Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: Telescopic rail with stop block.
The invention relates to a telescopic rail according to
the preamble of claim 1. Such a telescopic rail is generally
known and offered for sale by Thomas Regout BV, Netherlands.
This known telescopic rail comprises first and second
section, slidable mounted to each other with an
interpositioned ball cage. The first section is movable
relative to the second section, thereby extending or
retracting the rail between a fully extended first position
and a fully retracted second position. Two of such rails are
used as a pair for suspension of for example a drawer in a
cabinet. In order to prevent damage to the rails, the drawer
or the cabinet and to prevent noise generation when the
rails reach the first or second position, buffer means are
provided on the ball cage and the first and second sections.
The first section is provided with an inward extending tab
near the front and the rear of the section. The second
section is provided with at least an inward facing tab near
the end of the second section. A plastic or rubber buffer
element is positioned on the rearward tab of the second
~0 section. The ball cage is furthermore provided on each end
with a second buffer element.
When the rail is in the fully extended first position
the front tab of the second section is in abutment with the
front buffer element on the ball cage, the rearward tab of
the first section in abutment with the rear buffer element
of the ball cage. When the rail is in the fully retracted
second position the rear tab of the first section is in
abutment with the rear buffer element of the second section.
This ~nown telescopic rail has the disadvantage that
the first ball cage has to be provided with said buffer
elements, as well as at least one of said tabs, which is
time consuming and costly. Assembling this known telescopic
rail is relatively difficult. The buffer elements are
difficult to reach when the rail is in use, which can be a
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disadvantage, for example for maintenance. Furthermore, the
first and second sections have to be relatively long in
order to provide for tabs near the rear end of the first and
second sections, on the opposite side of the ball cage from
the first tab and furthermore since a locking mechanism has
to be positioned at the rearward end of the sections.
Therefore a relatively large amount of material is necessary
and relatively much space for movement of the rail, which
means that the rail is relatively heavy and needs a large
building volume.
One object of the invention is to provide a telescopic
rail of the sort mentioned in the preamble of claim 1, in
which the said problems are avoided, without loss of the
advantages thereof. According to the invention this aim is
accomplished by the features of the characterizing part of
claim 1.
The stop block according to the invention incorporates
in itself the buffer elements for both the fully retracted
as the fully extended position, co-operating with the first
and second projections on the first section. The first
inward facing projection, that is the projection nearest to
the rear of the rail can be brought forward over about the
length of the first ball cage in comparison to the known
telescopic rail with a similar extension length. The first
section can therefore be relatively short. Furthermore only
the stop block has to be positioned within the second
section in order to obtain both buffer functions. Since the
ball cage has no essential buffer or stop function in a
telescopic rail according to the invention, the buffer
elements on the ball cage can be dispensed with, as can the
buffer elements on the tabs. Assembling a telescopic rail
according to the invention is easy. The first section is,
together with the ball cage, slid into the second section,
and the stop block is connected to the second section. The
first projection can be formed prior to assembly, the second
projection either prior to or after assembly, depending on
the flexibility of the stop block and the mode of attachment
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thereof. When the stop block is sufficiently flexible the
first tab on the first section can be pushed over the stop
block, deforming the stop block resiliently. The said tab
can not pass the stop block in the opposite direction.
Either way only assembling steps have to be performed near
the front side of the rail, which enables quick and easy
assemblage.
A ball cage has to be interpreted in this application
as bearing means provided in raceways on the respective rail
sections. These ball cages can be constituted as separate
series of balls, for example embedded in strips, a strip
positioned in each race way or as series of balls embedded
in a cage comprising two rows of balls, one for each
raceway, the rows being interconnected by a connecting part.
Furthermore ball cages can comprise sliding means besides or
instead of balls.
In an advantageous embodiment a telescopic rail
according to the invention is characterized by the features
of claim 3.
The or each guide projection stabilizes and supports
the first section relative to the second section, especially
in a partly or fully extended position. The or each
projection prevents relative movement of the first to the
second section in a direction inclined to the direction of
extension and retraction. Furthermore the projections can
have a stabilizing function for the stop block relative to
the second and/or first section. Preferably the stop block
is provided with two guide projections, one in the upper and
one in the lower raceways of the first and second sections.
