Latch mechanism

• US 4,929,007 A
• Filed: 03/29/1988
• Issued: 05/29/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Atoma International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Inventors: Cetnar, Roman, Bartczak, Andrzej
• Primary Examiner(s): Moore, Richard E.
• Application Number:
  US07/174,947
• Time in Patent Office: 791 Days
• Field of Search: 292/DIG. 27, 292/280, 292/216, 292/336.3
• US Class Current: 292/336.3
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/20 using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/36 Locks for passenger or like doors
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/13 with a locking knob forming part of the inside door handle unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/27 Disconnectable handle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1047 Closure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/57 Operators with knobs or handles

Abstract

An operating mechanism suitable for use in a vehicle door latch mechanism comprising structural components for locking, the operating mechanism comprising:

(a) an inside handle release lever for being operated from the inside of the door;

(b) an outside handle release lever for being operated from the outside of the door;

(c) structure for being engaged by the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever, the structure being connected to release the structural components of the latch mechanism for operation;

(d) at least one of the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever being movable to a position whereat the release lever cannot engage the structure to release the structural components when operated.

Claims

1. An operating mechanism suitable for use in a vehicle door latch mechanism comprising structural components for locking, the operating mechanism comprising:

(a) an inside handle release lever for being operated from the inside of the door;

(b) an outside handle release lever for being operated from the outside of the door;

(c) means for being engaged by the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever, said means being connected to release the structural components of the latch mechanism for operation;

(d) at least one of the said inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever being movable to a position whereat the release lever cannot engage said means to release the structural components when operated.

2. The operating mechanism of claim 1 wherein at least the outside handle release lever is movable to a position whereat the release lever cannot engage said means to release the structural components when operated.

3. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein the structural components comprise a pawl and ratchet.

4. The operating mechanism of claim 2, wherein the structural components comprise a pawl and ratchet.

5. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein the operation of the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever directly operates said means (as opposed to indirected operation through other components).

6. The operating mechanism of claim 2, wherein the operation of the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever directly operates said means (as opposed to indirected operation through other components).

7. The operating mechanism of claim 3, wherein the operation of the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever directly operates said means (as opposed to indirected operation through other components).

8. The operating mechanism of claim 4, wherein the operation of the inside handle release lever and outside handle release lever directly operates said means (as opposed to indirected operation through other components).

9. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

10. The orperating mechanism of claim 2, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

11. The operating mechanism of claim 3, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

12. The operating mechanism of claim 4, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

13. The operating mechanism of claim 5, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

14. The operating mechanism of claim 6, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

15. The operating mechanism of claim 7, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

16. The operating mechanism of claim 8, wherein each release lever carries a shoulder for engaging said means.

17. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

18. The operating mechanism of claim 2, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

19. The operating mechanism of claim 3, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

20. The operating mechanism of claim 4, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

21. The operating mechanism of claim 5, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

22. The operating mechanism of claim 6, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

23. The operating mechansim of claim 7, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

24. The operating mechanism of claim 8, wherein only one lever carries a shoulder for such engagement with said means and the other lever is rotatable in and out of engagement with said means.

25. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least one of the release levers slides longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable (about a pivot) so that longitudinal sliding movement of the release lever when the release lever has been pivoted, does not permit the release lever to engage said means.

26. The operating mechanism of claim 2, wherein at least one of the release levers slides longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable (about a pivot) so that longitudianal sliding movement of the release lever when the release lever has been pivoted, does not permit the release lever to engage said means.

27. The operation mechanism of claim 5, wherein at least one of the release levers slides longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable (about a pivot) so that longitudinal sliding movement of the release lever when the release lever has been pivoted, does not permit the release lever to engage said means.

28. The operating mechanism of claim 6, wherein at least one of the release levers slides longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable (about a pivot) so that longitudinal sliding movement of the release lever when the release lever has been pivoted, does not permit the release lever to engage said means.

29. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein both release levers are slideable to engage said means and are pivotable to positions which will not permit engagement by said release levers with said means.

30. The operating mechanism of claim 2, wherein both release levers are slideable to engage said means and are pivotable to positions which will not permit engagement by said release levers with said means.

31. The operating mechanism of claim 5, wherein both release levers are slideable to engage said means and are pivotable to positions which will not permit engagement by said release levers with said means.

32. The operating mechanism of claim 6, wherein both release levers are slideable to engage said means and are pivotable to positions which will not permit engagement by said release levers with said means.

33. The operating mechanism of claim 25, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

34. The operating mechanism of claim 26, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

35. The operating mechanism of claim 27, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

36. The operating mechanism of claim 28, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

37. The operating mechanism of claim 29, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

38. The operating mechanism of claim 30, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

39. The operating mechanism of claim 31, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

40. The operating mechanism of claim 32, wherein a longitudinally extending slot is provided in each lever, the release levers overlie one another, are supported on a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with repect thereto and the release levers are spring biased towards one another.

41. The operating mechanism of claim 33, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

42. The operating mechanism of claim 34, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

43. The operating mechanism of claim 35, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

44. The operating mechanism of claim 36, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

45. The operating mechanism of claim 37, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

46. The operating mechanism of Claim 38, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longtitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

47. The operating mechanism of claim 39, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.

48. The operating mechanism of claim 40, wherein a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal sliding movement will not permit engagemeent with said means.

49. The operating mechanism of claim 1, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

50. The operating mechanism of claim 2, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

51. The operating mechanism of claim 3, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

52. The operating mechanism of claim 4, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

53. The operating mechanism of claim 5, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

54. The operating mechanism of claim 6, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

55. The operating mechanism of claim 7, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

56. The operating mechanism of claim 8, wherein the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot point and said outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable movement will not permit engagement of said means.

57. The operating mechanism of claim 17, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

58. The operating mechanism of claim 18, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

59. The operating mechanism of claim 19, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

60. The operating mechanism of claim 20, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

61. The operating mechanismo of claim 21, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

62. The operating mechanism of claim 22, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

63. The operating mechanism of claim 23, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

64. The operating mechanism of claim 24, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

65. The operating mechanism of claim 49, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handler release lever.

66. The operating mechanism of claim 50, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

67. The operating mechanism of claim 51, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

68. The operating mechanism of claim 52, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

69. The operating mechanism of claim 53, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

70. The operating mechanism of claim 54, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

71. The operating mechanism of claim 55, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

72. The operating mechanism of claim 56, wherein said means comprises an arm rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing the structural components of the latch for operation, one end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside handle release lever.

73. The operating mechansim of claim 57, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

74. The operating mechanism of claim 58, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

75. The operating mechanism of claim 59, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

76. The operating mechanism of claim 60, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

77. The operating mechanism of claim 61, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

78. The operating mechanism of claim 62, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

79. The operaating mechanism of claim 63, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

80. The operating mechanism of claim 64, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

81. The operating mechanism of claim 65, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

82. The operating mechanism of claim 66, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

83. The operating mechanism of claim 67, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

84. The operating mechanism of claim 68, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provied and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

85. The operating mechanism of claim 69, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

86. The operating mechanism of claim 70, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

87. The operating mechanism of claim 71, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

88. The operating mechanism of claim 72, wherein a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the inside handle release lever to position the outside handle release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said means.

89. The operating mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

90. The operating mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

91. The operating mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved logitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

92. The operating mechanis of claim 4, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

93. The operating mechanism of claim 5, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

94. The operating mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

95. The operating mechanism of claim 7, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

96. The operating mechanism of claim 8, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

97. The operating mechansism of claim 9, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

98. The operating mechanism of claim 10, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

99. The operating mechanism of claim 11, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the ouside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

100. The operating mechanism of claim 25, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

101. The operating mechanism of claim 26, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

102. The operating mechanism of claim 27, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever between positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

103. The operating mechanism of claim 28, further comprising a key cylinder connected to a cam arm or locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever to rotate the outside handle release lever bwtween positions whereat the lever when moved longitudinally will not engage the means being connected to release the structural components.

104. The operating mechanism of claim 49, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

105. The operating mechanism of claim 50, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

106. The operating mechanism of claim 51, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

107. The operating mechanism of claim 52, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cuase release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

108. The operating mechanism of claim 53, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

109. The operating mechanism of claim 54, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

110. The operating mechanism of claim 55, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original position) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

111. The operating mechanism of claim 56, further comprising the inside handle of a door being connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to its original positon) to move the outside handle release lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement of the outside handle release lever will engage the means being connected to release the structural components (if the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means being connected to release the structural components) to cause release of the structural components to release the door for opening.

112. The operating mechanism of claim 104, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

113. The operating mechanism of claim 105, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

114. The operating mechanism of claim 106, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

115. The operating mechanism of claim 107, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

116. The operating mechanism of claim 108, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and way from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

117. The operating mechanism of claim 109, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

118. The operating mechanism of claim 110, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

119. The operating mechanism of claim 111, further comprising the inside handle having associated with the handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots like the handle towards and away from the door (and in the same direction as the handle when the door is to be opened) the handle lock lever being operable by the handle to operate with the handle when the door is to be opened, the handle lock lever when either depressed or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be moved to a position whereat the outside handle release lever does not engage the means (for example, the arm) to release the structural components.

120. The operating mechanism of claim 112, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused to move the outsie handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

121. The operating mechanism of claim 113, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused to move the outside handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

122. The operating mechanism of claim 114, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused to move the outside handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

123. The operating mechanism of claim 115, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused to move the outside handler release lever to the positon to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

124. The operaing mechanism of claim 116, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused to move the outside handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

125. The operating mechanism of claim 117, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused to move the outside handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

126. The operating mechanism of claim 118, wherien the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arms is first caused to move the outside handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

127. The operating mechanism of claim 119, wherein the inside handle release lever is forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning the arms (means therebetween for releasing the structural components) and another space for receiving the end of the cam arm whereby when the inside handle is pulled or depressed to open the door, the arms is first caused to move the outside handle release lever to the position to engage the means to release the structural components if moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever engages the means to release the structural components.

128. An operating mechanism for operating the structural components of a door latch mechanism, the operating mechanism comprising a pair of release levers, an outside handle release lever and an inside handle release lever at least one release lever carrying a longitudinal slot and being supported (by means of the longitudinal slot) on a pin, the said at least one release lever carrying a shoulder, the said levers for being connected to operate the inside door handle and the outside door handle for permitting opening of the car door, and means to be engaged by the levers for operating the structural components of the lock, at least one of the levers being moveable to a position whereat it cannot engage the said means.

129. The operating mechanism of claim 128, wherein the two release levers each carrying a shoulder and slot, the two levers are spring biased towards one another and a locking lever (cam) is provided between the two and carries cam surfaces thereon, so that when the release levers are in their normally spaced position, the shoulders of each are aligned with the means so that the longitudinal movement of one the levers towards the pin permits engagement of the shoulder with said means attached to the structural components releasing for example, the pawl and thus the ratchet, unlocking the door and whereby when the cam surfaces on the locking lever (cam) are moved to different positions the levers swing further from one another so that longitudinal movement of at least one of the levers will not engage said means connected to the structural parts until the locking lever is returned to the normal position releasing the at least one release lever to be spring biased towards the other release lever to their normal engaging positions aligned with said means secured to the structural parts of the door latch mechanism.

130. A door latch mechanism comprising the operating mechanism as claimed in claim 128 and a ratchet and a pawl (structural components) in a plastic modular case for assembly into a vehicle door, said means being connected to operate the pawl and ratchet to unlock the vehicle door.

131. A door latch mechanism comprising the operating mechanism as claimed in claim 129 and a ratched and a pawl (structural components) in a plastic modular case for assembly into a vehicle door, said means being connected to operate the pawl and ratchet to unlock the vehicle door.