SELF-LATCHING AND SELF-LOCKING LATCH SYSTEM FOR SLIDING DOOR PANELS

Abstract

A door retention system for use with a building is described herein. The building includes a frame and a sliding door. The door retainer system includes a door retainer coupled to the frame and a latch retainer assembly coupled to the sliding door. The door retainer includes a housing coupled to the frame and a retainer bolt extending outwardly from the housing. The latch retainer assembly includes a retainer catch coupled to the sliding door and a pivot catch coupled to the retainer catch. The retainer catch includes a slot defined along an outer surface of the retainer catch configured to receive the retainer bolt therein as the sliding door is moved from the open position to the closed position. The pivot catch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and configured to engage the retainer bolt in the latched position.

Claims

1. A door retention system for use with a building including a frame and at least one sliding door slideably coupled to the frame, the sliding door movable between a closed position and an open position, the door retainer system comprising: a door retainer including a housing coupled to the frame and a retainer bolt extending outwardly from the housing; and a latch retainer assembly including: a retainer catch coupled to the sliding door, the retainer catch including a slot defined along an outer surface of the retainer catch, the slot configured to receive the retainer bolt therein as the sliding door is moved from the open position to the closed position; and a pivot catch pivotably coupled to the retainer catch and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the pivot catch configured to engage the retainer bolt in the latched position to prevent the sliding door from moving from the closed position towards the open position.

2. A door retention system in accordance with claim 1, the retainer catch including an inner surface that defines a cavity configured to receive the retainer bolt therein, the pivot catch positioned within the cavity to engage the retainer bolt as the retainer bolt enters the cavity.

3. A door retention system in accordance with claim 2, the door retainer including a retainer roller rotatably coupled to a first end of the retainer bolt, a compression spring positioned within the housing to bias the retainer bolt outwardly from the housing towards the sliding door, and a nut coupled to an opposite second end of the retainer bolt to limit movement of the retainer bolt towards the sliding door.

4. A door retention system in accordance with claim 1, the latch retainer assembly including a retention spring coupled to the retainer catch and the pivot catch to bias the pivot catch towards the latched position.

5. A door retention system in accordance with claim 1, including a door latch assembly coupled to the pivot catch for moving the pivot catch between the latched position and the unlatched position, the door latch assembly including: a pivot handle assembly pivotably coupled to the sliding door; and a cable assembly coupled between the pivot handle assembly and the pivot catch, wherein a movement of the pivot handle assembly causes the pivot catch to move between the latched position and the unlatched position.

6. A door retention system in accordance with claim 5, wherein the pivot handle assembly is coupled to a first side of the sliding door, the latch retainer assembly is coupled to an opposite second side of the sliding door.

7. A door retention system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the sliding door extends along a longitudinal axis between a top portion and a bottom portion, the pivot handle assembly is spaced a distanced from the latch retainer assembly along the longitudinal axis.

8. A door retention system in accordance with claim 1, including a retainer ramp assembly coupled to sliding door opposite the latch retainer assembly, the retainer ramp including an inclined surface configured to contact the door retainer to bias the retainer bolt inwardly towards the retainer housing as the sliding door is moved to the open position.

9. A door assembly for use with a building including a frame, the door assembly comprising: a sliding door slideably coupled to the frame, the sliding door movable between a closed position and an open position; a door retainer including a housing coupled to the frame and a retainer bolt extending outwardly from the housing; and a latch retainer assembly including: a retainer catch coupled to the sliding door, the retainer catch including a slot defined along an outer surface of the retainer catch, the slot configured to receive the retainer bolt therein as the sliding door is moved from the open position to the closed position; and a pivot catch pivotably coupled to the retainer catch and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the pivot catch configured to engage the retainer bolt in the latched position to prevent the sliding door from moving from the closed position towards the open position.

10. A door assembly in accordance with claim 9, the retainer catch including an inner surface that defines a cavity configured to receive the retainer bolt therein, the pivot catch positioned within the cavity to engage the retainer bolt as the retainer bolt enters the cavity.

11. A door assembly in accordance with claim 10, the door retainer including a retainer roller rotatably coupled to a first end of the retainer bolt, a compression spring positioned within the housing to bias the retainer bolt outwardly from the housing towards the sliding door, and a nut coupled to an opposite second end of the retainer bolt to limit movement of the retainer bolt towards the sliding door.

12. A door assembly in accordance with claim 9, the latch retainer assembly including a retention spring coupled to the retainer catch and the pivot catch to bias the pivot catch towards the latched position.

13. A door assembly in accordance with claim 9, including a door latch assembly coupled to the pivot catch for moving the pivot catch between the latched position and the unlatched position, the door latch assembly including: a pivot handle assembly pivotably coupled to the sliding door; and a cable assembly coupled between the pivot handle assembly and the pivot catch, wherein a movement of the pivot handle assembly causes the pivot catch to move between the latched position and the unlatched position.

14. A door assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein the pivot handle assembly is coupled to a first side of the sliding door, the latch retainer assembly is coupled to an opposite second side of the sliding door.

15. A door assembly in accordance with claim 14, wherein the sliding door extends along a longitudinal axis between a top portion and a bottom portion, the pivot handle assembly is spaced a distanced from the latch retainer assembly along the longitudinal axis.

16. A door assembly in accordance with claim 9, including a retainer ramp assembly coupled to the sliding door opposite the latch retainer assembly, the retainer ramp including an inclined surface configured to contact the door retainer to bias the retainer bolt inwardly towards the retainer housing as the sliding door is moved to the open position.

17. A method of assembling a building including the steps of: providing a door; coupling a door retainer to a frame of the building, the door retainer including a housing coupled to the frame and a retainer bolt extending outwardly from the housing; coupling a latch retainer assembly to the sliding door, the latch retainer assembly including a retainer catch coupled to the sliding door and a pivot catch coupled to the retainer catch, the retainer catch including a slot defined along an outer surface of the retainer catch, the slot configured to receive the retainer bolt therein, the pivot catch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and configured to engage the retainer bolt in the latched position to prevent the sliding door from moving from a closed position towards an open position; and, slideably coupling the door to the frame.

18. A method in accordance with claim 17, including the steps of: coupling a pivot handle assembly pivotably to the sliding door; and coupling a cable assembly between the pivot handle assembly and the pivot catch, wherein a movement of the pivot handle assembly causes the pivot catch to move between the latched position and the unlatched position.

19. A method in accordance with claim 18, including the steps of: coupling the pivot handle assembly to a first side of the sliding door; and coupling the latch retainer assembly to an opposite second side of the sliding door.

20. A method in accordance with claim 17, including the step of coupling a retainer ramp assembly to the sliding door opposite the latch retainer assembly, the retainer ramp including an inclined surface configured to contact the door retainer to bias the retainer bolt inwardly towards the retainer housing as the sliding door is moved to the open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which at least some embodiments of the invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use systems, devices and methods in accordance therewith, such embodiments thereof will be described in enabling detail herein below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in other form for illustrative reasons.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a front view of a building with a double sliding door in the closed position which includes a door latch according to the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of a building with a double sliding door in the open position which includes a door latch according to the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3A is a close up perspective view of the door latch, as installed into the sliding door, showing a protruding hooked door latch extension;

[0033] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the single door catch plate;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a close up perspective view of the interior side of the sliding door showing the matched protruding hooked door latch extension;

[0035] FIG. 5A is an exterior view of the door latch assembly;

[0036] FIG. 5B is an interior view of the door latch assembly with side plate removed;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a front view of the door latch assembly;

[0038] FIG. 7A is an interior view of the door latch assembly with an outer panel of the housing removed;

[0039] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the door latch assembly mounted into the door frame;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a top view of the door latch assembly;

[0041] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of FIG. 1 door latch assembly;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hooked door latch;

[0043] FIG. 11A is a side view of the hooked door latches in their locked configuration;

[0044] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the hooked door latches as formed for use in the locked configuration;

[0045] FIG. 12 is an exterior view of the latch assembly with lift rod assembly utilizing a cable for their interconnection on the interior of a door;

[0046] FIG. 12A is a magnified view of latch assembly with cable interconnection;

[0047] FIG. 13 is an exterior view of the door magnifying the lift rod assembly utilizing a cable for the interconnection with door latch assembly;

[0048] FIG. 13A is a magnified view of lift rod and plate latch mechanism;

[0049] FIG. 14 is an exterior view of the lift rod assembly with the door frame missing;

[0050] FIG. 15 is an exterior view of the lift rod assembly movement within the track;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trolley track illustrating the secondary stop;

[0052] FIG. 17 is an interior view of the retainer and the retainer catch;

[0053] FIG. 17A is a magnified view of retainer and retainer catch;

[0054] FIG. 18A is a bottom view of the retainer;

[0055] FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the retainer;

[0056] FIG. 19 is an interior view of the door including the retainer catch;

[0057] FIG. 19A is a magnified view of the retainer catch;

[0058] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the retainer catch;

[0059] FIG. 21 is an interior view of the door including the retainer ramp;

[0060] FIG. 21A is a magnified view of the retainer ramp;

[0061] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a door retention system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a door retention assembly that may be used with the door retention system shown in FIG. 22;

[0063] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23 and taken along section line 24-24;

[0064] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23 and taken along section line 25-25;

[0065] FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23 and taken along section line 26-26;

[0066] FIG. 27-29 are perspective views of a portion of the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23;

[0067] FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a portion of the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23;

[0068] FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a latch retainer assembly that may be used with the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23;

[0069] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a cable connection assembly that may be used with the latch retainer assembly shown in FIG. 31;

[0070] FIGS. 33-35 are perspective views of portions of the latch retainer assembly shown in FIG. 31;

[0071] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a door latch assembly that may be used with the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23;

[0072] FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the door latch assembly shown in FIG. 36 and taken along section line 37-37;

[0073] FIG. 38 is an exploded view of the door latch assembly shown in FIG. 36;

[0074] FIG. 39 is a schematic view of the door latch assembly shown in FIG. 36;

[0075] FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of the door latch assembly shown in FIG. 36;

[0076] FIGS. 41-44 are perspective views of the door latch assembly shown in FIG. 36;

[0077] FIGS. 45-49 are schematic views of a retainer ramp assembly that may be used with the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23; and

[0078] FIGS. 50-51 are schematic top views of a portion of the door retention assembly shown in FIG. 23.

[0079] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] With reference to the drawings, and in operation, the present invention overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known sliding doors by providing a self-latching, self-locking latch system for use with sliding door panels.

[0081] In one embodiment, the system includes a cable system that runs horizontally to a door jambs and uses a retainer mechanism to keep individual door panels on a floor guide system if they are not latched to each other. For example, in one embodiment, the system may include the features described in FIGS. 22-34.

[0082] The following description contains illustrations of devices, systems and methods according to the invention for purposes of promoting an understanding of embodiments the invention, among other things. It should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited by these embodiments. Alterations and modifications of the features of the invention, as well as additional applications of its principles in other forms or embodiments, such as those which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a building 10 with a double sliding door which includes a first sliding door 11, a second sliding door 12, and a latch assembly constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the latch assembly includes a right handed door latch assembly 13 which is assembled into the first sliding door 11, and a left handed door latch assembly 14 which is assembled into the second sliding door 12. As illustrated, the two doors 11 and 12 are drawn together into close proximity such that their inside facing edges are in contact with one another.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment where there is a single sliding door, the second sliding door 12 is eliminated and the first sliding door 11 slides into a fixed portion of the building 10. It should be understood that building 10 is not the only form for which the door latch assembly 13 and 14 can be used. There are a wide range of movable doors or similar movable panels, such as sliding windows and partitions, or other configurations in which a latch assembly constructed according to the invention described herein may be employed.