Furthermore, the stop block centers the first and second
sections relative to eachother.
In a preferred embodiment a telescopic rail according
to the invention is characterized by the features of
claim 5.
Known three section telescopic rails have an inward
facing tab near the front as well as near the rear of the
third section, at least the rearward one being provided with
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a resilient plastic or rubber buffer element. The second
ball cage between the second and third section in these
known rails is again provided with a second buffer element
on the front and rear side thereof. In the fully extended
position of the rail the front buffer element of the ball
cage is in abutment with the front tab of the third section
while the rearward buffer element of the second ball cage is
in abutment with the rearward tab of the second section. In
this known telescopic rail the distance over which the
second section can move relative to the third section is
thus determined by the distance between the front and rear
tab on the third section and the length of the second ball
cage between the buffer elements.
A three section telescopic rail according to the
lS invention has the advantage that it can be extended over a
relatively long distance, wherein the stop block provides
for a stop and buffering function of the second and first
section, whereas in the fully retracted position the stop
block provides for a stop and buffering function for all
three sections. The buffer part extending through the
second, intermediate rail and providing for buffering means
for the third section has the advantage that there is no
need for a tab near the rear end of the third section. In
the fully retracted position of the second and third
sections the third projection, positioned near the front of
the third section abuts the resilient means of the buffer
part, thus limiting movement of the second section relative
to the third section in rearward, retracted direction. The
third section can therefore be relatively short compared to
the third section of a known telescopic rail with similar
possible extension length. The length of the third section
can for example be limited to approximately the length of
the path of travel of the second ball cage and the length of
the second ball cage itself.
A further advantage of a telescopic rail according to
the invention in such embodiment is that assembly of this
rail is very easy. This can be done for example as follows.
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The first, second and third sections can be manufactured
separately, except for the second, front projection on the
first section. The second ball cage and the second section
are slid into the third section, after which the stop block
is placed in the second section, thus locking the second
section to the third section. In the fully extended position
the front side of the second ball cage abuts the third
projection, a tab near the rear end of the second section
abuts the rear side of the second ball cage, thus limiting
movement of the second section relative to the third section
in forward, extended direction. Afterwards the first section
and the first ball cage are slid into the second section
from the rear side. Finally the second, front projection on
the first section is made when the first section is extended
relative to the second section, thus locking the first
section in the second section. Therefore only one of the
projections has to be provided for when the three sections
are assembled, thus reducing the risk of the sections coming
apart again during assembling, while eliminating this risk
during use. Furthermore, only one manufacturing step has to
be taken after positioning of the sections within eachother,
thus reducing handling.
In a further advantageous embodiment a telescopic rail
according to the invention is characterized by the features
of claim 7.
The first and second hook means provide for a
limitation of forward, extending movement of the first
section relative to the second section when they are in
their normal position, that is the one in the path of
movement of the other. Upon forward movement of the first
section the first hook means engage the second hook means,
thus preventing further movement of the first section in the
forward direction. By actuating the second hook ~eans by
movement of at least part thereof, the second hook means, at
least the engaging part thereof can be brought out of the
normal path of travel thereof, such that in further forward
movement of the first section the first and second hook
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means do no~ engage each other and the first section can be
pulled out of the second section in a forward direction.
Thus a telescopic rail according to the invention can be of
a disconnect type. The second and/of first hook means can be
provided with resilient means for buffering shock when they
engage each other.
In a further preferred embodiment a telescopic rail
according to the invention is characterized by the features
of claim 9.
The co-operating first resilient projection and first
engaging means near the front side of the first and second
section respectively lock the first section relative to the
second section in the at least nearly fully retracted
position. The locking force thereof is such that upon
pulling the telescopic rail toward the extended position by
engaging the first section, the second section will move
relative to the third section to a fully extended position,
wherein during this movement the first section stays in the
same position relative to the second section. Only when the
second section has moved over its maximum distance relative
to the third section and the ball cage is in abutment with
the third projection, the first section will move relative
to the second section when the first section is submitted to
a further pulling force in forward direction, overcoming
said locking force. Thus a telescopic rail according to the
invention has a predetermined order of extensioni first the
second section relative to the third, secondly the first
section relative to the second section. In a two-sectioned
embodiment the stop block in this embodiment provides also
for a locking mechanism.
In a still further preferred embodiment a telescopic
rail according to the invention is characterized by the
features of claim 11.
The second resilient projection on the buffer part and
the second engaging means on the third section have the
advantage that upon full retraction of the rail the second
section is locked into this position. Thus unwanted movement
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of the second section relative to the third movement is
easily prevented. A certain, predeterminable forward force
will have to be exerted on the second section in order to
disengage the second resilient projection and the second
engaging means, in order to be able to obtain extension of
the rail. Thereby it is advantageous when the second section
is pulled, forced into said fully retracted position by the
co-operating second resilient projection and the second
engaging means.
It is especially advantageous when a telescopic rail
according to the invention is characterized by the features
of both claim 9 and claim ll, the locking force of the first
resilient projection and the first engaging means being
greater then the locking force of the second resilient
projection and the second engaging means. Such a telescopic
will be locked into the fully retracted position and still
have said predetermined order of extension.
Further advantageous embodiments of a telescopic rail
according to the invention are given in the subclaims, the
description and the drawings.
Embodiments of a telescopic rail according to the
invention will be further explained and illustrated, by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
fig. l is an elevational view of a first embodiment of
a telescopic rail;
fig. 2 is a section taken along the line II-II of fig.l;
fig. 3 is an elevational view of a stop block in a
first embodiment, seen from the back side;
fig. 4 is a side view of a stop block of fig. 3;
fig. 5 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of
a telescopic rail;
fig. 5A is a side view of a telescopic rail according
to fig. 5i
fig. 6 is an elevational view of a section of a first
end of a telescopic rail;
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fig. 6A is a side view of a section of (the first) end
of a telescopic rail;
fig. 7 is a elevational view of a third embodiment of a
telescopic rail;
fig. 8 is an elevational view of a stop block in a
second embodiment, seen from the back side;
fig. 9 is a side view of a stop block of fig. ~; and
fig. 10 is an elevational view of a stop-buffer-
lockblock, especially for use in a two-sectioned rail.
A telescopic rail as shown in figs. 1 and 2 consists of
a first section 1 and a second section 2, the sections 1 and
2 being extendible between a first and second end position.
In fig. 1 the first section 1 is shown in a fully retracted,
first position in dotted lines, and in fully extended,
second position in full drawn lines. The direction of
extension and retraction is indicated by the arrow F.
Mounted between the sections 1 and 2 is a ball cage 3 of a
type known per se. The first 1 and second section 2 of the
telescopic rail are substantially C-shaped, as shown in
fig. 5A, defining raceways 42 for the balls of the ball
cage 3.
Near the front end 4 of the second section 2 a stop
block 5 is positioned, as more specifically shown in figs. 3
and 10. The stop block 5 is provided with a body 6, two
wings 7 extending from opposite sides of the body 6 in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of extension and
retraction F. The stop block 5 furthermore comprises two
pairs of flexible finger-like extensions 8, 9, extending
from opposite sides of the body 6 in a direction parallel to
the direction of extension and retraction F. On the backside
of the stop block 5 a recess 110 is formed which can be
positioned over a tab 111 on the second section 2 for
attachment thereof. Each wing 7 comprises an undulated
connecting part 12, terminating in a rod like element 13
positioned in the raceways 14 between the first 1 and second
section 2. The rod like elements 13 constitute guide
elements for the first 1 and second section 2 upon extension
CA 0224832~ 1998-09-04
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of the telescopic rail, and furthermore provide for
centering and stability of the first section 1 relative to
the second section 2 in both directions perpendicular to the
direction of extension and retraction F, since these rod
like elements 13 prevent movement of the first section 1
relative to the second section 2 in any direction other than
the direction of extension and retraction F. Each rod like
element 13 is provided with a groove 15 extending parallel
to the direction of extension and retraction F, on the side
facing the raceways 14 of the first section 1. These grooves
15 minimize friction between the stop block 5 and the first
section 1, and furthermore provide for means of passage of
grease on the raceways 14 of the first section 1, necessary
for smooth movement of the first section 1 relative to the
second section 2 upon extension or retraction of the
telescopic rail.
The resilient finger like extensions 8, 9 projecting
from the body 6 form buffer means for the first section 1 in
respectively the first and second position thereof. The
first end 16 of the first section 1 is provided with an
inward facing tab 17. Upon movement of the first section 1
relative to the second section 2 towards the retracted
position of the rail, the tab 17 encounters the finger like
extensions 8 facing the tab 17. Upon abutment of the
extensions 8 and the tab 17 the extensions 8 deform slightly
thereby buffering the force of movement of the first section
1, such that the first section 1 reaches the fully retracted
position in a smoothly manner. At the opposite side of the
stop block 5 the first section 1 is provided with a second
inward facing tab 18 which can pass over the ball cage 3. In
the fully extended position, as shown in figs. 1 and 2 the
second tab 18 encounters the second finger like extensions 9
on the relevant side of the stop block 5. Upon abutment of
the second tab 18 the second resilient extensions 9 deform
slightly thereby buffering the first section 1. Therefore,
the first section 1 reaches the fully extended position in
an equally smooth way.
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The total possible length of extension of the
telescopic rail is defined by the distance between the first
17 and second inward facing tab 18 minus the width of the
stop block 5 between the first 8 and second extensions 9.
Since the second inward facing tab 18 can move over the ball
cage 3 the total length of the first section 1 needs to be
no longer than the possible length of extension added to the
length of the ball cage 3. Since the stop block 5 is
positioned near the first end for of the second section 2,
and since both the stop and buffer functions for the
extension and retraction of the first section 1 relative to
the second section 2 are integrated in this stop block 5,
the second section 2 can be relatively short. The length of
the second section 2 need not be more than necessary for
provision of guidance of the ball cage 3 during retraction
or extension of the rail. The possible distance of movement
of the ball cage 3 is half the length of the possible
movement of the first section 1.
The first section 1 is provided with attachment
means 19 for attachment thereon of for example a drawer. The
second section 2 is provided with second attachment means 20
for attachment thereof to for example the inside of a
cabinet.
Since the stop block 5 and the two inward extending
tabs 17, 18 provide for both the buffer means and the stop
means of the rail, the buffer cage 3 does not have to be
provided with buffer means and is therefore easy to
manufacture and relatively inexpensive.
The stop block 5 as shown especially in figs. 1, 2, 4
and 10 is on the sides of the body 6 provided with two
outward facing resilient fingers 108, enclosing an angle
with the direction of extension and retraction F. The first
section 1 is near the front end provided with inward facing
notches 154 extending into the raceway 14. The fingers 108
are facing backward into the path of travel of the
notches 154 into the raceways 14. Therefore, when the first
section 1 is brought into the fully retracted position the
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resilient fingers 108 are positioned in front of the
notches 154 thereby enclosing the first section 1 in the
retracted position. Upon extension of the rail the
notches 154 pass the resilient fingers 108, elasticly
deforming them. When brought into the fully retracted
position again the fingers 108 are once again bent out of
the path of travel of the notches 154. The stop block 5 has
thus a locking function besides the stop and buffer function
mentioned before.
A telescopic rail according to figs. 1 and 2 can be
manufactured as follows.
The first and second section 2 are manufactured
completely except for bending the first inward facing tab 17
of the first section 1. The stop block 5 is positioned in
the second section 2, after which the ball cage 3 and the
first section 1 are slid into position within the section 2.
Finally the tab 17 is bend to the inward facing position,
thus locking the first section 1 within the second
section 2.
The stop block 5 could be provided with resilient means
on the topside, such that the first tab 17 can be bent
before assembling the rail and can be pushed over the stop
block 5 into the assembled position but can not pass the
stop block 5 in the opposite direction. Thus no
manufacturing step is necessary after sliding the sections
into place. Such resilient means can be used in any rail
according to the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a telescopic
rail 30. In this embodiment the telescopic rail 30 comprises
a first section 31, a second section 32 and a third
section 33, all of substantially C-shaped form. Between the
first section 31 and the second section 32 a first ball
cage 42 is enclosed, between the second section 32 and the
third section 33 a second ball cage 43 is enclosed. The
first section 31 is movable relative to the second
section 32, the second section 32 relative to the third
section 33, all in the direction of extension and
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retraction F. The first section 31 and second section 32 are
comparable though not exactly similar to the first 1 and
second section 2 of the first embodiment, as shown in
figs. 1 and 2. The second end 44 of the second section 32 is
provided with a third tab 45 extending in the direction of
the third section 33. The second ball cage 43 is provided
with buffer means 46 at both the front and rear end thereof.
