Patent Publication Number: US-2022228407-A1

Title: Single release latching system with multiple independently latching latch assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/137,939 filed Jan. 15, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to a latching system, such as a latching system to latch a closure panel to a compartment structure, with multiple latching assemblies that latch independently of one another but release simultaneously. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Certain closure panels are relatively large and have more than one latch assembly in order to secure the closure panel to a structure. With known latching systems having multiple latch assemblies, the latch pawls do not latch independently. However, it can be difficult to get all of the latch assemblies to latch at once when closing the closure panel. For example, an amenity door in an airplane lavatory may be hinged to a compartment structure and latch to the structure when pivoted to a closed position. Such doors are typically lightweight. As such, depending upon where the closing force is applied to the door, it is difficult to get all of the latch assemblies to latch. If one does not latch, the closure process must start over by unlatching the entire system and applying the closure force again to attempt to achieve a simultaneous latching event. This causes delay, and may lead to a tendency for the operator to slam the door in an effort to latch all of the latch assemblies simultaneously. 
     SUMMARY 
     A latching system is provided that enables efficient and reliable latching and release of multiple latch assemblies. The multiple latch assemblies of each of the latching systems provided herein can latch independently of one another to lock a closure panel to a compartment structure and yet still be released simultaneously to unlock the closure panel. Accordingly, if one of the latch assemblies does not latch in response to the closing action, the operator can simply push against the portion of the closure panel where a latch assembly did not latch to cause it to move into a latched position without having to first release those of the latch assemblies that did successfully latch. 
     In an example, a latching system for latching a first structure to a second structure includes a guide body configured to be secured to the second structure, and a latch rod slidably retained by the guide body. Multiple latch assemblies are fixed to the latch rod, are spaced apart from one another, and are independently biased to a latched position. A first rod-biasing spring is coaxial with the latch rod and is disposed between the guide body and a first of the latch assemblies. The first rod-biasing spring biases the latch rod to a rest position corresponding with a latched position of the latch assemblies. Multiple catches are configured to be secured to the first structure so that they are spaced apart from one another at a spacing equal to a spacing of the multiple latch assemblies on the latch rod such that the latch assemblies latch to the catches independently of one another. A force on the latch rod along a longitudinal axis of the latch rod in a direction against the first rod-biasing spring moves the latch rod along the longitudinal axis of the latch rod from a rest position to an actuated position and unlatches the multiple latch assemblies simultaneously. 
     In an example, each of the latch assemblies may include a latch body fixed to the latch rod, a latch pawl connected to the latch body and pivotable relative to the latch body between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch pawl of each of the latch assemblies is pivotable independently of the latch pawl of each other latch assembly. A biasing member may bias the latch pawl to the latched position. The biasing member may be a torsion spring. The latch pawl may have a notch, and an end of the torsion spring may be seated in the notch. 
     An actuator may be attached to the latch rod and adapted to receive a force to move the latch rod along the longitudinal axis of the latch rod against the first rod-biasing spring from the rest position to an actuated position. For example, the actuator may be a push pad or a lever disposed near an end of the latch rod, such as near a lower end in an embodiment where the latch rod is oriented with its longitudinal axis vertical, and the actuator may be configured to be foot operated. A bracket may be secured to the actuator. A lock nut may be secured to the latch rod adjacent to a second of the latch assemblies. The latch rod may extend through the bracket between the second of the latch assemblies and the lock nut. The actuator may be a lever with a slot and the latch rod may extend through the slot. Pivoting the lever may apply the force to the latch rod via the lever pushing against the latch body of the second latch assembly to move the latch rod to the actuated position 
     The latch rod may be biased to the rest position by the rod-biasing spring. For example, a lock nut may be secured to the latch rod adjacent to a first of the latch assemblies and may be adjusted along the latch rod to a position at which it preloads the first rod-biasing spring to bias the latch rod to the rest position, causing the latch rod to return to the rest position when the force applied on the latch rod to unlatch the latch assemblies (e.g., a force applied on the latch rod via the actuator) is removed. A second rod-biasing spring may also be coaxial with the latch rod and act against a second of the latch assemblies. 
