Abstract:
A latch device including a latch strike retention assembly adapted for press-fit insertion into a panel opening and retention within the panel opening upon melting of any plastic components. The latch strike retention assembly includes a generally “U” shaped spring member having spring legs operatively connected to bushings arranged in converging opposing relation to one another and adapted to engage and retain a strike member disposed in opposing relation to the strike retention assembly. The spring member is held within a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped cross section. The bracket member is disposed in transverse orientation to the spring member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority from, U.S. Provisional Application 61/045,681 filed Apr. 17, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to latches, and, more particularly, to latches used in containment structures and appliances such as dryers and the like to hold a containment door in closed position relative to a containment cabinet. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many containment structures including appliances such as dryers and the like, a door may be held in a closed position by a latching assembly incorporating a retainer in combination with a latch pin or strike. The retainer is typically snapped into a punched out hole in the door and the strike is positioned in opposing relation within the associated cabinet. Once the door is closed, the head of the strike is trapped within the retainer until an opening force is applied to the door by a user. 
     One potentially desirable feature of a latch assembly for use in a container is the ability to maintain the door in a closed position under enhanced temperature conditions that may melt plastic components within the latch assembly. Thus, in the event of a fire at the interior of the container, the door will remain closed thereby confining the fire at the interior. Such a feature may be particularly useful in a clothes dryer or other container intended to operate under enhanced temperature conditions. 
     One exemplary prior latch assembly that maintains the door of a clothes dryer in a closed position during an abnormally elevated temperature event is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,111 to Hammer, Jr. et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. In the latch device of Hammer, Jr., a metal spring of substantially “U” shaped cross-section engages lateral sides of a plastic anchor member on opposing sides of a crevice opening within the anchor member. The spring includes outwardly projecting sheared leg members that are pushed through the access opening within the dryer door and which thereafter block removal. During a high temperature event that melts the plastic anchor member, the metal spring remains substantially intact in secure relation about a cooperating strike element with the outwardly projecting leg members holding the latch assembly in place. 
     While the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,111 operates in a satisfactory manner, the inclusion of the blocking legs as part of the spring necessitates a relatively high insertion force when the latch assembly is originally installed. Moreover, during normal operation the legs of the spring are caused to flex inwardly and outwardly as the strike is engaged and disengaged relative to the plastic anchor member. Thus, the blocking legs projecting from the spring may experience corresponding movement and a resultant degree of wear over time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides advantages and alternatives relative to prior known latch assemblies by providing a latch device including a latch strike retention assembly adapted for press-fit insertion into a panel opening and retention within the panel opening upon melting of any plastic components. The latch strike retention assembly includes a generally “U” shaped spring member having spring legs operatively connected to bushings arranged in converging opposing relation to one another and adapted to engage and retain a strike member disposed in opposing relation to the strike retention assembly. The spring member is held within a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped cross section. The bracket member is disposed in transverse orientation to the spring member. 
     According to one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a latch strike retention assembly adapted to accept and retain a latch strike. The latch strike retention assembly includes a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped profile adapted for retention within a panel opening. The bracket member includes a bracket base and a pair of substantially opposing bracket legs extending away from the bracket base. An anchor latch is disposed at the interior of the bracket member, the anchor latch includes a substantially “U” shaped spring member. The spring member includes a first spring leg extending away from a spring base and at least a second spring leg extending away from the spring base. The first spring leg operatively engages a first bushing structure and the second spring leg operatively engages a second bushing structure. The first bushing structure and the second bushing structure are disposed in opposing relation to one another and cooperatively define a strike acceptance crevice having a length dimension extending between the first bushing structure and the second bushing structure. The anchor latch is secured at an interior portion of the bracket member with the spring member oriented transverse to the bracket member with the length dimension of the strike acceptance crevice oriented transverse to the bracket legs. 
     According to another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a latch strike retention assembly adapted to accept and retain a latch strike. The latch strike retention assembly includes a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped profile adapted for retention within a panel opening. The bracket member includes a bracket base, a first bracket leg extending away from the bracket base and a second bracket leg extending away from the bracket base. An anchor latch is disposed at the interior of the bracket member. The anchor latch includes a substantially “U” shaped spring member, the spring member includes a first spring leg extending away from a spring base and at least a second spring leg extending away from the spring base. The first spring leg operatively engages a first bushing structure and the second spring leg operatively engages a second bushing structure. The first bushing structure and the second bushing structure are disposed in opposing relation to one another and cooperatively define a strike acceptance crevice having a length dimension extending between the first bushing structure and the second bushing structure. At least the first bushing structure includes a first plurality of bushing elements cooperatively surrounding a terminal end of the first spring leg. The anchor latch is secured at an interior portion of the bracket member with the spring member oriented transverse to the bracket member with the spring legs oriented between the bracket legs and with the length dimension of the strike acceptance crevice oriented transverse to the bracket legs. 
     According to yet another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a latch strike retention assembly adapted to accept and retain a latch strike. The latch strike retention assembly includes a metallic bracket member of substantially “U” shaped profile adapted for retention within a panel opening. The bracket member includes a bracket base, a first bracket leg extending away from the bracket base and a second bracket leg extending away from the bracket base. The first bracket leg includes a first outwardly flared distal end and the second bracket leg includes a second outwardly flared distal end. The first bracket leg includes a first inwardly extending resilient spring retention tab projecting in upwardly angled relation away from the first bracket leg generally towards the bracket base and a first outwardly extending resilient locking tab projecting in downwardly angled relation away from the first bracket leg generally towards the first outwardly flared distal end. The second bracket leg includes a second inwardly extending resilient spring retention tab projecting in upwardly angled relation away from the second bracket leg generally towards the bracket base and a second outwardly extending resilient locking tab projecting in downwardly angled relation away from the second bracket leg generally towards the second outwardly flared distal end. An anchor latch is disposed at the interior of the bracket member. The anchor latch includes a substantially “U” shaped spring member. The spring member includes a first spring leg extending away from a spring base and at least a second spring leg extending away from the spring base. The first spring leg operatively engages a first bushing structure and the second spring leg operatively engages a second bushing structure. The first bushing structure and the second bushing structure are disposed in opposing relation to one another and cooperatively defining a strike acceptance crevice having a length dimension extending between the first bushing structure and the second bushing structure. The anchor latch is secured adjacent an interior surface of the bracket base with the spring base held between the bracket base and the first and second spring retention tabs. The spring member is oriented transverse to the bracket member with the spring legs oriented between the bracket legs and with the length dimension of the strike acceptance crevice oriented transverse to the bracket legs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an exemplary latch device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary spring-biased anchor latch subassembly for use within the latch device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an assembled perspective view of an exemplary strike retention subassembly incorporating the anchor latch subassembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating the strike retention subassembly in inserted relation within a support panel; and 
         FIG. 5  is a cut-away view taken generally along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     Before the exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is in no way limited in its application or construction to the details and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of terms such as “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are utilized to designate like elements in the various views.  FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a latch assembly  10 . As shown, the latch assembly  10  includes a strike  12  which may be held in secure relation within a first structure such as an appliance cabinet or the like (not shown). The strike  12  includes a bulbous head portion  14  adapted to project outwardly away from the structure supporting the strike  12 . The latch assembly  10  further includes a strike retention assembly  16  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , incorporating a bracket member  18  and a spring-biased anchor latch  20 . As may be seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the anchor latch  20  is held in substantially nested relation at the interior of the bracket member  18  upon final assembly to form the strike retention assembly  16 . The strike retention assembly  16  is normally housed within a door panel or other support structure in opposing relation to the strike  12 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in the exemplary configuration the anchor latch  20  includes a resilient spring member  22  of generally “U” shaped profile. In the illustrated arrangement, the spring member  22  includes a pair of spring legs  24  extending away from a spring base  25 . The spring legs  24  engage opposing bushing structures  26  adapted to engage and retain the bulbous head portion  14  of the strike  12 . The spring member  22  may be formed from any suitable resilient material adapted to withstand high temperatures such as may be present in a fire. Spring steel or other metal may be particularly desirable The bushing structures  26  may be formed from any suitable material such as low friction nylon or other polymer adapted to aid in passage of the bulbous head portion  14 . 
     As illustrated, the bushing structures  26  each include an inwardly sloped face converging to form a strike acceptance crevice  29  as best seen in  FIG. 2 . In this regard, it will be understood that upon engagement between the strike  12  and a surface of the bushing structures  26 , the strike  12  is guided into the strike acceptance crevice  29  for insertion between the bushing structures  26 . During this insertion, the spring legs  24  with the attached bushing structures  26  are caused to spread apart. Following completion of the insertion, the spring recovery force of the spring legs  24  causes the bushing structures  26  to clamp behind the bulbous head  14  and to retain the strike  12  in place. In the illustrated construction the bushing structures  26  are of a multi-piece construction. Specifically, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the bushing structures  26  are formed from pairs of bushing elements  30  arranged in end to end relation. As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the bushing elements  30  may fit about terminal ends  32  of the spring legs  24 . By way of example only, and not limitation, in the illustrated arrangement each of the bushing elements includes a profiled slot opening  34  having an geometry adapted to fit in sleeve-like fashion about the terminal ends  32  of the spring legs  24 . The slot openings  34  extend partially but not completely across the width and height of the bushing elements  30  so as to substantially cover the outer edges of the spring legs  24 . In this regard, the slot openings  34  of adjacent bushing elements  30  are substantially mirror images of one another. Thus, the bushing elements  30  may be pushed together in end to end relation from opposite sides of each of the spring legs  24 . 
     Once the bushing elements  30  are in place about the terminal ends  32  of the spring legs  24 , they may then be joined to one another along adjoining interfaces  36  by suitable techniques such as sonic welding, adhesive bonding, and the like. As will be recognized, once the adjacent bushing elements  30  have been adjoined to one another to form a bushing structure  26 , the terminal ends of the spring legs  24  are held in position relative to the overlying bushing elements  30 . In the illustrated exemplary construction this secure connection is aided by the curved profile of the terminal ends  32  of the spring legs  24 . Specifically, in the exemplary construction, the terminal ends  32  incorporate a reverse bend configuration with a tip projecting generally upwardly towards the spring base  25 . As will be appreciated, such a curved profile aids in preventing withdrawal of the spring legs  24  through the slot opening  34 . 
     As best illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 , the anchor latch  20  is held in nested relation within the bracket member  18 . In the illustrated arrangement, the bracket member  18  is of a generally “U” shaped geometry including a pair of bracket legs  40  extending away from a bracket base  42 . The bracket member  18  may be formed from any suitable material, although spring steel or other metal suitable to withstand high temperature environments may be particularly desirable. In the assembled condition illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the bracket member  18  and the spring member  22  are disposed in substantially transverse orientation relative to one another. In this orientation the spring legs  24  are located between the bracket legs  40 . The spring legs  24  are disposed within planes that are transverse to the bracket legs  40 . 
     In the assembled condition, the outer surface of the spring base  25  resides against the inner surface of the bracket base  42 . As best illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , spring retention tab members  44  of resilient character extend in angled relationship upwardly away from interior surfaces of the bracket legs  40  towards the interior surface of the bracket base  42 . In the illustrated arrangement, the spring retention tab members  44  are integral with the bracket legs  40 . By way of example only, such a construction may be formed by cutting out resilient tabs from the metal or other material forming the bracket member  18  such that the tab members  44  remain connected to the bracket legs along a lower edge. However, it is likewise contemplated that the tab members  44  may be non-integral attached structures. As will be appreciated, upon insertion of the anchor latch  20  into the interior of the bracket member  18 , the tab members  44  are pushed outwardly and thereafter spring back into place once the spring base  25  has passed by. In this position as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the tab members  44  thereafter act to hold the spring base  25  against the underside of the bracket base  42  in a substantially secure relation. 
     In the exemplary construction, the bracket legs  40  include outwardly flared distal ends  46 . In practice, the flared distal ends  46  define blocking surfaces which limit insertion of the assembled strike retention assembly into an access opening within a panel  50  as shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 . As noted previously, the panel  50  may form a portion of a door or cabinet of an appliance such as a clothes dryer or the like. However, the panel  50  may likewise form a portion of virtually any other enclosure as may be desired. 
     In the illustrated exemplary construction, the bracket member  18  also includes downwardly extending locking tabs  52  extending away from the bracket legs  40 . The locking tabs  52  are of a resilient character and may be formed from metal or other material making up the bracket member  18 . The locking tabs  52  flex inwardly as the strike retention assembly  16  is inserted into an access opening within the panel  50 . Upon reaching full insertion, the locking tabs  52  thereafter spring back into position behind the panel  50 . In this position, the locking tabs  52  block withdrawal of the strike retention assembly  16  through the access opening. As shown, the spacing between the locking tabs  52  and the flared distal ends  46  may be set to be substantially equivalent to the thickness of the panel  50 . Such an arrangement may promote stability. As illustrated, the locking tabs  52  may be formed as cut-outs from the material of the bracket member  18 . However, it is likewise contemplated that non-integral resilient structures may likewise be utilized if desired. 
     In operation, the bushing structures  26  formed from the bushing elements  30  act to slidably engage the bulbous head portion  14  of the strike  12  during a latching procedure. As will be appreciated, the spring legs  24  are able to flex outwardly in substantially independent relation to one another. Thus, the anchor latch  20  is able to accommodate the strike  12  even if the strike impacts only one of the bushing structures  26  at a position substantially distant from the strike acceptance crevice  29 . Moreover, in the event of a fire, or other high temperature event, the substantially locked relationship will be maintained. In particular, in the event of a high temperature event which melts one or more of the bushing elements  30 , the spring legs  24  will nonetheless act to hold the bulbous head portion  14  of the strike in place. In this regard, as best seen in  FIG. 5 , the terminal ends  32  of the spring legs  24  include reverse bends angling upwardly generally towards the spring base  25 . As will be appreciated, in the event that the reduced friction bearing elements  30  have been melted away, the reverse bends of the terminal ends  54  will present a relatively high friction barrier to withdrawal of the bulbous head portion  14 . Moreover, the overall engagement anchor assembly  16  is held in place relative to the panel  50  by the heat resistant locking tabs  52  and flared distal ends  46 . Accordingly, an enclosure such as a dryer cabinet or the like, will tend to remain closed in the event of a fire. Maintaining such a closed relation may aid in containing the fire within the closed container. 
     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.