WO2001020626A2

WO2001020626A2 - Remote latching mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2001020626A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/025616
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard B. Langkamp, Jr.; D. Dale Turner; Joseph Compton
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-09-17
Filing date: 2000-09-15
Publication date: 2001-03-22
Also published as: WO2001020626A3; AU7590000A

Abstract

A latch assembly comprises a two piece housing (62a', 62b'), a crank (72') within the housing for limited rotational movement therein, link members (80') connected to the crank and a pawl (94') connected to the link members where the pawl is selectively movable between latched and unlatched positions in response to rotational movement of the crank. The two piece housing includes opposing side walls, an end wall and mounting holes where the two piece housing forms a single integral housing by a sheet metal seam along the end wall of the housing.

Description

REMOTE LATCHING MECHANTSM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of latching mechanisms, and more

particuiariv to the rϊeid of remote latching mechanisms. A remote latching

mechanism, as the term is used herein, is a latching mechanism in wnich the latching action of the mechanism occurs at a location remote from the latch actuator part of the

mechanism. Many types of remote latching mechanisms are known and used in the aπ

One of the most common tvpes is the garage door mechanism located inside the garage door, wherein a centrally located latch actuator assembly, which usually consists of a hanαie Drotruding from the outside of the door and connected by an axle to the mechanism on the inside of the door, is connected in an offset fashion to one end of a pair of latching Dars with each bar traversing the inside of the garage door horizontally and in ODposite directions The otner end of each of the latching bars terminates lust short of the inside edge of the respective sides of the garage door, where it is usuailv retained in a Keeper, when the latching mechanism is in an open

position. To latch the mechanism, the handle is rotated which causes the latching bars

or rods to extend laterally into a detent or cutout provided on a frame which usuailv is

located on the inside of the garage wall and next to each of the respective sides of the

garage door .Another type of remote latch mechanism is disclosed in co-pending U S Pat. application Ser. No. 100.623. filed Sept. 24. 1987. now U.S Pat. No. 4.893.849. issued Jan. 16. 1990 for REMOTE LATCHING MECHANISM, which disclosure is incorporated herein bv reference As is discussed in fuller detail in the above referenced application, distinction can be made between compression type remote latching mechanisms, and non-compression type remote latching mechanisms, with the compression t\pe remote latching mechanism tvpicallv providing greater secuπty and precision in the latched position

Additional lv a remote latching mechanism of the type disclosed herein is cleariv described in U S Patent Nos 5.064.228 and U S Patent No 4.880.261, the complete specifications of which are incorporated bv reference herein However, there are disadvantages to these designs mandated bv the structure bv which these latches were heretofore constructed Due to a one piece housing in this design, the three pivot pins of these designs were pressed into place to secure the latch assembly together Use of roller pins in place of pressed in pins is beneficial in that wear of the various parts of the latch mav be significantly reduced The present invention which has a unique two piece housing provides a design that allows use of roller pins instead of the pressed in pins thereby allowing for manv more cvcles of operation

Moreover the present design for the two piece housing also allows for use of a one-piece crank Again when the latch is cvcled numerous times, it is possible that the old design w hich mandated a three piece crank might separate causing failure of the latch The present two-piece housing allows for use of a one piece crank, therebv eliminating this particular failure mode

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a remote latching mechanism which provides a high degree of precision and security, whether used as a compression type remote latching mechanism or alternatively, used as a non-compression type remote latching svstem The remote latching mechanism is particularlv suited for use in securing closure members to a frame, such as cabinets or like structures

The latch assembly comprises a two piece housing, a crank disposed within the housing for limited rotational movement therein, link members connected to the crank, and a pawl connected to the link members The pawl is selectively movable between latched and unlatched positions in response to rotational movement of the crank The two piece housing has opposing side walls, an end wall and a mounting means for mounting the housing to a surface, and is formed into a single integral housing by a sheet metal seam along the end wall of the housing

The latch assembly housing is affixed to the inside of the door A crank, a pair of link members connected to the crank, a pawl support member connected to the links, and a pawl is affixed to the support member The crank is in operable engagement ith a connecting rod whereby upon rotation of the rod. the pawl is pivoted and slid between latched and unlatched positions The link members, forming the operative connection between the crank and the pawl comprise over-center members to prov ide positive latching action

It is a feature of the present invention that the actuator assembly actuates the latch assembly through the rotation of the connecting means about its longitudinal axis In the preferred embodiments, this feature allows for the use of a continuous rod as the connecting means for a plurality of latch assemblies operable bv actuation of a single actuator assembly It should be noted, however, that a non-continuous rod or other tvpe of connecting means rather than a continuous connecting means could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention Accordinglv it is an obiect of the present invention to provide a remote latching mechanism that can be used as either a compression or non-compression remote latching mechanism

It is a runner object of the present invention to provide a remote latch mechanism wherein the latch assemblv is actuated through an elongate connecting means which rotates about its longitudinal axis

It is a further obiect of the present invention to provide a remote latching mechanism wherein a plurahtv of latch assemblies mav depend from a connecting rod and are actuated b\ a single actuating means It is still another obiect of the invention to provide a remote latching mechanism hav ing positi e over-center latching action

It is vet another obiect of the invention to provide a remote latching mechanism which is economical to manufacture and easv to install

It is a further ooject of this invention to provide a secure remote latching mechanism hich has an aestheticallv pleasing appearance when viewed from the outside

It is v et another object ot the invention to accomplish the above objects bv providing a remote latching mechanism having a longitudinal connecting means, actuating means for rotating the connecting means about its longitudinal axis, and at least one latch mechanism operablv engaged with the connecting means for actuation of a latching pawl in response to rotational movement of the connecting means

It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote latching device that allows tor inexpensive and fast assemblv

It is another obiect of the present invention to provide a remote latching device -^s -

that will provide longer use than previous remote latching devices under normal use

It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote latching device using parts that have better wear characteπstics than previous remote latching devices These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the an upon a further reading of the specification, including the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings and the appended claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention. as applied to a cabinet or the like, comprising a handle assemblv connecting rod. and two latch assemblies

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the handle assemblv along line 2 — 2 of FIG 1, with the handle in an unlatched position being shown in phantom.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the handle assemblv taken along line 3 — 3 of FIG 2.

FIG. 4 is an elevational. partly sectioned, view of the latch assemblv taken along line 4 — \ of FIG 1

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the latch assemblv as seen along line 5 — 5 of FIG 1 , showing the latch assemblv in a latched position. FIG. 5A is a sectional view, similar to FIG 5. showing the latch assemblv in the unlatched position

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, isolated view of the connection between the pawl and pawl support illustrating the adjustability feature of the pawl.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the pawl and pawl support, similar to FIG 6 with the orientation of the pawl being reversed to accommodate for greater door and frame dimensions.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of an alternate actuation means for

actuating the latch assemblies of FIG 1. which may be used in lieu of or in addition to the handle assemblv,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the actuating assembly of the present invention, shown affixed to a panel.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the embodiment of the actuator assembly of FIG 9.

FIG. 1 1 is a sectional view of the actuator assembly, as seen along line 1 1 — 1 1 of FIG 10.

FIG 1 1 A is a perspective view of one actuator hub usable in the embodiments of FIGS 9-16

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the actuator assembly, as seen along line 12 — 12 of FIG 10 FIG. 13 is a top plan view, partiallv sectioned, of the actuator assembly of

FIGS ^Q- 12. particularly illustrating the application of torque to the actuator hub which, in this case, is of a tamper-resistant design.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an actuator hub usable in the embodiments of FIGS 9- 16. particularly illustrating the tamper-resistant construction of the hub. FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the actuator assembly, particularly illustrating the structure of the cup for attachment bv means of a spring clip,

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the actuator assemblv. as seen along line 15 — 15 of FIG 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view from the rear of the actuator assemblv of FIG 15,

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the lever-type embodiment of the

actuator assemblv

FIG. 18 is a front view of the lever-type embodiment of the actuator assembly, shown affixed to a closure member, with the connecting means being illustrated in phantom, and

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the lever-tvpe actuator assembly as seen along line 19— 19 of FIG 18

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the latch assemblv

of FIG 4

FIG. 21 is a top view of the latch assembly of FIG 20

FIG. 22 is an end v iew of the latch assembly of FIG 20

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of a pawl support as used on the latch assemblv of FIG 20 FIG. 24 is a cross sectional side view of a pawl as used on the latch assemblv of FIG 20

FIG. 25 is a an eno v iew of the pawl of FIG 24

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the pawl of FIG 24

FIG. 27 is a front view of a link member of the latching assembly of FIG 20 FIG. 28 is a side view of the link member of FIG 27

FIG. 29 is perspective view of a 1st transverse pin as used on the latch assembly of FIG 20

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a 2nd transverse pin as used on the latched assemblv of FIG 20 FIG. 31 is a perspectiv e view of a 3rd transverse pin as used on the latch

assembly of FIG 20

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a one piece crank as used on the latch

assembly of FIG 20 FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a pawl support as used on the latch assembly

of FIG 20

FIG. 34 is a front, partiallv cut awav view of a first part of the two piece housing as used on the latch assemblv of FIG 20

FIG. 35 is a side view of a first part of the two piece housing of FIG 34 FIG. 36 is a tront v iew of a second part of the two piece housing of FIG 20

FIG. 37 is a side v iew of the second part of the two piece housing of FIG 20

FIG. 38 is a top view of the second part of the two piece housing of FIG 20

FIG. 39 is a top view of the first part of the two piece housing of FIG 20

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reterence first being made to FIG 1 one embodiment of the remote latching mechanism in accordance with the present invention is illustrated therein installed on a tvpical cabinet structure 10 having an openable door 12 and a stationary frame 14 In the particular embodiment shown in FIG 1 the remote latching mechanism comprises a handle assemblv 20 a single continuous connecting rod 50 connected to handle assemblv 20 and verticallv disposed on the inside of door 12. and two latch assemblies 60 connected to the connecting rod at spaced locations along the rod 50 from the handle assemblv 20 In the view shown in FIG 1 handle assemblv 20 is in the closed position and latch assemblies 50 are in the latched position, wherebv the door 12 is securely retained against frame 14

With reference now being made to FIGS 1 -3. handle assemblv 20 comprises a bath-tub shaped cup member 22 having outwardlv-turned edges to form a peripheral

flange 24 on the outside of the cup 22 The cup 22 is adapted for being inserted within a suitable aperture 16 in door 12. wnereby peripheral flange 24 is disposed substantially flush with the outer surface of door 12 (See FIGS 2-3) Cup 22 is held within aperture 16 of door 12 bv bracket 26 which, as seen in FIG 3 is a substantially U-shaped member and is adapted to engage the inside surface of the door 12

As seen in FIGS 2 and 3 bracket 26 is secured to cup 22 bv a screw 28 or other suitable fastener which traverses bracket 26 and is received within boss 30 ot cup 22 In this arrangement, which is perhaps best seen in FIG 3 door 12 is clamped between bracket 26 and peripheral flange 24 of cup 22. wherebv cup 22 is securely held within aperture 16 of the door In other words, door 12 is held in sandwich relation between bracket 26 and peripheral flange 24 Pivotallv connected to cup 22 of handle assemblv 20 is handle 32 which, as seen in FIG 2 ib an irregular shaped member having a substantially flat section 34 which terminates at a location intermediate boss 30 of frame 22 and the end wall ot cup 22. such that a space is created within cup 22 to accommodate the fingers of the user of the latch mechanism To facilitate the pivoting of handle 32 the finger- engageable surtace of flat section 34 mav be provided with serrations 36 as seen in FIG 2

Adiacent flat section 34 handle 32 is provided with a substantially thickened section 38 Section 38 of handle 32 is pivotallv connected to cup 22 for pivoting of handle 32 relative to the cup Section 38 also forms the connection of handle 32 to connecting rod 50 for actuation of the latch assemblies 60. all of which will be described more fullv below As best seen in FIG 3. section 38 of handle 32 is provided with a transverse bore 40 which has a ventuπ-like shape when viewed along its longitudinal axis Disposed within bore 40 at the ends thereof are a pair of bushing members 42 which are secured within cup 22. whereby bushing members 42 comprise means for pivotallv connecting handle 32 to cup 22

Thickened section 3S is also provided with a peripheral abutment 44 which, when handle 32 is pivoted to its open position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. abuts against stop members 29 of cup 22 (see FIG 3) to limit the pivotal movement of handle 32 If desired, handle 32 may also be provided with an integral locking means, such as lock cylinder 46. as shown in FIG 2 Lock cylinder 46 is of known construction and operates in a known manner To lock the handle 32 in position, a rotatable locking tab 48 is provided which, when lock cylinder 46 is actuated, will rotate to engage boss 30 to prevent the pivoting of handle 32 relative to cup 22 and thus, as explained below, the actuation of latching mechanisms 60

Connecting rod 50. in the embodiment illustrated in the FIGS . is a continuous, elongate rod having a circular cross-sectional shape Although a connecting rod of such configuration is preferred for reasons of strength, economy of manufacture and ease of assemblv. it is to be understood that polygonal rods or flat bars are also suitable, if desired Furthermore, although the connecting rod 50 shown in the FIGS comprises a single continuous member engaging handle assembly 20 and both latching assemblies o0. it is to be understood that other configurations may be used, if desired, so long as at connecting rod 50 engages at least one actuator assembly and at least one latching assemblv With reference to FIGS 2 and 3. connecting rod 50 is disposed within bore 40 of handle 32 and in close-fit relation to bushing members 42 Set screw 43 in thickened section 38 of handle 32 maintains the connecting rod 50 within bore 40, whereby connecting rod 50 rotates about its cross-sectional center in response to the pivoting of handle 32 As seen in FIG 2. connecting rod 50 comprises the pivotal axis for the pivoting of handle 32 relative to cup 22

An alternative means for rotating connecting rod 50 is shown in FIG 8 and comprises a socket member 52 which is adapted to fit over a terminal end of rod 50 Socket member 52 is also provided with a set screw 54 which engages rod 50 wherebv rod 50 is rotatablv movable in response to the application of torque to socket member 52 As seen in FIG S. socket member 52 is provided with a suitably shaped recess 56 therein which is adapted to receive a suitably shaped tool, such as a hex key. for the application of torque to the socket member Socket member 52 is entirely optional, in accordance w ith the desires of the user of the present invention and mav be used in lieu of or in addition to the handle assemblv 20 as means for actuating latch assemblies 60 If socket member 52 is used, a suitable access w ill need to be provided in the cabinet 10 or other structure to which the invention is applied

With reference now being made to FIGS 4-7 the latch assemblv 60 of the present invention w ill now be described Latch assemblv 60. as seen in the FIGS . comprises a housing 62 having spaced-apart side walls 64 and a top wall 66 The lower edges of side walls 64 are turned outwardly to form mounting flanges 68 (see FIG 1 ) which flanges 68 comprise means for facilitating the mounting of housing 62 to the inside surface of door 12. such as bv screws 70 or like fastening means

Disposed within housing 62 between spaced-apart side wails 64 is a crank member 72 which, as seen in the FIGS . is provided with an aperture 74 therein into which is disposed sleeve 76 As seen in the FIGS . sleeve 76 is adapted to receive connecting rod 50 therein in close-fit relation and sleeve 76 is also in close-fit relation to crank 72 CranK ~2 is also provided with a set screw 78 which is positioned to engage sleeve 76 and connecting rod 50 In this arrangement, crank 72 rotates within housing 62 in response to rotational movement of connecting rod 50 ( See FIGS 5 and 5A ) Aperture b3 in top wall 66 of housing 62 facilitates the loosening and tightening of set screw 78

A pair of hnk memDers 80 are affixed to crank 72 by transverse pin 82. Link members 80. as seen in the FIGS . are substantially "hourglass^" or ^"figure-eighf shaped members and are movable in response to rotation of crank 72 As will be described more fully below , link members 80 comprise over-center members during operation of latch assemblv 60

Pivotallv connected to link members 80 bv transverse pin 84 is a pawl support 86 As seen in the FIGS . pawl support 86 is substantially triangular in shape and is provided with a transverse guide pin 88. the significance of which is described below The right-hand edge ( as viewed in the FIGS ) of pawl support 86 is provided with at least one. and preferably two tapped apertures 90. and is aiso preferably provided with small serrations 92 on the surtace thereof (See FIGS 4 and 6 ) Tapped apertures 90 facilitate the connection of pawl 94 to pawl support 86. such as by screw 96. or like fastener

Pawl 94. as seen in FIGS 4. 5 and 7. is a substantially L-shaped member having a short leg affixed to the pawl support 86 wherebv the long leg of pawl 94 extends beyond housing 62 To facilitate the adjustability of pawl 94 so as to accommodate for ariable door and frame dimensions and for different compression loads (such as hen a gasket is emploved between the door and frame of the structure), serrations 98 are provided on the short leg of pawl 94 Serrations 98 mate with serrations 92 of pawl support 86 (see FIG 6) to provide for incremental vertical adjustment of pawl 94 relative to pawl support 86 A slotted aperture 100 in pawl 94. through which screw 96 is disposed, further facilitates the adjustment of pawl 94 relative to pawl support 86 As seen in FIG 7. pawl 94 can be removed and reversed to accommodate for large door/gasket/frame dimensions, in which case the other tapped aperture 90 mav be used to secure pawl 94 to pawl support 86 Although in the preferred embodiment, the pawl and pawl support are two separate members and are provided with serrations on their mating surfaces, it is to be understood that the pawl and pawl support can also be formed together in a one-piece member, and need not be two separate pieces for the proper functioning of the invention In addition, it is to be understood that if a separate pawl and pawl support is used, the mating surfaces need not be serrated, but may be of a smooth texture The operation of the present invention will now be rullv described with particular reference to FIGS 2. 5 and 5 A When the remote latching mechanism oϊ^~ the present invention is the latched or closed position, handle 32 is in the position shown in solid lines in FIG 2 and pawl 94 is secured against frame 14. as seen in FIG. 5. wherebv door 12 is held firmlv closed To open door 12. the fingers of the user are inserted into the space in cup 22 of handle assemblv 20 to engage serrated surface 36 of handle 32 A simple lifting force is then exerted by the user, causing handle 32 to pivot, in the direction of arrow 101. into the open position illustrated in broken lines in FIG 2 Upon the pivoting of handle 32. connecting rod 50 will rotate counterclockwise about its longitudinal axis via its connection with handle 32 by set screw 43 The counterclockwise rotation of rod 50 will cause crank 72 to rotate counterclockwise in the direction of arrow 102. as seen in FIG 5. via the set screw 78 5 and sleeve 76 connection to rod 50 The rotation of crank 72. via pivot pin 82. will cause link members 80 to first pivot about transverse pin 84. and then to move leftwardlv as crank ~2 continues to rotate It is during the initial pivoting movement of links 80 that transverse pin 82 crosses the on-center position between rod 50 and pin 84 The movement of pin 84 is guided bv a pair of curved slots 104 in side walls

10 64 of housing 62 ( See FIG 4 )

Pawl support 86. being connected to link members 80 by pin 84 will undergo a sliding and pivoting motion as link members 80 and crank 72 are moved The movement of pawl support 86 is guided bv pins 84 and 88 being disposed in housing slots 104 and 106 lespectivelv The pivoting and sliding movement ot pawl support

1 5 86 will likewise cause pawl 94 to undergo similar movements, due to the rigid connection between them Thus, as seen in FIGS 5 and 5 A. pawl 94 will be pivoted in a counterclockw ise direction and out of contact with frame 14 Pawl 94 will then be slid leftwardlv so as to be partially retracted within housing 62 In this position, sufficient clearance is available between pawl 94 and frame 14 wherebv door 12 can 0 be opened in the direction of arrow 108 in FIG 5 A

To again latch the door 12 against the frame 14 handle 32 is pivoted in the clockwise direction ( as seen in FIG 2) which will cause a clockwise rotation of connecting rod 50 The clockwise rotation of rod 50 will, in turn, cause a clockwise rotation of ⁷2 which, through links 80 and pins 82.84 will cause pawl support 84 and - 3- pin 88 to slide to the right When pin 88 reaches the end of slot 106. pawl support 86 and pawl 94 will piv ot in the clockwise direction and pawl 94 will engage frame 14 to pull door 12 tightlv against the frame Further rotation of crank 72 will cause pin 82 to pass the on-center position and the pawl will be secured bv positive over-center latching action

With rererence now being made to FIGS 9-19. the alternate embodiments for the actuator assemoiv of the present invention will be described

As seen in FIGS ^Q-1 . actuator assemblv 200 comprises a bath-tub shaped cup 210 which is adapted to be received within a aperture in a closure member, such as door 212 The front or face portion oi cup 210 is provided w ith outwardly turned edges to form peripheral flange 214 which flange 214 facilitates the flush mounting of cup 210 to door 12. as seen in FIGS 1 1-12 In this embodiment, cup 210 is held within the aperture in door 212 bv bracket 216 which, as seen in FIGS 1 1-13. is a substantiallv boxed shape member having outwardlv turned longitudinal edges to form flange members 218 w nich give bracket 216 a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration

As seen in FIGS 1 1 and 12 bracket 216 is secured to cup 210 bv a pair of screws 220 or other suitable fasteners, which traverse bracket 216 and are received within boss members 222 of cup 210 In this arrangement, door 212 is clamped between flanges 218 oi bracket 216 and peripheral flange 214 of cup 210 In those instances in w hich it is desirable to seal the closure member against environmental factors, a ring seal 224 mav be used, secured within a channel 226 on the underside ot peripheral flange 214 as seen in FIGS 1 1-12

With rererence to FIGS 9-10 it can be seen that the face or front portion oi cup 210 is provided with a narrow slot 228 disposed substantially along its width and extending rearw rclv from the face of cup 210 Slot 22S is provided with an enlarged opening 230 into ich is disposed actuator hub 232 in close-fit relation, as seen in FIGS 10 and 12

As seen in FIG 1 LA actuator hub 232 comprises a substantially cylindrical member having an internal bore 234 on its peripheral surface The groove-like recesses 236 prov ide a configuration to hub 232 which can be engaged by a typical open-end or adjustable wrench to impart torque to hub 232 As seen in FIG 1 1. bore 234 is provided w ith a polygonal surface configuration and is adapted to engage rod 250. which is also of polygonal cross-sectional configuration

