Abstract:
By providing a lock assembly wherein both components forming the lock assembly are independently adjustable and self-centering, a self-adjusting lock assembly is achieved which assures component engagement and automatic adjustability in all operational directions for all storage boxes, toolboxes, and/or lockboxes. In addition, the present invention also provides a construction which is quickly and easily installed in any desired storage box, toolbar, and/or lockbox while also achieving a cost-effective lock assembly. Furthermore, the present invention employs a lock assembly which enables two or more separate and independent lock assemblies to be interconnected for simultaneous operation, with the opening of one lock assembly controlling the simultaneous opening of the second lock assembly. As a result, large, elongated toolboxes requiring two or more separate and independent lock assemblies can be used with complete operationally control being provided at a single location.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/421,625, filed Oct. 25, 2002 entitled SELF-ADJUSTING LOCK ASSEMBLY. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to self-adjusting locks and, in particular, to locks in which the relative positions of the latch assembly and keeper are self-adjusting relative to one another. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use and proliferation of storage boxes, toolboxes, and lockboxes has been continuously increasing for many years. In this regard, a wide variety of alternate sizes, constructions, and configurations have been developed in order to satisfy an ever increasing need and desire for such boxes. One area in which substantial interest has developed for storage boxes, toolboxes, and/or lockboxes is in the construction field, wherein users employ such boxes for a wide variety of equipment and tools needed to practice a particular trade or hobby. Furthermore, in order to assure that the equipment stored in these boxes is secured from vandals and unwanted pilferage, secure, locked engagement of these boxes is a principal requirement. 
     In attempting to satisfy consumer interest and requirements for the incorporation of locking systems for securing the contents in such boxes, it has been found that the installation of dependable lock assemblies on storage boxes, toolboxes, and lockboxes has been an increasing problem. Typically, manufacturing variances in the construction of the components forming the boxes, as well as the quantity of different products, tools, and equipment which users attempt to store in these boxes causes the cooperating component to be thrown out of alignment with each other. As a result, secure locked engagement is often an unattainable goal. 
     Most boxes incorporate a pivotal cover which cooperates with a storage base. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the cover and base do not always have the same dimensions to assure secure, mating inter-engagement of these compounds. Typically, there is a certain amount of play and movement between these elements. As a result, special effort has to be expended when installing lock assemblies into such storage boxes, toolboxes, and lockboxes, to assure that the components of the lock assembly are precisely adjusted and aligned in order to provide the required locked interengagement thereof. 
     Unfortunately, due to thermal expansion of the materials, abuse, and other causes, dimensional changes occur to the lock assemblies as well as the components forming the storage boxes, toolboxes, and/or lockbox, resulting in perfectly aligned lock assemblies becoming misaligned and incapable of achieving the desired mating engagement required. Furthermore, overstuffing the storage boxes with equipment also causes the components forming the lock assemblies to become misaligned, further complicating the desired secure locked retention of the component therein and preventing many prior art systems from providiing locking thereof. 
     One prior art lock assembly which has attempted to provide self-adjustment is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,302. However, this construction has not satisfied all of the consumer requirements. 
     Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a lock assembly for storage boxes, toolboxes, and lockboxes which is self adjusting, assuring continuous, repeated, secure, locked interengagement under all conditions. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock assembly having the characteristic features described above wherein both components forming the lock assembly are independently adjustable for assuring secure, dependable locked engagement under virtually all adverse conditions. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock assembly having the characteristic features described above which is quickly and easily installed in any desired storage box, toolbar, and/or lockbox without requiring independent adjustment or alignment. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock assembly having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being employed on virtually all lockboxes, storage boxes, and toolboxes, regardless of the construction or configuration of the particular box. 
     Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By employing the present invention, all of the prior art drawbacks and difficulties have been overcome, and a self-adjusting lock assembly is achieved which provides component engagement and automatic adjustability in all operational directions for all storage boxes, toolboxes, and/or lockboxes. In addition to attaining a lock assembly wherein both components forming the lock assembly are independently adjustable and self-centering, the present invention also provides a construction which is quickly and easily installed in any desired storage box, toolbar, and/or lockbox. As a result, a cost-effective lock assembly is achieved which overcomes all of the prior art drawbacks. 
     Furthermore, the present invention employs a lock assembly which enables two or more separate and independent lock assemblies to be interconnected for simultaneous operation, with the opening of one lock assembly controlling the simultaneous opening of the second lock assembly. As a result, large, elongated toolboxes requiring two or more separate and independent lock assemblies can be used with complete operationally control being provided at a single location. In this way, a user is able to open an entire, elongated toolbox by unlatching and opening only one side of the toolbox. 
     In the preferred construction of the present invention, the lock assembly comprises a keeper stud assembly and a latch assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the keeper stud assembly comprises a support base within which a keeper stud is retained in a manner which prevents the keeper stud from moving longitudinally relative to the base, while being able to freely move laterally relative to the support base. In this way, the keeper stud is able to slide laterally in virtually all directions which lie in its plane of movement, thereby establishing a self-centering construction. 
     In addition, the free end of the keeper stud is preferably beveled and cooperates with a complementary beveled opening formed in the latch assembly. As a result, regardless of dimensional shifts that may occur in these components, the keeper stud enters the latch assembly in a generally self-adjusting, self-aligning construction in order to assure secure engagement and alignment thereof. Furthermore, in the preferred construction, spring means are employed in the latch assembly in order to cause the jaw plates forming the latch assembly to be capable of lockingly engaging the keeper stud in any position or orientation within which the keeper stud enters the jaw plates. 
     In addition, in its preferred construction, the keeper stud is constructed with a plurality of a radially extending ratchet teeth, axially separated from each other. Furthermore, the ratchet teeth are constructed for enabling a locking edge of the jaw plates of the latch assemblies to be securely engageable and lockingly retained between any two adjacent ratchet teeth. In this way, axial movement of the keeper stud into the latch assembly is easily accommodated, regardless of the ability of the cover of the box to completely close on the base. 
     Another important feature of the latch assembly of the present invention is the construction of a latch assembly having two cooperating jaw plates, each of which are constructed for longitudinal movement. In the preferred construction, each jaw plate longitudinally moves in substantially identical or parallel planes, with the jaw plates being interconnected for controlled simultaneous movement. Furthermore, the latch assembly is constructed to cause the simultaneous movement of the jaw plates to be in opposite directions. 
     In addition, each jaw plate incorporates a locking edge which is constructed for peripherally surrounding and lockingly engaging a portion of the keeper stud. Furthermore, when in the fully engaged, locked position, the two locking edges of the two jaw plates substantially surround the entire keeper stud. 
     By employing this construction, the locking edges of the jaw plates are capable of engaging separate and independent portions of the keeper stud, along the longitudinal length, securely engaging between adjacent ratchet teeth. As a result, due to the cooperating movement and controlled action, self centering, self aligned interengagement is achieved, in a manner which virtually eliminates the need for precise aligned engagement. In addition to providing a self centering self aligned construction, secure locked engagement and enhanced holding strength are also achieved by the present invention. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following the drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage box or tool box incorporating the lock system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the lock system of the present invention as mounted in a storage box/tool box and incorporating two cooperating lock assemblies; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of one embodiment of a keeper stud assembly made in accordance with the present invention and forming a part of the lock assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a keeper stud assembly forming a part of the lock assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a latch assembly made in accordance with the present invention and forming a part of the lock assembly of the present invention, shown in its closed or locking position; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the latch assembly embodiment of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the principal components forming the latch assembly embodiment of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 5 shown in its open position; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a latch assembly made in accordance with the present invention and forming a part of the lock assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the latch assembly embodiment of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a latch assembly made in accordance with the present invention and forming a part of the lock assembly of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the latch assembly embodiment of FIG.  14 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     By referring to FIGS. 1-15, along with the following the detailed discussion, the construction and operation of several alternate embodiments for lock assemblies of the present invention can best be understood. Although this detailed disclosure provides a thorough discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, further alternate constructions for implementing the present invention can be made without deviating from the scope of this invention. Consequently, it is to be understood that the following disclosure is provided for exemplary purposes only, and is not intended as a limitation of the present invention. 
     In FIGS. 1 and 2, lock assembly  20  of the present invention is depicted installed in a typical storage box or lockbox  21 , enabling storage box/lockbox  21  to be easily opened and closed, whenever desired. Typical storage boxes/lock boxes  21  comprise a wide variety of the various sizes and shapes, many of which are mounted in the cargo area of trucks or utility vehicles. Typically, boxes  21  incorporate a storage base  22  and a hinged cover  23 , which is arcuately pivotable relative to base  22 . 
     As discussed above, one of the principal difficulties encountered with storage box/lockbox  21  is the difficulty in assuring secure locked engagement of cover  23  to base  22 . In particular, dimensional changes or alignment variations often occur due to weather and/or use of the box. As result, secure, locked, aligned engagement of the components forming the lock assembly have resulted in difficulties in prior art systems. However, by employing self-adjusting lock assembly  20  of the present invention, all of these prior art difficulties have been eliminated. 
     In accordance with the present invention, lock assembly  20  comprises floating keeper stud assembly  25  and latch assembly  26 . Typically, keeper stud assembly  25  is affixed to one component, such as the hinged top  23 , while latch assembly  26  is affixed to a cooperating component, such as base  22 . In addition, as shown, large, elongated boxes typically incorporate two lock assemblies  20 , since these boxes range between about 50 inches and 65 inches in length. 
     In a typical installation wherein storage box/lockbox  21  is mounted in a truck, it is important to enable the operator to open box  21  from either side of the truck. Consequently, the two lock assemblies  20  which are mounted in box  21  to provide secure, locked closure of box  21 , must be constructed to operate simultaneously from either side of the truck, in order to enable the box to be opened in the desired manner. As a result, as depicted in FIG. 2, latch assemblies  26  of each lock assembly  20  mounted to box  21  are operationally interconnected to each other, in order to enable both latch assemblies  26  to move from a closed position to an open position simultaneously, whenever either side of box  21  is activated. 
     In order to achieve this result, one of the two jaw plates of the first latch assembly  26  is securely interconnected to one of the two jaw plates of the second latch assembly by employing elongated rod  27 . As a result, any lateral movement of one jaw plate causes simultaneous movement of the connected other jaw plate. Furthermore, as detailed below, each latch assembly is biased to return to the locked position, thereby assuring the assembly is always ready to be in locked engagement after being opened. 
     In addition, the second jaw plate of each latch assembly  26  is securely affixed to elongated rod  28 , which extends from latch assembly  26  to the terminating edge of base  22 . At this position, lockable release button  29  is mounted to base  22 , in cooperating, controlled engagement with rod  28 . As result, when appropriately unlocked and activated, release button  29  causes rod  28  to move longitudinally in the desired direction, causing the connected jaw plate of latch assembly  26  to be opened. 
     As detailed below, the two jaw plates forming latch assembly  26  are controllably interconnected to each other, resulting in the simultaneous movement of the second jaw plate, which in turn causes both jaw plates of the second latch assembly  26  to also move simultaneously into the open position. In this way, the desired opening of storage box/lockbox  21  is achieved in a quick, easy, and efficient manner. 
     In FIGS. 3 and 4, two alternate constructions for keeper stud assembly  25  are shown. In these embodiments, keeper stud assembly  25  comprises a round keeper stud  30  and a holding bracket or plate  31 . Preferably, keeper stud  30  comprises an enlarged, substantially flat head portion  32  and an elongated tapered cylindrical shaft  33 , extending substantially perpendicular from head portion  32  incorporating a plurality of spaced ratchet teeth  34  formed therein. Preferably, ratchet teeth  34  are beveled at their ends and encircle shaft  33 . 
     In the preferred construction, bracket/plate  31  comprises an enlarged hole  35  formed therein, through which shaft  33  of stud  30  extends. As shown, stud  30  is captured by hole  35  of bracket/plate  31  since head portion  32  comprises a diameter greater than the diameter of hole  35 . 
     Furthermore, in order to secure keeper stud in locked engagement with bracket/plate  31 , holding plate  36  is affixed to bracket/plate  31  above head  32  of stud  30 . As a result, stud  30  is maintained engaged with bracket/plate  31 , incapable of vertical movement relative thereto, but freely movable in all directions within hole  35  of bracket  31 . In this way, stud  30  is free to float relative to bracket/plate  31  in two orthogonal directions, as well as all other directions lying within the plane thereof. 
     In order to provide some control over the planar movement of stud  30  in hole  35 , metal spring waster  37  is sandwiched between head  32  of stud  30  and bracket/plate  31  about hole  35 . With holding plate  36  maintaining spring washer  37  and head  31  in biasing frictional contact, movement of stud  30  in hole  35  is controlled by the resulting frictional forces. Although this construction imparts a resistance to the movement of stud  30  in hole  35 , stud  30  is able to freely move with the impact of a sufficient sideward force which causes stud  30  to slide relative to bracket/plate  31  into any alternate position. 
     By referring to FIGS. 4-14, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction and operation of three alternate embodiments of latch assembly  26  can best be understood. In each of these embodiments, the secure, locking engagement of stud  30  is attained with the locking jaws of each latch assembly peripherally surrounding and securely lockingly engaging rachet teeth  34  formed on shaft  33  of stud  30 . In addition, although three alternate embodiments are depicted and described herein, these embodiments are intended as examples of the present invention and not as a limitation thereof. 
     In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-9, latch assembly  26  comprises first jaw plate  40 , second jaw plate  41 , housing  42 , and pivot bracket  43  as the principal components. In addition, latch assembly  26  also incorporates a plurality of rivets, spacer bearings, and mounting studs to secure the principal components together. 
     In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, first jaw plate  40  comprises a substantially flat plate member  45  incorporating enlarged opening  46  formed therein with semi-circular locking edge or jaw portion  47  formed in opening  46 . In addition, arm  48  extends from plate member  45 . 
     Second jaw plate  41  comprises substantially flat plate member  50  which incorporates enlarged opening  51  formed therein with semi-circular locking edge or jaw portion  52  formed in opening  51 . In addition, jaw plate  41  comprises a first arm  53  extending from plate member  50  in substantially parallel aligned relationship with arm  48  of plate member  45 , and second arm member  54  extending from the opposed edge of plate member  50  and comprising an L-shape. 
     Finally, housing  42  is constructed for peripherally surrounding jaw plates  40  and  41 , maintaining jaw plates  40  and  41  in overlying, sliding engagement with each other. In addition, housing  42  incorporates arm  55  extending from one edge thereof in cooperating relationship with arms  48  and  53 , and enlarged aperture or hole  56  formed in housing  42  and positioned in cooperating, vertical alignment with openings  46  and  51 . 
     In order to complete the assembly of this embodiment of latch assembly  26 , pivot bracket  43  is affixed to arm  55  of housing  42  substantially at its mid point. In addition, one end of pivot bracket  43  is affixed to arm  48  with the opposed end affixed to arm  53 . 
     Once this construction is complete, jaw plates  40  and  41  freely slide in housing  42  in cooperating, controlled relationship to each other. Due to the engagement of pivot bracket  43  with both jaw plates  40  and  41 , with the pivot bracket being able to arcuately pivot about its mid point, due to its engagement with arm  55  of housing  42 , any sliding movement of jaw plate  40  in one direction causes jaw plate  41  to move in the opposite direction. As a result, by controllably moving L-shaped arm  54 , typically by a key activated member or elongated key controlled rod, jaw plates  40  and  41  are controllably moved in a manner which causes semi-circular shaped locking edges/jaws  47  and  52  to be advanced towards each other or away from each other. 
     In this way, when stud  30  is placed in position within aligned holes or apertures  46 ,  51  and  56 , secure locking engagement of locking edges/jaws  47  and  52  with ratchet teeth  34  of stud  30  is quickly and easily attained. In addition, once engaged, locking edges/jaws  47  and  52  peripherally surround shaft  33  of stud  30 , providing optimum, secure locked engagement therewith. This closed, stud engaging and locking position is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     In addition, whenever stud  30  is to be released or unlocked, L-shaped arm  54  is moved in the opposite direction, causing locking edges/jaws  47  and  52  to be moved away from shaft  33  of stud  30 . In this way, stud  30  is released and the member to which stud  30  is secured is able to be opened. This released or open position is depicted in FIG.  9 . 
     As discussed above, elongated boxes, such as those ranging between about 50 inches and 65 inches in length, typically incorporate two latch assemblies  26  which are preferably constructed for being locked and unlocked in response to a single key controlled operation. As a result, connecting rods are employed for simultaneously activating the two lock assemblies in response to one key controlled actuation. 
     In this regard, it has been found that the connecting rods are preferably constructed to cooperate with movement controlling members, as shown in FIG.  2 . In this way, substantially simultaneous controlled movement of the each latch assembly is obtained, while also being capable of compensating for any variations that may occur with the positions of the components forming the latch assemblies due to alignment, expansion, and other similar factors. Furthermore, in using the embodiment of latch assembly  26  detailed above, spring means are mounted between jaw plate connecting bar  27  (FIG. 2) and channel or housing  24  within which the latch assemblies  26  are mounted. In this way, the jaw plates of this embodiment are continuously biased into their closed position. 
     By referring to FIGS. 10-13, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction and operation of a second alternate embodiment of latch assembly  26  can best be understood. In this embodiment, latch assembly  26  is constructed for use in both small and large box constructions, as with the previous embodiment, with the overall construction being adaptable for a virtual universal use, being employable on any desired construction. 
     As depicted, in this embodiment, the principal components forming latch assembly  26  comprise first jaw plate  60 , second jaw plate  61 , holding plate  62 , guide plate  63 , pivot bar  64 , and spring means  65 . In addition, this embodiment of latch assembly  26  also incorporates a plurality of rivets, bearings, and mounting studs to secure the components together as well as to any supporting member. 
     In a preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, first jaw plate  60  comprises a substantially flat, planer construction incorporating flange  66  extending therefrom with a semi-circular locking edge or jaw portion  67  formed along flange  66 . In addition, arm  68  extends from one side of first jaw plate  60 , while L-shaped movement control arm  69  extends from the opposed side of first jaw plate  60 . 
     Similarly, second jaw plate  61  comprises a substantially flat, planar construction incorporating flange  70  extending therefrom with a semi-circular locking edge or jaw portion  71  formed along flange  70 . In addition, wall  72  extends upwardly from one side of second jaw plate  61  while L-shaped movement control arm  73  extends from the opposed side of second jaw plate  61 . 
     Holding plate  62  is constructed for peripherally surrounding and cooperating with first jaw plate  60  and second jaw plate  61  in combination with guide plate  63 . In the preferred construction, holding plate  62  is mounted on one side of first jaw plate  60  and second jaw plate  61 , enveloping the bottom surfaces and the side edges thereof, while guide plate  63  is mounted in overlying engagement with the top surfaces thereof. In addition, holding plate  62  incorporates enlarged aperture  74 , while guide plate  63  incorporates enlarged aperture  75 . In the preferred construction, apertures  74  and  75  are constructed for being aligned with and cooperating with locking edges/jaw  67  and  71 , for enabling shaft  33  of keeper stud  30  to be inserted therethrough and lockingly engaged therewith. 
     In order to assure the secure, cooperating, sliding engagement of first jaw plate  60  with second jaw plate  61 , holding plate  62  incorporates arm members  76  and  77  extending from opposite side edges thereof, while guide plate  63  incorporates arm members  78  and  79  extending from opposite side edges thereof. In the preferred construction, these arm members are aligned in pairs for cooperating engagement with each other. Finally, holding plate  62  incorporates wall  80  extending upwardly from one side edges thereof, positioned for cooperating, with wall  72  of second jaw plate  61  for cooperating with spring means  65 , as detailed below. Also, guide plate  64  is formed from low friction material, such as nylon, in order to provide ease of movement of jaw members  60  and  61  relative thereto. 
     As fully depicted in FIGS. 10,  12 , and  13 , this embodiment of latch assembly  26  is assembled by mounting first jaw plate  60  and second jaw plate  61  in cooperating, side to side relationship, with locking edges/jaws  67  and  71  positioned in cooperating relationship with each other to form a generally circular shaped locking zone. In order to securely hold and maintain first jaw plate  60  and second jaw plate  61  in cooperating alignment with each other, holding plate  62  and guide plate  63  are mounted on the opposed top and bottom surfaces thereof, peripherally surrounding and enveloping jaw plates  60  and  61 . In this way, first jaw plate  60  and second jaw plate  61  are capable of freely sliding relative to holding plate  62  and guide plate  63  in order to achieve the desired locking and unlocking of stud  30  in the locking zone. 
     In order to provide the simultaneous, cooperating movement of jaw plates  60  and  61  in response to the movement of only one of said jaw plates, pivot bar  64  is employed. In this construction, pivot bar  64  is mounted substantially at its midpoint to a arm  77  of housing plate  62  in a manner which enables pivot bar  64  to arcuately move relative to arm  77 . In addition, one end of pivot bar  64  is mounted to arm  68  of jaw plate  60 , while the opposed end of pivot bar  64  is mounted to second jaw plate  61 . 
     With pivot bar  64  being capable of arcuate movement, the actuation of jaw plate  60  in a first direction causes jaw plate  61  to move in the opposed direction. Similarly, the movement of jaw plate  61  in one direction causes jaw plate  60  to move in the opposite direction. 
     As mentioned above, in this embodiment, spring means  65  is securely mounted to latch assembly  26  by affixing one end of spring means  65  to upstanding wall  80  of housing plate  62  and the opposed end of spring means  65  to upstanding wall  72  of jaw plate  61 . In addition, by mounting spring means  65  to walls  72  and  80 , with spring means  65  being under tension, jaw plates  60  and  61  are maintained in the closed or locked position. In this position, locking edges/jaws  67  and  71  engage each other to form the generally circular shaped locking zone or configuration. 
     In order to open or activate this embodiment of latch assembly  26 , a sufficient force input is required to overcome the spring biasing forces and move locking edges/jaws  67  and  71  from their normally closed position, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, to their open position shown in FIG.  10 . In addition, once this activation force is removed, latch assembly  26  automatically returns to its closed, or locked position. 
     In this way, whenever stud  30  is placed in position axially aligned within holes or apertures  74  and  75 , secure locking engagement of locking edges/jaws  67  and  71  is attained, with ratchet teeth  34  of stud  30  engaged therein. Once engaged, locking edges/jaws  67  and  71  peripherally surround shaft  33  of stud  30 , providing optimum, secure or locked engagement thereof. Furthermore, since spring biasing means  65  is employed, the secure locked engagement of stud  30  is maintained until a controlling force is applied to move locking edges/jaws  67  and  71  into their open position, releasing stud  30  from locked engagement with latch assembly  26 . 
     By referring to FIGS. 14-15, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction and operation of a third alternate embodiment of latch assembly  26  can best be understood. In this embodiment, latch assembly  26  is typically employed for use with small boxes for functioning as a single, stand-alone latch assembly. However, if desired, this embodiment can be employed on larger box constructions. 
     As depicted, in this embodiment, the principal components forming latch assembly  26  comprise first jaw plate  90 , second jaw plate  91 , holding plate  92 , guide plate  93 , pivot bar  94 , and spring means  95 . In addition, this embodiment of latch assembly  26  also incorporates a plurality of rivets, bearings, spacers and mounting studs which are employed to secure the components together, as well as to any desired support member. As depicted, mounting plate  96  is employed for maintaining the fully assembled latch assembly  26 . 
     In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, first jaw plate  90  comprises a substantially flat, elongated, rectangular shaped, planar construction incorporating flange  100  extending therefrom, with a semi-circular locking edge or jaw portion  101  formed along flange  100 . In addition, wall member  102  extends perpendicularly from one end of the elongated jaw plate  90 . 
     Similarly, second jaw plate  91  comprises a substantially flat, elongated, rectangular shaped, planar construction incorporating flange  103  extending therefrom, with a semi-circular locking edge or jaw portion  104  formed along flange  103 . In addition, second jaw plate  91  also incorporates an L-shaped lever integrally attached to a side edge of jaw plate  91 , positioned for cooperating and interacting with an external movement control member. 
     Holding plate  92  is constructed for peripherally surrounding and cooperating with jaw plates  90  and  91  in combination with guide plate  93 . In the preferred construction, holding plate  92  is mounted on one side of first jaw plate  90  and second jaw plate  91 , enveloping the bottom surfaces and side edges thereof, while guide plate  93  is mounted in overlying engagement with the top surfaces thereof. In addition, holding plate  92  incorporates enlarged aperture  106 , while guide plate  93  incorporates enlarged aperture  107 . In the preferred construction, apertures  106  and  107  are constructed for being aligned with and in cooperating relationship with locking edges/jaws  101  and  104 . In this way, shaft  33  of keeper stud  30  is able to be inserted through apertures  106  and  107  and held in locking engagement with edges/jaws  101  and  104 . 
     In order to assure the secure, cooperating, sliding engagement of first jaw plate  90  with second jaw plate  91 , holding plate  92  incorporates arm member  108  extending from one side edge thereof. In addition, holding plate  92  incorporates wall  109  extending upwardly from one edge thereof, positioned for cooperating with wall  102  of first jaw plate  90 . In this way, spring means  95  is capable of being quickly and easily mounted to walls  102  and  109 , for providing the desired biasing forces to latch assembly  26 . Finally, guide plate  93  is formed from a low friction material, such as nylon, in order to provide ease of movement of jaw members  90  and  91  relative thereto. 
     As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, this embodiment of latch assembly  26  is assembled by mounting first jaw plate  90  and second jaw plate  91  in cooperating, side-to-side relationship, with locking edges/jaws  101  and  104  positioned in cooperating relationship with each other to form a generally circular shaped locking zone. In order to securely hold and maintain first jaw plate  90  and second jaw plate  91  in cooperating alignment with each other, holding plate  92  and guide plate  93  are mounted on the opposed top and bottom surfaces thereof, peripherally surrounding and enveloping jaw plates  90  and  91 . In this way, first jaw plate  90  and second jaw plate  91  are capable of freely sliding relative to holding plate  92  and guide plate  93 , in order to achieve the desired locking and unlocking of stud  30  in the locking zone formed thereby. 
     In order to provide the simultaneous, cooperating movement of jaw plate  90  and  91  in response to the movement of only one of said jaw plates, pivot bar  94  is employed. In this construction, pivot bar  94  is mounted substantially at its midpoint to arm  108  of holding plate  92  in a manner which enables pivot bar  94  to arcuately move relative to arm  108 . In addition, one end of pivot bar  94  is mounted to jaw plate  90 , while the opposed end of pivot bar  94  is mounted to second jaw plate  91 . 
     With pivot bar  94  being capable of arcuate movement, the actuation of jaw plate  91  in a first direction causes jaw plate  90  to move in the opposite direction. In addition, by employing spring means  95 , which is affixed under tension, with one end mounted to wall  102  of jaw plate  90  and the second end mounted to wall  109  of holding plate  92 , jaw plates  90  and  91  are maintained in the closed or locked position. In this position, locking edges/jaw s  101  and  104  are normally maintained in engagement with each other, forming a generally circular shaped locking zone. 
     Whenever this embodiment of latch assembly  26  is to be activated or open, a sufficient force input is required to overcome the spring biasing forces of spring means  95 . When such a force is applied to L-shaped arm  105 , locking edges/jaws  101  and  104  move from their normally closed position to their open position. Once in this position, stud  30  captured or locked therein is released and is capable of being removed. In addition, whenever the activation force is removed, latch assembly  26  automatically returns to its closed or locked position. 
     It will thus be seen that the object set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.