AU2011101098A4 - A latch assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A latch assembly with particular application to the hatch of an enclosed tray portion of a vehicle or trailer, the latch having a lift lever within a recessed face plate, the lever being flush with the outer surface of the face plate in the at rest position. The lever can be manually lifted to pivot it outwards of the recess to actuate the release mechanism. A key operated lock can prevent such movement of the lever. I ki

Description

P/00/009A Section 29 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION Invention Title: A LATCH ASSEMBLY Applicant: Concept Fasteners Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: 1 7019 2 A LATCH ASSEMBLY The present invention relates generally to the opening or closing a door, hatch, lid, window or other closure. The invention has particular application in the context of a 5 vehicle-mounted door, hatch, lid, window or other closure and will generally be hereinafter described in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention may be used in non-vehicle applications. The term 'door' as used hereinafter in this specification is to be understood to refer to 10 any one or more of a door, hatch, lid, window or other closure. Background to the Invention Tradesmen are generally heavily reliant on their motor vehicle as transport to, from and between job sites. A tradesman's motor vehicle is used to transport the 15 tradesman and any colleagues to a job site, and also usually transports the tradesman's tools, machinery, parts and other equipment required for the job(s) in question. A tradesman's motor vehicle is often provided with an enclosed storage area, typically 20 at the rear or on tray portion of the vehicle. The storage area is usually accessed by way of one or more swing or hinged doors providing access to the storage area through an access opening. For convenience, the door is often hingedly mounted within the access opening. 25 It is highly desirable for a tradesman to be able to safely and securely store all their tools and equipment in their vehicle when the vehicle is left unattended. To provide the necessary security to the access opening, it is often possible to lock the door in the closed position, thereby preventing access to the storage area. 30 A range of options exist for locking the door in the closed position. These include a relatively simple padlock arrangement, whereby a padlock is used to lock the door in a closed position. The use of padlocks can be less than ideal, because they must be removed to open the door and, when removed, can be easily misplaced. Padlocks are C.oNpemp\SPEC-917475 doc 3 also prone to scratching or otherwise marking the door, which is undesirable from an aesthetic point of view. Further, if a padlock is used it is exposed to the weather on the outside of the door and so can be subject corrosion. Also, a padlock can be relatively easily removed with bolt cutters, thereby potentially allowing unauthorised 5 access to any tools and equipment housed in the storage area. Another existing arrangement includes that of a T-shaped handle for opening and closing the door. The T-shaped handle is pivotably connected to a handle assembly which, in turn, is connected to the door. The handle is pivotably connected to the 10 handle assembly about a first pivot axis, which allows the handle to be stored generally flush in a shallow recess provided in the door about the handle. The handle is also pivotable about a second pivot axis extending outwardly from the door to allow for actuating the opening and closing mechanism of the handle to open and close of the door. These T-shaped handles function generally adequately. However, the 15 handle can be subject to an impact and damage if not stored flush within the recess. Further, it would be desirable to provide the possibility of an arguably more elegant, aesthetically pleasing handle arrangement than is possible with a T-shaped handle. Tradesmen often tow a trailer behind their motor vehicle for increased transport 20 capacity. Such trailers are often enclosed, with access provided by one or more access doors. A similar consideration is also required for safely and securely storing their tools and equipment within a trailer to that provided above in respect of motor vehicles. 25 The above discussion focuses motor vehicles and trailers used by tradesmen. However, other applications also exist whereby it is desired to store goods safely and securely. These other applications may include service vehicles and emergency services vehicles; as well as non-vehicular applications. The present invention extends to these other applications. These other applications may or may not 30 necessitate a door locking arrangement. For example, some emergency services vehicles may not require a storage locking arrangement, so as to avoid any delay associated within unlocking a storage compartment before being able to deploy tools and equipment. C.\pot\ep\SPEC-9I7473.doc 4 Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a paddle latch assembly configured for mounting on a door. The assembly includes a lift paddle, and a face plate. The face plate includes a recess, with the recess having an opening 5 surrounded by a lip. The recess is provided for accommodating the lift paddle therein. The lift paddle is pivotably mounted to the face plate. Moreover, the lift paddle is pivotable relative to the face plate between an at-rest position and a disengagement position. The lift paddle is biased to the at-rest position, wherein the lift paddle is substantially flush with the face plate lip. The assembly also includes a release 10 mechanism for opening the door from a closed position. The lift paddle is manually movable from the at-rest position to the disengagement position to actuate the release mechanism to open the door. In a preferred form, the assembly also includes a locking mechanism. When the 15 locking mechanism is manually activated, it prevents the lift paddle moving from the at-rest position to the disengagement position, thereby preventing the release mechanism being actuated and the door from being opened. Reference within this specification to a "paddle latch assembly" is understood to be 20 generally equivalent to a "paddle lock assembly". The locking mechanism may include a key operated lock, with a key receivable in a lock barrel mounted to and extending inwardly from the face plate. Locking mechanisms not including a key operated lock are also contemplated. 25 The release mechanism may include a release rod pivotably connected to and extending from a mounting plate assembly (or backing plate assembly) secured to the face plate, to a distal end of the release rod proximate a side of the door. In such a configuration, the distal end of the release rod may be axially displaceable into a 30 receiver provided in or on a surround adjacent the side of the door. The release mechanism may also include a second release rod pivotably connected to and extending from the mounting plate assembly, to a distal end of the second release rod proximate a second side of the door. The second release rod may be C:\poNep\SPEC.917475.doc 5 axially displaceable into a second receiver provided in or on the surround adjacent the second side of the door. Alternatively, the release mechanism may include a release latch. In such a form, the 5 release latch may be pivotably mounted to a mounting plate secured to the face plate, with the release latch being engagable with a fixedly mounted pin (or other suitable arrangement). The release latch may be pivotably movable relative to the mounting plate from a non-release position in which release latch is engaged with the pin, to a release position in which the release latch is disengaged from the pin, thereby 10 allowing for the door to be opened. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure is a front view of a paddle latch assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 1. 20 Figure 3 is a plan view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 1. Figure 4 is a rear view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 in a first operating mode. Figure 5 is a rear view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 in a second operating mode. 25 Figure 6 is a rear view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 in a third operating mode. Figure 7 is a front view of a paddle latch assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a side view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 7. 30 Figure 9 is a plan view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 7. Figure 10 is a rear view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 7 in a first operating mode. Figure 11 is a rear view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 7 in a second operating mode. C:\pofemp\SPEC.917475 doc 6 Figure 12 is a rear view of the paddle latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 7 in a third operating mode. Detailed Description of the Drawings 5 Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, there is provided a paddle latch assembly 10 configured for mounting on a door (not shown). The assembly 10 is specifically, but not exclusively, configured for mounting on a hinged or swing door providing access to an enclosed storage area of a work, service 10 or emergency services motor vehicle or trailer. The assembly will hereinafter be generally described in this context, although other applications for the assembly are also envisaged. Other vehicular applications, as well as non-vehicular applications are contemplated. 15 The assembly 10 includes a hand-operable lift paddle 12, and a face plate 14. The lift paddle 12 is pivotably mounted to the face plate 14 at pivot points identified generally by '16', with the lift paddle 12 pivotable about an axis 18 (see Figure 1). Both the lift paddle 12 and face plate 14 are manufactured from stainless steel, although any other suitable (preferably corrosion-resistant) material may be used. 20 For example, the paddle 12 and face plate 14 may instead be powder coated or zinc plated steel. The face plate 14 includes a recess 20. The recess 20 has an opening 22 surrounded by a lip 24. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the recess 20 is provided for 25 accommodating the lift paddle 12 therein. The lift paddle 12 is biased to the at-rest position shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, wherein the lift paddle 12 is substantially flush with the face plate 14. When it is desired to open the associated door, the lift paddle 12 can be manually pivoted 30 relative to the face plate 14 to a disengagement position 12a, as shown in dashed line format in Figures 2 and 3. The assembly 10 includes a release mechanism (indicated generally by '25') for opening the door from a closed position. C pokem-p\SPEC-917475 doc 7 The release mechanism 25 includes a pivot arm 26 pivotably mounted to a mounting plate 30 about a mount 27. The release mechanism 25 also includes an actuating arm 32 pivotably mounted to the mounting plate 30 about mount 33. The actuating arm 32 5 extends through the mounting plate 30 and face plate 14, and is provided for engagement with the lift paddle 12 upon movement of the lift paddle 12 to the disengagement position 12a. Opening of the lift paddle 12 engages the actuating arm 32, causing the actuating arm 10 32 to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction (referring to Figures 4 to 6) about its mount 33. When this occurs, the actuating arm 32 contacts pivot arm 26, causing the pivot arm 26 to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction about mount 27. The release mechanism 25 also includes a connecting rod 34. The connecting rod 34 15 is pivotably mounted to and extends between the pivot arm 26 and a plate 36. The plate 36 is pivotably mounted to the mounting plate 30 by mount 37. The connecting rod 34 transfers the counter-clockwise pivot of the pivot arm 26 about the mount 27 to produce a counter-clockwise rotation of the plate 36 about mount 37. 20 Two release rod mounts 38, 40 are provided on plate 36 (see Figs. 4 to 6). When fully assembled, a first release rod (not shown) is pivotably mounted to mount 38; while a second release rod (not shown) is pivotably mounted to mount 40. The first release rod extends from mount 38 to a distal end (of the first release rod) 25 proximate a side of the door. The distal end of the release rod is axially displaceable into a first receiver (of any suitable form) provided in a surround adjacent the side of the door. The second release rod extends from the mount 40 to a distal end (of the second 30 release rod) proximate a second side of the door. The distal end of the second release rod is axially displaceable into a second receiver (of any suitable form) provided in the surround adjacent the second side of the door. C "poNimp\SPEC-917475 doc 8 It is to be appreciated that manually lifting the lift paddle 12 rotates the plate 36 in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby withdrawing the distal ends of the first and second release rods from their respective receivers to open the door. 5 The first and second sides of the door would typically be opposite sides of the door. The lift paddle 12 is biased to the at-rest position by a torsion spring (not shown) provided about the mount 27 of pivot arm 26. The torsion spring biases the pivot arm 26 in the clockwise direction about the mount 27. This ultimately biases the distal end 10 of each connecting rod into its respective receiver, such that the door remains closed. The mounting plate 30, arms 26, 32, connecting rod 34 and release rods are preferably manufactured from zinc plated steel, or other corrosion resistant material. 15 The assembly 10 also includes a locking mechanism 50, in the form of a key operated lock 52. When the locking mechanism 50 is manually activated (ie. locked), it prevents the lift paddle 12 moving from the at-rest position to the disengagement position, thereby preventing the release mechanism 25 being actuated and the door from being opened. 20 The lock 52 includes a lock barrel 54 mounted to and extending inwardly from the face plate 14. A key (not shown) is receivable through an opening 56 provided in the face plate 14. 25 The lock 52 is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 in the unlocked position, and in Fig. 4 the lock 52 is shown in the locked position. It can be seen that, when in the locked position, a locking plate 58 prevents the pivot arm 26 pivoting in a counter-clockwise direction about the mount 27, thereby preventing the lift paddle 12 from being opened. The locking plate 58 is pivotably mounted to the mounting plate 30 by a pivot mount 59. 30 A locking mechanism may not be provided in some applications. The provision of the release rods provides a relatively robust closing mechanism which, when locked, securely locks the door, thereby preventing unauthorised access CApofkemp\SPEC-917475 dm 9 to the storage area. The release rods provide two locking points for the door, thereby providing greater security than would be possible if the door included only a single locking point. Moreover, the release rods provide an arrangement allowing for the door to be centrally locked. 5 The mounting plate 30 is fitted on the inner side of the door, while the face plate 14 is fitted to the outer side of the door. The mounting plate 30 and face plate 14 are connected together through an appropriately sized and shaped aperture provided in the door. Threaded mounts 60, 62 extend from the rear of the face plate 14 through 10 apertures provided in the mounting plate 30. The mounting plate 30 is secured to the face plate 14 by fitting nuts 64, 66 to the threaded mounts 60, 62. In so doing, the mounting plate 30 and the face plate 14 are secured in position on the door. A rubber (or other suitable) gasket 68 is provided for mounting between the outer surface of the door and the inner surface of the face plate 14. 15 An alternative release mechanism (indicated generally by '125') is illustrated in the assembly 110 shown in Figures 7 to 12 (see specifically Figs 10 to 12). The mechanism 125 includes a release latch 170, which is pivotably mounted to the mounting plate 130 by mount 171. The release latch 170 is engagable with a fixedly 20 mounted pin 172 (or other suitable arrangement) secured in position to the door surround. The release latch 170 is pivotably movable relative to the mounting plate 130 from a non-release position in which release latch 170 is engaged with the pin 172, to a release position (shown in dashed line format as 170a in Fig. 9) in which it is disengaged from the pin 172, thereby allowing for the door to be opened. 25 Other features of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7 to 12 are generally in common with those of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, and so have not be labelled in Figs. 7 to 12 in order to simplify the drawings. 30 It is to be appreciated that a further embodiment may be provided. The further embodiment may include a release mechanism similar to or the same as the release mechanism 25 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, combined with the release mechanism similar to or the same as the release mechanism 125 of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7 to 12. CApokemp\SPEC.917475 doc 10 The present invention is both robust and elegant, and provides a most useful alternative to existing arrangements. 5 Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention. C: Nonp\SPEC-917475.doc

Claims (5)

1. A paddle latch assembly configured for mounting on a door, the assembly including: 5 - a lift paddle, - a face plate - the face plate including a recess, with the recess having an opening surrounded by a lip, the recess provided for accommodating the lift paddle therein, - the lift paddle pivotably mounted to the face plate 10 - the lift paddle pivotable relative to the face plate between an at-rest position and a disengagement position, - the lift paddle biased to the at-rest position, wherein the lift paddle is substantially flush with the face plate lip, - a release mechanism for opening the door from a closed position, and 15 - the lift paddle manually movable from the at-rest position to the disengagement position to actuate the release mechanism to open the door.

2. A paddle latch assembly according to claim 1, including a locking mechanism which, when manually activated, prevents the lift paddle moving from the at-rest 20 position to the disengagement position, thereby preventing the release mechanism being actuated and the door from being opened, and wherein the locking mechanism preferably includes: a key operated lock, with a key receivable in a lock barrel mounted to and extending inwardly from the face plate. 25

3. A paddle latch assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the release mechanism includes: a release rod pivotably connected to and extending from a mounting plate assembly secured to the face plate, to a distal end of the release rod proximate a side 30 of the door, the distal end of the release rod being axially displaceable into a receiver provided in or on a surround adjacent the side of the door, and a second release rod pivotably connected to and extending from the mounting plate assembly, to a distal end of the second release rod proximate a second side of Capofep\SPEC-917475 de 12 the door, the second release rod being axially displaceable into a second receiver provided in or on the surround adjacent the second side of the door.

4. A paddle latch assembly according to claim 1 or 2, 5 wherein the release mechanism includes a release latch, the release latch being pivotably mounted to a mounting plate secured to the face plate, the release latch being engagable with a fixedly mounted pin, the release latch being pivotably movable relative to the mounting plate from a non 10 release position in which release latch is engaged with the pin, to a release position in which the release latch is disengaged from the pin, thereby allowing for the door to be opened.

5. A paddle latch assembly according to any one of the embodiments, 15 substantially as herein described and illustrated. C: \temp\SPEC-917475.doc