer slide segment 26, and the inner slide segment 22 is
retracted relative to the intermediate slide segment 24.
Preferably, the third and fourth locks are of any suitable
construction from a structural and functional standpoint.
[0035] Although multiple lock arrangements are discussed herein and
referred to as first, second, third and fourth locks, it is not
required nor implied that all four lock arrangements are
necessarily present in any particular embodiment. Rather, some or
all of the lock arrangements may be used depending on the
particular application and the desired operational sequence of the
slide assembly. Moreover, additional lock arrangements may also be
provided.
[0036] If desired, the slide assemblies 20 can include an automatic
closure arrangement with or without a dampening arrangement. For
example, one or more biasing elements (e.g., springs or constant
force springs) could be utilized to retract the intermediate slide
segment 24 and/or outer slide segment 22 relative to the outer
slide segment 26. A dampener can dampen at least a portion of the
travel of the slide assembly 10, such as a final portion of the
closure.
[0037] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a modification of the slide assembly
20, in which the inner slide segment 22 is of a multi-piece
construction, such as a two-piece component, for example. The
illustrated inner slide segment 22 has a first member 22a that
defines the bearing surfaces and a second member 22b that is
slidably-received within the first member 22a. Preferably, the
first member 22a is an extruded aluminum member having a web and
first and second flanges. The upper portions of the flanges of the
first member 22a can have return portions at the outer or free ends
of the flanges such that the upper portion of the first member 22a
defines a C-shaped cross-sectional profile. A portion of the second
member 22b can be received and vertically retained within the inner
space defined by the C-shaped upper portion of the first member
22a. The second member 22b can be generally T-shaped in
cross-section and can be a bent member, such as a bent piece of
steel sheet metal, or can be an extruded member, such as extruded
aluminum. The second member 22b preferably has one portion received
within the inner space of the C-shaped portion of the first member
22a and the center portion of the second member 22b passing between
the return portions of the C-shaped portion of the first member
22a.
[0038] The drawer (or other supported object) can be secured to the
second member 22b and, thus, can be easily and quickly removed from
the remainder of the slide assembly 20 by removing the second
member 22b (and object) from the first member 22a. A lock
arrangement or latch 70 can be carried by one of the first and
second members 22a, 22b to engage an engagement or stop surface of
the other of the first and second members 22a, 22b. In the
illustrated arrangement, the latch 70 is carried by the second
member 22b and engages a stop surface defined by an opening 72 of
the first member 22a to inhibit unintentional or undesired removal
of the second member 22b from the first member 22a. The latch 70
can be actuated (e.g., pressed upwardly) to disengage the latch 70
from the stop surface of the opening 72 and permit removal of the
second member 22b. The first member 22a can include a stop (such as
at a rearward end thereof) to define a fully inserted position of
the second member 22b. The latch 70 can be of any suitable
arrangement, such as a resilient arm, for example. However, in the
illustrated arrangement, the latch 70 includes a
pivotally-supported latch member that is biased toward a locked
position by a biasing element, such as a spring.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 4, the slide assembly 20 can include
one or more bumpers or soft stop arrangements. The bumpers can
include a front bumper 80 and a rear bumper 82 that are constructed
from a relatively soft material (e.g., elastomeric material) to
soften and/or reduce the noise of the closure of the slide assembly
20. The front bumper 80 is a bar-shaped member that extends between
the flanges at a forward end of the first member 22a of the inner
slide segment 22 and is positioned to contact the intermediate
slide segment 24 in the closed position of the slide assembly 20.
The rear bumper 82 is supported on a rearward end of the outer
slide segment 26 and extends upwardly to contact a rearward end of
the intermediate slide segment 24 in the closed position of the
slide assembly 20.
[0040] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to
the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant
advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as
desired. Corresponding features can be interchanged between the
embodiments. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be included within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are
necessarily required to practice the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be
defined only by the claims.
* * * * *