The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 05, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 15, 1997
Kevin O'Neil, Cambridge, CA;
Kenneth R Sawatzky, Kitchener, CA;
Abstract
The present invention relates to a drawer slide assembly with an integral latch mechanism to inhibit inadvertent opening of a drawer. The structure of the present invention comprises an outer slide member and an inner slide member. The inner slide member is slidably engaged to the outer slide member. The structure includes an aperture in one of the slide members. A bearing is positioned to removably engage the aperture when the drawer slide assembly is in the closed position thereby forming a latch detent mechanism. The bearing is resiliently seated in a bearing retaining structure mounted on the drawer slide structure. The bearing retaining structure is provided with an element for providing a biasing force onto the bearing. This biasing force urges the bearing toward engagement with the aperture. When the bearing engages the aperture the inner slide member is held against slidable movement with respect to the outer slide member. This engagement provides for a secure latch to hold a drawer against inadvertent opening. The force necessary to disengage the latch is dependant upon the biasing force put upon the bearing.