Abstract:
The present disclosure includes a tool operated channel latch used to secure a panel against a structure. The latch includes a bracket which mounts to a movable panel and includes an actuating mechanism to open and close the latch. A bolt is pivotably retained relative to the bracket for engaging against the structure closed by the panel. A lock assembly is carried on the actuator to engage a link which is movably coupled with both the bolt and the actuator. The lock assembly includes extending portions to engage at least one corresponding opening of the link. The link provides an over center toggle condition to retain the latch in a locked position until intentionally actuated by an operator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. nationalization under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/US2015/016388, filed Feb. 18, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/941,288, filed Feb. 18, 2014. The disclosures set forth in the referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The following disclosure relates to a tool operated channel latch used to secure a panel against a structure. The latch includes a bracket which mounts to the movable panel and includes an actuating mechanism to open and close the latch. A bolt is pivotably retained relative to the bracket for engaging against the structure closed by the panel. A lock assembly is carried on the actuator to engage a link which is movably coupled with both the bolt and the actuator. The lock assembly includes extending portions to engage at least one corresponding opening of the link. The link provides an over center toggle condition to retain the latch in a locked position until intentionally actuated by an operator. 
     One of the issues with some channel latch systems is that the latch may require a tool and two hands to operate the latch. In this regard, some prior art latches require the use of a tool to unlock the latch and then a second tool to pry the latch into an open condition. Other latches include the use of a tool to unlock the latch and then a second hand to manipulate a trigger or an extending portion of the latch to actuate the latching mechanism. 
     Other prior art latch systems may have provided for conditions which might not be preferred under some circumstances. For example, a false positive latch condition could be produced by some prior art latch systems. This would be undesirable in some circumstances since it might be preferred to maintain the latch in only one of two states at a given time. Namely, state one fully locked without any question about the locked condition and state two fully unblocked without any question about the condition of the latch being unblocked. As such, it could be desirable to provide a latching system that provides an indication when the latch is fully locked and an indication when the latch is unlocked. These condition indicators will allow the operator of the latch to detect the condition to make sure that there is no false positive latching condition. In this regard, it may be desirable or necessary to have the fully locked position before the device or vehicle with the panel is moved so that the operator of the device knows the panel is in the closed condition. Similarly, when the panel is to be unblocked and opened, for example for purposes of maintenance, it could be desirable to know that the panel is in the unlocked condition. 
     It might also be desirable to provide a latching system which can be operated with a single hand and single tool. This would require the elimination of a second prying tool as might be found in some prior art latching systems. Additionally this might require the elimination of a trigger or using a tool in one hand and prying with a second hand which might also be found in some prior art latching systems. 
     This background information is provided to identify some information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present disclosure. No admission is intended, nor should such admission be inferred or construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present disclosure. Other aims, objects, advantages and features of the disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as a non-limiting example only, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a channel latch assembly of the present disclosure showing a bracket for mounting to a panel, a bolt pivotably retained on the bracket and extending from the channel latch assembly in a locking condition, an actuator pivotably retained on the bracket, and a link operatively connecting a portion of the actuator to the bolt; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 1  showing the bracket, a portion of the bolt extending from the bracket of the latch assembly, and an actuator positioned in the central channel of the latch assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional side elevational view taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the relative relationships and connections of the described components of the latch assembly in a locked condition; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional side elevational view taken along line  4 - 4  extending through a lock mechanism of the latch assembly showing the locked condition of an extending portion of the lock engaged with a corresponding opening in the link to facilitate an engagement of the lock with the link to prevent unintended opening of the latch assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the latch assembly showing the various components and relationships of the components for further relative description thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the latch assembly in a closed condition; and 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the latch assembly in an unlocked and fully extended open condition. 
     
    
    
     The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the disclosure that are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner. Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, embodiments with the understanding that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of structure, function, construction, or the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of various phrases and terms is meant to encompass the items or functions identified and equivalents thereof as well as additional items or functions. Unless limited otherwise, various phrases, terms, and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass all variations of such phrases and terms. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the disclosure. However, other alternative structures, functions, and configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the present disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term “or” is to be considered inclusive. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the latch assembly  20  including a bracket  22  which carries an actuator  24  and a bolt  26 , both pivotably carried on the bracket  22  as described in greater detail below. At least one link  28 , and the case of the illustrated embodiment two links  28 , are pivotably connected at a first end  32  to a portion of the actuator  24  and at a second end  34  to a portion of the bolt  26 . As will be described in greater detail below, the connection of the actuator  24  and bolt  26  with a link  28  provides an over center toggle condition when the four-bar linkage system is in the closed condition. In the closed condition a higher force on the bolt  26  pushes the latch  20  closed with a higher force. The over-center toggle of the link  28  and the connected actuator  24  redirects the forces acting on the bolt  26  to push it closed instead of open. 
       FIG. 2  provides a plan view of the latch assembly  20  as described showing a tool receiving recess  36  on a face portion  38  of the actuator  24 . The recess  36  receives a complementary tool head to facilitate rotation about an axis to position a lock assembly  200 , described in greater detail below, in a “lock” or “unlock” position. The face of the actuator  38  also includes indicia  37  to indicate which direction the tool, while engaged in the recess, should be, rotated, leveraged, or moved to unlock or lock the lock assembly to “open” or “close” the latch assembly. The closed latch assembly is shown in  FIG. 6  and the open latch assembly is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a cross sectional side elevational view is shown as taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . Also,  FIG. 4  is a cross sectional side elevational view taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 . Description of these Figures is provided with additional reference to  FIG. 5 . The combination of these views helps to understand the configuration, orientation, structure, relationships, and function of the various components of the latch assembly  20 . With reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , the bracket  22  includes a first passage  40  which receives a first rivet  42  extending there through. The first rivet  42  extending through the first passage  40  engages a corresponding head passage  44  of the actuator  24  and a bushing  46  retained therein. The assembly of the first passage  40  provides a pivot point of the actuator  24  relative to the bracket  22 . Additionally, while a “passage” is mentioned it is recognized that the preferred embodiment of these passages is actually comprised of two holes in two spaced apart flanges  126 ,  128 . However, the term “passage” is used generally to refer to the path or other alignment structure to retain the corresponding pivot components  42 ,  44 ,  46  in engagement with the bracket  22 . Other engaging, retaining, and/or pivoting assemblies are similarly described with the understanding that the specific structures and functions as shown and described are intended to be broadly interpreted by way of illustration and not limitation. 
     In a similar manner, a second passage  50  is provided at an end of the bracket  22  spaced apart from the first passage  40 . A second rivet  52  extends through the second passage  50  and engages a corresponding knuckle passage  53  in spaced apart knuckles  54 ,  55  on the bolt  26 . A corresponding bushing  56  extends through the knuckle passage  53  for engagement by the second rivet  52 . Additionally, a torsion spring  58  is positioned coaxially on the outside of the bushing  56  and rivet  52  combination in a recess  60  positioned generally between the spaced apart knuckles  54 ,  55 . A bolt end  62  of the spring  58  abuts a corresponding surface of the bolt  26 . A bracket end  64  of the spring  58  abuts a corresponding surface  66  on a bracket  22  portion  124 . The torsion spring  58  engaged in this manner maintains the bolt  26  in a spring-loaded normally open condition with the spring  58  being compressed when the latch is closed. 
     The first end  32  of the link  28  includes a third passage  70 . The third passage  70  receives the third rivet  72  extending there through to engage the corresponding arm passage  74  and bushing  76  retained on an arm portion  75  of the actuator  24 . Spaced apart portions  80 ,  82  of the link  28  are positioned on each side of the arm  75  of the actuator  24 . 
     The second end  34  of the link  28  includes a fourth passage  100 . The fourth passage  100  includes a fourth rivet  102  which extends through a knee passage  104  spaced apart from the knuckle passage  53  on the bolt  26 . A corresponding bushing  106  is carried in the knee passage  104  with the rivet  102  extending there through. Opposing portions  110 ,  112  of the second end  34  are positioned on opposite sides of the knee  105 . This assembly including the fourth rivet  102  provides movement of the second end  34  of the link relative to the knee  105 . 
     The face  38  of the actuator  24  extends through a channel opening  120  positioned generally centrally of the bracket  22 . Extending flanges  122  provided along lateral sides of the bracket structure  22  provide mounting positions to attach the bracket  22  to the corresponding door panel in a manner well known in the art. Perpendicular supports  124 ,  127  extend between these flange portions to provide structure to the bracket  22 . The first passage  40  and the second passage  50  are each provided in corresponding inwardly extending (relative to the panel to which the latch assembly is attached) flanges  126 ,  128  of the bracket  22 . 
     The bolt  26  includes threaded adjustment screw  130  and a self-locking threaded insert  132  which are retained in a corresponding adjustment passage  134  on a tip  136  of the bolt  26 . The adjustable screw  130  is retained in the threaded passage  134  to facilitate customized adjustment of the engaging surface  140  against an inside surface of the corresponding structure which is sealed by the panel to which the latching assembly  20  is attached. A jam nut  141  is provided on an opposite end of the passage  134  to receive the threaded shank of the screw  130  to retain the adjusted position of the screw and engaging surface  140 . 
     A locking assembly  200  is provided and retained in cooperative relationship with the actuator  24 . The locking assembly  200  includes protruding portions  202 , a rotary surface  204 , a torsion spring  206  and a retaining rivet  208 . The locking assembly extends through the lock passage  210  formed in a body portion  212  of the actuator  24 . The previously described tool receiving recess  36  is formed in a portion of the lock assembly body  214  which positions the recess  36  for receipt of a tool head through the passage  210 . 
     The rivet  208  extends through a retaining passage  220  in the body portion  212  and engages a corresponding recess  222  which is defined at least along a partially annular portion  252  of the lock body  214 . In this regard, the rivet  208  retention of the lock body  214  in the passage  210  while facilitating rotary motion of the lock body  214  within the passage  210 . 
     A portion of the torsion spring  206  is engaged with the lock body  214  with an opposite end of the torsion spring engaged with an inside surface of the passage  210 . This engagement of the spring  206  with these structures facilitates rotary spring motion of the lock body  214  in the passage  210 . This spring-loaded lock body  214  returns the lock to the normally locked position when the latch is opened or closed. In the closed condition with the latch assembly in a latching configuration as in  FIG. 6 , this spring loaded arrangement retains the protruding portions  202  in corresponding openings  230 ,  232  in the link  28 . As such, either in the locked condition or the open condition the protruding portions  202  of the lock body  214  are positioned for orientation in the locked position. This is useful in the closed position so that the protruding portions  202  are engaged in the corresponding openings  230 ,  232  in the link  28 . The openings  230 ,  232  in the link  28  are positioned, on the link, and sized and dimensioned for engagement by a corresponding protruding portion  202 . When the latch is unlocked and disengaged with the actuator  24  operated to disengage the bolt  26  from the structure the protruding portions  202  will abut the corresponding surfaces  240 ,  242  of the link  28  preventing inadvertent or incomplete locking and closing of the latch. This condition is shown in  FIG. 7  with the protruding portions  202  rotated into the normally locked position by the torsion spring  206 . As such, this blocking condition requires a tool to be inserted into the recess  36 , rotation of the lock body  214  against the spring loaded torsion spring  206  at which point the actuator  24  may be positioned in the closed position with the bolt  26  engaging the structure. Once the tool is removed in this closed arrangement with the protruding portions  202  engaging the corresponding openings  230 ,  232 . 
     As can be seen by the description and drawings as provided herein, the latch assembly  20  includes a lock assembly  200  which in an opened condition interacts with the link  28  to provide a “blocking” position described above preventing inadvertent partial closure or unlocked closure of the latch. This same locking assembly  200  also provides a positive locking condition to positively lock the latch in a closed position since the locking assembly requires positive operation to return the actuator to the closed position. If the locking assembly is not operated to position the sides  250  and the extensions  202  in between the inner opposing surfaces of the link  28  the face  38  of the actuator  24  will not close flush with the mounting bracket support potions  124 ,  127  and indicate an unlocked condition. 
     These discrete conditions prevent accidental false positive closures of the latch. Additionally, use of the tool in the recess  36  also may provide a lever or prying device for applying a prying force to disengage the actuator  24  from the closed condition once the latch is unlocked using the same tool. This eliminates the need for providing an additional larger pry opening in the latch assembly or an additional trigger element on the latch assembly. This facilitates a one hand operation, if necessary, to facilitate opening of the latch. This also facilitates a one hand operation of the latch, if necessary, to close the latch. Once the tool is inserted into the recess  36  it is used to rotate the body  214  to disengage or unlock the extensions  202  from the openings  232 ,  230  in the link  28 . As the actuator is rotated upwardly away from the bracket to the open position, the opening force on the actuator  24  draws the link  28  along with it. As the link is displaced it draws the connected potion of the bolt  26  which pivots about the rivet  52  in the bracket  22 . This drawing and pivoting motion rotates the bolt out of engagement with the structure to disengage the panel to which the latch is attached form the structure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the described structures and functions can be seen in the closed position ( FIG. 6 ) and the open position ( FIG. 7 ). In the closed position the link  28  provides an over center toggle assembly at the pivot points of the third rivet  72  and fourth rivet  102  relative to the corresponding pivot points  74  and  104  of the actuator  24  and bolt  26 , respectively. As also shown in  FIG. 6 , the protruding portion  202  is illustrated extending through the corresponding opening  232  of the link. 
     In the open position of  FIG. 7 , it can be seen that the bolt  26  pivots downwardly to disengage the surface  140  from the corresponding structure. This generally provides free and clear movement of the panel to which the latch assembly  20  is attached. As also shown in  FIG. 7 , the protruding portions  202  are rotated into the locked position after disengagement from the corresponding openings  232  in the link  28 . It can be seen that the protruding portions  202  will abut the corresponding top surfaces  240 ,  242  of the link  28  to prevent accidental or unintended false positive closure of the latch in an unlocked condition. In other words, the latch balks since the protrusions  202  abut the surfaces  240 ,  242  and are prohibited from engaging the opening  232  unless a tool is actually used to rotate the lock to engage the protrusions  202  in the opening  232 . With further reference to  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that flat portions  250  are positioned on faces in between the protruding portions  202  to facilitate passage of the lock body  214  between the spaced apart portions  251 ,  253  of the link  28  prior to rotating the protrusions  202  into engagement with the openings  230 ,  232  during the locking process. 
     The foregoing terms as well as other terms should be broadly interpreted throughout this application to include all known as well as all hereafter discovered versions, equivalents, variations and other forms of the abovementioned terms as well as other terms. The present disclosure is intended to be broadly interpreted and not limited. 
     While the present disclosure describes various exemplary embodiments, the disclosure is not so limited. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications, uses, adaptations, and equivalent arrangements based on the principles disclosed. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within at least the known or customary practice within the art to which it pertains. It is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalent structures and functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as recited in the following claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.