Automatically actuated door lock system

Abstract

A door package or door assembly includes multiple door panels. A top frame member has one or more tracks upon which one or more door panels may slide relative to a door opening to close the door opening when in a fully extended position and to open the doorway when in a retracted position. When in its retracted or open position, a plurality of door panels may also pivot about a pivot plate attached to the floor to a broken open position essentially perpendicular to the plane of the doorway opening. Upper and lower magnetic latch assemblies automatically decouple to permit pivoting of the entire door panel assembly when the panels are fully retracted, and when the panels are not fully retracted, are automatically actuated to prevent pivoting of the door panel assembly.

Claims

1. A door system comprising: a. an upper frame, the frame including a first sliding track configured to receive at least one sliding door panel; b. a first door panel having a first vertical end and a second vertical end and a top and a bottom, the first door panel pivotally interconnected to the upper frame proximate the first vertical end of the first door panel; c. a second door panel having a first vertical end and a second vertical end, the second door panel slideably engaged with the first sliding track and interconnected to the first door panel, the second door panel movable between a first position substantially alongside the first door panel and a second position extending beyond the first door panel, the second door panel having a top portion and a body portion and wherein the body portion is pivotally interconnected to the top portion proximate the first vertical end of the second panel; d. a first latch assembly comprising a first catch, a first latch tongue, a first magnet associated with the first latch tongue and a second magnet, the first latch tongue biased to a first position wherein the first latch tongue engages the first catch and movable to a second position wherein the first latch tongue does not engage the first catch, the first catch disposed in one of the top portion or the body portion of the second door panel, the first latch tongue disposed in the other of the top portion or the body portion of the second door panel, the second magnet disposed in the first door panel, and wherein the first magnet has a first magnetic field and the second magnet has a second magnetic field; e. wherein when the second door panel is substantially alongside the first door panel, the second magnet is positioned proximate the first magnet and the magnetic field of the second magnet interacts with the magnetic field of the first magnet to move the first latch tongue to the second position, and when the second door panel is not substantially alongside the first door panel, the first magnetic field of the first magnet does not interact with the second magnetic field of the second magnet and the first latch tongue is in the first position.

2. The door system of claim 1, further comprising a third door panel having a first vertical end and a second vertical end and a top and a bottom and a second sliding track parallel to the first sliding track, the third door panel pivotally interconnected to the upper frame proximate the first vertical end of the third door panel and the first door panel slideably interconnected to the third door panel, wherein the third door panel does not slide relative to the upper frame, the first door panel slideably engaged with the second sliding track and movable between a first position wherein the first door panel is substantially alongside the third door panel and a second position wherein the first door panel extends beyond the third door panel, and the first, second and third door panels pivot about a pivot plate disposed proximate the first vertical end of the third door panel when the first door panel and second door panel are positioned substantially alongside the third door panel.

3. The door system of claim 1, further comprising a first biasing member for biasing the first latch tongue in the first position.

4. The door system of claim 1, further comprising a pivot plate engageable with a floor and with the first door panel and the second door panel, and wherein the first door panel and the second door panel pivot about the pivot plate.

5. The door package of claim 1, further comprising: a. a second sliding track associated with the upper frame; b. a third door panel having a first vertical end and a second vertical end, the third door panel slideably engaged with the second sliding track, the third door panel movable between a first position substantially alongside the second door panel and a second position extending beyond the second door panel, the third door panel having a top portion and a body portion and wherein the body portion of the third door panel is pivotally interconnected to the top portion of the third door panel proximate the first vertical end of the third door panel; c. a second latch assembly comprising a second catch, a second latch tongue, a third magnet associated with the second latch tongue and a fourth magnet, the second latch tongue biased to a first position wherein the second latch tongue engages the second catch and movable to a second position wherein the second latch tongue does not engage the second catch, the second catch disposed in one of the top portion or the body portion of the third door panel, the second latch tongue disposed in the other of the top portion or the body portion of the third door panel, and the fourth magnet disposed in the second door panel, and wherein the third magnet has a third magnetic field and the fourth magnet has a fourth magnetic field; d. wherein when the third door panel is substantially alongside the second door panel, the fourth magnet is positioned proximate the third magnet and the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet interacts with the third magnetic field of the third magnet to move the second latch tongue to the second position, and when the third door panel is not substantially alongside the second door panel, the third magnetic field of the third magnet does not interact with the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet and the second latch tongue is in the first position.

6. The door system of claim 1, further comprising: a. a second latch assembly affixed to a portion of one of the first door panel or the second door panel, the second latch assembly having a second catch associated with a first plate, a second latch tongue associated with a second plate, the first plate pivotally interconnected to the first door panel and the second door panel and configured to pivot relative to the second plate, the second plate mounted to the one of the first door panel or the second door panel to which the second latch assembly is affixed, and a third magnet associated with the second latch tongue, the third magnet having a third magnetic field, the second latch tongue moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein when the second latch tongue is in the first position the second latch tongue engages the second catch and prevents the first plate from pivoting relative to the second plate and the first plate maintains a first predetermined spacing between the first door panel and the second door panel, and when the second latch tongue is in the second position the second latch tongue disengages the second catch, the first plate is able to pivot relative to the second plate and the first door panel is configured to separate from the second door panel up to a second predetermined spacing greater than the first predetermined spacing; b. a fourth magnet disposed within a portion of the other of the first door panel or the second door panel, the fourth magnet having a fourth magnetic field; c. wherein, when the second door panel is in the second position, the third magnetic field of the third magnet does not overlap with the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet, the second latch member is in the first position and the first plate cannot pivot relative to the second plate, and when the second door panel is in the first position the third magnet is proximate the fourth magnet and the third magnetic field of the third magnet overlaps with the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet causing the second latch tongue to move to the second position.

7. The door system of claim 6, wherein the first door panel and the second door panel each have a bottom edge, and the second latch assembly is affixed proximate the bottom edge of the one of the first door panel or the second door panel.

8. The door system of claim 6, wherein the first, second, third and fourth magnets are positioned such that the first magnetic field of the first magnet and the second magnetic field of the second magnet overlap at approximately the same time the third magnetic field of the third magnet overlaps with the fourth magnet field of the fourth magnet.

9. The door system of claim 6, further comprising a second biasing member for biasing the second latch tongue in the first position.

10. A door package, comprising: a. a door frame having a top portion, a first jamb connected to a first end of the top portion, and a second jamb connected to a second end of the top portion, the top portion including one or more tracks operable to slideably engage with at least one door panel of a door assembly, the top portion, first jamb and second jamb defining a plane of the door frame; b. a door assembly comprising two or more door panels, wherein each door panel of the two or more door panels has a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, wherein at least a first door panel of the two or more door panels is attached to the door frame, and a second door panel of the two or more door panels is slideably engaged with one of the one or more tracks of the top portion of the door frame and movable between a first position with the first vertical edge of the second door panel proximate the first jamb and a second position with the second vertical edge of the second door panel extending beyond the second vertical edge of the first door panel, and wherein the door assembly has a first open position wherein the first vertical edge of each of the two or more door panels is positioned proximate the first door jamb and each of the two or more door panels are positioned parallel with the plane of the door frame; c. a pivot plate configured to connect to a floor at a position proximate the first door jamb and to pivotally engage with the two or more door panels and to allow the two or more door panels to pivot away from the plane of the door frame when the two or more door panels are in the first open position; d. a first latch assembly associated with the second door panel, the first latch assembly having a first catch member and a first latch member, wherein the first latch member is movable between a first position and a second position, and when the first latch member is in the first position the first catch member prevents pivoting movement of the second door panel, and when the first latch member is in the second position the first catch member does not prevent pivoting movement of the second door panel; e. an actuator comprising a first member and a second member, the first member associated with the first latch member and the second member associated with the first door panel, wherein when the door assembly is in the open position, the location of the second member relative to the first member causes the first latch member to move to the second position and the door assembly is operable to pivot to a broken open position that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the door frame.

11. The door package of claim 10, wherein the first member and second member of the actuator are magnets.

12. The door package of claim 10, wherein the first member comprises one of magnetic or ferrous material and the second member comprises the other of magnetic or ferrous material.

13. The door package of claim 10, further comprising a swing arm pivotally attached to the first door panel and the second door panel, the swing arm having a locked position in which the first and second door panels are kept at a first predetermined distance from each other, and an unlocked position in which the first and second door panels are prevented from separating more than a second predetermined distance while the door assembly is pivoting from the first open position to the broken open position.

14. The door package of claim 10, wherein the pivot plate comprises a vertical pin for each of the two or more door panels, the pins being operable to temporarily or permanently engage with each of the two or more door panels when the two or more door panels are in the first open position and to provide an axis around which each of the two or more door panels can rotate as the two or more door panels are pivoted to the broken open position.

15. The door package of claim 14, further comprising a pivot block mounted on the second door panel of the two or more door panels, the pivot block engaging with the pivot plate when the second door panel pivots between the first open position to the broken open position.

16. The door package of claim 10, wherein at least one of the two or more door panels includes a transparent portion.

17. The door package of claim 10, wherein the door assembly comprises a telescopic door having three door panels.

18. A door package comprising: a. an upper frame portion having one or more tracks, wherein each track has a first end and a second end and the first end of each of the one or more tracks is located proximate to the other of the first ends of the one or more tracks, and the second end of each of the one or more tracks is located proximate to the other of the second ends of the one or more tracks; b. a first carriage slideably interconnected to a first track of the one or more tracks; c. a first door panel pivotally interconnected to the first carriage and movable relative to the first carriage between a first locked position wherein the first door panel is parallel with the first track and a second unlocked position wherein the first door panel is oriented at an angle relative to the first track, the first door panel movable with the first carriage between a retracted position proximate the first end of the first track and an extended position remote from the first end of the first track; d. a second non-sliding door panel pivotally mounted to the upper frame portion proximate the first end of the first track of the one or more tracks; e. a first latch assembly having a first catch member affixed at a first location to one of the first carriage or the first door panel, a first latch member affixed at a second location to the other of the first carriage or the first door panel wherein the first latch member is adjacent the first catch member when the first door panel and the first carriage are in the first locked position, and a first magnet associated with the first latch member, the first magnet having a first magnetic field, wherein the first latch member is movable between a first position and a second position and is biased to the first position, and wherein when the first latch member is in the first position the first catch member prevents the first door panel from pivoting relative to the first carriage, and when the first latch member is in the second position the first catch member does not prevent the first door panel from pivoting relative to the first carriage; f. a second magnet disposed within the second non-sliding door panel, the second magnet having a second magnetic field; g. wherein, when the first door panel is in the extended position, the first magnetic field of the first magnet does not overlap with the second magnetic field of the second magnet and the first latch member is in the first position, and when the first door panel is in the retracted position the first magnet is proximate the second magnet and the first magnetic field of the first magnet overlaps with the second magnetic field of the second magnet causing the first latch member to move to the second position whereby the first door panel can pivot relative to the first carriage and the second door panel can pivot relative to the first track of the upper frame portion.

19. The package of claim 18, wherein the first latch member is biased to the first position by at least one of a spring or gravity.

20. The package of claim 18, further comprising a. a second carriage slideably interconnected to a second track of the one or more tracks; b. a third door panel pivotally interconnected to the second carriage and movable with the second carriage between a first retracted position wherein the third door panel is adjacent the first door panel when the first door panel is in the retracted position and a second extended position extending beyond the extended position of the first door panel, and wherein the third door panel is interconnected to the first door panel and slides relative to the first door panel, and when the first door panel is in the retracted position and the third door panel is in the first retracted position the second non-sliding door panel and the first and third door panels are configured to simultaneously pivot relative to the one or more tracks.

21. The package of claim 18, further comprising a pivot plate engageable with a floor and with the first door panel and the second non-sliding door panel, and wherein the first door panel and the second non-sliding door panel pivot about the pivot plate.

22. The package of claim 18, further comprising: a. a second latch assembly affixed to a portion of one of the first door panel or the second non-sliding door panel, the second latch assembly having a second catch member associated with a first plate, a second latch member associated with a second plate, the first plate pivotally interconnected to the first door panel and the second non-sliding door panel and configured to pivot relative to the second plate, the second plate mounted to the one of the first door panel or the second non-sliding door panel to which the second latch assembly is affixed, and a third magnet associated with the second latch member, the third magnet having a third magnetic field, the second latch member moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein when the second latch member is in the first position the second latch member engages the second catch member and prevents the first plate from pivoting relative to the second plate and the first plate maintains a first predetermined spacing between the first door panel and the second non-sliding door panel, and when the second latch member is in the second position the second latch member disengages the second catch member, the first plate is able to pivot relative to the second plate and the first door panel is configured to separate from the second non-sliding door panel up to a second predetermined spacing greater than the first predetermined spacing; b. a fourth magnet disposed within a portion of the other of the first door panel or the second non-sliding door panel, the fourth magnet having a fourth magnetic field; c. wherein, when the first door panel is in the extended position, the third magnetic field of the third magnet does not overlap with the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet, the second latch member is in the first position and the first plate cannot pivot relative to the second plate, and when the first door panel is in the retracted position the third magnet is proximate the fourth magnet and the third magnetic field of the third magnet overlaps with the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet causing the second latch member to move to the second position.

23. The package of claim 22, wherein the first, second, third and fourth magnets are positioned such that the first magnetic field of the first magnet and the second magnetic field of the second magnet overlap at approximately the same time the third magnetic field of the third magnet overlaps with the fourth magnet field of the fourth magnet.

24. The package of claim 22, wherein the second latch member is biased to the first position by at least one of a spring or gravity.

25. The package of claim 22, wherein when the second plate pivots relative to the first plate the first door panel is operable to separate from the second non-sliding door panel.

26. The door package of claim 18, further comprising: a. a second carriage slideably interconnected to a second track of the one or more tracks; b. a third door panel pivotally interconnected to the second carriage and movable relative to the second carriage between a first locked position wherein the third door panel is parallel with the second track and a second unlocked position wherein the third door panel is oriented at an angle relative to the second track, the third door panel movable with the second carriage between a retracted position proximate the first end of the second track of the one or more tracks and an extended position beyond the extended position of the first door panel; c. a second latch assembly having a second catch member affixed at a first location to one of the second carriage or the third door panel, a second latch member affixed at a second location to the other of the second carriage or the third door panel wherein the second latch member is adjacent the second catch member when the third door panel and the second carriage are in the locked position, and a third magnet associated with the second latch member, the third magnet having a third magnetic field, wherein the second latch member is movable between a first position and a second position and is biased to the first position, and wherein when the second latch member is in the first position the second catch member prevents the third door panel from pivoting relative to the second carriage, and when the second latch member is in the second position the second catch member does not prevent the third door panel from pivoting relative to the second carriage; d. a fourth magnet affixed to the one of the first door panel or the first carriage, the fourth magnet having a fourth magnetic field; e. wherein, when the third door panel is in the extended position, the third magnetic field of the third magnet and the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet do not overlap and the second latch member is in the first position, and when the third door panel is in the retracted position the third magnet of the second latch assembly is proximate the fourth magnet of the second latch assembly and the third magnetic field of the third magnet overlaps with the fourth magnetic field of the fourth magnet wherein the first latch member of the second latch assembly moves to the second position and the third door panel can pivot relative to the second track of the upper frame portion.

27. The package of claim 26, wherein the first door panel and the second non-sliding door panel each have a bottom edge, and the second latch assembly is affixed proximate the bottom edge of the one of the first door panel or the second non-sliding door panel.

28. The package of claim 26, further comprising: a. a third latch assembly affixed to a portion of one of the first door panel or the third door panel, the third latch assembly having a third catch member associated with a third plate, a third latch member associated with a fourth plate, the third plate pivotally interconnected to the first door panel and the third door panel and configured to pivot relative to the fourth plate, the fourth plate mounted to the one of the first door panel or the third door panel to which the third latch assembly is affixed, and a fifth magnet associated with the third latch member, the fifth magnet having a fifth magnetic field, the third latch member moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein when the third latch member is in the first position the third latch member engages the third catch member and prevents the third plate from pivoting relative to the fourth plate and the third plate maintains a first predetermined spacing between the first door panel and the third door panel, and when the third latch member is in the second position the third latch member disengages the third catch member, the third plate is able to pivot relative to the fourth plate and the first door panel is configured to separate from the third door panel up to a second predetermined spacing greater than the first predetermined spacing; b. a sixth magnet disposed within a portion of the other of the first door panel or the third door panel, the sixth magnet having a sixth magnetic field; c. wherein, when the third door panel is in the extended position, the fifth magnetic field of the fifth magnet does not overlap with the sixth magnetic field of the sixth magnet, the third latch member is in the first position and the third plate cannot pivot relative to the fourth plate, and when the third door panel is in the retracted position the fifth magnet is proximate the sixth magnet and the fifth magnetic field of the fifth magnet overlaps with the sixth magnetic field of the sixth magnet causing the third latch member to move to the second position.

29. The package of claim 28, wherein the first door panel and the third door panel each have a bottom edge, and the third latch assembly is affixed proximate the bottom edge of the one of the first door panel or the third door panel.

30. A door system comprising: a. A frame portion having a proximal end and a distal end including at least one track extending between the proximal end and the distal end; b. A first carriage slideably interconnected to a first track of the at least one track; c. A first non-sliding door panel having a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge spaced from the first vertical edge, the first non-sliding door panel pivotally affixed to the frame portion, wherein the pivot is proximate the first vertical edge and the proximal end of at least one track; d. A second door panel pivotally interconnected to the first carriage, the second door panel having a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge spaced from the first vertical edge, the first carriage and second door panel movable together between a first position proximate the first end wherein the first vertical edge of the second door panel is proximate the first vertical edge of the first non-sliding door panel and a second position wherein the second vertical edge of the second door panel extends beyond the second vertical edge of the first non-sliding door panel; e. A first latch assembly locking the position of the second door panel relative to the first carriage, the first latch assembly including a first component affixed to the first carriage and a second component affixed to the second door panel, the first latch assembly having a first locked position wherein the first component engages the second component and a second unlocked position wherein the first component and second component are disengaged, the first lock assembly biased to the locked position; f. A first actuator affixed to the first non-sliding door panel and configured to cause the first and second components of the first latch assembly to disengage when the second door panel is in the first position.

31. The door system of claim 30, wherein the first actuator comprises a first magnet with a first magnetic field and the first latch assembly further comprises a ferrous member or second magnet with a second magnetic field, wherein the first magnet is proximate the ferrous member or the second magnet the first magnetic field interacts with the ferrous member or the second magnetic field to cause the first component and the second component of the first latch assembly to disengage.

32. The door system of claim 30, wherein the first component and second component of the first latch assembly comprise an electromechanical lock having an engaged and a disengaged position, and the first actuator comprises an optical sensor configured to sense when the second door panel is in the first position and send a first signal, and a controller to receive the first signal from the sensor and to send a second signal to the electromechanical lock to disengage the first component and the second component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, explain the principles of these inventions.

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lower latch assembly.

(3) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the lower latch assembly of FIG. 1, positioned in a door package with the door panels in an extended position.

(4) FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the lower latch assembly of FIG. 1, positioned in a door package with the door panels in a retracted position.

(5) FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a portion of the lower latch assembly as shown in FIG. 2A.

(6) FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the lower latch assembly as shown in FIG. 2B, further showing the door panels slightly separated.

(7) FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an upper latch assembly.

(8) FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the upper latch assembly of FIG. 4, positioned in a door package with the door panels in an extended position.

(9) FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the upper latch assembly of FIG. 4, positioned in a door package with the door panels in a retracted position.

(10) FIG. 6 is an end view of a door package having three door panels, with the panels in an extended position, and further showing a lower and upper latch assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

(11) FIG. 7 is an end view of a door package having three door panels, with the panels in a retracted position, and further showing a lower and upper latch assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

(12) FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the door package of FIG. 7.

(13) FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the door package of FIG. 6, with the door panels partially retracted.

(14) FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the door package of FIG. 7.

(15) FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the door package of FIG. 7 showing the door panels partially broken out and fully broken out.

(16) FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a door package with two two-panel doors in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(17) FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a door package with a two door panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(18) FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a bi-parting door package with two telescopic three-panel doors in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(19) FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a single slide door package with two telescopic door panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(20) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(21) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a lower latch assembly 10. As shown, the lower latch assembly 10 includes a fixed plate 12 and a swing arm 14 configured to pivot relative to the fixed plate 12 about the lower portion of a support post 16. The support post 16 has an outwardly extending flange 18 that separates the lower portion 20 from the upper portion 22. The lower portion 20 extends through an aperture 24 in the fixed plate and into an aperture 26 in the swing arm 14. The flange 18 abuts the fixed plate 12 and stabilizes the support post 16 within the apertures. A biasing spring 28 is positioned around the upper portion 22 of the support post 16 with one end 30 interconnected to a door mount 32 and the opposite end 34 interconnected to the swing arm 14 at aperture 36. The biasing spring 28 assists in maintaining alignment of the fixed plate 12 and swing arm 14 such that the swing arm 14 may pivot relative to the fixed plate 12 without binding. The fixed plate 12 is positioned along the bottom edge of a door panel with the support post 16 and the door mount 32 positioned interior of the door panel. Screw holes 38 are formed in the door mount 32 to interconnect the fixed plate 12 to the door panel. A lock arm 40 is pivotally connected to the door mount 32 by pivot pin 42 which extends through apertures 44 formed in the door mount 32 and bore 46 formed in the lock arm 40. A magnet 48 is disposed on an outer surface of the lock arm 40. The magnet 48 may be positioned on any surface of the lock arm 40, multiple magnets may be positioned on more than one surface of the lock arm 40, the magnet may be positioned inside of the lock arm 40, or the lock arm 40 may be magnetic itself. A cutout, recess or groove 50 is formed in the lock arm 40 and is configured to engage a lock post 52 mounted to and extending upwardly from the swing arm 14. The swing arm 14 includes a finger portion 54 that extends laterally away from the fixed plate 12. A guide post 56 is connected to the finger portion 54 of the swing arm 14 at aperture 58. The guide post 56 is configured to slide within an internal door track (510) disposed within the bottom of an adjacent door panel as more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,342.

(22) A second magnet 60, located in the same adjacent door panel, interacts with the magnet 48 associated with the lock arm 40 to actuate or move the lock arm 40 between a first position and a second position depending upon the proximity of the second magnet 60 relative to the lock arm magnet 48. More specifically, magnetic flux patterns associated with the magnets 48 and 60 interact when the magnets 48 and 60 are proximate each other to cause the lock arm 40 to move from the first position and the second position. In the first position, the upper portion of the lock post 54 is captured by the channel 50 of the lock arm 40. In the second position, the lock arm 40 has pivoted upwardly such that the channel 50 has disengaged the lock post 52. A biasing member (not shown) may optionally be included to bias the lock arm 40 into its first position where it engages the lock post 52. Alternatively, the lock arm 40 may be weighted in such a way as to bias it into the first position. The purpose of the lock arm 40 and lock post 52 is to prevent lateral movement of the swing arm 14 away from the fixed plate 12. Those of ordinary skill in the art, upon review of the present disclosure, will recognize that the interconnection between the fixed plate 12 and swing arm 14 may be accomplished in many other ways, all of which are deemed within the scope of the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, upon review of the present disclosure, that the second magnet 60 may be positioned at different locations within the adjacent door panel depending upon the strength of the magnetic fields and flux patterns of the magnets 48 and 60, and also considering possible interference from the structure of the door panels and any surrounding structure.

(23) It should also be appreciated that the second magnet 60 may comprise multiple magnets rather than a single magnet. Further still, it should be appreciated that actuation of the lower latch assembly does not require the first magnet 48 and the second magnet 60. In one alternative embodiment, one of the first magnet 48 and second magnet 60 may be replaced by a member made of ferrous material. For example, the lock arm 40 could be a first member made of a ferrous material and the magnet 60 can be a second member. Together, the first and second members comprise an embodiment of an actuator. When the magnet 60 is proximate the lock arm 40, the interaction between the magnet 60 and the ferrous lock arm 40 will cause the lock arm 40 to move from the first position to the second position. As a further alternative, a ferrous member could be substituted for the first magnet 48 and mounted on the lock arm 40. In yet a further alternative, one or more ferrous members could substitute for the second magnet 60 and a first magnet 48 remains associated with the lock arm 40.

(24) FIG. 2A shows the lower latch assembly 10 mounted in association with two adjacent door panels P1 and P2. More specifically, an opening is formed along the lower edge 70 of door panel P2 proximate the leading edge 72. The door mount 32 is affixed to the door panel P2 such that the fixed plate 12 and support post 16 are mounted in the interior of the door panel P2 and the lock arm 40 is positioned partially within the door panel P2 and extends partially out from the door panel P2. The finger portion 54 of the swing arm 14 extends laterally away from the fixed plate 12 such that the guide post 56 is oriented in the lower portion 74 of door panel P1. A track or groove (not illustrated for clarity purposes) is formed along the interior lower edge 74 of door panel P2, and door panel P1 slides relative to door panel P2 and maintains its position relative to door panel P2 by guide post 56. Actuation magnet 60 is disposed in the lower portion 74 of door panel P1 along the leading edge 76. As shown, the lock arm 40 engages or captures the lock post 52 within the cutout 50 of the lock post 52 to prevent the swing arm 14 from pivoting relative to the fixed plate 12.

(25) In contrast, FIG. 2B shows the door panel P1 oriented in a retracted position adjacent to and overlapping door panel P2. In this orientation, activation magnet 60 is proximate lock arm magnet 48, and the interaction of the flux patterns of the two magnets causes the lock arm 40 to move from a first position (as shown in FIG. 2A where the cutout 50 engages the lock post 52) to a second position where the lock arm 40 disengages and separates from the lock post 52. In the second position, shown in FIG. 2B, the swing arm 14 can pivot relative to the fixed plate 12 and the door panel P1 can separate from door panel P2.

(26) It should be appreciated that the door panels as shown in the present disclosure may be of most any size in width, height and thickness. This is represented, for example, in FIGS. 2A and 2B by illustrated panel P1 as split into two pieces.

(27) FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3A, door panel P1 is in an extended position relative to door panel P2 and the lock arm 40 is engaged with the lock post 52. Because of this locking arrangement, the swing arm 14 is secured in the position shown such that the guide post 56 remains in a fixed position and functions to provide a lower guide for the sliding motion of door panel P1, thereby eliminating a need for a floor track. In FIG. 3B the actuation magnet 60 is located proximate the lock arm magnet 48. In this orientation, the lock arm 40 moves to its second location and disengages from the lock post 40, allowing the swing arm 14 to pivot relative to the fixed plate 12 and thereby allows the door panel P1 to move away from door panel P2.

(28) FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an upper latch assembly 80, comprising a base 82, a latch arm 84, and a first magnet 86. More specifically, the base 82 includes two opposed end walls 88 and 90 that extend upwardly to form a space in which the latch arm 84 is positioned. A pivot pin 92 extends through apertures 94 and 96 in the end walls 88 and 90, and through a pin receiving bore 98 in the latch arm 84, such that the latch arm 84 moves between a first position and a second position relative to the base 82. A latch arm magnet or second magnet 100 is positioned on a face of the latch arm 84. The magnet 100 may be positioned on any surface of the latch arm 84, positioned inside the latch arm 84, or the latch arm 84 may be magnetic itself. A spring well 102 is formed in the base 82 to secure a coil spring (not shown) or other bias member to bias the latch arm 84 into its first position where the tongue or nose 104 of the latch arm 84 is extended away from the base 82. Alternatively, the latch arm 84 may be weighted in such a way as to bias the latch arm 84 into the first position. Mounting apertures 106 are formed in the base 82 for attaching the base 82 to a door panel. A catch member 108 is also shown and includes a downwardly depending leg 110 with an outwardly extending lip 112 configured to engage the tongue 104 of the latch member 84. The leading edge 114 of the tongue 104 may be beveled or shaped in a way that complements or conforms to the shape of the groove 116 formed by the leg 110 and lip 112. The groove 116 extends along the length of the lower side of catch member 108.

(29) FIG. 5A shows door panels P1 and P2 in an extended orientation. As illustrated, the base 82 is positioned along the upper edge 120 of door panel P1 proximate the leading end 76. Actuation magnet 86 is positioned along the upper edge 122 of door panel P2 proximate the leading edge 72. In this orientation, the flux patterns of latch arm magnet 100 and actuation magnet 86 do not interact and the latch arm 84 is oriented in its first position extending upwardly from the base 82.

(30) In FIG. 5B, the door panels P1 and P2 are shown in a retracted orientation. In this orientation, the actuation magnet 86 positioned along the top edge 122 of the door panel P2 is proximate the latch arm magnet 100 positioned along the top edge 120 of door panel P1 such that the interacting flux patterns of the two magnets cause the latch arm 84 to move to its retracted or second position.

(31) FIG. 6 is an end view of a three-panel door package, although the principles described herein apply equally to a two-door package or any other type of package. FIG. 6 corresponds to FIGS. 2A and 3A, where the door panels P1 and P2 are in an extended or non-retracted position. The door package shown includes an upper frame 130 that is installed along the upper horizontal surface of a doorway opening. Panel P3 is illustrated as a non-sliding panel, but can be sliding panel. Here, door panels P1 and P2 are oriented adjacent to door panel P3 and slide along tracks 132 on rollers 134. A trolley or carriage 136, including support structure 138, interconnects the rollers 134 to the door panels P1 and P2. The carriage 136 extends along the top of the panels P1 and P2. The catch member 108, previously described in connection with FIG. 4, is connected to the carriage 136 of door panel P1 at a location that permits the catch member 108 to interface with the latch arm 84. As shown, the interface is along the horizontal interface between the top edge 120 of panel P1 and the bottom of the carriage 136. The interface could be along a vertical edge of the panel P1 and carriage 136 or any other location as would be recognized by a person of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure. The groove 116 formed by the leg 110 and the lip 112 of the catch member 108 creates a catch that interacts with the nose 114 of the latch arm 84. When the latch arm 84 is in its first position it engages the catch member 108 and prevents the panel P1 from moving laterally (as depicted in FIG. 6), although the panel P1 may still slide along the track 132 (in and out of the plane of FIG. 6). Optionally, panel P2 may also include an upper latch assembly 80 (not shown).

(32) FIG. 7 is an end view of the door package with the door panels P1, P2 and P3 in a retracted or open position corresponding to the two-panel package of FIGS. 2B and 3B. Here, the actuation magnet 86 of the upper latch assembly 80 is sufficiently proximate the magnet 100 that the flux patterns of the two magnets interact to move the latch arm 84 into a retracted position disengaged from the catch 108.

(33) It should also be appreciated that the second magnet 86 may comprise multiple magnets rather than a single magnet. Further still, it should be appreciated that actuation of the upper latch assembly does not require the first magnet 100 and the second magnet 86. In one alternative embodiment, one of the first magnet 100 and second magnet 86 may be replaced by a member made of ferrous material. For example, the latch arm 84 could be a first member made of a ferrous material and the magnet 86 can be a second member. Together, the first and second members comprise one embodiment of an actuator. When the magnet 86 is proximate the latch arm 84, the interaction between the magnet 86 and the ferrous latch arm 84 will cause the latch arm 84 to move from the first position to the second position. As a further alternative, a ferrous member could be substituted for the first magnet 100 and mounted on the latch arm 84. In yet a further alternative, one or more ferrous members could substitute for the second magnet 86 and a first magnet 100 remains associated with the latch arm 84.

(34) Panels P1 and P2 also include a pivot post 140 that extends between and interconnects the panel P1 to its carriage 136 and panel P2 to its carriage 136. The pivot post 140 is located proximate the trailing edge of the panels P1 and P2, for example as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B with respect to panel P1 (a single slide package). When the latch arm 84 moves to its disengaged or retracted position, the panels P1 and P2 are partially disconnected from the carriages 136. The connection formed by the pivot post 140 remains but allows the panels P1 and P2 to pivot relative to the carriages 136 about the pivot posts 140.

(35) A lower latch assembly 10 is also illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, with the panels is an extended position, the lock arm 40 secures the lock post 52. In FIG. 7, with the panels in a retracted position, the lock arm 40 is separated from the lock post 52. Thus, the operation of the lower latch assembly 10 and upper latch assembly 80 prevent the panels from moving laterally (out of the plane defined by the sliding tracks 132) while allowing the panels to slide along the tracks 132. When the panels are in the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 7, the automatic interaction of magnets 48 and 60 of the lower latch assembly 10 and the interaction of the magnets 86 and 100 of the upper latch assembly 80 cause the lock arm 40 to disengage or separate from the lock post 52 and the latch arm 84 to disengage or separate from the catch member 108. Conversely, when the magnets 48 and 60 of the lower latch assembly are separated by a sufficient distance, depending upon the strength of the magnetic fields and flux patterns and orientation of the magnets, the lock arm automatically returns to the first position and engages or captures the lock post 52 and the latch arm 84 returns to its first position where it is configured to engage the groove 110 of the catch member 108 to prevent lateral movement of the panels P1, P2 and P3. A door guide pin assembly (reference number 208 in U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,342) is shown interconnecting the lower portions of panels P3 and P2. Optionally, a lower latch assembly 10 may also be substituted for the door guide pin assembly.

(36) Turning to FIGS. 8-11, operation of a three-panel telescoping door package is explained. In FIG. 8, the three panels P1, P2 and P3 comprising the door package are in a fully extended or telescoping orientation. Panels P1 and P2 are interconnected to an overhead track 132 (not shown) and slide left and right between an open and closed position. In this embodiment, panel P3 does not slide. A pivot plate 150 is mounted to the floor on the far left at a position typically proximate the left door jamb of the doorway opening. Panel P3 pivots about a pivot pin 152 associated with the pivot plate 150. An upper latch assembly 80 is positioned proximate the leading edge 76 of panel P1. A lower latch assembly 10 is positioned proximate the leading edge 72 of panel P2 with the guide post 56 positioned in a groove or channel formed in the lower edge 74 of panel P1. A door guide pin assembly, described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,342 (reference number 208) interconnects the bottoms of Panels P2 and P3. It should be appreciated that a lower latch assembly 10 could substitute for the door guide pin assembly, and also that an upper latch assembly 80 could be added to the upper portion of Panel P2.

(37) In FIG. 9, the panels P1, P2 and P3 are partially open. However, the actuation magnet 60 of the lower latch assembly 10 and the actuation magnet 86 of the upper latch assembly 80 are not sufficiently near or close to the magnets 48 and 100, respectively to cause the lock arm 40 and latch arm 84 to move from the first position to the second position. Because lower latch assembly 10 and the upper latch assembly 80 are in locked or secured states, panels P1 and P2 may slide relative to the door frame 130 but are otherwise restricted in motion.

(38) In FIG. 10, the panels P1, P2 and P3 are in a fully retracted position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 7. Door panels P1 and P2 include a pivot block 154 at the lower and trailing edges of the panel that engage with the pivot plate 150 when the panels P1 and P2 are in the fully retracted position. The pivot blocks permit the panels P1 and P2 to pivot relative to the pivot plate 150. As previously described, the pivot posts 140 permit the panels P1 and P2 to pivot relative to the carriages 136. In the retracted orientation, the lock arm 40 of the lower latch assembly 10 and the latch arm 84 of the upper latch assembly 80 have automatically moved to an unlocked or disengaged state due to the proximity of magnets 48 and 60 and magnets 82 and 100, respectively. With the lower latch assembly 10 and upper latch assembly 80 in a disconnected state, the three panels P1-P3 can pivot as shown in FIG. 11 and move to a position substantially perpendicular to the opening of the doorway. As shown in FIG. 7, the door panels P1-P3 separate from the upper track assembly 130 along line L. The disengagement of the swing arm 14 from the fixed plate 12 allows the door panels P1 and P2 to separate while they pivot to accommodate a door handle associated with panel P1.

(39) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. For example, the lower and upper latch assemblies 10 and 80 may be used with different door packages, including a two-panel bi-part door package as shown in FIG. 12, a two-panel sliding door package as shown in FIG. 13, and a telescoping bi-part door package as shown in FIG. 14. In addition, the automatic actuation of the lock systems need not be magnetically actuated. For example, optical sensor may be positioned in association with the door panels to sense when the door panels are and are not in a fully retracted position. Acting through a controller or processor, a signal from the sensors can trigger the actuation of an electromechanical lock system moving lock members between coupled and decoupled positions. These devices could be battery powered with replaceable or rechargeable batteries or could be directly powered from an existing power source using batteries of other backup power supplies as may be needed in the event of a power loss.

(40) Other modifications or uses for the present invention will also occur to those of skill in the art after reading the present disclosure. Such modifications or uses are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.