WO2001027423A1

WO2001027423A1 - Self-latching latch

Info

Publication number: WO2001027423A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/028546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas D. Goham
Original assignee: Southco, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-10-13
Filing date: 2000-10-13
Publication date: 2001-04-19
Also published as: AU1088601A

Abstract

A latch assembly (10) for use with sliding closure members such as sliding glass doors, sliding glass windows, and sliding wood and metal panels. The first embodiment includes a base (12) having a bottom (18) and three walls which surround the bottom on three sides, a lever (14) with a hooked end (48), and an actuating button (16). The lever and the actuating button are pivotally (52, 54) supported by the base. The lever is biased (64) toward the closed position where it can engage a keeper to thereby secure the sliding closure member in the secured position. The button impinges upon the end of the lever located distally from the lever's hooked end when the button is pressed by a user. Pressing the button causes the pivotal movement of the hooked end of the lever out of engagement with the keeper which in turn allows the closure member to be moved to the open position. The second embodiment of the latch assembly is very similar to the first embodiment except that it has a circular dimple instead of the actuating button to cause the pivotal movement of the hooked end of the lever out of engagement with the keeper.

Description

SELF-LATCHING LATCH

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a latching device for releasably securing a sliding closure member in the closed position

2 Description of the prior art

Sliding closure members, such as sliding glass doors, sliding glass windows, and sliding wood and metal panels, are in common use in a wide variety of applications Such sliding closure members are used, for example, to limit access to the interior of buildings, vehicles, cabinets, compartments, closets, and so forth These sliding closure members close access openings in the types of enclosures enumerated above, and these sliding closure members are usually releasably secured to a second closure member, such as another panel, a frame, or the edge of an opening to an enclosure, using specially designed latching devices Although latches especially suited for securing sliding closure members have been proposed in the prior art, none teach or suggest the unique structure of the latch of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a latch assembly for use with sliding closure members such as sliding glass doors, sliding glass windows, and sliding wood and metal panels The first embodiment of the latch assembly includes a base having a bottom and three walls which surround the bottom on three sides, a lever with a hooked end, and an actuating button The lever and the actuating button are pivotally supported by the base The lever is biased toward the closed position where it can engage a keeper to thereby secure the sliding closure member in the closed position The button impinges upon the end of the lever located distally from the lever's hooked end, when the button is pressed by a user Pressing the button causes the pivotal movement of the hooked end of the lever out of engagement with the keeper, which in turn allows the closure member to be moved to the open position The second embodiment of the latch assembly is very similar to the first embodiment, except that it has a circular dimple instead of the actuating button to cause the pivotal movement of the hooked end of the lever out of engagement with the keeper Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a self-latching latch assembly which automatically engages a keeper as a closure member is slammed shut

It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-latching latch assembly which is particularly suited for use with a closure member which slides between a closed and an open position

Still another object of the invention is to provide a self-latching latch assembly wherein the component parts snap fit together to form the latch assembly

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a self-latching latch assembly which can be released by pressing a push button These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig 1 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration

Fig 2 is a left side elevational view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration, the right side elevational view being a mirror image thereof Fig 3 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration

Fig 4 is a bottom plan view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration

Fig 5 is a front view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration

Fig 6 is a rear view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration

Fig 7 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the open configuration Fig 8 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of fig 1 , showing the latch assembly in the open configuration

Fig 9 is a left side elevational view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the open configuration, the right side elevational view being a mirror image thereof Fig 10 is a bottom plan view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the open configuration Fig 11 is a front view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the open configuration

Fig 12 is a rear view of the latch assembly of fig 1, showing the latch assembly in the open configuration Fig 13 is a perspective view of the base portion of fig 1 of the present invention

Fig 14 is a left side elevational view of the base portion of the latch assembly of fig 1, the right side elevational view being a mirror image thereof

Fig 15 is a top plan view of the base portion of the latch assembly of fig 1

Fig 16 is a bottom plan view of the base portion of the latch assembly of fig 1 Fig 17 is a front view of the base portion of the latch assembly of fig 1

Fig 18 is a rear view of the base portion of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 19 is a perspective view of the lever portion of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 20 is a top plan view of the lever portion of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 21 is a left side elevational view of the lever portion of the latch assembly of the present invention, the right side elevational view being a mirror image thereof

Fig 22 is a bottom plan view of the lever portion of the latch assembly of the present invention Fig. 23 is a front view of the lever portion of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 24 is a rear view of the lever portion of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 25 is a perspective view of the actuating button of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 26 is a top plan view of the actuating button of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 27 is a left side elevational view of the actuating button of the latch assembly of the present invention, the right side elevational view being a mirror image thereof

Fig 28 is a bottom plan view of the actuating button of the latch assembly of the present invention Fig 29 is a front view of the actuating button of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 30 is a rear view of the actuating button of the latch assembly of the present invention

Fig 31 is a cross sectional view of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration Fig 32 is a cross sectional view of the latch assembly of the present invention, showing the latch assembly in the open configuration

Fig 33 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of latch assembly of the present invention, showing the latch assembly in the closed configuration Fig 34 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of fig 33

Fig 35 is a right side elevational view of the latch assembly of fig 33, the left side being a mirror image of that shown

Fig 36 is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 37 is a rear elevational view of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 38 is a bottom plan view of the latch assembly of fig 33

Fig 39 is an isolated perspective view of a lever of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 40 is a top plan view of the lever of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 41 is a right side elevational view of the lever of the latch assembly of fig 33, the left side being a mirror image of that shown Fig 42 is a front elevational view of the lever of the latch assembly of fig 33

Fig 43 is a rear elevational view of the lever of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 44 is a bottom plan view of the lever of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 45 is an isolated perspective view of a base of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 46 is a top plan view of the base of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 47 is a right side elevational view of the base of the latch assembly of fig 33, the left side being a mirror image of that shown

Fig 48 is a front elevational view of the base of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 49 is a rear elevational view of the base of the latch assembly of fig 33 Fig 50 is a bottom plan view of the assembly of the latch assembly of fig 33 Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs 1-12, the present invention is directed to a latch assembly 10 for use with sliding closure members such as sliding glass doors, sliding glass windows, and sliding wood and metal panels The latch assembly 10 includes a base 12, a lever or catch 14, and an actuating or push button 16

Referring to Figs 13-18, the base or cup 12 has a bottom 18 and three walls, denoted by the reference numerals 20, 22, and 24, which surround the bottom 18 on three sides The bottom 18 is substantially rectangular in plan view The lateral walls 20 and 22 project substantially perpendicularly from the right and left sides, respectively, of the bottom 18 The lateral walls 20 and 22 are substantially coextensive with the right and left sides, respectively, of the bottom 18 The rear wall 24 projects substantially perpendicularly from the rear side of the bottom 18 The rear wall 24 is substantially coextensive with the rear side of the bottom 18 and extends between the lateral walls 20 and 22 Thus, the base 12 is in the form of a substantially rectangular cup having an open top and an open front A tang 26 extends from the front side of the bottom 18 substantially parallel to the bottom 18 The lateral walls 20 and 22 register with one another in face-to-face relationship A first pair of cavities 28 (only one is shown in the drawings, the other being a mirror image of the cavity shown) are provided in the walls 20 and 22 Each of the cavities 28 is formed in a respective one of the walls 20 and 22, and the cavities 28 are coaxial with one another Both cavities 28 are substantially cylindrical and open toward the middle of the base or cup 12 Each cavity 28 is provided with a lead-in groove 30, which is formed in a respective one of the walls 20 and 22 Each lead-in groove 30 extends from the top edge of the respective wall 20 or 22 to the respective cavity 28 and decreases in depth with increasing distance from the top edge of the respective wall 20 or 22 Thus, each lead-in groove 30 is deepest at the top edge of the respective wall 20 or 22 and is shallowest where it meets the respective cavity 28

A second pair of cavities 32 (only one is shown in the drawings, the other being a mirror image of the cavity shown) are provided in the walls 20 and 22 The cavities 32 are longitudinally spaced apart from the cavities 28, the cavities 32 being closer to the rear of the base 12 and the cavities 28 being closer to the front of the base 12 Each of the cavities 32 is formed in a respective one of the walls 20 and 22, and the cavities 32 are coaxial with one another Both cavities 32 are substantially cylindrical and open toward the middle of the base or cup 12 Each cavity 32 is provided with a lead-in groove 34, which is formed in a respective one of the walls 20 and 22 Each lead-in groove 34 extends from the top edge of the respective wall 20 or 22 to the respective cavity 32 and decreases in depth with increasing distance from the top edge of the respective wall 20 or 22 Thus, each lead-in groove 34 is deepest at the top edge of the respective wall 20 or 22 and is shallowest where it meets the respective cavity 32 Each of the walls 20 and 22 is provided with a pair of cuts 36 One cut 36 separates the portion of each wall 20 or 22 having a cavity 28 formed therein, from the portion of each wall 20 or 22 having a cavity 32 formed therein Another cut 36 is provided in each wall 20 or 22, intermediate the cavity 32 and the rear wall 24 The cuts 36 give the walls 20 and 22 added flexibility to facilitate the snap fitting together of the component parts of the latch assembly 10 A raised, T-shaped boss 38 projects from the bottom 18 of the base 12 The majority of the underside of the bottom 18 may be depressed relative to the peripheral portion of the underside of the bottom 18 The underside of the bottom 18 may further have a T-shaped depression 40 which is positioned below the T-shaped boss 38 Other patterns of grooves and depressions may also be provided on the underside of the bottom 18 The pattern of depressions on the underside of the bottom 18 aids the distribution of the adhesive which is used to attach the latch assembly 10 to a closure member

Referring to Figs 19-24, the catch or lever 14 is in the form of a substantially rectangular plate, substantially rectangular refers to the shape of the catch 14 in plan view, having a first end 42 and a second end 44 A surface 46 extends substantially perpendicularly from the underside of the lever 14 near the first end 42 A beveled surface 48 extends between the surface 46 and the first end of the lever 14 The surface 46, in cooperation with the surface 48, forms a ridge which resembles a hook-like structure and serves to catch on a keeper (not shown) to thereby secure a closure member in the closed position, when the latch assembly 10 is installed on the closure member and the lever 14 is in the closed position The end 44 of the lever 14 is provided with a concave channel 50, which extends along the rear edge of the lever 14 for substantially the width of the lever 14 The lever 14 is also referred to herein as a latching member

Positioned longitudinally intermediate the ends 42 and 44, are a pair of posts 52 and 54 which project from either side of the lever 14 The posts 52 and 54 are substantially cylindrical and are dimensioned to fit into the cavities 28 Each of the posts 52 and 54 has a beveled surface 56 and 58, respectively

The lever 14 also has a stop means 60 positioned intermediate the hooked end 42 of the lever 14 and the posts 52 and 54 In the illustrated embodiment, the stop means 60 is located proximate the posts 52 and 54 The stop means 60 prevents the lever 14 from pivoting too far, thereby ensuring that the beveled surface 48 is properly positioned to engage the keeper as the closure member is moved to the closed position

In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 52 and 54 are formed by the end portions of an elongated cylinder 62 which is attached to the underside of the lever 14 The stop means 60 is formed by a channel having an L-shaped cross section The L-shaped channel is attached to both the underside of the lever 14 and the elongated cylinder 62 and extends for substantially the width of the lever 14 Other types of suitable structures for the stop means 60 include flanges, ribs, tabs, solid blocks, or any other suitable projections which project from the underside of the lever 14

A pair of leaf springs 64 are fixedly attached at one end to the lever 14 Once the lever 14 is installed in the base 12, the leaf springs 64 bias the lever 14 toward the closed or latched position. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the leaf springs 64 is fixedly attached at one end to the elongated cylinder 62, however, the ends of the leaf springs 64 may be fixedly attached to any portion of the lever 14 as long as the leaf springs 64 bias the lever 14 toward the closed or latched position Also in the illustrated embodiment, the leaf springs 64 are integral with the lever 14 However, the leaf springs 64 may be made separately and then fixedly attached to the lever 14 as by welding, melt bonding, cementing, etc Further, the ends of the leaf springs 64 may be attached to the lever 14 in a removable manner as by screws, rivets, clamps, etc , as long as the ends of the leaf springs 64 which are attached to the lever 14 cannot move relative to the lever 14 during operation of the latch 10 However, in the interest of economy and ease of manufacture it is preferred to fabricate the lever 14, the posts 52 and 54 , the stop means 60, and the leaf springs 64 in one piece using some type of molding process

Referring to Figs 25-30, the push button 16 is in the form of a substantially rectangular plate, substantially rectangular refers to the shape of the push button 16 in plan view, having a first end 66 and a second end 68 The end 66 of the push button 16 rests at least in part within the channel 50 when the lever 14 and the push button 16 are assembled together with the base 12 Positioned longitudinally intermediate the ends 66 and 68, are a pair of posts 70 and 72 which project from either side of the push button 16 The posts 70 and 72 are substantially cylindrical and are dimensioned to fit into the cavities 32 Each of the posts 70 and 72 has a beveled surface 74 and 76, respectively The push button 16 also has a stop means 78 positioned intermediate the rear end 68 of the push button 16 and the posts 70 and 72 The stop means 78 prevents the push button 16 from over-rotating in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs 31 and 32, thus ensuring that the push button 16 remains flush with the tops of the lateral walls 20 and 22 when the push button 16 is not being pressed Ribs 82, provided on the upper surface of the push button 16, indicate to the user the proper location to place his or her finger when attempting to press the button 16 to release the latch assembly 10 from the keeper

In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 70 and 72 are formed by the end portions of an elongated cylinder 80 which is attached to the underside of the push button 16 The stop means 78 is formed by a strip which extends rearward from the elongated cylinder 80 in parallel to the underside of the push button 16, and then curves toward the underside of the push button 16 until it meets the rear end 68 of the push button 16 Other types of suitable structures for the stop means 78 include flanges, ribs, tabs, solid blocks, or any other suitable projections which project from the underside of the push button 16 Preferably, the push button 16 including the posts 70 and 72 and the stop means 78 are all fabricated in one piece using some type of molding process The latch 10 is assembled by first placing the posts 52 and 54 in registry with the lead-in grooves 30 with the open front of the base 12 positioned intermediate the hook-like end 42 of the lever 14 and the posts 52 and 54 Then, the posts 52 and 54 are pushed toward the cavities 28 with each of the beveled surfaces 56 and 58 engaging the ramped surface of a respective one of the lead-in grooves 30 The base being made of a resilient material, the beveled surfaces 56 and 58 and the lead-in grooves 30 cooperate to spread apart the wall portions having the cavities 28 formed therein, so as to allow the posts 52 and 54 to move into registry with the cavities 28 and snap into the cavities 28 as the wall portions rapidly return to their original shape Once the posts 52 and 54 snap into the cavities 28, the lever 14 will be pivotally attached to the base 12 As the lever 14 is snap fitted to the base 12, the ends of the springs 64 distal from their attachments to the lever 14 contact the bottom of the base 12 The springs 64 are then caused to bend and deform relative to their unstressed shapes when posts 52 and 54 finally snap into the cavities 28 The springs 64 being made of resilient material, the springs 64 tend to return to their original shapes and thus bias the lever 14 toward the closed or latched position, which means that the springs 64 bias the lever 14 to pivot in the counter clockwise direction as viewed in Figs 31 and 32

Next, the posts 70 and 72 are placed in registry with the lead-in grooves 34 with the forward end 66 of the push button 16 being positioned over the channel or groove 50 Then, the posts 70 and 72 are pushed toward the cavities 32 with each of the beveled surfaces 74 and 76 engaging the ramped surface of a respective one of the lead-in grooves 34 The base being made of a resilient material, the beveled surfaces 74 and 76 and the lead-in grooves 34 cooperate to spread apart the wall portions having the cavities 32 formed therein, so as to allow the posts 70 and 72 to move into registry with the cavities 32 and snap into the cavities 32 as the wall portions rapidly return to their original shape Once the posts 70 and 72 snap into the cavities 32, the push button 16 will be pivotally attached to the base 12

In use, adhesive is applied to the underside of the base 12 and the assembled latch 10 is fixed to a sliding closure member A keeper (not shown) is fixed to another fixed or movable closure member such as a panel or a frame The keeper can be a projecting bracket, flange, or rib that is high enough to engage a substantial portion of the surface 46 with the hook-like end of the lever 14 in the closed position Assuming the closure member is initially open, the latch 10 will be in the configuration shown in Fig 31 , which shows the latch 10 in the closed configuration A user can use the base 12 as a handle by grabbing the base 12 between the thumb and the index finger The ribs 84, provided on either side of the base 12, afford the user a better grip The user can now slide the closure member toward the closed position As the c osure member moves toward the closed position, the beve e sur ace 48 w l encounter the keeper The surface 48 and the keeper cooperate in a cam-like manner to move the lever 14 to the open position, which is shown in Fig 32, as the closure member is closed The lever 14 then automatically moves back to the closed position, under spring bias, as the ridge formed by the surfaces 48 and 46 moves past the keeper The closure member is now secured in the closed position because the keeper will interfere with the hook-like ridge formed by the surfaces 48 and 46 The surface 46 is angled such that the latching member 14 will not move pivotally as the keeper is forced against the surface 46 The tang 26 moves into a recess formed under the keeper, or integral with the keeper, and provides a deterrent against theft or tampering by preventing any instrument from being inserted between the closure member and the structure supporting the keeper and thus from being used to push the latching member 14 to the open position

Referring to Figs 31 and 32, to open the closure member, the button 16 is pressed intermediate its forward end 66 and the posts 70 and 72 Pressure applied to this area of the button 16 causes the button 16 to pivot in the counter clockwise direction and in turn causes the end 66 of the button to move toward the bottom of the base 12 The end 66 of the button impinges on the groove 50 at the rear end 44 of the lever 14, thus causing the end 44 of the lever 14 to move toward the bottom of the base 12 and the lever 14 to pivot in the clockwise direction to the open position shown in Fig 32 The user can now grasp the base 12 with the free hand and slide the closure member to the open position Although in the above example the latch assembly 10 was fixed to a movable closure member and the keeper was fixed to a fixed closure member, the latch 10 can also function properly when the keeper is fixed to the movable closure member and the latch assembly 10 is fixed to the fixed closure member or when both the keeper and the latch assembly are fixed to movable closure members Referring now to Figs 33-50, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated The latch assembly, or sliding window latch, 1 10 as shown includes, as portions thereof, a base, housing or cup 1 12, and a latching member or lever 1 14, the details of which will be set out in more detail below

The latch assembly 1 10 of the alternate embodiment preferably consists of two components that snap together in the manner shown in Fig 33 via two lateral, cylindrical posts 120, which are located mid-way and inferior to the top surface of the lever 1 14, as illustrated in Fig 40, and two coaxial cavities or holes 122, which are located on the lateral walls or semi- flanges of the base 112, as illustrated in Fig 45 Each of the cavities 122 in the base 112 features recessed lead-in grooves or lead-ins 124 superior to the cavities 122 themselves Also, on the lever 1 14, the posts 120 feature a bi-diametral bevel 126, which facilitates ease of insertion of the lever 114 into the base 112, as illustrated in Figs. 39 and 42 The diameters of the cavities 122 are preferably slightly larger than the diameter of posts 120 to allow the lever 114 to rotate freely The latch assembly 110 is adapted for doors, panels and the like, an example is sliding windows The lever 1 14 in the present embodiment preferably includes a leaf spring or living spring 130, which acts like a spring in tension when the lever 1 14 is installed into the base 112, maintaining the lever 1 14 in an "upright", flush position with the top surface of the base 1 12, as illustrated in Figs 33 and 35

As the lever 1 14 is depressed by an operator in use, by pressing with a fingertip on the circular, actuating dimple 132 on its top surface, the lever 1 14 rotates about the posts 120 and the terminating end 136, which is "L" or hooked in this embodiment, raises off a keeper block, such as a conventional keeper (not shown) When the latch assembly 1 10 is mounted in use, such as to a sliding window, the window is then simply pushed to slide to an open position To close the latch assembly 110, the assembly is pushed into position over the keeper block by either pushing on a small wall or flange 140 on the base 1 12 opposite an opening 142 in its forward end 143, or by pinching the assembly with a thumb and index finger on the side walls or flanges 150 of the base 1 12 and pushing the latch assembly 1 10 into position The angled surface 152 under the hooked end 136 of the lever 1 14 will meet the keeper block and will ramp up and over it, allowing the lever 1 14 to snap close In addition, the latch assembly 10 of the present embodiment also preferably includes a tang or protuberance 160 substantially trapezoidal in shape emanating from a lower surface 170 at the forward end 143 of the base 1 12, and which is adapted to engage the keeper block The tang includes a rounded tip 172 to counteract misalignment of the keeper block and latch assembly 1 10 This feature also provides anti-theft protection by preventing the window panes from being pushed or pulled apart

Further, in this embodiment, there are two bosses 180 on the bottom of lever 1 14 which operate as stops or stop means to prevent the lever 1 14 from over-rotating in the closed position, in particular, in the absence of the keeper block, i e , when the window is open, and over- depressing to avoid excessive force on the living spring 130 while opening the window In this embodiment, attachment of the latch assembly 110 to a window surface is preferably accomplished by applying an adhesive to the lower surface 190 of the base 1 12, as shown in Fig 38 The adhesive is preferably applied to the "island" surface 192, which is centrally located and slightly lower than the perimeter edges In this manner, the excess adhesive will migrate to the recessed "trench" encompassing the island surface 192 while pressure is applied to the top surfaces of the cup The components of the different embodiments of the latch assembly 10, 110 are preferably made of resilient material. Suitable material include, but are not limited to, polymers including plastics and metals. The preferred material would vary depending upon the application for which a particular latch assembly is intended. Plastics are the preferred material in a wide range of applications and advantageously allow for more economical fabrication through the use of molding processes.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims

Claims

I claim

1 A latch assembly for releasably securing a closure member in a closed position, said latch assembly comprising a base, a latching member pivotally supported by said base and interacting with the closure member to secure the closure member in the closed position, and an actuating means interacting with said latching member such that the closure member is released when said actuating means is operated by a user

2 The latch assembly of claim 1, further comprising biasing means biasing said latching member toward the closed position when said latching member is installed in said base

3 The latch assembly of claim 1, further comprising a stop means wherein said stop means prevents said latching member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said latching member is properly positioned to engage a keeper as the closure member is moved to the closed position

4 The latch assembly of claim 2. further comprising a stop means wherein said stop means prevents said latching member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said latching member is properly positioned to engage a keeper as the closure member is moved to the closed position

5 The latch assembly of claim 4, wherein said base has a bottom, and at least a pair of lateral walls and a rear wall surrounding said bottom on corresponding sides of said bottom, said lateral walls project generally perpendicularly from a corresponding side of said bottom and is generally coextensive with said corresponding side of said bottom, said lateral walls are in registry with one another in a face-to-face relationship, each of said lateral walls has at least one cavity wherein said cavity of each of said lateral walls are coaxial with one another, said rear wall projects generally perpendicularly from a rear side of said bottom and is generally coextensive with said rear side of said bottom, said rear wall extends from said lateral wall. said latching member has a first end, a second end, a pair of posts, a first surface extending substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said latching member about said first end, and a beveled surface extending between said first surface and said first end of said latching member, said pair of posts are positioned longitudinally intermediate said first end and said second end of said latching member, each of said pair of posts projects from a respective side of said latching member and is dimensioned to fit within a corresponding cavity of said cavities, said first surface cooperates with said beveled surface in forming a ridge resembling a hook-like structure and serves to catch on a keeper to thereby secure the closure member in the closed position when said latch assembly is installed on the closure member and said latching member is in the closed position

6 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein each of said cavities is generally cylindrical

7 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein each of said cavities opens toward the middle of said base

8 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein each of said cavities has a lead-in groove formed in a corresponding lateral wall of said lateral walls

9 The latch assembly of claim 8, wherein said lead-in groove extends from a top edge of said corresponding lateral wall to a corresponding cavity of said cavities and decreases in depth with increasing distance from said top edge of said corresponding lateral wall

10 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein each of said posts is generally cylindrical

1 1 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein each of said posts has a beveled surface

12 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said bottom of said base has a generally rectangular shape

13 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said bottom of said base further has a raised, T- shaped boss projecting from said bottom

14 The latch assembly of claim 13, wherein said bottom of said base further has an underside having a T-shaped depression positioned below said T-shaped boss

15 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said bottom of said base has an underside wherein a majority of said underside is depressed relative to a peripheral portion of said underside

16 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said latching member has a generally rectangular shape

17 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said base further has a tang extending from a front side of said bottom of said base

18 The latch assembly of claim 17, wherein said tang is generally parallel to said bottom of said base

19 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said base has at least one rib on at least one side of said base

20 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said biasing means is fixedly attached at one end to said latching member

21 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said biasing means is integral with said latching member

22 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said biasing means is at least one leaf spring

23 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said stop means projects from an underside of said latching member

24 The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein said stop means is positioned proximate said pair of posts

25 The latch assembly of claim 5 wherein said actuating means is an actuating dimple positioned on a top surface of said latching member

26. A latch assembly for releasably securing a closure member in a closed position, said latch assembly comprising: a base; a latching member pivotally supported by said base and interacting with the closure member to secure the closure member in the closed position; and an actuating member pivotally supported by said base and interacting with said latching member such that the closure member is released when said actuating member is operated by a user

27 The latch assembly of claim 26, further comprising biasing means biasing said latching member toward the closed position when said latching member is installed in said base.

28 The latch assembly of claim 26, further comprising a first stop means wherein said first stop means prevents said latching member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said latching member is properly positioned to engage a keeper as the closure member is moved to the closed position

29 The latch assembly of claim 27, further comprising a first stop means wherein said first stop means prevents said latching member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said latching member is properly positioned to engage a keeper as the closure member is moved to the closed position

30 The latch assembly of claim 26, further comprising a second stop means wherein said second stop means prevents said actuating member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said actuating member remains flush with a top of said base when said actuating member is not being pressed by a user

3 1 The latch assembly of claim 27, further comprising a second stop means wherein said second stop means prevents said actuating member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said actuating member remains flush with a top of said base when said actuating member is not being pressed by a user

32 The latch assembly of claim 28, further comprising a second stop means wherein said second stop means prevents said actuating member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said actuating member remains flush with a top of said base when said actuating member is not being pressed by a user.

33. The latch assembly of claim 29, further comprising a second stop means wherein said second stop means prevents said actuating member from pivoting beyond a predetermined position such that said actuating member remains flush with a top of said base when said actuating member is not being pressed by a user.

34. The latch assembly of claim 33, wherein: said base has a bottom, and at least a pair of lateral walls and a rear wall surrounding said bottom on corresponding sides of said bottom, said lateral walls project generally perpendicularly from a corresponding side of said bottom and is generally coextensive with said corresponding side of said bottom, said lateral walls are in registry with one another in a face-to-face relationship, each of said lateral walls has one of a first pair of cavities, one of a second pair of cavities, one of a pair of first cuts, and one of a pair of second cuts, said first pair of cavities are coaxial with one another, said second pair of cavities are coaxial with one another, each of said second pair of cavities is longitudinally spaced apart from a respective one of said first pair of cavities wherein said second pair of cavities are closer to a rear of said base as compared to said first pair of cavities, each of said first pair of cuts separates a portion of a respective one of said lateral walls having a respective one of said first pair of cavities formed therein, from a portion of a respective one of said lateral walls having a respective one of said second pair of cavities formed therein, each of said second pair of cuts is positioned intermediate a respective one of said second pair of cavities and said rear wall, wherein said cuts provide said lateral walls flexibility to facilitate the snap fitting together of the component parts of said latch assembly, said rear wall projects generally perpendicularly from a rear side of said bottom and is generally coextensive with said rear side of said bottom, said rear wall extends from said lateral wall, said latching member has a first end, a second end, a first pair of posts, a first surface, and a beveled surface, said second end of said latching member is provided with a concave channel extending along a rear edge of said latching member for at least a portion of the width of said latching member, said first pair of posts are positioned longitudinally intermediate said ends of said latching member, each of said first pair of posts projects from a respective side of said latching member and is dimensioned to fit within a respective one of said first pair of cavities, said first pair of posts are formed by end portions of a first elongated cylinder, said first elongated cylinder is attached to an underside of said latching member, said first surface extends substantially perpendicularly from an underside of said latching member about said first end, said beveled surface extends between said first surface and said first end of said latching member, said first surface cooperates with said beveled surface in forming a ridge resembling a hook-like structure and serves to catch on a keeper to thereby secure the closure member in the closed position when said latch assembly is installed on the closure member and said latching member is in the closed position, said actuating member has a first end, a second end, a second pair of posts, said first end of said actuating member rests at least in part within said concave channel of said second end of said latching member when said latching member and said actuating member are assembled together with said base, said second pair of posts are formed by end portions of a second elongated cylinder, said second elongated cylinder is attached to an underside of said actuating button, said first stop means is positioned intermediate said first end of said latching member and said first pair of posts, said first stop means projects from said underside of said latching member and is formed by a channel having an L-shaped cross section, said L-shaped channel is attached to said underside of said latching member and said elongated cylinder, and extends at least a portion of the width of said latching member, said second stop means is positioned intermediate said rear end of said actuating button and said second pair of posts, said second stop means projects from said underside of said actuating button and is formed by a strip, said strip extends rearward from said second elongated cylinder in parallel to said underside of said actuating button and then curves toward said underside of said actuating button until said strip meets said rear end of said actuating button

35 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said actuating member has at least one rib provided on an upper surface of said actuating member

36 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said actuating member has a generally rectangular shape

37 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said biasing means is fixedly attached at one end to said latching member

38 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said biasing means is integral with said latching member

39 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said biasing means is at least one leaf spring

40 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said first stop means projects from an underside of said latching member

41 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said base further has a tang extending from a front side of said bottom of said base

42 The latch assembly of claim 41, wherein said tang is generally parallel to said bottom of said base

43 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said base has at least one rib on at least one side of said base

44 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said first pair of cavities is generally cylindrical

45 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said first pair of cavities opens toward the middle of said base

46 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said first pair of cavities has a lead-in groove formed in a respective one of said lateral walls

47 The latch assembly of claim 46, wherein said lead-in groove extends from a top edge of a respective one of said lateral walls to a respective one of said first pair of cavities and decreases in depth with increasing distance from said top edge of a respective one of said lateral walls

48 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said second pair of cavities is generally cylindrical

49 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said second pair of cavities opens toward the middle of said base

50 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said second pair of cavities has a lead-in groove formed in a respective one of said lateral walls

51 The latch assembly of claim 50, wherein said lead-in groove extends from a top edge of a respective one of said lateral walls to a respective one of said second pair of cavities and decreases in depth with increasing distance from said top edge of a respective one of said lateral walls

52 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said first pair of posts is generally cylindrical

53 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said first pair of posts has a beveled surface

54 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said second pair of posts is generally cylindrical

55 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein each of said second pair of posts has a beveled surface

56 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said first stop means is positioned proximate said first pair of posts

57 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said bottom of said base has a generally rectangular shape

58 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said bottom of said base has a raised, T-shaped boss projecting from said bottom

59. The latch assembly of claim 58, wherein said bottom of said base has an underside having a T-shaped depression positioned below said T-shaped boss.

60 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said bottom of said base has an underside wherein a majority of said underside is depressed relative to a peripheral portion of said underside.

61 The latch assembly of claim 34, wherein said latching member has a generally rectangular shape