Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/182,271, Filed Feb. 14, 2000; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/221,023, Filed Jul. 27, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to latching devices and more particularly to a handle for securing a first member, such as a door, panel, or a similar closure member in a closed position relative to a second member, such as a corresponding door, panel, or similar closure member.  
           [0004]    2. Brief Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Slam-action latches are known in the art and are employed in a number of applications. Generally, latches coming within this category operate by forcing a pawl into engagement with a keeper. For example, where a first panel member has a pawl and a second panel member, such as, for example, a cabinet, has a keeper thereon, slamming shut the first panel member against the second panel member secures the panels.  
           [0006]    In many cases, doors of vehicles, particularly those associated with the back open-end of a pickup truck need to be secured so that when the vehicle is operating, the door will not become detached. A loose or detached door can cause the contents of the pick-up truck bed to escape and further can damage to the truck bed lining if repeated slamming of the door occurs. A latch is needed which will secure the pickup truck back-end cover securely, and which can be readily actuated to release the door to thereby provide access to the in the pickup truck bed.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention involves a rotary-action heavy-duty slam latch with several embodiments and with multiple actuation methods. These different actuation methods are a representation of the versatility of the design, such that this design can be used as a single- or multi-point latching application. Regardless of the actuation method, all of designs use the same latching concept.  
           [0008]    One application for the latch is for tonneau covers for pick-up trucks. The tonneau cover encloses the back open end of a pick-up truck and includes one or more covers in order to gain access to the interior of the pick-up bed. As will be described in more detail herein, the latch can be used to secure the respective covers to the tonneau cover and/or truck bed when the cover is in a closed position. In this application, preferably the latch is mounted on the inside surface of the tonneau cover or truck bed so that the latch is not visible from the outside. For operation, access to the interior of the truck bed is required to actuate the latch, which preferably is accomplished by raising the tailgate cover. The latch is subsequently operated for latching.  
           [0009]    In its first embodiment, the latch design comprises of seven major components: one pawl (double-sided), one latch frame, one lock plate, two rivets, and two torsion springs. The pawl is connected to the frame by a rivet. The pawl is double-sided, which puts the pawl and rivet into double shear for strength purposes. This rivet also serves as the pivot point for the pawl and the guide for the torsion spring that keeps the pawl in the open position. Similarly, the lock plate is also connected to the frame by a rivet. This rivet serves the same purpose as the pawl rivet except that the torsion spring keeps the lock plate in the locked position. When the keeper, represented by a U-shaped wire on the drawings, comes in contact with the open pawl, the pawl will rotate until it reaches the closed position. Once the pawl is in the closed position, the lock plate will engage with a groove in the pawl and frame. When the lock plate is disengaged from the pawl, the pawl will spring into the open position and release the keeper.  
           [0010]    The first three drawings show the pawl and two rivets that are common to all three actuation methods. The first actuation method can be used in applications where the latching point must be located at the point of actuation. To operate, the user must pull the handle. If the lockplug is in the open position, then a plate will pull the lock plate and open the latch. By  11  turning a key into the locked position, the lockplug will slide the plate so that the plate will not come in contact with the lock plate if the handle is pulled.  
           [0011]    The second actuation method shown uses an electric motor and cam assembly to drive the lock plate and open the latch. This application can be used in single- or multi-point actuation where a single key-operated switch or a remote keyless transmitter will briefly power the electric motor(s).  
           [0012]    The third actuation method is also for single- or multi-point actuation, but the actuation is mechanically driver either by rod or cable. The latch is opened by pulling on the handle, which rotates about a pivot point. As the handle rotates, a rod or cable will pull the lock plate open.  
           [0013]    In its fourth embodiment, the latch design, otherwise referred to as a rotary ratchet pull latch, comprises of eleven major components: one pawl, one latch base, one handle, one rotary lock plate, one sliding lock member, one lock plug, one rivet, one pin, and three torsion springs. The pawl is connected to the latch base by a rivet. This rivet also serves as the pivot point for the pawl and the guide for a torsion spring that keeps the pawl in the open position. A handle houses the sliding lock member, which articulates from the lock to the unlocked position by the corresponding articulation of the lock plug, which is similarly housed in the handle. A pair of torsion springs is also secured on the handle, one on each side, to allow resistive force for the handle and the rotary lock plate.  
           [0014]    The rotary lock plate is rotatably connected to the handle by a pin. This pin serves a similar purpose as the pawl rivet except that one of the torsion springs attached to the handle is rotatably mounted around the pin and keeps the lock plate in the locked position. When a keeper comes in contact with the open pawl, the pawl will rotate until it reaches the closed position. Once the pawl is in the closed position, the lock plate will engage with a groove in the pawl. When the lock plate is disengaged from the pawl, the pawl will spring into the open position and release the keeper. The sliding lock member allows for the locking and unlocking of the lock plate, which therefore, allows for the locking and unlocking of the latch.  
           [0015]    An object of the present invention is to provide a novel latch of the type capable of being spring loaded.  
           [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a latch in which the handle is rotatably attached to the latch so as to allow ease of operation.  
           [0017]    A further object of the invention is to provide a latch which can be used for securing members in a truck bed.  
           [0018]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and the attached drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the ½ locked position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the ¾ locked position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position with full actuation of the handle.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pawl in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the pawl of FIG. 6.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 6.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 6.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 6.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the pawl of FIG. 6.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first rivet in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the first rivet of FIG. 12.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the first rivet of FIG. 12.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the first rivet of FIG. 12.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second rivet in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the second rivet of FIG. 16.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the second rivet of FIG. 16.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the second rivet of FIG. 16.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a pin in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the pin of FIG. 20.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the pin of FIG. 21.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the pin of FIG. 20.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a latch frame in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the latch frame of FIG. 24.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 24.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 27 is a left side elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 24.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the latch frame of FIG. 24.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 29 is a right side elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 24.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 30 is a rear elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 24.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a lock plate in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the lock plate of FIG. 31.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 33 is a front elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 31.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 34 is a left side elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 31.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the lock plate of FIG. 31.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 36 is a right side elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 31.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 37 is a rear elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 31.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a sliding lock member in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 38.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 40 is a front elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 38.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 41 is a left side elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 38.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 42 is a bottom plan view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 38,  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 43 is a right side elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 38.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 44 is a rear elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 38.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a lock plug in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the lock plug of FIG. 45.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 47 is a front elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 45.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 48 is a left side elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 45.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 49 is a bottom plan view of the lock plug of FIG. 45.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 50 is a right side elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 45.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 51 is a rear inverted elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 45 .  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a handle in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 53 is a top plan view of the handle of FIG. 52.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 54 is a front elevational view of the handle of FIG. 52.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 55 is a left side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 52.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 56 is a bottom plan view of the handle of FIG. 52.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 57 is a right side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 52.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 58 is a rear elevational view of the handle of FIG. 52.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 60 is a right side elevational view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 61 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 62 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 64 is a left side elevational view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 66 is a right side elevational view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 67 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 68 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 69 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 70 is a left side elevational view of the second embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a latch frame in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 72 is a top plan view of the latch frame of FIG. 71.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 73 is a left side elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 71.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 74 is a front elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 71.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 75 is a right side elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 71.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 76 is a bottom plan view of the latch frame of FIG. 71.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a motor housing in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 78 is a front elevational view of the motor housing of FIG. 77.  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 79 is a top plan view of the motor housing of FIG. 77.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 80 is a side elevational view of the motor housing of FIG. 77.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 81 is a bottom plan view of the motor housing of FIG. 77.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 82 is a rear elevational view of the motor housing of FIG. 77.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 83 is a perspective view of a lock plate in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 84 is a top plan view of the lock plate of FIG. 83.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 85 is a left side elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 83.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 86 is a front elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 83.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 87 is a right side elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 83.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 88 is a bottom plan view of the lock plate of FIG. 83.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a cam in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 90 is a top plan view of the cam of FIG. 89.  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 91 is a left side elevational view of the cam of FIG. 89.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 92 is a front elevational view of the cam of FIG. 89.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 93 is a right side elevational view of the cam of FIG. 89.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 94 is a bottom plan view of the cam of FIG. 89.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position, and shown with actuation of the handle.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 96 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in an open or unlocked position, and shown with no actuation of the handle.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 97 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the ¼ locked position.  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the ½ locked position.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 99 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the ¾ locked position.  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 101 is an alternate perspective view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention shown in the fully locked position.  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 102 is a rear elevational view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 101.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 103 is a right side elevational view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 101.  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 104 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 101.  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 105 is a front elevational view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 101.  
         [0124]    [0124]FIG. 106 is a bottom plan view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 101.  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 107 is a left side elevational view of the third embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 101.  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 108 is a perspective view of a latch frame in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 109 is a top plan view of the latch frame of FIG. 108.  
         [0128]    [0128]FIG. 110 is a front elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 108.  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 111 is a left side elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 108.  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 112 is a bottom plan view of the latch frame of FIG. 108.  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 113 is a right side elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 108.  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 114 is a rear elevational view of the latch frame of FIG. 108.  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 115 is a perspective view of a lock plate in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0134]    [0134]FIG. 116 is a top plan view of the lock plate of FIG. 115.  
         [0135]    [0135]FIG. 117 is a front elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 115.  
         [0136]    [0136]FIG. 118 is a left side elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 115.  
         [0137]    [0137]FIG. 119 is a bottom plan view of the lock plate of FIG. 115.  
         [0138]    [0138]FIG. 120 is a right side elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 115.  
         [0139]    [0139]FIG. 121 is a rear elevational view of the lock plate of FIG. 115.  
         [0140]    [0140]FIG. 122 is a perspective view of a handle in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0141]    [0141]FIG. 123 is a rear elevational view of the handle of FIG. 122.  
         [0142]    [0142]FIG. 124 is a right side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 122.  
         [0143]    [0143]FIG. 125 is a top plan view of the handle of FIG. 122.  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 126 is a front elevational view of the handle of FIG. 122.  
         [0145]    [0145]FIG. 127 is a bottom plan view of the handle of FIG. 122.  
         [0146]    [0146]FIG. 128 is a left side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 122.  
         [0147]    [0147]FIG. 129 is a perspective view of a linking rod in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0148]    [0148]FIG. 130 is a front elevational view of the linking rod of FIG. 129.  
         [0149]    [0149]FIG. 131 is a side elevational view of the linking rod of FIG. 129.  
         [0150]    [0150]FIG. 132 is an alternate perspective view of the first embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close latch in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0151]    [0151]FIG. 133 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 132.  
         [0152]    [0152]FIG. 134 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 132.  
         [0153]    [0153]FIG. 135 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch of FIG. 132.  
         [0154]    [0154]FIG. 136 is a perspective view of a first torsional spring in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0155]    [0155]FIG. 137 is a perspective view of a second torsional spring in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0156]    [0156]FIG. 138 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a heavy-duty slam-to-close rotary ratchet pull latch in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0157]    [0157]FIG. 139 is a left side elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch of FIG. 138.  
         [0158]    [0158]FIG. 140 is a right side elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch of FIG. 138.  
         [0159]    [0159]FIG. 141 is a bottom plan view of the rotary ratchet pull latch of FIG. 138.  
         [0160]    [0160]FIG. 142 is a rear elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch of FIG. 138.  
         [0161]    [0161]FIG. 143 is a top plan view of the rotary ratchet pull latch of FIG. 138.  
         [0162]    [0162]FIG. 144 is a front elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch of FIG. 138.  
         [0163]    [0163]FIG. 145 is a perspective view of the latch base of FIG. 138.  
         [0164]    [0164]FIG. 146 is a top plan view of the latch base of FIG. 145.  
         [0165]    [0165]FIG. 147 is a rear elevational view of the latch base of FIG. 145.  
         [0166]    [0166]FIG. 148 is a left side elevational view of the latch base of FIG. 145.  
         [0167]    [0167]FIG. 149 is a front elevational view of the latch base of FIG. 145.  
         [0168]    [0168]FIG. 150 is a right side elevational view of the latch base of FIG. 145.  
         [0169]    [0169]FIG. 151 is a bottom plan view of the latch base of FIG. 145.  
         [0170]    [0170]FIG. 152 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 138.  
         [0171]    [0171]FIG. 153 is a front elevational view of the handle of FIG. 152.  
         [0172]    [0172]FIG. 154 is a right side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 152.  
         [0173]    [0173]FIG. 155 is a rear elevational view of the handle of FIG. 152.  
         [0174]    [0174]FIG. 156 is a top plan view of the handle of FIG. 152.  
         [0175]    [0175]FIG. 157 is a bottom plan view of the handle of FIG. 152.  
         [0176]    [0176]FIG. 158 is a perspective view of the rotary lock plate of FIG. 138.  
         [0177]    [0177]FIG. 159 is a top plan view of the rotary lock plate of FIG. 158.  
         [0178]    [0178]FIG. 160 is a front elevational view of the rotary lock plate of FIG. 158.  
         [0179]    [0179]FIG. 161 is a left side elevational view of the rotary lock plate of FIG. 158.  
         [0180]    [0180]FIG. 162 is a perspective view of the pawl of FIG. 138.  
         [0181]    [0181]FIG. 163 is right side elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 162 in its fixed position.  
         [0182]    [0182]FIG. 164 is a left side elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 162 in its ¼ turn position.  
         [0183]    [0183]FIG. 165 is front elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 162.  
         [0184]    [0184]FIG. 166 is a right side elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 162 in its ¼ turn position.  
         [0185]    [0185]FIG. 167 is a rear elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 162.  
         [0186]    [0186]FIG. 168 is a right elevational view of the pawl of FIG. 162 in its ¾ turn position.  
         [0187]    [0187]FIG. 169 is a perspective view of the rivet of FIG. 138.  
         [0188]    [0188]FIG. 170 is a top plan view of the rivet of FIG. 169.  
         [0189]    [0189]FIG. 171 is a side elevational view of the rivet of FIG. 169.  
         [0190]    [0190]FIG. 172 is a perspective view of the torsion spring of FIG. 139.  
         [0191]    [0191]FIG. 173 is a perspective view of the sliding lock member according to the present invention.  
         [0192]    [0192]FIG. 174 is a front elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 173.  
         [0193]    [0193]FIG. 175 is a left side elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 173.  
         [0194]    [0194]FIG. 176 is a top plan view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 173.  
         [0195]    [0195]FIG. 177 is a right side elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 173.  
         [0196]    [0196]FIG. 178 is a rear elevational view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 173.  
         [0197]    [0197]FIG. 179 is a bottom plan view of the sliding lock member of FIG. 173.  
         [0198]    [0198]FIG. 180 is a perspective view of the pin of FIG. 139.  
         [0199]    [0199]FIG. 181 is a side elevational view of the pin of FIG. 180.  
         [0200]    [0200]FIG. 182 is a bottom plan view of the pin of FIG. 180.  
         [0201]    [0201]FIG. 183 is a perspective view of the lock plug of FIG. 138.  
         [0202]    [0202]FIG. 184 is a top plan view of the lock plug of FIG. 183.  
         [0203]    [0203]FIG. 185 is a left side elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 183.  
         [0204]    [0204]FIG. 186 is rear elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 183.  
         [0205]    [0205]FIG. 187 is a right side elevational view of the lock plug of FIG. 183.  
         [0206]    [0206]FIG. 188 is a bottom plan view of the lock plug of FIG. 183. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0207]    FIGS.  1 - 5  and FIGS.  132 - 135  show the first embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch  1 . Specifically, FIGS.  1 - 5  and FIGS.  132 - 135  show a perspective view of the latch  1 . FIGS.  1 - 5  show the latch  1  in various degrees of actuation, beginning with an open or unlocked latch  1  shown in FIG. 1, to a fully engaged locked latch  1  shown in FIG. 5, with the intermediate degrees of actuation shown in FIGS.  2 - 4 .  
         [0208]    The latch  1  comprises individual parts, each of which is separately constructed. The latch is comprised of: a pawl  2 , a pawl rivet  3 , a lock plate rivet  4 , a handle pin  5 , a latch frame  6 , a lock plate  7 , a sliding lock member  8 , a lock plug  9 , a handle  10 , a pawl spring  12 , and a lock plate spring  13 . The spring-loaded pawl  2  is held in the closed position by a spring loaded lock plate  13 . Pulling on a handle  10 , which contains the sliding lock member  8 , and the lock plug  9 , opens the latch  1 . As the handle  10  rotates, the sliding lock member  8  rotates the lock plate  13  from in between the pawl  2 . The sliding lock member  8  in the locked position cannot engage the lock plate  13  when the handle  10  is rotated. Therefore, the latch  1  cannot be opened using the handle  10 .  
         [0209]    In FIGS.  1 - 5  and FIGS.  132 - 135 , the main parts are easily seen. Namely, the handle  10  is fixably connected to the latch base  6 , which is rotatably connected to the pawl  2  by a pawl rivet  3 . FIGS. 6 through 11 all show various perspectives of the pawl  2 . The pawl  2 , which is a double-sided pawl  2 , comprises a first side  23  and a second side  24 , which are connected by a generally curved elbow  25 . The pawl  2  further comprises a spring hole  27 , a locking member  28   a  and a rivet hole  26   a  located on the first side  23 , and a locking member  28   b  and a rivet hole  26   b  (not shown) located on the second side  24 . The locking member  28   a ,  28   b  allow for the pawl  2  to secure the handle  10  into its locked position  
         [0210]    [0210]FIGS. 12 through 15 show the pawl rivet  3 . The pawl rivet  3  is secured in the rivet hole  26   a , and extends through rivet hole  26   b  of the pawl  2 . The pawl rivet  3  comprises a bottom wall  36 , which generally slopes to a sloped portion  35 , which connects to a first elongated cylindrical portion  30 , which comprises an outer top wall  34 , which generally slopes to a sloped portion  31 , which connects to a second elongated cylindrical portion  29 , which terminates at an upper sloped wall  32 , which terminates at an upper wall  33 . The pawl rivet  3  allows for securing the pawl spring  12  to the pawl  2 . The first elongated portion  30  is circumferentially larger than the second elongated portion  29 . The first elongated portion  30  is sized to allow for ease of maneuverability and is sized to allow full accommodation of the pawl spring  12 . The overall length of the pawl rivet  3  is dimensioned such that it protrudes from the outside of either side of pawl  2  (first side  23  and second side  24 ).  
         [0211]    [0211]FIGS. 16 through 19 show the lock plate rivet  4 . The lock plate rivet  4  is secured in the lock plate rivet hole  42  of the lock plate  7 , and extends through lock plate rivet hole  43  of the latch frame  6 . The lock plate rivet  4  allows the lock plate  7  to rotatably mount to the latch frame  6 , such that the lock plate rivet hole  42  of the lock plate  7 , and the lock plate rivet hole  43  of the latch frame  6  align to accommodate the lock plate rivet  4 . The lock plate rivet  4  comprises a bottom wall  41 , which connects to a first elongated cylindrical portion  37 , which comprises an outer top wall  44 , which connects to a second elongated cylindrical portion  38 , which terminates at an upper-sloped wall  39 , which terminates at an upper wall  40 . The lock plate rivet  4  allows for securing the lock plate spring  13  to the lock plate  7  at groove  45 . The first elongated portion  37  is circumferentially larger than the second elongated portion  38 . The first elongated portion  37  is sized to allow for ease of maneuverability and is sized to allow fill accommodation of the lock plate spring  13 .  
         [0212]    The handle pin  5  is shown in FIGS.  20 - 23 . The handle pin  5  comprises an elongated shaft portion  46 , a cap portion  47 , a generally curved cap top  48 , a cap wall  49 , and a bottom pin wall  50 . The shaft portion  46  is circumferentially smaller than the cap portion  47 , and is much longer to allow engagement of the handle  5  with the latch frame  6 . The handle pin  5  extends through handle pinhole  51  and  52  of the latch frame  6 , and through handle pinhole  53  of the handle  10 , such that, the handle pinhole  51  of the latch frame  6  aligns with the handle pinhole  53  of the handle  10 , which aligns with the handle pinhole  52  of the latch frame  6 . Thus, the handle pin  5  pivotally mounts the handle  10  with the latch frame  6 .  
         [0213]    [0213]FIGS. 24 through 30 show the full embodiment of the latch frame  6 . The latch frame  6  comprises a side portion member  54 , a cross member  56 , a locking member  55 , and a back portion member  57 , which are all fixably attached to one another. The side portion member  54  is generally elbow shaped with one elongated portion  67  and a curved portion  68 . The curved portion  68  connects to the cross member  56 , which connects to another curved portion  69 , which is rigidly connected to the back portion member  57 . The locking member  55  further comprises a catch  60 , an indent  61 , and a pawl rivet hole  62 . The catch  60  engages a keeper  70  in the indent  61  when the latch  1  is actuated. The latch frame  6  further comprises a side wall  59 , which comprises hole  64 . The back portion member  57  comprises a back hole  63 , a bulbous portion  66  further comprising a lock plate spring hole  58  to accommodate a first end  71  of the lock plate spring  13 . The back portion member  57  further comprises an elbow member  65 , which comprises the lock plate rivet hole  43 .  
         [0214]    [0214]FIGS. 31 through 37 further illustrate the lock plate  7 . The lock plate  7  comprises a curved bracket  73 , a catch  74 , a groove  45 , and a support bracket  72 . The support bracket  72  further comprises the lock plate rivet hole  42 . FIGS. 38 through 44 show the sliding lock member  8 . The sliding lock member  8  comprises a straight wall  75 , an angled wall  76 , and a slot  77 . The sliding lock member  8  allows for the engagement and disengagement of the pawl  2  with the lock plate  7 .  
         [0215]    [0215]FIGS. 45 through 51 show perspectives of the lock plug  9 . The lock plug  9  comprises a peg member  78 , a lock plug hole  79 , an inner wall  81 , a top wall  80 , a bottom wall  83 , and an outer wall  82 . The lock plug allows for locking and unlocking of the pawl  2  with the corresponding movement of the handle  10 .  
         [0216]    The handle  10  is seen in FIGS. 52 through 58. The handle  10  comprises a locking bore  84  for accommodating the lock plug  9 , and to allow for locking and unlocking of the latch  1 . The handle  10  further comprises an indent  85 , a generally curvilinear member a top wall  87  and a handle top wall  88 . The gripping portion  89  on the handle  10  allows for better gripping of the handle and better maneuverability by the user. The handle  10  further comprises a bottom wall  90 , a series of gripping handle holes  91  and a bulbous portion  92  both which ease in the operation of the handle and allow for a better grip of the handle by the user. The handle  44  further comprises a handle pinhole  53  for attaching to the latch frame  6 .  
         [0217]    It will be seen that FIGS. 59 through 94 illustrate the second embodiment of the present invention, where such second embodiment is a latch  11 , which includes a latch frame  14 , a motor housing  15 , a motor housing cover  205 , a lock plate  16 , and a cam  17 . The latch  11  of the second embodiment works in the same manner as the latch  1  of the first embodiment, except a motor (not shown) drives the actuation rather than a handle. FIGS. 59 through 64 show the latch  11  in the locked position, with a keeper  270  latched.  
         [0218]    [0218]FIGS. 65 through 70 show the latch  11  in the unlocked position, with the keeper  270  unlatched. The latch frame  14  of the second embodiment is structurally similar to the latch frame  6  of the first embodiment, except latch frame  14  does not include a side portion member  54  or a cross member  56  or any of the sub components associated with said members  54 ,  56 , which the latch frame  6  comprises. FIGS. 77 through 82 show various perspectives of the motor housing  15 , wherein said housing  15  further comprises a receptacle  215 , which houses a motor (not shown). A pair of attachment flanges  216 ,  217  extends from the housing  15 , one on each side. The flanges  216 ,  217  further comprise a pair of holes  218 ,  219 , respectively to allow for attachment means to secure said housing  15  to another member (not shown). Furthermore, an L-shaped bracket  220  extends from said housing  15 , wherein said bracket  220  comprises drive shaft securing means  246 , which allows a drive shaft (not shown) extending from the motor (not shown) to rest on the bracket  220 , and attach to the cam  17 .  
         [0219]    [0219]FIGS. 83 through 88 show the lock plate  16 . The lock plate  16  comprises a curved bracket  273 , a catch  274 , a groove  245 , and a support bracket  272 . The support bracket  272  further comprises a lock plate rivet hole  242 , which accepts a rivet  4 , and allows for rotatable movement of said lock plate  16 .  
         [0220]    [0220]FIGS. 89 through 94 show the cam  17 , which comprises a drive shaft hole  243  centrally located on the cam  17 , which allows for connection of the drive shaft (not shown) to the cam  17 . The cam  17  further comprises a pair of wings  247 ,  248 , which, when the cam  17  is rotated by the drive shaft, pushes the lock plate  17  from a locked to unlocked position, thereby releasing the pawl  2 .  
         [0221]    It will also be seen that FIGS. 95 through 131 illustrate the third embodiment of the present invention, where such third embodiment is a latch  18 , which includes a latch frame  19 , a lock plate  20 , and handle  21 , and a linking rod  22 .  
         [0222]    The latch  18  is shown in various stages of actuation in FIGS. 95 through 100, from unlatched to latched. FIGS. 101 through 107 further illustrate the latch  18 , whereby the latch  18  is shown latched to a keeper  370 . The latch base  19  shown in FIGS. 108 through 114 is structurally identical to the latch base  14  shown in FIGS. 71 through 76.  
         [0223]    [0223]FIGS. 115 through 121 show the lock plate  20 , which is structurally similar to the lock plate  16  of FIGS. 83 through 88, with the exception that the bracket  373  of lock plate  20  is straight and not curved like the bracket  273  of lock plate  16 . Also, lock plate  20  further comprises a rod hole  374  located on support bracket  372 , wherein said rod hole  374  accepts rod end  375  of rod  22 , further shown in FIGS. 129 through 131.  
         [0224]    The handle  21  illustrated in FIGS. 122 through 128 comprises gripping means  400  to allow the user to properly grip and actuate the handle  21 . The handle  21  further comprises a rod hole  405 , which accepts rod end  376  of rod  22 , further shown in FIGS. 129 through 131. When the handle  21  is actuated, the rod  22  pulls the lock plate  20 , which articulates the lock plate  20  from a locked to unlocked position, thereby releasing the pawl  2 .  
         [0225]    [0225]FIGS. 138 through 144 show a fourth embodiment of the heavy-duty slam-to-close latch, embodied as a tonneau cover latch (rotary ratchet pull latch)  193 . Specifically, FIG. 138 shows a perspective view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193 . The latch comprises eleven main parts, each of which is separately constructed. The latch operates in the following manner: a spring-loaded pawl  101  is held in the closed position by a spring loaded lock plate  139 . Pulling on a handle  144 , which contains a sliding lock member  113 , opens the latch  193 . As the handle  144  rotates, the sliding lock member  113  rotates the lock plate  139  from under the pawl  101 . Once the lock plate interference  203  is removed, the pawl  101  is free to rotate and release the striker or wire form. The lock plate  139  will remain disengaged until the wire is used to rotate the pawl  101  back to the closed position. Rotating the lock plug  189  locks the latch  193 . The cam  133  on the back of the lock plug  189  slides the sliding lock member  113  away from the lock plate  139 . The sliding lock member  113  in the locked position cannot engage the lock plate  139  when the handle  144  is rotated. Therefore, the latch  193  cannot be opened using the handle  144 . A decorative cover (not shown) needs to be mounted over the latch assembly to complete cover security.  
         [0226]    In FIG. 138, several main parts are easily seen. Namely, a handle  144  is rotatably connected to a latch base  170 , which is rotatably connected to a pawl  101 . FIG. 139 shows a left side elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193  of FIG. 138. In this view, the handle  144  is once again shown rotatably connected to the latch base  170 , with the side profile of the pawl  101  also shown.  
         [0227]    [0227]FIG. 13 shows a right side elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193  of FIG. 138. The left side of the latch base  170  is shown together with a slidably mounted spoke  145 , which allows the handle to rotate relative to a fixed latch base. Also, a bulbous portion  192  of the handle  144  is shown. FIG. 141 shows a bottom plan view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193  of FIG. 138 in which the bulbous portion  192  of the handle  144  is shown from the bottom view.  
         [0228]    [0228]FIG. 142 shows a rear elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193  of FIG. 138, where the embodiment of the pawl  101  is shown together with the tensionally attached torsion spring  112 . FIG. 143 shows a top plan view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193  of FIG. 138 with the handle  144  including the lock plug  189 . FIG. 144 shows a front elevational view of the rotary ratchet pull latch  193  of FIG. 138 with yet another view of the handle  144 .  
         [0229]    [0229]FIGS. 145 through 151 show the fill embodiment of the latch base  170 . FIG. 146 shows a top plan view of the latch base  170 . The latch base  170  comprises a support side portion member  172 , a cross member  174 , a locking member  173 , and a support back portion member  183 , which are all fixably attached to one another. The support side portion member  172  is generally elbow shaped with one elongated portion  194  and is rigidly connected to a support back portion member  183  and a curved portion  195  therebetween. The support side portion member  172  includes an inner wall  177  as is best seen in FIG. 145, and an outer wall  176  as is best seen in FIG. 150. The rear of the latch base, as shown in FIG. 150, shows alternate views of the support back portion member  183  along with the locking member  173 , which comprises a top portion  178 , a middle portion  184 , and a bottom portion  179 . Furthermore, a connecting member  185  is shown which comprises a connecting indent  186 , a connecting groove  187 , and an elongated member  188 . These embodiments allow for connection to a rotary lock plate  139 .  
         [0230]    [0230]FIG. 148 shows a left side elevational view of the latch base  170  of FIG. 145. The latch base further comprises a plank member  182 , a side member  181 , a catching member  180 , a first member outer wall  164 , a handle spoke indent  165 , a catch  166 , base holes  167 ,  168 , and  169 . The base holes  167 ,  168 , and  169  allow for retention means secure the latch base  170  to some other second member, such as an inner truck bed lining. The handle spoke indent  165  allows for the spoke  145  of the handle  144  to slidably mount the latch base within the catching member  180  and the catch  166 . The side member  181  is slightly curved to allow for a smoother outer surface, and the plank member  182  allows for attachment to the pawl  101 .  
         [0231]    [0231]FIGS. 149 and 151 show alternate views of the latch base  170  from the front perspective and the bottom perspective, respectively. FIG. 150 shows a right side elevational view of the latch base  170 , where the latch base further comprises a first member inner wall  175 , and a support side portion member outer wall  176 . Furthermore, the support side portion member contains a hole  196  to allow for retaining means to attach for securing the latch base  170  to some other second member, such as an inner truck bed lining.  
         [0232]    The handle  144  is best seen in FIG. 152 with individual view perspectives given in FIGS. 153 through 157. The handle  144  comprises a locking bore  146  to allow for locking and unlocking of the latch. The handle  144  further comprises an indent  147  acceptance of securing means, a generally curvilinear member  148  and a generally rectangular member  149 . The handle  144  has a top wall  150  and a handle top wall  151 . The gripping portion  191  on the handle  144  allows for better gripping of the handle and better maneuverability by the user. The handle  144  further comprises a lip  153 , and a spoke  145  to rotatably mount to the latch base  170  in the handle spoke indent  165 . The spoke  145  comprises a first portion  156 , a second portion  157 , and a third portion  158 .  
         [0233]    [0233]FIG. 153 further shows the front view perspective of the handle  144  including a handle front wall  155 . FIG. 154 details the particulars of the handle  144  including a series of gripping handle holes  154  and the bulbous portion  192  both which ease in the operation of the handle and allow for a better grip of the handle by the user. The handle  144  further comprises an attachment member  161 , which includes attachment pegs  162 ,  163  for attaching to the latch base. FIG. 155 shows the rear view perspective of the handle  144  including a handle back wall  159 . FIG. 157 shows a bottom view of the handle  144  including a handle bottom wall  160 .  
         [0234]    [0234]FIGS. 158 through 161 describe the rotary lock plate  139 . The rotary lock plate  139  comprises a top surface  140 , a bottom surface  194 , an outer wall surface  142 , a stop  143 , and a pinhole  141 . The stop  143  provides for keeping the pawl  101  in the closed position until the handle  144  is actuated.  
         [0235]    [0235]FIGS. 162 through 168 all show various perspectives of the pawl  101 . The pawl  101  comprises an upper wall  103 , a lower wall  104 , a peg  102 , an elbow member  108 , a locking member  107 , an outer wall  106 , and a pinhole  105 . The locking member  107  allows for the pawl  101  to secure the handle  144  into its locked position. The peg  102  allows for attachment of the torsion spring  112 . A rivet  111  is also shown in FIGS. 169 through 171. The rivet  111  comprises an elongated first portion  109 , a second portion  110 , and an end cap  197 . The rivet  111  allows for securing attachment means for the pawl and the lock plate  139  and to the torsion spring  112 . The first portion  109  is elongated and is circumferentially smaller than the second portion  110 , and the end cap  197 . The second portion  110  is sized to allow for ease of maneuverability, and the end cap  197  allows for a rounded end.  
         [0236]    [0236]FIG. 172 details the torsion spring  112 . The torsion spring  112  comprises a series of spring coils  190 . The torsion spring  112  allows for the lock plate  139  to engage the pawl  101  when the handle  144  is in the open or closed position. Another torsion spring  112  allows the handle  144  to move from an open or closed position. Yet another torsion spring  112  allows for the lock plate  139  to interlock with the latch base  170  in the closed position. This interlock transfers tensile load on the pawl  101  from the rivet  111  to the latch base  170 .  
         [0237]    [0237]FIGS. 173 through 179 show various perspectives of the sliding lock member  113 . The sliding lock member  113  comprises a front upper wall  116 , a front middle wall  117 , a front lower wall  118 , a left wall  119 , a right wall  120 , and a slot  114 . The slot comprises a slot surface  115 . The sliding lock member  113  allows for the engagement and disengagement of the pawl  101  with the lock plate  139 . The sliding lock member further comprises an upper side top wall  122 , an upper side bottom wall  121 , a back wall  123 , a lower side bottom wall  124 , and a lower side top wall  125 .  
         [0238]    [0238]FIGS. 180 through 182 show the pin  198 . The pin  198  comprises an elongated shaft portion  126 , a cap portion  127 , a cap base  129 , a base wall  131 , a cap top  128 , a pin outer wall  132 , and a pin bottom wall  130 . The shaft portion  126  is circumferentially smaller than the cap base  129 , and is much longer to allow engagement of the lock plate  139  with the latch base  170 . The pin  198  is used to allow pivot movement of the lock plate  139 .  
         [0239]    Finally, FIGS. 183 through 188 show perspectives of the lock plug  189 . The lock plug  199  comprises a peg member  133 , a lock plughole  134 , an inner wall  138 , a top wall  137 , and an outer wall  136 . The lock plug allows for locking and unlocking of the pawl  101  with the corresponding movement of the handle  144 .  
         [0240]    It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made by the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications, which are within the scope and spirit of the invention.  
         [0241]    It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made by the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications, which are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Category: e