Patent ID: 6463773
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: E05B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A latch assembly, comprising:a control lever having a first pivot point and a second pivot point; an engagement element having an extended position with respect to the control lever in which the engagement element is extended toward and coupled to the control lever, and a retracted position with respect to the control lever in which the engagement element is decoupled and withdrawn from the control lever, the control lever being pivotable about the first pivot point when the engagement element is in the extended position and pivotable about the second pivot point when the engagement element is in the retracted position; an actuator coupled with the engagement element and having an engaged position in which the engagement element is coupled with the control lever and a disengaged position in which the engagement element is substantially released from the control lever; and a ratchet responsive to actuation of the control lever when the engagement element is coupled to the control lever and non-responsive to actuation of the control lever when the engagement element is decoupled from the control lever.