WO2000050715A1

WO2000050715A1 - Self-locking console latch

Info

Publication number: WO2000050715A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/005099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ji Lianli
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-02-26
Filing date: 2000-02-25
Publication date: 2000-08-31
Also published as: AU3710300A

Abstract

A pawl latch assembly (10) which has a housing (11) and a handle (16) attached to the housing and biased with a compression spring (17). A pawl (12) is connected to the housing and biased with a torsion spring (13), a key locking member (14) has a living spring component, a ball seat (63), and a ball (15) nested in the seat, the ball for providing a gravity locking feature which secures the latch in a locked position when it is moved from its horizontal position to a vertical position.

Description

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This application claims the benefit of U S Provisional Patent Application, Number

60/121,849 Filed February 26, 1999

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1. Field nf Tnventinn

The present invention relates to the field of latch assemblies, and more particularly, to a console latch

2. Brief Desrriptinn nf the Prior Art

Latch assemblies are relied on in many applications for securing items, such as panels, together For example, containers, cabinets, closets, compartments and the like may be secured with a latch An important use for latches is in the automotive field, where there is a desire and need to access automotive compartments, such as, for example, the trunk or passenger compartments of vehicles, as well as interior compartments such as a console or glove box

Various latches for panel closures have been employed where one of the panels such as a swinging door or the like is to be fastened or secured to a stationary panel or compartment body The prior art devices generally utilize a locking member, which is spring- loaded externally by one or more separately provided torsion springs For example, some prior art devices rely upon a lock, which comprises rigid metal parts and requires additional biasing members for operation of the assembly.

Latches have been constructed to attempt to provide improved latching action, however, with console latches, it is desirable to have the latch remain locked or inaccessible if it is moved from its original position. For example, in automobiles and vehicles, a center console is generally found between the front passenger seats, and is located between them. Often the console becomes an ideal storage place for placement of items, such as loose change for tollbooths, sunglasses, pens, papers and other small objects. When the console is opened these items are usually secured by gravity. However, the consoles of this type are generally provided to be moved from a horizontal position, out of the way to a vertical position. When the console is moved in this manner, there is then a risk of items falling out and impairing the vehicle operator's ability to control the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent opening of a console when it is in a position, which, if opened, would be likely to, inadvertently, or unexpectedly, dispense the items into the passenger compartment.

A need therefore exists for an improved latch assembly, which has the properties of being operable for opening in a particular position and lockable in another position. Such a latch would promote safety and provide an improvement for such uses.

SUMMARY OF TT F TNVFNTTON

The present invention provides a novel latch assembly for securing a first member, such as, for example, a closure panel, to a second member, such as, for example, an enclosure frame or compartment. An example of a use of the present latching system is in connection with automobile console boxes or other vehicle storage compartments, which are to be secured for storage of items therein. The present invention provides a novel pawl latch assembly which has a base, an actuation button which is attached to a base and biased with a compression spring, a pawl connected to a housing and biased with a torsion spring, a key locking member with a living spring component and ball housing, and a ball which is nested in the ball housing. A keeper member, such as for example, a hook is provided to engage the pawl and can be mounted on a corresponding latching surface, such as, for example, a closure panel or compartment bin.

The present latch has a gravity-locking feature, which secures the latch in a locked position when it is moved from its horizontal position, to a vertical position. For example, where the latch is installed on a compartment body for horizontal positioning and actuation of the latch button, it can be opened by depressing the button. However, when the latch is moved from its horizontal position, such as, with a console, where a latch is moved to a vertical position between two seats, for example, the latch cannot be opened. The latch pawl is biased with a torsion spring to rest in an open position, which permits engagement with a keeper. The latch and member, such as a console compartment bin to which the latch is attached, are forced into the direction of a keeper (which maybe installed on a closure panel) so that the keeper is brought into engagement with the pawl. When the pawl receives the keeper, the pawl rotates against the spring bias and a key locking member moves into position to secure the pawl in a locked position, with the keeper secured in the pawl slot. Conversely, when the actuation button is depressed, the key locking member is engaged and is moved out of engagement with the pawl The pawl is then permitted to rotate, thereby freeing the keeper from the pawl slot

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a novel latch assembly which is selectively engagable with a keeper member, and includes a key member which is spring-loaded with its own spring force for engaging and releasing a pawl from a keeper member when a handle is actuated

It is another object of the present invention to provide a key-locking member, which is comprised of spring steel or plastic

It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism, which has a gravity-locking feature, which is activated with gravitational forces when the latch is moved to a particular position

It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the above objects where the key locking member is a living spring member

It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the above object, where an intermediary member is positionable to lock and unlock the latch against actuation

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Fig 1 is a right side perspective view of a console latch according to the present invention, showing the latch housing with the pawl and handle in exploded view therefrom Fig 2 is a right side perspective view of the latch assembly of Fig 1, shown in the open position, with the components assembled Fig. 3 is a left side perspective view of the latch assembly of Figs. 1 and 2, shown in the latched position.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the latch of Fig. 3, shown in the latched position, with the pawl attached to a keeper. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the housing of the latch of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of the housing shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a left side elevation view of the housing shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 8 is a left side perspective view of the housing shown in Figs. 5-7.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the locking member of the latch assembly of Fig 1. Fig. 10 is a front elevation view of the locking member of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a left side elevation view of the locking member shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a pawl member of the latch of Fig. 1.

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Referring to Fig. 1, a pawl latch 10 is shown with the components exploded, as separate elements. The latch 10 has a housing 11, a pawl 12, a torsion spring 13, and a key locking member 14. An actuation member, such as the handle 16 is carried on the housing 11, and biased with a compression spring 17 to return the handle after depression and into a latched position. A keeper 100 is provided for attachment to a corresponding closure panel or frame member to engage with the pawl 12 of the latch 10. Locking means is also provided to lock the pawl 12 into (not shown) engagement with a keeper. The latch 10 is preferably provided to be mounted on a corresponding panel or enclosure member.

The pawl 12 is shown having a body portion 20 with a slot 21 disposed therein at one end and a tail 22 provided at an end opposite of the slot end. The pawl 12 includes pawl pivot members 23, 24 (Fig. 12), which are provided extending outwardly from each side of the pawl body 20. Alternately, while not shown, the pivot members 23, 24 can also be provided as a single pivot member extending through the pawl body 20. A pair of annular portions 25, 26 are provided on the pawl pivot members, 23, 24, respectively. The annular portions 25, 26 may be provided integrally with the pawl pivot members 23, 24, or can be separately provided, in the form of rings or washer members, which are disposed on the pawl pivot members 23, 24. The annular portions 25, 26 facilitate centering of the pawl 12 within the housing 11. The pawl 12 is rotatably secured to the housing 11, and the pawl 12 is dimensioned and configured to engage the keeper 100. The pawl 12 reciprocates between a latched position and unlatched position. Preferably, the pawl 12 is provided to be installed onto the housing 11 by snap-fit placement of the pawl pivot members 23, 24 into respective pivot apertures 27, 28 disposed in the housing 11 (Fig. 8). A pair of tapering guide slots, while not shown, may be provided on the housing 11 leading to the pivot apertures 27, 28, to facilitate installation of the pawl 12 on the housing 11.

As shown in Fig. 2, the actuation means is shown comprising a button 16, which has an engaging portion 30 for contact by a user and a mounting arm 31 and actuation arm 32 which extend outwardly from the back of the button 16. A spring retaining boss 33 is also provided for facilitating retention of one end of the compression spring 17 thereon. The mounting arm 31 includes retaining means, such as the barbs 34 and has a longitudinal slot 35 disposed therein. The actuation arm 32 likewise, is provided with barbs 36 and also has a longitudinal slot 37 disposed therein. The actuation arm 32 includes an extended portion 38 protruding outwardly from the barb 36 position. The housing 11, as best show in Fig. 6, has a front portion 40 with apertures 41, 42 disposed on opposite ends thereof. The front portion 40 also includes a slot 43 disposed therein for accommodating the front leg 45 of the pawl 12. The housing 11 is best shown in Figs. 5-8. A spring mounting boss 46 protrudes from the front portion 40 of the housing on which an end of the compression spring 17 is held when the button 16 is installed on the housing 11 (Fig. 2). As shown in Figs. 2 and 8, the housing 11 includes means for maintaining the locking means thereon, comprising a first upstanding leg 50, a second upstanding leg 51 and a third upstanding leg 53, the second upstanding leg 51 being disposed opposite the third upstanding leg 53 to define a space there between, and the first upstanding leg 50 being disposed opposite the second upstanding leg 51 and the third upstanding leg 53. The housing 11 further has a first sleeve 64 and a second sleeve 65 protruding outwardly from the front portion 40 of the housing 11 (Fig. 8).

As best shown in Figs. 9-11, the locking means, preferably, comprises a key locking member 14, which comprises a living spring member having a tab 60 disposed on the mounting arm 61 thereof. The tab 60 is provided for receipt between the second leg 51 and third leg 53 to retain the key locking member 14 on the housing 11. The key locking member 14 further comprises an arm 62, which preferably is provided for flexible movement in relation to the mounting arm 61 during actuation. A seat 63 is carried on one end of the key arm 62, on which an intermediary member, such as the ball 15, as shown in Fig. 2, rests. The ball seat, preferably, includes means, such as, for example, a sloped floor 69 or other seating means, which maintains the ball 15 in the seat 63 when the ball 15 is engaged by actuation 5 arm 32.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the components described above in connection with Fig. 1 are shown assembled to comprise the latch 10. The actuating arm 32 is shown extending through the first sleeve 64 with the barbs 36 engaging the rear surface 66 of the front portion 40 of the housing 11. The mounting arm 31, likewise, is shown extending through the o second sleeve 65. The barbs 34 (while not shown in Fig. 2) engage the rear surface 66 of the front portion 40 of the housing 11 in a manner similar to the barbs 36 of the actuating arm 32. The mounting arm 31 and actuating arm 32 facilitate retention of the handle 16 on the housing 11. A first stop 67 is provided on the button 16 from which the actuating arm 32 extends. The first stop 67 is provided to engage the first sleeve 64 of the housing 11 to limit 5 the maximum amount of depression of the handle 16 relative to the housing 11. Similarly, the first arm or mounting arm 31 extends from a second stop 68, which can also be provided to function as a stop in relation to the second sleeve 65.

The pawl 12, in Fig. 2, is shown with its slot 21 in the unlatched position for receipt of a keeper member, such as the keeper 100 therein. The tail 22 of the pawl 12 is shown o disposed below the arm 62 of the key locking member 14. The key arm 62 is shown radially displaced in relation to the key wall portion 61. The torsion spring 13 operates to maintain the pawl 12 in an open position as shown in Fig. 2. The pawl arm portion 45 is shown extending in the housing slot 43 and engaging the front wall portion 40 of the housing 11 to limit further pivoting of the pawl 12 and maintain the pawl 12 in an open position, where the pawl slot 21 can engage a keeper 100. The pawl 12, upon engagement with the keeper 100, is rotated about the pawl pivot members 23, 24 so that the pawl slot 21 moves into the horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 3, to capture the hook 101 of the keeper 10 therein. The pawl 12 is positioned in the locked position, with its slot 21 capturing the hook 101 of the keeper 100. The tail 22 of the pawl 12 is shown supported with the key arm 62. The pawl pivot member 24 is shown seated in a pivot bore 28 disposed in a pivot flange 71 of the housing 11. The key wall portion 61 is disposed between the first leg 50 and the second and third legs 51, 53, respectively, with the vertical key tab 60 being disposed between the second leg 51 and third leg 53. The housing 11 further includes cage means, such as the ball cage 55, for accommodating the ball 15 therein when the latch 10 is inverted from a horizontal to a vertical position. The ball cage 55 is configured to correspond to the ball seat 63 of the key locking member 14 to permit the ball to drop from the seat 63 into the cage 55 when the latch 10 is raised from a horizontal position. The housing 11 further has guides 80, 81, which extend rearwardly from the flanges 71, 72 and are spaced apart to provide a receiving area for accommodating the arm 62 of the key locking member 14 therebetween. In order to release the pawl 12 from engagement with the keeper hook 101, the button 16 must be depressed inwardly toward the housing 11. When the button 16 is depressed in this manner, the actuating arm 32, as shown in Fig. 2, is extended rearwardly toward the ball seat 63 and the extended portion 38 of the arm 32 is moved into engagement with the intermediary member or ball member 15. The actuating arm 32 pushes the ball 15 against the rear wall 75 of the ball seat 63, which in turn pivots the key arm 62, moving it rearwardly, to release the tail 22 of the pawl 12. Upon release of the pawl tail 22, the biasing action of the torsion spring 13 rotates the pawl 12 to its unlocked (Fig. 2) position, whereby the slot 21 of the pawl 12 no longer engages the hook 101 of the keeper 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the torsion spring 13 is configured for positioning on the pawl 12, and biases the pawl 12 in relation to the housing 11 to maintain it in an open position, as shown in Fig.2. The key locking member 14 holds the pawl 12 against the bias of the torsion spring 13 to lock the pawl into its locked position (Fig. 3).

Other modifications to the above description can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. For example, the mounting flange can be separately provided or can be integrally provided, such as, for example, where it is molded with the closure panel. Further, the mounting flange can comprise a guard, which extends below the latch to prevent slippage of a user's fingers from contacting the enclosure compartment contents. These and other advantages of the present invention can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures, and the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is subject to modification, variation and change, without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the present invention. In this regard, while the various features of the present invention have been shown and described in relation to a closure panel, such as for example a door, which operates with a frame, it will be understood that many of these features are suitable in connection with latching of other members.

Claims

What is claimed is

1 A self-locking console latch comprising a) a housing, b) a handle secured to said housing, said handle reciprocating between a latched position and an unlatched position, c) a pawl member rotatably secured to said housing, said pawl member being dimensioned and configured to engage a keeper, said pawl member reciprocating between a latched position and unlatched position, d) means for locking said pawl member with said keeper, and e) means for biasing said handle in said latched position

2 The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said means for biasing said handle in said latched position is at least one spring

3 The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises a front portion 4 The self-locking console latch according to claim 3, wherein said front portion further comprises at least two sleeves

5 The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises means for maintaining the locking means thereon

6 The self-locking console latch according to claim 5, wherein said means for maintaining said locking means on said housing further comprises at least three legs, said at least three legs defining a space there between

7. The self-locking console latch according to claim 6, wherein said locking means further comprises a locking member.

8. The self-locking console latch according to claim 7, wherein said locking member further comprises a biasing member, a key wall portion, at least two arms, a ball cage, a ball,

5 and seating means for housing said ball, wherein said ball cage being dimensioned and configured to correspond to said seating means for housing said ball.

9. The self-locking console latch according to claim 8, wherein said key wall portion is disposed between said at least three legs.

10. The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said housing further o comprises a housing slot, said housing slot being dimensioned and configured to guide the pivoting of said pawl member.

11. The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said pawl member includes a slot, said slot being dimensioned and configured to engage said keeper.

12. The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said handle further 5 comprises at least two arms dimensioned and configured to secure said handle to said housing when said handle is in said latched position.

13. The self-locking console latch according to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises guides for receiving said locking means.

14. The self-locking console latch according to claim 12, wherein said arms bias said ball o into seating means for housing said ball, whereby said seating means for housing said ball disengages an arm with said keeper, wherein said arm is fixably connected to a locking member