U.S. patent application number 16/404003 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-12 for sliding door systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlage Lock Company LLC. Invention is credited to Ryan Martin, Jeff Morovich, Dustin Swartz.
Application Number | 20200355004 16/404003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004096068 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-12 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200355004 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; Ryan ; et
al. |
November 12, 2020 |
SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMS
Abstract
An exemplary closure assembly includes a rail assembly and a
door assembly movably mounted to the rail assembly. The door
assembly includes a rotary damper having a pinion, and the rail
assembly includes a rack member operable to engage the pinion. As
the door moves from first position to a second position, the rack
member engages the pinion, thereby causing the pinion to rotate in
a first rotational direction. The rotary damper resists rotation of
the pinion in the first direction, thereby slowing movement of the
door toward the second position. The rotary damper may be a one-way
damper that does not resist rotation of the pinion in a second
rotational direction such that the rotary damper does not resist
movement of the door from the second position toward the first
position.
Inventors: |
Martin; Ryan; (Stanwood,
WA) ; Morovich; Jeff; (Everett, WA) ; Swartz;
Dustin; (Bothell, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlage Lock Company LLC |
Carmel |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004096068 |
Appl. No.: |
16/404003 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05F 5/003 20130101;
E05Y 2201/264 20130101; E05Y 2900/132 20130101; E05F 1/16 20130101;
E05Y 2600/46 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05F 1/16 20060101
E05F001/16; E05F 5/00 20060101 E05F005/00 |
Claims
1. An assembly configured for mounting to a door, the assembly
comprising: a bracket configured for mounting to the door; a wheel
rotatably mounted to the bracket, the wheel including a
circumferential groove operable to receive a rail; an anti jump lug
projecting from the bracket, positioned below the wheel, and
configured to be positioned below the rail to maintain engagement
between the assembly and the rail; a rotary damper mounted to the
bracket, the rotary damper comprising a pinion, wherein the rotary
damper is configured to resist rotation of the pinion in a first
rotational direction; and a movement assistance mechanism mounted
to the bracket, the movement assistance mechanism comprising: a
housing; a latch mechanism movably mounted to the housing, the
latch mechanism having a cocked position, a release position, and a
home position; and a spring engaged between the housing and the
latch mechanism, the spring biasing the latch mechanism toward the
home position; wherein the housing is configured to retain the
latch mechanism in the cocked position against a biasing force
exerted by the spring; wherein the latch mechanism is configured to
move from the cocked position to a release position in response to
an externally-applied force; and wherein the spring is configured
to move the latch mechanism from the release position to the home
position.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotary damper is a one-way
rotary damper that does not resist rotation of the pinion in a
second rotational direction opposite the first rotational
direction.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pivot bracket
pivotably mounted to the bracket, wherein the wheel is rotatably
mounted to the pivot bracket, and wherein a second wheel having a
second circumferential groove operable to receive the rail is
mounted to the pivot bracket.
4. A system comprising a first of the assembly recited in claim 1,
the system further comprising: the door, wherein the bracket of the
first assembly is secured to the door, and wherein the door is
movable between a first position and a second position; and a rail
assembly configured for mounting to a wall adjacent the door, the
rail assembly comprising: a rail member defining the rail, wherein
the wheel of the first assembly and the anti-jump lug of the first
assembly are positioned on opposite sides of the rail; a first
trigger mounted to the rail member, wherein the first trigger is
configured to engage the latch mechanism of the first assembly as
the door approaches the second position from the first position,
thereby moving the latch mechanism of the first assembly from the
cocked position to the release position, thereby causing the spring
of the first assembly to release stored mechanical energy to assist
in moving the door to the second position; and a first rack member
mounted to the rail member, the first rack member defining a first
rack gear, wherein the first rack gear is configured to engage the
pinion of the first assembly as the door approaches the second
position from the first position such that the rotary damper of the
first assembly slows movement of the door as the door moves to the
second position.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a second of the
assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the second assembly is a
mirror image of the first assembly.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising an additional assembly
mounted between the first assembly and the second assembly, the
additional assembly comprising: an additional bracket mounted to
the door; an additional wheel rotatably mounted to the additional
bracket; and an additional anti jump lug projecting from the
additional bracket below the additional wheel.
7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a second of the
assembly recited in claim 1; wherein the wheel of the second
assembly and the anti jump lug of the second assembly are
positioned on opposite sides of the rail; and wherein the rail
assembly further comprises: a second trigger mounted to the rail
member, wherein the second trigger is configured to engage the
latch mechanism of the second assembly as the door approaches the
first position from the second position, thereby moving the latch
mechanism of the second assembly from the cocked position to the
release position, thereby causing the spring of the second assembly
to release stored mechanical energy to assist in moving the door to
the first position; and a second rack member mounted to the rail
member, the second rack member defining a second rack gear, wherein
the second rack gear is configured to engage the pinion of the
second assembly as the door approaches the first position from the
second position such that the rotary damper of the second assembly
slows movement of the door as the door moves to the first
position.
8. The system of claim 4, further comprising a biasing assembly
mounted to the rail member and biasing the door toward one of the
first position or the second position, the biasing assembly
comprising: a biasing assembly housing mounted to the rail member;
a spool rotatably mounted to the biasing assembly housing; a spring
engaged between the biasing assembly housing and the spool, the
spring urging the spool to rotate in a retracting direction; and a
tether having a first end connected to the spool and an opposite
second end connected to the door.
9. A closure assembly, comprising: a rail assembly configured for
mounting to a wall, the rail assembly comprising: a rail member
defining a rail, the rail member having a first end portion and a
second end portion; a first engagement zone mounted to the first
end portion, the first engagement zone comprising a first trigger
and a first rack gear; a door assembly mounted to the rail assembly
for movement between a first position and a second position, the
door assembly comprising: a door; and a first module mounted to the
door and operable to engage the first engagement zone of the rail
assembly, the first module comprising: a first movement assistance
mechanism configured to engage the first trigger as the door
approaches the first position, and to urge the door toward the
first position when engaged with the first trigger; and a first
rotary damper including a first pinion configured to engage the
first rack gear as the door approaches the first position, wherein
the first rotary damper is configured to resist rotation of the
first pinion to thereby slow movement of the door toward the first
position.
10. The closure assembly of claim 9, wherein the rail assembly
further comprises a second engagement zone mounted to the second
end portion, the second engagement zone comprising a second trigger
and a second rack gear; and wherein the system further comprises a
second module mounted to the door and operable to engage the second
engagement zone of the rail assembly, the second module comprising:
a second movement assistance mechanism configured to engage the
second trigger as the door approaches the second position, and to
urge the door toward the second position when engaged with the
second trigger; and a second rotary damper including a second
pinion configured to engage the second rack gear as the door
approaches the second position, wherein the second rotary damper is
configured to resist rotation of the second pinion to thereby slow
movement of the door toward the second position.
11. The closure assembly of claim 9, wherein the rail assembly
further comprises an additional rack gear, and wherein the first
movement assistance mechanism further comprises: a spring operable
to store mechanical energy when the first movement assistance
mechanism is in a loaded state, and to release the stored
mechanical energy to drive the door to the first position when the
first movement assistance mechanism is engaged with the first
trigger; and a gear train including a pinion gear configured to
engage the additional rack gear and to load the spring as the door
moves between the first position and the second position.
12. The closure assembly of claim 11, wherein a gear ratio of the
gear train is selected such that an output force exerted by the
gear train on the spring is greater than an input force exerted by
the user on the door to move the door between the first position
and the second position during loading of the spring.
13. A movement assistance mechanism for a door, the movement
assistance mechanism comprising: a housing extending along a
longitudinal axis defining a proximal direction and an opposite
distal direction, the housing defining a track first including a
first longitudinal portion extending between and connecting a first
proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, the first
distal end portion defining a first jog that is angled relative to
the first longitudinal portion; a latch mechanism movably mounted
to the housing, the latch mechanism engaged with the first track
such that the first track guides movement of the latch mechanism
between a proximal home position and a distal cocked position in
which the latch mechanism is engaged with the first jog; a spring
engaged between the housing and the latch mechanism, the spring
exerting a proximal biasing force urging the latch mechanism toward
the home position; and a gear train comprising: a pinion gear
rotatably mounted to the housing; and a rack member defining a rack
engaged with the pinion gear such that rotation of the pinion gear
causes a corresponding linear movement of the rack; wherein the
rack member is coupled with the latch mechanism such that rotation
of the pinion gear in a first rotational direction distally drives
the latch mechanism from the home position toward the cocked
position, thereby storing mechanical energy in the spring; and
wherein the first jog is configured to retain the latch mechanism
in the cocked position against the biasing force of the spring.
14. The movement assistance mechanism of claim 13, wherein the
latch mechanism is configured to move from the cocked position to a
release position in response to an externally-applied proximal
force on the latch mechanism, and wherein the spring is configured
to release the stored mechanical energy to drive the latch
mechanism from the release position to the home position.
15. The movement assistance mechanism of claim 13, wherein the
housing further defines a second track including a second
longitudinal portion extending between and connecting a second
proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, the second
proximal end portion defining a second jog that is angled relative
to the second longitudinal portion; wherein the latch mechanism
comprises a carriage and a latch body movably mounted to the
carriage; wherein a first pin extends from the carriage into the
first track; and wherein a second pin extends from the latch body
into the second track.
16. The movement assistance mechanism of claim 13, wherein the
latch mechanism comprises a carriage and a latch body movably
mounted to the carriage, wherein the latch body is movable relative
to the carriage between an extended position and a retracted
position, and wherein the latch body is in the retracted position
when the latch mechanism is in the home position.
17. The movement assistance mechanism of claim 13, wherein the gear
train further comprises at least one intermediate gear connected
between the pinion and the rack gear.
18. The movement assistance mechanism of claim 17, wherein the at
least one intermediate gear alters a gear ratio of the gear train
such that an output force applied by the rack member to the latch
mechanism is greater than an input force applied to rotate the
pinion.
19. A module configured for mounting to a sliding door, the module
comprising the movement assistance mechanism of claim 13, the
module further comprising: a bracket to which the movement
assistance mechanism is mounted; a wheel rotatably mounted to the
bracket, the wheel including a circumferential groove; and a rotary
damper mounted to the bracket, the rotary damper including a damper
pinion, wherein the rotary damper is configured to resist rotation
of the damper pinion in a first rotational direction.
20. The module of claim 19, wherein the rotary damper is a one-way
rotary damper that does not resist rotation of the damper pinion in
a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational
direction.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sliding door
systems, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to
top-hung sliding door systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Certain currently available sliding door systems suffer from
certain drawbacks and limitations, such as those relating to ease
of operation and others. For these reasons among others, there
remains a need for further improvements in this technological
field.
SUMMARY
[0003] An exemplary closure assembly includes a rail assembly and a
door assembly movably mounted to the rail assembly. The door
assembly includes a rotary damper having a pinion, and the rail
assembly includes a rack member operable to engage the pinion. As
the door moves from first position to a second position, the rack
member engages the pinion, thereby causing the pinion to rotate in
a first rotational direction. The rotary damper resists rotation of
the pinion in the first direction, thereby slowing movement of the
door toward the second position. The rotary damper may be a one-way
damper that does not resist rotation of the pinion in a second
rotational direction such that the rotary damper does not resist
movement of the door from the second position toward the first
position. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the
present application shall become apparent from the description and
figures provided herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly view of a closure assembly
according to certain embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of a rail member of
the closure assembly.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a rail assembly
of the closure assembly.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the closure
assembly.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the
closure assembly.
[0009] FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of a movement assistance
mechanism according to certain embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a movement assistance
mechanism according to certain embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the movement assistance
mechanism of FIG. 7.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the movement
assistance mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 with a latch mechanism
in an intermediate position.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of the movement
assistance mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 with the latch mechanism
in a home position.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of the movement
assistance mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 with the latch mechanism
in a cocked position.
[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates the movement assistance mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 7 in an unloaded state.
[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates the movement assistance mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 7 in the process of being loaded by a rack
member.
[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates the movement assistance mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 7 after being loaded by the rack member.
[0018] FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly view of a door module or
door assembly according to certain embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a closure assembly
according to certain embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates a system that may be utilized to
generate a closure assembly.
[0021] FIGS. 18-25 illustrate various embodiments of closure
assemblies generated with the system illustrated in FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present
disclosure and the appended claims.
[0023] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily
include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although
reference to a "preferred" component or feature may indicate the
desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to
an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to
other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0024] Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included
in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean
(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C).
Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C"
can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B,
and C). Items listed in the form of "A, B, and/or C" can also mean
(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C).
Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases
such as "a," "an," "at least one," and/or "at least one portion"
should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such
element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of
phrases such as "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" should be
interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a
portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of
such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.
[0025] In the drawings, some structural or method features may be
shown certain in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However,
it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or
orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some
embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner
and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless
indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a
structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to
imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some
embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other
features.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 100 according to certain embodiments. The closure assembly
100 is mounted to a wall 90 having an opening 92 formed therein,
and a doorframe 94 is mounted to the wall 90 and defines the
opening 92. The closure assembly 100 includes a rail assembly 110
and a door assembly 150 movably mounted to the rail assembly 110.
The door assembly 150 is movable along the rail assembly 110 in
opposite opening and closing directions between a closed position
in which the door assembly 150 substantially covers the opening 92
and an open position in which the opening 92 is substantially
uncovered by the door assembly 150.
[0027] The rail assembly 110 has a first end portion 111 and a
second end portion 112, and generally includes an elongated rail
member 120 and at least one of a closing-side engagement zone 130
or an opening-side engagement zone 140. The closing-side engagement
zone 130 is configured to interface with the door assembly 150 as
the door assembly 150 approaches the closed position, and the
opening-side engagement zone 140 is configured to interface with
the door assembly 150 as the door assembly 150 approaches the open
position. Further details regarding the interaction of the door
assembly 150 with the closing-side engagement zone 130 and the
opening-side engagement zone 140 are provided herein.
[0028] With additional reference to FIG. 2, the rail member 120
includes a vertical plate 122 by which the rail member 120 is
secured to the wall 90 by a plurality of fasteners 102 such as
screws, a first or upper horizontal support 124 extending laterally
from the vertical plate 122, and a second or lower horizontal
support 126 positioned below and to the side of the first
horizontal support 124. Formed near the top of the vertical plate
122 is a flange 123, which may, in certain embodiments, support a
rack member 114. The first support 124 includes a first mounting
feature 125, and the second support 126 includes a second mounting
feature 127 and a longitudinally-extending rail 128. In the
illustrated embodiment, the rail 128 is a single continuous rail
that extends the length of the rail member 120. In other
embodiments, the rail 128 may be provided as two or more separate
rail sections separated by one or more gaps.
[0029] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the closing-side
engagement zone 130 includes a closing-side trigger 132 and a
closing-side rack 134, each of which is fixed to the rail member
120 in the first end portion 111 of the rail assembly 110, for
example above the opening 92. The trigger 132 may be mounted to the
first support 124 via the first mounting feature 125, and the rack
gear 134 may be mounted to the second support 126 via the second
mounting feature 127. As described herein, the rack gear 134 is
configured to interface with a rotary damper 176 of the door
assembly 150, and may alternatively be referred to as the
closing-side damper rack 134.
[0030] In the illustrated form, the opening-side engagement zone
140 includes an opening-side trigger 142 and an opening-side rack
gear 144, each of which is fixed to the rail member 120 in second
end portion 112 of the rail assembly 110. The trigger 142 may be
mounted to the first support 124 via the first mounting feature
125, and the rack gear 144 may be mounted to the second support 126
via the second mounting feature 127. As described herein, the rack
gear 144 is configured to interface with a rotary damper 186 of the
door assembly 150, and may alternatively be referred to as the
opening-side damper rack 144.
[0031] With additional reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated door
assembly 150 generally includes a door panel 160, a closing-side
module 170, and an opening-side module 180, and may further include
a central module 190. The door panel 160 includes a closing-side
vertical edge 162, an opening-side vertical edge 164, a broad
vertical face 166, and a horizontal top edge 168 extending
connected to the edges 162, 164 and the broad face 166. In the
illustrated form, each of the closing-side module 170 and the
opening-side module 180 is mounted to the top edge 168. In other
forms, one or both of the modules 170, 180 may be mounted to the
broad face 166.
[0032] With additional reference to FIG. 5, the closing-side module
170 generally includes a frame 172, an anti jump lug 173 projecting
from the frame 172, a wheel 174 rotatably mounted to the frame 172,
a rotary damper 176 mounted to the frame 172, and a movement
assistance mechanism 178 mounted to the frame 172. The wheel 174
includes a groove 175 in which the rail 128 is seated such that the
rail member 120 supports the closing-side module 170 and the door
panel 160 to which the module 170 is mounted. The anti jump lug 173
is positioned below the rail 128, and hinders the module 170 from
lifting off of the rail 128.
[0033] The rotary damper 176 includes a pinion gear 177 operable to
engage the closing-side rack 134 such that movement of the door
panel 160 to and from its fully closed position causes the rack 134
to rotate the pinion 177 in opposite directions. The rotary damper
176 is configured to resist rotation of the pinion 177 in the
direction corresponding to the closing direction of the door
assembly 150 such that movement of the door panel 160 to its fully
closed position is resisted by the rotary damper 176. In certain
forms, the rotary damper 176 is provided as a one-way rotary damper
176 that resists rotation of the pinion 177 in the rotational
direction corresponding to closing movement of the door assembly
150, but does not resist rotation of the pinion 177 in the
rotational direction corresponding to opening movement of the door
assembly 150. In such forms, movement of the door panel 160 from
its fully closed position in the opening direction is not resisted
by the rotary damper 176.
[0034] The movement assistance mechanism 178 includes a latch 179
operable to engage the closing-side trigger 132 as the door panel
160 approaches its fully closed position. As described in further
detail below, the latch 179 has a cocked position in which the
latch 179 retains a spring of the movement assistance mechanism 178
in a deformed state in which mechanical energy is stored in the
spring. As the door assembly 150 approaches the fully closed
position, the closing-side trigger 132 engages the latch 179 and
drives the latch 179 from the cocked position to a release
position, thereby causing the spring to release its mechanical
energy and draw the door panel 160 toward its fully closed
position. Further details regarding exemplary forms of the movement
assistance mechanism 178 are provided below with reference to the
movement assistance mechanism 200 and the force-multiplying
movement assistance mechanism 300.
[0035] While other forms are contemplated, in the illustrated
embodiment, the opening-side module 180 is essentially a mirror
image of the closing-side module 180. Thus, the opening-side module
180 generally includes a frame 182, an anti jump lug 183 projecting
from the frame 182, a wheel 184 rotatably mounted to the frame 182,
a rotary damper 186 mounted to the frame 182, and a movement
assistance mechanism 188 mounted to the frame 182. The wheel 184
includes a groove 185 in which the rail 128 is seated such that the
rail member 120 supports the opening-side module 180 and the door
panel 160 to which the module 180 is mounted. The anti jump lug 183
is positioned below the rail 128, and hinders the module 180 from
lifting off of the rail 128.
[0036] The rotary damper 186 includes a pinion gear 187 operable to
engage the opening-side rack 144 such that movement of the door
assembly 150 to and from its fully open position causes the rack
144 to rotate the pinion 187 in opposite directions. The rotary
damper 186 is configured to resist rotation of the pinion 187 in
the direction corresponding to the opening direction of the door
assembly 150 such that movement of the door panel 160 to its fully
open position is resisted by the rotary damper 186. In certain
forms, the rotary damper 186 is provided as a one-way rotary damper
186 that resists rotation of the pinion 187 in the rotational
direction corresponding to open movement of the door assembly 150,
but does not resist rotation of the pinion 187 in the rotational
direction corresponding to closing movement of the door assembly
150. In such forms, movement of the door panel 160 from its fully
open position in the closing direction is not resisted by the
rotary damper 180.
[0037] The movement assistance mechanism 188 includes a latch 189
operable to engage the opening-side trigger 142 as the door
assembly 150 approaches its fully open position. As described in
further detail below, the latch 189 has a cocked position in which
the latch 189 retains a spring of the movement assistance mechanism
188 in a deformed state, in which mechanical energy is stored in
the spring. As the door assembly 150 approaches the fully open
position, the opening-side trigger 142 engages the latch 189 and
drives the latch 189 from the cocked position to a release
position, thereby causing the spring to release its mechanical
energy and draw the door panel 160 toward its fully open position.
Further details regarding exemplary forms of the movement
assistance mechanism 188 are provided below with reference to the
movement assistance mechanism 200 and the force-multiplying
movement assistance mechanism 300.
[0038] The center module 190 generally includes a frame 192, an
anti jump lug 193 projecting from the frame 192, and a wheel 194
rotatably mounted to the frame 192. The wheel 194 includes a groove
195 in which the rail 128 is seated such that the rail member 120
supports the center module 190 and the door 160 to which the module
190 is mounted. The anti jump lug 193 is positioned below the rail
128, and hinders the module 190 from lifting off of the rail
128.
[0039] With additional reference to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is
a movement assistance mechanism 200 according to certain
embodiments. The movement assistance mechanism 200 may, for
example, be utilized as the closing-side movement assistance
mechanism 178 and/or the opening-side movement assistance mechanism
188. The movement assistance mechanism 200 generally includes a
housing 210, a latch mechanism 220 movably mounted to the housing
210, and a biasing mechanism 230 connected between the housing 210
and the latch mechanism 220.
[0040] The housing 210 includes a first portion 211 and a second
portion 212 that are coupled to one another to define an internal
chamber 213 in which the biasing mechanism 230 is mounted, and a
channel 214 through which the latch mechanism 220 projects. The
first portion 211 also defines a track 216 having a straight
portion 217 and an angled jog 218, and the second portion 212
defines a mirror image track facing the track 216.
[0041] The latch mechanism 220 includes a body portion 222, first
and second arms 224, 226 projecting from a first side of the body
portion 222 and defining a recess 225 therebetween, and a finger
228 projecting from an opposite second side of the body portion
222. The latch mechanism 220 is slidably mounted to the housing 210
by a first pivot pin 202 and a second pivot pin 204, each of which
projects into the tracks 216 such that the housing 210 movably
supports the latch mechanism 220 and guides the latch mechanism 220
along the path defined by the tracks 216.
[0042] The biasing mechanism 230 includes a base 232 and a spring
234 having a first end 235 and an opposite second end 236. The
first end 235 is coupled to the base 232, which is pivotably
mounted to the housing 210. The second end 236 is coupled to the
finger 228 such that the spring 234 biases the latch mechanism 220
toward a home position.
[0043] The latch mechanism 220 is biased toward a home position by
the biasing mechanism 230, and is movable to a cocked position in
which the biasing mechanism 230 is loaded such that mechanical
energy is stored in the spring 234. With the latch mechanism 220 in
the home position, each of the pivot pins 202, 204 is received in
the straight portion 217 of the track 216. Movement of the latch
mechanism 220 toward the cocked position stretches the spring 234,
thereby loading the biasing mechanism 230 and storing mechanical
energy in the spring 234. With the latch mechanism 220 in the
cocked position, the first pivot pin 202 is received in the angled
jog 218. The jog 218 retains the latch mechanism 220 in the cocked
position against the biasing force of the spring 234, which urges
the latch mechanism 220 toward its home position.
[0044] As noted above, the movement assistance mechanism 200 may be
utilized as the closing assistance mechanism 178 of the
closing-side module 170. In such forms, the movement assistance
mechanism 200 cooperates with the closing-side engagement zone 130
to assist movement of the door assembly 150 toward its fully closed
position. When the door assembly 150 is in its fully closed
position, the latch mechanism 220 is in its home position, and the
closing-side trigger 132 is received in the recess 225. As the door
assembly 150 moves toward its open position under the manual force
of a user, the closing-side trigger 132 engages the second arm 226
and drives the latch mechanism 220 to its cocked position, thereby
stretching the spring 234. During this movement, the rotary damper
176 travels along the closing-side rack 134, thereby rotating the
pinion 177 in the direction corresponding to opening movement of
the door assembly 150. In embodiments in which the rotary damper
176 is provided as a unidirectional or one-way damper, this
rotation of the pinion 177 is not resisted by the damper 176, such
that the damper 176 does not add to the force required to move the
door assembly 150 from the fully closed position. As the door
assembly 150 travels toward its open position, the latch mechanism
220 travels to its cocked position, at which point the trigger 132
exits the recess 225. The latch mechanism 220 is retained in the
cocked position by engagement between the jog 218 and the pin
202.
[0045] When the door assembly 150 is subsequently moved toward its
closed position, the closing-side trigger 132 engages the first arm
224 to pivot the latch mechanism 220 to a release position, thereby
causing the pin 202 to exit the jog 218. With the pin 202 removed
from the jog 218, the spring 234 drives the latch mechanism 220
toward its home position, thereby pulling the door panel 160 toward
its fully closed position. As a result, the movement assistance
mechanism 200 aids in the final closing movement of the door panel
160 when utilized as the closing assistance mechanism 178 of the
closing-side module 170. It should be appreciated that this final
closing movement is slowed by the rotary damper 176, the pinion 177
of which engages the closing-side rack 134 during the closing
movement of the door assembly 150. Due to the fact that the rotary
damper 176 resists rotation of the pinion in the direction
corresponding to closing movement of the door assembly 150,
engagement between the damper 176 and the rack 134 slows the final
closing movement of the door assembly 150.
[0046] As noted above, the movement assistance mechanism 200 may
additionally or alternatively be utilized as the opening assistance
mechanism 188 of the opening-side module 180. Those skilled in the
art will readily recognize that in such embodiments, the movement
assistance mechanism 200 will cooperate with the opening-side
engagement zone 140 to assist movement of the door assembly 150
toward the fully open position in a manner analogous to that
described above with reference to the use of the movement
assistance mechanism 200 as the closing assistance mechanism 178 of
the closing-side module 170. Additionally, the final opening
movement of the door assembly 150 will be slowed by engagement
between the opening-side damper 186 and the opening-side rack 144
in a manner analogous to that described above with reference to the
closing-side damper 176 and the closing-side rack 134.
[0047] With additional reference to FIGS. 7-9, illustrated therein
is a movement assistance mechanism 300 according to certain
embodiments. The movement assistance mechanism 300 may, for
example, be utilized as the closing-side movement assistance
mechanism 178 and/or the opening-side movement assistance mechanism
188. The movement assistance mechanism 300 includes a housing 310,
a latch mechanism 320 movably mounted to the housing 310, a biasing
mechanism 330 connected between the housing 310 and the latch
mechanism 320, and a gear train 340 connected with the latch
mechanism 320.
[0048] The housing 310 includes a first portion 311 and a second
portion 312 that are coupled to one another to define an internal
chamber 313 in which the biasing mechanism 330 is mounted, and a
channel 314 through which a portion of the latch mechanism 320
projects. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the housing 310 defines a first
track 350 and a second track 360 proximate the first track 350,
further details of which are provided below. Each of the first
track 350 and the second track 360 includes a first run formed in
the first portion 311, and includes a mirror image second run
formed in the second portion 312.
[0049] The latch mechanism 320 includes a carriage 321 movably
mounted to the housing 310 and a latch body 323 movably mounted to
the carriage 321. The carriage 321 includes a lateral slot 322, and
is movably coupled to the housing 310 by a first pin 302 and a
second pin 304. Each of the pins 302, 304 projects into the first
track 350 such that the housing 310 constrains movement of the
carriage 321 to the path defined by the first track 350. The latch
body 323 includes a body portion 327 and a head 328 formed on one
end of the body portion 327. One end of the body portion 327 is
movably coupled with the carriage 321 and the housing 310 by a
third pin 306, which extends through the lateral slot 322. The pin
306 also extends into the second track 360 such that the housing
310 constrains movement of the latch body to the path defined by
the second track 360. In the illustrated form, the pins 302, 304,
306 are separate components that are coupled to the latch mechanism
320. In other embodiments, one or more of the pins 302, 304, 306
may be formed integrally with a corresponding portion of the latch
mechanism 320. The body portion 327 of the latch body 323 extends
through a gap formed between the first and second pins 302, 304 to
the head 328, which includes first and second arms 324, 326 having
a recess 325 defined therebetween.
[0050] The biasing mechanism 330 includes a spring 334 having a
first end 335 and an opposite second end 336. The first end 335 is
coupled to the housing 310, and the second end 336 is coupled to
the carriage 321 such that the spring 334 biases the latch
mechanism 320 toward a home position (to the left in FIG. 8).
[0051] The gear train 340 is movably mounted to the housing 310,
and generally includes a pinion gear 342, an input gear 343
rotationally coupled with the pinion gear 342, one or more
intermediate gears 344 operably engaged with the input gear 343,
and a rack member 346 including a rack gear 347 engaged with the
input gear 343 via the one or more intermediate gears 344. The
pinion gear 342 is mounted to the exterior of the housing 310 such
that the pinion gear 342 is operable to engage the rack gear 114 as
the door assembly 150 moves between its open position and its
closed position. The one or more intermediate gears 344 operably
couple the rack member 346 with the input gear 343 such that
rotation of the pinion gear 342 causes a corresponding longitudinal
movement of the rack member 346. The rack member 346 includes an
arm 348 defining an aperture 349, and a pin 306 extends through the
carriage 321 and into the aperture 349, thereby operably coupling
the rack member 346 with the latch mechanism 320. As a result,
rotation of the pinion gear 342 in one rotational direction causes
the rack member 346 to pull the latch mechanism 320 to the cocked
position, thereby stretching and storing mechanical energy in the
spring 334.
[0052] The first track 350 includes a proximal end portion 352, an
opposite distal end portion 354, and an intermediate portion 356
extending between and connecting the proximal end portion 352 and
the distal end portion 354. Each of the proximal end portion 352
and the intermediate portion 356 extends substantially parallel to
a longitudinal axis 301 of the movement assistance mechanism 300,
and the distal end portion 354 defines an angled jog 355 that
extends laterally inward (i.e., away from the channel 314).
[0053] The second track 360 includes a proximal end portion 362, an
opposite distal end portion 364, and an intermediate portion 366
extending between and connecting the proximal end portion 362 and
the distal end portion 364. The intermediate portion 366 extends
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 301, the proximal
end portion 362 defines a second angled jog 363 extending away from
the channel 314, and the distal end portion 364 defines a recess
365 extending away from the channel 314.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates the latch mechanism 320 in an
intermediate position between the cocked position and the home
position. In the intermediate position, each of the first pin 302
and the second pin 304 is received in the intermediate portion 356
of the first track 350, such that the carriage 321 is substantially
straight relative to the housing 310. Additionally, the third pin
306 is received in the intermediate portion 366 of the second track
360 such that the latch body 323 has an extended position relative
to the carriage 321. From the intermediate position, the latch
mechanism 320 is operable to move proximally toward the home
position (FIG. 10) or distally toward the cocked position (FIG.
11).
[0055] With additional reference to FIG. 10, proximal movement of
the latch mechanism 320 from the intermediate position (FIG. 9) to
the home position (FIG. 10) causes the third pin 306 to travel into
the jog 363 defined by the proximal end portion 362 of the second
track 360. The jog 363 urges the pin 306 laterally inward, thereby
moving the latch body 323 to a retracted position relative to the
carriage 321.
[0056] With additional reference to FIG. 11, distal movement of the
latch mechanism 320 from the intermediate position (FIG. 9) to the
cocked position (FIG. 11) causes the first pin 302 to enter the
angled jog 355 defined by the distal end portion 354 of the first
track 350, thereby angling the latch mechanism 320 relative to the
housing 310. In this state, the jog 355 and/or the recess 365
retains the latch mechanism 320 in the cocked position against the
biasing force exerted by the spring 334.
[0057] With additional reference to FIGS. 12-14, the movement
assistance mechanism 300 is configured to interface with the rack
member 114 such that movement of the movement assistance mechanism
300 along the rail assembly 110 cocks the latch mechanism 320,
thereby loading the movement assistance mechanism 300. The loading
process begins with the movement assistance mechanism 300 in an
unloaded state (FIG. 12), in which the latch mechanism 320 is in
its home position. As the door panel 160 travels alongside the
rail-mounted rack member 114, the rack member 114 engages the
pinion 342 and begins to load the movement assistance mechanism 300
(FIG. 13). More particularly, the rail-mounted rack member 114
causes the pinion 342 to rotate the intermediate gears 344, thereby
linearly driving the rack member 346 in the distal direction. As a
result, the rack member 346 pulls the latch mechanism 320 to the
intermediate position (FIG. 13), thereby stretching the spring 334
and storing mechanical energy in the biasing mechanism 330.
[0058] As the door panel 160 continues to travel alongside the
rail-mounted rack member 114, the rack member 114 continues to
rotate the pinion 342, thereby continuing the loading of movement
assistance mechanism 300. The gear ratio of the gear train 340 may
be selected such that the force exerted on the spring 334 by the
gear train 340 is greater than the force exerted by the user as the
user moves the door panel 160 alongside the rack member 114,
thereby reducing the force the user is required to exert to load
the movement assistance mechanism 300. When the movement assistance
mechanism is fully loaded (FIG. 14), the latch mechanism 320 is
retained in the cocked position by the jog 355 of the first track
350.
[0059] Once fully loaded (FIG. 14), the movement assistance
mechanism 300 is able to assist in moving the door assembly 150 to
a desired position (e.g., the closed position or the open
position). For example, in embodiments in which the movement
assistance mechanism 300 is utilized as the opening assistance
mechanism 188 of the opening-side module 180, the latch mechanism
320 may engage the opening-side trigger 142 as the door panel 160
approaches the open position, thereby causing the trigger 142 to
enter the recess 325. The momentum of the door panel 160 causes the
trigger 142 to drive the latch mechanism 320 to the release
position, at which point the spring 334 releases its mechanical
energy and drives the latch mechanism 320 toward its home position,
thereby drawing the door panel 160 to the desired open position. As
the latch mechanism 320 approaches its home position, the jog 363
of the second track 360 engages the third pin 306, thereby driving
the latch body 323 to its retracted position and causing the
trigger 142 to exit the recess 325.
