US3596952A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Latch assembly
Assignee: SPS Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1970-05-15
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1990-05-15
Abstract
Abstract A slide button actuates a bellcrank or pair of bellcranks which in turn latch or latches by converting the linear motion of the slide button to rotary motion and transmitting this motion through connecting rods to the latch or latches. The button, its housing, the bellcranks and rods are embodied in a planar assembly which can be quite thin for maximum concealment in a door panel or the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Ewan M Hinkle
- 👤 David E Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 04:38
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05C; E05C9/00; E05C9/08; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S292/00; Y10S292/37; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/08; Y10T292/0801; Y10T292/0825; Y10T292/0826; Y10T292/0829; Y10T292/0831; Y10T292/0832; Y10T292/0911; Y10T292/0926; Y10T292/0928; Y10T292/093; Y10T292/0933
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In a latch assembly: an actuator comprising a housing defining a slide chamber for an actuator button movable on a slide axis; a bellcrank journaled in a side of said housing on an axis transverse to said slide axis, said bellcrank having a crankpin projecting into said slide chamber; an actuator button slidable in said chamber on said slide axis and having a laterally opening cam slot in which said crankpin is slidably received, said slot being inclined with reference to said slide axis so as to impart to said bellcrank arcuate swinging movement: a latch unit comprising a support and latch hook carried thereby for arcuate swinging movement; and an actuator rod coupled to said bellcrank and to said latch hook at its respective ends for transmitting rotary movement from said bellcrank to said latch hook in response to sliding actuation of said button.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In a latch assembly: an actuator comprising a housing defining a slide chamber for an actuator button movable on a slide axis; a bellcrank journaled in a side of said housing on an axis transverse to said slide axis, said bellcrank having a crankpin projecting into said slide chamber; an actuator button slidable in said chamber on said slide axis and having a laterally opening cam slot in which said crankpin is slidably received, said slot being inclined with reference to said slide axis so as to impart to said bellcrank arcuate swinging movement: a latch unit comprising a support and latch hook carried thereby for arcuate swinging movement; and an actuator rod coupled to said bellcrank and to said latch hook at its respective ends for transmitting rotary movement from said bellcrank to said latch hook in response to sliding actuation of said button.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A latch assembly as defined in claim 1; said actuator housing being relatively shallow and flat and disposed in a common plane with said actuator rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A latch assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein said bellcrank and latch hook have opposed, aligned sockets in which respective ends of said actuator rod are drivingly coupled.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
A latch assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said bellcrank is one of two bellcranks arranged symmetrically at opposite sides of said actuator unit and both connected to said button for rotation in a common direction; there being two of said latch units disposed at respective sides of said actuator unit, and two of said actuator rods connecting them to respective bellcranks in a common plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
A latch assembly as defined in claim 1; said housing embodying a pair of bosses at respective sides thereof, said bosses being laterally spaced to define a slide opening; said housing having a centrally disposed guide boss of bar form disposed along said slide axis and in opposed relation to said slide opening; said button including a bifurcated slide body comprising a pair of slide fingers separated by a median slot slidably receiving said guide boss and a stem of reduced width in opposed aligned relation to said slot, said stem being slidably extended through said slide opening for operator engagement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A latch assembly as defined in claim 5; including a pair of springs compressively engaged between the respective slide fingers and an opposed marginal frame portion of said housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
103 words
A latch assembly as defined in claim 1; said housing embodying a marginal frame including a longitudinal top portion and respective side portions; bearing bosses integral with said side portions and extending laterally outwardly therefrom on a common longitudinal axis; said bellcrank being one of two bellcranks having respective trunnions journaled in the respective bearing bosses, both of said bellcranks being connected to said actuator button for simultaneous rotation in a common direction; there being two of said latch units disposed at respective sides of said actuator unit and two of said actuator rods connecting them to respective bellcranks in a common plane.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |