US20050284027A1 - Pocket door assembly - Google Patents
Pocket door assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050284027A1 US20050284027A1 US11/205,413 US20541305A US2005284027A1 US 20050284027 A1 US20050284027 A1 US 20050284027A1 US 20541305 A US20541305 A US 20541305A US 2005284027 A1 US2005284027 A1 US 2005284027A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bolt
- door
- assembly
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B1/00—Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings
- E05B1/0015—Knobs or handles which do not operate the bolt or lock, e.g. non-movable; Mounting thereof
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/08—Locks or fastenings for special use for sliding wings
- E05B65/0811—Locks or fastenings for special use for sliding wings the bolts pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the wings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C3/00—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively
- E05C3/12—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action
- E05C3/16—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/32—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing
- E06B3/34—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing with only one kind of movement
- E06B3/42—Sliding wings; Details of frames with respect to guiding
- E06B3/46—Horizontally-sliding wings
- E06B3/4654—Horizontally-sliding wings disappearing in pockets in the wall; Pockets therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
- E05B15/10—Bolts of locks or night latches
- E05B15/102—Bolts having movable elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C5/00—Fastening devices with bolts moving otherwise than only rectilinearly and only pivotally or rotatively
Definitions
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to an improved pocket door assembly. More particular, the embodiments of the invention are directed to a pocket door assembly that may use a standard doorknob to facilitate opening and closing of the door.
- a “pocket door” is a door that may be used within homes and offices that, rather than swinging on a hinge, slides or translates along an upper rail. In a closed position, a pocket door obstructs a doorway. In order to open a pocket door, the door itself slides into a “pocket” within walls immediately adjacent to the doorway. Pocket doors may be used in locations where it is disadvantageous for the door to swing.
- FIG. 1 shows a related art pocket door assembly as it may be received from a manufacturer, with the door 40 in its fully open or retracted position.
- the door 40 may be pushed into the pocket, where a spring biases the door out such that the door itself may be grabbed and pulled toward a closed position.
- a latch mechanism 42 may be used, at least initially, to pull the door from the retracted position.
- FIG. 2 taken substantially along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 , illustrates one possible construction of a frame of a related art pocket door assembly.
- this portion of the frame may comprise vertical lumber members 44 and 46 , which may span the entire height of the frame assembly.
- Steel channels 48 , 50 may be attached to the vertical lumber members 44 and 46 respectively, and it is within these channels 48 , 50 that horizontal lumber cross members 52 , 54 , 56 and 58 (see FIG. 1 ) may attach.
- sheet rock may be placed on top of the horizontal members 52 , 54 , 56 and 58 , and pressed into the shoulder area 60 .
- decorative trim may be attached to the vertical members 44 and 46 , such as by the use of finishing nails.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,645 to Johnston describes another possible construction of the frame portion of the pocket door assembly that may comprise use of metal channels within which pieces of lumber may be inserted.
- the door 40 in each of these related art devices is designed and constructed to slide fully within the pocket created by the frame. Because of this construction, it is not possible to have a doorknob or handle mechanism extending in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the door, as may be used on doors that rotate about a hinge assembly. Some pocket doors may attempt to implement door locks, but the lock mechanisms, because of the limited space between the door and the vertical members, are difficult to operate, at best.
- the problems noted above are solved in large part by a pocket door assembly that provides an indention or notch in the vertical members of the frame.
- the door of the pocket door assembly may comprise a handle that protrudes outwardly from a plane defined by the door by an amount greater than a clearance between the door and the vertical frame members. When the door is opened, the handle translates at least partially into a region or area defined by the notch. Opening and closing the door may thus be accomplished by applying force to the handle, and thereby sliding the door open or closed.
- a second aspect of the preferred embodiments may be a locking mechanism for use with a pocket door that may be actuated using an off-the-shelf rotary-type doorknob as a handle.
- the latching mechanism may latch the door of the pocket door assembly in a closed position, and the latch may be released by rotating the doorknob to release the latch.
- FIG. 1 shows a related art pocket door assembly
- FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a portion of the related art pocket door assembly
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket door assembly, with the door retracted or open, in accordance with embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates an elevational view of a pocket door assembly, with the door extended or closed, in accordance with embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pocket door assembly taken substantially along lines 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view taken substantially along lines 6 A- 6 A of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 6 B- 6 B of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the recess
- FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the recess
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a latch assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a striker plate in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary contact of a handle connection member with bolt arm.
- the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”.
- the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a pocket door assembly 100 constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- the pocket door assembly 100 may comprise a frame 110 that may generally comprise a doorway portion 112 and a pocket portion 114 .
- the pocket door assembly 100 may further comprise a door 116 slidingly mounted within the frame 110 , and in particular, the door 116 may be mounted to a horizontal header assembly 113 which may span substantially an entire upper length of the pocket door assembly.
- the perspective view of the pocket door assembly 100 of FIG. 3 illustrates the door 116 in its retracted or open position.
- the elevational view of the pocket door assembly 100 of FIG. 4 shows the door 116 in its extended or closed position.
- FIG. 5 taken substantially along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 , illustrates the coupling of vertical members 122 and 124 to various horizontal members in accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention.
- the vertical members 122 and 124 may define, in part, an opening through which door 116 may slide or translate. A distance between the door 116 and each vertical member may define a clearance 117 .
- Each vertical member 122 , 124 may have coupled thereto a metallic member 136 , 138 , possibly having an “L” shaped cross-section.
- the metallic elements 136 and 138 may be aluminum; however, other materials may be equivalently used.
- the horizontal members 126 A and 126 B couple to the metallic members 138 and 136 respectively.
- the horizontal members 126 are made of wood or lumber, and thus the coupling between the horizontal members 126 and the metallic members 122 , 124 may be by any suitable connection mechanism, such as screws, bolts, adhesives, and the like.
- the vertical members 122 and 124 may be created as one assembly, for example using injection molded plastic techniques.
- the metallic members 136 and 138 may not be used, and the structural members forming the pocket may not necessarily be horizontal.
- FIG. 5 shows only horizontal members 126 A, B coupled to the vertical members, it will be understood that the remaining horizontal members, as well as the brace member 134 , may couple in a similar manner.
- the horizontal members may not precisely align with an outer surface of the vertical members 122 and 124 .
- This forms a shoulder region 140 into which wall board 142 may be placed.
- trim or molding 144 may be attached to the vertical members 122 and 124 (not shown attached to 122 ). It is noted that the wall board 142 and molding 144 are not shown in FIG. 3 , but were included in FIG. 5 for purposes of explaining how these materials may couple to the pocket door assembly 100 .
- the pocket door assembly 100 of the various embodiments of the invention may have an indention or notch 118 .
- the notch 118 may be defined by an offset in the vertical members 122 , 124 , as well as corresponding offsets in the metallic members 136 , 138 , if used, the offset extending toward a back 129 ( FIG. 3 ) of the pocket.
- the notch 118 allows for use of a handle 120 extending outwardly from a plane defined by the door a distance greater than the clearance 117 between the door 116 and vertical members 122 , 124 .
- the handle 120 may reside, at lest partially, in an area defined by the notch 118 when the door 116 is substantially within the pocket.
- the notch 118 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 has three sides 119 A, B, C ( FIG. 4 )
- any shape notch 118 is within the contemplation of this invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where the notch 118 is rectangular.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where the notch is semi-circular.
- the pocket portion 114 of the pocket door assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of horizontal members 126 , 128 , 130 and 132 . Although not specifically shown in FIG. 3 , there may be a corresponding set of horizontal members on the opposite side of door 116 , and these horizontal members may define, in part, the cavity or pocket of the pocket portion 114 .
- the horizontal members 126 , 128 , 130 and 132 may be lumber, and may be attachments points for installation of sheet rock or other wall-board material. At least some of the horizontal members, for example horizontal member 128 and 130 , may couple to brace member 134 , which may simply reinforce the notch 118 .
- FIG. 6A taken substantially along line 6 A- 6 A of FIG. 3 , illustrates that, in at least some embodiments, a lower portion of the pocket assembly 114 may comprise rollers, for example rollers 146 and 148 .
- FIG. 6B taken substantially along line 6 B- 6 B of FIG. 3 , illustrates the rollers 146 , 148 from a different perspective. Rollers 146 and 148 may help keep the door 116 centered between the horizontal and vertical members, thus making opening and closing of door 116 easier as well as lessening the likelihood that the door 116 makes unwanted contact with other stationary components, which may damage the door and/or make opening and closing the door difficult.
- the door 116 of the pocket door assembly 100 may comprise a latch mechanism 200 (partially seen in FIG. 3 ) that may hold the door in the extended or closed position, and which may also be utilized to lock the door.
- FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism 200 , which may be utilized with a striker plate 220 as illustrated in FIG. 10 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- the latch mechanism 200 may comprise an elongated outer housing 202 having an axis 204 .
- the latch mechanism may be coupled to the door 116 by inserting the latch mechanism 200 into a hole, possible of circular or semi-circular cross-section (not shown), in the door 116 , where an axis of the hole and latch mechanism 204 may be substantially aligned with a direction of translation of the door 116 .
- the latch mechanism 200 may comprise a bolt 206 that slides within a bolt cavity or housing 208 .
- Spring 210 may bias the bolt to an extended position, with pin 212 retaining the bolt 206 within the housing 208 .
- the bias spring 214 may bias the bolt housing 208 against a lower portion of the outer housing 202 .
- a latch end 207 of the bolt 206 in particular a curved strike area 216 , may contact the cross-bar 218 of the strike plate 220 .
- Initial contact with the strike area 216 may be made near the tip 222 of the bolt 206 . The contact may progress from the tip 222 toward the slot 224 .
- the contact of the bolt 206 with the cross-bar 218 , and progress of the contact, may produce two movements of the bolt 206 .
- the bolt 206 may compress spring 20 translating or telescoping the bolt 206 into the bolt housing 208 .
- contact of the bolt 206 with the cross-bar 218 may pitch the bolt housing 208 (as indicated by arrow 226 , and as illustrated in dashed lines).
- Pitching of the bolt housing 208 may be allowed by a hinge 230 , having a stationary portion coupled to the outer housing 202 , and a rotating portion coupled to a bolt arm 232 .
- the latch end 207 of the bolt 206 may extend into an aperture 228 of the strike plate 220 ( FIG. 10 ).
- the bolt 206 may telescope out of the bolt housing 208 under force applied by spring 210 , at which point the slot 224 may slide over a corresponding structure coupled to the doorway portion 112 of the frame, such as cross-bar 218 ( FIG. 10 ). With slot 224 engaging cross-bar 218 , the latch mechanism 200 may hold the door in the closed position.
- a rotary handle 120 such as illustrated in FIG. 3 , may be rotated.
- a handle connection member extending through the door 116 substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the door 116 and connecting the handle members on each side of the door, in response to rotation of the handle may rotate the bolt assembly housing 208 , possibly by application of force on the bolt arm 232 .
- Locking of the door 116 with latch 200 may be accomplished with a doorknob or handle 120 that prevents rotation in the locked position.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an interaction between the handle connection member and the bolt arm 232 .
- FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the latch assembly 200 with the bolt arm 232 pitched by contact of a handle connection member 234 .
- the bolt arm 232 may rest substantially on an upper surface of the handle connection member 234 , where that surface is substantially horizontal (the rest position indicated in FIG. 11 by the shadowed connection member in dashed lines).
- the handle connection member By rotation of the handle (not shown in FIG. 11 ), the handle connection member likewise may rotate, thereby pitching the bolt housing 208 . While some off-the-shelf doorknobs have a substantially square handle connection member, as shown in FIG.
- the frame 110 of the pocket door assembly may be made of injection molded plastic, with portions thereof reinforced by metallic members.
- the recess 118 are shown, one of ordinary skill in the art, now understanding the concept of creating a recess and using a protruding handle, such as knob 120 , could easily fashion numerous variations for the configuration of the recess 118 , and each of these variations falls within the contemplation of this invention.
- rollers 146 and 148 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B being circular cylinders having their axis aligned with the vertical members 122 and 124 , one of ordinary skill in the art, now understanding the benefits of providing rolling surfaces near a bottom of the door 116 , could easily implement many variations, such as ball bearings with suitable housings, and the like.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Wing Frames And Configurations (AREA)
Abstract
The specification discloses a pocket door assembly having a notch or recess in a pocket portion of the frame that allows for use of a protruding handle, such as a doorknob, to be used on a door portion of the assembly. In a second aspect, the specification discloses a latch mechanism for use with pocket doors that may utilize rotary handles, such as standard doorknobs.
Description
- None.
- Not applicable.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to an improved pocket door assembly. More particular, the embodiments of the invention are directed to a pocket door assembly that may use a standard doorknob to facilitate opening and closing of the door.
- 2. Background of the Invention
- A “pocket door” is a door that may be used within homes and offices that, rather than swinging on a hinge, slides or translates along an upper rail. In a closed position, a pocket door obstructs a doorway. In order to open a pocket door, the door itself slides into a “pocket” within walls immediately adjacent to the doorway. Pocket doors may be used in locations where it is disadvantageous for the door to swing.
-
FIG. 1 shows a related art pocket door assembly as it may be received from a manufacturer, with thedoor 40 in its fully open or retracted position. To close the related art door, thedoor 40 may be pushed into the pocket, where a spring biases the door out such that the door itself may be grabbed and pulled toward a closed position. Alternatively in the related art, alatch mechanism 42 may be used, at least initially, to pull the door from the retracted position. -
FIG. 2 , taken substantially along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 , illustrates one possible construction of a frame of a related art pocket door assembly. In particular, this portion of the frame may comprisevertical lumber members Steel channels vertical lumber members channels lumber cross members FIG. 1 ) may attach. After installation of the pocket door assembly, sheet rock may be placed on top of thehorizontal members shoulder area 60. Thereafter, decorative trim may be attached to thevertical members - Regardless of the particular construction of the frame, the
door 40 in each of these related art devices is designed and constructed to slide fully within the pocket created by the frame. Because of this construction, it is not possible to have a doorknob or handle mechanism extending in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the door, as may be used on doors that rotate about a hinge assembly. Some pocket doors may attempt to implement door locks, but the lock mechanisms, because of the limited space between the door and the vertical members, are difficult to operate, at best. - Thus, what is needed in the art is a pocket door assembly design that overcomes these and other problems.
- The problems noted above are solved in large part by a pocket door assembly that provides an indention or notch in the vertical members of the frame. The door of the pocket door assembly may comprise a handle that protrudes outwardly from a plane defined by the door by an amount greater than a clearance between the door and the vertical frame members. When the door is opened, the handle translates at least partially into a region or area defined by the notch. Opening and closing the door may thus be accomplished by applying force to the handle, and thereby sliding the door open or closed.
- A second aspect of the preferred embodiments may be a locking mechanism for use with a pocket door that may be actuated using an off-the-shelf rotary-type doorknob as a handle. The latching mechanism may latch the door of the pocket door assembly in a closed position, and the latch may be released by rotating the doorknob to release the latch.
- The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
- For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a related art pocket door assembly; -
FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a portion of the related art pocket door assembly; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket door assembly, with the door retracted or open, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an elevational view of a pocket door assembly, with the door extended or closed, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pocket door assembly taken substantially along lines 5-5 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view taken substantially alonglines 6A-6A ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken substantially alongline 6B-6B ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the recess; -
FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the recess; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a latch assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a striker plate in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary contact of a handle connection member with bolt arm. - Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.
- In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”. Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.
-
FIG. 3 illustrates apocket door assembly 100 constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In particular, thepocket door assembly 100 may comprise aframe 110 that may generally comprise adoorway portion 112 and apocket portion 114. Thepocket door assembly 100 may further comprise adoor 116 slidingly mounted within theframe 110, and in particular, thedoor 116 may be mounted to ahorizontal header assembly 113 which may span substantially an entire upper length of the pocket door assembly. The perspective view of thepocket door assembly 100 ofFIG. 3 illustrates thedoor 116 in its retracted or open position. By contrast, the elevational view of thepocket door assembly 100 ofFIG. 4 shows thedoor 116 in its extended or closed position. Before proceeding, it should be understood that thepocket door assembly 100 illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 is as it may be received from a door manufacturer prior to installation, and thus the pocket door assembly is not shown with solid walls covering thepocket portion 114, as would be the case after final installation. -
FIG. 5 , taken substantially along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3 , illustrates the coupling ofvertical members vertical members door 116 may slide or translate. A distance between thedoor 116 and each vertical member may define aclearance 117. Eachvertical member metallic member metallic elements FIG. 5 , thehorizontal members metallic members horizontal members 126 are made of wood or lumber, and thus the coupling between thehorizontal members 126 and themetallic members vertical members metallic members FIG. 5 shows onlyhorizontal members 126A, B coupled to the vertical members, it will be understood that the remaining horizontal members, as well as thebrace member 134, may couple in a similar manner. - As is illustrated by
FIG. 5 , the horizontal members may not precisely align with an outer surface of thevertical members shoulder region 140 into whichwall board 142 may be placed. For decorative purposes, trim ormolding 144 may be attached to thevertical members 122 and 124 (not shown attached to 122). It is noted that thewall board 142 andmolding 144 are not shown inFIG. 3 , but were included inFIG. 5 for purposes of explaining how these materials may couple to thepocket door assembly 100. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thepocket door assembly 100 of the various embodiments of the invention may have an indention or notch 118. Thenotch 118 may be defined by an offset in thevertical members metallic members FIG. 3 ) of the pocket. As best shown by thedoor 116 in the retracted or open position as illustrated inFIG. 3 , thenotch 118 allows for use of ahandle 120 extending outwardly from a plane defined by the door a distance greater than theclearance 117 between thedoor 116 andvertical members handle 120 may reside, at lest partially, in an area defined by thenotch 118 when thedoor 116 is substantially within the pocket. Although thenotch 118 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 has threesides 119A, B, C (FIG. 4 ), anyshape notch 118 is within the contemplation of this invention. For example,FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where thenotch 118 is rectangular. Likewise,FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where the notch is semi-circular. - The
pocket portion 114 of thepocket door assembly 100 may comprise a plurality ofhorizontal members FIG. 3 , there may be a corresponding set of horizontal members on the opposite side ofdoor 116, and these horizontal members may define, in part, the cavity or pocket of thepocket portion 114. In at least some embodiments, thehorizontal members horizontal member member 134, which may simply reinforce thenotch 118. -
FIG. 6A , taken substantially alongline 6A-6A ofFIG. 3 , illustrates that, in at least some embodiments, a lower portion of thepocket assembly 114 may comprise rollers, forexample rollers FIG. 6B , taken substantially alongline 6B-6B ofFIG. 3 , illustrates therollers Rollers door 116 centered between the horizontal and vertical members, thus making opening and closing ofdoor 116 easier as well as lessening the likelihood that thedoor 116 makes unwanted contact with other stationary components, which may damage the door and/or make opening and closing the door difficult. - In installations where
door 116 need not be latched closed, for example if thepocket door assembly 100 provides access to a linen closet, it may not be necessary to provide a latch mechanism for thedoor 116. However, in some installations, for example apocket door assembly 100 on an entrance to a bedroom or bathroom, thedoor 116 of thepocket door assembly 100 may comprise a latch mechanism 200 (partially seen inFIG. 3 ) that may hold the door in the extended or closed position, and which may also be utilized to lock the door. -
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of thelatch mechanism 200, which may be utilized with astriker plate 220 as illustrated inFIG. 10 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Thelatch mechanism 200 may comprise an elongatedouter housing 202 having anaxis 204. The latch mechanism may be coupled to thedoor 116 by inserting thelatch mechanism 200 into a hole, possible of circular or semi-circular cross-section (not shown), in thedoor 116, where an axis of the hole andlatch mechanism 204 may be substantially aligned with a direction of translation of thedoor 116. Thelatch mechanism 200 may comprise abolt 206 that slides within a bolt cavity orhousing 208.Spring 210 may bias the bolt to an extended position, withpin 212 retaining thebolt 206 within thehousing 208. In the rest position, thebias spring 214 may bias thebolt housing 208 against a lower portion of theouter housing 202. As thedoor 116 is translated out of thepocket portion 114, alatch end 207 of thebolt 206, in particular acurved strike area 216, may contact the cross-bar 218 of thestrike plate 220. Initial contact with thestrike area 216 may be made near thetip 222 of thebolt 206. The contact may progress from thetip 222 toward theslot 224. - The contact of the
bolt 206 with the cross-bar 218, and progress of the contact, may produce two movements of thebolt 206. First, upon initial contact of thebolt 206 with the cross-bar 218, thebolt 206 may compress spring 20 translating or telescoping thebolt 206 into thebolt housing 208. Somewhat simultaneously, contact of thebolt 206 with the cross-bar 218 may pitch the bolt housing 208 (as indicated byarrow 226, and as illustrated in dashed lines). Pitching of thebolt housing 208 may be allowed by ahinge 230, having a stationary portion coupled to theouter housing 202, and a rotating portion coupled to abolt arm 232. As the contact point moves from thetip 222 toward theslot 224, thelatch end 207 of thebolt 206 may extend into anaperture 228 of the strike plate 220 (FIG. 10 ). As a component of an applied force along an axis ofbolt 206 begins to diminish, i.e. the contact point moves closer to theslot 224, thebolt 206 may telescope out of thebolt housing 208 under force applied byspring 210, at which point theslot 224 may slide over a corresponding structure coupled to thedoorway portion 112 of the frame, such as cross-bar 218 (FIG. 10 ). Withslot 224 engaging cross-bar 218, thelatch mechanism 200 may hold the door in the closed position. To unlatch thelatch assembly 200, arotary handle 120, such as illustrated inFIG. 3 , may be rotated. A handle connection member, extending through thedoor 116 substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by thedoor 116 and connecting the handle members on each side of the door, in response to rotation of the handle may rotate thebolt assembly housing 208, possibly by application of force on thebolt arm 232. Locking of thedoor 116 withlatch 200 may be accomplished with a doorknob or handle 120 that prevents rotation in the locked position. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an interaction between the handle connection member and thebolt arm 232. In particular,FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional elevational view of thelatch assembly 200 with thebolt arm 232 pitched by contact of ahandle connection member 234. In a rest position, thebolt arm 232 may rest substantially on an upper surface of thehandle connection member 234, where that surface is substantially horizontal (the rest position indicated inFIG. 11 by the shadowed connection member in dashed lines). By rotation of the handle (not shown inFIG. 11 ), the handle connection member likewise may rotate, thereby pitching thebolt housing 208. While some off-the-shelf doorknobs have a substantially square handle connection member, as shown inFIG. 11 , other off-the-shelf doorknobs have a handle connection member with a “U” shape (not shown). Operation of the latch assembly in this situation is substantially the same as described above, except upper portions of the “U” shaped handle connection member contact thebolt arm 232. For those doorknobs that implement locking functionality with the “U” shaped handle connection member, a locking rod may reside within a valley of the “U” shaped member, and in this case, thebolt arm 232 may be grooved or arched to allow the bolt arm to rest on the “U” shaped member in spite of the locking rod. - The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the
frame 110 of the pocket door assembly may be made of injection molded plastic, with portions thereof reinforced by metallic members. Further, while only three variations for therecess 118 are shown, one of ordinary skill in the art, now understanding the concept of creating a recess and using a protruding handle, such asknob 120, could easily fashion numerous variations for the configuration of therecess 118, and each of these variations falls within the contemplation of this invention. Further, it may be possible to have a door that does not slide completely within the pocket, and in this case a notch may not be required in spite of using a handle that extends a distance greater than the clearance between the door and the vertical member. With regard to therollers FIGS. 6A and 6B , being circular cylinders having their axis aligned with thevertical members door 116, could easily implement many variations, such as ball bearings with suitable housings, and the like. Further, though the embodiments of the invention described show notches formed on both sides of thedoor 116, the benefits of the invention may be equivalently obtained by anotch 118 on only one side, and correspondingly a handle that extends on only one side of the door. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.
Claims (27)
1. A pocket door assembly comprising:
a frame comprising a doorway portion defining an aperture, and the frame also comprising a pocket portion defining a cavity;
a vertically oriented door slidingly coupled to the frame, the door adapted to slide into the cavity defined by the pocket portion of the frame;
a handle coupled to the door and extending outward from the door a distance greater than a clearance between the door and a first vertical member of the pocket portion of the frame;
a latch assembly coupled within the door and in operational relationship to the handle; and
wherein the latch assembly latches the door in a closed position, and wherein the handle releases the latch assembly from a latched position.
2. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 1 further comprising:
a notch in the pocket portion of the frame at a boundary between the pocket portion and the aperture, the notch at approximately a same elevation as the handle; and
wherein the handle resides at least partially within an area defined by the notch when the door is open.
3. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein the pocket portion further comprises:
a second vertical member, the first and second vertical members defining an opening through which the door slides into the cavity; and
said notch formed, at least in part, by an offset in one of the first and second vertical members.
4. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein the notch is formed by corresponding offsets in both the first and second vertical members.
5. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein the notch is semicircular.
6. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein the notch is defined by three straight sides.
7. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein the notch is rectangular.
8. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein the notch is defined by two straight sides.
9. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the handle extends outward in both directions from the door.
10. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein the handle further comprises a rotary doorknob.
11. (canceled)
12. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the latch assembly further comprises:
an outer housing;
a bolt mounted within the outer housing, the bolt having a curved strike area and a slot, the strike area in operational relationship to the slot, and wherein the bolt has an axis aligned substantially with a direction of translation of the door; and
wherein latching of the door pitches the bolt until the slot mechanically mates with a corresponding structure on the doorway portion of the frame.
13. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein the latch assembly further comprises:
a bolt housing hingedly coupled within the outer housing, the bolt slidingly coupled within the bolt housing;
a first spring within the bolt housing biasing the bolt to an extended position; and
a second spring mounted within the outer housing, the second spring biasing the bolt housing against an inside portion of the outer housing.
14. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 13 wherein the bolt housing further comprises:
a rotary hinge portion, the rotary hinge portion coupled to a stationary hinge portion on the outer housing;
a bolt arm coupling the rotary hinge portion to a bolt cavity, the bolt and first spring within the bolt cavity; and
wherein the bolt arm is adapted to be a point of contact for rotational force that pitches the bolt housing and releases the slot of the bolt from the corresponding structure on the doorway portion of the frame.
15. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 14 wherein the bolt arm is further adapted to operationally couple to a rotary door handle.
16. A pocket door assembly comprising:
a horizontal header assembly;
a door slidingly mounted to the horizontal header assembly;
a first and second vertical members coupled to the horizontal header assembly, the first and second vertical members defining an opening;
a first plurality of coplanar members coupled to the first vertical member, a plane defined by the first plurality of coplanar members substantially parallel to a plane defined by the door;
a second plurality of coplanar members coupled to the second vertical member and extending a same direction as the first plurality of coplanar members, a plane defined by the second plurality of coplanar members substantially parallel to the plane defined by the door;
wherein the first and second vertical members, and the first and second plurality of coplanar members, define a pocket into which the door slides;
a handle coupled to the door and extending substantially perpendicularly from the plane defined by the door, the handle extending a distance greater than a clearance between the door and one of the first and second vertical members;
a latch assembly coupled within the door and in operational relationship to the handle; and
wherein the latch assembly latches the door in a closed position, and wherein the handle releases the latch assembly from a latched position when the handle is rotated.
17. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 16 further comprising:
one of the first and second vertical members defining an indention, the indention having a deflection toward a back of the pocket; and
wherein the handle resides at least partially in an area defined by the indention when the door is substantially within the pocket.
18. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein the indention is rectangular.
19. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein the indention is semicircular.
20. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein the indention is defined by three straight sides.
21. The pocket door assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein the indention is defined by two straight sides.
22-25. (canceled)
26. A latch assembly for a pocket door comprising:
an elongated outer housing having an axis;
a bolt mounted within the outer housing, the bolt having a curved strike area, and wherein the bolt has an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the elongated outer housing when the bolt is in a rest position;
an elongated bolt housing hingedly mounted within the elongated outer housing, the bolt slidingly coupled within the bolt housing;
a first spring within the bolt housing biasing the bolt to an extended position; and
a second spring mounted within the elongated outer housing, the second spring biasing the bolt housing against a lower portion of the outer housing in the rest position
wherein the bolt pitches when a force is applied to the strike area and wherein the bolt's axis becomes substantially parallel with the axis of the elongated outer housing when the latch assembly latches.
27. The latch assembly as defined in claim 26 wherein the elongated bolt housing further comprises:
a rotary hinge portion, the rotary hinge portion coupled to the a stationary hinge portion on the elongated outer housing;
a bolt arm coupling the rotary hinge portion to a bolt cavity, the bolt and first spring within the bolt cavity; and
wherein the bolt arm is adapted to be a point of contact for rotational force to release the latch assembly.
28. The latch assembly as defined in claim 27 wherein the bolt arm is further adapted to operationally couple to a rotary door handle.
29. The latch assembly as defined in claim 26 wherein the bolt telescopes, at least partially, into the bolt housing and compresses the first spring when the location of the force application is near a tip of the bolt.
30. The latch assembly as defined in claim 29 wherein the bolt telescopes out of the bolt housing as a location of the force application approaches a slot, the slot in operational relationship to the strike area.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/205,413 US20050284027A1 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2005-08-17 | Pocket door assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/356,877 US6938375B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2003-02-03 | Pocket door assembly |
US11/205,413 US20050284027A1 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2005-08-17 | Pocket door assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/356,877 Continuation US6938375B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2003-02-03 | Pocket door assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050284027A1 true US20050284027A1 (en) | 2005-12-29 |
Family
ID=32770896
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/356,877 Expired - Fee Related US6938375B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2003-02-03 | Pocket door assembly |
US11/205,413 Abandoned US20050284027A1 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2005-08-17 | Pocket door assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/356,877 Expired - Fee Related US6938375B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2003-02-03 | Pocket door assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6938375B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060150545A1 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2006-07-13 | Krona I S.P.A. | Structural assembly for sliding doors which can be recessed into the wall of a building |
US20070051048A1 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2007-03-08 | Hoedtke Gmbh & Co. Kg Metall-Und Lasertechnik | Sliding door comprising a frame and a guiding mechanism |
US20080092476A1 (en) * | 2006-10-11 | 2008-04-24 | Little Cottage Company | Window and window frame construction |
US20080148643A1 (en) * | 2005-02-24 | 2008-06-26 | Michael Erik Lemming | Sliding Door Structure |
US8959837B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2015-02-24 | John B. Higman and Valorie J. Higman | Automatically sealing panel system |
US9217277B2 (en) | 2010-10-25 | 2015-12-22 | John B. Higman and Valorie J. Higman | Door drainage system |
CN109736644A (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2019-05-10 | 江门市蓬江区嘉和自动门窗科技有限公司 | A kind of automatic door switching device |
US20220098911A1 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2022-03-31 | Terno Scorrevoli S.P.A. Unipersonale | A rectractable sliding door with automatic alignment to the wall during the closing phase |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6938375B2 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2005-09-06 | Notch Corporation | Pocket door assembly |
US7222891B2 (en) | 2004-10-23 | 2007-05-29 | Southco, Inc. | Flush mount sliding panel latch |
US20070068084A1 (en) * | 2005-09-28 | 2007-03-29 | Mcclendon Michael R | Vertically-movable door |
ITVE20070009A1 (en) * | 2007-02-05 | 2008-08-06 | Dallan Spa | PROCEDURE FOR REALIZING CASSONI PER FRAMES FOR SLIDING DOORS WITH DISAPPEARANCE. |
US7942457B1 (en) * | 2007-04-02 | 2011-05-17 | Donald Bell | Lever-handled pocket door latching system |
AU2008221507B8 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2011-03-10 | Corinthian Industries (Australia) Pty Ltd | Assembly of a cavity door pocket |
US9347240B2 (en) | 2013-09-11 | 2016-05-24 | Kent Herman | Pocket door pull devices |
CN106660628B (en) * | 2014-05-12 | 2019-12-13 | 庞巴迪公司 | Bulkhead assembly with built-in door for aircraft interior |
EP3180487B1 (en) * | 2015-03-11 | 2019-11-20 | Dirtt Environmental Solutions, Ltd. | Pocket door |
EP3168138B1 (en) * | 2015-11-10 | 2018-06-06 | Airbus Operations GmbH | Aircraft door assembly |
US10174543B2 (en) * | 2016-07-07 | 2019-01-08 | Rodney Kapavik | Pocket door system |
US10612298B1 (en) * | 2018-02-20 | 2020-04-07 | Raysha Jackson | Lockable sliding security cover for a door |
JP6990632B2 (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2022-01-12 | 積水ハウス株式会社 | Sliding door puller |
JP6858238B2 (en) * | 2019-10-30 | 2021-04-14 | 永大産業株式会社 | Sliding door device and stairs device |
CA3123137A1 (en) * | 2020-06-24 | 2021-12-24 | Oldcastle Buildingenvelope, Inc. | Door strike |
US11512522B2 (en) * | 2021-03-13 | 2022-11-29 | Rodney Hale Martin | Interior pre-hung hinged door and pocket sliding security gate |
US20220290494A1 (en) * | 2021-03-13 | 2022-09-15 | Rodney Hale Martin | Reversible Surface-Mounted Sliding Security Gate |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1421331A (en) * | 1922-01-27 | 1922-06-27 | West Electric Hair Curler Comp | Metal revolving cabinet |
US3214948A (en) * | 1963-05-27 | 1965-11-02 | Henry J Modrey | Latch for doors, window sashes and similar structures |
US5125202A (en) * | 1990-11-28 | 1992-06-30 | Kissinger Terrance G | Privacy panel for use with open office furniture systems |
US5575321A (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1996-11-19 | Currier; Ken E. | Security door system for sliding screen doors |
US6938375B2 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2005-09-06 | Notch Corporation | Pocket door assembly |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2275089A (en) * | 1941-04-02 | 1942-03-03 | Pirtz Charles | Sliding door lock |
US4742645A (en) | 1986-11-03 | 1988-05-10 | National Manufacturing Co. | Pocket-door assembly |
JPH08135279A (en) * | 1994-11-07 | 1996-05-28 | Takigen Mfg Co Ltd | Lock handle device of door used for both right and left hands |
-
2003
- 2003-02-03 US US10/356,877 patent/US6938375B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-08-17 US US11/205,413 patent/US20050284027A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1421331A (en) * | 1922-01-27 | 1922-06-27 | West Electric Hair Curler Comp | Metal revolving cabinet |
US3214948A (en) * | 1963-05-27 | 1965-11-02 | Henry J Modrey | Latch for doors, window sashes and similar structures |
US5125202A (en) * | 1990-11-28 | 1992-06-30 | Kissinger Terrance G | Privacy panel for use with open office furniture systems |
US5575321A (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1996-11-19 | Currier; Ken E. | Security door system for sliding screen doors |
US6938375B2 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2005-09-06 | Notch Corporation | Pocket door assembly |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070051048A1 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2007-03-08 | Hoedtke Gmbh & Co. Kg Metall-Und Lasertechnik | Sliding door comprising a frame and a guiding mechanism |
US20060150545A1 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2006-07-13 | Krona I S.P.A. | Structural assembly for sliding doors which can be recessed into the wall of a building |
US20080148643A1 (en) * | 2005-02-24 | 2008-06-26 | Michael Erik Lemming | Sliding Door Structure |
US8079179B2 (en) * | 2005-02-24 | 2011-12-20 | Michael Erik Lemming | Sliding door structure |
US20080092476A1 (en) * | 2006-10-11 | 2008-04-24 | Little Cottage Company | Window and window frame construction |
US8959837B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2015-02-24 | John B. Higman and Valorie J. Higman | Automatically sealing panel system |
US9217277B2 (en) | 2010-10-25 | 2015-12-22 | John B. Higman and Valorie J. Higman | Door drainage system |
CN109736644A (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2019-05-10 | 江门市蓬江区嘉和自动门窗科技有限公司 | A kind of automatic door switching device |
US20220098911A1 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2022-03-31 | Terno Scorrevoli S.P.A. Unipersonale | A rectractable sliding door with automatic alignment to the wall during the closing phase |
US11808070B2 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2023-11-07 | Terno Scorrevoli S.P.A. Unipersonale | Retractable sliding door with automatic alignment to the wall during the closing phase |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6938375B2 (en) | 2005-09-06 |
US20040148865A1 (en) | 2004-08-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20050284027A1 (en) | Pocket door assembly | |
US7871112B2 (en) | Reversible double deadbolt mortise latch | |
US7025394B1 (en) | Lock system for integrating into an entry door having a vertical expanse and providing simultaneous multi-point locking along the vertical expanse of the entry door | |
US9637957B2 (en) | Automatically-extending remote door lock bolts | |
US7418845B2 (en) | Two-point mortise lock | |
US7634928B2 (en) | Door locking system | |
US8186189B2 (en) | Latch assembly | |
US7752875B2 (en) | Multipoint lock | |
US7849718B2 (en) | Deadbolt device for a door | |
US20130200636A1 (en) | Handle-actuated locks | |
GB2251024A (en) | Pivotal door strike with locking pins | |
US5791173A (en) | Key-actuated security bar for a door | |
US7661279B2 (en) | Lock assembly | |
US5100184A (en) | Deadlatch assembly | |
AU2009311262B2 (en) | A multipoint lock assembly | |
US10006231B2 (en) | Double lever latch device | |
US11549290B2 (en) | Locking assembly with trigger handle | |
US20050284199A1 (en) | Latch assembly | |
US11746566B2 (en) | Ladder latch | |
US3388938A (en) | Cabinet door latch | |
US20170218682A1 (en) | Astragal with covered slidable lock block | |
WO2015126163A1 (en) | Mortise door lock having improved dead bolt supporting force | |
JP3806895B2 (en) | Casement locking device | |
AU714565B2 (en) | Multi-point lock | |
JP2005133512A (en) | Locking device for push-pull lock |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |