Patent Publication Number: US-9890572-B2

Title: Latch assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to latch assemblies, such as latch assemblies suitable for use in appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain appliances include mechanical latch assemblies for holding doors of the appliances in a closed position. Such mechanical latch assemblies are generally burst type latch assemblies where a user pulls on the door until a holding force is overcome and the door opens. Similarly, the user pushes on the door to overcome a resistance force of the burst type latch assembly and close the door. Overcoming the holding force of the burst type latch assembly to open the door can be difficult and inconvenient. Likewise, overcoming the resistance force of the burst type latch assembly to close the door can be difficult and inconvenient. In particular, the door may not properly close if the user fails to fully overcome the resistance force of the burst type latch assembly. 
     Magnetic latch assemblies are also available to hold doors closed. Such magnetic latch assemblies generally include a magnet that draws a door shut without a user applying any force to the door. However, opening the door can be difficult because an initial opening force of the magnetic latch assembly can be quite high due to the force versus displacement characteristics of the magnet. 
     In addition, doors are generally designed to be centered on a cabinet when the door is closed. However, normal manufacturing variation often results in the door being slightly off center when the door is in the closed position. For example, the door may be two or three millimeters to the left or right of center when the door is in the closed position. Handling such variation is a challenge for both burst latches and magnetic latches. 
     Accordingly, a magnetic latch assembly that draws a door closed while also being easy to open would be useful. In addition, a magnetic latch assembly with features for assisting with holding the door in a closed position despite the door being off center in the closed position would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject provides a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes coplanar pairs of magnets that engage each other when the latch assembly is in a closed position in order to secure the latch assembly in the closed position. A related appliance that includes features for selectively securing a door of the appliance in a closed position is also provided. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly includes a stator having a first end portion and a second end portion. A first magnet is positioned at the first end portion of the stator. The first magnet has an outer surface. A second magnet is positioned at the second end portion of the stator. The second magnet has an outer surface. The outer surface of the second magnet is positioned coplanar with the outer surface of the first magnet. A mover has a first end portion and a second end portion. A third magnet is positioned at the first end portion of the mover. The third magnet has an outer surface. The outer surface of the third magnet is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the first magnet when the latch assembly is in a closed position. A fourth magnet is positioned at the second end portion of the mover. The fourth magnet has an outer surface. The outer surface of the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the second magnet when the latch assembly is in the closed position. The outer surface of the fourth magnet is positioned coplanar with the outer surface of the third magnet. 
     In a second exemplary embodiment, an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet. A door is pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A latch assembly is configured for selectively securing the door in a closed configuration. The latch assembly includes a stator having a first end portion and a second end portion. The stator is positioned on the cabinet. A first magnet is positioned at the first end portion of the stator. The first magnet has an outer surface. A second magnet is positioned at the second end portion of the stator. The second magnet has an outer surface. The outer surface of the second magnet is positioned parallel to the outer surface of the first magnet. A mover has a first end portion and a second end portion. The mover is positioned on the door. A third magnet is positioned at the first end portion of the mover. The third magnet has an outer surface. The outer surface of the third magnet is positioned at the outer surface of the first magnet when the door is in the closed configuration. A fourth magnet is positioned at the second end portion of the mover. The fourth magnet has an outer surface. The outer surface of the fourth magnet is positioned at the outer surface of the second magnet when the door is in the closed configuration. The outer surface of the fourth magnet is positioned parallel to the outer surface of the third magnet. 
     In a third exemplary embodiment, an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet. A door is pivotally mounted to the cabinet. The latch assembly also includes means for selectively securing the door in a closed configuration. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  provides a partial perspective view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG. 1  positioned within a cabinet. 
         FIG. 3  provides a top, plan view of a latch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIGS. 4, 6 and 8  provide perspective views of a stator and a mover of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3  shown in various positions. 
         FIGS. 5, 7 and 9  provide side, elevation views of a stator and a mover of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3  shown in various positions. 
         FIGS. 10 and 12  provide perspective views of a static portion of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3  with a stator of the static portion shown in various positions. 
         FIGS. 11 and 13  provide side, section views of the static portion of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3  with the stator of the static portion shown in various positions. 
         FIGS. 14 and 16  provide perspective view of the static portion of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3  with the stator of the static portion shown in various locations. 
         FIGS. 15 and 17  provide bottom, plan views of the static portion of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3  with the stator of the static portion shown in various locations. 
         FIG. 18  provides a bottom, section view of the static portion of the exemplary latch assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG. 1  provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher appliance  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.  FIG. 2  provides a partial perspective view of dishwasher appliance  100  positioned within a cabinet  108 . Dishwasher appliance  100  includes a tub  104  that defines wash compartment  106 . Tub  104  includes door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed configuration (shown in  FIG. 1 ) in which wash compartment  106  is sealed shut, e.g., for washing operation, and an open configuration (shown in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 ) for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance  100 . 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  includes middle and lower rack assemblies  130 ,  132 . Each of the middle and lower racks assemblies  130 ,  132  is fabricated from lattice structures that include a plurality of wires or elongated members. Each rack assembly  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack assembly is substantially positioned outside the wash compartment  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which the rack assembly is located inside the wash compartment  106 . 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  includes a lower spray assembly  144  that is mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash compartment  106  and above a tub sump portion  142  so as to be in relatively close proximity to the lower rack assembly  132 . A mid-level spray assembly (not shown) may also be located in an upper region of the wash compartment  106  and may be located in close proximity to middle rack assembly  130 . The lower spray assembly  144  is fed by a pump (not shown) for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub  104 . The pump may be located in a machinery compartment below the bottom sump portion  142  of the tub  104 , as generally recognized in the art. Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid onto dishes or other articles located in the middle and lower rack assemblies  130 ,  132 . Lower spray assembly  144  is rotatably mounted in wash compartment  106 . Accordingly, the arrangement of the discharge ports on lower spray assembly  144  may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray assembly  144  can provide coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. 
     The dishwasher appliance  100  is further equipped with a controller  137  to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance  100 . Controller  137  may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. Alternatively, controller  137  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     Controller  137  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance  100 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, controller  137  is located within a control panel  116  of door  120 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, controller  116  may be positioned beneath tub  104  or at any other suitable location on dishwasher appliance  100 . Typically, controller  137  includes a user interface panel  136  through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, user interface  136  represents a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In another exemplary embodiment, user interface  136  includes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface  136  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. 
     It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher appliance and that dishwasher appliance  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, the present subject matter may be used in dishwasher appliances having other rack configurations or spray assembly arrangements. 
       FIG. 3  provides a top, plan view of a latch assembly  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Latch assembly  200  can be used for any suitable purpose. As an example, latch assembly  200  may be used on an appliance, such as dishwasher appliance  100  ( FIG. 1 ). As another example, latch assembly  200  may be used on a microwave appliance, a washer appliance, a dryer appliance, a trash compactor, an oven appliance, etc. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, latch assembly  200  may be used to selectively secure a door of such appliances in a closed position. As an example, a moving portion  220  may be mounted to a door of such appliances, and a static portion  210  of latch assembly  200  may be mounted to a cabinet of such appliances. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 2 , moving portion  220  may be mounted to door  120  of dishwasher appliance  100 , and static portion  210  may be mounted to tub  104  of dishwasher appliance  100 . As another example, moving portion  220  of latch assembly  200  may be mounted to the cabinet of such appliances, and static portion  210  may be mounted to the door of such appliances. 
     Latch assembly  200  defines a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T. The lateral direction L and the transverse direction T are perpendicular to each other. The lateral direction L and the transverse direction T may also both be perpendicular to a vertical direction V, e.g., to form an orthogonal direction system. Latch assembly  200  may operate or function in a similar manner to the latch assembly described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/053,675 of Ronald Scott Tan et al. entitled “A Latch Assembly” filed on Oct. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIGS. 4, 6 and 8  provide perspective views of certain components of latch assembly  200 .  FIGS. 5, 7 and 9  provide side, elevation views of certain components of latch assembly  200 . In  FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 , a mover  222  of latch assembly  200  is shown in various positions relative to a back iron or stator  212  of latch assembly  200 . In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , latch assembly  200  is shown in a closed position. Conversely, latch assembly  200  is shown in an open position in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Latch assembly  200  is shown in a position between the open and closed positions in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . A user can selectively adjust latch assembly  200  between the open and closed positions. 
     As may be seen in  FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 , latch assembly  200  includes stator  212 , mover  222 , a first magnet  230 , a second magnet  240 , a third magnet  250  and a fourth magnet  260 . First and second magnets  230 ,  240  are mounted to stator  212 . Conversely, third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  are mounted to mover  222 . As discussed in greater detail below, first and second magnets  230 ,  240  engage the third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  to hold latch assembly  200  in the closed position (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The position and orientation of first, second, third and fourth magnets  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260  assist with shaping the force required to shift latch assembly  200  from the closed position to the open position (shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Such features of latch assembly  200  are discussed in greater detail below. 
     As may be seen in  FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 , stator  212  extends between a first end portion  213  and a second end portion  215 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. Thus, first and second end portions  213 ,  215  of stator  212  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. First magnet  230  is mounted to stator  212  at first end portion  213  of stator  212 , and second magnet  240  is mounted to stator  212  at second end portion  215  of stator  212 . Thus, first and second magnets  230 ,  240  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. 
     Stator  212  can be constructed of any suitable material. In certain exemplary embodiments, stator  212  is constructed of a material having a relatively high conductivity. As an example, stator  212  may be constructed of a metal, such as steel. 
     As discussed above, first magnet  230  is positioned at first end portion  213  of stator  212 . First magnet  230  has an outer surface  232 . Second magnet  240  is positioned at second end portion  215  of stator  212 . Second magnet  240  also has an outer surface  242 . Outer surface  232  of first magnet  230  and outer surface  242  of second magnet  240  may be positioned coplanar and/or parallel with each other. 
     Poles of first and second magnets  230 ,  240  may be oriented to assist with shaping the holding force of latch assembly  200 . For example, a southern pole of first magnet  230  may be positioned at or adjacent outer surface  232  of first magnet  230 , and a northern pole of first magnet  230  may be positioned at an opposite side of first magnet  230 , e.g., adjacent or at first end portion  213  of stator  212 . Conversely, a northern pole of second magnet  240  may be positioned at or adjacent outer surface  242  of second magnet  240 , and a southern pole of second magnet  240  may be positioned at an opposite side of second magnet  240 , e.g., adjacent or at second end portion  215  of stator  212 . Such alignment can assist with coupling first and second magnets  230 ,  240  when latch assembly  200  is closed as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the orientation of the poles of first and second magnets  230 ,  240  can be any suitable orientation in alternative exemplary embodiments. 
     Like stator  212 , mover  222  also extends between a first end portion  223  and a second end portion  225 . Thus, first and second end portions  223 ,  225  of mover  222  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Third magnet  250  is mounted to mover  222  at first end portion  223  of mover  222 , and fourth magnet  260  is mounted to mover  222  at second end portion  225  of mover  222 . Thus, third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. 
     Mover  222  can be constructed of any suitable material. In certain exemplary embodiments, mover  222  is constructed of a material having a relatively high conductivity. As an example, mover  222  may be constructed of a metal, such as steel. 
     As discussed above, third magnet  250  is positioned at first end portion  223  of mover  222 . Third magnet  250  has an outer surface  252 . Fourth magnet  260  is positioned at second end portion  225  of mover  222 . Fourth magnet  260  also has an outer surface  262 . Outer surface  252  of third magnet  250  and outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260  may be positioned coplanar and/or parallel with each other. 
     Poles of third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  may be oriented to assist with shaping the holding force of latch assembly  200 . For example, a northern pole of third magnet  250  may be positioned at or adjacent outer surface  252  of third magnet  250 , and a southern pole of third magnet  250  may be positioned at an opposite side of third magnet  250 , e.g., adjacent or at first end portion  223  of mover  222 . Conversely, a southern pole of fourth magnet  260  may be positioned at or adjacent outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260 , and a northern pole of fourth magnet  260  may be positioned at an opposite side of fourth magnet  260 , e.g., adjacent or at second end portion  225  of mover  222 . Such alignment can assist with coupling third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  when latch assembly  200  is closed as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the orientation of the poles of first, second, third and fourth magnets  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260  can be complementary in order to increase a magnitude of the attractive force between such magnets. It should be understood that the orientation of the poles of third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  can be any suitable orientation in alternative exemplary embodiments. 
     As discussed above, the position and orientation of first, second, third and fourth magnets  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260  relative to each other can assist with shaping the force required to shift latch assembly  200  from the closed position (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to the open position (shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). As may be seen in  FIGS. 4  and  5 , outer surface  252  of third magnet  250  is positioned at or adjacent outer surface  232  of first magnet  230  when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position, e.g., such that outer surface  232  of first magnet  230  is substantially parallel to outer surface  252  of third magnet  250 . In particular, outer surface  252  of third magnet  250  overlaps outer surface  232  of first magnet  230  when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position. For example, when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position, only a portion of outer surface  252  of third magnet  250  faces or contacts outer surface  232  of first magnet  230 . 
     As may be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260  is also positioned at or adjacent outer surface  242  of second magnet  240 , e.g., such that outer surface  242  of second magnet  240  is substantially parallel to outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260 , when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position. In particular, outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260  overlaps outer surface  242  of second magnet  240  when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position. For example, when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position, only a portion of outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260  faces or contacts outer surface  242  of second magnet  240 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, a surface area of outer surface  232  of first magnet  230  and a surface area of outer surface  242  of second magnet  240  are about equal (e.g., within ten percent of), and a surface area of outer surface  252  of third magnet  250  and a surface area of outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260  are also about equal (e.g., within ten percent of). In particular, the surface area of outer surface  232  of first magnet  230 , the surface area of outer surface  242  of second magnet  240 , the surface area of outer surface  252  of third magnet  250  and the surface area of outer surface  262  of fourth magnet  260  may be about equal. 
       FIGS. 10 and 12  provide perspective views of static portion  210  of latch assembly  200  with stator  212  of static portion  210  shown in various positions.  FIGS. 11 and 13  provide side, section views of static portion  210  of latch assembly  200  with stator  212  of static portion  210  shown in various positions. As may be seen in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , static portion  210  of assembly  200  includes a stator holder  216  and a housing  218 . Stator  212  is positioned within and mounted to stator holder  216 . First and second magnets  230 ,  240  on stator  212  may be positioned within stator holder  216 , e.g., such that stator holder  216  is positioned between first magnet  230  and third magnet  250  and stator holder  216  is also positioned between second magnet  240  and fourth magnet  260 . Thus, stator holder  216  may protect and/or encase first and second magnets  230 ,  240 . 
     Stator holder  216  is positioned within housing  218 . In particular, stator holder  216  is pivotally mounted to housing  218  such that stator holder  216  is pivotable on a pivot axis P relative to housing  218 . The pivot axis P may be parallel to the lateral direction L, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
     In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , stator holder  216  is shown at a first position within housing  218 . Conversely, stator holder  216  is shown at a second position within housing  218  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . As may be seen in  FIGS. 10-13 , stator holder  216  may shift or adjust between the first and second positions by pivoting or rotating on pivot axis P. Stator  212  may move along the vertical direction V when stator holder  216  shifts or adjusts between the first and second positions. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , stator  212  may be positioned higher along the vertical direction V when stator holder  216  is in the first position than when stator holder  216  is in the second position. Thus, a, e.g., vertical, position of stator  212  may be adjusted or changed by pivoting stator holder  216  within housing  218 . 
     Pivoting of stator holder  216  relative to housing  218  may assist with holding door  120  of dishwasher appliance  100  ( FIG. 2 ) in the closed position. In particular, housing  218  may be fixed or mounted to tub  104  of dishwasher appliance  100  such that housing  218  is static relative to tub  104 . When mounting door  120  to tub  104 , a vertical position of door  120  on tub  104  may vary, e.g., by about two or three centimeters. Pivoting of stator holder  216  relative to housing  218  may assist with allowing stator  212  (e.g., and first and second magnets  230 ,  240 ) to engage mover  222  (e.g., and third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260 ) despite such vertical variability. For example, if door  120  is positioned high on tub  104 , stator holder  216  may pivot to the first position ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) within housing  218  in order to permit stator  212  to engage mover  222 . As another example, if door  120  is positioned low on tub  104 , stator holder  216  may pivot to the second position ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) within housing  218  in order to permit stator  212  to engage mover  222 . 
       FIG. 18  provides a bottom, section view of static portion  210  of latch assembly  200 . Stator holder  216  may be pivotally mounted to housing  218  using any suitable mechanism or method. As an example, as shown in  FIG. 18 , stator holder  216  may include a pair of shafts  270 . Shafts  270  may be positioned on the pivot axis P. In addition, shafts  270  may be positioned at opposite sides of stator holder  216 . Thus, shafts  270  may be spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Shafts  270  are received by housing  218  in order to pivotally mount stator holder  216  to housing  218 . In particular, each shaft of shafts  270  includes a cylindrical portion  272  that engages housing  218  in order to mount stator holder  216  to housing  218  such that stator holder  216  is pivotable on the pivot axis P. 
     Stator holder  216  can be constructed of any suitable material. In certain exemplary embodiments, stator holder  216  is constructed of a material having a relatively low conductivity. As an example, stator holder  216  may be constructed of a plastic. Housing  218  can also be constructed of any suitable material. In certain exemplary embodiments, housing  218  is constructed of a material having a relatively low conductivity. As an example, housing  218  may be constructed of a plastic. 
       FIGS. 14 and 16  provide perspective view of static portion  210  of latch assembly  200  with stator  212  of static portion  210  shown in various locations.  FIGS. 15 and 17  provide bottom, plan views of static portion  210  of latch assembly  200  with stator  212  of static portion  210  shown in various locations. As discussed above, stator  212  is positioned within and mounted to a stator holder  216 , and stator holder  216  is positioned within housing  218 , e.g., such that stator holder  216  is pivotable on the pivot axis P relative to housing  218 . In addition, stator holder  216  is also movable within housing  218  along a direction that is parallel to the pivot axis P, e.g., along the lateral direction L. 
     In  FIGS. 14 and 15 , stator holder  216  is shown at a first location within housing  218 . Conversely, stator holder  216  is shown at a second location within housing  218  in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . As may be seen in  FIGS. 14-17 , stator holder  216  may shift or adjust between the first and second locations by moving or sliding along the lateral direction L. Stator  212  also moves along the lateral direction L when stator holder  216  shifts or adjusts between the first and second locations. 
     Movement of stator holder  216  relative to housing  218  may assist with holding door  120  of dishwasher appliance  100  ( FIG. 2 ) in the closed position. In particular, housing  218  may be fixed or mounted to tub  104  of dishwasher appliance  100  such that housing  218  is static relative to tub  104 . When mounting door  120  to tub  104 , a lateral location of door  120  on tub  104  may vary, e.g., by about two or three centimeters. Movement of stator holder  216  along the lateral direction L relative to housing  218  may assist with allowing stator  212  (e.g., and first and second magnets  230 ,  240 ) to engage mover  222  (e.g., and third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260 ) despite such lateral variability. For example, if door  120  is skewed to the left on tub  104 , stator holder  216  may move to the first location ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) within housing  218  in order to permit stator  212  to engage mover  222 . As another example, if door  120  is skewed to the right on tub  104 , stator holder  216  may move to the second location ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ) within housing  218  in order to permit stator  212  to engage mover  222 . 
     Stator holder  216  may be movably mounted within housing  218  using any suitable mechanism or method. As an example, as shown in  FIG. 18 , distal end portions  274  of shafts  270  may be spaced apart from each other by a first length L 1 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. Conversely, housing  218  has side walls  280 , and side walls  280  are spaced apart from each other by a second length L 2 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. Stator holder  216  may be positioned between side walls  280  of housing  218  such that stator holder  216  is movable along the lateral direction L between side walls  280  of housing  218 . Thus, the second length L 2  may be greater than the first length L 1 , e.g., in order to permit stator holder  216  to move between side walls  280  of housing  218 . The first and second lengths L 1 , L 2  may be any suitable lengths. For example, the second length L 2  may be at least a quarter of an inch greater than the first length L 1 , e.g., such that stator holder  216  is movable by at least a quarter of an inch between side walls  280  of housing  218  along the lateral direction L. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 3 , mover  222  ( FIG. 4 ) is mounted to a carrier or mover holder  226 . Third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260  on mover  212  may be positioned within mover holder  226 , e.g., such that mover holder  226  is positioned between first magnet  230  and third magnet  250  and mover holder  226  is also positioned between second magnet  240  and fourth magnet  260 . Thus, mover holder  226  may protect and/or encase third and fourth magnets  250 ,  260 . Mover holder  226  may be positioned on and contact stator holder  216  when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position. 
     Mover holder  226  can be constructed of any suitable material. In certain exemplary embodiments, mover holder  226  is constructed of a material having a relatively low conductivity. As an example, mover holder  226  may be constructed of a plastic. Mover holder  226  defines or includes a projection  290 . As may be seen in  FIG. 3  stator holder  216  defines a slot  292 . Projection  290  of mover holder  226  is received within slot  292  of stator holder  216  when latch assembly  200  is in the closed position. Projection  290  and slot  292  may assist with aligning stator  212  and mover  222  as latch assembly  200  approaches the closed position. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.