Abstract:
The present invention relates to a latching device for securing two panels together such as those of storage structures in which an enclosure is secured by means of a door or panel which will remain in a closed position until released. The present latching system is usually used in connection with automobile glove boxes or other compartments which are to be secured for storage of items therein. The latching device has a housing, actuation means and a pawl in communication with a movable retention means. The latching device can be electrically or manually operated.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/245,089, filed Nov. 1, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/254,605 filed Dec. 10, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/273,944, filed Mar. 7, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/318,839, filed Sep. 13, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/312,677 filed Aug. 15, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of latch assemblies.  
           [0004]    2. Brief Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Latch assemblies are relied on in many applications for securing items, such as panels, doors, and doorframes together. For example, containers, cabinets, closets, compartments and the like may be secured with a latch. An important use for latches is in the automotive field, where there is a desire and need to access automotive compartments, such as, for example, the trunk or passenger compartments of vehicles, as well as interior compartments such as a glove box. Various latches for panel closures have been employed where one of the panels such as a swinging door or the like is to be fastened or secured to a stationary panel, doorframe, or compartment body. Although many latch assemblies are known in the prior art, none are seen to teach or suggest the unique features of the present invention or to achieve the advantages of the present invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention relates to a latching system for securing two panels together such as those of storage structures in which an enclosure is secured by means of a door or panel which will remain in a closed position until released. An example of a use of the present latching system is in connection with automobile glove boxes or other compartments which are to be secured for storage of items therein.  
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is an environmental view showing the latch of the present invention installed to an automotive glove box with the lid of the glove box in the closed position.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is an environmental view showing the latch of the present invention installed to an automotive glove box with the lid of the glove box in the open position.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is an environmental left side view showing the latch of the present invention installed to an automotive glove box with the lid of the glove box in the closed position.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is an environmental left side view showing the latch of the present invention installed to an automotive glove box with the lid of the glove box in the open position.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 is an environmental front view showing the latch of the present invention installed on the frame surrounding the opening of an automotive glove box.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the latch of the present invention showing the latch in the open configuration.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 7 is a front view showing the frame, surrounding the opening of an automotive glove box, adapted for installation of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 8 is an environmental rear perspective view showing the latch of the present invention installed to an automotive glove box with the lid of the glove box in the open position.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 9 is an environmental rear perspective view showing the latch of the present invention installed on the frame surrounding the opening of an automotive glove box, with the latch in the open configuration.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 10 is an environmental rear perspective view showing the latch of the present invention installed on the frame surrounding the opening of an automotive glove box, with the latch in the closed configuration.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view showing the frame surrounding the opening of the automotive glove box with the latch removed and the lid in the closed position to illustrate the position of the keeper when the lid is closed.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view showing the frame surrounding the opening of the automotive glove box with the latch removed.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the solenoid and locking member assembly of the present invention showing the locking member in the extended position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the solenoid and locking member assembly of the present invention showing the locking member in the retracted position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the closed or latched configuration.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 18 is fragmentary view showing the spatial relationship between the pawl and the solenoid assembly when the pawl is in the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 19 is fragmentary view showing the spatial relationship between the pawl and the solenoid assembly when the pawl is in the closed or latched configuration.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the housing of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 21 is a right side perspective view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 22 is a right side perspective view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the closed or latched configuration.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 23 is a left side perspective view of a latch assembly according to the present invention showing the latch pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the housing of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the pawl of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the solenoid assembly of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the torsion spring of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0034]    FIGS.  28 A- 28 F are views of the latch assembly of the present invention shown with the latch pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0035]    FIGS.  29 A- 29 F are views of the latch assembly of the present invention shown with the latch pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an assembly including the housing, pawl, and torsion spring of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the latch pawl and torsion spring of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 32 is an exploded view illustrating the process of assembling together the latch pawl, the torsion spring and the latch housing of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 33 is an exploded view illustrating the process of assembling together the solenoid assembly and a subassembly composed of the latch pawl, the torsion spring and the latch housing of the latch of the present invention.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 34 is a right side perspective view of a latch assembly according to the present invention showing the latch pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 35 is a left side perspective view of a latch assembly according to the present invention showing the latch pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the closed or latched configuration.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the cross section shown in FIG. 36.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 38 is a right side perspective view of a latch assembly according to the present invention showing the latch pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 39 is a left side perspective view of a latch assembly according to the present invention showing the latch pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of the latch of the present invention with the pawl of the latch in the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the cross section shown in FIG. 40.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 42 is an environmental view showing the latch of the present invention installed to an automotive glove box with the lid of the glove box in the open position.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 43 is an environmental front view showing the latch of the present invention installed on the frame surrounding the opening of an automotive glove box.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 46 is an elevational view of the right side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 47 is an elevational view of the right side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0054]    FIGS.  48  is a top view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0055]    FIGS.  49  is a top view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0056]    FIGS.  50  is a front view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0057]    FIGS.  51  is a front view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 52 is an elevational view of the left side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 53 is an elevational view of the left side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a glove compartment door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed therein.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the back side of the outer shell of the glove compartment door shown with the latch assembly of the present invention installed thereto.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 56 is a close-up view of the back side of a portion of the outer shell of the glove compartment door shown with the latch assembly of the present invention installed thereto.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 57 is a close-up view showing the back side of the portion of the outer shell of the glove compartment door adapted for the installation of a latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 58 is a close-up view of the exterior side of a portion of the outer shell of the glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 59 is a close-up view showing the exterior side of the portion of the outer shell of the glove compartment door adapted for the installation of a latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 60 is a close-up view of the exterior side of a portion of the outer shell of the glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto prior to attachment of the latch handle.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 61 is an elevational view of the right side of the outer shell of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the pawl shown in the closed configuration.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 62 is an elevational view of the right side of the outer shell of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the pawl shown in the open configuration.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 63 is an elevational view of the right side of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed therein, with the pawl shown in the closed configuration.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 64 is an elevational view of the right side of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed therein, with the pawl shown in the open configuration.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the interior side of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed therein, with the pawl shown in the closed configuration.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 66 is a rear perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 67 is a front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 68 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch bar in the unlocked position.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 69 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch bar in the locked position.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 70 is a front perspective view of the catch bar of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 71 is a front perspective view of the catch bar of the latch assembly according to the present invention, shown assembled together with the lock plug and actuating cam of the latch assembly.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 72 is a rear perspective view of the catch bar of the latch assembly according to the present invention, shown assembled together with the lock plug and actuating cam of the latch assembly.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 73 is a rear perspective view of the catch bar of the latch assembly according to the present invention, shown assembled together with the actuating cam of the latch assembly.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 74 is a rear perspective view of the catch bar of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 75 is a front perspective view of the actuating cam of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 76 is a rear perspective view of the actuating cam of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 77 is a rear perspective view of the lock plug of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 78 is a front perspective view of the lock plug of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 79 is a front perspective view of the lock plug and actuating cam of the latch assembly according to the present invention, shown assembled together.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 80 is a bottom front perspective view of the handle of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 81 is a bottom front perspective view of the handle of the latch assembly according to the present invention, shown assembled together with the handle spring.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 82 is a front perspective view of the handle of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 83 is a front perspective view of the handle of the latch assembly according to the present invention, shown assembled together with the handle spring.  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 84 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 85 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 86 is a front view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 87 is a front view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 88 is a rear view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 89 is a rear view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 90 is an elevational view of the left side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the first pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 91 is an elevational view of the left side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the first pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 92 is an elevational view of the left side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the second pawl in the closed configuration.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 93 is an elevational view of the left side of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the second pawl in the open configuration.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 94 is a top view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 95 is a top view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 96 is a bottom view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 97 is a bottom view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 98 is a perspective view of the back side of the outer shell of the glove compartment door shown with the latch assembly of the present invention installed thereto.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 99 is an elevational view of the right side of the outer shell of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the second pawl shown in the closed configuration.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 100 is an elevational view of the right side of the outer shell of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the second pawl shown in the open configuration.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 101 is a perspective view of the interior side of a glove compartment door shown with a latch assembly according to the present invention installed therein, with the first and second pawls shown in the open configuration.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 102 is a front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 103 is a rear perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 104 is a front perspective view of the catch beam of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 105 is a rear perspective view of the catch beam of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 106 is a perspective view of the solenoid assembly of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 107 is a front perspective view of the solenoid lever of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 108 is a rear perspective view of the solenoid lever of the latch assembly according to the present invention.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 109 is a close-up view of the back side of a portion of the outer shell of the glove compartment door shown with the latch assembly of the present invention installed thereto.  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 110 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the assembly of the catch beam with the latch housing.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 111 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the assembly of the solenoid assembly with the latch housing.  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 112 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the assembly of the solenoid lever with the latch housing.  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 113 is a front perspective view of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door showing the latch assembly according to the present invention installed to the outer shell of the door with the latch pawls shown in the closed position.  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 114 is a front perspective view of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door showing the latch assembly according to the present invention installed to the outer shell of the door with the latch pawls shown in the open position.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 115 is a top perspective view of the front side of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door showing the latch assembly according to the present invention installed to the outer shell of the door with the latch pawls shown in the closed position.  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 116 is a top perspective view of the front side of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door showing the latch assembly according to the present invention installed to the outer shell of the door with the latch pawls shown in the open position.  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 117A is a front perspective view of the fully-assembled glove box door with the latch assembly according to the present invention installed, showing the showing the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0124]    [0124]FIG. 117B is a close-up view of the latch pawl shown in FIG. 117A.  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 118A is a front perspective view of the fully-assembled glove box door with the latch assembly according to the present invention installed, showing the showing the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 118B is a close-up view of the latch pawl shown in FIG. 118A.  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 119 is a rear perspective view of the fully-assembled glove box door.  
         [0128]    [0128]FIG. 120 is a left side view of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door.  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 121 is a left side view of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door showing the latch assembly according to the present invention installed to the outer shell of the door with the latch pawls shown in the closed position.  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 122 is a left side view of the fully-assembled door of a glove compartment having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the latch pawls shown in the closed position.  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 123 is a front perspective view of the outer shell of a glove compartment lid or door.  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 124 is a bottom perspective view of the front of the outer shell of a glove compartment door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the latch pawls shown in the closed position.  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 125 is a bottom perspective view of the front of the outer shell of a glove compartment door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, with the latch pawls shown in the open position.  
         [0134]    [0134]FIG. 126 is a close-up view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the solenoid assembly and the latch pawl closest to the solenoid in the closed position.  
         [0135]    [0135]FIG. 127 is a close-up view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the solenoid assembly and the latch pawl closest to the solenoid in the open position.  
         [0136]    [0136]FIG. 128 is a close-up view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the latch pawl farthest from the solenoid in the open position.  
         [0137]    [0137]FIG. 129 is a close-up view of the latch assembly according to the present invention, showing the latch pawl farthest from the solenoid in the closed position.  
         [0138]    [0138]FIG. 130 is a close-up view of the outer shell of a glove box door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, showing the solenoid assembly and the latch pawl closest to the solenoid in the closed position.  
         [0139]    [0139]FIG. 131 is a view of the latch assembly of the present invention as shown in FIG. 130 with the housing broken away to reveal details of the latch pawl.  
         [0140]    [0140]FIG. 132 is a close-up view of the outer shell of a glove box door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, showing the solenoid assembly and the latch pawl closest to the solenoid in the open position.  
         [0141]    [0141]FIG. 133 is a view of the latch assembly of the present invention as shown in FIG. 132 with the housing broken away to reveal details of the latch pawl.  
         [0142]    [0142]FIG. 134 is a close-up view of the outer shell of a glove box door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, showing the solenoid assembly and the latch pawl closest to the solenoid in the closed position.  
         [0143]    [0143]FIG. 135 is a right side view of the outer shell of a glove box door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto with the housing broken away to reveal details of the latch pawl in the closed position.  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 136 is a close-up view of the outer shell of a glove box door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto, showing the solenoid assembly and the latch pawl closest to the solenoid in the open position.  
         [0145]    [0145]FIG. 137 is a right side view of the outer shell of a glove box door having the latch assembly according to the present invention installed thereto with the housing broken away to reveal details of the latch pawl in the open position.  
         [0146]    [0146]FIG. 138 is a top view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0147]    [0147]FIG. 139 is a top view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0148]    [0148]FIG. 140 is a bottom view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0149]    [0149]FIG. 141 is a bottom view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0150]    [0150]FIG. 142 is a front view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the closed position and the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0151]    [0151]FIG. 143 is a front view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the open position and the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0152]    [0152]FIG. 144 is a rear view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the closed position and the catch beam in the locked position.  
         [0153]    [0153]FIG. 145 is a rear view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the open position and the catch beam in the unlocked position.  
         [0154]    [0154]FIG. 146 is a right side view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0155]    [0155]FIG. 147 is a right side view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0156]    [0156]FIG. 148 is a left side view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0157]    [0157]FIG. 149 is a left side view of the latch assembly according to the present invention with the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0158]    [0158]FIG. 150 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention shown with the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0159]    [0159]FIG. 151 is a front perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention shown with the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0160]    [0160]FIG. 152 is a rear perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention shown with the latch pawls in the closed position.  
         [0161]    [0161]FIG. 153 is a rear perspective view of the latch assembly according to the present invention shown with the latch pawls in the open position.  
         [0162]    [0162]FIG. 154 is a top front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the invention.  
         [0163]    [0163]FIG. 155 is a bottom front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the invention.  
         [0164]    [0164]FIG. 156 is a top rear perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the invention.  
         [0165]    [0165]FIG. 157 is a bottom rear perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly according to the invention.  
         [0166]    [0166]FIG. 158 is a rear perspective view of the catch beam of the latch assembly according to the invention.  
         [0167]    [0167]FIG. 159A is a front perspective view of the catch beam of the latch assembly according to the invention.  
         [0168]    [0168]FIG. 159B is a close-up view of the tip of the catch beam of the latch assembly of the present invention.  
         [0169]    [0169]FIG. 160 is an isometric view of the solenoid assembly of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the solenoid in the deactivated condition.  
         [0170]    [0170]FIG. 161 is an isometric view of the solenoid assembly of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the solenoid in the energized or activated condition. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0171]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 43 , the latches  10  and  100  of the present invention are similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,772, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the interest of brevity, the description herein will be directed in large part to the differences between the latch of the present invention and that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,772.  
         [0172]    The latch  10  includes a latch housing  12 , a pawl  14 , a locking member  16 , and means for selectively moving the locking member in and out of engagement with the pawl. In the illustrated embodiment, a solenoid  18  serves as the means for selectively moving the locking member in and out of engagement with the pawl.  
         [0173]    In the illustrated example, the latch  10  is shown being used for securing the lid  20  of an automotive glove box  22  in the closed position. However, the latch  10  is generally applicable wherever one or more closure members need to be secured in a certain position. Further, in the illustrated embodiment the latch  10  is mounted to the frame  24  surrounding the glove box opening  26  while the keeper  28  is mounted to the lid  20  of the glove box  22 . Of course, it is possible to arrange for the latch  10  to be mounted to the lid  20  of the glove box while the keeper  28  is in a fixed position relative to the glove box  22  itself without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the latch  10  may be mounted in any orientation depending upon the particular application. In the illustrated example, the front of the latch housing  12  faces toward the lid  20  of the glove box, and the rear of the latch housing  12  faces toward the back wall  30  of the glove box.  
         [0174]    The housing  12  is provided with a body portion  32  having a hook-like member  34  projecting from the bottom thereof. Hook-like as used herein refers to any member that has a crook, curve, or bend to thereby catch on another member. The hook-like member  34  extends downward and then forward from the bottom of the housing body portion  32  such that the tip  36  of the member  34  points toward the lid  20  of the glove compartment  22 . A first slot  38  is provided within the hook-like member  34  and extends through a portion of the housing body  32 . The housing body  32  has a cavity  40  for receiving and holding the solenoid  18 .  
         [0175]    The latch assembly  10  also includes a pawl  14  shown pivotally connected to the latch housing  12  with suitable attachment means such as the pawl pivot members or spindles  42 , 44  which are provided extending outwardly from the pawl  14  at opposite sides thereof. The pivot members  42 ,  44  can also be provided as a single pivot member extending through the pawl  14 . A pair of larger diameter base portions  46  are provided at the base of the pawl pivot members  42 ,  44 . The base portions  46  prevent excessive lateral play of the pawl  14  once the pawl is installed to the housing  12 . The pawl  14  is installed onto the housing  12  by snap-fit placement of the pawl pivot members  42 , 44  into the pawl pivot recesses  48  (only one being shown in FIG. 9, the other being a mirror image) disposed in opposite sides of the slot  38 . A pair of guide slots  50  (only one being shown in FIG. 9, the other being a mirror image) are provided on either side of the slot  38  which lead to the recesses  48 . The pair of guide slots  50  form ramped surfaces which spread farther apart from one another with increasing distance from the recesses  48 . The guide slots  50  guide the pawl pivot members  42 ,  44  in the direction of the pawl pivot recesses  48  during the snap-fitting process.  
         [0176]    As shown in FIGS. 9, 10,  18 , and  19 , the pawl  14  is provided having a body portion  52  with the pair of pawl pivot members  42 ,  44  extending therefrom. The pawl  14  has a lug or projection  54  and is provided with a pawl slot  56  to retain the keeper member  28  when the pawl  14  is in the latched position. In the illustrated example, the keeper member is attached to the lid of the glove box at a position such that when the swinging lid or door  20  is closed, the keeper member  28  will be positioned or caught in the crook or bend of the hook-like member  34 . The pawl  14  is also provided with an arm portion  58  extending from the pawl body  52 .  
         [0177]    A pawl torsion spring  60  is installed on the pawl  14  with the coiled portions  62  and  64  surrounding the base portions  46  of the pawl pivot members  42  and  44 , respectively. The cross bar  66  of the torsion spring  60  engages the notch  68  in the arm portion  58 . The torsion spring  60  also has tail portions  70 ,  72  and arms  74 ,  76 . The vertical spring arms  74 ,  76  extend from the respective coil portions  62  and  64  of the torsion spring  60  and connect to cross bar  66 . The pawl arm  58  is positioned intermediate the spring arms  74  and  76 . The pawl  14  is installed with the notch  68  facing toward the rear of the housing  12 . The projection  54  has a flat surface  78  that extends roughly in a radial direction relative to the pivot axis of the pawl  14 .  
         [0178]    The tails  70 ,  72  of the torsion spring  60  fit into and lie along the grooves  80 ,  82 , respectively, when the pawl  14  is snap-fitted to the housing  12 . With the tails  70 ,  72  of the torsion spring  60  so positioned, the cross bar  66  of the torsion spring  60  exerts a force on the arm portion  58  of the pawl  14  that biases the pawl  14  toward the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0179]    The solenoid  18  is supported in a frame  84  that in turn fits in the cavity  40  of the housing  12 . The locking member  16  is in essence a continuation of the shaft of the solenoid  18 . The locking member  16  may be integral with the shaft of the solenoid  18 , or the locking member  16  may be an extension attached to the shaft of the solenoid  18 . The frame  84  is provided with an opening to allow the locking member  16 , or the shaft of the solenoid  18  as the case may be, to pass through the frame  84 . The locking member  16  is provided with a flange  86 . A spring  88  is provided intermediate the flange  86  and the body portion or coils  90  of the solenoid  18 . The spring may be in direct contact with the solenoid body  90  or it may be in contact with the frame  84 , depending upon the size of the opening in the frame  84 . The spring  88  biases the locking member  16  into the extended position. When the locking member  16  is in the extended position and the pawl  14  is in the closed or latched position, the locking member  16  is positioned behind the lug  54  and prevents the pawl  14  from rotating to the open or unlatched position.  
         [0180]    The latch assembly  10  is actuated by energizing the solenoid  18 . The solenoid  18  may be energized using a remotely located switch (not shown). When the solenoid  18  is energized, the locking member  16  is retracted such that the locking member  16  is moved out of engagement with the projection or lug  54  thereby freeing up the pawl  14  for pivoting. The bias provided by the pawl torsion spring  60  rotates the pawl  14  from its latched position, where the keeper  28  is cooperatively captured by the pawl slot  56  and the hook-shaped flange  34 , and allows the pawl  14  to rotate in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 21 and 22. The rotation of the pawl  14  brings the opening of the pawl slot  56  out from the portion of the slot  38  formed in the hook-shaped flange  34 , such that the opening of the pawl slot faces roughly toward the lid of the glove box and allows the keeper member  28  to be disengaged from the pawl  14 . The door  20  of the glove box  22  can then be opened by swinging the door  20  downward. The keeper member or striker  28  may be a rod supported at each end by suitable means such as the posts  92  attached to the lid  20 . In addition, the keeper  28  may be in the form of any other suitable member such as a bar, claw, or other suitable attachment member.  
         [0181]    Suitable mounting means are provided to retain the latch assembly  10  on a panel or mounting surface. For example, installation of the latch assembly  10  to a panel may be accomplished with screws or pins that engage the holes  94  and  96  for fastening of the latch assembly to a panel, such as for example, the frame  24  of the glove box  22 . Additionally, in the illustrated example a lateral tab  98  is provided on each side of the hook-like member  34 . The lateral tabs  98  engage corresponding notches  99  formed in the glove box  22  to more securely hold the latch  10  in place.  
         [0182]    When the door  20  is being closed, the opening of the pawl slot  56  faces toward the keeper  28  and is unobstructed by the hook-like member  34 . As the door  20  is slammed shut, the keeper  28  is received in the slot  56  and impacts the pawl  14  causing the clockwise rotation of the pawl  14  to the closed configuration shown in FIG. 22. At this time, even though the solenoid  18  may not be energized, the locking member  16  is partially retracted because the lug  54  and/or the pawl body  52  prevent movement of the locking member  16  to the fully extended position. As the pawl  14  rotates to the closed position, the lug  54  clears the locking member  16  allowing the locking member  16  to extend under the bias of spring  88  and move behind the lug  54 . Once the locking member  16  is in the extended position it catches the flat side  78  of the projection  54  to keep the pawl  14  in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 22, thus securing the door  20  in the closed position.  
         [0183]    In addition to the solenoid  18 , the latch  10  may be provided with a handle to manually operate the latch in the event the solenoid fails or there is no power to operate the solenoid. As an alternative or in addition to the handle, a mechanical key-operated lock plug can be incorporated into the design whereby rotation of the lock plug pushes the locking member  16 , for example using some form of cam arrangement, out of engagement with the lug  54  to thereby allow the glove box to be opened in the event of an electrical power failure.  
         [0184]    Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 23 through 43. The latch  100  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the previous embodiment.  
         [0185]    The latch  100  includes a latch housing  102 , a pawl  104 , a locking member  106 , and means for selectively moving the locking member in and out of engagement with the pawl. In the illustrated embodiment, a solenoid assembly  108  serves as the means for selectively moving the locking member in and out of engagement with the pawl.  
         [0186]    In the illustrated example, the latch  100  is shown being used for securing the lid  200  of an automotive glove box  202  in the closed position. However, the latch  100  is generally applicable wherever one or more closure members need to be secured in a certain position. Further, in the illustrated embodiment the latch  100  is mounted to the frame  204  surrounding the glove box opening  206  while the keeper  208  is mounted to the lid  200  of the glove box  202 . Of course, it is possible to arrange for the latch  100  to be mounted to the lid  200  of the glove box while the keeper  208  is in a fixed position relative to the glove box  202  itself without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the latch  100  may be mounted in any orientation depending upon the particular application. In the illustrated example, the front of the latch housing  102  faces toward the lid  200  of the glove box, and the rear of the latch housing  102  faces toward the back wall of the glove box  202 .  
         [0187]    The housing  102  is provided with a body portion  110  and has a hook-like member  112  projecting therefrom. Hook-like as used herein refers to any member that has a crook, curve, or bend to thereby catch on another member. In the illustrated example, once the latch  100  is installed to the glove box  202 , the hook-like member  112  extends downward and then forward from the lower end of the housing body portion  1110  such that the tip  114  of the hook-like member  112  points toward the lid  200  of the glove compartment  202 . A first slot  116  is provided within the hook-like member  112  and extends through a portion of the housing body  110 . The housing body  110  has a cavity  118  for receiving and holding the solenoid assembly  108 .  
         [0188]    The cavity  118  is positioned relative to the hook-like member  112  such that the longitudinal axis of the shaft or plunger  120  of the solenoid  122  is directed in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pawl  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the shaft or plunger  120  of the solenoid  122  essentially lies in the plane of rotation of the pawl  104 . The plane of rotation of the pawl  104  is defined as a plane to which the axis of rotation of the pawl  104  is perpendicular and that passes through the center of the pawl  104 . This geometric arrangement allows only a single fastener passing through the hole  124  to suffice for securely attaching the housing  102  to a door or doorframe in cooperation with the lateral tabs  126 . Minimizing the number of fasteners required for installation reduces the overall cost to manufacturers of using the latch  100  in their products. Furthermore, the geometric arrangement of the latch housing  102  results in savings in materials because this arrangement yields a more compact latch housing,  
         [0189]    A resilient snap leg  128  is provided integrally with a wall of the cavity  118 . The snap leg  128  is used to secure the solenoid assembly  108  within the cavity or solenoid housing  118 , thus obviating the need for fasteners or glue for this purpose. The snap leg  128  has a sloped surface or ramp  130  that terminates in a projecting ridge  132 . A substantially flat surface  134  extends from the ridge  132  toward the outer surface of the wall of the cavity  118  to which the snap leg  128  is attached. The surface  134  extends from the ridge  132  in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom  117  of the cavity  118 . The snap leg  128  obviates the need for glue or fasteners in securing the solenoid assembly  108  to the housing  102 . The solenoid assembly  108  is installed simply by pressing or pushing the solenoid assembly  108  into the cavity  118 . As the solenoid assembly  108  is being pushed into the cavity  118 , the solenoid frame  136  acts on the ramp  130  to push the snap leg  128  out of the way of the solenoid assembly  108 . Once the solenoid assembly  108  is properly seated against the bottom of the cavity  118 , the solenoid frame  136  clears the ridge  132  allowing the snap leg  128  to snap back to its original position. Once the snap leg  128  is in its original position, a portion of the solenoid frame  136  is captured between the surface  134  and the bottom  117  of the cavity  118  thus securing the solenoid assembly  108  within the cavity  118 . The elimination of the need for glue and/or fasteners for securing the solenoid assembly  108  to the housing  102  results in further cost savings.  
         [0190]    The latch assembly  100  also includes a pawl  104  shown pivotally connected to the latch housing  102  with suitable attachment means such as the pawl pivot members or spindles  138 ,  140  which are provided extending outwardly from the pawl  104  at opposite sides thereof. The pivot members  138 ,  140  can also be provided as a single pivot member extending through the pawl  104 . A pair of larger diameter base portions  142  and  144  are provided at the base of the pawl pivot members  138  and  140  respectively. The base portions  142  and  144  prevent excessive lateral play of the pawl  104  once the pawl is installed to the housing  102 . The pawl  104  is installed onto the housing  102  by snap-fit placement of the pawl pivot members  138  and  140  into the pawl pivot recesses  146  and  148 , respectively, disposed on opposite sides of the first slot  116 . A pair of guide slots  150  and  152  are provided on either side of the slot  116 . The guide slots  150  and  152  lead to the recesses  146  and  148 , respectively. The pair of guide slots  150  and  152  form ramped surfaces which spread farther apart from one another with increasing distance from the recesses  146  and  148 . The guide slots  150 ,  152  guide the pawl pivot members  138 ,  140  in the direction of the pawl pivot recesses  146  and  148  during the snap-fitting process.  
         [0191]    The pawl  104  is has a body portion  154  with the pair of pawl pivot members  138 ,  140  extending therefrom. The pawl  104  has a lug or projection  156  and is provided with a pawl slot  158  to retain the keeper member  208  when the pawl  104  is in the latched position. In the illustrated example, the keeper member is attached to the lid of the glove box at a position such that when the swinging lid or door  200  is closed, the keeper member  208  will be positioned or caught in the crook or bend of the hook-like member  112 . The pawl  104  is also provided with an arm portion  160  extending from the pawl body  154 .  
         [0192]    A pawl torsion spring  162  is installed on the pawl  104  with the coiled portions  164  and  166  surrounding the base portions  142 ,  144  of the pawl pivot members  138  and  140 , respectively. The cross bar  168  of the torsion spring  162  engages the notch  170  in the arm portion  160 . In the illustrated example the notch  170  is enlarged to more positively retain the cross bar  168  in position relative to the pawl  104 . The torsion spring  162  also has tail portions  172 ,  174  and arms  176 ,  178 . The vertical spring arms  176 ,  178  extend from the respective coiled portions  164  and  166  of the torsion spring  162  and connect to cross bar  168 . The pawl arm  160  is positioned intermediate the spring arms  176  and  178 . When the pawl  104  is installed in the housing  102 , the notch  170  is located further to the rear relative to the pawl slot  158 . The projection or lug  156  has a flat surface  180  that extends roughly in a radial direction relative to the pivot axis of the pawl  104 .  
         [0193]    The tails  172 ,  174  of the torsion spring  162  fit into and lie along the grooves  182 ,  184 , respectively, when the pawl  104  is snap-fitted to the housing  102 . With the tails  172 ,  174  of the torsion spring  162  positioned in the grooves  182 ,  184 , the cross bar  168  of the torsion spring  162  exerts a force on the arm portion  160  of the pawl  104  that biases the pawl  104  toward the open or unlatched configuration.  
         [0194]    The solenoid  122  is supported in a frame  136  that in turn fits in the cavity  118  of the housing  102 . The locking member  106  is in essence a continuation of the shaft  120  of the solenoid  122 . The locking member  106  may be integral with the shaft  120  of the solenoid  122 , or the locking member  106  may be an extension attached to the shaft  120  of the solenoid  122 . The frame  136  is provided with an opening to allow the locking member  106 , or the shaft  120  of the solenoid  122  as the case may be, to pass through the frame  136 . The locking member  106  is provided with a flange  186 . A spring  188  is provided intermediate the flange  186  and the body portion or coils  190  of the solenoid  122 . The spring may be in direct contact with the solenoid body  190  or it may be in contact with the frame  136 , depending upon the size of the opening in the frame  136 . The spring  188  biases the locking member  106  into the extended position. When the locking member  106  is In the extended position and the pawl  104  is in the closed or latched position, the locking member  106  is positioned behind the lug  156  and prevents the pawl  104  from rotating to the open or unlatched position.  
         [0195]    The latch assembly  100  is actuated by energizing the solenoid  122 . The solenoid  122  may be energized using a remotely located switch (not shown). When the solenoid  122  is energized, the locking member  106  is retracted such that the locking member  106  is moved out of engagement with the projection or lug  156  thereby freeing up the pawl  104  for pivoting. The bias provided by the pawl torsion spring  162  rotates the pawl  104  from its latched position where the keeper  208  is cooperatively captured by the pawl slot  158  and the hook-shaped flange  112 , and allows the pawl  104  to rotate in the clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 36, 37,  40 , and  41 . The rotation of the pawl  104  brings the opening of the pawl slot  158  out from the portion of the slot  116  formed in the hook-shaped flange  112 , such that the opening of the pawl slot faces roughly toward the lid of the glove box and allows the keeper member  208  to be disengaged from the pawl  104 . The door  200  of the glove box  202  can then be opened by swinging the door  200  downward. The keeper member or striker  208  may be a rod supported at each end by suitable means such as the posts  192  (only one shown) attached to the lid  200 . In addition, the keeper  208  may be in the form of any other suitable member such as a bar, claw, or other suitable attachment member.  
         [0196]    Suitable mounting means are provided to retain the latch assembly  100  on a panel or mounting surface. For example, installation of the latch assembly  100  to a panel may be accomplished with a screw or pin that engages the hole  124  for fastening of the latch assembly to a panel, such as for example, the frame  204  of the glove box  202 . Additionally, in the illustrated example a lateral tab  126  is provided on each side of the hook-like member  112 . The lateral tabs  126  engage corresponding notches or openings  210  formed in the glove box  202  to more securely hold the latch  100  in place.  
         [0197]    When the door  220  is being closed, the opening of the pawl slot  158  faces toward the keeper  208  and is unobstructed by the hook-like member  112 . As the door  200  is slammed shut, the keeper  208  is received in the slot  158  and impacts the pawl  104  causing the counterclockwise rotation of the pawl  104  (as viewed in FIGS. 36, 37,  40 , and  41 ) to the closed configuration shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. At this time, even though the solenoid  122  may not be energized, the locking member  106  is partially retracted because the lug  156  and/or the pawl body  154  prevent movement of the locking member  106  to the fully extended position. As the pawl  104  rotates to the closed position, the lug  156  clears the locking member  106  allowing the locking member  106  to extend under the bias of spring  188  and move behind the lug  156 . Once the locking member  106  is in the extended position it catches the flat side  180  of the projection  156  to keep the pawl  104  in the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37, thus securing the door  200  in the closed position.  
         [0198]    In addition to the solenoid  122 , the latch  100  may be provided with a handle to manually operate the latch in the event the solenoid fails or there is no power to operate the solenoid. As an alternative or in addition to the handle, a mechanical key-operated lock plug can be incorporated into the design whereby rotation of the lock plug pushes the locking member  106 , for example using some form of cam arrangement, out of engagement with the lug  156  to thereby allow the glove box to be opened in the event of an electrical power failure.  
         [0199]    Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 44 through 83. The latch  1100  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the previous embodiments.  
         [0200]    Referring to FIGS.  44 - 83 , the latch  1100  of the present invention includes a paddle-shaped handle  1102  which is pivotally mounted to a latch housing  1104 . The housing  1104  is provided with flanges  1106  and  1108  which have projections thereon, respectively  1110  and  1112 . The paddle or handle  1102  is preferably provided with suitable means for attachment to the housing such as pintels, raised bosses or the like. In the illustrated example, the handle  1102  is provided with openings  1114  and  1116  to receive projections  1110  and  1112 , respectively. It should be readily apparent that the positions of the projections  1110  and  1112  and of the holes  1114  and  1116  can be reversed, i.e. the holes can be provided in the housing and the projections can be attached to the handle, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Preferably, the flanges  1106  and  1108  are resilient and the projections  1110  and  1112  are beveled on one side to allow the handle  1102  to be snap-fitted to the housing  1104 .  
         [0201]    The housing  1104  has a lock plug socket  1118  having a generally cylindrical bore for receipt of a lock plug  1120 . The lock plug socket  1118  is especially adapted to receive the lock plug  1120 . The lock plug  1120  has an end portion which has projections  1122  and cavities  1124 . The lock plug  1120  also has retractable projections  1126  which retract upon the insertion of an appropriate key into the keyhole  1128  to thereby allow rotation of the lock plug  1120  within the socket  1118 .  
         [0202]    Also supported within the socket  1118  is a cam plug  1130 . The cam plug  1130  has projections  1132  and  1134  that mate with the projections  1122  and cavities  1124  such that the lock plug  1120  and the cam plug  1130  rotate as a unit. The end of the cam plug  1130 , located distally from the lock plug  1120  is provided with an eccentric cam pin  1136 .  
         [0203]    A hook-like structure  1138  projects from the top of the housing  1104 . An illustrative example of the application of the latch assembly  1100  is for latching the door of a vehicle&#39;s glove compartment. References to top, bottom, front, rear, left side and right side as used herein are applied by reference to the vehicle in which the latch assembly  1100  is installed. For example, the front of the latch housing faces toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  1104  is installed to the door of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door of the glove compartment is closed. The rear of the latch housing faces toward the rear of the vehicle when the latch housing  1104  is installed to the door of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door of the glove compartment is closed, the bottom of the latch housing faces toward the floor of the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment when the latch housing  1104  is installed to the door of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door of the glove compartment is closed. The top of the latch housing faces toward the roof of the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment when the latch housing  1104  is installed to the door of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door of the glove compartment is closed and so forth. Hook-like as used herein refers to any member that has a crook, curve, or bend to thereby catch on another member. The hook-like member  1138  extends upward and then forward from the top of the housing  1104  such that the tip  1140  of the hook-like member  1138  points toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  1104  is installed to the door of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door of the glove compartment is closed. A first slot  1144  is provided within the hook-like member  138  and extends through a portion of the housing body  1142  (as shown in FIG. 67). The housing body  1142  has a pair of opposing walls  1146  which support the bulbous end  1148  of the catch beam  1150 . The bulbous end  1148  has a perimeter the majority of which follows a substantially circular arc such that a surface following a substantially circular arc bears against the walls  1146  throughout the range of pivotal movement of the catch beam  1150 . This arrangement allows for the pivotal movement of the catch beam  1150  as well as the linear translation of the catch beam to either the left or the right.  
         [0204]    The catch beam  1150  has an elongated slot  1152  in its bulbous end which is engaged by the cam pin  1136 . Through the interaction of the cam pin  1136  and the slot  1152 , rotation of the lock plug  1120  causes the linear translational motion of the catch beam  1150  to either the left or the right.  
         [0205]    The latch assembly  1100  also includes a pawl  1154  shown pivotally connected to the latch housing  1104  with suitable attachment means such as the pawl pivot members  1158  which are provided extending outwardly from the pawl  1154  at opposite sides thereof. The pawl  1154  is installed onto the housing  1104  by snap-fit placement of the pawl pivot members  1158  into the pawl pivot recesses  1160  disposed in the housing  1104 . A pair of guide slots  1162  is provided on the housing leading from the edge of the housing to the pawl pivot recesses  1160  for guiding the pawl pivot members  1158 , in the direction of the pawl pivot recesses  1160 .  
         [0206]    The pawl  1154  has a locking lug  1164  and is provided with a pawl slot  1156  to retain a keeper rod (not shown). Preferably the keeper rod is attached to a stationary panel, doorframe or compartment (not shown) at a position such that as the swinging panel or door, to which the latch assembly  1100  is attached, is rotated to the closed position, the keeper rod will pass below the forward pointing portion of the hook-shaped structure  1138  and come into engagement with the pawl  1154 .  
         [0207]    A pawl torsional spring  1166  is installed on the pawl  1154  with the coiled portions surrounding the pawl pivot members  1158 . A loop of the torsion spring  1166  engages the notch  1168  near the top of the pawl  1154 . The torsion spring  1166  biases the pawl  1154  toward the open position shown in FIGS. 47 and 53. The pawl lug  1164  has a sloping surface  1170  and a flat radially extending side  1172 . The sloping surface  1170  provides a camming action to push the catch beam  1150  downward and out of the way of the lug  1164  as the pawl  1154  rotates from the open position of FIGS. 47 and 53 to the closed position of FIGS. 46 and 52. Once the pawl  1154  is in the closed position the catch plate  1174  of the catch beam  1150  snaps up behind the lug  1164 , under the bias of the spring  1176 , and catches the flat side of the lug  1164  to retain the pawl  1154  in the closed configuration. In the illustrated example, the spring  1176  is a living spring that is one piece construction with the catch beam  1150 . The catch plate  1174  is dimensioned such that the catch plate  1174  can maintain engagement with the lug  1164  over the entire range of the linear translational movement of the catch beam  1150 .  
         [0208]    The handle  1102  has an actuation arm  1178  extending forward therefrom. Extending from the housing body  1142  is a spring retaining socket  1180  which is aligned with spring retaining structure  1182  of the handle  1102 . A handle spring  1184  is cooperatively held by the spring retaining structure  1182  and the socket  1180 . The spring  1184  provides a bias when the handle  1102  is lifted so that after actuation takes place the handle  1102  is returned to its original position by the force of the compression spring  1184 .  
         [0209]    The actuation arm  1178  of the paddle  1102  passes through an opening  1204  in the housing  1104  and is provided to engage the catch beam  1150  at the engaging pad  1186 . The free end of the living spring  1176  is provided with a bulge  1188  which alternatively engages the slots  1190  and  1192  to provide a detent feature which stabilizes the catch beam  1150  in the locked and unlocked positions, respectively.  
         [0210]    The catch beam  1150  is moved between the locked and unlocked positions by the selective rotation of the lock plug  1120  by a user with a key. As shown in FIG. 68, the latch  1100  is in the unlocked position with the actuating arm  1178  of the handle  1102  engageable with the pad  1186  of the catch beam  1150  seen positioned below the actuation arm  1178  of the handle  1102  for selective engagement therewith when the handle  1102  is pivoted up and away from the door to which the latch  1100  is mounted. In order to lock the assembly, the lock plug  1120  is rotated to slide the catch beam  1150  to the left (as viewed in FIGS. 68 and 69) to position the cutout or notch  1194  under the actuation arm  1178  thus drawing catch beam  1150  out of the reach of the actuating arm  1178 . In the locked position, pulling up on the handle  1102  has no affect on the catch beam  1150 , thereby preventing opening of the latch  1100 .  
         [0211]    The latch assembly  1100  is actuated by lifting the handle  1102  in an upward direction. The actuation arm  1178  of the handle  1102  engages the pad  1186  of the catch beam  1150  to pivotally move the catch beam  1150  downward and move the catch plate  1174  out of engagement with the pawl lug  1164  thereby freeing up the pawl  1154  for pivoting. The bias provided by the pawl torsion spring  1166  rotates the pawl  1154  from its closed position, where the keeper rod is cooperatively captured by the pawl slot  1156  and the hook-shaped structure  1138 , to its open position shown in FIGS. 47 and 53, the rotation of the pawl  1154  brings the opening of the pawl slot  1156  out from under the hook-shaped member  1138  and allows the keeper rod to be disengaged from the pawl  1154 . The compartment or panel to which the latch assembly  1100  is attached can then be opened.  
         [0212]    Suitable mounting means are provided to retain the latch assembly  1100  on a panel or mounting surface. For example, installation of the latch assembly  1100  to a panel may be accomplished with screws or pins which pass through holes  1196  for fastening of the latch assembly to a panel, such as for example, a glove box door  1198  of an automobile.  
         [0213]    The latch assembly  1100  also has some additional features which enhance its resistance to tampering. First, the pawl  1154  and the hook-like structure  1138  are off-set to one side of the handle  1102  such that if the handle is broken off by a thief, a screw driver or other tool inserted through the access holes for the handle mounts or the actuating arm cannot reach the pawl  1154 . Also, a lug  1200  is provided in the housing that engages a rib  1202  provided on the catch bar  1150  when the catch bar is in the locked position. This housing lug  1200  prevents pivotal movement of the catch bar  1150  when the catch bar is in the locked position, and thus disengaging the catch bar from the pawl lug by inserting a tool through the access opening for the actuating arm is prevented or greatly impeded. Lastly, the latch assembly is designed such that the handle can be assembled to the latch housing after the housing has been installed to the door. This feature keeps the number and size of the openings needed in the door for the installation of the latch assembly to a minimum, thereby reducing the opportunity for unauthorized access to the latch assembly.  
         [0214]    Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 84 through 112. The latch  2100  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the previous embodiments.  
         [0215]    Referring to FIGS.  84 - 112 , the latch  2100  of the present invention includes a latch housing  2200 , a catch beam  2300 , a solenoid assembly  2400 , a pair of pawls  2500 ,  2600 , and a pair of pawl torsional springs  2700 ,  2800 .  
         [0216]    As shown in FIGS.  98 - 101  and  109 , an illustrative example of the application of the latch  2100  is for latching the door  2102  of a vehicle&#39;s glove compartment (not shown). References to top, bottom, front, rear, left side and right side as used herein are applied by reference to the vehicle (not shown) in which the latch  2100  is installed. For example, the front of the latch housing  2200  faces toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. The rear of the latch housing  2200  faces toward the rear of the vehicle when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. The bottom of the latch housing  2200  faces toward the floor of the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. The top of the latch housing  2200  faces toward the roof of the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed and so forth.  
         [0217]    As best shown in FIGS.  84 - 89  and  102 - 103 , the latch housing  2200  has a first end  2202 , a second end  2204 , a housing body  2206 , a pair of hook-shaped structures  2208 ,  2210 , a pair of attachment legs  2212 ,  2214 , and a solenoid housing  2216 . The housing body  2206  extends longitudinally between the first and second ends  2202 ,  2204 . The housing body  2206  has an opening  2218 ,  2220  at each of the corresponding first and second ends  2202 ,  2204 , and a channel  2222  there between for receiving the catch beam  300 . The housing body  2206  also has a front side wall  2224 , a rear side wall  2226 , and a bottom wall  2228  for retaining the catch beam  2300  within the housing body  206 . The front side wall  2224  and bottom wall  2228  of the housing body  2206  define a cutout  2230  at about the midpoint of the housing body  2206  that accommodates the solenoid lever (described below) of the solenoid assembly  2400 .  
         [0218]    Each hook-shaped structure  2208 ,  2210  projects from the top of the latch housing  2200  proximate one of the corresponding ends  2202 ,  2204 . Hook-shaped as used herein refers to any member that has a crook, curve, or bend to thereby catch on another member. Each hook-shaped structure  2208 ,  2210  extends upwardly and then forwardly from the top of the latch housing  2200  such that the tip  2232 ,  2234  of that hook-shaped structure  2208 ,  2210  points toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. A first slot  2236 ,  2238  is provided within each corresponding hook-shaped structure  2208 ,  2210  and extends through a portion of the housing body  2206  (as shown in FIG. 102).  
         [0219]    The attachment legs  2212 ,  2214  are for mounting the latch  2100  to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment. Each attachment leg  2212 ,  2214  projects from the bottom of the latch housing  2200  proximate one of the corresponding ends  2202 ,  2204 . Each attachment leg  2212 ,  2214  extends downwardly and then forwardly from the bottom of the latch housing  2200  such that the flexible tip  2240 ,  2242  of that attachment leg  2212 ,  2214  points toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. A receiving slot  2244 ,  2246  is provided proximate the tip  2240 ,  2242  of each corresponding attachment leg  2212 ,  2214  to permit the latch  2100  to be mounted to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment.  
         [0220]    The solenoid housing  2216  has a generally rectangular frame for receiving the solenoid assembly  2400 . The solenoid housing  2216  has a rear wall  2248 , a first side wall  2250 , a second side wall  2252 , a bottom wall  2254 , a first stop projection  2256 , and a second stop projection  2258 . The rearwall  2248  has a cutout  2260  to permit the solenoid (described below) of the solenoid assembly  2400  to be readily activated by a push or touch button (not shown) so that the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment can be placed from the closed or locked position to the open or unlocked position. The opposing first and second side walls  2250 ,  22252  extend downwardly from the bottom wall  2228  of the housing body  2206 . The bottom wall  2254  extends forwardly from the bottom of the rear wall  2248  toward the front of the vehicle, and has a flexible tip  2262  that points toward the rear of the vehicle when the latch housing  2200  is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. The first stop projection  22256  is positioned at the top of the inner surface  2264  of the rear wall  2248  at a predetermined distance from the second side wall  2252 . The second stop projection  2258  is positioned at about the midpoint of the inner surface  2266  of the second side wall  2252 . The rear wall  2248 , first stop projection  2256 , and second stop projection  2258  define a cutout  2268  for receiving the solenoid lever (described below) of the solenoid assembly  2400 . The first and second stop projections  2256 ,  2258  help to retain the solenoid lever within the cutout  2268  when the solenoid lever is caused to have translational linear motion. The rear wall  2248 , first side wall  2250 , bottom wall  2254 , and first stop projection  2256  define a cutout  2270  for receiving the solenoid (described below) of the solenoid assembly  2400 . The first stop projection  2256  and flexible tip  2262  help to retain the solenoid within the cutout  2270  when the solenoid assembly  2400  is assembled in the solenoid housing  2216 .  
         [0221]    As best shown in FIGS.  104 - 105 , the catch beam  2300  is elongated, and has a first end  2302 , a second end  2304 , a first cutout  2306 , a second cutout  2308 , a third cutout  2310 , a first end stop projection  2312 , and an attachment opening  2314 . The first cutout  2306  is located at the top proximate the first end  2302 , and the third cutout  2310  is located at the top at the second end  2304 . The first and third cutouts  2306 ,  2310  permit the pawls  2500 ,  2600  to be biased by the pawl torsional springs  2700 ,  2800  in the unlatched position. The second cutout  2308  is located at the bottom about the midpoint of the catch beam  2300 . The second cutout  2308  and attachment opening  2314  engage with the solenoid lever (described below) of the solenoid assembly  2400 . Through the interaction of the second cutout  2308 , the attachment opening  2314 , and the solenoid lever, activation of the solenoid (described below) causes the linear translational motion of the catch beam  2300  such that the second end  2304  of the catch beam  2300  moves toward the first end  2202  of the latch housing  2200 . The first end stop projection  2312  is located at the first end  2302 , and projects perpendicularly from both sides of the first end  2302  of the catch beam  2300 . The first end stop projection  2312  helps to prevent the catch beam  2300  from moving past its locked position by making contact with the first end  2202  of the latch housing  2200  when the catch beam  2300  is caused to return to its locked position from its unlocked position.  
         [0222]    As best shown in FIGS.  106 - 108 , the solenoid assembly  2400  includes a solenoid  2402 , a solenoid plunger or shaft  2404 , a solenoid lever  2406 , a pin  2408 , and a solenoid spring  2410 . The solenoid  2402  has a first end  2412 , a second end  2414 , and an opening  2416  at the second end  2414  for receiving the solenoid shaft  2404 . The solenoid shaft  2404  has an inwardly sloping first end  2418 , a second end  2420 , and openings  2422  about the second end  2420  for receiving the pin  2408 . It is preferred that the solenoid shaft  2404  is made of metal. The solenoid lever  2406  has a bulbous first end  2424  having an opening  2425 , a second end  2426 , an opening  2428  at the bulbous first end  2424  for receiving the pin  2408 , and a catch beam engaging structure  2430  projecting from the second end  2426  such that the catch beam engaging structure  2430  points toward the rear of the vehicle when the latch housing  2200 , with the assembled solenoid assembly  2400 , is installed to the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  2102  of the glove compartment is closed. The bulbous first end  2424  of the solenoid lever  2406  is adapted for receiving the second end  2420  of the solenoid shaft  2404 . The catch beam engaging structure  2430  is adapted for engaging with the attachment opening  2314  of the catch beam  2300 . It is preferred that the solenoid lever  2406  is made of a plastic material. The solenoid assembly  2400  can be assembled by first securing the solenoid spring  2410  onto the solenoid shaft  2404 , and then sliding the bulbous first end  2424  of the solenoid lever  2406  over the second end  2420  of the solenoid shaft  2404 . The solenoid lever  2406  can then be secured over the second end  2420  of the solenoid shaft  2404  with the pin  2408 . Lastly, the solenoid shaft  2404  that is secured to the solenoid lever  2406  can be slid a predetermined distance into the opening  2416  of the solenoid  2402 .  
         [0223]    As best shown in FIGS.  90 - 93 , each of the pair of pawls  2500 ,  2600  is shown pivotally connected to the latch housing  2200  with suitable attachment means such as the pawl pivot members  2502 ,  2602  which are provided extending outwardly from the corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600  at opposite sides thereof. Each pawl  2500 ,  2600  is installed onto the latch housing  2200  by snap-fit placement of the corresponding pawl pivot members  2502 ,  2602  into the corresponding pawl pivot recesses  2272 ,  2274  disposed in the latch housing  2200 . A pair of guide slots  2276 ,  2278  is provided on the latch housing  2200  leading from the edge of the latch housing  2200  to the corresponding pawl pivot recesses  2272 ,  2274  for guiding the corresponding pawl pivot members  2502 ,  2602 , in the direction of the corresponding pawl pivot recesses  2272 ,  2274 .  
         [0224]    Each pawl  2500 ,  2600  has a locking lug  2504 ,  2604 , and is provided with a pawl slot  2506 ,  2606  to retain a keeper rod (not shown). Preferably the keeper rod is attached to a stationary panel, doorframe or compartment (not shown) at a position such that as the swinging panel or door  2102 , to which the latch assembly  2100  is attached, is rotated to the closed position, the keeper rod will pass below the forward pointing portion of each of the hook-shaped structures  2208 ,  2210  and come into engagement with each of the pawls  2500 ,  2600 .  
         [0225]    As best shown in FIGS.  86 - 93 , a pawl torsional spring  2700 ,  2800  is installed on a corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600  with the coiled portions surrounding the corresponding pawl pivot members  2502 ,  2602 . A loop of each pawl torsional spring  2700 ,  2800  engages the notch  2508 ,  2608  near the top of the corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600 . Each pawl torsional spring  2700 ,  2800  biases the corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600  toward the open position shown in FIGS. 91 and 93. Each pawl lug  2504 ,  2604  has a sloping surface  2510 ,  2610  and a flat radially extending side  2512 ,  2612 . Once each pawl  2500 ,  2600  is in the closed position, the corresponding catch portion  2316 ,  2318  of the catch beam  2300  snaps up behind the corresponding lug  2504 ,  2604 , under the bias of the solenoid spring  2410 , and catches the flat side of the corresponding lug  2504 ,  2604  to retain the corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600  in the closed configuration. Each catch portion  2316 ,  2318  is dimensioned such that the catch portion  2316 ,  2318  can maintain engagement with the corresponding lug  2504 ,  2604  over a substantial range of the linear translational movement of the catch beam  2300  until the corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600  rotates from the closed position to the open position of FIGS.  84 - 85 .  
         [0226]    As shown in FIGS.  110 - 112 , the latch assembly  2100  can be assembled by first snap-fit placing the pawls  2500 ,  2600  and pawl torsional springs  2700 ,  2800  into the corresponding pawl pivot recesses  2272 ,  2274  of the latch housing  2200 . The catch beam  2300  can then be slid into the channel  2222  of the housing body  2206  of the latch housing  2200 , via the second end  2304  of the catch beam  2300 , such that the first end stop projection  2312  is proximate the first end  2202  of the latch housing  2200  when the catch beam  2300  is positioned within the channel  2222 . The assembled solenoid assembly  2400  can then be snap-fit placed into the solenoid housing  2216 , with the catch beam engaging structure  2430  of the solenoid lever  2406  snap-fit placed into the attachment opening  2314  of the catch beam  2300 .  
         [0227]    The latch assembly  2100  is actuated by a user pressing on a press or push button (not shown) that is in communication with the solenoid  2402 . The button can be positioned on the vehicle&#39;s instrument panel (not shown), outside the door  2102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment (not shown), or in any other location within the vehicle. It is obvious to one in the art that the latch assembly  2100  can also be actuated by a user pressing on a button or switch of a remote device that is in communication with the solenoid  2402 . After the user presses the button, the solenoid  2402  is activated and the electromagnetic force created by the solenoid coil pulls the shaft  2404  into the solenoid  2402 . The electromagnetic force also pulls the solenoid lever  2406 , which is attached to the shaft  2404  via the pin  2408 , toward the solenoid  2402 , thereby compressing the solenoid spring  2410 . Since the solenoid lever  2406  is engaged with the catch beam  2300  when the latch  2100  is assembled, the pull of the electromagnetic force causes the linear translational motion of the catch beam  2300  such that the second end  2304  of the catch beam  2300  moves toward the first end  2202  of the latch housing  2200 . When the catch beam  2300  has moved past a predetermined distance such that the catch portions  2316 ,  2318  are out of engagement with the pawl lugs  2508 ,  2608 , the pawls  2500 ,  2600  are freed for pivoting. The bias provided by each pawl torsional spring  2700 ,  2800  rotates the corresponding pawl  2500 ,  2600  from its closed position, where the keeper rod is cooperatively captured by the pawl slots  2506 ,  2606  and the hook-shaped structures  2208 ,  2210 , to its open position. The rotation of each pawl  2500 ,  2600  brings the opening of the corresponding pawl slot  2506 ,  2606  out from under the corresponding hook-shaped structure  2208 ,  2210  and allows the keeper rod to be disengaged from the pawls  2500 ,  2600 . The compartment or panel to which the latch assembly  2100  is attached can then be opened.  
         [0228]    The compartment or panel (not shown) to which the latch assembly  2100  is attached can be closed by slamming the compartment or panel shut, or towards the front of the vehicle. When the compartment or panel is slammed shut, the keeper rod (not shown) that is attached to the compartment or panel will make contact with the pawls  2500 ,  2600  and rotate the pawls  2500 ,  2600  toward the closed position. After a predetermined distance, the keeper rod will pass below the forward pointing portion of each of the hook-shaped structures  2208 ,  2210  and come into engagement with each of the pawls  2500 ,  2600  in the pawl slots  2506 ,  2606 . As the pawls  2500 ,  2600  are rotated toward the closed position such that the pawl lugs  2504 ,  2604  move upwardly and out of the first and third cutouts  2306 ,  2310  of the catch beam  2300 , the solenoid spring  2410  biases the shaft  2404  and solenoid lever  2406 , along with the engaged catch beam  2300 , back toward the second end  2204  of the latch housing  2200 .  
         [0229]    Suitable mounting means are provided to retain the latch assembly  2100  on a panel or mounting surface (not shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 98, installation of the latch assembly  2100  to a panel may be accomplished by snap-fit placement of the latch assembly  2100  into hooks  2104  and the like that are positioned on the panel, such as for example, a glove box door  2102  of an automobile. Alternatively, installation of the latch assembly  2100  to a panel may be accomplished with fasteners, such as screws or pins, which pass through holes for fastening of the latch assembly  2100  to the panel.  
         [0230]    The latch assembly  2100  also has some additional features which enhance its resistance to tampering. Since the latch assembly  2100  is designed without access holes or openings, opportunity for unauthorized access to the latch assembly  2100  is reduced. Also, the pair of pawls  2500 ,  2600  provide additional strength to the latch assembly  2100  such that opportunity for unauthorized access to the latch assembly  2100  is reduced.  
         [0231]    Another embodiment of the latch in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 113 through 161. The latch  3100  in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the previous embodiments.  
         [0232]    Referring to FIGS.  113 - 161 , the latch  3100  of the present invention includes a latch housing  3200 , a catch beam  3300 , a solenoid assembly  3400 , a pair of pawls  3500 ,  3600 , and a pair of pawl torsion springs  3700 ,  3800 .  
         [0233]    As shown in FIGS.  113 - 125  and  128 - 137 , an illustrative example of the application of the latch  3100  is for latching the door  3102  of a vehicle&#39;s glove compartment (not shown). References to top, bottom, front, rear, left side and right side as used herein are applied by reference to the vehicle (not shown) in which the latch  3100  is installed. For example, the front of the latch housing  3200  faces toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  3200  is installed to the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  3102  of the glove compartment is closed. The rear of the latch housing  3200  faces toward the rear of the vehicle when the latch housing  3200  is installed to the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  3102  of the glove compartment is closed. The bottom of the latch housing  3200  faces toward the floor of the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment when the latch housing  3200  is installed to the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  3102  of the glove compartment is closed. The top of the latch housing  3200  faces toward the roof of the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment when the latch housing  3200  is installed to the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  3102  of the glove compartment is closed and so forth.  
         [0234]    As best shown in FIGS.  154 - 157 , the latch housing  3200  has a first end  3202 , a second end  3204 , a housing body  3206 , a pair of hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210 , two pairs of tabs  3212 ,  3214 , and a solenoid housing  3216 . The housing body  3206  extends longitudinally between the first and second ends  3202 ,  3204 . The housing body  3206  has an opening  3218 ,  3220  at each of the corresponding first and second ends  3202 ,  3204 , and a channel  3222  therebetween for receiving the catch beam  3300 . The housing body  3206  forms a cage or frame for slidably supporting the catch beam  3300 .  
         [0235]    Each hook-shaped structure  3208 ,  3210  projects from the top of the latch housing body  3206  proximate one of the corresponding ends  3202 ,  33204 . Hook-shaped as used herein refers to any member that has a crook, curve, or bend to thereby catch on another member. The hook shape of the structures  3208  and  3210  is most readily apparent from FIGS.  146 - 149 . Each hook-shaped structure  3208 ,  3210  extends upwardly and then forwardly from the top of the latch housing  3200  such that the tip  3232 ,  3234  of that hook-shaped structure  3208 ,  3210  points toward the front of the vehicle when the latch housing  3200  is installed to the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment and the door  3102  of the glove compartment is closed. A slot  3236 ,  3238  is provided within each corresponding hook-shaped structure  3208 ,  3210  and extends through a portion of the housing body  3206  (as shown in FIGS.  154 - 157 ).  
         [0236]    The tabs  3212 ,  3214  are for mounting the latch  3100  to the outer shell  3101  of the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment. Each tab  3212 ,  3214  projects upward from either side of a respective one of the hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210 . The tabs  3212 ,  3214  are inserted into holes  3107 ,  3109  provided in the bottom of brackets  3111 ,  3113  that project from the inner surface of the outer shell  3101  of the door  3102 . Thus the tabs  3212 ,  3214  in cooperation with brackets  3111 ,  3113  hold the hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210  securely relative to the inner surface of the outer shell  3101  of the door  3102  when the latch  3100  is mounted to the door  3102 . The door  3102  also has an inner shell  3103  that mates with the outer shell  3101  to form the door  3102 . The inner shell  3103  has openings  3105  that allow a respective keeper rod to be engaged by the pawls  3500 ,  3600  and the hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210 .  
         [0237]    Also projecting from the inner surface of the outer shell  3101  are cylindrical sleeves  3115  and  3117 . The sleeves  3115  and  3117  register with the holes  3201  and  3203  of the housing  3200  when the latch  3100  is mounted to the outer shell  3101  of the door  3102 . Self-tapping screws passing through holes  3201 ,  3203  are engaged to the sleeves  3115 ,  3117  to secure the latch housing  3200  to the outer shell  3101  of the door  3102 . This arrangement results in a stronger attachment between the latch  3100  and the door  3102 , which in turn results in increased pull and impact strength of the latch  3100 .  
         [0238]    As best shown in FIGS.  160 - 161 , the solenoid assembly  3400  includes a solenoid  3402 , a solenoid plunger or shaft  3404 , a tip projection  3406 , and a solenoid spring  3410 . When the solenoid  3402  is energized the solenoid shaft  3404  is retracted into the solenoid. The tip projection  3406  has a perpendicular portion that projects from a position near the tip of the solenoid shaft  3404  at about a right angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the solenoid shaft  3404 . The perpendicular portion of the tip projection  3406  is adapted to engage the catch beam  3300  as will be described below.  
         [0239]    The solenoid housing  3216  has a generally rectangular frame for receiving the solenoid assembly  3400 . The solenoid housing  3216  supports the solenoid assembly  3400  such that the solenoid shaft  3404  is directly in line with the catch beam  3300  and the tip projection  3406  can engage the catch beam  3300  directly. This arrangement has the advantage that the number of parts required for the latch assembly  3100  is reduced, and consequently the material cost and the material requirements of the latch assembly  3100  are also reduced. The solenoid  3402  being in line with the catch beam  3300  has the further advantage that the catch beam can be moved with less pull/push force, thus requiring a smaller solenoid unit. This also brings the cost of the latch  3100  down.  
         [0240]    The solenoid  3402  is selectively energized by a user using a switch (not shown) remotely located somewhere on the vehicle&#39;s instrument panel or console. The wiring to the control switch for the latch  3100  is arranged such that the vehicle&#39;s ignition key must be in the ignition switch before the solenoid  3402  can be energized using the control switch. The control switch for the latch  3100  can be of any well-known type.  
         [0241]    As best shown in FIGS.  158 - 159 B, the catch beam  3300  is elongated, and has a first end  3302 , a second end  3304 , a slot  3306 , and a cutout  3308 . The slot  3306  is located near the first end  3302  and is adapted to receive at least the perpendicular portion of the tip projection  3406  such that the solenoid shaft  3404  can push and pull the catch beam  3300 . The cutout  3308  registers with the pawl  3500  when the catch beam  3300  is pulled to the unlocked position by the solenoid assembly  3400 . The cutout  3308  allows the pawl  3500  to rotate to the open position under the bias of torsion spring  3700  when the catch beam  3300  is in the unlocked position. The length of the catch beam  3300  is selected such that the end  3304  of the catch beam clears the pawl  3600 , thus allowing the pawl  3600  to rotate to the open position under the bias of torsion spring  3800 , when the catch beam  3300  is in the unlocked position. When the solenoid  3402  is energized, the solenoid shaft  3404  is retracted toward the solenoid body causing the tip projection  3406  to pull the catch beam  3300  to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the end  3304  of the catch beam clears the pawl  3600  and the cutout  3308  is positioned below the pawl  3500 . Thus, when the solenoid  3402  is energized, the pawls  3500 ,  3600  can rotate to the open positions. When the solenoid  3402  is deactivated, the spring  3410  biases the catch beam  3300  toward the locked position. However, movement of the catch beam  3300  to the locked position is prevented as long as the pawls  3500 ,  3600  are in the open position and block the movement of the catch beam  3300 . When the door  3102  is slammed shut and the impact of the keeper rods with the pawls  3500 ,  3600  rotates the pawls  3500 ,  3600  to the closed position, the pawls  3500 ,  3600  clear the catch beam  3300  allowing it to move to the locked position under the bias of spring  3410 .  
         [0242]    Each of the pair of pawls  3500 ,  3600  is shown pivotally connected to the latch housing  3200  with suitable attachment means such as the pawl pivot members  3502 ,  3602  which are provided extending outwardly from the corresponding pawl  3500 ,  3600  at opposite sides thereof. Each pawl  3500 ,  3600  is installed onto the latch housing  3200  by snap-fit placement of the corresponding pawl pivot members  3502 ,  3602  into the corresponding pawl pivot recesses or holes  3272 ,  3274  disposed in the latch housing  3200 . A pair of guide slots  3276 ,  3278  is provided on the latch housing  3200  leading from the edge of the latch housing  3200  to the corresponding pawl pivot recesses  3272 ,  3274  for guiding the corresponding pawl pivot members  3502 ,  3602 , in the direction of the corresponding pawl pivot recesses  3272 ,  3274  during the snap-fitting operation.  
         [0243]    Each pawl  3500 ,  3600  has a locking lug  3504 ,  3604 , and is provided with a pawl slot  3506 ,  3606  to retain a respective one of two keeper rods (not shown). For the illustrated embodiment, the keeper rods are attached to the vehicle&#39;s instrument panel near the opening of the glove box. The keeper rods should be located at positions such that, as the swinging panel or door  3102  is rotated to the closed position, the keeper rods will pass below the forward pointing portion of respective hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210  and come into engagement with respective pawls  3500 ,  3600 .  
         [0244]    A pawl torsional spring  3700 ,  3800  is installed on a corresponding pawl  3500 ,  3600  with the coiled portions surrounding the corresponding pawl pivot members  3502 ,  3602 . A loop of each pawl torsional spring  3700 ,  3800  engages the notch  3508 ,  3608  near the top of the corresponding pawl  3500 ,  3600 . Each pawl torsional spring  3700 ,  3800  biases the corresponding pawl  3500 ,  3600  toward the open position shown in FIGS. 147 and 149. Each pawl lug  3504 ,  3604  has a sloping surface  3510 ,  3610  and a flat radially extending side  3512 ,  3612 . Once each pawl  3500 ,  3600  is in the closed position, portions of the catch beam  3300  move behind the lugs  3504 ,  3604 , under the bias of the solenoid spring  3410 , and catch the flat side of the lugs  3504 ,  3604  to retain the pawls  3500 ,  3600  in their closed positions.  
         [0245]    The latch assembly  3100  is actuated by a user operating a switch (not shown) that controls current supply to the solenoid  3402  when the vehicle&#39;s key is in the ignition. The switch can be positioned on the vehicle&#39;s instrument panel (not shown), outside the door  3102  of the vehicle&#39;s glove compartment (not shown), or in any other location within the vehicle. In addition, a wireless remote may be used to energize the solenoid  3402 . After the user energizes the solenoid  3402 , the electromagnetic force created by the solenoid coil pulls the shaft  3404  into the solenoid  3402 . Thus the tip projection  3406  is pulled toward the solenoid housing  3216  and the catch beam  3300  is pulled toward the unlocked position. In addition, the solenoid spring  3410  is compressed during this process. When the catch beam  3300  has moved out of engagement with the pawl lugs  3508 ,  3608 , the pawls  3500 ,  3600  are freed for pivoting. The bias provided by each pawl torsional spring  3700 ,  3800  rotates the corresponding pawl  3500 ,  3600  from its closed position, where the keeper rod is cooperatively captured by the pawl slots  3506 ,  3606  and the hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210 , to its open position. The rotation of the pawls  3500 ,  3600  to the open position brings the opening of the corresponding pawl slots  3506 ,  3606  out from under the hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210  and allows the keeper rods to be disengaged from the pawls  3500 ,  3600  The compartment or panel to which the latch assembly  3100  is attached can then be opened.  
         [0246]    The compartment or panel (not shown) to which the latch assembly  3100  is attached can be closed by slamming the door  3102  shut. When the compartment or panel is slammed shut, the keeper rods (not shown) that are located near the opening of the compartment will make contact with the pawls  3500 ,  3600  and rotate the pawls  3500 ,  3600  toward the closed position. As the door  3102  rotates to its closed position, the keeper rods will pass below the forward pointing portion of the hook-shaped structures  3208 ,  3210  and come into engagement with the pawls  3500 ,  3600  in the pawl slots  3506 ,  3606 . As the pawls  3500 ,  3600  are rotated toward their closed positions, the pawl lug  3504  moves out of the cutout  3308  and the pawl lug  3604  moves out of the way of the end  3304  of the catch beam  3300  to thus allow the catch beam  3300  to move to the locked position as urged by the solenoid spring  3410 .  
         [0247]    One problem encountered with other two-point latching systems is that when the glove box door is closed with a push on one side of the centerline of the door, rather than a push on the middle of the door, the flexibility of the door will tend to bring one keeper in the latch position before the other one. There is then a possibility to have the glove box door closed but only maintained by one keeper. This presents a clear danger to the passenger as the door might open in the event of an impact. In addition, the door is not flush with the adjacent interior trim moldings or instrument panel and will not meet the required style and appearance criteria. The chamfers (ramped or sloping surfaces)  3303  and  3301  have been provided on the catch beam at the end  3304  and on one side of the cutout  3308 , respectively, to address this problem. If only one pawl reaches the closed position, the catch beam  3300  cannot move fully to the locked position and the respective pawl lug  3504  or  3604  will engage the catch beam in the area of the respective chamfer  3301  or  3303 . When the user releases the door, the force of the respective torsion spring  3700  or  3800 , through the interaction of the pawl lug with the respective chamfer, will overcome the force of the solenoid spring  3410  and will rotate the one pawl engaged by a keeper rod back to it&#39;s open position. Thus, the door  3102  will not remain closed unless both pawls  3500  and  3600  properly engage their respective keeper rods. Consequently, the door  3102  will drop back to the open position prompting the user attempt to close the door  3102  again until the door  3102  is properly secured in the closed position by the latch  3100 .  
         [0248]    A mechanical override can be provided to allow the opening of the door  3102  even when the power supply to the solenoid  3402  fails due for example to a dead battery. The mechanical override may include a cable attached at one end to the end  3302  of the catch beam  3300 . The other end of the cable can be positioned at some location on the instrument panel access to which is controlled by a key. The fuse box for instance may be suitable for such a purpose. By pulling on the remote end of the cable the catch beam can then be moved to the unlocked position to thereby allow the door  3102  to be opened when power to the solenoid  3402  fails.  
         [0249]    Furthermore, it should be born in mind that the latch  3100  can also be used to secure a door in the closed position when the keeper rods are carried by the moving door and the latch  3100  is supported by the stationary panel surrounding the opening of the compartment closed by the door.  
         [0250]    The latch assembly  3100  also has some additional features which enhance its resistance to tampering. Since the latch assembly  3100  is designed without access holes or openings, opportunity for unauthorized access to the latch assembly  3100  is reduced. Also, the pair of pawls  3500 ,  3600  provide additional strength to the latch assembly  3100  such that opportunity for unauthorized access to the latch assembly  3100  is reduced.  
         [0251]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, and it is intended that the present invention include all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.