Slow closing assembly for sliding applications

Abstract

The sliding door includes a frame and a slow closing assembly. The frame is positioned along at least a portion of the sliding door, and the frame includes a protrusion configured to slide with the sliding door. The slow closing assembly can be repositioned between an outward position and a compressed position. The slow closing assembly includes a slow closing mechanism, a spring, and a soft closing latch. The slow closing mechanism is positioned laterally within the slow closing assembly. The spring is positioned at the end of the slow closing assembly and provides an outward force to the slow closing assembly in an outward direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction. The soft closing latch is configured to engage the protrusion when the protrusion slides with the sliding door. When the latch is not docked with the protrusion, the spring biases the slow closing assembly into the outward position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 183,316, filed on May 3, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to slow closing assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to controlled slow closing mechanisms (ie, the terms "slow closing assembly" and "controlled slow closing mechanism" are used interchangeably herein) that include a damping feature for sliding door applications. Summary of the invention

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a sliding door. The sliding door includes a frame and a slow closing assembly. The frame is positioned along at least a portion of the sliding door and includes a protrusion that is configured to slide in a lateral direction with the sliding door. The slow closing assembly can be repositioned between an outward position and a compressed position. The slow closing assembly includes a slow closing mechanism, a spring, and a soft closing latch. The slow closing mechanism is positioned laterally within the slow closing assembly. The spring is positioned at the end of the slow closing assembly and provides an outward force to the slow closing assembly in an outward direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction. The soft closing latch is configured to engage the protrusion when the protrusion slides in a lateral direction with the sliding door. When the latch is not engaged with the protrusion, the spring biases the slow closing assembly into an outward position.

[0005] Another example relates to a slow closing assembly. The slow closing assembly includes a frame, a slow closing mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a soft closing latch. The frame includes a first track and a second track. The slow closing mechanism is positioned laterally within the first track and is configured to be repositioned along the length of the first track. The biasing mechanism is positioned at the end of the slow closing assembly and provides an outward force on the slow closing assembly. The soft closing latch is configured to receive a portion of a sliding door. The latch can be repositioned in a pivoting manner between an outer position and an inner position. When the slow closing assembly is in an outward position, the latch is in an outer position. When the slow closing assembly is in a compressed position, the latch is in an inner position.

[0006] Another example embodiment relates to a slow closing assembly. The slow closing assembly includes a frame, a slow closing mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a soft closing latch. The frame includes a first track and a second track. The slow closing mechanism is positioned laterally within the first track and is configured to provide a lateral force along the first track. The biasing mechanism is positioned at an end of the slow closing assembly and provides an outward force to the slow closing assembly in a direction perpendicular to the first track. The soft closing latch is configured to receive a portion of a sliding door. The lateral force provided by the slow closing mechanism is greater than the outward force provided by the biasing mechanism.

[0007] This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a rear view of a sliding door including a slow closing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A front view of a slow closing assembly;

[0011] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a slow closing assembly;

[0012] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A top view of a slow closing assembly;

[0013] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed stereogram of the slow closing assembly;

[0014] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed view of the slow closing assembly;

[0015] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed side view of the slow closing assembly;

[0016] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 2 A detailed perspective view of the slow closing assembly in a ready position;

[0017] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 2A detailed perspective view of the slow closing assembly in a compressed state;

[0018] Fig.10 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 2 A detailed top view of the slow closing assembly in an engaged state;

[0019] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 2 A detailed top view of the slow closing assembly in a disengaged state;

[0020] Fig.12 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 A perspective view of a leaf spring of a slow closing assembly;

[0021] Fig.13 is a front view of a soft closing latch including a locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Fig.14 is a top view of a slow closing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Fig.15 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.14 Detailed stereogram of the slow closing assembly;

[0024] Fig.16 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.14 A perspective view of a slow closing assembly shown in a compressed state;

[0025] Fig.17 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.14 A perspective view of a slow closing assembly shown in a ready state;

[0026] Fig.18 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.14 A top view of the slow closing assembly shown in a disengaged state; and

[0027] Fig.19 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.14 is a top view of the slow closing assembly shown in an engaged state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Before turning to the drawings showing certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0029] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a slow closing assembly according to various exemplary embodiments is disclosed. The slow closing assembly can be configured for sliding applications such as shower doors, cabinets, or sliding glass doors. The slow closing assembly can include at least one of a spring, a slow closing mechanism, or a soft closing latch. According to various embodiments, the slow closing assembly is selectively coupled to a body, wherein the sliding door can be selectively repositioned along a guide rail of the body. The slow closing assembly can be slidably coupled to the guide rail. In this way, the various parts of the slow closing assembly can be translated into engagement and disengagement with the guide rail by sliding along the length of the guide rail. Additionally, the guide rail is pivotably arranged in the system, wherein the guide rail pivots between an outward position and an inner position around a point located near the end of the guide rail.

