Patent ID: 7334438

Claim:
An actuator for actuating a latching means in a latch assembly for fastening a closure member to a keeper in a latched position, the latch assembly being moveable between the latched position and an open position, the actuator comprising: an actuating means for actuating the actuator upon clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the actuating means from a relaxed position; a biasing means for biasing said actuating means toward the relaxed position; a first actuator rotation means rotatable by the actuating means in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, which define a direction of rotation of the first actuator rotation means; a second actuator rotation means having at least one protuberance, said second actuator rotation means rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first actuator rotation means by engagement with the first actuator rotation means, as the first actuator rotation means is rotated; a sliding element slidingly displaceable relative to the actuator, the sliding element having at least one sliding element prong; wherein rotation of the actuating means in the clockwise direction rotates said second actuator rotation means such that said at least one protuberance acts upon said at least one sliding element prong and said sliding element slides relative to the actuator to actuate the latching means moving the latch assembly to the open position and rotation of the actuating means in the counterclockwise direction rotates said second actuator rotation means such that said at least one protuberance acts upon said at least one sliding element prong and said sliding element slides relative to the actuator to actuate the latching means moving the latch assembly to the open position.