Patent ID: 7303216

Claim:
A latch assembly positioned on a stationary structure, said latch assembly comprising: a latch; a casing comprising a base integrally formed with outer walls, wherein a latch chamber is defined by said base and said outer walls, said casing securely retaining said latch within said latch chamber and allowing limited movement of said latch within said latch chamber during an impact, said casing having a fastener extending from said base and away from said latch chamber, wherein said fastener is configured to secure said casing to the stationary structure; and a slider having an outwardly-extending boss, wherein said latch is secured to said slider, wherein said casing further comprises a slot formed within one of said outer walls and a boss-retaining snap disposed within said slot, said slot receiving said boss, said boss-retaining snap allowing said boss to pass in a first direction and blocking movement of said boss in an opposite second direction.