Patent ID: 8616612
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle, the closure assembly comprising: a striker assembly having a wire striker; and a latch mechanism moveable along a path between a closed position configured for engaging the wire striker in interlocking engagement to secure the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly, and an open position configured for not engaging the wire striker in interlocking engagement to allow movement along the path of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly; wherein the striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism configured for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction relative to the path of the latch mechanism and an axial direction along the path of the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is disposed in the closed position in interlocking engagement with the wire striker to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly; wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is disposed opposite the second portion on opposing lateral sides of the path of the latch mechanism, with the wire striker disposed between the first portion and the second portion; and wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes an arm flexible in response to movement of the latch mechanism, wherein the flexure of the arms of the first portion and the second portion generates a bias force in each of the arms respectively that biases the latch mechanism in the lateral direction and the axial direction.