US 2018/0073290 A1 · SLIDING CLOSURE FOR CABINETS

Abstract

Frames having sliding panels to cover an opening of the cabinet are described. The panels are mounted to interlocking stiffeners. The interlocking stiffeners include a base portion that forms a channel to receive a leading edge of the panel. The interlocking stiffeners may be positioned on a forward leading edge and a rear leading edge of the panels. The interlocking stiffeners share forces across an adjacent panel and stiffener. A latch assembly may also be engaged to the forward edge of the panel. The latch assembly includes a channel to receive the forward edge. The latch assembly includes a protruding or projecting portion, such as a bullnose, that positions the latch assembly. During a closing operation, the protruding portion enters a channel of a side frame member. The protruding portion engages with the channel of the side frame member, which results in proper alignment for the latch assembly. The latch may include a striker and pawl assembly having a negative angle that resists opening forces.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A frame assembly with sliding panels, comprising:

a frame comprising an upper section opposite of a lower section and a left section opposite of a right section;
the lower section of the frame defining a first channel and a second channel;
a first sliding panel comprising a first lower edge and a rear edge, wherein the first lower edge slides in the first channel;
a second sliding panel comprising a second lower edge and a forward edge, wherein the second lower edge slides in the second channel;
a first interlocking stiffener engaged to the rear edge of the first panel;
a second interlocking stiffener engaged to the forward edge of the second panel;
the first interlocking stiffeners transfers forces to the second panel and to the second interlocking stiffener;
and,
the second interlocking stiffeners transfers forces to the first panel and to the first interlocking stiffener.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sliding closure for cabinets

Life of this patent

Sliding closure for cabinets

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23