Patent ID: 7185926
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: B64D,E05B,E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A latch mechanism for releasably latching or holding a first member with respect to a second member, the latch mechanism comprising: a bracket adapted to be attached to the first member; a bolt pivotally coupled to the bracket by a first pivot, the bolt being pivotal with respect to the bracket between a first position wherein the bolt is adapted to engage the second member and a second position wherein the bolt is adapted to be disengaged from the second member; a handle pivotally coupled to the bracket by the first pivot, the handle being pivotal with respect to the bracket between a third position and a fourth position, the handle operatively pivoting the bolt from the first position toward the second position as the handle pivots from the third position toward the fourth position, the handle operatively pivoting the bolt from the second position toward the first position as the handle pivots from the fourth position toward the third position; a trigger pivotally coupled to the handle, the trigger including a coupler adapted to couple a tool to the trigger, the trigger being pivotal with respect to the handle between a fifth position and a sixth position; a locking member coupled to the trigger, the locking member adapted to releasably couple the trigger to the bracket when the trigger is in the fifth position whereby the locking member prevents pivotal movement of the handle from the third position toward the fourth position; whereby the trigger is selectively pivotal by the tool from the fifth position toward the sixth position to thereby uncouple the locking member from the bracket and such that the handle is thereby selectively pivotal by the tool from the third position toward the fourth position; and an over-center linkage assembly coupling the handle to the bracket and to the bolt wherein the linkage assembly includes a first link having a first end pivotally coupled to the bolt and a second end, a second link having a first end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first link and a second end pivotally coupled to the bracket, and a third link having a first end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first link and the first end of the second link and a second end pivotally coupled to the handle, the linkage assembly being moveable between a latched position wherein the first link and second link are adapted to bias the bolt into engagement with the second member with a preload force and an unlatched position, the linkage assembly being movable to the unlatched position by movement of the handle from the third position toward the fourth position.