Abstract:
A carrying case includes a top case shell hinged to a bottom case shell which may be maintained in a closed position by a double throw, triple action latch mechanism comprising a latch body pivotally mounted to the bottom case shell, a latch locking element pivotally mounted to the latch body and a latch release coupled to the latch body. With the case in the closed position, the latch locking element engages a seat formed in the top case shell and clamps the two shells together. After moving the latch release to a release position, the latch body may be pivoted relative to the bottom case shell to permit disengagement of the latch locking mechanism from the top shell allowing the case to be opened.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/762,497 filed Jun. 13, 2007, for all commonly disclosed subject matter. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/762,497 is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to form part of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to carrying cases, and, more particularly, to carrying cases with a double throw, triple action latch mechanism having a locking feature which substantially prevents inadvertent opening of the latch mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Carrying cases typically include a top case shell and a bottom case shell pivotally connected by a hinge. The two shells are maintained in a closed position by one or more latch mechanisms located along the front and/or the sides of the case. A variety of latch mechanisms have been employed in the past, such as single throw and double throw latches, some of which may be locked with combination locks or key locks. 
     Carrying cases intended for the transport of valuable items, and items which are relatively fragile, are preferably rugged in construction and not subject to inadvertent opening. While combination locks or key locks may reduce the incidence of inadvertent opening of a case, such features are more suitable for cases intended for use by one individual, e.g. brief cases and the like. If a carrying case may be used by several people, it is difficult to convey the combination of a lock to a group, whose members may change, and keys are easily lost. Further, security requirements at airports do not permit locking of cases or luggage, and such cases may be inadvertently opened by baggage handlers. There is therefore a need for a carrying case having a rugged construction with a locking feature which substantially prevents inadvertent opening of the case without the use of combination locks, key locks or the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a carrying case with a latch mechanism having a locking feature which prevents inadvertent opening of the case. 
     In the presently preferred embodiment, the carrying case of this invention includes a top case shell and a bottom case shell pivotally connected by a hinge. A double throw, triple action latch mechanism maintains the case shells in the closed position. The latch mechanism comprises a latch body pivotally mounted to the bottom case shell, a latch locking element pivotally mounted to the latch body and a latch release coupled to the latch body. With the case in the closed position, the latch locking element engages a seat formed in the top case shell and clamps the two shells together. In response to pivotal motion of the latch body, the latch locking element may be disengaged from the top shell allowing the case to be opened. 
     The purpose of the latch release is to prevent inadvertent pivotal motion of the latch body, which, in turn, would allow the latch locking element to disengage the top case shell. As described in detail below, the latch release is movable between a locked position and a release position. In the locked position, the latch release engages the front wall of the bottom case shell and prevents pivotal motion of the latch body. In turn, the latch locking element is maintained in position against the seat of the top case shell thus retaining the case in the closed position. Upon movement of the latch release to the release position, the latch body is free to pivot thus allowing the latch locking element to disengage from the top case shell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The structure, operation and advantages of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of the carrying case with the latch mechanism of this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded, disassembled perspective view of the components forming the latch mechanism herein; 
         FIG. 3  is view similar to  FIG. 2 , except viewing the latch mechanism from the front; 
         FIG. 4  is an assembled, rear perspective view of the latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4 , except viewing the assembled latch mechanism from the front; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the latch mechanism mounted to the carrying case with the case closed and the latch release in the locked position; 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  except with the latch release moved to the release position; 
         FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  except with the latch release pivoted relative to the bottom shell of the case; 
         FIG. 9  is view similar to  FIG. 8  except with the latch locking member disengaged from the seat formed in the top case shell; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the latch release of this invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  except depicting the latch body connected to the embodiment of the latch release shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIG. 6 , except with the latch release of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 7 , except with the latch release of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a view similar to  FIG. 8 , except with the latch release of  FIG. 10 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , except with the latch release of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , a carrying case  10  is depicted having a top case shell  12  pivotally connected to a bottom case shell  14 . Two latch mechanisms  16  and  18  are located along the front wall  20  of shell  12  and front wall  22  of shell  14  on either side of a handle  24 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the front wall  20  of top case shell  12  is formed with a seat  26  and a downwardly facing slot  28  which receives the upper edge  30  of the front wall  22  of bottom case shell  14  when the case  10  is closed. The front wall  22  of the bottom case shell  14  is formed with a ledge  32 , for purposes to become apparent below. Except as noted above, the detailed construction of the case  10  forms no part of this invention and is not described herein. Additionally, for purposes of the present discussion, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “downwardly,” “upwardly” and the like refer to the vertical orientation of the case as it is depicted in the Figs. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the latch mechanism  16  of this invention is shown in detail. It should be understood that the two latch mechanisms  16 ,  18  are identical to one another, and therefore only the latch mechanism  16  is discussed herein. The latch mechanism  16  comprises a latch body  34 , a latch locking element  36  and a latch release  38 . The latch body  34  includes a top wall  39 , a front wall  40 , and, a cavity  42  defined by spaced inner side walls  44  and  46 , a bottom wall  48  and a portion of the top wall  39 . An outer side wall  50  is spaced from the inner side wall  44  and an outer side wall  52  is spaced from the other, inner side wall  46  forming a bearing surface  54  between the side walls  44  and  50  and a bearing surface  56  between the side walls  46  and  52 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the front wall  40  of latch body  34  is formed with a window  58  to provide access to the latch release  38 , as described below. Aligning bores  60  and  62  are formed in the inner side walls  44  and  46 , respectively. Additionally, a bore  64  is formed in each of the inner and outer walls  44 ,  50  which aligns with a bore  66  formed in the inner and outer walls  46  and  52 . 
     The latch locking element  36  comprises a front wall  68 , spaced pivot arms  70  and  72  and a hook element  74 . The pivot arm  70  is formed by an outer side plate  76  and an inner side plate  78 . Similarly, the pivot arm  72  is formed by an outer side plate  80  and an inner side plate  82 . A cross brace  84  spans the inner side plates  78  and  82 . The front wall  68  has an opening  86 , and the two pivot arms  70 ,  72  are formed with a through bore  88 ,  90 , respectively. 
     The latch release  38  is sized and shaped to fit within the cavity  42  formed in the latch body  34 . It includes a front wall  92 , a back wall  94 , a top wall  96  and a bottom wall  98  which are interconnected and collectively form a hollow interior within which a sleeve  102  is mounted. A button  100  extends from the bottom wall  98  through an opening  101  in the front wall  92 . The top wall  96  has a recess  104  and an upwardly extending locking member  106  with a tapered top surface. As best seen in  FIGS. 6-9 , a cylindrical-shaped projection  110  is mounted to the underside of the bottom wall  98 . The projection  110  is located within an opening  112  defined by the lower ends of the front wall  92  and back wall  94  which extend beyond the bottom wall  98 . A coil spring  114  encircles the projection  110  and seats within a spring holder  115 . 
     The latch mechanism  16  is assembled by first inserting the latch release  38  within the cavity  42  of the latch body  34 . The lower ends of the front and back walls  92 ,  94  of the latch release  38 , and the holder  115 , rest atop the bottom wall  48  of the latch body  34 . The latch locking element  36  is then placed on the latch body  34  so that the pivot arm  70  rests atop the bearing surface  56  of the latch body  34 , and the pivot arm  72  engages the bearing surface  54 . With the latch locking element  36  and the latch release  38  in this position, a latch assembly pin  116  may be inserted through the bore  88  of pivot arm  70 , through the bore  62  in the inner side wall  46  of the latch body  34 , into the sleeve  102  of the latch release  38 , through the bore  60  in the inner side wall  44  of latch body  34  and then into the bore  90  of pivot arm  72 . This secures both the latch locking element  36  and the latch release  38  to the latch body  34 , as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The assembled latch mechanism  16  is pivotally connected to the bottom case shell  14  of the case  10  by a case mounting pin  118  which extends through the aligning bores  64  and  66  formed in the latch body  34 . 
     Operation of Latch Mechanism of  FIGS. 1-5   
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , the operation of the latch mechanism  16  of this invention is illustrated. In  FIG. 6 , the latch mechanism is shown in a locked position with the hook element  74  of the latch locking element  36  in engagement with the seat  26  in the front wall  20  of the top case shell  12  and the locking member  106  of the latch release  38  contacting the ledge  32  in the front wall  22  of the bottom case shell  14 . The hook element  74  cannot disengage the seat  26  unless the latch body  34  is pivoted in a clockwise direction relative to the front wall  22  of the bottom case shell  14 , as seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . If one pulls on the tab  120  formed by the downwardly extending end of the front wall  40  of latch body  34 , with the latch mechanism  16  in the position shown in  FIG. 6 , the locking member  106  of the latch release  38  bears against the ledge  32  of the bottom case shell  14 , thus preventing such clockwise pivotal motion. 
     The latch release  38  is maintained in the locked position by operation of the spring  114 . As seen in  FIG. 6 , the spring  114  urges the latch release  38  in an upward direction so that the locking member  106  bears against the ledge  32 . At the same time, the case mounting pin  118  is received within the recess  104  in the top wall  96  of the latch release  38 , and the latch assembly pin  116  is located at the bottom of the sleeve  102  carried by the latch release  38 . 
     In order to allow pivotal movement of the latch body  34 , and, in turn, permit disengagement of the hook element  74  of the latch locking element  36  from the seat  26  in the top case shell  12 , the latch release  38  must be moved to a release position shown in  FIG. 7 . One may insert his or her finger through the window  58  in the front wall  40  of the latch body  34  and into contact with the button  100  extending through the opening  101  in the front wall  92  of the latch release  38 . The latch release  38  is then pushed downwardly, against the force exerted by the spring  114 , to a release position wherein the locking member  106  formed in the top wall  96  of the latch release  38  disengages the ledge  32  in the front wall  22  of the bottom case shell  14 . The user is provided with an indication of the release position because the latch assembly pin  116  will contact the upper end of the sleeve  102  in the latch release  38  when the latch release  38  is pushed downwardly to the release position. 
     With the latch release  38  in the release position, the latch body  34  may be pivoted in a clockwise direction about the case mounting pin  118  by grasping the tab  120  at the bottom of the latch body  34  and pulling outwardly relative to the bottom case shell  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Such motion is the first “throw” of the latch mechanism  16 . With the latch body  34  in the position depicted in  FIG. 8 , the hook element  74  of the latch locking element  36  can begin to disengage from the seat  26 . When the hook element  74  assumes the position shown in  FIG. 8 , the latch body  34  may then be pivoted in the opposite, counterclockwise direction, e.g. the second “throw” of the latch mechanism  16 , so that the hook element  74  may completely disengage the seat  26  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The top and bottom case shells  12 ,  14  may then be opened. 
     Closure of the latch mechanism  16  is accomplished by reversing the steps noted above. The latch body  34  is initially pivoted in the clockwise direction to allow the hook member  74  of the latch locking element  36  to assume the position relative to the seat  26  shown in  FIG. 8 . The latch body  34  may then be pivoted in the counterclockwise direction so that it rests along the front wall  22  of the bottom case shell  14  as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The spring  114  urges the locking member  106  of latch release  38  to the locked position, and the case  10  is now locked in such a way that inadvertent contact with the latch body  34  cannot cause the latch mechanism  16  to open without first moving the latch release  38  to the release position. 
     Latch Mechanism of  FIGS. 10-15   
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-15 , an alternative embodiment of a latch mechanism  130  according to this invention is illustrated. It may be desirable in some applications to provide additional security against inadvertent opening of the case  10  when in the locked position. Such added security is provided by certain changes to the construction of the latch mechanisms  16  and  18 , and the bottom case shell  14 , as described below. Except for such changes, the structure and operation of the latch mechanism  130  is the same as that of latch mechanisms  16 ,  18 , and therefore the same reference numbers are employed to identify common structure. Only one latch mechanism  130  is shown in  FIGS. 10-15 , it being understood that a second latch mechanism  130  would be employed with case  10 . 
     Retention of the latch mechanisms  16 ,  18  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9  is achieved by the engagement of locking member  16  extending from the top wall  96  of latch release  38  and a ledge  32  on the front wall  22  of the bottom case shell  14 . It is possible with this construction to grasp the tab  120  at the bottom of the latch body  34  and pull upwardly, causing the latch body  34  to pivot outwardly in a manner such as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The latch mechanism  130  is designed to avoid the potential, inadvertent pivoting of the latch body  34  prior to movement of the latch release  38  to its release position. To that end, a latch release  132  is provided having a front wall  134 , a back wall  136 , a top wall  138  and a bottom wall  140  which are interconnected to collectively form an interior within which a sleeve  142  is mounted. A cavity  141  is formed between the front and back walls  134 ,  136  which receives the coil spring  114 . See  FIG. 12 . A button (not shown), such as button  100  of the latch release  38 , extends from the bottom wall  140  through an opening  144  in the front wall  134 . The top wall  138  has a recess  146  and an upwardly extending first locking member  148  having a generally U-shaped upper surface. A second locking member is provided in the form of a lip  150 , which is joined to the back wall  136  by a horizontally extending support  152 . The latch mechanism  130  is assembled by mounting the latch release  132  to the latch body  34  in the same manner as described in connection with a discussion of  FIGS. 1-6 , and as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  11 . 
     The operation of the latch mechanism  130  depicted in  FIGS. 12-15  is the same as that described above for the latch mechanism  16 , and shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , except for the added second locking member or lip  150  that substantially prevents inadvertent release of the latch mechanism  130  prior to movement of the latch release  132  to its release position. As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, with the latch release  38  in a locked position the second locking member or lip  150  is located within a cavity  156  formed by a locking arm  158  extending outwardly from the front wall  22  of bottom case shell  14 . The locking arm  158  engages the lip  150  and prevents movement of the latch release  132  upwardly relative to the bottom case shell  14  unless the latch release  132  is first moved to its release position illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The first locking member  148  formed in the top wall  138  of the latch release  132  performs essentially the same function as the locking member  106  of the latch mechanisms  16  and  18 . In both embodiments, the locking members  106  and  148  engage the ledge  32  formed in the front wall  22  of bottom case shell  14  to provide additional protection from inadvertent pivoting movement of the latch body  34 . Movement of the latch release  132  to its release position shown in  FIG. 13  allows the first locking member  148  to clear the ledge  32 , and the second locking member or lip  150  to extend past the locking arm  158 , thus allowing pivotal movement of the latch body  34  in the same manner as described above in connection with a discussion of  FIGS. 6-9   
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.