Patent Publication Number: US-9404296-B2

Title: Recessed handle lever for lift and slide door

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to hardware for doors in architectural structures, and more specifically to a lever for operating lift and slide doors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sliding glass doors are often used as exterior doors in structures to allow ingress and egress to the structure while providing a strong weather seal against the elements. Typical sliding glass doors have a stationary panel and a sliding panel that slides along one side of the stationary panel to provide a functional opening for about half of the width of the door opening. Because one panel is stationary, the functional opening is limited to only one side of the door opening. Typically, sliding glass doors are used in openings between six and ten feet long. By pass doors may be used to cover larger openings, but are usually limited to operation on two tracks such that only one door panel can be positioned behind another. This limits the width of the functional opening of the door opening, although the open width can be located on either side (and sometimes in an intermediate area) of the door opening as opposed to sliding glass doors. Unlike sliding glass doors, bypass doors are typically not used for external applications as there is no ability to weather seal the panels. 
     Lift and slide doors are configured with singular or multiple panels and are used in architectural structures, primarily on exterior walls, to enclose an expanse, for example, openings of 4-48 feet. More importantly nearly all panels of lift and slide doors move to allow for such wide expanses to be completely opened to the exterior without any structural interference. The panels may bypass each other and be stored as a stack within a pocket at one or both sides of the opening or, in other configurations, may pivot at a location adjacent a lateral end to stack flat against a side wall defining the opening. The panels roll on bearings along a metal track recessed within the floor such that a very low bead extends very slightly above the surface of the floor. The top edges of the panels are retained within a track provided in the lintel of the opening. 
     When the door panels are in a closed position, the bases of the panels rest upon the floor and typically have a weather strip along a bottom edge to seal out water and drafts. Similarly, the lateral edges of the panels seal against each other. A channel in the base of the door receives the bead of the track. To open the door system, each panel is lifted off of the floor onto the track by moving a bearing structure into the channel within the panel base and engaging the exposed bead of the metal track. A mechanism in the door forces the bearing system downward with respect to the rest of the panel onto the metal track such that the panel is lifted off the floor and can slide along the track on the bearings. The panels are very heavy so significant leverage is required to force the bearing structure downward onto the track to raise the panel. Typically a handle or lever is used to actuate the bearing system in each panel through a linkage. The handle may be removable where the user engages the handle as a lever on each panel in succession, usually by connecting with the linkage and then rotating the handle 180 degrees to actuate the linkage and the bearing system for the panel. Alternatively, the handle is mounted to the door and the mechanism and the door typically will have a pocket cutout to allow for the projection of the handle or the panels must be stored in a staggered, partially open position to allow for the projection of the handles from the doors. 
     With a removable handle, a first panel is lifted off the floor and is resting on the track, the user removes the handle from the first panel and connects the handle to the next panel to similarly actuate it. Once the last panel is actuated, a user can move the first door along the track, bypassing the next adjacent panel. Typically, the panels are designed to connect with and collect each adjacent panel as the panels slide along the track. Conventional handle levers for these lift and slide doors stick outwards from the face of the panel when engaged. If the stack of panels is to be hidden within a pocket in the sidewall, the handle lever must be removed and stored somewhere for later use when closing the door panels. Further, if handles are attached permanently to any panel (except perhaps the end panel), the panels cannot slide past each other completely which would diminish the possibility for a hidden pocket door system. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a handle assembly for use with a lift and slide door system. The handle assembly includes a support frame configured to be received within a recess defined on a surface of a door and a handle rotationally and movably connected to the support frame. With the handle assembly, in a first position the handle is substantially flush with the surface of the door and in a second position the handle includes a first component that is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the door and a second component that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the door. 
     Another embodiment of the disclosure may take the form a lever assembly for a lift and slide door system. The lever assembly includes a support structure configured to connect to a door of the lift and slide door system, a lever comprising a user selectable component, and a biasing member connected to the lever. With the lever assembly, selection by the user of the user selectable component allows the biasing member to move the lever from a nested position relative to the support structure to an extended position relative to the support structure. 
     Yet another embodiment of the disclosure may take the form of a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a support assembly configured to connect to a door, a handle movably connected to the support assembly, and a biasing assembly connected to the handle. The biasing assembly is configured to selectively move the handle from a first position relative to the support assembly to a second position relative to the support assembly. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front elevation view of a door system including a handle assembly of the present disclosure with the doors closed. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front elevation view of the door system of  FIG. 1A  with the first two doors in the open position. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged front elevation view of first door illustrating the handle assembly with the handle in the closed position. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the handle assembly with the handle in an actuated position. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side isometric exploded view of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  is another side isometric exploded view of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 5A  is a first cross section view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a second cross-section view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is cross-section view of the handle assembly taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 6  illustrating the actuation assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear isometric view of an upper back plate for the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear isometric view of the handle of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 10A  is a front isometric view of a latch for the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 10B  is a rear isometric view of the latch of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of an actuator plate for the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 12A  is a top isometric view of a hub for the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 12B  is a side elevation view of the hub of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is a front isometric view of the hub of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13A  is a top isometric view of a mount for the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 13B  is a bottom isometric view of the mount of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 14A  is a bottom isometric view of a yoke of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 14B  is another bottom isometric view of the yoke of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15  is a top isometric view of a first lever arm of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a top isometric view of a second lever arm of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 17A  is an isometric view of the biasing assembly of the handle assembly with select elements hidden for clarity, with the handle being in the closed position. 
         FIG. 17B  is an isometric view of the biasing assembly similar to  FIG. 17A  but with the handle being in the actuated position. 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Overview 
     The present disclosure is related to levers for lift and slide door panels. The lever or handle allows a user to actuate the panels in order to open and close the sliding door system. The lever is primarily envisioned to be used with lift and slide door assemblies, but may conceivably be used with substantially any type of door. The lever assembly includes a handle nested into a recess of the door when not in use. This allows the handle to be substantially flush with an outer surface of the door when not being used. By being substantially flush with an outer surface of the panel, such as a face, the panel may be easily stored, such as in a pocket structure of a door frame. The panel may be stacked against other panels or another structure without the handle interfering with the position of the panel. As will be discussed in more detail below, to use the handle, the user can actuate the handle, which causes the handle to move outward from the recess in the panel surface. This allows the user to grip the handle and provide a lever-type function to reduce the force required by the user to actuate the panel, such as to lift the panel onto a track. 
     To use the handle, the user presses an actuator, such as a push button, switch, or the like. The handle is then forced outwards from the recess to extend away from the panel. This movement allows the handle to be easily accessible by a user, and the user may easily grip the handle. Once extended, the handle can be rotated and locked into a first position. This rotation actuates a typical mechanism in the lift and slide door panel to raise the panel off the ground and move a bearing system in contact with an exposed bead of a track in the floor. The user can then grip the handle and apply a force in the direction he or she desires the door to be moved. The length of the handle away from the rotational or pivot point provides the functional lever arm strength of the handle and allows a user to used a reduced force as compared to a shorter lever arm in order to lift the panel and actuate the bearing system in the panel. After use, the user can move the handle back into its recessed position within the panel, thus allowing other panels to slide past it without interference. 
     The lever assembly may include a handle, an outer frame, a handle linkage, an actuating assembly, and a biasing assembly. The outer frame is designed to fit within a recess in the face of the panel in a location similar to typical door handle hardware and thereby connect lever assembly to the panel. However, unlike typical door handles, the handle nests into the face of the panel, for example, the outer frame also defines a cavity to receive the handle. The handle connects to the outer frame via the handle linkage and is received within the cavity of the outer frame in a nested position. In this nested position the handle may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the panel within which the outer frame is installed. The outer frame may have a decorative lip or flange that may be substantially flush with the face of the panel as well. 
     The biasing assembly includes one or more biasing members that are connected to one or more lever arms in the handle linkage via a yoke. The lever arms extend from the outer frame and connect the handle to the outer frame. The yoke secures the one or more biasing members together and allows the biasing members to exert a combined force on the lever arms. When actuated, the biasing members force the lever arms outward and upward from the outer frame, which, in turn, move the handle outward and upward from the outer frame. The biasing members may be substantially any type of component that can provide a mechanical force, however, in some embodiments the biasing members may be springs such as gas actuated springs, or the like. 
     The actuation assembly allows a user to release the handle from a nested position within the outer frame. The actuation assembly may include an actuator, such as a button or other user selectable component, a button spring, and a latch spring, and a latch. In a first position, the latch engages with a hub connected to the outer frame and the lever arms of the biasing assembly. The latch locks the biasing assembly to prevent the biasing force of the biasing members from forcing the handle outward and upward. To release the handle, the user selects the actuator, which compresses the button spring into a second position. As the actuator is pressed inward, the button spring is compressed and the actuator engages the latch and moves the latch laterally. As the latch moves, it compresses the latch spring, and the latch disengages from the hub. Once the latch is disengaged, the biasing assembly forces the handle linkage upward and outward to move the handle outward and upward. 
     When the handle is extended outward from the outer frame, the handle is able to be grasped by a user. In some embodiments, the handle and handle linkage may also be rotatable relative to the outer frame. In these embodiments, once the biasing assembly has extended the handle, a user may rotate the handle (e.g., 180 degrees) to unlatch the door panel. In the case of a lift and slide door panel, “unlatching” means that the handle rotation operates to interface with a mechanism in the to the panel to raise or lower the panel and engage or disengage the bearing system in the panel with the tracks. Once the panel is lifted and the bearing system engages the track the user can move the panel along the length of the track. If an adjacent panel needs to bypass another panel, the handle can be pushed back into the cavity of the outer frame. In the nested position, the latch spring biases the latch towards a catch or groove defined in the hub to lock the handle in position. 
     If a panel needs to be set on the floor, e.g., when the opening is needs to be closed and sealed to prevent outside weather elements (e.g., rain, wind) from entering the structure, the actuator may be pressed to release the handle and the handle can be rotated (e.g., 180 degrees in the opposite direction to an original position), thus removing the bearing system from the track and lowering the panel to the floor. The handle can then be pushed back into a nested position within the outer frame flush with the surface of the panel for a smooth aesthetic appearance. 
     The lever assembly allows the handle to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the panel when not in use. The flush orientation of the handle allows the panels to slide past one another and also allows the panels to be stored against each other and/or within a wall pocket. For example, the panels are typically stored within a cavity defined within a structure, such as the frame of the door opening. Because the handle is flush with the face of the panel, the panel can slide into the pocket of the door frame and the handle will not protrude past the edge of the door frame. The handle may be used with panels in lift and slide door assemblies and, with the related linkage, provides sufficient leverage to allow a user to engage the lifting mechanisms in the panels that may often weigh several hundred pounds each. Conventional lift and slide handles extend from the panel surface to provide for the lever action to offset the weight of the panels and are removable once the panels have been lifted onto the tracks in order for the panels to slide past one another. 
     Detailed Description 
     Turning to the figures, a handle assembly of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 1A  is a front elevation view of a lift and slide door system  100  including the handle assembly  108  with a first panel in a first position.  FIG. 1B  is a front elevation view of the door system  100  of  FIG. 1A  with the first panel in a second position.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the panel illustrating the handle assembly with a handle in the nested position. With reference to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 , the door system  100  may include a door opening  112  defined in a structure  109 . The structure  109  may typically be a wall or other dividing structure. The door opening  112  allows areas (e.g., rooms, patios, yards, etc.) to be accessible from other areas. The door system  100  may include one or more panels  102 ,  104  that selectively close the door opening  112 . In one embodiment, the door system  100  may include a first or master panel  102  and a second or slave panel  104  that slide across the door opening  112 . In some embodiments, movement of the master panel  102  causes movement of the slave panel  104 . For example, as the master panel  102  is moved laterally across the door opening  112 , the master panel  102  may collect the slave panels  104 ,  106  with an interface mechanism (not shown) as the master panel  102  slides past the slave panel  104 , thereby correspondingly laterally moving the slave panels  104 ,  106  across the door opening  112 . 
     The master panel  102  and the slave panels  104 ,  106  are connected to the structure  109  by a track  110 . The track  110  defines a path for movement of the master panel  102  and the slave panel  104 . For example, the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106  may include bearings, wheels, or other low friction components that slide, roll, or otherwise move along the track  110 . The type of track  110  and the type of connection between the track  110  and the master panel  102  and slave panel  104  may be varied as desired. 
     The handle assembly  108  connects to one or more of the panels of the door system  100 . In one embodiment, the handle assembly  108  connects to the master panel  102  on a face  114  of the master panel  102 . For example, a handle recess  118  is defined in the outer surface  116  of the panel face  114  and the handle assembly  108  is received in the handle recess  118  and connected to the master panel  102 . The position of the handle assembly  108  may be selected to allow the handle assembly to be accessible by a user. 
     The handle assembly  108  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 3  is a first isometric view of the handle assembly  108  with a handle  116  in the extended position.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are exploded views of the handle assembly  108 .  FIGS. 5A-7  illustrate various cross-sections of the handle assembly  108 . With reference to  FIGS. 2-7 , the handle assembly  108  may include a support assembly  146 , the handle  116 , an actuation assembly  144 , and a biasing assembly  206 . Each will be discussed in turn below. The support assembly  146  connects the handle assembly  108  to the master panel  102  and the actuation assembly  144  selectively actuates the biasing assembly  206  to move the handle relative to the support assembly  146 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-5B , the support assembly  146  may include an outer frame  126 , a plurality of fasteners  170 , one or more back plates  148 ,  150 , one or more support bars  172 ,  174 , and one or more bumpers  176 ,  178 . The outer frame  126  has a frame body  204  and a handle cavity  134  recessed from a top surface  205  of the frame body  204 . The handle cavity  134  is sized and shape to correspond to the handle  116 , such that the handle  116  can be received into the handle cavity  134 . In other words, the handle cavity  134  defines a pocket for the handle  116 . As most clearly shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a frame lip  207  surrounds the top edge of the handle cavity  134  and extends outwards therefrom. In this manner, the frame lip  207  defines an outer surface of the outer frame  126 . As will be discussed below, the frame lip  207  sits on the outer surface of the panel face  114  while the frame body  204  and handle cavity  134  are received into the handle recess  118 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the frame lip  207  further defines one or more fastening apertures  130 ,  132 . For example, a first fastening aperture  130  may be defined on a first end of the frame lip  207  and a second fastening aperture  132  may be defined on a second end of the frame lip  207 . Although two fastening apertures  130 ,  132  are illustrated, it should be noted that the number and placement of the fastening apertures  130 ,  132  can be varied as desired. Moreover, in other embodiments the fastening apertures  130 ,  132  may be omitted and other fastening means may be used to secure the outer frame to the panel. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the support assembly  146  includes one or more back plates  148 ,  150 .  FIG. 8  is a rear isometric view of an upper back plate. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the support assembly  146  includes an upper back plate  148  and a lower back plate  150 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the two back plates  148 ,  150  are configured to connect to the back side of the frame body  204  to enclose the back end of the frame  126 . The upper back plate  148  and the lower back plate  150  may be rectangular shaped and have a width that substantially matches the width of the frame  126  so that they may span across the entire handle cavity opening defined by the frame  126 . The upper back plate  148  and the lower back plate  150  may be mirror images of one another, such that the top end of the upper back plate  148  may be substantially the same as the bottom end of the lower back plate  150  and the bottom end of the upper back plate  148  may be substantially the same as top end of the lower back plate  150 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 8  the back plates  148 ,  150  may include a plurality of fastening apertures  166   a - 166   g  configured to receive fasteners to connect the back plates  148 ,  150  to the frame  126  and/or master panel  102 . The size, number, and placement of the fastening apertures  166   a - 166   g  may be varied based on the type of fasteners used, the type of panel, and other design features. In addition to the fastening apertures  166   a - 166   g , the back plates  148 ,  150  may each include a bumper aperture  168 . The bumper aperture  168  may be defined towards the top and bottom ends  152 ,  158  of the upper back plate  148  and the lower back plate  150 , respectively. However, similar to the fastening apertures, the size, shape, and positioning of the bumper apertures  168  may be modified as desired. 
     The back plates  148 ,  150  further each define a hub notch  160 ,  162 . The hub notch  160  on the upper back plate  148  is located at a bottom end of the upper back plate  148  and the hub notch  162  on the lower back plate  150  is located at a top end  156  of the lower back plate  150 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , the back plates  148 ,  150  may further each include two bar trenches  149 ,  151 . The bar trenches  149 ,  151  extend longitudinally along a length of the back plate  148 ,  150 . Although the upper back plate  148  is shown in  FIG. 8 , the bar trenches  149 ,  151  are substantially the same in the lower back plate  150 . The bar trenches  149 ,  151  are positioned on each back plate towards a center of the plate  148 ,  150  and on either side of the hub notch  160 ,  162 . 
     With reference again to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the handle  116  will now be discussed in more detail. The handle  116  is configured to be gripped by a user and may have a size and shape suited to allow a user to easily grasp the handle  116  to operate the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106 .  FIG. 9  is a rear isometric view of the handle  116 . With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 9 , the handle  116  may have a generally rectangular shape and include a plurality of grooves and features to receive various components of the actuation assembly  144 . For example, the handle  116  may include an actuator aperture  250  that extends from the exterior surface  128  of the handle  116  through to the interior surface  306  of the handle  116 . The actuator aperture  250  may vary in diameter as it extends through the handle  116 . In one embodiment, the diameter of the actuator aperture  250  on the exterior surface  128  has a reduced diameter as compared to the diameter of the actuator aperture  250  on the interior surface  306 . In this embodiment, an actuator seat  254  is defined in the actuator aperture  250 , reducing the diameter of the actuator aperture  250  at the exterior surface  128  of the handle  116 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the handle  116  may also include a cover plate recess  242  defined on the interior surface  306 . The cover plate recess  242  surrounds the actuator aperture  250  and is recessed below the interior surface  306  of the handle  116  to define a seat for the cover plate, as will be discussed in more detail below. A pin groove  258  is defined at a lower end  260  of the cover plate recess  242 . The pin groove  258  extends laterally across the width of the handle  116 . The handle  116  further includes a latch pathway  256  extending from the actuator aperture  250  to a terminal end of the cover plate recess  242 . The latch pathway  256  is formed below the interior surface  306  of the handle  116 , as well as the top surface of the cover plate recess  242 . The latch pathway  256  extends vertically along a length of the handle  116  and is substantially perpendicular to the pin groove  258 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the handle  116  further defines a storage compartment  244  that defines a cavity to receive select components of the biasing assembly  206 . The storage compartment  244  is recessed below the interior surface  306  of the handle  116  and is surrounded by sidewalls  262  that define the shape of the storage compartment  244 . The shape and size of the storage compartment  244  may be modified based on the characteristics of the biasing assembly  206 . The storage compartment  244  may change in width along a length of the handle  116 . Such changes in width may correspond to the features of the components configured to be stored in the particular locations of the storage compartment  244 . In one embodiment, the storage compartment  244  may include an upper portion  270  having a first width. The upper portion  270  may narrow to define a neck  272  with a second width. The neck  272  may expand outward to define the body  274  with a third width and the body  274  somewhat narrows to define a trunk  276 . The trunk  276  may then expand laterally at the base of the storage compartment  244  to define a mount cavity  277 . Each of various sections of the storage compartment  244  may have the same width, different widths, or some sections may have similar widths while others have different widths. For example, the width of the upper portion  270  may be substantially the same as the width of the body  274 . 
     The handle  116  may further include a ledge  268  along the interior surface of the handle  116  adjacent the trunk  276  section of the storage compartment  244 . The ledge  268  is recessed below the interior surface  306  but is raised upwards from the bottom surface  266  of the storage compartment  244 . A plurality of fastening apertures  292  may be defined on the ledge  268  and extend into the handle  116 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the handle  116  further may include a plurality of pin apertures  286 ,  288 ,  310 ,  312 . In one example, there may four pin apertures  286 ,  288 , two on each of the longitudinal sidewalls  302 ,  304  of the handle  116 . In particular, a first pin aperture  286  and a second pin aperture  288  are defined on a first longitudinal sidewall  302  and a third pin aperture  310  and a fourth pin aperture  312  are defined on a second longitudinal sidewall  304 . In this example, the first pin aperture  286  is aligned with the third pin aperture  310  and the second pin aperture  288  is aligned with the fourth pin aperture  312 . 
     The handle  116  also includes a lever island  264  extending upwards from the bottom surface  266  of the storage compartment  244 . The lever island  264  is positioned within a center of the storage compartment  244  in the body portion  274 , although the lever island  264  may be repositioned as desired. As will be explained in more detail below, the lever island  264  provides a mount and pivot point for select components of the biasing assembly  206 . The lever island  264  includes a curved top surface defining a first hump  278  and second hump  280 . In one embodiment the first hump  278  is lower than the second hump  280 , i.e., the second hump  280  extends further upwards the bottom surface  266  of the storage compartment  244 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , each of the humps  278 ,  280  include a hump aperture  282 ,  284  extending laterally through the width of the lever island  264 . In this example, the hump apertures  298 ,  300  extend laterally across the width of the handle  116 . The first hump aperture  282  is aligned with the first pin aperture  286  and the third pin aperture  310  defined in the longitudinal sidewall  302 ,  304  of the handle  116 . Similarly, the second hump aperture  284  is aligned with the second pin aperture  288  and the forth pin aperture  312 . The lever island  264  may include an end wall  308  that is substantially planar and extends orthogonally from the base of the trunk  276  of the storage compartment. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the handle  116  may further include a first bumper notch  246  and a second bumper notch  248 . The first bumper notch  246  is defined on a first end of the handle  116  and is recessed from the interior surface  306 , the second bumper notch  248  is defined on a second of the handle  116  and is also recessed form the interior surface  306 . Each of the bumper notches  246 ,  248  may be generally oval shaped with the longer length of the oval being arranged to extend along the longitudinal length of the handle  116 , i.e., parallel to the sidewalls  302 ,  304 . However, the shape and configuration of the bumper apertures  246 ,  248  may be modified as desired. 
     The components of the actuation assembly  144  will now be discussed in more detail. As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the actuation assembly  144  may include an actuator spring  182 , a latch spring  183 , a latch  190 , an actuator  124 , and an actuator plate  180 .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate various views of a latch of the actuation assembly  144 . With reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the latch  190  may be somewhat “b” shaped and include an extension  210  that is somewhat rectangular in shape and a bulging portion  212  that extends outwards from a first portion of the extension  210 . In one example, the bulging portion  212  has a curved surface that extends from a bottom end of the extension  210 . The bulging portion  212  includes a latch aperture  214  defined therethrough that extends through a center of the bulging portion  212 . As most clearly shown in  FIG. 10B , the bulging portion  212  may include a faceted surface  224  around the exterior of the bulge  212  extending beyond the curved surface. The faceted surface  224  includes a plurality of substantially planar surfaces extending at different angles around the bulging portion  212 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10A , the latch  190  further includes an abutting surface  220  that extends from a first side  216  of the extension  210 . The abutting surface  220  is a substantially planar surface and, because it extends out from the extension  210 , it is in a different plane substantially parallel to the plane of the extension  210 . With reference to  FIG. 10B , a spring recess  226  is defined on the second side  218  of the extension  210 . The spring recess  226  is located towards a top end of the latch  190  and is positioned above the bulging portion  212 . The spring recess  226  is circular shaped and recessed from the outer surface of the extension  210 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a tip  222  is formed at the bottom end of the latch  190 . The tip  222  has a triangular cross-section as it extends downward at an angle to define a angled edge  219  from the bottom end of the bulging portion  212  to connect to the abutting surface  220 . 
     The actuation assembly  144  further includes an actuator plate  180 .  FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the actuator plate  180 . With reference to  FIG. 11 , the actuator plate  180  may be substantially rectangular shaped and may include a plurality of fastening apertures  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 . In one example, the actuator plate  144  may include a fastening aperture  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240  at each corner such that the actuator plate  144  may include four fastening apertures  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , the actuator plate  180  may include a latch recess  232  and spring recess  230  defined on a first side  228 . The latch recess  232  is “U” shaped with the open end of the “U” being positioned on the edge of the actuator plate  180  and the remaining portions of the “U” extending towards a center of the actuator plate  180 . The spring recess  230  is defined on the closed end of the latch recess  232  and is further recessed from the first side surface  228  of the actuator plate  180  than the latch recess  232 . 
     Select components of the biasing assembly  206  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate various views of the hub. With reference to  FIGS. 12A-12C , the hub includes a hub shaft  318  having a substantially square shape in cross-section but includes beveled corners  348 . The hub  140  also includes a first flange  320  and a second flange  322 . The two flanges  320 ,  322  are positioned at a first end of the hub shaft  318  and are spaced apart from each other to define an annular groove  324 . The two flanges  320 ,  322  may have the same or substantially the same diameter. However, in some embodiments the first flange  320  may have a slightly larger thickness than the second flange  322 . That said, in other embodiments, the flanges  320 ,  322  may have the same diameters, different diameters, the same thickness, or the second flange  322  may be thicker than the first flange  320 . A separation block  321  is positioned between the two flanges  320 ,  322  and defines the length of the annular groove  324 . The separation block  321  may be rounded, or in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 12A-12C  may include two rounded sides and two flat sides  323 , with the rounded sides being positioned on the top and bottom and the flat sides  323  being positioned on the left side and right side of the hub  140 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 12A-12C , the hub  140  may further include a pivot mount  338  extending outward from the second flange  322 . The pivot mount  338  may include a first lobe  354  and a second lobe  356 , with the first lobe  354  extending further outward from the second flange  322  than the second lobe  356 . Both the first lobe  354  and the second lobe  356  include a pivot mount aperture  358 ,  360  defined therethrough, the pivot mount apertures  358 ,  360  extending laterally through a width of each of the lobes  355 ,  356 . 
     The top surface of the pivot mount  338  is curved to generally follow the curvature of the second flange  322 . Additionally, an engagement channel  340  is defined on the top surface of the pivot mount  338 . The engagement channel  340  extends horizontally across the width of the pivot mount  338 . An angled surface  364  is defined adjacent to the outer top edge of the engagement channel  340 . The angled surface  364  is a relatively planar surface that is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface of the pivot mount  338 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C  the angled surface  364  is angled downward and away from the top surface of the pivot mount  338 . 
     Although the top surface of the pivot mount  338  may be curved, the pivot mount  338  may include relatively planar pivot mount sidewalls  362  on either side. The pivot mount sidewalls  362  extend perpendicular to and across a portion of the diameter of the second flange  322 . 
     The hub  140  may further include a first bracket  326  and a second bracket  328  extending on either side of the pivot mount  338  from the second flange  322 . The first bracket  326  and the second bracket  328  are substantially mirror images of one another. Each bracket  326 ,  328  includes a base projection  350  extending outward a first distance from the second flange  322  and a shoulder projection  352  that extends further outward from a portion of the base projection  350 . In this manner, the brackets  326 ,  328  each form an elbow component attached to the second flange  322 . The brackets  326 ,  328  may have curved outer surfaces  374  that generally follow the curvature of the second flange  322 . The interior surfaces  346  of the brackets  326 ,  328  may be flat. 
     The shoulder projections  352  of the brackets  326 ,  328  define respective first interface surfaces  366 ,  270  that face outward from the hub  140 . Due to the varying cross-section of the shoulder projections  352 , the interface surfaces  366 ,  370  are substantially triangular shaped and taper from the base projections  350  of the brackets  326 ,  328  outward toward an edge of the bracket  326 ,  328 . Additionally, second interface surfaces  368 ,  372  are defined along the outer facing surfaces of the base projections  350  of each of the brackets  326 ,  328 . The second interface surfaces  368 ,  372  taper from the shoulder projection  352  toward the bottom edge of the base projection  350 . In this manner, the tapers of the first interface surface  366 ,  370  and the second interface surface  368 ,  372  for each bracket  326 ,  328  are oriented in different directions. 
     Each bracket  326 ,  328  further includes a first bracket aperture  330 ,  332  defined in the shoulder projection  352  and a second bracket aperture  334 ,  336  defined in the base projection  350 . The first bracket apertures  330 ,  334  of the first and second brackets  326 ,  328  are aligned with one another and aligned with the pivot mount aperture  358  defined in the first lobe  354  of the pivot mount  338 . Similarly, the second bracket apertures  334 ,  336  of the first and second brackets  326 ,  328  are aligned with one another and aligned with the pivot mount aperture  360  defined in the second lobe  356  of the pivot mount  338 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , a mount for the biasing assembly  206  will now be discussed in more detail. The mount  184  has a substantially cylindrically-shaped body with a flat surface  384  defined on one sidewall of the cylinder. The flat surface  384  extends along the entire length of the mount  184 . The ends  380 ,  382  of the mount  184  are tapered from the sidewalls and include a flat end surface, such that either end of the mount  184  may define a frustum shape. Alternatively, the ends  380 ,  382  may form convex end curve, with or without the flat end surfaces. The mount  184  further includes a first mounting aperture  386  and a second mounting aperture  388  defined through the flat surface  384  through the width of the mount  184 . 
     The biasing assembly  206  may further include a yoke.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate top and bottom isometric views of the yoke  208 . With reference to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the yoke  208  includes two arms  392 ,  394  extending at either end from a cross member  390 . The yoke  208  further includes a first pivot socket  396  defined on a top surface of the first arm  392  and a second pivot socket  398  defined on a top surface of the second arm  394 . The two pivot sockets  396 ,  398  extend parallel to the cross member  390  and may be aligned with one another. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the yoke  208  includes a first securing pocket  400  and a second securing pocket  402 . The two securing pockets  402 ,  404  are defined in the bottom surface of the cross member  390  and extend partially through the cross member  390 , terminating prior to a top surface of the cross member  390 . 
     The lever arms for the biasing assembly  206  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 15  is a top isometric view of a lower lever arm  138 .  FIG. 16  is a top isometric view of an upper lever arm. With initial reference to  FIG. 15 , the lower lever arm  138  includes a main body  404  that extends longitudinally from a first end  418  to a second end  436 . The first end  418  of the lower lever arm  138  may include a first cutout  406  defining two arms  408 ,  410  spaced apart from one another. Each of the arms  408 ,  410  defined by the first cutout  406  includes a bottom rounded edge  412 ,  420  and a first hinge aperture  414 ,  416  defined therethrough. The first hinge apertures  414 ,  416  are aligned across a width of the arms  408 ,  410 . Similarly, the second end  436  of the lower lever arm  138  includes a second cutout  422  that defines two arms  424 ,  426  spaced apart from each other by the width of the second cutout  422 . Additionally, a base portion of each of the arms  424 ,  426  on the second end  436  extends laterally outward, wider than the main body  404 , in a box shape and defines a second hinge aperture  428 ,  430  therethrough. The second hinge apertures  428 ,  430  of the two ends  418 ,  436  of the lower lever arm  138  extend parallel to and are axially aligned with each other. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 15 , the lower lever arm  138  further includes a first clearance surface  438  and a second clearance surface  440  formed on the ends of arm  424  and arm  426 , respectively. The two clearance surfaces  438 ,  440  define an oblong shaped protrusion from the lower lever arm  138 . Each of a pair of pivot pins  432 ,  434  extends laterally outward from an outer sidewall of each of the clearance surfaces  438 ,  440 . The pivot pins  432 ,  434  extend parallel to a width of the main body  404  and are axially aligned with each other, but extend further outward than the edges of the main body  404 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 16 , the upper lever arm  136  has a main body  444  extending from a first end  456  to a second end  456 . Similar to the lower lever arm  138 , the upper lever arm  136  includes a first cutout  454  defined at the first end  456 , the first cutout  454  defining two arms  446 ,  448  spatially separated from each other by the first cutout  454 . Further, each of the arms  446 ,  448  also includes a first hinge aperture  450 ,  452  that extends through the width of the respective arm  446 ,  448 . The first hinge apertures  450 ,  452  are axially aligned across the cutout  454 . The arms  446 ,  448  of the upper lever arm  136  have relatively straight edges, as compared to the rounded edges  412 ,  420  of the arms  408 ,  410  from the lower lever arm  138 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 16 , the upper lever arm  136 , includes a second cutout  458  defined on the second end that creates two arms  460 ,  462  extending outward from the main body  444  and the second end  456  of the upper lever arm  136 . The arms  460 ,  462  include a rounded edge  470 ,  472  that extends from the top surface of the arms  460 ,  462  towards the front edge of the upper lever arm  136 . Further, each of the arms  460 ,  462  also defines a second hinge aperture  464 ,  466  that extends through the width of the respective arm  460 ,  462 . The second hinge apertures  464 ,  466  are axially aligned with each other. 
     Assembly of the handle assembly  108  will now be discussed. With reference to  FIGS. 4A-8 , the various components of the support assembly  146  may be connected together. In one embodiment, the upper back plate  148  and the lower back plate  150  are received into the annular groove  324  defined by the flanges  320 ,  322  of the hub  140 . In particular, the hub notches  160 ,  162  are inserted into the groove  324  on either side of the hub  140 . The edges of the notches  160 ,  162  abut against the separation block  321 . After the hub notches  160 ,  162  are received into the groove  324 , the support bars  172 ,  174  are received into the bar trenches  149 ,  151  defined on the back side of the back plates  148 ,  150 . For example, the support bars  172 ,  174  can be threaded between the back plates  148 ,  150  and the first flange  322 . The flange  322  helps to keep the supports bars  172 ,  174  in position and the support bars  172 ,  174  provide extra strength and rigidity to the back plates  148 ,  150 . 
     The bumpers  176 ,  178  are received into the bumper apertures  168  in each of the back plates  148 ,  150 . The frame  126  and the back plates  148 ,  150  are then connected together by the fasteners  170  received into the various fastening apertures  166   a - 166   g  in the back plates  148 ,  150  as well as into the frame  126  itself. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-7 and 9 , the actuation assembly  144  may be assembled by inserting the actuator  124  into the actuator aperture  150 . The actuator  124  may include an annular flange  123  (see  FIG. 7 ) that seats on the actuator seat  254 , preventing the actuator  124  from falling out of the actuator aperture  150  from the front of the handle  112 . The actuator spring  182  is then positioned in a cavity within the actuator  124 . The pin  200  is then received through the latch aperture  214  in the latch  190  and the latch is received in the latch pathway  256  on the interior of the handle  116 . The pin  200  is positioned in the pin groove  258  in the handle  116  and the latch extends below the end  260  of the plate recess  242 . The latch spring  183  is then positioned partially within the spring recess  226  defined in the extension  210  of the latch  190 . The spring recess  226  helps to hold the latch spring  183  in position and prevent lateral and/or vertical movement of the latch spring  183  relative to the extension  210 . 
     The actuator plate  180  is then positioned into the plate recess  242  and the fasteners are inserted into each of the fastening apertures  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240  to secure the actuator plate  180  to the handle  190 . The actuator plate  180  is aligned with the actuator spring  182  such that the spring seats in the spring recess  230  and the extension  210  of the latch  190  seats within the latch recess  232  of the actuator plate  180 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-7 and 17A , to connect together various components of the biasing assembly  206 , the upper lever arm  136  and the lower lever arm  138  are connected to the hub  140 . In particular, the pivot mount  338  is positioned within the first cutout  454  of the upper lever arm  136  and the arms  446 ,  448  are received between the pivot mount  338  and the brackets  326 ,  328 . Similarly, for the lower lever arm, the first cutout  406  is received around the pivot mount  338  and the arms  408 ,  410  are received between the pivot mount  338  and the brackets  326 ,  328 . Once both lever arms  136 ,  138  in position, a first pin  198  is received through the first bracket aperture  330 , through hinge aperture  450  of the upper lever arm  136 , through the pivot mount aperture  358 , through hinge aperture  452  of the upper lever arm  136 , and through the bracket aperture  332  on the second bracket  328 . The pin  198  secures the upper lever arm  136  to the hub  140 . Similarly, a second pin  196  is received through the bracket aperture  334  in the first bracket  326 , through hinge aperture  414  on the lower lever arm  138 , through the pivot mount aperture  360  of the pivot mount  338 , through the hinge aperture  416  of the lower lever arm  138 , and through the bracket aperture  336  in the second bracket  328 . The second pin secures the lower lever arm  138  to the hub  140 . 
     Once the lever arms  136 ,  138  are connected to the hub  140 , the lower lever arm  138  is connected to the yoke  208 . In particular, the first pivot pin  432  is positioned in the first pivot socket  396  and the second pivot pion  434  of the lower lever arm  138  is positioned in the second pivot groove  398  of the yoke  208 . The pivot sockets  396 ,  398  are configured to allow the pivot pins  432 ,  434  to rotate within the sockets. 
     With the yoke  208  connected to the lower lever arm  138 , the biasing members  186 ,  188  are received into the first securing pocket  400  and second securing pocket  402 , respectively, of the yoke  208 . For example, the biasing members  186 ,  188  may include cylindrical posts that fit within the pockets  400 ,  402  to connect the biasing members  186 ,  188  to the yoke  208 . Similarly, the bottom ends of the biasing members  186 ,  188  may also include securing posts that can be received into the mount  184  and specifically into the first and second mounting apertures  386 ,  388 . 
     After the components of the biasing assembly  206  are connected together, the biasing assembly  206  is positioned in the storage cavity  244  for connection to the handle  112 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 4A-7, 9, and 17A , the mount  184  is positioned into the mount cavity  277 , the biasing members  186 ,  188  and yoke  208  are received in the trunk  276 , the upper and lower lever arms  136 ,  138  connect around the island  264 , and the end of the hub  140  is positioned in the upper portion  270 . 
     The first hump  278  of the island  264  is received into the second cutout  458  of the upper lever arm  136  and the second hinge apertures  464 ,  466  of the upper lever arm  136  are aligned with the first pin aperture  286 , third pin aperture  310 , and first hump aperture  298 . Once the arm  136  is aligned with the island  264  and apertures, the pin  192  is inserted into the pin apertures  286 ,  298 ,  310 ,  464 ,  466  to connect the upper lever arm  136  to the handle  112 . Similarly, the second hump  208  is received into the second cutout  422  of the lower lever arm  138 . The second hinge apertures  428 ,  430  of the lower lever arm  138  are aligned with the second pin aperture  298  and fourth pin aperture  312  of the handle  112  and the second hump aperture  300  of the island  264 . After the alignment pin  194  is received through the second pin aperture  298 , the hinge aperture  428 , the second hump aperture  300 , the hinge aperture  430 , and the fourth aperture  312  to connect the lever arm  138  to the handle  112 . Once positioned in the storage compartment  244 , a cover plate  202  is connected over the storage compartment and seats on the edge  268 . Fasteners then secure the cover plate  202  to the handle  112 . It should be noted that in some embodiments, the cover plate  202  may only cover a portion of the storage compartment  244 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4A-7 , the cover plate  202  may be configured to only cover the biasing members  186 ,  188 , mount  184 , and optionally the yoke  208 . This configuration allows the lever arms  136 ,  138  to rotate/move without hindrance. However, in other embodiments, the cover plate  202  may enclosure more or fewer components of the handle assembly. 
     Operation for the handle assembly  108  will now be discussed in more detail. With reference to  FIGS. 2, 6, and 7 , in the closed or nested position, the handle  112  is positioned in the handle cavity  134  of the frame  126 . To operate any of the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106 , the user selects the actuator  124 . For example, the actuator  124  may be a button or other compressible switch, and the user presses the actuator  124  causing the actuator  124  to compress the actuator spring  182 . As the actuator spring  182  compresses, the flange  123  of the actuator  124  engages the extension  210  of the latch  109 . The engagement between the actuator  124  and the latch  190 , causes the latch  190  to pivot. As the latch  190  pivots, the latch spring  183  is compressed by the extension  210  and the tip  222  moves out of the engagement groove  340  of the pivot mount  338  on the hub  140  toward the interior surface  306  of the handle  112 . The angled surface  219  of the tip  222  aids in providing clearance to disengage the tip  222  from the groove  340 . 
     Once the tip  222  is disengaged, a biasing force exerted by the biasing members  186 ,  188  is no longer constrained by the latch  190 . The biasing members  186 ,  188  may be mounted at a slight angle relative to the handle  116 . (See  FIGS. 5A  and.  6  illustrating the biasing members  186 ,  188  oriented at an angle toward the back plates  148 ,  150 ). The pivot pins  432 ,  434  are positioned off-center with respect to the pivot point defined at pin  194  that connects the lower lever arm  138  to the handle  116  via the lever island  264 . The biasing members  186 ,  188  push against the pivot pints  434 ,  436  on the arms  424 ,  426  and the pin  194  becomes a fulcrum about which the lower lever arm  138  pivots. The lower lever arm  138  continues to pivot until the arms  392 ,  394  of the yoke  208  interface with the box-shaped, base portion of each of the arms  424 ,  426  of the lower lever arm  138  to provide a positive stop to the extension of the handle  116 . The upper lever arm  136  travels in tandem with the lower lever arm  138 . 
     The pivot pins  432 ,  434  rotate within the sockets  396 ,  398  in the yoke  208  and the clearance surfaces  438 ,  440  travel through the yoke  208  without interference. As the pins  432 ,  434  rotate, the clearance surfaces  438 ,  440  travel between the arms  392 ,  394  of the yoke  208 . The shape and configuration of the clearance surfaces  438 ,  440  provides clearance between the top surface of the cross member  390  of the yoke  208  to allow the lever arm  138  to move without interference with the cross member  390 . With reference to  FIG. 17B , as the pins  438 ,  440  pivot, the clearance surfaces  438 ,  440  move between the arms  392 ,  394  of the yoke  208  and the lever arms  136 ,  138  move from a substantially parallel orientation relative to the biasing members  186 ,  188  to a substantially perpendicular orientation. The lever arms  136 ,  138  are anchored to the frame  126  by the hub  140  and so the movement of the lever arms  136 ,  138  causes the handle  116  to move outward and upwards with the lever arms  136 ,  138 . 
     As noted, the upper lever arm  136  may be configured to follow the movement of the lower lever arm  138  due to its connection to the hub  140  and handle  116 . The upper lever arm  136  provides additional strength to the handle linkage. After the lever arms  136 ,  138  have completed their movement from the substantially parallel orientation relative to the handle  116  to the substantially perpendicular orientation, the handle  116  is in the actuated position. 
     As will be discussed below, the handle  116  may be actuated regardless of orientation, i.e., either stowed in a first position within the handle cavity  134  with the actuator  124  located in a top half of the handle  116  relative to the frame  126  or in a second, rotated position with the actuator  124  located in a bottom half of the handle  116  relative to the frame  126 . In either orientation, the actuation operation will be the same. 
     Once actuated, the user may rotate the handle  112  to engage the door panel  102  with the track  110 . For example, the user may rotate the handle by 180 degrees. As the user exerts a rotation force on the handle  112 , the lever arms  136 ,  138 , which are rigidly connected to the handle  116  through the lever island  264 , also rotate. The lever arms  136 ,  138  exert a force on the hub  140 , which causes the hub  140  to rotate in the cavity defined by the notches  160 ,  162  in the back plates  148 ,  150 . Specifically, the separation block  321  rotates within the cavity defined by the hub notches  160 ,  162  of the back plates  148 ,  150  while the hub  140  is retained against the back plates  148 ,  150  by the flanges  320 ,  322 . This allows the hub  140  to rotate, while still remaining secured to the respective panel  102 ,  104 ,  106  via the frame  126 . The hub  140  and specifically the hub shaft  318  are configured to connect with a conventional lift and slide hardware system that actuates the lift and slide function of the door system  100 . For example, as the handle  116  is rotated, the hub shaft  318  rotates a mechanical structure (not shown) in the door  102 , to lift the door  102  onto the track  110  and engage the low friction mechanism (e.g., bearing) with the track  110 . When actuated, the handle  116  extends from the panel  102  to provide a lever arm to decrease the force required by the user to engage the lift and slide mechanism to lift the panel  102  onto the track  110 . This allows a user to minimal force in order to move the handle  102 . 
     Once the handle  116  has been rotated and the door  102  has been lifted onto the track  110  by the lift and slide mechanism within the door  102 , the user may use the handle  116  to slide the panel  102  along the track  110 . The user may configure the remaining panels  104 ,  106  for movement along the track  110  by actuating the handles  116  on each panel  104 ,  106  and engaging the panels with the track  110  in the same manner as described above with respect to the first panel  102 . Once the slave panels  104 ,  106  are lifted onto the track, the handles  116  for the slave panels  104 ,  106  may be pressed into their respective frames  126  and latched into a flush position to allow the slave panels  104 ,  106  to slide past each other and to allow the master panel  102  to slide past the slave panels  104 ,  106  as well, 
     As noted, the user can push the handle  112  back into the handle cavity  134  into the nesting position. To do this, the user exerts a force that overcomes the biasing force exerted by the biasing members  186 ,  188 . The force causes the lever arms  136 ,  138  to move and the pivot pins  432 ,  434  to rotate within the pin sockets of the yoke  208 . As the pins rotate, the lever arms  136 ,  138  pivot on the respective hinge pins to return to the parallel orientation relative to the biasing members  186 ,  188  and the handle  112 . In the parallel orientation, the latch  190  engages with the engagement groove  340  of the pivot mount  338 . In particular, the angled wall  364  on the prong  338  of the hub  140  directs the latch  190  over the prong  338  to fall into position in the engagement groove  340 . After the latch  190  is received into the groove  340 , the lever spring  138  biases the latch  190  in place to secure the handle  116  in the nested position. Once the latch  190  is positioned in the groove  340 , the biasing members  186 ,  188  are forced to remain in the storage cavity and the handle  116  can be positioned in the handle cavity  134  of the frame  126 . The bumpers  176 ,  178  engage the bumper notches  246 ,  248  on the interior surface  306  of the handle  116 , and help to direct the handle  116  into the cavity  134 , as well as provide haptic feedback to the user to indicate when the handle  116  is positioned and locked into the cavity  134 . 
     When the handle  116  is received in the handle cavity  134 , the exterior surface  128  of the handle  116  may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the panel  102 . This helps to prevent the handle  116  from interfering with the storage of the panel  102 , allowing the panel  102  to be stored in a pocket, as well as allowing the master door  102  to slide adjacent to the slave door  104 . 
     When the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106  are engaged on the track  110 , the handle  116  will be received in the handle cavity  134  upside down. In other words, the top end of the handle  116  will be oriented towards a bottom end of the frame  126  and the bottom end of the handle  116  will be oriented towards a top end of the frame  126 . As the handle  116  can be nested into the frame  126  in either the upright or the upside down orientations, the handle  116  is able to be recessed into the panel  102 ,  104 ,  106  without disengaging the panels from the track  110 . In other words, the handle  116  can be nested without rotating the hub  140 , so that the hub  140  does not engage the lift and slide mechanism in the door panel  102 ,  104 ,  106 . 
     In the upside down nested orientation, the handle  116  can still be actuated to extend outwards from the handle cavity  134 . This is because the biasing assembly, linkage, and actuation assembly rotate with the handle  116 , so that these components remain in the same orientation relative to each other. It is only the orientation of the support assembly that varies relative to the other components. In fact, in the upside down nested position, the user actuates the handle  116  by pressing on the actuator  124  as described above. After the handle  116  extends outwards, as also described above, the handle  116  will be upside down relative to the frame  126  and the user can then grip the handle  116  to move the panel. 
     If the user wishes to close the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106 , the user actuates the handle  116  of the particular panel to cause the handle  116  to extend outwards. The user then grasps the handle  116  to pull the respective panel  102 ,  104 ,  106  along the track  110  into a desired position. Once the doors are in the desired location, the user rotates the handle  116  another 180 degrees. Rotation of the handle  116  causes the hub  140  to rotate via the connection of the handle  116  to the lever arms  136 ,  138  and the lever arms  136 ,  138  connection to the hub  140 . As the hub  140  rotates, the hub shaft  318  selectively actuates the lift and slide mechanism (not shown) in the door panel  102 . This actuation causes the panel  102  to disengage from the track  110  and lower towards the floor. The panels  102 ,  104 ,  106  then engage the weather stripping (if any), or the top surface of the floor within the opening  112  of the structure  109 . When the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106  are lowered, the user then nests the handle  116  in the upright orientation by pressing on the handle  116  sufficiently to overcome the biasing force of the biasing members  186 ,  188 . The nesting operation is the same as described above with respect to the upside down nested position, except that in this orientation, the handle  116  will be upright when it is received into the frame  126 . 
     The handle assembly  108  provides for symmetrical operation, which allows the handle  116  to be nested and actuated to the extended position in both an upright and an upside down position. As described above, the symmetrical operation is provided due to size of the handle  116  and the position and connection of the lever arms  136 ,  138  and latch  190  relative to each other. In particular, as the handle  116  rotates, the latch  190  rotates, and the hub  140  rotates the engagement groove  340  therewith. Thus, the latch  190  and the engagement groove  340  are in the same position relative to each other, regardless of the position of the handle  116  relative to the frame  126  and/or panel  102 . 
     Conclusion 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Further, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the steps and operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.