AU2016204724B2 - Cavity Slider Door Furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

A cavity slider door furniture assembly comprising a pair of escutcheons to mount the assembly relative to the cavity door, at least one user operable actuator mounted relative to at least one of the pair of escutcheons, a drive assembly mounted for rotation responsive to operation of the at least one user operable actuator, a latch drive cassette mounted relative to the pair of escutcheons, the cassette including a slide assembly mounted for linear movement responsive to the rotation of the drive assembly, and a latch bolt assembly movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position, wherein movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a first movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide assembly causing the latch bolt to be moved into the first position and movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a second movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide assembly causing the latch bolt assembly to be moved into the second position.

Description

CAVITY SLIDER DOOR FURNITURE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to door furniture for a sliding door known as a cavity slider and particularly to a handle and latch assembly that can be used for latching and locking a cavity slider.

BACKGROUNDART

[0002] A cavity slider door is one where the door slides into a cavity within the thickness of an adjacent wall structure. Cavity sliding doors are used where space is limited as the space on either side of the doorway does not have to be free to accommodate the swinging of a hinged door, and the wall space adjacent to the doorway is not taken up by the rails and guides of a traditional surface mounted sliding door.

[0003] One of the problems associated with cavity sliders is the limited space available for handles and latching or locking hardware. Handles, mounting plates etc. cannot protrude more than a few millimetres, typically 3mm from the surface of the panel to avoid fouling on the edges of the wall cavity into which the door is received when open.

[0004] Further, conventional locks for cavity sliders do not allow key locking from both sides of the door.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a cavity slider door furniture assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a cavity slider door furniture assembly comprising a pair of escutcheons to mount the assembly relative to the cavity door, at least one user operable actuator mounted relative to at least one of the pair of escutcheons, a drive assembly mounted for rotation responsive to operation of the at least one user operable actuator, a latch drive cassette mounted relative to the pair of escutcheons, the cassette including a slide assembly mounted for linear movement responsive to the rotation of the drive assembly, and a latch bolt assembly movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position, wherein movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a first movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide assembly causing the latch bolt to be moved into the first position and movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a second movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide assembly causing the latch bolt assembly to be moved into the second position.

[0008] The assembly of the present invention includes a pair of escutcheons. Importantly, due to the provision of the cassette, the furniture assembly of the present invention is mounted relative to the door using the escutcheons. Each of the escutcheons is typically circular. Each of the escutcheons may have an opening, preferably substantially centrally therein for the at least one user operable actuator. The central opening is typically shaped according to the type of actuator used.

[0009] A pair of escutcheons is provided, one for each face of the door. Normally, a bore to house the cassette is formed through the door and the escutcheons will be mounted on either side face of the door to close the opening, with the cassette located in the opening between the escutcheons.

[0010] Each of the escutcheons will normally be provided with at least one and preferably a pair of openings for mounting fasteners in order to connect the escutcheons to or relative to one another and relative to the door. Normally, each of the escutcheons will be provided with two openings but there may be more openings provided on each of the escutcheons. The openings for the fasteners may extend through one of the escutcheons only, through one of the escutcheons and into the other escutcheon, or the openings may extend through both escutcheons.

[0011] Preferably, at least one, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, a pair of tubular spacers is provided, each tubular spacer associated with a threaded fastener in order to attach the escutcheons relative to one another and to attach the cassette relative to the escutcheons. The tubular spacers will typically mount the cassette and then mount the cassette relative to at least one of the escutcheons and the threaded fasteners are preferably inserted through the other of the escutcheons to engage with one of the tubular spacers. Each tubular spacer is normally internally threaded in order to engage with an external thread of a fastener. The degree to which the fasteners are screwed into the tubular spacers will typically adapt the assembly of the present invention for use with doors of different thicknesses.

[0012] Typically, each of the pair of escutcheons will be substantially circular when viewed from the side. Substantially circular escutcheons may assist in the installation of the assembly in a lock preparation of a door, given that the assembly will often installed into a circular opening formed in the door. The assembly preparation is usually a standard lock or latch preparation.

[0013] Typically, substantially circular escutcheons also enable the 'hand' of the assembly to be selected simply by installing the at least one user operable actuator on the desired side(s) of a cavity door.

[0014] Typically, the escutcheons will be formed of metal such as die cast metal, brass, steel etc. Alternatively the escutcheons may be made from an alloy, polymer, ceramic, composite and/or any material according to a suitable materials selection chart.