[0060] When the door assembly 150 is subsequently urged from the
open position toward the closed position, the trigger 142 passes
alongside the retracted latch body 323. As a result, the user need
not return the latch mechanism 320 to its cocked position against
the force of the spring 334. Instead, such return is accomplished
by the above-described engagement between the gear train 340 and
the rack 114. As noted above, the gear ratio of the gear train 340
may be selected such that the force applied to the latch mechanism
320 during such loading is greater than the force applied to the
door panel 160 to effect such loading. As a result, the force the
user is required to exert in order to load the movement assistance
mechanism 300 is reduced.
[0061] As noted above, the movement assistance mechanism 300 may
additionally or alternatively be utilized as the closing assistance
mechanism 178 of the closing-side module 170. Those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that a sequence of events analogous to
that described above will occur when the movement assistance
mechanism 300 is utilized as the closing assistance mechanism 178
of the closing-side module 170.
[0062] In certain embodiments, the above-described loading of the
movement assistance mechanism 300 may occur as the door assembly
150 moves toward its desired position, while in other embodiments,
the loading of the movement assistance mechanism 300 may occur as
the door assembly 150 moves away from its desired position.
[0063] With additional reference to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is
an assembly or module 400 according to certain embodiments. The
module 400 may, for example, be utilized as the closing-side module
170 of the closure assembly 100, and certain descriptions of the
module 400 may be made with specific reference to such an
implementation. It is to be appreciated, however, that analogous
features and characteristics may be present when a module along the
lines of the module 400 is utilized as the opening-side module 180
of the closure assembly 100. In the illustrated form, the module
400 generally includes a bracket 410 configured for mounting to the
door panel 160. The illustrated module 400 further includes a wheel
mechanism 420, a rotary damper 430, a movement assistance mechanism
440, and an anti jump lug 450, each of which is mounted to the
bracket 410.
[0064] The bracket 410 includes a vertical base plate 412 and a
pair of horizontal flanges 414 projecting from opposite ends of the
base plate 412. Each flange 414 includes one or more fastener
openings 415 for receiving fasteners 402 by which the bracket 410
is secured to the door panel 160. The base plate 412 includes a
recess 416 in which a portion of the rotary damper 430 is seated.
The base plate 412 also includes a plurality of mounting apertures
413 through which fasteners 404 extend to secure various components
of the module 400 to the bracket 410.
[0065] The illustrated wheel mechanism 420 includes a pivot plate
422 that is pivotably mounted to the bracket 410, and which
includes a pair of posts 423 projecting therefrom. Rotatably
mounted on the posts 423 are a pair of wheels 424, each of which
includes a circumferential groove 425 operable to receive the rail
128.
[0066] The rotary damper 430 includes a body 432 having a rotatable
shaft 434 projecting therefrom. As is known in the art, the body
432 is filled with a fluid that resists rotation of the shaft 434.
A pinion 436 is coupled to the shaft 434 via a one-way bearing 438
that couples the pinion 436 and the shaft 434 for joint rotation in
one rotational direction, while permitting the pinion 436 to rotate
relative to the shaft 434 in the opposite rotational direction. The
pinion 436 is configured to engage the closing-side rack 134 such
that the pinion 436 rotates in the first direction as the door
assembly 150 approaches the closed position, and rotates in the
opposite direction during opening of the door assembly 150. As a
result, the rotary damper 430 slows movement of the door panel 160
as the door assembly 150 approaches the closed position (e.g.,
under the urging of the movement assistance mechanism 440), and
does not resist opening movement of the door assembly 150.
[0067] The movement assistance mechanism 440 includes a housing 442
and a latch mechanism 444 movably mounted to the housing 442, and
is configured to assist in the final closing movement of the door
assembly 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement
assistance mechanism 440 is provided in the form of the
above-described movement assistance mechanism 200. In other
embodiments, the movement assistance mechanism 440 may be provided
in another form, such as that of the force-multiplying movement
assistance mechanism 300. The movement assistance mechanisms 200,
300 are configured to assist in moving the door assembly 150 to a
desired position in the manners described above, which need not be
repeated herein.
[0068] The anti jump lug 450 includes a mount plate 452 secured to
the bracket 410, a post 454 projecting from the mount plate 452,
and a sleeve 456 mounted to the post 454 via a bushing 458 such
that the sleeve 456 is rotatable relative to the post 454. In a
manner similar to that described above with reference to the anti
jump lug 173, the anti jump lug 450 is positioned below the wheels
424 such that the rail 128 is received between the anti jump lug
450 and the wheels 424, thereby discouraging the module 400 from
jumping off the rail 128.
[0069] With additional reference to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is
a schematic representation of a closure assembly 500 according to
certain embodiments. The closure assembly 500 includes a door panel
501 movable between a closed position (to the left in FIG. 16) and
an open position (to the right in FIG. 16), a closing-side module
502, an opening side module 503, and a rail assembly 504 including
at least one of a closing-side engagement zone 505 or an
opening-side engagement zone 506. The closure assembly 500 may
further include one or more of an intermediate module 507, an
additional engagement zone 508, or a biasing assembly 509 urging
the door panel 501 toward the closed position.
[0070] With additional reference to FIG. 17, illustrated therein is
a system 600 according to certain embodiments. As described herein,
the system 600 includes a plurality of modular components from
which the closure assembly 500 can be assembled in various
configurations.
[0071] The system 600 generally includes an assisted closing module
610 and a dampened closing module 620, each of which is operable to
be utilized as a closing-side module 502. The system 600 further
includes an assisted opening module 630 and a dampened opening
module 640, each of which is operable to be utilized as the
opening-side module 503. The system 600 further includes a wheel
module 650, which is operable to be utilized as the closing-side
module 502, the opening-side module 503, and/or the central module
507. The system 600 further includes a biasing module 660 operable
to be utilized as the biasing assembly 509.
[0072] The assisted closing module 610 is configured to assist in
the final closing movement of the door 501, and to slow such
movement of the door 501 to its final closed position. The assisted
closing module 610 is substantially similar to the above-described
closing-side module 170, and similar reference characters are used
to indicate similar elements and features. Thus, the assisted
closing module 610 includes a bracket 612 having an anti jump lug
613 projecting therefrom, a wheel 614 including a circumferential
groove 615, a rotary damper 616 including a pinion 617, and a
closing assistance mechanism 618 including a latch mechanism 619.
The bracket 612 may include an anchor 611 operable to engage a
tether of the biasing module 660. In the illustrated form, the
assisted closing module 610 includes a single wheel 614. In other
embodiments, the assisted closing module 610 may include a
dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with
reference to the wheel mechanism 420. The rotary damper 616 may be
provided as a one-way damper that resists rotation of the pinion
617 in the direction corresponding to closing movement of the door
501 and does not resist rotation of the pinion 617 in the opposite
direction corresponding to opening movement of the door 501. The
closing assistance mechanism 618 may, for example, be provided in
the form of the movement assistance mechanism 200 or that of the
force-multiplying movement assistance mechanism 300.
[0073] The closing-side module 502 of the closure assembly 500 may
be provided in the form of the assisted closing module 610. In such
embodiments, the closing-side engagement zone 505 of closure
assembly 500 may include a rack configured to engage the pinion 617
(such as the closing-side rack 134) and a trigger configured to
engage the latch mechanism 619 (such as the closing-side trigger
132). In certain embodiments, the closing assistance mechanism 618
may be provided as the movement assistance mechanism 300, and the
additional engagement zone 508 may include a rack configured to
load the movement assistance mechanism 300 in the manner described
above. In other embodiments, the closing assistance mechanism 618
may be provided as the movement assistance mechanism 200, and the
additional engagement zone 508 may not necessarily include such a
rack, or may be omitted.
[0074] The dampened closing module 620 includes a bracket 622
having an anti jump lug 623 projecting therefrom, a wheel 624
including a circumferential groove 625, and a rotary damper 626
including a pinion 627. The bracket 622 may include an anchor 621
operable to engage a tether of the biasing module 660. In the
illustrated form, the dampened closing module 620 includes a single
wheel 624. In other embodiments, the dampened closing module 620
may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type
described above with reference to the wheel mechanism 420. The
rotary damper 626 may be provided as a one-way damper that resists
rotation of the pinion 627 in the direction corresponding to
closing movement of the door 501 and does not resist rotation of
the pinion 627 in the opposite direction corresponding to opening
movement of the door 501.
[0075] The closing-side module 502 of the closure assembly 500 may
be provided in the form of the dampened closing module 620. In such
embodiments, the closing-side engagement zone 505 of closure
assembly 500 may include a rack configured to engage the pinion 617
(such as the rack 134), and the trigger may be omitted from the
closing-side engagement zone 505.
[0076] The assisted opening module 630 is configured to assist in
the final opening movement of the door 501, and to slow such
movement of the door 501 to its final open position. The assisted
opening module 630 is substantially similar to the above-described
opening-side module 180, and similar reference characters are used
to indicate similar elements and features. Thus, the assisted
opening module 630 includes a bracket 632 having an anti jump lug
633 projecting therefrom, a wheel 634 including a circumferential
groove 635, a rotary damper 636 including a pinion 637, and an
opening assistance mechanism 638 including a latch mechanism 639.
In the illustrated form, the assisted opening module 630 includes a
single wheel 634. In other embodiments, the assisted opening module
630 may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type
described above with reference to the wheel mechanism 420. The
rotary damper 636 may be provided as a one-way damper that resists
rotation of the pinion 637 in the direction corresponding to
opening movement of the door 501 and does not resist rotation of
the pinion 637 in the opposite direction corresponding to closing
movement of the door 501. The opening assistance mechanism 638 may,
for example, be provided in the form of the movement assistance
mechanism 200 or that of the movement assistance mechanism 300.
[0077] The opening-side module 503 of the closure assembly 500 may
be provided in the form of the assisted opening module 630. In such
embodiments, the opening-side engagement zone 506 of closure
assembly 500 may include a rack configured to engage the pinion 637
(such as the rack 144) and a trigger configured to engage the latch
mechanism 639 (such as the trigger 142). In certain embodiments,
the opening assistance mechanism 638 may be provided as the
movement assistance mechanism 300, and the additional engagement
zone 508 may include a rack configured to load the movement
assistance mechanism 300 in the manner described above. In other
embodiments, the opening assistance mechanism 638 may be provided
as the movement assistance mechanism 200, and the additional
engagement zone 508 may not necessarily include such a rack, or may
be omitted.
[0078] The dampened opening module 640 includes a bracket 642
having an anti jump lug 643 projecting therefrom, a wheel 644
including a circumferential groove 645, and a rotary damper 646
including a pinion 647. In the illustrated form, the dampened
opening module 640 includes a single wheel 644. In other
embodiments, the dampened opening module 640 may include a
dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with
reference to the wheel mechanism 420. The rotary damper 646 may be
provided as a one-way damper that resists rotation of the pinion
647 in the direction corresponding to opening movement of the door
501 and does not resist rotation of the pinion 647 in the opposite
direction corresponding to closing movement of the door 501.
[0079] The opening-side module 503 of the closure assembly 500 may
be provided in the form of the dampened opening module 640. In such
embodiments, the opening-side engagement zone 506 of closure
assembly 500 may include a rack configured to engage the pinion 637
(such as the closing-side rack 134), and the trigger may be omitted
from the opening-side engagement zone 506.
[0080] The wheel module 650 includes a bracket 652 having an anti
jump lug 653 projecting therefrom, and a wheel 654 including a
circumferential groove 655. In the illustrated form, the wheel
module 650 includes a single wheel 654. In other embodiments, the
wheel module 650 may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of
the type described above with reference to the wheel mechanism
420.
[0081] In certain embodiments, the closing-side module 502 of the
closure assembly 500 may be provided in the form of the wheel
module 650, and both the trigger and the rack may be omitted from
the closing-side engagement zone 505. Alternatively, the
opening-side module 503 of the closure assembly 500 may be provided
in the form of the wheel module 650, and both the trigger and the
rack may be omitted from the opening-side engagement zone 506. In
certain embodiments, the intermediate module 507 of the closure
assembly 500 may be provided in the form of the wheel module 650.
For example, in embodiments in which the rail assembly 504 is
provided as two separate pieces having a gap formed therebetween,
such an intermediate module 507 may aid in maintaining the door 501
level as the closing-side wheel and/or the opening-side wheel
traverse the gap.
[0082] The biasing module 660 includes a housing 662, a spool 664
rotatably mounted in the housing 662, and a tether 666 wrapped
about the spool 664. A first end of the tether 666 is secured to
the spool 664, and an opposite second end 667 of the tether 666 is
operable to be secured to the door 501 and/or the closing-side
module 502. The spool 664 is spring-biased to retract the tether
666. When included in the closure assembly 500 as the biasing
assembly 509, the biasing module 660 is mounted at or near the end
of the rail assembly 504 corresponding to the closed position of
the door 501, and the end 667 of the tether 666 is secured to the
door 501 or the closing-side module 502. When the door 501 is moved
toward its open position, the tether 666 is unspooled, thereby
loading the spring that biases the spool 664 to rotate. When the
door 501 is released, the spring releases its stored mechanical
energy by retracting the tether 666, thereby returning the door 501
toward its closed position.
[0083] With additional reference to FIGS. 18-25, illustrated
therein are certain non-limiting embodiments of closure assemblies.
Each of the closure assemblies is an example of the above-described
closure assembly 500, and similar reference characters are used to
indicate similar elements and features. While not specifically
illustrated in FIGS. 18-25, it is to be appreciated that each of
the closure assemblies may further include a rail assembly
corresponding to the above-described rail assembly 504.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 18, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 510 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 512 is provided in the form of the dampened closing module
620. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly 510
includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened
closing module 620, and need not include a trigger. The
opening-side module 513 is provided in the form of the wheel module
650. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly 510
need not include a rack or a trigger, and may be omitted. The
closure assembly 510 optionally includes a biasing assembly 519
such as the biasing module 660. It should be appreciated that while
a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules 512, 513, one
or both of the modules 512, 513 may include a dual-wheel
mechanism.
[0085] With reference to FIG. 19, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 520 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 522 is provided in the form of the assisted closing module
610, in which the closing assistance mechanism 618 is provided as
the movement assistance mechanism 200. The closing-side engagement
zone of the closure assembly 520 includes a rack configured to
engage the pinion of the assisted closing module 610 and a trigger
configured to engage the latch mechanism of the movement assistance
mechanism 618, 200. The opening-side module 523 is provided in the
form of the wheel module 650. The opening-side engagement zone of
the closure assembly 520 need not include a rack or a trigger, and
may be omitted. The closure assembly 520 optionally includes a
biasing assembly 529 such as the biasing module 660. It should be
appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the
modules 522, 523, one or both of the modules 522, 523 may include a
dual-wheel mechanism.
[0086] With reference to FIG. 20, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 530 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 532 is provided in the form of the dampened closing module
620. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly 530
includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened
closing module 620, and need not include a trigger. The
opening-side module 533 is provided in the form of the dampened
opening module 640. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure
assembly 530 includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the
dampened opening module 640, and need not include a trigger. The
closure assembly 530 optionally includes a biasing assembly 539
such as the biasing module 660. It should be appreciated that while
a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules 532, 533, one
or both of the modules 532, 533 may include a dual-wheel
mechanism.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 21, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 540 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 542 is provided in the form of the assisted closing module
610, in which the closing assistance mechanism 618 is provided in
the form of the movement assistance mechanism 200. The closing-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 540 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module 610
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
closing assistance mechanism 618, 200. The opening-side module 543
is provided in the form of the dampened opening module 640. The
opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly 540 includes a
rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened opening module
640, and need not include a trigger. The closure assembly 540
optionally includes a biasing assembly 549 such as the biasing
module 660. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is
illustrated in each of the modules 542, 543, one or both of the
modules 542, 543 may include a dual-wheel mechanism.
[0088] With reference to FIG. 22, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 550 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 552 is provided in the form of the assisted closing module
610, in which the closing assistance mechanism 618 is provided in
the form of the movement assistance mechanism 200. The closing-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 550 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module 610
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
closing assistance mechanism 618, 200. The opening-side module 553
is provided in the form of the assisted opening module 630, in
which the opening assistance mechanism 638 is provided in the form
of the movement assistance mechanism 200. The opening-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 550 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted opening module 630
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
opening assistance mechanism 638, 200. The closure assembly 550
optionally includes a center module 557 in the form of the wheel
module 650. The closure assembly 550 optionally includes a biasing
assembly 559 such as the biasing module 660. It should be
appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the
modules 552, 553, 557, one or more of the modules 552, 553, 557 may
include a dual-wheel mechanism.
[0089] With reference to FIG. 23, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 560 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 562 is provided in the form of the assisted closing module
610, in which the closing assistance mechanism 618 is provided in
the form of the movement assistance mechanism 300. The closing-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 560 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module 610
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
movement assistance mechanism 618, 300. The additional engagement
zone of the closure assembly 560 includes a rack configured to
engage the pinion of the closing assistance mechanism 618, 300. The
opening-side module 563 is provided in the form of the wheel module
650. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly 560
need not include a rack or a trigger, and may be omitted. The
closure assembly 560 optionally includes a biasing assembly 569
such as the biasing module 660. It should be appreciated that while
a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules 562, 563, one
or both of the modules 562, 563 may include a dual-wheel
mechanism.
[0090] With reference to FIG. 24, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 570 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 572 is provided in the form of the assisted closing module
610, in which the closing assistance mechanism 618 is provided in
the form of the movement assistance mechanism 300. The closing-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 570 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module 610
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
closing assistance mechanism 618, 300. The additional engagement
zone of the closure assembly 560 includes a rack configured to
engage the pinion of the closing assistance mechanism 618, 300. The
opening-side module 573 is provided in the form of the dampened
opening module 640. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure
assembly 570 includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the
dampened opening module 640, and need not include a trigger. The
closure assembly 570 optionally includes a biasing assembly 579
such as the biasing module 660. It should be appreciated that while
a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules 572, 573, one
or both of the modules 572, 573 may include a dual-wheel
mechanism.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 25, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 580 according to certain embodiments. The closing-side
module 582 is provided in the form of the assisted closing module
610, in which the closing assistance mechanism 618 is provided in
the form of the movement assistance mechanism 300. The closing-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 580 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module 610
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
closing assistance mechanism 618, 300. The opening-side module 583
is provided in the form of the assisted opening module 630, in
which the opening assistance mechanism 638 is provided in the form
of the movement assistance mechanism 300. The opening-side
engagement zone of the closure assembly 580 includes a rack
configured to engage the pinion of the assisted opening module 630
and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the
opening assistance mechanism 638, 300. The additional engagement
zone of the closure assembly 560 may include a rack configured to
engage the pinions of each of the closing assistance mechanism 618,
300 and the opening assistance mechanism 638, 300. Alternatively,
the additional engagement zone of the closure assembly 560 may
include a first rack configured to engage the pinion of the closing
assistance mechanism 618, 300 and a second rack configured to
engage the pinion of the opening assistance mechanism 638, 300. The
closure assembly 580 optionally includes a center module 587 in the
form of the wheel module 650. The closure assembly 580 optionally
includes a biasing assembly 589 such as the biasing module 660. It
should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in
each of the modules 582, 583, 587, one or more of the modules 582,
583, 587 may include a dual-wheel mechanism.
[0092] As should be evident from the foregoing, the modular system
600 is capable of being used to create closure assemblies having
varying configurations, such as those described above with
reference to FIGS. 18-25.
[0093] While certain exemplary forms of closure assemblies and
modules have been described herein, it is to be appreciated that
various modifications of the described subject matter are also
considered within the scope of the subject matter set forth herein.
For example, while the embodiments set forth herein generally
describe a first member mounted to the door and a cooperating
second member mounted to the rail assembly, it is also contemplated
that these positions may be reversed. Thus, while the embodiments
set forth hereinabove generally involve providing a rotary damper
to the door and a cooperating rack to the rail assembly, it should
be appreciated that the rotary damper may instead be mounted to the
rail assembly, and that the cooperating rack member may be mounted
to the door. Similarly, while certain embodiments involve a
movement assistance mechanism mounted to the door and a cooperating
trigger mounted to the rail assembly, it should be appreciated that
the movement assistance mechanism may instead be mounted to the
rail assembly, and that the cooperating trigger may be mounted to
the door.
[0094] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be
protected.
[0095] It should be understood that while the use of words such as
preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the
description above indicate that the feature so described may be
more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments
lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the
invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In
reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a,"
"an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is
no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless
specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language
"at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can
include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated
to the contrary.
* * * * *