Patent Description:
Certain currently available sliding door systems suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations, such as those relating to ease of operation and others. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

The present invention relates to a movement assistance mechanism as defined in claim <NUM>. Various embodiments of this movement assistance mechanism form the subject-matter of dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>. Also claimed is a module as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM>, an assembly as defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as a system as defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM>.

The closure assembly <NUM> is mounted to a wall <NUM> having an opening <NUM> formed therein, and a doorframe <NUM> is mounted to the wall <NUM> and defines the opening <NUM>. The closure assembly <NUM> includes a rail assembly <NUM> and a door assembly <NUM> movably mounted to the rail assembly <NUM>. The door assembly <NUM> is movable along the rail assembly <NUM> in opposite opening and closing directions between a closed position in which the door assembly <NUM> substantially covers the opening <NUM> and an open position in which the opening <NUM> is substantially uncovered by the door assembly <NUM>.

The rail assembly <NUM> has a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>, and generally includes an elongated rail member <NUM> and at least one of a closing-side engagement zone <NUM> or an opening-side engagement zone <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone <NUM> is configured to interface with the door assembly <NUM> as the door assembly <NUM> approaches the closed position, and the opening-side engagement zone <NUM> is configured to interface with the door assembly <NUM> as the door assembly <NUM> approaches the open position. Further details regarding the interaction of the door assembly <NUM> with the closing-side engagement zone <NUM> and the opening-side engagement zone <NUM> are provided herein.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the rail member <NUM> includes a vertical plate <NUM> by which the rail member <NUM> is secured to the wall <NUM> by a plurality of fasteners <NUM> such as screws, a first or upper horizontal support <NUM> extending laterally from the vertical plate <NUM>, and a second or lower horizontal support <NUM> positioned below and to the side of the first horizontal support <NUM>. Formed near the top of the vertical plate <NUM> is a flange <NUM>, which may, in certain embodiments, support a rack member <NUM>. The first support <NUM> includes a first mounting feature <NUM>, and the second support <NUM> includes a second mounting feature <NUM> and a longitudinally-extending rail <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail <NUM> is a single continuous rail that extends the length of the rail member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the rail <NUM> may be provided as two or more separate rail sections separated by one or more gaps.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the closing-side engagement zone <NUM> includes a closing-side trigger <NUM> and a closing-side rack <NUM>, each of which is fixed to the rail member <NUM> in the first end portion <NUM> of the rail assembly <NUM>, for example above the opening <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> may be mounted to the first support <NUM> via the first mounting feature <NUM>, and the rack gear <NUM> may be mounted to the second support <NUM> via the second mounting feature <NUM>. As described herein, the rack gear <NUM> is configured to interface with a rotary damper <NUM> of the door assembly <NUM>, and may alternatively be referred to as the closing-side damper rack <NUM>.

In the illustrated form, the opening-side engagement zone <NUM> includes an opening-side trigger <NUM> and an opening-side rack gear <NUM>, each of which is fixed to the rail member <NUM> in second end portion <NUM> of the rail assembly <NUM>. The trigger <NUM> may be mounted to the first support <NUM> via the first mounting feature <NUM>, and the rack gear <NUM> may be mounted to the second support <NUM> via the second mounting feature <NUM>. As described herein, the rack gear <NUM> is configured to interface with a rotary damper <NUM> of the door assembly <NUM>, and may alternatively be referred to as the opening-side damper rack <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the illustrated door assembly <NUM> generally includes a door panel <NUM>, a closing-side module <NUM>, and an opening-side module <NUM>, and may further include a central module <NUM>. The door panel <NUM> includes a closing-side vertical edge <NUM>, an opening-side vertical edge <NUM>, a broad vertical face <NUM>, and a horizontal top edge <NUM> extending connected to the edges <NUM>, <NUM> and the broad face <NUM>. In the illustrated form, each of the closing-side module <NUM> and the opening-side module <NUM> is mounted to the top edge <NUM>. In other forms, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may be mounted to the broad face <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the closing-side module <NUM> generally includes a frame <NUM>, an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting from the frame <NUM>, a wheel <NUM> rotatably mounted to the frame <NUM>, a rotary damper <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>, and a movement assistance mechanism <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> includes a groove <NUM> in which the rail <NUM> is seated such that the rail member <NUM> supports the closing-side module <NUM> and the door panel <NUM> to which the module <NUM> is mounted. The anti-jump lug <NUM> is positioned below the rail <NUM>, and hinders the module <NUM> from lifting off of the rail <NUM>.

The rotary damper <NUM> includes a pinion gear <NUM> operable to engage the closing-side rack <NUM> such that movement of the door panel <NUM> to and from its fully closed position causes the rack <NUM> to rotate the pinion <NUM> in opposite directions. The rotary damper <NUM> is configured to resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to the closing direction of the door assembly <NUM> such that movement of the door panel <NUM> to its fully closed position is resisted by the rotary damper <NUM>. In certain forms, the rotary damper <NUM> is provided as a one-way rotary damper <NUM> that resists rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the rotational direction corresponding to closing movement of the door assembly <NUM>, but does not resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the rotational direction corresponding to opening movement of the door assembly <NUM>. In such forms, movement of the door panel <NUM> from its fully closed position in the opening direction is not resisted by the rotary damper <NUM>.

The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> includes a latch <NUM> operable to engage the closing-side trigger <NUM> as the door panel <NUM> approaches its fully closed position. As described in further detail below, the latch <NUM> has a cocked position in which the latch <NUM> retains a spring of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> in a deformed state in which mechanical energy is stored in the spring. As the door assembly <NUM> approaches the fully closed position, the closing-side trigger <NUM> engages the latch <NUM> and drives the latch <NUM> from the cocked position to a release position, thereby causing the spring to release its mechanical energy and draw the door panel <NUM> toward its fully closed position. Further details regarding exemplary forms of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> are provided below with reference to the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, not presently claimed, and the force-multiplying movement assistance mechanism <NUM> of the invention.

While other forms are contemplated, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening-side module <NUM> is essentially a mirror image of the closing-side module <NUM>. Thus, the opening-side module <NUM> generally includes a frame <NUM>, an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting from the frame <NUM>, a wheel <NUM> rotatably mounted to the frame <NUM>, a rotary damper <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>, and a movement assistance mechanism <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> includes a groove <NUM> in which the rail <NUM> is seated such that the rail member <NUM> supports the opening-side module <NUM> and the door panel <NUM> to which the module <NUM> is mounted. The anti-jump lug <NUM> is positioned below the rail <NUM>, and hinders the module <NUM> from lifting off of the rail <NUM>.

The rotary damper <NUM> includes a pinion gear <NUM> operable to engage the opening-side rack <NUM> such that movement of the door assembly <NUM> to and from its fully open position causes the rack <NUM> to rotate the pinion <NUM> in opposite directions. The rotary damper <NUM> is configured to resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to the opening direction of the door assembly <NUM> such that movement of the door panel <NUM> to its fully open position is resisted by the rotary damper <NUM>. In certain forms, the rotary damper <NUM> is provided as a one-way rotary damper <NUM> that resists rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the rotational direction corresponding to open movement of the door assembly <NUM>, but does not resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the rotational direction corresponding to closing movement of the door assembly <NUM>. In such forms, movement of the door panel <NUM> from its fully open position in the closing direction is not resisted by the rotary damper <NUM>.

The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> includes a latch <NUM> operable to engage the opening-side trigger <NUM> as the door assembly <NUM> approaches its fully open position. As described in further detail below, the latch <NUM> has a cocked position in which the latch <NUM> retains a spring of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> in a deformed state, in which mechanical energy is stored in the spring. As the door assembly <NUM> approaches the fully open position, the opening-side trigger <NUM> engages the latch <NUM> and drives the latch <NUM> from the cocked position to a release position, thereby causing the spring to release its mechanical energy and draw the door panel <NUM> toward its fully open position. Further details regarding exemplary forms of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> are provided below with reference to the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, not presently claimed, and the force-multiplying movement assistance mechanism <NUM> of the invention.

The center module <NUM> generally includes a frame <NUM>, an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting from the frame <NUM>, and a wheel <NUM> rotatably mounted to the frame <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> includes a groove <NUM> in which the rail <NUM> is seated such that the rail member <NUM> supports the center module <NUM> and the door <NUM> to which the module <NUM> is mounted. The anti-jump lug <NUM> is positioned below the rail <NUM>, and hinders the module <NUM> from lifting off of the rail <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a movement assistance mechanism <NUM> according to certain examples not presently claimed. The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may, for example, be utilized as the closing-side movement assistance mechanism <NUM> and/or the opening-side movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> generally includes a housing <NUM>, a latch mechanism <NUM> movably mounted to the housing <NUM>, and a biasing mechanism <NUM> connected between the housing <NUM> and the latch mechanism <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> that are coupled to one another to define an internal chamber <NUM> in which the biasing mechanism <NUM> is mounted, and a channel <NUM> through which the latch mechanism <NUM> projects. The first portion <NUM> also defines a track <NUM> having a straight portion <NUM> and an angled jog <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> defines a mirror image track facing the track <NUM>.

The latch mechanism <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM>, first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> projecting from a first side of the body portion <NUM> and defining a recess <NUM> therebetween, and a finger <NUM> projecting from an opposite second side of the body portion <NUM>. The latch mechanism <NUM> is slidably mounted to the housing <NUM> by a first pivot pin <NUM> and a second pivot pin <NUM>, each of which projects into the tracks <NUM> such that the housing <NUM> movably supports the latch mechanism <NUM> and guides the latch mechanism <NUM> along the path defined by the tracks <NUM>.

The biasing mechanism <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a spring <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM>, which is pivotably mounted to the housing <NUM>. The second end <NUM> is coupled to the finger <NUM> such that the spring <NUM> biases the latch mechanism <NUM> toward a home position.

The latch mechanism <NUM> is biased toward a home position by the biasing mechanism <NUM>, and is movable to a cocked position in which the biasing mechanism <NUM> is loaded such that mechanical energy is stored in the spring <NUM>. With the latch mechanism <NUM> in the home position, each of the pivot pins <NUM>, <NUM> is received in the straight portion <NUM> of the track <NUM>. Movement of the latch mechanism <NUM> toward the cocked position stretches the spring <NUM>, thereby loading the biasing mechanism <NUM> and storing mechanical energy in the spring <NUM>. With the latch mechanism <NUM> in the cocked position, the first pivot pin <NUM> is received in the angled jog <NUM>. The jog <NUM> retains the latch mechanism <NUM> in the cocked position against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, which urges the latch mechanism <NUM> toward its home position.

As noted above, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may be utilized as the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> of the closing-side module <NUM>. In such forms, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> cooperates with the closing-side engagement zone <NUM> to assist movement of the door assembly <NUM> toward its fully closed position. When the door assembly <NUM> is in its fully closed position, the latch mechanism <NUM> is in its home position, and the closing-side trigger <NUM> is received in the recess <NUM>. As the door assembly <NUM> moves toward its open position under the manual force of a user, the closing-side trigger <NUM> engages the second arm <NUM> and drives the latch mechanism <NUM> to its cocked position, thereby stretching the spring <NUM>. During this movement, the rotary damper <NUM> travels along the closing-side rack <NUM>, thereby rotating the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to opening movement of the door assembly <NUM>. In examples, not presently claimed, in which the rotary damper <NUM> is provided as a unidirectional or one-way damper, this rotation of the pinion <NUM> is not resisted by the damper <NUM>, such that the damper <NUM> does not add to the force required to move the door assembly <NUM> from the fully closed position. As the door assembly <NUM> travels toward its open position, the latch mechanism <NUM> travels to its cocked position, at which point the trigger <NUM> exits the recess <NUM>. The latch mechanism <NUM> is retained in the cocked position by engagement between the jog <NUM> and the pin <NUM>.

When the door assembly <NUM> is subsequently moved toward its closed position, the closing-side trigger <NUM> engages the first arm <NUM> to pivot the latch mechanism <NUM> to a release position, thereby causing the pin <NUM> to exit the jog <NUM>. With the pin <NUM> removed from the jog <NUM>, the spring <NUM> drives the latch mechanism <NUM> toward its home position, thereby pulling the door panel <NUM> toward its fully closed position. As a result, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> aids in the final closing movement of the door panel <NUM> when utilized as the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> of the closing-side module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that this final closing movement is slowed by the rotary damper <NUM>, the pinion <NUM> of which engages the closing-side rack <NUM> during the closing movement of the door assembly <NUM>. Due to the fact that the rotary damper <NUM> resists rotation of the pinion in the direction corresponding to closing movement of the door assembly <NUM>, engagement between the damper <NUM> and the rack <NUM> slows the final closing movement of the door assembly <NUM>.

As noted above, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be utilized as the opening assistance mechanism <NUM> of the opening-side module <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that in such examples, not presently claimed, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> will cooperate with the opening-side engagement zone <NUM> to assist movement of the door assembly <NUM> toward the fully open position in a manner analogous to that described above with reference to the use of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> as the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> of the closing-side module <NUM>. Additionally, the final opening movement of the door assembly <NUM> will be slowed by engagement between the opening-side damper <NUM> and the opening-side rack <NUM> in a manner analogous to that described above with reference to the closing-side damper <NUM> and the closing-side rack <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a movement assistance mechanism <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may, for example, be utilized as the closing-side movement assistance mechanism <NUM> and/or the opening-side movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a latch mechanism <NUM> movably mounted to the housing <NUM>, a biasing mechanism <NUM> connected between the housing <NUM> and the latch mechanism <NUM>, and a gear train <NUM> connected with the latch mechanism <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> that are coupled to one another to define an internal chamber <NUM> in which the biasing mechanism <NUM> is mounted, and a channel <NUM> through which a portion of the latch mechanism <NUM> projects. As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> defines a first track <NUM> and a second track <NUM> proximate the first track <NUM>, further details of which are provided below. Each of the first track <NUM> and the second track <NUM> includes a first run formed in the first portion <NUM>, and includes a mirror image second run formed in the second portion <NUM>.

The latch mechanism <NUM> includes a carriage <NUM> movably mounted to the housing <NUM> and a latch body <NUM> movably mounted to the carriage <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> includes a lateral slot <NUM>, and is movably coupled to the housing <NUM> by a first pin <NUM> and a second pin <NUM>. Each of the pins <NUM>, <NUM> projects into the first track <NUM> such that the housing <NUM> constrains movement of the carriage <NUM> to the path defined by the first track <NUM>. The latch body <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> and a head <NUM> formed on one end of the body portion <NUM>. One end of the body portion <NUM> is movably coupled with the carriage <NUM> and the housing <NUM> by a third pin <NUM>, which extends through the lateral slot <NUM>. The pin <NUM> also extends into the second track <NUM> such that the housing <NUM> constrains movement of the latch body to the path defined by the second track <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the pins <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are separate components that are coupled to the latch mechanism <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more of the pins <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed integrally with a corresponding portion of the latch mechanism <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> of the latch body <NUM> extends through a gap formed between the first and second pins <NUM>, <NUM> to the head <NUM>, which includes first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> having a recess <NUM> defined therebetween.

The biasing mechanism <NUM> includes a spring <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> is coupled to the carriage <NUM> such that the spring <NUM> biases the latch mechanism <NUM> toward a home position (to the left in <FIG>).

The gear train <NUM> is movably mounted to the housing <NUM>, and generally includes a pinion gear <NUM>, an input gear <NUM> rotationally coupled with the pinion gear <NUM>, one or more intermediate gears <NUM> operably engaged with the input gear <NUM>, and a rack member <NUM> including a rack gear <NUM> engaged with the input gear <NUM> via the one or more intermediate gears <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> is mounted to the exterior of the housing <NUM> such that the pinion gear <NUM> is operable to engage the rack gear <NUM> as the door assembly <NUM> moves between its open position and its closed position. The one or more intermediate gears <NUM> operably couple the rack member <NUM> with the input gear <NUM> such that rotation of the pinion gear <NUM> causes a corresponding longitudinal movement of the rack member <NUM>. The rack member <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> defining an aperture <NUM>, and a pin <NUM> extends through the carriage <NUM> and into the aperture <NUM>, thereby operably coupling the rack member <NUM> with the latch mechanism <NUM>. As a result, rotation of the pinion gear <NUM> in one rotational direction causes the rack member <NUM> to pull the latch mechanism <NUM> to the cocked position, thereby stretching and storing mechanical energy in the spring <NUM>.

The first track <NUM> includes a proximal end portion <NUM>, an opposite distal end portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> extending between and connecting the proximal end portion <NUM> and the distal end portion <NUM>. Each of the proximal end portion <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, and the distal end portion <NUM> defines an angled jog <NUM> that extends laterally inward (i.e., away from the channel <NUM>).

The second track <NUM> includes a proximal end portion <NUM>, an opposite distal end portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> extending between and connecting the proximal end portion <NUM> and the distal end portion <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>, the proximal end portion <NUM> defines a second angled jog <NUM> extending away from the channel <NUM>, and the distal end portion <NUM> defines a recess <NUM> extending away from the channel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the latch mechanism <NUM> in an intermediate position between the cocked position and the home position. In the intermediate position, each of the first pin <NUM> and the second pin <NUM> is received in the intermediate portion <NUM> of the first track <NUM>, such that the carriage <NUM> is substantially straight relative to the housing <NUM>. Additionally, the third pin <NUM> is received in the intermediate portion <NUM> of the second track <NUM> such that the latch body <NUM> has an extended position relative to the carriage <NUM>. From the intermediate position, the latch mechanism <NUM> is operable to move proximally toward the home position (<FIG>) or distally toward the cocked position (<FIG>).

With additional reference to <FIG>, proximal movement of the latch mechanism <NUM> from the intermediate position (<FIG>) to the home position (<FIG>) causes the third pin <NUM> to travel into the jog <NUM> defined by the proximal end portion <NUM> of the second track <NUM>. The jog <NUM> urges the pin <NUM> laterally inward, thereby moving the latch body <NUM> to a retracted position relative to the carriage <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, distal movement of the latch mechanism <NUM> from the intermediate position (<FIG>) to the cocked position (<FIG>) causes the first pin <NUM> to enter the angled jog <NUM> defined by the distal end portion <NUM> of the first track <NUM>, thereby angling the latch mechanism <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. In this state, the jog <NUM> and/or the recess <NUM> retains the latch mechanism <NUM> in the cocked position against the biasing force exerted by the spring <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> is configured to interface with the rack member <NUM> such that movement of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> along the rail assembly <NUM> cocks the latch mechanism <NUM>, thereby loading the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The loading process begins with the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> in an unloaded state (<FIG>), in which the latch mechanism <NUM> is in its home position. As the door panel <NUM> travels alongside the rail-mounted rack member <NUM>, the rack member <NUM> engages the pinion <NUM> and begins to load the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>). More particularly, the rail-mounted rack member <NUM> causes the pinion <NUM> to rotate the intermediate gears <NUM>, thereby linearly driving the rack member <NUM> in the distal direction. As a result, the rack member <NUM> pulls the latch mechanism <NUM> to the intermediate position (<FIG>), thereby stretching the spring <NUM> and storing mechanical energy in the biasing mechanism <NUM>.

As the door panel <NUM> continues to travel alongside the rail-mounted rack member <NUM>, the rack member <NUM> continues to rotate the pinion <NUM>, thereby continuing the loading of movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The gear ratio of the gear train <NUM> may be selected such that the force exerted on the spring <NUM> by the gear train <NUM> is greater than the force exerted by the user as the user moves the door panel <NUM> alongside the rack member <NUM>, thereby reducing the force the user is required to exert to load the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. When the movement assistance mechanism is fully loaded (<FIG>), the latch mechanism <NUM> is retained in the cocked position by the jog <NUM> of the first track <NUM>.

Once fully loaded (<FIG>), the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> is able to assist in moving the door assembly <NUM> to a desired position (e.g., the closed position or the open position). For example, in embodiments in which the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> is utilized as the opening assistance mechanism <NUM> of the opening-side module <NUM>, the latch mechanism <NUM> may engage the opening-side trigger <NUM> as the door panel <NUM> approaches the open position, thereby causing the trigger <NUM> to enter the recess <NUM>. The momentum of the door panel <NUM> causes the trigger <NUM> to drive the latch mechanism <NUM> to the release position, at which point the spring <NUM> releases its mechanical energy and drives the latch mechanism <NUM> toward its home position, thereby drawing the door panel <NUM> to the desired open position. As the latch mechanism <NUM> approaches its home position, the jog <NUM> of the second track <NUM> engages the third pin <NUM>, thereby driving the latch body <NUM> to its retracted position and causing the trigger <NUM> to exit the recess <NUM>.

When the door assembly <NUM> is subsequently urged from the open position toward the closed position, the trigger <NUM> passes alongside the retracted latch body <NUM>. As a result, the user need not return the latch mechanism <NUM> to its cocked position against the force of the spring <NUM>. Instead, such return is accomplished by the above-described engagement between the gear train <NUM> and the rack <NUM>. As noted above, the gear ratio of the gear train <NUM> may be selected such that the force applied to the latch mechanism <NUM> during such loading is greater than the force applied to the door panel <NUM> to effect such loading. As a result, the force the user is required to exert in order to load the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> is reduced.

As noted above, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be utilized as the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> of the closing-side module <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a sequence of events analogous to that described above will occur when the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> is utilized as the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> of the closing-side module <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the above-described loading of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may occur as the door assembly <NUM> moves toward its desired position, while in other embodiments, the loading of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may occur as the door assembly <NUM> moves away from its desired position.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is an assembly or module <NUM> according to an embodiment not presently claimed.

The module <NUM> may, for example, be utilized as the closing-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM>, and certain descriptions of the module <NUM> may be made with specific reference to such an implementation. It is to be appreciated, however, that analogous features and characteristics may be present when a module along the lines of the module <NUM> is utilized as the opening-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the module <NUM> generally includes a bracket <NUM> configured for mounting to the door panel <NUM>. The illustrated module <NUM> further includes a wheel mechanism <NUM>, a rotary damper <NUM>, a movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, and an anti-jump lug <NUM>, each of which is mounted to the bracket <NUM>.

The bracket <NUM> includes a vertical base plate <NUM> and a pair of horizontal flanges <NUM> projecting from opposite ends of the base plate <NUM>. Each flange <NUM> includes one or more fastener openings <NUM> for receiving fasteners <NUM> by which the bracket <NUM> is secured to the door panel <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> in which a portion of the rotary damper <NUM> is seated. The base plate <NUM> also includes a plurality of mounting apertures <NUM> through which fasteners <NUM> extend to secure various components of the module <NUM> to the bracket <NUM>.

The illustrated wheel mechanism <NUM> includes a pivot plate <NUM> that is pivotably mounted to the bracket <NUM>, and which includes a pair of posts <NUM> projecting therefrom. Rotatably mounted on the posts <NUM> are a pair of wheels <NUM>, each of which includes a circumferential groove <NUM> operable to receive the rail <NUM>.

The rotary damper <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having a rotatable shaft <NUM> projecting therefrom. As is known in the art, the body <NUM> is filled with a fluid that resists rotation of the shaft <NUM>. A pinion <NUM> is coupled to the shaft <NUM> via a one-way bearing <NUM> that couples the pinion <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> for joint rotation in one rotational direction, while permitting the pinion <NUM> to rotate relative to the shaft <NUM> in the opposite rotational direction. The pinion <NUM> is configured to engage the closing-side rack <NUM> such that the pinion <NUM> rotates in the first direction as the door assembly <NUM> approaches the closed position, and rotates in the opposite direction during opening of the door assembly <NUM>. As a result, the rotary damper <NUM> slows movement of the door panel <NUM> as the door assembly <NUM> approaches the closed position (e.g., under the urging of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>), and does not resist opening movement of the door assembly <NUM>.

The movement assistance mechanism <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a latch mechanism <NUM> movably mounted to the housing <NUM>, and is configured to assist in the final closing movement of the door assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated example, not presently claimed, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the above-described movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. In other examples and embodiments, the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> may be provided in another form, such as that of the force-multiplying movement assistance mechanism <NUM> of the invention. The movement assistance mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to assist in moving the door assembly <NUM> to a desired position in the manners described above, which need not be repeated herein.

The anti-jump lug <NUM> includes a mount plate <NUM> secured to the bracket <NUM>, a post <NUM> projecting from the mount plate <NUM>, and a sleeve <NUM> mounted to the post <NUM> via a bushing <NUM> such that the sleeve <NUM> is rotatable relative to the post <NUM>. In a manner similar to that described above with reference to the anti-jump lug <NUM>, the anti-jump lug <NUM> is positioned below the wheels <NUM> such that the rail <NUM> is received between the anti-jump lug <NUM> and the wheels <NUM>, thereby discouraging the module <NUM> from jumping off the rail <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a schematic representation of a closure assembly <NUM> according to certain embodiments. The closure assembly <NUM> includes a door panel <NUM> movable between a closed position (to the left in <FIG>) and an open position (to the right in <FIG>), a closing-side module <NUM>, an opening side module <NUM>, and a rail assembly <NUM> including at least one of a closing-side engagement zone <NUM> or an opening-side engagement zone <NUM>. The closure assembly <NUM> may further include one or more of an intermediate module <NUM>, an additional engagement zone <NUM>, or a biasing assembly <NUM> urging the door panel <NUM> toward the closed position.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a system <NUM> according to an embodiment not presently claimed. As described herein, the system <NUM> includes a plurality of modular components from which the closure assembly <NUM> can be assembled in various configurations. The system <NUM> generally includes an assisted closing module <NUM> and a dampened closing module <NUM>, each of which is operable to be utilized as a closing-side module <NUM>. The system <NUM> further includes an assisted opening module <NUM> and a dampened opening module <NUM>, each of which is operable to be utilized as the opening-side module <NUM>. The system <NUM> further includes a wheel module <NUM>, which is operable to be utilized as the closing-side module <NUM>, the opening-side module <NUM>, and/or the central module <NUM>. The system <NUM> further includes a biasing module <NUM> operable to be utilized as the biasing assembly <NUM>.

The assisted closing module <NUM> is configured to assist in the final closing movement of the door <NUM>, and to slow such movement of the door <NUM> to its final closed position. The assisted closing module <NUM> is substantially similar to the above-described closing-side module <NUM>, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. Thus, the assisted closing module <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> having an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting therefrom, a wheel <NUM> including a circumferential groove <NUM>, a rotary damper <NUM> including a pinion <NUM>, and a closing assistance mechanism <NUM> including a latch mechanism <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may include an anchor <NUM> operable to engage a tether of the biasing module <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the assisted closing module <NUM> includes a single wheel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the assisted closing module <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with reference to the wheel mechanism <NUM>. The rotary damper <NUM> may be provided as a one-way damper that resists rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to closing movement of the door <NUM> and does not resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the opposite direction corresponding to opening movement of the door <NUM>. The closing assistance mechanism <NUM> may, for example, be provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, not presently claimed, or that of the force-multiplying movement assistance mechanism <NUM> of the invention.

The closing-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>. In such embodiments, the closing-side engagement zone <NUM> of closure assembly <NUM> may include a rack configured to engage the pinion <NUM> (such as the closing-side rack <NUM>) and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism <NUM> (such as the closing-side trigger <NUM>). In certain embodiments, the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> may be provided as the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, and the additional engagement zone <NUM> may include a rack configured to load the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> in the manner described above. In other examples not presently claimed, the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> may be provided as the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, and the additional engagement zone <NUM> may not necessarily include such a rack, or may be omitted.

The dampened closing module <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> having an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting therefrom, a wheel <NUM> including a circumferential groove <NUM>, and a rotary damper <NUM> including a pinion <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may include an anchor <NUM> operable to engage a tether of the biasing module <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the dampened closing module <NUM> includes a single wheel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dampened closing module <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with reference to the wheel mechanism <NUM>. The rotary damper <NUM> may be provided as a one-way damper that resists rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to closing movement of the door <NUM> and does not resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the opposite direction corresponding to opening movement of the door <NUM>.

The closing-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the dampened closing module <NUM>. In such embodiments, the closing-side engagement zone <NUM> of closure assembly <NUM> may include a rack configured to engage the pinion <NUM> (such as the rack <NUM>), and the trigger may be omitted from the closing-side engagement zone <NUM>.

The assisted opening module <NUM> is configured to assist in the final opening movement of the door <NUM>, and to slow such movement of the door <NUM> to its final open position. The assisted opening module <NUM> is substantially similar to the above-described opening-side module <NUM>, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. Thus, the assisted opening module <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> having an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting therefrom, a wheel <NUM> including a circumferential groove <NUM>, a rotary damper <NUM> including a pinion <NUM>, and an opening assistance mechanism <NUM> including a latch mechanism <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the assisted opening module <NUM> includes a single wheel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the assisted opening module <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with reference to the wheel mechanism <NUM>. The rotary damper <NUM> may be provided as a one-way damper that resists rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to opening movement of the door <NUM> and does not resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the opposite direction corresponding to closing movement of the door <NUM>. The opening assistance mechanism <NUM> may, for example, be provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, not presently claimed, or that of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> of the invention.

The opening-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the assisted opening module <NUM>. In such embodiments, the opening-side engagement zone <NUM> of closure assembly <NUM> may include a rack configured to engage the pinion <NUM> (such as the rack <NUM>) and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism <NUM> (such as the trigger <NUM>). In certain embodiments of the invention, the opening assistance mechanism <NUM> may be provided as the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, and the additional engagement zone <NUM> may include a rack configured to load the movement assistance mechanism <NUM> in the manner described above. In other examples not presently claimed, the opening assistance mechanism <NUM> may be provided as the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, and the additional engagement zone <NUM> may not necessarily include such a rack, or may be omitted.

The dampened opening module <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> having an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting therefrom, a wheel <NUM> including a circumferential groove <NUM>, and a rotary damper <NUM> including a pinion <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the dampened opening module <NUM> includes a single wheel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dampened opening module <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with reference to the wheel mechanism <NUM>. The rotary damper <NUM> may be provided as a one-way damper that resists rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the direction corresponding to opening movement of the door <NUM> and does not resist rotation of the pinion <NUM> in the opposite direction corresponding to closing movement of the door <NUM>.

The opening-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the dampened opening module <NUM>. In such embodiments, the opening-side engagement zone <NUM> of closure assembly <NUM> may include a rack configured to engage the pinion <NUM> (such as the closing-side rack <NUM>), and the trigger may be omitted from the opening-side engagement zone <NUM>.

The wheel module <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM> having an anti-jump lug <NUM> projecting therefrom, and a wheel <NUM> including a circumferential groove <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the wheel module <NUM> includes a single wheel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the wheel module <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism, for example of the type described above with reference to the wheel mechanism <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the closing-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the wheel module <NUM>, and both the trigger and the rack may be omitted from the closing-side engagement zone <NUM>. Alternatively, the opening-side module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the wheel module <NUM>, and both the trigger and the rack may be omitted from the opening-side engagement zone <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the intermediate module <NUM> of the closure assembly <NUM> may be provided in the form of the wheel module <NUM>. For example, in embodiments in which the rail assembly <NUM> is provided as two separate pieces having a gap formed therebetween, such an intermediate module <NUM> may aid in maintaining the door <NUM> level as the closing-side wheel and/or the opening-side wheel traverse the gap.

The biasing module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a spool <NUM> rotatably mounted in the housing <NUM>, and a tether <NUM> wrapped about the spool <NUM>. A first end of the tether <NUM> is secured to the spool <NUM>, and an opposite second end <NUM> of the tether <NUM> is operable to be secured to the door <NUM> and/or the closing-side module <NUM>. The spool <NUM> is spring-biased to retract the tether <NUM>. When included in the closure assembly <NUM> as the biasing assembly <NUM>, the biasing module <NUM> is mounted at or near the end of the rail assembly <NUM> corresponding to the closed position of the door <NUM>, and the end <NUM> of the tether <NUM> is secured to the door <NUM> or the closing-side module <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is moved toward its open position, the tether <NUM> is unspooled, thereby loading the spring that biases the spool <NUM> to rotate. When the door <NUM> is released, the spring releases its stored mechanical energy by retracting the tether <NUM>, thereby returning the door <NUM> toward its closed position.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein are certain non-limiting embodiments of closure assemblies. Each of the closure assemblies is an example of the above-described closure assembly <NUM>, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. While not specifically illustrated in <FIG>, it is to be appreciated that each of the closure assemblies may further include a rail assembly corresponding to the above-described rail assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to certain examples not presently claimed. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the dampened closing module <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened closing module <NUM>, and need not include a trigger. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the wheel module <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> need not include a rack or a trigger, and may be omitted. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to certain examples not presently claimed. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>, in which the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided as the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the wheel module <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> need not include a rack or a trigger, and may be omitted. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to certain examples not presently claimed. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the dampened closing module <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened closing module <NUM>, and need not include a trigger. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the dampened opening module <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened opening module <NUM>, and need not include a trigger. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to certain examples not presently claimed. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>, in which the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the dampened opening module <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened opening module <NUM>, and need not include a trigger. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to certain examples not presently claimed. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>, in which the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted opening module <NUM>, in which the opening assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted opening module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the opening assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a center module <NUM> in the form of the wheel module <NUM>. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, one or more of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>, in which the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The additional engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the wheel module <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> need not include a rack or a trigger, and may be omitted. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>, in which the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The additional engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the dampened opening module <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the dampened opening module <NUM>, and need not include a trigger. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, one or both of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a closure assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The closing-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted closing module <NUM>, in which the closing assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The closing-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted closing module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening-side module <NUM> is provided in the form of the assisted opening module <NUM>, in which the opening assistance mechanism <NUM> is provided in the form of the movement assistance mechanism <NUM>. The opening-side engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> includes a rack configured to engage the pinion of the assisted opening module <NUM> and a trigger configured to engage the latch mechanism of the opening assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The additional engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> may include a rack configured to engage the pinions of each of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> and the opening assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the additional engagement zone of the closure assembly <NUM> may include a first rack configured to engage the pinion of the closing assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> and a second rack configured to engage the pinion of the opening assistance mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a center module <NUM> in the form of the wheel module <NUM>. The closure assembly <NUM> optionally includes a biasing assembly <NUM> such as the biasing module <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while a single wheel is illustrated in each of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, one or more of the modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a dual-wheel mechanism.

As should be evident from the foregoing, the modular system <NUM> is capable of being used to create closure assemblies having varying configurations, such as those described above with reference to <FIG>.

While certain exemplary forms of closure assemblies and modules have been described herein, it is to be appreciated that various modifications of the described subject matter are also considered within the scope of the subject matter set forth herein. For example, while the embodiments set forth herein generally describe a first member mounted to the door and a cooperating second member mounted to the rail assembly, it is also contemplated that these positions may be reversed. Thus, while the embodiments set forth hereinabove generally involve providing a rotary damper to the door and a cooperating rack to the rail assembly, it should be appreciated that the rotary damper may instead be mounted to the rail assembly, and that the cooperating rack member may be mounted to the door. Similarly, while certain embodiments involve a movement assistance mechanism mounted to the door and a cooperating trigger mounted to the rail assembly, it should be appreciated that the movement assistance mechanism may instead be mounted to the rail assembly, and that the cooperating trigger may be mounted to the door.

Claim 1:
A movement assistance mechanism (<NUM>) for a door (<NUM>), the movement assistance mechanism (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) defining a proximal direction and an opposite distal direction, the housing (<NUM>) defining a first track (<NUM>) including a first longitudinal portion (<NUM>) extending between and connecting a first proximal end portion (<NUM>) and a first distal end portion (<NUM>), the first distal end portion (<NUM>) defining a first jog (<NUM>) that is angled relative to the first longitudinal portion (<NUM>);
a latch mechanism (<NUM>) movably mounted to the housing (<NUM>), the latch mechanism (<NUM>) engaged with the first track (<NUM>) such that the first track (<NUM>) guides movement of the latch mechanism (<NUM>) between a proximal home position and a distal cocked position in which the latch mechanism (<NUM>) is engaged with the first jog (<NUM>);
a spring (<NUM>) engaged between the housing (<NUM>) and the latch mechanism (<NUM>), the spring (<NUM>) exerting a proximal biasing force urging the latch mechanism (<NUM>) toward the home position; and
a gear train (<NUM>) comprising:
a pinion gear (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the housing (<NUM>) and operable to engage with a first rack member (<NUM>) exterior of the housing (<NUM>) such that movement of the door (<NUM>) alongside the first rack member (<NUM>) causes the pinion gear (<NUM>) to rotate; and
a second rack member (<NUM>) defining a rack gear (<NUM>) engaged with the pinion gear (<NUM>) such that rotation of the pinion gear (<NUM>) causes a corresponding linear movement of the second rack member (<NUM>);
wherein the second rack member (<NUM>) is coupled with the latch mechanism (<NUM>) such that rotation of the pinion gear (<NUM>) in a first rotational direction distally drives the latch mechanism (<NUM>) from the home position toward the cocked position, thereby storing mechanical energy in the spring (<NUM>); and
wherein the first jog (<NUM>) is configured to retain the latch mechanism (<NUM>) in the cocked position against the biasing force of the spring (<NUM>).