Abstract:
A bin latch system. A bin latch mechanism that has been designed with weight, number of components, simplicity of operation and installation as main design drivers. The bin latch utilizes spring loaded rods that are ‘pulled’ to release the locking subassemblies. The rods lock two sets of interlocking housings in place. Due to the nature of the rod actuator, the design is binary in nature and needs both sets of interlocking housings to be secured before the interface handle can go to ‘full close’ position. Additionally, there is no rigging necessary at install. Once the assembly is in secured in place, it is ready to be operated.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/286,261, entitled “Bin Latch System” filed on Jan. 22, 2016, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/286,311, entitled “Bin Latch System” filed on Jan. 22, 2016, and Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/378,199, entitled “Improved Bin Latch System With Interchangeable End Pieces” filed on Aug. 22, 2016, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This description relates generally to mechanical latching systems and more specifically to mechanical latching systems used in aircraft storage compartments. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Overhead storage/luggage bins are typically used in passenger aircrafts to store passenger baggage and various other items. The bins are mounted on the ceiling above the passenger seats with a latched door cover to prevent items with the bins from falling out. It is necessary that the bin latch is easy to open/close and also robust enough to remain closed even under some mechanical stress. For example, when an aircraft meets distributing air during flight, the luggage may slide inside the bin and exert significant mechanical impact to the door cover. It is very desirable that the door cover could remain closed to prevent any passenger injury caused by falling luggage. 
         [0004]    Aircraft bin latch systems are typically made up of multiple parts that are installed with the bin, and take up assembly time on the main aircraft production line. Accordingly a bin latch system that may be installed as a single part would be desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0006]    The present disclosure provides a bin latch mechanism that has been configured with weight, number of components, simplicity of operation and installation. 
         [0007]    The disclosed latch system utilizes spring loaded rods that are ‘pulled’ to release the locking sub-assemblies. The rods lock two sets of interlocking housings in place. Due to the nature of the rod actuator, the design is binary in nature and needs both sets of interlocking housings to be secured before the interface handle can go to ‘full close’ position. 
         [0008]    The bin latch actuator transfers rotation of the human interface (or actuator interface, a handle) into push/pull action in the actuating mechanism, and utilizes the connecting members as push/pull rods. Consequently, the connecting members have a reduced size and weight, and are not subject to mechanical properties variations if/when their length increase. In some embodiments, the remote latches are a combination of a few components that interlock with each other utilizing this push/pull motion. A safety device may be included on each remote latch to prevent losing of the system when the remote latches are disengaged. Additionally, an emergency release mechanism may be incorporated in the remote latches to override the overall mechanism in case of sub-structure damage for example. 
         [0009]    Additionally, there is no rigging necessary at install. Once the assembly is in secured in place, it is ready to be operated. 
         [0010]    Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a bin latch system installed in a storage bin. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a first embodiment of a bin latch system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows an actuator in a closed position viewed from a human interface. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows an actuator in an open position viewed from a human interface. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows a top view and a front view of an actuator of the bin latch. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows a component view of an actuator of the bin latch in a closed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows a component view of an actuator of the bin latch in an open position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the actuator. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  shows a first exemplary remote latch in a disengaged position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  shows the first exemplary remote latch in a closed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  shows a prospective view of a second exemplary remote latch in a closed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  shows a front view of the second exemplary remote latch in the closed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  shows a sectional view of the second exemplary remote latch in the closed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  shows a prospective view of the second exemplary remote latch in an open position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  shows a front view of the second exemplary remote latch in the open position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  shows a sectional view of the second exemplary remote latch in the open position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  shows a prospective view of the second exemplary remote latch in a disengaged position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  shows a front view of the second exemplary remote latch in the disengaged position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  shows a sectional view of the second exemplary remote latch in the disengaged position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  shows a prospective view of the second exemplary remote latch in a released position under emergency operation. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  shows a front view of the second exemplary remote latch in the released position under emergency operation. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  shows a sectional view of the second exemplary remote latch in the released position under emergency operation. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  shows a prospective view of the second exemplary remote latch in a disengaged position under emergency operation. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  shows a front view of the second exemplary remote latch in the disengaged position under emergency operation. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  shows a sectional view of the second exemplary remote latch in the disengaged position under emergency operation. 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  shows a second embodiment of a bin latch system including an actuator with interchangeable end pieces, or latches. 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  shows the second embodiment of a bin latch system installed in a storage bin. 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  shows a close-up view of the actuator and the latch. 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  shows an open position of the second embodiment of a bin latch system. 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  shows a closed position of the second embodiment of a bin latch system. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 31-33  show the actuator assembly and nomenclature. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 34-35  show assembly and nomenclature of the latch and substructure. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 36-37  show a close-up view of the open and close position of the latch. 
       
    
    
       [0045]    Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawing. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples. 
         [0047]    The examples below describe a bin latch system. Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in an aircraft system, the system described is provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of bin system. 
         [0048]    Conventional commercial aircraft stowage bin latch assemblies and mechanisms of the like. These Bin Latch Systems are normally comprised of a stowage bin centrally located actuating mechanism (human interface) connected to remote latching devices located in each one of the stowage bin end panels via tubular connecting members. As aircrafts main cabins grow, these stowage bins grow as well. As the primary technology used to connect the actuating mechanism with the remote latches is based on the rotation of the connecting member (tube/rod/link), a significant amount of assembly time is needed to “clock” the remote latch to the connecting member to the actuating mechanism. To reduce this “clocking” the connecting members have the tendency to grow in diameter to reduce their torsional flexibility. 
         [0049]    The invention is directed to multiple contact point latch actuators; latch assemblies comprising said latch actuators in addition to latch strikes and latch units, the latter of which are preferably interlocking to create a constrained mechanical fit between the components thereof, said actuators and latch assemblies being particularly adapted for hinged structures such as stowage bins; and methods for operating latch actuators and latch assemblies, as well as for securing and un-securing hinged structures comprising latch assemblies. 
         [0050]    Embodiments of the invention directed to latch actuators comprise actuator housings rotationally securing, either directly or through an associated structure, cylindrical sleeves. Each such sleeve, in turn, defines a pair of mirror image slots, which are preferably helical or pseudo-helical, the sleeve being rotationally retained by the actuator housing, either directly or through an associated structure. An actuator interface, preferably in the form of a lever arm, is pivotally mounted to the actuator housing, adjacent to the sleeve, and is operatively linked to the sleeve to cause bi-directional rotation of the same during reciprocation of the actuator interface. Alternatively, the actuator interface is directly mounted to or extends from the sleeve. 
         [0051]    Linked to the sleeve are a pair of latch rods, each having a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion terminating at a distal end, wherein each latch rod end and at least part of each latch rod proximal portion is disposed within the sleeve, and a protrusion, sized to fit within a helical slot, extends from each latch rod proximal portion and into a corresponding helical slot of the sleeve. Preferably a biasing member is located axially between the proximal ends of the latch rods to create a distally directed vectored force in each latch rod (i.e., the latch rods are biased to extend from the latch housing towards their respective distal ends). The distal ends of the latch rods include a strike member (or, as will be described below, a connection interface). 
         [0052]    In many embodiments, the distal ends of the latch rods include a connection interface as opposed to a latch interface to enable linkage of extension rods thereto. In this manner, a common latch assembly can be used for a variety of specific application environments wherein the length of the rods can be modified by using differing length extension rods. 
         [0053]    Latch assembly embodiments, as mentioned above, comprise a latch actuator and a pair of latch assemblies, each of which includes a strike housing and a receiver. The strike housing defines an orifice through which the distal end of a latch rod may pass, which itself comprises a strike member. Additionally, the strike housing has at least one restraint means that functions, in combination with complementary restraint means on the receiver, to arrest relative motion (whether in a single axis or multiple axes) between the two parts when the same are in a mated arrangement. 
         [0054]    With respect to the axes of relative motion and restraint, the following convention is used herein: the direction of preferred mating between the strike housing and the receiver occurs in the Y axis and the latch rod reciprocation occurs in the Z axis. As such, the latch interface of a latch rod functions to prevent movement of the receiver relative to the latch housing in at least the positive Y direction (“+Y”) when the two are in a mated arrangement. This is true in both conventional latch-strike arrangements and the various invention embodiments. However, in preferred latch assembly embodiments, at least one landing portion extends from the strike housing face (obverse side) in the positive Z (“+Z”) direction. A seat portion of the receiver presenting to the negative Y side (“−Y”) thereof is sized to contact each landing portion, thereby obviating the need for the strike member to prevent relative movement between the strike housing and the receiver in both Y directions (the landing-seat interference prevents movement of the receiver in the −Y direction). 
         [0055]    To address relative movement between the two latch unit components in strike housing (movement in the −z direction is prevented by contact between the strike housing obverse side and the receiver obverse side), at least one return, displaced from the strike housing obverse side, extends in the +Y direction into a slot defined by the receiver or a groove formed in the receiver reverse side, wherein the slot or groove has a major axis congruent with the Y axis and at least one surface presenting to the +Z side. When this return occupies a complementary slot or groove of the receiver when the two components are in a mated arrangement, movement of the receiver in the +Z direction is thereby prevented. 
         [0056]    In many embodiments, at least one return extends from at least one landing wherein the at least one return is received by a complimentary slot formed in the reverse side of the receiver. 
         [0057]    As a consequence of these complimentary restraints means, a non-strike dependent interlock is established in all directions except for the +Y direction, which is modulated by the extension or retraction of the strike interface. 
         [0058]    For purposes of this patent, the terms “area”, “boundary”, “part”, “portion”, “surface”, “zone”, and their synonyms, equivalents and plural forms, as may be used herein and by way of example, are intended to provide descriptive references or landmarks with respect to the article and/or process being described. These and similar or equivalent terms are not intended, nor should be inferred, to delimit or define per se elements of the referenced article and/or process, unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the several drawings and/or the context in which the term(s) is/are used. 
         [0059]    Current technology utilizes torsion tubes to connect the actuating mechanism with the remote latches; consequently, the current technology remote latches include some sort of complex over-center mechanism that transforms this rotating movement to secure the remote latches to the mounting sub-structure. These remote latches are consequently loud when operated. Additionally, these torsion tubes have a reduced efficiency if and when the distance between the actuating mechanism and the remote latches increase. This increases the time needed to assemble and set up the system during the installation of it. 
         [0060]    It is desirable to have a bin latch mechanism with simplicity of operation and installation. 
         [0061]    The described invention transfers rotation into push/pull action in the actuating mechanism, and utilizes the connecting members as push/pull rods. Consequently, the connecting members have a reduced size and weight, and are not subject to mechanical properties variations if/when their length increase. Additionally, the remote latches are a combination of a few components that interlock with each other utilizing this push/pull motion. A safety device is included on each remote latch to prevent losing of the system when the remote latches are disengaged. Additionally, an emergency release mechanism is included in the remote latches to override the overall mechanism in case of sub-structure damage for example. 
