Retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly

A retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly includes a stop actuating assembly and a resilient retainer assembly. The stop actuating assembly is provided on an intermediate slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly while the resilient retainer assembly is provided on an outer slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly. To retain a return movement of the intermediate slide track, the stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with the resilient retainer assembly to provide a high-degree effective operation of retaining reliability. The stop actuating assembly includes a stop-engaging member and a resiliently actuating member combined therewith. The resilient retainer assembly correspondingly includes a resilient stop member which can be engaged with the stop-engaging member for positioning the intermediate slide track, and can be actuated by the resiliently actuating member for releasing the intermediate slide track.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly. Particularly, the present invention relates to the retaining mechanism for use in a three-section slide track assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to the retaining mechanism for limiting a return movement of an intermediate slide track with respect to an outer slide track in drawing-out operation, and for automatically disengaging the intermediate slide track from the outer slide track in retracting operation.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, many drawers or load-carrying components are often equipped with multi-section slide track assemblies which are usually mounted in a computer cabinet or a rack. Accordingly, the drawers or the load-carrying components can be slidably drawn out or retracted into the computer cabinet or rack. There are two major categories of the multi-section slide track assemblies. A first category includes a two-section slide track assembly that has a basic structure consisting of an inner slide track and an outer slide track. On the other hand, a second category includes a three-section slide track assembly that has a basic structure consisting of an inner slide track, an intermediate slide track and an outer slide track. In use, there is a need for disassembling the inner slide track from the outer slide track for factory workers or do-it-yourself users for example. The conventional multi-section slide track assembly is usually designed to provide with a common function of removing the inner slide track from the other slide tracks.

With regard to the second category, firstly, the three-section slide track assembly involves the significant problem of smoothly sliding movement (i.e. telescopic movement) among the inner slide track, the intermediate slide track and the outer slide track. Secondly, the three-section slide track assembly involves the significant problem of ease of assembling, disassembling and reassembling the inner slide track, the intermediate slide track and the outer slide track. Thirdly, the three-section slide track assembly involves the significant problem of positioning and retaining among the inner slide track, the intermediate slide track and the outer slide track.

For example, related U.S. patent application publications include Pub. No. US 2003/0052580, entitled “SNAP-ON SLIDE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAME,” Pub. No. US 2003/0111942, entitled “FRONT RELEASE FOR A SLIDE ASSEMBLY,” Pub. No. US 2004/0174103, entitled “UNDETACHABLE DRAWER RAIL,” Pub. No. US 2004/0239220, entitled “LOW PROFILE LOCK WITH FRONT RELEASE FOR A DRAWER SLIDE,” Pub. No. US 2005/0116594, entitled “SLIDE RAIL HAVING FRONT RELEASE LATCH,” and Pub. No. US 2005/0180667, entitled “POSITIONING DEVICE FOR A MULTI-SECTION SLIDE TRACK ASSEMBLY OF DRAWERS.” Particularly, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0180667 is owned by the present assignee. Each of these U.S. patent publications is incorporated herein by reference for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art.

A conventional retaining mechanism, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,408 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0180667, describes a stop structure integrally formed on one of slide tracks of the multi-section slide track assembly. In general, the multi-section slide track assembly is made from a relatively soft metal material which cannot withstand unusual impact of components of a retaining mechanism against on the multi-section slide track assembly in use. Because of this, there is a need for a heat treatment on the multi-section slide track assembly for extra strength and rigidity of the stop structure. Inevitably, a number of limitations exist for the multi-section slide track assembly due to (1) difficulties in heat treating the entire assembly; (2) increasing total manufacture cost (i.e. production cost) for heat treating operation; and (3) causing distortion of components of the multi-section slide track assembly in heat treating operation or cooling operation.

With regard to the problematic aspects naturally occurring during use of the soft metal material of the stop structure, the multi-section slide track assembly is susceptible to a number of problems, including: (1) a low possibility of intensifying the strength and rigidity of the stop structure; (2) a high possibility of occurring component abrasion of the stop structure or causing the retaining mechanism scraping against the multi-section slide track assembly; and (3) loss in the retaining function of the stop structure due to component impact during prolonged use.

The present invention intends to provide a retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a stop actuating assembly and a resilient retainer assembly. The stop actuating assembly is provided on an intermediate slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly while the resilient retainer assembly is provided on an outer slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly. To retain a return movement of the intermediate slide track, the stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with the resilient retainer assembly to provide a high-degree effective operation of retaining reliability in such a way as to mitigate and overcome the above problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of this invention is to provide a retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly, wherein a stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with a resilient retainer assembly. No part or portion of the multi-section slide track assembly is employed to engage with the retaining mechanism so as to extend the useful life of the multi-section slide track assembly. Accordingly, the multi-section slide track assembly can be made from a low manufacture-cost material.

The secondary objective of this invention is to provide the retaining mechanism for the multi-section slide track assembly, wherein components of the stop actuating assembly and the resilient retainer assembly are individually made from a high strength metal for extra strength and rigidity. Accordingly, the retaining mechanism can be selectively made from a suitable rigid material which is helpful in maintaining a retaining function during long-term use.

Another objective of this invention is to provide the retaining mechanism for the multi-section slide track assembly, wherein each separate components of the retaining mechanism can be adjusted, repaired or replaced during long-term use. Accordingly, the separate components of the retaining mechanism can be easily adjusted, repaired or replaced at a low maintenance cost due to no need for replacing the entire retaining mechanism.

Another objective of this invention is to provide the retaining mechanism for the multi-section slide track assembly, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a plurality of elastic members constructed from leaf springs or the likes having different thickness to provide various spring rates (i.e. high spring rate, semi-high spring rate, semi-low spring rate etc.). Accordingly, the elastic members of the retaining mechanism can be designed to provide various spring rates.

The retaining mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a stop actuating assembly and a resilient retainer assembly. The stop actuating assembly is provided on an intermediate slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly while the resilient retainer assembly is provided on an outer slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly. To retain a return movement of the intermediate slide track, the stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with the resilient retainer assembly to provide a high-degree effective operation of retaining reliability. The stop actuating assembly includes a stop-engaging member and a resiliently actuating member combined therewith. The resilient retainer assembly correspondingly includes a resilient stop member which can be engaged with the stop-engaging member for positioning the intermediate slide track, and can be actuated by the resiliently actuating member for releasing the intermediate slide track.

In a separate aspect of the present invention, the resilient retainer assembly further includes a fixing member for mounting the resilient stop member on the outer slide track.

In a further separate aspect of the present invention, the resilient retainer assembly further includes a limit member to confine an upward movement of the resilient stop member.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the resilient retainer assembly is further provided with a resilient arm for exerting an upward spring force on the resilient stop member such that the resilient stop member is tightly engaged with the limit member.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the resilient arm of the resilient retainer assembly is formed on the limit member.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the resilient arm of the resilient retainer assembly is formed on the resilient stop member.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the limit member of the resilient retainer assembly is integrally formed on the intermediate slide track.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the intermediate slide track further includes a pair of upraised protrusions adjacent to the limit member so that the limit protrusions can limit any lateral movement of the resilient stop member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, an exploded perspective view of a retaining mechanism and a multi-section slide track assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The multi-section slide track assembly is constructed from a three-section slide track assembly that consists of an inner slide track designated numeral1, an intermediate slide track designated numeral2, an outer slide track designated numeral3, a first ball-bearing member designated numeral4ahand a second ball-bearing member designated numeral4b. In assembling, the first ball-bearing member4ais sandwiched in-between the inner slide track1and the intermediate slide track2for permitting sliding movements between the inner slide track1and the intermediate slide track2. Similarly, the second ball-bearing member4bis sandwiched in-between the intermediate slide track2and the outer slide track3for permitting sliding movements between the intermediate slide track2and the outer slide track3. In the following embodiments, constructions of the multi-section slide track assembly in detail shall be omitted.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the retaining mechanism in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention includes a stop actuating assembly and a resilient retainer assembly. In the illustrated first embodiment, the stop actuating assembly is provided on the intermediate slide track2of the multi-section slide track assembly while the resilient retainer assembly is provided on the outer slide track3of the multi-section slide track assembly. In retaining operation, the stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with the resilient retainer assembly to provide a high-degree effective operation of retaining reliability. In this manner an unwanted return movement of the intermediate slide track can be avoided.

Turning now toFIGS. 2 and 3, exploded and assembled perspective views of the stop actuating assembly of the retaining mechanism for use in the multi-section slide track assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate slide track2has a pair of corresponding operation windows21which are formed on predetermined positions of the intermediate slide track2where the stop actuating assembly is installed, as best shown inFIG. 2. Each of the operation windows21includes a neck portion22provided with a relatively narrow width.

Constructions of the stop actuating assembly in the first embodiment shall be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. In the first embodiment, the stop actuating assembly includes a stop-engaging member5and a resiliently actuating member6which are mounted on the intermediate slide track2by using fasteners, such as rivets, screws or equivalent attachment structures. Preferably, the stop-engaging member5is constructed from a one-piece metal member which includes a pair of thin recess sections51, and a pair of engaging lugs52. In another preferred embodiment, the stop-engaging member5is made from a sheetmetal which is relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage of the sliding movements of the multi-section slide track assembly. The thin recess sections51have two opposite outer edges each connecting with the engaging lug52which is correspondingly bent on the associated outer edge of the thin recess section51. In a preferred embodiment, the thin recess sections51and the engaging lugs52are integrally formed in a single punching or bending operation such that no other bending operation is required.

By referring particularly toFIG. 3, in assembling, each of distal ends of the stop-engaging member5is fixed on either end side of the operation window21of the intermediate slide track2. In the first embodiment, each of the engaging lugs52is extended through the operation window21of the intermediate slide track2while each of the thin recess sections51is received in the associated operation window21of the intermediate slide track2. In this manner, the engaging lugs52of the stop actuating assembly are extended along a direction running to the outer slide track3so that they can engage with the resilient retainer assembly provided on the outer slide track3.

Still referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the resiliently actuating member6is also preferably constructed from a one-piece metal member which includes a resilient arm61, a pair of pressing guide edges62, and a pair of actuating lugs63. In a preferred embodiment, the resiliently actuating member6is made from a sheetmetal which is relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage of the sliding movements of the multi-section slide track. assembly. The resilient arm61is extended from the resiliently actuating member6to provide a high-degree spring force itself. If a higher or lower spring force is desired, dimensions of the resilient arm61can be redesigned. The resiliently actuating member6has two opposite outer edges each connecting with the pressing guide edges62which is correspondingly bent on the associated outer edge. The resiliently actuating member6further includes an aperture in which to provide the actuating lugs63. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient arm61, the pressing guide edges62, and the actuating lugs63are integrally formed in a single punching or bending operation such that no other bending operation is required.

By referring particularly toFIG. 3, in assembling, the resilient arm61is fixed on one of the end side of the operation window21of the intermediate slide track2, thereby permitting a resiliently upraised movement of the resiliently actuating member6on the intermediate slide track2. In the first embodiment, each of the actuating lugs63is extended into the associated neck portion22of the operation window21of the intermediate slide track2while the resiliently actuating member6is stacked on the stop-engaging member5which has been mounted on the intermediate slide track2. Once assembled, the pressing guide edges62can be pressed by the inner slide track1so that the actuating lugs63of the stop-engaging member5can actuate the resilient retainer assembly for releasing engagement.

Turning now toFIGS. 4 and 5, exploded and assembled perspective views of the resilient retainer assembly of the retaining mechanism for use in the multi-section slide track assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, the outer slide track3has an operation window32which is formed on a predetermined position of the outer slide track3where the resilient retainer assembly is installed, as best shown inFIG. 4. The operation window32includes a neck portion33provided with a relatively narrow width. Furthermore, the operation window32further includes a positioning protrusion321which is extended on a periphery of the operation window32.

Constructions of the resilient retainer assembly in the first embodiment shall be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5. In the first embodiment, the resilient retainer assembly includes a fixing member7, a resilient stop member8and a limit member9which are mounted on the outer slide track3by using fasteners, such as rivets, screws or equivalent attachment structures. The fixing member7is preferably constructed from a one-piece member which has a receiving hole71for mounting the resilient stop member8. The receiving hole71is located at a predetermined position of the fixing member7corresponding to the positioning protrusion321formed in the operation window32of the outer slide track3.

Still referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, preferably, the resilient stop member8is constructed from a one-piece metal member which includes a tail piece81, a pair of pressing guide edges82and a head piece83. The resilient stop member8is relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage of the sliding movements of the multi-section slide track assembly. In the illustrated first embodiment, the resilient stop member8is designed for having a high degree of resilience in pressing operation. The tail piece81is formed with a bent portion which can be engaged in the receiving hole71of the fixing member7. The resilient stop member8has two opposite outer edges each connecting with the pressing guide edges82which is correspondingly bent on the associated outer edge. Each of the pressing guide edges82has a higher end to form a stop portion of the pressing guide edges82. The head piece83is provided on an end side of the resilient stop member8opposite to that provided with the tail piece81. Preferably, the head piece83is formed with a bent portion which can be engaged with the limit member9. In a preferred embodiment, the tail piece81, the pressing guide edges82and the head piece83are integrally formed in a single punching or bending operation such that no other bending operation is required.

By referring particularly toFIG. 5, in assembling, a distal end of the fixing member7is fixed on one end side of the operation window32of the outer slide track3. In the first embodiment, the tail piece81is sandwiched in between the positioning protrusion321of the operation window32and the fixing member7while the bent portion of the tail piece81is engaged in the receiving hole71of the fixing member7. In this manner, the receiving hole71of the fixing member7permits the resilient stop member8to generate within a certain extent of the angular movement for engagement or disengagement of the stop portion with or from the engaging lug52of the stop-engaging member5.

Still referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, preferably, the limit member9is also constructed from a one-piece metal member which includes a resilient arm91and a limiting ring92. The limit member9is relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage of the sliding movements of the multi-section slide track assembly. In the illustrated first embodiment, the resilient arm91includes a first distal end connected with the limit member9, and a second distal end provided with an engaging groove911. The resilient arm91is extended along a direction toward the limiting ring92. In addition, the resilient arm91is designed to provide an upward spring force to upraise the head piece83of the resilient stop member8. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient arm91and the limiting ring92are integrally formed in a single punching or bending operation such that no other bending operation is required.

By referring particularly toFIG. 5, in assembling, the limit member9is fixed on another end side of the operation window32of the outer slide track3opposite to that to mount the resilient stop member8. Once assembled, the head piece83of the resilient stop member8is passed through the limiting ring92, and engaged in the engaging groove911of the resilient arm91of the limit member9in the event. To ensure vertical positions of the stop portions of the resilient stop member8with respect to the inner slide track3, the resilient arm91of the limit member9continuously exerts a sufficient upward spring force on the head piece83of the resilient stop member8. Accordingly, the spring force of the resilient arm91can limit an unexpected downward movement of the head piece83of the resilient stop member8. This ensures a good engagement of the resilient stop member8with the stop-engaging member5, and reduces the chance of an unexpected disengagement of the resilient stop member8from the stop-engaging member5. Conversely, the limiting ring92of the limit member9can confine a range of the upraised movement of the head piece83of the resilient stop member8.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the stop actuating assembly engaging with the resilient retainer assembly of the retaining mechanism in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention in a full-extended state of the outer slide track3and the intermediate slide track2of the multi-section slide track assembly is illustrated. During drawing out the intermediate slide track2from the outer slide track3, the engaging lugs52of the stop-engaging member5can press and slide along the corresponding pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8. If the intermediate slide track2is continuously drawn out from the outer slide track3, the engaging lugs52of the stop-engaging member5can pass through the corresponding pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8in the event. Once completely drawn out, the engaging lugs52of the stop-engaging member5are engaged with the associated stop portions provided on the pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8in a reverse direction; namely, an unexpected return movement of the intermediate slide track2on the outer slide track3along the reverse direction is not allowed.

On the other hand, the actuating lugs63of the resiliently actuating member6are aligned and engaged with the corresponding pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8. Preferably, the pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8can continuously exert their own upward spring force on the actuating lugs63of the resiliently actuating member6for an upraising movement. In the first embodiment, the pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8due to the resilient force of the resilient arm91of the limit member9can further exert an additional upward spring force on the actuating lugs63of the resiliently actuating member6for ensuring an upraising movement. To ensure the engagement of the stop-engaging member5with the associated stop portions of the resilient stop member8, the inner slide track1, however, does not contact with the resiliently actuating member6. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the inner slide track1can engage with the associated pressing guide edges62of the resiliently actuating member6in releasing operation when a return movement of the inner slide track1along the intermediate slide track2occurs.

Turning now toFIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a return movement of the inner slide track1of the multi-section slide track assembly for actuating the resiliently actuating member6of the stop actuating assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In retracting operation, no return movement of the intermediate slide track2on the outer slide track3along the reverse direction is allowed due to the engagement of the stop portions of the resilient stop member8with the engaging lugs52of the stop-engaging member5. The inner slide track1is accordingly retracted along the intermediate slide track2until the inner slide track1is in contact with the pressing guide edges62of the resiliently actuating member6.

Turning now toFIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the inner slide track1of the multi-section slide track assembly pressing the resiliently actuating member6of the stop actuating assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention in the return movement of the inner slide track1is illustrated. In releasing operation, front side portions of the inner slide track1such as bent side edges11engage with and press the pressing guide edges62of the resiliently actuating member6so that the resiliently actuating member6is tilted an angular movement. This results in the actuating lugs63of the resiliently actuating member6synchronously pressing the associated pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8. Preferably, the actuating lugs63of the resiliently actuating member6are designed to easily actuate the pressing guide edges82of the resilient stop member8such that the engaging lugs52of the stop-engaging member5are easily disengaged from the stop portions of the resilient stop member8. If the stop-engaging member5is disengaged from the resilient stop member8, it permits releasing the intermediate slide track2from the outer slide track3for freely retraction.

Turning now toFIG. 9, a cross-sectional view of the stop actuating assembly disengaging from the resilient retainer assembly of the retaining mechanism in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention by the front side portions of the inner slide track1fully pressing the resiliently actuating member6is illustrated. Once the bent side edges11of the inner slide track1fully presses and passes through the associated pressing guide edges62of the resiliently actuating member6, the engaging lugs52of the stop-engaging member5are completely disengaged from the stop portions of the resilient stop member8. Consequently, a return movement of the intermediate slide track2along the outer slide track3is allowed.

Turning now toFIGS. 10 and 11, exploded and assembled perspective views of another resilient retainer assembly of the retaining mechanism for use in the multi-section slide track assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. In comparison with the first embodiment, the resilient stop member8aof the second embodiment further includes a resilient arm84aintegrally formed therewith so as to simplify the entire structure of the resilient retainer assembly. In the second embodiment, the resilient arm84ahas a first end connected with the resilient stop member8a, and a second end spaced apart from the resilient stop member8a. The resilient arm84ais designed to provide an upward spring force to upraise the resilient stop member8. Correspondingly, the limit member9adoes not include any resilient arm for further simplifying the entire structure of the resilient retainer assembly. Once installed, the resilient arm84aof the resilient stop member8ais passed through the limiting ring92. Furthermore, the second end of the resilient arm84ais engaged with a surface of the outer slide track3due to pressing by the limiting ring92of the limit member9a.

Turning now toFIGS. 12 and 13, exploded and assembled perspective views of another resilient retainer assembly of the retaining mechanism for use in the multi-section slide track assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. In comparison with the first embodiment, the resilient stop member8bof the third embodiment further includes a resilient arm84bintegrally formed therewith so as to simplify the entire structure of the resilient retainer assembly. In the third embodiment, the resilient arm84bhas a first end connected with the resilient stop member8b, and a second end spaced apart from the resilient stop member8b. Preferably, the outer slide track3includes a limiting ring34and a pair of upraised protrusions35integrally formed therewith. Once installed, the resilient arm84bof the resilient stop member8bis passed through the limiting ring34, and the second end of the resilient arm84bis engaged in the upraised protrusions35formed on the outer slide track3. Consequently, a lateral movement of the resilient arm84bof the resilient stop member is limited.

Turning now toFIGS. 14 and 15, exploded and assembled perspective views of another resilient retainer assembly of the retaining mechanism for use in the multi-section slide track assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The resilient stop member8of the fourth embodiment includes the complete structure of the tail piece81, the pressing guide edges82and the head piece83. In comparison with the first embodiment, the limit member9of the fourth embodiment does not include any limiting ring for further simplifying the entire structure of the resilient retainer assembly. In this way, the operation window32of the outer slide track3of the fourth embodiment includes a limiting ring34to limit an upward movement of the head piece83of the resilient stop member8. The limiting ring34of the outer slide track3is corresponding to the resilient arm91of the limit member9. Once installed, the head piece83of the resilient stop member8is passed through the limiting ring34, and is engaged in the engaging groove911of the resilient arm91of the limit member9.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.