Abstract:
A floating receiving mechanism is disclosed for use with a handle assembly including a base member defining a central opening therethrough, and a substantially U-shaped keeper having a base portion defining a central opening therethrough and two arms extending from the base portion. The keeper is attached to the base plate so that the keeper central opening is substantially aligned with the base plate central opening and so that the keeper is slidable laterally relative to the base plate. The keeper is configured for releasably retaining an extending portion of the handle assembly. The extending portion may be a member such as a keeper stud. Other receiving mechanisms and related handle latch assemblies are also disclosed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/426,626, filed Oct. 26, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a floating receiving mechanism for a paddle handle actuated latching mechanism and to a handle assembly including such a mechanism. More particularly, the present invention relates to use of a floating mechanism that provides self-alignment with a latch assembly, suitable for use on an item such as a truck box. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Boxes and containers designed to fit securely within the bed of a pick-up truck have become increasingly popular. Such boxes are extensively used by tradesmen and contractors who require a secure storage compartment for holding tools and equipment and require a secure lockable container for their equipment. 
     Different lid arrangements are known in the art including wing-style lids which open along each side of the box as well as a single hinged lid which opens along a length of the box. 
     One such locking lid arrangement can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,302 to Anderson assigned to Loctec Corporation which is incorporated herein by reference. This reference provides a latch mechanism in which a notched plunger is mounted from an overhead lid of the truck box. As the plunger is inserted into an opening of the latch assembly, the plunger self-adjusts for proper alignment and results in a lock self-adjustable in six directions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,104 to Sadler, which is incorporated herein by reference, is directed toward a paddle lock which provides a latching mechanism which latches and unlatches upon a striker element and is actuated by movement of the handle member. 
     While the examples discussed above provide useful latching mechanisms, there remains room for variation and improvement within the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a receiving mechanism for a handle assembly having a self-adjusting feature to facilitate the alignment and engagement of the handle assembly within the receiving mechanism. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a floating receiving mechanism is disclosed for use with a handle assembly including a base plate defining a central opening and at least two side openings therethrough. The side openings are located on opposite sides of the central opening. A keeper defines a central opening therethrough. The keeper is attached to the base plate via connection members extending from the keeper through the side openings so that the keeper central opening is substantially aligned with the base plate central opening. Each connection member is sized so as to be slidable laterally in a respective side opening to thereby allow the keeper to move laterally relative to the base plate. The keeper is configured for releasably retaining an extending portion of the handle assembly. 
     If desired, the keeper may be substantially U-shaped, or may have a base portion and two arms extending from the base portion, the central opening being defined in the base portion. Each of the arms may terminate in a lip. 
     Also, the extending portion of the handle assembly may be a rotatable member, the rotatable member being insertable into the keeper in any position of rotation and being withdrawable from the keeper stud in at least one unlocked position of rotation. The rotatable member may thus be operatively connected to the handle assembly, and the rotatable member may be a keeper stud having a first terminus defining at least one notch, the notch engaging the keeper when the keeper stud is in a locked position of rotation and disengaging the keeper when the keeper stud is in the unlocked position of rotation. The keeper stud may include a plurality of the notches arranged in at least one pair. The base plate may be secured to a lid of a container and the handle assembly may be secured to the container. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a floating receiving mechanism is disclosed for use with a handle assembly including a base member defining a central opening therethrough. A substantially U-shaped keeper has a base portion defining a central opening therethrough and two arms extending from the base portion. The keeper is attached to the base member so that the keeper central opening is substantially aligned with the base member central opening and so that the keeper is slidable laterally relative to the base member. The keeper is configured for releasably retaining an extending portion of the handle assembly. 
     A means may be provided for slidably connecting the base member and the keeper. The means for slidably connecting may include connection members slidable in openings, and the openings may be slots located in the base member. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a handle latch assembly is disclosed including a handle assembly including a rotatable member actuatable by a handle. The handle assembly is mountable on a first surface and has an extending portion. A receiving mechanism is provided for releaseably securing the extending portion. The receiving mechanism is mountable on a second surface movable relative to the first surface. The receiving mechanism includes a base member defining a central opening therethrough. A substantially U-shaped keeper is provided having a base portion defining a central opening therethrough and two arms extending from the base portion. The keeper is attached to the base member so that the keeper central opening is substantially aligned with the base member central opening and so that the keeper is slidable laterally relative to the base member. The keeper is configured for releasably retaining an extending portion of the handle assembly. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention utilized as a latching mechanism for a truck box carried within the bed of a truck; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of the latch mechanism in relation to a truck cargo box; 
     FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of an alternative cargo box arrangement utilizing a latching mechanism of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an operational front perspective view of the latch assembly useful in the cargo box seen in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly illustrating the keeper stud secured in a locked position of the receiving mechanism; 
     FIG. 6 is an elevated rear perspective view of latch assembly illustrating the rotating keeper stud in relation to an optional linkage rod in communication with the operating member; 
     FIG. 7 is a back view of the latch assembly illustrating the latching mechanism in a locked position; 
     FIG. 8 is a top perspective view, similar to FIG. 6, showing the relative movement of a locking cam member and the operating member with the engaging portion of the keeper stud removed for purposes of clarity; 
     FIG. 9A is a bottom perspective view of the latch assembly as seen in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view, similar to FIG. 9A, showing the handle member, actuating member, and operating member in open and unlocked configuration; 
     FIG. 9C is a view similar to FIG. 9B showing the handle member, actuating member, and operating member in a fully engaged and unlocked position; and 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of a front face of the receiving mechanism of the latch assembly. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. 
     The latch assembly according to the invention is illustrated in the figures generally as element  20 . FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of latch assembly  20  as a latch or lock element for a hinged lid cargo box  10 . FIG. 3 further illustrates latch assembly  20  in an alternative embodiment as a tandem latching assembly for two separate hinged lids  12 A and  12 B. FIGS. 1-3 are only meant to illustrate a few of the possible environments of the invention. For example, the individual handle trays could be placed on the sides of the box if desired, which may be preferred in a box such as in FIG.  3 . It should be understood that the latch assembly, according to the invention, can be used in any number of environments, including panel doors of a utility truck, recreational vehicle, or any manner of commercial vehicles, lock boxes, marine applications, etc. 
     Referring to the figures in general, latch assembly  20  includes a housing or tray generally  22 . Tray  22  has a front side  24  and a back side  26 . Tray  22  may also serve as part of the means for mounting the latch assembly on a vehicle and in this regard may define a flange  28  around the circumference thereof. Flange  28  may define a plurality of mounting apertures  29  and, in one mounting configuration, would circumscribe an opening defined in the cargo box or other housing in which the latch assembly is mounted. It should, however, be understood and appreciated that the flange  30  is not a critical feature of the invention, and merely provides one means for mounting the latch assembly. Any manner of conventional devices as may be used and known within the prior art to mount a latch assembly may be employed, such as adhesives, separate mounting brackets, and other conventional mounting devices and means. 
     As seen in FIG. 5, handle assembly  20  also includes a handle member  40 , seen here as a paddle handle. However, handle  40  may take the form of any number of desired configurations. Handle  40  is mounted on the front side  24  of tray  22  so that it can be pulled outward, as particularly seen in FIGS. 9B and 9C. In a preferred embodiment, handle  40  is pivotally mounted by way of axle  42  to tray  22 . Tray  22  further defines side wall members  25  which define a cavity  27 . This arrangement positions the front surface of handle member  40  substantially flush within cavity  27  as particularly seen in FIG.  5 . 
     The back side  26  of tray  22  has a mounting bracket  30  attached. As seen in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, mounting bracket  30  defines a flat plate  34  which is attached with rivets  32  to tray back side  26 . A support arm  36  extends substantially perpendicular away from the flat plate  34  and back side  26  of tray  22 . As best described below, mounting bracket  30  is used to support and position additional components of the latch assembly. 
     Referring particularly to FIGS.  7  and  9 A- 9 C, an actuating member  50  is operatively connected to handle member  40  to pivot therewith. Actuating member  50  is mounted on a portion of axle  42  that extends through side wall  25  of tray  22 . Thus, actuating member  50  is rotatable with handle  40  to actuate the mechanism on the back side  26  of tray  22 . As seen in the figures, actuating member  50  may comprise a piece of flat metal having a leading edge  52  which may comprise an arcuate or otherwise curved edge, the actuating member being used to actuate further elements of the latch assembly. 
