Abstract:
A latching apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first assembly disposed on a first portion of a vehicle. A second assembly is disposed on a second portion of the vehicle and configured to detachably attach with the first assembly. The second assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to prevent damage upon the first assembly detected in an undesirable orientation during insertion therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to the field of latch assemblies, and specifically in one exemplary aspect to an automobile hood latch. 
     2. Description of Related Technology 
     Latch assemblies are well known in the art. Such latch assemblies are used to join together two or more members. Latch assemblies may be utilized to fasten a swinging closure or cover to a closed position. In one example, swinging cover or wall of the hood encloses the engine of a motor vehicle. Some related art patents discussed below (and incorporated by reference in their entirety) are representative art of conventional latch assemblies. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,488,836 discloses a pin-tumbler lock operable only by a key adapted to the form and arrangement of the usual series of pin-tumblers included in the lock mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,824 includes a fastener element provided with spiral cam slots for engaging a spring attached to one of its members. More specifically, when the fastener element is axially rotated, a spring is urged into the cam slots to fasten the spring and element together. Further in this example, fastening elements are inventoried of varying lengths to adjust a length of the fastener element for accommodating a fastening distance between members. U.S. Pat. No. 2,110,435 discloses a latching structure with an opening to receive a cam structure and with a curved plate latching means. 
     Other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,390 disclosing a key-operated latch mechanism adapted for reception and latching of that portion of a latch pin extending beyond the hood pin to the end of the device to prevent unauthorized removal of the latch pin; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,570,281 discloses fastening means whereby two head fasteners on a suitable fold of a curtain are maintained through eyelets of the fasteners or studs so as to facilitate the opening and the closed operation of the fasteners. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,646 discloses a receptacle including a housing formed with a base and a pair of opposing spaced legs adapted to receive a stud there between. A stop surface is on the housing to engage with an upper surface of one member when the receptacle is partially extended through an opening therein. 
     In many instances, latch structure may further be desired to achieve still wider variety of fastening options and give improved adaptability of a fastener to a variety of surfaces and opening sizes and types without the need for multiple fasteners as well as improved outward appearance of the fastened element. For instance, a fastener needs to blend into, augment, or conform to a surrounds of the members that it attaches to improve outward appearance of the attached article. In this same instance, a manufacturer or user may find it beneficial that an off-the-shelf fastener gives an appearance of a customized fit, e.g., in an open position, the fastener does not extend, dangle, or hang from the members that it&#39;s attached. Furthermore, a user may further desire that a fastener that is off-the-shelf provides a catch mechanism to prevent wrong orientation when being placed in a closed position but still remain relatively low cost and reusable. In addition, a manufacturer may further desire that the fasteners don&#39;t cause significant wear on painted surfaces when in use. 
     Thus, what is needed are improved fastener apparatus and methods that permit easy initial configuring and reconfiguring, i.e., provide adaptability to multiple situations, to meet a particular goal, such as fasteners don&#39;t dangle on a hood surface when unlocked or require lanyards. Such improved apparatus and methods would also ideally allow a person other than a mechanic or mechanical servicing professional to implement or attach the improved fastener, and would further permit the creation of user-customized fasteners configurations and customized fit and appearance such as through the use of fastener internal adjustment mechanisms. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed capable of preventing damage when assemblies of the apparatus are misaligned. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly is disposed on a first portion of a vehicle. The second assembly disposed on a second portion of the vehicle and configured to detachably attach with the first assembly. The second assembly comprises an adjustment mechanism to prevent damage upon the first assembly being detected in an undesirable orientation during insertion therein. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, an adjustable locking structure is disclosed for a hood of a vehicle. A twist lock handle integrates into a surface of the hood. In one embodiment, the handle may mate with a slotted opening in a bracket located on a structure of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the twist lock handle mounts orthogonal to the surface of the hood. A bushing is proximal to the surface of the hood and operatively connects to the twist lock handle to limit range of motion of the twist lock handle. In one example, bushing limits range of motion to substantially a quarter turn range of motion. In another example, detents in the twist lock handle prevent motion until an active force rotates the handle. In another embodiment, a keyed hood pin may include an incremental height adjustment mechanism to prevent pin misalignment and adjust an operational height of the keyed hood pin. A keyed structure may operatively connect to the keyed hood pin to prevent damage of the slotted opening in the bracket upon the hood being swung from at least a partially opened position to a substantially closed position. 
     These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and Combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front prospective exploded view of a portion of a hood of an automobile showing attachment of a latching mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a latching apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a hood pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of a hood pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a hood pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of a driver bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of a passenger bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a latching apparatus for a driver&#39;s bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a latching apparatus for a passenger&#39;s bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a driver&#39;s bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a passenger&#39;s bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling the latching apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     Overview 
     In one salient aspect, the present invention discloses apparatus and methods for a latching apparatus of a hood for, inter alia, locking purposes as well as aesthetics to look like, in one variant, the twist lock of the 1968 Mustang Hood Pins. In particular, the present invention discloses an apparatus and method that may be configured using one adjustable latching apparatus for multiple configuration requirements, e.g., hood height, hood depth, hood body styles, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a technique to prevent dangling, for example, of an unsecured or unlocked latching apparatus. In addition, the present invention further discloses a structure that prevents damage to the latching apparatus if it is in a locked position when the hood hinges (due to the hood closing) rotates from a open position to a closed position, e.g., to contact a portion of the vehicle, e.g., slots in a support bracket of the vehicle. 
     In addition, the latching apparatus provides for securely maintaining a locking position until an active force is applied when, e.g., a handle is turned. In addition, the latching apparatus of the present invention prevents wear of a painted surface by, e.g., using bushings that are keyed into the hood. Thus, the apparatus advantageously allows multiple configuration styles and supports many different system configurations through its ability to provide to a user significant flexibility of rapid adjustment to create new “customized” fit. 
     Exemplary Extension Apparatus 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-11 , exemplary embodiments of the latching apparatus of the invention are described in detail. It will be appreciated that while described primarily in the context of a hood latching apparatus, at least portions of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used in other applications, such as for example and without limitation vehicles such as trucks, motorcycles, boats, trains, planes, or other applications, such as storage sheds and the like. Moreover, it will be recognized that the present invention may find utility beyond purely latching concerns. For example, the “latching apparatus” described subsequently herein may conceivably be replaced with sections or components having other functionality; e.g., helping reduce strain, stress, loading, tension, and support housings and cases for computer systems, etc. A myriad other functions will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art given the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , latching apparatus  100  of vehicle  101  includes inner hood bushing  102  that attaches to hood surface  104  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Inner hood bushing  102  includes, for example, projection members  106   a ,  106   b  (e.g., fasteners) that couple to hood surface  104 . Outer hood bushing  108  includes one or more slotted members  110   a ,  110   b  (e.g., fasteners) to mate with one or more projection members  106   a ,  106   b  of inner hood bushing  102  when turned by twist handle  112 . Twist handle  112  couples to busing  114 , e.g., u-shaped busing, through pivot pin  116 , to allow twist handle  112  to rest orthogonal to hood outer surface  118  of hood surface  104 . Advantageously, the present invention implementation of pivot pin  116  permits customized “contour fitted” twist handle  112  at an angle in accordance with the contour of outer hood surface  118 . Thus, this invention allows a manufacturer) or after market-user) to achieve a customized fit for the twist handle  112  for a multitude of hood shape requirements in contrast to conventional, fixed surface attachment, hood ornaments or pins. 
     Furthermore, as shown, for instance, in  FIG. 2 , twist handle  112  couples to inner hood bushing  102  through bushing  114 . By rotating twist handle  112 , inner hood bushing  102  rotates about outer hood bushing  108  and detachably locks when mating structures, e.g.,  106   a ,  106   b  of inner hood bushing  102  and  110   a ,  110   b  of outer hood bushing  108  interlock. Advantageously, the inner hood bushing  102  and outer hood bushing  108  rotate on connecting surfaces, thus, paint on a hood surface is not contacted (preserved) even when the twist handle  112  is rotated as compared to conventional, hold down hood apparatuses (not shown) contact a painted or chrome surface of vehicle  101  upon rotation. 
     As shown, for instance, in  FIG. 2 , pin receiver  120  comprises cam structure  122  operatively connected to bushing  114  though pins  124   a ,  124   b . In one embodiment, pins  124   a ,  124   b  are advantageously orthogonally positioned to that of pivot pin  116  to allow independent spatial alignment and adjustment of twist handle  112  and height adjustment and locking capability of the hood pin  128 . The height adjustment and locking capability of the hood pin  128  are described below. In one variant, c-clip retainer  126  inserts between inner hood bushing  102  to couple with cam structure  122 . Hood pin  128 , in one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , includes threads  130 , and a variant of the present embodiment, a hood pin alignment slot  132 , to provide a height adjustment (e.g., strike length) of latching apparatus  100 . To adjust strike length of the first latching assembly  134 , retaining washer  136 , and retaining clip  135  may be advantageously rotated about threads  130  and jam nuts  138   a ,  138   b  (to provide a dual-securement opportunity) to secure a desired height adjustment. In contrast to the present invention, conventional systems may require a different hood pin for each type, system, or configuration of attachment process. Thus, this invention advantageously, in contrast to fixed height pin conventional systems, provides, in many instances and situations, a one-size fits all latching capability. 
     Advantageously, in one embodiment, the present invention provides hood pin alignment slot  132  to provide an equal increment, hood pin adjustment feature. More specifically, hood pin alignment slot  132  allows only complete turn rotation, e.g., 360 turn alignment, of hood pin  128  in comparison to conventional systems requiring manual or crude adjustment of the hood pin height, which may result in hood pin misalignment or misorientation of, for example, latching apparatus  100 . For instance, using conventional non-complete revolution hood adjustment, keyed structure  140  may be misaligned with slot structure  142  and cause keyed structure  140  to strike slot structure  142  in a misaligned orientation (possibly damaging slot structure  142  or keyed structure  140 ) when a hood swings toward a closed position (e.g., locked position). 
     Keyed structure  140  operatively couples to hood pin  128  using pin  143  through hole  139  to cam pin retainer  144 . In one variant, keyed structure  140  includes a radial area structure to limit range of motion of the twist handle  112 . In one embodiment, range of motion of the twist handle  112  is approximately 45 degrees. In one variant of second latching assembly  152 , as shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , spring retention clips  148  (e.g., leaf springs) attached to bracket  150  further secure keyed structure  140  to vehicle  101 . In another variant, sides of slot structure  142  are chamfered to further restrict (e.g., lock) keyed structure  140  to bracket  150 . Advantageously, if hood pin  128  rotates to a locked position and hood is slammed shut, keyed structure  140  contacts a portion of bracket  150  or misaligned with slot structure  142  rotates away using cam pin retainer  144 ; thus, this feature prevent damage to latching apparatus  100  during misorientation (or misalignment). In addition, as part of bracket on vehicle, spring retention clips  148  includes clip protrusion  160  that flexes in and out to lock and unlock keyed structure  140  when twist handle  112  is rotated. Furthermore, core support mount  164  may align or secure bumper hood pin  162  to provide an entry slot for keyed structure  140 . 
     Exemplary Methods 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , an exemplary embodiment of the method for fabricating the aforementioned latching apparatus is described. While described primarily in the context of the exemplary embodiments of apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , it will be appreciated that the methodology presented herein may be readily adapted to any different configuration of apparatus  100  by those of ordinary skill. 
     In step  502 , with hood open, install assembly threw hole in top of hood. In step  504 , install inner hood bushing. In step  506 , install retaining snap ring. In step  508 , install pin assembly including screwing in pin assembly until it bottoms out, unscrew roughly two turns until retaining washer legs lines up with notch in shaft retainer, and push up the retaining washer and tighten jam nut(s). 
     In step  510 , install opposite side hood pin assembly top hood inner bushing to a hood surface. In step  512 , install driver retainer bracket assembly by installing bracket onto core support. In step  514 , install passenger bracket assembly by installing bracket onto core support. 
     In step  516 , adjust pins to proper tension in the retaining brackets by with hood closed, attempting to lock pins by rotating handle clockwise a quarter turn into the detent of bracket leaf springs. If pin is adjusted too long, it will not engage bracket leaf springs, and if too short it will interfere with bracket not allowing handle to turn. 
     In step  518 , if proper tension is not achieved, unlock handles and open hood to adjust pin. In this step, adjust pin by loosing jam nut(s) enough so that retaining washer drops down enough to clear notch in pin retainer. In addition, if necessary, rotate counterclockwise to lengthen and clockwise to shorten. In one variant, 360 increments can be produced in order to retain washing leg notch in pin retainer. Once necessary adjustment is made, push up retaining washer so it&#39;s leg drops into notch of pin retainer. Tighten jam nut(s). Repeat step  518  until proper tension is achieved and pin locks securely in detent of leaf springs. 
     In step  520 , locate bumpers removed from twist lock assembly and screw bumper over pin and onto outside diameter of retaining washer as far as it goes. In step  522 , close hood, lock pins, and check alignment of fender to hood. Push on corner of hood to check deflection and unlock hood and readjust bumper until fender and hood alignment is achieved. 
     It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the invention have been described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the invention, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the invention disclosed and claimed herein. 
     While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. The foregoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.