Patent ID: 6755449
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: E05B,E05C,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly having a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected one of the closure and the structure, having a first push button that is movable relative to the first housing between a normal position and a depressed position, and having means for biasing the first push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position; b) a first latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location spaced from where the first push button operator assembly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the first latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a first striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first latch mechanism has a first latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to release the first striker in response to movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position; c) wherein the first push button operator assembly includes means for defining a first bracket for being clamped into engagement with an exterior surface of the first housing for establishing a rigid connection between the first bracket and the first housing, and means for defining a first arm that is pivotally connected to the first bracket for being engaged by the first push button so as to be pivoted from one position to another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position; d) linking means for extending from the push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first latch mechanism to release the first striker; and e) wherein the first bracket includes a first member of generally L-shape having first and second legs, with the first leg being configured to engage a first part of the external surface of the first housing located on one side of the first housing, wherein the second leg is pivotally connected to the first arm to mount the first arm for pivotal movement, and wherein the first bracket also includes 1) a second member configured to engage a second part of the external surface of the first housing located on an opposite side of the first housing from the first part of the external surface engaged by the first leg, and 2) means for clamping the first and second members toward each other.