Patent Publication Number: US-6712435-B2

Title: Self-closing slide

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/846,765, filed on Apr. 30, 2001 and still pending, which is based upon and claims priority on U.S. provisional application No. 60/202,365, filed May 1, 2000, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a self-closing slide. Drawers are typically coupled to cabinets using slides. These slides are typically two-member slides or three-member slides. A two-member slide comprises an outer member and an inner member. The inner member is slidably coupled to the outer member and can telescope relative to the outer member. A three-member slide comprises three members, namely, an outer member, an intermediate member, and an inner member. The intermediate member is slidably coupled to the outer member and the inner member is slidably coupled to the intermediate member. Both the intermediate and inner member telescope relative to the outer member. Moreover, the inner member can telescope relative to the intermediate member. Typically the slide outer members are coupled to the cabinet and their inner members are coupled to either side of the drawer. 
     The problem with many drawers is that they tend to open after they are closed. Another problem with drawers is that when they are pushed to close, they sometimes do not close completely because they are not pushed with sufficient force or alternatively they are pushed with more force than necessary causing the drawers to slam against the cabinet and then re-open. 
     To overcome these problems some slides incorporate self-closing mechanisms that use an extension spring coupled to the outer member of the slide. The spring engages a tab or pin welded or otherwise fixed to the inner member of the slide to pull the inner member toward the outer member and close the slide. The problem with these mechanisms is that the spring is in an extended or stretched position until it is engaged by the tab or pin fixed to the inner member. As such, the spring remains stretched until the slide closes. Consequently, if the spring breaks while stretched—which a common failure mode for extension springs—it will have a tendency to eject from the mechanism creating a hazardous condition. Moreover, the tabs tend to break off from the inner member with usage due to fatigue causing early failure of the self-closing mechanism. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A self closing slide incorporating a self closing mechanism is provided. The self closing slide comprises at least two slide members. A first member of the self closing slide comprises a slot extending to an end of the first slide member. The self closing mechanism is coupled to a second slide member the self closing slide. The mechanism comprises a housing having a slot guiding an actuator. The actuator is spring coupled to the housing. The actuator can slide along the slot between a first position and a second position. The actuator can remain engaged in the first position with the spring armed. When the first member of the slide approaches a closed position, the actuator is received in the slot formed on the first member, causing the first slide member to be engaged by the actuator. As the first member continues to move toward a closed position it causes the actuator to disengage from the first position whereby the armed spring causes the actuator and the engaged first slide member to slide along the slot to the second position where the slide is closed. 
     When the first slide member is extended relative to the second slide member, it causes the actuator to move from the second position toward the first position. When in the first position, the spring rearms and the actuator gets engaged in the first position, while the first slide member disengages from the actuator. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a three-member slide. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective and side view, respectively, of the housing of an exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial top view of an exemplary embodiment three-member self-closing slide incorporating an exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a partial bottom view of the self-closing slide shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B are a cross-sectional and a perspective view, respectively, of an actuator used in the self-closing mechanism shown in FIG.  2 A. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B are an enlarged section top view and an end view, respectively, of the inner slide member of the self-closing slide shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 7A is a top view of a self-closing mechanism incorporating a different exemplary embodiment actuator. 
     FIGS. 7B and 7C are a front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the actuator embodiment shown in FIG.  7 A. 
     FIG. 7D is a perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment actuator. 
     FIG. 8 is a partial top view of another exemplary embodiment three-member self-closing slide incorporating another exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism of the present invention shown with its actuator in an unarmed state. 
     FIGS. 9A,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D are a perspective view of a different exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism of the present invention, a bottom view of such mechanism, a side view of such mechanism and end view of such mechanism. 
     FIG. 10 is a partial top view of another exemplary embodiment three-member self-closing slide incorporating the self-closing mechanism depicted in FIG.  9 A. 
     FIG. 11 is a partial bottom view of the self-closing slide shown in FIG.  10 . 
     FIGS. 12A,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D are a perspective view of a further alternate exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism of the present invention, a bottom view of such mechanism, a side view of such mechanism, and a top view of such mechanism. 
     FIGS. 13A and 13B are a perspective and a side view, respectively, of an alternate exemplary embodiment actuator for use with the self-closing mechanism shown in FIG.  12 A. 
     FIG. 14A is a partial bottom view of an exemplary embodiment self-closing slide incorporating an exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14B is a partial side view taken along arrows  14 B- 14 B of the self-closing slide shown in FIG.  14 A. 
     FIG. 15 is an end view of an alternate exemplary embodiment actuator of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of a spring surrounding a capped guide pin. 
     FIG. 17 is an end view of an exemplary housing for a self-closing mechanism of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Self closing slides are provided. Self-closing mechanisms are also provided that attach to slide members of the self closing slides at or proximate the members&#39; rearmost ends. For convenience, the mechanisms are described herein in relation to a three-member slide. However, the mechanisms can be incorporated into two member slides or other slides using multiple sliding members. 
     A typical three member slide  10  comprises an inner member  12  slidably coupled to an intermediate member  14  which is slidably coupled to an outer member  16  (FIG.  1 ). The outer member is channel shaped in cross section, i.e., it defines a channel  18 , having web  20  and two legs  22  extending preferably perpendicularly from opposite ends of the web. A lip  24  extends preferably perpendicularly from each leg such that the two lips extend toward each other. A bearing raceway  26  is defined by each lip, its corresponding leg and the web. The intermediate slide member  14 , also generally channel shaped in cross-section, is slidably coupled within the outer member  16 . 
