Abstract:
A load floor latch that can be installed in a vehicle floor for storage having a biasing means for actuation but allows slam action closure. The latch comprises an actuation assembly that is attached to a housing or lid and is designed to accommodate a pawl member for engaging and disengaging a frame. The flat lid and out-of-way handle allow extra room within the vehicle and prevent damage or breakage of the latch.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/880,525, filed Jun. 13, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,518, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention is a load floor latch that is particularly useful inside a vehicle. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Although many other inventors have proposed various ways of latching a lid to a frame, none is believed to offer the advantages of simplicity, strength, appearance, and keeping the actuating handle out of the way when not in use to the extent that the present invention offers these advantages. An example of a presently available latch is illustrated in Southco Handbook 2000, p. 122. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a load floor latch for use in a vehicle. The present invention provides a load floor latch that is to be installed into a lid and provide for latching against a frame. While not limited to such use, such a latch is particularly useful for a load floor within a vehicle. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a load floor latch capable of being closed by slamming the lid closed. 
   It is a second object of the present invention to provide a load floor latch having snap-in installation. 
   It is a third object of the present invention to provide a load floor latch that will not interfere with the feet of anyone placing his or her feet on the load floor. 
   It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a load floor latch accommodating different heights of carpet covering the load floor. 
   It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a load floor latch with a hoop handle that rotates to be at a 180 degree angle with the lid so as to ensure the handle is not damaged when in the open position. 
   It is the sixth object of the present invention to provide a load floor latch that can eliminate the need for a housing, thereby attaching the combination of the handle and pawl member directly to the lid. 
   It is the seventh objective of the present invention to provide a load floor latch that can be removed without removing the lid cover. 
   These and other objects of the invention will become apparent through the following description and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the load floor latch installed in the lid with an attached lid cover according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective environmental view of the load floor latch installed in the lid with an attached lid cover engaged with the vehicle frame according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the hoop actuation element of the hoop actuation means of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the hoop actuation element of the hoop actuation means of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the hoop legs element of the hoop actuation means of the latch of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the hoop actuation means of the present invention in the closed position. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the hoop actuation element of the hoop actuation means of the present invention rotated 90 degrees in the open position. 
       FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the pawl member for a load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention 
       FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the lid cover for a load floor latch according to the present. 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch, according to the present invention with lid cover attached. 
       FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention illustrating the attached hoop legs element of the hoop actuation means. 
       FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention illustrating the attached lid cover and hoop legs element of the hoop actuation means. 
       FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention illustrating the attached lid cover, pawl member and hoop legs element of the hoop actuation means. 
       FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and hoop actuation means. 
       FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 20  is a sectional view taken along the line of I—I of  FIG. 17  of the load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the latch attached to the lid and lid cover. 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective sectional view taken along the line I—I of  FIG. 17  of the load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the latch attached to the lid and lid cover. 
       FIG. 22  is a sectional view taken along the line of II—II of  FIG. 2  of a load floor latch according to the present invention, showing the pawl member of the latch engaging the lid support, in the closed position. 
       FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along the line of II—II of  FIG. 2  of a load floor latch according to the present invention, showing the pawl member of the latch disengaged from the lid support and the hoop actuator means of the latch slightly rotated. 
       FIG. 24  is a sectional view taken along the line of II—II of  FIG. 2  of a load floor latch according to the present invention in the open position with the lid raised, illustrating the pawl member of the latch disengaged from the lid support and the hoop actuator means of the latch slightly rotated. 
       FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 26  is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention 
       FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the lid cover for a load floor latch according to the present. 
       FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective sectional view taken along the line III—III of  FIG. 29  of the second embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the latch attached to the lid and lid cover. 
       FIG. 31  is a sectional view taken along the line of III—III of  FIG. 29  of the second embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the latch attached to the lid and lid cover. 
       FIG. 32  is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 33  is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 34  is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 35  is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch with the top skin removed according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 36  is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the lid cover for a load floor latch according to the present. 
       FIG. 37  is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 38  is a perspective sectional view taken along the line IV—IV of  FIG. 37  of the third embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the latch attached to the lid and lid cover. 
       FIG. 39  is a sectional view taken along the line of IV—IV of  FIG. 37  of the third embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating the latch attached to the lid and lid cover. 
       FIG. 40  is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment of the lid for a load floor latch according to the present invention illustrating attached lid cover and latch. 
       FIG. 41  is a bottom perspective view of the lid of the panel for the fourth embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention 
       FIG. 42  is a top perspective view of the lid of the panel for the fourth embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention 
       FIG. 43  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 44  is a front perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 45  is a top perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 46  is a bottom perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 47  is a top perspective view of the pawl member for a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 48  is a bottom perspective view of the pawl member for a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 49  is an exploded perspective view of a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 50  is a partially exploded side view of a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the actuation assembly. 
       FIG. 51  is a partially exploded side view of a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the actuation assembly and the housing. 
       FIG. 52  is a side view of the assembled latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 53  is a bottom perspective view of the load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 54  is a bottom perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention 
       FIG. 55  is a bottom perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the housing element of the latch attached. 
       FIG. 56  is a front perspective view of the lid for a load floor latch, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with housing element of the latch and bottom lid cover attached. 
       FIG. 57  is a bottom perspective view of the panel for a load floor latch, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with housing element of the latch and bottom lid cover attached. 
       FIG. 58  is a top perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 59  is a side perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 60  is a bottom perspective view of the load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 61  is a top perspective view of a housing for a load floor Latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 62  is a bottom perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 63  is a rear perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention 
       FIG. 64  is a front perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention 
       FIG. 65  is a top perspective view of the hoop actuation element for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 66  is a front perspective view of the hoop actuation element for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 67  is a top perspective view of the pawl member for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 68  is a bottom perspective view of the pawl member for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 69  is an exploded perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 70  is a partially exploded perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the housing and hoop actuation element prior to attachment of the pawl member. 
       FIG. 71  is a perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the housing, hoop actuation element and pawl member. 
       FIG. 72  is a top perspective view of the panel for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention 
       FIG. 73  is a front perspective view of the panel for a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention 
       FIG. 74  is a bottom perspective view of the panel for a load floor latch, according to the six embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 75  is a perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the assembled latch prior to attachment to the panel member. 
       FIG. 76  is a perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the assembled latch after attachment to the panel member. 
       FIG. 77  is a bottom perspective view of a load floor latch according to the six embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the assembled relationship of the assembled latch after attachment to the panel member. 
       FIG. 78  is a front perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 79  is a rear perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 80  is a rear environmental, perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch partially installed in a lid. 
       FIG. 81  is a rear environmental, perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch installed in a lid, and the lid&#39;s carpeting removed. 
       FIG. 82  is an environmental, top perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 83  is a cutaway side environmental view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch in its latched position. 
       FIG. 84  is a cutaway side environmental view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch in its unlatched position. 
       FIG. 85  is a cutaway side environmental view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch in its unlatched position and the lid raised. 
       FIG. 86  is a cutaway environmental perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch in its latched position. 
       FIG. 87  is a cutaway environmental, perspective view of a load floor latch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch in its unlatched position. 
       FIG. 88  is a front perspective view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 89  is a rear perspective view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 90  is a front perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 91  is a rear perspective view of a housing for a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 92  is a front perspective view of a button for a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 93  is a rear perspective view of a button for a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 94  is a top perspective view of an ejector for a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 95  is bottom perspective view of an ejector for a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention. 
       FIG. 96  is a perspective view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention, showing the latch installed in a frame for securing a lid. 
       FIG. 97  is a cutaway perspective view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention, showing the latch engaging the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 98  is a cutaway perspective view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention, showing the latch disengaged from the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 99  is a cutaway perspective view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention, showing the latch disengaged from the lid, and the lid in the open position. 
       FIG. 100  is a side view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention, showing the latch engaging the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 101  is a side view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention, showing the latch disengaged from the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 102  is a side view of a load floor latch according to the eight embodiment of the present invention present invention, showing the latch disengaged from the lid, and the lid in the open position. 
       FIG. 103  is a front perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 104  is a rear perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 105  is a front perspective view of a housing for s ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 106  is a rear perspective view of a housing for s ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 107  is a cutaway perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention, showing the latch engaging the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 108  is a cutaway perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention, showing the latch disengaged from the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 109  is a side view of a ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention, showing the latch engaging the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
       FIG. 110  is a side view of a ninth embodiment of a load floor latch according to the present invention, showing the latch disengaged from the lid, and the lid in the closed position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The preferred embodiments will be described wherein 
   The invention is a load floor latch. Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the load floor latch  10  comprises a hoop actuation means  12  and a pawl member  14 . The latch  10  is attached to the lid  16  and is engaged with the lid support  18 . The lid  16  is supported by a frame  20  and is shown with an attached lid carpet  22 . 
   The hoop actuation means  12  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 7 . The hoop actuation means  12  is comprised of a hoop actuation element  24 , having a hoop handle  26  with an aperture  28  integrally attached to the proximal end of L-shaped arms  30 , 32 . The L-shaped arms  30 , 32  have detent features  34 , 36 , 38 , 40  on their outer sides that snap into recesses  34 A, 36 A, 38 A, and  40 A on the hoop legs element  42 . The hoop legs element  42  comprises two identical sections  42 A, 42 B connected by a center shaft  44 . Each section  42 A, 42 B of the hoop legs element  42  terminates into a pair of snap-in shafts  46 , 48  positioned parallel with shaft  44  which allows for rotational movement of the hoop actuation means  12  when inserted into lid  16  (described below). The central area of the L-shaped arms comprise stops  30 A, 32 A which limit the rotation of the hoop actuator element  12  to 90 degrees when the latch  10  and lid  16  are detached from the frame  20  (not shown) in the open position. The stops  30 A, 30 B abut the camming surfaces  43 A, 43 B on the hoop legs element  42 . Strength ribs  50 , 52 , 54 , 56  located on the topside of each section  42 A, 42 B of the hoop legs element  42  are in contact with the lid  16  during actuation of the latch (described below). 
   The pawl member  14  is best illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The pawl member  14  comprises a pawl body portion  58  integral at one end with a living spring  60  terminating with a pawl tail  62 , and a slam action ramped element  64  on the opposite end. The living spring  60  flexes during opening and (slam action) closing of the latch  10  based on the displacement of the slam action ramped element  64  (described below). The pawl tail  62  fits into the pawl tail slot  66  (not shown) located between the lid  16  and lid cover  23  to resist movement of the latch  10  when engaged (described below). 
   The lid  16  and lid cover  23  are best illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11  and  12 . The lid  16  is prepared with sidewalls  68 , 70  having recesses  68 A and  70 A for insertion of the snap-in shafts  46 , 48  of the hoop legs element  42 . Positioning tab sidewalls  69 , 71  perpendicular to the recess sidewalls  68 , 70  have attached v-shaped self positioning tabs  69 A  71 A to align the snap-in shafts  46 , 48  for insertion into recesses  68 A, 70 A in the lid  16 . The central sidewalls  72 , 74  are substantially perpendicular to the positioning tab sidewalls  69 , 71  and form a slot  75  for the pawl member  14 . 
   The lid cover  23  is one piece having a pawl tail aperture  76  and a diagonal camming surface  78  for use as a camming means for the living spring  60  of the pawl member  14  (described below). The diagonal camming surface  78  protrudes upward from the top side  23 A of the lid cover  23 . The lid cover  23  is attached to the lid  16  by a variety of means such as welding or fixing prior to attachment of the latch  10 . 
   The assembly of the latch and attachment of the latch to the lid is best illustrated in  FIGS. 13 through 21 . The hoop legs element  42  is attached to the lid  16  by inserting the snap-in shafts  46 , 48  located on the identical hoop legs element  42 A, 42 B in the recesses  68 A, 70 A on sidewalls  68 , 70 . The snap-in shafts  46 , 48  flex inward as they slide along sidewalls  68 , 70  of the lid  16  and are guided into the recesses  68 A, 70 A by the positioning tabs  69 A, 71 A. Once in place, the snap in shafts  46 , 48  are free to rotate in the recesses  68 A, 70 A. 
   After the installation of the hoop actuation element, the pawl member  14  is installed by sliding the pawl body  58  along the bottom side  16 A of the lid  16  until the slam action ramped element  64  contacts the shaft  44  of the hoop actuator means  12 , thereafter inserting the pawl tail  62  into the pawl tail slot  66  formed between the lid  16  and the diagonal camming surface  78 . Thus, the pawl member  14  is maintained in place between the shaft  44  and the diagonal camming surface  78  of the lid cover  23 . When the latch  10  is installed into the lid  16  and the lid cover  23 , the shaft  44  of the actuation assembly  12  is positioned at the base of the slam action ramped element  64  in the closed and engaged position with the lid support  18  (not shown). In the engaged position, the hoop handle  26  is substantially perpendicular to the lid  16 . After disengagement, the hoop actuation element  28  can be rotated 90 degrees and become substantially parallel, positioned 180 degrees, to the lid  16 . This will ensure that the hoop handle  26  will not be broken or stepped on when in the open position detached from the frame  20  (not shown). 
   Referring to  FIG. 22 , the latch  10  is in the closed position and engaged with the lid support  18  by the slam action ramped element  64 . In the closed position, the hoop shaft  44  remains at the bottom of the slam action element  64  of the pawl member  14 . The snap in shafts  46 , 48  remain extended in the lid recesses  68 A, 70 A of the lid  16 . The living spring  60  of the pawl member  14  is in the relaxed position. 
   The latch  10  in the activated position is best illustrated in  FIG. 23 . Activation of the latch  10  is accomplished by pulling the hoop handle  26  upward which forces the hoop shaft  44  to slide upward along the slam action ramped element  64  thereby forcing the pawl member  14  backward, thus forcing the living spring  60  to flex, allowing the slam action ramped element  64  of pawl member  14  to disengage from the lid support  18 . As the hoop handle  26  is pulled upward, it rotates slightly backward, thereby causing the hoop legs element to contact the bottom lid surface  16 A thereby limiting the rotation of the hoop handle  26 . 
   The raised disengaged latch  10  is best illustrated in  FIG. 24 . As the latch  10  is raised, the shaft  44  remains at the top of the slam action ramped element  64  of the pawl member  14  thereby causing continued force on the living spring  60  which is maintained in the flexed position. The snap in shafts  46 , 48  remain in contact with the lid  16  and the pull force is maintained against the lid  100  when lifted. 
   The latch  10  and attached lid  16  are closed by slam action of the pawl member  14 . The latch  10  and lid  16  are aligned and forced downward, contacting the lid support  18  thereby forcing the pawl member  14  backward compressing the living spring  60 . The backward movement of the pawl member  14  allows the slam action ramped element  64  to be displaced so as to pass the lid support  18  and then snap back engaging the lid support  18  in the closed position. 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 25 through 32 . The latch  210  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  210  from the latch  10  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  210 . 
     FIGS. 25–32  refer to the second embodiment of the present invention. The lid  216  of the second embodiment comprises a pawl holder  280  located between the central sidewalls  272 , 274  which form a slot  275  for the pawl member  214 . The pawl holder  280  is designed to receive the pawl tail  262  of the pawl member  214 . The top skin  216 B of the lid  216  has a cutout  217  for access to the pawl tail  262 . The lid cover  223  is flat with a pawl tail aperture  272 . 
   The pawl member is attached to the lid  216  by sliding the pawl member  214  along the bottom side  216 A of the lid  216  until the slam action ramped element  264  contacts the shaft  244  of the hoop actuator means  212 , thereafter inserting the pawl tail  262  into the pawl tail holder  280 , thus maintaining the pawl member  214  in place between the shaft  244  and the pawl tail holder  280  in the relaxed position. During activation and (slam action) closing of the latch  210 , the pawl tail holder  280  is used as a camming means for the flexed movement of the living spring  260  of the pawl member  214 . 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 34 through 40 . The latch  310  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  310  from the latch  10  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  310 . 
     FIGS. 34–41  refer to the third embodiment of the present invention. A lid  316  is shown for use with the third embodiment of the invention. The lid  316  comprises a pawl camming bar  390  located between the central sidewalls  372 , 374  which form a slot for the pawl member  314 . The pawl camming bar  390  is designed to maintain the pawl member  314  in position when the living spring  360  is in the relaxed position and as a camming means when the living spring  360  is in the flexed position. The lid cover  323  is flat and compliments the shape of the lid  316 . 
   The pawl member  314  is best illustrated in  FIG. 40 . The pawl member  314  comprises a pawl body portion  358  integral at one end with proximal end of a living spring  360 A and a slam action ramped element  364  on the opposite end. The living spring  360  flexes during opening and (slam action) closing of the latch  310  based on the displacement of the slam action ramped element  364 . The distal end  360 B of the living spring contacts the camming bar  390  attached to the central sidewalls  372 , 374  of the lid  316 . The pawl member is attached to the lid  316  by sliding the pawl member  314  along the bottom side  316 A of the lid  316  until the slam action ramped element  364  contacts the shaft  344  of the hoop actuator means  312 , thereafter positioning the distal end  360 B of the living spring  360  against the camming bar  390 , thus maintaining the pawl member  314  in place between the shaft  344  and the camming bar  390  in the relaxed position. During activation and (slam action) closing of the latch  310  the camming bar  390  is used as a camming means for the flexed movement of the living spring  360  of the pawl member  314 . 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 41 through 44 . The latch  410  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  410  from the latch  10  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  410 . 
     FIGS. 41 through 44  refer to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. A lid  400  is shown for use with the second embodiment of the invention. The latch  410  comprises the pawl member  414  and the actuator assembly  416 . The latch  410  is attached to the lid  400  comprising recess  446 A, 446 B, 448 A, 448 B, which receive the snap in shafts  446 , 448  of the actuation assembly  416  of the second embodiment of the invention. Thereafter, the pawl member  414  is attached to the lid  400  containing a pawl holder  484  designed to receive the pawl tail  490 , and a support bar  412  which supports a pawl member  414  as it is slid forward to engage the shaft of the actuator assembly  444 . 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 45 through 57 . The latch  510  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  50  from the latch  10  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  510 . 
   The T-shaped housing  512  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 45 and 46 . The housing  512  includes side walls  558 , 560 , a bottom portion  562  and integral center portion walls  564 , 566 . The side walls  558 , 560  have snap legs  568 , 570 , 572 , 574  for attachment into a lid  100  and contact hinges  576 , 578  which contact the lid  100   e  side walls  558 , 560  includes recess means  546 A, 548 B and the center walls  564 , 566  includes recess means  546 B, 548 A for insertion of snap in shafts  546 , 548  for rotation of the hoop legs element  542  (described below). The center walls  564 , 566  include pawl sliding hinges  580 , 582  located proximal to the guide bottom  562 A for attachment of the pawl member  514  (described below). The bottom  562  includes a pawl tail slot  584  which is used to maintain the pawl member  514  when flexed during closing and opening of the latch  510  (described below). 
   The pawl member  514  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 48 . The pawl member  514  comprises a pawl body portion  586  integral at one end with a living spring  588  terminating with a pawl tail  590 , and a slam action ramped element  592  on the opposite end. The living spring  588  flexes during opening and (slam action) closing of the latch  510  based on the displacement of the slam action ramped element  592  (described below). The pawl body portion  586  has an extended center area  588 A which terminates on either end with sliding surfaces  594 , 596  which guide the movement of the pawl member  514  during (slam action) closing and opening of the latch  510 . The pawl tail  590  fits into the pawl tail slot  584  located on the rear of the housing  512  to resist movement of the latch  510  when engaged. 
   The assembly of the latch is best illustrated in  FIGS. 49 through 53 . The latch  510  is assembled by inserting the L-shaped arms detent features  534 , 536 , 538 , 540  into the recesses  534 A, 536 A, 538 A, 540 A located on the hoop legs element  542 . Thereafter, the assembled actuation assembly is attached to the housing by the snap in shafts  546 , 548  located at the distal end of each section of the hoop legs element  542 A, 542 B. The snap in shaft  546 , 548  flex inward as they slide along side walls  558 , 560  and the center walls  564 , 566  of the housing  512  into the recesses  546 A, 546 B, 546 A, 548 B. Once in place, the snap in shafts  546 , 548  are free to rotate in the recesses  546 A, 546 B, 548 A, 548 B. The pawl member  514  slides onto the bottom side  562  and guide bottom  562 A of the housing  512  by first putting the pawl tail  590  into the tail slot  584  in the housing  512  and sliding the living spring  588  until slam action element  592  contacts the shaft  544  of the actuator assembly  516 , thereby maintaining the pawl member  514  in place by the tension of the living spring  588 . 
   The attachment of the assembled housing  512  into the lid  500  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 54 through 57 . The assembled housing  512  snaps into the lid  500  by pushing the housing  512  into the lid  500  until the snap legs  568 , 570 , 572 , 574  engage recesses  106 , 108 , 110 , 112  in the lid  100 . When the housing  512  is attached to the lid  500 , a bottom lid cover  114  is attached and is flush with the extended portion of the housing guide bottom  562 A. 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 58 through 76 . The latch  610  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  610  from the latch  10  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  610 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 58 through 60 , the load floor latch  610  includes a housing  612 , a pawl member  614 , and a hoop actuation element  616 . 
   The housing  12  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 61 through 64 . The housing  612  includes a side walls  618 , 618 A a rear wall  620 , a top portion  622  (shown having molding cores  622 A), a bottom portion  624 , a pair of snap legs  626  and  628  protruding outward from the side walls  618 , 618 A, a roof  612 A and an outwardly extending flange  630  around the top and sides of the housing  612 . The sidewall  618  includes recess means  632 , 634  for rotation of the hoop actuation means  616  (described below). The housing&#39;s bottom portion  624  includes two slots  636 , 638  dimensioned and configured to receive the legs of the hoop actuation means (described below). The housing rear wall  620  has a pawl tail slot  640  for receiving the living spring of the pawl member  614  (described below). The housing tail  642  at the base of the rear wall  620  is used to secure the housing when attached to the lid (described below). 
   The hoop actuation means is best illustrated in  FIGS. 65 and 66 . The hoop actuation means  616  is comprised of a hoop handle section  644  which is integral with a pair of legs  646 , 48  extending in a perpendicular direction from the hoop handle section  44 , having vertical extensions  646 A, 648 A to attach to the hoop handle section  644 . The legs  646 , 48  are connected at one end by a shaft  650  which is in constant contact with the pawl member  614  (described below). The opposite end of each leg  646 , 648  has a perpendicular snap in shaft  652 , 654  which allows for rotational movement of the hoop actuation means  616  when inserted into the recesses  632 , 634  of the housing  612 . Strength ribs  656 , 658  located on the topside of the legs are in contact with the housing roof  612 A when the panel is lifted (described below). Strength ribs  660 , 662 , 664  and  666  located on the front side of the hoop handle  644  section of the hoop actuation means  616  support the hoop handle  644  during actuation. 
   The pawl member  614  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 67 and 68 . The pawl member  614  comprises a pawl body portion  668  integral with a living spring  670  terminating with a pawl tail  672  at one end and a pawl slam action element  674  on the opposite end. The pawl body portion  668  is shown having molding cores  676 , 678  above the slam action element  674 . The pawl tail  672  fits into the housing tail slot  640  located on the back wall  620  of the housing  612  to resist movement of the latch  610  when engaged. The slam action element  674  is frustoconical and inverted in reference to the horizontal plane of the pawl body portion  668  and comprises a front diagonal slam action side  680 , a horizontal midsection  682  and the second diagonal side  684 . 
   The assembly of the latch is best illustrated in  FIGS. 69 ,  70  and  71 . The latch  610  is assembled by inserting the legs  646 , 648  of the hoop actuation means  616  into the slots  636 , 638  in the housing  612 . The snap in shafts  652 , 654  located at the distal end of the legs  646 , 648  flex inward as they slide in the slots  636 , 638  of the housing  612  until they snap into the recesses  632 , 634  located on the side walls  618 , 618 A of the housing  612 . Once in place the snap in shafts  652 , 654  are free to rotate in the recesses  632 , 634 . The pawl member  614  snaps onto the bottom side  624  of the housing  612  by first putting the pawl tail  672  into the tail slot  640  in the housing  612  and forcing the living spring  670  to flex to allow the front diagonal slam action side  680  surface to rest above the hoop shaft  650 . 
   The attachment of the assembled latch  610  into the lid  686  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 72 through 76 . The assembled latch  610  snaps into the lid  686  by sliding the rear wall  20  of the housing  612  first into the lid  86  causing the snap legs  626 , 628  on the sides of the housing  612  to flex to pass the mounting studs  688 , 690  extending inward at the interface of the exterior  692  and interior  694  lid apertures. Once passed the mounting studs  688 , 690  the snap legs  626 , 628  expand engaging the mounting studs  688 , 690  with the pawl shaped ends  626 A, 628 A. Simultaneously, the rear flange  642  of the housing inserts into flange slot  696  of the panel  674 . Once installed the housing bottom  624  is flush with panel bottom surface  664 A 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 78 through 87 . The latch  710  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  710  from the latch  710  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  710 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 78 and 79 , the latch  710  includes a bezel  712  and a handle  714 . The bezel includes a vertically extending living spring  716 . The top end of the living spring  716  includes a pawl  718 , having a lower ramped surface  720 . A handle snap-in leg  722  extends from the top of the living spring  716 , opposite the pawl  718 , and extends downward along the living spring  716 . At the bottom of the living spring  716 , a bezel lid hook  724  extends outward in substantially the same direction as the pawl  718 , forming a channel  734  between the bezel lid hook  724  and the living spring  716 , dimensioned and configured to receive the edge of an opening in a lid. The bezel&#39;s base  726  extends horizontally from the bezel lid hook  724 . The opposite end of the base  726  includes a downwardly extending bezel lid snap-in leg  728 . The bezel lid snap-in leg ends in hook  730 , having a lower ramped surface  732 . 
   Assembling the latch is accomplished by simply inserting the handle  714  between the living spring  716  and handle snap-in leg  722 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 80–81 , the process of installing a latch  710  in a lid is illustrated. First, the bezel lid hook  724  is inserted into the opening  736  defined within the lid  738 , so that the edge  740  closest to the end of the lid  738  is secured within the channel  34 . Next, the latch  10  is rotated downward. The bezel lid snap-in leg&#39;s ramp  732  strikes the opposite edge  742  of the opening  736 , causing the bezel lid snap-in leg  728  to bend so that the hook  730  can pass the edge  742 . Once the hook  730  clears the edge  742 , the bezel lid snap-in leg  728  returns to its original position, wherein the hook  730  engages the lid  738 , securing the latch  710  within the lid  738 . To improve the appearance of the lid, a carpet  744  may be secured to the lid  738  and surrounding frame  746 , illustrated in  FIGS. 82 and 83 . The handle  714  is dimensioned and configured so that it will clear both standard carpet  744  and the taller luxury carpet  744 . 
   Alternatively, the bezel  712  and lid  738  may be made from one-piece construction, preferably by injection molding. Because the bezel  712  and lid  738  will be formed from one solid piece, there is obviously no need to install a separate bezel  712  within the lid  738 . Once the one-piece bezel  712  and lid  738  was molded, completing the assembly would only require inserting the handle  714  between the living spring  716  and the handle snap-in leg  722 . 
   The operation of the latch  710  is illustrated in  FIGS. 83 through 87 . The latched position of the latch  710  is shown in  FIGS. 82 and 86 . In this position, the pawl  718  fits within an opening  748  defined within the frame  746 , thereby securing the lid  738  in its closed position. The handle  714  hangs downward against the handle snap-in leg  722 , thereby keeping the handle out of the way of any person&#39;s feet that may be on top of the lid  738 . To open the lid  738 , the handle  714  is first raised to the position shown in  FIGS. 84 and 87  to facilitate grasping. Continued pulling on handle  714  disengages the pawl from the opening  748 , so that further pulling on handle  714  raises the lid  738  to the position shown in  FIG. 85 . The storage compartment  750  below lid  738  can now be accessed. 
   To close and secure the lid  738 , the lid  738  can simply be slammed shut. As the lid  738  closes, the pawl&#39;s ramped surface  720  will strike the frame  746 , bending the living spring  716  so that the pawl  718  can pass by the frame  746  and enter the opening  748 . Once the pawl  718  enters the opening  748 , living spring  716  returns to its original position, so that the pawl  718  engages the frame  746 , securing the latch  710  in its latched position. 
   Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 88 through 102 . The latch  810  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the latch  10 , and for this reason, only the differences in the latch  500  from the latch  10  will be described herein for the sake of brevity, Also, for ease of reference, portion in this embodiment similar to the latch  10  will describing using the same number designation except beginning with  810 . 
   The invention is a load floor latch. Referring to  FIGS. 88–89 , the load floor latch  810  includes a housing  812 , a button  814 , and possibly an ejector  816 . 
   The housing  12  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 90–91 . The housing  812  includes a pair of side walls  818 , a rear wall  820 , a top portion  822 , a bottom portion  824 , a horizontal flange  826  protruding outward from the bottom and defining a hole  840 , and an outwardly extending flange  828  around the top and sides of the housing  812 . The housing&#39;s top portion  822  includes means for pivotally securing a button, which are preferably apertures  830  defined within the side walls  818 . The housing&#39;s bottom portion  824  includes at least one, and preferably two, slots  832 , dimensioned and configured to receive a stop tab of a button (described below). A spring guide  834  may protrude from between the slots  832 . Below the slots  822 , the housing&#39;s bottom portion  824  also may include means for pivotally securing an ejector, preferably a pair of holes  836  within the side walls  818 . An ejector stop  838  is located above the holes  836 . 
   The button  814  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 92–93 . The button  814  defines a top portion  842  and a bottom portion  844 . The top portion  842  includes means for pivotally securing the button  814  to housing  812 , which are preferably shafts  846 , dimensioned and configured to mate with the holes  830 . The shafts  846  are preferably ramped to facilitate snapping the button  814  into the housing  812 . The bottom portion  844  includes at least one, and preferably two, stop tabs  848 , dimensioned and configured to mate with the slots  832  within the housing  812 . The bottom portion  844  also defines a pawl  872 . 
   The ejector  816  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 94–95 . The ejector  816  includes means for pivotally securing the ejector  816  to the housing  812 , which are preferably a pair of shafts  850 , dimensioned and configured to mate with the apertures  836  within housing  812 . The shafts  850  are preferably ramped to facilitate snapping the ejector  816  into the housing  812 . The ejector  816  may also include a spring guide  852  on its lower surface. 
   The components of the assembled latch  810  are best illustrated in  FIGS. 88–89 , and  810 . To assemble the latch  810 , a spring  868  is first placed over the spring guide  834  of the housing  812 . Next, the button&#39;s stop tabs  848  are inserted into the slots  832 . Third, the button&#39;s shafts  846  are snapped into the housing&#39;s apertures  830 . The button  814  is now installed in the housing  812 , and is biased outward by the spring  868 . To install the ejector, first the spring  870  is placed over the ejector&#39;s spring guide  852 . Next, the ejector&#39;s shafts  850  are snapped into the housing&#39;s apertures  836 . The ejector  816  is now biased upward by the spring  870 . The latch  810  is now fully assembled. 
   Referring to  FIG. 96 , the latch is illustrated installed within a frame  854 , securing a lid or load floor  856 . The latch  810  is installed in the frame  854  by first inserting the latch  810  into an opening within the frame  854 . Referring to  FIG. 97 , a lid support  858  is then placed on top of the housing&#39;s horizontal flange  26 . The lid support  858  includes at least two downwardly protruding tabs  860 , terminating in barbs  862 . The tabs  860  are inserted through the hole  840 , bending inward to allow the barbs  862  to pass through the hole  840 . An additional hole.  864  is defined within the frame  854 , corresponding to the hole  840 . Once the barbs  862  clear both the hole  840  and the hole  864 , the tabs  860  return to their original position so that the barbs  862  engage the edge of hole  64 , thereby securing both the lid support  858  and latch  810  within the frame  854 . Lastly, a retainer  866  is inserted into the hole  840 , between the tabs  860 , thereby preventing the tabs  860  from bending inward, as would be necessary to disengage the lid support  858  from the frame  854 . 
   The operation of the latch  810  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 97 through 102 .  FIGS. 97 and 100  illustrate the lid  856  closed and the button  814  biased outward by the spring  868 , so that the lid  856  is secured in its closed position by the pawl  872 . The stop tabs  848  engage the edges of the slots  832 , thereby preventing further outward movement of button  814 . The ejector  816  is forced down by the lid  856 , so that the spring  870  is compressed. Pushing inward on the button  814  disengages the pawl  872  from the lid  856 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 98 and 101 . Once the pawl  872  is disengaged from the lid  856 , the spring  870  biases the ejector  816  upward, raising the lid  856  a sufficient height so that it may be easily grasped, as illustrated in  FIGS. 99 and 102 . The ejector  816  stops moving upward when it strikes the ejector stop  838 . The button  814  is free to return to its outward position to which it is biased by the spring  868 . 
   The lid  856  is closed by slamming it shut. The lid will strike the button  814 , pushing the pawl  872  inward to permit the lid  856  to pass. The lid will depress the ejector  816  as it passes the pawl  872 . Once the lid  856  clears the pawl  72 , the spring  868  will bias the button  814  outward until the stop tabs  848  engage the edges of the slots  832 , so that the pawl secures the lid  856  closed. 
   A ninth embodiment of the latch  910  is illustrated in  FIGS. 103 through 110 . The principal difference between the first and second embodiments is the lack of an ejector in the ninth embodiment. Therefore, the housing  912  does not have aperture  836  and a ejector stop  838 . This portion of the housing  912  is filled by inner housing wall  912 A. The remainder of the latch  910  is identical to the latch of the eight embodiment  810 .