         [0062]      FIG. 1  shows a bin latch system  120  installed in a storage bin. The storage bin comprises a top section  110  and a base board  130  pivotably engaged to the top section for open/close operation. The bin latch system  120 , installed on the base board, comprises a latch actuator  210 , remote latch(s)  230  and latch rod(s)  220  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each latch rod  220  has a distal end  221  coupled to a remote latch  230  and a proximal end  222  coupled to the latch actuator  210 . Each remote latch  230  couples to a connecting member installed on the top section  110 . The latch actuator  210  is configured to control engagement/disengagement between the remote latch and the connecting member such that the base board  130  may pivotably open or remain closed. Although the bin latch system  120  is installed on the base board as shown in  FIG. 1 , one of ordinary skill in the art may understand the bin latch system  120  may be adapted to install in storage bins opening from top, side, or with other configurations. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  show the latch actuator  210  in a closed position and an open position respectively viewed from a human interface (or an actuator interface, a handle)  214 .  FIG. 5  shows a top view and a front view of the actuator of the bin latch.  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  show a component view of the actuator of the bin latch in a closed position and an open position respectively. 
         [0064]    As shown in the above figures, the latch actuator  210  comprises an actuator housing  212  rotationally securing, either directly or through an associated structure, a cylindrical sleeve (or a helix spindle)  218 . The cylindrical sleeve  218  has a pair of mirror image slots  219 , which are preferably helical slots or pseudo-helical slots. The sleeve  218  is rotationally retained by the actuator housing, either directly or through an associated structure. An actuator interface  214 , preferably in the form of a lever arm, is pivotally mounted to the actuator housing  212 , adjacent to the sleeve, and is operatively linked to the sleeve  218  to cause bi-directional rotation of the sleeve  218  during reciprocation of the actuator interface  214 . Alternatively, the actuator interface may be directly mounted to or extends from the sleeve. 
         [0065]    Linked to the sleeve are a pair of latch rods  220 , each having a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion terminating at a distal end, wherein each latch rod end and at least part of each latch rod proximal portion is disposed within the sleeve. Each latch rod  220  also has a protrusion (or a control pin)  222  sized to fit within the helical slot  219 . The protrusion  222  extends from each latch rod proximal portion and into a corresponding helical slot of the sleeve. The protrusion  222  is also slidably confined within a groove  217  of a cover control plate  216  attached to the actuator housing  212 . Preferably a biasing member  215  is located axially between the proximal ends of the latch rods to create a distally directed vectored force in each latch rod (i.e., the latch rods are biased to extend from the latch housing towards their respective distal ends). The biasing member  215  may be a compression spring (as shown in  FIG. 8 ), which is compressed when the acutator interface is in closed position. When the actuator interface  214  is pivotably rotated by a user, the sleeve  218  also rotates to cause the control pin  222  sliding along the helical slot  219  and also sliding in a retracted direction within the control groove  217  of a cover control plate  216 . Such a retracted sliding causes a retraction movement of the latch rods  220 . The distal ends of the latch rods include a strike member (or, as will be described later in  FIGS. 9-20 , a connection interface). 
         [0066]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the actuator. Compared to the actuator shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , the actuator in  FIG. 8  incorporates a pair of connection rods  310 , each of which is attached to the actuator housing  212  on a pivot  320 . The connection rod  310  has a first groove  330  near one end and a second groove  340  near the second end. Preferably, the connection rod  310  has a general L-shape with the first groove perpendicular to the second groove  340 . The protrusion  222  of each latch rod  220  is slidably confined within a corresponding first groove  330 . The second groove  340  of both connection rods  310  are connected by a connection pin  350 , which is also coupled to the actuator interface  214  via a connection bar  360 . The connection pin  350  is slidable in the second groove of both connection rods. Similar to the actuator shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 6 , a biasing member  215  (such as a compression spring) is located axially between the proximal ends of the latch rods  220  to create a vectored force in each latch rod (i.e., the latch rods are biased to extend from the latch housing towards their respective distal ends). When the actuator interface  214  pivotably rotates, it drags the connection pin  350  to pivotably rotate both connection rods  310  around each pivot  320 . Such rotation of the connection rods causes the protrusion  222  of each latch rod  220  retracted sliding further into the actuator housing and thus compressing the biasing member  215  further. Eventually, the retracted sliding of the latch rod  220  causes disengaging movement of the remote latches, which will be described hereinafter. 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  show a first exemplary remote latch in a disengaged position and closed position respectively. A remote latch  230  with a strike member  232  is disposed at the distal end of the latch rod  220 . The strike member  232  may be pushed or pulled by the latch rod  220 . The remote latch  230  is configured to engage or disengage with a mounting substructure  410  installed to a top section of a bin storage (not shown in  FIGS. 9-10 ). The substructure  410  has a striking area (such as a dent)  412  to receive the strike member  232  when the remote latch  230  and substructure  410  are engaged. The strike member  232  extends from remote latch  230  to prevent the substructure  410  from being disengaged unless the latch actuator operates to retract the strike member  232 . In some embodiments, the strike member  232  has a tilted contact surface such that, during the engaging process, the substructure  410  may push the strike member  232  away before the striking area  412  reaches an engagement position to receive the strike member  232 . 
         [0068]    The remote latch shown in  FIGS. 9-10  is simple but has one issue, when the latch actuator malfunctions, the strike member  232  may not able to retract and consequently, the substructure  410  will be able to open. To address this issue, an alternative embodiment of remote latch with corresponding substructure is disclosed in  FIGS. 11-24 . 
         [0069]      FIGS. 11-13  show a prospective view, a front view, and a sectional view of a second exemplary remote latch with corresponding substructure in a closed position respectively. 
         [0070]    The remote latch  240  has a latch housing  250  and a rotatable spindle  241  installed within the latch housing  250 . The spindle  241  has a connecting tab  242  connected to the latch rod  220  and a remote latch engaging tab  244  functioning as a striking member to engage a substructure  510 . 
         [0071]    The latch rod  220  connects to a rod connecting tab  242 . When the latch rod  220  retracts, it drags the rod connecting tab  242  to rotate the spindle  241  from a closed position to an open position, wherein the remote latch engaging tab  244  extends out of the latch housing  250  in the closed position and withdraws within the latch housing  250  in the open position. In some embodiments, the spindle  241  couples to a torsion spring  243 , which biases the spindle  241  toward the closed position. 
         [0072]    The substructure  510  has a substructure housing  512  and an engagement bar  514  disposed within the housing. The engagement bar  514  extrudes out of the substructure housing  512  by default. When the substructure  510  engages with the remote latch  240 , the remote latch engaging tab  244  extends out of the latch housing  250  and prevents the engagement bar  514  from any disengagement movement. 
         [0073]    In some embodiments, the substructure housing  512  further integrates an extended arm  518  and a latch interlock release pin  519  protruded from the extended arm  518 . When the substructure  510  engages with the remote latch  240 , the latch interlock release pin  519  resides within an aperture  252  of the latch housing  250 . Such arrangement ensures that when the substructure  510  engages with the remote latch  240 , they are also interlocked with each other to provide enhanced engagement robustness. 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, the extended arm  518  has a protruded distal end  517 , which also interlocks to the latch housing  250  when the substructure  510  engages with the remote latch  240 . The protruded distal end  517  or the latch interlock release pin  519  may operate individually or in combination to implement the interlock function for enhanced engagement robustness. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments, the remote latch  240  further comprises a remote latch lock bar  245  disposed within the aperture  252  of the latch housing  250 . The remote latch lock bar  245  has an indent  246  aligned with the rod connecting tab  242  when the spindle  241  is in the closed position. The remote latch lock bar  245  further comprises a bar groove  249  and a remote latch lock spring  247  disposed within the bar groove  249 . When the spindle  241  is in the closed position, the remote latch lock spring  247  is compressed against a remote latch lock pin  248 , which is securely attached to the latch housing  250 . 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, the substructure  510  further comprises a latch safety level  516  pivotably attached to the substructure housing  512  and coupled to the engagement bar  514 . The latch safety level  516  is biased by a compressed spring  515 , to set the engagement bar  514  projected out from the substructure housing  512 . The latch safety level  516  may be pivotably moved under emergency situation (such as when the latch actuator does not operate, etc.) to slide the engagement bar  514  back into the substructure housing  512  such that the substructure  510  may be disengaged from the remote latch  240  even without the retraction movement of the latch rod  220 . The details of the operation of the latch safety level  516  will be disclosed later with respect to  FIGS. 20-25 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, the remote latch  240  further incorporates a roller  254  attached to the latch housing  250 . The roller  254  may be disposed on the same side as the remote latch engaging tab  244  to provide additional structure support for the alignment between the remote latch  240  and the substructure  510 . The roller  254  also smooths the engagement and disengagement movement between the remote latch  240  and the substructure  510 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 14-16  show a prospective view, a front view, and a sectional view of the remote latch  240  with corresponding substructure in an open position. When the latch rod  220  retracts (caused by the latch actuator  210  as disclosed with respect to  FIGS. 4-8 ), it drags the rod connecting tab  242  to rotate the spindle  241  from a closed position to an open position, wherein the remote latch engaging tab  244  extends out of the latch housing  250  in the closed position and withdraws within the latch housing  250  in the open position. With the remote latch engaging tab  244  withdrawn, the substructure is ready to be disengaged from the remote latch  240 . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 17-19  show a prospective view, a front view, and a sectional view of the remote latch  240  being disengaged from the substructure  510 . When the remote latch engaging tab  244  withdraws, the rod connecting tab  242  also rotates out from the indent  246  of the remote latch lock bar  245  simultaneously. The remote latch lock spring  247  pushes the remote latch lock bar  245  to slide upward along the aperture  252  to release the kinetic energy stored within the remote latch lock spring  247 . Such a push may also facilitate the process of disengagement between the remote latch  240  and the substructure  510 . 
         [0080]    Once the remote latch lock bar  245  slides upward, the indent  246  is not aligned to the rod connecting tab  242 . Consequently, the spindle  241  is locked in the open position unless the substructure  510  re-engages to the remote latch  240  to push the remote latch lock bar  245  downward by the latch interlock release pin  519 . Such a configuration is advantageous to keep the remote latch  240  staying in the disengaged state once the substructure  510  detaches from the remote latch  240 . Furthermore, during the engaging process, the remote latch lock spring  247  also provide a “soft-close” mechanism to prevent abrupt mechanic stresses. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 20-22  show a prospective view, a front view, and a sectional view of the remote latch  240  and the substructure  510  in a released position under emergency operation. Under normal operation, the latch safety level  516  is biased by a compressed spring  515 , to set the engagement bar  514  projected out from the substructure housing  512 . However, in an emergency situation (such as when the latch actuator does not operate or the latch rod is broken, etc.), the latch safety level  516  may be used to provide an alternative way to disengage the substructure  510  from the remote latch  240 . During emergency operation, the latch safety level  516  may be pivotably moved to slide the engagement bar  514  backward within the substructure housing  512  such that the remote latch engaging tab  244  is no longer an obstacle for the disengaging movement of substructure  510 , even though the remote latch engaging tab  244  still extends out of the latch housing  250 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 23-25  show a prospective view, a front view, and a sectional view of the remote latch  240  and the substructure  510  being disengaged under emergency operation. Compared to the disengagement under normal operation as shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , the disengagement under emergency operation differs in two aspects. First, the remote latch engaging tab  244  still extends out of the latch housing  250 . Second, the indent  246  of the remote latch lock bar  245  still aligns to the rod connecting tab  242 . Such configurations ensure that the remote latch stays in the closed position even the substructure  510  disengages from it already. When the substructure  510  engages again, the remote latch  240  does not need to reset to the closed position again. 
         [0083]      FIG. 26  shows a second embodiment of a bin latch system including an actuator  2601  with interchangeable end pieces, or latches  2602 .  FIG. 27  shows the bin latch system including the actuator  2601  and latches  2602  installed in a storage bin.  FIG. 28  shows a close-up view of the actuator  2601 , the remote latches  2602 , latch rod  2603  coupled between the actuator  2601  and the remote latch  2602 , and substructures  2604  capable of engaging to corresponding remote latch  2602 . 
         [0084]    The second embodiment of a bin latch system is directed to multiple contact point latch actuators; latch assemblies comprising said latch actuators in addition to latch strikes and latch units, the latter of which are preferably interlocking to create a constrained mechanical fit between the components thereof, said actuators and latch assemblies being particularly adapted for hinged structures such as stowage bins; and methods for operating latch actuators and latch assemblies, as well as for securing and un-securing hinged structures comprising latch assemblies. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 29 and 30  shows an open and closed position of the second embodiment of a bin latch system. When the actuator  2601  operates to pull the latch rod  2603  or cause the latch rod retract toward the actuator  2601  (as shown in  FIG. 29 ), the latch  2602  disengages with the corresponding substructure  2604 . On the contrary, when the actuator  2601  operates to push the latch rod  2603  or cause the latch rod extend toward the latch  2602  (as shown in  FIG. 30 ), the latch  2602  engages with the corresponding substructure  2604 . The latch rods  2603  shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30  are just for schematic view and may have length different from identified in the Figs. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 31-33  show assembly and nomenclature of the actuator  2601 . The actuator handle  11  is coupled to a helix drive (control helix  19 ), which transforms the rotational movement of the handle  11  into axial movement via helix grooves into bearing balls  20  that are coupled with control rods  2  (also referred as the latch rod  2603 ). As these control rods  2  can only move axially (rotation controlled by slide screw  26 ), they react to the input of the bearing balls, which in turn, are riding on the Control Rod helix groves. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 34-35  shows assembly and nomenclature of the latch and substructure. The control rods  2  (also referred as the latch rod  2603 ) are connected to remote latches  2602 . These remote latches receive the control rod motion through the push pull plunger  7 . These push pull plungers include an angles slot in them so they can transform the axial movement input into a rotational movement via the interface ball  8  into the bolt  5  which pivots around the R&amp;L Bolt Sleeve  9 . Once the remote latch is open, the sub structure latch bolt  13  is free, and the sub structure  2604  is then disengaged from the remote latch  2602 . Once this occurs, the remote latch  2602  lock spring  4  moves to rest in its locked position preventing the remote latch bolt  5  from returning to its closed position. As this occurs at both ends of the latch system, this feature makes the system binary in terms of positions. This is visible to the operator as the handle is consequently locked in its open position. Only when the sub structure  2604  is back into its engaged position, the remote latch lock spring  4  is pushed away and the remote latch bolt  5  is spring loaded to its locked position by the remote latch bolt spring  10 . Once this occurs, the actuator handle ( 11  in  FIG. 31 ) is able to rotate to its closed position assisted as well by the control rod springs  23  (in  FIG. 31 ). 
         [0088]      FIGS. 36-37  show a close-up view of the open and close position of the latch. When the actuator  2601  operates to pull the latch rod  2603  or cause the latch rod retract toward the actuator  2601  (as shown in  FIG. 29 ), the latch  2602  disengages with the corresponding substructure  2604 . On the contrary, when the actuator  2601  operates to push the latch rod  2603  or cause the latch rod extend toward the latch  2602  (as shown in  FIG. 30 ), the latch  2602  engages with the corresponding substructure  2604 . 
         [0089]    Those skilled in the art will realize that the bin latch can be constructed with various configurations. For example a latch actuator or a remote latch may comprise different combination of components other than disclosed in the aforementioned embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also realize that the bin latch can be constructed with various modifications. For example, the bin latch system may be configured with a latch actuator controlling only one remote latch using one latch rod with minor modification of the latch actuator. 
         [0090]    Those skilled in the art will also realize that a bin latch may further incorporate different components. The foregoing description of the invention has been described for purposes of clarity and understanding. Various modifications may be implemented within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.