Latch apparatus and method

• US 7,363,788 B2
• Filed: 09/07/2004
• Issued: 04/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
• Original Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
• Inventors: Edgar, James, Dimig, Steven J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GALL, LLOYD A
• Application Number:
  US10/935,746
• Publication Number:
  US 20050092045A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,330 Days
• Field of Search: 702/786, 702/787, 702/77, 702/37, 702/64, 292/201, 292/216, 292/DIG.23, 292/DIG.26, 292/DIG.27
• US Class Current: 70/277
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0009 with thermo-electric actuators, e.g. heated bimetals
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 63/0056 Locks with adjustable or exchangeable lock parts adjustable strikers E05B15/024; adjustable to different keys E05B35/083; adjustable bolt or backset E05B63/06; adjustable coupling means for bars, rods, cables E05C9/20
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 77/26 specially adapted for child safety
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 77/28 for anti-theft purposes, e.g. double-locking or super-locking
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 77/30 allowing opening by means of an inner door handle, even if the door is locked
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/20 using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/06 using rotary motors
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/08 using electromagnets or solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/10 Hydraulic or pneumatic hydraulic or pneumatic circuits E05B81/52
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/16 operating on locking elements for locking or unlocking action
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/90 Manual override in case of power failure
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/36 Locks for passenger or like doors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/27 Disconnectable handle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1047 Closure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1082 Motor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5805 Freely movable when locked
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7062 Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7102 And details of blocking system [e.g., linkage, latch, pawl, spring]

Abstract

A latch assembly having at least one control element having a first path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element. If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element is preferably movable into contact with the control element and can move the control element to its first path of motion. The latch assembly can have a second control element also having first and second paths of motion determined at least partially upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the second control element or disengaged therefrom. The second control element can be connected to the first engagement element to move the first engagement element into and out of engagement with the first control element when the second control element is actuated in its engaged state.

Claims

1. A method of operating a latch assembly, comprising:

providing a ratchet having a latched position and an unlatched position;

actuating a control element to move the control element in a first path;

restraining the ratchet against release to the unlatched position during movement of the control element in the first path;

actuating a locking element to move a portion of the locking element from a position out of engagement with the control element to a position engaged with the control element while the control element is at least partially actuated; and

moving the control element via the locking element to a second path different from the first path.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control element is partially actuated prior to actuating the locking element.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuating the control element includes pivoting the control element about a pivot point.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein restraining the ratchet includes maintaining engagement of the ratchet with a pawl, the pawl releasable from the ratchet by control element movement in the second path but not in the first path.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuating the locking element and moving the control element include pivoting the locking element about a pivot point and against the control element.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein moving the control element includes shifting the control element from a position in the first path to a different position in the second path.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein moving the control element includes camming a surface of the locking element against a surface of the control element.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising releasing the ratchet, when the control element is sufficiently actuated, upon moving the control element to the second path.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

actuating the control element to move the control element at least partially through the second path after moving the control element to the second path; and

releasing the ratchet to its unlatched position by motion of the control element at least partially through the second path.