     In cross-section, the intermediate member also comprises a web  28  and two legs  30  extending from opposite ends of the web. Each of the legs has a double curvature such that each leg defines an inner raceway  32  and an outer raceway  34 . The intermediate member is slidably coupled within the outer member with their “channels” facing in the same direction. Ball bearings  36  are sandwiched between the inner bearing raceways  26  of the outer member and the outer bearing raceways  34  of the intermediate member. The ball bearing are typically coupled to an outer ball bearing retainer  37 . 
     The inner member is also channel shaped in cross-section comprising a web  38  having two legs  40  extending from opposite ends of the web. A concavity is formed on the outer surface of each leg defining an outer bearing raceway  42 . The inner member is slidably coupled to the intermediate member with the channel of the inner member facing opposite the channel of the intermediate member. In other words, the legs of the inner member extend from the web  38  of the inner member toward the web  28  of the intermediate member. Ball bearings  44  are sandwiched between the outer bearing raceways  42  of the inner member and the inner bearing raceways  32  of the intermediate member. The ball bearing are typically coupled to an inner ball bearing retainer  45 . Each slide member is typically formed from a single piece of material. 
     An exemplary embodiment self closing mechanism  46  of an embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated housing or body  48  having opposing side walls  50 , an rear wall  52  and top wall  54  (FIGS.  2 A and  3 ). The housing may also have a front wall  55 . The width  56  of the top wall, i.e., the spacing between the side walls, is smaller than the width  58  of the slide inner member web  38 . In this regard, the inner member can slide over the housing. The housing may also have a base or bottom wall (not shown). The terms, “upper,” “lower,” “top,” bottom,” “base,” “upward,’ “downward,” “forward,” “rear,” “front” and “back” are used as relative terms and are not meant to denote the exact location of a member operated by such term. 
     Two, but preferably four legs  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c ,  60   d  extend transversely from the base portion of the housing sides  50  In a preferred embodiment two legs extend from either side of the housing from proximate the base of the sides. Each leg comprises a first portion  62  extending laterally from a side wall  50  of the housing. Each of the legs also comprise a second portion  64  extending from the first portion inclined at an angle relative to the first portion such that the free-end  66  of the second portion is higher than the first portion. The second portions have a height  68  as measured perpendicularly to the first portion that is preferably slightly smaller than an inner height  70  of the inner bearing raceway of the outer member (FIGS.  1  and  2 B). The housing and legs are preferably integrally formed and are preferably made of plastic. In this regard, the legs are flexible allowing for the housing to be “snapped-in” place on the slide outer member. 
     The housing with legs is mounted within the outer slide channel at the rearmost end portion as shown in FIG.  3 . Specifically, the housing with legs is slid or “snapped-in” within the channel defined by the outer slide such that the free ends  66  of the leg second portions engage the inner surfaces of lip portions  24  of the outer slide. Consequently, the leg second portions which occupy the height  70  of almost the entire inner bearing raceway fit tightly within the inner bearing raceways  26  of the outer member. In an exemplary embodiment, a protrusion  72  is formed extending from the bottom surface of the first portion of at least one leg but preferably extending from the bottom surfaces of at least two oppositely extending legs, as for example legs  60   a  and  60   c  (FIGS.  2 A and  2 B). Complementary slots  74  are formed through the web  20  of the outer slide member  16  such that when the legs are urged toward the web  20 , the protrusions  72  enter their complementary slots  74  thereby providing a more secure engagement between the housing and the slide outer member (FIG.  4 ). 
     When the housing is attached to the outer slide member, it is in the sliding path of the slide intermediate member  14 , as for example shown in FIG.  3 . To accommodate for the length of the outer member occupied by the housing, the intermediate member preferably has a length shorter than outer member  16  so that when it is in the fully retracted position relative to the outer member, the intermediate member does not extend beyond the outer member. 
     When the mechanism is incorporated in a three-member slide, a stop member may extend from the front portion of the housing for stopping the travel of the intermediate member and silence an impact of the intermediate member on the housing. The stop member may be resilient material mounted on the front portion of the housing. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the stop member is a flexing arm  76  integrally formed with the housing  48  and extending from one side of the housing transversely to proximate the other side of the housing. When the web  28  of the intermediate member strikes the flexing arm  76 , the arm flexes toward the housing to soften and silence the impact while providing a stop to the rearward travel of the intermediate member. Preferably the stop member is shorter in height than the housing and the upper surface  73  of the front portion of the housing is tapered so as to increase in height in a direction toward the rear of the housing as for example shown in FIG.  2 B. In this regard, if the inner slide member were to contact the tapered upper surface  73  as it slides toward a closed position, it would ramp up and over the housing. 
     A guide rod also referred to herein for convenience as a “guide pin” or “pin”  78  is coupled to the rear wall  52  of the housing and extends within the housing as shown in FIG.  3 . The guide pin in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.  3  and described herein is cylindrical, i.e., it has a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the pin may have other cross-sectional shapes. 
     The pin is coupled to the rear wall of the housing slightly nearer one of the side walls  50  and is capable of pivoting relative to the rear wall. Pivoting can be accomplished by providing an opening through the rear wall  52  having a diameter much larger than the guide pin  78  diameter. An end of the pin protrudes through the rear wall opening and is capped forming a rear cap  80  having a larger diameter than the opening. In this regard, the capped end is prevented from re-entering the housing and the pin is able to move sideways within the opening and thereby allowing the guide pin to pivot relative to the rear wall. In an alternate embodiment, the guide pin is allowed to exit the housing through a rear wall opening and is then bent such that the bent portion of the pin engages the outer surface  79  of the rear wall  52  preventing the pin from retracting back into the housing. 
     An actuator  82  is slidably coupled to the guide pin  78  such that it can slide along the guide pin length (FIGS.  3  and  5 A). Typically, the actuator comprises an opening  84  that is penetrated by the pin, thus, allowing the actuator to slide along the pin. Preferably the opening  84  is a sectioned opening having a first larger diameter section  84   a  and a second smaller diameter section  84   b . A spring  86  is placed over the pin for urging the actuator toward the rear wall  52  of the housing. The spring has an outer surface diameter larger than the diameter of the actuator opening smaller diameter section  84   b  and smaller than the diameter of the actuator opening larger diameter section  84   a . The pin is capped at its front end forming a front cap  88  or is bent so as to retain the spring over the guide pin. The guide pin  78 , spring  86  and actuator  82  are all housed within the housing  46  and can all pivot with the pin relative to the rear wall of the housing. 
     A slot  90  is formed through the top wall of the housing. The slot has a major longitudinal portion  92  having a central longitudinal axis  96  which is preferably offset in parallel from a central longitudinal axis  98  of the housing. The slot longitudinal portion extends from preferably proximate the rear wall of the housing toward the front wall  55 . A transverse portion  100  of the slot extends transversely from the forward end of the slot longitudinal portion in a direction crossing the central longitudinal axis  98  of the housing. The rear most edge of the transverse portion of the slot defines a transverse edge  102 . 
     A longitudinal slit  104  is formed on the top wall proximate the rear wall and offset form the slot longitudinal portion  92 . The slit is shorter than the slot and it is in communication with the slot at its rearmost end. Consequently, a flexible tine  106  is defined between the slot and the slit. 
     In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a second slit  107  is formed on the edge of the slot longitudinal portion  92  opposite the tine  106  and proximate the rear end of the slot longitudinal portion. The second slit defines a flexible detent  111  which extends into the path of the slot longitudinal portion  92 . The detent may have a protrusion  93  extending into the slot longitudinal portion. 
     A guide member  108  extends from an upper surface of the actuator and is fitted within the slot  90  (FIGS.  3  and  5 A). In one exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, the guide member is in the form of a pin  140 . The guide member and actuator are preferably integrally formed. The slot  90  serves to guide the guide member and thereby the actuator travel along the housing. As the actuator travels along the housing, the guide pin  78  pivots relative to the housing rear wall  52  to accommodate the actuator travel. When in the rear end of the slot, the pin and thus the actuator can move laterally against the tine  106 , flexing the tine. 
     As the actuator is moved forward along the slot  90 , it compresses the spring  86  against the guide pin front cap  88 . When at the front end of the slot, the actuator guide follows the curved portion of the slot and into the transverse portion  100  of the slot as the guide pin  78  is pivoted about the rear wall. When at that position, the spring is compressed providing a force attempting to urge the actuator in a direction toward the rear wall. The force causes the actuator guide member to engage the transverse edge  102  defined by the transverse slot portion on the housing top wall and thereby maintain the actuator within the transverse slot portion in an “armed” state. The transverse edge  102  is of sufficient length to support the actuator guide member  108 . When the guide member is moved transversely toward the longitudinal portion of the slot, the spring force causes the actuator to move along the slot to rear end of the slot. 
     A web slot  109  is formed on the rear end of the web  38  of the inner slide member  12 . The slot has a short first portion  110  longitudinally extending from the rear end of the inner member web  38  (FIGS.  3  and  6 A). The first portion of the web slot is aligned to straddle the guide member of the actuator as the inner member is slid over the housing. The web slot first portion has a first longitudinal edge  112  positioned furthest from the longitudinal slot on the housing top wall. The web slot than curves in a direction toward the longitudinal slot of the top wall and forms a second inclined slot portion  114 . The second slot portion has a first edge  116  inclined to the first edge  112  of the slot first longitudinal portion at an angle preferably less than 90°. A curved edge  118  forms the transition between the first edges of the first and second slot portions. 
     The second edge  120  of the first slot portion  110  opposite the first longitudinal edge  112  extends away from the first longitudinal edge to the rear end of the inner member web. The second edge  120  of the first web slot portion extends transversely to at least a location axially aligned with the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot formed on the housing top wall. Preferably, the second edge  120  spans a distance sufficient for engaging the actuator guide member when the actuator guide member is located within the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot formed on the housing top wall. More preferably, the second edge  120  spans transversely to a distance covering the entire width of the longitudinal portion  92  of the housing top wall slot. 
     A second edge  122  of the web second slot portion  114  opposite the inclined first edge  116  is inclined at an angle to the second edge  120  of the first slot portion and extends in a direction similar to the first edge  116  of the second web slot portion. The point of intersection between second edge of the first slot portion and the second edge of the second slot portion is preferably rounded forming a tip  124 . 
     As the inner member of the slide is retracted rearward toward a closed position, the guide member of the actuator enters the first portion  110  of the web slot  109 . As the inner member continues to move rearward, the actuator guide member  108  makes contact with the curved edge  118  of the web slot and then the first edge  116  of the second slot portion. When that occurs and as the inner member further retracts, the actuator guide member is guided transversely by the first edge  116  of the web slot second portion along the web slot second portion  114 . This causes the actuator guide member and thus the actuator to move transversely along the transverse portion  100  of the slot on the housing top wall and to the longitudinal portion  92  of the top wall slot. When that occurs, the spring “unarms” and the spring force causes the actuator to travel rearwards along the guide pin and the actuator guide member to travel rearward along the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot formed on the housing top wall. As the actuator guide member is moved rearwardly by the spring force, it engages and applies a force on the second edge  122  of the second slot portion  114  of the web slot causing the inner member to slide rearwardly with the guide member and the slide to self close. 
