Patent Publication Number: US-11642777-B2

Title: Stacking latch mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/514,589 filed Jul. 17, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application relates to a stacking latch mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Carpenters and handy persons often need to carry multiple containers/stackable bodies to a jobsite. These containers/stackable bodies are often latched to one another. Typical latches are manual connectors that include a swinging portion having a hook on a first body and a protruding portion suitable for engaging the hook on the second body. These manual connectors require an operator to actively move the swinging portion into engagement with the protruding portion. This manual movement may not always be convenient. It would be good to have a stacking latch mechanism that automatically secures two bodies together by simply placing one body on top of another. Such a stacking latch mechanism would secure the two bodies together without an operator needing to physically move any parts of the latch. 
     The present invention overcomes one or more of the drawbacks discussed above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a latch mechanism configured to secure two bodies together by simply placing one body on top of the other and applying moderate downward pressure to the top body. Alternatively, the weight of the upper body would supply enough downward force to engage the latch mechanism and secure the two bodies together. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a latch partially disposed within the housing. The latch includes a main body, and a primary hook and an opposing secondary hook both extending from the main body. The latch is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is not obscured by the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is substantially obscured by the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position. 
     In another embodiment, the housing of the latch mechanism may also be a lid of a container. 
     In yet another embodiment, the housing of the latch mechanism may also be a stackable body. In this embodiment, the housing may also include a step configured to be received by another latch mechanism. 
     In yet another embodiment, the latch mechanism may include a housing, a latch partially disposed within the housing, a main body and a primary hook configured to secure a second container to the housing. The latch may be is rotatably engaged to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is adjacent the housing and, in a position, wherein it can secure a second container to the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is distal from the housing and, in a position, wherein it cannot secure a second container to the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a latch bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position. The latch mechanism also includes a stopper slidably engaged to the latch and including a locking surface and holding surface. The stopper is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The latch mechanism also includes a stopper bias configured to bias the stopper toward its upper position such that when the latch is in its first position, the locking surface and primary hook create a negative space configured to receive and secure a second container to the housing. When stopper is in its upper position and the latch is its second position, the holding surface is configured to engage a second container and prevent the latch from rotating back to its first position. 
     In yet another embodiment, a container having a plurality of walls defining an interior space. The container further includes a latch mechanism having a housing and a latch. The latch is partially disposed within the housing. The latch includes a main body and a primary hook configured to secure a second container to the housing. The latch is rotatably engaged to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is adjacent the housing and, in a position, wherein it can secure a second container to the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is distal from the housing and in a position wherein it cannot secure a second container to the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a latch bias that is configured to bias the latch toward its first position. The latch mechanism also includes a stopper slidably engaged to the latch. The stopper includes a locking surface and holding surface. The stopper is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The latch mechanism also includes a stopper bias configured to bias the stopper toward its upper position such that when the latch is in its first position, the locking surface and primary hook create a negative space configured to receive and secure a second container to the housing. When stopper is in its upper position and the latch is its second position, the holding surface is configured to engage a second container and prevent the latch from rotating back to its first position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of the front of a latch mechanism according a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the rear of a latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the bottom of latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of a latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the front of a latch according to the invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the rear of a latch according to the invention; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a container employing a latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom perspective view of a container employing a latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  9    is a detailed perspective view of a container employing a latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a detailed bottom perspective view of a step of a container; 
         FIG.  11    is a cross sectional view of a step of a container; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of two containers being held together by a latch mechanism according to the first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross sectional view of a latch receiving a step of a container; 
         FIG.  14    is a cross sectional view of a latch in its first position; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross sectional view of a latch in its second position; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of a latch mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of the latch mechanism according to the second embodiment securing two containers together; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a latch mechanism according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective of two latch mechanisms according to the third embodiment secured together; 
         FIG.  20    is a front perspective view of a latch mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG.  21    is a rear perspective view of a latch mechanism according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG.  22    is an exploded view of the latch mechanism according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG.  23 A  is a perspective view of two containers being held together by a latch mechanism according to the fourth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  23 B  is a detailed view of the carveout wherein the latch of the fourth embodiment is positioned; 
         FIG.  23 C  is a detailed perspective view of a step of a container; 
         FIGS.  24 A-C  depict the progression of a latch of the fourth embodiment engaging a second container; and 
         FIGS.  25 A-D  depict the progression of a latch of the fourth embodiment disengaging from a second container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    discloses an embodiment of a latch mechanism  10 . Latch mechanism  10  includes a housing  12  and a latch  14 . Latch  14 , which may be partially disposed within the housing  12 , includes a main body  15 , a primary hook  16  and an opposing secondary hook  18 . Latch  14  is rotatable within housing  12  between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook  16  is not obscured by the housing  12 . In the second position, the primary hook is substantially obscured by the housing  12 . 
     Latch mechanism  10  may also include one or more biases or springs  20 . Bias  20 , which is configured to bias the latch  14  toward its first position, may be disposed between an interior wall  22  of housing  12  and latch  14 . 
     The primary hook  16  extends away from the main body  15  and includes a step receiving surface  24 . Applying force to the step receiving surface  24  moves the latch  14  toward its second position. In a preferred embodiment, step receiving surface  24  may be angled. Primary hook  16  may further include a cantilevered surface  25 . A primary tooth  26  may be positioned on the cantilevered surface  25  so as to extend downwardly and partially across the width of step receiving surface  24 . Primary tooth  26  may be configured to engage a step  50  of a stackable body. 
     The secondary hook  18 , which also extends from main body  15 , may include a protruding arm  28 . A secondary tooth  30  is positioned at the end of the protruding arm  28 . Secondary tooth  30  extends upwardly from protruding arm  28  and has a length which is less than the length of primary tooth  26 . Secondary tooth  30  is configured to engage a step  50  of a stackable body. 
     The main body  15  of latch  14  may also include an operator surface  32 . The operator surface  32  is configured such that applying pressure thereto rotates the latch toward its second position. In a preferred embodiment, the operator surface  32  is positioned on the side of the main body  15  that is opposite the side from which the primary hook  16  and opposing secondary hook  18  extend. 
     Rotational movement of the latch  14  within housing  12  may be achieved by a pin  34  simultaneously disposed in a circular through opening  36  defined in the housing  12  and an opening  38  defined in the latch  14 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the rotational movement can be improved with the use of multiple pins  34  and multiple openings  36 ,  38 . As best seen in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , opening  38  may be defined in pin arms  40  that extend from the main body  15  of latch  14 . In a preferred embodiment, pin arms  40  extend from the same side of the main body  15  as do primary hook  16  and secondary hook  18 . As best seen in  FIG.  3   , when latch  14  is positioned within housing  12 ; pin  34 , circular through opening  36  and opening  38  are all on the same axis X. One pin  34  extends through one housing opening  36  and corresponding latch opening  38 . The laterally inward opening of through opening  36  includes a narrowed region against which pin  34  abuts. Alternatively, pins  34  may include channel regions and the inner ends of openings  36  may be formed with an inwardly extending collar region which may be forced into the channel regions to retain pins  34 . In either case, the opposite lateral ends of pins  34  extend laterally outwardly of housing  12 , and pins  34  have sufficient flexibility for slight lateral movement. 
     Latch  14  may also include one or depressions  42 . Depressions,  42  are sized and configured to receive a bias or spring  20 . When bias  20  is positioned within depression  42  and the interior wall  22  of housing  12 , the entire latch  14  is biased toward its first position. In a preferred embodiment, there may be two depressions  42  and they may be positioned on the main body  15  on the same side as the operator surface  32 . 
     The latch mechanism  10  of the present invention may have a variety of different embodiments.  FIGS.  1 - 3    show a first embodiment wherein the housing  12  is relatively compact. In this embodiment, the latch mechanism  10  may be used in conjunction with a container  44  such as that depicted in  FIGS.  7  and  12   . Container  44  may include a body  46  and a lid  48 . Body  46  includes a step  50  that is configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged to a latch mechanism  10 . Lid  48  contains one or more carveouts  52  that are configured to receive a latch mechanism  10  according to the first embodiment. As best seen in  FIG.  12   , carveout  52  may include one or more slots  54  and holes  56 . In particular, slots  54  are formed in each side wall of carveout  52  near the laterally outermost edges thereof and extend downwardly from the top. Holes  56  are formed at the base of slots  54  and are formed as either regions of deeper indentations than the remainder of slots  54 , or extend entirely through lid  48 . Slots  54  and holes  56  are configured to receive pins  34 . More specifically, slots  54  function as guides as latch mechanism  10  is positioned within carveout  52 . Latch mechanism  10  is slid downwardly within carveout  52  with the laterally outward extending ends of pins  34  sliding in slots  54  until they reach holes  56 . Pins  34  are slightly compressed inwardly while sliding in slots  54  and once latch mechanism  10  is pressed into a fully seated position, pins  34  are disposed in holes  56 . When pins  34  are disposed within holes  56 , the latch mechanism is secured within carveout  52 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the primary function of latch mechanism  10  is to secure two bodies to one another. In order to perform this function, latch  12  is configured to selectively engage a step  50 , such as that shown in  FIG.  9   . More specifically, the primary hook  16  and the secondary hook  18  are configured to separately engage step  50  at different locations thereof. Still further, the primary tooth  26  and the secondary tooth  30  are configured to engage step  50 . Still further, the primary tooth  26  is configured to engage an upper portion  57  of step  50  and the secondary tooth  30  is configured to engage a lip  58  of step  50 . With reference to  FIGS.  7 ,  9  and  10   , body  46  includes a rectangular cutout opening  53  formed on each lateral side near the bottom thereof. Body  46  includes step  50  which may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and which extends between opposite side surfaces of cutout openings  53 . Step  50  may also be attached to the inner surface of cutout opening  53  via two connecting structures  53   a  to create three rectangular openings. Lip  58  is formed adjacent the lower surface of step  50  (at the top in the bottom view of  FIG.  10   ) and extends across the middle rectangular opening. Lip  58  is located generally opposite upper portion  57 . 
       FIG.  16    shows a second embodiment of the latch mechanism  110 . This second embodiment  110  is different from the first embodiment  10  in that the housing  112  is not relatively compact. Instead, housing  112  is additionally configured to be a lid of a container. In this second embodiment, the latch  14  is identical to the latch in the first embodiment. Moreover, the latch  14  of the second embodiment also functions identically to that of the first embodiment.  FIG.  17    shows the latch mechanism  110  of the second embodiment positively securing two containers together. 
       FIG.  18    shows yet a third embodiment from the latch mechanism  210 . This third embodiment is different from the first embodiment  10  in that the housing  212  is additionally configured to be a stackable body. Housing  212  may also include a step  250  configured to be engaged by another latch mechanism. In this third embodiment, the latch  14  is identical to that of the first embodiment. Moreover, the latch  14  of the third embodiment also functions identically to that of the first embodiment.  FIG.  19    shows the latch mechanism  210  of the third embodiment positively securing two stackable bodies together. 
     FIGS. 20-25 depict a fourth embodiment of the latch mechanism  310 . As with the previous embodiments, this latch mechanism includes a latch  314  that includes a main body  315  and a primary hook  316 . Latch mechanism  310  also includes a housing  312 . However, as seen in  FIG.  23   a   , the housing  312  also functions as the lid  348   a  or  348   b  of a container  44 . Bodies  346   a  and  346   b  each include step  350   a  or  350   b , respectively. Latch  314  is rotatably disposed in the housing  312  and movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook  316  is adjacent the housing  312  and positioned such that it can secure a second container to the housing  312 . In the second position, the primary hook  316  is distal from the housing  312  such that it cannot secure a second container to the housing  312 . In other words, when the latch is in its first position, the primary hook can limit the axial movement of a second container stacked on the housing. In the second position, the primary hook cannot limit said axial movement. 
     The primary hook  16  extends away from the main body  315  and includes a step receiving surface  324 . Applying force to the step receiving surface  324  moves the latch  314  toward its second position. In a preferred embodiment, the step receiving surface  324  is angled. Primary hook  316  also includes a cantilevered surface  325 . 
     Latch mechanism  310  also includes a latch bias  320 . Latch bias  320  is configured to bias the latch  314  toward its first position. In a preferred embodiment, latch bias  320  may be a torsion spring including two tines  364 , two coils  366 , and a torsion loop  368 . 
     Latch mechanism  310  also includes a stopper  370  that is slidably engaged to the latch  314  and includes a locking surface  372  and a holding surface  374 . Stopper  370  is positioned on the same side of the latch  314  as the primary hook  316 . The stopper  370  is movable between an upper and a lower position. The latch mechanism further includes a stopper bias  376  positioned between the latch  314  and the stopper  370 . In a preferred embodiment, one end of stopper bias  376  may be positioned in a spring opening  380  defined by latch  314 . The other end of stopper bias  376  is received by a stopper protrusion  382  of the stopper  370 . Stopper bias  376  biases the stopper  370  toward its upper position. When stopper  370  is in its upper position and latch  314  is in its first position, the cantilevered surface  325  and locking surface  372  create a negative space  378  configured to receive a step  50  of a stackable body or second container and secure the same to the housing  312 . 
     The main body of latch  314  may also include an operator surface  332 . The operator surface  332  is configured such that applying pressure thereto rotates the latch  314  into its second position. In a preferred embodiment, the operator surface  332  is positioned on the side of the main body  315  that is opposite the side from which the primary hook  316  extends. 
     Rotational movement of the latch is facilitated by pins  334  and the latch bias  320 . Pin  334  may be simultaneously disposed in the openings  336  of the housing  312 , coils  366  of the latch bias  320  and opening  338  defined by latch  314 . Openings  338  may be disposed in latch arms  340 , which extend from the same side of the main body  315  as does the primary hook  16 . As best seen in  FIG.  21   , pins  334  form a rotational axis X. Tines  364  are positioned against the main body  315  on a side opposite the operator surface  332 . In order to achieve the rotational bias, torsion loop  368  is rotated away from the latch  314  and positioned against the housing  312 . When the torsion loop is positioned in this manner, energy is stored in the latch bias  320 . The energy in the latch bias  320  applies force against the main body  315 . More specifically, the tines  364  apply force is applied to the side of the main body  315  opposite the operator surface  332 . This force causes the latch to rotate around the pins  334  and axis X toward the latch&#39;s first position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  23 A-C  and similar to other embodiments, latch mechanism  310  can also be disposed in a carveout  352 . Carveout  352  may include one or more slots  354  and holes  356 . In particular, slots  354  are formed in each side wall of carveout  352  near the laterally outermost edges thereof and extend downwardly from the top. Holes  356  are formed at the base of slots  354  and are formed as either regions of deeper indentations than the remainder of slots  354  or extend entirely through lid  348 . Slots  354  and holes  356  are configured to receive pins  334 . More specifically, slots  54  function as guides as latch mechanism  310  is positioned within carveout  52 . Latch mechanism  310  is slid downwardly within carveout  352  with the laterally outward extending ends of pins  334  sliding in slots  54  until they reach holes  56 . Pins  34  are slightly compressed inwardly while sliding in slots  54  and once latch mechanism  310  is pressed into a fully seated position, pins  334  are disposed in holes  56 . When pins  334  are disposed within holes  56 , the latch mechanism  310  is secured within carveout  52 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the primary function of the latch mechanism  310  is to secure two bodies to one another. See  FIG.  23 A . In order to achieve this function, latch  314  is configured to selectively engage a step  50  such as that shown in  FIG.  24 C . More specifically, the primary hook  316  and the stopper  370  are configured to separately engage step  50  at different locations thereof. The operation of the latch mechanism  314  will be described below. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  12 - 15   , the function of the latch mechanism  10  of the present invention positively coupling two bodies together will now be explained.  FIG.  12    shows the latch mechanism  10  of the first embodiment coupling to containers together. For ease of reference, the top and bottom containers will be referred to using the identical reference numerals with the exception that the top container will include an “a”, while the bottom container will include a “b”. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that with the latch mechanism  10  of the first embodiment, body  46   a  will be coupled to lid  48   b . As seen in  FIG.  13   , the first step is to position body  46   a  above lid  48   b . Body  46   a  should be positioned such that step  50   a  is above the primary hook  16 , and more specifically, above the step receiving surface  24 . When properly positioned, body  46   a  can be pressed downward so that step  50   a  engages the step receiving surface  24 . The application of downward force may also be achieved under the natural weight of body  46   a . Step receiving surface  24  is angled so that when step  50   a  applies force thereto, latch  14  rotates against bias  20  toward its second position. Eventually, latch  14  rotates into its second position wherein the primary hook  16  is substantially obscured by the housing  12 . When this occurs, latch  14  is displaced such that step  50   a  can move beneath the primary hook  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , when step  50   a  is beneath primary hook  16 , bias  20  automatically rotates latch  14  back to its first position. Primary hook  16  extends over upper portion  57   a  of step  50   a  with primary tooth  26  extending laterally inward of step  50   a  and generally into the middle rectangular opening. Any upward motion of body  46   a  will cause the primary hook  16  to engage the top surface of step  50   a  and therefore upward motion is precluded. And any inward lateral movement of body  46   a  relative to lid  48   b  is precluded by the engagement of primary tooth  26  on the side wall of upper portion  57   a  of step  50   a . At this point, body  46   a  and lid  48   b  are positively coupled together by latch mechanism  10 . (See  FIG.  12   .) Those skilled in the art will recognize that horizontal movement of body  46   a  will not free it from the latch mechanism  10  as such horizontal movement is limited by the primary tooth  26 . Moreover, a second latch mechanism positioned on the other side of lid  48   b  may further limit horizontal movement of body  46   a . Still further, as shown in  FIG.  8   , body  46  may include one or more feet  60 . Feet  60  may be configured to be disposed into corresponding depressions  62 , which may be found in lid  48 . 
     When an operator wishes to release body  46   a  from lid  48   b , she will apply pressure to the operator surface  32 . In so doing, latch  14  is once again rotated against bias  20  into its second position. As step  50   a  is still positioned beneath primary hook  16 , rotating latch  14  to its second position causes the secondary hook  18  to engage step  50   a . More specifically, the secondary tooth  30  engages the lip  58   a  of step  50   a . As seen in  FIG.  15   , the engagement of secondary tooth  30  to lip  58   a  is sufficient to positively hold latch  14  in its second position. However, since the length of secondary tooth  30  is small as compared to the overall length of step  50 , the engagement of tooth  30  and lip  58   a  is insufficient to secure body  46   a  on lid  48   b . Therefore, an operator may move body  46   a  upward to free it from lid  48   b . In order to improve the ease in which the secondary tooth  30  may be disengaged from the lip  58   a , the secondary hook  18  and/or the lip  58   a  may be flexible. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the latch mechanisms of the second embodiment  110  and third embodiment  210  engage and disengage from a step  50  in the same way as that outlined for the first embodiment  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  24 A- 24 C , the fourth embodiment of the latch mechanism  310 , also positively couples stackable containers together. As seen in  FIG.  24 A , the first step is to position body  346   a  above lid  346   b . Body  346   a  should be positioned such that step  350   a  is above the primary hook  316 , and more specifically, above the step receiving surface  324 . When properly positioned, body  346   a  can be pressed downward so that step  350   a  engages the step receiving surface  324 . The application of downward force may also be achieved under the natural weight of body  346   a . Step receiving surface  324  is angled so that when step  350   a  applies force thereto, latch  314  rotates against bias  320  toward its second position. See  FIG.  24 B . Eventually, latch  14  rotates into its second position wherein the primary hook  316  is distal from the housing  312 . As shown in  FIG.  24 C  latch  314  is displaced such that step  350   a  can move beneath the primary hook  316 . In this position, step  350   a  may also engage the locking surface  372  and cause the stopper  370  to move away from its upper position. As step  350   a  moves into the negative space  378 , bias  320  causes the latch  314  to rotate back toward its first position. This is the locked position, wherein axial movement of the upper container  346   a  is limited. Upper container  346   a  is thus secured to the lid  348   b  of the lower container  346   b.    
     When an operator desires to remove the upper container, she follows the steps shown in  FIGS.  25 A-D . The first step is to apply force to the operator surface  332 . Applying force here causes the latch  314  to rotate away from its first position toward its second position as shown in  FIG.  25 A . As shown in  FIG.  25 B , further rotation of latch  314  first moves the cantilevered surface  325  out of engagement with step  350   a . Further rotation of latch  314  toward its second position, also eventually moves the locking surface  372  out of engagement with step  350   a . When this occurs, the stopper bias  376  moves holder  370  back toward its upper position. The biased movement of the holder  370  causes the holding surface  374  to come into contact with the step  350   a . In this position, as can be seen in  FIG.  25 C , the stopper holds the latch  314  in its second position. In this second position, the primary hook  316  is distal from the housing  312  (or lid  348   b ) and unable to secure step  350   a  of the upper container  346   a . From her an operator may lift the upper container  346   a  and fully disengage it from the lid  348   b  of the lower container. Removal of the upper container  346   a  also removes the step  350   a  from engagement with the stopping surface  374 . Once this occurs, the latch bias  320  causes the entire latch  314  to rotate back to its first position, wherein the primary hook  316  is adjacent the housing  312  (or lid  348   b ) as shown in  FIG.  25 D . Simultaneous with the rotation of the latch  314  back toward its first position, the stopper bias  376  may also move the stopper to its apex upper position. In this position, the negative space  378  created between the cantilevered surface  325  and the locking surface  372  may be smaller than the thickness of the step  350   a . This prevents the step  350   a  from inadvertently engaging locking as the latch is rotated back to its first position. Thus, the operator may freely remove the upper container  346   a  without being hindered by the latch mechanism  310 . 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangement included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation of the attached claims so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.