[0015] The cassette is preferably centrally mounted across the door thickness regardless of the door thickness, and the separation distance between the cassette and each of the escutcheons will normally be changed for different door thicknesses. This means that the cassette is preferably always centrally mounted across the door thickness and therefore, offers a more balanced mounting.

[0016] The assembly of the present invention includes a drive assembly for rotation responsive to operation of the user operable actuator. The drive assembly may be associated directly or indirectly with the user operable actuator. A portion of the drive assembly is preferably located at least partially within the cassette for rotation within the cassette in order to cause movement of the slide. A preferred form of drive assembly is a key barrel drive assembly having operated by a key and including a rotatable drive or cylinder cam which rotates when the key is turned.

[0017] The at least one user operable actuator may be a handle, thumb-turn, privacy barrel, key barrel, remote controlled operator, magnetically manipulated operator and/or any other user operable actuator that is known in the art. Normally, the assembly for a cavity door comprises two user operable actuators, one mounted relative to each escutcheon. A cam is required to adapt the cassette housing to accommodate passage or privacy furniture.

[0018] Any combinations of user operable actuators may be used on either side of the door, with a handle, thumb-turn, privacy barrel, a key barrel or the like on a first side of the assembly and a handle, thumb-turn, privacy barrel, a key barrel or the like on a second side of the assembly. Each of these user operable actuators will require an interface with the components of the cassette and also corresponding escutcheons, generally referred etc as passage or privacy escutcheons in the art.

[0019] Alternatively, the first side or the second side of the assembly may not include a user operable actuator. If there is more than one user operable actuator present and the first user operable actuator is a handle, thumb-turn or the like, movement of the other user operable actuator(s) may cause movement of the first user operable actuator.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly has a key barrel accessible from both sides.

[0021] Typically the key barrel is operatively associated with the drive assembly such that rotation of the key barrel rotates the drive assembly and particularly the preferred cylinder cam.

[0022] For the key barrel embodiment, the key barrel is normally located within a cylinder and associated with a cylinder cam drive assembly.

[0023] Typically, rotation of the key barrel rotates a cylinder cam. Alternatively if a privacy barrel is present, rotation of the privacy barrel rotates the cylinder cam. Normally the cylinder cam is operatively associated with the slide assembly such that rotation of the cylinder cam in a first direction moves the slide assembly in a first direction and rotation of the cylinder cam in a second direction moves the slide assembly in a second direction.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the cylinder cam is or forms part of the drive assembly.

[0025] The assembly of the present invention includes a latch drive cassette mounted relative to the escutcheons, the cassette including a slide assembly mounted for linear movement responsive to rotation of the cylinder cam or drive assembly. Preferably, the slide assembly is mounted for linear movement within the cassette.

[0026] The cassette preferably has a housing containing the slide assembly, the preferred shape of housing being circular. The cassette housing is typically provided with a central opening in order to receive a portion of the operable actuator and/or drive assembly therethrough. The cassette housing is preferably formed from a pair of housing portions which are attachable to or relative to one another. The housing portions may be attached together using fasteners or alternately, may be provided with snap formations allowing the housing portions to be connected to another without tools or fasteners.

[0027] The cassette housing will preferably be provided with at least one, and normally a pair of mounting portions in order to mount the cassette relative to the tubular spacers. Each of the mounting portions is shaped to correspond to an external shape of the tubular spacers and in a preferred form, each mounting portion is a circular opening or bore provided through both housing portions. The mounting portions typically receive the tubular spacers in a clearance fit such that the cassette is mounted to the tubular spacers by sliding relative to the tubular spacers for assembly but once fitted, the cassette will not twist relative to the tubular spacers even if spaced from the escutcheons and force is applied to the operable actuator mounted relative to the escutcheons.

[0028] The cassette housing is also preferably provided with a lateral opening for access to or by the slide assembly. The lateral opening for the slide assembly is normally provided above the mounting portions to mount the cassette relative to the tubular spacers. The opening is preferably substantially rectangular but can be any shape in order to allow the slide assembly to be accessed.

[0029] A further opening is typically provided into, and preferably through the cassette housing for one or more elongate fasteners to engage the cassette. Normally, this further opening is provided beneath the lateral opening for the slide assembly. Normally, the elongate fastener(s) extend substantially parallel to the mounting fasteners and are provided through the face plate of the assembly on the edge of the door and operates to hold the cassette laterally within the door.

[0030] An opening is preferably provided in at least one cassette housing portion to allow a tail bar of the lock or latch bolt to be operatively associated with the slide assembly. The opening is typically substantially L-shaped in order to correspond to the preferred shape of the tail bar. This opening allows the tail bar to slide into the cassette in order to engage the slide assembly within the cassette such that movement of the slide assembly will move the latch or lock bolt. The engagement between the preferred tail bar and the preferred slide assembly means that linear movement of the slide assembly in operation will drive linear movement of the tail bar and thereby, drive movement of the latch or lock bolt assembly. Due to the mounting that is used, the tail bar can be easily detached from the cassette but when assembled, is substantially prevented from any movement other than linear movement relative to the cassette.

[0031] Internally of the cassette, a circular path for at least a portion of the drive assembly cam is typically provided and a linear path is typically provided for the slide assembly. The circular path and the linear path will typically intersect allowing the drive assembly cam to engage with the slide assembly.

[0032] The circular path and the linear path are preferably defined as depressions within one or more of the cassette housing portions. Preferably, the linear path for the slide assembly is provided above the circular path. Preferably both paths are defined by sidewall portions. Each of the paths is generally defined partially in both housing portions and assembly of the cassette housing portions relative to one another preferably sandwiches the slide assembly between housing portions and in the cassette.

[0033] The cassette includes a slide assembly. The slide assembly may be a more complex, multipart assembly but is preferably a unitary slide preferably operatively associated with the cylinder drive cam such that movement of the cylinder drive cam results in linear movement of the slide relative within the cassette.

[0034] The slide is preferably mounted for linear movement relative to the cassette. The slide is preferably operatively associated with a latch or lock bolt assembly. Normally, the slide engages with a tail bar and the tail bar is operatively associated with the latch or lock bolt assembly.

[0035] The slide can be any shape but is preferably a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped body with one C-shaped or U-shaped edge abutting an inner surface of at least one of the housing portions of the cassette. Typically the slide has an opening or cut out such that the tail bar can engage the slide through abutment with abutment shoulders on the periphery of the opening or cut out. This tail bar opening is preferably L-shaped to engage an L shaped tail bar.

[0036] Typically an opening or cutout is provided in the slide, preferably a notch or shaped opening into which the cylinder drive cam can project. Preferably, a pair of abutment shoulders are provided on the notch or shaped opening, one on each side, each abutment shoulder to abut the drive assembly cam depending on the direction of rotation of the drive assembly cam in order to move the slide in one direction or an opposite direction. Normally, movement of the cylinder drive cam against each of the abutment surfaces of the notch or shaped opening causes linear movement of the slide relative to the cassette. Preferably, the abutment shoulders are provided substantially perpendicularly in orientation to the latch or lock bolt assembly.

[0037] Typically, rotation of the key barrel in a first direction causes linear movement of the slide in a first direction to a first position and rotation of the key barrel in a second direction causes linear movement of the slide in a second direction to a second position.

[0038] A keeper member is preferably located relative to the notch. The keeper member is typically biased into an extended position by a spring or similar device. When in the extended position, the keeper member will typically abut both of the abutment shoulders in the preferred notch on the slide and also a keeper shoulder provided on an internal side of at least one of the cassette housing portions in order to prevent the movement of the slide relative to the housing and thereby prevent movement of the latch or lock bolt assembly (preferably in both directions) unless actuated by the user operable actuator. Rotation of the drive assembly cam preferably depresses the keeper member against the biasing force of the biasing member as the drive assembly cam rotates, in order to move the keeper member clear of a keeper shoulder provided on an internal side of at least one of the cassette housing portions. This will typically release the slide to move within the cassette.

[0039] The slide will preferably be restrained within the cassette to linear movement only by the linear path provided in the cassette. The slide will typically abut internal formations on the cassette housing portions at the limits of the linear slide path.

[0040] The tail bar of the latch or lock bolt assembly is normally L-shaped such that the tail bar can be slidingly attached to the slide by alignment of the L-shaped tail bar with the L-shaped opening in the slide, through the preferred L-shaped opening in the cassette housing..

[0041] The latch assembly also includes a latch or lock bolt assembly. The latch or lock bolt assembly may be guided by a bolt tube, which in turn, may be provided on, engage with or be associated with an escutcheon and/or cassette of the latch or lock assembly. The bolt tube typically extends sufficiently to be closely spaced from, abut or to engage with the cassette.

[0042] The latch or lock bolt assembly may comprise a latch or lock bolt. The latch bolt is typically movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The latch bolt is provided with or operatively associated with a tail bar, such that movement of the tail bar causes movement of the latch or lock bolt.

[0043] The latch or lock bolt assembly normally comprise at least one beak which is extendable and retractable with the extension and retraction of the latch or lock bolt from the face plate. A beak may also be referred to as a hook. The at least one beak may be biased by a biasing means into a retracted position relative to the latch or lock bolt. The at least one beak may be adapted to engage with the faceplate such that when the latch or lock bolt assembly moves into the first or extended position, the at least one beak is moved into an extended position relative to the bolt.

[0044] In this position, the at least one beak preferably engages with a strike provided in the doorjamb. Normally the at least one beak is adapted to engage with the strike when the bolt assembly partially projects from the face plate in a first extended position.

[0045] Typically the bolt assembly has two beaks, one provided on either side of the latch or lock bolt and both extend and retract together.

[0046] Typically, when the bolt assembly is in a second retracted position, the beaks are not engaged with the faceplate and are biased into a retracted position by a spring.

[0047] The latch assembly for a cavity door may additionally include an end pull. The end pull may require an additional hole bored longitudinally into the door panel, substantially parallel with the latch or lock bolt. The end pull may be part of an integrated unit, which may also include the latch or lock bolt assembly. The integrated unit may fit into the door edge into two longitudinally drilled holes. The end pull may be of a push-push style.

[0048] The end pull may be at least partially contained within end pull cores.

[0049] The end pull cores may be at least partially contained within an end pull tube. The end pull tube is typically formed with or engages with the faceplate.

[0050] The end pull is preferably adapted for movement to extend from the faceplate such that the door can be pulled from a cavity by a user or to be substantially flush with the faceplate. When the end pull is substantially flush with the faceplate, pressing the end pull may cause the end pull to extend from the faceplate. When the end pull is extended from the faceplate, pressing the end pull into the faceplate may move the end pull into a position substantially flush with the faceplate.

[0051] The extension and retraction of the end pull may be controlled by a heart cam. The end pull may be biased into the extended position by a spring.

[0052] Typically, the end pull is at least partially retained in end pull cores by a cam spring that moves around a heart cam. Typically, the heart cam is adapted such that the cam spring can only substantially move around the heart cam in one direction. Typically the cam spring is biased against the heart cam and is adapted to move along ramps in the heart cam.

[0053] A faceplate is normally provided. The faceplate may have at least one aperture for the latch or lock bolt assembly and/or the end pull. The faceplate may have at least one aperture for fasteners such that the faceplate may be fastened to the latch or lock bolt tube, end pull tube, housing and/or the door.

[0054] A strike is typically provided in the latch/lock set to engage with the latch or lock bolt when extended. The strike may be provided with a box keeper to provide extra strength and/or security. If the latch assembly comprises an end pull, the strike may also have a protrusion such that when the cavity door is closed while the end pull is in the extended position, the protrusion will press the end pull into the retracted position. Typically, the strike is attached to a doorjamb opposite the latch or lock bolt.

[0055] The components of the assembly for a cavity door are normally made of a suitable metallic material. Alternatively the components may be made from alloys, polymers, ceramics, composites and/or any material according to a suitable materials selection chart.

[0056] One important feature of the invention is that the assembly of the present invention may be installed into a standard door preparation as used for cylindrical locks. No particular limitation should be placed on the invention by the size of the standard lock preparation holes.

[0057] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0058] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0060] Figure 1 is an isometric view from a first side of a cavity slider door furniture assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 is an isometric view from a second side of the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0062] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

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[0063] Figure 4 is a view from below of the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0064] Figure 5 is an end elevation view of the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0065] Figure 6 is an isometric view of an end pull assembly from the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0066] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a cassette from the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 2.

[0067] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a pair of escutcheons from the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1 from the reverse side to that illustrated in Figure 1.

[0068] Figure 9 is an isometric view of the pair of escutcheons illustrated in Figure 8 from an opposite side to that illustrated in Figure 8.

[0069] Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0070] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 2 along line A-A..

[0071] Figure 12A is a plan view of the cassette and escutcheons from the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1 in a first mounting configuration.

[0072] Figure 12B is a plan view of the cassette and escutcheons from the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1 in a second mounting configuration.

[0073] Figure 12C is a plan view of the cassette and escutcheons from the cavity slider door furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1 in a third mounting configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0074] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cavity slider door furniture assembly 10 is provided.

[0075] The cavity slider door furniture assembly 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes a pair of escutcheons 11 to mount the assembly 10 relative to the cavity door (not shown), at least one user operable actuator mounted relative to at least one of the pair of escutcheons 11, a drive assembly mounted for rotation responsive to operation of the at least one user operable actuator, a latch drive cassette 12 mounted relative to the pair of escutcheons 11, the cassette 12 including a slide 13 mounted for linear movement responsive to the rotation of the drive assembly, and a latch bolt 14 movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position, wherein movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a first movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide 13 causing the latch bolt 14 to be moved into the first position and movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a second movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide 13 causing the latch bolt 14 to be moved into the second position.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 1, the assembly 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a latch bolt 14 mounted in a latch bolt tube 15 and an end pull assembly 16 mounted below the latch bolt. The latch bolt tube 15 and the end pull assembly 16 are mounted relative to a face plate 17 which is normally attached to the edge of the cavity slider door by a pair of mounting screws 18. The face plate 17 is mounted opposite a strike plate 19 which is normally mounted on the doorjamb by a pair of screws 21, and into which a strike cavity 20 is provided for the latch bolt 14 and particularly the beaks on the latch bolt 14, to engage when locked.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the user operable actuator is in the form of a key 22 and which engages with a key barrel drive assembly 23. As will be explained further below, the key barrel drive assembly 23 includes a cylinder cam 24 or drive cam mounted for rotation responsive to operation of the key 22.

[0078] Importantly, due to the provision of the cassette 12, the assembly 10 of the present invention is mounted relative to the door using the escutcheons 11. Each of the escutcheons 11 of the illustrated embodiment is circular having a shaped opening 25 therein (best illustrated in Figures 8 and 9) for the key barrel drive assembly 23.

[0079] Normally, a bore to house the cassette 12 is formed through the door and the escutcheons 11 are mounted on either side face of the door to close the opening, with the cassette 12 located in the opening between the escutcheons 11.

[0080] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, one of the escutcheons is provided with a pair of openings 26 for mounting fasteners 27 in order to connect the escutcheons 11 to one another and relative to the door. The other escutcheon is not provided with exterior openings but is provided

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with a pair of tubular spacers 28 with each tubular spacer associated with one of the mounting fasteners 27 in order to attach the escutcheons 11 relative to one another and also to attach the cassette 12 relative to the escutcheons 11. The tubular spacers 28 are mounted to an inner surface of one of the escutcheons 11 as illustrated in Figure 9.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the tubular spacers 28 mount the cassette 12 relative to the escutcheons 11 and the mounting fasteners 27 are then inserted through the other of the escutcheons 11 to engage with the tubular spacers 28. Each tubular spacer 28 is internally threaded in order to engage with an external thread of a mounting fastener 27. The degree to which the mounting fasteners 27 are screwed into the tubular spacers 28 will adapt the assembly of the present invention for use with doors of different thicknesses as illustrated in Figures 12A to 12C.

[0082] Figure 12A for example shows the cassette 12 abutting the internal surfaces of the escutcheons 11 for the thinnest door whereas Figure 12B shows the assembly in a wider door and Figure 12C shows the assembly in a wider door still close to the maximum width door that the assembly can used with. Note that the cassette 12 is centrally mounted across the door thickness regardless of the door thickness and the separation distance between the cassette and each of the escutcheons will normally be changed for different door thicknesses as illustrated in Figures 12A to 12C.

[0083] Typically, substantially circular escutcheons 11 also enable the 'hand' of the assembly to be selected simply by installing the at least one user operable actuator on the desired side(s) of a cavity door.

[0084] As mentioned above, the key barrel drive assembly 23 is mounted relative to the escutcheons 11 and operable using a key. The cylinder cam 24 of the key barrel drive assembly 23 is located at least partially within the cassette 12 for rotation within the cassette 12 in order to cause movement of the slide 13.

[0085] Typically, rotation of the key 22 rotates the cylinder cam 24. Normally the cylinder cam 24 is operatively associated with the slide 13 such that rotation of the cylinder cam 24 in a first direction moves the slide 13 in a first direction and rotation of the cylinder cam 24 in a second direction moves the slide 13 in a second direction.

[0086] The latch drive cassette 12 of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 7 and is mounted relative to the escutcheons 11. The cassette 11 includes the slide 13 mounted for linear movement within the cassette 12, responsive to rotation of the cylinder cam 24.

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[0087] As illustrated in Figure 10, the cassette 12 has a housing containing the slide 13, the preferred shape of housing being circular. The cassette housing is formed from a pair of housing portions 29 which are attachable to one another using four screws 30. The cassette housing is provided with a shaped opening 31 in order to receive a portion of the key barrel drive assembly 23 therethrough.

[0088] The cassette housing is also provided with a pair of mounting openings or bores 32 in order to mount the cassette 12 relative to the tubular spacers 28, with each of the mounting openings or bores 32 shaped to correspond to an external shape of the tubular spacers 28. The mounting openings or bores 32 receive the tubular spacers 28 closely, preferably in a clearance fit such that the cassette 12 is mounted to the tubular spacers 28 by sliding relative to the tubular spacers 28 for assembly but once fitted, the cassette 12 will not twist relative to tubular spacers 28 even if spaced from the escutcheons 11 and force is applied to the key 22 mounted relative to the escutcheons 11.

[0089] The cassette housing is also provided with a lateral opening 33 (obstructed by slide 13 in Figures 7 and 10) for access to or by the slide 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral opening for the slide 13 is provided above the mounting portions 32 to mount the cassette 12 relative to the tubular spacers 28. The opening is substantially rectangular but can be any shape in order to allow the slide 13 to be accessed.

[0090] A further opening 34 is provided into, and preferably through the cassette housing for an elongate fastener 35 to engage the cassette 12. Normally, this opening 34 is provided beneath the lateral opening for the slide 13. Normally, the elongate fastener 34 extends substantially parallel to the mounting fasteners 18 and is provided through the face plate 17 of the assembly on the edge of the door and operates to hold the cassette 12 laterally within the door.

[0091] According to the illustrated embodiment, a substantially L-shaped opening 36 is provided in at least one cassette housing portion 29 to allow a tail bar 37 of the lock bolt 14 to be operatively associated with the slide 13. The substantially L-shaped opening 36 corresponds with the preferred shape of the tail bar 37. This substantially L-shaped opening 36 allows the tail bar 37 to slide into the cassette 13 in order to engage the slide 13 within the cassette 12 (illustrated in Figure 11) such that movement of the slide 12 moves the lock bolt 14. The engagement between the tail bar 37 and the slide 13 means that linear movement of the slide 13 in operation will drive linear movement of the tail bar 37 and thereby, drive movement of the lock bolt 14. Due to the mounting that is used, the tail bar 37 can be easily detached from the

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cassette 12 but when assembled, is substantially prevented from any movement other than linear movement relative to the cassette 12. The slide has a slot opening 38 into which the tail bar 37 passes when full assembled.

[0092] Internally of the cassette 12, a circular path 39 for the cylinder cam 24 is provided and a linear path 40 is provided for the slide 13 with the circular path 39 and the linear path 40 intersecting allowing the cylinder cam 24 to engage with the slide 13. In Figure 11, the cylinder cam 24 is located out of position so that the remainder of the components can be illustrated more clearly. In operation, the cylinder cam 24 is located in space 41.

[0093] The circular path 39 and the linear path 40 are defined as depressions within one or more of the cassette housing portions 29. Preferably, the linear path 40 for the slide 13 is provided above the circular path 39 with both paths defined by sidewall portions. Each of the paths is generally defined partially in both housing portions 29 and assembly of the cassette housing portions relative to one another sandwiches the slide 13 between the housing portions 29 and within the cassette 12.

[0094] According to the illustrated embodiment, a unitary slide 13 is preferred, operatively associated with the cylinder cam 24 such that movement of the cylinder cam 24 results in linear movement of the slide 13 within the cassette 12.

[0095] The slide 13 is preferably mounted for linear movement within the cassette 12 and is operatively associated with a latch or lock bolt assembly. Normally, the slide 13 engages with the tail bar 37 and the tail bar 37 is operatively associated with the latch or lock bolt assembly.

[0096] The slide 13 can be any shape but in the illustrated embodiment, is a substantially C shaped body with one C-shaped or U-shaped edge abutting an inner surface of at least one of the housing portions of the cassette 12. Typically the slide 13 has an opening 38 such that the tail bar 37 can engage the slide 13 through abutment with abutment shoulders on the periphery of the opening 38.

[0097] A notch 42 is provided on the slide 13 into which the cylinder cam 24 can project. Preferably, a pair of abutment shoulders or walls 43 are provided on the notch 42, one on each side, each abutment shoulder or wall 43 to abut the cylinder cam 24 depending on the direction of rotation of the cylinder cam 24 in order to move the slide 13 in one direction or an opposite direction. Normally, movement of the cylinder cam 24 against each of the abutment surfaces or walls 43 of the notch 42 causes linear movement of the slide 12 within the cassette 12. Preferably, the abutment shoulders or walls 43 are provided substantially perpendicularly in orientation to the latch or lock bolt assembly.

[0098] Typically, rotation of the key 22 in a first direction causes linear movement of the slide 13 in a first direction to a first position and rotation of the key 22 in a second direction causes linear movement of the slide13 in a second direction to a second position.

[0099] A keeper member 44 is located relative to the notch 42. The keeper member 44 is biased into an extended position by a spring 45. When in the extended position, the keeper member 44 abuts at least one of the abutment shoulders or walls 43 in the notch 42 on the slide 13 and also a keeper shoulder provided on an internal side of at least one of the cassette housing portions 29 in order to prevent the movement of the slide 13 relative to the housing and thereby prevent movement of the lock bolt 14 (preferably in both directions) unless actuated by the user operable actuator. In operation, rotation of the cylinder cam 24 depresses the keeper member 44 against the biasing force of the spring 45 as the cylinder cam 24 rotates, in order to move the keeper member 44 clear of the keeper shoulder provided on an internal side of at least one of the cassette housing portions 29. This will release the slide 13 to move within the cassette 12.

[00100] The slide 13 will preferably be restrained within the cassette 12 to linear movement only by the linear path 40 provided in the cassette 12. The slide 13 will typically abut internal formations on the cassette housing portions 29 at the limits of the linear slide path 40.

[00101] The tail bar 37 of the latch or lock bolt assembly is normally L-shaped such that the tail bar 37 can be slidingly attached to the slide 13 by alignment of the L-shaped tail bar 37 with the L-shaped opening in the slide 13, through the L-shaped opening 36 in the cassette housing.

[00102] The latch assembly also includes a latch or lock bolt assembly including a latch or lock bolt 14 guided by a bolt tube 15, which in turn may be provided on, engage with or be associated with an escutcheon 11 and/or cassette 12 of the assembly 10. The bolt tube 15 typically extends sufficiently to be closely spaced from, abut or to engage with the cassette 12.

[00103] The latch or lock bolt is typically movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The latch bolt is provided with or operatively associated with the tail bar 37, such that movement of the tail bar 37 causes movement of the latch or lock bolt.

[00104] The latch or lock bolt is normally a multipart assembly including a pair of opposed beaks 46 which are extendable and retractable with the extension and retraction of the latch or lock bolt from the face plate 17. The beaks 46 are biased by a biasing spring into a retracted position relative to the latch or lock bolt. The beaks are adapted to engage with the strike cavity

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such that when the latch or lock bolt assembly moves into the first or extended position, the beaks move into an extended position relative to the bolt.

[00105] In this position, the beaks preferably engage with a strike plate 19, entering through the strike cavity 20 provided in the door jamb. Normally the beaks engage with the strike cavity when the bolt assembly partially projects from the face plate in a first extended position.

[00106] The illustrated bolt assembly has two beaks 46, one provided on either side of the latch or lock bolt and both extend and retract together.

[00107] Typically, when the bolt assembly is in a second retracted position, the beaks 46 are not engaged with the faceplate and are biased into a retracted position by the spring 47.

[00108] The latch assembly for a cavity door may additionally include an end pull 16. The end pull may require an additional hole bored longitudinally into the door panel, substantially parallel with the latch or lock bolt. The end pull 16 may be part of an integrated unit, which may also include the latch or lock bolt assembly. The integrated unit may fit into the door edge into two longitudinally drilled holes. The end pull may be of a push-push style.

[00109] The end pull may be at least partially contained within end pull cores.

[00110] The end pull cores may be at least partially contained within an end pull tube. The end pull tube is typically formed with or engages with the faceplate.

[00111] The end pull is preferably adapted for movement to extend from the faceplate such that the door can be pulled from a cavity by a user or to be substantially flush with the faceplate. When the end pull is substantially flush with the faceplate, pressing the end pull may cause the end pull to extend from the faceplate. When the end pull is extended from the faceplate, pressing the end pull into the faceplate may move the end pull into a position substantially flush with the faceplate.

[00112] The extension and retraction of the end pull may be controlled by a heart cam. The end pull may be biased into the extended position by a spring.

[00113] Typically, the end pull is at least partially retained in end pull cores by a cam spring that moves around a heart cam. Typically, the heart cam is adapted such that the cam spring can only substantially move around the heart cam in one direction. Typically the cam spring is biased against the heart cam and is adapted to move along ramps in the heart cam.

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[00114] A faceplate 17 is normally provided having at least one aperture for fasteners such that the faceplate may be fastened to the latch or lock bolt tube, end pull tube, housing and/or the door.

[00115] A strike is typically provided in the latch/lock set to engage with the latch or lock bolt when extended. The strike may be provided with a box keeper to provide extra strength and/or security. If the latch assembly comprises an end pull, the strike may also have a protrusion such that when the cavity door is closed while the end pull is in the extended position, the protrusion will press the end pull into the retracted position. Typically, the strike is attached to a doorjamb opposite the latch or lock bolt.

[00116] The components of the assembly for a cavity door are normally made of a suitable metallic material. Alternatively the components may be made from alloys, polymers, ceramics, composites and/or any material according to a suitable materials selection chart.

[00117] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00118] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00119] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Editorial Note

2016204724 non-sequential claims.

After claim 6 there is claim 8.

Missing Claim 7.

Total Claims should be 1-17.

Claims (1)

1. A cavity slider door furniture assembly comprising a pair of escutcheons to mount the assembly relative to the cavity door, at least one user operable actuator mounted relative to at least one of the pair of escutcheons, a drive assembly mounted for rotation responsive to operation of the at least one user operable actuator, a latch drive cassette mounted relative to the pair of escutcheons, the cassette including a slide assembly mounted for linear movement responsive to the rotation of the drive assembly and a housing to contain the slide assembly, and a latch bolt assembly movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position, wherein movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a first movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide assembly causing the latch bolt to be moved into the first position and movement of at least one of the at least one user operable actuator in a second movement causes rotation of the drive assembly causing linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the housing causing the latch bolt assembly to be moved into the second position, wherein the housing has a central opening in order to receive a portion of the operable actuator and/or drive assembly therethrough, wherein the housing is formed from a pair of housing portions which are attachable to one another, and wherein the at least one user operable actuator is a key barrel accessible from both sides of the door.

2. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 including a pair of tubular spacers provided relative to one of the pair of escutcheons, each tubular spacer associated with a threaded fastener in order to attach the escutcheons relative to one another and to attach the cassette relative to the escutcheons wherein the tubular spacers mount the cassette and then mount the cassette relative to at least one of the escutcheons and the threaded fasteners are inserted through the other of the escutcheons to engage with one of the tubular spacers.

3. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the degree to which the fasteners are screwed into the tubular spacers adapts the assembly for use with doors of different thicknesses.

4. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the cassette is centrally mounted across the door regardless of door thickness, and the separation distance between the cassette and each of the escutcheons is changed for different door thicknesses.

5. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the key barrel is normally located within a cylinder and associated with a cylinder cam, such that rotation of the key barrel rotates the cylinder cam.

6. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cylinder cam is operatively associated with the slide assembly such that rotation of the cylinder cam in a first direction moves the slide assembly in a first direction and rotation of the cylinder cam in a second direction moves the slide assembly in a second direction.

8. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cassette has a pair of mounting portions in order to mount the cassette relative to the tubular spacers in a clearance fit such that the cassette is mounted to the tubular spacers by sliding relative to the tubular spacers for assembly.

9. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cassette includes an opening is provided at least into the cassette for one or more elongate fasteners to engage the cassette to hold the cassette laterally within the door.

10. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an opening is provided in the cassette to allow a tail bar of the lock or latch bolt to be assembled laterally relative to the cassette and be operatively associated with the slide assembly, within the cassette such that movement of the slide assembly moves the lock or latch bolt.

11. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a circular path for at least a portion of the drive assembly is provided and a linear path is provided for the slide assembly internally of the cassette, the circular path and the linear path intersecting allowing the drive assembly to engage with the slide assembly.

12. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a notch with a pair of abutment shoulders is provided in the slide assembly into which a portion of the drive assembly can project, each abutment shoulder to abut the drive assembly depending on the direction of rotation of the drive assembly cam in order to move the slide assembly in one direction or an opposite direction.

13. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 12 further including a keeper member located relative to the notch and biased into an extended position such that when in the extended position, the keeper member abuts at least one of the abutment shoulders in the notch and a keeper shoulder provided on an internal side of the cassette in order to prevent the movement of the slide assembly relative to the cassette unless actuated by the user operable actuator.

14. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein rotation of the drive assembly depresses the keeper member against the bias as the drive assembly rotates, in order to move the keeper member clear of a keeper shoulder provided on an internal side of the cassette to release the slide assembly for movement within the cassette.

15. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the latch bolt assembly comprise a latch or lock bolt operatively associated with a tail bar, such that movement of the tail bar causes movement of the latch or lock bolt.

16. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein the latch bolt assembly comprises at least one beak which is extendable and retractable with the extension and retraction of the latch or lock bolt from a face plate.

17. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including an end pull assembly adapted for movement to extend from a faceplate such that the door can be pulled from a cavity by a user or to be substantially flush with the faceplate.

18. A cavity slider door furniture assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a strike to engage with the latch or lock bolt when extended.