     The latching system may have additional features that help to ensure proper alignment of the closure panel with the compartment structure to aid in proper operation of the multiple latch assemblies. For example, the latching system may include a bracket having a body securable to the first structure (e.g., the closure panel), and having a guide pin configured to extend outward from the body of the bracket. A guide receptacle may be configured to receive the guide pin when the first structure is closed to establish a relative orientation of the first structure and the second structure in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the latch rod. The guide receptacle may be integral with the guide body in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the orientation of the guide pin on the first structure may be adjusted to ensure that the guide pin is received in the guide receptacle. This enables greater manufacturing tolerances and avoids alignment issues that may be exacerbated if the first structure has a propensity to sag over time. In an example, the bracket may have an elongated slot extending therethrough, a plurality of first serrations disposed at an inner side of the bracket (either integral on an inner face of the bracket or on a plate secured to the inner face of the bracket), and the latching system may further include a serrated plate configured to secure to the first structure and having a plurality of second serrations configured to interlock with the plurality of first serrations. A set screw may be configured to extend through the elongated slot to the serrated plate. The relative orientation of the first structure and the second structure is thus adjustable along a length of the elongated slot by engaging the first serrations with the second serrations at different relative orientations. Once the correct relative orientation is determined that aligns the guide pin with the guide receptacle, the relative orientation is set by tightening the set screw against the serrated plate. 
     The latching system may also include features that prevent latch bodies of the latch assemblies from inadvertently rotating relative to the latch rod in order to maintain proper alignment of the latching features disposed at the second structure (e.g., the compartment structure) with those disposed at the first structure (e.g., catches on the closure panel). For example, a base may extend parallel with the latch rod and may be configured to be secured to the second structure. The base may interfere with inner sides of the multiple latch assemblies upon a rotational force applied to the latch rod to limit rotation of the latch rod about the longitudinal axis of the latch rod. In another example, at least a portion of the latch rod may have a non-circular perimeter, and the guide body may have an opening through which the latch rod extends. The opening may have a shape that interferes with the non-circular perimeter of the latch rod upon a rotational force applied to the latch rod to limit rotation of the latch rod about the longitudinal axis of the latch rod, thus keeping the latch bodies fixed to the latch rod in a predetermined orientation to better ensure desired latching of the latch pawls to the catches on the closure panel. 
     The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings, as defined in the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a fragmentary view of a compartment structure and showing a portion of a first embodiment of a latching system with multiple latch assemblies in a latched position and an actuator shown in a rest position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a one-piece base included in the latching system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary view of the compartment structure and the latching system of  FIG. 1 , showing a first latch body secured to a latch rod and a latch pawl secured to the first latch body. 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary perspective view of the compartment structure and the portion of the latching system of  FIG. 1 , showing the latch pawl latched to a catch extending from a closure panel. 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view of the compartment structure with the closure panel of  FIG. 4  hinged thereto and in a closed position. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an outer side of the closure panel of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an inner side of the closure panel of  FIG. 5  showing catches and a guide pin of the latching system secured to the closure panel. 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary view of a lower portion of the latching system of  FIG. 1  with the second latch assembly shown in a latched position. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the latching system of  FIG. 8  taken at lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary view of a portion of the latching system of  FIG. 1  with a force applied to actuate an actuator and the second latch assembly shown in an unlatched position. 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary view of another portion of the latching system of  FIG. 1  with the first latch assembly in an unlatched position due to the force applied to the actuator in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary perspective view of the closure panel and showing a guide pin extending from a bracket on the closure panel into a guide receptacle of a guide body integral with the base. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the bracket of  FIG. 12  showing a serrated inner face. 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary perspective view of the closure panel with the bracket of  FIG. 12  removed to show a serrated plate secured to the closure panel. 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary view of the compartment structure and closure panel showing a portion of a second embodiment of a latching system with multiple latch assemblies in a latched position and an actuator shown in a rest position. 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary view of the compartment structure and closure panel showing a portion of a third embodiment of a latching system with multiple latch assemblies in a latched position and an actuator shown in a rest position. 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmentary perspective view of a top portion of the latch rod of the latching system of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a fragmentary perspective view of a bottom portion of the latch rod of the latching system of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the latching system of  FIG. 16  showing an intermediate latch rod retainer retaining the latch rod of the latching system of  FIG. 16 , and a spacer secured to the intermediate latch rod retainer. 
         FIG. 20  is a fragmentary view of an upper portion of the compartment structure, the closure panel, and the latching system of  FIG. 16 , showing a guide component with a different guide receptacle than shown in  FIG. 16  secured to the compartment structure aligned with a guide pin extending from a bracket on the closure panel and showing a first latch assembly in a latched position. 
         FIG. 21  is a fragmentary view of a lower portion of the compartment structure, the closure panel, and the latching system of  FIG. 16 , showing a second latch assembly in a latch position and an actuator secured to a bracket attached to the latch rod. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the bracket with the guide pin included in the latching system of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the guide body with the guide receptacle of  FIG. 20  included in the latching system of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are various embodiments of latching systems that enable independent latching of multiple latch assemblies yet simultaneous release of the latching assemblies in response to a single release action. The ability of the latch assemblies to latch independently from one another is particularly useful in the event that one of the latch assemblies successfully latches in response to a closing force on the closure panel while another of the latch assemblies does not because an operator can simply push the closure panel at the unlocked latch assembly and the unlocked latch assembly will lock without disrupting the already locked latch assembly. In this manner, the latch assemblies may be referred to as being decoupled from one another. 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components,  FIG. 1  is a fragmentary view of one wall  10 A of a compartment structure  10  (also referred to herein as a second structure) and showing a portion of a first embodiment of a latching system  12  for latching a closure panel  14  shown in  FIG. 5 . The remainder of the latching system  12  is shown in  FIG. 5  secured to the closure panel  14  (also referred to herein as a first structure). Stated differently, some components of the latching system  12  are secured to the compartment structure  10  while others are secured to the closure panel  14 . In the embodiment shown, the closure panel  14  is an amenity door hinged to the compartment structure  10 , which forms a compartment of a vanity such as for an airplane lavatory. It should be appreciated, however, that the latch assemblies as disclosed herein may be used in other applications, such as to close closure panels in nonvehicle and non-aircraft applications. As discussed herein, the latching system  12  includes multiple latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B (portions of which are shown in  FIG. 1 ) configured to latch independently of one another when the closure panel  14  is moved to a closed position (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and configured to be released (e.g., unlatched) simultaneously. Although only two latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B are shown (also referred to as a first latch assembly  16 A, and a second latch assembly  16 B, respectively), the latching system  12  may include more than two latch assemblies. Some components of the latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B (e.g., latch bodies  20 A,  20 B, latch pawls  22 A,  22 B, and latch pawl biasing members  24 A,  24 B, respectively) are secured relative to the compartment structure  10 , while other components of the latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B (e.g., catches  26 A,  26 B for the latch pawls  22 A,  22 B, respectively) are secured relative to the closure panel  14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the compartment structure  10  may include multiple walls  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C that, together with the closure panel  14 , enclose a compartment  28  (the compartment  28  is disposed behind the closure panel  14  in  FIG. 5 ). The compartment  28  may be an interior space such as to hold a refuse container, cleaning supplies, etc. A lavatory sink (not shown) may be secured to the compartment structure  10  just above a portion of the closure panel  14 .  FIG. 1  shows one wall  10 A of the compartment structure  10  to which portions of the latching system  12  are secured. Additional walls  10 B,  10 C of the compartment structure  10  are shown in  FIG. 5 . The wall  10 A is removed in  FIG. 5  in order to reveal the catches  26 A,  26 B, and would extend between wall  10 B and the portion of the closure panel  14  with the catches  26 A,  26 B when secured to the wall  10 B in  FIG. 5 . 
     The closure panel  14  is hinged to the wall  10 C at hinges  30  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 5 ) at the inner side of the closure panel  14  near edge  34  of the closure panel  14  so that the closure panel  14  pivots about a pivot axis of the hinges  30  from the closed position of  FIG. 5  to an open position  14 A, represented by a phantom outline of the open position of the lower edge of the closure panel  14 . The catches  26 A,  26 B and an alignment pin  95  supported on a bracket  90  (best shown in  FIG. 7 ) extend from an edge  44  of the closure panel  14  opposite the hinged edge  34 .  FIG. 6  shows an exterior side  45  of the closure panel  14  with a tissue paper assembly  46  and a tilt out container  48 , such as for disposing refuse in the compartment  28 . An access opening  50  may be used for disposal of additional refuse into another container in the compartment  28 .  FIG. 7  shows an interior side  32  of the closure panel  14 , with a strengthening panel  52  to impart structural rigidity to the closure panel  14 . 
     In order to access the compartment  28  such as to empty refuse and/or to access lavatory plumbing, airlines personnel periodically unlatch the closure panel  14  to move it to the open position  14 A. The latching system  12  enables simultaneous unlatching of the multiple latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B. Generally, the closure panel  14  is relatively light and may flex or twist under application of a closing force applied at one location, which could cause a latch assembly ( 16 A or  16 B) further from the location of the applied closing force not to latch. However, the latch system  12  is configured to enable the latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B to latch independently from one another, thus allowing the operator to simply press on the closure panel  14  near the unlatched latch assembly to move it to the latched position without needing to first unlatch the latch assembly that did properly latch in response to the initial closing force. 
     In particular, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the latching system  12  includes the multiple latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B with respective latch pawls  22 A,  22 B shown in latched positions, and an actuator  56  and latch rod  62  shown in a rest position. The latch bodies  20 A,  20 B are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance D indicated in  FIG. 1 . The catches  26 A,  26 B secured to the closure panel  14  are spaced apart from one another by the same predetermined distance D so that the latch pawl  22 A of the first latch assembly  16 A latches to the first catch  26 A and the latch pawl  22 B of the second latch assembly  16 B latches to the second catch  26 B. The separate biasing members  24 A,  24 B at each latch pawl  22 A,  22 B, respectively, enable the latch pawl  22 A to pivot independently of the latch pawl  22 B, and the latch pawl  22 B to pivot independently of the latch pawl  22 A, and therefore the latching of the latch pawl  22 A to catch  26 A to be independent of the latching of the latch pawl  22 B to catch  26 B as discussed herein. 
     The latching system  12  also includes a guide body  58  configured to be secured to the compartment structure  10 . Specifically, the guide body  58  is integrally formed with a one-piece base  60 , best shown in  FIG. 2 . The base  60  includes a forward wall disposed orthogonally to a side wall, creating an L shape. The base  60  is configured to be secured to the compartment structure  10 , as shown secured to the wall  10 A at integral brackets  60 A,  60 B,  60 C, and  60 D. There are two identical brackets  60 A. The brackets  60 A and  60 B have a thickness that serves as an integral spacer to places the latch rod and latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B sufficiently away from the wall  10 A to allow the latch rod  62  and the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B fixed thereon to move between respective latched and unlatched positions without interfacing with the wall  10 A. The bracket  60 B provides the same functionality as an integral spacer for the actuator  56 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , intermediate latch rod retainers  65  are disposed against the brackets  60 A,  60 B and bolts  67  extend through both the standoff brackets  60 A,  60 B and the latch rod retainers  65 . Bumpers  61  are secured to a forward flange of the base  60  to interface with the closure panel  14  when the closure panel  14  is in a closed position. 
     The latching system  12  includes a latch rod  62  that has a longitudinal axis  63  (indicated in  FIG. 3 ) that extends parallel with the base  60 . Although the longitudinal axis  63  of the latch rod  62  is shown extending vertically in the example embodiments herein, the latch rod  62  could extend in any orientation with the latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis  63 . The latch rod  62  is slidably retained by the guide body  58 . Stated differently, the latch rod  62  is able to slide along its length (in a direction along the longitudinal axis  63 ) relative to the guide body  58  and the base  60  when a force is applied to the latch rod  62 . More specifically, the guide body  58  has an opening  64  (indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 10 ) through which the latch rod  62  extends. The latch rod  62  can slide up and down in the opening  64  relative to the guide body  58 . If a rotational force is applied to the latch rod  62  about the longitudinal axis  63 , in order to prevent the latch rod  62  (and the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B fixed thereto) from rotating about the longitudinal axis  63  (which could cause misalignment of the latch pawls  22 A,  22 B with the catches  26 A,  26 B), the integral brackets  60 C,  60 D interfere with the sides of the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B should they rotate beyond a minimal amount. 
     The multiple latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B are fixed to the latch rod  62  so that, when the latch rod  62  moves in a direction along its longitudinal axis  63 , both of the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B, as well as the latch pawls  22 A,  22 B and biasing members  24 A,  24 B supported on the respective latch bodies  20 A,  20 B, will move in unison with the latch rod  62 . As discussed herein, this enables simultaneous release of the latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B with a single action, such as a force applied to the actuator  56 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the first latch body  20 A is fixed to the latch rod  62  between a pair of split rings  70  engaged in a pair of circumferential grooves  72  in the latch rod  62  to retain the latch body  20 A in a fixed position along the length of the latch rod  62  (e.g., between the circumferential grooves  72 ). The circumferential grooves  72  are spaced apart from one another along the latch rod  62  and the latch body  20 A is disposed along the latch rod  62  between the pair of circumferential grooves  72 . The latch body  20 A has an opening  69  extending therethrough, and the shape of the opening  69  sufficiently matches the shape of the outer perimeter of the latch rod  62  so that the latch rod  62  extends therethrough. For example, the opening  69  may be circular, and the outer perimeter of the latch rod  62  where the rod extends through the opening  69  may be circular. A grub screw  74  (see  FIG. 4 ) extends laterally through the first latch body  20 A and against the latch rod  62  to further fix the latch body  20 A in place along the latch rod  62 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 , a rod-biasing spring  78 A (referred to herein as a first rod-biasing spring) is coaxially arranged on the latch rod  62  and disposed between the guide body  58  and the latch body  20 A of the first latch assembly  16 A (above the split ring  70 ). The rod-biasing spring  78 A is a compression spring. Washers may also be disposed at either or both ends of the rod-biasing spring  78 A. A lock nut  75  is disposed at a first end of the latch rod  62  (e.g., the upper end as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 12 ) which may be threaded to receive the lock nut  75 , and with the guide body  58  disposed between the lock nut  75  and the rod biasing spring  78 A. The lock nut  75  screws onto the latch rod  62  to a set point and preloads the first rod-biasing spring  78 A. The first rod-biasing spring  78 A (along with second rod-biasing spring  78 B discussed herein) always pushes the latch rod  62  in a direction away from the guide body (e.g., down in  FIG. 1 ) so that when an operator actuates the actuator  56  as discussed herein to push the latch rod  62  and latch bodies  20 A,  20 B fixed thereon in a direction against the rod-biasing springs  78 A,  78 B (e.g., upwards in  FIG. 1 ), the rod-biasing springs  78 A  78 B are being compressed, and once the operator removes the force from the actuator  56 , the rod-biasing springs  78 A,  78 B act to return the latch rod  62  back down to the rest position shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the latch pawls  22 A,  22 B align with the catches  26 A,  26 B. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the biasing member  24 A is a torsion spring shown biasing the first latch pawl  22 A to a latched position (shown latched to the first catch  26 A in  FIG. 4 ). The biasing member  24 B shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  is also a torsion spring and is configured in an identical manner to bias the second latch pawl  22 B. As shown, in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the latch pawl  22 A has a notch  80 , and an end  82  of the torsion spring  24 A is seated in the notch  80  to bias the latch pawl  22 A downward.  FIG. 8  shows a similar notch  80  in latch pawl  22 B with an end of torsion spring  24 B seated in the notch.  FIG. 3  shows that the latch pawl  22 A has forward curved face  85  that interfaces with the outer surface of the catch  26 A before sliding over the catch  26 A to latch to the catch  26 A. In the event that the latch pawl  22 A does not successfully latch when the operator closes the closure panel  14 , placing an additional force on the exterior of the closure panel  14  in the vicinity of the catch  26 A (e.g., to the exterior side  45  directly outward of the catch  26 A, which will cause the catch  26 A to move against the curved face  85 , which will cause the latch pawl  22 A to rotate upward (against the biasing force of the torsion spring  24 A) until it slips over the catch  26 A and the torsion spring  24 A forces it into the latched position. This movement of the latch pawl  22 A is independent of any movement of the latch pawl  22 B. Accordingly, the latch pawl  22 B may remain latched while the latch pawl  22 A is corrected to the latched state with an additional force applied in this manner. In an instance where the latch pawl  22 A successfully latches but the latch pawl  22 B does not latch, an additional force can be applied on the exterior of the closure panel  14  in the vicinity of the catch  26 B to cause the latch pawl  22 B to slip over the catch  26 B in this same manner without affecting the latched state of latch pawl  22 A. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8-9 , an additional split ring  70  and a circumferential groove  72  in the latch rod  62  are disposed nearer to the second latch body  20 B. A grub screw  74  extends laterally through the second latch body  20 B and against the latch rod  62  to further fix the latch body  20 B in place along the latch rod  62 . The latch rod retainers  65  (see  FIG. 1 ) have guide portions  65 A that slidably retaining the latch rod  62 . Stated differently, while the latch rod retainer  65  remains fixed in position to the wall  10 A on the respective standoff brackets  60 A,  60 B, the latch rod  62  can slide along its longitudinal axis  63  relative to the latch rod retainer  65  in the guide portions  65 A. 
     A rod-biasing spring  78 B (referred to herein as a second rod-biasing spring) is disposed between the latch rod retainer  65  on the standoff bracket  60 B and the latch body  20 B of the second latch assembly  16 B (above the split ring  70 ). Washers  71  are disposed on either side of the rod-biasing spring  78 B. The latch body  20 B has an opening  69  extending therethrough, and the shape of the opening  69  sufficiently matches the shape of the outer perimeter of the latch rod  62  so that the latch rod  62  extends therethrough. For example, the opening  69  may be circular, and the outer perimeter of the latch rod  62  where the rod extends through the opening  69  may be circular. A lock nut  77  is disposed at and end of the latch rod  62  (e.g., the lower end as shown) with the second latch body  20 B disposed between the split ring  70  and the lock nut  77 . 
     In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the actuator  56  is a lever that is secured to the bracket  60 B with a lever hinge pin  81 . The cross-section of  FIG. 9  is behind the closure panel  14 , the latch pawl  22 B, and the catch  26 B in  FIG. 8 , as these do not appear in  FIG. 9 . In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the lever  56  is not actuated and the latch rod  62  is in a rest position. Referring to  FIG. 10 , in response to a force F applied on the lever  56 , the lever pivots in the direction of arrow A about an axis through the hinge pin  81  to an actuated position  56 A. Because a top surface  83  of the lever  56  rests against a bottom of the latch body  20 B, pivoting of the lever  56  by the force F causes the latch body  20 B and the latch rod  62  secured thereto to move to an actuated position, causing the latch pawl  22 B to lift with the latch body  20 B and unlatch from the catch  26 B. The movement of the latch rod  62  upon actuation of the lever  56  acts against the rod-biasing spring  78 B, so that latch body  20 B and latch pawl  22 B secured thereto return to the latched position of  FIG. 8  when the force F is removed. Of course, if the operator has moved the closure panel  14  to open it while the lever  56  was depressed to the position of  56 A, then the catch  26 B will have moved away with the closure panel  14 . The lever  56  has a slot  84  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) through which the latch rod  62  extends, allowing the latch rod  62  to move along its longitudinal axis as the lever  56  pivots. In  FIG. 8 , the slot  84 , as well as the end of the latch rod  62 , and the lock nut  77  are blocked from view by the interfacing latch body  20 B and lever  56 . Additionally, the top surface  83  is convex at the opening of the slot  84 , creating a slight gap between the surface  83  and the relatively straight bottom of the latch body  20 B further outward from the slot  84  so that the lever  56  is not locked against the bottom of the latch body  20 B when the lock nut  77  is tightened. 
       FIG. 11  is a fragmentary view of a portion of the latching system  12  of  FIG. 1  with the first latch assembly  16 A in an unlatched position. The latch body  20 A moves upward with the latch rod  62 , moving the latch pawl  22 A to the unlatched position (unlatched from catch  26 A) simultaneously as the second latch assembly  16 B moves to the unlatched position due to the force applied to the actuator  56  in  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the latch rod  62  slides upward in the opening  64  through the guide body  58  relative to its rest position in  FIGS. 1 and 12  (in which the force F is not applied to the actuator  56 ) and the lock nut  75  lifts with the latch rod  62  away from the guide body  58 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a bracket  90  having a body  90 A secured to the closure panel  14  with set screws  92 . In  FIG. 12 , the set screws  92  are not shown to reveal elongated slots  94  through the body  90 A and in which the set screws  92  extend in  FIG. 11 . Although two elongated slots  94  are shown, in some embodiments, only one slot  94  and one set screw  92  may be used. The bracket  90  includes a guide pin  95  configured to extend outward from the body  90 A. A portion of the guide body  58  is configured as a guide receptacle  58 A that forms a channel  96  (best shown in  FIG. 2 ) so that the guide body  58  integrally forms and serves as the guide receptacle  58 A, with the channel  96  receiving the guide pin  95 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , to establish a relative orientation of the closure panel  14  and the wall  10 A of the compartment structure  10  in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the latch rod  62 . As best shown in  FIG. 13 , a plurality of first serrations  98  are disposed at an inner side  100  of the bracket  90 .  FIG. 14  shows a serrated plate  102  configured to secure to the closure panel  14  with screws  103 . The plate  102  is partially visible in  FIG. 12  also. The plate  102  has a plurality of second serrations  104  configured to interlock with the plurality of first serrations  98 . Accordingly, the relative orientation of the closure panel  14  and the compartment structure  10  (specifically wall  10 A) is adjustable along a length of the elongated slots  94  by engaging the first serrations  98  with the second serrations  104  at a different relative orientations and then tightening the set screws  92 . Production tolerances, sag of the closure panel  14  with use, etc., may necessitate adjusting the relative positions of the guide pin  95  to the channel  96  of the guide receptacle  58 A formed by the guide body  58  via an adjustment of the bracket  90  on the plate  102 . 
       FIG. 15  is a fragmentary view of a portion of the wall  10 A showing a portion of a second embodiment of a latching system  112 . The latching system  112  is identical to latching system  12  except that a one-piece base  160  parallel with the latch rod  62  has a different integral bracket  160 B in place of integral bracket  60 B and a different actuator  156  is secured to the latch rod  62  by a bracket  106 . The latch rod  62  extends through an opening in the bracket  106  and the bracket  106  is sandwiched between the bottom of the latch body  20 B and the lock nut  77 . The actuator  156  is a push pad, and may be referred to as a push button and is shown in a rest position. Rather than a pivotable lever, the actuator  156  moves only in a direction along the longitudinal axis  63  with the latch rod  162 , and is actuated by a force F pushing directly upward on the bottom of the actuator  156 . The actuator  156  and bracket  106  are also used with the latching system  212  of  FIG. 16 , and are shown and described in greater detail in  FIG. 21  with respect to latching system  212 . 
       FIG. 16  is a fragmentary view of a portion of the wall  10 A showing a third embodiment of a latching system  212  with the multiple latch assemblies  16 A,  16 B in a latched position and an actuator  156  shown in a rest position. The latching system  212  has the same components as latching system  112  except that, as described herein, the latch rod  162  is different than the latch rod  62 , and no base  160  is provided so that there are more individual brackets or flanges provided for securing the components of the latching system  212  to the wall  10 A or the closure panel  14 . Additionally, in place of the relatively thick integral brackets  60 A,  60 B, individual spacers  202  are disposed between each of the latch rod retainers  65  and the wall  10 A. Individual brackets  160 E mount the bumpers  61  to the wall  10 A. Additionally, because there is no integral base, a guide body  158  is provided that has flanges  158 B to mount it to the wall  10 A. The guide body  158  forms the guide receptacle  258 A at channel  96 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , similar to guide body  58  of  FIG. 2 . Instead of bracket  90  with the serrated inner side, a bracket  190  shown in  FIG. 22  is secured to the closure panel  14 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . The bracket  190  has the guide pin  95  configured to extend outward from the body  190 A of the bracket  190 . Notably, the openings  190 B in the bracket  190  are elongated slots to enable some vertical adjustment of the guide pin  95  relative to the channel  96 , if necessary. Similarly, openings  158 C in the flanges  158 B of the guide body  158  are elongated slots for the same reason. A portion of the guide body  158  is a guide receptacle  258 A that forms the channel  96  so that the guide body  158  integrally forms and serves as the guide receptacle  258 A, with the channel  96  receiving the guide pin  95 , as shown in  FIG. 20 , to establish a relative orientation of the closure panel  14  and the wall  10 A in the direction along the longitudinal axis  63  of the latch rod  162 . 
       FIG. 17  is a fragmentary perspective view of a top portion of the latch rod  162  of the latching system  212  of  FIG. 16 , and  FIG. 18  is a fragmentary perspective view of a bottom portion of the latch rod  162 .  FIG. 17  shows that the latch rod  162  has the same grooves  72  as discussed with respect to latch rod  62  of  FIG. 4  for retaining the first latch body  20 A in an axial position along the length of the latch rod  162 .  FIG. 18  shows that the latch rod  162  has a groove  72  similarly as discussed with respect to latch rod  62  in  FIG. 9  for retaining the second latch body  20 B in an axial position along the length of the latch rod  162 . The respective top and bottom ends of the latch rod  162  are shown as threaded at threads  173  to retain the lock nuts  75 ,  77 , respectively. A grub screw  74  extends through the first latch body  20 A and a grub screw  74  extends through the second latch body  20 B to further hold the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B in a fixed axial position with respect to the latch rod  162 , as discussed with respect to the grub screws  74  used to secure the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B to the latch rod  62  in the latching system  12 . 
     Because there is no guide with brackets  60 C,  60 D to prevent rotation of the latch bodies  20 A,  20 B about the longitudinal axis  63  of the latch rod  162 , the latch rod  162  is instead specifically configured to prevent such rotation. More specifically,  FIG. 17  shows that the top portion of the latch rod  162  has a non-circular perimeter  166  where the latch rod  162  slides through an opening  164  the guide body  158  (see  FIGS. 20 and 23 ), and  FIG. 18  shows that a bottom portion of the latch rod  162  also has a non-circular perimeter  166  where the latch rod  162  is disposed through an opening  169  in the latch body  20 B (see  FIG. 21 ). The non-circular perimeter  166  at both the top portion and the bottom portion of the latch rod  162  includes a flat side  166 A and a remaining portion  166 B that is a segment of a circle. The opening  164  in the guide body  158  has a like shape (e.g., a flat side  164 A and a remaining portion  164 B that is a segment of a circle, as indicated in  FIG. 23 . The opening  169  in the latch body  20 B also has shape with a flat side and a remaining portion that is a segment of a circle. If a rotational force is applied to the latch rod  162  to urge it to rotate about the longitudinal axis  63 , the shape of the opening  164  will interfere with the non-circular perimeter  166  of the latch rod  162  to limit rotation of the latch rod  162  about the longitudinal axis  63 . For example, the guide body  158  at the flat side  164 A of the opening  164  will interfere with a corner of the latch rod  162  at the intersection of the flat side  166 A and the flat side  164 A when the latch rod  162  is urged to rotate. The latch rod  162  will likewise interfere with the latch body  20 B at the opening  169  if a rotational force is applied. 
       FIG. 19  is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the latching system  212  of  FIG. 16  showing an intermediate latch rod retainer  65  retaining the latch rod  162  and the spacer  202  secured to the intermediate latch rod retainer  65 . 
       FIG. 20  is a fragmentary view of an upper portion of the wall  10 A, the closure panel  14 , and the latching system  212 , showing the guide body  158  secured to the wall  10 A at the flanges  158 B, and having a portion that is a guide receptacle  258 A with a slightly different shape than guide receptacle  158 A aligned with the guide pin  95  extending from the bracket  190  on the closure panel  14  into the channel  96 . The first latch assembly  16 A is shown in a latched position. 
       FIG. 21  is a fragmentary view of a lower portion of the wall  10 A, the closure panel  14 , and the latching system  212 , showing the second latch assembly  16 B in a latched position and the actuator  156  secured to the bracket  106 . Specifically, the bracket  106  includes a leg  106 A extending in the same direction as the longitudinal axis  63  of the latch rod  162 , a first flange  106 B extending from the leg  106 A, and a second flange  106 C extending from the leg  106 A and spaced apart from the second flange  106 C. The first flange  106 B has an opening  106 D through which the lower end of the latch rod  162  extends so that the lock nut  77  can be threaded to the end of the latch rod  162  to retain the bracket  106  against the lower side of the latch body  20 B. The flange  106 C also has an opening  106 E. A bolt  67  extends through the opening  106 E to secure the actuator  156  to the bracket  106 . Accordingly, when an actuating force is applied to the actuator  156  in an upward direction along the longitudinal axis  63 , the actuator  156 , the bracket  106 , and the latch body  20 B will move together in unison with the latch rod  162 , and the pawls  22 A,  22 B will simultaneously unlatch from the respective catches  26 A,  26 B as the latch body  20 A will also lift in unison with the latch rod  162 . The lock nut  75  of  FIG. 20  will lift away from the guide body  158  as the latch rod  162  slides upward through the opening  164  in the guide body  158 . 
     Accordingly, the various latching systems disclosed herein enable independent latching of multiple latch assemblies while enabling simultaneous release of the latch assemblies, and offer other features as described herein for efficient and repeatable latching and unlatching of a closure panel to a compartment structure. 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims.