WO2001012925A1

WO2001012925A1 - Double console latch

Info

Publication number: WO2001012925A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/040667
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lianli Ji
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-08-17
Filing date: 2000-08-17
Publication date: 2001-02-22
Also published as: AU7882000A; WO2001012925A9

Abstract

A console latch (10) for securing a first console closure panel (101) to a first compartment bin (102) and for securing the first compartment bin to a second compartment bin (103), the latch including housing, a first latching element (12) and a second latching element (14) with a first actuator (20) regulating the release of a first pawl member (26) and a second actuator (21) regulating the release of a second pawl member (27), a locking member (30) being carried on the housing for selectively locking the first latching element and second latching elements, each latching element including a spring element to bias a respective pawl to an engaged position, whereby the first latching element and second latching element can each be selectively actuated to secure and release from a corresponding keeper, including slam action latching.

Description

DOUBLE CONSOLE LATCH

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Number 60/149,380, Filed August 17, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of latch assemblies, and more particularly, to a console latch.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Console latches are generally used to secure the cover of a compartment such as, for example, a console in a vehicle. Often, a console consists of a container, which is swingably hinged between passenger seats to swing out of the way when the vehicle operator or passenger desires. Often, the consoles can store objects therein such as loose change, sunglasses, maps, pens, paper and other articles, which the driver and/or passengers may find it necessary to use. In addition, some consoles also include cup holders, which may be integrally molded therein or can comprise a foldout member, which can be unfolded to form a cup-holding device. It is desirable to maintain the console cover in a closed position to secure contents therein when the vehicle is being operated. In some instances, it is also desirable to lift the console from a horizontal position to a vertical position and have the console lid and container body move together so that the contents are secured inside. It is known to provide a depressible latching device, which can secure a console lid to the console body and be opened as the vehicle operator or passenger desires by depression of a latch button. There are, however, consoles which employ more complex configurations that simply a cover and console body. The console, its cover and body themselves, may also operate as a unit to cover yet another compartment body which can store additional articles. In such an arrangement, often the second container compartment is merely covered by the adjacent positioning of the console cover and first console compartment, which swing into and out of position to cover the contents.

There is a need for a double console latch, which can provide an improvement over the prior art latches, which will permit dual latching functions to regulate the opening and securing of a first cover with respect to a first compartment and a second cover with respect to a second compartment

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel latch, which can secure a closure cover to a first compartment and can secure the first compartment to a second compartment to act as a cover thereof. The latch of the present invention has a housing, which carries a first latching element, and a base with a second latching element. Each latching element engages with a respective keeper member. While the housing receives the second latching element, the second latching element, preferably, is secured to a separate panel or mounting surface, such as a second compartment enclosure so the housing may be lifted with the first latching element leaving behind the second latching element, which is secured to a lower second compartment. The lower latching element may be secured to a keeper, which can consist of the compartment itself, or a keeper installed on the compartment. The first element similarly, is retained by a keeper, which preferably is provided on the second latching element. A first actuation member is provided for actuation of the first latching element and a second actuation member is provided for actuation of the second latching element. Each actuation member preferably comprises a handle, which can be lifted to release a pawl from engagement with a corresponding, respective keeper member. Each respective actuation member is separately operable. Actuation is accomplished, with respect to the first latching element by lifting the actuation member or handle to move the first pawl rearwardly, against the bias of a torsion spring, in relation to the housing to release the first pawl from engagement with a keeper. The second or lower latching element is also lifted to release a second pawl, against the bias of a second torsion spring, from engagement with a keeper. The latching elements are independently operable in relation to one another, so that one, or the other, or both compartments can be independently secured or latched. Preferably, the latching action of the first latching element and the second latching element is slam-action type latching, such that the closing of an open panel forces a pawl into secured engagement with a keeper.

Preferably locking means such as a lock cylinder is provided to regulate the opening of at least one, or preferably both, of the latching elements. Preferably, the locking means is disposed on the housing and can be selectively engaged with a key, or other locking device, to prevent release of the first and second latching elements. The locking means can comprise a locking member which can be translated by a lock cylinder to selectively interfere with, and stop the lifting of, the actuation members. The double console latch can also be locked with the pawl released from engagement with its keeper, such that if the latch is locked after the pawl has been released, the latch will lock after slam latching engagement of the pawl with a keeper.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a latch, which is useful for securing dual compartments of a console in a vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a latch, which includes a spring biased pawl member, which can be released from engagement with a keeper by the actuation of an actuation member.