Such a ball cage is known for example from EP 0 488 471 or
NL 83,04456, both incorporated herein by reference. However,
the invention is not limited to these types of ball cages.
Upon extension of the second section 32 relative to the
third section 33 the third tab 45 encounters the rearward
buffer element 46 on the second ball cage 43 thus preventing
further movement of the second .section 32. In this position
the front buffer element 46 on the second ball cage 43 is
moved against a fourth tab 47 facing inward from the third
section near the first end 48 thereof, thus preventing
further forward movement of the second section 32 relative
to the third section 33. Thus the first section 31 can be
extended relative to the second section 32 by forward
movement until the second tab 18 on the first section 31
abuts the resilient extensions 9 on the stop block 105,
similar to a two sectioned rail as shown in figs. 1 and 2.
Furthermore,. the second section 32 can be extended relative
to the third section 33 until the third tab 45 abuts the
rear buffer element 46 on the second ball cage 43 whereby
the front buffer element 46 abuts the fourth tab 47 on the
third section 33.
Upon retraction of the first 31 and second section 32
relative to the third section 33, the first, inward facing
tab 17 on the first section 31 will abut the first resilient
extensions 8 on the stop block 105 thus preventing further
inward movement of the first section 31 relative to the
second section 32. The retraction movement of the second
section 32 relative to the third section 33 is restricted by
the fourth tab 47 on the third section 33 and a buffer
part 10 on the backside of the stop block 105 (fig. 3). To
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this end the buffer part 10 extends through the aperture 11
in the second section 32, such that the fourth tab 47 is in
the path of movement of the buffer part 10 (fig. 6). At the
rearward facing side of the buffer part 10 two resilient
buffer fingers 49 are provided, extending parallel to the
resilient extensions 8, 9 on the body 6 of the stop block
105. The fingers 49 and the extensions 8, 9 enclose an angle
with the direction of extension and retraction F. When the
second section 32 is retracted from an extended position,
the resilient fingers 49 will encounter the forward facing
part of the fourth tab 47 and will deform slightly thus
forming a buffer and preventing further retraction movement
of the second section 32 relative to the third section 33
Since the buffer part 10 near the first, forward facing
end 48 of the rail and the corresponding fourth tab 47
provide for buffer and stop means for the retraction and
extension movement of the second section 32 relative to the
third section 33, the third section 33 can be relatively
short. A stopping element, normally placed near the rearward
end 50 of the third section 33 can be disposed of.
Therefore, the length of the third section needs only to
provide for the raceway necessary for the second ball
cage 43, that is for guidance of the movement thereof
between the fully retracted and the fully extended position
of the second section 32 relative to the third section 33.
Thus a telescopic rail 30 according to this embodiment is
relatively light and easy to manufacture.
A telescopic rail 30 in an embodiment according to
fig. 5 can be assembled as follows.
The first 31, second 32 and third section 33 are all
manufactured completely, except for bending the first,
inward facing tab 17 on the first section 31. Then the
second ball cage 43 and the second section 32 are slid into
place within the third section 33, from the rearward end 50
thereof and, the second section 32 is moved forward such
that the aperture 11 is in front of the fourth tab 47. Then
the stop bloc~ 105 is brought into position within the
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14
second section 32. Then the first ball cage 42 and the first
section 31 are slid into place within the second section 32
from the rear end thereof. The first section 31 is slid
forward such that the first tab 17 extends in front of the
stop block 105, after which the tab 17 is bend inward, thus
locking the three sections and the respective ball cages
into place.
Figure 6 shows a section of the front end 48 of a rail
according to the invention, having three sections like an
embodiment according to figure 5. The rail 30' is shown in
the fully retracted position. In order to prevent unwanted
movement of at least the second section 32 relative to the
third section 33 locking means 51 are provided on the stop
block 105 and the third section 33. The locking means 51
comprise a resilient notch 52 on the backside of the buffer
part 10 and a second notch 53 on the inward facing side of
the third section 33. The distance between the fourth tab 47
and the second notch 53 is such that in the fully retracted
position, as shown in figure 6, the first notch 52 is
positioned between said fourth tab 47 and said second notch
53. The second notch 53 is in the path of movement of the
first notch 52. Upon extension or retraction of the second
section 32 relative to the third section 33, the resilient
notch 52 has to pass the second notch 53 thereby deforming
slightly. Therefore, for this movement a force, a so-called
first locking-unlocking force L1, has to be exerted on the
second section 32 such that the second section 32 will be
locked into the fully retracted position as shown in
figure 6 or unlocked from said position. Said locking force
is easily overcome by hand.
Figure 6A shows, partly in section, the front end 48 of
a rail 30', comparable to an embodiment according to figure
5. Corresponding parts have corresponding reference signs.
In this embodiment the first section 31 is provided
3~ with two third notches 54 near the front end thereof. The
third notches 54 extend into the raceways 14 between the
first 31 and second 32 sections. The distance between the
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inward facing side of the first tab 17 and the third notches
54 corresponds approximately added to the length of the rod
like elements 13 and the length of the first resilient
extensions 8, seen in the direction of retraction and
extension F. When the rail 30' is in the fully retracted
position, as shown in figure 6A, the third notches 54 are on
the rearward side of the rod like elements 13, thus
preventing forward movement of the first section 31 relative
to the second section 32. The rod like elements 13 are
provided with second grooves 55 as is more specifically
shown in figure 8 and 9. The second grooves 55 extend
through the whole length of the rod like elements 13, and
are open to the side facing away from the second 32 and
third section 33. Therefore, the rod like elements 13 can be
resiliently compressed in a direction approximately
perpendicular to the direction of extension and
retraction F, thus narrowing the width of the rod like
elements 13 within the raceways 14. Therefore, upon exertion
of a certain force, a so-called second locking-unlocking
force L2 on the first section in the direction of extension,
the third notches 54 can be forced passed the rod like
elements 13, thus allowing extension of the first section 31
relative to the second section 32. Upon retraction of the
first section 31 relative to the second section 32 again the
third notches 54 can be forced passed the rod like elements
13, thus locking the first section into the retracted
position. Especially, when a rail 30' according to figure 6A
is also provided with the locking means 51 as shown in
figure 6, the telescopic rail 30' will have a forced
se~uence of extension. Preferably, the force Ll necessary
for extension of the second section 32 relative to the third
section 33 from the fully retracted position is less than
the force L2 necessary for extension of the first section 31
relative to the second section 32. In this case, the forced
sequence of extension of the telescopic rail 30' will be,
upon an extension force, for example L2, exerted on the
first section 31, that the first section 31 together with
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16
the second section 32 will be extended relative to the third
section 33 at first, until the fully extended position
thereof is reached, after which the first section 31 will be
extended relative to the second section 32 thus bringing the
telescopic rail 30' to the fully extended position.
Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of a telescopic rail
60 according to the invention, again comprising a first 61,
second 62 and third section 63, with intermediate first 42
and second ball cage 43. The ball cages are not shown in
figure 7. The first 61, second 62 and third section 63 are
similar to the first 31, second 32 and third section 33 as
shown in figure 5, except for the second tab 18 on the first
section. Instead of this second tab 18 (as shown in fig. 1)
a second hook means 64 is provided within the first section
61, second hook means 65 being positioned on the stop
block 80 in a third embodiment, as shown in figure 8 and 9.
Corresponding parts have the same reference signs as in the
first and second embodiments S, 105 specifically shown in
figures 3, 4 and 10. The first hook means 64 comprises a
relatively flat body, attached to the inside of the first
section 61 in a first pivot point 66 near the rearward end
of the said section 61. Extending from the first pivot point
66 in a forward direction are a lever 67 and a resilient leg
68. The lever 67, is in its normal position, approximately
~5 parallel to the direction of the extension and retraction F,
the resilient leg 68 enclosing an angle with the lever 67,
wherein the free end of the resilient leg 68 is positioned
against the inside of the raceway 14 forming part of the
first section 61. From the side of the lever 67 opposite to
the resilient leg 68 extends an engaging part 6g. The second
hook means 65 on the stop block 80 comprises a ridge 70
extending along the body 6 of the stop block 80, parallel to
the direction of retraction and extension F and
perpendicular to the surface 71 of the body 6 of the stop
block 80. When the first hook means 64 are in the normal
position, as shown in fig. 7, the second hook means 65,
especially the ridge 70 is in the path of travel of the
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engaging means 69 of the first hook means 64. When the first
section 61 is extended relative to the second section 62,
the engaging means 69 will therefore abut against the ridge
70, thus preventing further forward movement of the first
section 61 relative to the second section 62. In order to
enable further movement in said direction of extension of
said section 61 relative to said second section 62 the
engaging means 69 will have to be displaced relative to the
ridge 70, such that the first 64 and second hook means 65
can pass each other. To this end the forward extending lever
67, which in this extended position of the first section 61
will be easily accessible, will have to be forced in the
direction of the resilient leg 68, thereby moving the
engaging means 69 in the direction of the resilient leg 68
as well. Since the ridge 70 has a relatively small width B
the engaging means 69 will have to be moved only over a
relatively short distance, after which the first hook means
64, in particular the engaging means 69 can be moved passed
the ridge 70, and thus passed the second hook means 65. Then
the first section 61 can be moved forward further relative
to the second section 62 and can thus be disconnected. When
the lever 67 is released, it will resiliently retract to the
normal position as shown in fig. 7.
In order to reposition the first section 6~ into the
second section 62, the rearward end of the first section 61
will be slid into position from the first end 48 of the
second section 62. Automatically the lever 67 and the
engaging means 69 of the first hook means 64 will be bend
out of the way of the ridge 70, thus enabling further
movement of the first section 61 towards the retracted
position within the second section 62. The first hook means
64 are somewhat resilient, thus providing for buffer means
for extension of the first section relative to the second
section 62. The stop block 80, as specifically shown in fig.
9 is therefore provided with only the forward facing
resilient extensions 8.
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In a preferred embodiment a telescopic rail 60
according to fig. 7 is provided with locking means 51 as
shown in fig. 6 and/or means for enforcing a sequence of
extension as shown in fig. 6A. When these latter means (fig.
6A) are used in a two-sectioned telescopic rail as shown in
fig. 1 and 2, these means will provide for locking means for
the first 1 and second section 2.
The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments
of a telescopic rail as shown in the drawings or as
described in the description. Many modifications and
variants are possible within the scope of the invention as
defined in the enclosed claims. For example the resilient
stop and buffer means on the stop block and/or the buffer
part can have different forms, such as fingers enclosing
different angles, a deformable part enclosing a deformable
chamber, or means of for example relatively compressable
material on one or either side of the stop block. The ball
cages between the respective sections of a telescopic rail
according to the invention can be of a different form or
shape. For example, strip like ball cages can be positioned
in the respective raceways which strips are not necessarily
interconnected. Different types of disconnect means or
locking means can be provided on any of the sections. For
example, at least one of the rod like members can be
provided with an inward extending notch, the first section
being provided with a corresponding dent in which said notch
can be positioned for locking the first section in the
retracted position within the second section. The buffer
part can be provided with a dent in its backside, the third
section provided with a notch that can be positioned within
said dent when the second section is in its fully retracted
position, thus locking the second section in this retracted
position within said third section. Similar means can be
provided for locking the sections in the extended position.
All kinds of combinations of the elements described can be
used in a rail according to the invention. All kinds of
means of attachment for drawers and the like or for
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19
attachment of a telescopic rail according to the invention
to a cabinet or the like can be used within the scope of the
invention. The sections of a telescopic rail according to
the invention can have different shapes, the stop blocks to
be positioned near the front end of the relevant section by
any suitable means. Especially, for the two sectioned
embodiments either section can be the so-called drawer-
section.
These and similar variants have to be considered as
falling within the scope of the invention.
