Emergency trunk interior release latch

• US 5,445,326 A
• Filed: 12/21/1993
• Issued: 08/29/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph Ferro, Lisamarie Marchioli
• Original Assignee: Joseph Ferro, Lisamarie Marchioli
• Inventors: Marchioli, Lisamarie, Ferro, Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Lindsey, Rodney M.
• Application Number:
  US08/170,826
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 292/DIG. 65, 292/DIG. 43, 292/92, 292/225, 292/203, 292/218, 292/336
• US Class Current: 292/336
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/20 using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/26 Emergency opening means for persons trapped in the luggage compartment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/43 Rear deck lid latches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/65 Emergency or safety
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1084 Closure catch
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/564 Swinging bolt, swinging detent

Abstract

A latch for releasably securing the trunk lid of a vehicle which may be actuated by a person inside the trunk in emergency situations. The device includes a latch assembly operable by both a conventional exterior lock assembly and a release assembly positioned within the trunk compartment. The release assembly utilizes a flexible cable coupled to a detent lever within the latch in which the cable may be pulled by a person inside the trunk to open the trunk lid. Alternatively or additionally, the release assembly may utilize a spring loaded button which engages the detent lever to release the lid upon actuation. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a luminescent coating on the release assembly.

Claims

1. An emergency trunk interior release latch comprising:

a housing having an aperture therethrough;

a latching lever pivotally mounted to said housing for receiving and capturing a catch;

a detent lever pivotally mounted to said housing for releasably securing said latching lever upon reception of said catch by said latching lever; and

,

a release assembly means operatively engaged with said detent lever for facilitating a release of said catch from said latching lever by a person from within a trunk compartment;

said release assembly means comprising a cable formed into a loop positioned exteriorly of said housing, a portion of said cable extending through said aperture in said housing and being operatively engaged with said detent lever, whereby said latching lever may be pivoted by pulling on said loop to release said detent lever; and

,

a luminescent coating on said loop.