Multi-pivot latch assemblies
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch assembly comprising:
- a frame including a first engagement surface;
a latch movably coupled to the frame, the latch including a second engagement surface configured to cooperate with the first engagement surface to releasably engage the anchor in a space therebetween, wherein the latch is rotatable from a first latch position to a second latch position about a first pivot point located in the space between the first and second engagement surfaces, and wherein the latch is further rotatable from the second latch position to a third latch position about a second pivot point different from the first pivot point; and
an actuator movably coupled to the frame, wherein movement of the actuator from a first actuator position toward a second actuator position rotates the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position about the first pivot point, and from the second latch position to the third latch position about the second pivot point.
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Multi pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attach points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an actuator, each of which is movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an unlocked position causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position toward the third position about a second pivot point to open the latch assembly and release the anchor.
83 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch assembly comprising:
-
a frame including a first engagement surface; a latch movably coupled to the frame, the latch including a second engagement surface configured to cooperate with the first engagement surface to releasably engage the anchor in a space therebetween, wherein the latch is rotatable from a first latch position to a second latch position about a first pivot point located in the space between the first and second engagement surfaces, and wherein the latch is further rotatable from the second latch position to a third latch position about a second pivot point different from the first pivot point; and an actuator movably coupled to the frame, wherein movement of the actuator from a first actuator position toward a second actuator position rotates the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position about the first pivot point, and from the second latch position to the third latch position about the second pivot point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch assembly comprising:
-
a frame; a latch movably coupled to the frame, wherein the latch is rotatable from a first latch position to a second latch position about a first pivot point, and wherein the latch is further rotatable from the second latch position to a third latch position about a second pivot point different from the first pivot point; and an actuator movably coupled to the frame, wherein the actuator includes; a proximal end portion having a channel extending therethrough; a medial portion extending from the proximal end portion, wherein the medial end portion has a biasing member cavity extending therethrough and intersecting the channel; and a distal end portion extending from the medial portion, wherein the distal end portion has a generally hook shape, and wherein movement of the actuator from a first actuator position toward a second actuator position rotates the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position about the first pivot point, and from the second latch position to the third latch position about the second pivot point.
-
-
10. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch assembly comprising:
-
a frame having a first opening and a second opening; a latch having a jaw portion that receives the anchor, wherein the latch further includes a first guide feature movably received in the first opening of the frame and a second guide feature moveably received in the second opening of the frame; and an actuator movable relative to the frame, wherein movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an intermediate position pivots the latch about a pivot point positioned within a cross section of the anchor, and wherein continued movement of the actuator from the intermediate position toward an unlocked position pivots the latch about the second guide feature and releases the anchor from the jaw portion of the latch. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch assembly comprising:
-
a frame having a first opening and a second opening; a latch having a jaw portion that receives the anchor, wherein the latch further includes a first guide feature movably received in the first opening of the frame and a second guide feature moveably received in the second opening of the frame; and an actuator movable relative to the frame, wherein movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an intermediate position pivots the latch about the anchor, and wherein continued movement of the actuator from the intermediate position toward an unlocked position pivots the latch about the second guide feature and releases the anchor from the jaw portion of the latch, wherein the frame includes a stop member and the actuator includes a cavity, and wherein the latch assembly further comprises a biasing member positioned in the cavity of the actuator, wherein the biasing member urges the actuator away from the stop member toward the locked position.
-
-
16. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch assembly comprising:
-
a frame having a first opening and a second opening; a latch having a jaw portion that receives the anchor, wherein the latch further includes a first guide feature movably received in the first opening of the frame and a second guide feature moveably received in the second opening of the frame; and an actuator movable relative to the frame, wherein movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an intermediate position pivots the latch about the anchor, and wherein continued movement of the actuator from the intermediate position toward an unlocked position pivots the latch about the second guide feature and releases the anchor from the law portion of the latch, wherein the actuator includes a channel extending longitudinally through a proximal end portion of the actuator, and wherein the frame is at least partially received within the channel.
-
-
17. A latch system for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, the latch system comprising:
-
a frame having an end portion for coupling to a web; a latch movably coupled to the frame; first means for pivoting the latch relative to the frame and about a first pivot point positioned within a cross section of the anchor; and second means for pivoting the latch relative to the frame and about a second pivot point, different from the first pivot point, to release the latch from the anchor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification