Patent Description:
Latches, knobs, handles, and the like are used in relation to doors. With repeated use, such objects can become unclean and/or contaminated with germs, bacteria, viruses, and other such pathogens. As such, individuals may be reluctant to touch a door handle or latch, for example.

With that in mind, touchless sensors have been developed. Touchless sensors have been used in conjunction with various components. For example, certain stowage bins onboard commercial aircraft include touchless latches that allow individuals to open and close the stowage bins without touching any portion of the stowage bins. Instead, a swipe of a hand in proximity to a touchless latch opens a stowage bin, for example.

A touchless sensor can be used determine an intent to open a door, but is typically unable to actually open the door. Instead, an electromechanical system can be used to open the door. However, an individual may not understand how the touchless sensor in conjunction with the electromechanical system operates. As such, the individual may still grasp a portion of the mechanical latch, instead of engaging the touchless sensor.

The documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose latching systems for toilet rooms comprising touchless sensors.

A need exists for an improved latching system and method that may include a touchless sensor. Further, a need exists for a latching system and method that also allows for manual operation of a mechanical feature, such as a latch. Moreover, a need exists for a latching system that allows for manual override in case a touchless sensor does not operate properly. Further, a need exists for a latching system and method having a touchless sensor and mechanical feature that do not interfere with each other, and are able to reset to a default condition appropriate for a desired door status (open, closed, locked, unlocked, latched, unlatched), for example.

With those needs in mind, the present invention provides a latching system configured to selectively latch and unlatch a first component in relation to a second component, the latching system comprising: an actuator, a first coupler secured to the actuator, a latch, and a second coupler secured to the latch, wherein the first coupler is configured to couple to the second coupler to couple the actuator to the latch, and wherein the first coupler is configured to uncouple from the second coupler to uncouple the actuator from the latch in response to the latch being manually operated.

In at least one example, a touchless sensor is operatively coupled to the actuator. The latching system can also include a sensing device configured to detect a relationship between the first coupler and the second coupler. The latching system can also include a control unit in communication with the actuator and the sensing device. As an example, the control unit is configured to operate the actuator to recouple the first coupler with the second coupler in response to the sensing device detecting that the first coupler is uncoupled from the second coupler.

In at least one example, the first component is a door, and the second component is one or more of a frame, wall, or panel.

In at least one example, a gap exists between the first coupler and the second coupler when the first coupler is coupled to the second coupler.

In at least one example, the first coupler is a first magnet and the second coupler is a second magnet. As a further example, a spring secures the first magnet to the actuator. The spring is configured to pull the first magnet toward the actuator. Also, as an example, a sleeve is disposed around the first magnet and the spring. The first magnet can include extension stops, and the sleeve can include stop protuberances configured to engage the extension stops. A roughened interface can be formed between the first magnet and the sleeve.

In at least one example, the first coupler includes one of a detent or a spring-biased member, and the second coupler includes the other of the detent of the spring-biased member.

The present invention provides a latching method configured to selectively latch and unlatch a first component in relation to a second component, the latching method comprising:.

The present invention provides a system comprising a first component, a second component, and a latching system coupled to one or both of the first component or the second component, wherein the latching system is configured to selectively latch and unlatch the first component in relation to the second component, the latching system comprising: an actuator; a first coupler secured to the actuator; a latch; and a second coupler secured to the latch, wherein the first coupler is configured to couple to the second coupler to couple the actuator to the latch, and wherein the first coupler is configured to uncouple from the second coupler to uncouple the actuator from the latch in response to the latch being manually operated.

Examples of the present invention provide a latching system and method that includes an actuator coupled to a mechanical latch via separable couplers, such as magnets, a ball/detent, and/or the like. The systems and methods are configured to allow manual override of position and easy reattachment of the actuator to the latch.

In at least one example, the actuator is coupled to the mechanical latch via couplers, such as magnets. A sensing device, such as a Hall sensor, can be used to detect the attachment/detachment between the magnets. The magnet attached to actuator can be coupled to a spring that increases a gap when magnetic contact is lost (reducing the magnetic coupling until repositioned). The system can automatically reacquire the magnetic attachment through electromechanical movement. In at least one example, no contact between the magnets is required. A small spacing (such as a spacing of <NUM> inches, i.e. <NUM>) can be used, but not required, both for ease of attach/detach and wear reduction.

Examples of the present invention can be used where manual mechanical override of an electromechanical system is routine (for example, can work in concert with touchless application). Any amount of displacement between magnets during mechanical override is possible (because the coupling is magnetic). The mechanical override displacement can be in multiple directions (in X, Y, or Z directions), and can also be mechanically changed away from a magnet pair in one direction. The attachment can be made and broken a numerous times using Neodymium or Samarium Cobalt magnets with extremely long magnetic lifetimes (excess of <NUM> years). With a non-contact system, there is no wear (non-contact is simply one option). In at least one example, the system automatically senses contact loss (via a magnetic sensing device, such as a Hall sensor), and can reacquire the contact.

The latching systems and methods can be used with various components, such as doors, stowage bins, containers, or the like. The components listed are merely examples. The latching systems and methods can be used with various other components. Examples of the present invention can be used in relation to applications in which manual mechanical override of an electromechanical system is routine.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of a latching system <NUM>, according to an example of the present invention. The latching system <NUM> can be coupled to a first component <NUM>, such as a door, gate, bin, container, and/or the like. The first component <NUM> is configured to be opened and closed with respect to a second component <NUM>, such as a frame, panel, wall, strongback, beam, rail, track, and/or the like. Optionally, the latching system <NUM> can be coupled to the second component <NUM>, instead of the first component <NUM>. As shown, a system <NUM> includes the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM>, and the latching system <NUM> coupled to one or both of the first component <NUM> or the second component <NUM>. The terms first and second are merely for identifying a number of components. It is to be understood that the first component may be the second component, and vice versa.

The latching system <NUM> includes a latch <NUM> (for example, a mechanical latch) that is configured to be manually engaged by an individual. The latch <NUM> includes a latching element <NUM> coupled to an engagement member <NUM>, such as a handle, knob, lever, and/or the like. An individual can grasp the engagement member <NUM> to move at least a portion of the latching element <NUM> into a retaining member <NUM> (such as a hasp, lock channel, recess, opening, or the like) of the second component <NUM> to lock the first component <NUM> in relation to the second component <NUM>, or move at least a portion of the latching element <NUM> out of the retaining member <NUM> to unlock the first component <NUM> in relation to the second component <NUM>.

The latching system <NUM> also includes an actuator <NUM> configured to be engaged to operate the latch <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be an electromechanical device. The actuator <NUM> can be one or more of a ball screw, plunger, rotary motor, solenoid, and/or the like.

The actuator <NUM> is secured to a first coupler <NUM>, such as a first magnet. The latch <NUM> is secured to a second coupler <NUM>, such as a second magnet. Optionally, the first coupler <NUM> can be a detent, or a spring-biased object, and the second coupler <NUM> can be the opposite of the detect or the spring-biased object (or vice versa). The first coupler <NUM> is configured to securely couple to the second coupler <NUM>, so that motion of the actuator <NUM> is translated to the latch <NUM>. However, when the latch <NUM> is manually operated, the force exerted into the latch <NUM> can overcome the coupling force between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>, thereby causing the first coupler to separate from the second coupler <NUM>. During or after such manual engagement of the latch <NUM>, the first coupler <NUM> reconnects with the second coupler <NUM>, thereby reconnecting the actuator <NUM> to the latch <NUM>.

In at least one example, a touchless sensor <NUM> is operatively coupled to the actuator <NUM>. The touchless sensor <NUM> is configured to be engaged in a touchless manner by an object, such as a finger, handle, or the like, such as described in <CIT>. For example, a finger or hand moved over the touchless sensor <NUM> (such as within <NUM> inches, i.e. <NUM>) can be used to trigger the touchless sensor <NUM> to move the actuator <NUM>. As the actuator <NUM> is moved, the first coupler <NUM> (secured to the actuator) moves the second coupler <NUM> (secured to the latch <NUM>), and therefore the latch <NUM> in relation to the retaining member <NUM> of the second component <NUM>, as desired.

In at least one example, the touchless sensor <NUM> is coupled to, or otherwise includes a control unit <NUM> that is configured to control operation of the touchless sensor <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> includes or is otherwise coupled to a memory that stores instructions regarding triggering of the touchless sensor <NUM> in relation to detected motions of an object (such as a finger or hand) in relation to the touchless sensor <NUM>.

Alternatively, the latching system <NUM> may not include the touchless sensor <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> may optionally be operatively coupled to a switch, button, key, and/or the like.

In at least one example, the latching system <NUM> also includes a sensing device <NUM> configured to detect a relationship between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> can be a magnetic sensor. The sensing device <NUM> can be a Hall sensor, for example. As another example, the sensing device <NUM> can be an infrared sensor. As another example, the sensing device <NUM> can be an ultrasonic sensor. The sensing device <NUM> is in communication with the control unit <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. Alternatively, the latching system <NUM> does not include the sensing device <NUM>.

In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> is in communication with the actuator <NUM> and the sensing device <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> (such as may be in communication with, or part of, the touchless sensor <NUM> or optionally another triggering device, such as a switch, key, button, or the like) is configured to operate the actuator <NUM> to recouple the first coupler <NUM> with the second coupler <NUM> in response to the sensing device <NUM> detecting that the first coupler <NUM> is uncoupled from the second coupler <NUM>.

In operation, an individual can operate the latch <NUM> through the touchless sensor <NUM>. For example, the individual can wave a finger or hand above or in front of the touchless sensor <NUM> to move the latch <NUM> into a locked position. The control unit <NUM> is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor <NUM> and recognize the detected motion. In response, the control unit <NUM> operates the actuator <NUM> accordingly. As the actuator <NUM> moves, the latch <NUM> moves so that the latching element <NUM> is inserted into the retaining member <NUM> to securely latch the first component <NUM> to the second component <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is operatively coupled to the latch <NUM> by the first coupler <NUM> being coupled to the second coupler <NUM>, such as via a magnetic and/or mechanical connection. The touchless sensor <NUM> can be operated to unlatch the latch <NUM> from the second component <NUM> in a similar manner.

If, however, an individual manually engages the latch <NUM>, such as via the engagement member <NUM>, the second coupler <NUM> can separate from the first coupler <NUM>. In this manner, the latch <NUM> can be manually overridden in relation to the actuator <NUM>. The first coupler <NUM> may then recouple (for example, reconnect) to the second coupler <NUM> to reconnect the actuator <NUM> to the latch <NUM>, such as via magnetic attraction. Optionally, the sensing device <NUM> can be used to detect the separation between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> receives a signal from the sensing device <NUM> that indicates the separation between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>. The control unit <NUM>, in response to detection of separation between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>, then operates the actuator <NUM> to move the first coupler <NUM> back into alignment with the second coupler <NUM>, thereby recoupling the first coupler <NUM> to the second coupler <NUM> (and therefore recoupling the actuator <NUM> with the latch <NUM>).

As described herein, the latching system <NUM> is configured to selectively latch and unlatch the first component <NUM> in relation to the second component <NUM>. The latching system <NUM> includes the actuator <NUM>, the first coupler <NUM> secured to the actuator <NUM>, the latch <NUM>, and the second coupler <NUM> secured to the latch <NUM>. The first coupler <NUM> couples to the second coupler <NUM> to couple the actuator <NUM> to the latch <NUM>. The first coupler <NUM> is configured to uncouple from the second coupler <NUM> to uncouple the actuator <NUM> from the latch <NUM> in response to the latch <NUM> being manually operated.

As used herein, the term "control unit," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation, as described herein.

The control unit <NUM> is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the control unit <NUM> may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the control unit <NUM> as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various examples of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

The diagrams of examples herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as the control unit <NUM>. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of examples disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a door 102a in relation to a frame 104a, according to an example of the present invention. The door 102a is an example of the first component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The frame 104a is an example of the second component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Optionally, the door 102a can be the second component, and the frame 104a can be the first component. The door 102a can be that of a lavatory, such as within a commercial aircraft, for example.

The latching system <NUM> is coupled to the door 102a (and/or optionally the frame 104a). The latching system <NUM> includes the touchless sensor <NUM> operatively coupled to the latch <NUM>, as described above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latching system <NUM> in an unlatched position, according to an example of the present invention. As shown, a first magnet 116a is secured to the actuator <NUM>, and a second magnet 118a is secured to the latch <NUM>. The first magnet 116a is an example of the first coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the second magnet 118a is an example of the second coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a can be Neodymium or Samarium Cobalt magnets. Optionally, various other types of magnets can be used.

A magnetic force attracts the first magnet 116a to the second magnet 118a. That is, the first magnet 116a is magnetically coupled to the second magnet 118a. In this manner, the actuator <NUM> is coupled to the latch <NUM>. In at least one example, a gap, such as between <NUM> - <NUM> inches (<NUM> - <NUM>), can be provided between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a when coupled together. The gap eliminates, minimizes, or otherwise reduces friction and wear between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a. Optionally, there may not be a gap between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a when coupled together.

In the unlatched position, the latching element <NUM> is outside of the retaining member <NUM>. Accordingly, the first component <NUM> can be opened in relation to the second component <NUM> (or vice versa).

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latching system <NUM> in a latched position, according to an example of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, in order to latch the first component <NUM> to the second component <NUM> (such that at least a portion of the latching element <NUM> is securely retained by the retaining member <NUM>), an individual performs a motion, such as swiping a finger or hand, in relation to (such as above and/or in front of) the touchless sensor <NUM> in the direction of arrow A. In response, the actuator <NUM> moves the latch <NUM> (via the first magnet 116a being coupled to the second magnet 118a) in the direction of arrow B, so that a distal end <NUM> of the latching element <NUM> is moved into the retaining member <NUM>. In order to unlatch the first component <NUM> from the second component <NUM>, the individual performs the motion in relation to the touchless sensor <NUM> in the direction of arrow A (or an opposite motion in the direction of arrow A'), which causes the actuator <NUM> to move back in the direction of arrow B', thereby removing the distal end <NUM> of the latching element <NUM> from the retaining member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latching system <NUM> in a manual override mode, according to an example of the present invention. As an induvial grasps the engagement member <NUM> and moves the latch <NUM> in the direction of arrow B, the force exerted into the latch <NUM> may overcome the magnetic coupling between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a, thereby uncoupling the first magnet 116a from the second magnet 118a, and allowing the latching element <NUM> to be manually moved into the retaining member <NUM>. The magnetic force between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a may cause the first magnet 116a to move back into alignment with the second magnet 118a, and thereby move the actuator <NUM> in response. Optionally, referring to <FIG>, the sensing device <NUM> can sense the uncoupling between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a, and the control unit <NUM> can move the actuator <NUM> such that the first magnet 116a realigns with and recouples to the second magnet 118a.

While <FIG> shows the latching system <NUM> being manually overridden to move the latch <NUM> into a latched position with respect to the second component <NUM>, the latching system <NUM> can be manually overridden to move the latch <NUM> into an unlatched position with respect to the second component <NUM>. For example, when the latch <NUM> is in a latched position, as shown in <FIG>, an individual may manually engage the latch <NUM> in the direction of arrow B' to move the latch <NUM> into an unlatched position. The second magnet 118a may uncouple from the first magnet 116a during such motion, and the actuator <NUM> may then move the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a back into realignment and recoupling, as described herein.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latching system <NUM> in a latched position, according to an example of the present invention. In at least one example, a spring <NUM> secures the first magnet 116a to the actuator <NUM>. The spring <NUM> exerts a resistive spring force that pulls the first magnet 116a toward the actuator <NUM> in the direction of arrow C, thereby forming a gap <NUM> between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a. The magnetic coupling between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a causes the first magnet 116a to be pulled downwardly in the direction of arrow C', but the resistive spring force may be great enough to ensure that the gap <NUM> remains.

As shown, the first magnet 116a may couple to the second magnet 118a with the gap <NUM> therebetween, ensuring a contactless coupling. The gap <NUM> provides a small spacing (such as between <NUM> - <NUM> inches, i.e. <NUM> - <NUM>). The gap <NUM> allows for easier coupling and uncoupling between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a, and reduces wear therebetween. Alternatively, the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a may couple to one another with no gap therebetween.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latching system <NUM> in a manual override mode, according to an example of the present invention. When the latch <NUM> is manually engaged, the first magnet 116a uncouples from the second magnet 118a, as described herein. As the first magnet 116a uncouples from the second magnet 118a, the spring <NUM> pulls the first magnet 116a closer to the actuator <NUM> in the direction of arrow C, thereby increasing the separation between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a. As such, the magnetic coupling between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a is reduced, until the first magnet 116a is realigned with the second magnet 118a.

Referring to <FIG>, a sleeve <NUM> can be disposed around the first magnet 116a and the spring <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> constrains the motion of the spring <NUM> and the magnet 116a, such as to be substantially in the direction of arrows C and C', as described. Alternatively, the latching system <NUM> may not include the sleeve <NUM>. Optionally, the second magnet 118a can be coupled to the latch <NUM> by a spring, which can be within a sleeve, in addition to, or in place of the spring <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The sleeve <NUM> provides a guide for the spring <NUM> and the first magnet 116a. The first magnet 116a floats within the guide provided by the sleeve <NUM>, and anchored to the actuator <NUM> by the spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> pulls the first magnet 116a toward the actuator <NUM>.

The force exerted by the spring <NUM> can be weaker than the magnetic force between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a. For example, the gap <NUM> provided by the spring <NUM> can be between <NUM> inch and <NUM> inch (<NUM> and <NUM>), depending on the magnetic force between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a.

<FIG> illustrates an internal view of the first magnet 116a within the sleeve <NUM>, according to an example of the present invention. Extension stops <NUM> may extend from the first magnet 116a within the sleeve <NUM>. The extension stops <NUM> radially extend from the first magnet 116a. The sleeve <NUM> includes stop protuberances <NUM> inwardly extending from internal surfaces <NUM>. The extension stops <NUM> are configured to abut into the stop protuberances <NUM> to control a range of motion of the first magnet 116a, such as to ensure that the gap <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is provided between the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a. Alternatively, the first magnet 116a may not include the extension stops <NUM>, and/or the sleeve <NUM> may not include the stop protuberances <NUM>.

Additionally, outer circumferential surfaces of the first magnet 116a can include roughened protuberances <NUM>. Similarly, internal surfaces <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> can also include roughened protuberances <NUM>. If and when the first magnet 116a is pulled laterally within the sleeve <NUM> in the directions of arrow D, the roughened protuberances <NUM> engage the roughened protuberances <NUM>, thereby slowing and/or stopping further lateral shifting and/or downward extension. As such, engagement between the roughened protuberances <NUM> and <NUM> provides a brake that slows or prevents further motion of the first magnet 116a within the sleeve <NUM>. The roughened surfaces can be formed through scoring, deposition of material, embossing, scratching, and/or the like. Alternatively, the first magnet 116a may not include the roughened protuberances <NUM>, and/or the sleeve <NUM> may not include the roughened protuberances <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the spring <NUM> retracts toward the actuator <NUM>, thereby pulling the first magnet 116a toward the actuator <NUM> when the first magnet 116a uncouples from the second magnet 118a. The retraction of the spring <NUM> prevents or otherwise reduces the potential of the first magnet 116a from pulling laterally on the second magnet 118a.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the first magnet 116a uncoupled from a second magnet 118a, according to an example of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, when a magnetic side load <NUM> is present, the interaction between the roughened protuberances <NUM> and the roughened protuberances <NUM> prevent or otherwise reduce the potential of the first magnet 116a from moving outwardly from the sleeve <NUM>. As described herein, one or both of the first magnet 116a and the sleeve <NUM> include roughened surfaces that provide a brake that prevents or otherwise reduced motion otherwise induced by the magnetic side load <NUM>. As such, a roughened interface exists between the first magnet 116a and the sleeve <NUM>. In contrast, as shown in <FIG>, when the first magnet 116a is axially aligned with the second magnet 118a (such as when the magnetic side load <NUM> is not present), the roughened protuberances <NUM> are separated from the roughened protuberances <NUM>, and the first magnet 116a and the second magnet 118a magnetically couple to one another.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latch <NUM> uncoupled from the actuator <NUM>, according to an example of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the latch <NUM> coupled to the actuator <NUM> of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, instead of magnets, the latch <NUM> includes a detent 118b, and the actuator <NUM> includes a spring-biased member 116b (such as a spring-biased ball, snap, or other such structure), or vice versa. The spring-biased member 116b is an example of the first coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the detent 118b is an example of the second coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The spring-biased member 116b is configured to be forced into an out of the detent 118b, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a latching method, according to an example of the present invention. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, at <NUM>, the latch <NUM> is moved by the actuator <NUM> (such as between latched and unlatched positions) coupled to the latch <NUM> by the first coupler <NUM> coupled to the second coupler <NUM>. As described, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>, while coupled together, are also separable (which can be separated by a manual override of the latch <NUM>).

At <NUM>, it is determined if there is a manual override. The manual override occurs when an individual manually operates the latch <NUM>, instead of operating via the actuator <NUM> (which can be controlled by an associated engagement device, such as a switch, button, the touchless sensor <NUM>, and/or the like). If there is no manual override at <NUM>, the method proceeds to <NUM>, at which the coupling between the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> is maintained.

If, however, there is a manual override at <NUM>, the method proceeds to <NUM>, at which the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> uncouple from one another, thereby uncoupling the actuator <NUM> from the latch <NUM>. At <NUM>, the first coupler <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM> can then be re-aligned and recoupled to one another, thereby recoupling the actuator <NUM> and the latch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft <NUM>, according to an example of the present invention. The aircraft <NUM> includes a propulsion system <NUM> that includes engines <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more engines <NUM> than shown. The engines <NUM> are carried by wings <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In other embodiments, the engines <NUM> may be carried by a fuselage <NUM> and/or an empennage <NUM>. The empennage <NUM> may also support horizontal stabilizers <NUM> and a vertical stabilizer <NUM>.

The fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> defines an internal cabin <NUM>, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like. The latching systems and methods described herein can be used with various components of the aircraft <NUM>, such as with respect to lavatory doors within the internal cabin <NUM>.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, examples of the present invention may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft, and the like. Further, examples of the present invention may be used with respect to fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective internal view of a lavatory <NUM>, according to an example of the present invention. The lavatory <NUM> is an example of an enclosed space or chamber, such as within the internal cabin <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The lavatory <NUM> includes a door leading therein. The latching systems and methods described herein can be used in relation to the door of the lavatory <NUM>. The lavatory <NUM> may be onboard an aircraft, as described above. Optionally, the lavatory <NUM> may be onboard various other vehicles. In other examples, the lavatory <NUM> may be within a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. The lavatory <NUM> includes a base floor <NUM> that supports a toilet <NUM>, one or more cabinets <NUM>, and a sink <NUM> or wash basin. The lavatory <NUM> may be arranged differently than shown. The lavatory <NUM> may include more or less components than shown.

As described herein, examples of the present invention provide improved latching systems and methods, which may include touchless sensors. Further, examples of the present invention provide latching systems and methods that also allow for manual operation of a latch. Moreover, examples of the present invention provide latching systems and methods that allow for manual override in case a touchless sensor does not operate properly. Further, examples of the present invention provide latching systems and methods having touchless sensors and mechanical features that do not interfere with each other, and are able to reset to a default condition appropriate for a desired door status (open, closed, locked, unlocked, latched, unlatched).

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe examples of the present invention, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other and/or modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples of the invention, the examples are by no means limiting and are exemplary examples. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A latching system (<NUM>) configured to selectively latch (<NUM>) and unlatch a first component (<NUM>) in relation to a second component (<NUM>), the latching system (<NUM>) comprising:
an actuator (<NUM>);
a first coupler (<NUM>) secured to the actuator (<NUM>);
a latch (<NUM>); and
a second coupler (<NUM>) secured to the latch (<NUM>),
wherein the first coupler (<NUM>) is configured to couple to the second coupler (<NUM>) to couple the actuator (<NUM>) to the latch (<NUM>), and
wherein the first coupler (<NUM>) is configured to uncouple from the second coupler (<NUM>) to uncouple the actuator (<NUM>) from the latch (<NUM>) in response to the latch (<NUM>) being manually operated.