Patent ID: 6776442
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: E05B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of operating a latch assembly having a ratchet releasably engagable with a pawl, the method comprising:pivoting a lever about a pivot point substantially fixed with respect to the lever and located in a first position with respect to a body of the latch apparatus, the lever incapable of exerting sufficient motive force to release the ratchet from engagement with the pawl when the pivot point is located in the first position; moving the lever and the pivot point away from the first position with respect to the body of the latch apparatus while the lever remains at least partially actuated; moving the lever and the pivot point to a second position with respect to the body of the latch apparatus while the lever remains at least partially actuated; and moving the pawl with the lever to release the ratchet from engagement with the pawl by moving the lever and the pivot point toward the second position.