     As the slide inner member is extended after being closed, the second edge  122  of the web slot second portion  114  applies a force on the actuator guide member causing the guide member to move forward along the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot on the housing top wall and against the spring force compressing the spring  86 . When the actuator guide member reaches the front end of the longitudinal portion  92  of the top wall slot its longitudinal motion is stopped as the inner slide member continues to extend. Consequently, the actuator guide member begins to move rearwardly relative to the web slot  109  and along the second edge  122  of the second portion of the web slot  109 . Thus, the actuator guide member is moved transversely relative to the housing and along the transverse portion  100  of the top wall slot where it engages the transverse edge  102  on the housing top wall as a result of the applied spring force. As the inner member is further extended the guide member exits the web slot  109  and remains “armed” against the transverse edge  102 . 
     When the actuator is in the rearmost position, e.g. when the slide is in a closed position, the spring  86 , which is in the exemplary embodiment is a compression spring, is in its normal extended position offering minimal or no force. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the detent  111  controls any bouncing of the slide and actuator that may occur. If the slide with actuator attempt to re-extend, i.e., “bounce”, from the closed position, the detent  111  which extends into the path of the slot longitudinal portion  92  formed on the housing top wall will engage the actuator guide member and stop the re-extending travel i.e., the bounce. 
     If the actuator guide member inadvertently disengages from the transverse edge  102  of the slot formed on the housing top wall and moves to the rear end of the housing by the spring force, the self closing mechanism can be re-engaged by the inner slide member. This is accomplished by retracting the inner slide member. As the inner slide member is retracted, the second edge  120  of the inner member web slot first portion engages the actuator guide member  108 . As the inner member is further retracted, the actuator guide member is caused to move transversely along the second edge  120  causing the guide member to engage and flex the tine  106  on the housing and move it transversely. When flexed, the tine provides a force against the actuator guide member  108  tending to push the guide member toward the longitudinal slot portion. As the inner slide member continues to retract, the actuator guide member reaches and passes the tip  124  of the web slot at which point the force generated by the tine causes the actuator guide member to move into the second slot portion  114  of the web slot  109 . Once within the second slot portion  114 , the actuator guide member is engaged by the inner slide member and extension of the slide member will cause the actuator guide member and the actuator to move into an “armed” position as discussed above. 
     Applicants have discovered that an incline angle  126  (FIG. 6A) of 34° between the first edge  116  of the web slot second portion and the first longitudinal edge  112  of the first longitudinal portion of the web slot to be optimum for the operation of the mechanism when the guide member  108  is cylindrical. A shallower angle may provide for smoother operation of the mechanism, but with such angle a longer second slot portion is required for moving the actuator guide member a sufficient transverse distance for disengaging from the transverse edge  102  of the transverse portion  100  of the slot formed on the housing top wall. 
     Applicants have also discovered that for optimum operation, the second edge  120  of the first web slot portion  110  should extend at angle  131  preferably of about 35° from an axis  130  perpendicular to the inner member web longitudinal axis  132  located at the rear end of the web. In addition, applicants have discovered that the second edge  122  of the second web slot portion should be inclined at an angle  134  of about 95° to the second edge  120  of the first slot portion. Furthermore, applicants have discovered that the tip  124  between second edge of the first slot portion and the second edge of the second slot portion should be rounded to allow for smooth re-engagement of the actuator guide member if it inadvertently disengages from the slide inner member. An exemplary radius for the tip is about 0.08 inch. Moreover, applicants have discovered that a spring  86  with a spring rate 1.2 lbs. per inch or capable of providing a force of 3 lbs. provides sufficient force for self-closing of a slide coupled to a typical kitchen drawer and cabinet. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the tip  124  formed on the web slot is joggled so as to engage the actuator guide member  108  along a lower location closer to the upper surface of the housing top wall as shown for example in FIG.  6 B. In this regard, the force applied by the tip  124  to the actuator guide member is reacted more in shear, and less in moment, tending to move the actuator guide member and actuator. By applying a smaller moment to the actuator guide member, more of the force applied to the actuator guide member is used to move the actuator. Consequently, a lesser force is needed to move the actuator and the motion of the actuator is smoother. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the housing has a length of about 2.465 inches; the longitudinal slot extends to a length of about 1.6 inches along the housing top wall; the inner slide member web has a width of about 0.76 inch at the rear end of the inner member; the second slot portion extends a distance of about 0.694 inch into the inner slide member web as measured from the rear end of the web; the first edge of the first inner slide member web slot portion is located at about 0.698 inch from the outer surface of the furthest leg of the inner slide member; and the rounded tip is located at about 0.519 inch from the outer surface of the furthest leg of the inner slide member. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator guide member is an elongated protrusion  142  (FIGS. 7A,  7 B and  7 C). With this embodiment, the width  144  of the transverse portion  110  of the slot formed on the top wall of the housing should be wider than the width  146  of the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot to accommodate the increased length in the guide member. The longitudinal portion of the slot only has to accommodate the narrower width of the guide member. The increased length of the guide member protrusion provides more surface for engagement by the web slot of the inner member thereby reducing the force required to disengage the actuator guide member from the transverse edge  102  of the transverse slot  100  formed on the housing top wall. The increased length of the guide member also causes a reduction in the noise as the guide member moves across the web slot. This is due to the fact that the guide member, because of its increased length, will travel a smaller distance from one edge of the web slot before striking an opposite edge of the web slot. A front and rear perspective view of the guide member incorporated in the exemplary embodiment mechanism shown in FIG. 7A is shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, respectively. This exemplary embodiment actuator comprises a rear wall  143  having an opening  145  for penetration by the guide pin  78 . The opening  145  has a diameter greater than the diameter of the guide pin  78  but smaller than the diameter of the spring  86 . The actuator also comprises two side walls  147  and no front wall. By coupling the guide pin to the actuator only via the rear wall, the actuator is allowed to pivot laterally relative to the guide pin such that central longitudinal axis of the opening  145  is offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the guide pin. This allows the actuator to have more freedom of movement relative to the guide pin making the movement of the actuator and thus of the mechanism easier. In an alternate embodiment, not shown, the actuator may have a front wall with an opening for the guide pin and no rear wall. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment mechanism, an alternate embodiment actuator as shown in FIG. 7D is used. This embodiment guide member comprises an elongated protrusion  144  is made more flexible by having two flexible longitudinally extending members  148 . These members may be formed by forming a slot  150  along a plane parallel to the upper surface of the protrusion that spans a portion of the length  152  of the protrusion and then forming a second slot  154  perpendicular to the first slot  150  extending to the upper surface  158  of the protrusion. The members which can flex reduce the impact noise when the actuator guide member is engaged by the web slot  109  of the slide inner member. In another exemplary embodiment, impact noise may be reduced by covering the actuator guide member, or at least the guide member protrusion, with a softer material, e.g., a rubbery material, cap. 
     When an elongated protrusion forms the guide member, as for example the guide member  406  shown in FIG. 8 (or the guide member  142  shown in FIGS.  7 C and  7 D), a web slot  412  is formed on the web of the inner slide member having a first portion  414  extending from the rear end of the inner member web  38 , and a second generally wider inclined slot portion  416  extending from the first portion. The second inclined portion is wider than the first portion to accommodate the elongated guide member. 
     In an alternate exemplary embodiment, as for example shown in FIG. 8, a bump or protrusion  400  is used in lieu of the detent  111 . The bump  400  is formed on the edge of the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot  90  at a location opposite the tine  106  and extends within the slot portion  92 . A complementary depression  402  is formed on the actuator guide member  406 . When moving toward a closed position, i.e., rearward, the actuator guide member  406  is pushed sideways by the bump and in turns bends the tine  106 . If the slide member with actuator guide member attempt to “bounce,” i.e., to re-extend after closing, the bump  400  would engage the complementary depression  402  and suppress or stop the bounce, i.e., prevent slide extension. In yet a further alternate exemplary embodiment, a second bump  408  is formed on the tine  106  opposite the first bump  400 . The second bump also extends into the longitudinal slot portion  92 . A second depression  410  complementary to the second bump is formed on the actuator guide member  406  to accommodate the second bump. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, a ramp  415  may be formed on the transverse edge  102  of transverse portion  100  of the slot  90 , as for example shown in FIG. 8, for aiding in the retention of the guide member in an “armed” state. The ramp may be defined by a bump  413  extending from the transverse edge  102 . Moreover, in another exemplary embodiment, an edge  411  of the longitudinal portion  92  of the slot  90  may be slightly curved forming a concavity, as for example shown in FIG. 8, to avoid squeaking as the actuator guide member moves along the longitudinal slot portion. Squeaking typically occurs when a plastic member slides against another plastic member. 
     In a further alternate exemplary embodiment, instead of being coupled to the rear wall  52  of the housing, the guide pin  78  is coupled to the front wall  55  of the housing and is capable of pivoting relative to the front wall. 
     In an alternate exemplary embodiment self-closing mechanism shown in FIG. 9A, the housing or body  199  has four legs  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d , two extending from either side wall of the housing  210 . With this embodiment, the legs have an outer surface complementary to the inner bearing raceways  26  of the slide outer member for snugly interfacing with the inner bearing raceways of the inner slide member. Preferably, at least two opposite legs have protrusions  212  extending from their lower surface  214  (FIG.  9 B). These protrusions engage corresponding slots  213  formed on the web  20  of the outer member  16  for securing the housing to the outer member (FIG.  11 ). 
     The legs are preferably integrally formed with the housing. A groove  215  is formed through each leg to accommodate the legs  40  of the inner slide member  12  as shown in FIG.  9 D. In this regard, the inner slide member can slide over the housing. Preferably the groove defines surfaces  217  on the legs to interface with the outer bearing raceways  42  of the inner slide member. In this regard, the grooves  215  serve as a guide for guiding the inner slide member over the housing. 
     When the self-closing mechanism is incorporated in a three-member slide, as for example shown in FIG. 10, a stop  216  may extend from the front end of the mechanism housing. The stop may be in the form of a resilient member attached to the front end of the housing or may be in the form of two arms  218   a ,  218   b  as for example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, each arm extending from a side  220  of the housing toward the center of the housing which can flex as it is contacted by the intermediate member web  28 , to absorb some of the energy due to impact, silence the impact and stop the movement of the intermediate member. Alternatively, the housing may be formed with a single arm as discussed above extending from the front end of the housing. 
     A guide slot  222  is formed in each of the two sidewalls  220  of the housing as shown in FIG.  9 C. Each sidewall guide slot is a longitudinal slot extending from proximate the rear wall  224  of the housing to proximate to front end  226  of the housing. Each slot comprises an upper edge  228 . The upper edge extends from proximate the rear wall of the housing to proximate the front wall of the housing. A notch  230  is formed on the upper edge nearer the front wall of the housing. A first lower edge  234  extends from proximate the rear wall of the housing to a location beyond the notch  230  where it is stepped down to a second lower edge  236 . In other words, the second lower edge is lower than the first lower edge. Consequently, each slot has a narrow portion  238  which extends into a wider portion  240 . 
     A longitudinal rectangular slot  242  is formed on the top wall  244  of the housing. A guide pin  246  extends from the inner surface  248  of the front wall  250  to the inner surface  252  of the rear wall  224  of the housing (FIG.  9 B). A spring  254  surrounds the pin. In other words, the pin penetrates a spring. A groove  256  is formed on the inner surface  248  of the front wall  250  of the housing extending to the bottom of the front wall. The groove preferably has a flat base  258  and a width which is greater than the outer diameter of the spring. A groove  251  is formed on the inner surface of the rear wall  249 . The groove extends from the top toward the bottom of the inner surface of the rear wall  224 . Preferably, the groove is confined to an area within the middle of the wall and does not extend to the top or bottom ends of the rear wall. The groove  251  has a width slightly greater than the diameter of the guide pin  246 . 
     The self-closing mechanism also comprises an actuator  253 . The actuator comprises a body  256  having a tab  258  extending from either side of the body (FIG.  9 B). The tabs have a thickness that is slightly smaller than the width of side wall slots narrower sections. An opening  260  is formed longitudinally through the body  256 . The opening  260  is elongated in cross-section having a width  262  that is narrower than its height  264 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the width  262  of the opening  260  is slightly larger than the diameter of the guide pin  246  but smaller than the outer surface diameter of the spring  254 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C the opening is stepped from a first smaller width section  266  to a second larger width section  268  along the actuator body length. The first section  266  has a width greater than the diameter of the guide pin  246  but smaller than the outer surface diameter of the of the spring. The second section  268  has a width greater than the outer surface diameter of the spring. With this embodiment, the first section  266  extends from the rear end  270  of the body to a location  271  near the front end  272  of the actuator body  256 . From there the second section  268  extends to the front end  272  of the actuator body. Consequently, an annular shoulder  273  is defined between the two sections. 
     A channel  276  bounded by a front lip  278  and a rear lip  280  is formed transversely across the upper surface of the actuator body  256 . The front surface  282  of the front lip is tapered toward the channel. The rear surface  284  of the rear lip is preferably also tapered toward the channel. 
     To assemble the self-closing mechanism, the spring  254  is inserted over the guide pin  246 , and the actuator  254  is placed over the guide pin from the rear end of the guide pin such that the guide pin penetrates the actuator opening  260 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B where opening at the actuator front end  272  is wider than the outer surface diameter of the spring  254 , the spring penetrates a portion of the actuator until it abuts the annular shoulder  273  in the actuator body. The guide pin rear end is fitted within the groove  251  formed on the inner surface of the rear wall and the guide pin forward end is fitted within the groove  256  formed on the inner surface of the front wall. The tabs  258  extending from the sides of the actuator are slidably fitted within the guide slots  222  on the side walls of the housing. While the housing may have a bottom wall, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.9A and 9B, the housing does not have a bottom wall. The entire self closing mechanism is then mounted on the rear most end of the slide inner member such that the foot protrusions  212  protrude through corresponding slots  213  on the web  20  of the slide outer member as shown in FIG.  11 . 
     When the pin is mounted within the housing, the rear end of the pin is elevated in comparison to the front end of the pin. This is caused by the relative positioning of the grooves  256  and  251  formed on the inner surfaces of the front and rear walls of the housing. 
     When the guide pin, spring and actuator are mounted within the housing, the spring urges the actuator toward the rear end of the housing. To move the actuator toward the forward end of the housing, a force must be applied on the actuator to move it against the spring force longitudinally forward. Because the pin and spring are inclined, i.e., the rear end of the pin is situated higher than the front end of the guide pin, as the tabs progress beyond the first lower edges  234  of the guide slots  222  and into the second lower edges  236  of the guide slots which are lower than the first lower edges, the actuator is caused to rotate in a forward direction such that forward ends  290  of the tabs rotate downward toward the second lower edges  236  of the guide slots while the rear end  292  of the tab engages the notch  230  formed on the upper edge of each of the guide slots  222 . When in that position, the spring is in a compressed state and it attempting to urge the actuator toward the rear. However, the notch  230  formed in each of the guide slot upper edges provides a stop to such movement. Moreover, when in the rotated position, the front lip  278  of the actuator is in a lower position relative to the housing top wall while the actuator rear lip  280  is positioned higher relative to the housing top wall when compared to their positions prior to rotation. 
     The actuator is able to rotate partially relative to the guide pin  246  because of the actuator elongated opening  260  penetrated by the guide pin. Moreover, some actuator rotation is allowed by the relative available movement of the front and rear ends of the guide pin. 
     To interface with a self-closing mechanism, a web slot  286  is formed proximate the rear end  288  of the web  38  of the inner slide member  12  and is spaced apart from the rear end  288  of the web at a distance  290  that is shorter than the width  291  of the channel formed on the upper surface of the actuator (FIG.  10 ). Consequently, the strip  293  defined between the web slot and the end of the web has a width  290  that is shorter than the width of the channel  276  formed on the upper surface of the actuator. Furthermore, the web slot  286  has a width  294  which is slightly greater than the width of the front lip  278  of the actuator. In this regard, the slide inner member  12  can engage the actuator by having the strip  293  positioned within the channel such that the front lip  278  of the actuator penetrates the slot  286 . Once the slide inner member has engaged the actuator, extension of the inner member applies a force against an inner surface  298  of the front lip of the actuator causing the actuator to travel forward against the spring force until the front ends  290  of the tabs  258  of the actuator moves past the first lower edges  234  of the guide slots  222 , at which point the actuator rotates causing the front lip  278  to withdraw from the web slot  286  and release the inner slide member from the actuator. When that occurs, the actuator tab rear ends  292  remain engaged against the notch  230  formed on each upper edge  228  of the guide slots  222 . 
     When the inner slide member is retracted moving rearward relative to the outer slide member, the rear end  288  of the web of the inner slide moves to engage an inner surface  300  of the rear lip  280  of the actuator such that the web strip  293  is positioned over the actuator channel  276 . As the inner member continues to move rearward, it pushes against the inner surface  300  of the rear lip of the actuator, causing the actuator to rotate upward such that the actuator front lip  278  penetrates the web slot  286 , while simultaneously causing the rear end  292  of each tab  258  to move downward and disengage from notch  230  causing the strip  293  to be straddled within the channel  276  between the front and rear lips of the actuator. When that occurs, the spring force urges the actuator backwards. Because the web strip  293  is straddled within the actuator channel, the actuator moves the slide rearward to self-close. The rear ends  292  of the tabs may be rounded to allow for easier disengagement from the notches  230 , thereby requiring less force to disengage the tabs from the notches  230 . 
     If the actuator were to inadvertently disengage from the slide inner member web  38 , the mechanism provides for re-engagement of the actuator by the inner slide member web. In such case, as the inner member is retracted, i.e., moves backward relative to the slide outer member, the end  288  of the slide inner member web engages the front tapered surface  282  of the actuator front lip  278 . The front lip front tapered surface  282  guides the rear end  288  of the web over the front lip  278  until the web strip  293  is positioned over the actuator channel at which time the actuator front lip  278  penetrates the web slot  286  and the web strip  293  is straddled within the actuator channel between the front and rear lips, thereby re-engaging with the inner slide member. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, ramp surfaces  287  may be formed extending from the first lower edges  234  of the side wall guide slots  222  inward, as for example shown in FIG.  9 A. These ramp surfaces are co-extensive with the first lower edges. In other words, the ramp surfaces do not extend longitudinally beyond the first lower edges  234  of the side wall guide slots  222 . The ramp surfaces provide support to for the actuator tabs  258 . With this embodiment, the actuator tabs do not have to extend transversely to the first lower edges of the sidewall guide slots. They only have to extend to the ramps such that they are sandwiched between the ramp surfaces and the housing top wall. When the front ends  290  of the actuator move forward past the front end of the guide slot first lower edges, they move past the ramp surfaces  287  and are able to rotate forward as discussed above. 
     In an alternate exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the guide pin is eliminated. With this embodiment, the housing is provided a bottom wall  310  (FIG.  12 B). A central longitudinal slot  312  is formed along the bottom wall. A spring  314  is fitted within the central longitudinal slot. The slot has a width  316  slightly greater than the outer surface diameter of the spring. An intermediate wall  318  parallel to the bottom wall  310  is formed between the top wall  244  and bottom wall  310  of the housing. A central longitudinal guide slot  322  is formed along the intermediate wall. The guide slot  322  is parallel and axially aligned with the bottom wall slot  312 . The actuator  324  is provided with a bottom tab  326  extending from a bottom surface  328  of the actuator proximate the rear of the actuator body (FIGS. 13A,  13 B). The actuator also includes a pair of side tabs  258  extending from opposite sides of the actuator. 
     A guide slot  330  is formed on each sidewall  220  of the housing (FIGS. 12A,  12 C). A notch  230  is also formed along the upper edge of each guide slot  330 . Immediately forward of the notches a cutout  332  is formed across the intermediate wall. 
     Prior to mounting on the slide outer member  16 , the actuator is fitted within the housing such that the side tabs  258  are slidably fitted within the sidewall guide slots  330  and the bottom tab is slidably fitted within the intermediate wall slot  312 . The tab is moved toward the rear wall of the housing and the spring  314  is fitted within the bottom wall slot  322  between the front wall  226  and the actuator bottom tab  326 . The thickness of the bottom wall is chosen to be sufficient for providing lateral support to the spring for preventing the spring from moving transversely across the housing. When the housing is mounted on the slide outer member  16 , the outer member web  20  will retain the spring within the bottom wall slot  312 . 
     When mounted on the slide outer member, the spring urges the bottom tab and thus the actuator toward the housing rear wall  224 . When the slide inner member is engaged to the actuator and is extended relative to the outer member, the actuator is slid forward until it reaches the cutout  332  on the intermediate wall. When the actuator reaches the cutout, the off-center force which is applied by the spring to the actuator bottom tab causes the actuator to rotate forward and the rear ends  292  of the side tabs  258  to engage their corresponding notches  230  on the sidewall guide slots  330 . Forward rotation of the actuator is aided by having the bottom tab  326  extending from proximate the rear portion of the actuator body. 
     When forward rotation of the actuator occurs, the inner slide member releases from the actuator and the force applied by the spring on the actuator bottom tab retains the actuator tabs and thus the actuator engaged to the notches  230  until it is re-engaged by the inner slide member and released from the notches. The rear ends  292  of the tabs may be rounded to allow for easier disengagement from the notches  230 , thereby requiring less force to disengage the tabs from the notches  230 . 
     The bottom wall of the housing  310  may be provided with a pair of actuator slots  352 , one on either side of the bottom wall slot  312  for accommodating the side tabs  258  of the actuator when the actuator is in a rotated “armed” position (FIG.  12 B). 
     With any of the embodiments of the present invention, the self-closing mechanism housing also provides lateral support to the slide inner member as it slides over the housing. Furthermore, any of the aforementioned housing may incorporate any of the legs described herein for mounting on the slide outer member. Moreover, a tab  350  may be cut from the web  20  of the slide outer member  16  for engaging the front wall  226  of the housing for further securing the housing to the slide outer member as shown for example in FIG.  10 . 
     With any of the aforementioned embodiments, the web portion of the slide web surrounding the legs of the housing may be lanced upwards. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a portion of the slide web  20  immediately behind the housing legs  60   a  and  60   c  are raised i.e., lanced forming lances  420   d  and  420   b , respectively. These lances provide further support to the housing and prevent the housing from sliding backward along the web  20  as the slide and actuator close. In yet a further alternate exemplary embodiment, the web  20  is lanced at a location for creating a lance  422  immediately behind the housing front wall  55 . The lance  422  also provides support for preventing the housing from sliding backwards along the web  20  as the slide is closed. In another exemplary embodiment, the portions of the web in front of the legs are also lanced. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, lances  420   a  and  420   c  are formed in front of the housing legs  60   c  and  60   a , respectively and opposite lances  420   b  and  420   d  respectively. Consequently a depression is defined between each pair of opposite lances, e.g.,  420   a ,  420   b  and  420   c ,  420   d  for accommodating a leg of the housing. These depressions provide a predefined location for the legs to couple to the housing. 
     Moreover in any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments incorporating a guide pin and an actuator, as for example the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3,  7 A,  8 , and  10 , the actuator opening accommodating the guide pin, as for example the opening  145  formed on the wall  143  of the actuator as shown in FIG. 15, is extended to the free end  445  of the wall  143 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the opening extends to the free end  445  of the wall via a slot  440  having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the opening. The width of the slot  440  should also be slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide pin. This allows for the actuator to “snap” on to the guide pin as for example guide pin  78 . In other words, the guide pin “snaps” through the slot  440  into the opening  145 . The slot  440  is defined between two edges  442 ,  444 . These edges taper outward forming tapering edges  446 ,  448 , respectively, at their intersection with the free end  445  of the wall increasing the width of the slot at the free end  445  of the wall. The tapering edges  446 ,  448  serve to guide the guide pin to the slot when the actuator is being “snapped” over the guide pin. 
     Further with any of the aforementioned embodiments incorporating a guide pin, as for example the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3,  7 A,  8 , and  10 , the spring as for example spring  86  is fitted over the guide pin, as for example guide pin  78 , and the guide pin is capped at both ends, e.g., a cap is formed at each end, as for example caps  80  and  88  shown in FIG.  16 . One end of the guide pin may be capped prior to fitting the spring. If an actuator, as for example the actuator shown in FIG. 15 is used, the actuator may then be “snapped” on the guide pin. Alternatively, the pin may be fitted within the actuator prior to capping. The guide pin with spring and actuator may then be “snapped” onto a wall of the housing, as for example the housing rear wall. To allow for snapping of the pin onto the housing rear wall, the rear wall of the housing, as for example wall  52  shown in FIG. 17, is formed with an opening  450  which extends to the lower end  454  of the rear wall  52  via a slot  452  having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the opening  450 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the opening  450  has an elliptical shape whose minor diameter is greater than the guide pin diameter. The elliptical shape allows for the pin slide across the opening as well as pivot about the opening. The slot  452  width is slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide pin so as to allow the pin to “snap” through the slot and into the opening  450 . Portion of the edges of the slot  452  extending to the lower end  454  taper outwards forming tapering edges  456 ,  458 , increasing the width of the slot  452  to a dimension greater than the diameter of the guide pin. This increase in slot width provides a guide for guiding the guide pin to the slot  452  for being “snapped” in place. 
     In addition, when the mechanisms of the present invention are used with a three member slide, a longer intermediate slide member may be used by cutting out a portion of the web  28 , forming a cut-out  460  to accommodate a front portion  462  of the self-closing mechanism as for example shown in FIG.  8 . This would also allow use of longer ball bearing retainers and allow the slide to hold more weight. 
     Any of the self-closing mechanisms of the present invention may be mounted on a slide member such as the outer slide member  16  having a cut-out  464  as for example shown in FIG. 8 to allow the slide member to couple to a rear bracket (not shown). 
     With any of the aforementioned embodiments, the spring is preferably compressed when armed. In this regard, failure of the spring when armed would likely not cause the spring to elect from the mechanism as would occur if the spring were stretched during when armed as occurs with self-closing mechanisms using springs. Another advantage of the self-closing mechanism of the present invention is that they modular and can be easily incorporated into existing slides by slightly modifying the slide as for example, by forming a slot on the slide inner member web and by shortening the slide intermediate member if an intermediate member is used. Moreover, the mechanisms of the present invention do not require external tabs or other members to be connected to the slide to interface with the mechanism, which would be subject to early fatigue failures.