     Edge  52  of actuating member  50  engages an operating member  60  mounted for pivotal or rotational movement on back side  26  of tray  22 . In the embodiment illustrated, operating member  60  is mounted so as to engage and rotate a base  72  of keeper stud  70 . As seen in FIGS. 7,  9 A, and  9 C, base  72  of keeper stud  70  traverses an aperture defined by support arm  36 , this arrangement maintaining keeper stud  70  substantially parallel to the plane of the flat tray back side  26 . The operating member  60  defines a collar  64  through which keeper stud base  72  passes, collar  64  gripping an outer perimeter of the base  72 . Operating member  60  further defines a pin  62  which is positioned opposite the arcuate edge  52  of actuating member  50 . As best seen in reference to FIG. 9A, edge  52  defines a convex surface. As seen in reference to the sequential positions seen in FIGS. 9A-9C, a shoulder region  54  initially engages the cam  62  of operating member  60 . As actuating member  50  is pivoted, shoulder  54  continues to engage cam  62  as the actuating member  50  pivots operating member  60 . As seen in the intermediate position of FIG. 9B, shoulder  54  and cam  62  continue to make contact along a substantial travel distance of the actuating member  50  and operating member  60 . As the engagement continues (FIG.  9 C), the peak and far shoulder of edge  52  engage cam  62  and fully extend the operating member. Accordingly, operating member  60  is movable by the engagement of the edge  52  relative to pin  62  allowing movement between a locked position (FIG.  9 A), an intermediate position (FIG. 9B) and an unlocked position (FIG.  9 C). When so engaged, the displacement of operating member  60  by edge  52  rotates collar  64  which, in turn, rotates base  72  and keeper stud  70 . 
     A coil spring  44  is used to provide a tensioned return mechanism for the latch assembly upon the release of handle  40 . Spring  44  is wrapped around base  72  with one end of spring  44  engaging a projection  38  (FIG. 9A) of support arm  36 , a second end of spring  44  in communication with operating member  60 . In the illustrated embodiments, the coil spring  44  acts upon operating member  60  to urge operating member and the interlinked components toward an initial configuration. 
     A distal end  74  of keeper stud  70  is defined partially by a plurality of notches  75  (defining teeth therebetween) on opposing side walls. As best seen in reference to FIGS. 5-7, distal end  74  further defines a pair of opposing smooth surfaced beveled walls  76  positioned at an approximate right angle to the opposing side walls defining notches  75 . A cylindrical midsegment  78  of keeper stud  70  interconnects the distal end  74  with the base  72 . The notches  75  and beveled walls  76  of keeper stud  70  will operatively engage a receiving mechanism  80  as best seen in reference to FIGS. 5,  7 , and  10 . Receiving mechanism  80  provides a face plate (or base plate)  82  such as a surface of a support bracket or other housing. Plate  82  defines an opening  84  in communication with an adjacent aligned keeper  86  having an opening  85  aligned with opening  84 . Keeper  86  is slidably movable by movement of connection members such as bolts  87  or rivets within a pair of attachment slots  89  defined by face plate  82 , the slots allowing movement of keeper  86  as indicated by directional arrow in FIG.  10 . 
     As seen in reference to FIG. 4, keeper stud  70  may engage receiving mechanism  80  so as the notches  75  of the distal end sidewalls engage a corresponding edge of the spaced apart tensioned lips  88  thereby providing a locked orientation. In this position, the lips clasp the notched side wall regions, the interengagement of lips  88  and notches  75  preventing the withdrawal of the keeper stud from the receiving mechanism  80 . 
     To provide an unlocked keeper stud position, an operator would engage handle  40 , pivoting the handle approximately 45 degrees. Movement of the handle in turn pivots actuating member  50  causing edge  52  to rotate operating member  60 . The rotation of member  60  causes collar  64  to simultaneously rotate keeper stud  70  by the engagement of base  72 . Ideally, in the illustrated embodiments, it is useful to rotate the keeper stud  70  approximately 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis, thereby positioning the smooth beveled edges  76  opposite the engaging lips  88 . In this unlocked position, the relative movement between the beveled edges  76  and the opposing tensioned lips  88  is facilitated. Further, the distance between the notched walls  75  is greater than the distance between the smooth surfaced walls  76 . As a result, the keeper stud may have the receiving mechanism more easily withdrawn when the smooth surface, thinner profile of walls  76  are positioned between the engaging edges of lips  88 . Accordingly, a lid of a lock box carrying the receiving mechanism  80  can be opened by the withdrawal of the receiving mechanism  80  from the keeper stud. 
     Keeper stud base  72  may also be used to engage a receiving aperture  102  (FIG. 6) defined by a linkage rod cam  100 . The linkage rod cam  100  and keeper stud base  72  are coupled together for integrated movement. In this manner, a linking rod  110  can connect via a turnbuckle  120  to a similar rod cam  100  of a second interlinked latch adjacent a first latch assembly (FIG.  4 ). This coupled, tandem arrangement enables simultaneous operation and control of both latch assemblies by the engagement of a single handle. 
     The coordinated movement of the latch assembly set forth here makes use of a keeper stud base  72  which is in coupled linkage with linkage rod cam  100  and operating member  60 . As a result, keeper stud  70 , linkage rod cam  100  and operating member  60  are interconnected so as to provide for integrated movement. Or, as stated another way, when any element of keeper stud  70 , operating member  60 , or linkage rod cam  100  is prevented from movement, none of the integrated individual parts will operate and paddle handle  40  will not pivot. 
     As a result, a variety of locking mechanisms may be used to limit the rotational movement of the integrated, coupled parts. One such mechanism can be provided by a key-operated lock mechanism  90  of conventional design such as a keyed cylinder which may be used to vary a position of a leg member  92  between a locked and an unlocked position. As seen in FIG. 7, leg member  92  may be used to block movement of linkage rod cam  100  thereby preventing the movement of keeper stud  70 . As a result, the keeper stud  70  is maintained in a locked position relative to the receiver mechanism  80 . It is apparent by those skilled in the art, that when two or more latch assemblies are interconnected by a common linking rod  110 , or individual linking rods  110  connected by a turnbuckle  120  (FIG.  4 ), any single lock assembly which is maintained in a locked position will prevent the normal operation of both latch assemblies  20 . In other words, locking any one of the latch assemblies will prevent the engagement of handle  40  and the subsequent engagement of actuating member  50 , operating member  60 , keeper stud  70 , and linkage rod cam  100  of all interlinked latch assemblies  20 . Thus, if desired, a lock assembly need only be provided on one of the two connected latch assemblies to achieve locking of both latch assemblies. 
     The present invention provides a novel latching mechanism which utilizes a notched keeper stud which is operatively connected to the handle and rotates in response to the engagement of the handle. The rotation allows the notched surfaces to disengage from a retaining edge disposed within a receiving element. As a result, the pivoting motion of the handle is translated into a rotational movement of the cylindrical keeper stud. 
     The use of a curved, convex surface to engage the operating member allows a greater movement of the operating member, without substantial increase in force required on the handle by the user, than would be achieved by a flat edge engaging surface. This arrangement allows a relatively short pivot motion of the handle to effect a proportionally increased distance of travel of the operating member. As a result, a ⅛ turn of the handle pivot results in a full ¼ turn of the stud keeper. 
     Further, the latch assembly provides a smooth fluid operation in which the initial pivoting motion of the handle achieves the greatest movement of the operating member, and hence, the keeper stud as well. In this manner, the initial movement of the handle where the user has the greatest leverage coincides where the greatest frictional force is need to overcome the positioning of the notched, wide edges of the keeper stud from engagement with the securing edges of the receiving mechanism. Also, the line of force at the point of contact between curved edge  52  and operating member changes as the handle is pulled, and the change serves to move the line of force to a more efficient orientation. That is, as the handle is pulled, the line of force approximates more closely a line tangent to a circle defined by the rotation of pin  62  around keeper stud  70 . 
     It is envisioned that either the receiving mechanism or the keeper stud may be provided with a compression spring, a pneumatic lift or similar device as well known in the art to facilitate the automatic release of the receiving mechanism from the keeper stud when the keeper stud is rotated into a disengaged position. 
     Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, both in whole or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein.