Magnetic Latch Mechanism
First Claim
1. A magnetic latch mechanism for securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, the first member being movable between the closed position and an open position relative to the second member, the magnetic latch mechanism comprising:
- a magnetic insert capable of attachment to the first member;
a housing adapted for attachment to the second member;
at least one magnet rotationally supported by said housing, said at least one magnet being rotationally movable between latched and unlatched positions, said at least one magnet being positioned when in said latched position such that with the first member in the closed position relative to the second member said at least one magnet holds the first member with said magnetic insert attached thereto in the closed position through magnetic attraction between said at least one magnet and said magnetic insert, and said at least one magnet being positioned when in said unlatched position such that with the first member in the closed position relative to the second member said at least one magnet repels said magnetic insert that is attached to the first member so as to cause the first member to move from the closed position toward an open position relative to the second member; and
an actuation mechanism capable of selectively moving said at least one magnet from said latched position to said unlatched position responsive to an input from a user.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A latch with dual rotary magnets is disclosed. The latch is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment. Mechanical hook-like rotary pawls supplement the action of the magnets. In addition, the latch is provided with a safety feature that prevents the latch from opening in the event that the vehicle in which the latch is installed is involved in a collision.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A magnetic latch mechanism for securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, the first member being movable between the closed position and an open position relative to the second member, the magnetic latch mechanism comprising:
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a magnetic insert capable of attachment to the first member; a housing adapted for attachment to the second member; at least one magnet rotationally supported by said housing, said at least one magnet being rotationally movable between latched and unlatched positions, said at least one magnet being positioned when in said latched position such that with the first member in the closed position relative to the second member said at least one magnet holds the first member with said magnetic insert attached thereto in the closed position through magnetic attraction between said at least one magnet and said magnetic insert, and said at least one magnet being positioned when in said unlatched position such that with the first member in the closed position relative to the second member said at least one magnet repels said magnetic insert that is attached to the first member so as to cause the first member to move from the closed position toward an open position relative to the second member; and an actuation mechanism capable of selectively moving said at least one magnet from said latched position to said unlatched position responsive to an input from a user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A magnetic latch mechanism for securing a first door and a second door in closed positions relative to a third member, the first and second doors each being movable between the respective closed position and a respective open position relative to the third member, the magnetic latch mechanism comprising:
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a first magnetic insert capable of attachment to the first door; a second magnetic insert capable of attachment to the second door; a housing adapted for attachment to the third member; a first magnet rotationally supported by said housing, said first magnet being rotationally movable between latched and unlatched positions, said first magnet being positioned when in said latched position such that with the first door in the closed position relative to the third member said first magnet holds the first door with said first magnetic insert attached thereto in the closed position through magnetic attraction between said first magnet and said first magnetic insert, and when said first magnet is in said unlatched position with the first door being in the closed position relative to the third member said first magnet is positioned such that said first magnet repels said first magnetic insert that is attached to the first door so as to cause the first door to move from the closed position toward the open position relative to the third member; a second magnet rotationally supported by said housing, said second magnet being rotationally movable between latched and unlatched positions, said second magnet being positioned when in said latched position such that with the second door in the closed position relative to the third member said second magnet holds the second door with said second magnetic insert attached thereto in the closed position through magnetic attraction between said second magnet and said second magnetic insert, and when said second magnet is in said unlatched position with the second door being in the closed position relative to the third member said second magnet is positioned such that said second magnet repels said second magnetic insert that is attached to the second door so as to cause the second door to move from the closed position toward the open position relative to the third member; and an actuation mechanism capable of selectively moving said first magnet and said second magnet from their latched positions to their unlatched positions responsive to an input from a user. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification