PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10662676-B1
Application Number: US-201715484805-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Concealed latch

Abstract:
A vehicle includes a vehicle body that defines an opening, a vehicle door that is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening, a first surface, and a second surface. The first surface is defined on one of the vehicle body and the door and the second surface is defined on the other of the vehicle body and the door. A first latch portion is concealed behind the first surface. A second latch portion is concealed behind the second surface in an unlatched position and is movable to a latched position in which the second latch portion extends into the first latch portion and engages the first latch portion. A locking structure restrains disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion in the latched position.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a vehicle body portion that defines an opening; 
 a vehicle door that is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening; 
 a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is defined on one of the vehicle body portion and the vehicle door and the second surface is defined on the other of the vehicle body portion and the vehicle door; 
 a first latch portion that is concealed behind the first surface; 
 a second latch portion that is concealed behind the second surface in an unlatched position and is movable to a latched position in which the second latch portion extends into the first latch portion and engages the first latch portion, wherein the second latch portion includes a bolt, an actuator rod that is located in a passage that is formed in the bolt, and a lock aperture that is formed in the bolt; and 
 a locking structure that is pivotally mounted to the first latch portion, has a first end, has a second end, and restrains disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion in the latched position, wherein movement from the unlatched position to the latched position includes an intermediate position, an end surface of the actuator rod contacts the first end of the locking structure in the intermediate position prior to extension of the actuator rod from the bolt, and the actuator rod is extended out of the bolt during movement from the intermediate position to the latched position so that a transverse side surface of the actuator rod contacts the first end of the locking structure and the second end of the locking structure is seated in the lock aperture of the bolt. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first aperture formed in the first surface; 
 a second aperture formed in the second surface; 
 a first cover that is disposed in the first aperture in the unlatched position; and 
 a second cover that is disposed in the second aperture in the unlatched position. 
 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein first cover is moved out of the first aperture in the latched position and the second cover is moved out of the second aperture in the latched position. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first electronically-controlled actuator that is operable to move the second latch portion between the unlatched position and the latched position. 
 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein movement of the second latch portion from the unlatched position to the latched position causes engagement of the locking structure and movement of the second latch portion from the latched position to the unlatched position causes disengagement of the locking structure. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the second latch portion includes a bolt, the bolt includes lock apertures, the locking structure is connected to the first latch portion, and the locking structure engages the lock apertures of the bolt to restrain disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 6 , wherein an actuator rod is located in the bolt and causes motion of the locking structure to engage and disengage the locking structure in the latched position. 
     
     
       8. A vehicle, comprising:
 a vehicle body portion that defines an opening; 
 a vehicle door that is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening; 
 a first latch portion that is concealed behind the vehicle body portion; 
 a second latch portion that is concealed behind the vehicle door in an unlatched position and is movable to a latched position in which the second latch portion extends into the first latch portion and engages the first latch portion, wherein the second latch portion includes a bolt, an actuator rod that is located in a passage that is formed in the bolt, and a lock aperture that is formed in the bolt; and 
 a locking structure that is pivotally mounted to the first latch portion, has a first end, has a second end, and restrains disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion in the latched position, wherein movement from the unlatched position to the latched position includes an intermediate position, an end surface of the actuator rod contacts the first end of the locking structure in the intermediate position prior to extension of the actuator rod from the bolt, and the actuator rod is extended out of the bolt during movement from the intermediate position to the latched position so that a transverse side surface of the actuator rod contacts the first end of the locking structure and the second end of the locking structure is seated in the lock aperture of the bolt. 
 
     
     
       9. The vehicle of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first aperture formed in the vehicle body portion; 
 a second aperture formed in the vehicle door; 
 a first cover that is disposed in the first aperture in the unlatched position; and 
 a second cover that is disposed in the second aperture in the unlatched position. 
 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein first cover is moved out of the first aperture in the latched position and the second cover is moved out of the second aperture in the latched position. 
     
     
       11. The vehicle of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first electronically-controlled actuator that is operable to move the second latch portion between the unlatched position and the latched position. 
 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein movement of the second latch portion from the unlatched position to the latched position causes engagement of the locking structure and movement of the second latch portion from the latched position to the unlatched position causes disengagement of the locking structure. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the second latch portion includes a bolt, the bolt includes lock apertures, the locking structure is connected to the first latch portion, and the locking structure engages the lock apertures of the bolt to restrain disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 13 , wherein an actuator rod is located in the bolt and causes motion of the locking structure to engage and disengage the locking structure in the latched position. 
     
     
       15. A vehicle, comprising:
 a vehicle body portion that defines an opening; 
 a vehicle door that is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening; 
 a first latch portion that is concealed behind the vehicle door; 
 a second latch portion that is concealed behind the vehicle body portion in an unlatched position and is movable to a latched position in which the second latch portion extends into the first latch portion and engages the first latch portion, wherein the second latch portion includes a bolt, an actuator rod that is located in a passage that is formed in the bolt, and a lock aperture that is formed in the bolt; and 
 a locking structure that is pivotally mounted to the first latch portion, has a first end, has a second end, and restrains disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion in the latched position, wherein movement from the unlatched position to the latched position includes an intermediate position, an end surface of the actuator rod contacts the first end of the locking structure in the intermediate position prior to extension of the actuator rod from the bolt, and the actuator rod is extended out of the bolt during movement from the intermediate position to the latched position so that a transverse side surface of the actuator rod contacts the first end of the locking structure and the second end of the locking structure is seated in the lock aperture of the bolt. 
 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a first aperture formed in the vehicle body portion; 
 a second aperture formed in the vehicle door; 
 a first cover that is disposed in the first aperture in the unlatched position; and 
 a second cover that is disposed in the second aperture in the unlatched position. 
 
     
     
       17. The vehicle of  claim 16 , wherein first cover is moved out of the first aperture in the latched position and the second cover is moved out of the second aperture in the latched position. 
     
     
       18. The vehicle of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a first electronically-controlled actuator that is operable to move the second latch portion between the unlatched position and the latched position. 
 
     
     
       19. The vehicle of  claim 18 , wherein movement of the second latch portion from the unlatched position to the latched position causes engagement of the locking structure and movement of the second latch portion from the latched position to the unlatched position causes disengagement of the locking structure. 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 15 , wherein the second latch portion includes a bolt, the bolt includes lock apertures, the locking structure is connected to the first latch portion, and the locking structure engages the lock apertures of the bolt to restrain disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion. 
     
     
       21. The vehicle of  claim 20 , wherein an actuator rod is located in the bolt and causes motion of the locking structure to engage and disengage the locking structure in the latched position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/322,355, filed on Apr. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to latches for securing vehicle doors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles incorporate portions that open and close, which are referred to herein generally as doors. As examples, vehicles may include side passenger doors, sliding doors, a hatch door, a tailgate, a hood, and a fuel door cover. To secure doors in their closed positions, vehicle doors typically include a latch that is designed to prevent unintended opening of the door. As an example, latches for vehicle doors are typically designed to resist opening as a result of forces exerted upon the latch during an impact. 
     A common design for vehicle door latches includes a striker and a jaw that are each attached to one of a vehicle door or a vehicle body. The striker is a heavy gauge wire that is bent in to a shape that spaces part of the wire from the vehicle body. For example, a u-shaped configuration is common. The jaw is configured to open if it contacts the striker, and subsequently close to capture the striker. The jaw can then be opened by a user to release the striker, for example, using a door handle that is located on the door of the vehicle. This design is reliable and generates a significant holding force to restrain inadvertent opening of the door. However, this design also includes exposed mechanical parts that protrude from the body of the vehicle and are visually unappealing. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a vehicle body that defines an opening, a vehicle door that is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening, a first surface, and a second surface. The first surface is defined on one of the vehicle body and the door and the second surface is defined on the other of the vehicle body and the door. A first latch portion is concealed behind the first surface. A second latch portion is concealed behind the second surface in an unlatched position and is movable to a latched position in which the second latch portion extends into the first latch portion and engages the first latch portion. A locking structure restrains disengagement of the second latch portion from the first latch portion in the latched position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a latch that includes a first surface having a first aperture, a second surface having a second aperture, a first latch part that is located behind the first surface, and a second latch part that is movable between an unlatched position and a latched position with respect to the first latch part. The second latch part is located behind the second surface in the unlatched position, and the second latch part extends through the first and second apertures into the first latch part to secure the first latch part with respect to the second latch part in the latched position. A first cover occupies the first aperture when the second latch part is in the unlatched position, and is flush with the first surface when the second latch part is in the unlatched position. A second cover occupies the second aperture when the second latch part is in the unlatched position, and is flush with the second surface when the second latch part is in the unlatched position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a vehicle body that includes a vehicle body portion and a door that is connected to the vehicle body portion by a hinge for movement between a closed position and an open position. A first latch part that is concealed behind a first surface of the vehicle body, and the first surface has a first aperture formed through it. A second latch part is concealed behind a second surface of the vehicle body in an unlatched position. The second surface has a second aperture formed through it. The second latch part extends through the second aperture and the first aperture into the first latch part in a latched position. A first cover occupies the first aperture in the unlatched position. A second cover that occupies the second aperture in the latched position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle according to a first example. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustration showing a portion of a vehicle according to a second example. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view showing a latch assembly according to a first example in an unlatched position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section view showing the latch assembly according to the first example in an intermediate position. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view showing the latch assembly according to the first example in a latched position. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view showing a latch assembly according to a second example in an unlatched position. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section view showing the latch assembly according to the second example in an intermediate position. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view showing the latch assembly according to the second example in a latched position. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a latch assembly according to a third example in an unlatched position. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-section perspective view showing the latch assembly according to the third example in the unlatched position. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section perspective view showing the latch assembly according to the third example in an intermediate position. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section perspective view showing the latch assembly according to the third example in a latched position. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing a first structure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing a second structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure relates generally to latches for doors and is applicable, for example, to vehicle doors. In structures where a first surface is to be latched to a second surface, latch parts may be recessed within the structures behind the respective surfaces to avoid interrupting the surfaces with mechanical components that may interfere with aesthetics and usability. This may be done by defining apertures in the surfaces and recessing the components behind the apertures, with end portions or covers being positioned in the apertures in an unlatched position in a manner that is complementary to the surfaces. One of the latch parts may extend through the apertures to connect the latch parts in a latched position. Locking components may be provided to restrain unintentional separation of the latch parts. 
       FIG. 1  shows a portion of a vehicle  100  according to a first example. The vehicle  100  can be a passenger vehicle that is configured for operation on public roads. 
     The vehicle  100  includes a vehicle body  102 . An opening  104  is defined between a first body portion  106  of the vehicle body  102  and a second body portion  108  of the vehicle body  102 . A door  110  is connected to the first body portion  106  by a hinge  112 . The door  110  is positionable in the opening  104  and is movable between a closed position and an open position (depicted with broken lines). When the door  110  is in the closed position, the door  110  occupies the opening  104  and restricts movement of persons and/or objects into and out of the vehicle  100  through the opening  104 . When the door  110  is in the closed position, at least part of the door  110  has been moved out of the opening, such as by pivoting or translating, and the opening  104  is usable for moving persons and/or objects into and out of the vehicle  100  through the opening  104 . The door  110  may move with respect to the vehicle body  102  by rotating with respect to the vehicle body  102  on a hinge axis of the hinge  112 . As one example, the door  110  may be a side door for the vehicle  100  to allow passenger ingress and egress. As another example, the door  110  may be a door that allows access to a cargo area of the vehicle  100 , such as a hatch door. The door  110  may alternatively be any other type of door of the vehicle  100 . 
     The vehicle  100  includes a latch assembly that has a first latch part  114  and a second latch part  116 . In the illustrated example, the first latch part  114  is connected to and located in the second body portion  108 , and the second latch part  116  is connected to and located in the door  110 . The first latch part  114  is located on or adjacent to a first surface  118  that is defined on the second body portion  108  of the vehicle  100 . The second latch part  116  is located on or adjacent to a second surface  120  that is defined on the door  110 . When the door  110  is in the closed position, the first surface  118  faces the second surface  120 . The first and second surfaces  118 ,  120  extend in a direction that is generally tangential to the axis of the hinge  112 . 
     The first latch part  114  and the second latch part  116  are movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. At least a portion of the first latch part  114  or the second latch part  116  moves in a direction that is generally radial relative to the axis of the hinge  112 . 
     In the unlatched position, the door  110  is movable with respect to the second body portion  108 . The first latch part  114  and the second latch part  116  are recessed within the second body portion  108  and the door  110  in the unlatched position. Recessing the first latch part  114  and the second latch part  116  relative to the first and second surfaces  118 ,  120  respectively may mean that the first surface  118  and the second surface  120  are not interrupted by the first latch part  114  and the second latch part  116 . As an example, exposed portions of the first and second latch parts  114 ,  116  may be flush with the first and second surfaces  118 ,  120 , while other portions of the first and second latch parts  114 ,  116  are concealed. 
     In the latched position, the first and second latch parts  114 ,  116  interact to restrain the door  110  from moving from the closed position to the open position. For example, part of one of the first latch part  114  or the second latch part  116  may extend across a gap between the first and second surfaces  118 ,  120 , and extend into the opposed one of the first and second surfaces  118 ,  120  and into engagement with part of the other of the first latch part  114  and the second latch part  116 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a portion of a vehicle  200  according to a second example. The vehicle  200  includes a vehicle body  202 . An opening  204  is defined by the vehicle body  202 . A door  210  is connected to the vehicle body  202  by a hinge  212 . The door  210  is positionable in the opening  204  and is movable between a closed position and an open position (depicted with broken lines). The door  210  may move with respect to the vehicle body  202  by rotating with respect to the vehicle body  202  on a hinge axis of the hinge  212 . As an example, the door  210  may be a rear hatch door for the vehicle  200  to allow access to a cargo area that is locate inside the vehicle body  202 . The door  210  may alternatively be any other type of door of the vehicle  200 . 
     The vehicle  200  includes a latch assembly that has a first latch part  214  and a second latch part  216 . In the illustrated example, the first latch part  214  is connected to and located in the vehicle body  202 , and the second latch part  216  is connected to and located in the door  210 . The first latch part  214  is located on or adjacent to a first surface  218  that is defined on the vehicle body  202  of the vehicle  200 . The second latch part  216  is located on or adjacent to a second surface  220  that is defined on the door  210 . When the door  210  is in the closed position, the first surface  218  faces the second surface  220 . The first and second surfaces  218 ,  220  extend in a direction that is generally radial with respect to the axis of the hinge  212 . 
     The first latch part  214  and the second latch part  216  are movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. At least a portion of the first latch part  214  or the second latch part  216  moves in a direction that is generally tangential to the axis of the hinge  212 . 
     In the unlatched position, the door  210  is movable with respect to the vehicle body  202 , and first latch part  214  and the second latch part  216  are recessed within the vehicle body  202  and the door  210 . Recessing the first latch part  214  and the second latch part  216  relative to the first and second surfaces  218 ,  220  respectively may mean that the first surface  218  and the second surface  220  are not interrupted by the first latch part  214  and the second latch part  216 . As an example, exposed portions of the first and second latch parts  214 ,  216  may be flush with the first and second surfaces  218 ,  220 , while other portions of the first and second latch parts  114 ,  116  are concealed behind the first and second surfaces  218 ,  220 . 
     In the latched position, the first and second latch parts  214 ,  216  interact to restrain the door  210  from moving from the closed position to the open position. For example, part of one of the first latch part  214  or the second latch part  216  may extend across a gap between the first and second surfaces  218 ,  220 , and extend into the opposed one of the first and second surfaces  218 ,  220  and into engagement with part of the other of the first latch part  214  and the second latch part  216 . 
     The implementations shown in  FIGS. 1-2  are examples of structures that latch assemblies can be used with. The latch assemblies described herein can be used with other types of structures, in order to secure two relatively movable components. In addition, relatively movable structures may be rotatable as in the previous examples, or may translate with respect to each other, or may move relative to one another by a combination of rotation and translation. As an example, the latches described herein may also be used with sliding doors, or with doors that are supported by a linkage motion system. 
       FIGS. 3-5  show a latch assembly  300  according to a first example. The latch assembly  300  includes a first latch part  314  that is connected to a first structure  322  and a second latch part  316  that is connected to a second structure  324 . The first structure  322  and the second structure  324  may be connected by a hinge, as described with respect to the vehicle  100  and the vehicle  200 . As one example, the first structure  322  may be a vehicle body and the second structure  324  may be a vehicle door. As another example, the first structure  322  may be a vehicle door and the second structure  324  may be a vehicle body. 
     The first structure  322  includes a first surface  318 , and the second structure  324  includes a second surface  320 . The first and second structures  322 ,  324  are movable between a closed position, in which the first and second surfaces  318 ,  320  are positioned opposite one another and are adjacent to one another, and an open position, in which the first and second surfaces  318 ,  320  are spaced from each other to define an opening between the first and second structures  322 ,  324  through which people and/or objects may pass. 
     The first latch part  314  includes a cover  326 , a lock pin  328 , and a pin actuator  330 . The cover  326  is disposed in an aperture  332  that is formed through the first surface  318 . The cover  326  is moveable into and out of the aperture  332 . As examples, the cover  326  may be connected to the first structure  322  by a hinge  334  that is spring-biases the cover  326  into the aperture  332 , the cover  326  may be connected to the first structure  322  by a spring biased linear slide (not shown), the cover  326  may be connected to the first structure  322  by an actuator such as a rotary actuator or a linear actuator, or the cover  326  may be connected to the first structure  322  by any other structure or devices that is operable to permit and/or cause movement of the cover  326  with respect to the aperture  332 . The lock pin  328  is a locking structure that is operable to engage a portion of the second latch part  316  to restrain disengagement of the second latch part  316  from the first latch part  314  when in the latched position, as will be described herein. The pin actuator  330  is operable to move the lock pin  328  into and out of engagement with the second latch part  316  by moving between a retracted position and an extended position. The pin actuator  330  may be any type of device that is operable to cause motion of the lock pin  328 , and can be controlled by signals provided from an electronic control system using an electrical connection. 
     The cover  326  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aperture  332 . For example, a peripheral shape of the cover  326  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  332 . As examples, the peripheral shape of the cover  326  and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  332  may both be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The relative sizes of the cover  326  and the aperture  332  may be selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover  326  and the aperture  332  when the cover  326  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover  326  is present in the aperture  332 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the first surface  318 , and all portions of the first latch part  314  would be recessed and concealed within the first structure  322  except for the cover  326 . The exposed surface of the cover  326  may have a geometry that matches the geometry of the first surface  318 , such that it is flush with respect to the first surface  318 , leaving the first surface  318  generally free from interruptions. 
     The second latch part  316  includes a bolt  336  and a bolt actuator  338 . The bolt  336  may be an elongate structure that extends along a bolt axis. In the illustrated example, the bolt  336  is generally cylindrical, but other geometries may be used. The bolt  336  is movable between recessed and extended positions with respect to the second structure  324 , in order to cross the gap between the first and second structures  322 ,  324  to engage the first latch part  314  and secure the second structure  324  with respect to the first structure  322 . The bolt actuator  338  is operable to move the bolt  336  along the bolt axis between the recessed and extended positions to cause engagement of the bolt  336  with respect the bolt actuator  338 . The bolt actuator  338  may be any type of device that is operable to cause movement of the bolt  336 , such as a solenoid or a linear actuator, and can be controlled by signals provided from an electronic control system using an electrical connection. 
     The bolt  336  includes a cover portion  340  that functions similar to the cover  326  of the first latch part  314 . The cover portion  340  maybe an end portion of the bolt  336  that is fixed relative the bolt  336 , and may be formed integrally with or separately from the bolt  336 . Alternatively, the cover portion  340  may be independent of the bolt  336 , such as by being movably connected to the second structure  324 . The cover portion  340  is disposed in an aperture  342  that is formed through the second surface  320 . The cover portion  340  is moveable into and out of the aperture  342 . In particular, the cover portion  340  may move in unison with the bolt  336  such that the cover portion  340  occupies the aperture  342  when the bolt  336  is in the recessed position relative to the second structure  324  and such that the end portion is moved away from the aperture  342  when the bolt  336  is in the extended position. In an alternative in which the cover portion  340  is independent of the bolt  336 , the cover portion  340  may be moveable, such as by an actuator, into and out of the aperture  342  to allow movement of the bolt  336  from the recessed position to the extended position. 
     The cover portion  340  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aperture  342 . For example, a peripheral shape of the cover portion  340  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  342 . As examples, the peripheral shape of the cover portion  340  and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  342  may both be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The relative sizes of the cover portion  340  and the aperture  342  may be selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover portion  340  and the aperture  342  when the cover portion  340  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover portion  340  is present in the aperture  342 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the second surface  320 , and all portions of the second latch part  316  would be recessed and concealed within the second structure  324  except for the cover portion  340 . The exposed surface of the cover portion  340  may have a geometry that matches the geometry of the second surface  320 , such that it is flush with respect to the second surface  320 , leaving the second surface  320  generally free from interruptions. 
     In order to secure the second latch part  316  with respect to the first latch part  314 , a lock aperture  344  is formed through the bolt  336 . The lock aperture  344  is sized, configured, and oriented such that the lock pin  328  may extend into the lock aperture  344  when the second latch part  316  is extended into the first latch part  314 . The orientation of the lock aperture  344  may be selected to allow interaction with the lock pin  328 , and motion of the lock pin  328  by the pin actuator  330  may be in the same direction as the direction along which the lock aperture  344  extends. As an example, the lock aperture  344  may extend transverse to the bolt axis, in which case motion of the lock pin  328  by the pin actuator  330  may be transverse to the bolt axis. 
     The latch assembly  300  may be moved between an unlatched position ( FIG. 3 ) and a latched position ( FIG. 3 ). To move the latch assembly  300  from the unlatched position the first and second structures  322 ,  324  are positioned adjacent to each other, such as in the closed position, with the first surface  318  facing the second surface  320  and the cover  326  in alignment with the cover portion  340 , the bolt  336 , and the bolt axis. 
     First, the bolt actuator  338  moves the bolt  336  along the bolt axis. The cover  326  is then caused to move from the aperture  332  to a position in which it is not obstructing the aperture  332 . In the illustrated example, contact of the cover portion  340  with the cover  326  causes the cover  326  to rotate into the first structure  322  and out of the path of the bolt  336 . The bolt  336  is moved from the recessed position to the extended position along the bolt axis by the bolt actuator  338 , and the bolt  336  passes through the aperture  342  in the second surface  320  and the aperture  332  in the first surface  318  before reaching an intermediate position ( FIG. 4 ). In the intermediate position, the lock aperture  344  of the bolt  336  is aligned with the lock pin  328 . The lock pin  328  is moved from the retracted position to the extended position by the pin actuator  330 . In the extended position, the lock pin  328  extends into the lock aperture  344 . Engagement of the lock pin  328  with the bolt  336  restrains retraction of the bolt  336  from the first structure  322 . Movement of the latch assembly  300  from the latched position to the unlatched position is performed in the same manner by reversing the operations. 
       FIGS. 6-8  show a latch assembly  600  according to a second example. The latch assembly  600  includes a first latch part  614  that is connected to a first structure  622  and a second latch part  616  that is connected to a second structure  624 . The first structure  622  and the second structure  624  may be connected by a hinge, as described with respect to the vehicle  100  and the vehicle  200 . As one example, the first structure  622  may be a vehicle body and the second structure  624  may be a vehicle door. As another example, the first structure  622  may be a vehicle door and the second structure  624  may be a vehicle body. 
     The first structure  622  includes a first surface  618 , and the second structure  624  includes a second surface  620 . The first and second structures  622 ,  624  are movable between a closed position, in which the first and second surfaces  618 ,  620  are positioned opposite one another and are adjacent to one another, and an open position, in which the first and second surfaces  618 ,  620  are spaced from each other to define an opening between the first and second structures  622 , 624  through which people and/or objects may pass. 
     The first latch part  614  includes a cover  626 . The cover  626  is disposed in an aperture  632  that is formed through the first surface  618 . The cover  626  is moveable into and out of the aperture  632 . In the illustrated example, the cover  626  is connected to a compression spring  646  that urges the cover  626  into the aperture  632 . As other examples, the cover  626  may be connected to the first structure  622  by a hinge that is spring-biases the cover  626  into the aperture  632 , the cover  626  may be connected to the first structure  622  by a spring biased linear slide (not shown), the cover  626  may be connected to the first structure  622  by an actuator such as a rotary actuator or a linear actuator, or the cover  626  may be connected to the first structure  622  by any other structure or devices that is operable to permit and/or cause movement of the cover  626  with respect to the aperture  632 . 
     The cover  626  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aperture  632 . For example, a peripheral shape of the cover  626  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  632 . As examples, the peripheral shape of the cover  626  and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  632  may both be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The relative sizes of the cover  626  and the aperture  632  may be selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover  626  and the aperture  632  when the cover  626  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover  626  is present in the aperture  632 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the first surface  618 , and all portions of the first latch part  614  would be recessed and concealed within the first structure  622  except for the cover  626 . The exposed surface of the cover  626  may have a geometry that matches the geometry of the first surface  618 , such that it is flush with respect to the first surface  618 , leaving the first surface  618  generally free from interruptions. 
     The second latch part  616  includes a bolt  636  and an actuator assembly  648 . The bolt  636  may be an elongate structure that extends along a bolt axis. In the illustrated example, the bolt  636  is generally cylindrical, but other geometries may be used. The bolt  636  is movable between recessed and extended positions with respect to the second structure  624 , in order to cross the gap between the first and second structures  622 ,  624  to engage the first latch part  614  and secure the second structure  624  with respect to the first structure  622 . 
     The bolt  636  includes a cover portion  640  that functions similar to the cover  626  of the first latch part  614 . In the illustrated example, the cover portion  640  is an integrally formed end portion of the bolt  636  that is fixed relative the bolt  636 . In alternative implementations, the cover portion  640  may be formed separately from the bolt  636  and fixed to the bolt  636  by suitable fasteners or methods. Alternatively, the cover portion  640  may be independent of the bolt  636 , such as by being movably connected to the second structure  624 . The cover portion  640  is disposed in an aperture  642  that is formed through the second surface  620 . The cover portion  640  is moveable into and out of the aperture  642 . In particular, the cover portion  640  may move in unison with the bolt  636  such that the cover portion  640  occupies the aperture  642  when the bolt  636  is in the recessed position relative to the second structure  624  and such that the end portion is moved away from the aperture  642  when the bolt  636  is in the extended position. In an alternative in which the cover portion  640  is independent of the bolt  636 , the cover portion  640  may be moveable, such as by an actuator, into and out of the aperture  642  to allow movement of the bolt  636  from the recessed position to the extended position. 
     The cover portion  640  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aperture  642 . For example, a peripheral shape of the cover portion  640  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  642 . As examples, the peripheral shape of the cover portion  640  and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  642  may both be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The relative sizes of the cover portion  640  and the aperture  642  may be selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover portion  640  and the aperture  642  when the cover portion  640  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover portion  640  is present in the aperture  642 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the second surface  620 , and all portions of the second latch part  616  would be recessed and concealed within the second structure  624  except for the cover portion  640 . The exposed surface of the cover portion  640  may have a geometry that matches the geometry of the second surface  620 , such that it is flush with respect to the second surface  620 , leaving the second surface  620  generally free from interruptions. 
     The bolt  636  also includes locking members  650 , which serve as a locking structure to restrain disengagement of the second latch part  616  from the first latch part  614  when in the latched position. The locking members  650  are each pivotally connected to the bolt  636  to rotate between retracted and extended positions around respective axes that are generally tangential to the bolt axis. The locking members  650  may be disposed in slots  652  that are formed in the bolt  636  and extend longitudinally along the bolt  636 . In the illustrated example, the locking members  650  have a claw-like configuration. Other geometries may be used for the locking members  650 . 
     When moved to the extended position, the locking members  650  extend outward relative to a nominal exterior profile of the bolt  636 , which may be complementary to the aperture  632  and the aperture  642 . Thus, when the bolt  636  is extended into the first latch part  614  and the first structure  622 , the bolt  636  may be restrained from retracting from the first latch part  614  and the first structure  622  because the locking members  650  will be unable to pass through the aperture  632  when extended, because of engagement of the locking members  650  with an internal portion of the first latch part  614  and/or the first structure  622 . 
     The locking members  650  may be extended and retracted by an actuator rod  654  that is disposed in a passage  656  that is formed in the bolt  636  and extends in the direction of the bolt axis. Extension of the actuator rod  654  along the passage  656  toward the cover portion  640  causes the actuator rod  654  to engage the locking members  650 . As the actuator rod  654  engages the locking members  650 , the actuator rod  654  functions as a cam, and the locking members  650  function as cam followers, by rotating in response to engagement of the actuator rod  654 . The geometry of the actuator rod and the locking members  650  may be configured to cause motion of the locking members  650  at timings, rates, and extents as desired. While the actuator rod  654  is extended, the locking members  650  are restrained from rotating back toward their retracted positions, which causes the locking members  650  to be locked in place and resist unintentional separation of the first and second latch parts  614 ,  616 . 
     The actuator assembly  648  is operable to move the bolt  636  along the bolt axis between the recessed and extended positions to cause engagement of the bolt  636  with respect to the first latch part  614 . The actuator assembly  648  may be any type of device that is operable to cause movement of the bolt  636 , such as a solenoid or a linear actuator, and can be controlled by signals provided from an electronic control system using an electrical connection. The actuator assembly  648  is also operable to drive extension and retraction of the actuator rod  654 . The actuator assembly  648  may drive motion of the bolt  636  and the actuator rod  654  independently, such as by using separate actuator motors, or the actuator assembly  648  may drive motion of the bolt  636  and the actuator rod  654  dependently, such as by a mechanical linkage that controls relative timing of the motion of the bolt  636  and the actuator rod  654  in response to operation of a single actuator motor. 
     The latch assembly  600  may be moved between an unlatched position ( FIG. 6 ) and a latched position ( FIG. 8 ). To move the latch assembly  600  from the unlatched position, the first and second structures  622 ,  624  are positioned adjacent to each other, such as in the closed position, with the first surface  618  facing the second surface  620  and with the cover  626  in alignment with the cover portion  640 , the bolt  636 , and the bolt axis. 
     First, the actuator assembly  648  moves the bolt  636  along the bolt axis. The cover  626  is then caused to move from the aperture  632  to a position in which it is not obstructing the aperture  632 . In the illustrated example, contact of the cover portion  640  with the cover  626  causes the cover  626  to retract linearly into the first structure  622  against the force exerted by the compression spring  646 . The bolt  636  is moved from the recessed position to the extended position along the bolt axis by the actuator assembly  648 , and the bolt  636  passes through the aperture  642  in the second surface  620  and the aperture  632  in the first surface  618  before reaching an intermediate position ( FIG. 7 ). While the bolt  636  is moving toward the intermediate position or after the bolt  636  reaches the intermediate position, the actuator assembly  648  causes extension of the actuator rod  654  which in turn causes extension of the locking members  650 . When the locking members  650  reach their extended positions, they are locked in place by engagement with the actuator rod  654  while the actuator rod  654  remains in its extended position. Movement of the latch assembly  600  from the latched position to the unlatched position is performed in the same manner by reversing the operations. 
       FIGS. 9-12  show a latch assembly  900  according to a third example. The latch assembly  900  includes a first latch part  914  that is connected to a first structure  922  and a second latch part  916  that is connected to a second structure  924 . The first structure  922  and the second structure  924  may be connected by a hinge, as described with respect to the vehicle  100  and the vehicle  200 . As one example, the first structure  922  may be a vehicle body and the second structure  924  may be a vehicle door. As another example, the first structure  922  may be a vehicle door and the second structure  924  may be a vehicle body. 
     The first structure  922  includes a first surface  918 , and the second structure  924  includes a second surface  920 . The first and second structures  922 ,  924  are movable between a closed position, in which the first and second surfaces  918 ,  920  are positioned opposite one another and are adjacent to one another, and an open position, in which the first and second surfaces  918 ,  920  are spaced from each other to define an opening between the first and second structures  922 , 924  through which people and/or objects may pass. 
     The first latch part  914  includes a cover  926 . The cover  926  is disposed in an aperture  932  that is formed through the first surface  918 . The cover  926  is moveable into and out of the aperture  932 . In the illustrated example, the cover  926  moves transverse to the aperture  932  between a position in which the cover  926  occupies the aperture  932  and a position in which the cover  926  does not occupy or obstruct the aperture  932 . The first latch part  914  may include a cover actuator (not shown) to move the cover  926 , which may be any type of actuator such as a linear actuator or a rotary actuator that is operable to move the cover  926  with respect to the first structure  922 . As other examples, the cover  926  may be connected to the first structure  922  by a hinge that is spring-biases the cover  926  into the aperture  932 , the cover  926  may be connected to the first structure  922  by a spring biased linear slide (not shown), or the cover  926  may be connected to the first structure  922  by any other structure or devices that is operable to permit and/or cause movement of the cover  926  with respect to the aperture  932 . 
     The cover  926  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aperture  932 . For example, a peripheral shape of the cover  926  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  932 . As examples, the peripheral shape of the cover  926  and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  932  may both be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The relative sizes of the cover  926  and the aperture  932  may be selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover  926  and the aperture  932  when the cover  926  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover  926  is present in the aperture  932 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the first surface  918 , and all portions of the first latch part  914  would be recessed and concealed within the first structure  922  except for the cover  926 . The exposed surface of the cover  926  may have a geometry that matches the geometry of the first surface  918 , such that it is flush with respect to the first surface  918 , leaving the first surface  918  generally free from interruptions. 
     The first latch part  914  also includes locking members  958  that function as a locking structure that is engageable with a portion of the second latch part  916  to restrain retraction of the second latch part  916  from inside the first latch part  914  when the second latch part is extended and in the latched position. The locking members  958  are supported for rotation relative to the first structure  922  by mounting parts  960 . The connection between the locking members  958  and the mounting parts  960  may be made by conventional structures such as any type of pivot joint. The mounting parts  960  are configured to support the locking members  958  such that they are arrayed radially around the second latch part  916  when it is extended into the first latch part  914 . In the illustrated example, four locking members  958  are arrayed radially at 90 degree radial intervals, as if each were positioned on an adjacent side of a square. The locking members  958  each have a first end  962  that functions as a cam follower, and a second end  964  that functions as an engaging structure that resists motion of the second latch part  916  when engaged. The axis of rotation of each locking member  958  is, in the illustrated example, located between the first and second ends  962 ,  964 . In the illustrated example, the locking members  958  are generally C-shaped, but other geometries may be used. 
     The second latch part  916  includes a bolt  936  and an actuator rod  954 . The bolt  936  may be an elongate structure that extends along a bolt axis. In the illustrated example, the bolt  936  is generally cylindrical and tubular, with a passage  956  extending along the bolt axis, but other geometries may be used. The bolt  936  is movable between recessed and extended positions with respect to the second structure  924 , in order to cross the gap between the first and second structures  922 ,  924  to engage the first latch part  914  and secure the second structure  924  with respect to the first structure  922 . An actuator assembly  948  is operable to cause movement of the bolt  936  and/or the actuator rod  954 . 
     The bolt  936  includes a cover portion  940  that functions similar to the cover  926  of the first latch part  914 . In the illustrated example, the cover portion  940  is an integrally formed end surface of the bolt  936  that is fixed relative the bolt  936 . In alternative implementations, the cover portion  940  may be formed separately from the bolt  936  and fixed to the bolt by suitable fasteners or methods. Alternatively, the cover portion  940  may be independent of the bolt  936 , such as by being movably connected to the second structure  924 . The cover portion  940  is disposed in an aperture  942  that is formed through the second surface  920 . The cover portion  940  is moveable into and out of the aperture  942 . In particular, the cover portion  940  may move in unison with the bolt  936  such that the cover portion  940  occupies the aperture  942  when the bolt  936  is in the recessed position relative to the second structure  924  and such that the end portion is moved away from the aperture  942  when the bolt  936  is in the extended position. In an alternative in which the cover portion  940  is independent of the bolt  936 , the cover portion  940  may be moveable, such as by an actuator, into and out of the aperture  942  to allow movement of the bolt  936  from the recessed position to the extended position. 
     The bolt  936  also includes an actuator rod  954  that is disposed in the passage  956  and is moveable with respect to the bolt  936 , such as in a direction along or parallel to the bolt axis, as will be explained. The actuator rod  954  has an end surface  955  that is disposed in an axial end opening  941  of the cover portion  940  when the bolt  936  is in the retracted position. The end surface  955  is configured to define a minimal gap with respect to the axial end opening  941  in the recessed position to partially occupy the aperture  942  along with the cover portion  940 , by having a geometry similar to that of the cover portion  940  to remain generally flush relative to the second surface  920 . 
     The cover portion  940  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aperture  942 . For example, a peripheral shape of the cover portion  940  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  942 . As examples, the peripheral shape of the cover portion  940  and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  942  may both be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The relative sizes of the cover portion  940  and the aperture  942  may be selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover portion  940  and the aperture  942  when the cover portion  940  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover portion  940  is present in the aperture  942 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the second surface  920 , and all portions of the second latch part  916  would be recessed and concealed within the second structure  924  except for the cover portion  940 . The exposed surface of the cover portion  940  may have a geometry that matches the geometry of the second surface  920 , such that it is flush with respect to the second surface  920 , leaving the second surface  920  generally free from interruptions. 
     In order to secure the second latch part  916  with respect to the first latch part  914 , lock apertures  944  are formed through the bolt  936 . The lock apertures  944  are sized, configured, and oriented such that the locking members  958  of the first latch part  914  may extend into the lock apertures  944  when the second latch part  916  is extended into the first latch part  914 . The orientation of the lock apertures  944  may be selected to allow interaction with the locking members  958 . In the illustrated example, four lock apertures  944  are formed through the tubular wall of the bolt  936  into the passage  956  transverse to the bolt axis, with the lock apertures  944  being spaced radially around the bolt axis at 90 degree intervals. The number and arrangement of the lock apertures  944  corresponds to the number and arrangement of the locking members  958 , such that the second ends  964  of the locking members  958  may be pivoted into the lock apertures  944  of the bolt  936  when the bolt  936  is extended into the first latch part  914 . 
     The locking members  958  may be extended and retracted by the actuator rod  954 . An actuator assembly  948  is operable to cause movement of the actuator rod  954  axially relative to the bolt  936  when the bolt  936  is extended. This causes the end surface  955  of the actuator rod  954  to engage the first ends  962  of the locking members  958  to pivot the locking members  958 . As the locking members  958  pivot, the first ends  962  of the locking members  958  pivot away from the bolt axis and the second ends  964  of the locking members  958  pivot toward the bolt axis and into the lock apertures  944  of the bolt  936 . As the actuator rod  954  continues to extend, the first ends  962  of the locking members  958  transition from engagement with the end surface  955  of the actuator rod  954  to engagement with transverse side surfaces  966  of the actuator rod  954 . While the first ends  962  of the locking members  958  are in engagement with the transverse side surfaces  966 , the second ends  964  of the locking members  958  cannot be rotated away from the bolt axis and out of the lock apertures  944 , which causes the locking members  958  to resist unintentional separation of the first and second latch parts  914 ,  916 . 
     The second latch part  916  may include the actuator assembly  948 , which may be similar to the actuator assembly  648 , and is operable to move the bolt  936  along the bolt axis between the recessed and extended positions to cause engagement of the bolt  936  with respect the first latch part  914  as well as to drive extension and retraction of the actuator rod  954 . Any type of device that is operable to cause movement of the bolt  936  and/or the actuator rod  954  may be used as the actuator assembly  948 , such as a solenoid or a linear actuator, and the actuator assembly can be controlled by signals provided from an electronic control system using an electrical connection. 
     The latch assembly  900  may be moved between an unlatched position ( FIGS. 9-10 ) and a latched position ( FIG. 12 ). The actuator assembly  948  is operable to move the second latch portion between the unlatched position and the latched position. To move the latch assembly  900  from the unlatched position the first and second structures  922 ,  924  are positioned adjacent to each other, such as in the closed position, with the first surface  918  facing the second surface  920  and the cover  926  in alignment with the cover portion  940 , the bolt  936 , and the bolt axis. 
     First, the bolt  936  is moved along the bolt axis. Prior to or during to this initial movement of the bolt  936 , the cover  926  is caused to move from the aperture  932  to a position in which it is not obstructing the aperture  932 . The bolt  936  is moved from the recessed position to the extended position along the bolt axis, and the bolt  936  passes through the aperture  942  in the second surface  920  and the aperture  932  in the first surface  918  before reaching an intermediate position ( FIG. 11 ). In the intermediate position, the first ends  962  of the locking members  958  come into contact with the end surface  955  of the actuator rod  954 . The actuator rod  954  is then extended relative to the bolt  936 , which in turn causes rotation of the locking members  958  which continues until the second ends  964  of the locking members  958  are seated in the lock apertures  944  of the bolt  936  and the locking members  958  are locked in place by engagement of the first ends  962  of the locking members  958  with the transverse side surfaces  966  of the actuator rod  954 . Movement of the latch assembly  900  from the latched position to the unlatched position is performed in the same manner by reversing the operations. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing a first structure  1322 . The first structure  1322  is analogous to the first structure  322  of the latch assembly  300 , the first structure  622  of the latch assembly  600 , and the first structure  922  of the latch assembly  900 . A portion of a latch assembly may be concealed inside the first structure  1322 , as explained in connection with the first latch part  314  of the latch assembly  300 , the first latch part  614  of the latch assembly  600 , and the first latch part  914  of the latch assembly  900 . 
     The first structure  1322  includes a first surface  1318 , an aperture  1332 , and a cover  1326 . The cover  1326  is able to occupy the aperture  1332  in order to conceal the portion of the latch assembly inside the first structure  1322 . 
     A peripheral shape of the cover  1326  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  1332 . In the illustrated example, the peripheral shape of the cover  1326  is circular and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  1332  is circular. The relative sizes of the cover  1326  and the aperture  1332  are selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover  1326  and the aperture  1332  when the cover  1326  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover  1326  is present in the aperture  1332 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the first surface  1318 , with the no portions of the latch assembly visible. The exposed surface of the cover  1326  may have a geometric configuration that matches the geometry of the first surface  1318 , such that it is flush with respect to the first surface  1318 , leaving the first surface  1318  generally free from interruptions. In the illustrated example, the cover  1326  is flat, and the area of the first surface  1318  that surrounds the cover  1326  is also flat. The geometric configurations for portions of the first structure  1322  including the first surface  1318 , the aperture  1332 , and the cover  1326  may be applied to any of the latch assemblies described herein, such as the latch assembly  300 , the latch assembly  600 , and the latch assembly  900 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing a second structure  1424 . The second structure  1422  is analogous to the second structure  324  of the latch assembly  300 , the second structure  624  of the latch assembly  600 , and the second structure  924  of the latch assembly  900 . A portion of a latch assembly may be concealed inside the second structure  1424 , as explained in connection with the second latch part  316  of the latch assembly  300 , the second latch part  616  of the latch assembly  600 , and the second latch part  916  of the latch assembly  900 . 
     The second structure  1424  includes a second surface  1420 , an aperture  1442 , and a cover  1440 . The cover  1440  is able to occupy the aperture  1442  in order to conceal the portion of the latch assembly inside the second structure  1424 . 
     A peripheral shape of the cover  1440  may be complementary to the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  1442 . In the illustrated example, the peripheral shape of the cover  1440  is circular and the shape of the interior periphery of the aperture  1442  is circular. The relative sizes of the cover  1440  and the aperture  1442  are selected such that a minimal gap is present between the cover  1440  and the aperture  1442  when the cover  1440  occupies the aperture. Thus, when the cover  1440  is present in the aperture  1442 , only the minimal gap between the components would be visible on the second surface  1420 , with the no portions of the latch assembly visible. The exposed surface of the cover  1326  may have a geometric configuration that matches the geometry of the second surface  1420 , such that it is flush with respect to the second surface  1420 , leaving the second surface  1420  generally free from interruptions. In the illustrated example, the cover  1440  is flat, and the area of the second surface  1420  that surrounds the cover  1440  is also flat. The geometric configurations for portions of the second structure  1424  including the second surface  1420 , the aperture  1442 , and the cover  1440  may be applied to any of the latch assemblies described herein, such as the latch assembly  300 , the latch assembly  600 , and the latch assembly  900 . 
     The first structure  1322  and the second structure  1424  may be positioned with respect to one another such that their respective concealed latch portions may be deployed and connected, as explained with respect to the latch assembly  300 , the latch assembly  600 , and the latch assembly  900 .

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170411
Publication Date: 20200526
Grant Date: 20200526
Priority Date: 20160414
Inventors: MONROE, DONALD R.
HOBSON, Phil M.
RAFF, JOHN
GOLKO, ALBERT J.
BROWN, MATTHEW L.
DONOHUE, DAVID J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "E05B65/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B85/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B47/0603", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C3/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1063", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B9/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B81/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B81/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B83/243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B85/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C1/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B65/0811", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/694", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B63/127", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1039", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/696", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B17/203", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1071", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1043", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B15/0205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B65/0858", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/096", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B63/128", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B85/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1039", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B63/128", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B65/0858", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1043", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B47/0603", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B85/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B81/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B65/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B83/243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B17/203", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B15/0205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1071", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C3/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B9/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/696", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B63/127", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C1/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B65/0811", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/694", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/096", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B81/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1063", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B85/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B85/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B83/243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B83/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B81/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B81/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B77/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B63/127", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B47/0696", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B17/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B15/029", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B9/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 70775073