Latch assembly with selectively assembled components

A latch assembly combination having: a) a first plate assembly; b) first and second axles extending from the first plate assembly; c) a rotor mounted to one of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement between latched and released positions; d) a catch mounted to the other of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement between: i) an engaged position wherein the catch blocks the rotor in the latched position; and ii) a disengaged position wherein the rotor is allowed to reposition; e) a biasing assembly for urging the rotor toward the released position; and f) at least one of: i) a second plate assembly that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly in first and second different manners; and ii) third and fourth plate assemblies of different configuration that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to latch systems for releasably maintaining a repositionable closure element in a predetermined position relative to a support therefor and, more particularly, to a latch assembly having a housing with a repositionable rotor thereon for engaging a strike element with the housing and strike element mounted one each on the support and closure element.

2. Background Art

There is a multitude of latch assemblies currently in existence that use a cooperating strike element and rotor to releasably maintain a movable element, such as a closure element, in at least one predetermined position, relative to a support upon which the closure element is mounted. This combination is used in many different industries and environments for both static and dynamic applications.

Typical of this construction is the use of a housing that supports cooperating rotor and catch components. The rotor is repositionable relative to the housing between a latched position and a released position and is spring biased normally towards the latter. As the closure element is moved towards the predetermined position therefor, the strike element interacts with the rotor and causes the rotor to be moved from the released position into the latched position, as an incident of which the strike element becomes captive in a receptacle defined by the rotor. A catch engages the rotor to maintain the rotor in the latched position and is repositionable to allow the rotor to be moved under the spring bias force back into the released position, whereupon the closure element can be moved out of the predetermined position therefor.

Typically, the basic components of the latch assembly are pre-assembled as a module that can be integrated into an actuating system that will ultimately be used to change the rotor from the latched position into the released position therefor. Suppliers of these types of systems encounter demands for myriad different module configurations, depending upon the mounting requirements and nature of the actuating system. As just examples, certain applications require left-handed operation while others require right-handed operation. Repositioning of the rotor through the actuating system may require the direct application of a force on an actuator element that is directly on the housing or upon an actuator assembly that is remote from the housing. The operation of the actuating system may be manually performed or may rely on powered components. Within each of these variations is a further subset of multiple different structures.

Heretofore, each latch assembly module has been custom designed. Latch assembly modules with specific characteristics and features are constructed using a dedicated supply of components, typically including: a) a specific housing; b) a pair of axles; c) a particular “handed” rotor; d) a particular “handed” catch; and e) one or more springs for producing the normal bias on the rotor. These components will normally be stocked in a manner that they can be serially picked and assembled on a dedicated line. Thus, each particular module configuration requires its own dedicated stock of components that is combinable in a consistent manner. Generally, the only components that are practically interchangeable, to be crossed over from one module design to the next, are the axles.

By reason of custom designing and assembling individual modules, there are a number of inherent inefficiencies, from the standpoint of tooling, required stocking and assembly space, manning of assembly lines and inventory control. Generally, manufacturers will keep on hand components for a particular module based upon anticipated demand. By doing so, orders can be filled promptly. However, demand for particular types of modules may fluctuate significantly, as result of which an excess of one particular design may be on hand while there is a shortage of another design. The only way to promptly meet customer demand is to keep on hand an excess of each different module design. This may lead to a significant stock of unused inventory. This is a problem not only from the standpoint of the financial investment, but also from the standpoint that the components and/or assembled modules must be stored.

Further, over time, demand for a certain design of module may decrease, whereupon the inventory of the particular design may remain stagnant and ultimately may have to be disposed of with significant financial consequences.

Also, as noted above, if the manufacturer offers, for example, ten different module constructions, ten different set-ups or lines may be required in the manufacturing facility. This may take up a significant amount of valuable facility space. Manning of these multiple lines may introduce other inefficiencies, potentially both from the standpoint of inefficient personnel time usage and excess personnel.

Aside from space and manning issues, the engineering, tooling and set-up costs increase with the number of parts and model variations. Preparatory to final design manufacture, each latch assembly version must be prototyped and tested to avoid potentially unforseen manufacturing or performance problems. All the above considerations potentially also lead to a delay in introducing a product to market.

The industry continues to seek out latch assembly designs that can be efficiently manufactured to allow suppliers to offer a line of high quality latch assembly products that meet a wide range of customer needs and demands at competitive pricing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A latch assembly combination comprising: a) a first plate assembly; b) first and second axles extending from the first plate assembly and respectively having first and second axes; c) a rotor mounted to one of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement around the axis of the one of the first and second axles between latched and released positions; d) a catch mounted to the other of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement around the axis of the other of the first and second axles between: i) an engaged position wherein the catch blocks the rotor in the latched position; and ii) a disengaged position wherein the rotor is allowed to change from the latched position into the released; e) a biasing assembly for normally urging the rotor toward the released position; and f) at least one of: i) a second plate assembly that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly in first and second different manners to thereby cause the latch assembly to have first and second different operating characteristics; and ii) third and fourth plate assemblies of different configuration that can be selectively operatively joined, one in place of the other, to the first plate assembly to thereby cause the latch assembly to have third and fourth different operating characteristics. The second, third and fourth plate assemblies are selectively operatively joinable, one in place of the others, to the first plate assembly to allow selection of a desired operating characteristic for the latch assembly.

In one form, a first trip assembly with a first trip component is mounted to the second plate assembly for guided movement between: a) a normal position; and b) an actuated position. With the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly, movement of the first trip component from the normal position into the actuated position causes the catch to be moved from the engaged position into the disengaged position.

In one form, the first trip assembly is part of a first actuating system including a first actuator assembly that is operable to cause the first trip component to be moved from the normal position into the actuated position.

In one form, the second plate assembly has first and second bores with first and second axes. With the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the first manner, the first and second axes of the axles are respectively aligned with the first and second axes of the bores. With the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the second manner, the first and second axes of the axles are respectively aligned with the second and first axes of the bores.

In one form, with the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the first manner, the rotor is mounted to the first axle and the catch is mounted to the second axle. With the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the second manner, the rotor is mounted to the second axle and the catch is mounted to the first axle.

In one form, the trip component is mounted to the second plate assembly in the same manner with the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in each of the first and second different manners.

In one form, the biasing assembly includes a first coil spring that cooperates between at least one of the first and second plate assemblies and the rotor with the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the first manner to bias the rotor toward the released position. The same first coil spring cooperates between the at least one of the first and second plate assemblies and catch, with the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the second manner, to bias the catch towards the engaged position.

In one form, the rotor has a receptacle for a strike element. The second plate assembly has first and second oppositely opening U-shaped receptacles. With the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the first manner, the rotor receptacle aligns with the first U-shaped receptacle, and with the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly in the second manner, the rotor receptacle aligns with the second U-shaped receptacle.

In one form, the first plate assembly, first and second axles and rotor are substantially the same with each of the second, third, and fourth plate assemblies operatively joined to the first plate assembly.

In one form, the biasing assembly includes at least one coil spring that is substantially the same with each of the second, third, and fourth plate assemblies operatively joined to the first plate assembly.

In one form, the first plate assembly consists of a flat wall with oppositely facing flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and a first reference plane. The oppositely facing flat surfaces bound a first thickness. The first plate assembly further has first and second discrete tabs that project transversely to the first reference plane and define a support for the at least one coil spring.

In one form, the at least one coil spring consists of at least first and second coil springs. The first coil spring acts between the rotor and first discrete tab to urge the rotor towards the released position. The second coil spring acts between the catch and second discrete tab to urge the catch towards the engaged position.

In one form, the flat wall and first and second discrete tabs are formed as one piece.

In one form, the second plate assembly consists of a first flat wall with oppositely facing flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other and a first reference plane. The oppositely facing flat surfaces bound a first thickness. A first tab extends transversely to the first reference plane. The first trip component is mounted to the first tab for guided pivoting movement between the normal and actuated positions.

In one form, the first flat wall and first tab are formed as one piece.

In one form, the first tab projects from the first wall at a first location. The third plate assembly consists of a second flat wall with a shape generally similar to the first flat wall, including oppositely facing flat surfaces that are parallel to each other and a second reference plane. The third plate assembly has a second tab that is transverse to the second reference plane and is at a second location on the second flat wall that is different than a location on the second flat wall corresponding to the first location on the first wall.

In one form, the third plate assembly consists of a second flat wall with oppositely facing flat surfaces that are parallel to each other and a second reference plane. The third plate assembly has first and second tabs that are each transverse to the second reference plane and define a support for a second trip assembly with a second trip component that is mounted to the third plate assembly for guided movement between: a) a normal position; and b) an actuated position. With the third plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly, movement of the first trip component from the normal position into the actuated position causes the catch to be moved from the engaged position into the disengaged position.

In one form, the second trip component is mounted directly to each of the first and second tabs for guided movement between the normal and actuated positions.

In one form, the second trip component is mounted directly to the first tab for guided movement between its normal and actuated position.

A third trip component may be provided that is mounted directly to the second tab for guided pivoting movement between: a) a normal position, and b) an actuated position. Movement of the third trip component from its normal position into its actuated position causes the catch to be moved from the engaged position into the disengaged position.

In one form, the third trip component is not mounted directly to the first tab.

In one form, there are different numbers of tabs on the second and third plate assemblies that project transversely respectively with respect to the first and second reference planes.

In one form, at least one of the rotor and catch is made from first and second different materials.

In one form, the at least one of the rotor and catch has a bore to receive one of the axles which guides the at least one of the rotor and catch in pivoting movement around the axis of the one of the axles. The bore in the at least one of the rotor and catch is bounded by a surface defined at least in part by the first material. The first material is of a nature that it causes the at least one of the rotor and catch and one axle to generate less noise by moving guidingly against each other than would the at least one of the rotor and catch if the at least part of the surface was defined by the second material.

In one form, the first material is at least one of: a) rubber; b) plastic; and c) a composite.

In one form, the at least one of the rotor and catch has an exposed surface defined by the second material and the first material covers only a part of the exposed surface.

In one form, the at least one of the rotor and catch has an exposed surface defined by the second material and the first material covers substantially the entirety of the exposed surface.

In one form, the second material comprises metal.

In one form, at least one of the rotor and catch has a bore bounded by a first surface that is guided against a second surface on one of the axles that extends into the bore. At least one of the first and second surfaces is defined by a first material that is applied over a second material and that has a tendency to prevent noise generation more effectively than the first material would as the first and second surfaces are moved guidingly against each other.

In one form, there are cooperating first and second surfaces, respectively on the rotor and catch, that interact to cause the catch in the engaged position to block the rotor in the latched position, At least one of the first and second surfaces is defined by a first material that is applied over a second material.

In one form, the first material tends to avoid noise generation more effectively than would the second material as the first and second surfaces interact.

In one form, a second trip assembly with a second trip component is mounted to the second plate assembly for guided movement between: a) a normal position; and b) an actuated position. With the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly, selective movement of either of the first and second trip components from its normal position into its actuated position causes the catch to be moved from the engaged position into the disengaged position.

In one form, the catch has spaced first and second surfaces upon which the first and second trip components respectively act.

In one form, the latch assembly combination may further be provided in combination with an actuating system including an actuator assembly.

In one form, the first trip component defines an actuating assembly on an actuating system that is directly engagable and repositionable by a user.

In one form, the actuator assembly includes an actuator element that is operated remotely from the first trip component.

In one form, the latch assembly combination may further be provided in combination with a closure element, that is movable guidingly relative to a support between first and second positions, and a strike assembly with a strike element. The latch assembly and strike assembly are provided, one each in the support and closure element, and cooperate to releasably maintain the closure element in one of the first and second positions.

In one form, the rotor defines a receptacle for the strike element. The rotor and at least one of: a) the first plate assembly; and b) one of the second, third and fourth plate assemblies, that is operatively joined to the first plate assembly, cooperate to maintain the strike element in the rotor receptacle with the rotor in the latched position and the closure element in the one of the first and second positions.

In one form, the rotor and the first plate assembly and the one of the second, third, fourth plate assemblies, that is operatively joined to the first plate assembly, cooperate to maintain the strike element in the rotor receptacle with the rotor in the latched position and the closure element in the one of the first and second positions.

In one form, with the second plate assembly operatively joined to the first plate assembly, the first plate assembly and second plate assembly define a housing with a generally rectangular shape with a perimeter edge consisting of spaced length edge portions, spaced width edge portions, and a chamber within which the rotor and catch reside. The spaced length and width edge portions each has a perimeter dimension. The majority of the perimeter dimension of at least one of the length and width edge portions is open so that the chamber is exposed at the majority of the perimeter dimension of the at least one of the length and width edge portions.

In one form, the majority of the entire perimeter edge is open so that the chamber is exposed over the majority of the entire perimeter edge.

In one form, the strike element is in the form of a closed hoop.

In one form, the rotor is substantially the same with each of the second, third, and fourth plate assemblies operatively joined to the first plate assembly.

In one form, the catch is substantially the same with each of the second, third and fourth plate assemblies operatively joined to the first plate assembly.

In one form, the flat wall has an exposed perimeter edge with a perimeter length and a majority of the perimeter length resides between spaced planes within which the oppositely facing flat surfaces reside, and has the first thickness.

In one form, the first flat wall has an exposed perimeter edge with a perimeter length and a majority of the perimeter length resides between spaced planes within which the oppositely facing flat surfaces reside and has the first thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown schematically inFIG. 1, the invention is directed to a latch assembly combination at10consisting of a first plate assembly12from which first and second axles14,16extend. A rotor18is mounted to the first axle14, with a catch20mounted to the second axle16. The rotor18is guided by the first axle14in pivoting movement around the axis of the first axle14between latched and released positions. The catch20is similarly guided in pivoting movement by the second axle16around the axis of the axle16between: a) an engaged position wherein the catch20blocks the rotor18in the latched position; and b) a disengaged position, wherein the rotor18is allowed to change from the latched position into the released position. A biasing assembly22normally urges the rotor18towards the released position and the catch20towards an engaged position.

The latch assembly components are selectively combined to produce latch assemblies with different, desired operating characteristics. In one form, a second plate assembly24can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly12in first and second different manners to thereby cause the resulting latch assembly to have first and second operating characteristics.

As an alternative to selecting the second plate assembly24, a collection of third and fourth plate assemblies26,28, as shown at29, can be made available. The third and fourth plate assemblies26,28have different configurations, with one of the plate assemblies26,28potentially having the same configuration as the second plate assembly24. The third and fourth plate assemblies26,28can be selectively operatively joined, one in place of the other, and the second plate assembly24, to the first plate assembly12to thereby cause the resulting latch assemblies to have third and fourth different operating characteristics attributable to the incorporation of the third and fourth plate assemblies26,28, respectively.

The second, third and fourth plate assemblies24,26,28are selectively and individually operatively joinable to the first plate assembly12, one in plate of the others, to allow selection of a desired operating characteristic for the resulting latch assembly30(FIG. 2).

The latch assembly components are shown schematically inFIG. 1in that the invention contemplates that the components could vary in configuration, as well as and in terms of how they interact with each other, over a wide range. The various embodiments that will be described hereinbelow are only exemplary of the many different structures contemplated by the invention.

As shown inFIG. 2, the resulting/selected latch assembly30, incorporating one of the second, third, and fourth plate assemblies24,26,28, is used in one application on a closure element32that is mounted for guided movement relative to a support34between first and second positions. One of these positions may be a closed position, but this is not necessary, nor is it necessary that the element32be technically a “closure” element. Through cooperation of the latch assembly30with a strike assembly36on the support34, the closure element32can be releasably maintained in one of the first and second positions.

In an alternative form, shown inFIG. 3, the latch assembly30can be provided on the support34, with the strike assembly36provided on the closure element32. The interaction of the latch assembly30and strike assembly36is the same inFIG. 3as inFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 4, the latch assembly combination10affords two primary options to the manufacturer, and potentially the end user. As shown at block38, the user selects one of the second, third and fourth plate assemblies,24,26,28to be operatively joined to the first plate assembly12. If the second plate assembly24is selected, as shown at block40, the user operatively joins the second plate assembly24to the first plate assembly12in either of the first and second manners, thereby to select the desired first or second operating characteristic for the latch assembly30.

As shown at block42, if the user selects one of the third or fourth plate assemblies26,28, the same is operatively joined to the first plate assembly12, thereby to cause the latch assembly to have either the third or fourth operating characteristic.

As explained in greater detail below, two latch assemblies are considered to have different operating characteristics and different configurations if there is any significant structural difference between the latch assemblies. As just examples, two latch assemblies have different operating characteristics if one is left-handed and the other is right-handed in operation. Similarly, two latch assemblies are considered to have different operating characteristics if the mounting locations of the rotor and catch are interchanged.

Essentially, if there is any structural distinction whereby two latch assemblies are not operable identically, these distinctions will be considered to cause the latch assemblies to have different configurations and operating characteristics.

As shown inFIG. 5, the latch assembly30is designed as a module that can be integrated as a self-contained unit into an actuating system44. The actuating system44has an actuator assembly46that may directly interact with the latch assembly30to effect operation thereof. As just one example, the actuator assembly46may be integrated into the catch20so that an actuator element48thereon moves as one piece therewith and is directly engageable and operable by a user. Alternatively, the actuator assembly46may interact through a linkage, a cable, or other type of mechanism. The actuator assembly46may be manually operated or may be operated through one or more powered components. There may be wireless interaction of electrically operated components on the actuator assembly46and latch assembly30. These are just examples of the universe of mechanisms contemplated.

As noted above, the actuator element48may be a part of the catch20on the latch assembly30to allow direct engagement and/or movement by a user. Alternatively, the actuator element48may be a push or pull handle, a mechanical push button, an electrical switch actuator, a button on a wireless actuator assembly, etc., each spaced from the latch assembly30. These, again, are only examples of the many variations for the actuating system44contemplated by the invention.

Specific exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with respect to the remaining Figures herein. Referring initially toFIGS. 6-10, one specific form of latch assembly is shown at30consisting of the first plate assembly12, the first axle14to which the rotor18is mounted for guided pivoting movement around the axle axis50, the second axle16to which the catch20is mounted for guided pivoting movement around the axle axis52, and the biasing assembly22.

The axle14has a stepped diameter outer surface with a smaller diameter portion54and a larger diameter portion56. The smaller diameter portion54extends through a bore58through the rotor18and is secured to the first plate assembly12within a bore60therethrough. The surface62surrounding the catch bore58is guided in pivoting movement around the axis50against and relative to the outer surface64of the smaller diameter portion54of the axle14. The rotor18is axially captive between the first plate assembly12and a shoulder66defined at the transition between the smaller and larger diameter portions54,56.

The axle16may be identical to the axle14and has a smaller diameter portion54′, that is directed through a bore68in the catch20and secured to the first plate assembly12in a bore69therein. The rotor surface70bounding the bore68is guided in rotation against and relative to the outer surface64′ on the smaller diameter axle portion54′ around the axis52. The rotor20is axially captive between the first plate assembly12and a shoulder66′ between the smaller diameter portion54′ and larger diameter portion56′ of the axle16.

The basic arrangement of components and their operation are conventional in nature. Details of a latch assembly that operates in a similar manner are shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2006/0006668 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Briefly, the rotor18has a body72that defines a U-shaped receptacle74. The rotor18is pivotable between a latched position, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9and in solid lines inFIG. 8, and a released position, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 10and in dotted lines inFIG. 8.

In operation, as relative movement takes place between the latch assembly30and a strike element76on the strike assembly36, as shown for the exemplary arrangement inFIGS. 3 and 8, the strike element76moves in the direction of the arrow78inFIG. 8to encounter a rotor surface80bounding the receptacle74. Continued movement of the strike element76in the direction of the arrow78causes the rotor18, initially in its released position, to be pivoted around the axis50in the direction of the arrow82towards, and eventually into, the solid line, latched position. In this rotor position, the strike element76resides at the base of the receptacle74. As seen inFIG. 8, the receptacle74has an extended construction to accommodate vertical misalignment of the strike element76and rotor18, as when there is sagging of the closure element32. This feature is described more fully in pending application Ser. Nos. 10/386,350 and 10/421,045 and issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,259.

To accommodate the strike element76, a flat wall84on the first plate assembly12has a receptacle/cutout86that is generally U-shaped. With the rotor in the latched position ofFIG. 8, one surface88bounding the receptacle/cutout86blocks the receptacle74so that the strike element76cannot escape therefrom. An optional rubber pre-load block89can be pressed into, and frictionally held within, the base of the receptacle/cutout86. The block89eliminates rattling of closure elements32with which the latch assembly30is associated that do not have a seal or striker load.

The catch20is designed to releasably maintain the rotor18in the latched position therefor. The catch20has a body90with four separate arms92,94,96,98, each projecting in cantilever fashion radially with respect to the axis52. The multiple arm configuration makes the catch20usable in the same form in most embodiments herein.

The catch20is movable around the axis52between an engaged position, as shown inFIG. 7and in dotted lines inFIG. 8, and a disengaged position, shown in dotted lines inFIG. 8. With the rotor18in the latched position and the catch20in the engaged position, facing surfaces100,102, respectively on the rotor18and catch20, abut so as to block pivoting movement of the rotor18from its latched position back into its released position.

The catch20is changed from its engaged position into its disengaged position by pivoting movement of the catch20around the axis52in the direction of the arrow104. By doing so, the surface102on the catch leg98clears the pivoting path of the rotor18, which is thereby allowed to move from the latching position into the released position by pivoting movement opposite to the direction of the arrow82around the axis50.

The rotor18is normally biased towards its released position by the biasing assembly22. The biasing assembly22consists of a torsion coil spring106that surrounds the smaller diameter portion54of the axle14. The coil spring106is pre-loaded with opposite hooked ends108,110, respectively engaged with the first plate assembly12and rotor18. More particularly, the first plate assembly12has a tab112with an undercut114defining a seat for the hooked end108. The opposite hooked end110engages within a U-shaped seat116formed in the rotor18.

With the rotor18in the released position, the rotor18must be driven towards and into its latched position against the biasing torque produced by the spring106. With the rotor18in the latched position and the catch20in the disengaged position and thereby cleared from the rotational path of the rotor18, the force produced by the spring106is sufficient to drive the rotor18into its released position.

The catch20is similarly urged normally by the biasing assembly22into its engaged position. The biasing assembly additionally includes a second coil spring118with opposite hooked ends120,122. The hooked end120is engaged with the first plate assembly12, with the hooked end122engaged with the catch20. More particularly, the first plate assembly12has a second tab124with an undercut126that receives the hooked end120. The catch arm96defines a U-shaped seat128for the end122. The coil spring118is loaded to produce a resilient bias force that normally urges the catch20oppositely to the direction of the arrow104around the axis52and into the engaged position.

With the rotor18in the released position, the catch20is in the engaged position. As the rotor18is progressively urged against the force of the spring106towards and into the latched position, an edge130on the rotor18encounters the catch arm98. Continued pivoting of the rotor18in the direction of the arrow82around the axis50causes the edge130to deflect the catch20in the direction of the arrow104around the axis52until the free end of the catch arm98aligns with a first receptacle132on the rotor18. At this point, the catch20, under the force of the spring118, shifts slightly oppositely to the direction of the arrow104around the axis52so that the catch surface102abuts to a facing surface134on the rotor18bounding the receptacle132. This represents a secondary engaged position for the catch20corresponding to a secondary latched state for the latch assembly30. The provision of structure to allow the latch assembly30to be placed in a secondary latched position is not critical to the present invention.

Continued pivoting of the rotor18causes the catch20to further pivot against the force of the spring118in the direction of the arrow104until the free end of the catch arm98aligns with a separate receptacle136, bounded by the surface100. At this point, the spring118drives the catch20oppositely to the direction of the arrow104around the axis52to cause the surfaces100,102to confront/abut, at which point the rotor18is in its primary latched position, the catch20is in the engaged position, and the latch assembly30is in a primary latched state.

In a preferred form, the first plate assembly12has a universal construction that can be used to mount all of the remaining components, including the selected second, third and fourth plate assemblies24,26,28, and other plate assemblies as described herein. While not necessary, it is also preferred that some, and preferably all, of the rotor18, catch20, axles14,16and springs106,118have substantially the same, and preferably an identical, configuration that can be used with the first plate assembly12and each of the selected second, third and fourth plate assemblies24,2628, and the other plate assemblies as described hereinbelow.

In a preferred form, the first plate assembly12consists of a flat wall138with oppositely facing flat surfaces140,142that are parallel to each other and a reference plane RP (FIG. 9). The flat wall138has a uniform thickness of t between the surfaces140,142. The flat wall138has a generally rectangular configuration with an outer peripheral edge144having the uniform thickness t over a majority of its extent between spaced planes containing the surfaces140,142.

The tabs112,124extend transversely, and substantially orthogonally, with respect to the reference plane RP at spaced locations on the flat wall138. In a preferred form, the flat wall138and tabs112,124are made from a single formed piece of metal.

The second plate assembly24consists of a flat wall146with a generally rectangular overall shape, at least nominally matched to that of the flat wall138on the first plate assembly12, and oppositely facing flat surfaces148,150that are substantially parallel to each other and a reference plane RP1(FIG. 9). The flat wall146has a thickness t1between the surfaces148,150. The second plate assembly24has an outer peripheral edge152, the majority of which has the thickness t1residing within the space bounded by planes containing the surfaces148,150. The peripheral edge152is interrupted only by a tab154that extends transversely to the reference plane RP1, preferably making an angle of approximately 90° therewith.

The flat wall146has a generally hourglass shape with a reduced width midportion at156defining oppositely opening, U-shaped receptacles158,160. The flat wall146has through bores162,164with central axes166,168, respectively, that are spaced from each other by a distance equal to that between the axle axes50,52. The bores162,164are designed to each receive a free end170,170′ on the axles14,16, respectively.

The second plate assembly24is operatively joined to the first plate assembly12on the latch assembly30in a first manner to thereby cause the latch assembly30to have first operating characteristics. In this first manner, the axle end170projects through the bore162, with the axle end170′ extending similarly through the bore164. Through the axle ends170,170′, the flat wall146is captively maintained against axially facing surfaces172,172′, respectively on the axles14,16. Through this arrangement, the axles14,16securely fix the first and second plate assemblies12,24together so that they cooperatively define a rectangular housing174with a chamber176therebetween within which the operating components are mounted in operative relationship, as hereinabove described. The housing174provides the foundation for the operating components of the latch assembly30and is part of a self-contained module that can be integrated as a self-contained unit into the actuating system44.

While the housing174can be mounted in different orientations whereby the designations “top”, “bottom”, etc. become arbitrary, for purposes of reference herein, the housing174, and other housings described hereinbelow, will be considered to have spaced sides (S1, S2), each of which is open, a top (T) and a bottom (B).

In this embodiment, the actuator assembly46consists of a trip assembly178with a trip component180that is designed to directly interact with the catch20to change the position thereof. The trip component180has a body182with an elongate, flat shape. The trip component180is mounted at a first location on the second plate assembly24at which the tab154is formed to reside at the housing side S2with the second plate assembly24operatively joined to the first plate assembly30in a first manner to produce the depicted latch assembly30. A flat surface184on the trip component body182is placed facially against an upwardly facing flat surface186on the tab154. A pin/rivet188extends through bores190,192, respectively in the trip component180and tab154, so as to thereby mount the trip component180for guided pivoting movement relative to the tab154around an axis194. As seen inFIG. 9, the trip component180is pivotable about the axis194between a normal position, as shown in solid lines inFIG. 9, and an actuated position, as shown in dotted lines in that same Figure.

The trip component180has an actuating edge196that is engageable with an edge198on the catch arm92. In the normal position for the trip component180, the edge196is adjacent to the edge198on the catch arm92, with the catch20in its engaged position. By pivoting the trip component180around the axis194in the direction of the arrow200, from the solid line/normal position into the dotted line/actuated position ofFIG. 9, the actuating edge196on the trip component180interacts with the catch edge198so as to drive the catch20around the axis52in the direction of the arrow104from its engaged position into its disengaged position.

The trip component180may be directly operated by a user, whereby it functions as the actuator element on the actuating assembly46, or may cooperate with another component or components202, that perform the function of the actuator assembly46on the actuating system44.

InFIGS. 11-14, the second plate assembly24is shown operatively joined to the first plate assembly12in a second manner to cause the resulting latch assembly30′ to have different operating characteristics than the latch assembly30. With this configuration, the latch assemblies30,30′ are different by reason of being different “handed”.

In accomplishing this reconfiguration, the latch assembly30′ uses the exact same components as the latch assembly30, including the first plate assembly12, the rotor18, the catch20, the first and second axles14,16, the coil springs106,118, and the second plate assembly24.

The rotor18and catch20on the latch assembly30′ are axially reversed, but cooperate in precisely the same manner as they do in the latch assembly30. However, the mounting locations of the rotor18and catch20are reversed such that the catch20is mounted on the first axle14with the rotor18mounted on the second axle16. The springs106,118are mounted to the first plate assembly12identically as in the latch assembly30, but with the hooked ends110,122respectively engaging the catch20and rotor18rather than the rotor18and catch20, as on the latch assembly30.

The second plate assembly24faces in the same axial direction with respect to the first plate assembly12on both latch assemblies30,30′ but is rotated on the latch assembly30′ through 180° so that the first axle14extends through the bore164, with the second axle16extending through the bore162. The connection between the first plate assembly12and second plate assembly24is carried out in precisely the same manner as on the latch assembly30to produce a housing174′.

The same trip component180can likewise be utilized on the latch assembly30′ and is connected to the tab154to interact with the catch20in precisely the same manner as it does on the latch assembly30. The location of the tab154is changed from a location at the top T and side S2for the latch assembly30, to the bottom B and side S1for the latch assembly30′.

Accordingly, by rearranging the components, and in particular the second plate assembly24, catch20and rotor18, the operating characteristics of the latch assembly30′ are different than those of the latch assembly30. In a preferred form, all of the parts are identical and are interchangeable between the two latch assemblies configurations30,30′. However, this is not a requirement. It is preferred that at least the first plate assembly12be common to both latch assemblies30,30′ as a foundation for supporting the other components. By making the same rotor18and catch20interchangeable, additional advantages are realized. Since the axles14,16are the same, it is likewise preferred that they be used in both configurations.

Other features can be incorporated into the latch assemblies30,30′, as hereinafter described. In one form, a sound deadening material is used on surfaces that interact between: a) the rotor18and catch20and axles14,16; and b) rotor18and catch20. It is preferred that each of the rotor18, catch20and axles14,16be made from a durable metal base material, such as steel. One or both of the interacting surfaces on these components can be coated, at least over a portion thereof, with a material that has a tendency to prevent noise generation more effectively than the base metal defining the rotor18, catch20and axles14,16. This coating material may be rubber, plastic, composite, etc.

For the exemplary rotor18, shown inFIG. 6, the base metal material has an exposed surface204that is fully covered by a coating206of a dissimilar material that has a low coefficient of friction, between that material and that of cooperating parts, and good sound deadening properties. Also inFIG. 6, the catch20is shown with a base material with a plastic overmold208which bounds the bore68.

While not shown in the specific embodiments, as shown inFIG. 15in schematic form, the axles14,16have surfaces on which sound deadening material210may be applied, that may be the aforementioned rubber, plastic, composite, etc. The surfaces may be partially or fully coated.

By reason of having the coating on the rotor18, the rotor surface100that interacts with the catch surface102absorbs the impact when the surfaces collide, whereby there is less noise generation as basic operation of the latch assembly takes place.

By making the rotor18and catch20from two different materials with different properties, significant flexibility is afforded in terms of how these components can be designed to minimize operating noise, without compromising performance. This two material design can be used on all latch assemblies described herein.

By reason of making the housings174,174′ using the first and second plate assemblies12,24, the chambers176,176′ are exposed over the majority of the extent of the peripheral edges212,212′, respectively on the housings174,174′, between the plate assemblies12,24. The chamber176in the exemplary latch assembly30is blocked only where the tabs112,124bridge the chamber176. While it is preferred that the majority of the extent of the peripheral edge212not be blocked, this is not a requirement. It is, however, preferred that at least a majority of the length of at least one of the length portions214,216and width portions218,220of the peripheral edge212be open so that the chamber176is exposed thereat. With the chamber176exposed over a majority of the length of the peripheral edge212, foreign matter will not accumulate to interfere with component interaction or overall operation of the latch assembly30.

The second plate assembly24can function to cooperate with the rotor18to confine the strike element76in the rotor receptacle74with the second plate assembly24mounted in either orientation on the latch assemblies30,30′. That is, on the latch assembly30, a surface222bounding the receptacle158, as seen inFIG. 7, is situated to block the strike element76in the rotor receptacle74in conjunction with the surface88, bounding the receptacle/cutout86. With the first plate assembly12on the latch assembly30′, the surface224bounding the receptacle160performs this same blocking function. This is made possible by the hourglass shape of the flat wall on the second plate assembly24produced by the reduced width at156.

On the latch assembly30, the surface88of the first plate assembly12and surface222on the second plate assembly24act on opposite axial sides of the rotor18to block the strike element76within the receptacle74. The surface88on the first plate assembly12and surface224on the second plate assembly24cooperate to perform this same blocking function on the latch assembly30′.

Whereas the latch assemblies30,30′ have different operating characteristics made possible by mounting the second plate assembly24in two different manners/orientations, the invention also contemplates that there can be selection of different operating characteristics by reason of making available plate assemblies, such as the plate assemblies26,28, having different configurations that account for the different operating characteristics of the latch assemblies into which they are incorporated. Any number of plate assemblies having different configurations, that account for different operating characteristics when incorporated into the latch assemblies, may be provided. A manufacturer or end user that assembles the latch assembly selects and incorporates the plate assembly that provides the desired latch assembly operating characteristics.

While the collection of latch assemblies29(FIG. 1) identifies only third and fourth plate assemblies26,28from which a selection is made, the collection29may actually be made up of the second plate assembly24together with the third plate assembly26and/or the fourth plate assembly28, and/or any other combination of different interchangeable plate assemblies. The designations “first”, and “second”, etc. have no significance and are but arbitrary designations to distinguish different assemblies.

An exemplary form of the “third” plate assembly26is shown inFIGS. 16-18incorporated into a latch assembly at30″. The latch assembly30″ uses the first plate assembly12, rotor18, catch20, axles14,16, and coil springs106,118in the same arrangement as shown for the latch assembly30′ inFIGS. 11-14. Instead of using the second plate assembly24, the third plate assembly26is used. The third plate assembly26has a flat wall146″ with substantially the same general shape as the flat wall146. That is, the flat wall146″ is generally rectangular and flat with an “hourglass” shape. The only difference between the third plate assembly26and the second plate assembly24is the location of a tab226for supporting the trip component180. The tab226on the latch assembly30″ is located at the top T and the side S1of the housing174″ versus the bottom B and side S1where the tab154is located on the latch assembly30′. The latch assemblies30′,30″ have different operating characteristics by reason of the different locations of the tabs154,226thereon for supporting the trip component180.

Through the same pin/rivet188, the trip component180is mounted to the tab226for pivoting movement about an axis230between a normal position, as shown in solid lines inFIG. 17, and an actuated position, as shown in dotted lines in that same Figure.

With the latch assembly30′, the trip component180pivots about an axis232, defined by the pin/rivet188, in the direction of the arrow234inFIG. 14. As this occurs, the edge236on the trip component180, facing oppositely to the actuating edge196, bears against an edge238on the catch arm96to move the catch20from the engaged position into the disengaged position.

With the latch assembly30″, the trip component180is pivoted in an opposite direction around the pin axis230, as indicated by the arrow242, to change the catch20between the engaged and disengaged positions. As this occurs, the actuating edge236on the trip component180bears against the edge198on the catch arm92to effect repositioning of the catch20between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Thus, the trip component180is mounted at a different corresponding location on the housing174″ than on the housing174′. Additionally, the pivoting direction of the trip component180to move the catch20from the engaged position into the disengaged position is reversed for the two latch assemblies30′,30″.

InFIGS. 19-22, another latch assembly is shown at30′″. The latch assembly30′″ uses the first plate assembly12, rotor18, catch20, axles14,16and springs106,118. The latch assembly30′″ uses the same third plate assembly26, that is reversed by being turned through 180°, the same as the second plate assembly24is reversed on the latch assemblies30,30′. The rotor18and catch20are axially reversed from theFIG. 15orientation and interchanged with each other so that they are respectively journalled for rotation on the axles14,16. By reversing the third plate assembly26from its orientation on the latch assembly30″, the location of the tab226changes from: a) the top T and side S1, to b) the bottom B and side S2of the housing174′″.

With the trip component180moved between the normal/solid line and actuated/dotted line positions ofFIG. 20, by pivoting movement thereof around an axis246, defined by the mounting pin/rivet188, in the direction of the arrow248, the actuating edge196on the trip component180bears against an edge250on the catch arm96, thereby causing the catch20to be moved from its engaged position into its disengaged position.

Thus, the latch assemblies30″,30′″ differ by reason of the locations of the mounting of the trip component180.

InFIGS. 23-26, a latch assembly is shown at30″″ utilizing a fifth plate assembly252having a flat wall146″″ that has substantially the same general, rectangular shape as the flat wall146″ on the latch assembly30″. The difference between the fifth plate assembly252and the other plate assemblies described above resides in the location of a tab254for supporting the trip component180. The tab254is vertically oriented, as opposed to the horizontal orientation for the tabs154,226, described above, and is located at the side S2of the housing174″″.

The latch assembly30″″ uses the same configuration and arrangement of the first plate assembly12, rotor18, catch20, axles14,16and springs106,118, as the latch assembly30. With the fifth plate assembly252operatively joined to the first plate assembly12, and the trip component180operatively attached through the rivet188to the tab254, the trip component180is pivotable about an axis256in the direction of the arrow257between the solid line/normal position and dotted line/actuated position ofFIG. 26, to thereby move the catch20from the engaged position into the disengaged position. As this occurs, the actuating edge196on the trip component180bears upon an edge258on the catch arm94to effect the requisite movement of the catch20.

InFIGS. 27-30, a further form of latch assembly is shown at305x′. The latch assembly305x′utilizes the fifth plate assembly252, which is rotated through 180° from the orientation for the latch assembly30″″. This reversal requires that the rotor18and catch20be axially reversed from theFIG. 23orientation and interchanged with each other so that they are respectively journalled for rotation on the axles16and14. The latch assemblies30″″,305x′use the exact same components—the first plate assembly12, rotor18, catch20, axles14,16, coil springs106,118and fifth plate assembly252.

By reason of reversing the fifth plate assembly252, the tab254is relocated to the side S1of the housing1745x′. With the trip component180operatively mounted upon the tab254through the pin/rivet188, the trip component180is pivoted about the axis256from the normal/solid line position ofFIG. 30into the actuated/dotted line position in that same Figure in the direction of the arrow259to cause repositioning of the catch20. As this occurs, the actuating edge236on the trip component180bears upon the edge258on the catch arm94to effect the requisite movement of the catch20to change the same from its engaged position into its disengaged position.

InFIGS. 31 and 32, a sixth plate assembly is shown at260on latch assemblies306x′,307x′. The plate assembly260incorporates multiple tabs1546x′,2546x′, corresponding respectively to the tab154on the second plate assembly26and tab254on the fifth plate assembly252. This configuration gives the manufacturer/end user the option of selecting different mounting locations for the trip component180that interacts with the catch20in the same manner that the trip component180interacts with the catch20, when mounted on the tabs154,254, as previously described. A trip component180may be operatively mounted on only one of the tabs1546x′,2546x′or on each of the tabs1546x′,2546x′, to both be available for use.

The sixth plate assembly260is operatively joined to the first plate assembly12inFIGS. 31 and 32using the same rotor18, catch20, axles14,16and springs106,118.

The sixth plate assembly260is reversed between the configurations of the latch assembly306x′inFIGS. 31 and 307x′inFIG. 32. Reversal of the sixth plate assembly260also requires axial reversal of the rotor18and catch20, and interchanging of the rotor18and catch20as in the prior embodiments.

InFIGS. 33 and 34, a seventh plate assembly262is shown on latch assemblies308x′,309x′that, like the sixth plate assembly260, incorporates multiple tabs2268x′,2548x′, corresponding to the tabs226and254respectively on the third plate assembly26and fifth plate assembly252.

The latch assemblies308x′and309x′each incorporates the same components, including the first plate assembly12, the rotor18, the catch20, the first and second axles14,16and the coil springs106,118.

The tabs2268x′,2548x′give the manufacturer/end user two location options at which the trip component180can be mounted. With the trip component180mounted on either of the tabs2268x′,2548x′, the cooperation with the catch20is the same as with the trip component180mounted on the tabs226,254, as earlier described.

InFIGS. 33 and 34, the seventh plate assembly262is reversed, which requires axial reversal of the rotor18and catch20, as previously described.

InFIGS. 35 and 36, an eighth plate assembly264is shown incorporated into latch assemblies3010x′,3011x′, respectively. The eighth plate assembly264has tabs18610x′,22610x′, corresponding to the tab186on the latch assembly30and the tab226on the latch assembly30″. The tabs18610x′,22610x′are designed to support the trip component180in the same manner as the tabs186,226support the trip component180in the prior embodiments. The trip component180mounted on the tabs18610x′,22610x′cooperates with the catch20on the latch assemblies3010x′,3011x′in the same manner as it cooperates with the catch20when mounted upon the corresponding tabs186and226, as previously described. As with all embodiments herein, the multiple tabs18610x′,22610x′allow for simultaneous mounting of a like number of trip components180, as shown in dotted lines inFIG. 35.

The eighth plate assembly264cooperates with the same components—the first plate assembly12, the rotor18, the catch20, the first and second axles14,16and the coil springs106,118, on each of the latch assemblies3010x′and3011x′.

The eighth plate assembly264is operatively joined to the first plate assembly12on both latch assemblies3010x′and3011x′and is reversed in these two different latch assembly configurations. The reversal requires the corresponding axial reversal and interchanging of the rotor18and catch20, as in the prior embodiments.

InFIGS. 37 and 38, latch assemblies, shown at3012x′and3013x′, respectively incorporate a ninth latch assembly266. The ninth plate assembly266has three tabs, with the tabs18612x′,22612x′, corresponding to the tab186on the latch assembly30and tab226on the latch assembly30″. The third tab25412x′, corresponds to the tab254on the latch assembly30″″.

The three tabs18612x′,25412x′and22612x′give the manufacturer/end user the option of mounting the trip component180at any, or all, of three locations at which the tabs reside, as shown in dotted lines inFIG. 37. With the trip component180mounted on the tabs18612x′,25412x′and22612x′, the trip component180is movable between normal and actuated positions to cooperate with the catch20in the same manner as it cooperates with the catch20when mounted upon the tabs186,226,254, as hereinbefore described.

The ninth plate assembly266cooperates with the same components on the latch assemblies3012x′and3013x′, as previously described, to include the first plate assembly12, the rotor18, the catch20, the first and second axles14,16and the springs106,118.

The configuration of the latch assemblies3012x′and3013x′differs by reason of the rotation/reversal of the ninth plate assembly266in these two structures. This requires reversal and interchanging of the rotor18and catch20, as previously described for other embodiments above.

While all of the embodiments are described above as they cooperate with the trip component180, the use of the trip component180is only exemplary in nature. Other means of operating the latch assemblies are contemplated, with exemplary ones described hereinbelow.

The embodiment inFIGS. 37 and 38is representative of many of the embodiments herein with a wall W on the first plate assembly12from which the axles14,16project in a first direction, as indicated by the arrow D1. The plate assembly266has oppositely facing first and second surfaces S1,S2, with the first surface S1facing in the first direction indicated by the arrow D1. The first surface S1remains facing in the first direction with the plate assembly266joined to the first plate assembly12in each of the two different operative relationships inFIGS. 37 and 38.

The plate assembly266is representative of other embodiments in terms of its overall shape. That is, the plate assembly has end portions EP1. EP2that are joined through a connecting portion CP, that has a locally reduced area as viewed in an axial direction, relative to the axles14,16, so that from this perspective the plate assembly has the appearance of the number “8”, with oppositely opening, U-shaped receptacles U1, U2. The receptacles U1, U2register, one each, with a U-shaped receptacle U3on the first plate assembly12, to accept a strike element in operation, with the plate assembly266in the two depicted operative relationships.

InFIGS. 39-42, a tenth plate assembly is shown at268on a latch assembly3014x′and is designed to accommodate a different type of trip component, in the form of a push actuated lever180′. The eleventh plate assembly268has a rectangular flat wall14614x′that does not require the “hourglass” shape that permits vertical reversal thereof with respect to the first plate assembly12, but is generally rectangular in shape, as are all other plate assemblies disclosed herein.

The flat wall14614x′on the tenth plate assembly268has oppositely facing flat surfaces272,274that are substantially parallel to each other and a reference plane RP2. The flat wall14614x′has a uniform thickness t2between the flat surfaces272,274. The peripheral edge276of the flat wall14614x′has the uniform thickness t2over substantially the entirety of the extent thereof, with the thickness t2residing in a space between two planes at the flat surfaces272,274.

The latch assembly3014x′incorporates the rotor18, a slightly modified form of catch20′, the axles14,16and the coil assemblies106,118.

The catch20′ differs from the catch20by reason of providing a through or blind bore278which receives a post280with an enlarged head282thereon. The first plate assembly12, rotor18, catch20′, axles14,16and springs106,118are assembled the same as are the corresponding components in all other embodiments described herein.

The plate assembly268has bores284,286that respectively receive the axle ends170,170′, at which the flat wall14614x′is secured.

The tenth plate assembly268has tabs288,290projecting transversely, and preferably orthogonally, to the reference plane RP2. The tabs288,290may be struck directly from the material defining the flat wall14614x′and are bent to the shape shown whereby an opening292is provided through the flat wall27014x′. The opening292permits interaction between the trip component180′ and the head282on the post280.

A headed pin294extends through the tabs288,290and a bore296through the trip component180′, with the trip component180′ operatively situated between the tabs288,290. The trip component180′ is pivotable about an axis298defined by the pin294between a normal position, as shown in solid lines inFIG. 42, and an actuated position, as shown in dotted lines in that same Figure. As the trip component180′ is pivoted from its normal position into its actuated position, a surface/edge300bears against the head282of the post280, thereby driving the catch20′ in the direction of the arrow302around the axis52to allow the rotor18to be changed from its latched position into its released position.

The trip component180′ is normally biased by a coil spring304into its normal/solid line position ofFIG. 42. The trip component180′ has an actuating surface306that can be directly pressed upon by a user to effect repositioning thereof.

To add versatility to the tenth plate assembly268, an optional tab18614x′is provided at a location corresponding to that for the tab186on the latch30. The tab18614x′supports the trip component180in a manner that it can be pivoted to cooperate with the catch20′ in the same manner as it cooperates with the catch20on the latch assembly30.

As a still further alternative, an additional tab22614x′, as shown in dotted lines inFIG. 40, might be included instead of, or in addition to, the tab18614x′. The tab22614x′is capable of supporting the trip component180for operation and interaction with the catch20′ in the same manner as it would cooperate with the catch20on the tab226on the latch30″.

A further form of latch assembly is shown inFIG. 43at3015x′. The latch assembly3015x′incorporates the first plate assembly12, the rotor18, the axles14,16and the springs106,118. The latch assembly3415x′further incorporates an eleventh plate assembly308. The eleventh plate assembly308has a wall14615x′that is flat with a generally rectangular shape and a uniform thickness t3between oppositely facing flat surfaces310,312. The plate assembly308has spaced bores314,316to receive the axle ends170,170′.

The latch assembly3015x′incorporates a catch20″ that has an integrally formed trip component180″ that moves as one piece therewith. The trip component180″ is defined as an extension of the flat catch component portion318that interacts with the rotor18. By applying a force in the direction of the arrow320upon the surface322of the trip component180″ at the side S1of the housing17415x′, the catch20″ is changed from an engaged position into a disengaged position correspondingly as the rotor20is in the other embodiments, described above.

The actuating location and direction of force application required to reposition the catch can be changed from that for the latch assembly3015x′inFIG. 43by providing a further modified form of catch20′″, as shown on the latch assembly3016x′inFIG. 44. The latch assembly3016x′incorporates the same first plate assembly12, rotor18, springs106,118and plate assembly308as the latch assembly3015x′inFIG. 43. In this embodiment, the corresponding catch portion318′ has an integrally formed trip component180′″ that is configured so that an operating force must be applied to a surface324generally in the direction of the arrow326at the side S2of the housing17416x′to pivot the catch20′″ from an engaged position into a disengaged position.

With the above-described structures, many variations from what is specifically shown can be devised to meet different demands and for different applications.

For example, as shown inFIG. 45, a latch assembly is shown at3017x′, incorporating the second plate assembly24from the latch assembly30and the trip component180′″ from the latch assembly3016x′. An actuator assembly includes a handle328with a push button mechanism330that is used to apply an operating force upon the surface324on the trip component180′″.

Instead of incorporating the trip component180, a trip component180″″ is provided which has general “U” shape with a padded end grip332. This configuration is typically used for skidsteer or on small construction equipment.

InFIG. 46, the latch assembly3011x′is used and has a trip component1805x′in the form of a pull handle that substitutes for the trip component180in earlier described embodiments. The trip component1805x′has a graspable end336that terminates at a U-shaped portion338that connects to both tabs22610x′,18610x′through a pin340. The trip component1805x′has an actuating edge236′, corresponding to the actuating edge236on the trip component180, and performs the same function as the graspable end336is pushed in the direction of the arrow350.

The pin140also supports a trip component180on the tab18610x′for cooperation with the catch20, as previously described.

The trip component180is operable through an actuator assembly, including a pull handle assembly344. A handle346is graspable and pivotable as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,216, which is incorporated herein by reference. By pivoting the handle346, a linkage348is operated to reposition the trip component180to thereby change the catch20from its engaged position into its disengaged position.

As shown inFIGS. 47 and 48, a modified form of trip connector1806x′, in combination with a trip component180, is shown and is configured to reverse the actuating direction for the trip component1806x′from that of the trip component1805x′inFIG. 46using the same basic latch assembly3011x′. Also changed is the location at which an actuating force must be applied to operate the latch assembly3011x′. That is, inFIG. 46, the force application is in the direction of the arrow350, whereas inFIGS. 47 and 48, the force application is oppositely thereto in the direction of the arrow352and on opposite sides of the housing174.

In another variation, as shown inFIG. 49, a latch assembly306x′has the trip component180thereon connected to the pull handle assembly344ofFIG. 46. The trip component180′″ is also incorporated to allow the catch20to be repositioned by different mechanisms at different locations.

InFIG. 50, the pull handle assembly344is operatively connected to a catch20″″ similar to the catch20′″, but reversed in terms of the inside/outside location at which it is operated from. The catch20″″ is integrated with the other components on the latch assembly3015x′. The catch20″″ has an elongate bore354to receive a translatable shaft356the moves with the handle346. An enlargement358on the shaft end359draws the catch20″″ so that it follows movement of the handle346.

InFIG. 51, one preferred form of strike assembly36is depicted having a mounting plate360with a strike element76′ in the form of a closed hoop component that cooperates with the rotor18. The closed hoop arrangement is preferred in that it does not present sharp surfaces or free ends that may hang up on clothing or other objects.

For exemplary latch assembly30, as shown inFIGS. 6-10, the trip component180is normally resiliently biased by a spring assembly370, as shown inFIG. 52. The spring assembly370acts between the trip component body182and the second plate assembly24, and potentially the first plate assembly12. The spring assembly370is useable in the same fashion with all latch assembly variations described herein but will be described in detail for only the exemplary latch assembly30, with respect toFIGS. 53 and 54.

As seen inFIGS. 6 and 53, one form of the spring assembly370consists of an extension spring372having U-shaped ends374,376, directed respectively through openings378,380in the trip component180and the second plate assembly24. The spring372is pre-loaded in tension, or loaded in tension by movement of the trip component180from its normal position into its actuated position, whereby the trip component180in its actuated position is resiliently biased by the spring372back towards its normal position.

The second plate assembly24has an additional through opening384to accommodate a spring end with the second plate assembly24in a different orientation with respect to the first plate assembly12and/or with a different trip component configuration. The through opening384is diametrically opposite to the through opening380with respect to the axis is166.

As seen inFIGS. 6 and 54, a modified form of the spring assembly370′ on the exemplary rotor30utilizes a tension coil spring372′, that is coiled around the rivet188and has opposite ends386,388that respectively engage the trip component body182and extend through an opening390in the tab154. The coil spring372′ is pre-loaded, or loaded by movement of the trip component180from its normal position into its actuated position, to have a residual force, with the trip component180in its actuated position, that resiliently urges the trip component180back into its normal position.

The tab154has a separate tab opening392to accept a spring end with the second plate assembly24in a different orientation with respect to the first plate assembly12and/or with a different trip component configuration.

By pre-engineering non-handed and common components, the number and complexity of components required to be manufactured, inventoried, and staged for assembly can be reduced compared to customized latch assembly designs that do not share common components. This also saves the project engineering and application support, prototyping, testing and tooling lead time, which potentially shortens time to market.

By providing latch assembly constructions that allow for multiple actuation locations, smaller, simpler, and lower cost designs are made possible compared to conventional designs.