[0085] In FIG. 3, the hook extension 22 is illustrated as it is configured relative to the first sliding door 11 with its abutment surface 25 where the door latch 13 is assembled into the first sliding door 11. Referring to FIG. 4, the interior view of FIG. 3 is illustrated as assembled and secured into its receiving structure of the sliding door 11 with its abutment surface 25. As is illustrated, door latch 13 mounts to the inside abutment surface of the sliding door 11 and the inside surface of the first sliding door is a web structure with open spaces for receiving door latch 13 (see FIGS. 7B and 12). In FIG. 7B, illustrates the minor image of FIG. 3. The door latch assembly 14 is positioned as close to the interior of the building as is possible on the web of the vertical support rail 75

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 5A, in order to facilitate this sliding door installation, the door latch assembly 13 has an exterior latch side plate 40, exterior door handle 20, keyed lock 21, cable 41, spring 42, inside latch handle cover 43, lock plate bracket 44, latch hook 45, interior latch side plate 46, latch pivot arm 47, and an inside latch handle 62. The lock plate bracket 44 is riveted to side plate 40. The housing is generally connected via bolts with spacers to maintain consistent spacing. Bolts provide added rigidity to housing and some degree of enclosing protection for the components assembled in between exterior side plate 40 and 50 and interior side plate 46 and 56. As such, the size and location of the bolts can be changed depending on the design preferences and the anticipated receiving door structure.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 5A through 9, there is illustrated a door latch assembly 13 configured as a subassembly prior to being installed into the first sliding door 11. Door latch assembly 13 includes a key-operable lock 21 whose use will be illustrated herein below. However, the key operable lock 21 has been removed from FIGS. 5B-8 in order to more clearly illustrate the other components and interior construction of door latch assembly 13.

[0088] The main securing of the door is formed with a latch hook 55, an exterior door handle 30, an optional interior door handle for use in some alternative embodiments or location therefor 90, an inside latch handle 72, pin 72A, key-operable lock 31, latch pivot side plate 73, latch pivot wheel 74, inside lock pivot 58, lock arm 70, lock spring 59, and a latch pivot arm 57. The locking function relies on a notched lock arm 70 that rotates into place with the notch 75 covering a pin connected to the inside latch handle 72. The lock arm 70 is secured by a bolt that runs through side plate 50 and 56 and the pivot point of the lock arm 70. When the notch 75 in the lock arm 70 covers the pin, the inside latch handle 72 is prevented from being able to rotate. Latch hook 55 connected to the inside latch handle 72 through the latch pivot wheel 74 and latch pivot arm 57 is in a position that will allow it to stay latched or allow the latching action to occur. When the lever is prevented from rotating, the interior and exterior handles will not actuate, thus locking the door.

[0089] The lock arm 70 maintains pressure over the top of the pin by means of a lock spring 59 attached to the opposite end from the notch on the lock arm. The securing of the latch assembly 14 is spring biased, with lock spring 59 tending to pull the lock arm 70 in a downward direction. The moment imparted to the lock arm 70 ensures that the locking function stays secure over the pin unless acted upon by the pivoting inside lock pivot 58. The inside lock pivot 58 is constructed such that its cylindrical body has a half circle section protruding from the body. The inside lock pivot 58 operates in two positions. In the locked position it allows the lock arm 70 to rest flat across inside lock pivot 58, such that the notch 75 in the lock arm 70 rests over the pin in the inside latch handle 72. In the second unlocked position, as the inside lock pivot 58 rotates into the unlocked position it acts as a cam pushing up against the spring force of the lock arm 70 and raising it up so that there is enough clearance for the pin on the inside latch handle 72 to pass freely beneath the notch and allows actuation of the latching mechanism.

[0090] In this embodiment, the inside lock pivot 58 can be rotated by either of two methods. The first method is operated from the exterior of the building. It relies on a key operable lock 31 that is attached to the lock plate bracket 54. The key operable lock 31 protrudes from the interior of the door to the exterior of the door. As the door operator turns the key the key operable lock 31 rotates the inside lock pivot 58. The second method of rotating the inside lock pivot 58 is achieved from the interior side of the door. This method rotates the inside lock pivot 58 by means of a lever 58A directly attached to the inside lock pivot 58.

[0091] The exterior rotation of a key in the key operable lock 31 or the rotation of the inside lock pivot 58 from the interior forces the lock arm to release the inside latch handle 72. With the lock arm released, this allows for the rotation of either the interior or exterior latch handle to rotate. The exterior door handle 30 is mounted in the bushings that are pressed into the latch assembly 13 housing made up of side plate 50 and 56. Exterior door handle 30 extends through a hole so as to permit pivoting movement of the latch hook 55. The inside latch handle 72 is mounted on and connected to the exterior door handle 30 and interior door handle. This configuration of exterior handle rod 30 allows the rod to freely turn or rotate within the receiving holes in the outer and inner panels 50 and 56. Connecting them in this way also allows both the inside latch handle 72 and exterior door handle 30 to rotate around the same axis together, so rotating one handle will also rotate the other handle once the lock arm 70 has been disengaged.

[0092] Once lock arm 70 is released, the rotation of either handle rotates the inside latch handle 72, which rotates a cam called the latch pivot wheel 74, this cam rotates pin 72A, and pin 72A pushes the latch pivot arm 57 forward and up, thus lifting the latch hook 55 up and over the latch hook 45. The inside latch handle 72 is connected to the latch hook 55 by means of the latch pivot wheel 74. As the latch pivot wheel 74 continues to rotate, pin 72A connected to the bottom of inside latch handle 72 and comes into contact with the latch pivot arm 57 pushing the latch hook 55 up and over the other latch hook 45 as the lever completes its rotation. This allows the operator to pull the door open because both the lock arm 70 and the latch hook 55 connected to the inside latch handle 72 are clear of their respective catches. The interior side of the latch assembly 14 does not have a keyed lock like the exterior, but instead it has an inside lock pivot 58. In an alternative embodiment, the optional interior door handle 90 may be added, if for example, access to the inside latch handle cover 53 is limited.

[0093] The latch hook 45 is one of the component parts in the door latch assembly 13, and the latch hook 55 is one of the component parts in the door latch assembly 14. When the two sliding doors are drawn together, either latch hook is lifted up and inserted into clearance slot 34 and 24 (see FIG. 12). The door cannot slide apart without either latch hook 45 or 55 being lifted to a height where the sliding apart movement is not hindered by the back side of the ramped surface 23. Either hook extension can be released when the door handle is rotated. If exterior door handle 20 is rotated, the latch hook 45 lifts up and the sliding door 11 becomes unlatched from sliding door 12. Alternatively, in order to latch the arms, the latch hook 45 is lifted by the ramped surface 33 of the latch hook 55 and slides into clearance slot 34 and completes the securing together of the two doors 11 and 12.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 3B, an alternative embodiment includes a stationary single door catch plate 14A secured to the abutment surface of a building, such as the surface of the door jamb, in a position for receiving the latch hook 45. When the single sliding door is drawn towards the building surface, latch hook 45 is lifted up over surface 55A through contact between surface 23 and surface 55A as the door is moving thereto, and latch hook 45 falls into place within clearance slot 34A with surface 55A accommodated by clearance slot 24. The single sliding door cannot slide without latch hook 45 being lifted to a height where the sliding apart movement is not hindered by the back side of curved surface 33A. Latch hook 45 can be released when the door handle 20 is rotated, and the latch hook 45 lifts up and the sliding door 11 becomes unlatched from the stationary single door catch plate 14A.

[0095] Referring now to FIG. 10 through 11B, latch hook 45 is comprised of connecting slot 26, edge portion 25, clearance slot 24, hook extension 22, and ramped surface 23. The latch hook is separated into 3 parts: front, intermediate, and end portions. In FIG. 10, the front end of latch hook 45 has a double sided angled ramp that allows either hooks to slide over the top of each other as they come in contact. The intermediate portion of latch 45 where the hook extension 22 is, determines the length of the hooked front portion. The edge portion 25 is not as long as the front hooked portion, and this portion includes a connecting slot 26 that connects to latch pivot arm 48 via a bolt. In FIG. 11A and 11B, once a latch hook has slid over the top of the matching component it falls behind the front of the latch hook into clearance slot 24 and 34 and this forms a catch. The back face of the front ramped surface 23 hooks to the back surface of ramped surface 33 to form the catch. As see in FIG. 11B, the latch hooks are parallel to each other, and the clearance slot 24 can be a tighter fit to prevent doors from sliding back and forth, which would secures the door in place.

[0096] In another embodiment, the door is secured by two latch mechanisms: the latch assembly 14 and the overhead track latching mechanism. The overhead track latching mechanism is comprised of the latch mechanism plate 131 and the lift rod assembly 16. In FIG. 7A, the lift rod assembly is attached to the inside latch handle 72, by means of wheel pulley 71, cable 51, and cable spring 52. FIG. 13 shows sliding door 12, and the cable system that attaches to the overhead track latching mechanism. Cable spring 52 is further connected by cable 51A to the lift rod assembly 16

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 14 through 16, the lift rod assembly 16 is made up of: cable 51B, pulley wheel 111 and 111A, pulley bracket 110 and 110A, compression spring 112, rod 113, bolt end 114, overhead track 200, secondary stop 130, latch mechanism plate 131, track wheel assembly 132, support rod 136, and ramp wheel 133. The door is primarily stopped by the center door guide in the closed position.

[0098] In this embodiment as shown in FIG. 13, the left handed sliding door lift rod assembly 16 works in conjunction with the latch assembly 14 to secure the door when the latching mechanism plate 131 slides over a secondary stop 130 by means of its ramp face 134 by falling into a catch created by the secondary stop 130.

[0099] The latch mechanism is attached to inside the overhead track 200 connecting the sliding door 12 by means of a support rod 136. The latch mechanism plate 131 hooks around the axel of the trolley wheel assembly 132 on one side and has a ramp face 134 on the other side. The ramp face 134 has a ramp wheel 133 to allow it to roll easily through the track. There is a secondary stop 130 fixed in the track (see FIG. 17). As sliding door 12 is sliding closed, the ramped end of latch mechanism plate 131 is forced up and over the secondary stop 130. Behind secondary stop 130 is a space that acts as a catch. As the ramp face 134 slides via the ramp wheel 133 up and over the stop, as the latch mechanism plate 131 is still secured to the trolley. As the ramp face 134 passes the secondary stop 130 gravity pulls it down securing it. The latching mechanism plate 131 is secured by secondary stop 130 and because it is also secured to the trolley wheel assembly 132 at the axel, sliding door 12 is prevented from traveling along the track

[0100] The compression spring 112 in the lift rod assembly 16 also serves the purpose keeping the bolt in a starting position. The bolt 113 is normally down and out of the overhead track 200, so that sliding door 12 can move freely in between the open and closed positions. To unlatch the in track latch mechanism plate 131 from the secondary stop 130, either interior or exterior door handle needs to be rotated. This action rotates the inside latch handle 72, which connects via cable 51 through a system of pulleys to the compressions spring 112 in the lift rod assembly 16. The wheel pulley 71 and the pulley wheel 111, and 111A are each connected by a cable 51. Pulley wheel 111 and 111A are faceted by means of the pulley assembly to vertical 75 and top horizontal beam of sliding door 12, respectively. Cable 51B draws a spring loaded bolt 113 up and into the track (See FIG. 16). The bolt end 114 of the spring loaded bolt 113 in the lift rod assembly 16 pushes the latch mechanism plate 131 via lower portion 135 in the overhead track 200 up and over the secondary stop 130 so that the trolley wheel assembly 132 and latch mechanism plate can be released, and the door 12 can continue to slide along the overhead track 200.

[0101] The cable spring 52 attached to the cable 51 that connects the inside latch handle 72 to the spring loaded bolt 113. The cable spring 52 is preferably stiffer than the compression spring 112 in spring loaded bolt 113. The stiffer cable spring 52 allows it to act as a part of the cable in transferring force to unlatch the sliding door 12 in the track. The inside latch handle 72 may be designed to rotate farther than necessary to help ensure the latch assembly 14 unlatches. Once the inside latch handle 72 has pulled the cable 51 far enough that the bolt 113 can no longer travel upward, the stiffer cable spring 52 will extend. This protects cable 51 from damage in over-rotating the lever, among other things

[0102] In another embodiment, the operation of unlocking the latch mechanism plate 131 relies upon pressurized air to provide the force necessary for actuating the in track lift rod assembly 16. The pneumatic method of operation for the lift rod assembly 16 replaces mechanically actuated lift rod assemblies 16. An exterior and interior handle may operate the latch hooks as described by the pulley system. However, instead of pulling on a cable attached to pulleys, the handle compresses air in a cylinder as it is actuated. This compressed air operates a pneumatic cylinder at the top of the sliding door 12 and is directed to push the latch mechanism plate 131 up and over the secondary stop 130. The rod end 114 pushes the latch mechanism plate 131 up and over the secondary stop 130 (see FIG. 15). As the handle that operates the compression cylinder returns to the starting position, the pressure in the compression cylinder reduces and the lift rod cylinder is allowed to return down and into the starting position. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that the air pressure that returns the compression cylinder to the starting position will also return the inside latch handle 72 and therefore the latch hook 55 to their nominal positions. In other embodiments, the cylinder may be of an internal spring return type or a standard pneumatic cylinder used to power the lift rod cylinder.

[0103] In another embodiment, the door is further secured by another latch mechanism, that is, a retaining subsystem. The retaining subsystem of this embodiment is comprised of retainer assembly 18, retainer ramp 2, and a retainer catch 4. The retaining function serves to keep sliding door 12 in the fully open position and prevent the door from sliding along the track. In a bi-panel two sliding door configuration, there may be two such retaining sub systems. The retainer assembly works in conjunction with a retainer roller ramp and a door catch to create a secure latch.

[0104] Referring now to FIG. 17 through FIG. 18B, the retainer assembly is a spring loaded retainer bolt 155 mechanism attached to the door jamb 150. The retainer is comprised of: retainer roller 151 and 151A, extrusion housing 152, retainer end cap 153 and 153A, mounting point 153B, nylock nut 154, press fit bushing 154A, retainer bolt 155, retainer pin 156, retainer compression spring 157, e-clip 158 and 158A, and a retainer roller pin 159

[0105] The exterior facing retainer end cap 153 has a polygonal hole for the hex bolt to pass through and prevent rotation along the axis of the retainer bolt 155. A retainer pin 156 is inserted at the end of the cylindrical portion of the retainer bolt 155 perpendicular to the axis of the bolt, but parallel to the door jamb 150 in order to act as a handle for unlocking the mechanism. The polygonal side of the retainer bolt 155 extends past the door jamb 150 into the sliding door between horizontal support rails of the sliding door 12. That end of the retainer bolt 155 has the retainer roller pin 159 inserted through a hole near the tip that is perpendicular to the axis of the bolt and parallel to the door jamb 150. The retainer roller pin 159 is inserted to the end of the polygonal side of the retainer bolt 155 and serves as an axel for the retainer roller 151 and 151A. One roller is attached to each side of the retainer bolt 155 via e-clip 158 and 158A. E-clip 158 and 158A are used to retain the rollers on the retainer roller pin. Retainer roller 151 and 151A are free to spin around the axis of the retainer roller pin 159 on which they are mounted.

[0106] The retainer compression spring 157 allows retainer bolt 155 to move freely in and out. The retainer bolt 155 is pushed out in the direction of the exterior of the building by the spring force and when fully extended it would be considered the starting position for the retainer bolt 155. The retainer bolt 155 should not be circular in nature so as to prevent the bolt from rotating within the retainer assembly, it is envisioned to be polygonal, for example: a triangle, square, pentagon, oval, composite or oblong shape all could be used to prevent rotation. In FIG. 18A and 18B, illustrates the retainer bolt 155 with a hexagonal shaped end and a circular shaped end. The retainer end cap 153 prevents the retainer bolt 155 from rotation by providing a track or channel in the polygonal shape that the retainer bolt 155 travels through. To mount the entire retainer assembly the retainer end caps 153 and 153A have slots that serve as mounting points so that the retainer assembly 18 can be attached to the door jamb 150. Mounting point 153B is illustrated.

[0107] The end of the retainer bolt 155 that faces the interior of the building is threaded to provide adjustment in and out by rotating the nylock nut 154 that presses against the press fit bushing 154A and end cap 153A. This adjustment allows the end of the retainer bolt 155 facing the exterior of the building to stick out an optimum distance past the door jamb 150. The press fit bushing 154A is flange shaped to help ensure the threaded portion of the retainer bolt 155 will not become jammed against interior retainer end cap 153A. The retainer roller 151 and 151A do not have to touch the interior of the sliding door 12. The housing of the retainer assembly 18 consists of an extrusion 152 with a retainer end cap 153 and 153A fastened to each side (see FIG. 18A and 18B). The interior facing end cap has a round hole with a bushing pressed into it. The retainer bolt 155 passes through the bushing to allow smooth linear motion for the bolt to move in and out.

[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, which illustrate a retainer catch 4 and a vertical support beam 75B designed to be used with the retainer assembly in order to prevent the door from pulling away from the building while the door is in the closed position, among other things, constructed according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0109] In this embodiment, the retainer catch 4 is mounted in the web of vertical support beams via eight slots or holes (similar to slot 4A in FIG. 20) on the vertical support rail 75A opposite the vertical support rail 75 which contains the latch assembly 14. The retainer assembly 18 is provided additional rigidity through the vertical support rail 75B attached to the other end of retainer catch 4. The additional vertical support beam 75B is secured between two horizontal supports parallel to the vertical support rail 75A and positioned near the end of the retainer catch 4.

[0110] The retainer catch 4 is made up of two bent plates, called retainer catch plate 160 and 161 that create a gap between them facing the interior of the building 10 when riveted together. The track 162 between the retainer catch plate 160 and 161 create an angled track on which the retainer roller 151 and 151A of the retainer assembly 18 are guided. The retainer catch 4 is positioned vertically so that the horizontal plane that lies at the center of the track 162 is parallel to the axis of the retainer bolt 155 in the retainer assembly 18.

[0111] The retainer roller 151 and 151A of the retainer assembly 18 are positioned farther into the door than the leading edge of the track 162 created by the retainer catch 4. As the sliding door 12 moves toward the closed position, the inside surface of the retainer catch track 162 comes in contact with retainer roller 151 and 151A of the retainer assembly 18. The retainer catch 4 is angled opposite of the retainer ramp 2 so that as the sliding door 12 moves toward being fully closed the door is drawn in toward the door jam 150 (see FIG. 19).

[0112] In the fully closed position the retainer catch 4 and retainer assembly 18 prevent the door from moving away from building 10 due to wind or other forces. The retainer catch 4 holds the sliding door 12 close to the door jam 150 to secure the sliding door 12 from moving away from building 10. To remove the sliding door 12 from the retainer catch 4, the door operator simply needs to unlatch or move the sliding door 12 along the track toward the open position. Once the sliding door 12 has moved the retainer catch 4 past the retainer roller 151 and 151A of the retainer assembly 18, the retainer catch 4 will no longer function to retain the door from moving away from the building.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 21, the retainer ramp 2 is designed to push the retainer bolt 155 back, such that it will spring forward once the leading edge of the door has passed. The purpose of this is not to prevent sliding door 12 from being pulled away from the building, but rather to prevent sliding door 12 from sliding back along the track. Therefore, the retainer bolt 155 impedes the door path back along the track. The retainer ramp 2 is positioned inside the door in the web of horizontal and vertical members. It is illustrated as mounted against the vertical support rail 75 that contains the latching system. The retainer ramp 2 is positioned at a height at which the horizontal plane at the center of the ramp plate lies parallel to the axis of the retainer bolt 155. The retainer ramp 2 is positioned so that the end of the ramp incline is flush with the interior surface at the edge of the sliding door 12 and the retainer ramp 2 decline leads to the interior of the door. The retainer ramp 2, which is flush to the interior edge of sliding door 12 on one side, is angled in the direction of the exterior of the sliding door 12 on the other side. In this embodiment, the far end of retainer ramp 2 lies farther into the sliding door 2 than the retainer bolt 55 that extends into the door.

[0114] The retainer roller 151 and 151A catch the retainer ramp 2 as the door closes. The retainer ramp 2 connected to the sliding door 12 contacts the retainer roller 151 and 151A at the end of the retainer assembly 18. As sliding door 12 moves toward the fully open position the retainer ramp 2 pushes in the spring loaded bolt 155. Once the retainer ramp 2 and the inside edge of the vertical support rail 75 have passed the retainer roller 151 and 151A, there is no longer any force to hold the retainer bolt 155 back and so it will spring forward returning to the starting position. At this point sliding door 12 is retained in the open position as the extended retainer 155 bolt impedes the sliding door 12 from traveling along the track.

[0115] In the fully closed position retainer assembly 18 prevents the door from moving away from building 10 due to wind or other forces. In the fully open position retainer assembly 18 prevents the door from moving toward the closed position along the track. To release the sliding door 12 from the fully open position the door operator must physically push the retainer pin 156 of the retainer assembly 18 in toward the interior of the building, using it like a handle. Once the operator has pushed the retainer pin 156 far enough back so that the rollers no longer impede the closing of the sliding door 12, the operator can then pull the sliding door 12 into the closed position. Once the edge of the sliding door 12 has moved sufficiently far enough to the closed position that retainer roller 151 and 151A do not spring back to impede the travel of the sliding door 12, the operator can release the retainer pin 156 and allow the spring loaded retainer bolt 155 to return to the starting position. At this point the sliding door 12 is free to move along the overhead track 200.

[0116] FIGS. 22-51 illustrate a door retention system 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the door retention system 300 includes a door retention assembly 302 that is coupled to a sliding door 304. For example, in one embodiment, the door retention system 300 may include a first door retention assembly 302 coupled to the first sliding door 11 and a second door retention assembly 302 coupled to the second sliding door 12.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 22-26, in one embodiment, the sliding door 304 includes a body 306 that extends between a top portion 308 and a bottom portion 310 along a longitudinal axis 312, and between a first end 314 and an opposite second end 316 along a transverse axis 318 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 312. The sliding door 304 includes a first vertical support rail 320 that is positioned at the first end 314 and a second vertical support rail 322 that is positioned at the second end 316. The first vertical support rail 320 and the second vertical support rail 322 each extend between the top portion 308 and the bottom portion 310 and are orientated with respect to the longitudinal axis 312. The door 304 also includes a plurality of horizontal support rails 324 that extend between the first and second vertical support rails 320 and 322 along the transverse axis 318 and are spaced along the longitudinal axis 312 between the top portion and the bottom portion 310. One or more track wheel assemblies 132 extend outwardly from the top portion 308 of the sliding door 304 to support the sliding door 304 from the building frame 326. In one embodiment, the track wheel assembly 132 includes a support rod 136 that is coupled to a horizontal support rail 324 positioned near the sliding door top portion 308. The track wheel assembly 132 includes a one or more support wheels 328 that enable the sliding door 304 to move with respect to the building frame 326.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the door retention assembly 302 includes a door retainer 330 such as, for example, the retainer assembly 18 (shown in FIGS. 17A-18B, 27, and 50-51), a latch retainer assembly 332, a door latch assembly 334 such as, for example, the door latch assembly 13, and a retainer ramp assembly 336. The door retainer 330 is coupled to the building frame 326 and includes the housing 152 the retainer bolt 155 that extends outwardly from the housing 152 towards the sliding door 304. The door retainer 330 also includes one or more retainer rollers 151 that are coupled to a first end of the retainer bolt 155, the compression spring 157 (shown in FIG. 18A) positioned within the housing 152 to bias the retainer bolt 155 outwardly from the housing 152 and towards the sliding door 304, and a nut 154 coupled to an opposite second end of the retainer bolt 155 to limit movement of the retainer bolt 155 towards the sliding door 304.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 27-35, in one embodiment, the latch retainer assembly 332 includes the retainer catch 4 that is couple to the sliding door 304 and a pivot catch 338 that is pivotably coupled to the retainer catch 4. The retainer catch 4 includes a retainer catch plate 160 that includes an inner surface 340 and an outer surface 342 that each extend between a first open end 344 and a second open end 346. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer catch 4 is coupled to the second vertical support rail 322 positioned at the second end 316 of the sliding door 304. In one embodiment, a support block 348 is positioned at an opposite side of the second vertical support rail 322 to facilitate coupling the retainer catch 4 to the second vertical support rail 322. The inner surface 340 of the retainer catch 4 defines a cavity 350 that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the door retainer 330 therein. The retainer catch 4 includes a slot 352 defined along the outer surface 342 and extending from the first open end 344 to the second open end 346. The slot 352 is orientated along the transverse axis 318 and is sized and shaped to receive the retainer bolt 155 therein as the sliding door 304 is moved from an open position 354 (shown in FIG. 2) to a closed position 356 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 22).

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the latch retainer assembly 332 includes a pivot catch 338 that is pivotably coupled to the retainer catch 4 and is movable between a latched position (shown in FIG. 30) and an unlatched position. The pivot catch 338 is configured to engage the retainer bolt 155 in the latched position to prevent the sliding door 304 from moving from the closed position 356 towards the open position 354.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot catch 338 includes a pivot clamp plate 358 that is coupled to the retainer catch 4 and a pivot arm 360 that is coupled to the pivot clamp plate 358 and extends from the pivot clamp plate 358 through the slot 352 and into the retainer catch cavity 350. The pivot arm 360 is pivotably coupled to the pivot clamp plate 358 with a pivot pin 362 and is rotatable about a centerline axis of the pivot pin 362. The pivot arm 360 includes an outer surface having an L shape that includes a recessed area 364 that is sized and shaped to receive the retainer bolt 155 therein and to contact the retainer bolt 155 to resist a movement of the sliding door 304 with the pivot catch 338 in the latched position. The pivot arm 360 also includes a paddle 366 that is coupled to an end of the pivot arm 360. The paddle 366 includes an outer surface that is sized and shaped to contact the retainer bolt 155 as the sliding door 304 moves towards the closed position 356.

[0122] In one embodiment, a clamp bar 368 is positioned within the cavity 350 and is coupled to the pivot clamp plate 358 with one or more fasteners such as, for example, a bolt, a clip, a weld, and/or any suitable attachment that enable the pivot catch 338 to function as described herein. In one embodiment, the clamp bar 368 contacts the inner surface 340 of the retainer catch 4 to facilitate coupling the pivot clamp plate 358 to the retainer catch 4 with a friction fit.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot catch 338 includes a pivot lever 370 that is coupled to the pivot pin 362 for moving the pivot arm 360 between the latched position and the unlatched position. A cable assembly 372 is coupled to the pivot lever 370 and is configured to move the pivot lever 370 to cause the pivot arm 360 to move from the latched position to the unlatched position. In one embodiment, the pivot catch 338 may also include a pulley wheel 374 that is coupled to the retainer catch 4. The pulley wheel 374 is configured to contact the cable assembly 372 to maintain a position of the cable assembly 372 with respect to the retainer catch 4. As shown in FIG. 31, the pivot catch 338 may also include a second pivot lever 376 that is coupled to the pivot pin 362 and a retention spring 378 that is coupled to the retainer catch 4 and to the second pivot lever 376. The retention spring 378 and second pivot lever 376 are orientated to bias the pivot arm 360 towards the latched position.

