US2941637A - Combined carrying means and latch - Google Patents

Description

' June 21, 1960 E. YSILVERMAN 2,941,637

COMBINED CARRYING MEANS AND LATCH Filed June 24, 1957 INVENTOR. [MANUEL 5/4 VfkMA/V operable by the latter,

United States Patent-O "ic 2,941,637

COMBINED CARRYING MEANS AND LATCH Emanuel Silverman, 23301 Kipling, Oak Park, Mich.

Filed June 24, 1957, Ser. No. 667,420

9 Claims. (Cl. 190-55) This invention relates to latch mechanisms or devices for article-carrying containers or the like and particularly to such mechanisms including as a part thereof operating means that may serve as the carrying media.

It is known to provide carrying containers such as brief cases and pocket books with a handle or strap by which they may be conveniently carried, and with a separately manipulatible pressure releasable snap catch or latch for the closure member or members. These catches and the like have usually been composed of intricate fitting parts requiring special tools to make and assemble and have been costly. Moreover, they could not always be depended upon to hold and have often been awkward to release. They have also been the cause of many broken finger nails.

The present invention aims to overcome these prior problems and provide a dependable inexpensive container latch mechanism of positive character that is easily operable and wherein the container-carrying element may be the latch operator.

An object of my invention is to provide a container with a closure latch mechanismin which the latch is an Patented June 21, 1960 2 shown having a pair of closure members. held in latched position;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the structure in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an elevational view partly in section of the structure in Figure 1 showing the carrying element in collapsed position and latches released; Figure 5 is an elevational view of the preferred combination carrying strap and latch of my invention sepa integral part of the carrying element for the container and Another object is to provide a combination latch and carrying strap for containers and the like composed entirely of resilient plastic material.

A further object is to provide a container with a closure latch mechanism and carrying element operably interconnected.

Still another object is to provid e mechanism of the character of the preceding objects in which the latch and carrying element are both externally of the container.

A particular object is to provide a combination latch and carrying element for a container having a closure member to be held in closed position by the latch and which requires no operating parts on the closure member.

Another specific object is to provide a combination latch and carrying element for a container having a closure member to be held in closed position by the latch which latchesthe closure member only when the element is in container-carrying position.

A further object is to provide a structure as in the preceding object including means for locking the element in latching and carrying position.

Another object is to provide a strap-like carrying element for a container having a closure member to beheld in closed position during carrying of the container which element includes a closure latching portion at one end operable to latching position by pulling up on the carrying element and operable to release said latch by collapsing the carrying element.

Other objects and advantages of my invention Will appear from the following description and from the drawingsillustrating, without limitation thereto, a preferred embodiment of my invention and wherein:

Figure l is an elevational view showing a portion of a container to which the combination latch and carrying element and other features of my invention has been I applied;

'Figure 2 is an end. view of my invention in Figure 1 rated from the container;

Figure 6 is an end view of the structure of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a bottom view of the structure of Figure 5 looking in the direction of the arrows 7--7 in Figure 5; Figure 8 is an end view looking in the direction of the arrows 8 8 in Figure 4, of the structure of my inven{ tion in the latch releasing condition shown in Figure 4 and showing the pair of closure members swung away from the body of the container on hinges not shown; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modification. i p In the drawing illustrating my invention and wherein similar numerals represent corresponding parts of the structure, the numeral 10 generally connotes an articlecarrying container of any suitable material preferably metal or rigid plastic comprising a body structure 12.defining a chamber 14 closed by a pair of closure members or panels 16, 18 suitably supported for instance by hinges or other means (not shown) so as to be displaceable relative to the body structure 12 to render the chamber 14 accessible. It willbe understood that the containermay have a single closure member if desired.

means or element generally referred to by the numeral 120, preferably supported on the body structure 12 by mounting means generally designated by the numeral 22.

,The element 20 includes a container carrying strap or handle portion 24 and a latch portion 26. preferably integrally and resiliently connecting with the portion 24, at

28 (see Figure 5) in a predetermined angular relationship such that when pressure is applied to the handleportion 24 which constitutes the operating means for the container chamber 14 accessible. As shown, I preferably provide a latch portion at each end of the handle 24, it being understood however, that in many applications a 7 single latch portion 26 will sufiice.

In the preferred form the element 20 may be pre- 4 formed, as seen in Figures 5 to 7 inclusive as a continuous one-piece, prefer-ably resilient structure, of predetermined shape and of suitable shape retaining material,

for instance, spring metal and preferably a synthetic plastic, such .as polyethylene plastic. The handle portion 24 is preferably of elongated strap-like character and may be of uniform thickness throughout. It is preferably of slightly bow-shape, high at the mid portion for advantages in manipulation, although it could be substantially flat. The latch portion 26 has a main section 30 extending upwardly and outwardly from the portion 24 at the region of connection 28 and forming an included obtuse angle with the top side of the strap portion 24 and an acute angle with the lower side thereof. Stated otherwise, the main sections 30 of the latch portions 26 diverge upwardly from the handle portion 24. The latch portion also as shown in Figures 3 and 7, forms a T-shape with the handle portion 24.

The main sections 30 of the latch portions 26 have a downwardly projecting latching finger or leg 32 at each side thereof forming with the section 30 a structure of inverted U shape. The fingers .32 are preferably spaced A a same apart the thickness "of the container over the closure members 16 and 18 and project vertically downwardly from thesections, 30 a sufiicientr distance to. provide a holding face of ample *ai-ea. Assh'own', the planeof each finger 32 is substantially normal to that of theses tion '30 and for reasons which will become apparentgthe onter ortien of the fingers 32 Willtap'er'somewhat from adjacent their connections with the section 3,0 to their lower, i.e. outer ends. Described otherwise, the fingers 32 are of generally rectangular shape and have their outer corners 34 remote from the outer end of the pertions 26 removed to provide clearance for the closure members 16, 18 in swinging by when the latches are released as will be evident from Figures 4 and 8.

. It will be understood that -when there is only one closuremember, one of the latching fingers 32 of each latch portion 26 may be omitted. However, it is found that hotter latching and freedom 'frot'n'distortion results when twg'ar'euseatne 'o'nen'ot serving as a latching acting as a :further guide for 'thel'atch'in P rtion. It also provides greater stiffness "for the latch portion, a'feature which may also be obtained by the transverse end head 36. v

Th mounting 'r'neans 2 2 referably comprises, as best seen in Fi ure 4, a stud-like camm'ing member comprisiifg a head portion 40, a shank portion 42 and a threaded end 43, thelat terbeing th'readedly received in the body structure 12 for securing'ther'neans 22 thereto and being bf lmse'r diameter than the shank portion 42 so to produce a mountnig shoulder forthis means. The shank Lpbrtion 42 is received through an 'elongated'slot 44 in P 011 the 'p n 4 and in. par on th tion 30 of the latch portion 26. The shank portion "42 or sl ghtly lesser diameter than the width of the'slot 44 to 'faciliate sliding movement or the strap. The'sh nk portion is also of slightly greater height than the thick- .ne'sS of "the strap 24 to facilitate changes in latch plosi- 'tion. The head portion 40 may be of hexagonal or other shape and 'sufliciently larger than theshank 42 diameter to provide portions overlapping the slots 44 that'rletain the handle in position and that also'serve as 'a suitable 'g'uide-and cam face for the latch portion in endwise'shifh ing of thelatchportmn 2 6. s 'Referring now to Figures 1 m4 and -8 itfwill be seen 'fll at'when the strap 24 is pulled'up as seen in Figure 1,

that the fingers 32 of the latch portions 26 overlap the l ' losure member 16 and 18 and confine these members between them in their closed positions on the container, "i.e., with the members 16 and 18 in abutment with the lb ody structure 12. 'In this .position the Shanks 42 of the mounting means22 are in the latch portions of the slots, 44 and the sections 30 of the latch portions Z6 are substantially abutted with the top face 46 of the hfodystructure 12, In the stated "condition the container may be carried about as longas desired without fear "70f the closure member's becoming accidentally or other- Wise unlocked.

When, however, the strap portion 24 is flattened or pushed down as in Figures 4 and 5, and during which faction the latch portions are shifted endwise relative to the mounting means 22 as permitted by the slots 44,

the latch portions assume their natural angular position It will be observed that in this position When the strap prtion24 of the'element 20 is'again pulled up as in Figure 1, themain'section 30 of the latch'portions will in effect he camme'd downwardly-of thehead portions 40 of 'the mounting' means 22 into latch- -ing position as "there shown. 7

tion.

For some applications it may be desired to lock the latch 26 in its holding positions and/or to keep the carrying strap 24 raised. -For this purpose I provide a locking means generally designated by the numeral 50 and comprising a generallyifiat lver 52-hinged on a stud 54 s c red. to th body s uct re 1. p eferably 0 1 the longitudinal axis 21 of the element 20, and which in lockingipositions has-its own longitudinal axis coincident with the axis 21. The lever 52 includes an operating finger 55 and a. locking head 56, these portions being on opposite sides, of the axis of the stud 54.- The head portion 56 will preferably be of no greater thickness than the strap 24 for clearance purposes (see Figure 4) when the latch 26 is released. As seen in Figure 3 when the longitudinal axis of the lever "52 is aligned'with the axis 21 of element 20, the outer edge '60 of the, head portion 56 of the lever'will bear against the outer end wall 61 of the main section 30 of the latch portion'26 and will prevent the handle from collapsing to release the latch. It is preferred that the edge 66 of the lever parallel to edge 61 over part of the width of the lever and that it have rounded corners '62 which cause a slight compression of the end portion of the latch portion 26 upon contacting the'edge 61 when the lever is swung into locking position by reason of the greater distance of the corners 62 from the axis of the stud 54 than between the latter and the edge '60. When this compression is released, the to wedges "and 61 will abut each other. While I have only shown one locki g mean t i l b unde s ood h therema'y b en: t ach e d,

When thelever 52 is swung 'by itsfinger 55 to a position :90 to the longitudinal axis of the handle i.e., transversely of the container as seen in Figure 4, the handle 24 may be collapsed as there shown and the latch portion 26 will pass over the locking n eans50 and release the closure members 16, '18 as will be evident from this fig re nd Fi re 8.

From the foregoing description of my invention it will be evident that I have made a novel latch and carrying means of -unique character well adapted for its intended use and that has general application. It will be understood that various substitutions, changes and modifications will suggest themselves tothose skilled in this art without departing-from the spirit andintent of'my invent fim q examp e he la hme n m y be s f m that the fingers 32 project through the body structure 12 as through an opening 70 andhook over (i.e. behind) a P t i n 721 e l su e membe 1 a as s ow in Figure 9, to-retain the samein container closing posi- These and all other such changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalent constructions coming within the scope of the appended :claims are therefore contemplated.

I'claim:

1. -A latch 'mechanismforanarticle-carrying container and the like having a body structure defining a chamber and having a'closure member supportable on saidbody structure in position for closing said chamber and displaceable' relative to said body structure for said chamber "accessible, comprising an element including alatchportion operable to hold said closure member in position closing said chamber, and a latch operating portion offset from said latch portion at an obtuse angle "thereto, an elongated slot inpart on said latch portion and in part on said operating portion and a camming "same to; snaking said chamber "assessible, and a second position wherein said camming member is engaged with said latch portion of said element and the latter is in holding position relative to said cfosure member efiecting closing of said chamber by said closure element.

2. A latch mechanism for an article-carrying container and the like having a body structure defining a chamber and having a closure member supportable on said body structure in position for closing said chamber and displaceable relative to said body structure for making said chamber accessible, comprising an element including a latch portion having a main section and having a latching finger in downwardly projecting relationship to said main sect-ion, and a latch operating portion in resilient connection with said main section and normally at a substantial angle thereto, said main section and latch operating portion containing an elongated slot extending over part of each thereof and a stud mounted on said body structure having a shank extending through said slot and having a head portion straddling said slot and retaining said main section and operating portion to said body structure, said element being movable in a direction lengthwise of said slot from a first portion wherein said head portion of said stud is engaged with said operating portion but not with said main section to a second position wherein said head portion is engaged with said main section but not with said operating portion and said head portion being adapted in said movement of said element to deflect said main section from a position wherein said latching finger is in releasing position relative to said closure member to a position wherein it is in holding position relative to said closure member.

3. A latching mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein said latch portion has a pair of transversely spaced latching fingers.

4. A latching mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is a pair of latching portions having their main sections in resilient connection with opposite ends of the operating portion.

5. A combination carrying strap and latch for an article carrying container and the like having a body structure and a side member pivotally mounted with respect to the latter and movable from a position of substantial abutment with the body structure wherein the container is closed to an open position away from the body structure whereby the container is rendered accessible, comprising a preformed strap-like element of resilient material having a central elongated hand grip portion, and opposite end portions normally extending divergently from said central portion, said end port-ions each having opposite side wings forming an inverted U-shape with said end portions, and there being an elongated, slot on said element adjacent each end thereof and pin means mounting said element to said body structure through said slots, said element being operable for latching said side member of -the container in closing position by pulling up on said grip portion and causing said pin means to cam said end portions toward said body structure whereby said side wings are moved toward said body portion and straddle said body and side member to hold the side member in closed position.

6. A carrying case comprising a body structure defining a chamber; a pair of closure members hingedly secured to said body structure and adapted to close opposite sides of said body structure when in abutting relationship therewith; a combination carrying member and latch for transporting said case and holding said closure members in closed position comprising an element having a pair of latching portions operable to hold said closure members in chamber closing position, and a latch operating portion having a resilient connection with said latching portions; and means mounting said element to said body structure, said element having a slotted portion through which said element is mounted by said mounting means and facilitating operation of said latching portions by said latch operating portion from a position holding 6 said closure members in chamber closing position to one releasing said closure members.

7. A latch mechanism for an article-carrying container and the like having a body structure defining a chamber and having a closure member supportable on said body structure in substantial abutting relationship therewith for closing said chamber and displaceable relative to said body structure for making said chamber accessible, comprising an elongated element having a latch portion for holding said closure member in chamber closing position, and an operator operable portion in resilient connection with said latch portion and normally at a substantial angle thereto, a camming member securing said latch portion and operating portion of said element to said body structure, said element being movable in a direction lengthwise of said element from a first position wherein said camming member is engaged with said operating portion but not with said latch portion to a second position wherein said camming member is engaged with said latch portion but not with said operating portion, and said camming member being adapted in said movement of said element to deflect said latch portion from a position wherein said latch portion is in releasing position relative to said closure member to a position wherein it is in holding position relatve to said closure member.

8. A latch mechanism as claimed in claim 7 including a locking member mounted on said container in juxtaposition to a length-wise end of said element and operable into abutting relation with said latch portion when the latter is in its said holding position.

9. In combination, an article-carrying container having a body structure defining a chamber and having a closure member supportable on said body structure in position for closing said chamber and displaceable relative to said body structure for making said chamber accessible, said body structure having a wall portion defining an opening, a projection on said closure member below said opening behind which a finger may be positioned, and a latch mechanism for retaining said closure member in position for closing said chamber comprising a latch portion having a main section and a latching finger in downwardly projecting relationship to said main section, said finger being projectable through said opening in said body structure into position behind said projection for holding said closure member in closed position, a latch operating portion in resilient connection With said main section and normally at a substantial angle thereto, said main section and latch operating portion containing an elongated slot extending over part of each thereof, and a stud mounted on said body structure having a shank extending through said slot and having a head portion straddling said slot and retaining said main section and operating portion on said body structure, said latch mechanism being movable in a direction lengthwise of said slot from a first position wherein said head portion of said stud is engaged with said operating portion thereof but not with said main section, to a second position wherein said head portion is engaged with said main section but not with said operating portion, and said head portion being adapted in said movement of said latch mechanism to deflect said main section from a position wherein said latching finger is disengaged from behind said projection on said closure member to a position wherein it is in position behind said projection.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 233,908 Appleton Nov. 2, 1880 351,183 Legg Oct. 19, 1886 1,090,678 Billig Mar. 17, 1914 2,367,739 Scherer Ian. 23, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS 153,181 Great Britain Nov. 4, 1920

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