WO2000065184A1

WO2000065184A1 - Draw down latch

Info

Publication number: WO2000065184A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/011309
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric D. Hyp
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-04-28
Filing date: 2000-04-27
Publication date: 2000-11-02
Also published as: AU4804600A

Abstract

A three-part draw down latch (110) secures a tonneau cover to a truck bed. The latch includes a lever (58) that pivots within a U-shaped mount (20). The lever has an internal channel for receiving an elastomeric strap (70) that stretches when the draw down latch is closed. The mount and the strap are secured to anchor points on the tonneau cover and the truck bed. The elastomeric strap is mounted so that when the lever is rotated to close the device, the strap is stretched. A tab (165) on the lever is biased against the mount to lock the draw down latch in the closed position. A release lever (151) is provided to disengage the locking tab. A mounting ring (210) passes through an aperture in one end of the latch and clamps onto the tonneau cover.

Description

DRAW DOWN LATCH

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to latches and in particular to latches for securing covers such as tarps or tonneau covers for pick-up truck beds.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

There are a variety of systems for covering the open bed of a pick-up truck or a portion, or all, of the open passenger compartment of a convertible automobile. Such covers are conventionally known as "tonneau" covers, and can be fabricated from rigid materials such as fiberglass sheet, or flexible materials such as fabric. Tonneau covers can decrease wind resistance, thereby increasing gas mileage. Additionally, tonneau covers can conceal cargo and protect cargo from the environment. An example of latches incorporating a lever to stretch a rubber latch body is provided by the "37" series of latches marketed by Southco, Inc., Concordville,

PA.

Flexible tonneau covers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent

5,860,691. This tonneau cover employs a set of channels and ridges to bias a fabric cover. U.S. Patent 4,991 ,640 discloses a fastening system for securing a flexible cover to a truck body that employs a pair of rear cover locking devices.

U.S. Patent 5,772,273 discloses a spring clip for retaining snap fasteners on a tonneau cover rail.

When a flexible material is used, such as a vinyl sheet or a fabric, such as a vinyl-coated polyester fabric, it is desirable to hold the flexible material in place with a bias or tension. Springs or elastic straps can be used. To stretch the flexible cover flat, a significant amount of spring force must be applied.

However, it is difficult to exert enough force to attach elastic straps that are sufficiently forceful to securely hold the tonneau cover in place. There is a need for a mounting device to permit tonneau covers made from flexible materials to be easily yet securely attached to pick-up truck beds. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a draw down latch for securing a tonneau cover to a truck bed. The present invention advantageously provides a latching device to permit tonneau covers made from flexible materials to be easily yet securely attached to pick-up truck beds. The draw down latch of the present invention is intended to be used with truck beds and the tonneau covers that have anchor points for attaching the draw down latch to the truck beds and tonneau covers.

The draw down latch of the present invention comprises a latch mount, a latch strap, and a lever. The lever is rotatable between an open position, in which the latch strap is relaxed, and a closed position, in which the latch strap is stretched, for applying tension between the truck bed and the tonneau cover to secure the tonneau cover to the truck bed. Preferably, the latch strap is formed from an elastomeric material. The latch mount includes means for securing the strap to a first anchor point (on either the tonneau cover or the truck bed), and the latch strap includes means for securing the strap to a second anchor point (on either the truck bed or tonneau cover, respectively).

The lever is pivotably affixed to the latch mount at a first axis and pivotably affixed to the latch strap at a second axis parallel to the first axis. The first axis is spaced from the second axis.

Preferably, the latch mount comprises a latch mount body and a pair of spaced, parallel legs extending from the latch mount body. In this case, the lever rotates between the legs of the latch mount when the lever is rotated between the open and closed positions. In addition, it is preferred that the lever includes a channel for receiving the latch strap when the lever is in the closed position, so that the lever rotates over and covers the latch strap.

Preferably, the draw down latch includes means for locking the draw down latch in the closed position, such as at least one lock tab formed on the lever for engaging the legs of the latch mount. It is also preferred that the draw down latch includes means for biasing the at least one locking tab against the latch mount. Preferably, the draw down latch further comprises means for releasing the locking means, thereby permitting the lever to rotate from the closed position to the open position. ln a presently preferred embodiment the means for releasing the locking means includes a release lever for deforming the means for biasing the at least one locking tab to disengage the at least one locking tab from the latch mount. The present invention also provides a mounting ring for securing an elastic cord or latch to a tonneau cover having an aperture formed therein proximate an edge thereof. The mounting ring comprises a ring section for receiving the elastic cord or latch, and a clamp section for grasping the tonneau cover proximate the aperture. Preferably, the mounting ring comprises a pair of identical, symmetric, interlocking halves. Preferably, each mounting ring half includes a ring alignment tab and a ring alignment slot. The ring alignment slot of each mounting ring half receives the ring alignment tab of the other mounting ring half when the mounting ring is assembled. The mounting ring can be used with the draw down latch structure described above. In this case, the mounting ring is assembled so that the clamp section grasps the tonneau cover and the ring section extends through either the mounting aperture in the latch mount or the mounting aperture in the latch strap.

The present invention also provides a method for securing a tonneau cover to a truck bed. The method comprises securing the draw down latch of the present invention to a first anchor point, securing the draw down latch to a second anchor point; and rotating the lever from the open position to the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the draw down latch showing a first embodiment of the invention in a closed or locked position.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the draw down latch of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 1 , the opposite side elevational view being the mirror image.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the draw down latch of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the draw down latch of Figure 1 shown in an open or unlocked position.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 7. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the draw down latch of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the draw down latch showing a second embodiment of the present invention in a closed or locked position. Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 10, the opposite side elevational view being a mirror image.

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the draw down latch of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a front elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 10.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the lever of the draw down latch of Figure 10.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of lever of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a top plan view of the lever of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a partial sectional view of the lever of Figure 15 shown along the line 17—17. Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the draw down latch of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a mounting ring according to the present invention.

Figure 20 is a side elevational view of the mounting ring of Figure 19. Figure 21 is a front elevational view of a mounting ring of Figure 19.

Figure 22 is a rear elevational view of the mounting ring of Figure 19.

Figure 23 is a side elevational view of the mounting ring of Figure 19.

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting ring of Figure 19 taken along the line 2 — 24 of Figure 21. Figure 25 is a bottom plan view of a mounting ring half, two of which are interlocked and assembled to provide the mounting ring of Figure 19.

Figure 26 is side elevational view of the mounting ring half of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is a rear elevational view of the mounting ring half of Figure 25.

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting ring half of Figure 25, taken along the lines 27-27.

Figure 29 is a front elevational view of a mounting ring half of Figure 25.

Figure 30 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of a tonneau cover to be secured with the mounting ring of the present invention.

Figure 31 is a partial front elevational view of the tonneau cover of Figure 30 showing a mounting slot. Figure 32 is a partial front elevation view of the tonneau cover of Figure 30 showing the mounting ring of Figure 19 engaging and securing the tonneau cover.

Figure 33 is a side elevational view of the draw down latch of Figure 1 interlocked with the mounting ring of Figure 19.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in Fig. 1 a perspective view of a draw down latch or latch 10 of the present invention shown in a closed or latched position (also shown in the top plan view in Fig. 5, side elevational view in Fig. 6, front elevational view in Fig. 2, and rear elevational view in Fig. 3). As best seen in the exploded perspective view of Fig. 9, the draw down latch 10 comprises a latch mount 20, a lever 50, and a latch strap 70.

The latch mount 20 is bilaterally symmetric and is preferably made from a rigid material such as a rigid plastic or metallic alloy. The latch mount 20 can be made by a conventional molding technique, such as injection molding. The latch mount 20 includes a latch mount body 22 from which extend a pair of elongated, spaced, parallel legs 26, 28 forming a channel 40 therebetween. The latch mount body 22 includes a mounting aperture 24 for securing the latch mount body to a first anchor point (not shown), such as a portion of a truck body. At the ends 30, 32 of the legs 26, 28 there are a pair of generally cylindrical apertures 34, 36 having a common axis, the common axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latch mount 20. The ends 30, 32 of the latch mount legs 26, 28 are thickened for strength. As best seen in the bottom plan view of Fig. 4, the latch mount 20 includes a plurality of molded-in ribs 38 for strength and rigidity.

The lever 50 is generally "U"-shaped having a generally flat upper wall 52 from which a pair of spaced, generally parallel side walls 54, 56 downwardly extend. The lever 50 is preferably formed from a strong, rigid material such as metal or a rigid plastic. At the "rear" end of the lever 50, the side walls 54, 56 taper upward, and the upper wall 52 curves gently inward (best seen in the side views of Figs. 5 and 8) and forms a spatulate tab or handle to be grasped by an operator of the latch 10. The lever 50 also includes a plurality of molded-in ribs for strength and rigidity (not shown).

At the opposite or forward end of the lever 50, the side walls 54, 56 extend further forward than does the upper wall 52 of the lever, thereby forming a pair of spaced, generally planar and parallel front ends 55, 57 and forming a generally "U"-shaped channel 59 therebetween. A pair of generally cylindrical pivots 60, 62 having a common axis extend perpendicularly outwardly from the side walls 54, 56 of the lever 50 to be received by respective apertures 34, 36 formed in the ends 30, 32 of the latch mount legs 26, 28. The lever 50 is assembled with the latch mount 20 by compressing the side walls 54, 56 of the lever 50 and/or expanding the legs 26, 28 of the latch mount 20 and snapping the pivots 60, 62 into the respective apertures 34, 36. The front ends 55, 57 of the side walls 54, 56 of the lever 50 are thinned between the lock tabs 64, 66 and the upper wall 52 (best seen in Figs. 4 and 9) so as to reduce the force required to release the lock tabs 64, 66. A pair of generally cylindrical apertures 68, 69 having a common axis are formed in respective side walls 54, 56 forward of the axis of the pivots 60, 62 for mounting the latch strap 70 to the lever 50. A pair of outwardly extending lock tabs 64, 66 are formed proximate the tops of the side walls 56, 58 at the front ends 55, 55 thereof for locking the lever 50 in the closed position as described below.

The latch strap 70 is formed from an elastic or elastomeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber, and includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body 70 sized to fit within the channel formed by the top wall 52 and side walls 54, 56 of the lever 50 when the latch 10 is in the closed position. The rear end 74 of the latch strap is thickened to support a mounting aperture 78 formed therein for mounting the latch strap 70 to a second anchor point (not shown) such as an anchor secured to a tonneau cover or tarp. At the other end or front 78 of the latch strap 70 a generally cylindrical aperture 80 is formed extending through the latch strap 70 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latch strap 70. The latch strap 70 is assembled to the lever 50 by aligning the apertures 68, 69 formed in the side walls 54, 56 of the lever 50 with the aperture 80 formed in the front end 78 of the latch strap 70 and inserting a pivot pin 90, preferably formed from a strong material such as steel.

When the latch 10 is in the closed and latched position (Fig. 1), the lock tabs 64, 66 of the lever 50 are positioned above and against the upper surface of the legs 26, 28 of the latch mount 20. As best seen in the side elevational view of Fig. 5, the axis of the pivot pin 90 connecting the latch strap 70 and the lever 50 lies slightly above the axis of the pivots 60, 62 connecting the lever 50 and the latch mount 20 such that the spring force exerted by the stretched latch strap 70 tends to try to rotate the forward end of the latch strap 70 upward. Thus, the latch strap 70 is biased against the underside of the upper wall 52 of the lever 50.

In order to open the latch 10, an operator grasps the handle 58 of the lever 50 and pulls upward while simultaneously compressing the front ends 55, 57 of the side walls 54, 56 of the lever 50 to disengage the lock tabs 64, 66 from the legs 26, 28 and permit the legs 26, 28 to pass downward through the channel 40 formed by the legs 26, 28. Once the front ends 55, 57 have cleared the channel 40, the lever 50 is free to rotate about the pivots 60, 62 until the upper wall 52 of the lever 50 engages the latch mount body 22 and the latch 10 is in the fully open position (Figure 8).

To close the latch 10, the lever 50 is rotated in the opposite direction against the bias of the latch strap 70. The lock tabs 64, 66 have generally triangular cross-sections and generally rectangular camming surfaces 65, 67 which extend downward and outward, such that the lock tabs 64, 66 and front ends 55, 57 of the side walls 56 are cammed gently inward when the latch 10 is closed, and the lock tabs 64, 66 engage respective inner surfaces of the legs 26, 28 of the latch mount 20, thereby permitting the lever 50 to pass through the latch mount 20. When the lever 50 is released by the operator, the bias exerted by the latch strap 70 tends to pull the lock tab 64, 66 of the front ends 55, 57 of the lever 50 against the legs 30, 32 of the latch mount 20, thereby securing the latch 10 in the closed position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figs. 10 - 17, the lever 150 of the draw down latch 110 includes an elongated, generally planar release lever 151 extending from an integrally formed generally "U"- shaped spring or bias section 153 extending and integrally formed with the upper wall 152 of the lever 150. A single lock tab 165 engages the upper surface of the latch mount body 122 at the forward or bottom end of the channel 140, the latch mount 120 being shaped to provide a generally rectangular channel 140 in this embodiment. To unlock the latch 110 an operator pushes down on the release lever 151 and rotates the lever 150 upward in the opposing direction. A lock 161 is provided on top of the upper wall 152 of the lever 150 to secure the release lever 151 after manufacture and prior to installation of the draw down latch 110.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 18, the lever 150 can include a single lock tab 92 mounted at the forward end thereof, the single lock tab being released by pushing it backward against a bias imposed by a biasing section 94 molded into the lever 150, the release lever of the second embodiment described above being omitted.

A perspective view of a mounting ring 210 of the present invention is shown in Figure 19.

The generally flat tonneau cover 300 extends horizontally over the truck bed and is made from a flexible material, such as a reinforced fabric or plastic sheet. As shown in the partial sectional view of Figures 30, the tonneau cover 300 includes a downwardly projecting rib 310 that includes a slot 320 formed in the lower portion of the rib 310. The tonneau cover 300 is secured to the truck bed by an elastic cord or latch, such as the draw down latch 10. If such cord is attached directly to the tonneau cover 300, the tonneau cover 300 is likely to rip or tear or prematurely wear due to the force exerted by the cord. As shown in the perspective view of Figure 1 , the present invention provides a sturdy, easily installed mounting ring 210 for securely grasping the tonneau cover 300 and distributing the force exerted by the cord over a relatively large surface area of the tonneau cover to minimize risk of damage to the cover when the cover is secured by the cord to the truck bed.

The mounting ring 210 includes a pair of identical, symmetric, interlocking mounting ring halves 212, 214 which are preferably formed by molding from a strong plastic material. The mounting ring half 212 is shown in Figures 25-29, while the mounting ring 210 assembled from a pair of ring halves 212, 214 is shown in Figures 19-24 and 32.

The mounting ring 210 includes a ring 220 to which one of the mounting apertures 24, 78 of the draw down latch 10 is secured, such as is shown in

Figure 33, or through which an elastic cord is passed (not shown), and a clamp section 240 for grasping the tonneau cover 300, as depicted in Figure 32. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the ring 220 is formed from a first ring half 222 and a second ring half 224, and the clamp section which extends from the ring 220 is similarly formed from a first clamp section half 252 and a second clamp section half 254. At the end opposite the clamp section 240, or "lower" end, the ring halves 222, 224 each include a counter-bored through-hole 232, 234. The through-holes 232, 234 have a common axis when the mounting ring 210 has been assembled, for receiving a fastener such as a rivet, screw or bolt 290 (Figure 32). As best seen in Figures 19 and 20, the clamp section 240 includes a first slot 242 and a second slot 242 for grasping respective portions 312, 314 of the rib 310 of the tonneau cover 300 (Figure 32).

In Figures 25-29, only a single mounting ring half 212 is depicted, as the two ring mounting assembly halves 212, 214 are identical. As best seen in Figures 25, 26 and 28, each mounting ring half 212 includes both a ring alignment tab 226 and a ring alignment slot 228 formed at one end (the "lower" end) of the respective ring half 222, 224 and extending inwardly when the mounting ring 210 is assembled. The ring alignment tab 226 and the ring alignment slot 228 are sized and positioned so that the ring alignment slot 228 of each of the mounting ring halves 212, 214 will receive the ring alignment tab 226 of the other mounting ring half 214, 212 when the mounting ring 210 is assembled.

Similarly, as best seen in Figures 26-28 each of the mounting ring halves 212, 214 includes a respective lock tab 256 extending inwardly toward the other mounting assembly half 214, 212 when the mounting ring 210 is assembled. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, each of the mounting ring halves 212, 214 also includes a respective lock tab pocket 260 extending inwardly toward the other mounting assembly half 214, 212 when the mounting ring 210 is assembled. The lock tab 256 and the lock tab pocket 260 are sized and positioned so that the lock tab pocket 260 of each of the mounting ring halves 212, 214 will receive the lock tab 256 of the other mounting ring half 214, 212 when the mounting ring 210 is assembled.

The lock tab 256 includes a generally rectangular engagement projection 258 extending outwardly from a generally triangular inwardly extending alignment section 257. As best seen in Figure 25, each lock tab pocket 260 includes a generally rectangular lock tab aperture2 68 formed in the clamp section 240.

As best seen in Figures 25, 26 and 28, the clamp section 240 of each of the halves 212, 214 also includes a shallow generally rectangular inner recess 272 and a shallow generally rectangular outer recess 276. The inner recess 272 and the outer recess 276 are sized and positioned so that when the mounting ring halves are assembled together, the inner recesses 272 form the first slot 242 and the outer recesses 274 form the second slot for grasping the tonneau cover. To assemble the two mounting ring halves 212, 214, the two halves 212,

214 are brought together so that they are perpendicular to one another (not shown). The respective engagement projection 258 of each of the halves 212, 214 is aligned with the respective lock tab aperture 268 of the other half 214, 212, and the two halves 212, 214 are rotated toward each other. When used in connection with the draw down latch 10, one of the halves 212, 214 is arranged to pass through one of the mounting apertures 24, 78 as the halves 212, 214 are rotated together. As the halves 212, 214 are rotated, each of the lock tabs 256 of each of the halves 212, 214 pass through the respective lock tab apertures 268 and into the lock tab pocket 260 of the other half 214, 212. As the rotation is completed, each of the ring alignment tabs 226 of each of the halves 212, 214 passes into the respective ring alignment slots 228 of the other half 214, 212. A fastener 290 such as a rivet, screw or bolt is then passed through the ring fastener through holes 232, 324 of the halves and secured, so that the outward rotation of the two halves 212, 214 with respect to one another is prevented. A mounting ring 210 interlocked with one of the apertures of the draw down latch 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 33, the combination thus providing a tonneau cover attachment device 400.

As can be seen, for example, in Figs. 19, 20, 25 and 27, both the ring 220 and the clamp section 240 include respective coring 230, 280 to enhance the moldability of the mounting ring halves 212, 214. An inner wall 212 separates the clamp section coring 280 from the lock tab pocket 260.

Various other modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A draw down latch for securing a tonneau cover to a truck bed, the truck bed and the tonneau cover including anchor points for the draw down latch, the draw down latch comprising: a latch mount including means for securing the latch to a first anchor point; a latch strap including means for securing the latch to a second anchor point, and a lever pivotably affixed to the latch mount at a first axis and pivotably affixed to the latch strap at a second axis parallel to the first axis, the first axis being spaced from the second axis, the lever being rotatable between an open position and a closed position

2. A draw down latch according to claim 1 wherein the latch mount comprises a latch mount body and a pair of spaced, parallel legs extending from the latch mount body, the latch mount body including the means for securing the first anchor point; the lever rotating between the legs of the latch mount when the lever is rotated between the open and closed positions.

3. A draw down latch according to claim 1 wherein the lever includes a channel for receiving the latch strap when the lever is in the closed position.

4. A draw down latch according to claim 1 further comprising means for locking the draw down latch in the closed position.

5. A draw down latch according to claim 4 wherein the locking means comprises at least one locking tab formed on the lever for engaging the latch mount when the draw down latch is in the closed position.

6. A draw down latch according to claim 5 wherein the lever includes means for biasing the at least one locking tab against the latch mount.

7. A draw down latch according to claim 4 wherein the draw down latch further comprises means for releasing the locking means, thereby permitting the lever to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

8. A draw down latch according to claim 7, wherein the locking means comprises at least one locking tab, the lever including means for biasing the at least one locking tab against the latch mount, and the means for releasing the locking means including a release lever for deforming the means for biasing the at least one locking tab to disengage the at least one locking tab from the latch mount.

9. A draw down latch according to claim 1 wherein the latch strap is formed from an elastomeric material.

10. A draw down latch according to claim 1 wherein the means for securing the latch to the first and second anchor points includes at least one mounting aperture and a mounting ring for securing the latch to a tonneau cover having an opening formed therein proximate an edge thereof, the mounting ring comprising a ring section for receiving the elastic cord or latch, and a clamp section for grasping the tonneau cover proximate the opening; the ring section of the mounting ring extending through a mounting aperture.

11. A draw down latch according to claim 10 wherein the mounting ring comprises a pair of identical, symmetric, interlocking mounting ring halves.

12. A draw down latch according to claim 11 wherein each mounting ring half includes a ring alignment tab and a ring alignment slot, the ring alignment slot of each mounting ring half receiving the ring alignment tab of the other mounting ring half when the mounting ring is assembled.

13. A mounting ring for securing an elastic cord or latch to a tonneau cover having an aperture formed therein proximate an edge thereof, the mounting ring comprising a ring section for receiving the elastic cord or latch, and a clamp section for grasping the tonneau cover proximate the aperture.

14. A mounting ring according to claim 13 wherein the mounting ring comprises a pair of identical, symmetric, interlocking mounting ring halves.

15. A mounting ring according to claim 14 wherein each mounting ring half includes a ring alignment tab and a ring alignment slot, the ring alignment slot of each mounting ring half receiving the ring alignment tab of the other mounting ring half when the mounting ring is assembled.

16. A method for securing a tonneau cover to a truck bed, the tonneau cover and truck bed having anchor points, the method comprising: securing a draw down latch to a first anchor point, the draw down latch comprising: a latch mount including means for securing the latch to a first anchor point; a latch strap including means for securing the latch to a second anchor point, and a lever pivotably affixed to the latch mount at a first axis and pivotably affixed to the latch strap at a second axis parallel to the first axis, the first axis being spaced from the second axis, the lever being rotatable between an open position and a closed position; securing the draw down latch to a second anchor point; and rotating the lever of the draw down latch from the open position to the closed position.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the latch mount comprises a latch mount body and a pair of spaced, parallel legs extending from the latch mount body, the latch mount body including the means for securing the first anchor point; the lever rotating between the legs of the latch mount when the lever is rotated between the open and closed positions.

18. A method according to claim 16 wherein the lever includes a channel for receiving the latch strap when the lever is in the closed position.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the draw down latch further comprises means for locking the draw down latch in the closed position.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the locking means comprises at least one locking tab formed on the lever for engaging the latch mount when the draw down latch is in the closed position.

21. A method according to claim 19 wherein the lever includes means for biasing the at least one locking tab against the latch mount.

22. A method according to claim 19 wherein the draw down latch further comprises means for releasing the locking means, thereby permitting the lever to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

23. A method according to claim 21, wherein the locking means comprises at least one locking tab, the lever including means for biasing the at least one locking tab against the latch mount, and the means for releasing the locking means including a release lever for deforming the means for biasing the at least one locking tab to disengage the at least one locking tab from the latch mount.

24. A method according to claim 15 wherein the latch strap is formed from an elastomeric material.