The ends of bore 234 are provided with annular stepped sections 238 which are of greater diameter than the polygonal-shaped segment of bore 234 Annular stepped sections 23 S are adapted to receive therein bearing members 240 which form a pivotal connection between hub 232 and cup 210 and also facilitate the connection between actuator hub 232 and connecting member 250

The ends of hub 232 are provided with an annular groove 242 disposed concentric to stepped section 238 of bore 234 (see FIG 1 1 A) into which is disposed an O-πng gasket 2-M (see FIG 12) O-rings 244 facilitate the connection between hub 232 and cup 210 and provide a tight seal against environmental factors With reference now being made to FIG 13. illustrated therein is an embodiment of the actuator assembly just described in which the actuator hub 260 is provided with the tamper-resistant configuration illustrated in FIG 13 A The tamper- resistant hub 260. as seen in FIG 13 A. is similar in construction to that previously described and illustrated in FIG 1 1A and comprises a cviindπcai member having an internal bore 262 and a pair of opposing recesses 264 on its peripheral surface which as seen in FIG 13. are substantially triangle-shaped in cross-section This shape of recesses 264 make it difficult for torque to be applied to hub 260 by conventional wrenches, screw drivers, pliers and other such tools and thus provide a tamper-

resistant feature to the latching mechanism As illustrated in phantom in FIG. 13. however, a specially shaped wrench 270 can be used to engage recess 264 and transmit torque, but that in all other respects, hub 260 is identical to hub 232. previously described, in terms of construction and function and that hubs 232 and 260 are completely interchangeable in anv of the embodiments of the actuator assembly illustrated in FIGS >- 16

Another embodiment of the actuator assembly of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS 14- 16 which will now be described In this embodiment, the actuator assemblv comprises a cup 302 having a face portion 304 and a rearwardly extending narrow cavitv 306 disposed longitudinally along cup 302 Face portion 304 is provided with a peripheral flange 308 to facilitate the flush mounting of cup 302 to a door or like closure member 3 10 A thickened section 3 12 of cavity 306 of cup 302 houses the actuator hub ( either of 232 or 260) therein and is provided with apertures 3 14 to permit the passage of connecting means 250 therethrough

Disposed on each surface of cup 302 which defines cavitv 306 is a rib 316 which, in the embodiment shown, is formed integral with the thickened section 312 As seen in FIGS 14-16. cup 302 is adapted to be received within an aperture of door 3 10 and is retained therein by spring clip 3 18 Clip 3 18. as seen in FIG. 15. is a U-shaped member having a pair of legs 320 held in spaced relation to one another by cross-piece 322 With rererence to FIGS 14 and 16. it can be seen that legs 320 are of bent configuration so as to bias ribs 3 16 of cup 302 away from door 3 10 and thereby retain cup 302 in flush mounted relation to door 3 10 An angular tang 324 is provided on cross piece 322 to facilitate the insertion and removal of spring clip 3 18 Another embodiment of the actuator assemblv in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS 17-19 In this embodiment, connecting rod 250 is rotated by means of a pivotal lever 400 acting on a socket-like member 450 which is affixed to rod 250 As best seen in FIG 19. this embodiment is particularly suitable for use in cabinets and like enclosures in which the door 500 of the enclosure is maintained in spaced relation to the frame 5 10 of the enclosure when door 500 is in the closed position

Lever 400. as seen in FIGS. 17-19. comprises an angular member having an elongate section 402 and a tab section 404 disposed substantially at a right angle to the elongate section A stop member 406 extends upwardly from tab section 404 and is adapted to contact the door 500 and maintain the tab section 404 in substantially flush relation to door 500 and in spaced relation to frame 510

Socket member 450. as seen in the FIGS . comprises an elongate, substantiallv cylindrical body portion 452 and a reduced diameter throat portion 454 connected to body portion 452 The end of body portion 452 remote from throat portion 454 is provided with an aperture 456 to receive therein connecting rod 250 To facilitate the transmission of torque from socket member 450 to rod 250. the configuration of aperture 456 is preferabiv the same as the cross sectional shape of the particular connecting rod 250 being used. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the FIGS . the connection between rod 250 and body portion 452 of socket member 450 is further facilitated bv a set screw 458 disposed within boss 460 on bodv portion 452 As seen in FIGS 17 and 19 throat portion 454 of socket member 450 is adapted to traverse door 500. and be received within aperture 408 of elongate portion 402 of lever 400 In the preferred embodiment shown in the FIGS throat 454 is provided with notched recesses 462 to facilitate the connection between lever 400 and socket member 450 and thus, the transmission of torque to the socket member in

response to the piv otal movement of the lever As with aperture 456. aperture 408 is configured to matcn the cross-sectional configuration of throat portion 454 Lever 400 is attached to socket member 450 bv bolt 464 or other suitable fastener If desired, an O-ring seal 466 mav be disposed about throat portion 4^4 to seal the cabinet from environmental contaminants

Each of the embodiments of the actuator assemblv illustrated in FIGS 9-19 comprise means for rotating the connecting member about its longitudinal axis, which rotational motion actuates the latch assemblies in the manner described above With respect to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS 9-16 torque is applied to the actuator hub bv means of a wrench-tvpe tool of standard configuration or of the special configuration illustrated in FIG 13 depending upon which embodiment of the actuator hub is used The transmission of torque to the actuator hub in either instance causes the desired rotation of the connecting member to latch and unlatch the latch assemblies With respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS 17-19 the fingers of the user are engaged w ith the rear surface of tab section 404 of lever 400 A simple pulling motion then causes the lever 400 to pivot which in turn, rotates socket member 4^0 which in turn causes the desired rotation of the connecting rod to unlatch the latch assemblies and the door can be opened To latch the door in the closed position one need onlv reverse the process just described and push lever 400 toward door 500 until stop member 406 contacts the door and prevents anv further pivotal movement of lever 400

FIGS 20 - 39 refer to an alternate embodiment of the latch assembly 60' which functions in substantially the same manner as in the embodiment 60 depicted in detail in FIGS 4-7 However, this embodiment offers certain advantages not seen in the previous embodiment, as described herein

The housing (62 in FIGS 4-7) for this new embodiment is now a two piece housing 62' comprising a first part of the housing o2a^" and a second part of the housing 62b' While the basic latch of the present invention is well known in the art (see U S Pat Nos 5.064.22S and 4.880,261 to Bisbing as described above), none has used a two piece housing to allow for numerous beneficial features In the prior latches which use a one piece housing 62 of FIGS 4 - 8. numerous components, including the paw l support 86 the link members 80 and the crank member 72 had to be inserted into the housing and retained in position using the transverse pins 82, 84 the transverse guide pin 88 and the crank sleeves 76 These components all had to be ^"press fit" into place to secure the latch assemblv as an assemblv Thus, the pins 82. 84, 88 were not free to spin Since these pins 82. 84. 88 were not free to spin, the latch assemblv did not wear as well as the present invention that uses free spinning pins 82'. 84' and 88' (see FIGS 20. 29. 30 and 3 1 ) As can be seen in FIGS 29. 30. and 3 1. by use of the two piece housing, these pins are now "stepped^" such that they are retained in position in the housing o2' bv the housing itself having holes and slots with smaller diameters than the outer diameter of the pins 82'. 84'. 88' The stepped down ends of each of these pins. S2'. 84'. 88' extend through the holes and slots in the housing 62' The latch 60' is assembled bv taking the first part of the housing 62a\ installing ail the internal moving parts of the latch, laving the second part of the housing b2'ιn position, then securing the first part of the housing 62a' to the second part of the housing 62b' A preferred mode of attaching the first part of the housing 62a' to the second part of the housing 62b' thereby fullv assembling the latch assembly 60 is to have a jigsaw puzzle shaped seam 600 as is clearly shown in FIG 22 The metal is then expanded bv pressing numerous dimples 602 in the region of the seam to cause metal of the housing 62' to flow creating a press fit This has been found to adequatelv and fullv secure the two parts of the housing together Other known methods of joining sheet metal, including welding, brazing and the like mav also provide adequate strength

The method of construction of this embodiment also allows for the crank 72' to be made from a single piece of material, rather than a three piece crank using a main crank member 72 and two sleeves 76 as was required in the prior art In the prior latch, the crank member 72 had to be inserted into the U-shaped housing 62 and secured in place bv pressing in sleeves 76 which served as an axle for the crank 72 Again here, a similar manner to the roller pins above the crank 72' (see FIG 32) ot this embodiment can be now made of a single piece since the newlv created geometrv created by the two piece housing allows the latch assemblv 60 to be assembled with the second part ot the housing 62b' being installed last

The pawl ^Q4 and the pair of link members 80' of this alternate embodiment are preferably substantially the same as in the embodiment of FIGS 4-8 This embodiment operates in substantially the same manner as that described above with respect to FIGS 4 - 8 The above description and the views depicted in the FIGS are for purposes of illustration onlv and are not intended to be. and should not be construed as. limitations on the invention In particular and ithout limitation, terms such as inside, outside. right, left, etc and derivatives thereof have been used for purposes of clarity in describing the invention onlv and it is to be understood that particular orientations will depend upon the use of the invention in a particular circumstance Moreover, certain modifications or alternatives mav suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading of this specification, all of which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims

Claims

I claim

1 A remote latching mechanism having a longitudinal connecting member rotatablv moveable about a longitudinal axis thereof, an actuator means for rotating the connecting member about a longitudinal axis, and a latch assembly operablv connected to said connecting member for movement between latched and unlatched conditions in response to rotational movement of said connecting member, wherein said latch assemblv comprises

(a) a two piece nousing,

(b) a crank disposed within said housing for limited rotational movement therein.

(c) at least one link member connected to said crank.

(d) pawl means connected to said at least one link member,

(e) said pawl means is selectively movable between latched and unlatched

positions in response to rotational movement of said crank, and

(f) said two piece housing having opposing side walls, an end wall and a mounting means for mounting the housing to a surtace. said two piece housing having forming a single integral housing bv a sheet metal seam along the end wall of the housing

2 The remote latching mechanism of claim 1 w herein said at least one link member is connected to said crank bv a first transverse pin wherebv said at least one link member is pivotallv movable relative to said cranK. said transverse pin being a freelv spinning roiler pin

3 The remote latching mechanism of claim 2. wherein the first transverse pin has a center section w ith a diameter and two end sections having a smaller diameter than the center section

4 The remote latching mechanism of claim 2. wherein said at least one link member is connected to said pawl means bv a second transverse pin. said second transverse pin being a freelv spinning roller pin. said second transverse pin further engaging slotted apertures in opposing side walls of said housing, wherein said pawl means is pivotallv and slidablv movable in response to movement of said at least one link member, and herein said second transverse pin and said slotted apertures comprise means for facilitating the sliding and pivoting movement of said pawl means in response to the rotation of said crank

5 The remote latching mechanism of claim 4. wherein the second transverse pin has a center section ith a diameter and two end sections having a smaller diameter than the center section

6 The remote latching mechanism of claim 4. further comprising a third transverse pin disposed through said pawl means and in engagement with additional slotted apertures in said opposing side walls of said housing, said third transverse pin being a freely spinning roller pin. and said additional slotted apertures comprising means for facilitating the pivoting and sliding of said pawl means

7 The remote latching mechanism of claim o herein the third transverse pin has a center section w ith a diameter and two end sections having a smaller diameter than the center section

S The remote latching mechanism of claim 1. wherein said at least one link member comprises an over-center member for securing said pawl in the latched position

9 The remote latching mechanism of claim 1, wherein the crank is a single member having cylindrical bushings integral to the crank

10 The remote latching mechanims of claim 1. wherein the sheet metal seam is a in a jigsaw puzzle pattern

1 1. A remote latching mechanism having a longitudinal connecting member rotatably moveable about a longitudinal axis thereof, an actuator means for rotating the connecting member about a longitudinal axis, and a latch assembly operablv connected to said connecting member for movement between latched and unlatched conditions in response to rotational movement of said connecting member, wherein said latch assemblv comprises

(a) a two piece housing,

(c) at least one link member connected to said crank,

(d) pawl means connected to said at least one link member.

(e) said pawl means is selectively movable between latched and unlatched positions in response to rotational movement of said crank.

(f) said two piece housing having opposing side walls, an end wall and a mounting means for mounting the housing to a surface, said two piece housing having forming a single integral housing bv a sheet metal seam along the end wall of the nousing,

(g) said at least one link member is connected to said crank bv a first transverse pin, wherebv said at least one link member is pivotallv movable relative to said crank said transverse pin being a freelv spinning roller pin.

(h) said at least one link member is connected to said pawl means bv a second transverse pin said second transverse pin being a freely spinning roller pin. said second transverse pin further engaging slotted apertures in opposing side walls ot said housing, wherein said pawl means is pivotallv and shdably movable in response to movement of said at least one link member, and wherein said second transverse pin and said slotted apertures comprise means for facilitating the sliding and pivoting movement of said pawl means in response to the rotation of said crank and

( 1) a third transverse pin disposed through said pawl means and in engagement with additional slotted apertures in said opposing side walls of said housing, said third transverse pin being a freelv spinning roller pin and said additional slotted apertures comprising means for facilitating the pivoting and sliding of said pawl means 12 The remote latching mechanism of claim 1 1 wherein the crank is a single member having cy lindrical bushings integral to the crank