[0030] According to example embodiments, the spring of the slow closing assembly may be disposed between the spring housing and the body. The spring may be configured to suppress the impact force acting on the system from a heavy and fast-moving object (e.g., a panel or glass). The spring may have a bias so that the spring may always be in forced engagement. The spring may be selectively repositioned between a ready state and a compressed state. When the spring may be in the ready state, there may be no impact force acting on the system. When the spring may be in a compressed state, the spring may suppress the impact force acting on the system. In some embodiments, the spring may always suppress the impact force. In yet other embodiments, the spring may not suppress any impact force. The slow closing mechanism may be configured to provide initial system damping when the sliding door engages in a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the sliding door may suppress the impact force in the vertical direction.

[0031] The soft closing latch can be selectively repositioned between a first position and a second position, wherein the position of the soft closing latch can be determined by the bias of the spring assembly. The soft closing latch can extend outward when not engaged with the sliding door. In such an embodiment, the sliding door engages the soft closing latch when engaged along the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the soft closing latch can include a fixed position in which the soft closing latch cannot be selectively repositioned by the spring assembly. The slow closing assembly can be positioned along two sliding doors so that impact damping can occur in all directions. In some embodiments, the slow closing assembly can be positioned only on a single door so that impact damping can occur in a single direction.

[0032] Reference Figure 1, a shower door assembly shown as a sliding door 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The sliding door 100 includes a first door 110 and a second door 120. The first door 110 and the second door 120 are slidably coupled to each other along the length of the sliding door (shown as a sliding door length 130). In some embodiments, the sliding door 100 may include more than two doors. In some further embodiments, the sliding door 100 may include a single door. In other embodiments, one of the first door 110 and the second door 120 may slide, while the other is fixed. The first door 110 may be slidably coupled to the second door 120 along a track, shown as a fixed track 135. The fixed track 135 may be arranged along the entire length 130 of the sliding door 100. The first door 110 may be configured to translate along the sliding door length 130 so that the first door 110 may at least partially overlap with the second door 120. In some embodiments, the second door 120 can be configured to translate along the sliding door length 130 so that the second door 120 can at least partially overlap the first door 110. The first door 110 can also include a door handle, shown as handle 140, coupled to the first door 110 in a fixed manner. In some embodiments, the handle 140 can be positioned on the second door 120. The handle 140 can be configured to provide support to a user when moving the first door 110 along the sliding door length 130. In some embodiments, the handle 140 can provide additional support to the user when the user moves through the sliding door 100.

[0033] The second door 120 can be connected to the wall in a fixed manner through an interface, shown as a wall mount 150. The wall mount 150 is vertically positioned on the side of the second door 120 to provide further support to the frame of the sliding door 100. As shown, the sliding door 100 includes three separate wall mounts 150. The wall mounts 150 are positioned at the top of the second door 120, the middle of the second door 120, and the bottom of the second door 120. In some embodiments, the wall mounts 150 can be placed in a single position. In some other embodiments, the sliding door 100 may include additional wall mounts 150 positioned at different positions along the second door 120. In some other embodiments, the sliding door 100 may include fewer wall mounts 150 positioned at different positions along the second door 120. In some other embodiments, the first door 110 may include any combination of wall mounts 150 positioned along the first door 110.

[0034] The second door 120 also includes a damping assembly, which is shown as a slow closing assembly 160. The slow closing assembly 160 can be positioned along the top of the second door 120, and the second door 120 is parallel to the sliding door length 130. In some embodiments, the slow closing assembly 160 can be positioned on the first door 110. In some other embodiments, the slow closing assembly 160 can be positioned on both the first door 110 and the second door 120. In some other embodiments, the slow closing assembly 160 can be positioned at the bottom of at least one of the first door 110 and the second door 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the slow closing assembly 160 is positioned in the head of the door. The slow closing assembly 160 can be configured to suppress the impact force acting on the sliding door 100 through the damping capacity.

[0035] Now refer to Figures 2 to 6 , showing Figure 1 1 and 1 . Various views of the slow closing assembly 160 of the sliding door 100. As shown, the slow closing assembly can be fixedly coupled to the second door 120 by a first coupling 170 and a second coupling 180. The first coupling 170 can be positioned proximate to the first body end 190, and the second coupling can be positioned proximate to the second body end 200. In some embodiments, the first coupling 170 and the second coupling 180 can be positioned proximate to the first body end 190. In yet other embodiments, the first body end 190 and the second body end 200 can be positioned proximate to the second body end 200. The slow closing assembly 160 can be configured to be positioned at a specific distance from the edge of the sliding door 100 so that the slow closing assembly does not abut the shower wall when engaged.

[0036] The slow closing assembly 160 also includes a body length 210 between the first body end 190 and the second body end 200. The first body end 190 and the second body end 200 define the body length 210, so that the distance between the first body end 190 and the second body end 200 can be the same as the body length 210. In some embodiments, the body length 210 can be greater than the distance between the first body end 190 and the second body end 200. In yet other embodiments, the body length 210 can be shorter than the distance between the first body end 190 and the second body end 200. The body length 210 can be aligned with the length of the slow closing assembly 160, which is parallel to the sliding door length 130. In some embodiments, the body length 210 can be located only along a portion of the slow closing assembly 160. The slow closing assembly also includes a body height 215. As shown, the body height 215 can be uniform along the entire length of the slow closing assembly 160 and is shorter than the body length 210. In some embodiments, the body height 215 can be greater than the body length 210. In still other embodiments, the body height 215 can have various distances along the length of the slow closing assembly 160.

[0037] The slow closing assembly 160 may be disposed within a body portion, which is shown as body 220. Body 220 may be configured to support at least a portion of the slow closing assembly 160. Body 220 may be disposed along the entire length of the sliding door 100. In some embodiments, body 220 may be disposed along at least a portion of the sliding door 100. Body 220 may also be configured to be positioned at the top of the sliding door 100, wherein body 220 serves as a head. In some embodiments, body 220 may be configured to be positioned at the bottom of the sliding door 100, wherein body 220 serves as a foot. In yet other embodiments, body 220 may be positioned at both the top and bottom of the sliding door 100, wherein the slow closing assembly 160 may be disposed within at least one of the bodies 220. Body 220 may be coupled to at least one of the first body end 190 and the second body end 200 in a fixed manner. In some embodiments, body 220 may not be coupled to the first body end 190 or the second body end 200 in a fixed manner. The slow closing assembly 160 also includes a spring assembly 230 disposed within the body 220. The spring assembly 230 can be positioned proximal to the second coupling 180. In some embodiments, the spring assembly 230 can be positioned proximal to the first coupling 170. The spring assembly 230 can be configured to selectively reposition the slow closing assembly 160 into a configuration in which impact forces introduced into the system can be suppressed.

[0038] The slow closing assembly 160 can be used with a variety of sliding door configurations and designs. For example, the slow closing assembly 160 can be assembled to a sliding door 100 that includes dimensions different from the disclosed dimensions (e.g., larger or smaller). In some embodiments, the slow closing assembly 160 can be assembled to a cabinet to further dampen impact forces when closing the cabinet. The slow closing assembly 160 can be configured to accommodate a variety of arrangements of manufacturing door tolerances without requiring additional adjustments from a user (e.g., installer).

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the spring assembly 230 may include a spring retainer 240 and a compression spring 250. The spring retainer 240 may be positioned between the body 220 and the compression spring 250. The spring retainer 240 may be configured to support the compression spring 250 when the slow closing assembly 160 is in various configurations. As shown, the spring retainer 240 may be manufactured separately and assembled to the slow closing assembly 160. By focusing only on smaller parts rather than the entire assembly, manufacturing a single part helps reduce maintenance workload and costs. In some embodiments, the spring retainer 240 may be manufactured together with the slow closing mechanism 300 such that the spring retainer 240 and the slow closing assembly 160 are an integral component (i.e., a single integral component that encloses both the spring retainer 240 and the slow closing mechanism 300). As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the compression spring 250 abuts against the spring retainer 240 and the assembly nut 260. The assembly nut 260 can be configured to translate along the body 220 so that the spring assembly 230 can be fixedly coupled to the body 220. In some embodiments, the assembly nut 260 can be selectively repositioned along the length of the body 220.

[0040] In some embodiments, alternative components other than the disclosed compression spring 250 may be used within the spring assembly 230. As an example, the spring assembly 230 may include a leaf spring 400 (ie, Fig.12 ). The leaf spring 400 can be configured to be positioned in place of the compression spring 250. The leaf spring 400 can bias the slow closing assembly 160 to the outward position. In yet other embodiments, an alternative component made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, etc.) can be used in place of the compression spring 250.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the body 220 includes a series of tracks or guides, which are shown as guide rails 270. The guide rails 270 can be a trapezoidal structure (e.g., a trapezoidal groove or slot) and extend along the entire length of the body 220. In some embodiments, the guide rails 270 can be configured to have alternative structures (e.g., circular grooves or slots, rectangular grooves or slots, etc.). In some other embodiments, the guide rails 270 may not extend along the entire length of the body 220. The assembly nut 260 can be configured to be selectively coupled to the guide rails 270. The assembly nut 260 interfaces with a bolt 265 (e.g., a screw, etc.) to provide a clamping force between the slow closing assembly 160 and the body 220. In some embodiments, the assembly nut 260 can interface with the bolt 265 to provide a tensile force, thereby positioning the slow closing assembly 160 at the distal side of the body 220. In some other embodiments, the bolt 265 can interface with the assembly nut 260, wherein the assembly nut 260 can be selectively not repositioned along the guide rails 270.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the slow closing assembly 160 also includes a second assembly nut 280 located proximal to the first body end 190. The second assembly nut 280 can be disposed within the guide rail 270 and configured to be selectively repositionable along the length of the body 220. The second assembly nut 280 can be coupled to the body 220 in a fixed manner by a second bolt 275 or other fastener (e.g., a screw, etc.). When the second assembly nut 280 is coupled to the body 220 in a fixed manner, the slow closing assembly 160 can be prohibited from lateral movement within the body 220. In some embodiments, when the second assembly nut 280 is coupled to the body 220 in a fixed manner, the slow closing assembly can be capable of lateral movement within the body 220. The slow closing mechanism 300 includes a track, which is shown as track 282. The track can be configured to be disposed within the slow closing mechanism 300 along the entire length of the slow closing assembly 160.

[0043] The slow closing assembly 160 can be selectively coupled to the body 220 by sliding in and out of engagement with the track 270. To remove the slow closing assembly 160, both the bolt 265 and the second bolt 275 may need to be loosened to at least allow the assembly nut 260 and the second assembly nut 280 to slide freely within the track 270. The slow closing assembly 160 can then be slid out of engagement with the body 220. In such an embodiment, the slow closing assembly 160 can be removed by pulling the slow closing assembly 160 away from the body 220. In this embodiment, the bolt 265 and the second bolt 275 can be completely removed so that the assembly nut 260 and the second assembly nut 280 are not coupled to the slow closing assembly 160. As listed, the removal technique does not involve removing the body 220 from the sliding door 100, so the slow closing assembly 160 can also be installed as an aftermarket product and installed independently of the sliding door 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the assembly nut 260 and the second assembly nut 280 may be a hammer nut 285 configured to rotate (e.g., as Figure 6 ). In such an embodiment, the hammer nut 285 can be rotated 90 degrees to lock and unlock within the guide rail 270. In order to remove the slow closing assembly 160 from the body 220, the hammer nut 285 is rotated 90 degrees to release the slow closing assembly. Once released, the slow closing assembly 160 can be pulled directly out perpendicular to the body 220. In some embodiments, the hammer nut 285 can be provided in a primary configuration. In some other embodiments, the hammer nut 285 can be provided in an auxiliary configuration (e.g., aftermarket). Additionally or alternatively, the compression spring 250 can reduce the overall installation time. The compression spring 250 always engages the slow closing assembly 160 in the outward direction to always maintain contact between the latch 210 and the sliding door. This results in less attempts by the installer to find the ideal arrangement.

[0045] The slow closing assembly 160 also includes a slow closing mechanism 300 slidably coupled to the slow closing assembly 160. The slow closing mechanism 300 can be positioned proximal to the second body end 200 so that the slow closing mechanism 300 can be selectively repositioned to contact and disengage from the body 220. In some embodiments, the slow closing mechanism 300 can be selectively repositioned only between the first body end 190 and the second body end 200. The slow closing mechanism 300 can be configured to suppress impact forces introduced into the system. The slow closing mechanism 300 can be a primary system damper. In some embodiments, the slow closing mechanism 300 can be an auxiliary system damper. A latch can be positioned between the slow closing mechanism 300 and the spring assembly 230, which is shown as a soft closing latch 310. The soft closing latch 310 is coupled to the slow closing mechanism 300 along the length of the body 220. The soft closing latch 310 can be selectively repositioned between a first position and a second position by pivoting around the second assembly nut 280. In some embodiments, the soft closing latch 310 can be selectively repositioned between a first position and a second position by pivoting about the assembly nut 260. In the first position, the soft closing latch 310 can be pivoted away from the body 220, wherein the sliding door 100 can interact with the soft closing latch 310. When the sliding door 100 engages and interacts with the soft closing latch 310, the soft closing latch 310 can be in the second position. In some embodiments, the soft closing latch 310 can be in a fixed position.

[0046] In some embodiments, the slow closing mechanism 300 includes an additional spring (not shown) disposed between the slow closing mechanism 300 and the soft closing latch 310. The additional spring can be configured to be coupled to the soft closing latch 310 so that the soft closing latch 310 is biased toward the second body end 200 (i.e., the spring interfaces with the soft closing latch 310 to push the soft closing latch 310 toward the second body end 200). In some embodiments, the additional spring can be configured to bias the soft closing latch 310 toward the first body end 190.

[0047] The compression spring 250 can also be configured to bias the components (e.g., spring assembly 230, spring retainer 240, assembly nut 260, soft closing latch 310, etc.) in a specific orientation. In this orientation, the compression spring 250 provides a force to position the components distal to the body 220. In some embodiments, the compression spring 250 can position the components proximal to the body 220. The bias positions the soft closing latch 310 in a first position, where the soft closing latch 310 can interact with the sliding door 100. In some embodiments, when the soft closing latch 310 can be in a second position, the compression spring 250 can provide a bias on the slow closing mechanism 300. In such an embodiment, at least one of the sliding doors 100 does not provide enough force to overcome the bias presented by the compression spring 250. When the soft closing latch 310 and the sliding door 100 are engaged, the soft closing latch 310 is snapped onto the sliding door 100 in the pocket. This interaction engages the slow closing mechanism 300 to suppress the impact force. The compression spring 250 may also be configured to provide auxiliary system damping when the soft close latch 310 engages the sliding door 100. The resulting combination of the compression spring 250 and the slow close mechanism 300 provides a dual damping feature.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, it is shown Figure 1 Detailed side view of the slow closing assembly 160 of the present invention. As shown, the slow closing assembly 160 includes a vertical axis 320 positioned at the midpoint of the body 220. The vertical axis 320 can be positioned along the midpoint of the roller assembly so that the slow closing assembly 160 can be positioned directly below the roller assembly. In some embodiments, the vertical axis 320 can be positioned to deviate from the midpoint of the roller assembly. The slow closing assembly 160 also includes a horizontal axis 330 positioned at the midpoint of the body 220. Both the first coupling 170 and the second coupling 180 are positioned along the horizontal axis 330. In some embodiments, at least one of the first coupling 170 and the second coupling 180 may not be positioned along the horizontal axis 330. The horizontal axis 330 may be positioned at the midpoint of the slow closing assembly 160. In some embodiments, the horizontal axis 330 may be positioned away from the midpoint of the slow closing assembly 160.

[0049] Reference Figure 8 , showing Figure 13D view of the slow closing assembly 160 in the ready position. In such an embodiment, the compression spring 250 can be configured to provide a bias on the spring assembly 230, the slow closing mechanism 300 and the soft closing latch 310. The compression spring 250 can also be configured to absorb impact forces when in the ready position. As shown, the compression spring 250 positions the spring assembly 230 and the soft closing latch 310 on the far side of the body 220. The offset distance is determined by the bolt 265. The bolt 265 can be tightened to allow a gap between the bolt face and the body 220. In some embodiments, the bolt 265 can be fully tightened to allow minimum movement of the spring assembly 230. In some other embodiments, the bolt 265 can determine the offset distance, wherein the distance is determined by replacing the damper or stop. The offset distance generated by the compression spring 250 can be defined to position the soft closing latch 310 on the same contact plane as the sliding door 100 to ensure that the system can interact with the sliding door 100 to receive impact forces. If the soft closing latch 310 does not interact with the sliding door 100, the impact will not be dampened, resulting in an increased likelihood of a hard stop and damage to components. Fig.13 The locking mechanism 450 may be an extrusion disposed within the soft closing latch 310, wherein the soft closing latch 310 may be rotated to the ready position such that the locking mechanism 450 becomes larger than the track 282. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 450 may be a ball and socket, wherein the soft closing latch 310 may remain stationary until the sliding door 100 is docked with the slow closing mechanism 300. The locking mechanism 450 may be configured to dock with the slow closing mechanism 300 when the soft closing latch 310 may be in the ready position to hold the soft closing latch 310 stationary.

[0050] In some embodiments, the compression spring 250 can bias mechanisms other than the slow closing mechanism 300. The compression spring 250 can be configured to be universal and assembled to other closing mechanisms. The compression spring 250 can be assembled to door hinges, locking mechanisms, and other embodiments that can utilize an actuator.

[0051] Now refer to Fig. 9 , showing Figure 13D view of the slow closing assembly 160 in a compressed position. As shown, the compression spring 250 can be positioned proximal to the body 220. In such an embodiment, the spring assembly 230 can be positioned flush with the body 220 to provide minimal interaction between the sliding door 100 and the spring assembly 230 when in use. In some embodiments, when the compression spring 250 can be in a compressed position, the spring assembly 230 may not be flush with the body. When the soft closing latch 310 is docked with the sliding door 100, the compression spring 250 can be defined as being in a compressed position. The sliding door 100 provides a reaction force on the spring assembly 230, causing the compression spring 250 to be compressed.

[0052] Reference Fig.10 , it can be shown that Figure 1 10 is a top view of the slow closing assembly 160 in the engaged position. As shown, the soft closing latch 310 can be engaged with the sliding door 100 so that the soft closing latch 310 can be pivoted into the body 220 and the compression spring 250 can be in a compressed state. In such an embodiment, the soft closing latch 310 can be defined as being substantially parallel to the body 220. In some embodiments, the soft closing latch 310 can be positioned perpendicular to the body 220 in the engaged position. The soft closing latch 310 mechanically engages the slow closing mechanism 300 to suppress impact forces. When the soft closing latch 310 can be positioned distally of the slow closing mechanism 300, the system damping performed by the slow closing mechanism 300 is increased. In some embodiments, the slow closing mechanism 300 provides uniform system damping regardless of the distance between the soft closing latch 310 and the slow closing mechanism 300.

[0053] Now refer to Fig.11 , showing Figure 1 10 is a top view of the slow closing assembly 160 in the disengaged position. As shown, the soft closing latch 310 can be disengaged from the sliding door 100 so that the soft closing latch 310 is pivoted away from the body 220 and the compression spring 250 can be in a ready state. In such an embodiment, the soft closing latch 310 can be defined as being positioned at a certain angle to the slow closing mechanism 300. In some embodiments, the soft closing latch 310 can be positioned parallel to the body 220 in the disengaged position. In some other embodiments, the soft closing latch 310 can be positioned approximately perpendicular to the body 220 in the disengaged position.

[0054] Overall reference Figures 14 to 19 , shows a slow closing assembly 500 according to another exemplary embodiment. The slow closing assembly 500 may be substantially similar to Figures 2 to 13The slow closing assembly 160 described in the previous section and thus, the same components may be used to describe the slow closing assembly 500. Therefore, the description of the same components is repeated here as if fully described in detail. Figures 2 to 13 As shown, the slow closing assembly 160 includes a spring assembly 230, which is a separate component from the slow closing mechanism 300. Figures 14 to 19 As shown, the slow closing assembly 160 does not include a spring assembly separate from the slow closing mechanism, but rather the spring directly biases the slow closing mechanism.

[0055] The slow closing assembly 500 includes a slow closing mechanism 510, a latch 520 positioned within the slow closing mechanism 510, and a spring 530 (e.g., a biasing mechanism, etc.) positioned at the end of the slow closing assembly 500. The slow closing mechanism 510 includes a first end 510a and a second end 510b. The first end 510a and the second end 510b can be positioned relative to each other along the length of the slow closing mechanism 510. The slow closing mechanism 510 can include a length 540. The length 540 can be substantially similar to the distance between the first end 510a and the second end 510b. The slow closing mechanism 510 can also include a width 550. Positioned near the first end 510a and the second end 510b can be one or more fasteners, shown as fasteners 560. The fasteners 560 can be coupled to the slow closing mechanism 510 and further positioned within the guide rail of the body. The fastener 560 may be coupled to the slow closing mechanism 510 via one or more fasteners, shown as fastener 570. The fasteners 560, 570 may be one of a nut, a bolt, a screw, a bracket, a stud, and the like.

[0056] The slow closing mechanism 510 can be selectively in a ready state (e.g., Fig.17 shown) and the elongated state (e.g., Fig.16 600). In the ready state, the latch 520 may not dock with anything, but is configured to receive a portion of the sliding door, more specifically, the projection 600. In the extended state, the latch 520 may dock with the projection 600. The extended state may be defined as any position when the slow closing mechanism 510 is not in the ready state. Additionally or alternatively, the latch 520 may be pivotally coupled to the slow closing mechanism 510. The latch 520 may be pivotally repositioned between an external position and an internal position. When the slow closing mechanism 510 is in the ready state, the latch 520 may be in an external position. Therefore, when the slow closing mechanism 510 is in the extended state, the latch 520 may be in an internal position.

[0057] The spring 530 can be positioned proximate to the first end 510a. In addition, the spring 530 can provide a biasing force on the slow closing mechanism 510 proximate to the first end 510a to provide the slow closing mechanism 510 outwardly. The advantageous effect of this orientation is to ensure that the sliding door is always docked with the latch 520 to inhibit the system. The first end 510a is further defined as a free floating end, wherein the slow closing mechanism 510 can be repositioned laterally without resistance. In this manner, the spring 530 is positioned proximate to the free floating end to allow the slow closing mechanism 510 to move substantially without restriction.

[0058] Specific reference Fig.18 , the slow closing mechanism 510 is shown in a ready position (e.g., biased). The spring 530 provides a biasing force to push the slow closing mechanism 510 into an outward position. The spring 530 can urge the slow closing mechanism 510 outward within a distance of 0 mm to 10 mm. In other embodiments, the spring 530 can urge the slow closing mechanism 510 outward at a distance exceeding 10 mm. Since the slow closing mechanism 510 is an integral component with the rest of the slow closing assembly 500, the slow closing mechanism 510 defines a pitch, angle, etc. between the first end 510a and the second end 510b.

[0059] Specific reference Fig.19 , the slow closing mechanism 510 is shown in an extended position. The spring 530 is compressed and the slow closing mechanism 510 moves laterally toward the body. In this position, the lateral force provided by the slow closing mechanism 510 is greater than or equal to the biasing force provided by the spring 530 to push the sliding door into the open position.

[0060] Although the slow closing mechanism 160 , 500 is shown and described herein with respect to sliding doors, it should be understood that the slow closing mechanism 160 , 500 may also be used in other types of sliding applications (eg, drawers, utilities, etc.).

[0061] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms used herein with respect to numerical ranges generally refer to + / - 10% of the disclosed values. As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., descriptions of shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, a manufacturing process or an assembly process, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0062] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that such terms are not intended to mean that such embodiments are necessarily specific or superlative examples).

[0063] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variations mean that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection can be achieved by directly connecting two components to each other, by connecting two components to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members connected to each other, or by connecting two components to each other using an intermediate member that is integrally formed into a single integral body with one of the two components. If "connection" or its variations are modified by additional items (e.g., direct connection), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the ordinary language meaning of the additional items (e.g., "direct connection" means the connection of two components without any separate intermediate member), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. Such connection can be mechanical, electrical or fluid.

[0064] References to the positions of elements herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may be different, and these variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0065] Although the drawings and description may show a specific order of method steps, unless otherwise specified above, the order of these steps may be different from that depicted and described. In addition, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously.

[0066] It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 6 The slow closing assembly 160 of the exemplary embodiment described in Fig.14 Although only one example of an element in one embodiment that can be combined or used in another embodiment is described above, it should be understood that other elements of various embodiments can be combined or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A sliding door, comprising: a frame positioned along at least a portion of the sliding door, the frame including a protrusion configured to slide in a lateral direction with the sliding door; as well as A slow closing assembly, the slow closing assembly being repositionable between an outward position and a compressed position, the slow closing assembly comprising: a slow closing mechanism positioned laterally within the slow closing assembly and configured to provide damping in a lateral direction; a spring positioned at an end of the slow closing assembly and providing an outward force to the slow closing assembly in an outward direction generally perpendicular to the lateral direction; and a soft closing latch configured to engage the protrusion when the protrusion slides along the lateral direction with the sliding door; wherein the spring biases the slow closing assembly into the outward position when the latch is not engaged with the protrusion, the latch being pivotably repositionable between an outer position and an inner position, and wherein the protrusion engages the latch to reposition the latch into the inner position, the latch being in the outer position when the slow closing assembly is in the outward position, and wherein the latch being in the inner position when the slow closing assembly is in the compressed position.

2. The sliding door according to claim 1, wherein: The slow closing mechanism is configured to provide a lateral force in the lateral direction toward the spring to urge the sliding door into an end position.

3. The sliding door according to claim 2, wherein: The lateral force provided by the slow closing mechanism is sufficient to overcome the outward force provided by the spring.

4. The sliding door according to claim 1, wherein: The slow closing assembly further includes a second frame within which the slow closing mechanism is positioned, and wherein the slow closing assembly is fixedly coupled to the second frame at an end distal from the spring.

5. The sliding door according to claim 1, wherein: The slow closing assembly also includes a second frame, wherein the spring provides a biasing force outward from the second frame, and wherein an end of the slow closing assembly proximate the spring is free floating.

6. The sliding door according to claim 1, wherein: The slow closing mechanism and the spring cooperatively define a dual damping system to control the repositioning of the sliding door.

7. The sliding door according to claim 1, wherein: The slow closing assembly also includes a second frame and a track, wherein the track is pivotally attached to the second frame at a pivot point at a first end of the track, wherein the soft closing latch slides within the track and the spring applies the outward force at the second end of the track so that the track pivots about the pivot point when the slow closing assembly moves between the outward position and the compressed position.

8. A slow closing assembly comprising: a frame, the frame comprising a first rail and a second rail; a slow closing mechanism positioned transversely within the first track and configured to reposition in a transverse direction along a length of the first track and to provide damping in the transverse direction; a biasing mechanism positioned at an end of the slow closing assembly and providing an outward force to the slow closing assembly in an outward direction generally perpendicular to the lateral direction; as well as a soft closing latch configured to engage a portion of the sliding door when the sliding door moves in the lateral direction; wherein the latch is pivotally repositionable between an exterior position and an interior position, the portion of the sliding door engaging the latch to reposition the latch into the interior position, wherein the latch is in the exterior position when the slow closing assembly is in an outward position, and wherein the latch is in the interior position when the slow closing assembly is in a compressed position.

9. The slow closing assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The slow closing mechanism includes one or more fasteners positioned within the second track, the one or more fasteners configured to secure the slow closing mechanism.

10. The slow closing assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more fasteners are a spin hammer nut, and wherein the spin hammer nut rotates between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

11. The slow closing assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The biasing mechanism is a spring, and wherein the spring bears against the frame and provides a biasing force outward from the frame.

12. The slow closing assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The end of the slow closing assembly proximate the spring is free floating.

13. The slow closing assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The slow closing mechanism is configured to provide a lateral force in the lateral direction toward the spring, and wherein the lateral force provided by the slow closing mechanism is sufficient to overcome the outward force provided by the spring.

14. The slow closing assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The slow closing mechanism and the spring cooperatively define a dual damping system to control the repositioning of the sliding door.

15. A slow closing assembly comprising: a frame, the frame comprising a first rail and a second rail; a slow closing mechanism positioned transversely within the first track and configured to provide a lateral force along the first track and to provide damping in a lateral direction; a biasing mechanism positioned at an end of the slow closing assembly and providing an outward force to the slow closing assembly in a direction perpendicular to the first track, the biasing mechanism being a spring, wherein the spring abuts against the frame and provides an outward biasing force from the frame; and a soft-closing latch configured to receive a portion of a sliding door; wherein the lateral force provided by the slow closing mechanism is sufficient to overcome the outward force provided by the spring, the latch is pivotably repositionable between an outer position and an inner position, the portion of the sliding door engages the latch to reposition the latch into the inner position, wherein the latch is in the outer position when the slow closing assembly is in the outward position, and wherein the latch is in the inner position when the slow closing assembly is in the compressed position.

16. The slow closing assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The end of the slow closing assembly proximate the spring is free floating.

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