[0124] In one embodiment, the latch retainer assembly 332 may also include a retainer catch sleeve 380 that is coupled to the outer surface 342 of the retainer catch plate 160. The retainer catch sleeve 380 includes an inner surface that defines a cavity 350 that is sized and shaped to receive the retainer catch 4 therein. In one embodiment, the pivot catch 338 is coupled to the retainer catch sleeve 380, and the retainer catch sleeve 380 is coupled to the retainer catch plate 160. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the retainer catch plate 160 may be coupled to the sliding door 304 and the retainer catch sleeve 380 and the pivot catch 338 may be coupled to the retainer catch plate 160. In addition, the pivot clamp plate 358 may contact an outer surface of the retainer catch sleeve 380 to facilitate coupling the retainer catch sleeve 380 to the retainer catch 4. In one embodiment a retainer strut 382 may be coupled to a horizontal support rail 324 and positioned with respect to the retainer catch 4 to contact the retainer catch 4 and/or the retainer catch sleeve 380 to prevent a movement of the retainer catch 4 and/or the retainer catch sleeve 380 during operation. In addition, the retainer catch 4 and/or the retainer catch sleeve 380 may also include a slot 384 that is sized and shaped to receive the retainer strut 382 therein.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable assembly 372 is coupled between the door latch assembly 334 and the pivot catch 338 to enable an operator to move the pivot catch 338 between the latched position and the unlatched position. The door latch assembly 334 includes a pivot handle assembly 386 that is pivotably coupled to the sliding door 304. The pivot handle assembly 386 is also coupled to the cable assembly 372 such that a movement of the pivot handle assembly 386 causes the pivot catch 338 to move between the latched position and the unlatched position. Referring to FIGS. 5A-9 and 36-44, in one embodiment, the door latch assembly 334 includes the side plates 50 and 56 that are coupled to the sliding door 304, the inside latch handle 72 that is rotatably coupled to the side plate 50, and the exterior handle rod 30 that is coupled to the inside latch handle 72. The side plates 50 and 56 are coupled between a vertical support rail 320 and a horizontal support rail 324. The exterior handle rod 30 is coupled to the inside latch handle 72 via a fastening screw 388 such that a movement of the exterior handle rod 30 causes a movement of the inside latch handle 72. As shown in FIG. 39, the exterior handle rod 30 is coupled to the inside latch handle 72 such that the exterior handle rod 30 is orientated at an oblique angle 390 with the pivot catch 338 in the latched position. The cable assembly 372 is couple to the inside latch handle 72 such that a movement of the inside latch handle 72 also causes a movement of the pivot catch 338. In one embodiment, the pivot handle assembly 386 may also include the wheel pulley 71 to facilitate positioning the cable assembly 372 with respect to the inside latch handle 72. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the door latch assembly 334 is coupled to the first side 314 of the sliding door 304 and the latch retainer assembly 332 is coupled to the opposite second side 316 of the sliding door 304. In addition, the door latch assembly 334 is spaced a distanced from the latch retainer assembly 332 along the longitudinal axis 312.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable assembly 372 includes a cable turnbuckle 392, a first cable 394 that is coupled between a first end of the cable turnbuckle 392 and the pivot lever 370, and a second cable 396 that is coupled between the second end of the cable turnbuckle 392 and inside latch handle 72. A coil spring 398 is coupled to the retainer catch 4 and the cable turnbuckle 392 for biasing the cable turnbuckle 392 towards the retainer catch 4. In one embodiment, the coil spring 398 may be coupled to the retainer catch sleeve 380. Referring to FIG. 32, in one embodiment, the cable assembly 372 may also include a clamp assembly 400 configured to facilitate coupling the second cable 396 to the cable turnbuckle 392. The clamp assembly 400 includes a thimble 402 that is coupled to the cable turnbuckle 392 and a clamp 404 that facilitates coupling the second cable 396 to the thimble 402 via a friction fit.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 21, 21A, and 45-51, in the illustrated embodiment, the retainer ramp assembly 336 is coupled to sliding door 304 opposite the latch retainer assembly 332. The retainer ramp assembly 336 includes a pulley wheel assembly 406, one or more support brackets 408, and the retainer ramp 2. The pulley wheel 374 is coupled to the sliding door 304 and is configured to facilitate positioning the second cable 396 with respect to the door latch assembly 334 and the pivot catch 338. The support brackets 408 are coupled to a vertical support rail 320 of the sliding door 304 and extend outwardly from the vertical support rail 320. The support bracket 408 includes an opening 410 that extends therethrough and is sized and shaped to allow the cable assembly 372 to extend through the opening 410. The retainer ramp 2 is coupled to the support brackets 408 and includes an inclined outer surface 412 that is configured to contact the door retainer 330 as the sliding door 304 is moved towards the open position 354. For example, as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, as the sliding door 304 is moved towards the open position, the retainer ramp 2 contacts the door retainer 330 to bias the retainer bolt 155 inwardly towards the retainer housing 152 as the sliding door 304 is moved to the open position.

[0128] During operation, as the sliding door 304 is moved to the closed position 356, the retainer bolt 155 enters the cavity 350 and contacts the paddle 366 to bias the pivot arm 360 away from the retainer bolt 155 and allow the retainer bolt 155 to enter the recessed area 364 of the pivot arm 360. As the retainer bolt 155 moves towards the recessed area 364 the retention spring 378 biases the pivot arm 360 towards the latched position to facilitate preventing a movement of the sliding door 304. To facilitate moving the sliding door 304 from the closed position 356 towards the open position 354, an operator may rotate the inside latch handle 72 and/or the exterior handle rod 30 to apply tension to the cable assembly 372 to move the cable assembly 372 away from the retainer catch 4 to cause the pivot arm 360 to move from the latched position towards the unlatched position to the paddle 366 away from the retainer bolt 155. As the pivot catch 338 is moved to the unlatched position, the sliding door 304 may then be moved towards the open position 356. As the tension applied to the cable assembly 372 is released and/or reduced, the retention spring 378 causes the pivot arm 360 to move from the unlatched position towards the latched position. As the operator moves the sliding door 304 towards the open position 354, the retainer ramp 2 contacts the door retainer 330 to bias the retainer bolt 155 inwardly towards the retainer housing 152, which causes the sliding door to contact the building frame 326 to facilitate maintaining the sliding door 304 in the open position 354.

[0129] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. Indeed, many modifications and variations of the embodiments of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described yet remain within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0130] While exemplary methods, systems, devices and applications thereof of the present disclosure, have been described herein, it should also be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of exemplary embodiments, as well as principles of the invention, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically stated, but rather one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.