It is another object of the present invention to provide separately actuated pawl members, which are each independently operable by respective associated actuation members.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a first handle and a second handle for regulating the actuation of a first pawl member and a second pawl member, respectively, wherein each handle is lifted to move a pawl against a spring bias and open a closure panel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a console latch having a locking mechanism, which can selectively be positioned to prevent actuation of one or more latching elements.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a console latch, which can be positioned between a dual compartment console for regulating access to one or more compartment bins of a multi-tiered bin.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spring mechanism to return the actuation member or handle to its original position after latching has occurred. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism, which locks the handle of a latching element to prevent disengagement of a secured pawl from a respective keeper.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a first latching element and a second latching element, respectively, with a first actuating member and a second actuating member, which can be stopped by a locking member.

BRTEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a parallel perspective view of a double console latch according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the latch of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the latch of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the latch of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a left side elevation view of the latch of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a right side cross-sectional view of the latch of Fig. 1 taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a parallel perspective view of the double console latch shown in Figs. 1- 6, but shown only with the top latching element.

Fig. 8 is a front elevation view of the latch shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a parallel perspective view showing the rear of the latch of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the latch shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view of the latch shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 12 is a left side cross-sectional view of the latch shown in Fig. 7, taken along the line 12-12 of Fig. 8. Fig. 13 is a parallel perspective view of the bottom latching element of the double console latch shown in Figs. 1-6.

Fig. 14 is a parallel perspective view looking at the bottom latching element of Fig. 3, but turned upside down and rotated. Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the bottom latching element shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view of the bottom latching element shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 17 is a right side elevation view of the bottom latching element shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 18 is a right side sectional view of the bottom latching element taken along the line 18-18 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 19 is a parallel perspective view of the latch according to the present invention, shown in the locked position, and without the housing.

Fig. 20 is a parallel perspective view looking at the rear of the latch of the present invention, shown in the unlocked position. Fig. 21 is a parallel perspective view of the latch according to the present invention shown installed in a console.

Fig. 22 is a parallel perspective view showing the console tray with the second latching element installed thereon.

Figs. 23-28 show views of the latch according to the present invention, specifically, highlighting particular elements of the latch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now being made to Fig. 1, a double console latch 10 according to the present invention is shown. The double console latch 10 has a housing 11 on which a first or upper latching element 12 is mounted. The double console latch 10 further includes a second or lower latching element 13 with mounting means for mounting the second or lower latching element 13 to a mounting surface, such as, for example, the console, or cover panel of the second compartment, to regulate access to the second console compartment. Mounting means is preferably shown comprising mounting pins 15, 16 disposed downwardly and extending from the base 17 of the second or lower latching element 13. As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 11 has a space 14 disposed therein, for accommodating the first latching element 12 and the second latching element 13 therein. The actuating means is shown preferably comprising a first actuating means, such as the handle 20 of the first latching element 12 and a second actuating means such as the handle 21 of the second latching element 13.

The housing 11 is provided with mounting means for mounting the housing 11 to a console, such as, for example the console 100 (Fig. 21) in which a cover member 101 is regulated by the first latching element 12 to regulate entry into a first console compartment tray 102, and wherein the first console compartment tray 102 preferably forms the top cover of a second console compartment 103. The second latching element 13 regulates access to the second console compartment 103 (Figs. 21 and 22).

Preferably, the housing 11 is provided with mounting means for mounting the housing to the console cover member 101. The housing mounting means can comprise mounting flanges, such as those 22, 23 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 11. The mounting flanges 22, 23 preferably are shown having mounting apertures 24, 25 respectively through which bolts, rivets, screws or the like may be inserted to secure the housing to a console (not shown). Similarly, as shown best in Figs. 10 and 11, the housing 11 can have mounting holes 28, 29 for further securing the housing 11 to a console cover 101.

Referring to the side view of Fig. 6, the first latching element 12 is associated with a first pawl member 26 and the second latching element 13 is associated with a second pawl member 27. The second latching element 13 includes a keeper 30, which the first pawl 26 of the first latching element 12 engages to secure the first compartment cover to which the housing 11 is mounted.

The first pawl member 26 includes a pair of pivot arms 31, 32 which extend outwardly on opposite sides thereof and which connect the first pawl 26 with the first handle 20. The housing 11 further has pawl stop means for stopping the further rotation of the first pawl member 26, and for facilitating the release of the pawl 26 from engagement with the keeper 30. Preferably, the pawl stop means is shown comprising a first stop member 33 provided on the housing to extend in front of the pawl 26, as shown best in Fig. 9. A torsion spring 34 is provided to bias the pawl 26 toward its locked position relative to the keeper 30, and thus toward the stop 33.

The first handle 20 is pivotally connected to the housing 11, and as shown in Fig. 19, has a pair of pivot recesses 35, 36 disposed on opposite sides thereof for connection with pivot bosses on the housing 11, which, although not shown, are disposed on housing flanges 36, 37, respectively (Fig. 9). As shown in Figs. 6 and 12, the first pawl torsion spring 34 has ends, which are received in the notch 40, 41 provided on each side of the first handle 20.

The second latching element 13 is shown in Figs. 13 through 18, comprising a second handle 21, which is pivotally connected to a base 17, and a second pawl member 27 pivotally connected to the base 17. The second pawl member 27 preferably is shown with pivot arms 43, 44 extending outwardly therefrom on opposite sides thereof and are received in pivot recesses (not shown) provided on the base 17. A second torsion spring 45 biases the second pawl 27 into engagement with a keeper (not shown) of the second compartment. The base 17 preferably has pivot bosses 49a, 49b, which extend into the pivot recesses 59a, 59b, respectively of the second handle 21.

As best shown in Fig. 18, the second handle 21 preferably has a finger 46, which is positioned to engage the second pawl 27, and retract the second pawl 27 from engagement with a keeper (not shown) when the second handle 21 is lifted. Referring to Figs. 13 and 16, a stop element 47 is provided on the base 17 to regulate the forward movement of the second pawl 27, the second pawl 27 being biased by the second torsion spring 45.

In addition to the posts 15, 16, mounting means can also comprise mounting bores such as, for example, the bores 50, 51 (Figs. 13, 14 and 16).

Preferably, locking means is provided to selectively lock the first latching element 12 and the second latching element 13 to secure a corresponding compartment from unauthorized access. The locking means preferably can comprise a lock cylinder 60, which is disposed in a bore of the housing 11. A locking member 62 is provided to be selectively positionable to interfere with the first handle 20 and the second handle 21 to prevent the release of the first pawl member 26 from the keeper 30 and the second pawl member 27 from a corresponding keeper (not shown). The locking member 62 has a body 63 with a slot 64 disposed therein. The lock cylinder 60 has a pin 65 which is positioned in the slot 64 and which translates the locking member 62 toward the first and second pawl members 26, 27, respectively, when the lock cylinder 60 is locked. Referring to Figs. 19 and 20, the locking member 62 has a first arm 66 and a second arm 67. The first locking member arm 66 is shown in Fig. 9, clearing the first handle 20 and residing in the unlocked position. As shown in Fig. 11, the locking member first arm 66 can be translated to protrude in front of the engaging notch 70 of the first handle 20 to prevent the first handle 20 from rotating to release the first pawl 26.

Similarly, the second locking member arm 67 is also projected in front of the second handle engaging notch 71 (Fig. 19) to prevent the second handle 21 from rotating to release the second pawl 27. The locking member 62, as shown in Fig. 20, is disposed between an upper track

74 and a lower track 75 of the housing 11 for horizontal movement relative thereto. Alternately, while not shown, the tracks may include a releasable stop member or tab to secure the locking member 62 to the housing 11.

The double console latch 10 according to the present invention can be installed in connection with the console 100 shown in Fig. 21. The console 100, for example, can comprise a first console compartment cover 101 and a first console compartment tray 102. The first console compartment tray 102 (Fig. 22) preferably forms the top cover of a second console compartment 103. The second latching element 13 regulates access to the second console compartment 103. The console, for example, can comprise an automobile console, which is generally located between seats.

It will be further understood that while the actuator is shown as a liftable handle, a push button actuator may also be utilized. These and other advantages of the present invention will be understood by a reading of the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures and the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A double console latch comprising: a) a housing further comprising: 1) a first latching element;

2) means for mounting said first latching element on said housing;

3) means for receiving a second latching element;

4) a first pawl member; wherein said first pawl member engages a first keeper; 5) a first stop member;

6) a bore for accommodating a lock cylinder;

7) an upper track and a lower track for accommodating a locking member; and

8) means for biasing a first handle in a latched position; b) a base further comprising;

1) said second latching element pivotally connecting to said base and wherein said second latching element further comprises said first keeper and a second handle;

2) means for mounting said second latching element on an external mounting surface;

3) a second pawl member pivotally connected to said base;

4) a stop element; and

5) means for biasing said second handle in a latched position; c) means for connecting said second pawl member to said base; d) means for locking said double console latch comprising said locking member; wherein said locking member further comprises said lock cylinder; e) means for actuating said double console latch from a latched to an unlatched position; and f) a second keeper

2. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said first latching element selectively engages with said first keeper, wherein said first latching element reciprocating between a latched position and an unlatched position.

3. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said second latching element selectively engages with said second keeper, wherein said second latching element reciprocating between a latched position and an unlatched position.

4. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said means for biasing said first handle in said latched position comprises a first torsion spring.

5. The double console latch of claim 4, wherein said first torsion spring biases said first pawl member toward a locked position relative to said first keeper, and toward direction of said first stop member.

6. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said locking member is translated by said lock cylinder to selectively interfere with a first actuation member and a second actuation member; wherein said locking member further comprises a body with a slot disposed therein, a first locking member arm, and a second locking member arm; wherein said first locking member arm translates in front of an engaging notch of said first handle, and wherein said second locking member arm translates in front of an emerging notch of said second handle.

7. The double console latch of claim 6, wherein said lock cylinder comprises a pin, which is positioned in said slot of said locking member, thereby translating said locking member toward said first pawl member and said second pawl member when said lock cylinder is in a locked position.

8. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said external mounting surface comprises a console.

9. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said external mounting surface comprises a cover panel of a second console compartment.

10. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said means for mounting said second latching element on said external mounting surface comprises a plurality of mounting pins extending from said base.

11. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said means for actuating said double console latch from a latched to an unlatched position comprises a first actuation member comprising said first handle, and a second actuation member comprising said second handle.

12. The double console latch of claim 11, wherein said first handle is connected to said first latching element.

13. The double console latch of claim 11, wherein said second handle is connected to said second latching element.

14. The double console latch of claim 8, wherein said housing further comprises means for mounting said housing to said console.

15. The double console latch of claim 14, wherein said console further comprises a cover member, a first console compartment tray, and a second console compartment tray, wherein said housing is mounted to said cover member.

16. The double console latch of claim 15, wherein said first latching element regulates entry into said first console compartment tray, and wherein said second latching element regulates entry into said second console compartment tray.

17. The double console latch of claim 14, wherein said means for mounting said housing to said console comprises a plurality of mounting flanges disposed on opposite sides of said housing, wherein said mounting flanges further comprises apertures for accommodating securing means for securing said housing to said console.

18. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said first pawl member comprises a plurality of pivot arms, wherein said plurality of pivot arms extending outwardly from said first pawl member.

19. The double console latch of claim 18, wherein said plurality of pivot arms connects said first pawl member to said first handle.

20. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said means for connecting said second pawl member to said base comprises a plurality of pivot arms extending from said second pawl member and received in said pivot recesses of said base.

21. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said base further comprises a plurality of pivot bosses, wherein said pivot bosses extend into a plurality of pivot recesses of said second handle.

22. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said means for biasing said second handle in said latched position comprises a second torsion spring.

23. The double console latch of claim 1, wherein said second handle comprises a finger, wherein said finger engages said second pawl member, and retracts said second pawl member from engagement with said second keeper.

24. The double console latch of claim 22, wherein said second torsion spring biases said second pawl member, whereby said stop element regulates forward movement of said second pawl member.

25. A double console latch comprising: a) a housing further comprising:

1) a first latching element;

2) a first handle pivotally connected to said housing;

3) holes for accommodating securing means for securing said first handle to a console cover; 4) means for receiving a second latching element;

5) a first pawl member adapted to engage a first keeper;

6) a first stop member;

7) pawl stop means for stopping rotation of said first pawl member and for facilitating release of said first pawl member from engagement with a first keeper;

8) means for biasing said first handle in a latched position comprising a first torsion spring, further comprising a pair of ends; and

9) a plurality of housing flanges comprising a plurality of pivot bosses; b) a base further comprising; 1) said second latching element wherein the second latching element further comprises said first keeper and a second handle;

3) a second pawl member; 4) a stop element; and

5) means for biasing said second handle in a latched position comprising a second torsion spring; c) means for locking said double console latch comprising a locking member; wherein said means for locking said double console latch further comprises a lock cylinder; d) means for actuating said double console latch from a latched to an unlatched position. e) a first compartment cover; f) a second compartment cover; and g) a second keeper.

26. The double console latch of claim 25, wherein said first pawl member engages said first keeper to secure said first compartment cover.

27. The double console latch of claim 25, wherein said pawl stop means comprises a first stop member.

28. The double console latch of claim 25, wherein said first handle comprises a plurality of notches, and a plurality of pivot recesses disposed on opposite sides of said first handle.

29. The double console latch of claim 25, wherein said plurality of pivot recesses connect with a plurality of pivot bosses on said housing.

30. The double console latch of claim 25, wherein said plurality of notches on said first handle accommodates said pair of ends of said first torsion spring.